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Intestinal Research May 2024Data on the natural course of Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) was lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history and prognosis of patients with...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Data on the natural course of Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) was lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history and prognosis of patients with UC in the past 15 years in China.
METHODS
This cohort study included patients with UC in a tertiary hospital in southern China from 2007 to 2021 (cohort I: 2007-2011, cohort II: 2012-2016, cohort III: 2017-2021). Patients' clinical characteristics and natural history were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Of 1,139 included patients, 683 patients presented with proctitis or left-sided colitis at diagnosis and 38.5% of them (263/683) developed proximal disease extension. Fifty-eight percent of patients experienced relapse, chronic continuous and intermittent active course. Five patients (0.4%) developed colorectal tumors/dysplasia. The overall surgery rate was 8.6%, and the rates were 14.2%, 7.8%, and 8.0% in the 3 cohorts, respectively (P= 0.059). Average time from diagnosis to surgery decreased from cohorts I to III (144 months vs. 36 months, P< 0.001), so did the use of glucocorticoids (58.2% vs. 43.5%, P< 0.001) and immunosuppressants (14.1% vs. 13.4%, P= 0.016), and days of hospitalization (13 days vs. 9 days, P< 0.001). Biologics were used more frequently during the first year (0.8%, 2.1%, and 13.7% for cohorts I to III, respectively; P< 0.001). The rate of mucosal healing increased over time.
CONCLUSIONS
In Chinese UC patients, one-third of patients experienced proximal disease extension. The rates of malignancy and mortality were low. More biologics were used, while use of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids were reduced over time. Early biologics use seemed to promote mucosal healing, but the rate of colectomy has not dramatically decreased.
PubMed: 38712362
DOI: 10.5217/ir.2023.00106 -
International Journal of General... 2024To date, there are few reports about mpox case series in China, and scarce information is available about the in-vivo kinetics of T-cell responses in the early stage of...
PURPOSE
To date, there are few reports about mpox case series in China, and scarce information is available about the in-vivo kinetics of T-cell responses in the early stage of mpox infection. This study aims to investigate the clinical difference among mpox patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 56 patients diagnosed with mpox by Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and hospitalized in Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu were retrospectively included and divided into an HIV-infected group (n=23) and a non-HIV-infected group (n=33). Clinical characteristics and serum chemistry findings of mpox patients were collected in order to analyze the differences between the HIV-infected group and the non-HIV-infected group.
RESULTS
Multiple laboratory abnormalities, including elevated C-reactive protein (69.1%), hypocalcemia (50.9%), elevated CD3+CD8+T counts (47.0%) and inverted ratio of CD3+CD4+T to CD3+CD8+T (64.7%) were common in mpox cases. There were statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05) in age, serum calcium levels, CD3+CD4+T counts, the ratio of CD3+CD4+T to CD3+CD8+T, proportion with >10 rashes, incidence of proctitis anus and time from rash growth to rash scab shedding between HIV-infected group and non-HIV-infected group. In the early stage of mpox infection, the median of CD3+CD8+T counts in the non-HIV-infected group was significantly higher than that in healthy donors (P<0.001), and the median of CD3+CD4+T/CD3+CD8+T ratio was significantly lower (P<0.001). The median of CD3+CD4+T counts in mpox patients co-infected with HIV significantly decreased compared to the pre-infection level (p =0.033).
CONCLUSION
Our study indicates that mpox co-infected with HIV patients have longer lasting rash lesions and a higher incidence of proctitis anus. T-cell responses may be different between HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in the early stage of mpox infection.
PubMed: 38617056
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S456198 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Mar 2024Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with...
BACKGROUND
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well. However, previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn's perianal fistula (CPF) closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy, and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence.
METHODS
The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure.
RESULTS
A total of 65 patients were included. The median age of females was 26 years (range: 21-31) and that of males was 29 (44.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 65.88 ± 32.65 months, and complete closure was observed in 50 (76.9%) patients. The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy (66.7% 81.6% at 3 year, = 0.098). The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture ( = 0.027, 0.002, and 0.008, respectively). Clinical factors such as complexity, number of fistulas, presence of concurrent abscess, and medication were not significant for closure. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%, 73.8%, and 75.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation. However, both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy. Fistulous tract length, proctitis, and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.
PubMed: 38577230
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i3.257 -
International Immunopharmacology May 2024Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,...
BACKGROUND
Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer. However, little is known about the effect of emodin on acute radiation proctitis (ARP). The present study was conducted to determine its effects and elucidate its mechanisms involving AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways in ARP mice.
METHODS
Total 60 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into control group, ARP group, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 group, and different doses of emodin groups. ARP mice were induced by 27 Gy of 6 MV X-ray pelvic local irradiation. MK-2206 was given orally for 2 weeks on alternate days. Emodin was administered daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Subsequently, all mice were sacrificed on day 15. The rectal tissues were obtained for further tests. The general signs score and the pathological grade were used to evaluate the severity of ARP. The expression of NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed using western blot.
RESULTS
The worse general signs and damaged tissue structure of ARP mice were profoundly ameliorated by emodin. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were significantly increased, resulting in the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in ARP mice. However, the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 were decreased, leading to the reduction of apoptosis in ARP mice. Excitedly, emodin reversed these changes, not only inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesis, but also promoted apoptosis. Notably, the effects of emodin were similar to that of AKT inhibitor MK-2206, suggesting the involvement of AKT signaling in the effect of emodin.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that emodin attenuates ARP in mice, and the underlying mechanism might involve inhibition of the AKT/ERK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways and the induction of apoptosis mediated by JNK and p38.
Topics: Animals; Emodin; NF-kappa B; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Proctitis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Mice; Signal Transduction; Radiation Injuries; Male; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Rectum
PubMed: 38555816
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111945 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Mar 2024We conducted a multicentric national study (SEIMC-CEME-22), to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the mpox outbreak in Spain, including the management...
BACKGROUND
We conducted a multicentric national study (SEIMC-CEME-22), to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the mpox outbreak in Spain, including the management of the disease.
METHODS
This was a retrospective national observational study conducted by Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) and Foundation SEIMC-GESIDA. We included patients with a confirmed mpox diagnosis before 13 July 2022, and attended at the Spanish health network (the early phase of the outbreak). Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected.
RESULTS
Of a total of 1472 patients from 52 centers included, 99% of them were cisgender men, mostly middle-aged, and 98.6% were residents in Spain. The main suspected route of transmission was sexual exposure, primarily among MSM. Occupational exposure was reported in 6 patients. Immunosuppression was present in 40% of patients, mainly due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Only 6.5% of patients had been vaccinated against orthopoxvirus. Virus sequencing was performed in 147 patients (all B.1 lineage). Rash was the most frequent symptom (95.7%), followed by fever (48.2%), adenopathies (44.4%) myalgias (20.7%), proctitis (17%), and headache (14.7%). Simultaneously diagnosed sexually transmitted infections included syphilis (n = 129), gonococcal infection (n = 91), HIV (n = 67), chlamydia (n = 56), hepatitis B (n = 14), and hepatitis C (n = 11). No therapy was used in 479 patients (33%). Symptomatic therapies and antibiotics were used in 50% of cases. The most used therapy regimens were systemic corticoids (90 patients), tecovirimat (6 patients), and cidofovir (13 patients). Smallpox immunoglobulins were used in 1 patient. Fifty-eight patients were hospitalized, and 1 patient died.
CONCLUSIONS
Mpox outbreak in Spain affected primarily middle-aged men who were sexually active and showed a high rate of HIV infection. A range of heterogeneous therapeutics options was performed.
PubMed: 38524223
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae105 -
Reports of Practical Oncology and... 2023Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and 3D image-guided brachytherapy (3D-IGBT) have recently been introduced in Vietnam for the treatment of locally advanced...
Outcome and toxicity of chemoradiation using volumetric modulated arc therapy followed by 3D image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer: Vietnam National Cancer Hospital experience.
BACKGROUND
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and 3D image-guided brachytherapy (3D-IGBT) have recently been introduced in Vietnam for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. This study aims to assess the outcomes and toxicities of chemoradiation using VMAT followed by 3D-IGBT in Vietnamese cervical cancer patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective interventional study on 72 patients with 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB3-IIIC2 disease who underwent concurrent chemoradiation using VMAT, followed by 3D-IGBT according to EMBRACE-II protocol. Primary endpoints were locoregional control; secondary endpoints were systemic control and toxicity.
RESULTS
Median body volume received 43 Gy was 1589.1 cm (range 1214.8-2574.8). Median high-risk clinical target volume (CTV-HR) was 18.8 cm (range 8.6-61.2) with a median dose to 90% (D90) of CTV-HR of 90.6 Gy (range 86.8-99.6). Mean doses to 2cc (D2cc) of bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 75.8, 55.2, and 62.1 Gy, respectively. At median 19-month follow-up (range 12-25), locoregional control and systemic control were 95.8% and 81.9%, respectively. Systemic control was the lowest in N2 disease (54.5%). Grade ≥ 3 acute toxicities were less than 10%, except neutropenia (31.9%). Extended-field radiation increased significantly nausea, fatigue, and thrombocytopenia. No grade ≥ 3 proctitis or cystitis; 8.3% had grade 3 vaginal stenosis.
CONCLUSIONS
VMAT-based chemoradiation therapy followed by 3D-IGBT achieved high locoregional control with manageable toxicities in locally advanced cervical cancer. Systemic control correlated with disease stage.
PubMed: 38515819
DOI: 10.5603/rpor.98735 -
Nutrients Feb 2024Food-protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is an increasingly reported transient and benign form of colitis that occurs commonly in the first weeks of life in... (Review)
Review
Food-protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is an increasingly reported transient and benign form of colitis that occurs commonly in the first weeks of life in healthy breastfed or formula-fed infants. Distal colon mucosal inflammation is caused by a non-IgE immune reaction to food allergens, more commonly to cow's milk protein. Rectal bleeding possibly associated with mucus and loose stools is the clinical hallmark of FPIAP. To date, no specific biomarker is available, and investigations are reserved for severe cases. Disappearance of blood in the stool may occur within days or weeks from starting the maternal or infant elimination diet, and tolerance to the food allergen is typically acquired before one year of life in most patients. In some infants, no relapse of bleeding occurs when the presumed offending food is reassumed after a few weeks of the elimination diet. Many guidelines and expert consensus on cow's milk allergy have recently been published. However, the role of diet is still debated, and recommendations on the appropriateness and duration of allergen elimination in FPIAP are heterogeneous. This review summarizes and compares the different proposed nutritional management of infants suffering from FPIAP, highlighting the pros and cons according to the most recent literature data.
Topics: Infant; Female; Animals; Cattle; Humans; Proctocolitis; Diet; Food Hypersensitivity; Milk Hypersensitivity; Colitis; Allergens
PubMed: 38474718
DOI: 10.3390/nu16050589 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Mar 2024Syphilitic proctitis is a rare sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochete pallidum infecting the rectal mucosa. It usually has no specific clinical manifestations...
Syphilitic proctitis is a rare sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochete pallidum infecting the rectal mucosa. It usually has no specific clinical manifestations and is easily misdiagnosed with other rectal and anal diseases such as rectal cancer, malignant lymphoma, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.. Therefore, diagnosis of the disease is difficult and treatment options are often unreasonable. A case of syphilitic proctitis in our hospital with "rectal mass" as the main manifestation is reported as follows and relevant literature is reviewed. At the same time, we studied and analyzed the clinical and histological characteristics and differential diagnosis of syphilitic proctitis to further deepen the understanding of this disease.
PubMed: 38469807
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.10334/2024 -
Cureus Feb 2024Ulcerative colitis (UC), one of the two major inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with varying degrees of colonic...
Ulcerative colitis (UC), one of the two major inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with varying degrees of colonic mucosal involvement. Patients often present with inflammation limited to the rectum, also known as ulcerative proctitis, proximal colonic involvement, or pancolitis which affects the entire colon. Clinical manifestations of UC flare-ups include hematochezia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. , an acute cause of infectious diarrhea, is usually caused by the ingestion of food products contaminated with toxins and pathogens. The most common clinical presentation of a patient with acute infection is self-limiting gastroenteritis. Microbial properties such as tissue invasion and immunological capability may be associated with the development of chronic conditions such as UC. IBD has been extensively studied, but the inter-relationship between IBD and infectious causes of diarrhea is still up for debate. We present a case of atypical infection with a long-standing history of UC that was initially misdiagnosed as an acute UC flare-up.
PubMed: 38465053
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53780 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Data on tecovirimat effectiveness for human mpox are limited. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional interview-based study to identify associations between...
BACKGROUND
Data on tecovirimat effectiveness for human mpox are limited. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional interview-based study to identify associations between tecovirimat treatment and the mpox clinical course.
METHODS
Using public health surveillance data from King County, Washington, we recruited and interviewed persons diagnosed with mpox during May-October 2022. We calculated descriptive statistics on demographics, vaccination status, comorbidities, and symptoms including 3 self-reported dates (symptom onset, first date of symptom improvement, and illness resolution). We used multivariable linear regression, stratified by illness severity, to evaluate the association of tecovirimat treatment with time to symptom improvement and time to illness resolution. We compared individuals who did not receive tecovirimat to participants who started tecovirimat early (≤5 days from symptom onset) and late (>5 days and ≤28 days from symptom onset) in their illness.
RESULTS
Of 465 individuals diagnosed with mpox, 115 (25%) participated in this study. Eighty participants (70%) received tecovirimat and 43 (37%) initiated tecovirimat early. Sixty-eight (59%) reported severe symptoms during their illness, including proctitis (n = 38 [33%]), rectal bleeding (n = 27 [24%]), or severe pain (n = 24 [21%]). In the multivariable analysis, early tecovirimat was associated with shorter time to symptom improvement (-5.5 days, = .04) among participants with severe illness but not among those with nonsevere illness (0.9 day, = .66). Early tecovirimat was not associated with faster illness resolution, regardless of severity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our small study suggests that early tecovirimat initiation may hasten subjective symptomatic improvement in people with severe mpox. Larger randomized trials are needed to evaluate this finding.
PubMed: 38456195
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae029