Lived experiences of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients and the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of this qualitative, experiential study is to explore the lived experiences of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients related to psycho-emotional, social, and professional dimensions of their lives in general and, secondly, how they are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online on a sample of 10 IBD Greek-speaking patients by the end of the first lockdown period in Greece (June 2020). Thematic Analysis was employed. Research findings include participant psycho-emotional experiences, perceived social and work-related implications of the IBD disease, social support, and perceived positive outcomes in patients’ lives, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical Signs, Activity Indices and Prognostic Indicators in Dogs with Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes a set of diseases characterized by the presence of recurrent gastrointestinal clinical signs and histologic evidence of intestinal inflammation. Diagnosis can only be made by excluding other possible causes of enteritis. Since the diagnosis of this disease is of great challenge to the veterinarians and currently very little work have been carried out in India, the present study was planned and conducted to study the clinicopathological changes and prognostic indicators of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs.Methods: After a detailed clinical, laboratoty and endoscopic examination, 33 IBD dogs with signs of chronic gastrointestinal disorders and histologic evidence of mucosal lymphocytic plasmacytic infiltration were selected for the study.Result: Moderate to severe form of IBD with haematochezia as a chief complaint was predominantly recorded. Haematobiochemical changes were not remarkable except a rise in serum alkaline phosphatase level. Decreased IgA expression was observed in serum by flowcytometry indicating impaired mucosal immunity in IBD dogs. It was observed that, increased clinical inflammatory bowel disease activity index score (CIBDAI), increased C-Reactive Protein, decreased cobalamin and folate may act as negative predictors in idiopathic IBD.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSTA-TAKRA BASTI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS (PITTAJA GRAHANI) – A CASE REPORT

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation and ulcers in the rectum and colon. Ulcerative colitis affects approximately 5,00,000 individuals in US with an incidence of 8-12 per 1,00,000 population per year. It is manifested as ano-rectal bleeding with increased frequency of bowel evacuation, general debility. In the contemporary science treatment is Corticosteroids, 5-Aminosalicylates, Anti-TNF therapy which results in other complications and the disease may even relapse after a period of time. A 62 years old female Patient attended OPD with diffuse abdominal pain, loose stools 10-15 times a day with blood, debility and weight loss. Patient was known case of ulcerative colitis since 6 years receiving treatment from contemporary science but she was not getting any satisfactory relief. Patient was treated with the concept of Pittaja Grahani in Ayurveda. Objective: To improve the signs and symptoms of the ulcerative colitis, to prevent from all possible intestinal and extra-intestinal complications related to ulcerative colitis finally to cure the disease. Method: Musta-Takra Basti was administered for 16 days along with other Ayurvedic drugs and signs and symptoms were evaluated daily. Result: Patient responded well with much improvement in her general condition. Frequency of defecation is decreased, no bleeding per rectum and other signs and symptoms were relieved. Conclusion: This study can be useful for reducing the need of steroids and surgical procedures in the patient of ulcerative colitis Hence Ayurveda treatment can be a promising alternative, safe and convenient treatment in the management of Ulcerative colitis.

Paratuberculosis: A Potential Zoonosis and a Neglected Disease in Africa

The Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, which is an economically important disease of ruminants. The zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn’s disease and, to a lesser extent, in ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD), has been debated for decades and evidence continues to mount in support of that hypothesis. The aim of this paper is to present a review of the current information on paratuberculosis in animals and the two major forms of IIBD in Africa. The occurrence, epidemiology, economic significance and “control of MAP and its involvement IIBD in Africa” are discussed. Although the occurrence of MAP is worldwide and has been documented in several African countries, the epidemiology and socioeconomic impacts remain undetermined and limited research information is available from the continent. At present, there are still significant knowledge gaps in all these areas as far as Africa is concerned. Due to the limited research on paratuberculosis in Africa, in spite of growing global concerns, it may rightfully be considered a neglected tropical disease with a potentially zoonotic role.

Educational Case: Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, see http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2374289517715040 . 1