Inflammatory bowel disease: what is new?

This article reviews a selection of 50 papers on inflammatory bowel disease published between April 2002 and August 2003. The new information and progress summarized here includes: the role of bacteria, their interaction with CARD15/NOD2 gene products and the modulating effects of probiotics; new imaging techniques, such as wireless capsule endoscopy and chromoendoscopy for detecting dysplasia, and fecal markers. It has not been possible to review every aspect of treatment, and the focus here is on factors capable of predicting the efficacy and tolerance of infliximab and new treatments, including natalizumab, thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and 6-thioguanine.

[Comparative randomized open study of the efficacy and tolerance of enemas with 2 gr of 4-amino-salicylic acid (4-ASA) and 1 gr of 5-amino-salicylic acid (5-ASA) in distal forms of hemorrhagic rectocolitis]

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

The aim of this multicentre, randomized open trial was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of 4-ASA vs 5-ASA enemas in the treatment of distal moderately active ulcerative colitis. Fifty patients were randomized to receive enemas in 100 mL suspension of 4-ASA (2 g, n = 26), or 5-ASA (1 g, n = 24). The subjects filled a daily questionnaire on enema retention duration, and tolerance. Clinical and endoscopic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant clinical and endoscopic improvements occurred in both groups. Efficacy and enema retention time did not differ between groups. Tolerance was significantly better for 4-ASA: score 0.46 +/- 0.77 vs 1.00 +/- 0.73, P = 0.03.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy of both treatments was equivalent, but 4-ASA enemas were better tolerated than 5-ASA in this open trial.

[Digestive and nutritional management of adults with cystic fibrosis]

Digestive disturbances are frequent in adults with cystic fibrosis. They can lead to malnutrition which in turn is deleterious to the prognosis. We summarise the information on epidemiology, pathogenicity, signs, diagnostic criteria and treatments of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, gastro-oesophageal reflux and denutrition (which are all frequent) but also of constipation, rectal prolapse, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, and liver diseases. The main recommendations are the following: 1--know how to treat pancreatic insufficiency with enzyme replacement and vitamins; 2--know how to treat aggressively any gastro-esophageal reflux; 3--diagnose and treat denutrition as early as possible; 4--know the distal intestinal obstruction syndrome to avoid abusive and dangerous surgery; 5--know that the most severe hepatic diseases can be treated by liver transplantation.

Effects of intrajejunal perfusion and chronic ingestion of Lactobacillus johnsonii strain La1 on serum concentrations and jejunal secretions of immunoglobulins and serum proteins in healthy humans

OBJECTIVES

Link-Amster reported an increase in serum IgA when healthy subjects ingested a fermented dairy product containing Lactobacillus johnsonii La1. We aimed to assess the effects of La1 on the jejunal secretions and serum concentrations of total and specific immunoglobulins and proteins.

METHODS

Twelve healthy volunteers ingested a fermented milk containing La1 or a control from day 1 till day 28, following a randomised double blind protocol. At days 0 and 28, the jejunum was successively perfused with a control solution and with a La1 suspension. The serum concentrations and jejunal secretions of albumin, orosomucoid, transferrin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, m-IgA, p-IgA, IgG, IgM, secretory component, and specific antibodies against La1 were assessed.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of IgA slightly increased between d0 and d28 in the group receiving La1 (1.85 +/- 0.64 g/L vs 1.76 +/- 0.76; P = 0.02). The other parameters were not altered.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the immunomodulating effects of La1 ingestion in man are not due to modification of jejunal protein permeability.