Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Course Based on Fecal Scent
Sofie Bosch,
Dion S. J. Wintjens,
Alfian Wicaksono,
Marieke Pierik,
James A. Covington,
Tim G. J. de Meij,
Nanne K. H. de Boer
Affiliations
Sofie Bosch
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AG&M Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dion S. J. Wintjens
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MUMC+, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Alfian Wicaksono
School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Marieke Pierik
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MUMC+, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
James A. Covington
School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Tim G. J. de Meij
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, AG&M Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Nanne K. H. de Boer
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AG&M Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The early prediction of changes in disease state allows timely treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to be performed, which improves disease outcome. The aim of this pilot study is to explore the potential of fecal volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles to predict disease course. In this prospective cohort, IBD patients were asked to collect two fecal samples and fill in a questionnaire at set intervals. Biochemically, active disease was defined by FCP ≥ 250 mg/g and remission was defined by FCP p p < 0.01). Based on disease activity scores, there were no significant differences in any of the comparisons. Alterations in fecal VOC profiles preceding changes in FCP levels may be useful to detect disease-course alterations at an early stage. This could lead to earlier treatment, decreased numbers of complications, surgery and hospital admission.
