Watery Diarrhea Syndrome Research Articles

Досвід застосування пробіотика Bacillus clausii UBBC-07 при гострій водянистій діареї в дітей раннього віку в умовах стаціонарного відділення

Acute watery diarrhea in children remains an urgent problem in pediatrics due to its high prevalence and high mortality rates at an early age. Modern treatment protocols provide for a comprehensive approach to the treatment of patients. However, the main method of treatment of diarrhea - oral rehydration, does not allow for the stoppage of the progression of gastroenteritis, of the elimination of the imbalance of microflora and intestinal dysfunction. Such tasks can be solved thanks to the use of probiotics, which are recommended as a component of auxiliary therapy for children with acute infectious diarrhea. Purpose - to conduct a comprehensive clinical and epidemiological analysis of the results of the use of the spore-forming probiotic Bacillus clausii (B. clausii) strain UBBC-07 (Lactiale Germina) in the complex treatment of hospitalized young children with acute infectious watery diarrhea syndrome. Materials and methods. 85 children with acute infectious non-inflammatory diarrhea were comprehensively examined. 2 clinical groups were formed. The Group I - 50 hospitalized children (average age 3.1±0.4 years, the proportion of boys - 64.0%), who received 1 bottle of Lactiale Germina 1 time/day in complex treatment (5 ml=2×109 CFU B. clausii endospores). The Group II included 35 patients (average age 2.4±0.4 years (p>0.05), the share of boys - 54.3% (p>0.05)); who received standard treatment according to existing standards. According to the main clinical characteristics, the comparison groups can be considered comparable. Results. The analysis of the conducted studies established that the use of Lactial Germin increased the chances of a three-fold reduction in the frequency of bowel movements on the 4th day (absolute risk increase (ARI) - 27.0%, relative risk increase (RRI) - 34.6 (95% CI: 25.4-44.8) with the minimum number of patients who need to be treated to obtain a positive result (MNP) - 2.9 (95% CI: 0.5-8.6), led to the absence of the symptom of vomiting already for the 3rd day of inpatient treatment (ARI - 9.0%, RRI - 37.5 (95% CI: 28.0-47.7) with MNP - 2.7 (95% CI: 0.4-8.1), increased the chances of a lower need for long-term (≥3 days) parenteral rehydration (ARI - 12.9%, RRI - 13.7% (95% CI: 7.6-22.1) with MNP - 7.3 (95% CI: 2.9-14.3) and reduced the risk of needing to use antidiarrheal agents (relative risk - 3.2 (95% CI: 2.6-3.9) with an odds ratio - 7.1 (95% CI: 3,4-14,7)). Conclusions. Food supplement Lactiale Germina (probiotic strain B. clausii strain UBBC-07) in the complex treatment of children with acute watery diarrhea is effective and safe with good tolerability and rapid rates of clinical recovery. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Pre-treatment with phages achieved greater protection of mice against infection with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli than post-treatment

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a group of pathogen that can cause various diseases in both humans and animals, such as watery diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and uremia syndrome. Due to the serious situation of antibiotic resistance, phage therapy is considered to have a great potential in combating bacterial diseases. In this study, three phages (NJ-10, NJ-20, and NJ-38) with strong abilities to lyse virulent STEC strain CVCC193 cells in vitro were isolated. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects of the three phages were investigated in mice infected with CVCC193 cells. The results showed that the survival rates of mice injected with the phages at 3 h after challenge with CVCC193 cells were 40%–50%, while the survival rates of mice injected with the phages at 24 h before challenge were 80%–100%, indicating that pre-treatment with phages had better therapeutic effects than post-treatment. Pathological changes, bacterial loads in different organs, and serum levels of inflammatory factors of the infected mice were also detected. The results showed that the mice injected with the phages at 3 h after or 24 h before challenge with CVCC193 cells had significantly decreased organ lesions, bacterial loads, and serum levels of inflammatory factors as compared to infected mice without phage treatment. These results suggested that phages NJ-10, NJ-20, and NJ-38 can potentially protect against STEC infections.

Evaluation of integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) and early warning and response network (EWARN) in South Sudan 2021.

IntroductionSouth Sudan has been implementing the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy since 2006, along with Early Warning and Alert Response and Network (EWARN). The IDSR/EWARN stakeholders commissioned an independent evaluation to establish performance at national, state, county, health facility, and community levels in the first half of 2021.Methodsthe evaluation was conducted between June and September 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols for monitoring and evaluating communicable disease surveillance and response systems and the guidelines for evaluating EWARN.Resultsintegrated disease surveillance and response/early warning and alert response and network indicator data showed improving timeliness and completeness from the beginning of 2021 to week 16 and then a slight depression of timeliness by week 32, while completeness remained high. Event-based surveillance was active at the beginning of 2021 and in week 32. However, there was inadequate sample collection to investigate acute watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and acute jaundice syndrome alerts. Respondents in all cadres had substantial experience working in IDSR/EWARN. All respondents performed the various IDSR/EWARN tasks and duties as expected, but needed more resources and training.Conclusionwhile IDSR/EWARN is performing relatively well, confirmation of priority diseases by the laboratories needs to be strengthened. Health facilities need more regular supervision from the higher levels. Community health workers need more training on IDSR/EWARN. The whole IDSR/EWARN system needs more resources, particularly for communication and transport and to confirm priority diseases. Staff at all levels requested more training in IDSR/EWARN.

The Importance of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O145:NM[H28]/H28 Infections in Argentina, 1998-2020.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is known as a pathogen associated with food-borne diseases. The STEC O145 serogroup has been related with acute watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Argentina has the highest rate of HUS worldwide with 70% of the cases associated with STEC infections. We aimed to describe the epidemiology and genetic diversity of STEC O145 strains isolated across Argentina between 1998–2020. The strains isolated from 543 cases of human disease and four cattle, were pheno-genotipically characterized. Sequencing of five strains was performed. The strains were serotyped as O145:NM[H28]/H28, O145:H25, and O145:HNT, and mainly characterized as O145:NM[H28]/stx2a/eae/ehxA (98.1%). The results obtained by sequencing were consistent with those obtained by traditional methods and additional genes involved in different mechanisms of the pathogen were observed. In this study, we confirmed that STEC O145 strains are the second serogroup after O157 and represent 20.3% of HUS cases in Argentina. The frequency of STEC O145 and other significant serogroups is of utmost importance for public health in the country. This study encourages the improvement of the surveillance system to prevent severe cases of human disease.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-Secreting Tumors: A Review.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are a group of rare neuroendocrine tumors, which cause a typical syndrome of watery diarrhea. Most of these tumors are found in the pancreas and are usually detected at a later stage. Although curative resection is not possible in most of these tumors, both symptom and tumor control can be achieved by a multidimensional approach, to enable a long survival of most patients. There are no clear-cut guidelines for the management of VIPomas because of the rarity of this neoplasm and lack of prospective data. In this review, we discuss the available evidence on the clinical features and management of these rare tumors.

MON-341 Pancreatic Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Tumor (VIPoma) Presenting as Chronic Watery Diarrhea Detected at an Earlier Stage: A Case Report

Background: VIPoma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that autonomously secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide. It is a syndrome of watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorydia. Majority of VIPOmas have metastasized at the time of diagnosis.1Case: We report a case of a 36 year-old male initially presenting with non-pruritic, maculopapular rashes over the facial area. Upon consult with a primary care physician, he was prescribed with doxycycline. Few days after the intake of medication, he developed non-bloody, non-mucoid loose watery stools with increasing frequency during the subsequent days. Diarrhea was initially attributed to doxycycline. Hence, it was discontinued. However, despite its discontinuation, the previously noted watery diarrhea persisted for the next three months. This was accompanied by persistent hypokalemia despite sufficient electrolyte correction. On work up, thyroid function test and 5HIAA level were unremarkable. VIP level was elevated at 320 pg/mL (normal < 75 pg/mL). CT scan of the whole abdomen revealed a heterogeneously enhancing pancreatic tail mass measuring 4.0 x 6.6 x 4.1cm. Distal pancreatectomy with peripancreatic lymph node dissection and splenectomy were subsequently done. Frozen section revealed well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin with 1% ki-67. Final staging for the VIPoma were as follows: WHO and ENETS histological classification low grade, G1; AJCC staging for PNET stage 1B; ENETS Classification Stage IIB. The patient’s aforementioned symptoms completely resolved post-operatively. Conclusion: The diagnosis of VIPoma is usually delayed due to its nonspecific manifestations. If it is left untreated, it may lead to renal failure and death. Hence, there should be a high index of suspicion for VIPoma in patients with chronic watery diarrhea and persistent hypokalemia. Reference: 1. Abu-Zaid, A., Azzam, A., Abudan, Z., Algouhi, A., Almana, H., Amin, T. Sporadic pancreatic vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumor (VIPoma) in a 47-year-old male. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther. 2014; 7(3): 109-115.

Paraneoplastic syndromes and other systemic disorders associated with neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Neuroendocrine paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) consist of metabolic disorders that accompany benign and malignant neoplasms but remain unrelated to mass effects or invasion by the primary tumor or its metastases. The underlying pathogenesis responsible for PNS usual clinical presentation relies on aberrant production of protein hormones, proteins and other substances by the tumor. Prompt recognition of characteristic signs and symptoms combined with serological identification of key substances may result in early diagnosis of PNS and its underlying malignancy. For these reasons, healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with tumor-induced hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, carcinoid syndrome, virilisation syndrome, gynecomastia, acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, osteogenic osteomalacia, tumor-induced hypoglycemia, necrolytic migratory erythema, and watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorydria syndrome. Medical awareness for PNS can improve patient outcomes through earlier administration of cancer therapy and treatment, better symptomatic relief and prolong overall survival.

Detección y caracterización de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga en niños atendidos en un hospital pediátrico interzonal de la ciudad de La Plata

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that can cause watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea (BD), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of STEC strains isolated from children with BD and HUS treated at a pediatric hospital in the city of La Plata in the period 2006-2012, and to establish the clonal relationship of O157:H7 isolates by pulsed field electrophoresis. The percentage of positive samples was 4.9% and 39.2% in patients with BD and HUS, respectively. Seventy-seven STEC strains from 10 different serotypes were isolated, with 100% colony recovery, O157:H7 being the most frequent (71.4%) serotype, followed by O145:NM (15.6%). An average of 98.2% of O157:H7 isolates belonged to biotype C and were sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. All of them (100%) carried genotype stx2, eae, fliCH7, ehxA, iha, efa, toxB, lpfA1-3 and lpfA2-2. When the clonal relationship of the O157:H7 strains was studied, a total of 42 patterns with at least 88% similarity were identified, and 6 clusters with identical profiles were established. The eae-negative isolates belonged to serotypes O59:H19, O102:H6, O174:NM and O174:H21. The strains O59:H19 and O174:H21 were positive for the aggR gene. This study shows that STEC of different serotypes and genotypes circulate in the city of La Plata and surroundings. Despite the genetic diversity observed between the O157:H7 isolates, some were indistinguishable by the subtyping techniques used.

Primary Pancreatic Secretinoma: Further Evidence Supporting Secretin as a Diarrheogenic Hormone.

To document the existence of primary pancreatic secretinoma in patients with watery diarrhea syndrome (WDS) and achlorhydria and establish secretin as a diarrheogenic hormone. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been widely accepted as the main mediator of WDS. However, in 1968, Zollinger et al reported 2 female patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, WDS, and achlorhydria. During surgery on the first, a 24-year-old patient, they noticed distended duodenum filled with fluid and a dilated gallbladder containing dilute bile with high bicarbonate concentration. After excision of the tumor, WDS ceased and gastric acid secretion returned. The second, a 47-year-old, patient's metastatic tumor extract given intravenously in dogs, produced significantly increased pancreatic and biliary fluid rich in bicarbonate. They suggested a secretin-like hormone of islet cell origin explains WDS and achlorhydria. These observations, however, predated radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemical staining, and other molecular studies. The first patient's tumor tissue was investigated for secretin and VIP. Using both immunohistochemistry and laser microdissection and pressure catapulting technique for RNA isolation and subsequent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of secretin, and VIP were measured. Immunoreactive secretin and its mRNA were predominantly found in the tumor tissue whereas VIP and its mRNA were scarce. The findings strongly support that the WDS and achlorhydria in this patient may have been caused by secretin as originally proposed in 1968 and that secretin may act as a diarrheogenic hormone.

Peptidergic phenotypes of pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma may present as either the classic catecholaminergic phenotype or as one of many kinds of peptidergic phenotypes, including’s Cushing syndrome, watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria syndrome (WDHA), acromegaly, or humoral hypercalcemia, or a combination of both phenotypes. Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by a pheochromocytoma producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or one producing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). WDHA can be caused by a pheochromocytoma producing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Acromegaly may be due to a pheochromocytoma producing growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Humoral hypercalcemia can be due to a pheochromocytoma producing parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). -These findings strongly suggest that pheochromocytomas can produce and secrete many kinds of peptide hormones, reinforcing the multisecretory nature of chromaffin cells. Knowledge of the clinical diversity of pheochromocytomas is important for both precise diagnosis and proper management. Complex clinical features among these cases may lead to the wrong diagnosis, such as an atypical overlap syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasias. In the case of ectopic GHRH syndrome, unnecessary pituitary surgery may be performed because catecholaminergic features are scanty among patients with this syndrome.

Prevalence of microscopic colitis in Upper Egypt among patients with chronic diarrhea and patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of microscopic colitis (MC) in patients with chronic watery diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome–diarrhea (IBS-D) predominant. Patients and methods We studied 61 patients with chronic nonbloody diarrhea and normal endoscopic findings prospectively for 2 years' duration; 37 patients had chronic watery diarrhea for investigation and 24 had IBS-D predominant. Results Our results showed that 18 (29.5%) patients had MC, 10 (16.4%) patients had collagenous colitis, and eight (13.1%) had lymphocytic colitis. Four (16.7%) patients out of the 24 patients with IBS-D predominant had MC. Abdominal pain, nocturnal diarrhea, and weight loss are the most common clinical presentation in MC. Conclusion MC is not uncommon in Upper Egypt patients with chronic watery diarrhea and normal colonoscopic findings. Biopsy of normal colonic mucosa in patients with chronic watery diarrhea is emphasized to reach to definite diagnosis of MC.

Molecular Mechanisms of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Toxicity &amp; Side Effects: Ursodeoxycholic Acid Freezes Regeneration &amp; Induces Hibernation Mode

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a steroid bile acid approved for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). UDCA is reported to have “hepato-protective properties”. Yet, UDCA has “unanticipated” toxicity, pronounced by more than double number of deaths, and eligibility for liver transplantation compared to the control group in 28 mg/kg/day in primary sclerosing cholangitis, necessitating trial halt in North America. UDCA is associated with increase in hepatocellular carcinoma in PBC especially when it fails to achieve biochemical response (10 and 15 years incidence of 9% and 20% respectively). “Unanticipated” UDCA toxicity includes hepatitis, pruritus, cholangitis, ascites, vanishing bile duct syndrome, liver cell failure, death, severe watery diarrhea, pneumonia, dysuria, immune-suppression, mutagenic effects and withdrawal syndrome upon sudden halt. UDCA inhibits DNA repair, co-enzyme A, cyclic AMP, p53, phagocytosis, and inhibits induction of nitric oxide synthatase. It is genotoxic, exerts aneugenic activity, and arrests apoptosis even after cellular phosphatidylserine externalization. UDCA toxicity is related to its interference with drug detoxification, being hydrophilic and anti-apoptotic, has a long half-life, has transcriptional mutational abilities, down-regulates cellular functions, has a very narrow difference between the recommended (13 mg/kg/day) and toxic dose (28 mg/kg/day), and it typically transforms into lithocholic acid that induces DNA strand breakage, it is uniquely co-mutagenic, and promotes cell transformation. UDCA beyond PBC is unjustified.

A 45-Year-Old Female with Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis due to VIP-Producing Composite Pheochromocytoma

The watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorhydria (WHDA) syndrome due to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-producing extra-pancreatic tumors is rare. We report on a 45-year-old woman who suffered from persistent secretory diarrhea for six years and who was admitted to hospital with complaints of muscular weakness and myalgia. Biochemical testing revealed pronounced rhabdomyolysis due to severe hypokalemia. Gastrointestinal evaluation of long-standing diarrhea including endoscopy of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and the small intestine did not show any pathologies. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a mass of 4 × 5 cm in the left adrenal gland demonstrating a strong uptake in the 123I-labelled metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Plasma levels of chromogranin A, calcitonin, parathormone, basal renin and most prominently VIP were increased in line with a increased 24 hour urinary secretion of noradrenaline, dopamine, normetanephrine and vanillymandelic acid. A WDHA (watery diarrhea, hypokalaemia, achlorhydria) syndrome with hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis due to a VIP-producing adrenal tumor was diagnosed that was removed surgically. The histological evaluation demonstrated a composite pheochromocytoma. Diarrhea stopped immediately after surgery together with a normalization of laboratory parameters. In conclusion, this case report focuses on the rare clinical presentation of secretory diarrhea and electrolyte disturbances in combination with hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis which was caused by a VIP-producing composite pheochromocytoma.

NANETS Consensus Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, slow-growing neoplasms characterized by their ability to store and secrete different peptides and neuroamines. 1 Some of these substances cause specific clinical syndromes, 2 whereas other may have elevated plasma or urine levels that are not associated with specific syndromes or symptom complexes Unfortunately, there is no Bideal neuroendocrine tumor marker,[ 3 but according to the presentation, the sensitivity and specificity of each marker vary, and it is generally possible to choose those of greatest value for each clinical syndrome. The biochemical markers are those hormones or amines secreted by the neuroendocrine cells from which these tumors are derived. Some of these are not specific to any tumor, but are produced and secreted by most NETs, whereas other biochemical markers are more specific to the type of tumor and where their quantification can lead to the suspicion or confirmation of the presence of such a tumor. The annual incidence of NETs has risen to 40 to 50 cases per million, perhaps because of better diagnosis and the availability of highly specific and sensitive ways to measure these tumors’ products, improved immunohistochemistry, and enhanced techniques for tumor detection. Thus, the perceived increase in incidence may not be a real change in the incidence of the disease. There are a number of impediments to the diagnosis of these tumors. They are rare, comprising less than 2% of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, and are therefore not high on the list of causes of specific symptom complexes. Symptoms themselves are often nonspecific and do not lend themselves readily to identifying the specific underlying tumor. In addition, the manifestations are protean and mimic a variety of disorders. Tumors may be found incidentally on laparoscopy for abdominal pain or during the surgical removal of an appendix or even during a computerized tomographic scan of the abdomen for unexplained symptoms. Lung carcinoids may present with hemoptysis or asthma-like symptoms, and midgut carcinoids may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The natural history of this disease is invariably attended by a long history of vague abdominal symptoms, a series of visits to a primary care practitioner, and referral to a gastroenterologist, often with a misdiagnosis of IBS. These symptoms persist with a median latency to correct diagnosis of 9.2 years by which time the tumor has metastasized, causing symptoms such as flushing and diarrhea and progressing on its slow but relentless course until the patient dies. Clearly, a greater index of suspicion and a carcinoid tumor profile screen are warranted for all patients presenting with Btraditional IBS symptoms.[ Midgut carcinoids are associated with mesenteric fibrosis, which can compress mesenteric vessels and cause bowel ischemia and malabsorption, which may be found in the absence of an abdominal mass. The diagnosis of metastases to the liver is generally more obvious but often still takes place only after a delay of many years. Even then, an incorrect diagnosis is not uncommon. Unless biopsy material is examined for the secretory peptides chromogranin, synaptophysin, or neuron-specific enolase (NSE), tumors may be labeled erroneously as adenocarcinoma, with a negative impact on physician’s attitudes regarding management and underestimation of prospects for survival. 4 The common symptomatic manifestations of patients with carcinoid tumors are illustrated in Tables 1 and 2. Flushing

Verner-Morrison syndrome: a case study

Verner and Morrison described a syndrome of watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria (WDHA) in 1958. VIPomas producing high amounts of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) commonly originate from the pancreas. Typical symptoms play a momentous role in the diagnosis of VIPoma. Diarrhea may persist for years before the diagnosis. Morbidity from untreated WDHA syndrome is associated with long-standing dehydration and with electrolyte and acid-base metabolism disorders, which may cause chronic renal failure. Assessment of specific marker (VIP) offers high sensitivity in establishing the diagnosis. Imaging modalities include endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and particularly, scintigraphy with somatostatin analogues. Treatment options include resection of the tumor, chemotherapy or the reduction of symptoms with somatostatin analogues. Early diagnosis and management may affect survival of patients favorably. VIPoma cases may be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Composite adrenal phaeochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma causing watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and achlorhydria syndrome

The watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and achlorhydria syndrome is a rare cause of secretory diarrhoea. In this case report, we highlight a young female with watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and achlorhydria syndrome as a consequence of a vasoactive intestinal peptide producing composite adrenal phaeochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma. She made a complete recovery after curative surgical resection.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide–producing ganglioneuromatosis involving the entire colon and rectum

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is known to cause the watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria syndrome. A 14-year-old girl was admitted with a 4-year history of persistent uncontrollable diarrhea and hypokalemia. Computed tomographic evaluation of the neck, chest, and abdomen were normal. Numerous polyps covering the entire colon and rectum were noted on colonoscopy. The serum VIP level was 143 pg/mL. The patient underwent a total proctocolectomy with an ileal-J-pouch. The pathologic examination revealed ganglioneuromatosis. Postoperatively, the symptoms resolved, and the serum VIP level fell to lower than 5 pg/mL. This is an unusual case of the watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria syndrome caused by ganglioneuromatosis of the entire colon and rectum.

Tumor with watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia in a 3-year-old girl

Watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and achlorhydria (WDHA) syndrome was caused by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-producing tumour. A 3-year-old Chinese girl with watery diarrhoea, abdominal distension and hypokalaemia due to a thoracic paraspinal VIP-secreting ganglioneuroma is reported. The girl coughed, fevering up to 39 degrees C after a flu-like episode. She had eight to ten abundant stools daily which is not improved by dietary treatment, resulting in an important weight loss. She weighed 6.8 kg (nl P50 at 6 months of age) and is 76 cm (nl P50 at 9 months of age) in height. Blood electrolytes showed 129 mmol/L sodium, 2.42 mmol/L potassium, 94 mmol/L chloride and 18.6 mmol/L bicarbonate; urinary catecholamines were normal. Computed tomography scan evidenced a left side paravertebral mass of 4 x 6 cm in the lower thoracic region leading to the blood determination of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide which amounted 830 pmol/L(normal < 25 pmol/L). Surgical removal showed a ganglioneuroma of 160 g and was associated with disappearance of the diarrhoea and normalization of VIP level below 20 pmol/L. Review of the 63 reported cases in children with WDHA showed that many of the cases presented with non-treatable watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia. Achlorhydria is not necessarily part of the WDHA syndrome. The male to female ratio is 1:1.5. Ganglioneuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma are the commonest tumours. Location of the tumour is variable: abdomen, chest or neck. Abdominal distension, flushing, episodic hypertension and colonic dilatation, constipation and ataxia were the other associated features. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice of VIP-producing tumours.

Development of an experimental hemolytic uremic syndrome in rats

Escherichia coli strains producing Shiga toxins (Stxs) colonize the lower gastrointestinal tract and cause watery diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Oliguria associated with acute tubular necrosis and microangiopathic thrombosis has been reported as the most common cause of renal failure in Argentinean children. Our study was undertaken to obtain a model of HUS in rats that was similar to the clinical and renal histopathology findings described in humans. Rats were intraperitoneally inoculated with culture supernatant from recombinant E. coli expressing Stx2. Glomerular filtrate volume evaluated from clearance of creatinine resulted in a progressive reduction (from 53% at 24 h to 90% at 48 h). Urine volume increased significantly at 24 h but returned to normal levels at 48 h. Evidence of thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukocytosis was documented. Macroscopic analysis revealed a hyperemic peritoneal face with intestinal water accumulation. The kidneys were friable and congestive. Histopathological analysis showed glomerular and tubular necrosis as well as microangiopathic thrombosis. Our findings indicated vascular damage and kidney lesions similar to those described in humans with HUS.