AIM: To explore if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels might serve as a prognostic factor with respect to the clinical course of Crohn's disease and might be useful for classification.METHODS: In this retrospective co...AIM: To explore if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels might serve as a prognostic factor with respect to the clinical course of Crohn's disease and might be useful for classification.METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study we enrolled 94 patients from the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database of the University Medical Centre Utrecht. CRP levels during relapse were correlated with the number of relapses per year. Severity of relapses was based on endoscopic reports and prednisone use. Furthermore, patients were categorized in a low or high CRP group based on their CRP response during relapse and demographic and clinical features were compared.RESULTS: Overall, a positive correlation between CRP levels, number of relapses, and severity of relapse was found (respectively rs = 0.31, P < 0.01 and rs = 0.50, P < 0.001). Employing a cut-off level of 15 mg/L, the index CRP level was found to discriminate patients with respect to the number of relapses per year, as well as for severity of relapses (respectively 0.25 ± 0.16 vs 0.36 ± 0.24, P < 0.05 and 4.4 ± 1.2 vs 3.2 ± 1.1 on a 10-point visual analogue scale, P < 0.001 for the high CRP and low CRP groups respectively). In addition, the high CRP group showed more cumulative days of prednisone use per year (107 ± 95 vs 58 ± 48, P < 0.05), as well as a better response to infliximab (93 % vs 33 %, P = 0.06).CONCLUSION: A higher CRP level during relapse seems to be associated with a more severe clinical course of disease.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the long-term effect of Endocinch treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).METHODS:After unblinding and crossover,50 patients(32 males,18 females; mean age 46 years) with pH-proven chronic G...AIM:To evaluate the long-term effect of Endocinch treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).METHODS:After unblinding and crossover,50 patients(32 males,18 females; mean age 46 years) with pH-proven chronic GERD were recruited from an initial randomized,placebo-controlled,single-center study,and included in the present prospective open-label follow-up study.Initially,three gastroplications using the Endocinch device were placed under deep sedation in a standardized manner.Optional retreatment was offered in the first year with 1 or 2 extra gastroplications.At baseline,3 mo after(re) treatment and yearly proton pump inhibitor(PPI) use,GERD symptoms,quality of life(QoL) scores,adverse events and treatment failures(defined as:patients using > 50% of their baseline PPI dose or receiving alternative antireflux therapy) were assessed.Intention-to-treat analysis was performed.RESULTS:Median follow-up was 48 mo [interquartile range(IQR):38-52].Three patients were lost to follow-up.In 44% of patients retreatment was done after a median of 4 mo(IQR:3-8).No serious adverse events occurred.At the end of follow-up,symptom scores and4 out of 6 QoL subscales were improved(all P < 0.01compared to baseline).However,80% of patients required PPIs for their GERD symptoms.Ultimately,64% of patients were classified as treatment failures.In 60% a post-procedural endoscopy was carried out,of which in 16% reflux esophagitis was diagnosed.CONCLUSION:In the 4-year follow-up period,the subset of GERD patients that benefit from endoscopic gastroplication kept declining gradually,nearly half opted for retreatment and 80% required PPIs eventually.展开更多
文摘AIM: To explore if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels might serve as a prognostic factor with respect to the clinical course of Crohn's disease and might be useful for classification.METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study we enrolled 94 patients from the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database of the University Medical Centre Utrecht. CRP levels during relapse were correlated with the number of relapses per year. Severity of relapses was based on endoscopic reports and prednisone use. Furthermore, patients were categorized in a low or high CRP group based on their CRP response during relapse and demographic and clinical features were compared.RESULTS: Overall, a positive correlation between CRP levels, number of relapses, and severity of relapse was found (respectively rs = 0.31, P < 0.01 and rs = 0.50, P < 0.001). Employing a cut-off level of 15 mg/L, the index CRP level was found to discriminate patients with respect to the number of relapses per year, as well as for severity of relapses (respectively 0.25 ± 0.16 vs 0.36 ± 0.24, P < 0.05 and 4.4 ± 1.2 vs 3.2 ± 1.1 on a 10-point visual analogue scale, P < 0.001 for the high CRP and low CRP groups respectively). In addition, the high CRP group showed more cumulative days of prednisone use per year (107 ± 95 vs 58 ± 48, P < 0.05), as well as a better response to infliximab (93 % vs 33 %, P = 0.06).CONCLUSION: A higher CRP level during relapse seems to be associated with a more severe clinical course of disease.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the long-term effect of Endocinch treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).METHODS:After unblinding and crossover,50 patients(32 males,18 females; mean age 46 years) with pH-proven chronic GERD were recruited from an initial randomized,placebo-controlled,single-center study,and included in the present prospective open-label follow-up study.Initially,three gastroplications using the Endocinch device were placed under deep sedation in a standardized manner.Optional retreatment was offered in the first year with 1 or 2 extra gastroplications.At baseline,3 mo after(re) treatment and yearly proton pump inhibitor(PPI) use,GERD symptoms,quality of life(QoL) scores,adverse events and treatment failures(defined as:patients using > 50% of their baseline PPI dose or receiving alternative antireflux therapy) were assessed.Intention-to-treat analysis was performed.RESULTS:Median follow-up was 48 mo [interquartile range(IQR):38-52].Three patients were lost to follow-up.In 44% of patients retreatment was done after a median of 4 mo(IQR:3-8).No serious adverse events occurred.At the end of follow-up,symptom scores and4 out of 6 QoL subscales were improved(all P < 0.01compared to baseline).However,80% of patients required PPIs for their GERD symptoms.Ultimately,64% of patients were classified as treatment failures.In 60% a post-procedural endoscopy was carried out,of which in 16% reflux esophagitis was diagnosed.CONCLUSION:In the 4-year follow-up period,the subset of GERD patients that benefit from endoscopic gastroplication kept declining gradually,nearly half opted for retreatment and 80% required PPIs eventually.