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Viazis N, Drygiannakis I, Karmiris K, Theodoropoulou A, Zampeli E, Tzouvala M, Bamias G, Liatsos C, Theocharis G, Vrakas S, Tsironi E, Mathou N, Mantaka A, Christidou A, Koustenis K, Veretanos C, Papathanasiou E, Zacharopoulou E, Tribonias G, Kitsou V, Kartsoli S, Theodoulou A, Michopoulos S, Thomopoulos K, Koutroubakis IE, Mantzaris GJ. The natural history of COVID-19 in vaccinated inflammatory bowel disease patients. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:305-309. [PMID: 36658043 PMCID: PMC9843500 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM Assess the characteristics of break through COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, despite complete vaccination. METHODS Patients who reported a COVID-19 at least 3 weeks after complete vaccination were asked to answer an on-line anonymous questionnaire which included patient and disease characteristics, vaccination history, and the evolution of COVID-19. RESULTS Among 3240 IBD patients who reported complete vaccination between 1st May 2021 and 30thJune 2022, 402 (12.4%) were infected by SARS Cov-2 [223 male, 216 Crohn's disease (CD), 186 Ulcerative Colitis (UC), mean (SD) age 42.3 (14.9) years, mean (SD) IBD duration 10.1 (9.7) years]. Three hundred and sixty-nine patients (91.8%) were infected once and 33 (8.2%) twice. The mean (SD) time between last vaccination and infection was 4.1 (1.6) months. Overall, 351 (87.3%) patients reported mild constitutional and/or respiratory symptoms, 34 (8.4%) were asymptomatic and only 17 patients (4.2%) required hospitalization. Of hospitalized patients, 2 UC patients died of COVID-19 pneumonia. The remaining hospitalized patients did not need high flow oxygen supply or ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS A minority of completely vaccinated IBD patients developed COVID-19 which evolved with mild symptoms and a favorable outcome. These results reinforce the importance of vaccination especially in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Viazis
- Gastroenterology Department, Evangelismos-Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - I Drygiannakis
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - K Karmiris
- Gastroenterology Department, Venizeleio General Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - A Theodoropoulou
- Gastroenterology Department, Venizeleio General Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - E Zampeli
- Gastroenterology Department, Alexandra General Hospital, Greece
| | - M Tzouvala
- Gastroenterology Department, General Hospital Nikaia Piraeus Agios Panteleimon-General Hospital Dytikis Attikis Agia Varvara, Greece
| | - G Bamias
- Gastroenterology Unit, 3rd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, Greece
| | - C Liatsos
- Gastroenterology Department, 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - G Theocharis
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - S Vrakas
- Gastroenterology Department, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - E Tsironi
- Gastroenterology Department, Metaxa Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - N Mathou
- Gastroenterology Department, "Konstantopoulio-Patision" General District Hospital, Nea Ionia, Athens, Greece
| | - A Mantaka
- Gastroenterology Department, General Hospital of Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - A Christidou
- Gastroenterology Department, Evangelismos-Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - K Koustenis
- Gastroenterology Department, Evangelismos-Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ch Veretanos
- Gastroenterology Department, Evangelismos-Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - E Papathanasiou
- Gastroenterology Department, Alexandra General Hospital, Greece
| | - E Zacharopoulou
- Gastroenterology Department, General Hospital Nikaia Piraeus Agios Panteleimon-General Hospital Dytikis Attikis Agia Varvara, Greece
| | - G Tribonias
- Gastroenterology Department, General Hospital Nikaia Piraeus Agios Panteleimon-General Hospital Dytikis Attikis Agia Varvara, Greece
| | - V Kitsou
- Gastroenterology Unit, 3rd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, Greece
| | - S Kartsoli
- Gastroenterology Department, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - A Theodoulou
- Gastroenterology Department, Metaxa Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - S Michopoulos
- Gastroenterology Department, Alexandra General Hospital, Greece
| | - K Thomopoulos
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - I E Koutroubakis
- Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G J Mantzaris
- Gastroenterology Department, Evangelismos-Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Coates MD, Seth N, Clarke K, Abdul-Baki H, Mahoney N, Walter V, Regueiro MD, Ramos-Rivers C, Koutroubakis IE, Bielefeldt K, Binion DG. Opioid Analgesics Do Not Improve Abdominal Pain or Quality of Life in Crohn's Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:2379-2387. [PMID: 31758431 PMCID: PMC7831884 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain and opioid analgesic use are common in Crohn's disease (CD). AIMS We sought to identify factors associated with abdominal pain in CD and evaluate the impact of opioid analgesics on pain and quality-of-life scores in this setting. METHODS We performed a longitudinal cohort study using a prospective, consented IBD natural history registry from a single academic center between 2009 and 2013. Consecutive CD patients were followed for at least 1 year after an index visit. Data were abstracted regarding pain experience (from validated surveys), inflammatory activity (using endoscopic/histologic findings), laboratory studies, coexistent psychiatric disorders, medical therapy, opioid analgesic, and tobacco use. RESULTS Of 542 CD patients (56.6% women), 232 (42.8%) described abdominal pain. Individuals with pain were more likely to undergo surgery and were more frequently prescribed analgesics and/or antidepressants/anxiolytics. Elevated ESR (OR 1.79; 95%CI 1.11-2.87), coexistent anxiety/depression (OR 1.87; 95%CI 1.13-3.09), smoking (OR 2.08; 95%CI 1.27-3.40), and opioid use (OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.33-4.57) were independently associated with abdominal pain. Eighty patients (14.8%) were prescribed opioids, while 31 began taking them at or after the index visit. Patients started on opioids demonstrated no improvement in abdominal pain or quality-of-life scores on follow-up compared to patients not taking opioids. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal pain is common in CD and is associated with significant opioid analgesic utilization and increased incidence of anxiety/depression, smoking, and elevated inflammatory markers. Importantly, opioid use in CD was not associated with improvement in pain or quality-of-life scores. These findings reinforce the limitations of currently available analgesics in IBD and support exploration of alternative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Coates
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - N. Seth
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K. Clarke
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - H. Abdul-Baki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - N. Mahoney
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - V. Walter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - M. D. Regueiro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - C. Ramos-Rivers
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - I. E. Koutroubakis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K. Bielefeldt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - D. G. Binion
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Gatt K, Schembri J, Katsanos KH, Christodoulou D, Karmiris K, Kopylov U, Pontas C, Koutroubakis IE, Foteinogiannopoulou K, Fabian A, Molnar T, Zammit D, Fragaki M, Balomenos D, Zingboim N, Ben Horin S, Mantzaris GJ, Ellul P. Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD] and Physical Activity: A Study on the Impact of Diagnosis on the Level of Exercise Amongst Patients With IBD. J Crohns Colitis 2019; 13:686-692. [PMID: 30561568 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] can impair patients' functional capacity with significant negative effects on their quality of life. Our aim was to determine the impact of IBD diagnosis on fitness levels and to assess the levels of engagement in physical activity and fatigue in IBD patient before and after diagnosis. METHODS A prospective multi-centre cross-sectional study was performed. Patients diagnosed with IBD in the previous 18 months were recruited. Inclusion criteria included clinical remission and/or no treatment changes within the previous 6 months. Physical exercise levels were assessed by the Godin score and fatigue levels was assessed by the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy [FACIT] score. RESULTS In total, 158 patients (100 Crohn's disease [CD]) were recruited. Mean age was 35.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI] ± 2.0). Gender distribution was approximately equal [51.3% male]. The Mean Harvey Bradshaw and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity indices were 2.25 [95% CI ± 0.40] and 1.64 [95% CI ± 0.49], respectively. The mean Godin score difference before and after IBD diagnosis was 6.94 [p = 0.002]. Patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] [41.8%] were more likely than patients with CD [23.0%] to reduce their exercise levels [p = 0.04]. FACIT scores were lower in patients who had experienced relapses [p = 0.012] and had severe disease [p = 0.011]. Approximately one-third of patients reduced their activity level following IBD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Patients were significantly less physically active after a diagnosis of IBD and this was more apparent in UC. Identification of the risk factors associated with loss of fitness levels would help to address the reduced patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gatt
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | - J Schembri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | - K H Katsanos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical School and University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece
| | - D Christodoulou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical School and University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece
| | - K Karmiris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Venizeleio General Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - U Kopylov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - C Pontas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - A Fabian
- University of Szeged, First Department of Internal Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - T Molnar
- University of Szeged, First Department of Internal Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - D Zammit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | - M Fragaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Venizeleio General Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - D Balomenos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical School and University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece
| | - N Zingboim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - S Ben Horin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - G J Mantzaris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P Ellul
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
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Tsiolakidou G, Koutroubakis IE, Tzardi M, Kouroumalis EA. Increased expression of VEGF and CD146 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Liver Dis 2008; 40:673-9. [PMID: 18374637 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2008.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 01/31/2008] [Accepted: 02/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis has been suggested as an integral part of inflammatory bowel disease pathology. Vascular endothelial growth factor has long been considered to play a central, specific role in angiogenesis. Endothelial junction adhesion molecules, such as CD146, have recently been suggested to play a potent role in angiogenesis. CD34 is expressed on vascular endothelium, and it has been reported to be upregulated on endothelium in IBD. We investigated the expression of tissue vascular endothelial growth factor, CD34 and CD146 in the inflamed mucosa of patients with active inflammatory bowel disease compared with no inflamed mucosa of healthy controls. METHODS Forty-two IBD patients [23 ulcerative colitis, 19 Crohn's disease] and ten healthy controls were included in the study. In colonoscopically obtained biopsies, CD34, CD146 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Vascular endothelial growth factor was detected in the mucosa of all groups, and its expression was significantly higher in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared with controls (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining for CD146 in the inflamed mucosa was significantly higher in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared with controls (p=0.002). A trend of higher CD34 expression in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared with controls was also found, but the difference among the three groups was not statistically significant (p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS Inflamed mucosa of patients with active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis showed a markedly enhanced expression of VEGF and CD146, than normal mucosa of controls, indicating a possible role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tsiolakidou
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Pathology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Bourikas LA, Kourbeti IS, Koutsopoulos AV, Koutroubakis IE. Disseminated tuberculosis in a Crohn's disease patient on anti-TNF alpha therapy despite chemoprophylaxis. Gut 2008; 57:425; author reply 425-6. [PMID: 18268059 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2007.132407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Bourikas LA, Tzardi M, Hatzidakis A, Koutroubakis IE. Small bowel perforation due to non-Hodgkin-lymphoma in a patient with ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Dig Liver Dis 2008; 40:144. [PMID: 17950679 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Revised: 07/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L A Bourikas
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Koutroubakis IE, Sfiridaki A, Tsiolakidou G, Theodoropoulou A, Livadiotaki A, Paspatis G, Kouroumalis EA. Genetic risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and vascular complications: case-control study. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007; 13:410-5. [PMID: 17206678 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.20076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited risk factors have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mutations associated with cardiovascular disease in IBD patients with or without vascular complications compared with thrombotic and healthy controls (HC). METHODS Twelve polymorphisms of thrombophilic and vasoactive genes were evaluated in a group of 30 IBD patients with vascular complications (IBD-VC) compared with 60 IBD patients without vascular complications, 30 thrombotic controls (TC), and 54 healthy controls, using a commercially available kit. RESULTS No significant differences between IBD-VC and TC concerning the carriage of these mutations were found. The frequencies of the factor V (FV) 506 RQ (Leiden) genotype and the 506Q allele were significantly higher in these groups than in HC (P < 0.05) but not IBD controls (P > 0.05). The allele frequency of the mutant 4G allele of the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) polymorphism, similar in the IBD-VC and TC groups, was significantly higher in these groups compared with the IBD group (P = 0.03) and the HC (P = 0.001). It is noteworthy that there was a trend of association of FV R506Q polymorphism with venous thrombosis and PAI-1 gene polymorphism with arterial thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the investigated gene polymorphisms do not differ in patients with IBD-VC and TC. FV R506Q and PAI-1 gene polymorphisms might be associated with the increased risk of development of vascular complications in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Koutroubakis IE, Xidakis C, Karmiris K, Sfiridaki A, Kandidaki E, Kouroumalis EA. Potential role of soluble angiopoietin-2 and Tie-2 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2006; 36:127-32. [PMID: 16436095 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2006.01602.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis has been suggested to play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum markers of angiogenesis angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 serum levels were measured in 160 IBD patients (79 UC and 81 CD) and in 80 matched healthy controls using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels were correlated with the disease activity, as well as the type, localization and treatment of the disease. RESULTS Median serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels were significantly higher in both the UC patients and the CD patients compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The IBD patients with early disease (diagnosis < 2 years) had significantly higher (P = 0.04) median serum Ang-2 levels but significantly lower (P = 0.02) median serum Tie-2 levels as compared with IBD patients with late disease (diagnosis > 2 years). The CD patients with active disease had significantly higher levels of Ang-2 compared with non-active disease (P = 0.02). Serum levels of both Ang-2 and Tie-2 were not correlated with laboratory markers such as ESR, CRP, white blood cell count, platelet count and albumin. CONCLUSIONS Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels are elevated in patients with IBD. These markers may mediate angiogenesis and vascular permeability in the mucosa of patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) has been defined as chronic colonic inflammation surrounding diverticula with rectal sparing. Distinguishing this condition from inflammatory bowel disease may be difficult. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SCAD in our area. METHODS Retrospective case identification with prospective follow-up was done. Patients with endoscopic findings suggestive of SCAD were enrolled. The epidemiological, clinical, and histological characteristics of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS Out of 605 patients with diverticulosis, 23 cases of SCAD were identified (3.8%). Four patients had histological characteristics suggestive of ulcerative colitis, in 1 case the histology was suggestive of ischemic colitis, 6 patients had histology compatible with SCAD, and the remaining patients had either transitional mucosa or minimal lesions. Four cases were refractory to conservative treatment (mesalamine and antibiotics) and surgery was required. No cases of extension of colonic inflammation in diverticula-free areas were found. CONCLUSIONS Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis is not a rare disorder. It may occur with a spectrum of clinical and histologic features and may be confused with ulcerative colitis. The majority of the cases respond to medical therapy with antibiotics and/or mesalamine, whereas few cases are refractory and need surgery. No evolution to inflammatory bowel disease was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Koutroubakis IE, Petinaki E, Dimoulios P, Vardas E, Roussomoustakaki M, Maniatis AN, Kouroumalis EA. Serum laminin and collagen IV in inflammatory bowel disease. J Clin Pathol 2003; 56:817-20. [PMID: 14600124 PMCID: PMC1770111 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.56.11.817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2003] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND / AIMS Laminin and collagen IV have been proposed as extracellular matrix serum markers. Because fibrosis is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease, serum concentrations of laminin and collagen IV were measured in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) and compared with inflammatory and healthy controls. METHODS Laminin and collagen IV serum concentrations were measured in 170 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (86 UC and 84 CD), in 23 patients with other causes of intestinal inflammation, and in 80 matched healthy controls using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Laminin and collagen IV concentrations were correlated with disease activity, type, localisation, and treatment. RESULTS Mean (SD) serum laminin concentrations were 281.0 (110.1) ng/ml in patients with UC, 275.6 (106.7) ng/ml in patients with CD, 192.0 (17.8) ng/ml in healthy controls, and 198.5 (32.5) ng/ml in inflammatory controls. Mean (SD) serum collagen IV concentrations were 72.8 (22.9) ng/ml in patients with UC, 71.0 (18.2) in patients with CD, 79.8 (12.2) ng/ml in healthy controls, and 88.9 (24.6) ng/ml in inflammatory controls. There was a significant difference among the four groups (p < 0.0001) for both markers. There was a strong correlation between serum laminin, but not collagen IV, and disease activity in both diseases. No significant association was found between these markers and disease localisation or disease type. CONCLUSIONS Serum concentrations of laminin are increased, whereas serum concentrations of collagen IV are decreased, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. They may be useful surrogate markers for sustained inflammation and tissue remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology University Hospital Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Alexandrakis MG, Kyriakou D, Koutroubakis IE, Alexandraki R, Vlachonikolis IG, Eliopoulos GD. Assaying of tumor necrosis factor alpha, complement factors, and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the diagnosis of malignant serous effusions. Am J Clin Oncol 2001; 24:562-5. [PMID: 11801754 DOI: 10.1097/00000421-200112000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in pleural and peritoneal effusions of different causes and to verify whether TNFalpha, alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT), and complement factors C3 and C4 can be used in the differential diagnosis of serous effusion. One hundred forty-five serous effusions of various origins were analyzed. TNFalpha, alpha1AT, and complement factors C3 and C4 concentrations were measured simultaneously in blood and serous effusion using commercially available methods. Serous effusions were classified as follows: 102 exudates and 43 transudates. All variables were found to have good diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of serous effusion. In the stepwise discriminant analysis, four variables were selected, producing a significant discriminant function (p < 0.001). Their order of selection was alpha1AT effusion, C4 serum, TNFalpha-effusion, and C3 effusion. Combined use of these variables increased remarkably the diagnostic value (in diagnosing exudates versus transudates) giving sensitivity = 93.14%; specificity = 90.70%; positive predictive value = 95.96%; negative predictive value = 84.78%. Determination of TNFalpha, complement factors C3 and C4, and alpha1AT may be a significant parameter in the differential diagnosis of serous effusions, particularly in those patients with malignant disease. Moreover, the combination of them significantly increased their diagnostic power.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Alexandrakis
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Heraklion Crete, Venizelion General Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Koutroubakis IE, Malliaraki N, Vardas E, Ganotakis E, Margioris AN, Manousos ON, Kouroumalis EA. Increased levels of lipoprotein (a) in Crohn's disease: a relation to thrombosis? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001; 13:1415-9. [PMID: 11742189 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200112000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lipoprotein (a) is recognized as a risk factor for arterial and venous thrombosis, a property that might be related to its structural similarity to plasminogen. Since patients with inflammatory bowel disease frequently suffer from thromboembolic events, we studied the role of lipoprotein (a) in conjunction with lipids and apolipoproteins in Greek patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. METHODS Lipoprotein (a), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1 and apolipoprotein B-100 were determined in sera from 129 consecutive fasting Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease (66 with ulcerative colitis and 63 with Crohn's disease) and from 66 matched healthy controls. RESULTS In Crohn's disease patients, the mean serum lipoprotein (a) level was significantly higher than in control patients (41.2 mg/dl vs 22.9 mg/dl; P = 0.005). Mean apolipoprotein A-1 and apolipoprotein B-100 levels were significantly lower in Crohn's disease patients than in the controls. In ulcerative colitis patients the mean levels of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A-1 were not significantly different to the controls, but the levels of apolipoprotein B-100 were significantly lower. Raised levels of lipoprotein (a) of > 30 mg/dl were found in 29 Crohn's disease patients (46%), 15 ulcerative colitis patients (23%) and 11 control patients (17%). Patients with active Crohn's disease had significantly higher mean lipoprotein (a) and lower apolipoprotein A-1 than patients with non-active disease. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Crohn's disease patients have different lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein patterns compared to ulcerative colitis patients and healthy controls. These changes in Crohn's disease patients may possibly expose them to a higher risk of thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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15
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Koutroubakis IE, Sfiridaki A, Theodoropoulou A, Kouroumalis EA. Role of acquired and hereditary thrombotic risk factors in colon ischemia of ambulatory patients. Gastroenterology 2001; 121:561-5. [PMID: 11522740 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.27227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypercoagulable states may play an important role in the pathogenesis of colon ischemia. Aim of this study was to assess this hypothesis investigating the role of acquired and hereditary thrombotic risk factors in patients with definite diagnosis of colon ischemia. METHODS We compared the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin deficiencies, factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation G20210GA, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T in 36 patients (23 men, 13 women; mean age, 64.8 years) with colon ischemia, 18 patients with diverticulitis, and 52 healthy controls. RESULTS The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies was significantly higher in patients with colon ischemia compared with inflammatory and healthy controls (19.4% vs. 0% and 1.9%). Among genetic factors, only factor V Leiden was significantly associated with colon ischemia (22.2% vs. 0% and 3.8%). A combination of thrombophilic disorders was found in 25% of the cases. Overall, one or several prothrombotic abnormalities were present in 26 patients (72%). CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive thrombophilic screening in colon ischemia reveals a congenital or acquired thrombophilic state in 72% of patients. Hereditary and acquired thrombotic risk factors may play an important role in the disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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16
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Vlachonikolis IG, Koutroubakis IE, Manousos ON. Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease in Heraklion, Crete. Scand J Gastroenterol 2001; 36:1008. [PMID: 11521976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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17
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Abstract
Thromboembolic disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is recognized that a hypercoagulable state exists in IBD which involves all components of the clotting system. It has been suggested that this hypercoagulable state is closely linked to the disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that genetic defects such as factor V Leiden mutation and C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism associated with hyperhomocysteinemia seem to interfere in the thrombotic manifestations of IBD. Acquired factors such as antiphospholipid antibodies could also participate in the development of the thrombotic process. Deficiencies of other anticoagulant factors play a less important role in the thrombosis, and therefore it is not surprising that the results on these factors in IBD are contradictory. In conclusion the resultant gene-gene and gene-environment interactions between risk factors are the key to the understanding of why an IBD patient develops thrombosis at a specific point in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Greece.
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18
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Kapsoritakis AN, Koukourakis MI, Sfiridaki A, Potamianos SP, Kosmadaki MG, Koutroubakis IE, Kouroumalis EA. Mean platelet volume: a useful marker of inflammatory bowel disease activity. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:776-81. [PMID: 11280550 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2001.03621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated whether the mean platelet volume would be a useful marker in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease activity. METHODS Complete blood count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum thrombopoietin and erythropoietin, plasma beta-thromboglobulin, and platelet factor 4 were measured in 93 patients with ulcerative colitis, 66 patients with Crohn's disease, and 38 healthy blood donors. Disease activity was assessed by the Clinical Colitis Activity Index in patients with ulcerative colitis and by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index in patients with Crohn's disease. RESULTS Mean platelet count was increased in patients with active compared to inactive ulcerative colitis (p < 0.05), and in patients with active compared to inactive Crohn's disease (p = 0.0002) or healthy controls (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, mean platelet volume was significantly decreased in patients with active compared to inactive ulcerative colitis (p = 0.02) or healthy controls (p < 0.0001), and in patients with active compared to inactive Crohn's disease (p = 0.0005) or healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Mean platelet volume was inversely correlated with the white blood cell count (r = -0.17, p = 0.02), C-reactive protein (r = -0.46, p = 0.009) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = -0.28, p = 0.008). No significant correlations were found between mean platelet volume and serum thrombopoietin or erythropoietin levels; however, a strong negative correlation between mean platelet volume and beta-thromboglobulin (r = -0.34, p < 0.0001) and platelet factor 4 (r = -0.30, p = 0.0002) was observed. CONCLUSIONS Mean platelet volume is significantly reduced in active inflammatory bowel disease and is negatively correlated with the known inflammatory bowel disease activity markers and the platelet activation products. We propose that mean platelet volume provides a useful marker of activity in inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Kapsoritakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Crete, Greece
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20
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Koutroubakis IE, Petinaki E, Mouzas IA, Vlachonikolis IG, Anagnostopoulou E, Castanas E, Maniatis AN, Kouroumalis EA. Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:449-54. [PMID: 11232689 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2001.03524.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The combined measurement of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (pANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies (ASCA) has recently been suggested as a valuable diagnostic approach in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess the value of detecting pANCA and ASCA in the differentiation between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in a Greek population with IBD. METHODS Sera were collected from 157 patients with IBD (97 with UC, 56 with CD, and four with indeterminate colitis) and 150 healthy controls. Determination of pANCA was performed by a standard indirect immunofluorescence technique on ethanol-fixed granulocytes and ASCA by an ELISA assay. RESULTS In patients with UC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the pANCA test was 67%, 84%, 93%, and 46% respectively. These values did not change significantly when the combination of positive pANCA and negative ASCA was used. ASCA test in diagnosing CD yielded a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 39%, 89%, 54%, and 81%. The combination of pANCA negative and ASCA positive increased the positive predictive value to 77% and it was associated with small bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS A positive pANCA test in Greek patients has a diagnostic value in confirming a diagnosis of UC. Measurement of pANCA and ASCA together has a rather limited value in the differential diagnosis between UC and CD but may be of help in studying disease heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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21
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Koutroubakis IE, Dilaveraki E, Vlachonikolis IG, Vardas E, Vrentzos G, Ganotakis E, Mouzas IA, Gravanis A, Emmanouel D, Kouroumalis EA. Hyperhomocysteinemia in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci 2000; 45:2347-51. [PMID: 11258554 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005583606647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In recent years hyperhomocysteinemia has been established as a new risk factor for arterial and venous thrombosis. Since patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from thromboembolic events, we studied the prevalence and clinical significance of hyperhomocysteinemia in Greek patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). In 108 consecutive fasting IBD patients (53 UC and 55 CD) and 74 healthy controls (HC), a standard record of various clinical thrombotic risk factors was completed by interview, and fasting serum concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, cobalamin, creatinine, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides were measured. The concentration (mean +/- SD) of serum tHcy was significantly higher in UC (15.9 +/- 10.3 micromol/liter) and CD patients (13.6 +/- 6.5) than in controls (9.6 +/- 3.4, P < 0.05). Both UC and CD patients had lower levels of folate than HC (P < 0.05). Covariance analysis of age, gender, and all clinical variables indicated that the differences in homocysteine levels between IBD patients and HC remain significant even after adjustment for these covariates. In conclusion, mild hyperhomocysteinemia is common in Greek IBD patients and may account for the increased thrombotic risk of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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22
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Kapsoritakis AN, Potamianos SP, Sfiridaki AI, Koukourakis MI, Koutroubakis IE, Roussomoustakaki MI, Manousos ON, Kouroumalis EA. Elevated thrombopoietin serum levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2000; 95:3478-81. [PMID: 11151880 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elevated platelet count is a well recognized marker of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a critical cytokine in the physiological regulation of thrombopoiesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of endogenous TPO in patients with IBD, the relationship between platelet counts and TPO levels, and the correlation of TPO with the clinical characteristics of the patients. METHODS TPO levels in 40 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 63 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and in 42 healthy blood donors were assessed by ELISA. Platelet and white blood cell counts as well as C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured. RESULTS TPO levels were significantly elevated in patients with CD (mean 124.3 +/- SD 58.0 pg/ml, p < 0.0001) and in patients with UC (mean 152.2 +/- SD 142.3 pg/ml, p < 0.0001), compared to controls (mean 53.4 +/- SD 45.7 pg/ml). TPO levels remained significantly elevated in remission (mean 144.7 +/- SD 131.1 pg/ml, p < 0.0001 compared to controls). Platelets were significantly elevated only in active CD, being normal in inactive disease as well as in all patients with UC. There was no significant correlation between TPO levels and various clinical characteristics of patients with IBD. No significant correlation was found between TPO levels and either platelet counts or white blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS TPO levels are increased in IBD, irrespective of disease activity, platelet counts, and clinical characteristics of the patients. These observations indicate that TPO, apart from being a platelet producer, might have additional functions, probably related to the procoagulant state of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Kapsoritakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Crete, Greece
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23
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Potamianos S, Koutroubakis IE, Chatzicostas C, Rolles K, Burroughs AK, Kouroumalis EA. Idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis and Crohn's disease: an interesting association. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000; 12:1021-4. [PMID: 11007140 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200012090-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis is an uncommon condition in children and adolescents of unknown aetiology. This syndrome has been reported in 36 cases so far. To our knowledge none of these cases was definitively associated with Crohn's disease. In this report we describe a young female patient who developed Crohn's disease of the colon 5 years after having been diagnosed with idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis. The differential diagnosis between this syndrome associated with Crohn's disease and pancreatic Crohn's disease or fibrosing colonopathy, an entity related to pancreatic enzyme therapy, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Potamianos
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed to determine risk factors that might contribute to the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent studies have focused on the role of appendectomy in the disease's pathogenesis. This report aims to review and analyze the degree of evidence from recent published studies. METHODS Medline and Embase databases were scrutinized for studies published between 1987 and January 1999. Reference lists from published articles, reviews, and abstracts from major gastrointestinal (GI) meetings were also reviewed. All studies specifically designed to evaluate the association between appendectomy and UC were selected. Thirteen studies that satisfied our selection criteria were evaluated by metaanalysis. RESULTS The 13 case-control studies collectively gathered evidence from 2770 patients with UC and 3352 controls. Combining the results of the individual studies gave an overall odds ratio of 0.307 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.249-0.377) in favor of appendectomy (p<0.0001). This suggests that appendectomy gives a 69% reduction in the risk of developing UC (95% CI = 62%-75%). The test for heterogeneity (of all 13 studies) was not significant (chi2 = 16.213, d.f. = 12, p>0.10). The influence of potential confounding factors (mainly smoking) on these results could be excluded. CONCLUSIONS The review of the literature and the metaanalysis of the selected studies suggest that the inverse association between appendectomy and UC is strong and consistent. Further studies are needed to establish whether a causal relationship exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
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25
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Koutroubakis IE, Sfiridaki A, Mouzas IA, Maladaki A, Kapsoritakis A, Roussomoustakaki M, Kouroumalis EA, Manousos ON. Resistance to activated protein C and low levels of free protein S in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2000; 95:190-4. [PMID: 10638581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.01683.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from thromboembolic events. A recently identified mechanism for thrombophilia, the poor anticoagulant response to activated protein C, has been suggested as one of the leading risk factors for thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of thrombophilic abnormalities, including activated protein C-resistance (APCR), in Greek patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS Forty-eight patients with UC, 36 with CD, and 61 matched healthy controls (HC) were studied. Cases with presence of lupus anticoagulant, use of anticoagulants or heparin, and pregnancy were excluded. Disease activity in CD was evaluated by use of the Crohns Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score and in UC by the Truelove-Witts grading system. Plasma levels of protein C, free protein S, antithrombin III (AT-III), activated protein C resistance (APCR), and fibrinogen were determined in IBD patients, as well as in HC. All the cases and controls with abnormal APCR were further studied by genetic testing for the factor V Leiden mutation. RESULTS Mean fibrinogen levels in UC and CD patients were significantly elevated (p<0.0001), compared with HC. The mean values of free protein S, as well as mean APCR, were significantly lower in UC and CD patients than in the HC (p<0.0001). Seven (five UC and two CD) of 84 IBD patients (8.3%) and three of the HC (4.9%) had the factor V Leiden mutation. No significant difference was observed for the other thrombophilic parameters. Fibrinogen levels and profound free protein S deficiency were found related to disease activity. CONCLUSIONS Thrombophilic defects are common in Greek patients with IBD and they could interfere either in the disease manifestation or in the thrombotic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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26
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Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis and ulcerative colitis are two diseases with many features of autoimmunity. Thirteen cases of coexistence of the two diseases have been reported in the literature so far. Patients are usually younger and more often males than the ordinary primary biliary cirrhosis patient, while the colitis is mild and easily controllable. In a homogeneous population of 550,000 inhabitants of the island of Crete, 412 cases of ulcerative colitis and 82 individuals with primary biliary cirrhosis or autoimmune cholangitis have been identified. In two cases, coexistence of the two diseases was found. Immunological screening for AMA positivity in 150 ulcerative colitis sera disclosed no further cases. Prevalence of primary biliary cirrhosis in ulcerative colitis patients seems at least 30 times higher than in the general population in our area. A possible immunological link between the two diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Koulentaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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27
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Koutroubakis IE, Vlachonikolis IG, Kapsoritakis A, Spanoudakis S, Roussomoustakaki M, Mouzas IA, Kouroumalis EA, Manousos ON. Appendectomy, tonsillectomy, and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: case-controlled study in Crete. Dis Colon Rectum 1999; 42:225-30. [PMID: 10211500 DOI: 10.1007/bf02237133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Appendectomy has been suggested as a possible protective factor in ulcerative colitis and as a risk factor in Crohn's disease. Tonsillectomy has also been associated with Crohn's disease. We performed a case-controlled study to investigate these associations in a homogeneous Greek population. METHODS One hundred thirty-four consecutive cases of ulcerative colitis and 76 cases of Crohn's disease were included in the study. For each inflammatory bowel disease patient and a corresponding healthy control subject, matched for gender, age, and educational level, a standard record on various risk factors was completed by interview. The association between disease status and risk factors was assessed by Pearson's chi-squared test and the independent contribution of each risk factor was analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Appendectomy had been performed in 11 (8.2 percent) patients with ulcerative colitis, in 18 (13.4 percent) of their matched healthy control cases, in 19 (25.0 percent) patients with Crohn's disease, and in 10 (13.2 percent) of their matched healthy control cases. Odds ratio for development of ulcerative colitis after appendectomy was 0.6 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.26-1.27). Odds ratio for Crohn's disease was 2.2 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.94-5.12). Odds ratio for development of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease after tonsillectomy was 0.95 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.49-1.82) and 3.29 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.29-8.37), respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed that appendectomy and tonsillectomy have no independent association with the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, whereas in Crohn's disease both appendectomy and tonsillectomy have positive associations. Well-established risk factors, such as family history and smoking status, were also verified in this study. CONCLUSIONS This case-control study, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, showed a less pronounced association between ulcerative colitis and appendectomy than previous reports. Our data also support the conclusion that tonsillectomy is a risk factor for developing Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Koutroubakis IE, Petinaki E, Anagnostopoulou E, Kritikos H, Mouzas IA, Kouroumalis EA, Manousos ON. Anti-cardiolipin and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci 1998; 43:2507-12. [PMID: 9824143 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026602803622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from thromboembolic events. Anti-cardiolipin (aCL) antibodies have been shown to be associated with thrombosis. Recently, the antibodies against the anti-cardiolipin cofactor beta2-glycoprotein I (a(beta2)GPI) have been found with higher specificity for thrombosis. The presence of these antibodies was assessed in 128 patients with IBD [83 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 45 with Crohn's disease (CD)] and 100 healthy controls (blood donors). Patients with UC and CD had a significantly higher prevalence of aCL (18.1% and 15.6%, respectively) than healthy controls (HC) (3%). Eleven IBD patients (8.6%) but no HC had a(beta2)GPI. None of the IBD patients with a history of thrombosis had aCL and only one of them (a UC patient with deep vein thrombosis of the right leg) had a high titer of IgG a(beta2)GPI. In conclusion, these data show that both aCL and a(beta2)GPI are significantly associated with IBD but further studies are needed to determine the significance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of somatostatin in acute severe bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy in 26 cirrhotic patients. METHODS All patients with signs of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and an upper GI endoscopy (during the first 24 h) indicating overt bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy were included in the study. Somatostatin (or the synthetic tetradecapeptide, octreotide) was administered in all cases. Eleven patients received somatostatin and 15 patients received octreotide. An initial injection of 250 microg bolus somatostatin was followed by a continuous infusion of 250 microg/h for 3 days (100 microg and 50 microg/h for octreotide). RESULTS Somatostatin arrested bleeding in all 26 patients and in 23 there was no hospital relapse. In the remaining three patients the bleeding recurred each time somatostatin infusion was discontinued and arrested again on reinstitution of treatment. In two there was a control of haemorrhage, while the third required a total gastrectomy after repeated episodes. The rebleeding rate in our study is much lower compared to untreated patients of other series. There were no differences between the somatostatin and octreotide group. There were no significant side effects. Gastroscopy at the end of the therapy showed improvement of the endoscopic appearance. CONCLUSIONS This open study suggests that somatostatin is a safe and effective treatment of acute severe bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Koutroubakis IE, Kritikos H, Mouzas IA, Spanoudakis SM, Kapsoritakis AN, Petinaki E, Kouroumalis EA, Manousos ON. Association between ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus: report of two cases. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1998; 10:437-9. [PMID: 9619394 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-199805000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common aetiopathogenic factors may explain the association of ulcerative colitis with autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus. PATIENTS We report two cases of ulcerative colitis associated with idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus: one patient who developed ulcerative colitis 11 years after having been diagnosed as a case of systemic lupus erythematosus and one case of simultaneous appearance of the two diseases. The lupus clinical manifestations were in neither case correlated with the treatment of ulcerative colitis. CONCLUSION The association between ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus is rare. Although a chance occurrence cannot be excluded it is possible that both conditions share some genetic or immunological defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Koutroubakis
- Dept of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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