PI: Dr. Meenakshi Bewtra, MD, PhD, MPH
​For potential eligibility and interested patients, ​contact: [email protected] 
The I3 or IBD Immunology Initiative Study is being conducted to improve our understanding of the immunological factors that cause and influence IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) 
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) which is comprised of Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a disease with unknown origins. This chronic relapsing medical condition can affect a person's gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) as well as the rest of the body. The purpose of this research study is to improve our understanding of the immunological factors that cause and influence IBD. 
Your participation involves one clinic visit and all future endoscopy sessions, which will already be scheduled. Additionally your medical record may be reviewed after your participation to collect more information on your history of IBD. You will be contacted every 6 months to take follow-up questionnaires, unless you leave the University health system or choose to withdraw from the study. 
One aspect we will look at is the role of the immune system in IBD. By understanding the role of immune system, we will be able to provide information on:
  • Measurements of substances that cause inflammation in the tissue of the colon in patients with CD and UC 
  • Measurements of substances correspond with disease activity and complications in CD and UC
  • To see if levels of these substances correspond with disease activity complications in CD and UC

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Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
  • 18 years old and older 
  • Any Penn Medicine patient who have a confirmed diagnosis of IBD (CD, UC, IBD-U)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Inability to provide informed consent 
  • Younger than 18 years old
  • Currently pregnant or currently lactating