Therapeutics in radiation-induced proctopathy: a systematic review

Malignant neoplasms are increasingly prevalent in the daily clinical practice. Up to 61% of patients with pelvic malignancies undergo pelvic radiotherapy in different doses, which may cause intestinal damage, and the rectum is the segment most frequently affected due to its fixed position in the pelvis. Currently, there are several strategies to minimize the effects of radiation on the tissues surrounding the neoplastic site; despite those strategies, radiotherapy can still result in serious damage to organs and structures, and these injuries accompany patients throughout their lives. One of the most common damages resulting from pelvic radiotherapy is acute proctitis.The diagnosis is confirmed by visualizing the rectal mucosa through rigid or flexible rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. The objective of the present study was to review the forms of radiation-induced proctopathytherapy, and to evaluate the results of each method to propose a standardization for the treatment of this pathology. Despite the prevalence of radiation-induced proctopathy, there is no definitive standardized treatment strategy so far. The first approach can be tried with local agents, such as mesalazine and formalin. For refractory cases, control can usually be achieved with argon plasma coagulation, hyperbaric oxygen, and radiofrequency ablation therapies. Regarding the study of radiation-induced proctopathy, there is a lack of robust studies with large samples and standardized therapies to be compared. There is a lack of double-blinded, randomized controlled studies to determine a definitive standard treatment algorithm. (AU)

Evaluation of mesalazine polymeric conjugate in the treatment of actinic proctitis in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study aimed at testing a new formulation of mesalazine linked to chondroitin sulfate and its components alone in the treatment of actinic proctitis in rats. Methods: Forty-seven female Wistar rats were submitted to pelvic radiation and divided into eight groups: control A, mesalazine A, chondroitin A, and conjugate A, gavage of the according substance two weeks after irradiation and sacrifice three weeks after oral treatment; control C, mesalazine C, chondroitin C, and conjugate C, sacrifice six weeks after oral treatment. The rectum was submitted to histological characterization for each of the findings: inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial degeneration, mucosal necrosis, and fibrosis. Results: The inflammatory infiltrate was more intense in chondroitin A, mesalazine A, and conjugate C. The collagen deposition was less intense in chondroitin A, and mesalazine A, and more intense in control C. Conclusions: Mesalazine and chondroitin alone were efficacious in inducing a delayed inflammatory response, hence reducing the late fibrosis. The conjugate was able to induce an ever more delayed inflammatory response.

Enemas with mesalazine increase the tissue contents of mucins in the colonic mucosa devoid of fecal stream

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the inflammatory reaction and measure the content of mucins, in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream submit to intervention with mesalazine. Methods: Twenty-four rats were submitted to a left colostomy and a distal mucous fistula and divided into two groups according to euthanasia to be performed two or four weeks. Each group was divided into two subgroups according daily application of enemas containing saline or mesalazine at 1.0 g/kg/day. Colitis was diagnosed by histological analysis and the inflammatory reaction by validated score. Acidic mucins and neutral mucins were determined with the alcian-blue and periodic acid of Schiff techniques, respectively. Sulfomucin and sialomucin were identified by high iron diamine-alcian blue technique. The tissue contents of mucins were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the results establishing the level of significance of 5%. Results: Enemas with mesalazine in colonic segments without fecal stream decreased the inflammation score and increased the tissue content of all subtypes of mucins. The increase of tissue content of neutral, acid and sulfomucin was related to the time of intervention. Conclusion: Mesalazine enemas reduce the inflammatory process and preserve the content of mucins in colonic mucosa devoid of fecal stream.

Diagnóstico y manejo de la colitis microscópica / Diagnosis and management of microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical condition characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, normal colonic mucosa and characteristic histological findings. It is composed of two main entities: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). Its incidence has been increasing, currently accounting for between 8 to 16% of studies for chronic diarrhea. It is more frequent in elderly women and is strongly associated with other autoimmune disorders. Its pathogenesis is not very well understood, but it supposes the immune activation secondary to the exposure of the colonic mucosa to different luminal antigens, mainly drugs. Management includes suspension of the potential causative agent and the use of anti-diarrheal medications. Oral budesonide has proven to be effective in induction and maintenance of remission, but with a high rate of recurrence upon discontinuation. Immune-modulators drugs such as azatioprine and metrotrexate have been tested in patients dependent to corticoids with variable results. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are under studies, with promising results.

La colitis microscópica (CM) es una condición clínica caracterizada por diarrea crónica acuosa con mucosa colónica normal y hallazgos histológicos característicos. Está compuesta por dos entidades principales: la colitis colágena (CC) y la colitis linfocítica (CL). Su incidencia ha ido en aumento, siendo en la actualidad la responsable del 8 a 16% de los casos por diarrea crónica. Es más frecuente en mujeres de edad avanzada con una fuerte asociación a otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Su etiopatogenia no es del todo conocida, pero se cree juega un rol la activación inmune secundaria a la exposición de la mucosa colónica a diferentes antígenos luminales, principalmente fármacos. Dentro del manejo se incluye la suspensión del potencial agente causal y el uso de fármacos antidiarreicos. La budesonida oral ha demostrado alta efectividad en la inducción y mantención de la remisión, pero con una alta tasa de recurrencia al suspenderla. Fármacos inmunomoduladores como azatioprina y metrotrexato se han probado en pacientes corticodependendientes con resultados variables. El uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) se encuentra en estudio, con resultados prometedores.

Informe de evaluación científica basada en la evidencia disponible: colitis ulcerosa / Scientific evaluation report based on available evidence: ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colitis ulcerosa es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que afecta la mucosa del colon en forma continua, comprometiendo el recto y una porción variable de la extensión del resto del colon, sin la presencia de granulomas en la biopsia. En esta enfermedad, el sistema inmune reconoce esta porción del colon como ajena al cuerpo y lo ataca generando úlceras que caracterizan a esta enfermedad. TECNOLOGÍAS SANITARIAS ANALIZADAS: Adalimumab, azatioprina, golimumab, infliximab, mesalazina, lansoprazol, omeprazol, sulfasalazina y colestiramina. EFICACIA DE LOS TRATAMIENTOS: Se extrajeron 31 revisiones sistemáticas que incluyen 11 ensayos controlados aleatorizados que evaluaban la eficacia de adalimumab, golimumab e infliximab en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa moderada a grave. El tratamiento con adalimumab aumenta ligeramente el número de pacientes que cicatrizan su mucosa e incrementan su score IBDQ (calidad de vida) en más de 12 puntos, a las 8 semanas. El tratamiento con golimumab probablemente aumenta el número de pacientes que responden clínicamente a las 6 semanas, mientras que probablemente aumenta ligeramente el número de pacientes que remite y cicatrizan su mucosa a las 6 semanas. Además, golimumab probablemente no genera diferencias en cuanto a la calidad de vida (cuestionario IBDQ) de pacientes con colitis ulcerosa. El tratamiento con infliximab aumenta el número de pacientes que presentan respuesta clínica a las 8 semanas, mientras que reduce ligeramente el número de pacientes que reciben colectomía a las 54 semanas. No se encontró evidencia de eficacia de los tratamientos sobre una menor hospitalización o una menor estadía hospitalaria, ni estudios que evaluaran la eficacia en niños con colitis ulcerosa. ANÁLISIS ECONÓMICO: Infliximab resultó ser la alternativa que presentó mayor efectividad. Sin embargo, la efectividad incremental en relación a adalimumab es sólo de 0,66 QALYs, superándolo en costes en aproximadamente un 45%. Infliximab y golimumab fueron los tratamientos que presentaron mayor costo en relación a adalimumab. En esto se incluyen los costos de efectos adversos serios, porcentaje de pacientes que se sometían a colectomía mientras estaban en terapia con algún biológico y los costos de administración de infliximab. Para este último se consideró un costo mayor, ya que como su administración es intravenosa se deben considerar las horas en que el paciente debe estar en una sala de observaciones para que se le administre el biológico. En cuanto a las agencias internacionales, Inglaterra recomienda el uso de adalimumab, infliximab o golimumab en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa moderada a grave, siempre y cuando la terapia convencional no funcione o no sea la adecuada. El impacto presupuestario calculado para el primer año de tratamiento fue de MM$1.810 para adalimumab, $MM2.424 para infliximab, y MM$353.378 para golimumab. CONCLUSIÓN: Para dar cumplimiento al artículo 28° del Reglamento que establece el proceso destinado a determinar los diagnósticos y tratamientos de alto costo con Sistema de Protección Financiera, según lo establecido en los artículos 7°y 8° de la ley N°20.850, aprobado por el decreto N°13 del Ministerio de Salud, se concluye que el presente informe de evaluación se considera favorable, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Título III. de las Evaluaciones Favorables de la Norma Técnica N° 0192 de este mismo ministerio.

Trombosis de senos venosos intracraneales: una complicación infrecuente y grave de la colitis ulcerosa. Primera comunicación de un caso en Uruguay / Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis in ulcerative colitis: Report of one case

Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis (ICSVT) is a rare complication of ulcerative colitis that affects from 1.7 to 7.5% of patients. We report a 22 year-old male with ulcerative colitis in treatment with mesalazine and prednisone presenting with headache and speech disturbances. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a left temporal hemorrhagic infarct with thrombosis of the ispilateral superficial vein and sigmoid venous sinus. No cause of thrombophilia was detected. Anticoagulation with heparin was started which was changed to oral anticoagulation with warfarin. The patient was discharged ten days after admission.

A Case of Small Bowel Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Mimicking Crohn's Disease / 대한소화기학회지

A 66-year-old male with dyspepsia and weight loss was referred to our hospital for evaluation. On laboratory examination, anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA)-IgA was positive and iron deficiency anemia was present. PET/CT and abdominal CT scan images showed multiple small bowel segmental wall thickening and inflammation. Capsule endoscopy images showed multiple small bowel ulcerative lesions with exudates. Based on laboratory test results and imaging studies, the patient was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and treated with prednisolone and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). However, the patient underwent second operation due to small bowel perforation within 2 month after initiation of treatment. Pathology report of the resected specimen was compatible to primary small bowel diffuse large B cell lymphoma and pertinent treatment was given to the patient after recovery. Herein, we describe a case of primary small bowel diffuse large B cell lymphoma that was mistaken for Crohn's disease.

Changing Paradigm in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease / 대한소화기학회지

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic progressive idiopathic inflammatory disorder that involves the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Over the past decades, many therapeutic strategies have been developed to manage IBD, but therapeutic strategies based only on relief of clinical symptoms have not changed the natural history of this disease entity. This underlines the importance of understanding the natural history of IBD itself. When we look at the natural history of Crohn's disease (CD), it first begins with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and this inflammatory reaction proceeds to stenosing or penetrating reaction if not adequately controlled. However, it takes a considerable amount of time before mucosal inflammation proceeds to stenosis of the intestinal lumen or penetration into the adjacent bowel. Therefore, it can be expected that if proper care is given during that period, progression of CD to such a complicated disease could be prevented. Even though the concept of mucosal healing was introduced in the early 1990s, no correlation could be observed between healing of mucosal lesions and relief of clinical symptoms. However, the introduction of biologic agents targeting tumor necrosis factor has changed the way to treat IBD that is refractory to standard medications and has allowed us to aim for a new therapeutic goal, 'deep remission'. Further advances in biologic agents have provided highly effective treatments for IBD, making deep remission a realistic goal. Whether IBD patients may benefit by experiencing a 'deep' remission beyond the control of clinical symptoms need to be evaluated in further investigation. Nevertheless, it can be anticipated that attaining deep remission might ultimately have an impact on important outcomes such as the need for surgery and the quality of life.

A Case of IgG4-Related Sclerosing Mesenteritis Associated with Crohn's Disease / 대한소화기학회지

Sclerosing mesenteritis (SM) is a rare disease characterized by chronic nonspecific mesenteric inflammation and fibrosis of unknown etiology. Some tumefactive SM shows diffuse accumulation of IgG4-positive plasma cells and is considered as a part of the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. An association between inflammatory bowel disease and IgG4-related disease has been indicated. A 45-year-old woman visited our hospital due to weight loss with intermittent lower abdominal discomfort. Pelvic ultrasound revealed a mass-like lesion in the abdominal wall and pelvis MRI demonstrated a 5.9 cm sized wall-enhancing mass with heterogeneous signal intensity from right adnexa to the abdominal wall. Tumor resection and adhesiolysis was done because of severe adhesion with the small bowel, colon, bladder, uterus, and abdominal wall. Appendectomy was also performed due to adhesion and edematous change. Histological examination of the resected mass showed findings that were compatible with IgG4-related SM. The resected appendix showed chronic granulomatous inflammation without evidence of tuberculosis. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after undergoing colonoscopy and CT enterography. Herein, we report a rare case of IgG4-related SM that occurred in conjunction with Crohn's disease.

Differences in the Prognosis according to the Periods of Diagnosis in Ulcerative Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infliximab was approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in 2006 and has recently been used as rescue therapy in steroid-refractory UC. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of medication use and prognosis in UC patients according to the periods of diagnosis. METHODS: From 1987 to 2012, a total of 1,422 patients with UC were retrospectively reviewed in 12 hospitals. The study population was divided into two groups according to the periods of diagnosis as follows; group A: 1987-2005, group B: 2006-2012. Analyzed variables were compared by using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the subjects was 42.2 years, and the mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. In univariate analysis, the use of infliximab in group B was significantly higher than group A (4.5% vs. 7.6%, p=0.016), and UC-related hospitalization (45.8% vs. 40.1%, p=0.031) and UC-related surgery (6.4% vs. 3.5%, p=0.010) in group B was significantly lower than that of group A. The use of oral steroid in surgery group was significantly higher than non-surgery group in multivariate analysis (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.03-3.30, p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab might play an important role for the treatment of steroid-refractory UC. Well-designed prospective trials based on the efficacy and safety of infliximab are required in the future.

Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease / 대한소화기학회지

The risk of developing colorectal cancer is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surveillance colonoscopy has not been shown to prolong survival and rates of interval cancer are reported to be high. Continuing colonic inflammation has been shown to be important in the development of colorectal cancer and therefore anti-inflammatory agents such as the 5-aminosalicylates and immunomodulators have been considered as potential chemopreventive agents. This review focuses on various chemopreventive agents that have been clearly shown to reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer in the patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Mesalazina grânulos (2 gramas sachê ) para o tratamento de retocolite ulcerativa / Mesalazine granules (2 grams sachet) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

A Colite ulcerativa e a Doença de Crohn são as duas formas principais de doenças inflamatórias intestinais. Apesar de algumas características em comum, elas podem ser diferenciadas por predisposições genéticas, fatores de risco e diferentes aspectos clínicos, endoscópicos e histológicos. A etiologia ainda é desconhecida, no entanto, indivíduos suscetíveis parecem apresentar resposta imunológica alterada à flora comensal na mucosa, resultando em inflamação. Na retocolite ulcerativa a inflamação é restrita à superfície mucosa, inicia-se, geralmente, no reto e estende-se a todo o cólon. O diagnóstico da colite ulcerativa é baseado nos sintomas clínicos e confirmado por achados objetivos na endoscopia e histologia. O tratamento compreende aminossalicilatos orais e por via retal, corticoides e imunossupressores. É feito de maneira a tratar a fase aguda e após, manter a remissão, sendo o maior objetivo reduzir a sintomatologia. A Tecnologia: Tipo: Medicamento; Princípio Ativo: Mesalazina; Nome comercial: Pentasa® Sachê 2g; Fabricante: Laboratório Ferring Ltda. Mesalazina 2 gramas na formulação de grânulos de liberação prolongada, na forma farmacêutica de sachê, em dose única diária para o tratamento da colite ulcerativa é uma nova apresentação do medicamento. Atualmente, o Ministério da Saúde fornece o medicamento (mesalazina em grânulos) na apresentação de 0,5g em comprimidos aos pacientes diagnosticados com Retocolite Ulcerativa na rede pública de saúde. A proponente indica que nova apresentação proporcionaria maior aderência dos pacientes resultando em maior efetividade do tratamento. Análise da evidência apresentada pelo demandante: Demandante: Ferring International Center SA. Somente serão avaliados os estudos que se enquadram nos critérios e stabelecidos na solicitação por incorporação da tecnologia (tecnologia, indicação, comparadores), submetida pelo demandante. Considerações finais: A evidência atualmente disponível sobre eficácia e segurança do mesalazina sachê 2g para tratamento da colite ulcerativa é baseada fundamentalmente no estudo de Dignass 30 (ensaio clínico multicêntrico, randomizado, de não inferioridade). O estudo comparou mesalazina em grânulos, sachê 2g dose única diária à mesma dose diária dividida em duas tomadas. Foram Incluídos 362 pacientes com colite ulcerativa em remissão. O desfecho primário foi taxa de remissão em 1 ano baseado no disease activity index score. Dentre os desfechos secundários, foi avaliada a aderência à medicação entre os grupos, medida pelo número de sachês distribuídos e retornados, questionário auto-administrado, e escala visual analógica. Recomendação da CONITEC: Considerando a falta de evidências científicas mais robustas, o fato de o estudo apresentado ser de não inferioridade com limitações, que há no SUS tratamento disponível com outra forma farmacêutica do mesmo medicamento para a indicação em questão e a magnitude limitada dos benefícios, após discussão, os membros da CONITEC, presentes na 13ª Reunião do plenário, realizada no dia 07/03/2013, deliberaram por não recomendar a incorporação do medicamento mesalazina grânulos (2 gramas sachê) para o tratamento da colite ulcerativa. Deliberação final: Após análise das contribuições da consulta pública e considerando a preocupação do plenário da CONITEC sobre o impacto orçamentário decorrente da possível migração de pacientes que consomem outras apresentações disponíveis no SUS (de 400mg e 800mg de liberação convencional, as quais se apresentam como medicamento genérico), e o fato de que poderá haver desperdício no sachê, os membros do plenário da CONITEC decidiram buscar mais informações de impacto orçamentário do medicamento, considerando doses e migração entre as formas farmacêuticas. Com isso, foram apresentadas informações compiladas pelo Departamento de Assistência Farmacêutica e Insumos Estratégicos (DAF) acerca do impacto orçamentário do uso de mesalazina por via oral (comprimidos) nos pacientes com Retocolite Ulcerativa no Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica (CEAF), em 2012. Conforme a análise, foram atendidos 26.824 pacientes. Os membros da CONITEC presentes na reunião do plenário do dia 03/07/2013 deliberaram, por unanimidade, por não recomendar a incorporação da mesalazina sachê 2g para o tratamento da retocolite ulcerativa. Portaria nº 43, de 23 de agosto de 2013 - Decisão de não incorporar o medicamento mesalazina sachê 2g para o tratamento da retocolite ulcerativa no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Enemas de factor de crecimiento epidérmico para inducir la remisión de la colitis ulcerosa izquierda / Epidermal growth factor enemas for induction of remission in left-sided ulcerative colitis

Introducción: la colitis ulcerosa es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de etiología poco conocida, que afecta la mucosa del colon. El efecto positivo del factor de crecimiento epidérmico fue reportado en estudio previo con uso de enema para tratamiento de la manifestación izquierda leve o moderada de la enfermedad. Este antecedente sirvió de base para evaluar la eficacia y perfil de seguridad de una solución viscosa del producto.Métodos: fueron aleatorizados 31 pacientes hacia tres grupos de tratamiento diario durante 14 días. Doce recibieron enemas de 10 mg de factor de crecimiento epidérmico en 100 mL de solución viscosa, mientras nueve fueron tratados con enemas placebo conteniendo solamente solución viscosa. Ambos grupos recibieron además 1,2 g diarios de mesalacina oral. El tercer grupo incluyó 10 pacientes con mesalacina en enemas de 3g / 100 mL. La variable principal de eficacia fue la respuesta clínica al finalizar las dos semanas de tratamiento, definida como la disminución de, al menos tres puntos, el índice basal de actividad de la enfermedad acompañada de mejoría endoscópica o histológica.Resultados: se alcanzó remisión de la enfermedad en todos los pacientes que recibieron factor de crecimiento epidérmico y en seis de los grupos mesalacina enema y placebo. Todas las comparaciones entre grupos mostraron superioridad estadísticamente significativa para el factor de crecimiento epidérmico, único producto que logró la reducción significativa del índice de actividad de la enfermedad y de la presencia e intensidad de los síntomas digestivos en los pacientes luego del tratamiento. Ningún evento adverso fue reportado.Conclusiones: estos resultados son consistentes con las anteriores evidencias moleculares y clínicas que señalan al factor de crecimiento...

Introduction: ulcerative colitis is a little known chronic inflammatory disease in colonic mucosa. The positive effect of epidermal growth factor was shown in a previous report, with enema use for treatment of mild to moderate left-sided manifestation of the disease. This evidence provided the basis for evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of a viscous solution of this product. Methods: thirty-one patients were randomized to three groups for daily medications during 14 days. Twelve received one 10 mg enema of epidermal growth factor dissolved in 100 mL of viscous solution whereas nine were treated with placebo enema; both groups also received 1.2 g of oral mesalamine per day. The other group included ten patients with 3 g / 100 mL of mesalamine enema. Primary end point was clinical responses after two weeks of treatment, defined as a decreased of, at least three points from baseline, the Disease Activity Index and endoscopic or histological evidences of improvement. Results: remission of disease was observed in all patients in the epidermal growth factor group, and six in both, mesalamine enema and placebo group. All the comparisons between groups showed statistically significant superiority for epidermal growth factor, the only product with significant reduction in disease activity index as well as the presence and intensity of digestive symptoms in patients after treatment. None adverse event was reported. Conclusions: the results agree with previous molecular and clinical evidences, indicating that the epidermal growth factor is effective to reduce disease activity and to induce remission. A new study involving more patients should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of the epidermal growth factor enemas

Síndrome do intestino irritável pós-infecção intestinal / Irritable bowel syndrome after intestinal infection

A síndrome do intestino irritável (SII) é um distúrbio funcional do trato gastrointestinal, caracterizado por dor abdominal e alterações do hábito intestinal, não explicadas por anormalidades bioquímicas ou orgânicas. Embora a maioria dos pacientes relate início insidioso dos sintomas, em um subgrupo eles aparecem após episódio de gastroenterite aguda, denominada SII pós-infecciosa (SII-PI). Os agentes infecciosos envolvidos incluem vírus, parasitas e bactérias patogênicas. O tratamento da SII-PI é semelhante ao da SII idiopática. Antibióticos e probióticos são terapias promissoras

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a funcional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, not explained by any organic or biochemical abnormalities. Although most patients describe an insidious onset of symptoms, a subgroup of individuals describes the onset of IBS symptoms following an episode of acute gastroenteritis, know as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). The infectious agents involved in the development of PI-IBS include pathogenic bacteria, parasites and viruses. Treatment of PI-IBS is similar to that idiopathic IBS. Antibiotics and probiotics appear to represent promising therapies in PI-IBS

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome in Children: A Report of Six Cases

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare, benign disorder in children that usually presents with rectal bleeding, constipation, mucous discharge, prolonged straining, tenesmus, lower abdominal pain, and localized pain in the perineal area. The underlying etiology is not well understood, but it is secondary to ischemic changes and trauma in the rectum associated with paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor and the external anal sphincter muscles; rectal prolapse has also been implicated in the pathogenesis. This syndrome is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histological findings, but SRUS often goes unrecognized or is easily confused with other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, amoebiasis, malignancy, and other causes of rectal bleeding such as a juvenile polyps. SRUS should be suspected in patients experiencing rectal discharge of blood and mucus in addition to previous disorders of evacuation. We herein report six pediatric cases with SRUS.

A Case of Intestinal Tuberculosis with Perianal Fistula Diagnosed after 30 Years / 대한소화기학회지

Tuberculosis can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. However, anorectal tuberculosis has rarely been reported. A 46-years-old male presented with abdominal pain and perianal discharge of 30 years' duration. The patient had received operations for anal fistula and inflammation three times. Although he had been taking mesalazine for the past three years after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, his symptoms persisted. Colonoscopy performed at our hospital revealed cicatricial change of ileocecal valve and diffuse ulcer scar with mild luminal narrowing of the ascending, transverse, and descending colon without active lesions. Multiple large irregular active ulcers were observed in the distal sigmoid and proximal rectum. An anal fistula opening with much yellowish discharge and background ulcer scar was observed in the anal canal. However, cobble-stone appearance and pseudopolyposis were not present. Therefore, we clinically diagnosed him as having intestinal tuberculosis with anal fistula and prescribed antituberculosis medications. Follow-up colonoscopy performed 3 months later showed much improved multiple large irregular ulcers in the distal sigmoid colon and proximal rectum along with completely resolved anal fistula without evidence of pus discharge.

A Case of Crohn's Disease Having Normal Delivery after Infliximab Treatment during Early Pregnancy / 대한소화기학회지

Infliximab is a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha used in the treatment of steroid refractory or dependent Crohn's disease (CD). Patients with active CD are more likely to experience stillbirth, preterm labor, or small for gestational aged babies. The safety of administering infliximab in pregnant patients is not well documented. A 25-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with small bowel CD three years ago, was admitted to our hospital due to the aggravation of abdominal pain. She had been treated with mesalazine, azathioprine and intermittent steroid for three years. After admission, she did not respond to steroid therapy, we decided to try infliximab. After the administration of infliximab, epigastric pain was relived and Crohn's disease activity index score decreased significantly. However after the fourth infusion of infliximab, the patient became aware that she was ten gestational weeks old pregnancy state After then, infliximab was stopped and maintained by mesalazine. The patient gave birth to a healthy baby via normal vaginal delivery without the recurrence of CD. This case suggests that infliximab administration is safe during the early period of pregnancy. Thus, we report this case with a review of literature.

A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast in a Patient with Crohn's Disease Taking Azathioprine / 대한소화기학회지

Azathioprine (AZA) treatment in transplant or autoimmune patients and subsequent appearance squamous cell carcinomas at various sites, particularly skin and cervix, has shown a close relationship. However, it remains uncertain whether this is true for the patients with Crohn's disease. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast occurred in a 35-year-old female with Crohn's disease taking AZA. She was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease 10 years ago and has taken AZA with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) on regular follow up in gastrointestinal department for 9 years. She had no family history of breast cancer. She visited breast cancer clinic due to incidentally found right breast mass. A mastectomy on the right breast was performed and 6.3x5.5 cm mass was removed. The mass was microscopically proven to be poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with focal keratin pearl formation. At age of 25, she was first diagnosed with active Crohn's disease. 5-ASA and corticosteroid induced remission. Then, steroid was tapered off and AZA was maintained at 1 mg/kg due to leukopenia at higher dose. She stopped taking AZA at her discretion during her two pregnancies and reported total of 67 months of AZA medication on her breast cancer diagnosis.

Guidelines for the Management of Ulcerative Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. The quality of life can decreases significantly during exacerbations of the disease. The incidence and prevalence of UC in Korea are still lower than those of Western countries, but have been rapidly increasing during the past decades. Various medical and surgical therapies are currently used for the management of UC. However, many challenging issues exist and sometimes these lead to differences in practice between clinicians. Therefore, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) Study Group of Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) set out the Korean guidelines for the management of UC. These guidelines are made by the adaptation using several foreign guidelines and encompass treatment of active colitis, maintenance of remission and indication for surgery in UC. The specific recommendations are presented with the quality of evidence. These are the first Korean treatment guidelines for UC and will be revised with new evidences on treatment of UC.

Guidelines for the Management of Crohn's Disease / 대한소화기학회지

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with uncertain etiopathogenesis. CD can involve any site of gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus and is associated with serious complications such as bowel strictures, perforations, and fistula formation. The incidence and prevalence rates of CD in Korea are still lower than those of Western countries, but have been rapidly increasing during the past decades. Although there are no definitive curative modalities for CD, various medical and surgical therapies are currently applied for diverse clinical situations of CD. However, a lot of decisions on the management of CD are made depending on the personal experiences and personal dicision of physicians. To suggest preferable approaches to diverse problems of CD and to minimize the variations according to physicians, guidelines for the management of CD are needed. Therefore, IBD Study Group of the Korean Association for the Study of the Intestinal Diseases has set out to develop the guidelines for the management of CD in Korea. These guidelines were developed using the adaptation methods and encompass the treatment of inflammatory disease, stricturing disease, and penetrating disease. The guidelines also cover the indication of surgery, prevention of recurrence after surgery, and CD in pregnancy and lactation. These are the first Korean guidelines for the management of CD and the update with further scientific data and evidences is needed.