Study of Environmental Enteropathy and Malnutrition in Pakistan (SEEM Pakistan)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Asad Ali
Funded by: BMGF
Project duration: 2016 to 2019
Project Site: Matiari Sindh
Primary Objective: To investigate the role of EED in malnutrition, and to examine the biology of EED so that common biological pathways for potential interventions can be identified.
Secondary Objective: To validate a system for histopathologically scoring EED and non-invasive biomarker candidates of EED from the gut biomarker consortium.
Summary: The study aims to validate non-invasive biomarkers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) through the Gut Biomarker Consortium. 400 children from birth to 6 months will be recruited in the Matiari district of Pakistan, with 350 being moderately-to-severely malnourished and 50 well-nourished (controls). Biomarkers will be collected at 3 and 9 months, and malnourished children will undergo WHO-guided interventions. Those unresponsive will undergo further evaluation, including UGI endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Results will guide future management, with histopathology and host-gene interactions studied using advanced tools. Collaboration with Cincinnatti Childrens’ Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and Washington University St. Louis (WUSTL) for research funding is anticipated.
