City gastroenterologist involved in worldwide Crohn's disease study

Michael Schultz.
Michael Schultz.
A Dunedin gastroenterologist is to lead the New Zealand component of a worldwide study into the causes of Crohn's disease.

The Canadian-led Genetics, Environment, Microbial project could involve about 500 New Zealanders with a first-degree relationship to a sufferer.

Globally, about 5000 participants would be involved.

Associate Prof Michael Schultz, of the University of Otago gastroenterology research unit, said the study would test theories about the causes of the debilitating disease.

''This is really a fascinating study that we're able to be involved in.''

As well as a the hereditary component, environmental factors like antibiotic over-use, diet, and Western lifestyle were suspected triggers.

''There are lots of theories but nothing really firm yet.''

The South had among the world's highest rates of the disease, which is linked with Celtic genes.

Participants aged between 6 and 35 would be tested for the disease for six years.

Finding out who is at risk of developing the disease would lead to better prevention, and knowledge about triggers.

About 50 participants would be recruited in Dunedin.

Recruits would also be sought in other centres, including Christchurch and Auckland.

Prof Schultz did not expect recruitment to be difficult.

The study was the brainchild of Crohn's and Colitis Canada, so it was driven by patients, he said.

The study would start next month, pending formal ethics approval.

''We need to de-Americanise our information sheet and then the ethics committee's happy,'' Prof Schultz said.

The New Zealand component of the study would receive up to $500,000 over the six years.

No study had been conducted on this scale before.

Affecting up to 7000 New Zealanders, Crohn's is characterised by swelling, thickening and inflammation of one or more parts of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

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