Blood Tests for Colitis and Crohn's Disease: an Introduction

Blood tests for colitis and Crohn's disease are a relatively new and exciting development that have added significantly to the screening, diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Differentiating the two may allow better predictions regarding responses to medical treatments, decisions regarding surgery options and the risks of various complications. Antibodies to various proteins including Baker's or Brewer's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria like Escherichia. coli (E. coli) are present in the blood of many people with Crohn's disease but rarely in normal people. Antibodies to a normal cell component, a nuclear protein, is present in most people with ulcerative colitis, a few people with Crohn's whose colitis behaves more like ulcerative colitis than Crohn's, and rarely in normal people.

Antibody tests or serologic markers are blood tests looking for markers of diseases. The serologic markers or antibody tests for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are pANCA and ASCA, OmpC, and CBir1 Flagelin respectively. The latter three blood tests for Crohn's are only available through one laboratory, Prometheus Laboratories, Inc.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause that only involves the colon. It affects the superficial lining of the colon and rarely causes bowel obstruction (blockage) or perforation (rupture) but frequently causes severe bloody diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, as well as joint aches or arthritis, skin rashes, eye irritation and occasionally a severe liver disorder known as primary sclerosing cholangitis that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by complete removal of the colon but not Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease can also cause colitis but usually also affects the very end of the small intestine called the ileum (ileitis or regional enteritis). When Crohn's affects only the colon it may be difficult to distinguish it from ulcerative colitis though Crohn's tends to affect the colon in a patchy manner whereas ulcerative colitis is continuous. Crohn's can affect the gastrointestinal tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus and is not curable by removing the colon. It is also frequently associated with bowel strictures (constrictions) causing obstruction that may require surgery. It also may be associated with fistula that are abnormal connections of the intestine to other organs and the skin or it can result in abscesses or perforation requiring surgery It is important to distinguish Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis since medical treatments and surgical approaches may differ and the types of complications that can occur can be much different.

Traditionally, the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is highly accurate by the appearance of the colon on colonoscopy or x-rays that confirm the presence or absence of involvement of other parts of the intestinal tract. Diagnosis is confirmed by a typical pattern of inflammation of the intestine lining as seen under the microscope on tissue obtained by biopsy during colonoscopy. However, before blood tests were available about 10% of people with IBD were diagnosed as having an indeterminate colitis because the biopsies could not distinguish between the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The blood tests currently available are pANCA, anti-ASCA, anti-OmpC, and anti-CBir1 flagelin antibodies. pANCA is the peripheral anti-nuclear antibody. It is an abnormal antibody to nuclear protein of cells and is highly sensitive and specific for ulcerative colitis. The pANCA anbibody has been further divided into subsets by Prometheus Laboratories Inc. Neutrophil-specific pANCA ELISA (NSNA) is positive in the majority of people with ulcerative colitis (UC) and a small subset of people with Crohn's disease that have disease characteristics more like UC. Immunofluorescent cellular staining of neutrophils (NSNA IFA) and enzyme Dnase testing (NSNA DNase sensitivity) is also done as part of the Prometheus IBD Serology 7. The latter test when present in high levels is significantly associated with development of inflammation of the rectal pouch (pouchitis) created when someone has their entire colon removed for ulcerative colitis that does not respond to medical treatment.

ASCA is anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Brewer's or Baker's yeast. Crohn's patients have a high prevalence of abnormal antibodies to this yeast. Some have suggested that another yeast, Candida albicans, somehow plays a role in this abnormal response. A few people with celiac disease have this antibody present in their blood in the absence of signs of Crohn's disease. OmpC is the abbreviation for an antibody that develops in many Crohn's patients to the outer membrane porin protein of the bacteria E. coli though that bacteria is not thought to be the cause of Crohn's disease. Just recently Prometheus Laboratories added antibody testing for a specific protein on bacteria that constitutes the flagelin or hair like structure on certain bacteria enabling movement and attachment of bacteria in the intestine called CBir1 flagelin.

Future blood tests may include antibodies against certain sugar (mannose) residues in the cell wall of the yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae. Anti-laminaribioside and anti-chitobioside antibodies were recently reported to be present in Crohn's patients who were anti-ASCA negative possibly further strengthening the ability to distinguish them from people with ulcerative colitis. This is also interesting because of suspicions and the lay public interest in the role of sugars or glycans and yeast in IBD. In particular the reports in lay literature of success of carbohydrate specific diet in IBD.

If you have a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease these blood tests may be very helpful in your treatment. If you have unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stools then these tests should be considered. If you have a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, these tests may exclude ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Since as many as 10% of people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may also have celiac disease, celiac blood tests should also be considered. Lactose intolerance is also common in IBD, IBS and celiac disease.

Future helpful information on colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, food allergies, food intolerance, food sensitivity, eosinophilic esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome will be available from Dr. Scot Lewey, the food allergy expert-the food doc at http://www.thefooddoc.com. Information on colitis and Crohn's disease can also be obtained from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA, http://www.ccfa.org). Dr. Scot Lewey is a member of the medical advisory panel for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of CCFA. For more information about Prometheus Laboratories Inc. see http://www.prometheuslabs.com. A more detailed explanation of the blood tests can be found in a separate article by the food doc and references below.

Abreu MT et.al. Use of Serologic Tests in Crohn's Disease. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Vol.4, No. 3. 2001

Dotan I et.al. Antibodies Against Laminaribioside and Chitiobioside Are Novel Serologic Markers in Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology. Vol.131, No. 2. 2006

Mei, L et.al. Familial Expression of Anti-Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Porin C in Relatives of Patients with Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology. Vol. 130, No. 4 2006

Stadaert-Vitse et.al. Candida albicans Is an Immunogen for Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae Antibody Markers of Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology. Vol 130, No. 6. 2006

Targan, SR et.al. Antibodies to Cbir1 Flagelin Define a Unique Response That Is Associated Independently Crohn's Disease. Gastroenterology. Vol.128, No.7. 2005

Copyright The Food Doc, LLC, 2006. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thefooddoc.com

Why Allergy Treatment Is So Important to Better Health and Wellness

Allergy treatment is huge business for drug manufacturers, but this masking of the true cause of theses sensitivities leaves us dependent on expensive chemicals to mask what's happening in our body and the reason behind it. Taking a holistic and natural approach to allergies can yield new insights and produce long-term results that increase our health and well-being.

Ever notice how scientific accidents can change the course of history? Teflon was discovered by Roy J. Plunkett, while he was trying to develop a new gas for refrigeration and got a slick substance instead, which was used first for lubrication of machine parts. Scotchgard, is a 3M brand of products used to protect fabric, furniture, and carpets from stains, and it was discovered accidentally in 1953 by Patsy Sherman. One of the compounds she was investigating as a rubber material, that wouldn't deteriorate when in contact with aircraft fuel, spilled onto a tennis shoe and would not wash out; she then considered the spill as a protectant against spills. Sometimes this same serendipitous occurrence happens in holistic healing

Well the same "lucky" accident happened to Dr. Devi Nambudripad. She was allergic to almost all foods except rice and broccoli. One day she accidentally at a few pieces of carrot while waiting for her rice to cook and her broccoli to boil. It only took a few minutes for an allergic reaction to consume her body. Thinking like a holistic healer/superhero she asked her husband to get her acupuncture needles. She inserted the needles performing a self treatment. She awoke 45 minutes later feeling much different, with high energy instead of the sick, wiped out way she usually felt after an allergic reaction. She looked down to see that she was still holding bits of carrot. Her brain and body had been reprogrammed by the acupuncture treatment while the allergic substance was in her energy field. When she treated herself with other allergy producing foods and had similar results she knew she was on to something.

One technique for allergy detection is called A/SERT (allergy/sensitivity elimination and reprogramming technique). By holding on to a vial containing a potential allergen while simultaneously giving massive amounts of input into the nervous system, in the form of spinal and cranial adjusting, laser, percussion, color and sound therapy, the body has the opportunity to become reprogrammed thus reducing the sensitivity to that allergen. It is important to remember that each patient responds at their own rate. It may take several sessions with a practitioner you choose to show positive results.

Another more conventional approach taken to remove allergy/sensitivities from the body is the elimination diet. You may have heard of this diet in many nutrition textbooks. It entails adhering to a diet that has very few or no common allergens. No dairy, no wheat gluten, no peanuts etc. It is a very stringent diet. After being on this diet for a period of several weeks the suspected foods are added back into the diet one at a time and symptoms are monitored by the doctor and patient. If allergy/sensitivity symptoms recur that particular food is permanently eliminated from the diet. Here is a warning from a fellow compulsive eater... the foods you are most attracted to are usually the ones you are extremely sensitive to. Changing your diet or eliminating certain foods may be emotionally challenging, but your body and your life will be transformed.

Automated Random-Access Immunoassay Systems

Automated random-access immunoassay systems are specifically designed to efficiently carry out the advanced analytical requirements of contemporary clinical laboratories and hospital facilities. These systems ensure stable performance and superior accuracy.

High-end Models from Well-known Manufacturers

Automated random-access immunoassay systems are used to perform tests for thyroid hormones, infectious diseases, bone metabolism, reproductive hormones, anemia, assays for cancer markers, allergy, therapeutic drug monitoring, cardiac analysis, tumor markers and other additional assays. High-end models of automated immunoassay systems, integrated with random-access capabilities, are available from well-known manufacturers including Tosoh Bioscience, J&J and Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics. Major models offered include Tosoh 360, ADVIA Centaur, Tosoh 600 II, J & J Vitros ECI and Immulite 2500.

Online Shops for Easy Purchase

To purchase the model of automated random-access immunoassay system that suits your research needs, it is essential to approach established suppliers as they ensure branded products, competitive prices, dedicated customer support and proper service contracts. A web search would help you get the necessary information. Most dealers offer online shopping facilities and attractive prices.

Immunoassay System with Extensive Features

The important advantage of automated random-access immunoassay systems are that they offer flexible operation, precision for successful workload management and optimal productivity. Further, these analyzers are simple and easy-to-use, and enable researchers to obtain accurate diagnostic results within a short time.

The various models of immunoassay analyzers come with advanced capabilities to facilitate efficient performance of research tasks. The core features of the Tosoh 600 II analyzer model include:

• Primary tube sampling
• Dual clot detection
• Random access for both routine and STAT immunoassays
• Automated sample dilution and pretreatment
• Throughput of 60 results per hour
• Unit dose test cup reagent system
• First result in ~18 minutes (ST Assays)
• Full test menu
• Third generation sensitivity
• Compact size - less than three feet of counter space

Some models come with high resolution touch screen for trouble-free interaction, automatic reflex testing with cascade options, as well as automated monitoring and maintenance. The devices also feature high on-board refrigeration capacity for reagents and supplies, on-board dilution and automatic repeat capabilities. A major advantage is that automated random-access immunoassay systems require minimal maintenance.

Fix Eczema With Natural Treatment - Determine the Cause With Allergy Testing

When you first start working with an allergist, it is likely that they will ask you many questions about your lifestyle in efforts to establish the most likely causes of your adverse reactions to allergens, foodstuffs that you are allergic to and so on. For example, they will ask about your family background - because as we have already established, problems like eczema are generally believed to have an inherent hereditary element.

In general, there are only two types of allergy testing that are commonly accepted as being scientifically valid for anything other than experimental research purposes.

The first of these is the skin test, which has been in use for 100 years and is still the preferred method of allergy testing even today. In this situation, the qualified practitioner places a small drop of a commercially prepared solution containing the allergen to which the patient is thought to be allergic on the skin before scratching the skin so that the allergen enters the body.

When they do this, the allergist will be looking for a certain degree or level of reaction from the patient to prove that they are sensitive to a particular allergen. However, because the initial allergen solution is very weak, it is quite common for the allergist to runs several skin tests using slightly stronger allergen solutions to establish the degree of adverse reaction the patient will suffer.

The allergist is artificially inducing an allergic disease in miniature. If the initial test on the outside of the skin is not effective for establishing exactly what it is that is causing some kind of negative reaction, a similar test will be run by injecting the allergen solution under the skin.

The alternative form of allergy testing is known as Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST), which is a test for specific allergic antibodies in the blood, a test which is gradually improving in scope and accuracy. However, because RAST is considerably more expensive than skin testing and because the results often take days or even weeks to arrive, it is still skin testing that is by far the most popular form of allergy test.

Itchy Shiba Inu - Itching, Scratching Series

The Shiba inu does suffer from allergic skin disease. All itchy Shiba inu dogs need an elimination food trial to rule out food allergy. Food allergies are common. The most common food allergens are beef, wheat and dairy products but there are many others. Preservatives get the blame but are rarely responsible. The immune system only recognises large molecules like proteins. Food allergies often start as soon as the dog starts solid food. If your dog has an itchy anus and scoots + has ear infections all the time and this all started in the first year of life, London to a brick it is diet related. Food allergy dogs often rub their face after eating as the lips are itchy. Food allergy dogs need a proper food elimination trial.

The Shiba inu also suffers from canine atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is an allergy to pollen, dust mites and household spores. It is rare for this to start in the first year of life (although not impossible). In the early stages, these dogs seem itchy even though the skin looks completely normal. The skin is dry due to a skin barrier defect. Sphingosine is missing from the protective ceramide layer in the outer skin. Allergens cross the skin and water escapes. The dogs start scratching but there never seems to be a reason. The skin may be a bit dry with dandruff but nothing else seems to be wrong. Sadly this progresses and severe rashes develop as the Shiba inu gets older. The rashes tend to be where there is no hair cover such as between the toes, groin, abdomen, arm pit and inner surface of the ear. Atopic dermatitis is frustrating. You can have skin prick tests and blood tests and currently the only cure is desensitisation with vaccines of diluted allergen. This works in 70% of dogs. For those that can't afford such testing, prednisolone is the only cheap option. Cyclosporine works well but is expensive. Some natural treatments can really help and avoiding flare factors is useful.

Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

The most common reaction to allergens in dogs are skin problems. The primary symptoms are licking, biting, and scratching. Skin problems can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different causes. Finding the correct diagnosis leads to the best dog allergies treatment for your pet.

Allergies can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the dog. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam and lab tests. Treatment can include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Management may include topical sprays, and medicated shampoos.

Food sensitivities cause itching skin, anal itching, ear inflammations, and occasionally vomiting, diarrhea, or asthma-like coughing. Allergies develop over time so don't rule out food because the dogs diet is unchanged. Many commercial foods are available to help. Finding the correct ingredients is trial and error, but once a food is found that doesn't trigger your dogs sensitivities, the new diet is as good as a cure.

Flea allergies are a hypersensitivity to the saliva in the flea bite. One bite causes itching lasting 5 to 7 days. Symptoms are biting, scratching, and hair loss from excessive licking. Topical flea medications work after an adult flea has bitten, so this isn't enough for an allergic dog. Treatment is fleas control. Use chemicals sparingly. Too many can be as harmful as the fleas. Oatmeal baths provide temporary relief of itching. Wash dog bedding with every bath. Limit walks, staying away from trails frequented by wildlife. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine shot for long-term relief or corticosteroids for immediate relief.

Inhalant, or atopy allergies are the most common. These include allergic reactions to dust mites, molds, and pollens. First step is a combination strategy of reducing exposure to the allergen, and providing relief for itching. A dehumidifier will reduce molds. Cover dirt around house plants with activated charcoal. Control dust and pollens with an air cleaner. Air conditioning reduces dust and pollen exposure.

Treatments of symptoms includes weekly baths with oatmeal or medicated shampoos for temporary relief of itching. Topical sprays and creams are used for localized itching. Antihistamines are relatively safe. You may have to try different ones to find one that doesn't overly sedate your pet. Not all over the counter antihistamines are safe for dogs. Consult a vet to determine which choices are safe and effective, and at what dosage. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation which reduces itching. It's primarily used short term to relieve severe itching and inflammation. Long term use is discouraged because this medication suppresses the immune system. Omega-3 is helpful to some dogs. It's a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces the amount and effects of histamines and other chemicals released in response to allergies. It's very safe and used in conjunction with antihistamines can reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to decrease the body's reaction. Shots contain small amounts or extracts of the allergen based on results of skin testing. The dog's owner gives shots to the pet at home. They are very effective but slow to work, taking 6-12 months to see improvement.

Continued biting and scratching can lead to open sores which can become infected, requiring antibiotics. Seeking dog allergies treatment early can reduce the need for corticosteroids and antibiotics, medications that come with more side effects.

Dog Allergy - How To Deal With It

Unlike dogs, we look after our allergies, mainly because we are able to. Where pets cannot recognise and diagnose their own allergy, we on the other-hand can. When treating a dog allergy one should look at whether it's better to prevent or cure allergies. It's up to us to look after our pet's allergy.

It's quite possible, when your dog has an allergy; it's something he/she will have for life. By way of allergy testing your veterinarian can accurately diagnose your puppy's allergy. Allergies in pets can make them itch and scratch too much, which leads to lots of shedding and other skin related problems such as scabbing, raw sores, unsightly ear infections and some unpleasant odors.

While difficult to diagnose, it's important to beware of your dog's signs if you're to provide effective relieve to your dog's allergies. If the symptoms that your dog displays, leads to confusing diagnoses, it's best to seek advice from your veterinarian. Your vet will establish whether your dog suffers from an allergy or a more severe complaint.

The sooner one acts, and starts treating their dog's allergies the easier and less stressful it will be in the long run. Properly treating the symptoms of your dog's allergies will certainly bring relief to your dog, but dealing with the cause of your dog's allergy should greatly reduce distress in your dog.

Some believe using natural diets and treatments offer less harmful side effects than conventional commercial based products. More and more dog owners are looking to natural solutions in the treatment of their dog's allergies. While it's always advised that you seek the advice of your Veterinarian when treating dog allergies, it can also be well worth looking to some alternative methods. In the book, "Veterinary Secrets Revealed" (available at http://veterinary-secrets-revealed.com ), Dr. Andrew Jones focuses on alternative home treatments for dog allergies. According to Dr. Jones, allergies are one of the most common reasons that he sees pets.

A simple change in what your dog eats, plays with or sleeps on, could be all that is needed to put an end to your dog's pain. The use of medicated shampoos or creams on your dog's dry or itchy skin may play a key role in making your dog less susceptible to allergies. Treatment of dog allergies is an on-going process, while prevention is better in the long run. Without a doubt, preventing your dog's allergies is by far, a much better option than constantly trying to cure what ails them.

It's worth bearing in mind that dog allergies can be a long battle, therefore, the sooner one puts an on-going solution in place, the better it will be for all concerned. Remember, it is essential that you be proficient in spotting the signs in order to correctly control and treat your dog's allergies.