NCT05332639 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Personalized Risk Estimation for Crohn's Disease (PRE-Crohn's): Implementation and Feasibility
What this study is about
The aim of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility and effect of a web-based, personalized risk-estimation for Crohn's disease (PRE-Crohn's) tool on behaviors and biomarkers associated with risk for Crohn's disease in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
View original scientific description
The aim of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility and effect of a web-based, personalized risk-estimation for Crohn's disease (PRE-Crohn's) tool on behaviors and biomarkers associated with risk for Crohn's disease in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesize that personalized risk disclosure via the PRE-Crohn's educational tool is both feasible and successful in modifying behaviors associated with Crohn's disease risk and normalizing pre-clinical disease biomarkers when compared to standard Crohn's disease education. Broadly, completion of this project will also help elucidate the role of lifestyle and dietary factors in pre-clinical Crohn's disease development in high-risk individuals, and provide novel insight into potential strategies for disease prevention in this population.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Personalized Risk Estimation for Crohn's Disease (PRE-Crohn's) tool
We will develop a web-based, personalized risk estimation for CD (PRE-Crohn's) tool to quantitate participants' relative risk (RR) and lifetime risk of CD based on known risk factors for disease. We will consider the following risk factors for Crohn's disease: body mass index (BMI); smoking history; NSAID use; intake of fruit, fiber, and added sugar; oral contraceptive use (females); antibiotic use; breast-feeding; pets in home; and anti-microbial biomarker positivity. This tool will also display a participants' personalized summary of their risk factors for CD as well as educational tools for modifying these factors. Construction of this tool is based on the Your Disease Risk tool developed by the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. The interventional group will also receive standard education about Crohn's disease (comparison group intervention) via the web-based tool.
BEHAVIORAL
Standard Crohn's Disease Education
The comparison group will receive standard education about Crohn's disease, which will include information regarding the prevalence of disease, clinical presentation including signs and symptoms of disease, and treatment options including available medications. Upon completion of the study, the comparator arm will be given the option of receiving their personalized risk of Crohn's disease with the PRE-Crohn's tool as well.
Primary outcome measures
Total enrollment (n) at 1.5 years and retention rate (%) at study conclusion
Time frame: 1.5 years and time of study completion
The total enrollment at 1.5 years and the retention rate recorded at the conclusion of the study will be measured based on completion of the 6-month survey.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ability to give informed consent
- Ability and willingness to comply with all patient visits and study-related procedures
- Ability to understand and complete study questionnaires
- Must have at least one first-degree relative with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis/IBD unclassified)
- Individuals greater than 14 years of age
Exclusion criteria
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Inability to comply with all patient visits and study-related procedures
- Inability to understand or complete study questionnaires
- Patients with existing diagnoses of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or indeterminate colitis/IBD unclassified)
- Evidence of clinical signs or symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, identified by a modified version of the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for CD activity
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
American College of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations