Should Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinicians Provide Their Patients with e-Health Resources? Patients' and Professionals' Perspectives.

Introduction: The internet is emerging as a source of information for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is not always reliable and may cause anxiety. We aim to assess patients' information habits and patients' and professionals' perceptions of a national website integrated as an educational resource for the IBD unit. Methods: Patients aged 18-65 years, comfortable with the internet, and attending follow-ups at participating IBD units (March-June 2019) and their professionals were invited to evaluate a recommended website through an online survey. Results: Three hundred eighty-nine patients and 95 professionals completed the survey. The internet (n = 109; 27.4%) was the second preferred source of information after the health care team (n = 229; 57.5%). Eighty percent of patients searched the internet for information on their disease and 28.6% did so at least once a week (n = 114), especially newly diagnosed ones (<2 years). Patients valued a website recommended by their professional (n = 379; 95.2%) and endorsed by the National Working Group (n = 377; 94.7%). They would attend online educational initiatives on the website (n = 279; 70.1%) and complete periodical surveys to improve its usefulness (n = 338; 84.9%). According to IBD professionals, this type of website is the best patient source of supplementary information (n = 76; 80%) and they "prescribe" it to most patients (67.0 ± 25.2%), especially the newly diagnosed patients (52.7 ± 26.5%). It effectively integrates routine face-to-face education (n = 95; 100%). Conclusions: Patients of IBD units, especially newly diagnosed ones, appreciate a trusted e-Health resource to back up professional information. The favorable opinion of patients and professionals will allow its use in training interventions.

Self-medication with analgesics reported by patients with ulcerative colitis: An anonymous survey / Automedicación con analgésicos en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa: encuesta anónima

Introduction: Analgesics are widely used, but evidence regarding whether their use increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares or complications is unclear. Therefore, self-medication with analgesics in IBD is usually not recommended. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of self-medication with analgesics in a cohort of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and to identify reasons and factors associated with self-medication. Methods: This cross-sectional study included consecutive unselected adult patients with UC. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous web-based survey with multiple-choice questions and closed responses. No clinical data were collected. Results: A total of 546 patients (61.2% women, mean age 39.9 years) completed the survey. The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics was 49.8% (272/546). Paracetamol (45.2%) and metamizole (21.2%) were the most frequently used drugs; frequencies of self-medication were <5% for other analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids). The most frequent reasons for self-medication were the need for quick symptom relief and that it had been agreed with/prescribed by the treating physician. Multivariable analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.9), sick leave (OR=2.2), treatment with intravenous drugs (OR=2.9), and emergency room visit (OR=2.3) as variables associated with self-medication, whilst follow-up by a nurse was associated with less self-medication (OR=0.6). Conclusion: The frequency of self-medication with analgesics in UC patients is high and appears to be associated with variables suggesting worse disease control. Closer follow-up, including a specialized nurse, could decrease self-medication. Strategies to improve disease control, including close monitoring of symptoms such as pain, are needed.(AU)

Introducción: Los analgésicos son medicamentos ampliamente utilizados, pero las evidencias sobre si su uso aumenta el riesgo de brotes o complicaciones de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) no están claras; por lo tanto, en general, no se recomienda la automedicación con analgésicos en la EII. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la prevalencia de automedicación con analgésicos en una cohorte de pacientes con colitis ulcerosa (CU) e identificar los motivos y los factores asociados a la automedicación. Métodos: En este estudio transversal se incluyeron pacientes adultos con CU consecutivos y no seleccionados. Se pidió a los participantes que completasen una encuesta anónima por Internet con preguntas de elección múltiple y respuestas cerradas. No se recogieron datos clínicos. Resultados: Completaron la encuesta un total de 546 pacientes (61,2% mujeres; edad media 39,9 años). La prevalencia de automedicación con analgésicos fue del 49,8% (272/546). El paracetamol (45,2%) y metamizol (21,2%) fueron los fármacos utilizados con más frecuencia; la tasa de automedicación con otros analgésicos (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, opioides) fue <5%. Los motivos más frecuentes para la automedicación fueron la necesidad de alivio sintomático rápido y que había sido acordado con/prescrito por el médico responsable del tratamiento. El análisis multivariante identificó el sexo femenino (odds ratio [OR]=1,9), la baja laboral (OR=2,2), el tratamiento con fármacos intravenosos (OR=2,9) y las visitas a urgencias (OR=2,3) como variables asociadas a la automedicación, mientras que el seguimiento por el personal de enfermería se asoció a menos automedicación (OR=0,6). Conclusión: La frecuencia de automedicación con analgésicos en pacientes con CU es alta y parece estar asociada a variables que sugieren peor control de la enfermedad. Un seguimiento más estrecho, incluyendo personal de enfermería especializado, podría disminuir la automedicación.(AU)

Self-medication with analgesics reported by patients with ulcerative colitis: An anonymous survey.

INTRODUCTION: Analgesics are widely used, but evidence regarding whether their use increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares or complications is unclear. Therefore, self-medication with analgesics in IBD is usually not recommended. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of self-medication with analgesics in a cohort of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and to identify reasons and factors associated with self-medication. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included consecutive unselected adult patients with UC. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous web-based survey with multiple-choice questions and closed responses. No clinical data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 546 patients (61.2% women, mean age 39.9 years) completed the survey. The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics was 49.8% (272/546). Paracetamol (45.2%) and metamizole (21.2%) were the most frequently used drugs; frequencies of self-medication were <5% for other analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids). The most frequent reasons for self-medication were the need for quick symptom relief and that it had been agreed with/prescribed by the treating physician. Multivariable analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.9), sick leave (OR=2.2), treatment with intravenous drugs (OR=2.9), and emergency room visit (OR=2.3) as variables associated with self-medication, whilst follow-up by a nurse was associated with less self-medication (OR=0.6). CONCLUSION: The frequency of self-medication with analgesics in UC patients is high and appears to be associated with variables suggesting worse disease control. Closer follow-up, including a specialized nurse, could decrease self-medication. Strategies to improve disease control, including close monitoring of symptoms such as pain, are needed.

Self-medication with oral corticosteroids reported by patients with ulcerative colitis: characteristics, reasons and patients' behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined self-medication with corticosteroids among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). AIMS: To assess the frequency of self-medication with oral corticosteroids in UC patients, and associated factors and reasons. METHODS: An anonymous, voluntary, web-based survey was administered to adults with UC recruited via a Spanish patient association (ACCU) and hospital gastroenterology departments. Information was provided by patients; no clinical data were collected. Descriptive statistics and comparisons of frequencies are displayed. RESULTS: Among 546 respondents (mean age 39.9 years, median duration of UC since diagnosis 7 years,) 36 (6.6%) reported self-medication with oral corticosteroids during the past year (once: 23 patients; 2-3 times: 10 patients; >3 times: 3 patients). Self-medication was more common among patients managed in general gastroenterology vs. inflammatory bowel disease clinics [23 (9.0%) vs. 11 (2.9%), P = 0.019], patients with no regular follow-up [4 (22.2%) vs. 32 (6.1%), P = 0.026] and patients with more flares (P < 0.001). Patients who stored steroids from previous flares (17.9% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.001) or who lived with a partner taking steroids (9.3% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.038) were more likely to self-medicate than other patients. Common reasons for self-medicating included the need for quick symptom relief (55.6%), fear of worsening (47.2%) and difficulty in getting an appointment (25.0%). Only seven patients (19.4%) informed their physician when they started self-medicating and only four (11.1%) declared they would not start corticosteroids again. CONCLUSION: Self-medication with oral corticosteroids is not a common practice among patients with UC in Spain, but several areas of improvement exist.

Innovation in IBD Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey on Patient-Reported Experience Measures.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a clinical situation that could be used as prototype for implementation of new systems of care. METHODS: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. We evaluated the feasibility of a strategy based on the conversion of face-to-face visits to telephone consultations to manage IBD outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 4-item telephone survey (3 closed questions and a 100-point numeric description scale) was conducted to evaluate satisfaction of patients with telephone consultations. RESULTS: Between March 11 and April 8, 2020, 98% of the 216 scheduled face-to-face visits could be converted to telephone consultations, and we resolved an additional 162 urgent consultations by telephone. The rate of IBD-related hospitalization and visits to the emergency department decreased by 50% and 58%, respectively, compared with rates in the same period the previous year. The 4-item survey was conducted in 171 outpatients. In closed questions, patients reported a very high degree of satisfaction with telephone consultations, with no differences between scheduled (n = 123) and urgent consultations (n = 48; P = NS). The overall satisfaction rating with the telephone consultation evaluated with the numerical description scale was 94% and 93% for scheduled and urgent consultations, respectively (P < 0.82). Less than 20% of patients would have preferred a face-to-face visit to the telephone consultation at the time. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy based on the conversion of face-to-face visits to telephone consultations was able to guarantee a minimum standard quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients reported a very high degree of satisfaction with telephone consultations.

Contenido de yodo de la leche convencional ultrapasteurizada (UHT) de vaca: Variaciones a lo largo del año y diferencias regionales. Implicaciones para los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el estado de nutrición de yodo / Iodine contents in conventional ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed cow milk: Changes over the year and regional differences. Implications for epidemiological studies on iodine nutritional status

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: La leche ultrapasteurizada (leche UHT) de vaca es la más consumida en el suroeste europeo. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: 1) describir el patrón que sigue la concentración de yodo (CY) en la leche convencional UHT de vaca a lo largo del año y 2) averiguar si existen diferencias en la CY en este tipo de leche según su procedencia geográfica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se compraron briks de leche convencional UHT de vaca de marcas comerciales disponibles en los grandes establecimientos de alimentación de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba/Álava) durante 12 meses consecutivos y se determinó su CY mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. RESULTADOS: La mediana (P25-P75) de la CY en la leche (n = 489) fue de 190 (159-235) μg/L. La CY experimentó grandes variaciones a lo largo del año, alcanzando valores máximos entre enero y mayo, 241 (201-272) μg/L, y mínimos entre julio y noviembre, 162 (134-185) μg/L (p < 0,0001). La CY de la leche envasada en Alemania fue significativamente menor que la de las leches envasadas en España y en Francia, 119 (106-156) μg/L frente a 189 (159-229) μg/L y 205 (176-243) μg/L respectivamente (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIONES: La leche convencional UHT de vaca es una fuente alimentaria muy importante de yodo, pero su CY es altamente variable. Conocer el patrón que sigue la CY en la leche a lo largo del año tiene mucho interés para la planificación de los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el estado de nutrición de yodo en escolares y para la interpretación de los resultados

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed cow milk is the milk most commonly consumed in Southwest Europe. The study objectives were: 1) to describe the pattern followed by iodine concentration (IC) in conventional UHT milk over the year, and 2) to find out any differences in IC in this type of milk depending on its geographical origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bricks of conventional UHT cow milk of commercial brands available in food stores in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba/Álava), Basque Country (Spain) were bought for 12 consecutive months, and their ICs were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Median (P25-P75) IC in UHT milk (n = 489) was 190 (159-235) μg/L. IC in milk showed great changes over the year, reaching peak values between January and May (241 [201-272] μg/L), and minimal levels between July and November (162 [134-185] μg/L) (P < .0001). The IC of milk packed in Germany was significantly lower than that of milks packed in Spain and France, 119 (106-156) μg/L versus 189 (159-229) μ g/L and 205 (176-243) μg/L respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Conventional UHT cow milk is a very important nutritional source of iodine, but its IC is highly variable. Knowledge of the pattern followed by IC in milk over the year is of great interest for planning epidemiological studies on iodine nutritional status in schoolchildren and for interpretation of their results

Iodine contents in conventional ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed cow milk: Changes over the year and regional differences. Implications for epidemiological studies on iodine nutritional status. / Contenido de yodo de la leche convencional ultrapasteurizada (UHT) de vaca: Variaciones a lo largo del año y diferencias regionales. Implicaciones para los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el estado de nutrición de yodo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed cow milk is the milk most commonly consumed in Southwest Europe. The study objectives were: 1) to describe the pattern followed by iodine concentration (IC) in conventional UHT milk over the year, and 2) to find out any differences in IC in this type of milk depending on its geographical origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bricks of conventional UHT cow milk of commercial brands available in food stores in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Araba/Álava), Basque Country (Spain) were bought for 12 consecutive months, and their ICs were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Median (P25-P75) IC in UHT milk (n=489) was 190 (159-235)µg/L. IC in milk showed great changes over the year, reaching peak values between January and May (241 [201-272]µg/L), and minimal levels between July and November (162 [134-185]µg/L) (P<.0001). The IC of milk packed in Germany was significantly lower than that of milks packed in Spain and France, 119 (106-156)µg/L versus 189 (159-229)µg/L and 205 (176-243)µg/L respectively (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Conventional UHT cow milk is a very important nutritional source of iodine, but its IC is highly variable. Knowledge of the pattern followed by IC in milk over the year is of great interest for planning epidemiological studies on iodine nutritional status in schoolchildren and for interpretation of their results.

Impacto psicosocial y su manejo en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El punto de vista de los pacientes / The psychosocial impact of inflammatory bowel disease and its management. From the patients' perspective

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Reliability evaluation of four different assays for therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab levels.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate reliability of four different assays for measuring infliximab trough levels and antibodies to infliximab (ATI). METHODS: In this non-interventional, cross-sectional study including IBD patients, infliximab levels and ATI were measured using four different assays: Lisa-Tracker, Promonitor, Q-Inflixi and Sanquin. Reliability and agreement for infliximab levels was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Qualitative agreement for infliximab (based on a pre-established target window of trough levels between 3 µg/ml and 7 µg/ml) and for ATI were estimated by Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: Serum samples of 84 IBD patients were evaluated for infliximab using the four assays. Reliability was 'substantial' between Lisa-Tracker versus Promonitor and 'almost perfect' between the remaining assay pairs, with ICCs [95% confidence interval (CI)] ranging from 0.93 (0.70-0.97) for Lisa-Tracker versus Promonitor to 0.97 (0.95-0.98) for Q-Inflixi versus Sanquin. Bland-Altman plots showed significant bias between assays except Promonitor versus Q-Inflixi, which had excellent agreement. The greatest differences in mean infliximab were found between Promonitor versus Lisa-Tracker (-0.91 µg/ml) and Lisa-Tracker versus Q-Inflixi (0.69 µg/ml). Qualitative agreement for infliximab was 'almost perfect' for Promonitor versus Q-Inflixi (kappa 0.84) and Q-Inflixi versus Sanquin (kappa 0.81), and 'substantial' for the remaining pairs. More than 10% of patients who had infliximab levels within the target interval by Lisa-Tracker had suboptimal concentrations (<3 µg/ml) with Promonitor and Q-Inflixi. Furthermore, 11% of patients within the target interval by Q-Inflixi had supra-optimal levels (>7 µg/ml) by Lisa-Tracker. In the remaining paired comparisons, fewer than 5% of patients were placed in different subgroups. Qualitative agreement for ATI fluctuated between 'moderate' and 'almost perfect'. CONCLUSIONS: All four assays seem suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab. Promonitor and Q-Inflixi had the best agreement, making those assays fully interchangeable. Systematic biases between Lisa-Tracker with Promonitor and Q-Inflixi suggest that these assays should not be interchanged during the follow up of an individual patient.

Estado de nutrición de yodo y prevalencia de concentraciones anormales de TSH en la población escolar de 6-7 años de la comunidad autónoma del País Vasco / Iodine nutrition status and prevalence of abnormal TSH levels in schoolchildren aged 6-7 years in the autonomous community of the Basque Country

Introducción: Un estudio epidemiológico realizado entre 1988 y 1992 puso de manifiesto la existencia de deficiencia de yodo y bocio endémico en la población escolar de la comunidad autónoma del País Vasco. Objetivos: 1) Conocer el estado de nutrición de yodo de los escolares de 6-7 años de edad y 2) estimar la prevalencia de concentraciones anormales de TSH en sangre capilar. Población y métodos: Fueron estudiados 497 escolares seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorizado. Para evaluar el estado de nutrición de yodo se utilizó la mediana de las concentraciones urinarias de yodo (mCUY). Para estimar la prevalencia de concentraciones anormales de TSH se utilizó el intervalo de referencia derivado de la población estudiada. Resultados: La mCUY (P25-P75) fue de 140 μg/L (82-217). Fue mayor en los que utilizaban sal yodada en sus domicilios que en los que no lo hacían (146 [85-222] frente a 126 μg/L [73-198]; p < 0,05). También fue mayor en los que consumían 2 o más raciones diarias de leche y yogur que en los que consumían menos de 2 raciones (146 [87-225] vs. 110 μg/L [66-160]; p < 0,0001). La prevalencia de concentraciones anormales de TSH fue del 2%. No hubo correlación entre las concentraciones de TSH en sangre capilar y las CUY (R = 0,082; p = 0,076). Discusión y conclusiones: Los escolares de 6-7 años de la comunidad autónoma del País Vasco tienen un estado de nutrición de yodo adecuado. La utilización de sal yodada en el domicilio y el consumo diario de leche y yogur se asociaron con las mayores CUY

Introduction: An epidemiological study conducted between 1988 and 1992 showed iodine deficiency and endemic goiter in the schoolchildren of the autonomous community of the Basque Country. Objectives: 1) To ascertain the iodine nutrition status of schoolchildren aged 6-7 years, and 2) to estimate the prevalence of abnormal TSH levels in capillary blood. Population and methods: The study was conducted on 497 schoolchildren selected by random sampling. Median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) was used to assess iodine nutritional status, and the reference interval derived from the study population was used to estimate the prevalence of abnormal TSH levels. Results: The mUIC (P25-P75) was 140 (82-217) μg/L. A higher value was found in those who used iodized salt at home than in those who did not (146 [85-222] versus 126 μg/L [73-198], P<0.05). It was also higher in those who consumed 2 or more daily servings of milk and yogurt than in those taking less than 2 servings (146 [87-225] versus 110 μg/L [66-160], P<0.0001). Abnormal TSH levels were found in 2% of children. There was no correlation between TSH levels in capillary blood and urinary iodine concentrations (R=0.082; P=0.076). Discussion and conclusions: Schoolchildren aged 6-7 years of the autonomous community of the Basque Country have an adequate iodine nutrition status. Use of iodized salt at home and daily consumption of milk and yogurt were associated to the highest UICs

Iodine nutrition status and prevalence of abnormal TSH levels in schoolchildren aged 6-7 years in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. / Estado de nutrición de yodo y prevalencia de concentraciones anormales de TSH en la población escolar de 6-7 años de la comunidad autónoma del País Vasco.

INTRODUCTION: An epidemiological study conducted between 1988 and 1992 showed iodine deficiency and endemic goiter in the schoolchildren of the autonomous community of the Basque Country. OBJECTIVES: 1) To ascertain the iodine nutrition status of schoolchildren aged 6-7 years, and 2) to estimate the prevalence of abnormal TSH levels in capillary blood. POPULATION AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 497 schoolchildren selected by random sampling. Median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) was used to assess iodine nutritional status, and the reference interval derived from the study population was used to estimate the prevalence of abnormal TSH levels. RESULTS: The mUIC (P25-P75) was 140 (82-217) µg/L. A higher value was found in those who used iodized salt at home than in those who did not (146 [85-222] versus 126 µg/L [73-198], P<0.05). It was also higher in those who consumed 2 or more daily servings of milk and yogurt than in those taking less than 2 servings (146 [87-225] versus 110 µg/L [66-160], P<0.0001). Abnormal TSH levels were found in 2% of children. There was no correlation between TSH levels in capillary blood and urinary iodine concentrations (R=0.082; P=0.076). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Schoolchildren aged 6-7 years of the autonomous community of the Basque Country have an adequate iodine nutrition status. Use of iodized salt at home and daily consumption of milk and yogurt were associated to the highest UICs.

Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) y de la Confederación de Asociaciones de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (ACCU) para el manejo de los aspectos psicológicos en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) and the Association of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Patients (ACCU) in the management of psychological problems in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients

Objetivos. Establecer recomendaciones para el manejo de los aspectos psicológicos de los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). Métodos. Se llevó a cabo una reunión con un grupo de expertos en EII formado por médicos, psicólogos, enfermeras y representantes de pacientes. Se presentaron resultados de: 1) un grupo focal previo, 2) encuestas a médicos y pacientes y 3) una revisión sistemática sobre instrumentos de cribado de ansiedad y depresión. Se realizó una discusión guiada sobre los aspectos psicológicos y emocionales más importantes en EII, los criterios de derivación apropiados y situaciones a evitar. Se seleccionó el instrumento validado más aplicable a la práctica clínica. Se diseñó un documento con recomendaciones, así como una encuesta Delphi. La encuesta fue enviada al grupo y a un comité científico seleccionado del grupo GETECCU, con el objetivo de establecer el grado de apoyo a las recomendaciones establecidas. Resultados. Se establecieron 15 recomendaciones, pertenecientes a 3 procesos clave: 1) qué pasos dar para identificar problemas psicológicos en consulta de EII, 2) criterios de derivación a profesionales de la salud mental y 3) abordaje de los problemas psicológicos. Conclusiones. Se deben facilitar recursos a los profesionales sanitarios para que puedan tratar estos aspectos en consulta, identificar los trastornos que puedan afectar el curso de la enfermedad o su impacto en la vida del paciente, para ser tratados y seguidos por el profesional más adecuado. Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de base para el rediseño de los servicios o procesos de EII y como justificación para la formación del personal sanitario (AU)

Aims. To establish recommendations for the management of psychological problems affecting patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods. A meeting of a group of IBD experts made up of doctors, psychologists, nurses and patient representatives was held. The following were presented: 1) Results of a previous focal group, 2) Results of doctor and patient surveys, 3) Results of a systematic review of tools for detecting anxiety and depression. A guided discussion was then held about the most important psychological and emotional problems associated with IBD, appropriate referral criteria and situations to be avoided. The validated instrument most applicable to clinical practice was selected. A recommendations document and a Delphi survey were designed. The survey was sent to the group and to a scientific committee of the GETECCU group in order to establish the level of agreement with these recommendations. Results. Fifteen recommendations were established linked to 3 key processes: 1) What steps should be taken to identify psychological problems at an IBD appointment; 2) What are the criteria for referring patients to a mental health specialist; 3) How to approach psychological problems. Conclusions. Resources should be made available to healthcare professionals so that they can treat these problems during consultations, identify the disorders which could affect the clinical course of the disease and determine their impact on the patient's life in order that these can be treated and followed up by the most suitable professional. These recommendations could serve as a basis for redesigning IBD services or processes and as justification for the training of healthcare personnel (AU)

Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) and the Association of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Patients (ACCU) in the management of psychological problems in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients. / Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) y de la Confederación de Asociaciones de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (ACCU) para el manejo de los aspectos psicológicos en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

AIMS: To establish recommendations for the management of psychological problems affecting patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A meeting of a group of IBD experts made up of doctors, psychologists, nurses and patient representatives was held. The following were presented: 1) Results of a previous focal group, 2) Results of doctor and patient surveys, 3) Results of a systematic review of tools for detecting anxiety and depression. A guided discussion was then held about the most important psychological and emotional problems associated with IBD, appropriate referral criteria and situations to be avoided. The validated instrument most applicable to clinical practice was selected. A recommendations document and a Delphi survey were designed. The survey was sent to the group and to a scientific committee of the GETECCU group in order to establish the level of agreement with these recommendations. RESULTS: Fifteen recommendations were established linked to 3 key processes: 1) What steps should be taken to identify psychological problems at an IBD appointment; 2) What are the criteria for referring patients to a mental health specialist; 3) How to approach psychological problems. CONCLUSIONS: Resources should be made available to healthcare professionals so that they can treat these problems during consultations, identify the disorders which could affect the clinical course of the disease and determine their impact on the patient's life in order that these can be treated and followed up by the most suitable professional. These recommendations could serve as a basis for redesigning IBD services or processes and as justification for the training of healthcare personnel.

Management of the Psychological Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Perspective of Doctors and Patients-The ENMENTE Project.

BACKGROUND: To explore the perception of patients and gastroenterologists specialized in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the impact of psychological factors on IBD course and its management. METHODS: Online surveys were sent to patients with IBD recruited from a national patient association and IBD specialists recruited from a national scientific society. These surveys were based on the results of a focus group and discussion group that explored the psychological aspects of IBD. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the physicians' responses regarding impact and management were compared with those of a random patient sample. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 170 physicians and 903 patients. Most patients emphasized the impact of psychological aspects, namely anxiety and depression, related to suffering from IBD, with 28% declaring that they perceived health professionals to not be interested in this area. A third of the physicians declared not feeling qualified to detect psychological problems. Although 50% of doctors stated that they regularly enquire about these aspects in their clinics, the patients perceived that this was done only 25% of the time. Both groups agreed on the need of a psychologist in IBD care teams. CONCLUSIONS: A discrepancy exists between physician and patient perceptions of the impact of psychological aspects in IBD, with patients perceiving higher impact and more under treatment than physicians. Given the influence of these aspects on patient well-being, it seems advisable to enrich professionals' training, improve the clinical management of psychological aspects of IBD, and probably include psychologists in IBD care teams.

Concentración de yodo en la leche ultrapasteurizada de vaca. Aplicaciones en la práctica clínica y en la nutrición comunitaria / Iodine concentration in ultra-high temperature pasteurized cow's milk. Applications in clinical practice and in community nutrition

Fundamento y objetivo: Los cambios producidos en la alimentación de las vacas lecheras han convertido a la leche en una fuente alimentaria muy importante de yodo en varios países europeos y en EE. UU. El objetivo del trabajo es conocer el contenido de yodo de la leche de mayor consumo en España, la leche procesada mediante tratamiento térmico muy intenso (ultra-high temperature, [UHT, «ultrapasteurizada»]). Material y métodos: Se recogieron todos los meses durante el año 2008 muestras de leche UHT de marcas comerciales disponibles en Vitoria-Gasteiz, y se determinó su contenido de yodo mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución según el método oficial 992.22 de la Association of Official Analytical Chemists International. Resultados: El contenido medio (DE) de yoduro y la mediana (P25-P75) en las muestras de leche corriente UHT (n = 489) fueron de 197,6 (58,1) y 190 (159-235) μg/l, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el contenido de yoduro de la leche entera, la semidesnatada y la desnatada (p = 0,219). La concentración media de yoduro y la mediana en la leche ecológica UHT (n = 12) fueron 56,4 (8,6) y 55 (50,5-61,5) μg/l, cifras muy inferiores a las halladas en la leche corriente (p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: La leche corriente UHT disponible en nuestros comercios de alimentación constituye una fuente alimentaria muy importante de yodo. Un vaso de leche corriente UHT (200-250 ml) proporciona una cantidad media de 50 μg de yodo. Esta cantidad supone alrededor del 50% de la ingesta recomendada de yodo durante la infancia o el 20% de la recomendada para las mujeres gestantes y para las que amamantan a sus hijos (AU)

Background and objective: Changes to dairy cow feeding have made milk a very important food source of iodine in several European countries and in USA. We aimed to measure the iodine content in ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, the most widely consumed milk in Spain and in the south-west of Europe. Material and methods: Every month, throughout 2008, UHT milk samples of commercial brands available in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Spain) were collected and their iodine content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, according to official method 992.22 of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International. Results: The average (SD) iodide content and median (P25-P75) of standard UHT milk samples (n = 489) were 197.6 (58.1) and 190 (159-235) μg/L, respectively. There were no significant differences between the iodide content in whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk (P = .219). The average iodide concentration and median in organic UHT milk (n = 12) were 56.4 (8.6) and 55 (50.5-61.5) μg/L, figures that are much lower than those found in standard milk (P < .0001). Conclusions: Standard UHT milk available in our food-retailing outlets constitutes a very important source of iodine. One glass of standard UHT milk (200-250 mL) provides an average amount of 50 μg of iodine. This amount represents around 50% of the iodine intake recommended during childhood or 20% of the iodine intake recommended for pregnant and lactating women (AU)

[Iodine concentration in ultra-high temperature pasteurized cow's milk. Applications in clinical practice and in community nutrition]. / Concentración de yodo en la leche ultrapasteurizada de vaca. Aplicaciones en la práctica clínica y en la nutrición comunitaria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Changes to dairy cow feeding have made milk a very important food source of iodine in several European countries and in USA. We aimed to measure the iodine content in ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, the most widely consumed milk in Spain and in the south-west of Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Every month, throughout 2008, UHT milk samples of commercial brands available in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Spain) were collected and their iodine content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, according to official method 992.22 of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International. RESULTS: The average (SD) iodide content and median (P25-P75) of standard UHT milk samples (n=489) were 197.6 (58.1) and 190 (159-235) µg/L, respectively. There were no significant differences between the iodide content in whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk (P=.219). The average iodide concentration and median in organic UHT milk (n=12) were 56.4 (8.6) and 55 (50.5-61.5) µg/L, figures that are much lower than those found in standard milk (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Standard UHT milk available in our food-retailing outlets constitutes a very important source of iodine. One glass of standard UHT milk (200-250mL) provides an average amount of 50µg of iodine. This amount represents around 50% of the iodine intake recommended during childhood or 20% of the iodine intake recommended for pregnant and lactating women.