A simple blood test shows whether stomach problems in children and teenagers are likely to be inflammatory bowel disease, as shown in the study results published in the highly-ranked journal Nature Communications.


“The blood test can complement today’s more unpleasant methods and significantly shorten the time to a correct diagnosis,” says Jonas Halfvarson, professor of gastroenterology at Örebro University, who led the research.

Researchers examined children and teenagers referred to the Academic Children’s Hospital in Uppsala and suspected of having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Measurement of blood lipids led to the identification of specific lipids linked to IBD. These results were then confirmed in two other groups of young people with suspected IBD, in Norway and the UK.

“What’s unique about our study is that we’ve identified two specific lipids that indicate IBD, and we can measure these concentrations in the blood. This can make it possible for healthcare to develop the method further and, in the future, use it in practice,” says Jonas Halfvarson.
The aim is to apply for funding for the next step in developing a practical toolkit and proceed to clinical testing.
“We started from the patient perspective, moved on to research and healthcare – and we’re now on our way back to the patient,” states Jonas Halfvarson.

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, among children and young people up to the age of 18 has increased – and continues to increase. In Sweden, it is estimated that around 100,000 people live with some form of IBD.
“Making a correct diagnosis often takes time – for several reasons. One is that the symptoms are often very nonspecific and can come from many diseases in the stomach and intestines. Stool-based tests are quite good, but the problem here is that many young people find it repulsive,” says Jonas Halfvarson.

This unpleasantness means that some young people hesitate to undergo the test. A comprehensive examination of the intestine or colonoscopy is required upon suspected IBD.

“Many patients are reluctant to undergo a colonoscopy. Add to that lengthy queues and long waiting times. The lack of resources makes it even more important to select those who really need the examination to avoid unnecessary procedures,” says Jonas Halfvarson.
There are good reasons to find a simpler test – such as a blood test – to detect IBD.

Full bibliographic information

Published on 30/05/2024 by Örebro Universitet
Title: Identification and validation of a blood-based diagnostic lipidomic signature of 1 pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Short Title: A lipidomic signature of pediatric IBD
Nature Communications
DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-48763-7
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/41467-024-48763-7

Author list: Samira Salihovic1, Niklas Nyström2, Charlotte Bache-Wiig Mathisen3, Robert 6 Kruse4, Christine Olbjørn5, Svend Andersen6, Alexandra J Noble7,8, Maria Dorn-Rasmussen9,10, 7 Igor Bazov1, Gøri Perminow11, Randi Opheim3, Trond Espen Detlie12, Gert Huppertz-Hauss13, 8 Charlotte R H Hedin14,15, Marie Carlson16, Lena Öhman17, Maria K Magnusson17, Åsa V Keita18, 9 Johan D Söderholm18, Mauro D’Amato19,20,21, Matej Orešič1,22, Vibeke Wewer9,10, Jack 10 Satsangi7,8, Carl Mårten Lindqvist1, Johan Burisch10,23, Holm H Uhlig7,8,24, Dirk Repsilber1, Tuulia 11 Hyötyläinen25*, Marte Lie Hoivik3*, Jonas Halfvarson26*