Research
Treatment targets for IBD have evolved beyond clinical symptoms and remission. The recognition of the importance of healing seen on cross-sectional imaging modalities, including ultrasound is growing, predictive of improved outcomes for patients. IUS is cost-effective, well tolerated by patients and thus easily repeatable. This creates a perfect monitoring tool, yet access to this important innovation is limited in many parts of the world. Increasing the scientific evidence foundation to support the use of IUS is imperative to increase uptake.
Guideline
Intestinal Ultrasound Standardized
The aim of this publication, is to provide standardized guidance to expert clinicians regarding image acquisition during intestinal ultrasound assessment with the intent of centralized reading (for example, for the purpose of evaluation during clinical trials). The purpose is to best standardized image acquisition, to improve consistency in interpretation.
Topics & Key Questions
• Image Acquisition Guidelines
• Bowel wall thickness
• Mesenteric, inflammatory fat
• Echostratification
• Color Doppler Imaging
Research Consulting
The aim of this publication, is to provide standardized guidance to expert clinicians regarding image acquisition during intestinal ultrasound assessment with the intent of centralized reading (for example, for the purpose of evaluation during clinical trials). The purpose is to best standardized image acquisition, to improve consistency in interpretation.
Pharma companies that needs Intestinal UItrasonography implemented in phase II or phase III trials
Investigator initiated studies seeking advice, network and a platform for a multicenter study with an IBUS approval
How we work
1. IBUS initiated research
Within IBUS, we plan and conduct our own multicenter research studies with and without external funding. We have made a research plan for relevant questions to be answered within the next 5-10 years.
2. IBUS affiliated studies
Investigator initiated studies originated from one or more of our excellent IBUS members. These studies are typically improved and accepted by IBUS. They will typically involve Central Reading or be multicenter trials.
3. Pharma studies with IBUS consulting
Several pharma companies have reached out to IBUS for consultaion on planning and conduction of main or substudies including intestinal ultrasonography as an endpoint.
4. Studies applying Central Reading
The demand for central reading is rising. We support and encourage the use of our Central Reading Online Platform for both investigator initiated studies and sponsor initiated studies. We can also offer help on Central Reading.
5. Multi Center Studies
Multicenter trials are a big advantage for reducing inclusion time and increase real world applicability. We aim at and support well powered multicenter trials within our increasing network of intestinal ultrasound specialists.
6. Reviews & recommendations
Within IBUS, we plan & conduct systematic reviews & recommendations for image acquisition, storing, describing intestinal ultrasonography (IUS). We aim at improving IUS reproducibility and nomenclature
Services
Research Consulting
Central Reading Online Platform
Education in standardization
Pharma studies
Quality assessment / Central Reading
Workshops
Publications
Recent important publications (last 5 years)
1. Maaser C, (…) Kucharzik T; German IBD Study Group and the TRUST&UC study group. Intestinal ultrasound for monitoring therapeutic response in patients with ulcerative colitis: results from the TRUST&UC study. Gut. 2019 Dec 20. pii: gutjnl-2019-319451. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319451.
2. Novak K, Maaser C, Wilkens R, Maconi G, Kucharzik T; International Bowel Ultrasound Group. Diagnostic accuracy of MRE and ultrasound for Crohn‘s disease. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Feb;4(2):95-96. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(18)30388-1. PubMed PMID: 30647016.
3. Kucharzik T, (…), Maaser C; TRUST study group. Use of Intestinal Ultrasound to Monitor Crohn‘s Disease Activity. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Apr;15(4):535-542.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2016.10.040. Epub 2016 Nov 14. PubMed PMID: 27856365.
4. Ungar B, (…), Carter D. Association between adalimumab trough levels and bowel sonography in Crohn‘s patients. \united European Gastroenterology Journal. Accepted for publication.
5. Nylund K, (…), Gilja OH. Interobserver Analysis of CEUS-Derived Perfusion in Fibrotic and Inflammatory Crohn‘s Disease. Ultraschall Med. 2019 Feb;40(1):76-84. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-100492. Epub 2018 Mar 14. PubMed PMID: 29539644.
6. Kucharzik T, Maaser C, Maconi G. Do We Need Activity Scores or Simply Clear Criteria for Intestinal Ultrasound in Ulcerative Colitis? J Crohns Colitis. 2018 Nov 28;12(12):1383-1384. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy167. PubMed PMID: 30496447.
7. Maaser C, Sturm A, Vavricka SR, Kucharzik T, (…), Stoker J; European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology [ESGAR]. ECCO-ESGAR Guideline for Diagnostic Assessment in IBD Part 1, 2: Initial diagnosis, monitoring of known IBD, detection of complications. J Crohns Colitis. 2019 Feb 1;13(2):144-164. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy113. PubMed PMID: 30137275.
8. Novak K, (…), Kucharzik T, (…), Maaser C. Clinic-based Point of Care Transabdominal Ultrasound for Monitoring Crohn‘s Disease: Impact on Clinical Decision Making. J Crohns Colitis. 2015 Sep;9(9):795-801. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjv105. Epub 2015 Jun 16. PubMed PMID: 26079723.
9. Cravo ML, (…), Palmela C, (…), Baracos V. Lower skeletal muscle attenuation and high visceral fat index are associated with complicated disease in patients with Crohn‘s disease: An exploratory study. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2017 Oct; 21:79-85. doi: 10.1016/ j.clnesp.2017.04.005. Epub 2017 Jul 4. PubMed PMID: 30014873.
10. Carter D, (…), Eliakim R. The accuracy of intestinal ultrasound compared with small bowel capsule endoscopy in assessment of suspected Crohn‘s disease in patients with negative ileocolonoscopy. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2018 Apr 9;11:1756284818765908. doi: 10.1177/1756284818765908. eCollection 2018. PubMed PMID: 29662538; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5894899.
11. Kotze PG, (…), Novak KL, (…), Panaccione R. Real-world clinical, endoscopic and radiographic efficacy of vedolizumab for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Sep;48(6):626-637. doi: 10.1111/apt.14919. Epub 2018 Jul 31. PubMed PMID: 30063077.
12. Wilkens R, (…), Krogh K. Validity of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography and Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MR Enterography in the Assessment of Transmural Activity and Fibrosis in Crohn‘s Disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2018 Jan 5;12(1):48-56. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjx111. PubMed PMID: 28981627.
13. Calabrese E, Kucharzik T, Maaser C, Maconi G, (…), Novak KL, (…), Monteleone G. Real-time Interobserver Agreement in Bowel Ultrasonography for Diagnostic Assessment in Patients With Crohn‘s Disease: An International Multicenter Study. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Apr 28. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izy091. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29718450.
Study Centers
We offer research consulting and collaboration within the field of inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. We have great expertise in designing studies, defining endpoints and have a large professional network.
