Posts tagged ‘inflammatory bowel disease’
More genes identified for Crohn’s Disease
Last week, I wrote about Crohn’s Disease and genetics. Now, a week later, a new study identified even more genes that could be linked to Crohn’s Disease, bringing the total number of genes associated with the disease from 163 to more than 200!
Scientists at University College London recently came up with a new method for identifying genes for complex diseases, like Crohn’s. In doing so, they were able to identify more than 200 genes associated with Crohn’s- more than have been found for any other known disease.
Here’s an interesting quote about the study from an article from Science Daily.
Dr Nikolas Maniatis, senior author from the UCL Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, said: “The discovery of so many gene locations for Crohn’s Disease is an important step forward in understanding the disease, which has a very complicated genetic basis. We hope that the method we have used here can be used to identify the genes involved in other diseases which are similarly complex, for example different cancers and diabetes.”
Doctors typically don’t do genetic testing for Crohn’s or UC, unless its for research purposes, since the link is still so widely debated. However, with more and more genes being discovered, I wonder if more patients will be genetically tested for the diseases.
Right now, Prometheus, a diagnostic testing company, has a NOD2/CARD15 that is used to identify genes in Crohn’s patients. According to the company’s website,
“…is a test to evaluate certain genetic variants for patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Detection of one or more NOD2/CARD15 genetic mutations suggests a risk of having more severe symptoms and complications of the disease. This testis used to help establish a prognosis that may help guide treatment decisions by you and your doctor.”
The same company also has an IBD diagnostic test that uses serologic, genetic, and inflammation markers for diagnostic clarity. This test, IBD sgi Diagnostic, is supposed to help doctors differentiate between IBD and non-IBD and Crohn’s Disease and UC in one blood test.
The idea of genetic testing for Crohn’s and UC is extremely interesting. I look forward to the day when a test is developed that shows the likelihood of passing IBD along from parent to child.
Huffington Post: Why I Celebrated Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week
In the excitement of Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week and the #PurpleChallenge, I completely forgot to share with you my exciting news- I wrote another piece on Crohn’s for HuffingtonPost.com!
In case you missed it, in August, I wrote a piece for the Huffington Post on what it’s like to be a caretaker for someone with Crohn’s Disease. After writing that and the great feedback I got from those who read it, I knew I wanted to write another piece sometime soon. After racking my brain I realized my next topic was right in front of me- why I celebrate Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week.
Here’s an excerpt of my post:
Six years ago, I had not heard of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. I lived in a world where I was blissfully unaware of inflammatory bowel diseases, where the debilitating symptoms didn’t impact my life. Then I met my now-husband Dan, and everything changed.
Dan was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease just two weeks after we started dating in 2007. Now, six years later, we have been through the gamut with the disease. He’s been on three different medications, with one of them making it nearly impossible for him to function because of severe fatigue. Now, instead of taking oral medication, Dan receives an IV infusion every six weeks at the doctor’s office. He’s had three different gastroenterologists. He’s been hospitalized for a post-colonoscopy infection and an intestinal blockage. Most recently, he had part of his small intestines removed in order to treat the disease.
Check out the full post here.
Medical Marijuana for Crohn’s & UC
I happen to live in a state that recently legalized medical marijuana, so this post has been on my mind for awhile. Medical marijuana is a controversial topic- some people are extremely in favor of the use of the drug to help treat nausea, vomiting, and pain. This post is neither to promote the use of medical marijuana nor prohibit it- its just one that looks into its efficacy as a possible treatment for IBD.
Purple Challenge Day 5 Photos!
Day 5 of the challenge and we still have a whole lot of photos coming in (including a few from last night but I fell asleep to early to put them on the Day 4 post). I am so appreciative of everyone’s participation- it really shows how many people are touched by inflammatory bowel diseases!
Purple Challenge Day 4 Photos!
On the East Coast today it’s a bit grey and dreary but that isn’t stopping folks from sending in their #PurpleChallenge photos! Keep them coming all week long.
I’m rocking purple in my shirt today
Purple Challenge Day 2 Photos!
The photos keep coming in and I cannot express how excited I am that so many people are participating in the challenge!
That being said, here are some of today’s pictures. I’ll update throughout the day as more come in.
I’m rocking a purple hat today
Purple Challenge Day 1 Photos!
Happy Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week everyone! I am SO excited for this week and to be participating in the #PurpleChallenge.
The photos are coming in on and I wanted to share some of them with you all of the fabulous folks participating in the challenge. I’ll be adding photos all day as they come in so check back frequently!
I’m rocking a purple turtleneck today for Day 1…
Caring for Crohn's & UC 