Italian connection could change the lives of patients with bowel diseases in UK
Two leading Italian medical researchers will be flying to Nottingham on Tuesday 19 June to support research by the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) which could transform the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for patients in the UK.
Giovanni Maconi, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, and Mirella Fraquelli, Professor of Gastroenterology, both from the University of Milan, will be among leading researchers presenting the latest developments in clinical research as part of the Nottingham BRC Symposium. Their work on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could help the estimated 300,000 people in the UK who suffer from conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The first-ever Symposium organised by the Nottingham BRC, is the one of two events being held to mark a year of the BRC’s ground-breaking work in translating scientific breakthroughs into new treatments for conditions such as asthma, arthritis and IBD.
As part of spreading the new developments that Nottingham is pioneering, the Symposium provides the opportunity for researchers, clinicians and patients to learn directly from clinicians and scientists at the cutting edge of healthcare.
Associate Professor Maconi and Professor Fraquelli are internationally recognised experts in Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS), a non-invasive and accurate method to screen the presence of disease affecting the small bowel and the colon.
GIUS has many advantages for patients and clinicians including detecting the localisation (small bowel or colon) and complications of disease, monitoring disease activity and detecting any recurrence of disease after surgery.
Although in use in countries like Italy, GIUS is not yet available on the NHS. Nottingham BRC gastrointestinal experts Dr Gordon Moran and Dr Maura Corsetti, along with a team of clinicians from Nottingham University Hospitals, are researching the use of GIUS for IBD in the UK.
Dr Moran said: We are delighted our research colleagues from the University of Milan are coming to Nottingham to share their expertise in a technique which has the potential to be paradigm-changing in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Although GIUS is not yet available in the UK, it could bring significant benefits to patients with unpleasant, painful and debilitating symptoms from these chronic diseases. We look forward to hearing more from our colleagues, who lead two ultrasound services for patients in Italy.
Dr Corsetti says GIUS is invaluable in helping clinicians determine whether a patient is suffering from conditions such as Colitis or Crohn’s Disease, or from other disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
“GIUS, where it is used, is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening and diagnostic tool which helps clinicians identify the problem, then agree the best options for treatment and management that patients need”, she added.
The Symposium includes new developments in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), hearing research and the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare as well as the developments for patients with IBD. It will be followed by a full day conference on 20 June, which will focus on the impact that the Nottingham BRC is having in changing healthcare for millions of patients.
About NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre
The NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is improving the health of millions of people with common diseases like asthma and arthritis. We drive innovation in experimental science and translate research into breakthrough treatments, innovative technologies and new medicines. Our world-leading research is in:
- hearing
- gastrointestinal and liver disorders
- musculoskeletal diseases
- mental health and technology
- respiratory diseases
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which supports all areas of research
The NIHR Nottingham BRC is a partnership between Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, supported by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) – the research arm of the NHS.
About the NIHR
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR): improving the health and wealth of the nation through research.
Established by the Department of Health and Social Care, the NIHR:
- Funds high quality research to improve health
- Trains and supports health researchers
- Provides world-class research facilities
- Works with the life sciences industry and charities to benefit all
- Involves patients and the public at every step
For further information, visit the NIHR website (www.nihr.ac.uk)