Heartburn Research Articles

Heartburn and dyspepsia

Heartburn and dyspepsia

Frequency of Clinical symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Asthmatic Patients

Abstract:
 Background: Gastroesophageal reflex is known as an acid reflex, is long term condition where stomach contents back into the oesophagus resulting in either symptoms or complications. GERD disease is caused by weakness or failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Symptoms include the acidic taste behind the mouth, heart burn, chest pain, difficult breathing and vomiting. Complication includes esophagitis, oesophageal strictures and barrettes oesophagus.
 Objective: The aim of this research was to introduce the symptoms of GERD disease in asthmatic patients and how these symptoms worsen the symptoms of asthma disease and what clinical pictures present with the asthmatic disease.
 Methodology: A designed performa was used to collect the data and after filling the performa, results were drawn and conclusion through the facts and the information given by patients.
 Results: In the present study among all 164 asthmatic patients, 70 (42.7%) patients showed dyspepsia, 58 (35.4%) were with chest burning, 23 (14%) were asking about chest pain, with acidic mouth taste were 39 (23.8%), 22 (13.4%) were feeling sore throat and 44 (26.8%) showed regurgitation reflex. Among these 164 patients 16 (9.8%) were smokers and 148 (90.2 %) were non-smokers. 47 (28.7%) were males and 117 (71.3%) were females.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that gastroesophageal reflux disease in asthmatic patients present symptoms of acidic mouth taste, chest burning, chest pain, dyspepsia, regurgitation reflex and sore throat.

Clinical Profile of patients with GERD attending Tertiary care hospital

The general consensus is those individuals who suffer from chronic GERD are most susceptible to BE and would therefore benefit from upper GI endoscopy. However factors involved in progression of BE to dysplasia and subsequent adenocarcinoma remain unclear and hence value of endoscopic surveillance remains point of discussion. Although screening for BE relies largely on established endoscopic techniques, it remains an area of contention for several reasons. 200 patients satisfying one inclusion criteria attending the OPD Hospital underwent treatment with PPI for 4 weeks and then were subjected to Endoscopy and Biopsy using a PENTAX EPK-700 Endoscope. The Gastroesophageal junction was first identified (in cm) by taking the upper incisor teeth as a reference point. According to our study GERD most commonly affects 30-45 year old male patients who smokes and alcohol intake. Regurgitation and Heart burns are most common presenting symptoms.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease complicated with Barrett′s esophagus

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease complicated with Barrett′s esophagus. Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 12 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease complicated with Barrett′s esophagus who were admitted to Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University between July 2012 to July 2016 were collected. Preoperative tests of patients included distal esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring, gastroscopy and upper gastroenterography. According to preoperative evaluation of patients, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was preferred, and laparoscopic Dor fundoplication was used for patients with discordant esophageal peristalsis function. Observation indicators: (1) surgical and postoperative recovery situations; (2) follow-up: ① subjective changes of reflux symptoms; ② distal esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring after operation; ③ progression of esophageal mucosal lesions. Patients were followed up using outpatient examination and telephone interview with questionnaire at one month after operation and gastroscopy every 6 months up to June 2018. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as ±s and measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range). Results (1) Surgical and postoperative recovery situations: of 12 patients, 7 underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and 5 underwent laparoscopic Dor fundoplication. Seven patients complicated with esophageal hiatal hernia underwent laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia, without conversion to open surgery. Operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss and duration of hospital stay were (98±21)minutes, (27±13)mL, (2.3±1.2)days. There were no intraoperative and postoperative severe complications in the 12 patients. (2) Follow-up: 12 patients were followed up for 20-42 months with a average time of 32 months. ① Subjective changes of reflux symptoms: 12 patients completed questionnaires at one month after operation. Scores of heartburn in the 12 patients were 0. Acid regurgitation in the 12 patients was relieved, requiring no acid-inhibitory drugs. Upper abdominal dull pain in 3/4 of the patients and retrosternal pain in 2 patients were relieved. Patients had mild dysphagia or abdominal distention at 2 weeks after operation and recovered to normal diet by dietary instruction within 4 weeks. Score of dysphagia was 2 (range, 0-4) and no patient need hospitalization or surgical treatment. Score of surgery satisfaction was 9 (range, 7-10) in the patients. ② Distal esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring after operation: lower esophageal sphincter pressure and DeMeester score were (12.8±2.8)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and 11±3 respectively. ③ Progression of esophageal mucosal lesions: 2 of 9 patients with short Barrett′s esophagus were detected complete regression of esophageal mucosal lesions at postoperative one year, 1 was detected partial regression of esophageal mucosal lesions at postoperative one year and 6 were detected no change at postoperative 2 years. One of 3 patients with long Barrett′s esophagus was detected partial regression of esophageal mucosal lesions at postoperative one year and 2 complicated with mild poor differentiation were detected no change at postoperative 2 years. Conclusion Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease complicated with Barrett′s esophagus can improve subjective symptom and objective markers of patients and provide satisfactory efficacy. Key words: Barrett′s esophagus; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Anti-reflux surgery; Fundoplication; Laparoscopy; Efficacy

A Rare Cause of Acute Pancreatitis

Energy Drinks (EDs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, but their safety profile is less well known. Case reports about the adverse effects of EDs are emerging Some known gastrointestinal adverse effects are dyspepsia, diarrhea and heart burn, all of which have been linked to excessive caffeine content. We report a rare case of acute pancreatitis from consumption of ED. A 27-year-old male with history of cholecystitis s/p cholecystectomy presented to Emergency department with epigastric abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting for one day. Of note patient had presented with acute pancreatitis (AP) 1 month prior when no clear etiology was found. History was negative for alcohol, recreational drug use, trauma or family history of pancreatitis but positive for excessive consumption of EDs up to 6 cans per day. Physical examination was unremarkable except for epigastric tenderness. Labs were significant for lipase 2,375 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 121 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 180 U/L and alkaline phosphatase 51 U/L. BMP, Lipid panel, Immunoglobulin G4 and urine toxicology were unremarkable. Computed tomography abdomen revealed common bile duct dilation of 10 mm but no choledocolithiasis (figure 1 and 2). Further work up with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed no obstruction, microlithiasis or ampullary abnormality (figure 3). Genetic mutations CFTR and PRSS were also negative. At this point etiology was thought to be excessive consumption of EDs. Use of EDs to improve stamina, performance and alertness has increased significantly in past two decades. To our knowledge there is only one more case report of EDs induced AP. This is a rare case showing association between acute pancreatitis and consumption of EDs. The mechanism how EDs cause pancreatitis is unclear and further research is warranted.

Epidemiology of Esophageal Cancer (EC) In Oromia Region, Ethiopia 2016: A 4-Year Medical Record Review

Background: It is difficult to determine the prevalence/incidence of EC without an established functional national cancer registry, which helps to demarcate the population at-risk and monitor cancer trends over time. The review of medical records can help to identify areas in a country with high number of diagnosed EC cases and help set public health priorities. Aim: To describe EC hospital case series during a period of 4 years at the main cancer treatment center in Ethiopia and two hospitals in the EC high-risk zones in the Oromia region, concentrating on residents of Oromia region and to offer recommendations for public health officials. Methods: All EC malignancy data from the period 2013-2016 were collected by reviewing patient charts at the selected hospitals: Tikur Anbessa Teaching hospital (TATH) in Addis Ababa, Adama General and Medical Teaching Hospital (AGMTH) and Adama Referral and Medical Teaching Hospital (ARMTH). Cases with insufficient residence information and residents of other regions were excluded from the summary. The number of EC cases is presented by age, sex and site as well as method of diagnosis. Data were expressed as percentages (%). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software. Results: Over the study period, a total of 669 EC cases who resided in Oromia region were identified in the selected hospitals out of 2211 registered in the referral surgical departments of hospitals in the study, with insignificant difference by sex. A total of 457 (68%) were residents from high risk Arsi/Bale zones and the rest 212 (32%) from other zones of the region. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.4 years with the majority of cases in the age range 45-69 years. A total of 34 (5%) EC cases were younger at diagnosis (15-29 years). A total of 258 (38.5%) cases were identified at TATH, 305 (46%) from AGHMT/ARHMT and 106 (16%) cases from both TATH/AGHMT. Data were gathered from patient charts at endoscopy departments 227 (34%), endoscopy and pathology departments 246 (37%) and all other sources (ie surgical department) 196 (29%). Most patients complained dysphagia for solids 664 (99%) and weight loss 352 (53%). Cases were histopathology proven (256, 38%), identified through endoscopy investigation (385, 58%) or radiology (28, 4%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histology type with 160 cases (62.5%) of those histologically proven. Among the total of 420 cases whose risk factor history was recorded, 401 (97%) had a previous history of digestive disease, 49% reported hot beverage consumption and 34% persistent heart burn. Conclusion: Two thirds of EC incident cases came from Arsi and Bale zones with decreasing trends over the period considered. Such trends warrant in depth investigation for possible reasons and future study to investigate local based risk factors associated with the disease.

EVALUATION OF CHLORIDE ABSORPTION IN PRE-CONDITIONED CONCRETE CUBES

The chloride contamination will occur from an application of de-icing salts. It was confirmed that, the application of de-icing salts caused a significant reduction in structural and serviceability reliabilities. The chemicals used in the snow and ice control operations (de-icers) may cause corrosion damage to the transportation infrastructure such as reinforced/pre-stressed concrete structures/steel bridges. There are many ways to manage the corrosive effects of de-icers, such as selection of high-quality concrete, adequate concrete cover and alternative reinforcement, control of an ingress and accumulation of deleterious species, injection of beneficial species into concrete, and use of non-corrosive de-icer alternatives and optimal application rates. In fact, snow and ice on streets and highway are a major threat to human life and limb. Traffic accidents and fatalities climb as snow and ice reduce traction on roadways. Lengthened emergency response times create additional risks for persons in urgent need of medical care, particularly in cases of heart attacks, burns, childbirth and poisoning. Thus the de-icing salts are necessary to provide safe winter driving conditions and save lives by preventing the freezing of a layer of ice on concrete infrastructure. However, the safety and sense of comfort provided by these salts is not without a price, as these salts can greatly contribute to the degradation and decay of reinforced concrete transportation systems. An importance of chloride concentration as a durability-based material property has received greater attention only after the revelation that chloride-induced corrosion is the major problem for concrete durability. Therefore, there is a need to quantify the chloride concentration in concrete which is of paramount importance. The present research work was made an attempt to interpret the concrete chloride absorption in ordered to characterize the different concrete mixtures design for in case of pre-conditioned concrete cubes such as dry/fully/partially saturated condition which was salt ponded with chloride solution for about 160 days. Thus the objectives of this present research are such as: First, this research will examine an influence of conditioning such as dry/fully/partially saturated condition on the results of chloride absorption performed on concrete cubes with different mixtures proportion in which slump, and w/c ratio value was varied with constant compressive strength as in the First case and compressive strength, and w/c ratio value varied with constant slump as in the Second case. Seventy-two concrete cubes (100 mm3) with Grades of concrete ranges from 25 to 40 N/mm2 were prepared and evaluate the chloride absorption under different exposure condition. It’s concluded from the results that, in dry/saturated conditioned concrete cubes, the chloride absorption value was increased in all designed mixtures type. Similarly, average chloride absorption was decreased in solvent/water based impregnation DCC/PSC/FSC cubes as when compared to control DCC/PSC/FSC cubes for constant higher compressive strength and varied slump value as well as varied compressive strength and constant slump value. Whereas average chloride absorption was increased in solvent/ water based impregnation DCC/PSC/FSC cubes for lesser compressive strength and constant slump value as when compared to constant higher compressive strength and varied slump value and the chloride absorption was goes on decreases with an increased compressive strength and constant slump value.

EVALUATION OF CHLORIDE ABSORPTION IN PRE-CONDITIONED CONCRETE CUBES

The chloride contamination will occur from an application of de-icing salts. It was confirmed that, the application of de-icing salts caused a significant reduction in structural and serviceability reliabilities. The chemicals used in the snow and ice control operations (de-icers) may cause corrosion damage to the transportation infrastructure such as reinforced/pre-stressed concrete structures/steel bridges. There are many ways to manage the corrosive effects of de-icers, such as selection of high-quality concrete, adequate concrete cover and alternative reinforcement, control of an ingress and accumulation of deleterious species, injection of beneficial species into concrete, and use of non-corrosive de-icer alternatives and optimal application rates. In fact, snow and ice on streets and highway are a major threat to human life and limb. Traffic accidents and fatalities climb as snow and ice reduce traction on roadways. Lengthened emergency response times create additional risks for persons in urgent need of medical care, particularly in cases of heart attacks, burns, childbirth and poisoning. Thus the de-icing salts are necessary to provide safe winter driving conditions and save lives by preventing the freezing of a layer of ice on concrete infrastructure. However, the safety and sense of comfort provided by these salts is not without a price, as these salts can greatly contribute to the degradation and decay of reinforced concrete transportation systems. An importance of chloride concentration as a durability-based material property has received greater attention only after the revelation that chloride-induced corrosion is the major problem for concrete durability. Therefore, there is a need to quantify the chloride concentration in concrete which is of paramount importance. The present research work was made an attempt to interpret the concrete chloride absorption in ordered to characterize the different concrete mixtures design for in case of pre-conditioned concrete cubes such as dry/fully/partially saturated condition which was salt ponded with chloride solution for about 160 days. Thus the objectives of this present research are such as: First, this research will examine an influence of conditioning such as dry/fully/partially saturated condition on the results of chloride absorption performed on concrete cubes with different mixtures proportion in which slump, and w/c ratio value was varied with constant compressive strength as in the First case and compressive strength, and w/c ratio value varied with constant slump as in the Second case. Seventy-two concrete cubes (100 mm3) with Grades of concrete ranges from 25 to 40 N/mm2 were prepared and evaluate the chloride absorption under different exposure condition. It’s concluded from the results that, in dry/saturated conditioned concrete cubes, the chloride absorption value was increased in all designed mixtures type. Similarly, average chloride absorption was decreased in solvent/water based impregnation DCC/PSC/FSC cubes as when compared to control DCC/PSC/FSC cubes for constant higher compressive strength and varied slump value as well as varied compressive strength and constant slump value. Whereas average chloride absorption was increased in solvent/ water based impregnation DCC/PSC/FSC cubes for lesser compressive strength and constant slump value as when compared to constant higher compressive strength and varied slump value and the chloride absorption was goes on decreases with an increased compressive strength and constant slump value.

Barrett’s Esophagus in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Barrett's esophagus a is metaplasia of normal squamous cells that line the lower part of the esophagus and carries a major risk for adenocarcinoma of esophagus. In Asian population, the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma are less common than in Western countries but has been increasing. This is a hospital based descriptive study comprising of 120 consecutive patients with symptoms of gastroesophagial reflux disease belonging to both sexes of any age group. The diagnosis of gastroesophagial reflux disease was based on the symptoms like heart burn and regurgitation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done in all the patients. Four quadrant biopsies were taken from the esophagogastric junction in suspected case of Barrett's esophagus. The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus was confirmed histopathologically. There were 44.2% males and 55.8% females, age ranging from 22 to 85 years mean being 44.33+13.37. Of them, gastroesophagial reflux disease was mild in 54.16%, moderate in 21.16% and severe in 16.66%. Upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed non erosive gastroesophagial reflux disease in 50%, erosive in 45%, hiatal hernias in 5% and Barrett's esophagus in 1.6%. Both patients with Barrett's esophagus were elderly and had short segment (<3cm) involvement with no evidence of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma histopathologically. Endoscopic surveillance with detailed inspection and systematic biopsies is recommended for most patients with Barrett's esophagus. Esophageal carcinoma if detected should be treated at the earliest.

Humans vs. Animals

Animals are creatures which cannot express their views, like-dislike, and feelings as Human beings. So, they are in most of cases ill-treated. Human as most intelligent creature can do whatever is his own benefit. Human Rights are the shield for humans to save him from any obligations. One Human treat animals with cruelty and others are just viewers of such act, just because they are also not at all aware about the Rights which are ensured for Animals also. My motive behind this Research paper is to make everyone aware about the Animal Rights. The heart burning question in today’s world in other words a debate now-a-days is Animal Rights Vs Human Rights. So in this paper, I want to share the ―Rights of Animal against Human Beings‖ and ―Rights of Human being against Animals‖.

Clinical effect of mosapride combined with rabeprazole in the treatment of elderly patients with reflux esophagitis

Objective To explore the clinical effect of mosapride combined with rabeprazole in the treatment of elderly patients with reflux esophagitis. Methods Clinical data of 126 elderly patients with reflux esophagitis were retrospectively studied.64 cases in the study group were treated with mosapride combined with rabeprazole, 62 cases in the control group were treated with mosapride combined with omeprazole.The clinical effects between the two groups were compared. Results Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in the scores of pain of patients with heartburn, acid reflux and chest between the two groups(t=0.512, 0.181, 0.228, all P>0.05). After treatment, the symptom scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(t=3.689, 4.892, 5.571, all P<0.01). The clinical symptoms and esophageal mucosal total effective rate in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group(96.88% vs.87.10%, 93.75% vs.80.65%, χ2=4.121, 4.479, all P<0.05). The scores of quality of life scale of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group in cognitive function, mental function, physical function and social function(t=4.920, 6.853, 4.153, 6.163, all P<0.01). Conclusion Mosapride combined with rabeprazole in the treatment of elderly patients with reflux esophagitis can effectively relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux and chest pain, help patients with mucosa recovery as soon as possible, improve the quality of life of patients, and it is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Esophagitis, peptic; Mosapride; Rabeprazole; Quality of life

May Fermented Baltic Sea Herring help in conditions of gut disorders, such as gastric catarrh and heartburn?

Bakground - It has been suggested that disruption of the gut microbiota can be significant with respect to pathological intestinal conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastric catarrh (GC), and heartburn (HB). Through history, an essential part of the colonization of the human gut took place by ingestion of food preserved by fermentation. The natural replenishment of microbes via food and beverage is today low because food is “sterilized” through boiling, broiling and pasteurization. Modulating the gut microbiota with fermented food products may hence be considered as a strategy to treat such conditions. Fermented Baltic Sea herring (FBSH) is an example of a Lactobacillus-fermented food product, which was tested in the present study. Methods - A 30-day open study was performed in 42 volunteers with IBS, GC, or HB. Volunteers were recruited by advertisements in daily newspapers. The volunteers were provided with gelatin capsules for the study, each containing approximately 100 mg freeze dried FBSH. They were also provided with forms that contained columns and rows for every test day where the volunteers were ask to fill in number of capsules taken, and to report possible improvements according to a 0-10 scale, where 10 stands for full recovery. Results - The most reported common disorder symptom was IBS and 7of 14 of these volunteers reported recovery, with a mean recovery of 4.4. Nine of 9 volunteers reported recovery from GC, with a mean recovery of 8.4. Five of 6 volunteers reported recovery from HB, with a mean recovery of 6.8. Conclusion - Although the present study is a small open study, the overall results are exciting and merits further studies in volunteers, ideally in a double-blind placebo-controlled manner.

A Study of Satirical Elements in Jonathan Swift’s The Battle of the Books

This article mainly focuses on satirical elements of Jonathan Swift’s The Battle of the Books which is comprised of five clearly distinguishable incidents. The main body of the satire is however preceded by the Bookseller’s notice to the reader and a very brief preface. The first of the five incidents that form the main body of the satire concerns the dispute between the ancients and the moderns for the rights to live on the highest peak of Parnassus. Before the actual dispute of warfare goes on among the dogs of the street. After having thus established want and lust as the main causes of quarrels, the satirist turns to disputes between the inhabitants of the moderns live on a lower peak. They cannot raise high through their own efforts and cannot see ancients enjoying a superior position. Jealousy and heart burning lie at the bottom of their hostile attitude towards the superior beings.

Comparative Study on Health Knowledge About Biochemical Effect of Chocolate on Human Health Among Females and Males of Hail University

Studies on adverse effects produced by chocolate warn consumers about harmful effects of consumption of large amounts of chocolate but there are more studies about benefits of chocolate. A few studies have documented allergic reactions with chocolate in children. It was found that Chocolate had harmful effect on heart and caused heart burn due to its content which cause relaxation of oesophageal sphincter muscle and permits entrance of stomach acidic contents to the oesophagus. Recently, chocolate products have attracted the attention of many researchers because of their nutritional and medicinal Properties. There are rarely published studies from Saudia Arabia exploring the awareness about benefits of chocolate consumption. So, the present study was conducted with the objectives of evaluating the knowledge about benefits of chocolate consumption among students of Hail University in Saudia Arabia. A survey was planned to evaluate health knowledge about biochemical effect of chocolate consumption on human health among females and males of Hail University in Saudia Arabia through a previously standardized questionnaire for questions related to their dietary habits, preferences, knowledge about benefits of chocolate consumption, its benefits effect on health, types of chocolates and frequency of consumption along with self-reported height and weight. Results of study reported the importance of increasing information about health benefits of chocolate consumption to correct people's thinking that the chocolate is harmful. Also, the current study compared between females and males of Hail University in their knowledge.

Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori among Patients undergoing Gastrodudenoscopy in a Hospital in Western Nepal

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) related chronic gastritis is a major health problem worldwide, specially in the developing countries. The prevalence of H. pylori infection has been reported to vary between and even within countries. There are limited data on this infection in Western Nepal. Our objective was to study the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its association with presenting complains and upper gastrointestinal diseases.&#x0D; Methods: Medical records of patients undergoing gastrodudenoscopy and biopsy for various upper gastrointestinal symptoms from 1st of January 2015 to 30th of June 2017 were reviewed for presence of H. pylori infection, demographics, indications for gastrodudenoscopy, and histopathology findings. T-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test were applied.&#x0D; Results: Two hundred fifty six patients (135 male and 121 female) with a mean age of 47 (SD = 16.5) underwent gastroscopic biopsy and had an overall H. pylori prevalence of 24.6%. H. pylori infection was most commonly noted between 41 to 60 years of age. Gender did not seem to be significantly associated (p = 0.82) but gastrointestinal bleed was significantly associated with H. pylori infection (p = 0.006). The most common histopathological diagnosis was gastritis followed by gastrodudenitis; however, none of the diagnosis were found to be significantly associated with H. pylori infection.&#x0D; Conclusion: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 24.6% and was most common between 40 to 60 years of age. Heart burn was the most common symptom and gastrointestinal bleed was the only significantly associated symptom with H. pylori infection.

Study of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Special Reference to Liver Enzyme and Radiological Finding

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a distinct hepatic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in liver cells; histologically resembling alcohol induced liver damage. The term NAFLD is used to describe a wide array of fatty liver changes from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in the absence, of excessive alcohol intake. Methods: 312 suspected patients of NAFLD above the age group of 15 and irrespective of sex were screened during the study. Total 60 patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria designed for our study. Further clinical (history, BMI, BP,etc.), biochemical (blood sugar profile, lipid profile, serum transaminases, Serum uric acid etc.), histopathological (liver biopsy) and radiological profiling (USG) was done. Result : Our 60 recruited patients had a mean age of 52.53±11.68 years with 21 (35%) male subjects and 39 (65%) female subjects. We found that fatigue, malaise and abdominal pain were the commonest whereas heart burn as the second commonest complain among the study group. Further clinical examination of 26 (43.3%) patients with RUQ abdominal pain revealed that 14 (53.8%) had abdominal tenderness, 10 (38.5%) had abdominal tenderness with hepatomegaly and 2 (7.7%) had no significant clinical findings. Our study revealed mean BMI to be 27±6.32 kg/m2 with more than half of our patients were pre-obese (33.3%) and obese (28.3%). Lipid profiling revealed 13 (21.7%) patients had hypertriglyceridemia. Serum transaminases revealed 22 (36.7%) and 39 (65%) had raised SGPT/ALT and SGOT/AST levels respectively. Ultrasonographically, 30 (50%) had grade-I, 23 (38.3%) had grade-II and 7 (11.7%) had grade-III fatty liver. Due to low patient compliance, only 3 (5%) had their liver biopsy done which revealed steatosis and dense fibrosis. Conclusion: Current absence of specific treatment further for NASH and NAFL emphasizes the need of healthy diet, yoga and daily exercise in order to control insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome.

Terminalia chebula Retz. – an important medicinal plant

SummaryAyurveda, whispered to be the ancient practice of healthcare existed and contributes a holistic approach to health, healing and longevity. Terminalia chebula Retz. is a popular plant and widely spread all over southern Asia. T. chebula is a native plant of India and its dried fruit is extensively used in various types of home remedies. Dried fruit of T. chebula contains high quantities phenolic compounds that consist of ellagic acid, gallic acid and chebulic acid. The fruit extract of T. chebula is known to display different biological properties like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-protozoal, antimicrobial, hepato and renal protective activities, and in the management of metabolic syndrome. The phenolic active compounds might play vital role in the influence of biological activity. Fruit extract of T. chebula is widely employed as an important ingredient in various ayurvedic preparations like ‘Triphala’. This formulation is beneficial as detoxifying agent of the colon, purgative in chronic constipation, aids in digestion and as a body rejuvenator. The fruit has great medicinal significance and conventionally applied for the management of various illness conditions, such as sore throat, high cough, asthma, ulcers, gout, heart burn, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding piles and bladder diseases. It is also utilized as mild laxative, antispasmodic and stomachic. Because of these enormous medicinal properties, T. chebula is commonly termed as ‘King of Medicine’ in Tibet and can be called as a ‘wonder herb’. In the present review, recent advances in medicinal properties of T. chebula are discussed.

Supernova's heartburn may have kept it burning bright

Supernova's heartburn may have kept it burning bright

PREVALENCE OF COMMON INTESTINAL PARASITES IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION

The present study investigated the prevalence of common intestinal parasites in association with H. pylori infection among a group of patients with the most common chronic disease prevalent in Egypt. These patients were known to be chronic liver disease with different etiology and followed up in gastroenterology out-patients clinic. They were 77 complaining of various abdominal symptoms either some or all symptoms such as; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heart burn, flatulence, constipation, distension, melena and sometimes diarrhea. The diagnosis of chronic liver disease was confirmed by the history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and sonographic images. There were 37 males and 40 females with mean age (48.5+14.2). Types of liver diseases were liver cirrhosis in 28 patients and fatty liver in 49 patients (Non Alcoholic Fatty liver disease; NAFLD). None of the patients was diabetic. Afresh single fecal sample was collected from both patients and controls. Each sample was divided into two parts; one for examination of common intestinal parasites, and the other part for detection of H. pylori antigen by Copro-immunoassay. The results showed no significant difference among intestinal parasites in patients and controls. But, E. histolytic was the commonest parasite (48%) compared to; G. lamblia (4%), A. lumbricoides (5.3%), E. vermicularis (2.7%), S. mansoni (1.3%), 2/3 of patients with E. histolylica were co-infected with H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was (81.8%) compared to controls (63%), with significant difference.

Prevalence of Common Intestinal Parasites in Adult Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases Associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infection

The present study investigated the prevalence of common intestinal parasites in association with H. pylori infection among a group of patients with the most common chronic disease prevalent in Egypt. These patients were known to be chronic liver disease with different etiology and followed up in gastroenterology out-patients clinic. They were 77 complaining of various abdominal symptoms either some or all symptoms such as; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heart burn, flatulence, constipation, distension, melena and sometimes diarrhea. The diagnosis of chronic liver disease was confirmed by the history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and sonographic images. There were 37 males and 40 females with mean age (48.5+14.2). Types of liver diseases were liver cirrhosis in 28 patients and fatty liver in 49 patients (Non Alcoholic Fatty liver disease; NAFLD). None of the patients was diabetic. Afresh single fecal sample was collected from both patients and controls. Each sample was divided into two parts; one for examination of common intestinal parasites, and the other part for detection of H. pylori antigen by Copro-immunoassay. The results showed no significant difference among intestinal parasites in patients and controls. But, E. histolytic was the commonest parasite (48%) compared to; G. lamblia (4%), A. lumbricoides (5.3%), E. vermicularis (2.7%), S. mansoni (1.3%), 2/3 of patients with E. histolylica were co-infected with H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was (81.8%) compared to controls (63%), with significant difference.