Background-Existing scales for assessing faecal incontinence have not been validated against clinical assessment, or with regard to reproducibility. They also fail to take into account faecal urgency, and the use of antidiarrhoeal medications. Aims-To establish the validity, and sensitivity to change, of existing scales and a newly designed incontinence scale. Methods-(1) Twenty three patients (21 females, median age 57 years) were prospectively evaluated by two independent clinical observers, using three established scales (Pescatori, Wexner, American Medical Systems), a newly devised scale which also includes details about urgency and antidiarrhoeal drugs, and by a 28 day diary. (2) A further 10 female patients were assessed by the same scales before and after surgery for faecal incontinence. (Gut 1999;44:77-80)

SUMMARYBackground: Food antigens may contribute to gut inflammation in Crohn's disease. Aim: To assess in vivo sensitization to food antigens, ascertain whether sensitivity is gut specific, assess food sensitization in vitro, and correlate in vivo changes with histological and blood changes. Methods: Skin testing and rectal exposure to six food antigens (cereal, cabbage, citrus, milk, yeast and peanut) and control saline were assessed double-blind by immediate and 3.5-h laser Doppler blood flowmetry, and rectal biopsies were taken. Peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation was measured in response to the same antigens. Results: Ten patients with Crohn's disease and 10 healthy controls were studied. Blood flow increased in

No abstract

No abstract