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The aim of this study was to determine the nationwide incidence of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis in Iceland and the location of histopathological changes in the large bowel. All pathology reports of patients diagnosed with or suspected of having collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis in the period 1995-1999 were identified. All pathology samples were reevaluated using strict diagnostic criteria. After reevaluation 125 patients fulfilled our diagnostic criteria, 71 as collagenous colitis and 54 as lymphocytic colitis. The mean annual incidence for collagenous colitis was 5.2/100,000 inhabitants, and the mean age at diagnosis was 66.1 years. The mean annual incidence for lymphocytic colitis was 4.0/100,000 inhabitants, the mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years. Both diseases more commonly involved the colon than the rectum. The incidence of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis is high in Iceland. The mean annual incidence of collagenous colitis is much higher in Iceland than hitherto reported elsewhere.

The object of this study was to assess the efficacy of sucralfate in the treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). The diagnosis of NUD was made by exclusion. All patients underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests were done as clinically indicated. Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease were not included. Symptomatic assessment was made at the beginning and at the end of the study. The patients registered their most prominent dyspeptic symptoms and whether they improved, were unchanged, or worsened. The study was double-blind. Placebo or 1 g sucralfate four times daily was given for 3 weeks. Over a 2-year period 104 patients were included in the study; 56 received sucralfate and 48 placebo. Nine patients were excluded because of poor compliance or side effects, six from the sucralfate group and three from the placebo group. The sucralfate and placebo groups were comparable with regard to symptom and clinical variables. Global assessment of symptoms showed that in the sucralfate group 34 improved (68%), 11 were unchanged, and 5 were worse. In the placebo group 31 improved (69%), 11 were unchanged, and 3 were worse. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The 3-week course of sucralfate in patients with NUD did not show symptomatic improvement over placebo.

The total free fatty acids, blood glucose, and individual free fatty acids were studied in 8 patients with viral hepatitis and 13 with cirrhosis. The results were compared with those obtained in 9 normal control subjects. Free fatty acids were significantly elevated in liver patients as compared with normal controls. A fall in free fatty acids following ingestion of amino acids and dextrose was noted in normal subjects as well as liver patients. Glucose tolerance test, when done on patients with liver disease, was abnormal in most cases. Highly significant differences were found in the composition of individual free fatty acids in liver patients as compared with normal subjects. Arachidonic and linoleic acids were decreased, while monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids were increased in patients with viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. No significant changes were noted in the percent composition of individual free fatty acids following ingestion of amino acids and dextrose.