Research on genetic factors of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in African Americans

Multi-Center African-American Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study (MAAIS)

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT01169194

This study is trying to find out how genetic, environmental, and social factors affect the development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in African Americans by looking at health information and blood samples from participants with and without the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2400 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT01169194 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors contributing to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) specifically in the African American population. Participants, both with and without a diagnosis of IBD, will provide health information and blood samples for genetic analysis. The study will explore how these factors interact and potentially influence the development of IBD. By examining ancestry and environmental exposures, the researchers hope to uncover previously unknown risk factors for IBD in this demographic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African Americans with a confirmed diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease or those without a diagnosis and without a family history of IBD.

Not a fit: Patients whose IBD cannot be confirmed will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of IBD in African Americans, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored genetic factors in IBD, but this specific focus on the African American population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. African Americans with a confirmed diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
2. African Americans without a diagnosis of IBD and without a family history of IBD for comparison purposes

Exclusion Criteria: Patients whose IBD cannot be confirmed

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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.
Conditions Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn's DiseaseUlcerative ColitisIndeterminate ColitisIBDCDUCIC
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.