Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (upper + gastrointestinal_endoscopy)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


NO EVIDENCE FOR PATIENT-TO-PATIENT TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS DURING UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY: MOLECULAR STUDIES ON THREE ACUTE HEPATITIS C PATIENTS

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2009
Takayuki Toda
Background:, The risk of patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during endoscopy remains controversial. Using molecular approaches, we examined the possibility of patient-to-patient transmission of HCV in three patients who developed acute hepatitis C 1,6 months after examination by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in a hospital endoscopy unit in Japan. Methods:, For the source of HCV infection, we used frozen sera obtained from potential candidates who underwent UGIE earlier than three index patients on the same days in the same unit. HCV genotype was determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genotype-specific primers. The 1087-nucleotide (nt) sequence of the NS5B region of the HCV genome was compared between index patients and their HCV-viremic candidates. Results:, The three index patients were exclusively infected with HCV of genotype 1b. Among a total of 60 candidate patients who underwent UGIE earlier than the index patients, 14 were positive for anti-HCV, of whom 12 had detectable HCV-RNA (1b, n = 9; 2a, n = 1; 2b, n = 2) on sera collected during each UGIE. Shared identity within the 1087-nt NS5B sequence was less than 95.0% between index patients and HCV/1b-infected candidates (n = 3, 1 and 5, respectively). None of the remaining 46 candidates who were negative for anti-HCV at UGIE examination tested positive for HCV-RNA, nor seroconverted to anti-HCV on their sera, which most likely excludes the possibility of HCV viremia despite the anti-HCV-negative serology at UGIE examination. Conclusion:, The present study suggests that patient-to-patient transmission of HCV during UGIE is infrequent. [source]


DEXMEDETOMIDINE FOR SEDATION DURING UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2008
Kazutoshi Hashiguchi
Background:, A clinical study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine for sedation of patients undergoing routine upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Methods:, Forty middle-aged patients who were admitted for medical examination were randomized to receive an initial loading dose infusion of dexmedetomidine 6.0 µg/kg per h over 10 min followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.6 µg/kg per h (group A) or rapid infusion of midazolam 0.05 mg/kg (group B) as sedation for routine endoscopy. Sixty patients did not receive sedative agent (group C). Assessment included measurement of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation, and endoscopy duration. Results:, There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in baseline characteristics. The level of sedation was similar between groups A and B, and the gag response score was significantly lower in the sedated groups than in group C. Hemodynamic stability was also demonstrated in group A during and after the endoscopic procedure. Increased systolic/diastolic BP was significantly attenuated in group A compared with group C. Interestingly, HR was significantly suppressed in group A than in groups B and C. In groups A and B, SpO2 was decreased compared with group C during and after the procedures; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference among the groups with endoscopy duration. Conclusions:, For sedation during upper endoscopy, dexmedetomidine is as safe and effective as midazolam, and it significantly reduces HR and BP during and after the endoscopic procedures. [source]


EOSINOPHILIC GASTROENTERITIS ASSOCIATED WITH GIANT FOLDS

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2010
Kenji Ishido
We describe a 54-year-old man who presented with right subcostal pain. Minocycline had been prescribed to treat pruritus, and the symptoms resolved. Subsequently, the patient consulted a local physician because of right subcostal pain. Giant folds were found in the greater curvature of the gastric body, and he was referred to the Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed markedly enlarged folds in the greater curvature of the stomach, with redness and edematous mucosa in the lesser curvature. Biopsy showed marked inflammatory cell infiltration (mainly eosinophils), but no atypical cells. Blood tests showed marked eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E levels in the serum. The results of various allergic examinations were negative, but the clinical course suggested drug-induced eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and treatment was started. Minocycline was withdrawn without adequate resolution of symptoms. Because the leukocyte and eosinophil counts continued to increase, the patient was given suplatast, an anti-allergic agent. The symptoms and hematological values improved promptly. The patient recovered uneventfully, with no recurrence. [source]


Pseudoxanthoma elasticum with recurrent gastric hemorrhage managed by endoscopic mechanical hemostasis

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2004
Hitoshi Nishiyama
A 24-year-old-woman was admitted to our hospital for further examination of recurrent upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage. The characteristic xanthomatous papular rash, retinal angioid streaks, and stenosis of cardiac coronary artery confirmed the diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed vascular dilation in the gastric body to fornix. The vessel showing conspicuous dilation covered with the discolored mucosa was suspected as the source of the bleeding. The vessel was identified as a dilated vein located in the submucosa by endoscopic ultrasonography and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography. Abdominal angiography demonstrated aneurysmal dilation in the splenic artery, but not in the gastric artery. Endoscopic band ligation was chosen as an initial treatment for the prevention of recurrent bleeding. The procedure seemed to be successful, but rebleeding occurred on the next day, which was again treated with hemostatic clipping. There have been no further episodes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage during the 15-month follow up. [source]


Use of endoscopy in diagnosis and management of patients with dysphagia in an African setting

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2010
H. M. Y. Mudawi
SUMMARY The objectives of this study were to define the utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with dysphagia and to determine the relative incidence of the various causes of dysphagia in Sudan. This is a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, hospital-based study carried out at the endoscopy unit of Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. All patients complaining of dysphagia underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with therapeutic intervention when necessary. A total of 114 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 47 years SD ± 19 and a male to female ratio of 1 : 1.04. A benign condition was diagnosed in 56% of the cases; this included esophageal strictures in 21% of the cases and achalasia in 14%. Malignant causes were mainly due to esophageal cancer (40.4%) and cancer of the stomach cardia (3.5%). Therapeutic intervention was attempted in 83% of the cases. Risk factors predictive of a malignant etiology were age over 40 years (P < 0.000), dysphagia lasting between 1 month and 1 year (P < 0.000), and weight loss (P < 0.000). A barium study was performed in 35 cases (31%) prior to endoscopic examination and proved to be inaccurate in three cases (8.6%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in our African setting is an accurate and useful investigation in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with dysphagia. Patients over the age of 40 years presenting with dysphagia and weight loss are more likely to have a neoplastic disease and should be referred for urgent endoscopy. [source]


Prospective peer-review audit of paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 7-8 2007
Edward V O'Loughlin
Aim: To describe the findings of paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) and to reduce the rate of normal findings in children undergoing diagnostic UGE. Methods: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed at a single tertiary referral children's hospital over a 3-year period by four endoscopists. Patients were subgrouped into diagnostic categories (recurrent abdominal pain syndrome (RAP), oesophagitis, coeliac disease and enteropathy/inflammatory bowel disease) and endoscopists recorded their clinical diagnosis as above before each procedure. Endoscopic and biopsy findings were compared with clinical diagnosis. After the first year of audit each endoscopist was appraised of their practice and strategies implemented to reduce the normal UGE. In years 2 and 3 all endoscopists were audited by their peers on a monthly basis. Results: A total of 1172 UGE were performed over a 3-year period. Ninety per cent were diagnostic procedures, of which 48% were normal, 16% identified oesophagitis, 11% coeliac disease, 6% gastritis, 3%Helicobacter pylori and 1% peptic ulcer disease. Peer-review audit significantly reduced the number of normal findings in coeliac disease, RAP and overall (P < 0.01) but not in the groups with presumed oesophagitis or investigation of enteropathy/inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients undergoing UGE have normal procedures. Peer-review audit can reduce the number of normal procedures particularly in RAP and in the diagnosis of coeliac disease. [source]


Anxiety, depression and psychotropic medication use in patients with persistent upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 8 2005
L. A. S. van Kerkhoven
Background:, Limited information is available about anxiety, depression and psychotropic medication use in patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Aim:, To determine anxiety and depression and its association with endoscopic findings in a representative sample of patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms prior to endoscopy. Methods:, Patients referred to the hospital for endoscopy between February 2002 and February 2004 were asked to score anxiety and depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 2 weeks prior to endoscopy. Information about endoscopic diagnoses was obtained from medical files. Results:, A total of 1298 subjects was studied (600 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies and 698 lower gastrointestinal endoscopies). Patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy used most psychotropic agents (24%; odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval = 2.3,4.2), especially patients with an organic abnormality when compared with patients without an organic abnormality (42% versus 8%; odds ratio = 8.6; 95% confidence interval = 5.4,14.0). Patients with colonic polyps were more anxious (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.0,2.9) and depressed (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.1,3.1) than other patients referred for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Conclusions:, There is no difference in anxiety nor depression between patients with and without organic abnormalities at endoscopy. Patients with colonic polyps are more anxious and depressed than other patients referred for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Psychotropic medication use is highest among patients with an organic abnormality in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. [source]


DIAGNOSIS AND CLINICAL COURSE OF ULCERATIVE GASTRODUODENAL LESION ASSOCIATED WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS: POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP WITH POUCHITIS

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2010
Takashi Hisabe
Background and Aim:, Ulcerative colitis (UC) is not only characterized by pathological lesions localized to colonic mucosa, but also to various complications involving other organs, including postoperative pouchitis. Among these complications, diffuse gastroduodenitis with lesions resembling colonic lesions has been reported, albeit rarely. The aim of the present study was to attempt to characterize the lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract occurring as a complication of UC, and to assess the frequency and clinical course of these lesions. Methods:, A total of 322 UC patients who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed the frequency of endoscopic findings, including diffuse gastroduodenal lesions resembling colonic lesions. Ulcerative gastroduodenal lesion (UGDL) associated with UC was diagnosed if lesions satisfied the following criteria: (i) improvement of the lesions with treatment of UC; and/or (ii) resemblance to UC in pathological findings. Results:, UGDL satisfying the aforementioned criteria was found in 15 (4.7%) of 322 patients. All the 15 patients had UGDL accompanied by pancolitis or after proctocolectomy. Frequency in 146 patients with pancolitis was 6.2% (nine patients) and that in 81 patients who had undergone proctocolectomy was 7.4% (six patients). Four patients with diffuse ulcerative upper-gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation (DUMI) had pouchitis. In all patients except one, the lesions resolved easily with medical treatment. Conclusions:, In more than half of the post-proctocolectomy patients, UGDL was related to the occurrence of pouchitis. The existence of characteristic UGDL must be taken into account in the diagnosis and treatment of UC, and UGDL is possibly related to the occurrence of pouchitis. [source]


SUCCESSFUL ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR MUCOSAL CANCER OF THE DUODENUM

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 1 2010
Masahiro Shinoda
We report a case of mucosal duodenal cancer in a 62-year-old woman, which was successfully removed en bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The patient underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at our hospital, which revealed an elevated flat mucosal lesion (type IIa) measuring 10 mm in diameter in the second portion of the duodenum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed features suggestive of a tubulovillous adenoma with severe atypia. As the findings suggested that the lesion had an adenocarcinoma component but was confined to the mucosal layer, we decided to carry out ESD and successfully removed the tumor in one piece. The resected tumor was 20 × 15 mm in size. Histopathological examination revealed that the lesion was a well-differentiated mucosal adenocarcinoma with no lymphovascular invasion. Mucosal duodenal cancer is extremely rare, and ESD of a lesion in the duodenum requires a high level of skill. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of successful ESD carried out in a case of mucosal duodenal cancer. [source]


NO EVIDENCE FOR PATIENT-TO-PATIENT TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS DURING UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY: MOLECULAR STUDIES ON THREE ACUTE HEPATITIS C PATIENTS

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2009
Takayuki Toda
Background:, The risk of patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during endoscopy remains controversial. Using molecular approaches, we examined the possibility of patient-to-patient transmission of HCV in three patients who developed acute hepatitis C 1,6 months after examination by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in a hospital endoscopy unit in Japan. Methods:, For the source of HCV infection, we used frozen sera obtained from potential candidates who underwent UGIE earlier than three index patients on the same days in the same unit. HCV genotype was determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genotype-specific primers. The 1087-nucleotide (nt) sequence of the NS5B region of the HCV genome was compared between index patients and their HCV-viremic candidates. Results:, The three index patients were exclusively infected with HCV of genotype 1b. Among a total of 60 candidate patients who underwent UGIE earlier than the index patients, 14 were positive for anti-HCV, of whom 12 had detectable HCV-RNA (1b, n = 9; 2a, n = 1; 2b, n = 2) on sera collected during each UGIE. Shared identity within the 1087-nt NS5B sequence was less than 95.0% between index patients and HCV/1b-infected candidates (n = 3, 1 and 5, respectively). None of the remaining 46 candidates who were negative for anti-HCV at UGIE examination tested positive for HCV-RNA, nor seroconverted to anti-HCV on their sera, which most likely excludes the possibility of HCV viremia despite the anti-HCV-negative serology at UGIE examination. Conclusion:, The present study suggests that patient-to-patient transmission of HCV during UGIE is infrequent. [source]


WEGENER'S GRANULOMATOSIS COMPLICATED WITH APHTHOID COLITIS

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2006
Yasushi Umehara
A 58-year-old man was admitted with upper abdominal pain and high fever. There was no abnormality on chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasonography, abdominal CT and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA) titers were high and a chest CT scan depicted multiple nodules in the bilateral lungs. A diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis was therefore made. Three weeks after admission, diarrhea and bloody stool developed. Colonoscopy revealed many aphthoid lesions surrounded by redness in the entire colon. Although the biopsy from aphtha did not show vasculitis or granuloma, the aphthoid lesions were suspected as a complication of Wegener's granulomatosis. As a result of predonisolone medication (60 mg/day), the plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and high fever improved promptly. In conclusion, although colonic involvement in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis is extremely rare, it is important to keep in mind that colonic lesions might be due to vasculitis in ANCA-positive disease, such as Wegener's granulomatosis. [source]


Evaluation of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2004
Kazuhiro Maeda
Background:, Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are reported to suffer from upper gastroduodenal lesions with varying frequency, although concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection is reported to be low. Methods:, A prospective study was carried out on patients diagnosed with CD or ulcerative colitis (UC) in order to evaluate the degree of upper gastroduodenal tract involvement and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Results:, Gastroduodenal lesions were found in 18 (78%) of 23 CD patients, the location being the stomach in 18 (78%), the duodenal bulb in 16 (70%) and the descending duodenum in 16 (70%). Bamboo joint-like lesions were found in four cases (17%) in gastric body and cardia. In contrast, gastroduodenal lesions were found in 10 (53%) of 19 UC patients, the location being the stomach in nine (47%), the duodenal bulb in six (32%), and the descending duodenum in three (16%). The H. pylori -positive rate in patients with CD and UC was 0%, and 11%, respectively. Conclusion:, Minute upper gastroduodenal lesions are much more common in CD than in UC patients, especially in the descending duodenum. Accordingly, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy would seem to be a useful means with which to obtain a definitive diagnosis in all suspected IBD cases. [source]


Endoscopically managed superficial carcinoma overlying esophageal lipoma

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 1 2004
Shinsuke Usui
The occurrence of superficial carcinoma over a benign tumor of the esophagus is considered to be rare. Only a few reports have been reported and all of them were treated surgically. We now report one case of superficial carcinoma overlying an esophageal lipoma that was successfully resected endoscopically. The patient was a 61-year-old man who had no symptoms. A submucosal tumor was found at the thoracic esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The top of the tumor was slightly depressed with mild redness and its surface was irregular. This depressed lesion was not stained by iodine. Histological examination of endoscopic biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. To completely remove this tumor in a single fragment, we used an insulation-tipped electrosurgical knife. An en bloc resection of the tumor was completed without complications. [source]


Use of endoscopy in diagnosis and management of patients with dysphagia in an African setting

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2010
H. M. Y. Mudawi
SUMMARY The objectives of this study were to define the utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with dysphagia and to determine the relative incidence of the various causes of dysphagia in Sudan. This is a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, hospital-based study carried out at the endoscopy unit of Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. All patients complaining of dysphagia underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with therapeutic intervention when necessary. A total of 114 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 47 years SD ± 19 and a male to female ratio of 1 : 1.04. A benign condition was diagnosed in 56% of the cases; this included esophageal strictures in 21% of the cases and achalasia in 14%. Malignant causes were mainly due to esophageal cancer (40.4%) and cancer of the stomach cardia (3.5%). Therapeutic intervention was attempted in 83% of the cases. Risk factors predictive of a malignant etiology were age over 40 years (P < 0.000), dysphagia lasting between 1 month and 1 year (P < 0.000), and weight loss (P < 0.000). A barium study was performed in 35 cases (31%) prior to endoscopic examination and proved to be inaccurate in three cases (8.6%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in our African setting is an accurate and useful investigation in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with dysphagia. Patients over the age of 40 years presenting with dysphagia and weight loss are more likely to have a neoplastic disease and should be referred for urgent endoscopy. [source]


One-hour fast for water and six-hour fast for solids prior to endoscopy provides good endoscopic vision and results in minimum patient discomfort

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Arjuna P De Silva
Abstract Background and Aim:, Current guidelines for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) advise at least 6,8 h fasting for solids and 4-h fasting for liquids. We aimed to determine whether a 6-h fast for solids and one-hour fast for water prior to UGIE gives good endoscopic vision and less patient discomfort. Methods:, 128 patients referred for UGIE were given a standard meal 6 h before endoscopy, and then randomized to either nil by mouth for 6 h (group A, n = 65) or allowed to drink water for up to one hour prior to endoscopy (group B, n = 63). Before endoscopy patients were requested to indicate discomfort due to fasting on a visual analog scale. Fluid in the gastric fundus was aspirated, when present, for volume and pH measurements, and endoscopic vision was graded. Results:, 53 patients in group A and 43 patients in group B completed the study. Discomfort was significantly lower in group B than group A (P < 0.0001). Endoscopic vision was good in all 53 patients in group A and 40 in group B, and average in 3 patients in group B. Fluid in the gastric fundus was noted in 11 patients in group A and 16 in group B, but there were no significant differences in volume or pH between groups. There were no complications attributable to endoscopy in either group. Conclusions:, A 6-h fast for solids and a 1-h fast for water prior to UGIE gives good endoscopic vision, and causes minimum patient discomfort. [source]


Are repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy necessary within six months of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding?

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
David Gilbert
Abstract Background and Aim:, Medicare reimbursement for capsule endoscopy for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in Australia requires endoscopy and colonoscopy to have been performed within 6 months. This study aims to determine the diagnostic yield of repeating these procedures when they had been non-diagnostic more than 6 months earlier. Methods:, Of 198 consecutive patients who were referred for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 50 underwent repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy solely to enable reimbursement (35 females and 15 males; mean age 59.4 [range: 21,82] years). The average duration of obscure bleeding was 50.16 (range: 9,214) months. The mean number of prior endoscopies was 3 (median: 2) and 2.8 colonoscopies (median: 2). The most recent endoscopy had been performed 18.9 (median: 14; range: 7,56) months, and for colonoscopy, 19.1 (median 14; range 8-51) months earlier. Results:, A probable cause of bleeding was found at endoscopy in two patients: gastric antral vascular ectasia (1) and benign gastric ulcer (1). Colonoscopy did not reveal a source of bleeding in any patient. Capsule endoscopy was performed in 47 patients. Twenty four (51%) had a probable bleeding source identified, and another five (11%) a possible source. These included angioectasia (17 patients), mass lesion (2), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy (2), Cameron's erosions (2), and Crohn's disease (1). Four patients undergoing repeat capsule endoscopy had a probable bleeding source detected. Conclusion:, The yield of repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy immediately prior to capsule endoscopy is low when these procedures have previously been non-diagnostic. Such an approach is also not cost-effective. [source]


Nodular gastritis in adults: Clinical features, endoscopic appearance, histopathological features, and response to therapy

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
Manisha Dwivedi
Abstract Background and Aims:, The present study aims to determine the prevalence of nodular gastritis (NG) and ascertain its clinical presentation and histopathological features in adults. It also assesses its association with Helicobacter pylori and the normalization of endoscopic features, symptoms, and histology after anti H. pylori therapy. Methods:, A total of 7140 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were studied. Patients showing nodularity of the gastric mucosa at endoscopy and an age- and sex-matched control group with normal gastric mucosa underwent biopsies from the gastric antrum and fundus. The biopsies were assessed for the presence of mucosal inflammation, activity, eosinophils, atrophy, lymphoid follicles, H. pylori, and the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Patients with NG were given triple therapy. Endoscopy and biopsy was repeated after 4 weeks of stopping therapy. The symptoms of the patients and histology were assessed pre- and post-therapy. Results:, Thirty-two patients with an age range of 20,65 years presenting with NG and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Presenting symptoms were epigastric pain (56%), nausea (75%), vomiting (50%) and abdominal bloating (62.5%). All these symptoms regressed significantly after 2 week of triple therapy against H. pylori. A marked improvement in histopathological features was seen post-therapy where the presence of lymphoid aggregates, eosinophils in the mucosa, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia improved significantly (P < 0.05) after therapy, as compared to the control group of patients. Conclusion:, The symptoms of NG and endoscopic features regress significantly after H. pylori therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics and should routinely be given to treat this form of gastritis. This may prevent progression to further complications. [source]


Study of arteriosclerosis in patients with hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
Kenji Furuta
Abstract Background and Aim:, It has been reported that the prevalence of hiatal hernia (HH) and reflux esophagitis (RE) increases with age, as does the degree of arteriosclerosis. However, it has not been investigated whether or not arteriosclerosis is correlated with the presence of HH and RE. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the degree of arteriosclerosis in patients with HH and RE compared with subjects without HH and RE. Methods:, We prospectively enrolled 1683 people who visited Shimane Environment and Health Public Corporation for annual medical check-ups. All subjects were investigated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the possible presence of HH and RE. Factors used for assessing cardiovascular risk were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking and drinking habits, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Arteriosclerosis was investigated by measuring systolic blood pressure, heart-carotid pulse wave velocity (HCPWV), bilateral ankle brachial index (ABI) and heart-ankle PWV (HAPWV). Results:, The number of patients with HH and RE was 624 (37.1%) and 143 (8.5%), respectively. The HDLC level of the patients with HH was significantly lower, and the levels of BMI, TG and arteriosclerotic parameters were higher than those of the subjects without HH after adjusting for confounding factors (sex, age and smoking and drinking habits). Cardiovascular and arteriosclerosis parameters except for TG did not differ between the subjects with and without RE. Conclusion:, Levels of arteriosclerosis parameters in patients with HH were higher than in those without HH. However, the association between arteriosclerosis and presence of RE was not clarified. [source]


Prevalence of celiac disease among school children in Punjab, North India

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Ajit Sood
Abstract Background:, Celiac disease, as of today, is said to exist in almost all parts of the world, although it is rare among people of purely African,Caribbean, Japanese and Chinese background. The disease has also been considered uncommon in India until recently. Hospital records have revealed an increasing trend of the disease in predominantly wheat-eating areas of North India. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease among school children in Punjab, North India. Methods:, The study was carried out in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, Northern India. A total of 4347 children aged 3,17 years attending different schools were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and symptoms and signs related to celiac disease and various sociodemographic factors. The screening for celiac disease for the suspected celiacs was done by testing for antitissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) by indirect solid-phase immunometric assay (ELISA). All children with high anti-tTG whose parents consented underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for small bowel biopsy from the second part of the duodenum. Histopathology was expressed according to the Marsh classification of 1992. Follow up was carried out among children who were put on a gluten-restricted diet, at monthly intervals for 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. The diagnosis of celiac disease was established on the basis of the revised European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterologists and Nutritionists (ESPGAN) criteria (confirmed cases). Results:, A total of 4347 school children (1967 girls, 2380 boys, age range 3,17 years) were screened for celiac disease. Out of these, 198 suspected children were identified for further evaluation. Twenty-one children tested positive for anti-tTG assay (10.6%, 95% confidence interval: 16.91,34.79). Seventeen of these 21 children agreed to undergo biopsy; of these, 14 had histological changes consistent with celiac disease and all these 14 children had clinical response to gluten restriction. Three children with high anti-tTG had normal mucosa on duodenal biopsy and were not labelled as being in the celiac disease group. In the final analysis the disease prevalence was one in 310 children. Conclusions:, This is the first study on celiac disease prevalence among school children from India. Although this disease frequency of one in 310 is thought to be an under-assessment, it clearly shows that celiac disease is not rare in wheat-eating areas of North India. [source]


Anti- Helicobacter pylori therapy in India: Differences in eradication efficiency associated with particular alleles of vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) gene

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
SUJIT CHAUDHURI
Abstract Background and Aims:, The efficiency of Helicobacter pylori eradication varies geographically, as do many parameters that might affect therapeutic efficiency, including bacterial genotype. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficiency of H. pylori eradication using a 10-day proton pump inhibitor-based triple-therapy regimen (omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin) in an eastern Indian patient population, and to find out the relationship, if any, of the success or failure of the therapy to known features of bacterial genotype. Methods,Helicobacter pylori infections were analyzed in 66 duodenal ulcer patients by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, rapid urease tests, histology and culture. The cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) gene status of cultured strains were studied by polymerase chain reaction. Treatment was given for 10 days and endoscopy was repeated at 4 and 12 weeks post therapy to monitor ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication. Results:, Ulcer healing was observed in 60 patients (96.77%). Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 41 (62.12% intention to treat, 66.13% per protocol) of the 66 duodenal ulcer patients, but not in the other 25. The bacteria from 47 patients were genotyped. The only significant disease-associated difference in patterns observed was that the vacA m1 allele was represented more disproportionately among patients with eradication failures (68%) than in those with successful eradication (39%) (P < 0.05) No significant association of vacAs1 (signal sequence allele) or cag pathogenicity island status with persistence was detected. Conclusions:, This study highlights the public health need for cheaper, more cost-effective anti- H. pylori therapies for developing countries, and suggests that subtle features of bacterial genotype can influence therapeutic efficiency. The possibility that particular vacA mid region alleles affect persistence, perhaps through toxin action on particular gastric cell types, merits further study. [source]


A 15 - minute [13C]-urea breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
Nan-Jing Peng
Abstract Background: Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) accounts for the majority of dyspeptic patients and studies on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in NUD depend on a non-invasive and rapid diagnostic test. This study was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a 15-min simplified protocol of the [13C]-urea breath test ([13C]-UBT) for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in patients with NUD. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six patients with a clinical and endoscopic diagnosis of NUD were included. The [13C]-UBT was modified from the European standard protocol. The baseline breath sample was collected 5 min after the patient took a test meal and the 13CO2 was collected 15 min after the patient drank 100 mg [13C]-urea. The gold standard used for comparison was either a positive culture or positive histology + positive rapid urease test sampled on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection in NUD by the gold standard was 59.6%, whereas that calculated by the [13C]-UBT was 60.3%. The sensitivity and specificity of [13C]-UBT was 93.8 and 89.1% compared with the gold standard. The shortened collection time and simplification of the procedure may have led to a decline in specificity. Conclusion: The 15-min [13C]-UBT is a rapid but less specific protocol for detecting the presence of H. pylori infection in patients with NUD. © 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd [source]


Prospective peer-review audit of paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 7-8 2007
Edward V O'Loughlin
Aim: To describe the findings of paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) and to reduce the rate of normal findings in children undergoing diagnostic UGE. Methods: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed at a single tertiary referral children's hospital over a 3-year period by four endoscopists. Patients were subgrouped into diagnostic categories (recurrent abdominal pain syndrome (RAP), oesophagitis, coeliac disease and enteropathy/inflammatory bowel disease) and endoscopists recorded their clinical diagnosis as above before each procedure. Endoscopic and biopsy findings were compared with clinical diagnosis. After the first year of audit each endoscopist was appraised of their practice and strategies implemented to reduce the normal UGE. In years 2 and 3 all endoscopists were audited by their peers on a monthly basis. Results: A total of 1172 UGE were performed over a 3-year period. Ninety per cent were diagnostic procedures, of which 48% were normal, 16% identified oesophagitis, 11% coeliac disease, 6% gastritis, 3%Helicobacter pylori and 1% peptic ulcer disease. Peer-review audit significantly reduced the number of normal findings in coeliac disease, RAP and overall (P < 0.01) but not in the groups with presumed oesophagitis or investigation of enteropathy/inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients undergoing UGE have normal procedures. Peer-review audit can reduce the number of normal procedures particularly in RAP and in the diagnosis of coeliac disease. [source]


Eosinophilic oesophagitis and coeliac disease: is there an association?

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2007
L. QUAGLIETTA
Aim, To report a series of 17 children affected by eosinophilic oesophagitis. Six of them also received a diagnosis of coeliac disease. Methods, Seventeen children with history of dyspeptic symptoms were investigated. Results, Six patients (M/F:2/4; mean age ± s.d.: 5.6 ± 1.3 years, range: 4,7 years; Group A) affected by eosinophilic oesophagitis also received a diagnosis of coeliac disease. The other 11 children (M/F:10/1, mean age ± s.d.:7.5 ± 2.3 years, range: 4,10 years, Group B) were affected solely by eosinophilic oesophagitis. All children underwent a change in dietary regimen. Group A received a gluten-free diet. Group B attempted dietary restriction based on the allergy testing results. After 6 months follow-up, all patients in Group A showed a complete disappearance of symptoms and three of them, who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, showed histologic remission. Patients from Group B had moderate clinical improvement and in seven of them (64%) a repeated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a statistically significant reduction in eosinophilic infiltration. Conclusions, This is the first reported group of patients with an association between coeliac disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis. To date, it is not possible to exclude that in a subgroup of children with coeliac disease the oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration could be caused by coeliac disease itself. [source]


Altered intestinal permeability is predictive of early relapse in children with steroid-responsive ulcerative colitis

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 8 2007
E. MIELE
SUMMARY Aim To determine if small bowel involvement at diagnosis could predict early relapse in children with ulcerative colitis. Methods Children with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis were evaluated prospectively at three time points: within 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after diagnosis. Clinical activity indices were used to measure disease activity. Laboratory studies were performed at each visit and/or at the time of relapse. At diagnosis, all patients underwent colonoscopy and a cellobiose/mannitol small intestinal permeability study. Some children were further investigated with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results Thirty-three patients completed the 1-year study. Overall, nine patients (27.3%) relapsed within 6 months of diagnosis, one patient (3%) within 1 year, whereas 23 patients (69.7%) did not relapse. The mean clinical activity indices, laboratory parameters, extent of colonic involvement, upper and lower gastrointestinal histological features were not predictive of early relapse. Results of the cellobiose/mannitol small intestinal permeability study were significantly higher in children who relapsed within 6 months compared with children who did not relapse (P < 0.013). The cellobiose/mannitol small intestinal permeability study was abnormal in 77.8% of early relapsers compared with only 8.3% of non-relapsers. Conclusion Abnormal small intestinal permeability in children with ulcerative colitis could predict a more relapsing disease. [source]


Mental distress in patients with functional or organic dyspepsia: a comparative study with a sample of the general population

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2005
M. Pajala
Summary Background :,It has been argued that patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders have mental disorders more often than healthy controls and patients with organic disease. Most studies surveying psychological factors at the population level have relied on symptom questionnaires to diagnose functional dyspepsia. However, the symptom patterns alone are unable to adequately discriminate organic from functional dyspepsia. Aim :,To evaluate the frequency of mental distress in primary care patients with organic or functional dyspepsia and compare the findings with a sample of the Finnish general population. Methods :,Four-hundred consecutive, unselected dyspeptic patients were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and other diagnostic examinations. All patients compiled a self-administered questionnaire including the 12-item General Health Questionnaire to detect cases of recent mental disorders. Results :,The prevalence of mental distress among patients with functional and organic dyspepsia was 38 and 36.4% respectively. The sex- and age-adjusted risk of having mental distress was nearly fourfold higher among patients with dyspepsia than in the general population. Conclusion :,Mental distress is common among patients with functional or organic dyspepsia. Nevertheless, there is no difference between patients with functional or organic dyspepsia in the prevalence or risk of mental distress. [source]


Oral cavity is not a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori in infected patients with functional dyspepsia

MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
V. P. Silva Rossi-Aguiar
Introduction:,Helicobacter pylori infection is very prevalent in Brazil, infecting almost 65% of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of this bacterium in the oral cavity of patients with functional dyspepsia (epigastric pain syndrome), establish the main sites of infection in the mouth, and assess the frequency of cagA and vacA genotypes of oral H. pylori. Methods:, All 43 outpatients with epigastric pain syndrome, who entered the study, were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to rule out organic diseases. Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach was confirmed by a rapid urease test and urea breath tests. Samples of saliva, the tongue dorsum and supragingival dental plaque were collected from the oral cavity of each subject and subgingival dental plaque samples were collected from the patients with periodontitis; H. pylori infection was verified by polymerase chain reaction using primers that amplify the DNA sequence of a species-specific antigen present in all H. pylori strains; primers that amplify a region of urease gene, and primers for cagA and vacA (m1, m2, s1a, s1b, s2) genotyping. Results:, Thirty patients harbored H. pylori in the stomach, but it was not possible to detect H. pylori in any oral samples using P1/P2 and Urease A/B. The genotype cagA was also negative in all samples and vacA genotype could not be characterized (s-m-). Conclusion:, The oral cavity may not be a reservoir for H. pylori in patients with epigastric pain syndrome, the bacterium being detected exclusively in the stomach. [source]


Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastroduodenal disease, epidemiologic factors and iron-deficiency anemia in Turkish children undergoing endoscopy, and impact on growth

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2007
ÖZLEM DURMAZ SÜOGLU
Abstract Background: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and clinical symptomatology, breast-feeding and socioeconomic level. The relationship between H. pylori and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and the effect of H. pylori infection on growth were also investigated. Methods: The subjects consisted of 70 patients aged 4,16 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspeptic complaints during a 2 year period. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of histological evidence of H. pylori infection (group 1, H. pylori positive; group 2, H. pylori negative) and groups were compared with respect to epidemiologic characteristics, gastrointestinal complaints, height and weight SD scores and IDA. Results: Thirty-five (50%) of the 70 patients participating in the study were H. pylori positive. The mean age of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2. There were similar characteristics and symptomatology between groups. The majority of the patients in group 1 belonged to low socioeconomic class (class I and II; P < 0.05). The number of the patients exclusively breast-fed for ,4 months was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Gastritis was significantly more frequent in group 1. Mean hemoglobin, serum Fe and ferritin levels were 11.6 ± 1.7 g/dL, 45.0 ± 23.2 ,g/dL and 11.9 ± 8.4 ,g/dL, respectively, for group 1 and 12.2 ± 0.7 g/dL, 79.3 ± 26.4 ,g/dL and 42.1 ± 31.8 ,g/dL, respectively, for group 2. The mean serum Fe and ferritin levels of group 2 were significantly higher than those of group 1. IDA was observed in 20 (57.1%) and six (17.1%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. IDA was significantly more frequent in group 1. Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be the only variable that had significant effect on IDA. Mean SD height and weight for group 1 were lower than those of the group 2. When the patients were evaluated in four groups according to H. pylori and IDA status, mean height SD score of patients with both H. pylori infection and IDA was significantly lower than that of the patients negative for H. pylori and IDA concomitantly. Conclusion: Low socioeconomic status seems to be an important risk factor for H. pylori infection. Exclusive breast-feeding at least for 4 months can have a protective role against H. pylori infection. Increased frequency of growth retardation and IDA in H. pylori -infected patients in the present study supports similar findings in the literature, although there is still need for detailed studies to clarify the causative mechanisms. [source]


Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Ohio Medicaid patients: practice patterns and temporal trends,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 1 2004
Gregory S. Cooper MD
Abstract Purpose There is a paucity of data about the use of procedures and prescription medications in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in actual clinical practice. Methods Outpatient Ohio Medicaid claims from 1994 to 1998 were searched to identify patients with an initial diagnosis of GERD along with associated prescriptions and gastrointestinal procedures. Complications of GERD and comorbid illnesses were also determined. Results A total of 5579 patients were identified. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA') were prescribed in 59%, followed by proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) (30%) and prokinetic drugs (17%). PPI's were more frequently prescribed to patients with GERD-related complications, peptic ulcer disease and major comorbidities, and patients who received PPI's were also more likely to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The frequencies of upper endoscopy and barium studies were 20% and 11% respectively, with no change over the study period. There was an increased frequency of PPI therapy (17,43%) and decreased frequency of H2RA therapy (72,47%) from 1994 to 1998 which persisted after adjusting for potential differences in case mix. Conclusions In this population-based study, prescription of PPI's increased over time which likely reflected changes in clinician practice rather than patient mix. Despite a greater awareness of GERD complications, use of upper endoscopy did not increase. Although the cohort consists of predominantly low socioeconomic status, female patients, further studies should be conducted in other populations to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Oesophageal and gastric bile exposure after gastroduodenal surgery with Henley's interposition or a Roux-en-Y loop

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 5 2004
J.-Y. Mabrut
Background: The degree which the various reconstruction techniques prevent bile reflux after gastroduodenal surgery has been poorly studied. Methods: Bile exposure in the intestinal tract just proximal to the jejunal loop was measured with the Bilitec 2000® device for 24 h after gastroduodenal surgery in three groups of patients. Group 1 comprised 24 patients with a 60-cm Henley's loop after total gastrectomy. Group 2 included 31 patients with a 60-cm Roux-en- loop after total (22 patients) or subtotal (nine) gastrectomy. Group 3 contained 21 patients with a 60-cm Roux-en- loop anastomosed to the proximal duodenum as part of a duodenal switch operation for pathological transpyloric duodenogastric reflux. Bile exposure, measured as the percentage time with bile absorbance greater than 0·25, was classified as nil, within the range of a control population of healthy subjects, or pathological (above the 95th percentile for the control population). Reflux symptoms were scored and all patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: Bile was detected in the intestine proximal to the loop in none of 24 patients in group 1, eight of 31 in group 2 and 12 of 21 in group 3 (P < 0·001). The mean reflux symptom score increased with the degree of bile exposure, and the proportion of patients with oesophagitis or gastritis correlated well with the extent of bile exposure (P < 0·001). Conclusion: A long Henley's loop was more effective in preventing bile reflux than a long Roux-en- loop. Bilitec® data correlated well with the severity of reflux symptoms and the presence of mucosal lesions. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Changing patterns in the management of gastric volvulus over 14 years

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2000
W. J. Teague
Background: Gastric volvulus is an uncommon condition, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. This study represents a large series of patients with the condition. Methods: All patients presenting with gastric volvulus over a 14-year period were reviewed. Results: Some 36 patients (median age 75 years) were identified. Volvulus, usually secondary to a hiatus hernia, presented acutely in 29 patients. The major symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting and upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The most useful investigations were barium contrast studies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which were helpful in 21 of 25 and 11 of 18 patients respectively. Treatment was conservative in five patients, by open surgery in 13 and laparoscopic repair in 18 (three converted to open operation). There were no major complications and no deaths. Median hospital stay was shorter in patients treated by laparoscopic rather than open surgery (6 (range 4,36) versus 14 (7,50) days; P < 0·05). Conclusion: Acute and chronic gastric volvulus can be treated successfully by either open or laparoscopic surgery. However, laparoscopic surgery now represents a safe and acceptable approach, with minimal morbidity and a significantly shorter hospital stay. This is likely to be of considerable benefit for the treatment of a predominantly elderly population, often with significant co-morbidity. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]