Background and Aims:To investigate the efficacy and safety of three different dosages of embryonated, viable eggs of Trichuris suis [TSO] versus placebo for induction of remission in mildly-to-moderately active ileocolonic, uncomplicated Crohn’s disease [CD].Methods:Adults with active CD [n = 252] randomly received six fortnightly doses of 250, 2500, or 7500 TSO/15 ml suspension/day [TSO 250, TSO 2500, TSO 7500], or 15 ml placebo solution/day, in a double-blind fashion, with 4 weeks’ follow-up. Primary endpoint was the rate of clinical remission [Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] < 150] at end of treatment, ie at Week 12 or withdrawal. Secondary endpoints included the course of clinical remission, rate of clinical response, change in CDAI, change in markers of inflammation, mucosal healing, and Physician’s Global Assessment.Results:Clinical remission at Week 12 occurred in 38.5%, 35.2%, and 47.2% of TSO 250, TSO 2500, and TSO 7500 patients, respectively, and in 42.9% of placebo recipients. TSO induced a dose-dependent immunological response. There was no response regarding laboratory markers of inflammation. Other secondary efficacy variables also showed no advantage of TSO over placebo for treatment of active CD. Administration of TSO did not result in any serious adverse drug reaction. Review of non-serious suspected adverse drug reactions following TSO did not reveal any safety concerns.Conclusions:Administration of 250–7500 TSO fortnightly over 12 weeks was safe and showed a dose-dependent immunological response, but no TSO dose showed a clinically relevant effect over placebo for induction of clinical remission or response in mildly-to-moderately active, ileocolonic CD.

No abstract

Ecstasy (XTC) has become a popular drug in the rave, dance and techno scene. Several severe disorders due to drug addiction have been described but no dermatological symptoms. We report on 2 patients (20-year-old female, 21-year-old male) with medical problems after taking XTC. Both developed a facial rash with reddish pimples after oral intake of XTC. The distribution resembled either periorificial dermatosis or acneiform rash without white- or blackheads. The lesions cleared without specific treatment. We suggest that XTC pimples represent an acneiform dermatosis in young people taking designer drugs. Though the dermatosis itself seems to be mild, it may be a cutaneous marker for drug abuse.

Background/Aims: Reliable and especially widely accepted preventive measures are crucial to further reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) might increase the screening numbers among patients unable or unwilling to undergo conventional colonoscopy. This registry trial aimed to document and determine the CCE indications, findings, complications, and adverse events in outpatient practices and clinics throughout Germany. Methods: Patients undergoing CCE between 2010 and 2015 were enrolled in this prospective multicenter registry trial at six German centers. Patient demographics, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Results: A total of 161 patients were included. Of the CCE evaluations, 111 (68.9%) were considered successful. Pathological findings in the colon (n=92, 60.1%) and in the remaining gastrointestinal tract (n=38, 24.8%) were recorded. The main finding was the presence of polyps (n=52, 32.3%). Furthermore, five carcinomas (3.1%) were detected and histologically confirmed later. Adequate bowel cleanliness was more likely to be achieved in the outpatient setting (p<0.0001). Interestingly, 85 patients (55.6%) chose to undergo CCE based on personal motivation. Conclusions: CCE seems to be a reliable and safe endoscopic tool for screening for CRC and detecting other diseases. Its patient acceptance and feasibility seems to be high, especially in the outpatient setting. Clin Endosc 2020 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print]

In case of persisting diarrhea the differential diagnosis of a medullary thyroid carcinoma must be taken into consideration and a calcitonin determination has to be arranged. Yet, typical symptoms like struma nodosa, swollen neck lymph nodes or a CEA increase can still be missing in the initial phase.