The healthy bacteria that colonize our digestive tract from birth play a key role in the function and absorption of nutrients. Immediately after birth, flora begins to establish high numbers within the colonic lumen. The bacteria that colonizes breastfed infants is comprised of more than 90 percent bifidobacteria. It has been shown to provide immune benefits and prevent growth of harmful bacterial species...More >>
In recent years, a number of new and recently approved therapies for Crohn’s have emerged. Infliximab or Remicade was a first of a kind for inflammatory bowel disease. It represented the immnologics and enabled specific inflammatory proteins, in this case, tumor necrosis factor, to be targeted. As an anti-TNF agent, Infliximab enabled closure of fistulas and healed recal-citrant inflammatory mucosa. We have now been using this for some time....More >>
Dr Adnan Ahmad joined our practice this past summer moving from Ohio. He and Dr. Mize matriculated and worked together as co-fellows at Hershey Medical Center Division of Gastroenterology. Reared in New Jersey, he was graduated from UMDNJ school of Osteopathic Medicine before moving on to his Internal Medicine Residency medical training at The University of Connecticut. More >>
INFLIXIMAB (trade name Remicade): This medication is a new synthetic antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is a key chemical in the inflammatory cascade that leads to tissue damage by certain lysozymes, killer T cells and leukocytes. In GI, it is the first of these agents. Indication - Unresponsive and fistulizing Crohn’s disease...More >>
HEPATITIS C: I am reminded of the history of AIDS treatment when looking at the present situation of hepatitis C. As you know, we only have one drug available, interferon (IFN). Treatment is for one year but produces long term suppression in only 10-15% of patients. Pretty bad for any treatment.More >>