Gastroenterology

This category contains 3 posts

Audio Journal of General Medicine: reporting from British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting - Cannabis to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Karen Wright
Karen Wright, University of Bath
British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting 20-23 March 2006, Birmingham UK. Abstract 334
The possibility that cannabis could become a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease has emerged from a study of cell cultures conducted at the University of Bath. Karen Wright reported to the Birmingham conference that the survival of colonic epithelial cells was enhanced by exposure to cannabinoids.

Photoimmune Therapy: Possible Treatment for Refractory Crohn’s Disease?

Christopher Kong
Christopher Kong, Glasgow Royal Infirmary
British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting. Birmingham, March 20-23, 2006
A combination of a drug and an photophoresis machine has been used in an attempt to inactivate white cells among patients with Crohn’s disease. The experimental treatment uses the combined action of methoxypsoralen and ultra-violet light to produce a biological effect which could benefit patients whose Crohn’s disease is refractory to other forms of treatment. At the British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting held in Birmingham Christopher Kong presented early data from a group of five patients receiving what is called photoimmune therapy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Best to Avoid Steroids Before Surgery

Venkataraman Subramanian
Venkataraman Subramanian, St George’s Hospital, London
British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting 20-23 March 2006, International Convention Centre, Birmingham UK. Abstract 305
For patients with inflammatory bowel disease who may be candidates for surgery a switch from steroids to an alternative anti-inflammatory agent should be done a month before any procedure to avoid postoperative complications. This recommendation emerges from a meta-analysis of studies presented to the Annual Meeting of the British Society of Gastroenterology. Study author, Venkat Subramanian told Audio Medica about the findings.

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