Inflammatory bowel diseases
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Inflamm. Bowel Dis. · Jul 2020
Review Case ReportsThe Greek Response to COVID-19: A True Success Story from an IBD Perspective.
After the first case of infection with the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in China, an outbreak rapidly spread, finally evolving into a global pandemic. The new disease was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and by May 10, 2020, it has affected more than 4 million people worldwide and caused more than 270,000 deaths. ⋯ Timely application of preventive measures and strict compliance to guidelines limited the spread of COVID-19 in Greece and minimally impacted our IBD community, without interfering with therapeutic management.
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Inflamm. Bowel Dis. · Jul 2020
ReviewTemporal Correlation Between Neurological and Gastrointestinal Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SAR-CoV-2) has been shown to invade brain tissue. Based on the evolutionary similarity with SARS-CoV, researchers propose that SARS-CoV-2 can invade the olfactory bulb and gastrointestinal (GI) system through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. However, how SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological or GI symptoms is not clear. ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 can infect leukocytes and migrate with them into the brain, or the viral particles can be directly transported across the blood-brain barrier to the brain. Also, more recent research has revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can invade the peripheral lymphatic vessels connecting with the glymphatic system of the brain. The temporal correlation between neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms suggests the lymph vessels around the GI tract, the vascular system, or the gut-brain axis (enteric nervous system) as the most likely entry route for SARS-CoV-2 to the brain.
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Inflamm. Bowel Dis. · Jul 2020
Management of COVID-19 Pandemic in Spanish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Units: Results From a National Survey.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly evolved into a pandemic that has represented a challenge to health systems worldwide. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) units have been forced to change their practices to address the disease and to ensure the quality of care. ⋯ We report a representative national survey of changes made in the structure, diagnosis of COVID-19, and modifications in IBD treatments within IBD units.
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Inflamm. Bowel Dis. · Jul 2020
Potential of Electrical Neuromodulation for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that is often debilitating. It affects patients' quality of life and imposes a financial burden. Despite advances in treatment with medications such as biologics, a large proportion of patients do not respond to medical therapy or develop adverse events. ⋯ A series of animal and clinical trials have been performed to evaluate efficacy with promising results. Although the exact underlying mechanisms of action for electrical neuromodulation remain to be explored, this modality is promising. Further randomized controlled trials and basic experiments are needed to investigate efficacy and clarify intrinsic mechanisms.