The Genomic Landscape of Serrated Lesion of the Colorectum: Similarities and Differences With Tubular and Tubulovillous Adenomas.

Serrated lesions of the colorectum are the precursors of 15-30% of colorectal cancers (CRCs). These lesions have a peculiar morphological appearance, and they are more difficult to detect than conventional adenomatous polyps. In this study, we sought to define the genomic landscape of these lesions using high-depth targeted sequencing.

Fecal calprotectin and the clinical activity index are both useful to monitor medical treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Background: Non-invasive monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease is an unmet clinical need as patients in clinical remission may have residual mucosal inflammation preceding clinical relapse.

Aims: We aimed to assess the value of fecal calprotectin and standardized clinical activity scoring to monitor disease activity in ulcerative colitis under medical treatment.

Methods: Forty-one patients with ulcerative colitis were included in a prospective observational study.

Clinical and histopathological correlations of fecal calprotectin release in colorectal carcinoma.

Aim: To determine calprotectin release before and after colorectal cancer operation and compare it to tumor and histopathological parameters.

Methods: The study was performed on patients with diagnosed colorectal cancer admitted for operation. Calprotectin was measured in a single stool sample before and three months after the operation using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Diagnostic yield of endoscopy in patients with abdominal complaints: incremental value of faecal calprotectin on guidelines of appropriateness.

Background: European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE) criteria have been developed to increase diagnostic yield, but their predictive value is limited. We investigated the incremental diagnostic value of faecal calprotectin to EPAGE criteria.

Methods: In a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study, EPAGE criteria were applied to 298 of 575 (51.

Monoclonal antibody testing for fecal calprotectin is superior to polyclonal testing of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin to identify organic intestinal disease in patients with abdominal discomfort.

Background And Aims: Fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are sensitive markers of mucosal inflammation. We compared three different assays in their ability to identify patients with organic intestinal disease.

Methods: In a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study, we examined 405 unselected patients with abdominal complaints referred for endoscopy to the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

Monitoring of therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

The monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on clinical symptoms and activity scores alone has major drawbacks. Despite clinical remission, in many patients with ongoing low-grade inflammation and activity scores, there is a tendency to underestimate IBD activity as parameters depend on the subjective symptoms of the patients. C-reactive protein might identify patients with low-grade inflammation, especially in Crohn's disease, but sensitivity remains limited.

Value of fecal calprotectin in the evaluation of patients with abdominal discomfort: an observational study.

Background: The evaluation of patients with abdominal discomfort is challenging and patient selection for endoscopy based on symptoms is not reliable. We evaluated the diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin in patients with abdominal discomfort.

Methods: In an observational study, 575 consecutive patients with abdominal discomfort referred for endoscopy to the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland, were enrolled in the study.

Impact of COX-2 inhibitors in common clinical practice a gastroenterologist's perspective.

Non-selective NSAIDs enhance the risk of serious ulcer complications (bleeding, perforation, obstruction), hospitalization and death about 3-10-fold. The gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs have a considerable economical burden, since they are responsible for 5-10 billion dollars in hospitalization charges and lost work time. NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal damage by both topical and systemic effects.

Role of pantoprazole in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

The diagnosis and treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents many problems, despite the fact that significant advances have been made in recent years in the understanding of its pathogenesis and symptomatology. GERD affects many people and has a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD which occurs with and without oesophagitis.

Current role of Helicobacter pylori stool tests.

Helicobacter pylori stool tests are an accurate and noninvasive tool to assess H. pylori status before and after treatment. We are convinced that the current technical shortcomings of H.

In situ correlation of cytokine secretion and apoptosis in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) are important for the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Gastric biopsies from H. pylori-positive and -negative patients were used to examine the in situ correlation of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma with epithelial cell apoptosis, bacterial load, and histological parameters of gastritis.