Induction and maintenance of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease with ustekinumab in clinical practice across all care levels in Germany (MUCUS).

The impact of ustekinumab (UST) on mucosal- and fistula healing and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) in Crohn's disease (CD) were not fully elucidated in the registration trials. In this prospective, multicenter study (EudraCT number: 2017-005151-83) we evaluated the German label real-world-effectiveness of UST to achieve the primary endpoint of combined clinical and endoscopic response at week 52 and several secondary endpoints. Of 79 screened we enrolled 52 patients (female n = 28, bionaïve n = 13, biologic n = 39). At week 52 (per protocol analysis), 52% (n = 13/25) of patients achieved the primary endpoint [50% (n = 3/6) in the bionaïve, 45.5% (n = 5/11) biologic, 62.5% (n = 5/8 ) multiple biologics cohorts, respectively with age as independent predictor [OR 95% CI 0.933 (0.873, 0.998) p = 0.043], 60% (n = 15/25) achieved endoscopic response [50% (n = 3/6) in the bionaïve, 54.5% (n = 6/11) biologic, 75% (n = 6/8) multiple biologics cohorts, respectively], 36% (n = 9/25) achieved endoscopic remission [50% (n = 3/6) in the bionaïve, 27.3% (n = 3/11) biologic, 37.5% (n = 3/8) multiple biologics cohorts, respectively], 48% (n = 12/25) achieved mucosal healing [50% (n = 3/6) in the bionaïve, 36.4% (n = 4/11) biologic, 62.5% (n = 5/8) multiple biologics cohorts, respectively]. All achieved a fistula response and 33.3% (n = 1/3) in the multiple biologics group fistula remission at week 52. EIM decreased (week 0 28.2% vs. week 52 8%). CRP, FCP, PRO-2, EQ-5D-5L improved throughout. 36 patients (69.2%) experienced ≥ 1 treatment emergent adverse event, in 8 (15.4%) cases rated as severe and in 5 (9.6%) leading to UST discontinuation, but no very severe events or deaths. The effectiveness of UST was better than in the registration trials.

Second-generation distal attachment cuff for adenoma detection in screening colonoscopy: a randomized multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Randomized studies have demonstrated that a distal attachment cap with rubber side arms, the Endocuff Vision (ECV; Olympus America, Center Valley, Pa, USA), increased colonoscopic adenoma detection rate (ADR) in various mixed patient collectives. This is the first study to evaluate its use in a primary colonoscopic screening program. METHODS: Patients over age 55 years undergoing screening colonoscopy in 9 German private offices in Berlin and Hamburg were randomized to either the study group using ECV or the control group using high-definition colonoscopies (standard of care). The main outcome parameter was ADR, whereas secondary outcomes were detection rates of all adenomas per colonoscopy (APCs), of adenoma subgroups, and of hyperplastic polyps. RESULTS: Of 1416 patients (mean age, 61.1 years; 51.8% women), with a median of 41 examinations per examiner (n = 23; interquartile range, 12-81), 700 were examined with ECV and 716 without. Adjusting for the effects of the colonoscopies, ADR was 39.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.6%-46.3%) in the ECV group versus 32.2% (95% CI, 25.9%-38.6%) in the control group, which resulted in an increase of 7.2% (95% CI, 2.3%-12.2%; P = .004). The increase in ADR was mainly because of small polyps, with adjusted ADRs for adenomas <10 mm of 33.3% (95% CI, 26.5%-40.2%) for study patients versus 24.0% (95% CI, 18.2%-29.8%) for control patients (P < .001). APC was also significantly increased (.57 ECV vs .51 control subjects, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: A distal attachment cap with side arms significantly increased the ADR in patients undergoing primary colonoscopic screening. Because of the correlation of ADR and interval cancer, its use should be encouraged, especially in this setting. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03442738.).

Humans first: Why people value animals less than humans.

People routinely give humans moral priority over other animals. Is such moral anthropocentrism based in perceived differences in mental capacity between humans and non-humans or merely because humans favor other members of their own species? We investigated this question in six studies (N = 2217). We found that most participants prioritized humans over animals even when the animals were described as having equal or more advanced mental capacities than the humans. This applied to both mental capacity at the level of specific individuals (Studies 1a-b) and at the level typical for the respective species (Study 2). The key driver behind moral anthropocentrism was thus mere species-membership (speciesism). However, all else equal, participants still gave more moral weight to individuals with higher mental capacities (individual mental capacity principle), suggesting that the belief that humans have higher mental capacities than animals is part of the reason that they give humans moral priority. Notably, participants found mental capacity more important for animals than for humans-a tendency which can itself be regarded as speciesist. We also explored possible sub-factors driving speciesism. We found that many participants judged that all individuals (not only humans) should prioritize members of their own species over members of other species (species-relativism; Studies 3a-b). However, some participants also exhibited a tendency to see humans as having superior value in an absolute sense (pro-human species-absolutism, Studies 3-4). Overall, our work demonstrates that speciesism plays a central role in explaining moral anthropocentrism and may be itself divided into multiple sub-factors.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients' Treatment Preferences Using a Discrete Choice Experiment Technique: The InPuT Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate patients' preferences regarding the evolving treatment landscape in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) based on a discrete choice experiment. METHODS: Eligible patients (aged 18 years or older) had a confirmed diagnosis of CD or UC and were willing and able to participate in telephone interviews. The survey design is based on a prior literature review, a pilot study, and clinical expert discussions. Preferences related to clinical and practical features of advanced therapies, like tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, anti-integrins, anti-interleukins, and Janus kinase inhibitors, were assessed. Patients were asked to choose between two different hypothetical treatment alternatives visualized in up to 11 choice scenarios. Based on these choices, the relative importance of treatment characteristics was derived from regression coefficients estimated by a conditional logit model. RESULTS: Of the 291 patients included, 219 (75%) were eligible for this analysis. Among the evaluated attributes in CD, 1-year remission rate was ranked highest, with 42.3% relevance for the overall decision. The second most important attribute was the frequency of serious adverse events (AE) (25.1%), followed by sustained remission over 2 years (17.8%). Lower importance was assigned to the administration mode (14.6%) and none to the frequency of non-serious AE (0.1%). In UC, preferences were driven by efficacy (25.3% for mucosal healing; 23.4% for corticosteroid-free remission) and the frequency of serious AE (18.3%), followed by the administration mode (18.1%). Also, non-serious AE were classified as relevant factors for decision-making (10.7%), while maintaining remission for at least 2 years showed no significant impact (4.4%). CONCLUSION: For both indications, efficacy outcomes were rated most important, followed by the frequency of serious AE. Variations were mainly found in the evaluation of non-serious AE and sustained remission. Considering patient preferences may improve the effectiveness of available therapies for moderate to severe CD and UC.

[Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Symptoms and Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease]. / Auswirkungen einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion auf Symptomatik und Therapie chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not yet been well characterized and it is unclear whether this requires an adaptation of the immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: A national register was established for the retrospective documentation of clinical parameters and changes in immunosuppressive therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infected IBD patients. RESULTS: In total, only 3 of 185 IBD patients (1.6 %) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection because of abdominal symptoms. In the course of COVID-19 disease, 43.5 % developed diarrhea, abdominal pain or hematochezia (risk of hospitalization with vs. without abdominal symptoms: 20.0 % vs. 10.6 %, p < 0.01). With active IBD at the time of SARS-CoV-2 detection, there was an increased risk of hospitalization (remission 11.2 %, active IBD 23.3 % p < 0.05). IBD-specific therapy remained unchanged in 115 patients (71.4 %); the most common change was an interruption of systemic therapy (16.2 %). DISCUSSION: New abdominal symptoms often appeared in SARS-CoV-2 infected IBD patients. However, these only rarely led to SARS-CoV-2 testing. A high IBD activity at the time of SARS-CoV-2 detection was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization.

The Psychology of (In)Effective Altruism.

The most effective charities are hundreds of times more effective than typical charities, yet few donors prioritize effectiveness. Why is that? How might we increase the effectiveness of charitable giving? We review the motivational and epistemic causes of (in)effective giving. Many donors view charitable giving as a matter of personal preference, which favors decisions based on emotional appeal rather than effectiveness. In addition, while many donors are motivated to give effectively, they often have misconceptions and cognitive biases that reduce effective giving. Nearly all research on charitable giving interventions focuses on increasing donation amounts. However, to increase societal benefit, donation effectiveness is likely to be more important. This underscores the need for research on strategies to encourage effective giving.

Should you save the more useful? The effect of generality on moral judgments about rescue and indirect effects.

Across eight experiments (N = 2310), we studied whether people would prioritize rescuing individuals who may be thought to contribute more to society. We found that participants were generally dismissive of general rules that prioritize more socially beneficial individuals, such as doctors instead of unemployed people. By contrast, participants were more supportive of one-off decisions to save the life of a more socially beneficial individual, even when such cases were the same as those covered by the rule. This generality effect occurred robustly even when controlling for various factors. It occurred when the decision-maker was the same in both cases, when the pairs of people differing in the extent of their indirect social utility was varied, when the scenarios were varied, when the participant samples came from different countries, and when the general rule only covered cases that are exactly the same as the situation described in the one-off condition. The effect occurred even when the general rule was introduced via a concrete precedent case. Participants' tendency to be more supportive of the one-off proposal than the general rule was significantly reduced when they evaluated the two proposals jointly as opposed to separately. Finally, the effect also occurred in sacrificial moral dilemmas, a general phenomenon occurring in multiple moral contexts. We discuss possible explanations of the effect, including concerns about negative consequences of the rule and a deontological aversion against making difficult trade-off decisions unless they are absolutely necessary.

Budesonide Orodispersible Tablets Maintain Remission in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Swallowed topical-acting corticosteroids are effective in bringing active EoE into remission. However, it is not clear whether these drugs are effective for long-term maintenance of remission. METHODS: We performed a double-blind trial to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 dosages of a budesonide orodispersible tablet (BOT) vs placebo in maintaining remission of EoE. Maintenance of remission was defined as absence of clinical and histologic relapse and no premature withdrawal for any reason. Two hundred and four adults with EoE in clinical and histologic remission, from 29 European study sites, were randomly assigned to groups given BOT 0.5 mg twice daily (n = 68), BOT 1.0 mg twice daily (n = 68), or placebo twice daily (n = 68) for up to 48 weeks. RESULTS: At end of treatment, 73.5% of patients receiving BOT 0.5 mg twice daily and 75% receiving BOT 1.0 mg twice daily were in persistent remission compared with 4.4% of patients in the placebo group (P < .001 for both comparisons of BOT with placebo). Median time to relapse in the placebo group was 87 days. The frequency of adverse events was similar in the BOT and placebo groups. Morning serum levels of cortisol were in the normal range at baseline and did not significantly change during treatment. Four patients receiving BOT developed asymptomatic, low serum levels of cortisol. Clinically manifested candidiasis was suspected in 16.2% of patients in the BOT 0.5 mg group and in 11.8% of patients in the BOT 1.0 mg group; all infections resolved with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In a phase 3 trial, up to 48 weeks of treatment with BOT (0.5 mg or 1.0 mg twice daily) was superior to placebo in maintaining remission of EoE. Both dosages were equally effective and well tolerated. EudraCT number; 2014-001485-99; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02434029.

Real-world clinical effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha treatment in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients: a German retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Real-world comparisons of biologic treatment outcomes for ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) patients are limited. We sought to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of vedolizumab (VDZ) and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) in UC and CD patients in Germany. METHODS: A retrospective chart review (15 sites) investigated UC and CD patients who were biologic-treatment naïve (biologic-naïve) or had received no more than one prior anti-TNFα before initiating treatment with VDZ or anti-TNFα between 15 July 2014 and 20 October 2015. Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed time to first chart-documented clinical remission (CR) and symptom resolution (UC: rectal bleeding [RB], stool frequency [SF]; CD: abdominal pain [AP], liquid stools [LS]) and outcome duration. RESULTS: A total of 133 UC (76 VDZ; 57 anti-TNFα) and 174 CD (69 VDZ; 105 anti-TNFα) patients were included. By Week 26, estimated cumulative rates of patients achieving CR or symptom resolution with VDZ vs anti-TNFα treatment were for UC: CR, 53.7% vs 31.7%; RB, 66.8% vs 55.8%; and SF, 59.8% vs 50.7%, respectively; and for CD: CR, 14.4% vs 32.8%; AP, 62.5% vs 56.0%; and LS, 29.9% vs 50.3%, respectively. Outcomes were sustained similarly between treatments, except RB (VDZ vs anti-TNFα: median 38.1 vs 15.1 weeks, P = 0.03). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 5.3% vs 7.0% (UC) and 8.7% vs 19.0% (CD) of VDZ vs anti-TNFα patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were differences in CR, symptom resolution, and safety profiles, real-world data support both VDZ and anti-TNFα as effective treatment options in UC and CD.

The Psychology of Existential Risk: Moral Judgments about Human Extinction.

The 21st century will likely see growing risks of human extinction, but currently, relatively small resources are invested in reducing such existential risks. Using three samples (UK general public, US general public, and UK students; total N = 2,507), we study how laypeople reason about human extinction. We find that people think that human extinction needs to be prevented. Strikingly, however, they do not think that an extinction catastrophe would be uniquely bad relative to near-extinction catastrophes, which allow for recovery. More people find extinction uniquely bad when (a) asked to consider the extinction of an animal species rather than humans, (b) asked to consider a case where human extinction is associated with less direct harm, and (c) they are explicitly prompted to consider long-term consequences of the catastrophes. We conclude that an important reason why people do not find extinction uniquely bad is that they focus on the immediate death and suffering that the catastrophes cause for fellow humans, rather than on the long-term consequences. Finally, we find that (d) laypeople-in line with prominent philosophical arguments-think that the quality of the future is relevant: they do find extinction uniquely bad when this means forgoing a utopian future.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Pinworm Infection.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic infection with pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), a human pathogen, is clinically relevant in Germany, with an estimated prevalence in childhood of 2-20%. Enterobiasis can cause major mental distress. There is little systematically verified knowledge on the treatment of this condition, and there is no corresponding German guideline. This review is, therefore, intended as a summary of the current state of knowledge. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed for literature appearing from 1 January 1990 to 5 February 2019 and containing the search terms "enterobiasis," "oxyuriasis," "Enterobius vermicula- ris," "pinworm," and "threadworm." RESULTS: More than one billion people worldwide are thought to be infected with pinworm. Estimates of its prevalence among kindergarten and primary-school pupils in Europe are generally near 20%. Infants (<2 years of age), adolescents (>14 years of age), and adults are only sporadically affected. The main risk factors are age 4-11 years, uncontrolled anus-finger-mouth contact, nail-biting (onychophagia/peri- onychophagia), unsupervised body hygiene, and poor compliance with basic hand hygiene. No large-scale, randomized, controlled trials of treatment are available. The approved antihelminthic agents are mebendazole, pyrantel embonate, and pyrvinium embonate (success rates up to >90%). For recurrent infections, prolonged treatment for up to 16 weeks (a "pulse scheme") is recommended. CONCLUSION: In nearly all cases, antihelminthic treatment along with attention to hygienic measures can successfully eradicate pinworm infection and prevent recurrence and autoinfection. The involvement of all persons living in the patient's house- hold, including sexual partners, is a prerequisite to the lasting success of treatment.

Efficacy of Budesonide Orodispersible Tablets as Induction Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Swallowed topical-acting corticosteroids are recommended as first-line therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Asthma medications not optimized for esophageal delivery are sometimes effective, although given off-label. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of a budesonide orodispersible tablet (BOT), which allows the drug to be delivered to the esophagus in adults with active EoE. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, parallel study of 88 adults with active EoE in Europe. Patients were randomly assigned to groups that received BOT (1 mg twice daily; n = 59) or placebo (n = 29) for 6 weeks. The primary end point was complete remission, based on clinical and histologic factors, including dysphagia and odynophagia severity ≤2 on a scale of 0-10 on each of the 7 days before the end of the double-blind phase and a peak eosinophil count <5 eosinophils/high power field. Patients who did not achieve complete remission at the end of the 6-week double-blind phase were offered 6 weeks of open-label treatment with BOT (1 mg twice daily). RESULTS: At 6 weeks, 58% of patients given BOT were in complete remission compared with no patients given placebo (P < .0001). The secondary end point of histologic remission was achieved by 93% of patients given BOT vs no patients given placebo (P < .0001). After 12 weeks, 85% of patients had achieved remission. Six-week and 12-week BOT administration were safe and well tolerated; 5% of patients who received BOT developed symptomatic, mild candida, which was easily treated with an oral antifungal agent. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial of adults with active EoE, we found that budesonide oral tablets were significantly more effective than placebo in inducing clinical and histologic remission. Eudra-CT number 2014-001485-99; ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02434029.

Low Sensitivity of Simtomax Point of Care Test in Detection of Celiac Disease in a Prospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Point of care tests (POCTs) might be used to identify patients with undiagnosed celiac disease who require further evaluation. We performed a large multicenter study to determine the performance of a POCT for celiac disease and assessed celiac disease prevalence in endoscopy centers. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 1055 patients (888 adults; median age, 48 yrs and 167 children; median age, 10 yrs) referred to 8 endoscopy centers in Germany, for various indications, from January 2016 through June 2017. Patients were tested for celiac disease using Simtomax, which detects immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP). Results were compared with findings from histologic analyses of duodenal biopsies (reference standard). The primary aim was to determine the accuracy of this POCT for the detection of celiac disease, to identify candidates for duodenal biopsy. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in adult and pediatric populations referred for outpatient endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of celiac disease was 4.1%. The POCT identified individuals with celiac disease with 79% sensitivity (95% CI, 64%-89%) and 94% specificity (95% CI, 93%-96%). Positive and negative predictive values were 37% and 99%. When we analyzed the adult and pediatric populations separately, we found the test to identify adults with celiac disease (prevalence 1.2%) with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity. In the pediatric population (celiac disease prevalence 19.6%), the test produced false-negative results for 9 cases; the test therefore identified children with celiac disease with 72% sensitivity (95% CI 53%-86%). Analyses of serologic data revealed significantly lower DGP titers in the false-negative vs the true-positive group. CONCLUSIONS: In a study of more than 1000 adults and children, we found the Simtomax POCT to detect celiac disease with lower overall levels of sensitivity than expected. Although the test identifies adults with celiac disease with high levels of sensitivity and specificity, the prevalence of celiac disease was as low as 1.2% among adults. The test's lack of sensitivity might be due to the low intensity of the POCT bands and was associated with low serum DGP titers. Study ID no: DRKS00012499.

Effects of two instrument-generation changes on adenoma detection rate during screening colonoscopy: results from a prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that multiple colonoscope features have to be changed before an improvement in adenoma detection rate (ADR) becomes obvious, such as with changing from one instrument generation to the next but one. We wanted to evaluate whether such an effect can also be observed in a private-practice screening setting. METHODS: In a randomized study, we compared the latest generation colonoscopes from one company (Olympus Exera III, 190) with the next to last one (Olympus 165), including only patients presenting for screening colonoscopy. The primary outcome was ADR achieved with 190 colonoscopes (190-C) in comparison with 165 colonoscopes (165-C). RESULTS: 1221 patients (46.1 % men; mean age 62.2 years, standard deviation 6.6) were included (599 screened with the Olympus Exera III, 190). The ADR difference in favor of the 190-C instrument (32 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 26 % to 39 %] vs. 28 % [95 %CI 22 % to 34 %] in the 165-C group) failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.10); only the rate of small (< 5 mm) adenomas was significantly increased at 22.5 % (95 %CI 19 % to 26 %) vs. 15.6 % (95 %CI 13 % to 18 %; P = 0.002). Furthermore, significantly more adenomas were found in the 190-C group, with an adenoma rate (all adenomas/all patients) of 0.57 (95 %CI 0.53 to 0.61) vs. 0.47 (95 %CI 0.43 to 0.51; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This randomized comparative trial in a private-practice screening setting only partially confirmed the results of prior studies that, with multiple imaging improvements achieved over two instrument generations, an increase in overall adenoma number becomes measurable.

Efficacy and safety of PICOPREP tailored dosing compared with PICOPREP day-before dosing for colon cleansing: a multi-centric randomised study.

Background and study aims The success of any colonoscopy procedure depends upon the quality of bowel preparation. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new tailored dosing (TD) regimen compared with the approved PICOPREP day-before dosing regimen (DBD) in the European Union. Patient and methods Patients (≥ 18 years) undergoing colonoscopy were randomised (2:1) to TD (Dose 1, 10 - 18 hours; Dose 2, 4 - 6 hours before colonoscopy) or DBD (Dose 1 before 8:00AM on the day before colonoscopy; Dose 2, 6 - 8 hours after Dose 1). The primary endpoint of overall colon cleansing efficacy was based on total Ottawa Scale (OS) scores (0 - 14, excellent-worst). The key secondary endpoint was a binary endpoint based on the ascending colon OS (success 0 or 1, failure [≥ 2]). Convenience and satisfaction were evaluated similar to the primary and key secondary endpoints. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Results Use of the PICOPREP TD regimen resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the mean total Ottawa Scale score compared to the PICOPREP DBD regimen (-3.93, 95 % confidence intervals [CI]: - 4.99, - 2.97; P < 0.0001) in the intent-to-treat analysis set. The PICOPREP TD regimen also resulted in a statistically significant increase in the odds of achieving an ascending colon OS score ≤ 1, compared to the PICOPREP DBD regimen (estimated odds ratio 9.18, 95 % CI: 4.36, 19.32; P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (12 % (TD) and 5.7 % (DBD), respectively, P = 0.2988). The convenience and satisfaction were comparable in the two groups. Conclusion The TD regimen was superior to the DBD regimen for overall and ascending colon cleansing efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02239692.

[Borderline leprosy as a rare differential diagnosis]. / Borderline-Lepra als seltene Differenzialdiagnose.

History and clinical findings | A 42-year-old migrant from Brazil presented with persistent sensory disturbances, skin discolorations and local alopecia in the upper limbs. Decisive for the presentation in our Tropical Medicine Clinic were new occurrences of severe pain and redness and swelling in the area of the lesions that had already been assessed by a number of medical specialists without a clear diagnosis could be made. Investigations and diagnosis | The histological analysis of skin biopsies showed perivascular, perineural, periadnexial lymphocytic and granulomatous dermatitis. In a direct microbiological preparation individual acid fast bacilli could be detected (Ziehl-Neelsen stain). The electroneurographical examination demonstrated a sensitive peripheral-neurogenic damage with emphasis on the right median nerve and the left ulnar and radial nerves. Thermography revealed an increased heating or cooling threshold. The serological investigation by ELISA for IgM antibodies against the phenolic glycolipid (PGL-1) was positive (titer 1 : 1200). In summary, the diagnosis of borderline leprosy (infection with Mycobacterium leprae) with transition to multibacillary leprosy (according to WHO) and leprosy reaction type 1 was made. Treatment and course | We initiated an oral antimycobacterial therapy (multidrug therapy, MDT) with rifampin, clofazimine and dapsone for 12 months (WHO regimen for multibacillary leprosy). Leprosy reaction type 1 was treated with prednisolone and by increasing the dose of clofazimine. Analgesic therapy on demand was carried out with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen). MDT and successful management of leprosy reaction lead to a rapid improvement of symptoms. Conclusions | Leprosy is an infectious disease occurring only rarely in Germany (average incidence of 1-2 cases per year) that is diagnosed almost exclusively among migrants. Main symptoms comprise non-itchy, reddish, touch insensitive skin lesions or nerve deficits. The diagnosis is based primarily on the clinical presentation, supplemented by pathogen detection, histology, neurophysiological findings and serology. Standard therapy is a combination of rifampin, clofazimine and dapsone (WHO scheme) for at least 6 months.

A randomised, double-blind trial comparing budesonide formulations and dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of two different budesonide formulations (effervescent tablet for orodispersible use (BET) and viscous suspension (BVS)) with different daily dosages for short-term treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). DESIGN: Adults with active EoE (n=76) randomly received 14 days' treatment with either BET 2×1 mg/day (BET1, n=19) or BET 2×2 mg/day (BET2, n=19), or BVS 2×5 mL (0.4 mg/mL)/day (BVS, n=19) or placebo (n=19) in a double-blind, double-dummy fashion, with a 2-week follow-up. Primary end point was histological remission (mean of <16 eosinophils/mm(2 )hpf). Secondary end points included endoscopy score, dysphagia score, drug safety and patient's preference for drug formulation. RESULTS: Histological remission occurred in 100%, 94.7% and 94.7% of budesonide (BET1, BET2, BVS, respectively) and in 0% of placebo recipients (p<0.0001). The improvement in total endoscopic intensity score was significantly higher in the three budesonide groups compared with placebo. Dysphagia improved in all groups at the end of treatment; however, improvement of dysphagia persisted only in those treated with BET1 (p=0.0196 vs placebo). There were no serious adverse events. Local fungal infection (stained fungi) occurred in two patients of each budesonide group (10.5%). The effervescent tablet was preferred by 80% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: BET or BVS was highly effective and safe for short-term treatment of EoE. The 1 mg (twice daily) dosage was equally effective as the 2 mg twice daily dosage. The majority of patients preferred the effervescent tablet formulation. CLINICALTRIALSGOV NUMBER: NCT02280616; EudraCT number, 2009-016692-29.

[Undulant fever and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a 20-year-old exchange student from Jordan - the human brucellosis as an important differential diagnosis in migrants]. / Undulierendes Fieber und autoimmunhämolytische Anämie.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 20-year-old Jordanian exchange student presents with recurrent fever, night sweats, cough, and swelling and redness around the ankle. Physical examination further reveals bilateral ankle arthritis and painful cervical lymphadenopathy. INVESTIGATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory tests show signs of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, elevated liver function tests, and moderate laboratory signs of inflammation. All blood cultures reveal growth of gram-negative coccoid rods which are initially identified by mass spectrometry as Moraxella lacunata and Ochrobactrum anthropi. However, antimicrobial therapy with imipenem / cilastatin does not improve the patient's clinical condition. Based on the travel history including consumption of yogurt from unpasteurized sheep's milk, we perform serological tests with a strongly positive result for Brucella species, and additional work-up of blood culture isolates confirm the definitive diagnosis of brucellosis (Malta fever, infection by Brucella melitensis). TREATMENT AND COURSE: After initiation of antimicrobial therapy with doxycycline and rifampin the patient shows complete resolution of fever. Arthritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and accompanying hepatitis improve in the course. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, since brucellosis is endemic to countries like Jordan, it should be considered as a possible agent of fever of unknown origin especially in migrants unresponsive to empiric therapy and appropriate diagnostic tests including meticulous validation of blood cultures should be performed. Standard therapy is a combination of doxycycline with rifampin for at least 6 weeks.

Herpes Simplex Virus Sepsis in a Young Woman with Crohn's Disease.

We present the case of a herpes simplex virus-1 [HSV-1] sepsis with severe herpes hepatitis in a young female treated with triple immunosuppressive therapy [adalimumab, azathioprine, prednisolone] for refractory Crohn's disease [CD]. The patient presented with high fever, generalised abdominal tenderness, strongly elevated transaminases, coagulopathy, and pancytopenia. Comprehensive diagnostics including blood HSV-1 polymerase chain reaction [PCR], liver biopsy, and immunohistochemistry revealed the diagnosis of fulminant herpes hepatitis. HSV-1 positivity of cutaneous lesions proved the disseminated nature of the infection. Early treatment with intravenous acyclovir led to a rapid improvement of the patient's condition and resulted in a full recovery of her liver function. This is the first reported case of HSV-sepsis in a patient with CD. Physicians treating inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients with combined immunosuppressive therapy should be aware of the possibility of herpes hepatitis, and early empirical antiviral therapy should be considered in immunosuppressed patients presenting with fever and severe anicteric hepatitis.