I De Vitis

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This study looked at how common celiac disease (CD) is among patients in family medicine in Rome, Italy, and whether their diagnoses were accurate. Out of over 22,000 patients, only 91 (0.41%) had CD, with just 60 properly coded in the health system. Many diagnosed patients weren't following the recommended gluten-free diet, indicating that some may not truly meet the criteria for the disease, which is important for ensuring the right treatments and health advice are given. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better diagnoses for patients who might have celiac disease.

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This study looked at the presence of celiac disease (CD) among Italian military personnel, specifically the Carabinieri Corps. Out of 291 military members tested, only 2 were found to have celiac disease, which gives a prevalence of 0.7%, similar to the general population rate of about 1%. This is important because many people with celiac disease go undiagnosed, and early detection can help improve their health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps military personnel who may be at risk for celiac disease.

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This study looked at how many patients with celiac disease (CD) contracted COVID-19. Out of 542 CD patients, only 5 (0.92%) tested positive for the virus, and their infection rates were similar to those in the general population. However, CD patients were tested less frequently, which might explain why their positive test rate appeared higher. Who this helps: This research helps celiac disease patients by informing them about their COVID-19 risk.

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This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were treated with a medication called anti-TNF alpha to see how often they developed a skin condition called psoriasis. Over five years, 42 out of 402 patients developed psoriasis, which means it occurred in about 5 out of every 100 patients each year. The research found that smoking increased the risk of developing psoriasis, while combining anti-TNF alpha with other medications lowered that risk. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with IBD, especially those worried about the risk of developing psoriasis when receiving anti-TNF alpha treatment.

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This study looked at how effective and safe a treatment combining simethicone and Bacillus coagulans (called Colinox) is for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects 15-20% of people in the Western world. Out of 52 participants, those taking Colinox reported significant reductions in bloating and abdominal pain compared to those taking a placebo. This finding is important because it offers a new option for managing IBS symptoms, which can greatly improve patients’ quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

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This study looked at how well a combination of infliximab (IFX) and azathioprine can help people with ulcerative colitis who struggle with steroid dependence. Researchers found that after starting treatment, 76% of patients improved, and 64% maintained this improvement over a follow-up period averaging over three years. Additionally, 77% of patients did not need surgery to remove their colon during this time, and those on the combination therapy had a much better chance of sustained improvement. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis.

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This study looked at how levels of faecal calprotectin, a marker of inflammation, can predict how well patients with inflammatory bowel disease respond to a certain medication (anti-TNFα) one year after treatment. Researchers analyzed stool samples from 63 patients and found that 57% maintained a positive response to treatment after one year, with their faecal calprotectin levels dropping from an average of 308 µg/g before treatment to 106 µg/g after (a significant decrease). This measure was effective at predicting whether patients would continue to improve, with an accuracy of 83% for sustained clinical response and 79% for mucosal healing. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors in treatment planning.

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This study looked at two groups of patients with complicated celiac disease: those who do not improve with a gluten-free diet right after diagnosis (Type A) and those who initially improve but then relapse (Type B). They found that 37 out of 87 patients with complications died, with 30 deaths in Type A and 7 in Type B, indicating that Type A cases have a much higher mortality rate. This research highlights that patients with complicated celiac disease face serious health risks, and understanding the differences between these two patterns can better inform treatment and management. Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors in making more informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at hepatitis B and C infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were treated with a specific type of medication called anti-TNF-α agents. Out of 301 patients, only 1 patient (0.3%) had active hepatitis B, and 4 patients (1.3%) tested positive for hepatitis C, which shows that infection rates were similar to those in the general population. The research found that none of the patients experienced a reactivation of their hepatitis B or C while using these treatments, but less than a quarter were vaccinated against hepatitis B, highlighting a gap in preventive care. Who this helps: This benefits IBD patients and their doctors by confirming the safety of anti-TNF-α therapy regarding hepatitis infections.

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The study looked at how well the influenza A/H1N1 vaccine worked in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were receiving treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs, alone or with additional immunosuppressants (IS). It found that these patients had a weaker immune response to the vaccine compared to healthy individuals, with a notable lower seroconversion rate of 0.009 and lower antibody levels in those on combined therapy. Importantly, all patients maintained their disease stability and did not experience any flare-ups after vaccination. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating IBD patients, as it highlights the need to monitor vaccine responses in this group.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a drug called infliximab for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who depend on steroids to manage their symptoms. Among 126 patients treated with infliximab, 53% were free of steroids after 6 months, and this number dropped to 47% after 12 months. The study found that patients who hadn't previously used thiopurines and those on combination therapy had higher chances of staying off steroids, and normal levels of C-reactive protein after treatment also indicated better outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis seeking effective alternatives to manage their condition.

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This study examined two tests for detecting latent tuberculosis (TB) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) before they start treatment with anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Researchers tested 92 IBD patients using the Quantiferon-TB Gold (QFT-G) test and the tuberculin skin test (TST). They found that the two tests agreed in 89.2% of cases, which indicates that both tests are useful for screening in this group, particularly since IBD patients on immunosuppressive therapy can be at higher risk for TB reactivation. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are considering anti-TNF-alpha therapy.

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Researchers studied how well two medications, azathioprine and infliximab, prevent Crohn's disease from returning in patients after surgery. They found that after one year, only 9% of patients treated with infliximab had a return of disease seen during examinations, compared to 40% of those taking azathioprine. Additionally, 80% of the azathioprine group showed severe histological signs of disease, while only 18% in the infliximab group did, indicating infliximab was more effective in preventing more serious symptoms of recurrence. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery for Crohn's disease who are at high risk of the disease coming back.

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This study looked at how a specific type of immune cell, called T regulatory cells (Tregs), changes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after they receive a treatment called anti-TNFα therapy. The researchers found that Treg levels in the blood increased significantly in 32 IBD patients after treatment, but only in those who responded well to the therapy. This is important because it suggests that Treg changes might help doctors understand how well patients are responding to treatment, especially considering that younger patients or those with shorter disease durations saw more significant changes. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how drinking a specific fluid before an ultrasound might help doctors see better details in the small intestine of patients with coeliac disease. Out of 45 patients, 77.6% showed improved visibility of intestinal features after drinking the 750 ml fluid, with some showing marked or moderate improvements. This matters because better imaging can lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for people with gut issues. Who this helps: Patients with coeliac disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well contrast-enhanced ultrasound can measure small blood vessel activity in the thickened intestinal walls of patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found that certain measurements (maximum peak intensity and wash-in slope) were significantly higher in patients with active disease compared to those with less severe conditions, with a sensitivity of up to 97% for detecting active disease. This is important because it provides a reliable way to assess disease activity in patients, which can help guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors better understand the severity of their condition.

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Researchers studied new biological drugs designed to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on those at high risk for developing cancer due to chronic inflammation. They found that these drugs, which target specific proteins involved in inflammation, may help reduce both inflammation and the risk of colorectal cancer. This is significant because people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have a higher chance of developing cancer in the gut. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those at high risk for cancer.

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This study looked at how well a type of X-ray called a multidetector CT can detect the return of Crohn's disease in patients who have previously had surgery. The researchers found that the CT scans were very accurate, with a sensitivity of nearly 97% and a perfect specificity of 100%, meaning it very rarely missed an actual case or gave a false positive result. Importantly, CT was able to identify signs of disease that endoscopy missed, like specific areas of inflammation and complications such as fistulas. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by providing a reliable diagnostic tool for monitoring disease recurrence.

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This paper reviews how doctors can safely use the drug infliximab to treat conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis while addressing potential risks, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis infections, which can be triggered by the treatment. The authors emphasize the importance of carefully managing patients with past infections, those who are pregnant, and those with certain cancers, providing guidelines to help physicians make informed decisions. This matters because it ensures that patients receive effective treatment while minimizing serious health risks. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well a combined treatment of infliximab and seton drainage worked for patients with complex perianal fistulas caused by Crohn's disease. Researchers found that 89% of the patients had their fistulas heal completely after treatment, and most showed significant improvement in their disease symptoms after about 10 infusions of infliximab. This is important because it shows that this combined approach can effectively manage difficult cases and help maintain remission for an extended period. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

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This study looked at how certain features seen during an endoscopy can help diagnose celiac disease (CD) in adults. Researchers evaluated 509 patients, finding mucosal damage in 72.5% of them, with a remarkable 94% of these cases confirmed as CD through blood tests. The study shows that signs like a mosaic pattern and nodularity in the intestines can effectively indicate celiac disease, helping doctors target who needs further testing. Who this helps: This benefits patients who may have celiac disease, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses.

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This study looked at how much gluten patients with celiac disease can tolerate without experiencing harm while following a gluten-free diet. Researchers found that consuming less than 50 mg of gluten daily is safe, but one person did have a relapse after taking 10 mg. This is important because it helps set a limit on gluten exposure for celiac patients, ensuring their diet remains safe. Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease who need to manage their gluten intake.

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In this study, researchers looked at how well video capsule endoscopy can help diagnose celiac disease compared to the standard method of taking tissue samples from the intestine. They studied 43 patients and found that the video capsule method correctly identified celiac disease in 87.5% of cases and was very accurate overall, with a specificity of 90.9%. This new approach could make diagnosing celiac disease easier and less invasive. Who this helps: This benefits patients suspected of having celiac disease.

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This study examined early signs of artery hardening, known as atherosclerosis, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers found that IBD patients showed greater thickening of the artery walls compared to healthy individuals, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis. Specifically, the thickness measurements in IBD patients were higher, and factors like age and homocysteine levels were linked to this increased risk. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors in understanding their cardiovascular risks.

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Researchers studied how a new ultrasound technique, enhanced with a contrast agent called SonoVue, can track changes in the blood vessels of the intestines in patients with Crohn's disease who are receiving infliximab, a biological treatment. They found that in eight patients after three doses of infliximab, six showed clear improvement in bowel vessel activity, which was linked to reductions in inflammation markers in their blood. This method offers a non-invasive and affordable way to monitor inflammation in Crohn's disease patients more effectively during treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease by providing better monitoring of their treatment response.

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The study looked at how the drug infliximab affects certain molecules in the intestines of patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found that after treatment, levels of two important inhibitors (IkappaBalpha and IkappaBgamma) increased in the intestinal tissue of most patients, indicating that infliximab helps reduce inflammation by blocking the NF-kB activity. This is important because a decrease in inflammation can lead to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life for patients. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease.

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This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to see if they had early signs of atherosclerosis, which is the thickening of blood vessel walls that can lead to heart problems. Researchers found that the average thickness of the carotid artery was 0.63 mm in IBD patients, compared to 0.53 mm in healthy individuals, indicating that IBD patients are at a higher risk for developing heart issues. The study also found that higher levels of homocysteine, a blood marker linked to clotting, and older age were tied to this increased thickness. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease by highlighting their increased risk for cardiovascular issues.

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This study looked at a specific gene variation called K469E in patients from Italy with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Among 165 patients with IBD, 25% had the E/E gene variation, compared to only 12% in healthy individuals, suggesting that this variation is more common in people with IBD. This is important because identifying genetic factors can help doctors understand disease risks and tailor treatments for patients. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how small bowel CT scans compare with other imaging methods, like barium tests and endoscopies, in assessing the severity of Crohn's disease. They found that small bowel CT had an 88% accuracy in detecting disease activity, compared to 77% for barium tests. Additionally, specific CT signs were linked to higher disease severity scores and abnormal lab results, showing that small bowel CT can be a valuable tool for doctors in managing Crohn's disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors in diagnosing and monitoring their condition more effectively.

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This study looks at how Crohn's disease affects patients and the latest treatments available. It finds that many patients experience malnutrition, which can worsen their condition, and that the main treatments include a mix of medications like aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Additionally, special nutritional support through enteral nutrition is important, especially for children, and can be as effective as traditional treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by providing better treatment options.

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The study focuses on Whipple's disease, a rare and serious illness that can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and weight loss, and affects various organs such as the heart and brain. Researchers found that the disease is caused by a specific bacterium and is diagnosed through a biopsy of the small intestine, revealing abnormalities like enlarged intestinal villi filled with certain immune cells. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial, as the disease can be fatal without treatment. Who this helps: Patients suffering from Whipple's disease and their healthcare providers.

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The study focuses on diseases of the small intestine, which can cause issues like poor nutrient absorption, bleeding, and blockages. Researchers looked at how these conditions are identified and found that advanced imaging techniques, such as endoscopic and X-ray methods, have improved the way doctors understand and diagnose these issues. This is important because it leads to better treatment and care for patients with small bowel diseases. Who this helps: Patients experiencing small bowel issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at coeliac disease, a condition where the body can't tolerate gluten, in older patients aged 65 and over. Out of 1,353 adults diagnosed with the disease, only 60 were seniors, and they typically waited about 17 years to receive their diagnosis. Many of these elderly patients also presented with weight loss or heart failure, highlighting that doctors need to recognize and investigate coeliac disease more in older adults to improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients and their doctors by raising awareness of coeliac disease in this age group.

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This study focused on malabsorption, which occurs when the body struggles to absorb nutrients from food. The researchers found that many patients undergo too many unnecessary tests, which can be costly and uncomfortable, because doctors often skip vital steps like detailed questioning and thorough physical exams. By emphasizing better diagnostic methods, the study aims to improve patient care and reduce the burden of excessive testing. Who this helps: Patients suffering from malabsorption and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at how common coeliac disease is among patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders, which include conditions like Hashimoto's and Graves' disease. Out of 92 patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, 4 (4.3%) had coeliac disease, compared to just 1 (1.1%) in those with non-autoimmune thyroid conditions and only 1 (0.4%) among blood donors. This matters because it shows that patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders have a higher risk for coeliac disease, highlighting the importance of screening these patients early to avoid complications. Who this helps: Patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.

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This study looked at blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery of 12 people with celiac disease and 15 healthy individuals, both before and after they consumed a sugary drink. The researchers found that fasting celiac patients had higher blood flow readings compared to healthy individuals, but their blood flow changes after eating were smaller. This matters because it shows that specific measurements can help identify celiac disease among patients, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how common coeliac disease (CD) is in people with type 1 diabetes by testing over 1,100 patients. They found that 63 of these patients, or 5.6%, had coeliac disease, which is higher than previous estimates. Notably, 24% of those with coeliac disease experienced diarrhea, while 22% showed no symptoms at all, and the likelihood of having coeliac disease increased with the length of time someone had diabetes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with type 1 diabetes by identifying a hidden risk of coeliac disease.

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This study looked at a condition called lipohyperplasia, which occurs at a part of the intestine known as the ileocaecal valve, and how it can cause bleeding in the gut. The researchers used Doppler ultrasound to find a mass there that contained abnormal blood vessels, which is something that hasn't been reported before. Recognizing this condition can help doctors avoid unnecessary tests to check blood vessels in the abdomen. Who this helps: This helps doctors diagnose intestinal bleeding more accurately and avoid extra procedures for patients.

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This study looked at how ultrasound can help diagnose sliding gastric hiatal hernias. Researchers found that in 30 patients with hernias, the esophagogastric junction (the area where the esophagus meets the stomach) was not visible, and the diameter of the alimentary tract was larger than 16 mm. These ultrasound signs accurately predicted the presence of the hernia in 100% of cases and could lead to less invasive diagnostic procedures for patients having reflux symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

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This study looked at how ultrasound can help diagnose sliding gastric hiatal hernias, a condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest. Researchers compared 30 patients—12 with the hernia and 18 without—and found that those with the hernia had larger measurements and could not have their esophagogastric junction seen on ultrasound. In a larger group of 38 patients, ultrasound correctly identified the hernia 100% of the time, indicating it could be a reliable first step in diagnosis, potentially saving patients from more invasive tests. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastrointestinal symptoms by providing a non-invasive diagnostic option.

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This study looked at how different amounts of fish oil affect cell growth in the rectum of patients with certain types of colon polyps. Researchers found that taking fish oil in doses of 2.5, 5.1, or 7.7 grams per day for 30 days helped reduce the growth of cells in patients with abnormal growth patterns, with similar positive effects for all the dosages. This is important because it shows that low-dose fish oil can help lower the risk of colon cancer by normalizing cell growth over both short and long periods of time. Who this helps: Patients at risk of colon cancer due to polyps.