Perttu Arkkila

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This study looked at how people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, stick with their treatments over time and switch between different medications. Researchers found that 51-80% of patients continued with their biological or JAK inhibitor treatments for at least two years, while 16% switched to other therapies, often moving from medications like golimumab or tofacitinib to ustekinumab or vedolizumab. This matters because understanding these patterns can help doctors better manage treatment plans for their patients, improving long-term care. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study compared two forms of the HIV medication tenofovir—tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)—to understand their effects on gut health and body weight. Researchers found that patients taking TDF had flatter intestinal villi and higher levels of a marker indicating gut cell damage, suggesting that TDF may reduce nutrient absorption, which could explain why it is linked to lower body weight and plasma lipids. Specifically, the average villus height in the TDF group was 337 micrometers, compared to 397 micrometers in the TAF group, and the gut damage marker was significantly higher in the TDF group at 3.0 ng/mL versus 1.8 ng/mL for TAF. Who this helps: Patients taking HIV medication, particularly those using TDF.

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This study looked at how effective and safe it is for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to switch from intravenous infliximab (a medication) to a subcutaneous version (injected under the skin). Researchers found that after making the switch, about 94.8% of patients with Crohn’s disease and 88.8% of those with ulcerative colitis continued their treatment after one year, and levels of the medication in their blood were significantly higher than before. This matters because it shows that switching to subcutaneous infliximab can help patients maintain their treatment effectively while keeping their disease stable and minimizing safety concerns. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study looked at how active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects the risk of getting Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients. Researchers found that nearly 30% of IBD patients who had CDI experienced it again within 90 days, and most of these cases were in patients with ulcerative colitis. The findings suggest that patients with more active disease or who are newly diagnosed are at a higher risk for CDI, indicating they may need closer monitoring. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those with active symptoms or recently diagnosed.

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This study looked at how well a symptom-based score for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) matches with commonly used laboratory tests like fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,000 patients and found that tests for fecal calprotectin, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein were significantly linked to disease activity levels. This is important because it helps doctors identify which patients need closer monitoring and personalized treatment plans, potentially catching flare-ups sooner. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how using antibiotics affects the gut bacteria of healthy people who donate stool for transplants. Researchers found that antibiotics significantly reduced important types of bacteria for several months, changed the overall diversity of gut bacteria, and impacted their functions without increasing harmful antibiotic resistance genes. Understanding these changes is crucial because it can help improve how fecal microbiota transplants are performed, ensuring better health outcomes for patients who need them. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving fecal transplants and the doctors who provide them.

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This study examined how often patients with moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stopped their treatment because it wasn't working. Researchers found that only 5% of patients using subcutaneous infliximab stopped treatment for lack of effectiveness, while 29% of those using vedolizumab did the same. This is important because it shows that subcutaneous infliximab may be more effective in keeping patients on their treatment compared to vedolizumab. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study looked at how gastrointestinal (GI) bacterial infections affect patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Out of over 5,000 patients, 123 had confirmed GI infections, and those patients were more likely to experience a flare-up of their IBD within one to six months afterward, often needing stronger medication as a result. Understanding this connection is important because it helps doctors anticipate and manage potential treatment changes for IBD patients who develop these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how certain gut bacteria break down compounds that are linked to toxins and medications. Researchers found that healthy individuals showed large differences in this activity, particularly with steroid compounds, but the variations were small among repeated samples from the same person. Additionally, patients with repeated infections showed low breakdown activity initially, but this improved after receiving a fecal microbiota transplant. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with gut issues, doctors, and researchers studying gut health and medication effects.

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This study looked at the effects of switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) forms of the medications infliximab (IFX) and vedolizumab (VDZ). Researchers found that after switching to SC treatment, patients maintained their remission rates at 90%, had higher drug levels in their blood (with IFX increasing from 8.2 to 14.5 µg/ml and VDZ from 14.7 to 26.5 mg/ml), and made nearly seven fewer trips to the hospital each year. SC treatment also showed differences in costs, with SC IFX being more expensive than IV, while SC VDZ was less expensive. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing hospital visits and maintaining effective treatment.

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This study examined the relationship between two methods for measuring fat in the liver, specifically in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers found that while the two methods generally agreed when liver fat was low (at around 5% fat), the histology method showed much higher fat levels than the magnetic resonance method at higher fat levels—by as much as 3.4 times. This matters because understanding these differences helps doctors accurately assess liver health and avoid mistakes in treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients dealing with liver health issues.

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This study looked at how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) affects the gut bacteria and gene activity in patients with a condition called chronic pouchitis. Researchers followed 26 patients for one year and found that those who responded well to FMT had gut bacteria that were more similar to their donors after four weeks. However, overall changes in gut bacteria due to FMT were minimal, and the patients’ bacteria remained unstable, indicating FMT might not strongly impact pouchitis. Who this helps: This research helps patients with chronic pouchitis and their doctors in understanding treatment options.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of two medications, infliximab and vedolizumab, for maintaining treatment in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that subcutaneous infliximab given every two weeks was more effective than other treatments for maintaining remission, with odds ratios of 5.90 for Crohn's disease and 5.45 for ulcerative colitis. This is important because it shows that a specific dosing regimen of infliximab can lead to better patient outcomes in managing these chronic diseases. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

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This study compared two treatments, subcutaneous infliximab (IFX SC) and vedolizumab (VDZ), for people with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Researchers analyzed data from several trials and found that IFX SC worked better for patients with CD, showing significantly better results during the initial treatment phase, while both treatments were similarly effective for patients with UC. Additionally, fewer patients on IFX SC stopped treatment due to inefficacy over a year compared to those on VDZ. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by identifying a more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) responded when switching from intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab, a medication used to manage their condition. Researchers found that 90.3% of patients who switched from intravenous maintenance therapy and 90.9% of those switching from intravenous induction therapy continued using the subcutaneous form six months later. Additionally, while disease activity remained stable for those who switched from maintenance therapy, it significantly decreased for ulcerative colitis patients switching from induction therapy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those needing a more convenient method of treatment.

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This study looked at whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their symptoms. The researchers found that after six months, there was no significant difference in symptom improvement between those who received FMT and those who received a placebo, with an average score change of just 0.97 points. However, more gastrointestinal issues were reported among those who received FMT compared to the placebo group. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors in understanding the effectiveness and safety of FMT as a treatment option.

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This study looked at how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) affects the gut bacteria of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The researchers found that even though the FMT changed the type of gut bacteria in patients, it did not lead to an improvement in their IBS symptoms. Specifically, they noticed that a particular type of bacteria called Prevotella copri became more common in patients who had low levels of it before the treatment. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with IBS and their doctors, as it clarifies the relationship between gut bacteria and symptoms.

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This study looked at how a specialized therapy approach could help people who struggle with rumination, which is a repetitive focus on distressing thoughts. Researchers treated 11 patients using a combination of therapies over six months, resulting in a significant decrease in the rumination score from 6.5 to 4.0, indicating less frequent episodes of rumination. These patients also experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to the general population, highlighting the need for effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from rumination and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two imaging methods, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT scans, to see how well they diagnose rare growths called esophageal duplication cysts (EDCs) in 31 patients who had surgery for these cysts. The findings showed that both methods had similar accuracy, with EUS correctly identifying the cysts 58% of the time and CT scans 57% of the time. This is important because it highlights that neither method alone can reliably tell EDCs apart from other possible masses in the chest, which can lead to misdiagnosis and affect treatment decisions. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with suspected esophageal issues, as it informs them about the limitations of current diagnostic tools.

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This study looked at how next-generation sequencing (NGS) can help determine which pancreatic cysts should be surgically removed. Researchers found that NGS accurately identified mucinous cysts—potentially cancerous cysts—about 78% of the time, better than traditional methods like cyst fluid testing. This is important because it can help ensure that patients receive timely surgery for serious conditions, while avoiding unnecessary surgeries for benign cysts. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cysts by providing clearer guidelines for treatment.

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This study looked at how changing an HIV treatment from either efavirenz or a protease inhibitor to raltegravir affects the bacteria in the gut after 24 weeks. They found that the diversity of gut bacteria increased in patients who switched to raltegravir compared to those who kept their original treatment, with a significant increase noted in those switching from efavirenz. This is important because a healthier and more diverse gut microbiome may contribute to better overall health and reduced inflammation in patients. Who this helps: This benefits HIV-positive patients looking for improved health outcomes after treatment changes.

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This study looked at whether people treated for a stomach infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) later developed certain types of cancers. Among 217,554 patients followed for almost 15 years, there were significantly higher rates of gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers shortly after they received treatment; for example, the risk for gastric cancer was up to 32 times higher in the first six months. The findings indicate that while treating H. pylori may protect against some gastric cancers in the long run, it might also delay the diagnosis of cancers that were already present. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by highlighting the importance of continued cancer screenings even after H. pylori treatment.

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This study focused on improving the preparation of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) by creating a method that keeps bacteria alive without oxygen. Researchers found that using this oxygen-free method preserved a rich variety of bacteria better than the regular method, capturing 78% of the fecal species over time. This is important because having a diverse range of bacteria may improve the effectiveness of FMT treatments in various health conditions. Who this helps: Patients needing fecal transplants for gut-related issues.

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This study examined whether a single fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) could help patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) stay in remission. Out of 24 patients who received FMT, 54% maintained remission, compared to 41% in the placebo group after 12 months. However, the FMT group reported a decline in quality of life compared to the placebo group, and there were no differences in disease relapses or other health measures between the groups. Who this helps: This research informs doctors and patients about the effectiveness of FMT for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis.

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This study looked at how thiopurines, a type of medication, are used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially in regions where newer, more expensive treatments like biologics are less accessible. It found that about one-third of IBD patients in developed countries start treatment with biologics, while only a small number in developing countries do so due to cost and health risks, like tuberculosis. Because many patients can’t tolerate thiopurines or experience side effects, their effective use in treatment is often limited, making it important to optimize how these medications are prescribed and managed. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially in developing countries.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of behavioral therapy (BT) for patients who experience supragastric belching (SGB), a condition involving frequent burping. Researchers found that after five sessions of BT, 75% of participants reported significant improvements, with the therapy group showing much lower levels of belching and reduced depression compared to those who only received follow-up with no intervention. This is important because it demonstrates that structured therapy can effectively relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve mental health for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from supragastric belching and related mental health issues.

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This study looked at how giving intravenous iron before surgery affects patients with anemia who have colon cancer. The researchers found that among anemic patients who received the iron treatment, 33.9% experienced complications after surgery, compared to 45.9% of those who didn't get the treatment. Additionally, 38.7% of the treated patients were still anemic a month after surgery, whereas 65.3% of the untreated group remained anemic, showing that the iron treatment helps reduce complications and anemia after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with colon cancer who are anemic before surgery.

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This study compared two treatments, infliximab and vedolizumab, for adults with moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that infliximab was more effective than vedolizumab during the initial treatment phase, leading to better symptom relief, but both medications worked similarly well in maintaining remission over time and had similar safety profiles. For example, infliximab showed better results in symptom improvement for Crohn's disease, while both treatments had similar rates of side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are seeking the most effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the risk of serious liver damage, known as advanced fibrosis, in family members of patients with a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The researchers found that 15.6% of first-degree relatives of patients with advanced fibrosis had this liver damage, compared to only 5.9% of relatives of those without advanced fibrosis and 1.3% of relatives of those without NAFLD. This matters because it highlights the need for regular screening of these relatives, especially since certain factors like age, being male, having diabetes, and having a direct relative with advanced fibrosis significantly increase this risk. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by identifying those at higher risk for liver issues.

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This study looked at whether a treatment called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a healthy donor could help people with obesity lose more weight after bariatric surgery. It involved 41 patients and found that both the FMT group and a control group lost about the same amount of weight after 6 months (around 4.8% for FMT vs. 4.6% for the control) and after 18 months (around 25.3% for FMT vs. 25.2% for the control). This means that FMT did not help improve weight loss results from surgery, which is important for future research into treatments for obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe obesity considering bariatric surgery.

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This study looked at whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could help patients with chronic pouchitis, a long-term condition that can occur after surgery for ulcerative colitis. Researchers followed 26 patients for a year and found that FMT did not prevent relapses of pouchitis any better than a placebo; specifically, 9 patients who received FMT and 8 who received a placebo had relapses, indicating no significant difference. However, patients on continuous antibiotics before treatment had a higher risk of relapse with FMT. Who this helps: This research is important for patients with chronic pouchitis and their doctors, as it shows that FMT may not be an effective treatment option for all patients in this situation.

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This study looked at how switching certain HIV medications to a drug called raltegravir affects liver fat and body composition in people living with HIV who are at high risk for fatty liver disease. Researchers found that, although participants gained weight and had more body fat after 24 weeks on raltegravir, their liver fat levels stayed normal, and some signs of inflammation improved. This is important because it suggests that raltegravir might help manage liver health better than other treatments, even with weight gain. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV who are at risk for liver disease.

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This research looked at how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used in hospitals across Europe, focusing on its application and safety. In 2019, 31 centers from 17 countries performed a total of 1,874 FMT procedures, mainly to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), which accounted for 57% of cases. However, given there are an estimated 12,400 patients in Europe needing FMT for CDI, these procedures cover only about 10% of the demand, indicating a need for increased awareness and use of FMT. Who this helps: This benefits patients with recurrent CDI and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating clear guidelines for managing stool banks, which are essential for faecal microbiota transplantation—a treatment mainly used for patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. The researchers developed a detailed document outlining how to collect, handle, and store donor stool, ensuring that procedures meet safety standards. Implementing these guidelines will help guarantee the quality and availability of donor stool for treatments, which is crucial for improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients suffering from recurring gastrointestinal infections.

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This study looked at how switching from the original infliximab medication to a biosimilar version affects patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on health-related quality of life and costs. Researchers found that after switching, patients had similar health-related quality of life and disease activity levels, but the costs of the biosimilar were only one-third of the original drug. This is important because it shows that patients can receive effective treatment for IBD at a lower cost without sacrificing their quality of life or disease control. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthcare providers managing their treatments.

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This study looked at whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Out of 49 patients, those who received FMT showed a brief decrease in their IBS symptoms after 12 weeks, but the overall results didn’t meet the goal of lasting relief. The treatment changed the gut bacteria of the patients, but it’s clear that a single FMT treatment isn't a viable option for managing IBS. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients understand the limitations of FMT for IBS treatment.

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This study looked at how well a type of beneficial bacteria from donor stools can take up residence in patients who receive fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) to treat recurrent infections. Researchers found that specific strains of bifidobacteria from two donors successfully colonized 13 patients for at least one year after their treatment. This is important because it shows that FMT can lead to long-lasting changes in a patient's gut health, which could improve their overall well-being. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent infections who may benefit from fecal microbiota transplants.

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This study looked at how taking broad-spectrum antibiotics before a fecal transplant affects the acceptance of new bacteria in the gut. Researchers found that while antibiotics wiped out many of the recipient mice's original gut bacteria, they did not significantly improve how well the new bacteria from the donor were accepted—instead, it only helped a few specific types of bacteria establish themselves. This matters because understanding how to optimize fecal transplants could lead to better treatments for patients with gut-related health problems. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent intestinal infections and other gut-related diseases.

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This study focused on how to improve access to faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for patients suffering from recurrent infections like C. difficile. Experts from various countries agreed on important guidelines for setting up stool banks, which would help ensure safe, reliable access to FMT by standardizing donor selection, stool processing, and ongoing monitoring. This is important because it could lead to more patients receiving effective treatment for infections that are hard to manage with standard medications. Who this helps: This helps patients who need FMT, particularly those with recurrent C. difficile infections.

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This paper examines globus pharyngeus, which is a sensation of having a lump in the throat that often feels better when eating. The study highlights that while this issue is common, the reasons for it are not well understood and can lead to unnecessary medical tests. The authors aim to clarify how to diagnose and treat globus more effectively by outlining current research and suggesting a step-by-step diagnostic approach. Who this helps: Patients experiencing throat discomfort and healthcare providers diagnosing these symptoms.

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Researchers studied the recurrence of Clostridium difficile infections (rCDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to those without IBD. They found that IBD patients had similar recurrence rates as non-IBD patients, with 25% of IBD patients experiencing rCDI. The study also noted that rCDI was less common in patients with Crohn's disease compared to other types of IBD, and the use of immunosuppressant therapy was linked to higher recurrence rates in IBD patients. This matters because it shows that IBD patients are not more at risk for rCDI than other patients, which can help tailor treatment plans. Who this helps: This benefits IBD patients and their doctors in managing and treating infections.

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This study looked at how a special adaptation course helped people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feel better and function in daily life. Out of 142 patients, those who took the 5-12 day course showed significant improvements in their quality of life and reduced feelings of depression, with scores improving from 11.8 to 8.5 on a depression scale. Many participants also reported getting peer support, which increased from 32% to 70%, and this support further improved their overall well-being one year later. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study examined how viruses, specifically bacteriophages, behave after fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in patients with recurring Clostridium difficile infections. Researchers found that the viruses from the donors were present in the patients for up to 12 months, but the way each patient's body accepted these viruses varied significantly depending on their specific donor. This understanding is important because it highlights the role of viruses in maintaining gut health after FMT, which could improve treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients undergoing fecal microbiota transplantation for Clostridium difficile infections.