Amsterdam UMC is expert in the field of research, diagnostics and treatment in the field of stomach, liver, pancreas and metabolism.
Fewer good gut bacteria increase the risk of serious infectionThe composition of the intestinal flora can predict the chances of developing serious infections such as pneumonia. Researchers from Amsterdam UMC and the University of Turku, Finland, followed more than 10,000 people for 6 years. More than 600 people who had less healthy intestinal flora developed a serious infection, with this leading in some cases to death. The results of the study are published today in The Lancet Microbe.
Studying alcohol production in the intestines of overweight patientsThe microorganisms in the intestines of many overweight people produce alcohol to an increased extent, as Max Nieuwdorp, professor of Internal Medicine at Amsterdam UMC discovered a few years ago. Nieuwdorp has now received an ERC Advanced grant of 2.5 million euros for a major study into the underlying causes of excessive alcohol production. Ultimately, he hopes to find a way to prevent excess alcohol produced in the intestines, and thus the related diseases.
Christmas turkey stuck in your throat? Don't reach for the colaCola. A drink forever associated with the Christmas season. And also, for many, a liquid that can help clear a blocked oesophagus. Something that may be a bit more likely at this time of year. However, research from Amsterdam UMC, published today in the BMJ Christmas Issue, shows that this is not worth wasting the sugary stuff.
New drug application doubles rates of remission in patients with Ulcerative Colitis A new drug, investigated by Amsterdam UMC together with colleagues around the world in universities and the industry, is effective as a treatment against ulcerative colitis. With the clinical trial demonstrating a doubling in the rates of remission, to up to 50%, in certain groups. The results of this clinical trial are, today, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The hunt for a rapid test for drug effectivenessWouter de Jonge and Geert d'Haens recently received a Horizon Europe grant to make this a DNA test for drug effectiveness a reality. Something which could represent a huge advance in the treatment of Crohn's disease and related inflammatory diseases.
Growing old healthily thanks to the smartphone If it is up to bioinformatician Georges Janssens, you will soon be able to see on your cell phone how fast your biological clock is ticking - and learn which personal lifestyle factors can keep you healthy.