Presence Of Gastric Ulcer Research Articles

Presence of Gastric Ulcers in Horses Used for Historical Races in Italy.

Equine Gastric Ulcers Syndrome (EGUS) is a worldwide disease present in equids of different breeds, activity levels, and age groups. It is divided into two different illnesses: Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) affecting the squamous mucosa and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) affecting the glandular mucosa. The historical horserace is a traditional competition that is common in Italy. They can be divided into two different types: speed races and jousting tournaments. Anglo-Arabians and Thoroughbreds are used for the two competitions with training and management systems similar to those used in races performed on a racetrack. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESGD and EGGD in horses used for historical horseracing and evaluate the differences in the presence of the diseases in animals of the two different breeds used for the two types of competition. A cohort of 73 horses was enrolled in this study, which were stabled in 10 training facilities and performed two jousting tournaments and one speed race. An ESGD at least of grade 2 was found in 88% of horses with all degrees of severity seen; EGGD was diagnosed in 45% of animals. In this cohort of horses, the presence and severity of ESGD and EGGD are similar to that in reports in racehorses performing on racetracks. Anglo-Arabians used for speed races are more affected by ESGD and EGGD, which is probably because they are involved in a higher number of races and travel more during the year compared to Thoroughbreds used for jousting competitions.

Association between the levels of serum cortisol and the presence of gastric ulcers in working mules

Association between the levels of serum cortisol and the presence of gastric ulcers in working mules

PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN E AND VITAMIN C ON MORPHOLOGY OF GASTRIC MUCOSAL INJURY INDUCED BY ASPIRIN IN ALBINO RATS

Background: Peptic ulcer has become an immense problem in our health care system. One of the major cause being the overuse of NSAIDs in Pakistan.
 Objective: To evaluate gastro protection by Vitamin E, Vitamin C and combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on morphology of aspirin induced gastric mucosal injury in albino rats.
 Methodology: 45 adult albino rats were taken and organized into 5 groups. Control was formed by Group I. Group II was given aspirin. Group III was given Vitamin C and aspirin. Group IV was given Vitamin E and aspirin. Group V received Vitamin C, Vitamin E and aspirin. All the doses were given for 14 days. Rats were then sacrificed after 24 hours and their stomachs were examined to compare the gross and histological findings regarding the colour of the gastric mucosa, presence of gastric ulcer, site of the ulcer, epithelial integrity and extent of the ulcer.
 Results: Increased frequency of ulcers extending into the submucosa were found in group given aspirin as compared to the rest of the groups. The group that was given combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C along with aspirin showed significantly better condition than all the groups by showing normal mucosa and intact epithelium in most of the animals.
 Conclusion: Combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C has greater defensive effect on aspirin induced gastric mucosal insult than Vitamin C or Vitamin E alone by showing reduction in frequency and severity of gastric ulcer.

Gastric ulcers with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2

A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified earlier this year and spread rapidly globally. The clinical manifestations that it produces have gradually become known and the typical clinical picture is respiratory. Although gastrointestinal symptoms have been described in several communications, information on endoscopic findings in these patients is practically zero. We describe two cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19. In both cases, the presence of gastric ulcers was identified in an unusual location, the gastric fundus. After ruling out malignancy, our suspicion was an ischemic etiology that is consistent with terminal gastric vascularization at the gastric fundus level and increased thrombotic phenomena in patients with COVID-19.

Indicators of trypsin-like activity of mixed saliva after installing the endosseous implants in the presence of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer

The trypsin-like activity of mixed saliva in orthopedic patients after implant placement was monitored. Proved negative impact on the processes of repair of background somatic pathology (peptic ulcers and 12 duodenal ulcers), justify the application of immunomodulator "Erbisol" as a drug that speeds up the repair processes during implantation. At present, the relevant issues are those related to the development of inflammatory complications at the stage of rehabilitation of patients, especially in the presence of somatic pathology and the study of the tissue complex of the implantation zone. Peptic ulcer disease occupies one of the main places in the structure of lesions of the digestive system. The close interdependence between the pathology of internal organs and the oral cavity is confirmed by numerous observations and studies.Implant placement is accompanied by changes in the enzymatic activity of mixed saliva. The presence of somatic pathology (ulcerative disease of the stomach and 12 duodenal ulcers) often leads to more long-term violations of the enzymatic activity of saliva. The use of the drug "Erbisol" in orthopedic dentistry accelerates the repair process, as evidenced by the earlier periods of normalization of the enzymatic activity of mixed saliva, after the installation of implants.Regular and timely monitoring of the condition of the periarticular tissues, as well as objective diagnosis of early inflammatory complications, are necessary to ensure the reliability and long-term functioning of prosthetic structures installed on implants in the oral cavity.It can be concluded that the purpose of our study was to study the trypsin-like activity (TPA) of mixed saliva after implant placement on the background of somatic pathology.

Bleeding risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome: data from observational studies ORACUL II

Aim.To identify the risk factors for bleeding of BARC scale 2-5 types in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Material and methods.The data of 1502 patients from the open multicenter study, ORACUL II, were used — 894 men (59,5%) and 608 women (40,5%), mean age — 65,7±12,9 years. Five hundred sixty (37,3%) patients had ACS with ST-segment elevation and 942 (62,7%) — ACS without ST-segment elevation. Bleeding was recorded in 164 patients (10,9%), including index admission — in 39 (2,6%) patients, of which severe (types 3-5) — 0,5%, significant — 1,7% (types 2-5).Results.Within a year after discharge, bleeding was observed in 126 (8,4%) patients, large — 0,8%, significant — 2,4%. The development of bleeding type 2-5 was associated with the presence of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding in history, decreased creatinine, hemoglobin clearance, age of patients, the use of anticoagulants in the composition of triple or double antithrombotic therapy, conducting of percutaneous interventional procedures, the presence of heart failure 2-4 Killip class at admission. ROC analysis showed that the predictive value of the ORACLE bleeding risk scale is 0,762, sensitivity — 62%, specificity — 78%.Conclusion.Thus, we based on routine clinical practice have created a simple scale for assessing the risk of bleeding in patients with ACS.

Machine learning model to predict recurrent ulcer bleeding in patients with history of idiopathic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding.

Patients with a history of Helicobacter pylori-negative idiopathic bleeding ulcers have an increased risk of recurring ulcer complications. To build a machine learning model to identify patients at high risk for recurrent ulcer bleeding. Data from a retrospective cohort of 22854 patients (training cohort) diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease in 2007-2016 were analysed to build a model (IPU-ML) to predict recurrent ulcer bleeding. We tested the IPU-ML in all patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding (n=1265) in 2008-2015 from a different catchment population (independent validation cohort). Any co-morbid conditions which had occurred in >1% of study population were eligible as predictors. Recurrent ulcer bleeding developed in 4772 patients (19.5%) in the training cohort, during a median follow-up period of 2.7years. IPU-ML model built on six parameters (age, baseline haemoglobin, and presence of gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal diseases, malignancies, and infections) identified patients with bleeding recurrence within 1year with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.648. When we set the IPU-ML cutoff valueat 0.20,27.5% of patients were classifiedas high risk for rebleeding with a sensitivity of 41.4%, specificity of 74.6%, and a negative predictive value of 91.1%. In the validation cohort, the IPU-ML identified patients with a recurrence ulcer bleeding within 1year with an AUROC of 0.775, and 84.3% of overall accuracy. We developed a machine-learning model to identify those patients with a history of idiopathic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding who are not at high risk for recurrent ulcer bleeding.

A study of associations between gastric ulcers and the behaviour of finisher pigs

Gastric ulcers are a common condition in finisher pigs. A study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that gastric ulceration alters the behaviour of finisher pigs. Two one-hour observations (from video recordings) of home pen behaviour were conducted in finisher pigs, at two farms (one in Denmark and one in Scotland), in the days immediately prior to slaughter. Stomach condition was assessed post mortem according to a pre-established ulcer score index. The behaviour of pigs with healthy stomachs (n = 36) was compared with the behaviour of pigs with deep ulceration of the pars oesophagea (n = 26). Assessment of various predefined postures and behaviours was made by an observer blind to the gastric ulcer status of the observed pigs. Behavioural data from the two sites were combined in a single analysis. Pigs with gastric ulcers tended to spend less time idle (p = 0.081) and less time lying on their left side (p = 0.064), and significantly more time standing (p = 0.009), or walking (p = 0.038) compared to healthy pigs. Pigs with ulcers also showed an increased frequency of posture changes (p = 0.02). A decrease in time spent lying on the left and an increase in standing/walking could both be interpreted as attempts to avoid liquid gastric contents pooling in the cranial region of the stomach. This along with the higher level of posture changes observed may indicate some degree of pain/discomfort associated with the presence of gastric ulcers in pigs. This study is the first to identify apparent behavioural differences between finisher pigs with or without gastric ulcers, and further work is needed to establish to what extent the apparent behavioural differences are a consequence of pain or discomfort for the animals concerned. Since gastro-oesophageal ulceration of pigs is associated with pelleting and fine grinding of feed which in turn is linked to increased growth efficiency there may be a dilemma between on one hand concern for preventing gastric ulcers and on the other hand concern for the efficiency and sustainability of pig production.

DESCRIPTION OF GASTRIC ULCERS AND OF THEIR SUSPECTED, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN DECEASED WILD EQUIDS AT THE RÉSERVE AFRICAINE DE SIGEAN, FRANCE (2010-2016).

Gastric ulcers are common in domestic horses and foals, affecting at least 90% of unmedicated racehorses in active training. Despite these high prevalences in domestic horses, literature about this condition in wild equids is almost nonexistent. The presence of gastric ulcers was evaluated at necropsy in six species of wild equids that died at the Réserve Africane de Sigean, a safari park in the south of France from 2010 to 2016. Among the 55 individuals that died during that period, a description of the gastric mucosa was available in 82% (45/55) of cases. Considering the cases for which a description of the gastric mucosa was available, the prevalence of gastric ulcers was 64% (29/45). The highest prevalences were noted in Grant's zebra (Equus quagga boehmi) and Hartmann's mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae) at 83% and 100%, respectively. In contrast to what is reported in domestic foals, gastric ulcerations were only diagnosed in one foal (out of 11 foals necropsied). The higher prevalence was noted in young individuals (3-36 mo old) at 93% (14/15); the lesions observed consisted mainly of single to multiple, superficial lesions, of which, only the mucosa was missing; these superficial lesions are often considered not clinically significant. The prevalence was lower for adults (74%; 14/19), but lesions were deeper or with a hyperemic or inflammatory appearance. All the lesions observed were located in the gastric, nonglandular, stratified squamous mucosa, along the margo plicatus. No statistical correlation could be found between the development of gastric ulcers and an ongoing, chronic pathologic process or a digestive tract pathology. The detection of gastric ulcers was, therefore, significantly greater in wild equids isolated in smaller enclosures. Nevertheless, additional larger-scale research is needed to point out predisposing factors in equids under human care.

Helicobacter suis induces changes in gastric inflammation and acid secretion markers in pigs of different ages

Gastric mRNA expression of markers for acid secretion and inflammation and presence of gastric ulceration was studied in naturally Helicobacter suis-infected and non-infected 2–3 months old, 6–8 months old and adult pigs. In H. suis-infected 2–3 months old pigs, IL-8 and IL-1β transcript levels were upregulated in the pyloric gland zone, indicating an innate immune response. A similar response was demonstrated in the fundic gland zone of adult pigs, potentially due to a shift of H. suis colonization from the pyloric to the fundic gland zone. A Treg response in combination with decreased expressions of IL-8, IL-17A and IFN-γ was indicated to be present in the H. suis-infected 6–8 months old pigs, which may have contributed to persistence of H. suis. In H. suis-infected adult pigs, a Treg response accompanied by a Th17 response was indicated, which may have played a role in the decreased number of H. suis bacteria in the stomach of this age group. The decreased G-cell mass and upregulated expression of somatostatin indicated decreased acid secretion in H. suis-infected 6–8 months old pigs. In H. suis-infected adult pigs, upregulation of most markers for gastric acid secretion and increased G-cell mass was detected. Presence of severe hyperkeratosis and erosions in the non-glandular part of the stomach were mainly seen in the H. suis-positive groups. These results show that H. suis infection affects the expression of markers for acid secretion and inflammation and indicate that these effects differ depending on the infection phase.

Dietary Composition Influences Incidence of Helicobacter pylori-Induced Iron Deficiency Anemia and Gastric Ulceration

Epidemiologic studies have provided conflicting data regarding an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in humans. Here, a Mongolian gerbil model was used to investigate a potential role of H. pylori infection, as well as a possible role of diet, in H. pylori-associated IDA. Mongolian gerbils (either H. pylori infected or uninfected) received a normal diet or one of three diets associated with increased H. pylori virulence: high-salt, low-iron, or a combination of a high-salt and low-iron diet. In an analysis of all infected animals compared to uninfected animals (independent of diet), H. pylori-infected gerbils had significantly lower hemoglobin values than their uninfected counterparts at 16 weeks postinfection (P < 0.0001). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin values were significantly lower in H. pylori-infected gerbils than in uninfected gerbils, consistent with IDA. Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were also detected in infected gerbils, indicating the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. In comparison to uninfected gerbils, H. pylori-infected gerbils had a higher gastric pH, a higher incidence of gastric ulcers, and a higher incidence of fecal occult blood loss. Anemia was associated with the presence of gastric ulceration but not gastric cancer. Infected gerbils consuming diets with a high salt content developed gastric ulcers significantly more frequently than gerbils consuming a normal-salt diet, and the lowest hemoglobin levels were in infected gerbils consuming a high-salt/low-iron diet. These data indicate that H. pylori infection can cause IDA and that the composition of the diet influences the incidence and severity of H. pylori-induced IDA.

Comment on "Trichobezoar Causing Airway Compromise during Esophagogastroduodenoscopy".

We read with great interest the article by Kao et al. [1] published in the September 2015 issue of Case Reports in Medicine, which highlighted how important is the careful attention to airway management during esophagogastroduodenoscopy for removal of a trichobezoar and similar foreign body. However, until today, it is still controversial which is the best option for the treatment of gastric bezoar. Endoscopic therapy can be efficient for bezoars composed of milk curd (lactobezoars) and vegetable matter (phytobezoars) because usually they are small in size, but it is difficult to be efficient for trichobezoars, especially those that are large (>20 cm) [2]. Several factors should be taken into consideration before the final decision, such as the presence of complications and the trichobezoar's consistency as well as the size and localization. The complications during the esophagogastroduodenoscopy for removal of a trichobezoar are estimated which are not uncommon but just unreported. Park et al. [3] have reported a 12.8% morbidity rate for endoscopic treatments of 39 patients. In another earlier study, Erzurumlu et al. [4] reported a 14% endoscopic morbidity rate, while Spyridon et al. [5] have reported only 11% morbidity rate. The most common complications that have been reported after treatment are bleeding, obstruction, ileus, fever, and perforation. Last but not least, piecemeal removal of large size lesions should be avoided because secondary bezoars are possible to migrate leading to more complications. According to our experience with similar cases which were treated by surgical treatment, the combination of trichobezoars and gastric ulcers is very common [6]. In this case report, the authors do not mention if they repeat gastroscopy after the extraction of the trichobezoar, or if they intend to do so at the follow-up. Many cases related to trichobezoars are presented to the emergency department with symptoms of perforative acute abdomen and epigastric mass [7]. According to the literature, the presence of gastric ulcers simultaneously with trichobezoars is not an uncommon combination, which means that it is necessary for the surgeon to inspect carefully for peptic ulceration after the extraction of the trichobezoar. While it is certainly true that endoscopic approach has excellent results for small trichobezoars (i.e., <6 cm), for larger masses, surgical approach is simple, with high success rate and low complication rate. Furthermore, elective laparotomy gives to the surgeon the chance to examine carefully the total gastrointestinal track for possible satellites.

Dosimetric and Clinical Predictors of Nausea and Vomiting: An Exploratory Analysis of a Prospective Phase I/II Trial With Neoadjuvant Accelerated Short Course Radiation Therapy With Capecitabine for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Dosimetric predictors of nausea and vomiting in the setting of hypofractionated radiation therapy to the pancreas are not well elucidated. We performed an exploratory analysis to identify dose-volume parameters of normal organ structures and clinical factors that might predict for nausea, using percent weight loss during treatment as a surrogate marker. A retrospective analysis was performed of 50 patients with localized, resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma of the head who were prospectively treated on a phase I/II protocol between 2007 and 2010. During the phase I portion of the study, proton beam radiation was delivered in a progressively accelerated course to the gross tumor volume and regional lymph nodes starting at 3 CGE x 10 given daily over two weeks (n = 3), to 5 CGE x 5 given daily within 2 weeks (n = 6), to the maximum tolerated dose of 5 CGE x 5 given daily within one week (n = 41). All patients received concurrent and adjuvant capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily) followed by surgery. Calculations of Kendall's tau coefficients were performed to determine correlation of dosimetric parameters of irradiated normal tissue structures including stomach, duodenum, liver, small and large bowels to percent weight loss. We also evaluated potential correlation of clinical factors including gender, BMI, alcohol use, prior history of abdominal surgery, diabetes, and presence of gastric ulcers on endoscopy to percent weight loss. Forty-nine patients had weights recorded both at the start and within seven days of radiation completion and were included in this analysis. Mean percent weight loss at the end of radiation was 1.1%±1.9 (SD). Duodenum maximal dose (Dmax, Kendall's τ coefficient 0.23, p = 0.024), volume of duodenum that received 30 Gy or higher (V30, τ = 0.28, p = 0.017), and volume of large bowel that received 10 Gy or higher (V10, τ = 0.21, p = 0.040) were all directly associated with percent weight loss. Mean duodenal Dmax and V30 were 27.3 Gy (range, 25.9-32.5) and 7.9 Gy (range, 0-100), respectively, while mean large bowel V10 was 13.5% (range, 0-50). On multiple regression analysis, female gender (estimated regression coefficient 1.34, p = 0.033) also predicted higher percent weight loss. Hypofractionated radiation to the duodenum and large bowel, in particular duodenal Dmax and V30 and large bowel V10, are directly associated with percent weight loss during radiation treatment. While these findings require validation, they suggest dosimetric constraints that should be considered to minimize the risk of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting.

Mo1565 Helicobacter pylori Infection and Development of Gastric Cancer a 10-Year Follow-up Population-Based Study in a High Incidence Area

Backgrounds & Aim: H. pylori (HP) infection is the most important etiology of gastric cancer (GC) in the world but it causes GC in only a minority of those infected .Eradication of HP can decrease the development of GC only in the subgroup of HP infected subjects without precancerous lesions. Strategies of HP eradication is still not well defined in countries with high mortality rates secondary to GC with almost universal HP infection in adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictors of GC in an adult population with almost universal HP infection in an area with highest rate of gastric cancer in the world. Methods: 1011 healthy subjects 40 years and older, permanent residents of Ardabil and Meshkinshahr districts in northwest Iran, were randomly selected and enrolled in an endoscopic screening study during 2000 to 2001 year. Data on demographics and potential risk factors were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with multiple biopsy sampling was performed to detect HP infection and endoscopic precancerous lesions.Participants have been followed up until 2011. During followup period data on the occurrence of GC, mortality, and cause of death were obtained from cancer and death registries, and when neccessary by direct contacting to participants, and their families. The cumulative incidence and person-time incidence rate were calculated. The effect of other risk factors in addition to H. pylori infection on the risk of GC development were estimated by fitting multivariate hazard model using Cox proportional regression analysis, and were presented as hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 96% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: During 10-year follow up, 36 participants (3.6%) developed GC yielding an incidence rate of 3.6 per 1000 person-years. The significant risk factors of GC included age over 50 (HR 4.8; 95%CI 1.4-16.2), a positive family history of stomach cancer (6.4; 3.1-13.1), smoking (5.7; 2.5-12.6), gastric atrophy (2.3; 1.0-5.1), intestinal metaplasia (4.5; 2.3-8.9) and presence of gastric ulcer (4.8; 1.9-11.5). Joint presence of precancerous lesion and one of the other risk factors significantly increased risk of stomach cancer as (46.5; 10.8-98.6) for a positive family history of stomach cancer; (27.6; 6.5-116.4) for smoking and (25.1; 16.3-105.3) for age>50. Conclusion: Combining the information on family history, lifestyle risk factors and the type of precancerous lesion may be helpful in order to identify high risk HP infected patients who need more intensive surveillance for early detection of GC. Key words: Stomach cancer, Precancerous lesions, Risk factors, H. pylori, Ardabil,Iran.

Treatment with histamine‐type 2receptor antagonists and omeprazole increase the risk of diarrhoea in neonatal foals treated in intensive care units

The use of anti-ulcer medication in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) is common due to the concern for development of catastrophic gastric ulcerdisease. In man, however, the use of acid-suppressive medication has been shown in some studies to be a substantial riskfactorfor the development of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), bacteraemia and neonatal sepsis. The purpose of the study reported herein is to evaluate the influence of anti-ulcer medications on the development of diarrhoea in the neonatalfoal. The use of anti-ulcer medication does not alter the incidence of diarrhoea in foals treated in an ICU. The records of 1710 foals from 6 different equine hospitals were examined and the use of anti-ulcer drugs was recorded. The presence of in-hospital acquired diarrhoea, CDAD, Clostridium perfringens-associated diarrhoea, neonatal sepsis and salmonellosis were documented. In addition, the presence of gastric ulceration, duration of hospital stay and short-term outcome were examined. The use of anti-ulcer medications increased the odds of in-hospital diarrhoea by 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-2.9; P < 0.0001), relative to the use of no anti-ulcer medication. There was no significant association of anti-ulcer medication with CDAD (P = 0.3189) (OR 2.0; 95% CI 0.4-9.5). Further, results indicated that decreased prevalence of gastric ulceration was not associated with use of anti-ulcer drugs among foals in the study for which these data were known (P = 0.5522). Use of anti-ulcer drugs increases the odds of developing diarrhoea, and may not reduce the incidence of gastric ulceration in hospitalised equine neonates. The use of anti-ulcer drugs in neonatal foals being treated in a hospital setting should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis to determine if such use is warranted.

Efficacy of Omeprazole Paste in the Prevention of Gastric Ulcers in 2 Years Old Thoroughbreds

Prevalence of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in 85 young Thoroughbreds was investigated. The presence of gastric ulcers was confirmed in 27.1% (23/85) of the horses by endoscopic examination. Sixty-two horses without gastric ulcers were allocated randomly to either the treated group (31 horses) or sham-dosed control group (31 horses) in order to investigate the efficacy of omeprazole oral paste in the prevention of gastric ulcers. At the second endoscopic examination conducted after 28 days of administration, only 1 horse in the treated group developed gastric ulcers, while 12 horses developed gastric ulcers in the control group. Based on these data, the efficacy of omeprazole in prevention of equine gastric ulcers in young Thoroughbreds during the training period was confirmed.

Prevalence of gastric squamous ulceration in horses with abdominal pain

Prevalence of gastric ulcerations differs widely according to breed and circumstances of management. Further study of the biological variables involved is required in order to identify more exactly the reasons for the reported range. The objectives of this present study, which do not appear to have been addressed previously in the literature, were 1) the prevalence of gastric ulceration in horses with abdominal pain. 2) difference in prevalence in horses responding to medical therapy and those requiring surgical intervention. 3) whether gastric ulceration is associated with any particular gastrointestinal tract lesion. Horses were included in the study if gastroscopy was performed within 24 h of presentation. The presence and grade of gastric ulceration was recorded together with the medical records. Data were analysed categorically using a Fisher's exact test or Chi-squared test. One hundred horses met the selection criteria. Forty-nine percent (49/100) of horses had gastric ulceration, 63% (63/100) responded to medical therapy and 37% (37/100) to surgical intervention, and prevalence was higher in the former (59%) than the latter (32%). Horses with duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (DPJ) had a trend towards higher prevalence of gastric ulceration compared to those with other GI lesions. Sixty-eight percent (13/19) of horses diagnosed with DPJ, 32% (8/25) with a large colon impaction and 14% (1/7) with large colon volvulus had gastric ulceration. The presence of gastric ulceration in all horses with abdominal pain was moderate. Horses responding to medical therapy had a higher prevalence of gastric ulceration compared to horses requiring surgery and there was a trend towards higher prevalence in cases of DPJ compared to other GI lesions. There was not a statistically significant difference in gastric ulceration detected between specific lesions, including large colon impactions and large colon volvulus. The clinical relevance of ulceration is still unclear and further studies are required to differentiate between incidental and clinically important gastric ulceration.

Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue and gastric mucosa: is there a relation with gastric ulceration?

BackgroundBoth in vitro and epidemiological studies indicate that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids may play a protective role against peptic ulcer in humans. Adipose tissue fatty acid composition is thought to reflect dietary fatty acid intake. The aim of the present study is to investigate adipose and gastric mucosa fatty acid levels in relation to gastric ulceration status.MethodsFifty two adult outpatients undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy participated in the study. Adipose tissue samples were taken from the abdomen and buttock during the endoscopy procedure and samples from gastric tissue were taken from a subsample of 30 subjects. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was determined using the CLO test. Capillary gas chromatography was used for the extraction of 36 and 42 adipose tissue and gastric mucosa lipids respectively.ResultsThe monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) C18:1n-12c, C16:1n-5, C16:4n-1 and the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) C16:3n-4, C20:3n-3, C20:4n-6, C21:5n-3 and C18:2n-9c,12t of the gastric mucosa were present in higher proportions in ulcer negative patients. These unsaturated fatty acids, however, each contributed less than 1% on average to total fatty acid content. In addition, higher average levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) C20:5n-3 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) C22:6n-3 were detected in abdominal and buttock samples in CLO negative controls, compared to CLO positive controls. Adipose tissue and gastric mucosa n-6 and trans fatty acid levels were positively linearly correlated (r = 0.37 and 0.41 for n-6 and trans fatty acids respectively).ConclusionCertain minor MUFAs and PUFAs of the gastric mucosa appear to be present in higher proportions in ulcer negative patients. Overall, the findings provide only weak evidence of an association between the gastric mucosal fatty acids and the presence of gastric ulceration. The higher average levels of EPA and DHA in abdominal and buttock adipose tissue in CLO negative controls could be an indicator that dietary FAs inhibit Helicobacter pylori growth. Larger studies are necessary to provide evidence of a biologically relevant effect.

Prevalence of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred broodmares in pasture: A preliminary report

Gastroscopic examinations were performed in 62 Thoroughbred broodmares (33 pregnant, 29 non-pregnant) at one breeding farm to investigate the prevalence of gastric ulceration. Age, pregnancy status, race earnings, last race start, herd size, medical history, number of live foals, breeding years, feed type and number of feedings were recorded, plus coat condition and body condition score were determined. Twenty-one mares were re-evaluated after foaling, and the foaling date, foal weight at birth and placenta weight were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastric ulcers was 70.9%, with a median ulcer score of 3.0 (range: 2–5). Most ulcers were present on the squamous portion of the stomach, while two mares had glandular ulcers. There were no differences in the presence, location and severity of gastric ulcers between pregnant and non-pregnant mares. Furthermore, there were no significant associations between the variables measured and the presence of gastric ulceration. The prevalence of gastric ulceration in this specific population of horses was higher than expected and further investigation is warranted to determine the factors that contributed to this finding.

W1073 Analysis of the Predictive Value of Alarm Symptoms in the Diagnosis of Gastric Malignancy in the Presence of Gastric Ulceration

W1073 Analysis of the Predictive Value of Alarm Symptoms in the Diagnosis of Gastric Malignancy in the Presence of Gastric Ulceration