Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease is a rapidly progressing, fatal neurodegenerative disorder. This disease has been known for decades, but has recently gained increasing attention in the United States as it is the human form of "mad cow disease." The incidence is questionable because Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease is not a Centers of Disease Control and Prevention "officially reportable" illness. In addition, the disease is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or a severe viral infection. Because of the reported low incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in the United States, there is very little clinical research being done to develop treatment protocols.

A huge issue of concern is how endoscopy equipment and accessories used on these patients should be reprocessed. As we care for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the endo units, the possibility of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease should be on the minds of healthcare workers.

I recently helped care for my sister as she battled Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease and lost. I will share my experiences and hopefully heighten the awareness of this relentless disease.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.