IBDAnswers

The Future of Colonoscopy?

bustagut — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:48:26 GMT

I was stunned to spot a story on the future of colonoscopy in Gizmodo a gadget blog that I read regularly. It's just not the place I find stuff to post up here. :) Apparently Invendo Medical has come up with the Invendoscopy System, a product that will...(read more)

Smoking Influences Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:10:05 GMT

A new study was recently published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggesting that smoking may determine which part of the intestine is affected by Crohn's disease. The location of the diseases will also affect the treatment and may even make...(read more)

Cookbook helps digest Crohn's diagnosis

bustagut — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:23:42 GMT

Jack Schnable, a senior who will graduate this spring from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, got together with Baron Gottsacker a chef to write a cookbook for Crohn's disease. It was a senior year project for Schnable and not for sale but I...(read more)

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to nerve damage

bustagut — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:46:53 GMT

A recent study found that folks with IBD may also be at a higher risk for developing nerve damage. The researchers found that those with inflammatory bowel disease were about four times more likely to develop neuromuscular conditions, including carpal...(read more)

Rob Hill: Scaling mountains to raise awareness

bustagut — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:01:25 GMT

I love to read stories of survivors who don't let their conditions hold them back. In this case, it would seem that Rob Hill's condition actually inspired him to dream even bigger and just go for it. This is one guy on a mission. He recently scaled the...(read more)

Acne drug may cause IBD

bustagut — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:31:40 GMT

There are about 500 individuals who are in the process of suing drug maker Hoffman-La Roche claiming that the drug Accutane is the cause of of their inflammatory bowel disease. Accutane, or isotretinoin, is considered a huge breakthrough in treatment...(read more)

Hacking Your Body's Bacteria for Better Health

bustagut — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:10:06 GMT

Here's an article from Wired about the benefits of probiotics. I found it interesting but it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. I've tried a few different probiotics in the past but haven't seen any direct personal benefit. Of course, I'm...(read more)

Benirschke seeks out stories of inspiration

bustagut — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:30:43 GMT

Here's a nice story about Rolf Benirschke. Benirschke was a placekicker for the professional football team the San Diego Chargers. He had a great career playing for 10 years and setting all kinds of records. The really astounding part is that he played...(read more)

Kids lobby Texas legislature on gutsy issue

bustagut — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:07:36 GMT

For many of sufferers of IBD it can be a pain to leave the house for fear that they won't be able to find a public restroom when the need arrives... and with IBD it often does. Some kids in Texas took it upon themselves to try an relive some of that pain...(read more)

Guanilib moves into Clinical Trials in Ulcerative Colitis

bustagut — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:24:33 GMT

Callisto Pharmaceuticals announced a few weeks back that they're feeling pretty good about Guanilib. So good, in fact, that they intend to move the drug into clinical trials in ulcerative colitis. They announced that they have new animal data that suggest...(read more)

Tequila Fruit May be Useful in Treating Colon Problems

bustagut — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:11:27 GMT

Shooters all around! Researchers in Mexico report that certain compounds found in agave fruit (the fruit used to make tequila) may be effective in treating diseases of the colon including IBD, IBS and cancer. "This study shows that the agave fruit is...(read more)

Test helps to quickly distinguish between IBD and IBS

bustagut — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:00:37 GMT

Inverness Medical recently announced that they've added the TechLab enteric panel to their portfolio. This panel of tests enables helath professionals to distinguish rapdily patients with Infalmmatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from patients with Irratable Bowel...(read more)

Pearl Jam's McCready Keeps Rocking For Crohn's

bustagut — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:43:43 GMT

I check out a lot of sites online looking for information about IBD but I never expected to find one on the Billboard web site. Yeah, that Billboard. I found this article about Pearl Jam's Mike McCready. He's done a ton of work to help the Northwest Chapter...(read more)

REMICADE Recommended For Pediatric Crohn's Disease in European Union

bustagut — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:21:45 GMT

It was recently announced that Remicade was recommended by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for use in Europe in treating severe active Crohn's disease in kids aged 6 to 17. That'll make Remicade the first therapy approved in...(read more)

Audit of IBD care in the UK shows need for improvement

bustagut — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:52:08 GMT

In a recent audit of IBD patient care in the UK they found unacceptable variations in care. Not good for a disease that affects 1 person in 400 in the UK. They found the following: 44% of sites in the UK do not have an IBD clinical nurse specialist Very...(read more)

Humira approved by FDA

bustagut — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:28:20 GMT

I just noticed that Humira was approved about a month ago for treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. That's good news for Crohn's suffers. Not only is Humira yet another alternative treatment, it's a lot easier to administer. Up until...(read more)

$300,000 Scholarship Program for Those With Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 02:31:00 GMT

Pretty nice. The pharmaceutical company UCB has introduced a scholarship for folks living with Crohn's. If you need financial help for your schooling check this out soon as the deadline is May 18, 2007. UCB, Inc. announced today the national roll out...(read more)

An Aid for Intestine Growth

bustagut — Mon, 14 Jun 2004 17:13:00 GMT

An Aid for Intestine Growth

A U.S. researcher discovered a method to cause intestines to grow back, a process that could help premature babies and people with Crohn's disease.

Kelly Tappenden at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found adding butyrate -- a short-chain fatty acid -- to intravenous nutrition solution causes regrowth and improved function of intestines.

The method would aid the 10,000 people in the U.S. who rely on IV feeding due to surgical intestine shortening, which leaves them unable to digest and absorb nutrients.

The most common surgery doctors perform on the 11.6% of babies born prematurely is removing parts of their intestines because the babies tend to develop a type of gangrene of the intestine.

Scientists long have known dietary fiber causes gut growth, but it is only effective if consumed by mouth, which IV patients cannot do. So Tappenden added a product of fiber fermentation, butyrate, to the IV solution.

http://www.preparedfoods.com/FILES/HTML/PF_newsletter186/

A Look Inside Virtual Colonoscopy

bustagut — Thu, 22 Apr 2004 02:45:00 GMT

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/kpix/20040401/lo_kpix/9626

Dr. Kim Mulvihill
Wed Mar 31, 9:13 PM ET

The prospect of a colonoscopy -- where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and threaded up the intestines -- can leave some people unwilling to get screened.

"We need another screening tool," said Dr. Judy Yee of UCSF and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. "One that is appealing and acceptable to the patients, and I think that virtual colonoscopy is that tool."

Yee says the virtual colonoscopy is faster, safer, and much easier on patients. The technique is non-invasive, using a CT scan to generate a 3D view inside the colon.

I decided to see for myself. With no symptoms, family history, or other risk factors -- except getting older -- I'm considered at average risk for colon cancer and a perfect candidate for the virtual procedure.

The first step was cleaning out my bowels.

"One of the biggest pitfalls when we're interpreting virtual colonoscopy is residual solid material that's adherent to the colonic wall," Yee said.

So I had a few days of prep: two days of a low-fat, low-fiber diet, followed by clear liquids, barium, then gastrograffin to tag any leftover material. Next was magnesium citrate.

"It's also a saline cathartic, and it draws fluid into the bowel and helps you to evacuate," Yee said.

By dawn, it was time to get scanned. Unlike the traditional colonoscopy, there's no IV and no sedation -- just a slim tube gently pumping carbon dioxide gas into my colon to keep it open. It takes just minutes to complete. All in all, a piece of cake. Then, we're off to a virtual tour of my colon.

"The Endoluminal fly-through simulates what you would see on a colonoscopy. Now I'm looking for anything protruding and here is a suspect potential lesion," Yee said.

A potential lesion or polyp, almost 12 millimeters in size. With a virtual, less than eight percent of lesions will turn out to be false alarms. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

"If this were a true polyp of this size, the typical procedure would be to perform a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy and perform a polypectomy," Yes said.

Because of the location of the suspect polyp, the next step is an invasive procedure called a sigmoidoscopy. There is a risk of bleeding or punching a hole in my colon. But first, once again, I have to clean my bowels.

In this case, the prep lasts only one day, but it's grueling. I drink a glass of a salty solution every ten minutes until the gallon is gone. It was a long night, but the salty brew did its job. After a little IV sedation, we were looking inside my colon through a flexible sigmoidoscope. It's good news -- there's no polyp.

Without a doubt, the virtual procedure is much easier. But there is always a chance of needing a second, more invasive scope to remove a polyp or prove it's just a false alarm.

Crohn's: An Infectious Disease?

bustagut — Thu, 22 Apr 2004 02:38:00 GMT

The common wisdom among the medical community is that IBD is an autoimmune disorder but a few doctors and researchers are challenging that notion with some interesting results. Some are convinced that it's more likely caused by our bodies reacting to bacteria. A similar debate raged in the medical community in the 90's around the causes of peptic ulcers until it was proven that most ulcers are indeed caused by bacteria. At any rate, the idea that IBD may be caused by bacteria has led to some interesting new treatments including probiotics or very long very high doses of antibiotics. The author of this article is also the author of an interesting new book I'm reading called, "Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health"....(read more)

New Book Describes Triumph Over Crohn's

bustagut — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 02:36:00 GMT

A new book by James Lang descibes his battle and triumph over Crohn's Disease. The book, "Learning Sickness: A Year with Crohn's Disease", is about the worst year in his life when the disease almost completely disabled him. He devotes different chapters to the many lessons he learned that year including topics about God, family, truth, and personal responsibility....(read more)

Nature and Nurture Contribute to Bowel Disease Risk

bustagut — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 02:34:00 GMT

Yet another interesting development this month from Toronto. Scientists looking for trends studied medical records dating back to 1977 of Toronto children who developed IBD before their 15th birthday. The data shows Crohn's disease has become more common than ulcerative colitis over the past two decades, with both of these diseases observed across all ethnic groups....(read more)

Diet of Worms Can Cure Bowel Disease

bustagut — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 02:31:00 GMT

The idea that parasites can actually be helpful in treating IBD has been talked about for a few years but mostly in theory or in studies that used very small samples. Well, another much larger study will soon be released that shows remarkable success in inducing remission in both Crohn's and Colitis. There is even a firm in Europe that is planning to launch a drink that could be used in treatment. This is one area of research to watch....(read more)

Canadian Researchers Isolate Gene for Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 01:54:00 GMT

Scientists continue to zero in on the causes of Crohn's. There have been a number of recent discoveries that point to specific genes that predispose people to getting Crohn's Disease. Scientists at the University of Toronto have isolated yet another. I can't say that I unerstood much of the medical geek-speak in the actual article abstract but the press release here is pretty clear. We're not there yet but we are heading in the right direction and we're one step closer....(read more)

'Brutally Honest' Art and The Life It Imitates

bustagut — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 01:45:00 GMT

The personal story of an artist. In creating, this Crohn's sufferer finds relief from the painful disease....(read more)

Bacteria basics

bustagut — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 02:32:00 GMT

Probiotics have been getting all kinds of good press lately both in the US and Europe. This recent article from The Scotsman does a great job of explaining some of the basics. It goes into the history and tries to explain some of the possible reasons behind the benefits....(read more)

Appendix Removal Does Prevent Bowel Disease

bustagut — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 02:30:00 GMT

A recent danish study shows that an appendectomy reduces the risk of getting ulcerative colitis. It also shows that once you have ulcerative colitis, removing the appendix has no effect....(read more)

Northern Californians walk for a Cure

bustagut — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 02:26:00 GMT

Don't you wish you could do a little more to help eradicate IBD? If you are anywhere near Northern California I strongly encourage you to sign up for the Pace Setter Walk coming up on May 8th in San Francisco, Palo Alto and Sacramento. I walked in the Palo Alto event last year and will definitely walk again this year. In fact, if you have the time, consider volunteering to help make the event an even bigger success than it was last year. My son and I helped out at last year's event and we had a great time. Pencil it into your schedule now before you forget....(read more)

Increased Clot Risk Found With Bowel Disease

bustagut — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 02:24:00 GMT

A new study has confirmed what had been previously suspected... that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more than three times as likely to develop blood clots in their veins....(read more)

Pearl Jam guitarist reveals his secret

bustagut — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 02:22:00 GMT

We've mentioned a couple of times that Mike McCready of the rock band Pearl Jam had come out publicly about his battle with Crohn's Disease. This story is a summary of an interview he gave recently in Seattle about his battle....(read more)

MRI Useful Tool in Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Children

bustagut — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 02:20:00 GMT

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help pediatricians better diagnose children with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. That could go a long way toward starting appropriate drug treatment earlier and possibly avoiding surgery when it's not appropriate....(read more)

Drug Benefits Patients With Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 02:18:00 GMT

A study on Remicade (known generically as infliximab) shows that it helps significantly with fistulas. If only it weren't so damn expensive, though......(read more)

Severity of Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis Linked to Increased Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia

bustagut — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 02:16:00 GMT

In a recent article in Gastroenterology a study of the effects of long-term cases of ulcerative colitis (specifically the severity of colonic inflamation) is linked to colorectal cancer....(read more)

Depression inflammatory bowel disease link

bustagut — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 02:14:00 GMT

A study published in Psychosomatic Medecine shows a clear link between depression and anxiety and flares of IBD....(read more)

Medicine: A Pill Anyone Can Stomach

bustagut — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 02:11:00 GMT

Hadassah's approach to Crohn's disease goes back 2,000 years... straight from the Talmud, which sanctions the eating of an unkosher animal to heal oneself....(read more)

Appendix B - The Specific Carbohydrate Diet

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 03:28:00 GMT

We're pretty lucky to have Laurel Garwin, a certified nutritionist, regularly attending meetings of the IBD support group I'm in (Palo Alto, CA). Recently she offered to let me post a paper she wrote on UC and Nutrition and so here it is. It's not published anywhere else so I guess that makes it an IBDanswers exclusive! She wrote the paper as the thesis for her Nutrition Consultant certification from Bauman College and it took her about 3 months to write and research. Although Laurel does not have IBD her stepmom does so it's a topic that's near and dear to her heart. In her own words: "I wanted to write it so that normal people could understand the current theories and what was going on (not that anyone really knows yet). I also wanted to give some practical advice or recommendations, and explanations as to why, so that anyone could implement without spending a fortune or doing a lot of expensive testing." If you are looking for nutrition advice, Laurel is a practicing nutrition consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area (contact info at the end of the article). She specializes in gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, weight loss, diabetes, fibromyalgia, alcoholism, and depression. (Part 3 of 3) ...(read more)

Appendix A - Clinical Definition of Leaky Gut Syndrome

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 03:26:00 GMT

Ulcerative Colitis and Nutrition

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 03:04:00 GMT

Nicotine Shows Potential as Treatment?

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 03:02:00 GMT

Doctors are looking at nicotine as a possible treatment for an array of disorders, from brain disorders to pain to intestinal problems (like Ulcerative Colitis). But don't go buy your patch yet: nicotine is addictive, toxic, and can constrict blood flow, raising one's heart rate and blood pressure. Wait for the chemists to figure this one out a little better....(read more)

Porcine Whipworm Ova Safe for Treatment of IBD

bustagut — Tue, 24 Feb 2004 04:16:00 GMT

Just what we're all waiting for: a drink of Gatorade and worms to fix our guts. But if it works? Sign me up......(read more)

5-ASA Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease No Bar to Colon Cancer

bustagut — Tue, 24 Feb 2004 03:40:00 GMT

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/467896 (Free to view, but you must sign in)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Jan 28 - Contrary to previous reports, new study findings suggest that treatment with 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) does not prevent colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

In studies in the UK and Denmark, Dr. Charles N. Bernstein and colleagues from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada note that 5-ASA use has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis and Cohn's disease. However, it is possible that patient selection bias may have influenced the results.

To investigate, the researchers report in December issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, that they compared 25 inflammatory bowel disease patients who were diagnosed with colon cancer in Manitoba between 1997 and 2000 and 348 matched patients who did not develop cancer.

The investigators suggest that the main advantage of this study was that "it is population-based and is not sampling only those subjects who present to referral centers,"

Among patients exposed to 5-ASA, the average duration of use and the daily dose were similar in each group. In fact, the researchers note that the cancer patients were more likely to have been exposed to 5-ASA than were comparison patients. However, the difference was not statistically significant.

The researchers conclude that 5-ASA does not reduce the risk of colon cancer in such patients. However, they add that further studies with a larger sample size and longer duration of use are needed to completely rule out an anti-cancer effect.

Am J Gastroenterol 2003;98:2784-2788.

Antibiotic Use a Risk Factor for Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Tue, 24 Feb 2004 03:18:00 GMT

Are antibiotics the chicken or the egg? There seems to be a link between antibiotic use and developing CD, but whether the antibiotics may be one of the factors tilting the IBD wheel in our direction remains to be seen....(read more)

JFK and Colitis

bustagut — Tue, 17 Feb 2004 04:14:00 GMT

Another famous figure who is know to have had IBD is US president John F. Kenedy. He was diagnosed with colitis in 1934 at the age of 17. He also had many other health problems including severe back pain and Addison's Disease. In this PBS interview physician Jeffrey Kelman discusses the extensive health ailments President John F. Kennedy suffered during his lifetime....(read more)

Pearl Jam guitarist talks about having Crohn's

bustagut — Tue, 17 Feb 2004 04:12:00 GMT

A story last week about Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready having Crohn's spurred me to look for a little more information. Sure enough, I found a story about his helping the Northwest Chapter of the CCFA last year with a fund raiser. He was first diagnosed at 21. He spoke for the first time publicly last year about having Crohn's and Colitis....(read more)

Researchers team up to find genetic roots for IBD

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:10:00 GMT

Researchers in Phoenix and Tucson are collaborating on a study to find the genetic roots of IBD. There has already been a connection made with one gene (NOD2) but that only accounts for about 10% of the cases of IBD so the researchers are trying to find the other genes involved. The study will look at families with two or more affected individuals, or families with a mother and father affected. If you fit the bill and are in Arizona, this sure does look like a worthwhile study....(read more)

Pearl Jam's McCready helps CCFA in Seattle

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:08:00 GMT

I had heard that Pearl Jam's lead guitarist Mike McCready had IBD but this is the first story I have come across about it. I think it's pretty cool that he's donating his name and his time to help the CCFA. Of course if you're in the Seattle area I encourage you to get your tickets early....(read more)

Probiotic VSL#3 Maintains Remission from Pouchitis

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:06:00 GMT

I've heard many good things about the probiotic VSL#3. This is more good news for people having problems with pouchitis. In a new study in Gut VSL#3 appeared to do pretty good job helping to control pouchitis and generally improving the quality of life of UC patients with pouchitis. Warning: This is a press release so it may be biased and omit some of the negative bits....(read more)

New Book Focuses on Probiotics

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:04:00 GMT

A new book entitled Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health has been published that dives into the details of probiotics. It describes clinical trials in which these supplements have been used to prevent and treat Crohn's disease, colitis, diarrhea, vaginal infections, food allergies, eczema, and more. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that have been used to treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases, as well as illnesses that affect the immune system....(read more)

Good bugs getting more notice

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:02:00 GMT

Probiotics have been getting more and more good press lately. In this story researchers say friendly bacteria can improve intestinal functioning and may be a source of treatment for a range of diseases including IBD. I wish there was a little more regulation in the area, though. One of the researchers in the story claims that many of the probiotics on the market don't actually contain all the bacteria they claim to....(read more)

Protein marker may signal colon cancer

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 04:00:00 GMT

High blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein linked to heart attacks, might also be an early warning sign of colon cancer, a study found. People with diseases involving chronic intestinal inflammation, including ulcerative colitis, are known to face an increased colon cancer risk, and studies have shown that aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce that risk....(read more)

Bacterial DNA Reduces Inflammation in Mice

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 03:33:00 GMT

Knowing how probiotics work could give scientists a way to identify and select which probiotic bacteria might be effective against such human ailments as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotics have shown promise for treating such IBDs as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause periodic intestinal inflammation....(read more)

Calcium Superchargers

bustagut — Wed, 11 Feb 2004 02:49:00 GMT

Dairy products, such as yogurt, can be supplemented with odd sugars called nondigestible oligosaccharides. Their large fiberlike molecules seem to enhance the body's absorption of bone-building calcium. This has just a brief mention that it might be beneficial to UCers or to those at risk of colon cancer for other [non-specified] reasons. It may be marketed differently in Europe (where they are more interested in intestinal health) versus US (where bone health/calcium is a better selling point). Both these benfits are a bonus for IBDers....(read more)

New intestinal disease charted by Swedish researcher

bustagut — Mon, 02 Feb 2004 03:58:00 GMT

A Swedish researcher has discovered a new form of inflammatory intestinal disease called Microscopic Colitis. It appears to be hard to spot but is, in fact, quite common. I have no idea how it relates to IBD but it does appear to have some differences (it shows signs of being an infectious disease, for instance)....(read more)

Experts go bananas to find disease cure

bustagut — Mon, 02 Feb 2004 03:57:00 GMT

I always wonder what makes researcher head down the paths they do. Sometimes it seems like organized madness but if it leads to a more and better treatments for IBD I'm all for it. The latest thought is that plantain bananas contain an interesting protein that prevents bacteria gathering in the lining of the bowel. It's not even a product yet let alone being in clinical trials so it'll take a good long while before we see any results from this discovery....(read more)

Depression May Affect Bowel Disease Relapse

bustagut — Mon, 02 Feb 2004 03:55:00 GMT

I'd heard that there was a probable link between stress and IBD so I found this recent study interesting in that it found a significant link between depression and relapse in IBD....(read more)

A Novel Treatment For Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 18:08:00 GMT

http://cbsnewyork.com/investigates/local_story_021161232.html

Jan 21, 2004

Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel ailment, is debilitating. Symptoms include recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. CBS 2's Michael Pomeranz reports on a novel approach to treating the disease that often strikes in the prime of life.

Emily Bishko was in her junior year of college when she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. "I was concerned I wasn't gonna finish school. I was concerned about all of these issues."

Then she entered a Crohn's Phase 2 clinical trial to test Leukine, a drug normally used to build up the immune systems of cancer patients going through chemotherapy. "After taking the medicine I felt like there was no problem anymore," she recalls.

"Leukine has the unique ability, it's the only drug of its class that I know of, that does actually affect white blood cells by improving their activity and enhancing the number of white cells in the system," explains Dr. Michael Epstein.

Until now doctors have used drugs to suppress an overactive immune system thought to be involved in Crohn's disease. It's not clear why doing the reverse and stimulating the immune system with daily Leukine injections keeps Crohn's symptoms at bay.

"Some of the theories evolved around it being the ability of those white blood cells to recognize bacteria and clear these bacteria and not to be overactive in that sense," Dr. Epstein says.

About 80 percent of patients in the Leukine study showed improvement. Over half, including Emily, went into full remission. "It had long-term benefits. I believe after the twelve weeks I remained healthy, symptom free for about say like two to three years."

A larger clinical study is underway at sites around the country.

'Tis The Season - A Prescription for Joy

bustagut — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 03:16:00 GMT

There are an awful lot of people out there who are not as fortunate as I am and could use some comfort or a helping hand. This story of a New York girl, sick and home-bound with Crohn's Disease, receiving gifts from Marines and their Toys for Tots program kind of brought the point home for me. I hope you had a happy and healthy holiday....(read more)

'Camera Pill' Promising For Diagnosis Of Small Bowel Disease

bustagut — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 02:51:00 GMT

For those of us that have had colonoscopies it might come as a suprise that the scope can only go so far and that there are parts of the small bowel that are just out reach meaning that it's sometimes difficult to diagnose problems. Capsule Endoscopy looks really interesting and will make it easier to have a look at parts of the digestive track that could not previously be seen. As study was published the latest issue of Radiology (I read 'em all, folks ;) ) looks at the effectiveness of this new technique....(read more)

Yet another TNF-alpha drug comes closer to market

bustagut — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 03:14:00 GMT

Celltech announced recently that they were moving ahead with Phase III studies of their drug CDP870 which targets TNF-alpha (much like Remicade does). We probably won't see the results of this until 2005 but a successful trial would certainly be good news for Crohn's patients. Remicade is currently the only drug approved by the US FDA in this area and as a result it tends to be very expensive. Another positive is that CDP870 is injected rather than applied via infusion like Remicade....(read more)

When the Body Attacks Itself

bustagut — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 03:11:00 GMT

Until recently, autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, scleroderma, diabetes type I, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary bilary cirrhosis) were treated as separate conditions. But scientists have come to see them as related. In all of them, the immune system attacks the cells, tissues or organs it normally protects. What links these illnesses? Autoimmune disorders, which strike about three times as many women as men, have common symptoms. That may be the key to treating them....(read more)

Red Badge of Courage

bustagut — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 03:03:00 GMT

Taylor Barton's dedication to football's play-through-pain ethos nearly kills him. The personal story of this college football players struggle with colitis and his fight to regain a normal life....(read more)

Chilling Theory on Bowel Disease

bustagut — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 02:58:00 GMT

Studies of the contents of Crohn's disease "lesions" inside the gut found traces of Yersinia and Listeria, two bacteria that grow in colder temperatures. This may point to the possibility that some kind of inappropriate immune response to these bacteria may trigger or worsen Crohn's - and say that the role of the fridge in exposing consumers to larger concentrations of them could be historically important. However, the researchers conceded that the benefits of refrigeration both at home and in food production far outweighed the risk of Crohn's should their theory be proven true....(read more)

Bone Loss in Patients with Crohn's Disease Not Due to Corticosteroid Use

bustagut — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 02:41:00 GMT

Osteopenia (i.e. osteoporosis/bone loss) in Crohn's patients is often associated with the heavy use of steroids. This article discusses a Canadian study that looked at just that and found that steroid use is not the culprit.

"Patients with Crohn's disease have a reduced bone mineral density, which is due not simply to steroids, but is significantly correlated with disease duration." He also adds that "the chronic inflammatory process and the nature of the disease itself are important with respect to loss of bone mineral density and need further exploration. "...(read more)

Teenager Thanks Unknown Blood Donor For Saving Her Life

bustagut — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 02:55:00 GMT

Have you donated blood recently? The Red Cross is having trouble keeping the blood supply up to the required levels this year because of the flu epidemic, holidays, bad weather and travel schedules, and January annually goes on record as being one of the slowest donation periods. This story caught my eye because of the IBD angle. It made me think about making a blood donation soon....(read more)

Starch Blockers Aren't Magic Pills

bustagut — Wed, 31 Dec 2003 02:52:00 GMT

Starch Blockers have been getting a good deal of press coverage lately. This article does a good job of covering the basics. If you are taking these or are thinking about it, note the warning for IBD patients at the end....(read more)

"Virtual Colonoscopy" Done Without Bowel Cleansing in Children

bustagut — Fri, 26 Dec 2003 03:32:00 GMT

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256DF600802013?OpenDocument&c=Diagnostic%20Radiology&count=10

By W. A. Thomasson, PhD

CHICAGO, IL -- December 8, 2003 -- "Virtual colonoscopy" with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease in children can be done without the usual cleansing to free the bowel of ***. This was the conclusion of a study presented here December 5th at the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

Faeces are normally bright on MRI due to their magnesium content, thus interfering with visualisation of the colon and its lumen. Pasquale Paolantonio, MD, and his colleagues at the University of Rome "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy, avoid this problem by having patients take 150 ml of highly concentrated barium sulfate with every major meal for 3 days. A diet high in iron is also prescribed for this period. When the colon is then distended with a water enema for the colonoscopy procedure, the entire lumen is dark: Tagging with barium sulfate renders the faeces, although present, effectively invisible to the imaging device.

Dr. Paolantonio and his colleagues demonstrated this technique in 10 children, aged 5 to 16 years, with inflammatory bowel disease. All subjects tolerated the procedure well, and, in all cases, the faeces were completely tagged and invisible on MRI. Residual air did not cause significant problems, and the software employed handled all motion artifacts without difficulty.

As Dr. Paolantonio demonstrated during his presentation, image quality was entirely adequate to identify ulcerative colitis in 7 subjects and Crohn's disease in 3. Thickening of the colonic wall, pseudopolyps of the mucosa, loss of haustral folds, and parietal enhancement could all be demonstrated. Dr. Paolantonio indicated that the ability to define thickening of the colonic wall and extension of inflammation would allow patients to be monitored on this basis. Improved patient compliance renders it a highly promising technique.

[Study Title: Unprepared MR Colonography in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Abstract T11-1479]

Two Important Discoveries in the Genetics of IBD

bustagut — Fri, 26 Dec 2003 02:50:00 GMT

A couple of studies have been released that should help unravel the complex genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In addition to the NOD2 gene that was linked to IBD in 2001, researchers have now also found that the NFKB1 and MDR1 genes are strongly linked with IBD. "Taken together, these new discoveries combine with the original NOD2 gene discovery and will hopefully lead to ways to intervene and possibly prevent IBD from occurring." Now that would be cool!...(read more)

Empowered Play

bustagut — Fri, 26 Dec 2003 02:47:00 GMT

Professional hockey player Anthony DiPalma has overcome the odds by pursuing a pro hockey career despite Crohn's disease....(read more)

Crohn's Disease: The Cold Chain Hypothesis

bustagut — Thu, 25 Dec 2003 02:44:00 GMT

Refrigeration may lead to increases in cold bacteria growth. The bacteria may be a factor in the development of Crohn's Disease in individuals with a abnormal immune system response. This is a link to the original article published discussing the link between Crohn's and refrigeration....(read more)

The Road to Wellness is Paved with Good Intestines

bustagut — Tue, 23 Dec 2003 02:41:00 GMT

This article was submitted by a site member (Thanks Colleen). I found it an interesting read even if I don't quite believe all of it. (Colonics are not my bag). The article is a transcript of an audio tape on the topic of Leaky Gut and Proper Bowel Functioning by Brenda Watson. It's a pretty good introduction into how the colon functions....(read more)

'Twas the Night Before an IBD Christmas

bustagut — Sun, 07 Dec 2003 02:38:00 GMT

The classic Christmas poem with an IBD twist. A bunch of us chuckled over this one at a recent IBD support group meeting and I just had to post it for others to enjoy....(read more)

Biogen puts its formula to test

bustagut — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 03:38:00 GMT

Biogen chief executive Jim Mullen knows what it's like to be faced with an empty pipeline. In October 1999, he was back in Boston after a stint with the company in Paris when Biogen revived some devastating news....(read more)

Barbara Bush helps raise IBD awareness

bustagut — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 03:35:00 GMT

Mother of US president George W. Bush and wife of former president George Bush is helping to raise public awareness about IBD....(read more)

Environment Plays Role in Bowel Problems

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:15:00 GMT

Reuters reports on a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics about the ever increasing cases of IBD in children. The study points to changing environmental factors as being involved. They also point out that IBD in children is at an all time high and draw parallels with a dramtic increase in asthma....(read more)

From Death's Bed to the Fastest-Growing Whole Foods Supplement Company in America

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:11:00 GMT

I hate to publish such obvious commericial press releases but I found this one interesting. Even if I'm skeptical of some of the claims regarding the products, the story reminds me a bit of mine and so I guess it hit home. The press release tells the story of how this young man went from 180 lbs to 100 lbs and went from doctor to doctor looking for relief from an extreme case of Crohn's disease. He was finally sent home to die but instead made an incredible recovery. I guess I just like happy endings....(read more)

Reuters: Tiny water-borne bugs could be allergen

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:09:00 GMT

A water-borne animal may be causing alergic reactions and may be a trigger for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis....(read more)

Reuters: Study supports using camera pill to explore bowels

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:07:00 GMT

A new pill-sized camera is touted in this article as being superior to a number of traditional methods for examining the bowel....(read more)

Reuters: Bowel disease more common after appendectomy

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:06:00 GMT

A new study finds a link between appendicitis and Crohn's disease....(read more)

New Therapy for Crohn's, MS Has Promise

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:04:00 GMT

A new genetically engineered drug (Natalizumab) has been found to be effective against autoimmune disorders (including Crohn's disease) in a couple of trials in the UK....(read more)

MSN Health: Business Trips Cause Stress at Home

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:01:00 GMT

This article talks about some of the results of stress specifically related to travel. It mentions IBD as having been directly linked with psychological stress....(read more)

New camera that is swallowable lets physicians see what was unseeable

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:59:00 GMT

For those of us who have had to cleanse before a colonoscopy, here's an interesting story about new technology that could one day make that a thing of the past....(read more)

Eating Well Despite Bowel Disease

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:57:00 GMT

It can often be a chore to eat healthy without exascerbating your IBD symptoms. This article goes into some detail about some of the many misconceptions about diet that IBD patients may have. I know I learned a lot....(read more)

Subway Launches Sixth Annual SUBWAY Day for CHILD

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:55:00 GMT

Subway of British Columbia, Canada is holding a major fund-raiser for kids with IBD....(read more)

Reuters: Unique Marker For Neutrophil Activation in Ulcerative Colitis Identified

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:53:00 GMT

Human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) appears to be a marker for local neutrophil activation in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), according to a recent report by Swedish researchers....(read more)

AP: Growth Hormone May Help Colitis

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 03:22:00 GMT

A genetically engineered growth hormone may be a powerful new weapon against ulcerative colitis, a hard-to-control ailment affecting an estimated 500,000 Americans, a study suggests....(read more)

AP: Crohn's Disease Drug Researched

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 03:20:00 GMT

This Associated Press article talks about the results from a large study of Crohn's patients. It looks specifically at how Remicade is effective at inducing long-term remission in severe Crohn's patients....(read more)

Corson quits pro hockey after bout with colitis

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 03:00:00 GMT

Star hockey player Shayne Corson of the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that he was retiring from professional hockey earlier this year. Corson has long suffered from Ulcerative Colitis having been diagnosed at 15....(read more)

Carrie's battle

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 02:56:00 GMT

In this piece from the UK Carrie Grant tells the story of her 20-year battle with Crohn's....(read more)

Bupropion May Aid Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 02:47:00 GMT

The drug Bupropion has been found to lower levels of TNF (kinda like Remicade does, I guess) in a small initial study presented recently at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (yes, we read 'em all, folks :) ). Bupropion is a drug primarily for psychiatric conditions. A quick Google on Bupriopion shows it to be used as an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and to help quit smoking (Zyban). I also found that it has a whole list of possible side effects. I think I'll wait for a much bigger study before jumping on this one....(read more)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield approve use of Capsule Endoscopy

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 02:39:00 GMT

For those of us that have had the discomfort of having a colonoscopy or endoscopy and wish there were an easier way, this is good news. Although Capsule Endoscopy can't yet replace a colonoscopy it would certainly appear to be headed in that direction. With this latest development Blue Cross Blue Shield now approve the use of this procedure when conventional methods have not been effective.

Capsule Endoscopy is a relativly new procedure that enables a doctor to examine the three portions (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) of the small intestine. The patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized video capsule as an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source. While the video capsule travels through the patient's body, images are sent to a datarecorder worn on a waistbelt. Afterwards the doctor may view the images on a video monitor....(read more)

NPR: Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 02:35:00 GMT

This audio report from NPR talks about a contraversial therapy for Crohn's Disease. It investigates a couple of doctors in the UK and Florida that believe that Crohn's is triggered by a bacteria called MAP and treat it using massive doses of antibiotics....(read more)

Study Links Crohn's Disease to Milk Bug

bustagut — Sat, 22 Nov 2003 02:32:00 GMT

British scientists have found a link between Crohn's Disease and a type of bacteria that can be passed to humans in milk....(read more)

Inflamed Colon Improves with Special Enema

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:50:00 GMT

Enemas that contain a substance known as epidermal growth factor, or EGF, seem to reduce the severity of inflammatory diseases of the colon or rectum....(read more)

Kids MD - Inflammatory Bowel Disease

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:48:00 GMT

Some interesting stats and good advice for kids with IBD....(read more)

Not for Women Only: Osteoporosis in Men

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:46:00 GMT

Think osteoporosis only affects women? Think again. NIH data suggests 1-2 million men in the US have osteoporosis, and an additional 8-13 million have low bone mass, with prevalence among white males. Few realize their risk for osteporosis-realted fracture is greater than their risk for prostate cancer....(read more)

Reuters: Crohn's Treatment Restores Gut Barrier

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:43:00 GMT

New research describing Crohn's effect on the lining of the gut and how infusions of infliximab (Remicade) can be a helpful treatment....(read more)

FDA Approves REMICADE(R) (infliximab) for Long-Term Use in Fistulizing Crohn's Patients Using 8-Week Maintenance Dosing

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:41:00 GMT

Approval Follows Priority Review and Establishes Increased Role for REMICADE in Crohn's Disease Maintenance...(read more)

Strong Self-Image Helps Kids With Bowel Disease

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:37:00 GMT

They can be prone to social and emotional problems...(read more)

Paratuberculosis And Crohn's Disease: Got Milk?

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:25:00 GMT

An interesting and somewhat disturbing article on MAP....(read more)

Steroids for Bowel Disease Up Fracture Risk

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:22:00 GMT

More bad news for Crohn's patients on Prednisone. Researchers in Canada have found that Crohn's patients on corticosteroids have a much higher risk of fracturing bones. Good news for colitis patients though, as there was no correlation for patients with colitis....(read more)

Experimental Transplant

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:21:00 GMT

A Las Vegas teen who lost 50 pounds hopes a stem cell operation will help him to combat Crohn's disease....(read more)

WSJ: Theory for Root Cause of Crohn's Gains Support

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:18:00 GMT

The Wall Street Journal reports in this story that two scientists in St. Louis are studying the possibility that the cause of Crohn's disease is an inadequate immune response. They say a defect in the body's initial response to bacteria causes infection to get out of control, forcing the second-line responders in the immune system to go into overdrive....(read more)

When finding relief means breaking the law

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:16:00 GMT

As medical-marijuana bills advance, a Crohn's patient describes her suffering....(read more)

Protein Identified May Play Central Role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:13:00 GMT

There's some good news coming out of the University of Virginia Health System about a new study that clearly links a protein called TL1A with IBD. It's just a small initial study so it's a long way from benefiting current sufferers but I found it very encouraging and it'll be interesting to see where it goes from here. (Warning: This is a press release and it's primarily written for doctors so there's lots of incomprehensible pompous medical gobbledegook)...(read more)

Abbott Laboratories Expands HUMIRA(R) (adalimumab) Clinical Trial Program In Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:12:00 GMT

http://abbott.com/news/press_release.cfm?id=620

Abbott Park, Illinois, September, 29, 2003 — Abbott Laboratories announced today the expansion of its immunology clinical trials program to include an additional Phase III study evaluating the potential of HUMIRA® (adalimumab) in Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which a human protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), has been suggested to play a role in the disease development. Data from clinical studies suggest that treatments that inhibit TNF-α may be effective in these disease states. HUMIRA, which is a human monoclonal antibody that resembles antibodies normally found in the body, works by specifically blocking TNF-α.

"Abbott is committed to exploring the full therapeutic potential of HUMIRA," said Jim Lefkowith, M.D., divisional vice president, Immunosciences Development, Abbott Laboratories. "Based on the recent approval of HUMIRA for rheumatoid arthritis, we're excited to be expanding programs that will help us understand the effect of HUMIRA in other autoimmune diseases, in addition to our continued programs in rheumatoid arthritis."

Crohn's Disease

A Phase III study has been initiated that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of HUMIRA in the induction and maintenance of clinical remission in subjects with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. Patients in the trial will be randomized to receive HUMIRA or placebo and response to treatments will be measured according to the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score. The CDAI is a commonly used tool that measures factors such as weight loss and abdominal pain. This study is in addition to the Phase III Crohn's study initiated in 2002.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, usually beginning in late childhood or early adulthood. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and in some cases rectal bleeding.

"Patients with Crohn's disease experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms because of an inflammatory response in the intestinal tract," said William Sandborn, M.D., professor of medicine, Mayo Medical School. "These patients have limited treatment options today. This trial is designed to assess the long-term effects of HUMIRA on disease activity."

More information about HUMIRA clinical trials can be obtained by calling Abbott Medical Information at 1-800-633-9110.

Important Safety Information

Cases of tuberculosis (TB), frequently disseminated or extra pulmonary at clinical presentation, have been observed in patients receiving HUMIRA. Serious infections and sepsis, including fatalities, have been reported with the use of TNF-blocking agents, including HUMIRA. Many of these infections occurred in patients on concomitant immunosuppressive therapy that in addition to their underlying disease could predispose them to infections. Other invasive opportunistic fungal infections have also been observed in patients treated with TNF-blocking agents, including HUMIRA.

TNF-blocking agents, including HUMIRA, have been associated in rare cases with exacerbation of demyelinating disease. The most frequent adverse events seen in the placebo-controlled clinical trials (HUMIRA vs. placebo) were upper respiratory infection (17 percent vs. 13 percent), injection site pain (12 percent vs. 12 percent), headache (12 percent vs. 8 percent), rash (12 percent vs. 6 percent) and sinusitis (11 percent vs. 9 percent). Discontinuations due to adverse events were 7 percent for HUMIRA and 4 percent for placebo. As with any treatment program, the benefits and risks of HUMIRA should be carefully considered before initiating therapy.

About HUMIRA

HUMIRA is the first human monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the signs and symptoms and inhibiting the progression of structural damage in adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had insufficient response to one or more traditional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other DMARDs. HUMIRA was created using phage display technology, resulting in an antibody with human-derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:K constant regions.

Clinical trials are also currently underway evaluating the potential of HUMIRA in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and early RA.

HUMIRA was discovered through a broad scientific collaboration between Abbott and Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT). As part of the collaboration, Abbott had the right to select several target antigens for which a joint Abbott/CAT research team would discover human antibody therapeutics. HUMIRA was isolated and optimized by Abbott and CAT as part of this collaboration. Abbott owns exclusive worldwide rights to HUMIRA, including responsibility for clinical development, manufacturing, sales and marketing. Abbott will book all revenues for HUMIRA, and CAT will receive a royalty fee based on HUMIRA sales.

Earlier this month, the European Commission granted marketing authorization to HUMIRA for the treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With E.U. marketing authorization, HUMIRA became the first human monoclonal antibody approved in Europe for RA, and the first tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) antagonist approved with an indication for use with methotrexate or as monotherapy. HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients when the response to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, has been inadequate.

Abbott's Commitment to Immunology

Abbott Laboratories is committed to the discovery and development of innovative treatments for immunologic diseases. Founded in 1989, the Abbott Bioresearch Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a world-class discovery and basic research facility committed to finding new treatments for autoimmune diseases. Abbott Bioresearch Center employs leading-edge technologies, discovery and manufacturing processes, including proprietary phage antibody display technology, and mammalian cell expression systems to produce human monoclonal antibodies.

More information about Abbott Immunology and HUMIRA, including full prescribing information, is available on the Web sites, www.abbottimmunology.com and www.HUMIRA.com, or by calling Abbott Medical Information at 1-800-633-9110.

Patients interested in more information about RA can visit www.RA.com.

About Abbott

Abbott Laboratories is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, nutritionals, and medical products, including devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 70,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. In 2002, the company's sales were $17.7 billion.

A New Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis and a New Blood Test for Monitoring

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:04:00 GMT

Distal ulcerative colitis (UC) of the rectum, sigmoid and/or descending colon can be very difficult to treat. Nearly one-quarter of these patients require potent immunosuppressive drugs, such as 6-MP/azathioprine or cyclosporine. Because the inflammation in the rectal area is often severe, patients complain of rectal pain, bleeding and urgency to go to the bathroom. Typical treatment for this condition involves suppositories, foam or enema, which patients sometime have to use two or three times each day.

Rectal therapy in combination with oral mesalamine has been the most effective treatment for distal UC. In this month’s New England Journal of Medicine, researchers studied the effects of a new medication - epidermal growth factor - delivered in enemas. Patients had mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis involving the left side of the colon or just the rectum.

Epidermal growth factor is a protein that stimulates the body to heal wounds. It is effective in healing skin wounds and is also effective for severe bowel inflammation, including a severe disease seen in premature infants called "necrotizing enterocolitis."

In this study, 12 patients with distal UC received epidermal growth factor (EGF) enemas and oral mesalamine, while 12 patients received placebo enemas and oral mesalamine. After two weeks of daily treatment, 10 of the 12 patients who received EGF enemas went into remission, while only 1 of the 12 patients who received placebo enemas went into remission. Even though this study had a small number of patients, the results are encouraging. Hopefully, this new medicine will prove just as effective in the larger trials that are now sure to be done [1].

The next exciting article published this month involves a new way of monitoring levels of 6-MP and azathioprine therapy. It is very important that a large enough dose of these drugs are given, as smaller doses often don’t work. There are blood tests to measure levels of the breakdown products of 6-MP/azathioprine, which can determine whether the drug levels are high enough to work. However, these tests remain expensive, and some insurance companies won’t cover them. In this month’s Inflammatory Bowel Diseases journal, researchers discovered a new way to monitor the effectiveness of these drugs. They evaluated 166 patients who were taking 6-MP or azathioprine (AZA) and looked at their blood levels of 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN). High 6-TGN levels will ensure that 6-MP/azathioprine are working. The researchers found that the size of patients’ red blood cells correlates with 6-TGN levels. They found that the size of the red blood cell increases as the 6-TGN level becomes therapeutic. It may only be necessary to measure the size of red blood cells, a simple, inexpensive test, and not the actual 6-TGN level. If this is true, a lot of money could be saved, and it would be easy to predict whether 6-MP/AZA will or will not be effective [2].

References:

Sinha A, Nightingale J, West KP, Berlanga-Acosta J, Playford RJ. Epidermal growth factor enemas with oral mesalamine for mild-to-moderate left-sided ulcerative colitis or proctitis. New England Journal of Medicine 2003;349:350-7.

Thomas CW, Lowry PW, Franklin CL, Weaver AL, Myhre GM, Mays DC, Tremaine WJ, Lipsky JJ, Sandborn WJ. Erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume as a surrogate marker for 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentration monitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine or 6-MP. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2003; 9(4):237-245.

A 'monstrous' drug hurdle

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 18:01:00 GMT

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~33~1667850,00.html

By Jennifer Beauprez
Denver Post Business Writer

A Colorado company says it has found a highly effective treatment for cancer, but getting the drug to market will mean erasing the images of horrific birth defects the medication caused decades ago. Boulder-based Pharmion Corp. is staking millions of dollars to bring thalidomide, once called "the monstrous wonder drug," back to Europe, this time to kill a form of cancer.

But the drug has a dark past, causing 10,000 to 12,000 children to be born with flipperlike limbs in the 1960s to women who took the drug to ease morning sickness.

Pharmion's chief challenge: The vast majority of those birth defects occurred in the company's two biggest markets, the United Kingdom and Germany.

"The history of this drug keeps going on and on," said Trent Stephens, an Idaho State University anatomy professor who wrote "Dark Remedy," a book on thalidomide. "It should have never seen the light of day."

Today, scientists believe the drug could help wipe out cancer, Crohn's disease, arthritis and AIDS.

Pharmion has multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in its sights and will finance its plans with an $86.2 million initial public offering. The company Friday set a possible price of $14 to $16 per share for the stock, but as of Tuesday's market close it had not begun to trade.

Pharmion executives declined to be interviewed for this story, citing a "quiet period."

Pharmion licenses existing drugs that other companies do not want or can't afford to market. The company has licensed two other drugs besides thalidomide.

In the United States, the drug has proved to be a powerful treatment for multiple myeloma.

"It does attack cancer. It put me in remission," said Geraldine Ferraro. The former Democratic vice-presidential candidate was told she would live three years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1998.

New Jersey-based Celgene Corp. sells thalidomide in the United States on a limited basis to doctors, and there are strict rules governing the drug's use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved thalidomide only to treat leprosy but allows the "off-label use" of the drug for cancer if there is scientific data that it's a safe and effective therapy.

Pharmion licensed the European marketing rights to thalidomide from Celgene three years ago and hopes to implement similar rules for its use.

But Ferraro and others fear distribution won't be closely monitored in other countries.

"You don't have the same FDA requirements (in Europe) that you have here," Ferraro said. "I would be extremely cautious."

In 1996, 37 thalidomide babies were born in Brazil; some clinicians speculate their mothers could not read the drug labels. Some researchers also fear that men taking thalidomide may pass on the birth-defect-causing effects of the drug if they impregnate a woman.

"If a tragedy happens, we want to be sure the responsible people all take care of the victims," said Mercedes Benegbi, who runs the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada.

Thalidomide first emerged in 1958, when drug companies raced to replicate the success of penicillin. The drug showed low toxicity in rats and acted like a sleeping pill.

But in reality, the drug did more than make people drowsy.

By 1960, German maker Chemie Grunenthal was outselling competitors 5-to-1, promoting thalidomide as a remedy for morning sickness. The United States and the Soviet Union were among the few countries that did not allow the drug's use.

The next year, babies began to be born with no arms, no ears, no legs or with short, finlike limbs. Thousands were born in Germany, where Chemie Grunenthal patented the drug.

Manufacturers recalled the drug in late 1961; England banned its use in 1962

The drug returned to medical protocols two years later, when a leprosy patient arrived at Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem in so much pain that he had not slept in 72 hours. His doctor found a bottle of thalidomide in a hospital storage closet and administered a dose. The patient slept for 24 hours and awoke to find his painful lesions healed.

By 1965, the World Health Organization had concluded that thalidomide's anti-inflammatory properties offered a 99 percent cure rate for leprosy, Stephens said.

Two decades later, HIV patients started importing black-market thalidomide from South America to treat AIDS-related ulcers and weight loss.

The spotlight hit thalidomide again in 1994, when research suggested the drug could stop new blood-vessel formation in cancer cells and tumors.

Today, 173 clinical trials are underway to test thalidomide's effect on myriad diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, lupus, HIV and tuberculosis.

Pharmion will pour $8 million into clinical trials for five kinds of cancer, including colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, the most common kind of kidney cancer.

Last month, Australian drug regulators approved Pharmion's bid to use thalidomide there to treat cancer. Now Pharmion is pushing regulators in a number of other countries to do the same.

The company licensed thalidomide from Celgene, but also from U.K.-based Penn Pharmaceutical. Pharmion estimates some 70,000 people in Australia and Europe suffer from multiple myeloma, and doctors diagnose 22,000 new cases there each year.

In just the past few months, Pharmion has increased its lock on selling to those patients.

Chemie Grunenthal discontinued sales of the drug in Europe. And last spring, Pharmion paid $5.5 million to buy Laphal Developpement, a French thalidomide maker that distributes the drug in France and Belgium.

In June, Pharmion also took over thalidomide sales in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark after Penn Pharmaceuticals stopped distributing the drug there.

Getting past the stigma of thalidomide won't be easy.

"Twelve thousand babies in 46 countries were affected by this. I don't think many people have forgotten about that," said Mark Okafor, a doctor of pharmacy doing research at Purdue University who has followed thalidomide's development. "But if this thing should become official again, I can see so many clinicians jumping on the bandwagon again."

They did in the United States. In the first six months of this year, Celgene generated $101 million in U.S. sales, up from $119 million in all of 2002.

Despite its potential, the long-term impact of thalidomide remains unknown, Okafor said.

The drug has caused numbness in toes and fingers of many leprosy patients, which some fear may be an indication of long-term neurological complications.

"This has great potential to do good in medicine," said Okafor. "But thalidomide is still a mystery. There is so much unknown about it."

Appendectomy helps bowel health

bustagut — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 03:24:00 GMT

A study out of Australia shows that apparently people who have had their appendicies removed have less chance of developing IBD. It's a large study with 600 IBD patients and 1000 twins without the problem. No details are given on how significant the difference is but it does sound interesting....(read more)

A chronic pain

bustagut — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 03:43:00 GMT

http://www.kstatecollegian.com/stories/110403/new_pain.shtml

Stephani Edington
Kansas State Collegian

Imagine waking up with a blinding pain in your abdomen that is so bad, you can't even get out of bed. You lay there, praying for it to go away, but there is no release.

Cheryl Mueller, freshman in elementary education, has days like these. Mueller has a chronic illness called Crohn's disease.

"Crohn's disease affects the intestinal region," she said. "They have no idea what the cause is, and they have no idea how to fix it or cure it."

Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease, said Sherri Lee, Registered Nurse at the Cotton O'Neil Clinic in Topeka.

"It's an abnormal immune response," she said. "It is thought that it can be inherited, but there's no clear-cut causal factor -- it's an auto-immune response, like when you have hay fever."

The symptoms are very uncomfortable, Lee said.

"The symptoms can include loose, watery stool, lower abdominal pain, cramping, fever and rectal bleeding," she said. "The treatment is an auto-immune suppressant. The medicines we use help to suppress the inflammatory response of the disease, which in turn relieves the symptoms. In extreme cases, patients have to have part of the bowel removed if it's diseased, which is called an anastomosis."

Crohn's is a lifelong disease and those who have it must try to keep it from flaring up, Lee said.

"Stress may cause a flare-up, but, for the most part, patients can live a normal life," she said.

Although she has a chronic illness, Mueller said it does not effect her on a daily basis.

"I can wake up most mornings and feel fine," she said. "There will be some mornings, though, where I can't get out of bed. I just lay there holding my stomach because I'm in so much pain."

There are a lot of students with chronic illnesses at K-State, said Gretchen Holden, director of disability support services.

"Students with chronic health impairments are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed in 1990," she said. "Students come to our office to talk about what accommodations would be appropriate for them. If there is a student with rheumatoid arthritis that can't climb stairs, we can move class to a place with an elevator."

Other accommodations have been made, Holden said.

"We had a student with cystic fibrosis who couldn't take evening tests, so we gave her those tests here in the afternoon," she said "We have helped a student with a sleep disorder to take afternoon classes."

The Americans with Disabilities Act wants universities to work on a case-by-case basis, Holden said.

"A student can come in and we can talk and figure out what would be useful for them," she said. "We encourage students to let teachers know and encourage a flexible attendance policy, if it's feasible."

Disability support services has helped students with Crohn's disease before, Holden said.

"We have written letters to ask instructor to help students to be seated by a door so that if they need to leave, they could do so easily," she said.

Mueller said she had a lot of problems adjusting when she started college.

"When I came to K-State, I had a lot of problems with the Derb food," she said. "I'm not used to eating all that fatty food that's not good for me. It took a lot of getting used to."

Mueller said her diet is restricted by her disease.

"I can't eat any uncooked vegetables, any fruit that has a lot of acid in it or fatty foods," she said. "I have to be careful with anything with spice in it, no matter what it is. A lot of Chinese food and Mexican food, I can't eat at all. Some dairy products are OK, and some I can't have."

Her immune system is affected, also, Mueller said.

"When I get sick, I get really sick because my immune system is not that of a normal person's," she said. "I'm always fighting the disease. It's always going on -- my blood cells are always fighting that, so when I get sick, it's like I have two battles going on in my body."

Mueller has notified her teachers about her disease.

"Most of them know about it," she said. "A lot of them don't know what it is, so they don't know what to expect. I told them it won't be an everyday occurrence, but there might be times where I just can't make it to class, and to give me a little leeway.

Mueller found out she had Crohn's during her sophomore year of high school.

"When I first got diagnosed, I was really kind of embarrassed, because intestines are not something you want to talk about with people," she said. "I didn't tell anybody what was really going on except for a few of my best friends, and for a while there, I kept it so quiet that no one had any idea what was going on. Now I've just gotten used to it."

Mueller said she missed her sophomore year of high school because she was being diagnosed.

"I was sick a lot," she said. "My friends thought I was anorexic because I didn't eat as much as I used to, because every time I ate I felt sick, and would usually end up throwing it up. But that wasn't the case -- I love food, and I tried to eat all the time."

After a while, Mueller's friends expressed their concerns to her parents, who took her to the doctor, who thought she had the stomach flu.

"That went on and on -- I went through more and more testing, and they finally figured out it was Crohn's. By that time, I had lost, like, 30 pounds."

All of this time, Mueller was missing more and more school.

"My sophomore year of high school, I averaged 16 days of school one semester," she said. "I was at home, and I couldn't get up, or I had blood tests or other tests, or I was on a liquid diet."

When she did make it to school, she was in a daze, Mueller said.

"I would have times where I was so out of it, I would walk into the wrong classroom and just stand there looking around and have no idea what was going on," she said. "I don't remember any classes I took. The only thing that kept me in school was that I was on the honor roll. I studied in all my free time that I could at my house."

The medicine also was a problem, Mueller said.

"Once I got diagnosed it wasn't over and done with," she said. "I still had to get it under control. I had to take so many steroids that my eyes would get inflamed. I couldn't even close my eyes one night, so I had to stay up all night because it was so painful. My joints swelled up to bigger than softball size and filled with liquid, and they are still messed up."

Mueller enjoys playing sports Ð she plays flag football on an intramural team.

"For a while I had to stop playing sports because it got so bad," she said. "All the medicine I take messed up my joints, so I have to be careful."

Mueller said, in addition to the anti-inflammatory medicine she takes for the disease, she also takes vitamins and minerals.

"Because I can't eat certain things, I'm missing out on a lot of vitamins and minerals," she said.

Mueller said her doctors told her not to drink alcohol.

"The medicine I take is really bad for my liver," she said. "They say don't do it, but if I do, to drink small amounts."

Mueller said the disease will affect her for the rest of her life.

"It could affect having children," she said. "It could prevent the child from getting nutrients. Also, it's not proven yet, but there's a chance I could give it to my kids, so there is some genetic link. It will probably shorten my life, also."

Because she has a chronic illness, Mueller said she has to stay positive.

"By seeing that other people have it, it helps me," she said. "Most days I'm normal, but if I have a bad week, I have a really bad week. I just don't dwell on it."

Anaemic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Can Receive Iron Treatment

bustagut — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:14:00 GMT

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256DD400636747?OpenDocument&c=IBD&count=10

By Adrian Burton

MADRID, SPAIN -- November 4, 2003 -- Researchers from the U.K. report that sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are also anaemic can safely be treated with oral iron.

"There is anecdotal evidence that many patients with IBD who are anaemic and who need iron supplements report intolerance," explained Anupama de Silva, MD, specialist registrar in gastroenterology at the Royal London Hospital, London, United Kingdom, speaking here November 3rd at the 11th United European Gastroenterology Week.

"There are also one or two case reports suggesting that oral iron actually exacerbates IBD," he said. "So we looked into the possibility that iron might be acting in a pro-inflammatory way [and] compared oral iron tolerance, efficacy and markers of inflammatory activity in IBD patients with those of patients who were iron deficient for other reasons."

The study involved 51 patients (16 with ulcerative colitis [UC], 20 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 15 non-IBD controls), all with iron deficiency defined as a serum haemoglobin level of <12.5 g/dl and ferritin level of <12 mcg/l. all were treated with 200 mg oral ferrous sulphate three times per day for four weeks.

Blood tests were performed before and after iron therapy to assess iron stores, disease activity and anti-oxidant capacity (AOC). All patients kept a diary card to monitor disease activity (the simple clinical colitis activity index for UC patients, the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for CD patients, and a symptoms score chart for non-IBD patients) for the week before and during treatment.

"We found a minority of patients were intolerant to iron in all the groups: 17% in ulcerative colitis, 18% in Crohn's disease and 24% in the non-IBD patients," explained Dr. de Silva. "But there was no significant difference between them."

Neither were any differences seen between symptom scores before and after treatment, as determined by the diary cards. Iron therapy was effective in the treatment of anaemia in the IBD patients, with haemoglobin levels rising from 10.5±1.7 g/dL before treatment to 11.7±1.4 g/dL after treatment (p < .005), and ferritin levels rising from 7.0±6.6 mcg/l to 20.7±11.4 (p < .0001). as expected, the oral iron was also effective in treating the non-ibd patients (hb 10.2±0.7 before, 11.9±0.6 after, p < .0005; ferritin 5±2.1 before, 19±5.3 after, p < .0001). no changes were seen in aoc in either group of patients.

These results clearly suggest that IBD patients are no more intolerant of oral iron than anyone else. "If people do have IBD, and they are anaemic, you can give them the iron," concluded Dr. de Silva.

[Study title: Tolerance and Efficacy of Oral Iron Therapy in Patients With and Without Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Abstract MON-G-265]

Sargramostim A Promising Treatment For Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:10:00 GMT

Here's some good news from the recent meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. A Phase II trial of Sargramostim showed some pretty impressive and promising results. Sargramostim is an immune-system stimulator that was originally developed as an anti-cancer drug. Unlike other Crohn's treatments it does not involve any immuno-suppressants. The hypothesis behind this is that Crohn's disease may be caused by immune deficiency rather than an overactive immune system as traditionally believed....(read more)

Infliximab (Remicade) Therapy Predisposes Patients to Serious Opportunistic Infection

bustagut — Tue, 18 Nov 2003 18:08:00 GMT

A scary case study reported at a recent meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. Basically, a 51-year-old Crohn's patient developed a pretty serious case of pneumonia after a couple of infusions of infliximab (aka Remicade). Infliximab definitely improves quality of life in many Crohn's patients but watch for those fevers and chills. (Warning: This article was primarily written for doctors so lots of incomprehensible pompous gobbledegook)...(read more)

Get the right information before seeking specific remedy

bustagut — Tue, 18 Nov 2003 18:06:00 GMT

Some good advice about using herbal remedies and a link to a great comprehensive online herbal remedy database....(read more)

Gene mutation responsible for Crohn's disease inflammation identified in Temple study

bustagut — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 17:03:00 GMT

I have to admit this one was very technical and I didn't understand it completely but the implications are clear. Every little bit more knowledge we have about IBD has got to get us closer to better treatments and a cure....(read more)

Risk of Low Bone Mineral Density Higher in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

bustagut — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 17:00:00 GMT

According to a new study the risk of low bone mineral density in patients with IBD increases with age, lower body mass index and severity of disease. I'd always thought that this was only a problem for those on steroids but this study shows a different picture....(read more)

Gender Differences Contribute to Eating Behavior Problems in Pediatric IBD

bustagut — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 16:58:00 GMT

In a recent study of children with inflammatory bowel disease, researchers have found that children with IBD have significantly more, and more frequent, eating behavior problems than healthy kids, and gender differences in weight and body image contribute to the behaviors....(read more)

Medical College of Wisconsin Researchers Identify Inflammatory Bowel Disease As an Equal Opportunity Condition

bustagut — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 16:55:00 GMT

Some really interesting results from an in-depth study of IBD in kids. I'd always thought that there were some groups that had a higher risk of getting IBD but this study shows that it's an 'equal opportunity' condition equally afflicting all populations....(read more)

'Shining star' heads toward her recovery

bustagut — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Amanda Bourquard was a typical college freshman until Crohn's knocked her life for a loop. This story shows how with the help of family and friends she's back to her old self again....(read more)

New study shows cancer drug works against Crohn's disease

bustagut — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 23:58:00 GMT

Leukine, a cancer drug, is showing promise as a treatment for Crohn's. This article reports on the results of the Phase II trial study which do indeed look quite good. Keep in mind that much more testing must be done and if it all pans out we probably won't see this on the market before 2007. Still, it's great to see progress....(read more)

Schering's Leukine Shows Good Response in Phase II

bustagut — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 23:53:00 GMT

While the Phase II trial for Leukine was a good one, it was not a perfect one. This story goes into specifics of the results....(read more)

Young adults, not-quite-elderly tend to go uninsured

bustagut — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 16:03:00 GMT

Many people have trouble getting health insurance when they have pre-exiting conditions like Crohn's. This story was interesting to me as someone in the Crohn's support group I go to has been having some of these very problems....(read more)

Gastrointestinal centre going to University of Alberta site

bustagut — Thu, 23 Oct 2003 15:50:00 GMT

Great news for IBD patients in Alberta, Canada. They're opening a centre dedicated to gastroenterology patient care and research. The University of Alberta was already had Canada's largest gastrointestinal clinical trials centre....(read more)

Tolerable upper limits are an important factor with vitamins

bustagut — Thu, 23 Oct 2003 15:48:00 GMT

This article is kind of dry but it makes some good recommendations about vitamins....(read more)

The Fungal Etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

bustagut — Tue, 21 Oct 2003 15:45:00 GMT

Hmmm. Here's one I've never heard of. This exerpt from a book examines the links between fungus and IBD....(read more)

SJMercury: Eating more fish Improves Diet

bustagut — Fri, 08 Aug 2003 23:41:00 GMT

Eating More Fish Improves Diet, But Be Wary Of Risks To Health: Some studies have found that people who eat fish regularly experience ... benefits including an anti-inflammatory effect that can help people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and ulcerative colitis....(read more)