Assessing pancreatic insufficiency in patients with active Crohn's disease

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency's Prevalence in Active Crohn's Disease Treated by Biological Therapy

Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT03915262

This study looks at how common pancreatic problems are in people with active Crohn's disease before and after starting treatment to see how it affects their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon (other)
Drugs / interventionsvedolizumab, ustekinumab
Locations1 site (Pierre-Bénite)
Trial IDNCT03915262 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in patients diagnosed with active Crohn's disease. It will involve a multicentric prospective approach, comparing the prevalence of EPI at the start of biological therapy and again at week 14. The study will also assess secondary outcomes such as malnutrition prevalence and the activity level of Crohn's disease. Participants will be monitored for specific clinical indicators to determine the relationship between Crohn's disease and pancreatic function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of active Crohn's disease requiring biological therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pancreatitis, those on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or those with contraindications to biological therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for patients with Crohn's disease by identifying and addressing pancreatic insufficiency.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a significant prevalence of EPI in Crohn's disease, suggesting that this approach is relevant and may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 18 years or more
* Crohn's disease diagnosed for more than 3 months.
* Active Crohn's disease : CDAI score \> 150 + \[CRP \> 5 mg/L or faecal calprotectin \> 250mcg/g or endoscopic lesion or MRI lesion\]
* Indication of a biological therapy (anti-TNFα, vedolizumab ou ustekinumab).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Crohn's disease that doesn't fit the previous criteria
* Extended resection of small intestine (\>40cm)
* Chronic pancreatitis diagnosed before inclusion
* Contraindication to biological therapy (anti-TNFα, vedolizumab ou ustekinumab)
* Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Patient under the protection of a conservator

Where this trial is running

Pierre-Bénite

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Crohn Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.