Abnormalities Of Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

Monitoring trough voriconazole plasma concentrations in haematological patients: real life multicentre experience

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate results from voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in haematological patients in routine clinical practice. Between 2005 and 2010, 1228 blood samples were obtained from 264 haematological patients (median 3 samples/patient; range 1-27) receiving voriconazole for targeted/preemptive treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) (46.3% of samples), empirical therapy (12.9%) or prophylaxis (40.8%). A high-pressure liquid chromatography assay was used to analyse voriconazole concentrations. Clinical and laboratory data were analysed retrospectively. The median of the detected voriconazole plasma concentration was 1.00 μg ml(-1) (range <0.20-13.47 μg ml(-1)). Significant inter- and intra-patients variability of measured concentrations (81.9% and 50.5%) were identified. With the exception of omeprazole administration, there was no relevant relationship between measured voriconazole concentrations and drug dose, route administration, age, gender, CYP2C19*2 genotype, gastrointestinal tract abnormality, administration via nasogastric tube, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes. However, per patient analysis identified significant role of individual voriconazole dose and drug form change on measured plasma concentration. Measured voriconazole concentrations did not correlate with the treatment outcome of patients with IA. We only identified a limited number of adverse events related to voriconazole therapy; however, the median plasma concentration was not different from concentrations measured in samples without reported toxicity. Our retrospective study has suggested that routine monitoring of voriconazole plasma concentrations has probably only a limited role in daily haematological practice.

Candidiasis caused by Candida kefyr in a neonate: Case report

BackgroundSystemic Candidia infections are of major concern in neonates, especially in those with risk factors such as longer use of broad spectrum antibiotics. Recent studies showed that also term babies with underlying gastrointestinal or urinary tract abnormalities are much more prone to systemic Candida infection. We report a very rare case of candidiasis caused by Candida kefyr in a term neonate.Case PresentationRenal agenesis on the left side was diagnosed antenatally and anal atresia postnatally. Moreover, a vesico-ureteral-reflux (VUR) grade V was detected by cystography. The first surgical procedure, creating a protective colostoma, was uneventful. Afterwards our patient developed urosepsis caused by Enterococcus faecalis and was treated with piperacillin. The child improved initially, but deteriorated again. A further urine analysis revealed Candida kefyr in a significant number. As antibiotic resistance data about this non-albicans Candida species are limited, we started liposomal amphotericin B (AMB), but later changed to fluconazole after receiving the antibiogram. Candiduria persisted and abdominal imaging showed a Candida pyelonephritis. Since high grade reflux was prevalent we instilled AMB into the child's bladder as a therapeutic approach. While undergoing surgery (creating a neo-rectum) a recto-vesical fistula could be shown and subsequently was resected. The child recovered completely under systemic fluconazole therapy over 3 months.ConclusionsCandidiasis is still of major concern in neonates with accompanying risk factors. As clinicians are confronted with an increasing number of non-albicans Candida species, knowledge about these pathogens and their sensitivities is of major importance.

Gastrointestinal changes associated to heart failure.

Over the last decade, several studies were conducted on the gastrointestinal changes associated to chronic heart failure. This article presents a literature review on the physiopathology and clinical consequences of pathological digestive changes of heart failure patients. Structural and functional abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, such as edema of absorptive mucosa and intestinal bacterial overgrowth, have been leading to serious clinical consequences. Some of these consequences are cardiac cachexia, systemic inflammatory activation and anemia. These conditions, alone or in combination, may lead to worsening of the pre-existing ventricular dysfunction. Although currently there is no therapy specifically earmarked for gastrointestinal changes associated to heart failure, the understanding of digestive abnormalities is germane for the prevention and management of systemic consequences.

Imaging findings in inflammed Meckel′s diverticulum

Meckel's diverticulum is congenital abnormality of gastrointestinal tract. It is generally accepted that the radiological demonstration of a Meckel's diverticulum is not practicable. But when there is associated complications with Meckel's diverticulum it becomes relatively easy. Abdominal radiograph does not provide any information but USG and CT features are helpful in diagnosing however the single most accurate diagnostic test for a Meckel's diverticulum is scintigraphy.

Sensibilidade da seriografia do esôfago, estômago e duodeno para o diagnóstico de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico em recém-nascidos prematuros

OBJETIVO: Determinar a sensibilidade da seriografia do esôfago, estômago e duodeno (SEED) para o diagnóstico da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) em recém-nascidos prematuros, tendo como padrão ouro a monitoração prolongada do pH esofágico distal, e descrever a presença de anormalidades anatômicas do tubo digestivo. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 41 recém-nascidos, com média de 1.243,9 g, apresentando sinais/sintomas de DRGE e resultados alterados na monitoração do pH (índice de refluxo &gt; 10%). A SEED foi realizada logo que as condições clínicas dos recém-nascidos foram estáveis para a realização dos exames radiológicos. RESULTADOS: A monitoração prolongada do pH e a SEED foram realizadas com 49,8 e 66,8 dias de vida, respectivamente. A sensibilidade da seriografia foi de 39,0% (IC 95%: 25,7–54,3%). Refluxo significativo foi observado em 41,4% dos casos, refluxo médio em 44,8% e refluxo pequeno em 13,8%. A SEED identificou apenas um caso de hérnia de hiato. CONCLUSÃO: A SEED apresentou baixa sensibilidade para a DRGE em prematuros e não se associou com a gravidade do refluxo, na comparação com a monitoração do pH, sendo, entretanto, útil no diagnóstico de alteração anatômica.

A case of midgut malrotation presenting as multiple afebrile seizures

Provoked seizures are a common pediatric problem and can be caused by multiple etiologies. However, there have been few reports of benign infantile seizures associated with gastrointestinal tract abnormality. We report on a 3-month-old male infant who presented with multiple afebrile seizures, EEG abnormalities and a midgut malrotation. Surgical treatment of the malrotation resulted in seizure resolution and EEG normalization. This case emphasizes that patients presenting with multiple seizures and symptoms of gastroenteritis should be evaluated for abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.

Tagging for Capsule Endoscopy Localization

Capsule endoscopy is a medical procedure to painlessly image the Gastro intestinal tract for the diagnosis of small intestine mucosa. Present capsule endoscopy does not comprise an effective method to localize and tag the abnormalities in gastrointestinal tract during the image diagnosis. The major constraint for developing an addition function to the existing capsule is the limited package space. In this paper, we propose a novel method for the effective localization of site of interest by incorporating a miniaturized tagging module inside the capsule. The tagging module release a micro tag which embed into the region of interest upon activation. This micro tag can be detected through radiographic imaging techniques like X-ray imaging. Embedded micro tag provides valuable position information of the site of interest to facilitate further diagnosis. This paper will present the ex-vivo animal trials and the x-ray imaging result of the tagging module.

Deficiência de ferro no idoso

Anemia is a common problem in the elderly and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. More than 10% of all individuals above the age of 65 have anemia. Because an increasing proportion of the world's population is aged 65 and older, it is inevitable that the prevalence of anemia will increase in the future. Thus, early diagnosis of anemia is important to prevent the condition from worsening, to slow disease progression, and improve outcomes in patients. The WHO definition of anemia (hemoglobin concentration <12 g/dL, in women and <13 g/dL, in men) is most often used in epidemiologic studies of older adults. Among older adults with anemia approximately one-third have evidence of iron, folate, and/or vitamin B12 deficiency, another third have renal insufficiency and/or chronic inflammation, and the remaining third have anemia that is unexplained. Anemia due to iron deficiency (IDA) is microcytic and hypochromic. Low serum ferritin levels, high total iron-binding capacity, low transferrin saturation, high concentrations of soluble transferrin receptor, and absent bone marrow iron stores accompany IDA. Iron deficiency in the elderly usually occurs as a result of chronic gastrointestinal blood loss caused by gastritis, ulcers, colon cancer, or angiodysplasia. Gastrointestinal tract abnormalities can be identified in the majority of patients with IDA. In some cases, inadequate intake or inadequate absorption of iron may contribute to the anemia. However, in all cases blood loss should be investigated and excluded before assuming that iron deficiency is due to other causes. Treatment includes stopping blood loss and replacing iron.

Gastrointestinal pathology in neonates: new imaging strategies

The mainstay of imaging of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology in infants has always been and still is the plain radiograph of the abdomen and conventional contrast studies. In this review emphasis is placed on the situations where there are new imaging strategies and alternative modalities of imaging, including US, CT, MRI and radionuclide studies. This review will deal with GI pathology in the newborn and in the older neonate. It will also refer to any new approaches to imaging GI pathology in the premature infant. Finally the review will address how antenatal diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities has changed the imaging strategy and management of the neonate.

An extremely rare abnormality of a double tracheoesophageal fistula without atresia of the esophagus; a case report and review of the literature

Tracheoesophageal fistulas without atresia of the esophagus are rare abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract with an incidence rate of between 1% and 5%. Even more infrequent are 2 tracheoesophageal fistulas without atresia of the esophagus. This case report illustrates the history of an infant with 2 tracheoesophageal fistulas. The corresponding literature was reviewed, and a diagnostic algorithm was described.

Review of published studies of kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal birth defects in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Review of published studies of birth defects of the renal, liver, and gastrointestinal organ systems in subjects with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We searched PubMed (http://www.pubmed.gov) using the following terms: fetal alcohol syndrome and: gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, and congenital abnormalities for all years and English only citations. We located 12 studies of FASD and defects of or functional impairments for the liver, 12 of renal abnormalities, and only two with gastrointestinal defects. We did not identify specific patterns of malformations or functional deficits for any of the three organ systems. The existing literature suggests a series of nonspecific outcomes in FASD. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder includes a diagnostic category of alcohol-related birth defects which is clinically difficult to apply. This study adds to the existing literature on birth defects in FASD which is still very limited. The categorical diagnosis of alcohol-related birth defects requires additional research to determine if a specific pattern of organ specific abnormalities or functional deficits emerges in subjects with FASD.

I-131 Accumulation in a Benign Cystic Mesothelioma in a Patient with Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Focal I-131 accumulation is generally a reliable indicator of functioning normal thyroid tissue or a differentiated thyroid cancer metastasis. However, physiologic accumulation of activity may also be observed in organs such as the intestinal tract, liver, and salivary glands. Extrathyroidal I-131 accumulation has been reported in various sites, such as ectopic gastric mucosa, gastrointestinal and urinary tract abnormalities, cysts (mammary, liver, kidney, and ovaries), and inflammation and infection foci. We report a case of focal I-131 accumulation in a benign cystic mesothelioma in a patient with follicular thyroid cancer.

Gabapentin for the treatment of neuropathic pain in a pregnant horse

A 24-year-old 732-kg (1,610-lb) pregnant Belgian draft horse mare developed neuropathy and signs of intractable pain following colic surgery. Following recovery from colic surgery to treat compression of the small and large intestines because of a large fetus, the mare was noticed to have signs of femoral neuropathy involving the left hind limb. Within 36 hours after recovery, the mare developed signs of severe pain that were unresponsive to conventional treatment. No gastrointestinal tract or muscular abnormalities were found, and the discomfort was attributed to neuropathic pain. The mare was treated with gabapentin (2.5 mg/kg [1.1 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h). Shortly after this treatment was initiated, the mare appeared comfortable and no longer had signs of pain. Treatment was continued for 6 days, during which the dosage was progressively decreased, and the mare was discharged. The mare subsequently delivered a healthy foal. Gabapentin appeared to be a safe, effective, and economical treatment for neuropathic pain in this horse.

Toxic pneumonitis caused by inhalation of hydrocarbon waterproofing spray in two dogs

2 dogs were evaluated because of vomiting and lethargy (a Toy Poodle; dog 1) and acute respiratory distress, vomiting, and anorexia (a Chihuahua; dog 2). Dog 1 had been exposed to a commercial hydrocarbon waterproofing spray 24 hours before the development of clinical signs, and dog 2 was examined 18 hours after exposure to a waterproofing spray containing heptane, a highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon. In both dogs, major gastrointestinal tract abnormalities were ruled out but respiratory status worsened. Thoracic radiography revealed a diffuse interstitial pulmonary pattern, and hypoxemia was detected. Hospitalization for monitoring and care was required for both dogs. The dogs recovered with supportive care, which included administration of oxygen, fluids, and bronchodilators. Additionally, dog 1 received glucocorticoids via inhalation and supplemental enteral nutrition, whereas dog 2 was treated with an antimicrobial. The dogs of this report developed hydrocarbon pneumonitis following exposure to waterproofing sprays. Such sprays contain potentially toxic hydrocarbons. The severity of the adverse effects associated with exposure may have been amplified because the dogs were physically small and were exposed to a relatively large amount of aerosolized spray within small areas. Development of chemical pneumonitis in pet animals is best prevented by application of waterproofing sprays in well-ventilated or outdoor areas from which pets have been excluded. With prolonged hospitalization and considerable monitoring and care, affected dogs can recover from these exposures.

Abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract in inflammatory bowel disease

The predominant histopathologic feature of inflammatory bowel disease is the infiltration of acute and chronic inflammatory cells, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes, in the affected intestine. Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal lesions, and Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis is characterized by increased numbers of acute and chronic inflammatory cells. The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease or Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis involves immunological abnormalities, including the deficient or excessive expression of cytokines. The chronic inflammatory process in patients with Crohn's disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas ulcerative colitis affects mainly the colon and rectum. Here, we discuss abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract in inflammatory bowel disease. Although the prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection is low in Crohn's disease, these patients often have abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Histopathology Appearance in Indonesian Children with Recurrent Epigastric Pain

Background : Recurrent Epigastric Pain (REP) is a clinical symptom frequently found in children. Data of the correlation between duration of illness, frequency of illness, associated symptoms of REP and the abnormality of endoscopic and histopathologic appearance are still limited, especially in Indonesia. The role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in causing organic abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is also still controversial. Aim :To know the endoscopic and histopathologic appearance and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, 169 children with REP was performed for endoscopic and histopathologic examination in Department of Pediatric, Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital. Result :Endoscopic and histopathologic abnormalities were found significantly in children who suffered from REP more than 9 months and more than 6 times during 3 months of period. Conclusion : Endoscopic and histopathologic examinations should be considered in children with REP. Keywords : recurrent abdominal pain, epigastric pain, Helicobacter pylori, endoscopy and histopathology

Contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid digestive enzyme assays to the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities

To analyze the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amniotic fluid digestive enzyme (AFDE) assays to the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities. This was a prospective study involving 24 fetuses suspected of having gastrointestinal tract abnormalities on ultrasound examination. MRI was used to analyze the location of the obstruction, the visibility of the small bowel not involved in the obstruction, and the visibility and size of the colon and rectum. Abnormalities were further evaluated by AFDE assays. The final diagnosis was based on postnatal or fetopathological examination. In duodenojejunal obstructions, MRI (6/6) and AFDE assays (4/4) correctly identified the level of obstruction, but were less accurate for small bowel obstructions (MRI, 10/11; AFDE assays, 7/11). The small bowel not involved in the obstruction was correctly evaluated by MRI as being viable in six cases and as abnormal in eight cases (multiple obstructions or necrosis). However, it was thought antenatally to be abnormal by MRI in four cases in which it was found to be normal on postnatal findings. Three cases in which the colon was found to have abnormal echogenicity were considered normal both by MRI and AFDE assay, in agreement with postnatal findings. Two cases of microcolon-megacystis-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) were diagnosed both by MRI and AFDE assay. Of the three anorectal malformations, two were overlooked by ultrasonography and one by MRI. MRI also overlooked 2/3 associated rectourethral fistulas. MRI and enzyme analysis are good complementary tools to ultrasonography for identifying the level of gastrointestinal obstruction and diagnosing MMIHS. MRI can assess the normality of the intestinal tract not involved in the obstruction, but not multiple obstructions, necrosis and small urodigestive fistulas.

1194: Ultrasound of fetal gastrointestinal tract

Antenatal ultrasound detects a wide range of abnormalities of the fetal gastrointestinal tract. This presentation examines the sonographic findings of selected gastrointestinal disorders seen in utero, emphasizing potential diagnostic pitfalls arising from confusion with normal anatomy, anatomic variants and pathology arising elsewhere in the fetus.

Congenital abnormalities of the equine gastrointestinal tract

Congenital abnormalities of the equine gastrointestinal tract

US of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities with CT correlation.

Ultrasonography (US) is often the first imaging study performed in patients with abdominal pain or vague symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract. An awareness of the US appearances of diseases of the intestine is essential to achieve the proper diagnosis and to enable appropriate triage of cases. Pathologic processes that affect the intestine generally result in decreased peristalsis and bowel wall thickening, both of which tend to decrease the luminal gas content. These changes permit evaluation of the intestine and surrounding structures with transabdominal and transvaginal US. US is useful in diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory conditions, such as appendicitis, Crohn disease, diverticulitis, epiploic appendagitis, pseudomembranous colitis, small bowel obstruction, small bowel vasculitis, and celiac disease. US is also helpful in diagnosis of tumors, such as gastric cancer, bowel lymphoma, and colon cancer. Familiarity with the US appearances of diseases that affect the intestine may allow specific diagnosis based on the degree and distribution of bowel wall thickening and associated changes of the perienteric tissues.