IBDAnswers

The Future of Colonoscopy?

bustagut — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:48:26 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)

Humira shows potential for Crohn's disease

bustagut — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 05:24:51 GMT

A new study out of the Mayo Clinic published by the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that Humira (adalimumab) is effective for adults that don't respond to Remicade (infliximab). While Remicade is still one of the top (if not the top) drug used in...(read more)

Smoking Influences Crohn's Disease

bustagut — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 05:10:05 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 04:23:42 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 03:46:53 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 06:01:25 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 05:31:40 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 05:10:06 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 05:30:43 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 05:07:36 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 05:24:33 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 05:11:27 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 05:00:37 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 04:43:43 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 04:21:45 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 06:52:08 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 06:28:20 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 05:31:00 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 20:13:00 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 05:45:00 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 05:38:00 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 05:36:00 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 05:34:00 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 05:31:00 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 04:54:00 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 04:45:00 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 05:32:00 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 05:30:00 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 05:26:00 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 05:24:00 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 05:22:00 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 05:20:00 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 05:18:00 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 05:16:00 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 05:14:00 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 05:11:00 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 06:28:00 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 06:26:00 GMT

Ulcerative Colitis and Nutrition

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 06:04:00 GMT

Nicotine Shows Potential as Treatment?

bustagut — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 06:02:00 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 07:16:00 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 06:40:00 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 06:18:00 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 07:14:00 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 07:12:00 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 07:10:00 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 07:08:00 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 07:06:00 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 07:04:00 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 07:02:00 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 07:00:00 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 06:33:00 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 05:49:00 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 06:58:00 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 06:57:00 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 06:55:00 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 21:08:00 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 06:16:00 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 05:51:00 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 06:14:00 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 06:11:00 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 06:03:00 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 05:58:00 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 05:41:00 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 05:55:00 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 05:52:00 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 06:32:00 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 05:50:00 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 05:47:00 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 05:44:00 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 05:41:00 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 05:38:00 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 06:38:00 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 06:35:00 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 22:15:00 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 22:11:00 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 22:09:00 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 22:07:00 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 22:06:00 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 22:04:00 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 22:01:00 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 21:59:00 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 21:57:00 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 21:55:00 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 21:53:00 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 06:22:00 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 06:20:00 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 06:00:00 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 05:56:00 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 05:47:00 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 05:39:00 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 05:35:00 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 05:32:00 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 21:50:00 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 21:48:00 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 21:46:00 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 21:43:00 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 21:41:00 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 21:37:00 GMT

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

Paratuberculosis And Crohn's Disease: Got Milk?

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

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