Publications by authors named "Udo Heuschen"

Background And Aims: The pathogenesis of pouchitis, major complication after restorative proctocolectomy, and ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is still unclear. Changes in intraluminal bacterial colonization and correlated changes of pouch mucosa are thought to play an important role. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as part of the innate immune system are capable of recognizing bacterial antigens.

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Surgical treatment of severe inflammatory bowel diseases is required in failed medical treatment, in emergencies and for complications. Indications for surgery and operative techniques have changed significantly over the last few years. There is a clear tendency towards earlier and less invasive surgical interventions performed in specialized and experienced centers.

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To define mediator profiles in inflamed and noninflamed areas in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) we analyzed the expression of 35 messenger-RNAs (mRNAs) encoding cytokines, chemokines, and some related molecules in transmural gut tissues (n=138) from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and inflammatory and normal controls by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Using sample collectives with a comparable degree of inflammation, most parameters investigated showed similarly increased mRNA expression levels in both active UC and CD. This included proinflammatory cytokines, but also interferon (IFN) gamma and several IFN-gamma inducible chemokines.

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Purpose: Pouchitis represents a serious threat to patients with ulcerative colitis after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The frequency of pouchitis is high, and it implies the risk of pouch failure and the risk of malignant mucosal transformation in the pouch. Early detection and precise classification of the inflammatory process are required for adequate therapy, which might be facilitated using a scoring system.

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Objective: To analyze the association between pre- and perioperative factors and pouch-related septic complications (PRSC) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

Summary Background Data: For patients with UC and FAP, IPAA is the surgical therapy of choice, but in some patients the outcome is compromised by PRSC.

Methods: A total of 706 consecutive patients (494 UC, 212 FAP) were assessed in a study aimed at identifying subgroups of patients who were at high risk for PRSC.

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