Transcutaneous fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool for non-invasive monitoring of gut function: first clinical experiences

Gastro-intestinal function plays a vital role in conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease and HIV through to sepsis and malnutrition. However, the techniques that are currently used to assess gut function are either highly invasive or unreliable. Here we present an alternative, non-invasiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2020-09, Vol.10 (1), p.16169-16169, Article 16169
Main Authors: Maurice, James, Lett, Aaron M., Skinner, Charlotte, Lim, Alexandra, Richardson, Matthew, Thomas, Ajesh Painadath, Summers, Peter A., Vyas, Khushi, Tadbier, Abdul Wadood, Vilar, Ramon, Kuimova, Marina K., Miodragovic, Serge, Vergis, Nikhil, Kelly, Paul, Cordeiro, Maria Francesca, Hoare, Jonathan, Darzi, Ara, Goldin, Robert, Thursz, Mark, Thompson, Alex J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/624/1075/1083
639/624/1107/527/1819
692/699/1503
Contrast Media
Digestive system
Fluorescence
Fluorescence spectroscopy
Fluorescent Dyes
Fluorescent indicators
Gastrointestinal tract
Gastrointestinal Tract - diagnostic imaging
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humans
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - diagnostic imaging
Intestine
Malnutrition
multidisciplinary
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Sepsis
Spectrometry, Fluorescence - methods
Spectroscopy
Spectrum analysis
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Summary:Gastro-intestinal function plays a vital role in conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease and HIV through to sepsis and malnutrition. However, the techniques that are currently used to assess gut function are either highly invasive or unreliable. Here we present an alternative, non-invasive sensing modality for assessment of gut function based on fluorescence spectroscopy. In this approach, patients receive an oral dose of a fluorescent contrast agent and a fibre-optic probe is used to make fluorescence measurements through the skin. This provides a readout of the degree to which fluorescent dyes have permeated from the gut into the blood stream. We present preliminary results from our first measurements in human volunteers demonstrating the potential of the technique for non-invasive monitoring of multiple aspects of gastro-intestinal health.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-73149-2