Jejunitis, Chronic Ulcerative

What Is Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis?

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hronic ulcerative jejunitis is a disease of the small intestine that is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucosal lining of the jejunum.

Q: How do inflammation and ulceration affect digestion in the jejunum?

A: Inflammation swells the lining and this impairs absorption of nutrients. Together with ulceration the inflamed and swollen jejunum hampers peristalsis, or the rhythmic movement of food by intestinal muscles.

Impaired peristalsis promotes constipation and/or diarrhea. Bacterial overgrowth may develop. Ulcerations may bleed which could cause the development of iron deficiency anemia.

What Is Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Chronic ulcerative jejunitis is a severe complication of celiac disease. It arises in the setting of celiac disease and most cases are probably part of the evolution of reactive intra-epithelial lymphocytes through a low grade lymphocytic neoplasm to a high-grade tumor.

• If the ulceration occurs at a time when the neoplastic T-cells are of a low grade, then morphological recognition under microscope of tumor cells in the ulcers may be impossible.²
• Ulcerative jejunitis or large ulcerations (>1 cm) are common in patients with refractory celiac disease type 2.³ 
• Erosions or ulcerations detected by capsule endoscopy in some patients with symptomatic treated celiac disease may not be always be related to refractory celiac disease but to injury by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.⁴

How Prevalent Is Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis?

Chronic ulcerative jejunitis may be present in patients with active celiac disease.⁵

What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis?

Chronic ulcerative jejunitis is marked by these symptoms:

• Bowel changes – diarrhea or constipation or both.
• Chronic occult bleeding.
• Possible signs of anemia (weakness, easy fatigue, pallor, lightheadedness).
• Abdominal pain.
• Possible vomiting.

How Does Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis Develop?

• Chronic ulcerative jejunitis results from chronic gluten exposure causing inflammation in celiac disease.⁵

Does Celiac Disease-Related Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis Respond To Gluten Free Diet?

Chronic ulcerative jejunitis may respond to a strict gluten free diet.

6 Steps To Improve Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity:

• [dropcap]1[/dropcap]Remove the Trigger. Maintain a Strict, Nutritious Gluten Free Diet:

[box type=”shadow” ]Treatment. This condition responds to the complete elimination of gluten, which is the required treatment that improves both ulcerative jejunitis and gut health.

• Gut health is the foundation to restore ALL health. Restored health will enable you to maintain a strict gluten free diet, just as other life tasks will be easier.
• A strict gluten free diet means removing 100% of wheat, barley, rye and oats from the diet.
• Cutting out bread and other obvious sources of gluten is not good enough for recovery. Even 1/8th teaspoon of flour or bread crumb is enough to sustain the inflammation that is damaging your small intestine, causing increased permeability (leaky gut) and allowing undigested gluten to enter your body where it can damage structures and function, and instigate immune inflammatory responses.

Correct Your Individual Nutritional Needs.

• Eat foods that can replenish missing nutrients. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.
• Take nutritional supplements as needed. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.

Recovery. You should begin to feel better within a week and notice more energy as inflammation subsides and the  absorbing cells that make up the surface lining of your small intestine are better able to function.

• Intestinal lining cells are replaced every 5 days. The healing process is like sunburn where the damaged surface layer of skin sloughs off and is replaced with new normal cells.
• Leaky gut normally resolves in two month after starting a gluten free diet and brings about a big improvement in health. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery (cell appearance and structure) of the small intestine in celiac disease.⁶
• The intestinal lining may take up to a year to heal.[/box]

• [dropcap]2[/dropcap] Reduce Inflammation. Foods to Eat and Foods Not to Eat:

Because gluten is inflammatory, eliminate OTHER inflammatory foods from your diet to reduce an additive effect to gluten. At the same time, try to eat foods that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory).

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Major Inflammatory Food Types That Reduce Healing:

• Damaging Foods. In susceptible persons, includes corn, dairy (cow), and soy. Lactose, the sugar in any animal milk disrupts intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁷
• Allergenic Foods. Includes foods that trigger the immune sytem to produce IgE antibodies. Allergy testing is the usual way to discover these offending foods.
• Shelf Stable Processed Foods. Includes any that contain additives and preservatives. Look for them on the nutrition label of the box or package. Additives and preservatives also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁷
• Fats. Limit deep fried foods, trans-fats, saturated fats (animal fat/butter), and EXCESSIVE omega-6 fatty acid oils like corn oil. Rancid fats, sodium caprate (a medium chain fat), and sucrose monester fatty acid (a food grade surfactant) induce significant disruption of the intestinal barrier that causes leaky gut.⁷.
• Excessive Refined White Flours (bran layer removed). Includes products made from them such as cookies, bread, cakes, pies. Bran contains the vitamins and minerals that metabolize grains and slows the otherwise rapid entry of sugar from their digestion into the bloodstream. Also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁷
• Refined Sugars.  Includes white sugar, corn fructose and high fructose corn syrup.
• Certain Spices. Includes paprika and cayenne pepper which disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁷
• Alcohol and Caffeine. Disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁷[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Important Anti-Inflammatory Food Types to Promote Health:

• Fruits. Contain ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which are naturally occuring components in plants that detoxify toxins, carcinogens (reducing the risk by 50%) and mutagens.
• Non-Starchy Vegetables. Support intestinal integrity and provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Includes green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and kale, also onion, broccoli, garlic, and others.
• High Quality Complex Carbohydrates. Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while boosting serotonin levels to help you relax and feel calm. Includes whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, red beets, and others.
• Antioxidants. Protect the body from inflammatory oxidant molecules that continually occur and help us handle stress and reduce irritability. Includes vitamin C-containing foods such as lemon, grapefruit, apricot, Brussels sprouts and strawberries, and others. Also, includes vitamin E-containing foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and others. Cocoa is good, too.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Balance opposing omega-6 fatty acids and bad fats. Fish sources includes tuna, salmon, cod, and others. Plants sources include flax, chia seeds, canola oil, and others.
• Probiotics. Supply normal microbes needed for colon health and health of the body such as these fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
• Prebiotics/ High Fiber Foods.  Food with fiber keeps our population of colonic microbes healthy.
• Protective Herbs and Spices.  See below #6 below for examples.[/box]

• [dropcap]3[/dropcap] Information Sheet You Can Take to Your Doctor or Other Health Professional:

Click here.

• [dropcap]4[/dropcap] Manage Your Medications Safely:

[box type=”shadow” ]

Certain medications cause bleeding and ulceration of the small intestine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this possible adverse effect if you are taking any of the drugs listed below. Do not stop prescribed medications without supervision.

 This is not a complete listing.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES disrupt intestinal permeability which complicates celiac disease.

• NSAIDS (Motrin®, Aleve®, Advil®, Anaprox®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Naprosyn® and others) inflame the mucosal lining of the intestine and deplete Folic acid. Folic acid is required for intestinal health.[/box]

• [dropcap]5[/dropcap]Nutritional Supplements That Ma y Help:

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The type and quantity of nutritional supplements that may be needed depend on which nutrients are deficient.

• 100% multivitamin/mineral combination once a day is useful to improve overall nutrient levels. This is a safe dose, but always check with your doctor to avoid interactions with medications.

Storage Note: Store container tightly sealed, away from heat, moisture and direct light to avoid loss of potency. That is, in a safe kitchen cabinet – not in the bathroom or on the kitchen table.[/box]

• [dropcap]6[/dropcap]Manage Natural Remedies: 

[box type=”shadow” ]Hydration:

• Eight glasses of water are recommended per day unless there is a contraindication such as kidney or heart disease. The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water, from all beverages and foods, each day for women and 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily of total water for men.
• If you are thirsty, drink water. Add fresh, squeezed lemon to water. Lemon is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and provides vitamin C.
• Hydration Test: Urine should be pale yellow. Fingertips should be plump, without pruning but this may not be reliable when fingers are swollen with edema. Lips should be plump, without puckering. The feeling of thirst can be unreliable.
• What is wrong with soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol? These drinks are dehydrating, increase acid, and deplete nutrients.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Carminatives. The following  anti-inflammatory plant sources called carminitives help heal the digestive tract. They also tone the digestive muscles which improves peristalsis, thus aiding in the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestine to relieve digestive colic and gastric discomfort.

Carminative Food Remedies:

• Raspberry.
• Carrot is also a cleansing digestive tonic.
• Grape is also bile stimulating and a cleansing remedy for sluggish digestion and laxative.
• Redbeets also stimulate and improve digestion and are easily digested.
• Cabbage also stimulates and improves digestion and is also a liver decongestant.
• Lettuce also stimulates and improves digestion and is also an alterative, meaning it improves the function of organs involved with the digestion and excretion of waste products to bring about a gradual change.
• Potatoes are antispasmodic (due to atropine like properties) and a liver remedy.

Carminative Herb Remedies:

• Sage is also a digestive, astringent, bile stimulant and energy tonic that heals the mucosa.  Drink as tea or use in cooking.
• Chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel, (as a tea) also help relieve nervous tension.
• Parsley also relieves indigestion.
• Rosemary as a tea and in cooking also is a nervous system tonic for stress and fatigue, bile stimulant, and can relieve headaches and indigestion.
• Thyme is also soothing remedy useful for stimulating digestion of rich, fatty foods.

Carminative Spice Remedies:

• Cloves are also antispasmodic.
• Nutmeg is also useful for indigestion.
• Ginger.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Exercise Helps:

Exercise improves circulation and rids the body of toxins.

• Walking is aerobic exercise that reconditions the whole body to improve stamina. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Weight training builds muscle. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Stretching improves flexibilty. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.

Note: Exercise is important, but the amount and type of exercise undertaken depends on your health. Your first priority is to heal. [/box]

What Do Medical Research Studies Tell About Chronic Ulcerative Jejunitis?

CASE REPORT SUMMARIES

“Ulcerative jejunitis in a child with celiac disease.” This case report describes the first pediatric case of ulcerative jejunitis in celiac disease, diagnosed by capsule endoscopy, which was not associated with refractory celiac disease.

The 9 year old girl presented with a history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Laboratory investigations revealed a slightly elevated IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody level in the setting of serum IgA deficiency. Initial upper endoscopy with biopsies was not conclusive for celiac disease. Further investigations included positive IgA anti-endomysium antibody, and positive HLA DQ2 typing. Video capsule endoscopy showed delayed appearance of villi until the proximal to mid jejunum and jejunal mucosal ulcerations. Push enteroscopy with biopsies subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease and ulcerative jejunitis. Immunohistochemical studies of the intraepithelial lymphocytes and PCR amplification revealed surface expression of CD3 and CD8 and oligoclonal T cell populations. A repeat capsule study and upper endoscopy, 1 year and 4 years following a strict gluten free diet showed endoscopic and histological normalization of the small bowel.⁸

“Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding persisting for a decade: a rare manifestation of a common disease.” This case report describes the difficult course of a 60-year-old female who presented with obscure gastrointestinal blood loss for more than a decade necessitating multiple transfusions and was eventually diagnosed to have celiac disease. After introduction of gluten-free diet, her symptoms improved and there has been no recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

She had earlier undergone repeat evaluations at multiple private hospitals. She was initially diagnosed with duodenal ulcer and underwent exploratory laparotomy with pyloroplasty and truncal vagotomy. However, she rebled and thereafter underwent antrectomy with retrocolic gastrojejunostomy. She also received proton pump inhibitors, and eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori. Despite the aggressive treatment, the patient continued to have melena episodes and required multiple blood transfusions (~170 transfusions over a decade).

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and barium meal follow through did not reveal any abnormality. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of abdomen and the technetium-99m red blood cell scan were also non-contributory. A capsule endoscopy was performed by placing capsule in efferent limb under endoscopic guidance. It revealed multiple ulcers of varying sizes throughout the small bowel. As there was no history of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ingestion, a possibility of chronic non-specific small bowel ulcers was kept. Antinuclear antibodies and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were negative. However, IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and anti-gliadin antibodies were positive. Antegrade double balloon enteroscopy was performed and biopsies were obtained from ulcer edge as well as mucosal folds. Histological examination of the biopsies from the ulcer edge revealed chronic inflammation and from the mucosal folds revealed increased intraepithelial lymphocytes. She was started on prednisolone 40 mg daily along with gluten-free diet. The bleeding subsided and thereafter steroids were tapered off. She remains well after one-year follow up, there has been no recurrence of bleeding and her hemoglobin has risen to 13.4 mg/dL.⁹

“Colonic volvulus and ulcerative jejunoileitis due to occult celiac sprue.” This case report describes ulcerative jejunoileitis and colonic volvulus, or twisting of the bowel on itself that developed in a patient diagnosed with Celiac Disease post-operatively and subsequently following his poor course after elected surgery for hernia repair. A cecal volvulus and an ulcerative jejunoileitis developed that required extensive intestinal resection. Patient had a long-standing history of diarrhea and abdominal distension with a diagnosis of IBS.¹⁰

Sources:

1. Sigman T, Nguyen VH, Costea F, Sant’Anna A, Seidman EG. Ulcerative jejunitis in a child with celiac disease. BMC Gastroenterol. 2014 Feb 13;14:29. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-14-29. [↩]
2. Wright DH. The major complications of coeliac disease. Bailliere’s Clinical Gastroenterology. Jun 1995;9(2):351-69. [↩]
3. Rubio-Tapia, A and Murray JA. Classification and Management of Refractory Celiac Disease. Gut. 2010 April; 59(4): 547–557. doi: 10.1136/gut.2009.195131. [↩]
4. Rubio-Tapia, A and Murray JA. Classification and Management of Refractory Celiac Disease. Gut. 2010 April; 59(4): 547–557. doi: 10.1136/gut.2009.195131. [↩]
5. Wright DH. The major complications of coeliac disease. Bailliere’s Clinical Gastroenterology. Jun 1995;9(2):351-69. [↩] [↩]
6. Cummins AG, Thompson FM, Butler RN, et al. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery of the small intestine in coeliac disease. Clinical Science. Apr 2001;100(4):379-86. [↩]
7. Farhadi A, Banan A, Fields J, Keshavarzian A. Intestinal barrier: an interface between health and disease. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2003;18:479-91. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
8. Sigman T, Nguyen VH, Costea F, Sant’Anna A, Seidman EG. Ulcerative jejunitis in a child with celiac disease. BMC Gastroenterol. 2014 Feb 13;14:29. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-14-29. [↩]
9. Rana SS, Sharma V, Rao C, Singh K, Bhasin DK. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding persisting for a decade: a rare manifestation of a common disease. Ann Gastroenterol. 2012;25(3):271-273. [↩]
10. Riobo P, Turbi C, Banet R, et al. Colonic volvulus and ulcerative jejunoileitis due to occult celiac sprue. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. May 1998;315(5):317-8. [↩]