Videocapsule endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia.

We study two authentic cases of protein-losing enteropathy, the diagnosis of which was facilitated using Given M2A videocapsule endoscopy. The first case corresponded to a primary intestinal lymphangiectasia confirmed by jejunum biopsies and the second one to a protein-losing enteropathy with lymphatic abnormalities secondary to a chronic constrictive pericarditis. In the first case, the mucosa of jejunum presented with a diffuse oedematous aspect, whitish villi, white curved lines probably related to submucosal dilated lymphatics and lacteal juice.

Immune activation and nutritional status in adult Crohn's disease patients.

Background: Recent attention focused on the effect of inflammatory cytokines on intermediary metabolism contributing to the nutritional disturbances observed in acute or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Aims: To examine the interactions between immune activation and nutritional parameters in adult Crohn's disease patients.

Patients And Methods: We analysed anthropometric and biochemical nutritional parameters in 40 Crohn's disease patients and 26 healthy controls, and related them to inflammatory and immune markers.

Factors contributing to infectious diarrhea-associated pancreatic enzyme alterations.

Objectives: Several pathogens have been involved as etiologic agents of acute pancreatitis. We studied 59 patients presenting acute infectious diarrhea in order to determine the incidence as well as to identify factors which may contribute to the occurrence of pancreatic enzyme alteration or true acute pancreatitis.

Methods: Patients were evaluated for serum lipase and amylase, and 24-hours urinary amylase.

Efficacy and safety of an olive oil-based intravenous fat emulsion in adult patients on home parenteral nutrition.

Background: The most frequently used intravenous lipid emulsions are composed of 100% long chain triacylglycerols from soybean oil or of 50% long chain triacylglycerols-50% medium chain triacylglycerols. A newer emulsion, ClinOleic 20% containing 80% olive oil and 20% soybean oil, was suggested to reduce lipid peroxidation and immune function impairment.

Aim: To assess ClinOleic 20%'s efficacy, safety and effect upon systemic inflammatory parameters in adults on home parenteral nutrition.

Catheter-related infection in patients on home parenteral nutrition: results of a prospective survey.

Background & Aims: Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is the most frequent complication during home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We prospectively assessed incidence and catheter-related sepsis (CRS)-associated factors in the 42 adult patients enrolled in our HPN centre since its opening.

Methods: Age, frequency of infusions, CVC type, autonomy or nurse/family aid, underlying disease, involved infectious organism(s), hospital stay, efficacy of antibiotic-lock and other infectious complications, were studied.