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H Abrahamsson

Publications and source records attributed to H Abrahamsson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in the irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postprandial symptoms are common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, existing studies have come to different conclusions about the role of food in the pathophysiology of IBS. We explored the prevalence of subjective food-related gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and its relationship to clinical characteristics and psychological factors in IBS. METHODS: 330 patients with IBS and 80 healthy volunteers completed a food questionnaire developed for this study. The subjects graded their subjective symptoms after 35 different foods and a food score was obtained by adding the item scores. The relationship between subjective food-related GI symptoms and referral status, IBS subgroup (predominant bowel pattern), sex, anxiety, depression and body mass index (BMI) was estimated. RESULTS: In 209 (63%) of the patients the GI symptoms were related to meals. Gas problems and abdominal pain were the most frequently reported symptoms. Foods rich in carbohydrates, as well as fatty food, coffee, alcohol and hot spices were most frequently reported to cause symptoms. The food score was higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). In the IBS group higher scores were observed in patients with anxiety (p = 0.005), and females (p < 0.001), but the results were unrelated to IBS subgroup, referral status or BMI. The BMI did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: A majority of IBS patients consider their symptoms to be related to meals. Especially foods rich in carbohydrates and fat cause problems. Nevertheless, the majority of IBS patients are normal or overweight. Female sex and anxiety predict a high degree of food-related symptoms in IBS.

Adult↗

Abnormal propagation pattern of duodenal pressure waves in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [correction of (IBD)].

The propagation pattern of individual pressure waves in the gastroduodenal area in IBS is unexplored. We performed antroduodenojejunal manometry on 26 patients with IBS--13 with diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D) and 13 with constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C)--and 32 healthy controls. Neuropathic-like motor abnormalities were found in 38% of the patients with conventional manometric evaluation. With high-resolution analysis additional abnormalities were observed in the majority of the patients, with increased frequency of retrograde pressure waves postprandially in both IBS subgroups and in phase II in IBS-D. A correlation between subjective gastrointestinal symptoms and the frequency of retrograde pressure waves in phase II in IBS-D was demonstrated. Motility indices and the number of long clusters were also higher in patients compared to controls. To conclude, an abnormal propagation pattern of individual duodenal pressure waves in IBS patients was demonstrated and found to be related to symptom severity in diarrhea-predominant IBS. High-resolution analysis adds information to standard manometry.

Adult↗

Effects of midazolam on small bowel motility in humans.

BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines are used as sedatives for some intestinal procedures and as hypnotics, and this is the reason for studying their effects on duodenojejunal motility. METHODS: Antroduodenojejunal manometry was performed in 13 healthy volunteers on two different occasions, when placebo or midazolam were given intravenously (randomized, double-blind). A bolus dose of midazolam 0.03 mg/kg was followed by 0.015 mg/kg after 1.5, 3 and 4.5 h. After 5 h observation of interdigestive motility, the volunteers were given a test meal and recording continued for another hour. Twenty-eight motility variables were compared. RESULTS: With midazolam the median motility index of phase III in the proximal duodenum was increased by 37% (P < 0.05), which was a consequence of both a longer duration (P < 0.01) and higher pressure amplitudes (P < 0.05), compared with placebo. A longer duration (9%) of phase III was also seen in the distal duodenum (P < 0.05). With midazolam the duration of the migrating motor complex was shortened by 27% (P < 0. 05). No statistically significant difference was found for the number of episodes of phase III registered (P=0.09), or for the other 22 motility variables compared including the duodenal retroperistalsis in late phase III. CONCLUSION: Midazolam does affect some aspects of duodenal motility, especially in the proximal part, but phase III-related retroperistalsis is not affected.

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Human postprandial gastric emptying of indigestible solids can occur unrelated to antral phase III.

According to animal experiments, postprandial gastric emptying of indigestible solids is mainly related to the antral phase III activity of the migrating motor complex. Gastric emptying of indigestible solids in humans has not been directly correlated to pressure recordings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the postprandial emptying pattern of indigestible solids in humans and its relation to fed and fasted antral motility. Ten healthy volunteers participated. After an overnight fast they had a standard breakfast. Two sizes of radiopaque markers (ROMs) were given with the test meal; ten cubes each of side measurement 1.5 mm and 3 mm, respectively. Emptying of the ROMs from the stomach was followed by fluoroscopy with simultaneous antral manometry. In six of the subjects, fasting antral manometry was performed on one day and on another day, the emptying of 7 mm cylindrical particles together with 3 mm cubes, in the absence of a gastric tube was recorded. All ROMs were emptied within 5 h (range 1.5-4.5 h). In all subjects, the smaller particles (1.5 mm) showed a slight, insignificant tendency to move from the stomach more rapidly than the larger (3 mm) particles. None of the subjects had an antral phase III before all ROMs were emptied from the stomach. Instead, the typical irregular postprandial pressure activity was present in all subjects until the emptying was completed. Furthermore, the highest postprandial motility index during the emptying study was far below the motility index during phase III, but comparable to the motility index during late phase II. Emptying of the 7 mm particles occurred significantly more slowly at 1.5-2.5 h, but otherwise was similar to the emptying of the smaller particles. There was no difference between emptying of the 3 mm cubes with or without the presence of the tube. Contrary to common opinion, gastric emptying of indigestible solids after a meal can occur unrelated to the antral phase III, at least up to a particle size of 3 mm and perhaps even 7 mm. These findings are of great importance for the evaluation of gastric emptying of indigestible solids, including the pharmacodynamics of orally administered drugs.

Adult↗

Scintigraphic assessment of interdigestive duodenogastric reflux in humans: distinguishing between duodenal and biliary reflux material.

BACKGROUND: Late duodenal phase III is characterized by retroperistalsis. The physiologic function of this phenomenon is unknown. Our aim was to study the relationship between duodenal motility and the transport of duodenal contents from the biliary tract and the duodenum by using a double-isotope technique. METHODS: Manometric analysis of the direction of interdigestive duodenal pressure waves was performed in 12 volunteers. Duodenal marker was infused directly into the proximal duodenum, and bile marker was infused intravenously for 2 h. Radionuclide activity was examined for regions corresponding to the stomach, gallbladder, and duodenum. RESULTS: In phase II, antegrade pressure waves dominated with propulsion of both markers to the jejunum. Retroperistalsis occurred in 90% of the activity fronts and was always (100%) followed by retropulsion of duodenal marker to the stomach. A clear-cut reflux of bile marker was seen in only 17% of the activity fronts. The incidence rate of duodenogastric reflux was highest in phase III (P=0.008) compared with phase II with an infrequent (P=0.002) admixture of bile. Bile marker contents increased abruptly in the gallbladder during phase III. CONCLUSIONS: Late phase III acts as a retroperistaltic pump, retropelling duodenal contents to the stomach. In this physiologic duodenogastric reflux. bile is avoided by deviation to the gallbladder, probably by a phase lll-associated occlusion of the sphincter Oddi.

Adult↗

Impact of bile acid malabsorption on steatorrhoea and symptoms in patients with chronic diarrhoea.

OBJECTIVE: Bile acids are important for fat absorption. The relationship between bile acid malabsorption and steatorrhoea and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic diarrhoea has only been studied on a limited scale. DESIGN: Ninety-four patients referred for chronic diarrhoea were prospectively investigated with the 75SeHCAT test, a faecal fat excretion test and registration of symptoms in addition to the standard clinical work-up. METHODS: The correlation between the 75SeHCAT value and the faecal fat excretion was calculated for different groups of patients. Symptoms were registered in a questionnaire over a period of seven consecutive days. RESULTS: Forty-two patients had a 75SeHCAT value < 10%. Mild steatorrhoea was common in patients with non-organic bile acid malabsorption (50%) and in patients with functional diarrhoea (38%). There was no correlation between low 75SeHCAT values and steatorrhoea, although some patients with severe organic disease had a concomitant malabsorption of fat and of bile acids. In coeliac disease, severe steatorrhoea was common even in patients with high 75SeHCAT values. Patients with bile acid malabsorption had more frequent (P < 0.008) and looser (P= 0.0021) stools compared with patients with functional diarrhoea. There was no difference in abdominal pain, distension or flatulence. CONCLUSION: Mild steatorrhoea is common in both non-organic bile acid malabsorption and functional diarrhoea. The 75SeHCAT value cannot predict the risk of steatorrhoea. The high prevalence of bile acid malabsorption in patients with chronic diarrhoea and the absence of specific symptoms, except frequent and more liquid stools, indicates that the 75SeHCAT test should be performed early in the investigation of these patients.

Adult↗

Assessment of gastric emptying using a low fat meal: establishment of international control values.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of gastroparesis implies delayed gastric emptying. The diagnostic gold standard is scintigraphy, but techniques and measured endpoints vary widely among institutions. In this study, a simplified scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying was compared to conventional gastric scintigraphic techniques and normal gastric emptying values defined in healthy subjects. METHODS: In 123 volunteers (aged 19-73 yr, 60 women and 63 men) from 11 centers, scintigraphy was used to assess gastric emptying of a 99Tc-labeled low fat meal (egg substitute) and percent intragastric residual contents 60, 120, and 240 min after completion of the meal. In 42 subjects, additional measurements were taken every 10 min for 1 h. In 20 subjects, gastric emptying of a 99Tc-labeled liver meal was compared with that of the 99Tc-labeled low fat meal. RESULTS: Median values (95th percentile) for percent gastric retention at 60, 120, and 240 min were 69% (90%), 24% (60%) and 1.2% (10%) respectively. A power exponential model yielded similar emptying curves and estimated T50 when using images only taken at 1, 2 and 4 h, or with imaging taken every 10 min. Gastric emptying was initially more rapid in men but was comparable in men and women at 4 h; it was faster in older subjects (p < 0.05) but was independent of body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study provides gastric emptying values in healthy subjects based on data obtained using a large sample size and consistent meal and methodology. Gastric retention of >10% at 4 h is indicative of delayed emptying, a value comparable to those provided by more intensive scanning approaches. Gastric emptying of a low fat meal is initially faster in men but is comparable in women at 4 h; it is also faster in older individuals but is independent of body mass.

Adult↗

Role of bile acids and bile acid binding agents in patients with collagenous colitis.

BACKGROUND: In a retrospective study bile acid malabsorption was observed in patients with collagenous colitis. AIMS: To study the occurrence of bile acid malabsorption and the effect of bile acid binders prospectively in patients with chronic diarrhoea and collagenous colitis. METHODS: Over 36 months all patients referred because of chronic diarrhoea completed a diagnostic programme, including gastroscopy with duodenal biopsy, colonoscopy with biopsies, and the (75)Se-homocholic acid taurine ((75)SeHCAT) test for bile acid malabsorption. Treatment with a bile acid binder (cholestyramine in 24, colestipol in three) was given, irrespective of the results of the (75)SeHCAT test. RESULTS: Collagenous colitis was found in 28 patients (six men, 22 women), 27 of whom had persistent symptoms and completed the programme. Four patients had had a previous cholecystectomy or a distal gastric resection. The (75)SeHCAT test was abnormal in 12/27 (44%) of the collagenous colitis patients with (75)SeHCAT values 0.5-9.7%, and normal in 15 patients (56%). Bile acid binding treatment was followed by a rapid, marked, or complete improvement in 21/27 (78%) of the collagenous colitis patients. Rapid improvement occurred in 11/12 (92%) of the patients with bile acid malabsorption compared with 10/15 (67%) of the patients with normal (75)SeHCAT tests. CONCLUSION: Bile acid malabsorption is common in patients with collagenous colitis and is probably an important pathophysiological factor. Because of a high response rate without serious side effects, bile acid binding treatment should be considered for collagenous colitis, particularly patients with bile acid malabsorption.

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Tailoring antireflux surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

A hypothesis has been formulated that mandates the adjustment of antireflux surgery to either a total or a partial wrap depending on the motor function of the esophagus to avoid dysphagia and other obstructive complaints. This hypothesis has been tested in a randomized, clinical trial where 106 chronic gastroesophageal reflux patients were allocated to either a total Nissen-Rossetti (n = 53) or a Toupet partial posterior (n = 53) fundoplication, irrespective of their preoperative esophageal motor function. All patients were followed at least 3 years, during which time none had a relapse of moderate to severe reflux symptoms. Motor dysfunctions defined as peristaltic amplitude </= 30 mmHg in the distal third and failed primary peristalsis with or without > 20% simultaneous contractions were noted in 67 patients preoperatively, but these patients did not have a specific symptom profile (e.g., dominated by obstructive symptoms) nor did seven patients with "aperistaltic esophagus." The incidence of dysphagia decreased from 20% preoperatively to 8% (mild) at 3 years after the operation with no difference between the surgical procedures. We were unable to demonstrate a relation between preoperative manometric findings and postoperative symptoms when assessed in the total group or when subdivided by the type of fundoplication (r < 0.3). Flatulence occurred more frequently among those with a total fundic wrap (p < 0.01). When patients representing motor dysfunction (see above) were specifically analyzed, we again observed no difference in outcome between those having a total or a partial fundic wrap. In conclusion, the concept of tailoring antireflux surgery based on the preoperative motor function of the esophagus in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease was not supported by the results of this clinical trial.

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Assessment of gastric emptying: comparison of solid scintigraphic emptying and emptying of radiopaque markers in patients and healthy subjects.

The gold standard for measuring gastric emptying is scintigraphy, either with digestible solids or liquids. Unfortunately, this method is expensive and of limited availability. An alternative could be to use radiopaque markers (ROMs). Our aim was to compare these two tests in healthy volunteers and in patients to see whether emptying of ROMs can substitute for scintigraphic solid emptying. We also intended to see if patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) had delayed gastric emptying. Twenty healthy subjects and 21 patients, 11 with SIBO and 10 with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), were included. A standard meal with a [99mTc]MAA-labeled omelet and 20 ROMs was given. Scintigraphic emptying and ROM emptying were followed simultaneously. Reference values for gastric emptying of ROMs were determined in 50 healthy subjects. The scintigraphic method and the radiologic method correlated significantly in healthy subjects (P < 0.05), and in patients (P < 0.001), when comparing half-emptying time for both methods. Scintigraphic half-emptying time correlated significantly with emptying of ROMs after 6 hr. Six of 11 patients with SIBO (P < 0.02) and 7/10 patients with IDDM (P < 0.02) had delayed scintigraphic emptying of solids using the 95th percentile in the controls as the upper reference value. Gastric emptying of ROMs was, similar to solid scintigraphic gastric emptying, slower in women than in men. In conclusion, scintigraphic emptying of solids and emptying of ROMs are closely correlated. The radiologic method can be used as a simpler and more readily available method. Women have slower gastric emptying of ROMs than men, which necessitates separate reference values. A high proportion of patients with symptomatic IDDM and with SIBO have delayed gastric emptying.

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Contractile patterns in patients with severe chronic dyspepsia.

OBJECTIVE: Antroduodenojejunal interdigestive and postprandial pressure recordings were analyzed in 41 consecutive patients referred for evaluation of severe chronic dyspepsia. In addition to traditional manometric evaluation we also focused on the propagation pattern of individual pressure waves in the proximal duodenum. METHODS: Catheters with closely spaced side holes for temporospatial analysis of the computerized recordings were used. The dominating symptoms were unexplained nausea and vomiting (n = 18), chronic abdominal pain (n = 16), or both (n = 7). The patients' mean age was 45 yr (31 women and 10 men). Gastric surgery had been performed on 11 patients. Results from 20 healthy volunteers served as a reference range. RESULTS: Findings were suggestive of neuropathy in 16 (39%) and myopathy in 1 (2.4%) using conventional criteria. Another 19 patients of the 24 with normal condensed recordings showed abnormalities in the propagation pattern of individual pressure waves in phase II and/or during the fed state, when compared with the controls. Absence of phase III of the migrating motor complex was found in 12 patients during the 5-h fasting recording, compared with none in the controls (p < 0.01). Retroperistalsis at the end of phase III in the duodenum was present in at least one of the activity fronts in all patients having migrating motor complex except one, which was similar to the controls. During phase II, unpropagated bursts of phasic and tonic activity were more frequent in patients than in controls (mean 13.2% vs 3.7% of the time; p < 0.05), and a higher proportion of individual contractions was retrograde in patients than in controls (17.4% vs 5% of propagated contractions; p < 0.05). Patients had higher postprandial motility index in the distal duodenum than did controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, after feeding more individual contractions were retrograde in patients than in controls (33.1% vs 10% of propagated contractions; p < 0.01). Sequences of localized supratachyarrythmia, 25-35/min in the antrum and 50-60/min in the small bowel associated with symptoms, were observed in two patients. CONCLUSION: Manometry is important for demonstration of pathophysiology in patients with unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Simultaneous analysis of the propagation of individual contractions of interdigestive and fed motility is superior to conventional manometry alone.

Adolescent↗

Postprandial peristalsis in the human duodenum.

MMC-related retroperistalsis is a cyclical phenomenon in the duodenum linked to phase III. The aim of this study was to elucidate the direction of propagation of juxtapyloric duodenal pressure waves in the postprandial state in healthy humans and to compare with the contractions in the interdigestive phase II. Antroduodenal manometry was performed in 11 healthy subjects. Individual pressure waves propagating along a 6-cm duodenal segment were analysed with respect to the proportions of antegrade and retrograde propagation in the four duodenal subsegments (D1-D2) to (D4-D5), each subsegment being 15 mm. A test meal was given 30 min after a phase III had passed and motility recording continued for 60 min after the meal. During both the first and the second 30-min period of postprandial recording the proportion of retrograde pressure waves was larger just distal to the pylorus, (D1-D2), 40% (23-68) and 50% (23-68), respectively, compared to the distal part, (D4-D5), of the duodenal segment, 29% (12-30) and 10% (10-24), respectively (P < 0.05 and 0.01). In contrast, during late phase II of the interdigestive state antegrade pressure waves predominated in all four duodenal subsegments. We conclude that in the postprandial state a high proportion of the duodenal pressure waves (40-50%) is retrograde in the immediate juxtapyloric area while antegrade contractions predominate at a distance 5-6 cm distal to the pylorus. These manometric data together with recent observations of postprandial transpyloric liquid flow, indicate that retrograde duodenogastric propelling of contents may be an important determinant for the gastric emptying rate.

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Nocturnal antral pH rises are related to duodenal phase III retroperistalsis.

The mechanisms behind nocturnal rises of gastric pH are unknown. We have analyzed the relation between interdigestive duodenal peristalsis and nocturnal pH in the gastric antrum. Simultaneous recording of antroduodenal pressures and intragastric pH was performed in 11 healthy subjects (six men, five women) overnight for 8 hr, using a catheter with seven pressure recording points and an antral glass pH electrode. Three pressure recording sites were closely spaced in the descending duodenum. Altogether 46 phase III activities were recorded. A retroperistaltic sequence in the last part of phase III was observed in 31 phase III activities (67.4%), while 15 phase III activities lacked retroperistalsis. All subjects had retroperistalsis in at least one phase III at night with a median of 60% (52-100%) (interquartile range). The duration of the whole phase III was 5.1 (3.1-7.0) min, whereas the duration of the retroperistaltic period was 2.0 (1.5-3.2) min, corresponding to 45% (23-64%) of the duration of phase III. The peak of antral pH occurred 7.4 (6.0-13.0) min from the start of the phase III in the duodenum and and the rise in pH lasted for 8.0 (4.8-12.0) min. Measurement of pH for a period of 10 min before and after phase III, demonstrated an increase in median pH from 1.2 (1.1-1.9) to 3.2 (1.6-4.7), respectively (P < 0.001). Phase III activities without duodenal retroperistalsis were not followed by a significant antral pH change (median 1.7 vs 1.8 before and after phase III, respectively). Increases of pH unrelated to phase III were uncommon, only 1.0 (1.0-2.2) events per night were observed and lasted for a short period of time, 2.1 (0.5-3.2) min. The results indicate that the cyclic rise in antral pH at night is due to a physiological duodenogastric reflux, caused by duodenal retroperistalsis in phase III. This reflux may play a role in protection of the antral mucosa.

Adult↗

Duodenal juxtapyloric retroperistalsis in the interdigestive state in humans.

BACKGROUND: The last part of phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC) is characterized by retroperistalsis in the descending duodenum. This study focused on MMC-related juxtapyloric peristalsis. METHODS: Antroduodenal manometry was performed in 10 healthy subjects. Pressure was recorded in the distal antrum and in four consecutive subsegments (DS1-DS4), 15 mm each, in the juxtapyloric duodenum. RESULTS: In the period with ongoing antral phase-III activity (early duodenal phase III) the antral pressure waves were antegrade, but in the juxtapyloric duodenum (DS1) retrograde waves predominated (median, 66%; interquartile range (IQR), 33-83%); that is, most duodenal pressure waves were directed against the antral ones. More distally, in DS3 and DS4, only 17% and 25% (IQR, 0-17, 0-33%, respectively) of the pressure waves were retrograde in this period. After the end of antral phase III--that is, in late duodenal phase III--the proportion of retrograde pressure waves increased successively to 91.5% (IQR, 66-100%) in DS2, 74.5% (IQR, 50-100%) in DS3, and 66% (IQR, 8.2-95.8%) in DS4, respectively, before the onset of duodenal motor quiescence. In phase II antegrade pressure waves predominated (63-76%, medians) in all four duodenal subsegments examined. CONCLUSIONS: During the interdigestive phase III the antral perstalsis is antegrade, but most juxtapyloric duodenal pressure waves are retrograde; that is, antral and duodenal contractions are on a collision course. In the proximal part of the descending duodenum the end of duodenal phase III shows retroperistalsis after the onset of phase I in the gastric antrum. These motor patterns may be important for regulation of the chemical milieu in the juxtapyloric area.

Adult↗

Long-term results of a prospective randomized comparison of total fundic wrap (Nissen-Rossetti) or semifundoplication (Toupet) for gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The importance of the extent of the fundic wrap that encircles the distal oesophagus for the establishment of long-term control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and for the risk of symptoms after fundoplication was evaluated in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Of 137 consecutive patients with GORD, 72 were allocated to a semifundoplication (180-200 degrees, Toupet) and 65 to a total fundoplication (360 degrees, Nissen-Rossetti). Dysphagia was more common in the early postoperative period after a total fundic wrap, a difference which disappeared with time. This corresponded to a higher resting tone in the lower oesophageal sphincter area. Seven patients (5 per cent) experienced relapse of GORD during follow-up of more than 3 years. Although no difference in the cumulative relapse rate (5 per cent for Nissen-Rossetti versus 6 per cent for Toupet) was found between the two study groups, the total failure rate was higher (P < 0.05) among patients who had a Nissen-Rossetti procedure because of a procedure-specific complication: intrathoracic herniation of the fundoplication in five patients caused obstructive symptoms without reflux (four had no posterior crural repair). In addition, symptoms in the form of flatulence were more frequently seen after Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (P < 0.05 at 2 years and P < 0.01 at 3 years). Both Nissen-Rossetti and Toupet fundoplication equally well and durably controlled GORD. Fewer symptoms occurred in those having a semifundoplication, both in the early and late postoperative period.

Adult↗

Collagenous colitis: a retrospective study of clinical presentation and treatment in 163 patients.

BACKGROUND: Data on collagenous colitis have been based on a limited number of patients. AIMS: To obtain more information on this disease from a register set up at Orebro Medical Center Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty five Swedish hospitals have contributed to this patient register, which comprises 163 histopathologically verified cases. Clinical data were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Collagenous colitis followed a chronic intermittent course in most cases (85%) with a sudden onset in 42%. Symptoms were chronic watery diarrhoea, often nocturnal (27%), abdominal pain (41%), and weight loss (42%). Sixty six patients (40%) had one or more associated diseases. Routine laboratory data were mostly normal. The median age at diagnosis was 55 (range 16-86) years, but 25% of the patients were younger than 45 years. Seven patients died of unrelated diseases. The response rate for sulphasalazine was 59%, and 50% and 40% for mesalazine and olsalazine. Prednisolone was most effective with a response rate of 82%, but the required dose was often high and the effect was not sustained after withdrawal. Antibiotics were efficient in 63%. Cholestyramine and loperamide had response rates of 59% and 71% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Collagenous colitis follows a chronic continuous course. Symptoms can be socially disabling, but the disease does not seem to have a malignant potential. A plan for the treatment of a newly diagnosed patient with collagenous colitis is proposed.

Adolescent↗

Interdigestive and postprandial motility in small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

BACKGROUND: Motility disorders are believed to be of major pathogenetic importance in small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The aim of this study was to investigate interdigestive and postprandial motility in a group of patients with SIBO and to compare the results with those of healthy volunteers. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects and 14 patients with SIBO were included. Exclusion criteria were obvious predisposing conditions. Antroduodenojejunal pressure recording was performed after an overnight fast. After a 5-h interdigestive recording a standard meal was given, and postprandial recording performed for 30 min. RESULTS: Significantly fewer patients than healthy subjects had phase-III activity in the antrum (3 of 14 versus 15 of 20; P < 0.01), and more patients lacked phase III completely (5 of 14 versus 0 of 20; P < 0.05). Propagated single contractions in the proximal duodenum during late phase II and postprandially were also significantly reduced (1 (0-5) versus 8 (5-12) per 30 min (median; interquartile range (IQR)) (P < 0.01) and 0.5 (IQR, 0-6.5) versus 8 (IQR, 6-13) per 30 min (P < 0.01), respectively). In the distal part of the duodenum the patients had significantly prolonged duration of phase III (7.8; IQR, 5.6-9.2 versus 5.9; IQR, 4.2-6.6 min) (P < 0.05) and increased motility index of phase III (6685; IQR, 4870-9999 versus 3605; IQR, 2579-5544 mm Hg x min/30 min) (P < 0.05), late phase II (10,285; IQR, 6105-11,384 versus 6650; IQR, 4639-9102) (P < 0.05), and postprandially (12,960; IQR, 8454-18,644 versus 7917; IQR, 6132-10,551) (P < 0.05). Retrograde contractions predominated in the late part of phase III in the proximal duodenum in both groups. The cycle length of the MMC and the number of clustered contractions showed no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with SIBO, compared with healthy subjects, lack interdigestive phase-III activity, not only in the small intestine but also in the gastric antrum. They also have fewer propagated contractions in the proximal duodenum during interdigestive phase II. On the other hand, the motility index in the distal part of the duodenum was higher in patients with SIBO during phase III, late phase II, and postprandially. The results are compatible with a reduced clearing function in the stomach and proximal duodenum and/or a compensatory increase of motility in the region of the duodenojejunal flexure.

Adult↗