Comparative analysis of adverse events between infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease management: a Brazilian single-centre experience

AbstractIntroductionData is scarce regarding adverse events (AE) of biological therapy used in the management of Crohn's Disease (CD) among Brazilian patients.ObjectivesTo analyse AE prevalence and profile in patients with CD treated with Infliximab (IFX) or Adalimumab (ADA) and to verify whether there are differences between the two drugs.MethodRetrospective observational single-centre study of CD patients on biological therapy. Variables analysed: Demographic data, Montreal classification, biological agent adminis- tered, treatment duration, presence and type of AE and the need for treatment interruption.ResultsForty-nine patients were analysed, 25 treated with ADA and 24 with IFX. The groups were homogeneous in relation to the variables studied. The average follow-up period for the group treated with ADA was 19.3 months and 21.8 months for the IFX group (p = 0.585). Overall, 40% (n = 10) of patients taking ADA had AE compared with 50% (n = 12) of IFX users (p = 0.571). There was a tendency towards higher incidence of cutaneous and infusion reac- tions in the IFX group and higher incidence of infections in the ADA treated group, although without significant difference.ConclusionsNo difference was found in the AE prevalence and profile between ADA and IFX CD patients in the population studied

Variation Of The Anal Resting Pressure Induced By Postexpiratory Apnea Effort In Patients With Constipation.

Intestinal constipation--a common symptom among the general population--is more frequent in women. It may be secondary to an improper diet or organic or functional disturbances, such as dyskinesia of the pelvic floor. This is basically characterized by the absence of relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter during evacuation. To analyze, by manometric data, the anal pressure variation at rest, during evacuation effort by using the Valsalva maneuver and forced post-expiratory apnea in subjects with secondary constipation. Twenty-one patients (19 females--90.4%) with a mean age of 47.5 years old (23-72) were studied. The diagnosis was performed using anorectal manometry, with a catheter containing eight channels disposed at the axial axis, measuring the proximal (1) and distal (2) portions of the anal orifice. The elevation of the pressure values in relation to the resting with the evacuation effort was present in all patients. The Agachan score was used for clinical evaluation of constipation. The variables studied were: mean anal pressure of the anal orifice for 20 seconds at rest, the effort of evacuation using Valsalva maneuver and the effort of evacuation during apnea after forced expiration, as well as the area under the curve of the manometric tracing at moments Valsalva and apnea. The analysis of the mean values of the anal pressure variation at rest evidenced difference between proximal and distal channels (P = 0.007), independent of the moment and tendency to differ during moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.06). The mean of values of the area under the manometric tracing curve showed differences between moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.0008), either at the proximal portion or at the distal portion of the anal orifice. The effort of evacuation associated with postexpiratory apnea, when compared with the effort associated with the Valsalva maneuver, provides lower elevation of anal pressure at rest by the parameter area under the curve.4830-

Claudin-3 and occludin content in the glands of colonic mucosa devoid from fecal stream submitted to topical intervention with oil extract of Curcuma longa

To evaluate the inflammatory intensity and measure the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream submit to intervention with curcumin. Methods: Thirty-six rats were submitted to a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula and divided into two groups according to sacrifice to be performed two or four weeks. Each group was divided into three subgroups according daily application of enemas containing saline, curcumin at 50 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day. Colitis was diagnosed by histological analysis. Claudin-3 and occludin were determined by immunohistochemistry. The tissue content of claudin-3 and occludin were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Mann-Whitney, Student t and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the results establishing the level of significance of 5% for both (p<0.05). Results: Curcumin at both concentrations reduces the inflammation and preserves the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin, which was related to the concentration used and to the time of the intervention. Conclusion: The application of enemas with curcumin reduces inflammation and preserves the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin in the colonic mucosa devoid from the fecal stream3216573FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAUL

Tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in colon mucosa without intestinal transit subjected to intervention with curcuma longa (curcumin)

To measure the tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content of the colon mucosa without fecal flow, subjected to intervention with curcumin, and the influence of the concentration used and the intervention time. Methods: Thirty-six rats were subjected to proximal right colostomy and distal mucous fistula. They were divided into two groups according to whether sacrifice was performed two or four weeks after the intervention. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to the enema applied daily: saline alone; curcumin at 50 mg/kg/day or curcumin at 200 mg/kg/day. Acid mucins were diagnosed using the Alcian blue technique. The mucin content was quantified by means of computer-assisted image analysis. The significance level of 5% was used throughout (p < 0.05). Results: There were dose-related increases in the quantities of sulfomucins in the animals subjected to interventions with curcumin, both after two weeks (p < 0.00001) and after four weeks (p < 0.00001). There were increases in sialomucin quantity that were concentration-related (p < 0.00001) and time-related (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Curcumin enemas increase the quantity of acid mucins in the intestinal flow in the excluded colon, with dose and time dependency323182193FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAUL

Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e resistência mecânica das anastomoses cólicas em ratos com peritonite

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on the mechanical resistance of anastomosis performed in rats' distal colon presenting peritonitis induced by ligature and cecal punction using the Total Energy Rupture biomechanical test (ETR). METHODS: It was used 45 rats divided into three groups of 15 animals each. In Control Group (CG), it was performed anastomosis in distal colon without peritonitis. In Peritonitis Group (PG), it was performed anastomosis six hours after the induction of peritonitis by ligature and cecal punction. In Hyperbaric Chamber Group (HCG), it was performed six hours after the induction of peritonitis by ligature and cecal punction. The animals on CG and PG were kept at place air while the animals on HCG were placed on an experimental hyperbaric chamber in order to inhale oxygen at 100%, two absolute atmospheres, for 120 minutes, for four consecutive days. Euthanasia took place on the fifth day of the experiment. All the animals underwent to Total Energy Rupture Biomechanical Resistance test (ETR). Total Energy Rupture was defined as the necessary internal energy stored up to promote the colon rupture after an external traction force imposition. RESULTS: The Peritonitis Group presents smaller average ETR than Control Group. There was no statistical difference between Peritonitis Group and Hyberbaric Chamber Group. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy did not alter the mechanical resistance of anastomosis performed in distal colon of rats under the presence of peritonitis induced by ligature and cecal puncture.OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (HBO) sobre a resistência mecânica de anastomoses realizadas em cólon distal de ratos na presença de peritonite induzida por ligadura e punção cecal utilizando o teste biomecânico de Energia Total de Ruptura (ETR). MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 45 ratos distribuídos em três grupos de 15 animais. No Grupo Controle (GC), realizou-se anastomose no cólon distal sem peritonite. No Grupo Peritonite (GP), realizou-se anastomose seis horas após a indução da peritonite por ligadura e punção cecal. No Grupo Câmara Hiperbárica (GCH), realizou-se anastomose seis horas após a indução da peritonite por ligadura e punção cecal. Os animais dos GC e GP foram mantidos em ar ambiente. Os animais do GCH foram colocados em uma câmara hiperbárica experimental para inalarem oxigênio a 100%, a duas atmosferas absolutas, durante 120 minutos, por quatro dias consecutivos. A eutanásia ocorreu no quinto dia do experimento. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao Teste de Resistência Biomecânico Energia Total de Ruptura (ETR). A Energia Total de Ruptura foi definida como a energia interna acumulada necessária para promover o rompimento do cólon após a imposição de uma força externa de tração. RESULTADOS: O Grupo Peritonite apresentou menor média de ETR que o Grupo Controle. Não houve diferença estatística entre o Grupo Peritonite e o Grupo Câmara Hiperbárica. CONCLUSÃO: A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica não alterou a resistência mecânica de anastomoses realizadas no cólon distal de ratos na presença de peritonite induzida por ligadura e punção cecal.36837

Desmoid Tumor In Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

Desmoid tumors constitute one of the most important extraintestinal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. The development of desmoids is responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality rates in cases of familial adenomatous polyposis. To evaluate the occurrence of desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis cases following prophylactic colectomy and to present patient outcome. Between 1984 and 2008, 68 patients underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis at the School of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. Desmoid tumors were found in nine (13.2%) of these patients, who were studied retrospectively by consulting their medical charts with respect to clinical and surgical data. Of nine patients, seven (77.8%) were submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection. Median age at the time of surgery was 33.9 years (range 22-51 years). Desmoid tumors were found in the abdominal wall in 3/9 cases (33.3%) and in an intra-abdominal site in the remaining six cases (66.7%). Median time elapsed between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of desmoid tumor was 37.5 months (range 14-60 months), while the median time between colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and diagnosis was 63.7 months (range 25-116 months). In 6/9 (66.7%) patients with desmoid tumors, the disease was either under control or there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a follow-up visit made a mean of 63.1 months later (range 12-240 months). Desmoid tumors were found in 13.2% of cases of familial adenomatous polyposis following colectomy; therefore, familial adenomatous polyposis patients should be followed-up and surveillance should include abdominal examination to detect signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery and clinical management with antiestrogens, antiinflammatory drugs or chemotherapy.47373-

Defective Apoptosis In Intestinal And Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Of Crohn's Disease Patients.

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with complex pathogenic pathways involving defects in apoptosis mechanisms. Recently, mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) has been associated with CD ethiopathology, since adipose thickening is detected close to the affected intestinal area. However, the potential role of altered apoptosis in MAT of CD has not been addressed. To evaluate apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa and MAT of patients with CD. Samples of intestinal mucosa and MAT from patients with ileocecal CD and from non-inflammatory bowel diseases patients (controls) were studied. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay and correlated with the adipocytes histological morphometric analysis. The transcriptional and protein analysis of selected genes and proteins related to apoptosis were determined. TUNEL assay showed fewer apoptotic cells in CD, when compared to the control groups, both in the intestinal mucosa and in MAT. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) correlated significantly with the area and perimeter of the adipose cells in MAT. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveal a significantly lower transcript and protein levels of Bax in the intestinal mucosa of CD, compared to the controls; low protein levels of Bax were found localized in the lamina propria and not in the epithelium of this tissue. Furthermore, higher level of Bcl-2 and low level of Caspase 3 were seen in the MAT of CD patients. The defective apoptosis in MAT may explain the singular morphological characteristics of this tissue in CD, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease.9e9854

Whey And Soy Protein Supplements Changes Body Composition In Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing Azathioprine And Anti-tnf-alpha Therapy.

Crohn´s disease (CD) is a chronic transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown cause. Malnutrition associated with active CD has been reduced although obesity has increased. Dietary strategies such as those with high-protein have been proposed to reduce body fat. This study compares the effects of two supplements on the nutritional status of CD patients. 68 CD patients were randomized in two groups: whey protein group (WP) and soy protein group (SP). Using bioimpedance analysis, anthropometry and albumin and pre-albumin dosages the nutritional status was measured before starting the intervention and after 8 and 16 weeks. The disease activity was determined by Crohn's Disease Activity Index and serum C-reactive protein dosage and dietary intake by 24h dietary recalls. Forty-one patients concluded the study and both supplements changed body composition similarly. Triceps skin fold thickness (p< 0.001) and body fat percentage (p=0.001) decreased, whereas mid-arm muscle circumference (p=0.004), corrected arm muscle area (p=0.005) and body lean percentage (p=0.001) increased. For Crohn's disease patients undergoing anti TNF-alpha and azatioprine therapies, supplementation with whey and soy proteins changes body composition through reduction of body fat and thus contributes to control inflammation.311603-161

Computational model for data and patients' exams management for remote follow-up by multimedia conferences

OBJECTIVE: To develop a computational model for acquisition, management and storing data and patients' exams, and to define a multimedia conference architecture to remote patients' follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computational architecture was defined to acquire exams' information from hospital equipment and to store and manage patients' data and exams using the JBoss application server, the MySql database manager system, the Apache web page server and the Jboss Seam framework for application development. For multimedia conference, a case study using the Openmeetins architecture was performed. RESULTS: computational models intended to the consistent and safe management of data and patients' exams were defined and a multimedia conference architecture was studied. CONCLUSION: The computational models, the prototype developed and the multimedia conference architecture may be applied into real medical situations, contributing for remote patient accompaniment.OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um modelo computacional para aquisição, gerenciamento e armazenamento de dados e exames de pacientes, e definir uma arquitetura de conferência multimídia para o acompanhamento remoto de exames. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Definiu-se uma arquitetura computacional para a aquisição de exames a partir de equipamentos hospitalares, e para o armazenamento e gerenciamento de dados e exames de pacientes foram utilizados o servidor de aplicações Jboss, o sistema gerenciador de banco de dados MySQL, o servidor de páginas Apache e o framework Jboss-Seam para o desenvolvimento de aplicações. Para a conferência multimídia, foi aplicado um estudo de caso utilizando a arquitetura Openmeetings. RESULTADOS: Foram definidos modelos computacionais para o gerenciamento consistente e seguro de dados e exames de pacientes e estudou-se uma arquitetura para conferência multimídia. CONCLUSÃO: Os modelos computacionais, o protótipo implementado e a arquitetura de conferência multimídia avaliada poderão ser aplicados em situações reais da área médica, contribuindo para o acompanhamento remoto de pacientes.39940