The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors of patient response to biofeedback. Material and methods. Baseline demographic characteristics, symptomatology and anorectal investigation reports of 137 patients who completed biofeedback therapy were analysed retrospectively. Short-term response (<3 months) to biofeedback was assessed using subjective criteria (improvement/ no improvement). P Values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results. At univariate analysis, age, duration of symptoms, severity of faecal incontinence, mean maximum squeeze and resting pressure differed significantly

(p < 0.05) were associated with patients’ response. However, after performing logistic regression analysis

age, duration and severity of symptoms were the only variables associated with the outcome (p Values were 0.041, 0.022 and 0.025, respectively). Selleckchem A1331852 Conclusion. Three independent factors (younger age, shorter duration and lower severity of faecal incontinence) were associated with patient outcome after completing our unit’s biofeedback protocol. Anorectal investigations are of questionable value in patient selection for biofeedback therapy.”
“Objective. CA3 ic50 Crohn’s disease commonly involves the small intestine, which is the site of vitamin B-12 and folate absorption. Our aim was to define the prevalence of vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency in patients with Crohn’s disease and to identify predictive factors associated with such abnormalities. Methods. Two years prospective study of 180 consecutive Crohn’s disease patients. Vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency was defined as serum levels below 200 pg/ml and 3 ng/ml, respectively. We analysed prevalence of these deficiencies and possible predictive factors including small intestine resection, disease location, activity and duration of disease. Controls were ulcerative colitis patients (n = 70). Results. The prevalence of B-12 deficiency in Crohn’s disease was 15.6% (95% CI 9.7-20%) compared with 2.8% (95% CI 0.8-9.8%) in ulcerative colitis (p = 0.007). With regard to folate

deficiency, the prevalence in patients with Crohn’s disease was 22.2% (95% CI 16-28%) compared with 4.3% (95% CI 1.4-12%) in ulcerative colitis (p = 0.001); 7.8% of Crohn’s disease patients had macrocytic anemia. Ileal resection was found to be a risk factor selleck products for B-12 deficiency (OR 2.7; 1.2-6.7; p = 0.02), and disease activity a risk factor for folate deficiency (OR 2.4; 1.2-5.1; p = 0.01). Conclusion. A significant proportion of patients with Crohn’s disease suffer from vitamin B-12 and/or folate deficiency, suggesting that regular screening should be performed, with closer monitoring in patients with ileal resection or active disease.”
“Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of mycobacteria and Escherichia coli reactive T cells in intestinal biopsies from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).