Ultrasonographic and clinical assessment of peripheral enthesitis and arthritis in an Italian cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of clinical and ultrasonographic musculoskeletal involvement in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, 148 consecutive patients with IBD were evaluated by a gastroenterologist and a rheumatologist. All patients underwent a B-mode and power Doppler ultrasonographic examination of 6 pairs of entheses and of knee and ankle joints.

Adherence to medical treatment in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Aim: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic intestinal conditions characterized by unpredictable course, with periods of flare-ups and remissions suggesting poor adherence to medical therapy. On the other hand adherence is one of the most common reason of failure in the treatment of chronic disease.

Methods: We have analyzed IBD patients' questionnaires, sent by IBD Society of Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy).

Colonoscopy, pain and fears: Is it an indissoluble trinomial?

Colonoscopy is the reference method in the secondary prevention, diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment of colorectal cancer. It can often cause pain associated with embarrassment, anxiety, and physical and emotional discomfort. Pain intensity is influenced by a lot of factors, and there is a strict relationship among pain, pain perception, and mind.

Post-Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System to assess patient recovery and discharge after colonoscopy.

Aim: To investigate whether discharge scoring criteria are as safe as clinical criteria for discharge decision and allow for earlier discharge.

Methods: About 220 consecutive outpatients undergoing colonoscopy under sedation with Meperidine plus Midazolam were enrolled and assigned to 2 groups: in Control-group (110 subjects) discharge decision was based on the clinical assessment; in PADSS-group (110 subjects) discharge decision was based on the modified Post-Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS). Measurements of the PADDS score were taken every 20 min after colonoscopy, and patients were discharged after two consecutive PADSS scores ≥ 9.