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Biomedical subjects

B Coffin

Publications and source records attributed to B Coffin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Results of a prospective randomised multicentre controlled trial comparing a new 2-L ascorbic acid plus polyethylene glycol and electrolyte solution vs. sodium phosphate solution in patients undergoing elective colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Elective colonoscopy is used increasingly to screen at risk patients for colonic malignancy. Bowel preparation quality is a critical factor for successful screening. Preparations used include high doses of potent laxatives, e.g. sodium phosphate solution or high volume polyethylene glycol. Because of constraints and limited patient acceptability, there remains a need for a more acceptable bowel preparation with at least equivalent cleansing to existing preparations. AIM: To determine if a 2-L polyethylene glycol solution with electrolytes and ascorbic acid (polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid) produces equivalent bowel cleansing to sodium phosphate solution, and is acceptable to patients and well tolerated. METHODS: This was a single blind, parallel group, equivalence study comparing polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid with sodium phosphate solution in 352 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. A blinded, independent expert scored a video recording of each colonoscopy. Patients completed a questionnaire reporting acceptability of the bowel preparation process. RESULTS: Clinically successful bowel preparation was reported in 72.5% of cases prepared using polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid and in 63.9% of cases prepared using sodium phosphate solution (treatment difference +8.6%, 95% confidence interval -2.3%, +19.4%). The new solution was well accepted and better tolerated than sodium phosphate solution. CONCLUSIONS: The new 2-L solution of polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid was at least as efficacious as sodium phosphate solution with comparable efficacy and a better tolerability profile.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Low-dose lactulose produces a tonic contraction in the human colon.

Lactulose (10-20 g day(-1)) is used to treat constipation. At this therapeutic dose, its effects on colonic motility remain unknown. Twenty-two healthy subjects swallowed a probe with an infusion catheter, six perfused catheters and a balloon connected to a barostat. Colonic phasic and tonic motor activity was recorded in fasting state. In group 1, four volunteers ingested 15 g lactulose and motility was recorded for 5 h after entry of lactulose into the caecum; in group 2, motility was recorded during (3 h) and 2 h after intracolonic infusion of isoosmotic and isovolumetric solutions containing sodium chloride alone (n = 9) or with 15 g lactulose (n = 9). In a last group of volunteers, isotopic colonic transit after ingestion of lactulose (10 g,n = 9) was assessed and compared with a control group (n = 17). Ingestion or intracolonic infusion of 15 g lactulose significantly decreased barostat bag volume (maximal decrease: 45 +/- 12% and 35 +/- 9% of basal value respectively). Phasic contractions remained unchanged. Tonic and phasic motility was unchanged by the isotonic and isovolumetric infusion of saline. Ingestion of lactulose significantly accelerated isotopic colonic transit time compared with the control group. We conclude that in healthy humans, 10-15 g ingestion or intracaecal infusion of lactulose produces a prolonged tonic contraction that may be involved in the laxative effect of lactulose.

Administration, Oral↗

Ineffectiveness of Lactobacillus johnsonii LA1 for prophylaxis of postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled GETAID trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early endoscopic recurrence is frequent after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease. Bacteria are involved, and probiotics may modulate immune responses to the intestinal flora. Here we tested the probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii LA1 in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study. Patients were eligible if they had undergone surgical resection of <1 m, removing all macroscopic lesions within the past 21 days. Patients were randomised to receive two packets per day of lyophilised LA1 (2 x 10(9) cfu) or placebo for six months; no other treatment was allowed. The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence at six months, with grade >1 in Rutgeerts' classification or an adapted classification for colonic lesions. Endoscopic score was the maximal grade of ileal and colonic lesions. Analyses were performed primarily on an intent to treat basis. RESULTS: Ninety eight patients were enrolled (48 in the LA1 group). At six months, endoscopic recurrence was observed in 30/47 patients (64%) in the placebo group and in 21/43 (49%) in the LA1 group (p = 0.15). Per protocol analysis confirmed this result. Endoscopic score distribution did not differ significantly between the LA1 and placebo groups. There were four clinical recurrences in the LA1 group and three in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: L johnsonii LA1 (4 x 10(9) cfu/day) did not have a sufficient effect, if any, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn's disease.

Adult↗

[Surgical management for slow-transit constipation].

Less than 10% of patients with slow-transit constipation require surgical management after failure of medical treatment. Preoperative clinical, psychological and colorectal routine investigations (ie colonic transit test, anorectal manometry and defecography) are mandatory in order to highly select the patients. To day, the surgical management of slow-transit constipation consists of subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, eventually by laparoscopic approach. Although, surgical management improves slow-transit constipation in two thirds of the patients, small bowel obstruction, abdominal pain and constipation recurrence can occur in 25%, 50%, and 10% of the patients respectively.

Constipation↗

Alteration of the spinal modulation of nociceptive processing in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Visceral hypersensitivity has been evidenced in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but its mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. We investigated the spinal transmission of nociceptive signals in IBS patients by analysing the effects of rectal distensions on electromyographic recordings of the somatic nociceptive flexion (RIII) reflex, an objective index of spinal nociceptive processes. METHODS: Fourteen IBS and 10 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Slow ramp (40 ml/min) and rapid phasic (900 ml/min, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg) rectal distensions were randomly performed while the RIII reflex evoked by electrical stimulation of the sural nerve at the ankle was continuously recorded from the ipsilateral biceps femoris. RESULTS: In healthy volunteers, significant progressive inhibition of the RIII reflex was observed during slow ramp distension (61 (13)% of control values) while biphasic effects (facilitation and inhibition) were observed during rapid distensions. In contrast, in IBS patients, the RIII reflex was significantly facilitated during slow ramp distension (139 (15)% of control values) and inhibitions induced by rapid distensions were significantly reduced. Volumes of distension and rectal compliance were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide direct evidence that a hyperexcitability of spinal nociceptive processes is present in a large subgroup of IBS patients.

Adult↗

Tioguanine in patients with Crohn's disease intolerant or resistant to azathioprine/mercaptopurine.

BACKGROUND: Tioguanine (TG) is an antimetabolite which may be regarded as an alternative to azathioprine (AZA)/mercaptopurine (MP) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. AIMS: : To evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of TG in patients with Crohn's disease, intolerant or resistant to AZA/MP. METHODS: An open prospective study was made on Crohn's disease patients treated with TG. Intolerance to AZA/MP was defined as a reaction occurring within 1 month after introduction of AZA/MP, including pancreatitis, abdominal pain, fever, arthralgia, myalgia, cutaneous rash, fatigue, alopecia, hepatitis and digestive intolerance. Resistance to AZA/MP was defined as the persistence of activity after at least 3 months of AZA/MP therapy. RESULTS: Forty-nine Crohn's disease patients (36 women, 13 men; intolerance: n = 39; resistance: n= 10) were treated with TG (20 mg/day). Clinical pancreatitis did not recur under TG. Five patients (10%) had to stop TG due to intolerant reactions observed 13-21 days after TG was started. No haematological side-effects were observed under TG. The probability of clinical remission without corticosteroids or infliximab at 6 and 12 months was 46% and 79%, respectively, in the 40 patients with active disease at baseline. The probability of clinical relapse during maintenance TG therapy at 6 and 12 months was 29% and 53%, respectively, in the 28 patients in remission at baseline or who had achieved remission on TG. CONCLUSIONS: TG is a possible alternative treatment in Crohn's disease patients, intolerant (especially for pancreatitis) or resistant to AZA/MP.

Adult↗

Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, decreases sensitivity to rectal distension in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Tegaserod reduces the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and anti-nociceptive effects have been demonstrated in animals. Its effect on the rectal sensitivity in humans has not been delineated clearly. AIM: To evaluate the action of tegaserod on rectal sensitivity in response to distension by means of a reflexological technique based on electrophysiological recordings of the RIII nociceptive reflex. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, performed in 20 healthy women, quantified the effects of slow or rapid rectal distensions on the RIII reflex at baseline and on day 8 following treatment with either placebo or tegaserod (6 mg b.d.). RESULTS: At baseline, slow distensions performed up to the pain threshold induced gradual inhibitions of the RIII reflex. On day 8, these inhibitory effects were significantly reduced in the tegaserod group, but not in the placebo group (P = 0.0001). The effects of rapid distensions were not significantly modified by tegaserod or placebo. The intensity of subjective pain perception and rectal compliance were not altered by either treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that tegaserod reduces the sensitivity to rectal distension in healthy subjects and interacts with the processing of sensory visceral information.

Adult↗

A digestive tolerance study of maltitol after occasional and regular consumption in healthy humans.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the gastro-intestinal tolerance to an indigestible bulking sweetener containing sugar alcohol using a double-blind random cross-over study. METHOD: In order to simulate their usual pattern of consumption, 12 healthy volunteers ingested maltitol or sucrose throughout the day, either occasionally (once a week for each sugar, first period) or regularly (every day for two 9 day periods, second period). In both patterns of consumption, daily sugar doses were increased until diarrhea and/or a grade 3 (ie severe) digestive symptom occurred, at which the dose level was defined as the threshold dose (TD). RESULTS: In the first period (occasional consumption), the mean TD was 92+/-6 g with maltitol and 106+/-4 g with sucrose (P=0.059). The mean intensity of digestive symptoms was 1.1 and 1.3, respectively (P=NS). Diarrhea appeared in six and one subjects respectively (P=0.035). In the second period (regular consumption), the mean TD was 93+/-9 g with maltitol and 113+/-7 g with sucrose (P=0.008). The mean intensity of digestive symptoms was 1.7 and 1.2, respectively (P=NS). However, diarrhea appeared in eight and three subjects, respectively (P=0.04). Maltitol and sucrose TDs between the two periods were not different. CONCLUSIONS: Under our experimental conditions, in comparison to sucrose: (a) occasional or regular consumption of maltitol is not associated with severe digestive symptoms; (b) in both patterns of maltitol consumption, diarrhea frequency is higher, but it appeared only for very high doses of maltitol, much greater than those currently used; (c) maltitol does not lead to intestinal flora adaptation after a 9 day period of consumption.

Abdominal Pain↗

Fate of the rectum in patients undergoing total colectomy for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyse disease recurrence and fate of the rectum in patients who had a total colectomy for Crohn's disease. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four patients who had a total colectomy for Crohn's colitis were reviewed retrospectively. Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 118 patients, while 26 never had an IRA after colectomy because of severe anorectal lesions. Factors associated with recurrence and rectal preservation failure were studied. RESULTS: The probability of clinical recurrence after IRA was 58 and 83 per cent at 5 and 10 years respectively. The probability of rectal preservation at 5 and 10 years was 70 and 63 per cent after colectomy, and 86 and 86 per cent after IRA, respectively. Patients with extraintestinal manifestation had a higher risk of recurrence and of rectal preservation failure. Previous ileal involvement was associated with a higher rate of ileal recurrence after IRA. After IRA, prophylactic treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid was associated with a lower rate of recurrence and of failure to preserve the rectum. CONCLUSION: Overall, 63 per cent of patients had a functioning IRA 10 years after total colectomy. Absence of extraintestinal manifestation and prophylactic treatment with 5-aminosalicylates after IRA were the main factors associated with long-term rectal preservation.

Adolescent↗

Cholecystokinin octapeptide increases rectal sensitivity to pain in healthy subjects.

Hypersensitivity during rectal distension has been demonstrated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies performed in animals and indirect data in humans suggest that cholecystokinin (CCK) could modulate visceral sensations. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of i.v. infused sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-OP) on rectal sensitivity in response to distension. In eight healthy subjects, rectal sensitivity and compliance were determined during a randomized double-blind study, with four sessions each separated by 7 days. Sensory thresholds and rectal compliance were assessed during slow-ramp (40 mL min-1) and rapid-phasic distensions (40 mL s-1, 5 mmHg stepwise, 1-min duration), and were compared before and during continuous infusion of either saline or CCK-OP at 5, or 20 or 40 ng kg-1 h-1. During rapid phasic distension but not during slow ramp distension, CCK-OP at 40 ng kg-1 h-1 produced a significant decrease in sensory thresholds compared with the basal period. Rectal compliance was not modified by any infusion. At pharmacological doses, CCK-OP decreases sensory thresholds during rapid phasic distension that may preferentially stimulate serosal mechanoreceptors, but has no effect on mucosal mechanoreceptors stimulated during slow ramp distensions. Modulation of rectal sensitivity by CCK could be implicated in the pathogenesis of the rectal hypersensitivity observed in IBS.

Adult↗

Intraluminal modulation of gastric sensitivity to distension: effects of hydrochloric acid and meal.

Conscious sensations in response to gut distensions may be modulated by temporospatial interactions among different stimuli. This study investigated whether symptoms induced by gastric distension may be modified by hydrochloric acid (HCl) gastric infusion and meal ingestion. In nine healthy subjects, fixed pressure (isobaric) and fixed volume (isovolumetric) distensions were performed during continuous (4 ml/min) intragastric saline or HCl infusion, during fasting and after meal ingestion, until the maximal distension step defined as discomfort or a predefined maximal volume. During fasting isobaric distensions, the maximal distension step was significantly decreased during HCl compared with saline. The intragastric volumes were not significantly different, but the wall tension was significantly lower during HCl than saline. HCl increased gastric compliance. Meal ingestion relaxed the stomach and decreased the pressure at the maximal distension step during saline, but HCl did not further decrease it compared with fasting. During isovolumetric distensions, HCl also increased gastric compliance, but in both fasted and fed states it did not modify the maximal distension steps. In conclusion, sensations in response to gastric isobaric distensions, but not to isovolumetric distensions, are influenced by gastric acid infusion and meal ingestion. The effects of HCl might be related to a sensitization of mucosal mechanoreceptors.

Adult↗

Rectal sensitivity assessed by a reflexologic technique: further evidence for two types of mechanoreceptors.

We previously showed that slow-ramp rectal distensions induce graded inhibitions of the somatic nociceptive RIII reflex recorded from the lower limb, which correlated with both distension volume and visceral sensation. In contrast, rapid phasic rectal distensions induced facilitatory or biphasic effects (i.e., facilitations followed by inhibitions) depending on the level of distension. To examine the role of mucosal and serosal rectal mechanoreceptors in these viscerosomatic interactions, we analyzed, in six healthy volunteers, the effects of both types of rectal distension on the RIII reflex after topical application of lidocaine or placebo administered in a double-blind and crossover fashion. Inhibitions of the RIII reflex induced by both slow-ramp and rapid distensions were strongly reduced after administration of lidocaine but not after placebo. In contrast, facilitations of the RIII reflex observed during the initial phase of rapid distensions were not modified after lidocaine or placebo applications. These results suggest that inhibitions, but not facilitations, of the nociceptive RIII reflex triggered by rectal distensions depend preferentially on the activation of superficial mucosal receptors. This reflexologic technique might thus represent an interesting tool for studying the role of the different rectal mechanoreceptors involved in visceral sensations.

Adult↗

The clinicopathological features of extensive small intestinal CD4 T cell infiltration.

METHODS: Four patients with clinicopathological features suggesting a new distinct entity defining extensive small intestinal CD4 T cell infiltration were observed. RESULTS: All four patients presented with chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption, and weight loss. Biopsy specimens of the small intestine disclosed extensive and diffuse infiltration of the lamina propria by pleomorphic small T lymphocytes, which were positive for CD3, CD4, CD5, and the beta chain of T cell receptor in all three cases studied and negative for CD103 in all three cases studied. It is notable that, in all invaded areas, the infiltrating cells showed no histological change throughout the whole evolution. In three patients, lymphocyte proliferation was monoclonal and there was extraintestinal involvement. In one patient, lymphoproliferation was oligoclonal and confined to the small intestine. In all four patients, there was no evidence of coeliac disease. Although none of the four patients responded to single or multiple drug chemotherapy, median survival was five years. CONCLUSION: Extensive small intestinal CD4 T cell infiltration is a rare entity, distinct from coeliac disease and associated with prolonged survival.

Adult↗

Regional effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide on colonic phasic and tonic motility in healthy humans.

The aim of this study was to assess in nine healthy subjects the effects of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) on colonic tonic activity, measured by a barostat, and phasic activity, measured by manometry. On 2 consecutive days, recordings were performed in the unprepared proximal and distal colons during intravenous infusion of saline and CCK-8 at 5, 20, and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1. In the proximal colon CCK-8 induced, at the 20 and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1 doses, a tonic relaxation with an increase in barostat bag volume to 156 +/- 25 and 157 +/- 19% of basal (P < 0.01) and a decrease in phasic activity to 72 +/- 7 and 76 +/- 7% of basal (P < 0.01). In the distal colon, CCK-8 induced, at the 20 and 40 ng. kg-1. h-1 doses, a tonic relaxation (increase in intrabag volume to 133 +/- 12 and 149 +/- 15%, respectively; P < 0.01), whereas phasic activity increased (128 +/- 8 and 132 +/- 6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Effects of CCK-8 on tonic and phasic activities are different according to the colonic segment. Because meals induce colonic tonic contraction, our results suggest that CCK, as a hormone, is not an important mediator of the response of the colon to feeding in humans.

Adult↗