Persistent small bowel mucosal villous atrophy without symptoms in coeliac disease.

BACKGROUND: Refractory sprue with malabsorption carries a risk of lymphoma. AIM: To examine whether a good clinical but poor histological response during a strict gluten-free diet predicts a poor outcome. METHODS: The study involved all coeliac patients who showed no histological recovery within 2 years on a strict gluten-free diet. Small intestinal biopsy and bone mineral density were investigated in 2001 and clinical features were followed up until 2005. The results were compared to those in 18 coeliac patients with a good histological recovery. RESULTS: Thirteen coeliac patients had persistent small intestinal villous atrophy despite maintaining gluten-free diet. All had demonstrated a good clinical response. Osteoporosis was found in 58% and 22% of the non-responders and responders, respectively (P = 0.04). In 2005, two of the non-responders had developed symptomatic refractory sprue, one died of lymphoma and one of carcinoid tumour, and one gastric adenocarcinoma was operated. None of the 18 controls had developed refractory sprue or malignancy. The frequency of histological non-responsive disease was 1.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent villous atrophy in adult coeliac disease, even in the absence of symptoms, carries a risk of subsequent severe complications. The follow-up biopsy is important in detecting these individuals.

Effects of probiotic therapy on the activity and activation of mild rheumatoid arthritis--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-one RA patients were randomised to receive 2 capsules of LGG or a placebo twice daily in double-blind fashion for 12 months. Arthritis activity was evaluated by clinical examination, HAQ index, and laboratory tests (e.g. ESR, CRP, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the clinical parameters, biochemical variables and HAQ index between the study groups over the intervention period. The mean number of tender and swollen joints decreased from 8.3 to 4.6 in the Lactobacillus group and from 5.5 to 4.8 in the placebo group (p = 0.41). According to the global assessment the RA activity was reduced in 71% (LGG group) vs. 30% (controls) (p = 0.15). Serum IL-1 beta increased slightly in the LGG group (p = 0.07), but no differences were seen in IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO, IL-10 or 1L-12. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no statistical significant differences in the activity of RA, more subjects in the LGG group reported subjective well being. More studies on the effects of probiotic bacteria in RA are needed.

Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in very old patients: a randomized prospective trial comparing oral sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopic preparations are defectively tolerated among many very old patients and the quality of preparation is often inadequate. METHODS: Seventy-two patients aged 80 years or more were randomized to receive either NaP (37) or PEG (35) preparation. Patients' and endoscopists' opinions of the preparation and colonoscopy were ascertained, the adverse effects were recorded, clinical indicators of dehydration such as tongue dryness, upper body muscle weakness and confusion were assessed and laboratory tests were taken before and after the preparation. RESULTS: Patients' evaluations showed no significant difference regarding the tolerance of preparations. Only the frequency of nausea was higher in the NaP group (16%/9%, P = 0.01). Assessment of the indicators of dehydration showed a difference only in tongue dryness in the NaP group (P = 0.02). The quality of preparation was evaluated by endoscopists as good or excellent in 81% of cases in the NaP group and in 77% of cases in the PEG group. The median values of potassium decreased from 4.0 mmol/L to 3.7 mmol/L (P < 0.05) and of sodium increased from 142 mmol/L to 145 mmol/L (P < 0.05) after NaP preparation. CONCLUSION: Sodium phosphate and PEG preparations are almost equally tolerated and effective in very old inpatients. NaP preparations cause more changes in the levels of potassium and sodium. For those elderly patients who are vulnerable to complications caused by electrolyte disturbances we recommend PEG preparation.