Follow-up evaluation and management of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease: A study by the Italian Group for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IG-IBD).

Background: The RIDART I study found a 13.6% prevalence of anemia in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); most cases were due to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA).

Aims: To evaluate changes in hemoglobin concentration during a 24-week follow-up of anemic patients with IBD.

Low Vitamin K and Vitamin D Dietary Intake in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

The inadequate dietary intake of Vitamin D and Vitamin K is an easily reversible factor favoring IBD-associated bone loss, but data on Vitamin K are lacking. A 28-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire was administered to 193 IBD patients (89 Crohn's disease and 104 ulcerative colitis), and 199 controls. Patients' demographics, clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed in relation to recommended daily allowances.

Prevalence, Pathogenesis and Management of Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An IG-IBD Multicenter, Prospective, and Observational Study.

Background: Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a 6% to 74% prevalence and a negative impact on patient survival and quality of life, although the prevalence is apparently declining due to improved disease treatment. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, pathogenesis, and clinical correlates of anemia in Italian patients with IBD.

Methods: A multicenter, prospective, observational study, involving 28 Italian gastroenterology centers, was conducted to investigate the epidemiology and consequences of IBD-associated anemia.

Long-term outcomes of acute severe ulcerative colitis in the rescue therapy era: A multicentre cohort study.

Background: The long-term course of ulcerative colitis after a severe attack is poorly understood. Second-line rescue therapy with cyclosporine or infliximab is effective for reducing short-term colectomy but the impact in the long-term is controversial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term course of acute severe ulcerative colitis patients who avoid early colectomy either because of response to steroids or rescue therapy.

Early hydrogen excretion peaks during breath tests. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or accelerated transit?

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported with varying prevalence, depending upon the criteria used for diagnosis. Lactulose and glucose breath tests are the most used in clinical settings. Early rises of hydrogen excretion during a lactose breath test suggest SIBO, but the finding could result from accelerated mouth-to-caecum transit time.