Crohn's disease affecting three generations--case reports and genetic typing.

Crohn's disease, affecting three generations of a family is reported. An affected mother, an affected son, an unaffected daughter, and her affected child were evaluated by blood and HLA typing; no consistent differences among the family members were demonstrated. The significance of the HLA systems in relation to the genetic aspect of Crohn's disease is discussed. This report confirms the importance of heredity as one of several possible factors in the development of Crohn's disease.

False-positive stool occult blood tests caused by iron preparations. A controlled study and review of literature.

Stools from 10 male volunteers were tested by Hemoccult and Hematest occult blood methods after the ingestion of ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. The volunteers served as their own controls. The Hemoccult methods had 65% and 50% false-positive reactions while the Hematest had 25% and 65% false-positive reactions after ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate, respectively. In vitro testing confirmed that ferrous compounds caused a false-positive Hemoccult slide reaction. Previous studies of the effect of medicinal iron on occult blood tests are reviewed.

Anaerobic botryomycosis.

Botryomycosis ofthe liver developed in a patient receiving corticosteroid therapy. The botyromycosis was caused by Propionibacterium acnes, which grew only anaerobically. The patient was successfully treated medically and at followup is asymptomatic.