About The Study

Who runs this study?

The study is run by the Intramural Research Program, Biobehavioral Unit, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. This protocol involves individual researchers from the University of Washington, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The team includes bedside clinicians, bench scientists, scientific engineers, and biobehavioral clinical researchers.

Principal Investigators

• Wendy A. Henderson, CRNP, MSN, PhD
  Investigator
  Biobehavioral Unit
  Intramural Research Program
  National Institute of Nursing Research
  National Institutes of Health, DHHS
  
  
• Margaret Heitkemper, PhD, RN
  University of Washington, School of Nursing
  

What is this study about?

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between chronic abdominal pain and inflammation in overweight and normal weight individuals with and without chronic abdominal pain.

What kind of commitment is involved?

• During this study you will be seen as an outpatient, and there will be a minimum of two visits.


• After an initial telephone screening you will be asked to come to NIH for the first outpatient visit.


• At the first visit the following will occur (approximate time frame 5 hours)
  • Study described in detail
  • Informed assent/ consent obtained
  • Oriented to facility
  • History & Physical exam
  • Blood draw
  • Pregnancy test
  • Completion of questionnaires
  • Collection of anthropometric data
  • Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Fibroscan
  • Participants are asked to
    • Bring a bathing suit for body mass measures


• At the second visit the following will occur (approximate time frame 7 hours)
  • Participants are asked to
    • Fast the 8 hours prior to the second visit
    • Bring a stool sample for fecal analysis
  • Blood draw
  • Intestinal permeability test (5-6 hours)
    • During this test participants will remain in an outpatient metabolic room for monitoring and observation.
    • Participants are free to relax in bed, read, or move freely.
    • Voided urine will be collected during the metabolic testing.
  • Completion of questionnaires


• Questionnaires will be completed during visits 1 and 2 on GI symptoms, psychological distress, quality of life, and descriptive measures.

How can I ask questions or ask for help?

• Call us at 301-443-4693. We will respond within five business days.