Concomitant Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Articles

Assessment of the influence of vitamin D level on the course of chronic hepatitis C in comorbidity with chronic pancreatitis

Background. Chronic hepatitis C (СHC) is often complicated by the presence of concomitant gastrointestinal diseases, one of which is chronic pancreatitis (CP). This has a negative impact on the clinical course of both diseases, contributes to nutrient deficiencies, in particular vitamin D, and worsens the quality of life of patients. The aim of the research was to study the features of the clinical course of CHC in comorbidity with CP and to evaluate the quality of life in patients with different levels of vitamin D in blood serum. Materials and methods. The study included 120 patients who were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — 72 patients with CHC and CP and group 2 — 48 patients with CHC. In turn, patients of group 1, depending on the enzymatic activity of the pancreas, were divided into group 1a (n = 52), which included patients with CHC and CP with exocrine insufficiency (EI), and group 1b (n = 20) — patients with CHC and CP with preserved exocrine function of the pancreas. In all patients, fecal coproscopy was performed, the level of fecal elastase (FE-1), vitamin D, viral load was determined, and the degree of fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity was evaluated using FibroTest and ActiTest. Situational anxiety was assessed according to the Spielberger-Hanin method, and quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire. The analysis and processing of the results of the examination of patients was carried out using the computer program Jamovi 2.3.2.1, Microsoft Office Excel for Windows 2016 using the Kruskal-Wallis method, the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon criterion and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The difference was considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results. A significantly lower level of vitamin D was found in patients of group 1a than in patients of groups 1b and 2. Patients of group 1 with higher stages of fibrosis (F2–3 and F3–4), a higher degree of necroinflammatory activity in the liver (> A2) and a high viral load have lower levels of vitamin D than those with initial stages of fibrosis and less severe necroinflammatory process in the liver. Patients with CHC, CP and exocrine insufficiency complained of mood changes, increased anxiety, rapid fatigue, and muscle weakness significantly more often than those with preserved exocrine function and patients with CHC. The level of vitamin D in people with CHC, CP and exocrine insufficiency positively correlates with the level of FE-1. In all patients with CHC in comorbidity with CP, a negative effect of low levels of vitamin D on indicators of quality of life and anxiety was found. Conclusions. A reduced level of vitamin D in the blood of patients with CHC and CP worsens the course of the disease and is associated with a decrease in quality of life.

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for the treatment of pediatric superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case series

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) presents with nausea, anorexia, and postprandial pain resulting from duodenal compression. Previous adult series have demonstrated that patients with symptoms refractory to medical treatment may benefit from a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy (LDJ). The aim of this analysis is to present a series of pediatric patients treated with LDJ for SMAS. MethodsWe reviewed all pediatric patients (age <21) who received a LDJ for SMAS at a quaternary care hospital from 2017 to 2022. ResultsWe identified 8 female patients who underwent LDJ for SMAS. Median age and BMI at surgery were 16 (IQR 14.8–17.3) and 19.8 kg/m2 (IQR 19.1–20.6). The median aortomesenteric distance and SMA angle were 4.1 mm (IQR 3.03–5.75) and 14.7° (IQR 12.4–17.3). Nasojejunal feeding was administered to 63 % (n = 5) of patients preoperatively. Concomitant gastrointestinal disease, psychiatric comorbidity, and connective tissue disorder was present in 63 % (n = 5), 38 % (n = 3), and 38 % (n = 3) of patients, respectively. Median hospital length of stay was 4 days (IQR 2.0–9.25). 63 % (n = 5) patients presented to the emergency department for gastrointestinal complaints at a median of 48 days postoperatively. One patient experienced a small bowel obstruction requiring reoperation. At follow-up, a median of 37 days, 75 % of patients reported improvement in symptoms. No patients required further nasojejunal or parenteral supplementation. ConclusionSMAS is a complex disease entity that may appropriately be treated safely with LDJ in selected pediatric patients. The presence of comorbid conditions may contribute to the development of SMAS and complicate recovery in this population.

Abemaciclib-associated Diarrhea: An Exploratory Analysis of Real-life Data.

Abemaciclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor approved in combination with endocrine therapy for treating hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early and advanced breast cancer patients. The safety profile of abemaciclib is characterized by frequent gastrointestinal toxicity, especially diarrhea. Therefore, we performed an exploratory analysis of clinical factors that may be potentially associated with diarrhea in patients treated with abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy. Factors potentially predisposing to diarrhea were selected, such as age ≥70 years, concomitant medications and diseases, diet, and use of laxatives. These variables were correlated with the onset of grade 2/3 diarrhea in a cohort of patients treated with abemaciclib from advanced breast cancer. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Sensitivity and specificity were tested using the ROC curve. Eighty women with advanced breast cancer were included in the study. The univariate analysis found a statistically significant correlation between grade 2/3 diarrhea and age ≥70 years, polypharmacy, and concomitant gastrointestinal diseases (p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the number of risk factors significantly correlated with the outcome of interest (p<0.0001). ROC analysis showed our model's 82% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Taking into account specific pre-existing factors, it is possible to estimate the risk of diarrhea in hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative - advanced breast cancer patients, candidates for abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy. In these subjects, implementing proactive prevention and adopting a dose-escalation strategy may represent practical approaches to decrease the abemaciclib toxicity burden.

Factors associated with gastrointestinal side effects after liraglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes.

To identify risk factors predictive of or associated with gastrointestinal side effects (GISE) of liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). T2DM patients treated with liraglutide for the first time were obtained and grouped into patients without GSEA and patients with GSEA. Baseline variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), glycemia profiles, alanine aminotransferase, serum creatinine, thyroid hormones, oral hypoglycemic drugs and history of gastrointestinal diseases, were tested for possible associations with GSEA outcome. Significant variables were entered into univariate and multivariate logistic regression (forward LR) analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine clinically useful cutoff values. A total of 254 patients (95 female) were included in this study. 74 cases (29.13%) reported GSEA and 11 cases (4.33%) discontinued treatment. The results of univariate analyses showed that sex, age, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, α-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI), and concomitant gastrointestinal diseases were associated with GSEA occurrence (all p <0.05). In the final regression model, AGI use (adjusted OR=4.01, 95%CI: 1.90-8.45, p<0.001), gastrointestinal diseases (adjusted OR=3.29, 95%CI: 1.51-7.18, p=0.003), TSH (adjusted OR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.28-2.50, p=0.001) and male sex (adjusted OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.10-0.37, p<0.001) were independently associated with GSEA. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis confirmed that TSH values of 1.33 and 2.30 in females and males, respectively, were useful thresholds for predicting GSEA. This study suggests that the combination of AGI, concomitant gastrointestinal diseases, female sex and higher TSH levels are independent risk factors of GSEA of liraglutide treatment in patients with T2DM. Further research is warranted to elucidate these interactions.

Clostridioides difficile recovered in pleural fluid: Contamination or infection? A case report of a proven empyema and a literature review

IntroductionPleural empyema is an infrequent manifestation of extraintestinal Clostridioidesdifficile infection, with just eight cases reported in literature. MethodsWe report a new case in a 70-year-old male without comorbidities or evidence of concomitant gastrointestinal disease, and review the previous cases reported in the literature. ResultsThe isolate was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested and was negative for A+B toxins. The patient fully recovered after drainages and antimicrobial therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanate and doxycycline. ConclusionAs in the previously reported cases, aspiration was the most plausible hypothesis of mechanism of infection in our patient. Empyema by Clostridioidesdifficile is a diagnostic challenge, since it is necessary to rule out that the isolation of this microorganism in pleural fluid is not a contamination. Furthermore, more evidence is needed for its treatment since data regarding this entity are still scarce.

Clostridioides difficile recovered in pleural fluid: Contamination or infection? A case report of a proven empyema and a literature review

IntroductionPleural empyema is an infrequent manifestation of extraintestinal Clostridioidesdifficile infection, with just eight cases reported in literature. MethodsWe report a new case in a 70-year-old male without comorbidities or evidence of concomitant gastrointestinal disease, and review the previous cases reported in the literature. ResultsThe isolate was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested and was negative for A+B toxins. The patient fully recovered after drainages and antimicrobial therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanate and doxycycline. ConclusionAs in the previously reported cases, aspiration was the most plausible hypothesis of mechanism of infection in our patient. Empyema by Clostridioidesdifficile is a diagnostic challenge, since it is necessary to rule out that the isolation of this microorganism in pleural fluid is not a contamination. Furthermore, more evidence is needed for its treatment since data regarding this entity are still scarce.

Clinical outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Polish-case control study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting up to 30% of population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Age, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia are important risk factors for developing hepatic steatosis. Concomitant diseases, especially cardiovascular, are discussed as important causes of death in NAFLD patients. The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective comparison of the frequency of concomitant diseases in NAFLD patients and controls, especially metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A total of 1,058 (558 NAFLD patients and 500 controls). Diagnosis of NAFLD was established with ultrasound examination in the absence of other causes of fatty liver. The control group included patients with no history of liver disease, normal liver image in ultrasound examination and normal liver laboratory tests. Overweight and/or obesity were diagnosed in 80.8% of patients in the study group and 40.8% in the controls (p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was present in 48.7% patients in the study group compared with 14.4% controls, (p < 0.001). In the study group, we found higher prevalence of hypertension (56.1% vs 37%; p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (24.4% vs 8.6%; p < 0.001), decreased concentration of serum HDL (35.1% vs 19.5%; p < 0.001), elevated serum triglycerides (36.5% vs 15.4%; p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disease was found in 13.6% of individuals in the study group and in 15% controls (NS, p = 0.32). The most frequent concomitant gastrointestinal disease present in the study group was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (31.9% vs 22.8%; p < 0.001) followed by colonic diverticulosis (23.7% vs 15.8%; p < 0.005). Metabolic syndrome with its components is more common in NAFLD patients compared to matched controls. Additionally, NAFLD patients are more often affected by GERD and colonic diverticulosis but not by CVD.

Small Animal Review

Introduction: Eosinophilic dermatitis as a cause of canine erythroderma is described, and its association with concomitant gastrointestinal disease is assessed in 18 dogs. The pathology of the skin lesions is described, but there is no conclusion reached as to which alimentary problems are most likely to be linked to their development.

Perioperative Acupuncture and Postoperative Acupressure Can Prevent Postoperative Vomiting following Paediatric Tonsillectomy Or Adenoidectomy: A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial

To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure as supplements to standard treatment for postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. A pragmatic, open, block-randomised controlled trial. The results were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The study was conducted without extra resources in a normal setting at the day-surgery department of Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital in Oslo. 154 children with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1-2, weighing at least 10 kg, were included. Children with concomitant gastrointestinal diseases, emesis or antiemetic treatment <24 h preoperatively, rash or local infection over the actual acupuncture points were excluded together with patients whose parents' informed consent could not be obtained. The intervention group received acupuncture at pericardium 6 bilaterally, at a depth of approximately 0.7 cm with a median of 21 min during anaesthesia, followed by acupressure wristbands for 24 h and standard treatment. The control group received standard treatment. The primary end point was the occurrence of vomiting or retching during 24 h postoperatively. Children in the acustimulation group experienced less retching and vomiting than the control group-46.8% versus 66.2% (p=0.015). The effect of acustimulation was specifically pronounced in girls and children aged 1-3 years. This trial indicates the effectiveness of acustimulation as an adjunct to standard treatment. The results should encourage and promote the implementation of acustimulation for postoperative vomiting in children undergoing adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy.

Discrepancy Among Observational Studies: Example of Naproxen-Associated Adverse Events

Background:Observational studies assessing the cardiovascular adverse effect of naproxen have had conflicting results. It is not clear whether variation in population characteristics between studies may explain some of this discrepancy.Objective:To determine whether changes in patient characteristics of naproxen users occurred between 1999 and 2004 in Québec, Canada and to examine whether these temporal changes were accompanied by changes in estimates of naproxen-related hospitalizations for gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers and myocardial infarction, using provincial health services administrative databases.Methods:Demographic, pharmaceutical and physician billing records of patients 65 years and older, who received naproxen or acetaminophen prescriptions between 1999 and 2004 were used. Two identical cohort studies, labeled Study 1 and Study 2 were conducted and their results were compared. One study was confined to the time period 1999-2001 and the other to 2002-2004. Patient characteristics at index date (the date of the first naproxen or acetaminophen prescription during the corresponding period) were compared between the study cohorts in naproxen and acetaminophen users, respectively, and within each study cohort between naproxen and acetaminophen users, using logistic regression models. Cox regression models with time dependent exposure were used to assess the association between naproxen vs acetaminophen and hospitalizations for GI events or AMI, respectively within each study. Results were then compared between the two studies.Results:Study 1 (1999-2001) cohort included 240,568 patients (205,238 acetaminophen and 35,330 naproxen) and Study 2 (2002-2004) cohort included 213,802 patients (193,918 acetaminophen and 19,884 naproxen). Patient characteristics of naproxen and acetaminophen users differed between the two studies. Naproxen users in Study 2 vs Study 1 were slightly younger, less likely to be females, less likely to have concomitant GI disease, less likely to have osteoarthritis and other co-morbidities and more likely to have used proton pump inhibitors, antihypertensive agents, anticoagulants, clopidogrel and aspirin. In general, similar changes in patient characteristics were observed in acetaminophen users between the two study cohorts. Compared to acetaminophen (without aspirin), the estimates of the GI risks with naproxen whether, used with or without aspirin, were significantly higher in Study 2 vs Study 1 [Hazard Ratio (HR) (95% CI): 4.94 (3.48, 7.02)] vs [2.22 (1.62, 3.06)], naproxen with aspirin [4.94 (2.93, 8.33) vs 2.47 (1.48, 4.12)], and acetaminophen and aspirin: [2.31 (1.89, 2.82) vs 1.46 (1.20, 1.77)]. The estimate of the AMI risk with naproxen also seemed to be higher in Study 2 vs Study 1, however the increase was not statistically significant [HR (95% CI) in the naproxen group: 1.18 (0.83, 1.67) in Study 1 vs 0.94 (0.70, 1.25) in Study 2], naproxen with aspirin. [1.44 (0.95, 2.18) vs 1.05 (0.68, 1.61)]; and acetaminophen and aspirin. 1.15 (1.01, 1.30) vs 1.10 (0.97, 1.26).Conclusion:Variation in patient characteristics in naproxen users was observed between 1999 and 2004. This variation was likely to be accompanied by a variation in patient pre-disposition to GI events that may explain the increase in estimates of naproxen-related GI adverse events observed during this period.

Scurvy: a disease almost forgotten

Although much decreased in prevalence, scurvy still exists in industrialized societies. Few recent large studies have examined its pathogenesis, signs, and symptoms. After we diagnosed scurvy in a 77-year-old female patient in 2003, we conducted a retrospective records review to identify patients with scurvy treated between 1976 and 2002 at Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale, Arizona; Rochester, Minnesota; or Jacksonville, Florida). We also searched the English-language medical literature for published reports on scurvy. In addition to our patient, seven of 11 patients whose records in the institutional database mentioned vitamin C deficiency were women. The age ranged from a neonate to 77 years (mean, 48 years). The most common associated causes were concomitant gastrointestinal disease, poor dentition, food faddism, and alcoholism. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies other than vitamin C deficiency were also found in our patients who had scurvy. The most common symptoms were bruising, arthralgias, or joint swelling. The most common signs were pedal edema, bruising, or mucosal changes. Four patients had vague symptoms of myalgias and fatigue without classic findings, and five had concomitant nutritional deficiencies. Follow-up available for six of 12 patients treated by vitamin C supplementation showed complete resolution of symptoms in five. Patients with scurvy may present with classic symptoms and signs or with nonspecific clinical symptoms and an absence of diagnostically suggestive physical findings. Concomitant deficiency states occur not uncommonly. Taking a thorough dietary history and measuring serum ascorbic acid levels should be considered for patients with classic signs and symptoms, nonspecific musculoskeletal complaints, or other vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Experience of Tizol gel administration for local therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To assess efficacy, tolerability and safety of 1% Tizol gel in monotherapy and in combination with diclofenac (0,5%) and hydrocortisone (0,05%) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods. 88 RA pts with exudation in damaged joints were included in the study. They were randomized into 3 groups. Group I (30 pts) received local therapy with 1% Tizol gel. Group U (30 pts) - a complex drug contained 1% Tizol, diclofenac 0,5% and hydrocortisone 0,05%. Group 111 served as control and was treated locally with 1% diclofenac gel (Hiperion S.A., Rumania). Preparations were administered as thin layer on the whole surface of the inflamed joint trice a day for 14 days. Efficacy was assessed after the course of treatment. Pain intensity (VAS), joint circumference and functional impairment degree (WOMAC index) were used as outcome measures. Laboratory examination included complete blood count, hepatic enzymes level and urinanalysis. Results. Local therapy provided decrease of pain and joint circumference, increase mobility and allowed to diminish NSAID dose. Good effect was achieved in group I and II (53% and 60% respectively). Local effect of the drug in group 1 lasted in average 2,5 hours according to pts' opinion. Tolerability of the local therapy was good in ail pts. Systemic adverse events were absent. Conclusion. 1% Tizol gel and its combination with diclofenac (0,5%) and hydrocortisone (0,005%) are effective for local therapy of RA, decrease pain and inflammation in damaged joints. They can be used for treatment of inflammatory joint diseases particularly in pts with concomitant gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension absence of possibility of oral administration of NSAIDs and/or necessity of decrease of their dose.

Perspectives of local diclofenacol 1% liniment application in joint diseases

Objective. To assess efficacy and safety diclofenacol 1% liniment application in comparison with diclo- ran plus. Material and methods. An open controlled 2-weeks trial of diclofenacol 1% liniment on 30 pts with active joint syndrome (group 1) compared with dicloran plus 1% gel on 20 pts (group II). Pts age ranged from 16 to 79 years, mean disease duration was 8,2 1,5 years. Most pts had II activity degree. Results. Diclofenacol 1% liniment applications decreased pain at rest and at movement and circle of aim joints. In pts with RA effect was more prominent. Dicloran plus provided equivalent results. Local effect of diclofenacol appeared in average after 31,5 min. (from 10 to 73 min) and lasted during 118,3 min (from 50 to 240 min.). Diclofenacol allowed to decrease dose of oral NSAIDs in 43,3% of pts and dicloran - in 40% of pts. Diclofenacol safety was good without local and systemic adverse events. Conclusion. Diclofenacol 1% liniment manufactured by Hiperion S.A. (Rumania) can be recommended for wide administration in treatment of joint diseases particularly in pts with concomitant gastrointestinal diseases and hypertension.

Chronic pancreatitis: weight loss and poor physical performance - experience from a specialized rehabilitation centre

There are various potential explanations for weight-loss and poor physical performance in patients with chronic pancreatitis: In severe chronic pancreatitis the decline in enzyme secretion is an important cause for the malassimilation syndrome frequently seen in these patients. Occasionally, difficulties may arise in establishing this decline and in quantifying the secretory capacity of the gland. Many patients limit their food intake because of the pain caused by eating. In untreated patients with diabetes, glucosuria may contribute to their malnutrition. Insufficient funds for food due to alcoholism and anorexia may also be of some significance. Concomitant gastrointestinal diseases and malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery are frequently found in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Neurological complications and traumatic lesions after accidents - often in connection to the underlying alcoholism - are joined by physical inactivity and thus contribute to the development of muscular atrophy and decreased physical performance. Consequently, rehabilitation of patients with chronic pancreatitis is challenging: They not only need expert medical treatment of both the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis and the concomitant disorders. Therapy must also include dietary support, careful physical training, and - in cases caused by alcoholism - psycho-social support. So far, the multi-professional competence required for these purposes can only be expected in a specialized rehabilitation centre.

Diabetic diarrhea. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

Idiopathic diarrhea is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs frequently, but not exclusively, in patients with poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes who also have evidence of diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. Associated steatorrhea is common and does not necessarily imply a concomitant gastrointestinal disease. The diarrhea is often intermittent; it may alternate with periods of normal bowel movements, or with constipation. It is typically painless, and occurs during the day as well as at night and may be associated with fecal incontinence. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated, autonomic neuropathy, bacterial overgrowth, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency being the most important underlying aberrations. However, diabetic diarrhea does not have a uniform and unequivocal pathogenesis. The diagnosis depends on a judicious clinical assessment accompanied by a stepwise laboratory evaluation, which allows the differentiation idiopathic diabetic diarrhea from the many other causes of diarrhea that can occur in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The management can be difficult but many therapies, including antibiotics to eradicate bacterial overgrowth, as well as antidiarrheal agents, oral and topical clonidine, and somatostatin analogues may be effective in controlling diabetic diarrhea.