Faecal haemoglobin as a biomarker for current and future multimorbidity.
Project Title:
Faecal haemoglobin as a biomarker for current and future multimorbidity. A novel opportunity to use Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) results for early diagnosis of people living with, or at risk of, multiple long-term conditions.
Supervisors:
Dr Karen Barnett, Population Health & Genomics Division, School of Medicine (University of Dundee)
Prof Peter Donnan, Population Health & Genomics Division, School of Medicine (University of Dundee)
Dr Craig Mowat, Population Health & Genomics Division, School of Medicine (University of Dundee)
Professor Colin McCowan, Population and Behavioural Science Division, School of Medicine (University of St Andrews)
Summary:
Multimorbidity is an increasing global burden for individuals and healthcare systems. Growing evidence has demonstrated that elevated faecal haemoglobin concentration (FHb) is associated with increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality and with longer-term conditions including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Elevated FHb (measured using a faecal immunochemical test - FIT) may identify individuals with early stage and/or undiagnosed disease and thus be an opportune biomarker of multimorbidity. Quantitative FIT has been introduced into the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, and is used in primary care to assist with assessment of new onset bowel symptoms, providing an ideal and unique opportunity to explore these issues. This study aims to establish the association between FHb concentrations and current and future multimorbidity, and survival at various time points following a FIT result.
Methods include quantitative data analysis of anonymised datasets, linking FIT results with routine health datasets. Statistical analyses will include multilevel regression, predictive models and survival analysis. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders to explore the wider utility of FIT and implications for policy and practice.
FIT could offer significant opportunities to reduce the burden of multimorbidity through further clinical assessment and early intervention for individuals identified as high risk.