Oral health of adults with intestinal failure on Parenteral Nutrition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oral health-related quality of life and behaviours of adults with chronic intestinal failure requiring Home Parenteral Nutrition
IRAS ID
364942
Contact name
Shameer Mehta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Metro North Health
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HREC/2021/QRBW/71821, Sponsor Project ID
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
People with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) have impaired gut function and are unable to absorb sufficient fluid, nutrients and electrolytes required to sustain health and/or growth. Long term support with intravenous nutrition and/or fluids, in the ambulatory setting, is required to maintain nutrition and hydration.
People with CIF are at high risk for poor oral health due to compromised oral microbiome, chronic inflammation, reduced saliva production and malnutrition. Oral health is not presently considered as part of the multidisciplinary care for adult patients requiring Home Parenteral Support (HPS) as there is a paucity of research in this area. There is also negligible reference to oral health and dental care in all clinical national and international guidelines related to CIF.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether adults with CIF receiving HPS, experience a high rate of self-reported adverse oral health outcomes. This is an international extension of the study conducted as a pilot in Queensland, Australia in 2022-2023 (HREC/2021/QRBW/71821). Results from the extended study will be disseminated to participating patients, professional societies involved in CIF, HPS consumer groups and recommendations could be incorporated into international practice guidelines for CIF care.
Eligible participants will be aged 18 or above, not currently incarcerated and with capacity to consent to research. Self-reported oral health data will be collected from two groups of participants; patients with CIF receiving HPS, and household contacts who do not have CIF. Additional clinical information for patients with CIF will also be collected by the study team. Within the UK, only two NHS Trusts with an intestinal failure rehabilitation unit are intending to participate in recruitment and data collection.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0023
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion