Abdominal Complaints Research Articles

Syndemic vulnerability in Dutch urban cities: investigating health disparities and intersectionality

Abstract Background Syndemics, the clustering of health and social issues, disproportionately affect marginalized communities. While prior research indicates sex-specific variations in syndemic vulnerability, current research often overlooks other sociodemographic characteristics and their interaction. An intersectionality-informed syndemic approach could offer more insights into the mechanisms in syndemic suffering, providing a deeper understanding and identifying groups most affected by structural inequalities. Methods Our study focused on adult residents in Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands, registered at different general practices. Using existing routine health data linked with Central Bureau for Statistics information, we included adults who were registered with a general practitioner in 2018 and 2019, had a minimum of two registered health conditions documented by their general practitioner, lived in Leiden or The Hague, and were at least 18 years old in 2018. Results A total of 43340 adults were included for analyses. Distinct health condition clusters were observed within sex and age groups. Women experiences a broader range of health issues, often characterized by mental and psychosomatic symptoms like mood/anxiety disorders and abdominal complaints. Conversely, men exhibited a higher prevalence of specific physical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions The findings align with previous research, suggesting the importance of further exploration into the role of intersectionality in syndemics. Currently, we are investigating the foundations of these disparities, including interaction analyses and Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA). Using MAIHDA, we will examine the relationship between intersectionality and syndemic vulnerability, quantifying intersecting factors (sex, ethnicity, SES) and exploring their impact at individual and group levels. Key messages • Understanding intersectionality in health disparities is crucial for addressing syndemic vulnerabilities. • Tailored interventions informed by intersectionality may promote equitable health outcomes.

8077 Use of Lovaza for Management of Hypertriglyceridemia in Pregnancy

Abstract Disclosure: J. Segarra-Villafane: None. L.R. Sepulveda-Garcia: None. L. El Musa Penna: None. I.C. Arroyo: None. Z. Maisonet -Feliciano: None. W. Medina-Torres: None. M. Alvarado: None. M. Ramirez: None. L.A. Gonzalez-Rodriguez: None. Severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy increases the risk of health complications to both mother and fetus, including preeclampsia, hyperviscosity syndrome and life-threatening pancreatitis. Several case reports include management of hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy with medical nutrition therapy, omega fatty acids and gemfibrozil but is controversial. There are no formal clinical guidelines for management of severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy which presents a challenge for physicians. Lovaza is a combination of ethyl esters of omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides (TG) levels in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Lovaza is Category C (risk cannot be ruled out) and should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Case of a 40 years old female G3P1A1 with IUP 25 WGA with history of hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia and episode of acute pancreatitis in 2016 due to hypertriglyceridemia, who was referred to clinics due to uncontrolled lipids and thyroid disease. Laboratories included fasting serum triglycerides (TG) 4357mg/dL (40-150mg/dL), total cholesterol 525mg/dL (120-200), HDL 56mg/dL, LDL invalid due to elevated TG. Thyroid function test revealed TSH of 161uIU/mL (0.43-2.91) and FT4 of 0.24ng/dL (0.8-1.8). HbA1c, lipase and amylase within range. Vital signs were normal. Patient was asymptomatic, no abdominal complaints or hypothyroidism-related symptoms, but hospital admission was recommended due to high risk of pancreatitis and uncontrolled hypothyroidism. She was started on Synthroid 220 mcg IV daily for hypothyroidism and was placed NPO until nutritionist evaluation. Triglycerides levels improved with conservative interventions and low-fat diet. However, TG persisted above 2000mg/dL and, after discussing risks and benefits with patient, pharmacological therapy with Lovaza was started to reach goal of TG less than 1000 mg/dL and reduce potential risk of pancreatitis. Patient agreed to start Lovaza 2gm AM and 2gm PM. After initiation of Lovaza, in addition to dietary modifications and hypothyroidism management, laboratories showed significant improvement in TG levels from 3569 down to 1778 mg/dL. Patient was discharged on Lovaza 2gm oral BID and Synthroid 200mcg oral daily. One month later, TG had decreased to 557mg/dL (0-150) and thyroid tests showed TSH at 0.305mIU/mL and FT4 at 1.71ng/dL. Patient tolerated medications well without side effects and had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. This case demonstrates that severe hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy can be managed effectively and, more importantly, in a safe manner with Lovaza, in addition to dietary fat restriction. However, additional research is needed if its use is to be included in future pregnancy management guidelines. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report.

This study aims to investigate the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and treatment considerations in the rare occurrence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) within the context of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We present the case of a 71-year-old Chinese woman diagnosed with GPA, who, despite exhibiting fatigue, knee pain, and nasosinusitis, remained asymptomatic for PCI. Regular follow-up revealed laboratory and imaging evidence indicative of clinical relapse. The patient received GPA treatment but was not specifically managed for PCI. Serial abdominal CT scans were performed to monitor the progression of PCI. Radiological diagnosis confirmed the presence of gas within the colon wall, indicating pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Notably, the patient remained asymptomatic for abdominal complaints. Despite ongoing GPA treatment, a follow-up CT scan 2months later revealed persistent gas within the colon wall, suggesting a persistent state of PCI. Patient consent was obtained for the publication of this case report, and ethical approval was not obtained as this study constitutes a retrospective review. This case underscores the importance of recognizing pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis as a potential complication in GPA patients, even in the absence of typical abdominal symptoms. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimal management strategies for this rare association. Key points • Rare association: This case report sheds light on the uncommon occurrence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) within the context of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), adding to the understanding of the spectrum of manifestations of GPA. • Clinical manifestations: Despite being diagnosed with GPA and experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, knee pain, and nasosinusitis, the patient remained asymptomatic for PCI, emphasizing the importance of vigilant clinical monitoring in GPA patients. • Imaging features: Radiological imaging, including serial abdominal CT scans, played a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of PCI in the absence of typical abdominal complaints, highlighting the utility of imaging modalities in detecting silent manifestations of gastrointestinal complications in GPA. • Treatment considerations: The case highlights the challenge of managing PCI in GPA patients, especially when asymptomatic, and raises questions about the optimal management strategies for such rare associations, underscoring the need for further research in this area.

A prospective study on the effect of reoperations on abdominal pain after bariatric surgery: the OPERATE study

BackgroundAbdominal pain after bariatric surgery (BS) is not uncommon. A number of patients require reoperation. Limited studies have investigated the outcome of reoperations for abdominal pain after BS. ObjectivesTo assess abdominal pain and quality of life after reoperation in patients with abdominal pain after BS. SettingBariatric center in the Netherlands. MethodsThe study involved patients with a reoperation for abdominal pain after BS. Patients completed questionnaires on abdominal complaints and quality of life after inclusion, 3 months, and 6 months after reoperation. Clinical data were collected from records. Patients were compared on the basis of preoperative provisional diagnoses and postoperative diagnoses. ResultsA total of 179 patients were included, with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (86.0%), at a median of 27 months [9.5–76.0] after BS. Six months after reoperation, 51.6% continued to experience pain. However, a decline in pain severity was observed (visual analog scale baseline 83.50 [75.0–95.0] and 6 months 0 [.0–44.0] (P < .001). Patients without postoperative diagnosis had more pain after 6 months (P = .048). Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index improved over time for all patients (94–110) (P < .001); however, no significant improvement was observed in patients without a preoperative provisional diagnosis. The general indication of health decreased for all patients (P < .001). ConclusionsAbdominal pain intensity decreased during follow-up upon reoperation after BS; however, in approximately one half of the patients, the pain remained and a decline in general health indication was observed regardless of postoperative diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies to address post-BS pain and well-being.

Clinical Dilemmas for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: From Guideline to Practice.

Helicobacter pylori infection is often acquired in early childhood. While most infected children remain asymptomatic, H. pylori can cause chronic gastritis, gastric ulceration, and, in the long term, gastric cancer. This article aimed to review different diagnostic and treatment options and discuss the challenges associated with applying the current guidelines in the real world. Relevant articles published from 2015 to August 2023 in the English language in PubMed and Medline electronic databases were extracted using subject headings and keywords of interest to the topic. References of interest in the selected articles were also considered. Invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tests have advantages but also disadvantages and limitations according to the clinical setting and age of the child. Guidelines recommend not performing diagnostic testing in children with long-lasting or recurrent abdominal complaints or cases of a family history of severe disease caused by H. pylori. However, parents regularly consult with the explicit demand to test for H. pylori because of them or a close family member experiencing severe gastric disease caused by H. pylori. In some situations, it may be challenging for the healthcare professional to stick to evidence-based guidelines and not consider "patient-centered care," with the risk of putting a trustful relationship in danger. Physicians may find it challenging not to perform diagnostic tests for H. pylori and prescribe eradication treatment in specific clinical settings when maintaining a trusting patient-physician relationship by applying this "patient-centered care" method when evidence-based guidelines recommend differently.

Naldemedine-induced perforation of a diverticulum in the sigmoid colon of a patient with opioid-related constipation: a case report

BackgroundNaldemedine is an orally available peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist approved to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC). It is contraindicated for patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction to protect against naldemedine-induced perforation. Here, we report a clinical case of suspected perforation of a diverticulum in the sigmoid colon associated with naldemedine.Case presentationThe patient was a 65-year-old man with a history of oral cancer who had been prescribed oxycodone (20 mg/day) for cancer pain. On day 0, the patient started naldemedine 0.2 mg once daily before bedtime for OIC. The dose of oxycodone was increased for pain control up to 60 mg/day. On day 35 of naldemedine treatment, the patient developed fever and abdominal pain, and his frequency of defecation had decreased. Initial laboratory results showed a C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 28.5 mg/dL and white blood cell (WBC) count of 13,500/µL. On day 37, the patient still had tenderness in his lower abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography revealed free air in the abdominal cavity suggesting an intestinal perforation. A Hartmann procedure was performed. Histopathological findings showed numerous diverticula in the sigmoid colon, some of which were perforated.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the effects of OIC may have compressed the intestinal tract, which was followed by naldemedine-activation of peristalsis, which led to the onset of intestinal perforation. In patients with pre-existing diverticular disease, we should monitor for increased WBC counts and CRP levels after the initiation of treatment with naldemedine, and consider performing appropriate tests early in the event of abdominal complaints.

Unexpected Rupture of Ectopic Pregnancy with Shock: A Warning to Always Enhance Alertness

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) describes a pregnancy that develops outside the uterine cavity. The fallopian tube, specifically the ampulla is the most common site. Positive blood β-hCG levels can identify EP with no ultrasound confirmation of intrauterine or extrauterine pregnancy. Case Presentation: We report a 37-year-old woman was referred from primary health care with a diagnosis of ileus. The patient complained of abdominal pain, spotting, vomiting, and no defecating since the day before; gestational age was estimated at around seven weeks. Vital signs indicated shock; the physical examination revealed slight abdominal distention, decreased bowel sounds, tenderness throughout the abdominal area, slightly defans muscular, and hyper tympanic. Vaginal touch didn't reveal cervical dilation, absent portio swaying pain. The laboratory found anemia and leukocytosis with a predominance of neutrophils. The pregnancy test was positive in the emergency department. Previously, the primary health care facility did not undergo a pregnancy test. Abdominal x-ray showed low-lying obstructive ileus and ascites in the pelvic cavity. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed free fluid in the rectouterine cavity. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy, and a rupture in the ampulla segment was found, then a salpingectomy was performed. Conclusion: Clinicians must be able to diagnose EP correctly and as quickly as possible. In women of childbearing age presenting with acute abdominal complaints and a known or unknown history of menstruation, we strongly recommend a qualitative β-hCG examination, which can be carried out in health facilities with limited resources and at affordable costs, will be very useful for diagnosing and screening ectopic pregnancy.

Assessing fecal load with ultrasound in children with colorectal pathology: ReKiSo study

PurposeTo evaluate bowel management for children with colorectal pathology by measuring transverse rectal diameter (TRD) and assessing fecal load with transabdominal rectal ultrasound (TRU).MethodsProspective case–control study of children receiving bowel management (BM) between 04/2023 and 04/2024 was done. There was inclusion of patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD), anorectal malformation (ARM) and functional constipation (FC). Patients with other congenital or neurological conditions were excluded. Control group consisted of inpatients and outpatients without abdominal complaints. FC was diagnosed according to ROM-IV-criteria. For HD and ARM, we followed a list of symptoms. To assess fecal load, we visualized the TRD using the Klijn (Klijn et al. in J Urol 172:1986–1988, 2004) method. The bladder was moderately full. The fecal load was assessed retrograde from the rectum. Follow-up was at 1/3/6 months. Secondary data were collected from medical records. Sample size calculated a priori and follow-up group with new gathered data.Resultsp value for TRD in all groups significant with p < 0.05 and in grouped follow-up.ConclusionUltrasound is a useful tool for assessing fecal load and helps diagnose constipation and monitor BM. Irrespective of colorectal pathology, a cut-off of 3 cm seems to discriminate between children without constipation/overload symptoms and asymptomatic patients. We present a radiation-free method for monitoring bowel management.

A rare case of giant peritoneal loose body: A case report

Peritoneal loose bodies (PLBs) are uncommon abdominal lesions, typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during surgery. Giant PLBs, exceeding 5 cm in size, are even rarer and can present with clinical symptoms mimicking other abdominal pathologies. We present a 57-year-old male with a giant PLB presenting as intermittent abdominal pain, distention, and rectal bleeding. Imaging studies suggested colo-colic intussusception due to a colonic lipoma. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy revealing a segment of the descending colon containing multiple lipomas, one causing intussusception. In addition, a separate giant PLB 6 × 5.5 cm with central calcification was identified. A segmental colectomy with primary anastomosis and resection of the PLB was performed. The patient recovered well and reported complete resolution of symptoms at follow-up. Pathology confirmed a benign lipoma and a giant PLB. This case highlights the potential for giant PLBs to cause clinical symptoms and emphasizes the importance of including them in the differential diagnosis of abdominal complaints, even in the absence of a classic presentation. Exploratory laparotomy remains a definitive approach for diagnosis and management in such cases.

Lemniscate intestinal loop through an internal hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass cause of coecum mobile. A case report

The internal hernia is a typical complication after laparoscopic Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass surgery. In most cases, there are chronic symptoms that only lead to a diagnostic laparoscopy during the diagnostic exclusion procedure. Less common is acute internal hernia with devastating pain, ileus symptoms and even the development of intestinal gangrene. Although this case describes a typical constellation, it posed a particular challenge because it resulted in mesenteric lemniscate‑like torsion through the Petersen pouch. Case presentation. A 29‑year‑old patient presented to our emergency department with abdominal pain, complained of sudden epigastric pain that lasted overnight, and radiated into the back with a permanent belching every 10 seconds. Four weeks ago, the patient received an abdominoplasty, complaining of postprandial nausea, meterorism and constipation afterwards. 19 months ago, a Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass with a weight of 109 kg and a body mass index of 42.6 kg/m2 was done. The current body weight was 60 kg and the body mass index was 23.4 kg/m2. After focused assessment with sonography for trauma and the detection of dilated intestinal loops, an abdominal computer tomography (CT) was performed. Radiologically, the suspicion of mesenteric malrotation was confirmed. The SWELL (CT‑graphic swirl sign, excess weight loss &gt;95%, liquid in abdomen CT scan) score was positive with a CT‑graphic swirl sign and an excess weight loss of 108.9% (&gt; 95%), no chylus or ascites. We discussed an immediate, necessary diagnostic laparoscopy. Based on the ileocoecalpol, it was not possible to establish a proper assignment of the detached gastrointestinal tract. The exploration of the sigmoid colon as the only fixed point revealed that this was a complete fixed twisting of the right intestinal part with a twist of the caecum into the right upper abdomen through the Petersen space. This necessitated a laparotomy to manually cancel Bernoulli’s lemniscate‑like loop and perform a mesenteric defect suture of the mesenteric space of Brolin and the Petersen space with a non‑absorbable suture. The intestinal loops and patient recovered quickly. The dismission was on the 4th post‑operative day. Conclusions. The internal hernia after gastric bypass remains a diagnostic challenge despite advances in imaging. Due to the increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, this differential diagnosis must always be considered in the case of abdominal complaints. In addition to the excess weight loss of &gt;95%, this case shows that a recent abdominoplasty can also provoke an internal hernia.

Quality of life outcomes in patients with resectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

e23552 Background: Currently there is a lack of robust data on health-related quality of life outcomes for patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to look at trends in health-related quality of life outcomes for patients and determine what symptoms impacted patients the most. Patients with surgically resectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma who were participating in a randomized, phase II, non-comparative trial of combination nivolumab (nivo) and ipilimumab (ipi/nivo) were selected to participate in this study. Methods: Five patients were randomized to participate in structured qualitative interviews. Three patients were randomized to the nivo/ipi arm and 2 to the nivo arm. The interviews were conducted at 6 separate time points, both during receipt of neoadjuvant therapy and after tumor resection. Questions were structured around ten themes which included treatment side effects, abdominal complications, appetite, energy levels, quality of life effects, and financial complications. Patient responses were transcribed, coded, and themes in symptoms during treatment were identified. Results: Different themes in symptoms emerged during each time-period of treatment. During the pretreatment period patients were more likely to report abdominal complaints that they attributed to their primary tumor. During neoadjuvant immunotherapy (week 3) patients reported more skin complaints, including the development of rashes and pruritis. These tended to improve by their preoperative visit. Patients reported typical postoperative symptoms at their 6-week post operative visit including increases in pain medications, muscle pain, and some abdominal soreness. By one year patients reported no significant symptoms and demonstrated resolution of all prior symptoms. Overall patients reported few energy and sleep related symptoms throughout their treatment course. Conclusions: For patients with resectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma receiving immune checkpoint blockade, health-related quality of life symptoms were present throughout their treatment course. Common themes that emerged demonstrated a lack of severe symptoms experienced by patients in either arm and resolution of symptoms by one year post treatment. Our interview results can help clinicians focus on symptoms that are impactful to patients in future clinical trials.

Cystic fibrosis in childhood and adulthood

Cystic fibrosis (CF, or mucoviscidosis) is one of the rare diseases with a fatal course and with the highest prevalence. Formerly known as apurely childhood disease, this multisystemic disease follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern and results in amalfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, leading to the production of viscous secretions. The prognosis and outcome of CF are determined by the severity of the involvement of the lungs. Other typically affected organs include the pancreas, liver and intestines. This article reviews the clinical presentation and evolution of CF with afocus on the new era of the highly effective CFTR modulator treatment. An overview of the current state of knowledge on the care for CF patients is presented. The introduction of the CF newborn screening, the increased understanding of the disease and the development of novel treatment options have substantially increased the quality of life and life expectancy of people with CF. As aresult, more than half of CF patients in Germany are now older than 18years of age and the complications of a chronic disease as well as organ damage due to the intensive treatment are gaining in importance. The highly effective CFTR modulator treatment results in a significant improvement in CFTR function, lung function, body mass index and quality of life and is available to approximately 90% of patients in Germany, based on the genotype. Nevertheless, further research including the development of causal treatment, e.g., gene therapy, targeting the underlying defect in the remaining 10% of CF patients, is urgently needed. Even in adult patients, CF with a mild course or aCFTR-related disease should be considered, e.g., in cases of bronchiectasis and/or recurrent abdominal complaints.

Idiopathic Spontaneous Intraperitoneal Bleeding Secondary to Rupture of Short Gastric Artery

Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding (ISIH) is an uncommon surgical condition. Patients often present with various abdominal complaints, and it may mimic other common surgical pathologies. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose a patient presenting with this condition. We shared a case of ISIH secondary to a rupture of a short gastric artery in a previously healthy young man.

Acute superior mesenteric artery thrombosis in a 34-year-old male with thrombophilia: a case report

Introduction: Thrombophilic state, marked by extensive formation of blood clots within the vascular system poses a formidable peril, leading to loss of circulatory integrity and systemic well-being. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis is a serious medical disorder characterized by the obstruction of the arterial blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The condition has a plethora of etiological causes. Vague abdominal pain is a common clinical manifestation, and there is a very high mortality rate.Case Presentation: A 34-year-old Pakistani male presented with rapidly worsening acute abdominal pain over a 10-hour period. Clinical examination revealed elevated blood pressure, while other vital signs remained within normal limits. Abdominal examination findings were inconclusive compared to the patient's severe abdominal pain complaint. Contrast-enhanced CT scan indicated a large thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery with radiological features suggestive of intestinal ischemia, extending from the duodeno-jejunal flexure to the mid-transverse colon. Subsequently, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with extensive bowel resection and received anticoagulant therapy. He subsequently experienced compensated right lower limb ischemia, treated conservatively with high-dose anticoagulant therapy. Within days, bowel anastomotic leak developed, requiring multiple surgeries. Eventually, the patient progressed to septic shock, followed by multiorgan failure, culminating in a fatal cardiac arrest.Conclusion: Acute mesenteric ischemia, a rare abdominal emergency with an incidence of 6 per 100,000, is associated with a substantial mortality rate, ranging from 58% to 93% among diagnosed cases. The challenges posed by SMA thrombosis include diagnostic complexities, as it frequently manifests with symptoms disproportionate to clinical signs, and results in catastrophic complications, necessitating high suspicion index and prompt intervention.

A Low FODMAP Diet Supplemented with L-Tryptophan Reduces the Symptoms of Functional Constipation in Elderly Patients.

(1) Background: The elderly suffer from functional constipation (FC), whose causes are not fully known, but nutritional factors may play a role. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a low FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan (TRP) on its metabolism and symptoms of functional constipation in elderly patients. (2) Methods: This study included 40 people without abdominal complaints (Group I, controls) and 60 patients with FC, diagnosed according to the Rome IV Criteria (Group II). Two groups were randomly selected: Group IIA (n = 30) was qualified for administration of the low FODMAP diet, and the diet of patients of Group IIB (n = 30) was supplemented with 1000 mg TRP per day. The severity of abdominal symptoms was assessed with an abdominal pain index ranging from 1 to 7 points (S-score). The concentration of TRP and its metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN), and 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS) in urine were determined using the LC-MS/MS method. (3) Results: In Group II, 5-HIAA concentration in urine was lower, and KYN and 3-IS concentrations were higher than in the control group. A negative correlation was found between the S-score and urinary concentration of 5-HIAA (p < 0.001), and 3-IS concentration was positively correlated with the S-score. However, the correlation between the S-score and 3-IS concentration was negative (p < 0.01). After a dietary intervention, 5-HIAA concentration increased in both groups, and the severity of symptoms decreased, but the decrease was more pronounced in Group IIB. (4) Conclusion: A low FODMAP diet supplemented with L-tryptophan has beneficial effects in elderly patients suffering from functional constipation.

Scoring Abdominal Symptoms in People with Cystic Fibrosis.

(1) Background: The introduction of highly effective CFTR-modulating therapies (HEMT) has changed the course of the disease for many people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF). Attention previously focused on life-threatening conditions of the respiratory system has broadened, bringing the involvement of the digestive system into the clinical and scientific focus. This emphasized the need for sensitive tools to capture and quantify changes in abdominal symptoms (AS), ideally applying patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). (2) Methods: The present review focuses on studies addressing AS assessment deriving from the multi-organic abdominal involvement in pwCF. Among 5224 publications retrieved until Nov. 2022, 88 were eligible, and 39 were finally included. (3) Results: The review reveals that for a long time, especially before HEMT availability, AS in pwCF were assessed by single questions on abdominal complaints or non-validated questionnaires. PROMs focusing on quality of life (QOL) including a few GI-related questions were applied. Likewise, PROMs developed and partially validated for other non-CF GI pathologies, such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, or pancreatitis, were implemented. (4) Conclusions: Only lately, CF-specific GI-PROMs have been developed and validated following FDA guidelines, showing high sensitivity to changes and capturing marked and statistically significant reductions in the burden of AS achieved with HEMT implementation.

A case of Perforated Retroperitoneal Appendicitis Mimicking Pyelonephritis

Introduction: Appendicitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed surgical diseases in childhood with emergency abdominal pain. Retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis is uncommon and potentially difficult to diagnose. This condition might present with atypical clinical, and radiological signs. Here, we present a patient with perforated retrocecal appendicitis in whom the clinical findings mimicked acute pyelonephritis. Case Report: A 3-year-old boy presented with right flank pain, fever, and vomiting since a two days. The abdomen was soft but right costovertebral angle tenderness positive. There was pyuria. The clinical impression was pyelonephritis. Ultrasonography showed perirenal fluid collection but did not show any collections pericecal area. In the Multi-detector CT (MDCT) MDCT a long inflamed retrocecal retroperitoneal appendix was seen with surrounding inflammation that extended to anterior pararenal space, and retroperitoneal air. At surgery, there was retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis with perforation and retroperitoneal collection. Appendectomy and drainage were performed. Conclusions: Patients with retroperitoneal appendicitis is that these patients often present with atypical and less severe abdominal complaints. In this situation, MDCT could be a rapid and efficient tool for localizing the appendix and for the differential diagnosis.

Large outbreak of typhoid fever on a river cruise ship used as accommodation for asylum seekers, the Netherlands, 2022.

On 6 April 2022, the Public Health Service of Kennemerland, the Netherlands, was notified about an outbreak of fever and abdominal complaints on a retired river cruise ship, used as shelter for asylum seekers. The diagnosis typhoid fever was confirmed on 7 April. An extensive outbreak investigation was performed. Within 47 days, 72 typhoid fever cases were identified among asylum seekers (n = 52) and staff (n = 20), of which 25 were hospitalised. All recovered after treatment. Consumption of food and tap water on the ship was associated with developing typhoid fever. The freshwater and wastewater tanks shared a common wall with severe corrosion and perforations, enabling wastewater to leak into the freshwater tank at high filling levels. Salmonella Typhi was cultured from the wastewater tank, matching the patient isolates. In the freshwater tank, Salmonella species DNA was detected by PCR, suggesting the presence of the bacterium and supporting the conclusion of contaminated freshwater as the probable source of the outbreak. Outbreaks of uncommon infections may occur if persons from endemic countries are accommodated in crowded conditions. Especially when accommodating migrants on ships, strict supervision on water quality and technical installations are indispensable to guarantee the health and safety of the residents.

The role of general surgery consultations on patient diagnosis and treatment in the Tertiary Medical Center

Background: The field of general surgery is an important one in medicine. It includes the systems and organs connected to practically every bodily part. Because of this, general surgery is frequently requested for consultation and has a significant role in emergency service applications. The study’s objective is to evaluate general surgery consultations based on their specific attributes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 814 patients who were consulted at our hospital’s general surgery clinic between January and June 2021. The departments requesting consultation, the reasons for the consultation, the examinations requested before and after the consultation, and the decisions made after the consultation were evaluated. Results: The department that required the most consultation from the general surgery branch was the emergency department with 91.5% the most common reason for consultation is nonspecific abdominal pain with 18.1% has been seen. General surgery consultation in patients presenting with abdominal specific complaints, previously ultrasonography and computed tomography were requested in 88.6% of patients. Conclusion: The fact that physicians request unnecessary consultations and resort to advanced imaging examinations with the reservation of malpractice leads to an increase in both cost and intensity for the health system. Requesting a consultation in conditions where it is more necessary will relieve the intensity of the health system.

Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography for Identification of Small Bowel Obstruction; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is known as a common cause of acute abdominal complaints in the emergency department (ED). The modality of choice for the diagnosis of SBO has not yet been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of SBO. Systematic search was performed on five electronic databases including Medline, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and the retrieval period was from the inception of each database to November 2023. The quality of the included studies were investigated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). The pooled values of diagnostic characteristics for ultrasonography were estimated using meta-Disc and Stata statistical software. Twenty-one studies with a total of 1977 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the summary ROC curve of ultrasonography for diagnosing SBO were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91-0.95), 0.8 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83), 5.69 (95% CI: 3.64-8.89), 0.1 (95% CI: 0.07-0.16), 83.51 (95% CI: 18.12-182.91) and 0.96, respectively. The findings of this meta-analysis showed that the utilization of ultrasonography holds promise as a diagnostic imaging for SBO with high accuracy. However, additional worldwide studies are essential to get more evidence on the value of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of SBO.