Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Proctitis”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources

Transanal mucosectomy. Ileal pouch advancement for anorectal dysplasia or inflammation after restorative proctocolectomy.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy has gained increasing popularity in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. However, symptomatic proctitis in an excessively long anorectal stump or high-grade dysplasia within the retained anorectal mucosa can pose challenging problems. A corrective operation for these problems is described. METHODS: A sphincter-preserving perineal approach to mobilize the pouch was described. It allows excision of the inflamed or dysplastic-retained anorectal mucosa, followed by pouch advancement and a neoileoanal anastomosis. RESULTS: The technique was successfully performed in two patients, one with symptomatic "proctitis" and another with high-grade dysplasia in the anorectal mucosa after a previously stapled ileoanal (distal rectal) anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: This report illustrates the relative ease and safety of delayed mucosectomy via a perineal approach, provided that the initially stapled anastomosis is within 3 cm to 4 cm of the dentate line. This technique also obviates the need for complex abdominopelvic surgery after previous restorative proctocolectomy.

Adult↗

Sucralfate enema in ulcerative rectosigmoid lesions.

To assess the efficacy of sucralfate enemas in distal colonic ulcerative lesions, 22 patients with radiation proctitis (n = 8), idiopathic ulcerative proctitis (n = 5), and solitary rectal ulcer (n = 5) unresponsive to conventional medical therapy, and those with ulcerated and bleeding rectal polyps awaiting polypectomy (n = 4) were studied. Enemas of sucralfate suspension (2 gm in 20 ml water) were administered twice daily for a period of three weeks. Clinical and sigmoidoscopic improvements were observed in 19 and 18 of the 22 patients, respectively (86 and 82 percent, respectively). No side effects were seen. The authors conclude that sucralfate enemas are useful in the treatment of ulcerative lesions of the rectosigmoid.

Administration, Topical↗

Use of hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the management of radiation-related complications of the anorectal region: report of two cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: This article was undertaken to present two cases of nonhealing ulcers that occurred after primary radiation therapy and local excision of suspected residual or recurrent anal carcinomas. Both patients responded favorably to hyperbaric chamber treatment. Review of the literature is discussed, including cause, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and options for management of radiation-related complications in the anorectal region and use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in colorectal surgery. METHODS: The cases of two patients with recurrent or residual anal carcinomas were reviewed. Objective clinical, laboratory test, and intraoperative findings were implemented to define this pathologic entity precisely, results of its treatment, and management of radiation-related complications. RESULTS: The study shows clinical effectiveness of hyperbaric chamber treatment for nonhealing wounds in the previously radiated anorectal region. The refractory wounds of both our patients healed. The patients were rendered free of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial pathologic changes in the irradiated tissues leading occasionally to nonhealing radiation proctitis are relatively infrequent consequences of radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. Excisional and incisional biopsies of the radiation-injured tissues result in chronic ulcers accompanied by debilitating symptoms. Hyperbaric chamber treatment seemed to be a very effective means of therapy of radiation proctitis and nonhealing wounds in the involved anorectal region after conventional therapy had failed.

Anus Diseases↗

High incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in The Netherlands: results of a prospective study. The South Limburg IBD Study Group.

PURPOSE: To gain recent epidemiologic information about inflammatory bowel disease in The Netherlands, a prospective study over four years (1991-1995) was performed. METHODS: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and its subgroups was examined using standardized reports of newly diagnosed patients. A separate study compared the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registration and computerized diagnostic files of a subgroup of general practitioners with the aim of estimating completeness of case ascertainment. RESULTS: The following mean incidence rates (per 100,000 inhabitants and year) were found: 6.9 (95 percent confidence interval, 5.9-7.9) for Crohn's disease, 10 (95 percent confidence interval, 8.7-11.2) for ulcerative colitis (23 percent of these with ulcerative proctitis), and 1.1 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.7-1.5) for indeterminate colitis. In the age category 20 to 29 years, the incidence rate of Crohn's disease with small-bowel involvement was higher in females than in males. In extended ulcerative colitis, a male preponderance was observed in the older age groups. Estimated case ascertainment was 78 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with recent studies in neighboring countries, the observed age and gender standardized incidence rates are high in the south of The Netherlands. Completeness of case ascertainment might have contributed to this observation; however, case ascertainment was low in ulcerative proctitis. In the study area, differences in age and gender standardized incidence rates and in disease localizations could be compatible with an influence of environmental risk factors.

Adolescent↗

Spectrum of rectal biopsy abnormalities in homosexual men with intestinal symptoms.

Homosexually active men have frequent intestinal and rectal symptoms resulting from sexually acquired gastrointestinal infections. We evaluated the histologic findings in rectal biopsy specimens obtained from 89 homosexual men with intestinal symptoms and 11 homosexual men without intestinal symptoms. All had undergone comprehensive microbiologic evaluation for rectal and enteric pathogens. Rectal biopsy specimens were evaluated without knowledge of clinical or microbiologic data by a standardized method for the presence or absence of abnormal histologic features. Forty-six percent of specimens from symptomatic men and 27% of those from asymptomatic men were abnormal. Acute inflammation was the most frequent histologic abnormality and was more frequent in men who had pathogens (51%) than men without pathogens (24%, p less than 0.02). Acute but not chronic inflammation was seen also in specimens from homosexual men without intestinal symptoms. Intestinal spirochetosis was present in specimens from 23 (26%) of the symptomatic and 5 (45%) of the asymptomatic men. In 5 of the 89 symptomatic men, biopsy features of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD) were present; all 5 of these men were infected with either Treponema pallidum or Chlamydia trachomatis. Features of IIBD were present in 25% of those infected with C. trachomatis or T. pallidum. Chronic inflammation was more frequent in men infected with C. trachomatis, syphilis, or herpes simplex virus type II: 31% vs. 3%, p = 0.0002. Acute inflammation was present in specimens from men with proctitis or proctocolitis and enteritis as well as in those from asymptomatic men, whereas chronic inflammation was present only in specimens from men with proctitis or proctocolitis. Both acute and chronic inflammation were more frequent when biopsy specimens of the abnormal mucosa were examined. When specimens from men with single infections were analyzed, histology was rarely diagnostic. We conclude that acute inflammation is frequent in rectal biopsy specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic homosexual men; chronic inflammation is infrequent, but when present is significantly associated with syphilis, herpes simplex virus type II, and C. trachomatis infection.

Adult↗

Prevalence of enteric pathogens in homosexual men with and without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

We studied 388 homosexual or bisexual men from the Baltimore-Washington area to define the spectrum of enteric pathogen carriage in a population at high risk for "gay bowel syndrome" in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Seventy-seven patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 68 gay men with symptoms of acute diarrhea or proctitis, and 243 gay men without gastrointestinal symptoms and participating in a natural history study of human immunodeficiency virus infection were selected for study. Approximately 12% of the asymptomatic men harbored at least one enteric pathogen; the most frequently recovered were Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and Giardia lamblia. Men carrying a pathogen were more likely to be human immunodeficiency virus seropositive (48%) than men without a pathogen (25%) (p = 0.018), more likely to have fewer T helper cells (p = 0.015), and more likely to have a mucopurulent exudate (p = 0.014). We recovered an agent of enteric disease from 68% of gay men presenting with diarrhea or proctitis. Campylobacter species, herpes simplex virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, G. lamblia, and Shigella species were identified most frequently. The most common pathogen associated with diarrhea in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was Cryptosporidium (16% of 49 cases). Other agents identified were Clostridium difficile, Vibrio parahemolyticus, Campylobacter species, G. lamblia, Isospora, and cytomegalovirus. Approximately half of the identifiable etiologic agents of diarrhea in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients were treatable with antibiotics, but these agents required special culture procedures for detection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Acute and late gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy in prostate cancer patients: consequential late damage.

PURPOSE: Late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity after radiotherapy can be partly explained by late effects of acute toxicity (consequential late damage). We studied whether there is a direct relationship between acute and late GI toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 553 evaluable patients from the Dutch dose escalation trial (68 Gy vs. 78 Gy) were included. We defined three outcomes for acute reactions: 1) maximum Radiation Therapy Oncology Group acute toxicity, 2) maximum acute mucous discharge (AMD), and 3) maximum acute proctitis. Within a multivariable model, late endpoints (overall toxicity and five toxicity indicators) were studied as a function of acute toxicity, pretreatment symptoms, and relevant dose parameters. RESULTS: At multivariable analysis, AMD and acute proctitis were strong predictors for overall toxicity, "intermittent bleeding," and "incontinence pads" (p < or = 0.01). For "stools > or =6/day" all three were strong predictors. No significant associations were found for "severe bleeding" and "use of steroids." The predictive power of the dose parameters remained at the same level or became weaker for most late endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Acute GI toxicity is an independent significant predictor of late GI toxicity. This suggests a significant consequential component in the development of late GI toxicity.

Acute Disease↗

Comparison of radiation side-effects of conformal and conventional radiotherapy in prostate cancer: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Radical radiotherapy is commonly used to treat localised prostate cancer. Late chronic side-effects limit the dose that can be given, and may be linked to the volume of normal tissues irradiated. Conformal radiotherapy allows a smaller amount of rectum and bladder to be treated, by shaping the high-dose volume to the prostate. We assessed the ability of this new technology to lessen the risk of radiation-related effects in a randomised controlled trial of conformal versus conventional radiotherapy. METHODS: We recruited men with prostate cancer for treatment with a standard dose of 64 Gy in daily 2 Gy fractions. The men were randomly assigned conformal or conventional radiotherapy treatment. The primary endpoint was the development of late radiation complications (> 3 months after treatment) measured with the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group (RTOG) score. Indicators of disease (cancer) control were also recorded. FINDINGS: In the 225 men treated, significantly fewer men developed radiation-induced proctitis and bleeding in the conformal group than in the conventional group (37 vs 56% > or = RTOG grade 1, p=0.004; 5 vs 15% > or = RTOG grade 2, p=0.01). There were no differences between groups in bladder function after treatment (53 vs 59% > or = grade 1, p=0.34; 20 vs 23% > or = grade 2, p=0.61). After median follow-up of 3.6 years there was no significant difference between groups in local tumour control (conformal 78% [95% CI 66-86], conventional 83% [69-90]). INTERPRETATION: Conformal techniques significantly lowered the risk of late radiation-induced proctitis after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Widespread introduction of these radiotherapy treatment methods is appropriate. Our results are the basis for dose-escalation studies to improve local tumour control.

Follow-Up Studies↗

Practice patterns for prostate cancer in nine central and northern Italy radiation oncology centers: a survey including 1759 patients treated during two decades (1980-1998).

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer patients in Italy are offered the choice of the full spectrum of possible treatment options for their disease, but the diffusion of the more recent technological refinements among the Radiation Oncology centers is not homogeneous and there is a need to establish a reference "historical" data source. This retrospective study describes the changing patterns in prostate cancer patient practice and the therapeutic results obtained in nine Radiation Oncology centers of Northern and Central Italy (five in Northern Italy and four in Central Italy). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 1759 prostate cancer patients, radically treated in the nine radiotherapy (RT) centers between 1980 and 1998, made up the study population. Data collected for each patient included clinical, pathologic, therapeutic features, and toxicity. The overall survival, disease-specific survival (DSS), and clinical relapse-free survival (RFS) were calculated for the whole series and for the subsets of patients defined by different clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic features, according to three accrual periods (A, 1980-1990; B, 1991-1994; and C, 1995-1998). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors related to survival and late adverse effects (cystitis and proctitis) probability. RESULTS: Patient accrual increased markedly during the 2 decades considered, and the percentage of cases with Stage C or D disease dropped from 49% (period A) to 43% (period B) to 37% (period C) (p < 0.0001, chi-square). The baseline prostate-specific antigen value was available for 10%, 76%, and 95% of the cases treated in the three different periods. The major changes in the therapeutic options were an increase in dose to the prostate (>66 Gy in 44%, 84%, and 93% of the patients treated in period A, B, and C, respectively); a reduction in treated volumes, including pelvic lymphatic drainage (56-39% before 1995, 22% thereafter); and an increase in cases treated in association with hormonal therapy (50% before 1991, 80% thereafter). Lower energy (<10 MV) photon beams were progressively abandoned (12% before 1990 vs. 6-7% thereafter), along with an increase in the use of blocks (60% in the last 4 years of the study vs. about 30-40% before 1995) and "conformal" RT (applied in 41% of cases treated after 1994). The actuarial RFS, DSS, and overall survival rate at 5 years was, respectively, 60% +/- 2%, 75% +/- 2%, 66% +/- 2% for period A; 74% +/- 2%, 90% +/- 1%, 83% +/- 2%, for period B; and 67% +/- 5%, 90% +/- 2%, 79% +/- 5% for period C. The actuarial overall survival, DSS, and RFS rate for the whole series of 1759 patients was 77% +/- 1%, 86% +/- 1%, and 68% +/- 1% at 5 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that only American Urologic Association stage, grade, dose to the prostate, accrual period, association with hormonal treatment after (or both after and before) RT (only in terms of DSS and RFS), and baseline prostate-specific antigen value (only for RFS) retained prognostic significance in the final Cox model. CONCLUSION: The increase in the accrual of prostate cancer patients radically treated with RT has been accompanied by considerable changes in the clinical features at presentation, as well as in the staging and treatment procedures. Patients treated more recently had better survival results. An earlier stage and more favorable grade were linked with better overall, DSS, and RFS at multivariate analysis. Lower prostate-specific antigen baseline values were also related to better RFS. Better results were obtained with higher radiation doses, and the dose to tumor seemed the most important treatment-related prognostic factor. The toxicity (cystitis and proctitis, every Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade) was substantially the same in the different accrual periods, but larger treated volumes and higher doses appeared to increase the incidence of late effects.

Analysis of Variance↗

Rectal dosimetric analysis following prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess the rectal tolerance dose in transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy using easily measured point doses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-five consecutive patients who underwent prostate seed implantation from January 1996 to October 1996, using either 125I or 103Pd as monotherapy or as a boost following 45 Gy of external beam radiotherapy (XRT), were evaluated. For monotherapy using 125I, the minimal peripheral dose (mPD) was 160 Gy, utilizing dosimetry parameters which are equivalent to 144 Gy under the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 43 (AAPM TG43) recommendations. Computed tomography (CT)-based dosimetry was performed within 9 days of the implant, with a urinary catheter in place for identification of the urethra, and a rectal obturator positioned prior to the CT scan for identification of the anterior rectal mucosa. Dosimetric parameters relevant to this study were the average, maximal and minimal anterior rectal mucosal dose, and the surface area and length of the anterior rectal mucosa irradiated to 50%, 75%, 90%, 100%, and 120% of the prescribed dose. Rectal complications were determined by patient reporting during office visits and telephone follow-up. Follow-up ranged from 19 to 28 months (median 23). RESULTS: Among the four cohorts, the average anterior rectal mucosal dose as a percent of the prescribed mPD was 82.5% +/- 14.1% (standard deviation, SD), and the average maximum was 120% +/- 35%. The length of the rectum receiving a given dose was found to be correlated with the rectal surface area receiving that dose (r2 = 0.82 - 0.93 over the dose range 0.5-1.2 mPD). Rectal complications occurred in only four patients, and consisted of mild, self-limited proctitis. Three of the four were in the top quartile of average and maximal rectal dose and length of rectum receiving > or = 100% of mPD, while the fourth was in the bottom quartile of these parameters. In terms of surface area, all four patients were in the upper half of the study group, with > or = 90 mm2 at dose levels > or = 100% of mPD. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that in an implant program which maintains the anterior rectal mucosa point dose averages to about 85% of the prescribed dose (regardless of the choice of isotope or the treatment approach), the average maximum to 120% of mPD, and the length of the anterior rectal mucosa receiving 100% and 120% of the prescribed dose at approximately 10 mm and 5 mm, respectively, the incidence of mild self-limited proctitis will be in the range of approximately 9%, without incidence of rectal ulceration and/or fistula formation.

Brachytherapy↗

The polymicrobial origin of intestinal infections in homosexual men.

To determine the microbial cause and the clinical and pathologic correlates of anorectal and intestinal symptoms in homosexually active men, we performed comprehensive microbiologic studies, anoscopy, sigmoid-oscopy, and rectal biopsy in men examined in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Enteric pathogens were found in 95 of 119 consecutive homosexual men with anorectal or intestinal symptoms and in 29 of 75 randomly selected homosexual men without such symptoms (P less than 0.001). The syndromes of proctitis, proctocolitis, and enteritis were differentiated on the basis of predominant symptoms and findings on anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia trachomatis (non-lymphogranuloma venereum serotypes), and Treponema pallidum were associated with 80 per cent of cases with symptomatic proctitis. Known causes of colitis, including Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter fetus fetus, Shigella flexneri, Chl. trachomatis (lymphogranuloma venereum serotypes), Entamoeba histolytica, and Clostridium difficile, were identified in 60 per cent of the cases of proctocolitis. Giardia lamblia was the only agent significantly correlated with enteritis. These data demonstrate that intestinal symptoms in homosexual men are attributable to a complex spectrum of microorganisms, but that careful clinical classification can serve as a guide to the selection of microbiologic studies and to a rational initial choice of therapy.

Adult↗

Endoscopic rectal sparing in children with untreated ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) typically is associated with a confluent proctitis, whereas rectal sparing may be seen in large bowel Crohn disease (CD). A few studies have reported rectal sparing in UC and suggested that this might indicate a more severe form of the disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and prognostic significance of rectal sparing in children with newly diagnosed, untreated UC. METHODS: The records of all children with untreated UC presenting to a regional pediatric gastroenterology service between January 1996 and December 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the endoscopic appearance of the rectum: Group 1 (proctitis) and Group 2 (rectal sparing). Clinical features, intractability index (duration of active disease as a proportion of length of follow-up), response to treatment, relapse index (number of recurrences per year), and the need for surgery were compared. RESULTS: Thirty children with untreated UC were identified. Seven (23%) had rectal sparing at initial endoscopy, but disease distribution was otherwise similar in both groups. Presenting symptoms were similar in those with and without rectal sparing. In Group 1, 20 (87%) children achieved remission with initial medical treatment, compared with 3 (43%) in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The intractability index was higher in children with rectal sparing, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.22). During a median follow-up period of 2 years, one (4%) child in Group 1 and two (29%) children in Group 2 experienced primary sclerosing cholangitis, and two (29%) children with rectal sparing required colectomy, compared with none in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic rectal sparing was seen in 23% of children with newly diagnosed, untreated UC, but this feature did not correlate with presenting symptoms. However, the presence of rectal sparing may indicate more aggressive disease that is less responsive to medical treatment.

Adolescent↗

The utility of anoscopy in the rapid diagnosis of symptomatic anorectal gonorrhea in men.

Thirty-nine homosexual men seeking treatment for symptomatic proctitis were examined for anorectal gonorrhea by study of gram-stained smears obtained via an anoscope and by a blindly obtained anorectal swab specimen. Anorectal specimens for culture were obtained from all men. The sensitivity of the anoscopically obtained smears was 79% as compared with 53% for the blindly obtained smears. It was concluded that gram-stained smears obtained through an anoscope can provide rapid diagnosis of most cases of symptomatic anorectal gonorrhea. All patients with symptomatic proctitis should have routine anoscopy and examination of gram-stained smears obtained via anoscopy as part of their diagnostic evaluation.

Anal Canal↗

Phase III study of pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) in treatment of gastrointestinal tract sequelae of radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract sequelae of radiotherapy. METHODS: Eligible patients were those with grade 1 to 3 radiation related proctitis, diarrhea and/or melena. At least 4 weeks had to elapse since the completion of the radiotherapy course. Patients with bleeding diathesis or ulcers, and patients receiving anticoagulants or chemotherapy were excluded. Stratification criteria included the type of sequelae (proctitis, diarrhea, melena), the severity grade and the onset (<3 months post-RT, >3 months post-RT). Patients were randomized to one of the following arms: 100 mg PPS 3 times per day (300 mg/day), 200 mg PPS 3 times per day (600 mg/day), or placebo 3 times per day. If there was no improvement in symptoms after 2 months, the protocol treatment was discontinued. If the symptoms improved or resolved, the protocol treatment was continued for additional 4 months. Patients under treatment were evaluated monthly, than every 2 to 3 months for the next 18 months. A symptom assessment questionnaire was used to measure quality of life endpoints. RESULTS: From June 1999 to March 2001 180 patients were accessioned from 34 institutions. A total of 168 were analyzable. Neither the best observed response within 3 months for the entire population, nor the response rate within sequelae category or the quality of life measures differed significantly between the 3 arms of the study. CONCLUSION: Administration of PPS has not been associated with an improvement in the clinical course of radiation related morbidity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Administration, Oral↗

Prednisolone metasulphobenzoate foam retention enemas suppress the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid enemas represent effective treatment for ulcerative proctitis, but absorption into the systemic circulation may have undesirable metabolic consequences. Prednisolone metasulphobenzoate, a lipophobic corticosteroid derivative, is designed to be absorbed poorly through the recto-sigmoid mucosa, but the effects of foam enema preparations upon the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis have not been examined. METHODS: Nine patients suffering from active ulcerative proctitis underwent four weeks of therapy with prednisolone metasulphobenzoate foam enemas. The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, defined using the modified single-dose metyrapone test, glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles were studied before and after treatment. RESULTS: The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis was significantly depressed after the treatment period; mean stimulated plasma cortisol concentration fell from 384 +/- 244 (s.d.) to 288 +/- 252 nmol/L, P < 0.02; stimulated mean plasma 11-deoxycortisol concentration fell from 677 +/- 333 to 407 +/- 326 nmol/L, P < 0.01. Mean fasting plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, fructosamine and triglyceride concentration were unchanged, whilst the mean serum cholesterol concentrations rose from 5.6 +/- 1.1 to 6.0 +/- 1.2 mmol/L (not significant). CONCLUSION: Prednisolone metasulphobenzoate foam enemas have significant systemic and endocrine metabolic effects, which could assume importance with long-term therapy.

Administration, Rectal↗

Pharmacokinetics and retrograde colonic spread of budesonide enemas in patients with distal ulcerative colitis.

METHODS: The retrograde spread of two budesonide enema formulations with different viscosities was investigated. The study design was open, randomized and two-period crossover. Three female and two male patients (age range: 35-45 years) with distal ulcerative colitis or proctitis participated. Both enema formulations contained a dose of 2 mg budesonide/100 mL. An unabsorbable radioactive marker (99mTc-labelled human serum albumin microcolloid) was added to the enema just before administration. All doses were given in the evening with the patients lying in a supine position during the whole investigation. The intestinal spread was followed for 8 h using scintigraphic imaging. Plasma samples for budesonide assay were taken during the 12 h after administration of the low viscosity enema. RESULTS: Budesonide plasma levels were measurable for up to 4-6 h. Cmax was 2.5 nmol/L (range: 0.9-4.5 nmol/L) and was attained in 1.5 h (range 1-3 h). The patients had no difficulty in retaining the enemas. There was a statistically significant difference in spread between the low and high viscosity enema. The low viscosity enema spread over an area situated between the rectum and the splenic flexure. The spread occurred mainly in the first 15 min after administration. In contrast, the high viscosity enema, in most cases, spread only over a minor part of this area and the rate and extent of spreading was also more variable with this formulation. CONCLUSION: The spread of a low viscosity enema appears to be well suited for the treatment of proctitis and distal colitis.

Administration, Topical↗

Sigmoidoscopy in children with chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to assess the role of rigid sigmoidoscopy in diagnosis and prognosis of children with chronic and minor lower gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical notes of children under 15 years of age with minor and chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding who had rigid sigmoidoscopy and biopsy between October 1998 and April 2002 at Liaquat Medical College Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan. Demographic data, clinical presentation, morbidity, sigmoidoscopic and histopathological findings were analysed to determine the role of rigid sigmoidoscopy in the management of rectal bleeding in children. RESULTS: A total of 229 sigmoidoscopic examinations were carried out in 207 children with a mean age of 6 years. Seventy-seven per cent (160) of children were symptomatic for a year or more. Causes of bleeding were juvenile colorectal polyps (155 cases; 75%), non-specific proctitis (38 cases; 18%), solitary rectal ulcer (seven cases; 3.5%), lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (six cases, 3%) and foreign body (betel nuts) impaction (one case; 0.5%). Polyps were mostly in the rectosigmoid region and solitary in 136 (88%) children. All polyps were removed by rigid sigmoidoscopy. Histological examination of 137 polyps revealed juvenile type in 136 (99%) cases and low-grade dysplastic changes in one patient. Non-specific proctitis (n = 38) was confirmed histologically in 92% (n = 35) of cases and it was self-limiting in 86% of cases. Other findings include solitary rectal ulcer in seven, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia in six and telangiectasic (pyogenic) granuloma in one patient. CONCLUSION: Rigid sigmoidoscopy was useful in diagnosis, treatment and prognostic evaluation of children with chronic and minor lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology.

Adolescent↗

Zinc in ulcerative colitis: a therapeutic trial and report on plasma levels.

A double-blind controlled trial of oral zinc sulphate as adjuvant treatment in idiopathic ulcerative colitis or proctitis in relapse is reported. Fifty-one patients were treated, and the clinical and sigmoidoscopic improvement in the zinc treated patients was similar to that in patients receiving placebo. No difference was found between plasma zinc levels in a further 46 patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis or proctitis and those obtained in a group of healthy controls.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗