Digestive Diseases Research Group - DdRG

Research line on inflammatory bowel disease. Our group has published interesting contributions associated with the ENEIDA project. We are currently participating in two multicenter studies evaluating the utility of tofacitinib and ustekinumab in ulcerative colitis. We are also investigating the diagnostic use and utility for prediction of severity of the endoscopic capsule in Crohn's disease, particularly in the ileal involvement and the rest of the small intestine. In addition, we aim to participate in clinical trials promoted by the industry to evaluate the effectiveness of new biological treatments. Recently, we have added intestinal ultrasound and chromoendoscopy to our portfolio of services and we anticipate doing research projects with these new diagnostic tools.
Research line on liver diseases. This line of research has been strategically nurtured by collaborative projects. We also develop original projects. We have recently been awarded a Gilead research grant to study different aspects of the hepatitis C virus. We also participate in steatohepatitis studies in collaboration with the Endocrinology Service of the Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital. In addition, we have designed a study that will evaluate clinical and serological markers for predicting hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in cirrhotic patients who develop critical clinical situations and the impact that intravenous albumin treatment has on these parameters.
Research line on endoscopy and digestive bleeding. This line aims to advance knowledge in the diagnostic and therapeutic applications and technological innovations of digestive endoscopy in general, and digestive bleeding in particular. Currently, we are participating in a collaborative research project initiated in two other European centers that seeks to evaluate the advantages of a new treatment modality applied endoscopically to reduce bleeding episodes of high-risk peptic ulcers. In addition, we are conducting an original study that compares the effectiveness of two types of endoprosthesis implantation procedures in the biliary tract from the duodenum. We are also participating in a European Registry on the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Research line on diseases of the pancreas. This is a line under development at the IRBLleida, but in which the members of the Digestive Diseases Research Group have considerable experience. We have been awarded a grant from the Carlos III Health Institute to continue our research on gastrointestinal pathology mediated by CFTR dysfunction. In addition, we still have financial support from two international grants from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and from Vertex Pharmaceuticals with the aim at exploring the effects of CFTR dysfunction in pancreatic stellate cells and the ability to amplify of the invasiveness of pancreatic cancer due to dysfunction of this protein. On the clinical side we are planning to do original and collaborative studies. We have just entered a multicenter research project that wants to evaluate the safety of home hospitalization for patients with mild acute pancreatitis. On the other hand, we want to examine the impact of somatostatin analogues on exocrine pancreatic function if they are administered chronically.
Gastrointestinal and nutrition research line. In this area, we participate in multicenter studies on celiac disease and we have also participated in a clinical trial with the industry to evaluate the effectiveness of a new product indicated for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment. Within this line of research, we also highlight the collaborative projects on eosinophilic esophagitis that have generated publications in high-impact journals. We are currently evaluating the possibility of participating in collaborative projects on the early diagnosis of colon cancer. In the area of nutrition research, we are participating in two large projects funded by competitive public calls on functional foods, and we plan to maintain this activity for the next 3 years.