Incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia after right hepatectomy: an autopsy case with a review of 45 previous cases

An iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia after major hepatic resection is a rare complication. Incarceration of the abdominal organ through a diaphragmatic defect can have a fatal prognosis. Here, we report a case of incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia after right hepatectomy, which was diagnosed only after the autopsy. The deceased, who had right hepatectomy 1 year previously, complained of severe chest pain, and 4 days later was found dead. Localized decomposition in his chest and abdomen suggested a late complication of the surgery because the location was consistent with the prior surgical area. In the autopsy, there was a small defect in his right diaphragm, resulting in the herniation and incarceration of the small intestine. Gross and microscopic findings of the herniated small intestine were consistent with ischemic enteritis. Different from our case, most of the previously reported cases showed a good prognosis after surgical repair, except one lethal one. Even though its overall incidence is very low, an incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia is one of the critical complications of major hepatic resection. The clinicians should warn the patients to avoid preventable morbidity and mortality. Reviewing this fatal complication would be also helpful for forensic pathologists and death investigators.

Lack of Mucosal Cholinergic Innervation Is Associated With Increased Risk of Enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital intestinal motility disorder defined by the absence of enteric neuronal cells (ganglia) in the distal gut. The development of HSCR-associated enterocolitis remains a life-threatening complication. Absence of enteric ganglia implicates innervation of acetylcholine-secreting (cholinergic) nerve fibers. Cholinergic signals have been reported to control excessive inflammation, but the impact on HSCR-associated enterocolitis is unknown.

METHODS

We enrolled 44 HSCR patients in a prospective multicenter study and grouped them according to their degree of colonic mucosal acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation into low-fiber and high-fiber patient groups. The fiber phenotype was correlated with the tissue cytokine profile as well as immune cell frequencies using Luminex analysis and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of colonic tissue and immune cells. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, macrophages were identified in close proximity to nerve fibers and characterized by RNA-seq analysis. Microbial dysbiosis was analyzed in colonic tissue using 16S-rDNA gene sequencing. Finally, the fiber phenotype was correlated with postoperative enterocolitis manifestation.

RESULTS

The presence of mucosal nerve fiber innervation correlated with reduced T-helper 17 cytokines and cell frequencies. In high-fiber tissue, macrophages co-localized with nerve fibers and expressed significantly less interleukin 23 than macrophages from low-fiber tissue. HSCR patients lacking mucosal nerve fibers showed microbial dysbiosis and had a higher incidence of postoperative enterocolitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The mucosal fiber phenotype might serve as a prognostic marker for enterocolitis development in HSCR patients and may offer an approach to personalized patient care and new therapeutic options.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics According to the Existence of Secondary Appendicitis in Pediatric Acute Enterocolitis: A Single Center Study

PURPOSE

In patients with acute enterocolitis, radiologic findings are sometimes accompanied by secondary inflammation of the appendix. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of acute enterocolitis with secondary inflammation of the appendix.

METHODS

Medical records from patients who underwent abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) among those admitted for acute enterocolitis were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features were compared by distinguishing patients with inflammation of the appendix from those without, based on their symptoms and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients, 12 (7.3%) had secondary inflammation of the appendix on ultrasonography and/or CT. Patients with secondary inflammation of the appendix were significantly older than those without (11.7 vs. 6.1 years, p=0.011) and more frequently had fever (83.3% vs. 49.0%, p=0.033), and high values of C-reactive protein (CRP) (5.38 vs. 0.32 mg/dL, p<0.001). The proportion of bacterial pathogens was higher in patients with secondary inflammation of the appendix (60% vs. 15.1%, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute enterocolitis accompanied by secondary appendicitis more commonly have fever, higher CRP levels, higher bacterial pathogen detection rates, and longer hospital stays. Treatment equivalent to that of bacterial infection is required for patients with secondary appendicitis, and that their symptoms should be closely and continuously monitored and followed-up.

Differentiation of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates by abdominal sonography

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and differentiate abdominal ultrasound findings of necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2018, the abdominal ultrasound results of 304 cases diagnosed necrotizing enterocolitis or food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall were calculated, and the results were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility weakened/absent, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall can be found in both necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants. However, in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal motility was weakened/absent in whole abdomen, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, it only involved isolated segment of bowel. The positive rates of above signs in necrotizing enterocolitis infants were significantly higher than those in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (p<0.01). Moreover, it was observed that the rate of weakened intestinal motility besides the lesion segment of bowel in necrotizing enterocolitis infants was 100%, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants, it was 0%, which is supposed to be a main sign for identification.

CONCLUSION

In the early stage, abdominal ultrasound can be used to differentiate necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Outcomes of preoperative anal dilatation for Hirschsprung disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

There are some studies about the effect of postoperative anal dilatation on anastomotic stenosis and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), but we have not seen any report about preoperative anal dilatation. We hypothesized that preoperative anal dilatation could reduce the incidence of HAEC and facilitate the operation. We aim to compare the HAEC rates and postoperative complications between groups who either had or did not have anal dilatations (AD or NAD) prescribed before laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung disease (HD); by this means, we will evaluate the benefit of dilatations before the surgery for HD.

METHODS

A retrospective review of children with HD operated in our hospital between 2014 and 2018 was performed. Those with 21 trisomy, total colonic aganglionosis, multiple stage procedures, serious congenital malformations, and lost to follow-up were excluded. Patients were divided into preoperative anal dilatation group (AD group) and no preoperative anal dilatation group (NAD group). Routine anal dilatation was performed in both groups from 2 weeks after laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through. The anal dilatation was carried out daily with metal anal dilators with size appropriate to the age of the child. The size of the anal dilators was increased by 1 mm every 2 weeks for at least 3 months. Demographic data, operation time, pre- and postoperative HAEC rates and postoperative obstructive symptoms between groups were compared. Significance was considered at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 95 children (17 female and 78 male) included, 36 AD and 59 NAD. There was no significant difference in demographic data between the two groups. The incidence of HAEC between the groups was not different both preoperatively (14% vs. 24%, P = 0.298) and postoperatively (11% vs. 19%, P = 0.171). The postoperative obstructive symptoms rates were 19% versus 22% for the AD and NAD groups, respectively (P = 0.802). The operation time of group AD was significantly shorter than that of group NAD (P = 0.008). Preoperative anal dilatation could shorten the operation time in short and typical-segment (2.08 ± 0.39 vs. 2.67 ± 0.37, P = 0.009 and 3.05 ± 0.38 vs. 3.29 ± 0.46, P = 0.042), but has no significant effect on long-segment disease (3.85 ± 0.41 vs. 3.89 ± 0.30, P = 0.839).

CONCLUSION

We have not shown a reduced risk of developing HAEC or postoperative obstructive symptoms if anal dilatations are prescribed before surgery. However, it may decrease the difficulties of surgeries, so the operative time is shortened.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis study.

LEVEL

II.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Diagnosis and Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Colitis and Hepatitis: Expert Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for oncology, leading to durable remissions in a subset of patients, but also a broad range of potentially life-threatening inflammatory toxicities, many of which involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. The purpose of this expert review was to update gastroenterologists on the gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities of ICIs and provide best practice advice on their diagnosis and management.

METHODS

The evidence reviewed in this work combines the expert clinical opinion of the authors with a comprehensive search of several English-language databases and a manual review of relevant publications.

Ultrasonography in infectious and neoplastic diseases of the bowel and peritoneum

Ultrasonography is not the most cited imaging technique for the evaluation of infectious and neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the peritoneum, but it is often the initial technique used in the initial workup for nonspecific clinical syndromes. Despite its limitations, ultrasonography's strengths enable it to provide meaningful diagnostic information. To discuss the most important ultrasonographic, clinical, and epidemiological findings for infectious disease, we follow a topographical approach: stomach (Anisakis), proximal small bowel (Giardia lamblia, Strongyloides stercoralis, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex, and Cryptosporidium), distal small bowel (Yersinia, Salmonella, and Campylobacter), terminal ileum and cecum (tuberculosis), right colon (Entamoeba histolytica), left colon (Shigella), sigmoid colon and rectum, pancolitis (Clostridium difficile, Cytomegalovirus, and Escherichia coli), and peritoneum. To discuss the ultrasonographic and clinical findings of the most common neoplastic diseases, we follow a nosological approach: polyploid lesions as precursors of tumors, carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, hematological tumors, mesenchymal tumors, and metastases. We briefly discuss tumors of the peritoneum and the use of ultrasonography to guide percutaneous biopsy procedures.

Gastrointestinal entamoebiasis in captive anurans in North America

Infections with Entamoeba spp. are recognized as a cause of clinical disease in many species including humans and reptiles; however, cases in amphibians are under-reported. Investigation of a mortality event among a captive population of Cranwell's horned frogs Ceratophrys cranwelli at a production facility in Florida, USA, revealed that deaths were due to the newly described Entamoeba species CT1. Infection caused severe necroulcerative gastroenterocolitis with a predilection for the colon. To date, this Entamoeba species has only been described in invasive cane toads Rhinella marina in Australia. Retrospective screening of archived anuran cases from a zoological pathology service identified 8 cases from captive populations that had histological evidence of gastrointestinal entamoebiasis. Molecular characterization was positive in 3 cases. Two cases, 1 in a Puerto Rican crested toad Peltophryne lemur and 1 in an Amazon milk frog Trachycephalus resinifictrix, showed 100% homology to E. ranarum and 1 case in a White's tree frog Litoria caerulea showed 100% homology to Entamoeba sp. CT1. This is the first report of novel Entamoeba sp. CT1 being associated with clinical disease in anurans within North America and also the first report of this Entamoeba species causing disease within managed collections as far back as 2003.

Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis After Primary Pull-Through

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a serious potential complication after primary pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Administration of anal botulinum toxin (BT) injection may improve obstructive symptoms at the internal anal sphincter, leading to improved fecal passage. The timing of administration and effects on delay or prevention of HAEC are unknown. We hypothesized that BT administration increased the postoperative time to HAEC and aimed to investigate whether anal BT administration after primary pull-through surgery for HSCR is associated with increased time to inpatient HAEC admission development.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining children with HSCR at US children's hospitals from 2008 to 2018 using the Pediatric Health Information System database with an associated primary pull-through operation performed before 60 d of age. The intervention assessed was the administration of BT concerning the timing of primary pull-through, and two groups were identified: PRO (received BT at or after primary pull-through, before HAEC) and NOT (never received BT, or received BT after HAEC). The primary outcome was time from pull-through to the first HAEC admission. The Cox proportional hazards model was developed to examine the BT administration effect on the primary outcome after controlling for patient-level covariates.

RESULTS

We examined a total of 1439 children (67 in the PRO and 1372 in the NOT groups). A total of 308 (21.4%) developed at least one episode of HAEC, including 76 (5.3%) who had two or more episodes. Between 2008 and 2018, the frequency of BT administration has increased from three to 20 hospitals with a frequency of administration between 2.2% and 16.2%. Prophylactic BT (PRO) was not associated with increased time to HAEC event on adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children with HSCR undergoing primary pull-through surgery, prophylactic BT administration did not demonstrate increased time to first HAEC event. A better-powered study with prophylactic BT is required to determine the effect on HAEC occurrence and timing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II (retrospective cohort study).

COVID-19-associated pancytopenia and typhlitis

Neutropenic enterocolitis is also known as typhlitis, is characterized by severe inflammation in the bowel loops. It is often seen in immunosuppressed patients, and it has high morbidity and mortality. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects the respiratory system and causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), it may affect hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. Herein, we present a rare case of COVID-19-associated pancytopenia and typhlitis in a 60-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the bowel wall thickening in the cecum and ascending colon compatible with enterocolitis. Moreover, the chest CT showed bilateral, peripheral, and multifocal ground-glass opacities, consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. We also aimed to emphasize the laboratory, clinical, and CT findings of the patient.

Evidence for Differentiation of Colon Tissue Microbiota in Patients with and without Postoperative Hirschsprung's Associated Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in the colon microbiota composition of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) patients with and without a history of postoperative Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis (HAEC).

METHODS

Colon tissue microbiota was characterized by bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and 16S rDNA sequencing for taxonomic classification and comparison.

RESULTS

The sequence diversity richness within samples was significantly higher in samples from patients with a history of postoperative HAEC. We observed an increased relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria in HAEC patients and Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in HSCR patients and, an increased relative abundance of the genera Dolosigranulum, Roseouria and Streptococcus in HAEC patients and Propionibacterium and Delftia in HSCR patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence that the colon tissue microbiota composition is different in HSCR patients with and without postoperative HAEC.

Spondylitis-psoriasis-enthesitis-enterocolitis-dactylitis-uveitis-peripheral synovitis (SPEED-UP) treatment

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and noninfectious uveitis form a distinct group among the immune mediated inflammatory diseases. Thus, many patients suffer from more than one of these disease manifestations. Here, we will use the term spondylitis-psoriasis-enthesitis-enterocolitis-dactylitis-uveitis-peripheral synovitis (SPEED-UP) spectrum disease. The aim is to review the new targeted pharmacological treatment options for all these diseases. All biological or targeted synthetic drugs with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval for any of the diagnoses axSpA, PsA, psoriasis, IBD, or non-infectious uveitis were included. Some of the drugs have documented efficacy in more than one of the diseases, e.g. tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. However, other drugs are particularly effective for a specific inflamed tissue and approved in only one or two of the disease entities, e.g. abatacept for peripheral arthritis and vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel disease. This contributes with bedside to bench understanding of the immunology underlying this disease spectrum and provides clinicians with an overview that can assist stratified treatment decisions. We hope that this review will help guide clinicians to speed up treatment of patients with this disease spectrum.

Inpatient management of Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis treatment: the benefits of standardized care

INTRODUCTION

Patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remain at risk of developing Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) after surgical intervention. As inpatient management remains variable, our institution implemented an algorithm directed at standardizing treatment practices. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients pre- and post-algorithm.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients admitted for HAEC was performed; January 2017-June 2018 encompassed the pre-implementation period, and October 2018-October 2019 was the post-implementation period. Demographics and outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-two episodes of HAEC occurred in 27 patients during the entire study period. Sixteen patients (59%) had more than one episode. The most common levels of the transition zone were the rectosigmoid (50%) and descending colon (27%). Following algorithm implementation, the median length of stay (2 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001), TPN duration (0 vs. 5.5 days, p < 0.001), and days to full enteral diet (6 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.001) decreased significantly. Readmission rates for recurrent enterocolitis were similar pre- and post-algorithm implementation.

CONCLUSION

The use of a standardized algorithm significantly decreases the length of stay and duration of intravenous antibiotic administration without increasing readmission rates, while still providing appropriate treatment for HAEC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III level.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

Portal gas in neonates; is it always surgical? A case report

BACKGROUND

Hepatic portal venous gas in infants is frequently due to late presentation of necrotizing enterocolitis which is considered a relative indicator for surgical intervention.

CASE SUMMARY

A preterm baby underwent an umbilical catheter placement and discovered in abdominal radiograph to have air in the portal venous system due to malpositioning of the umbilical catheter.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic portal venous gas in infants without signs of necrotizing enterocolitis could result from malposition of umbilical venous catheter, and in that case, should be managed medically, with no need for surgical intervention.

Severe Sprue-Like Enteropathy and Colitis due to Olmesartan: Lessons Learned From a Rare Entity

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug approved in 2002 for the treatment of hypertension. Since 2012, there have been reports of a rare adverse effect suspected to be related to its use. The author presents a case of a 63-year-old female with refractory gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including diarrhea with associated weight loss and severe electrolyte abnormalities necessitating hospitalization. An extensive inpatient evaluation ensued and was initially unremarkable. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) discovered an endoscopically normal duodenum that was biopsied and notably revealed villous atrophy and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Colonoscopy was normal appearing though biopsy findings were significant for nonspecific colitis. The endoscopy findings in the setting of the clinical presentation confirmed the diagnosis of olmesartan-associated enteropathy (OAE). Clinical improvement was noted after cessation of olmesartan and histological resolution was confirmed with repeat EGD post-discharge.

Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) 2020 clinical practice recommendations for the management of severe gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities from checkpoint inhibitors

Immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver are among the most frequent and most severe inflammatory toxicities from contemporary immunotherapy. Inflammation of the colon and or small intestines (entero)colitis is the single most common GI IrAE and is an important cause of delay of discontinuation of immunotherapy. The severity of these GI IrAEs can range from manageable with symptomatic treatment alone to life-threatening complications, including perforation and liver failure. The frequency and severity of GI IrAEs is dependent on the specific immunotherapy given, with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 blockade more likely to induce severe GI IrAEs than blockade of either programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or PD-1 ligand (PD-L1), and combination therapy showing the highest rate of GI IrAEs, particularly in the liver. To date, we have minimal prospective data on the appropriate diagnosis and management of GI IrAEs, and recommendations are based largely on retrospective data and expert opinion. Although clinical diagnoses of GI IrAEs are common, biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of both immunotherapy-induced enterocolitis and hepatitis and can play an important role in excluding competing, though less common, diagnoses and ensuring optimal management. GI IrAEs typically respond to high-dose corticosteroids, though a significant fraction of patients requires secondary immune suppression. For colitis, both TNF-α blockade with infliximab and integrin inhibition with vedolizumab have proved highly effective in corticosteroid-refractory cases. Detailed guidelines have been published for the management of low-grade GI IrAEs. In the setting of more severe toxicities, involvement of a GI specialist is generally recommended. The purpose of this review is to survey the available literature and provide management recommendations focused on the GI specialist.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of extraintestinal infection caused by Clostridioides difficile: analysis of 60 consecutive cases

Data regarding extraintestinal Clostridioides difficile infections (ECDIs) remain scarce and anecdotal. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with ECDI. From January 1997 through December 2018, 60 patients were enrolled and divided into three groups as follows: group A (gastrointestinal [GI] disruption caused by malignancy, n = 13); group B (GI disruption from causes other than malignancy, n = 25); group C (no GI disruption, n = 22). GI disruption was defined as compromised integrity of the GI tract caused by abdominal surgery, perforation, malignancy, enterocolitis, or bleeding. The incidence of ECDI was 2.53 per 100,000 admissions. The most common specimens yielded C. difficile were blood (36.7%), peritoneal fluid (20.0%), and abscesses (16.7%). Six patients (10.0%) had confirmed C. difficile enterocolitis, and 36 patients (60.0%) had a polymicrobial infection. C. difficile bacteremia was significantly more common in group A patients than those in groups B or C (53.8% vs. 48.0% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.02), as was the 30-day mortality rate (69.2% vs. 12.0% vs. 18.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, group A (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 17.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.96-101.21; p = 0.002) and an age of > 65 years (aOR, 7.09; 95% CI, 1.31-38.45; p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. ECDI was uncommonly associated with C. difficile enterocolitis. Two factors, GI disruption caused by malignancy, and old age, were associated with significantly poorer short-term outcomes.

Assessment of Patients with Hirschsprung Disease and the Use of Laparoscopy

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate patients who were diagnosed and treated due to Hirschsprung disease (HD) in our clinic.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated the demographic and clinical findings of the patients with HD, who were operated in our clinic between January 2010 and December 2015.

Results:

During study period, 28 patients (19 male 9 female) were found to be operated due to HD in our clinic. Mean age was 16.8 months (1-168). “Transanal Endorectal Pull–through (TERPT)” was performed to 20 of them, Duhamell procedure to five and Soave procedure to three of them. TERPT was applied as laparoscopy assisted in four of them and biopsies were taken laparoscopically preoperatively from one of the patients from each group. Soave procedure was performed in three patients; one had anal stenosis and history of recurrent enterocolitis after TERPT procedure and pathologic analysis revealed neuronal intestinal dysplasia and the other one had total colonic HD and performed Soave procedure with colonic patch. Seven (25%) patients had enterocolitis. Frequencies of enterocolitis were three in two patients, two in two patients and one in three patients. Broad spectrum anibiotics and rectal washouts were supplied to these patients. Five of the seven patients with enterocolitis were operated with TERPT; two patients were operated with Duhamell procedure. Only one of them had total colonic HD. Three patients had total colonic HD diagnosis. Two of them were operated with Duhamell-Martin procedure and one was with Soave procedure with colonic patch according to Kimura technique. Anal stenosis developed in two patients after TERPT and treated with dilatations. Soiling rate was 3% (1/28) and this single patient was treated with laxatives and toilet training. Mean duration of hospitalization was 8.75 (2-14) days. Mean length of the removed intestinal segment was 23.6 (5-38) cm. Mean follow-up was for 35.5 (2-56) months. Neither of the patients was followed in the intensive care unit postoperatively nor died.

Conclusion:

TERPT procedure win priority in HD, but other procedures keep importance. Recently, laparoscopy-assisted TERPT is preferred in our clinic in HD therapy due to easy biopsy, full exposure to the transitional zone, the advantage of meso preparation of colon and prevention of strained anastomosis.

Gastrointestinal Tract Adverse Events

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown significant benefit in cancer patients. Their success, however, is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which commonly affect the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea and colitis. IrAEs range from mild self-limiting to severe life-threatening diseases and potentially limit the use of these medications. Diagnosis of ICI-induced enterocolitis is based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, stool tests, endoscopic and histologic evaluation, and/or imaging. Current management strategy is mainly anti-diarrheal agents for mild symptoms and immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, and infliximab or vedolizumab) for more severe diseases.

Comparative analysis of docetaxel: physical and chemical characterisation of Taxotère® and generics

Several cases of fatal enterocolitis have been described in association with the use of docetaxel (DTX), and this increase in adverse events has been concomitant with a change in formulation. Indeed in 2010, a new DTX-based presentation has been introduced in the form of a single ready-to-use vial by Sanofi-Aventis, presentation also used for generics. In this study, different available formulations were compared (Sanofi 2 vials, Sanofi 1 vial, Accord Healthcare, Kabi, Hospira) in terms of composition compliance with control specifications and simulated micelle behaviour to try to determine what could be the potential causes of this problem. This work had permitted to show that all the tested products complied with specifications in terms of dosage and purity. Variations in the composition of polysorbate 80 (PS80) have been observed but are probably too small to be responsible for the toxicity found in patients. However, we identified a difference in micelle size and release kinetics probably because of doubling concentration of ethanol in new formulation. As a result, we emphasised the importance in the case of DTX of conducting bioequivalence studies as expected in European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidance to ensure patient safety, even though these formulation changes might seem minor. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of ethanol, PS80 and the unbound fraction of DTX in the development of enterocolitis in patients treated with DTX.

Yersinia Enterocolitis May Mimic Appendicitis: 12 Years of Experience in a Single Tertiary Center

Introduction

Yersinia enterocolitica infection is a zoonotic disease that varies from self-limited gastroenteritis to more severe forms. Its propensity to affect the terminal ileum and to spread to regional lymph nodes explains the potential misdiagnosis with appendicitis.

Methods

We reviewed the Y. enterocoliticainfection cases in a pediatric population for the last 12 years.

Results

There were 11 cases of Y. enterocolitica infection in the selected period. Four patients had a suspected surgical diagnosis: 1 intussusception, 3 acute appendicitis. Patients who presented with appendicitis-like features were older, whereas younger children most commonly presented with diarrhea and fever. Ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography (CT) were performed in appendicitis-like patients and ruled out appendicitis in 2 of the 3 cases. The only patient submitted to surgery had abnormal CT findings and an important risk factor for this infection that was not recognized at presentation.

Conclusion

This condition should be considered in patients with known risk factors (such as iron overload) and with the right epidemiological setting when presenting with abdominal symptoms. The suspicion of this diagnosis in these particular cases might obviate unnecessary surgical interventions.

Management of Patients With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Enterocolitis: A Systematic Review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the treatment of several cancers. These drugs increase T-cell activity and the antitumor immune response but also have immune-related adverse effects that can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These adverse effects have been observed in 7% to 30% of patients treated with ICIs. As the number of diseases treated with ICIs increases, gastroenterologists will see more patients with ICI-induced GI adverse events. We performed a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and management of the adverse effects of ICIs on the GI tract. Treatment with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 often causes severe enterocolitis, whereas treatment with inhibitors of programmed cell death 1 have less frequent and more diverse adverse effects. Management of patients with GI adverse effects of ICIs should involve first ruling out other disorders, followed by assessment of severity, treatment with corticosteroids, and rapid introduction of infliximab therapy for nonresponders.

Pull-through procedure in children with Hirschsprung disease: A nationwide analysis on postoperative outcomes

PURPOSE

No nationwide studies on hospital readmissions exist for children who have undergone pull-through operations for Hirschsprung disease. The study aim is to identify determinants of postoperative discharge outcomes and hospital readmissions in children with Hirschsprung disease.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2010-2014 was queried for children (<18yo) with Hirschsprung disease and whom had undergone pull-through procedure, utilizing ICD-9 codes 751.3 and 48.40-69, respectively. Outcomes included complications and readmissions at 30-day and 1-year. Results were weighted for national estimates.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 3635 patients, 75% male and 79% < 1 year of age. Readmission rates at 30 days and 1-year were 20% and 36%, respectively. Overall, the most common diagnoses for readmission were gastrointestinal disorders (46%) and infections (39%). All age groups had a ≥ 10% readmission rate for gastrointestinal disorders. Infants were more likely to be admitted for enterocolitis and infections (16% and 15%), while children (1-6 years old) were most commonly readmitted for electrolyte disturbances (12%). Total hospitalization cost was over $162 million with $24 million from readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease is associated with high readmissions and associated economic burden. Age specific interventions to prevent unnecessary readmissions could improve outcomes and curtail healthcare spending.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Comparative Analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Gastrointestinal Injury Related to Antiangiogenesis Cancer Therapy. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2020;19:e117-e123. [PMID: 32284253 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2020.03.002]

BACKGROUND

Data on gastrointestinal toxicities related antiangiogenesis cancer therapy is very limited. We aim to describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features and outcomes of antiangiogenesis-associated colitis and diarrhea (ACD) at a tertiary-care cancer center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of cancer patients who received antiangiogenesis therapy (AAT) and underwent endoscopy for ACD symptoms during 2000-2018.

RESULTS

A total of 12,045 patients received AAT during the study period. Of these, 552 patients underwent lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopic evaluation after AAT. Among them, we identified 41 patients who developed ACD. The median time from AAT initiation to ACD onset was 20 weeks. Most patients received bevacizumab (83%). The median duration of ACD symptoms was 6 days. On endoscopy, 7 patients (17%) had mucosal ulceration, and 16 (39%) had nonulcerative inflammation. Active histologic inflammation was evident in 8 patients (20%). Thirteen patients (32%) received treatment for ACD: antibiotics in 5 (12%) and antimotility agents in 11 (27%). Sixteen patients (39%) were hospitalized for ACD, and 2 were admitted to the intensive care unit. One colonic perforation (2%) related to underlying malignancy was reported after colonoscopy. Patients with enterocolitis symptoms had more frequent abnormal endoscopic findings (P = .024) and less frequently received antimotility agents (P = .011) compared to those with diarrhea only. Abnormal endoscopic findings were associated with more hospitalizations (P = .063) compared to normal group.

CONCLUSION

ACD is a rare adverse event of AAT and is usually mild. Despite its rarity, complications of ACD can be serious, requiring intensive care unit and surgery. Colonic perforation occurred after routine endoscopy after AAT in 2% of our cohort.

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in children treated at US children's hospitals

BACKGROUND

The incidence of and risk factors for Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) following pull-through have been limited to single institutions studies. We characterized the incidence of, risk factors for, and consequences of post-operative HAEC.

METHODS

We identified children with Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) at US Children's Hospitals from 2007 to 2017 with and an associated pull-through operation at less than 1 year of age. HAEC readmissions were identified using ICD9/10 Diagnosis Codes and antibiotic administration. Hierarchical logistic regression models were developed for the risk factors for HAEC after pull-through and effects of recurrent HAEC on HD-related reoperations.

RESULTS

We identified 2030 children with HD, and 138 (7%) who had two or more readmissions related to HAEC. The frequency of recurrent HAEC by hospital ranged from 0 to 33%. Pre-operative HAEC, history of central nervous system infection, and congenital neurologic anomalies were associated with increased risk of recurrent HAEC. Recurrent HAEC was associated with HD-specific re-operation (OR 5.2, CI 3.3-8.1, p < 0.001); however, it was not associated with risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 3.3, CI 0.88-12.1, p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

HAEC following pull-through occurs in a large proportion of infants with HD and predicts reoperation. Multicenter studies are needed to develop prediction models and treatment protocols for HAEC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective cohort study.

Gut Microbiome and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Enterocolitis

The gut microbiome is increasingly being described as one of the underlying mechanisms for development of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced colitis. Similarities in gut microbiome profiles have been found among various diseases associated with intestinal inflammation, including inflammatory bowel disease. Certain bacterial species have been reported to be preventive for colitis, as well as beneficial for cancer outcome, in patients receiving ICI therapy. Alternatively, other bacterial classes have been shown to be associated with immunologic alterations causing intestinal inflammation with subsequent increase in the risk of ICI-related colitis. Gut microbiome manipulation by fecal transplantation has been proposed as one of the modalities to ameliorate inflammation in patients with ICI-related colitis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Additional investigations are needed to clarify the role of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of ICI-related colitis.

[Experience in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in a paediatric allergy clinic]

INTRODUCTION

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a gastrointestinal syndrome due to a non-IgE mediated food hypersensitivity.. The most common triggers are cow's milk and soy. Fish is one of the most frequently reported causes in Spain. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with (FPIES) in a Paediatric Allergy Clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out by reviewing medical records of patients diagnosed with FPIES in the Paediatric Allergy Unit of the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital from the years 2007 to 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients were diagnosed during the study period, of whom 45% were male and 55% were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 11±1.5 months and the mean age of improvement was 2 years and 6 months±2.5 years (n=83). A personal history of atopy was observed in 31.9%. The main trigger foods were: white fish (41.4%), cow's milk (25.1%), and egg (15.5%). A conversion to IgE-mediated allergy was seen in 4.4% of patients. There was vomiting in 81.5% of the cases, with a mean of 1.75±1.1hours of latency, as well as diarrhoea in 41.5%, with a mean of 7.86±15.16hours of latency, and decline in 30.4% with a mean latency of 3.81±11.57hours.

DISCUSSION

In our series, the most frequent trigger of the FPIES was fish. It was manifested mainly by late vomiting and a tolerance was reached mostly at 2 years 6 months.

Cytomegalovirus ileo-pancolitis presenting as toxic megacolon in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis presenting in the form of pancolitis or involving the small and large intestines in an immunocompetent patient is rarely encountered, and CMV enterocolitis presenting with a serious complication, such as toxic megacolon, in an immunocompetent adult has only been reported on a few occasions.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe the case of a 70-year-old male with no history of inflammatory bowel disease or immunodeficiency who presented with toxic megacolon and subsequently developed massive hemorrhage as a complication of CMV ileo-pancolitis. The patient was referred to our institute for abdominal pain and distension. Abdominal X-ray showed marked dilatation of ileum and whole colon without air-fluid level, and sigmoidoscopy with biopsy failed to reveal any specific finding. After 7 d of conservative treatment, massive hematochezia developed, and he was diagnosed to have CMV enterocolitis by colonoscopy with biopsy. Although the diagnosis of CMV enterocolitis was delayed, the patient was treated successfully by repeat colonoscopic decompression and antiviral therapy with intravenous ganciclovir.

CONCLUSION

This report cautions that CMV-induced colitis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in a patient with intractable symptoms of enterocolitis or megacolon of unknown cause, even when the patient is non-immunocompromised.

Totally robotic soave pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease: lessons learned from 11 consecutive pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Since Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) already proved to benefit from robotic surgery, we aimed at describing a wider series of patients with this rare disease who were operated on with a robotic approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive HSCR patients who underwent totally robotic soave pull-through (TRSPT), between October 2015 and June 2019, have been included. Ethical Committee approval was obtained. Data regarding clinical features, technical details, complications, hospital stay, and functional outcome have been prospectively collected for each patient.

RESULTS

Eleven patients have been included. Mean age at surgery was 29 months. Median length of surgery was 420 min. Median console time was 180 min. Six patients suffered from rectosigmoid aganglionosis, three from long HSCR (extending up to the hepatic flexure), two from total colonic aganglionosis. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Four patients (three of whom carrying a stoma) experienced minor mucosal tearing during dissection. One anastomotic stricture required dilatation under general anesthesia and two cuff strictures required cuff release (both occurring in patients who experienced intraoperative mucosal tearing). Follow-up lasted a median of 12 months. One patient experienced mild postoperative enterocolitis. Continence scored excellent-to-good in all patients who could be assessed on that regard (7 out of 11).

CONCLUSIONS

Provided a number of technical key points are respected, the outcome of TRSPT for HSCR is promising. Younger patients, particularly those carrying a stoma, proved to be technically demanding and deserve a longer learning curve. Accurate preoperative bowel preparation, correct trocar placement and patient positioning proved to be crucial aspects of treatment. To conclude, TRSPT is particularly suitable for older HSCR patients, even those requiring a redo, and represents a valid alternative to available surgical option for this delicate subgroup of HSCR patients.

Sonographic assessment of infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: from scanning to diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Sonography of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a practical, safe, inexpensive, and reproducible diagnostic tool for the evaluation, diagnosis, and follow-up of infectious bowel disease. The modality is rapidly gaining prominence among clinicians on a global scale. In the United States, however, ultrasound of the bowel remains underutilized primarily due to insufficient experience among radiologists and sonographers in performing sonographic bowel assessment. This lack of experience and knowledge results in misinterpretations, missed diagnoses, and underutilization of this modality in patients with acute abdomen, with the majority of GI pathology on sonography discovered incidentally.

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to demonstrate the characteristic sonographic findings associated with GI infectious processes as well as provide dedicated ultrasound protocols for evaluation of the GI tract.

CONCLUSION

This article serves a twofold purpose, raising awareness of the utility of this imaging modality within the radiology community and also providing practical teaching points for sonographic evaluation of infectious disorders of the GI tract.

Fatal neutropenic enterocolitis associated with docetaxel use: A review of cases reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System

Docetaxel is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for the treatment of multiple cancers as a single agent or in combination with other antineoplastics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a postmarketing review of fatal neutropenic enterocolitis cases reported with docetaxel using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and literature to determine whether the drug was a potential cause. We searched FAERS and the literature for reports of fatal neutropenic enterocolitis with docetaxel-based treatment reported between 14 May 1996 and 13 March 2017. We characterized the clinical course and severity of neutropenic enterocolitis and utilized the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre rubric to assess drug causality. We identified 41 fatal cases of neutropenic enterocolitis with docetaxel from FAERS and the literature. The median time to onset of neutropenic enterocolitis from last docetaxel dose was seven days (range 2-13 days), and median time to death was nine days (range 3-23 days). The cause of death in 83% (34/41) of patients was neutropenic enterocolitis. We determined the drug-event association as probable in seven cases. Neutropenic enterocolitis with docetaxel monotherapy occurred in six cases; however, in 85% (35/41) of cases, neutropenic enterocolitis occurred when docetaxel was used in combination with other cytotoxic chemotherapy. In some cases, neutropenic enterocolitis occurred despite use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors. Neutropenic enterocolitis is a severe and potentially fatal complication of docetaxel-based treatment, especially when combined with other antineoplastic treatments known to cause neutropenia. Practitioners should be aware of this safety risk to promptly recognize and manage patients.

Hirschsprung disease and Down syndrome: From the reappraisal of risk factors to the impact of surgery

INTRODUCTION

The association of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and Down Syndrome (DS) is not uncommon (HSCR+DS). This paper aims at reporting the results of a 24-year series focusing on surgical approach, complications and long term outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The notes of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of HSCR+DS have been retrospectively reviewed. Surgical details, intraoperative complications, long term issues and functional outcome have been recorded. The results have been compared to those of patients without DS and were assessed based on surgical approach.

RESULTS

A total of 23 HSCR+DS out of a series of 385 HSCR (6%) have been included. Preoperative enterocolitis (HAEC) was reported by 32%. Associated anomalies were detected in more than half of the patients. In particular, Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) were reported by 57%. Postoperative complications (mostly symptomatic anal sphincter achalasia) were experienced by 55%. Constipation was experienced by 30%; severe continence issues, by 53%. One patient suffering from severe CHDs died. With regard to complications, only symptomatic anal achalasia requiring intrasphincteric BoTox injection was significantly more frequent in HSCR+DS (30% vs 10%, p = 0.0071). Similarly, continence proved to be significantly worse in HSCR+DS.

DISCUSSION

With the exception of symptomatic anal achalasia, HSCR+DS patients proved not to have a higher likelihood of complications compared to HSCR alone. On the other hand, functional results in the long term are worse. As a consequence, long term follow up and personalized rehabilitation programs are warranted for this delicate subset of HSCR patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Altered expression of caveolin-1 in the colon of patients with Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is unclear. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) regulates the functions of different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, which play critical roles in inflammation and intestinal epithelial barrier function. We designed this study to investigate the hypothesis that Cav-1 expression is altered in the bowel of patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR).

METHODS

HSCR tissue specimens (n = 10) were collected at the time of pull-through surgery and control samples were obtained at the time of colostomy closure in patients with imperforate anus (n = 10). qRT-PCR analysis was undertaken to quantify Cav-1 gene expression, and Western blot analysis was undertaken to determine Cav-1 protein quantification. Immunolabelling of Cav-1 proteins was visualized using confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that Cav-1 was significantly downregulated in the aganglionic and ganglionic colon of patients with HSCR compared to controls (p < 0.01). Confocal microscopy revealed a markedly decreased expression of Cav-1 in colonic epithelium of aganglionic and ganglionic bowel of patients with HSCR compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of significantly decreased Cav-1 expression in patients with HSCR. Decreased expression of Cav-1 in the bowel of HSCR may increase susceptibility to HAEC in HSCR.

Botulinum toxin injections after surgery for Hirschsprung disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of patients with Hirschsprung disease experience persistent obstructive symptoms after corrective surgery. Persistent obstructive symptoms may result in faecal stasis that can develop into Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, a potential life-threatening condition. Important treatment to improve faecal passage is internal anal sphincter relaxation using botulinum toxin injections.

AIM

To give an overview of all empirical evidence on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in patients with Hirschsprung disease.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was done by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, using entry terms related to: (1) Hirschsprung disease; and (2) Botulinum toxin injections. 14 studies representing 278 patients met eligibility criteria. Data that were extracted were proportion of patients with improvement of obstructive symptoms or less enterocolitis after injection, proportion of patients with adverse effects and data on type botulinum toxin, mean dose, average age at first injection and patients with associated syndromes. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to aggregate effects and random-effects meta-regression was used to test for possible confounding factors.

RESULTS

Botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms in on average 66% of patients [event rate (ER) = 0.66, P = 0.004, I² = 49.5, n = 278 patients]. Type of botulinum toxin, average dose, average age at first injections and proportion of patients with associated syndromes were not predictive for this effect. Mean 7 duration of improvement after one botulinum toxin injections was 6.4 mo and patients needed on average 2.6 procedures. There was a significant higher response rate within one month after botulinum toxin injections compared to more than one month after Botulinum toxin injections (ER = 0.79, vs ER = 0.46, Q = 19.37, P < 0.001). Botulinum toxin injections were not effective in treating enterocolitis (ER 0.58, P = 0.65, I² = 71.0, n = 52 patients). There were adverse effects in on average 17% of patients (ER = 0.17, P < 0.001, I² = 52.1, n = 187 patients), varying from temporary incontinence to mild anal pain.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms and that adverse effects were present, but mild and temporary.

INTESTINAL HISTOPLASMOSIS IN A CAPTIVE REINDEER (RANGIFER TARANDUS), MISSOURI, USA

An infection with Histoplasma capsulatum was diagnosed in a farmed reindeer in Missouri, an endemic area for histoplasmosis, localized in the intestine. The intrahistiocytic organisms were identified in tissue sections using histologic methods and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of histoplasmosis in a reindeer or in any deer species.

Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Following Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) within 48 h, known as transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (TANEC).

METHODS

A nested case-control study using historical data was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand. All very low birth weight (VLBW) infants delivered between November 2009 and July 2016 were enrolled. The infants were identified as RBC transfusion received and NEC developed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for transfusion and the association between RBC transfusion and NEC.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty-four VLBW infants were enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile range) gestational age was 29 (27, 31) wk. The overall incidence of NEC was 13%. Three (5.2%) of the NEC infants had TANEC. The infants who received RBC transfusion had a lower gestational age [odds ratio, OR 0.64; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.57, 0.73, p < 0.001] and were more likely to have pneumonia (OR 9.86; 95%CI 5.02, 19.35, p < 0.001) or to have received H₂ blocker (OR 2.92; 95%CI 1.73, 4.93, p < 0.001). The ORs (95% CI) after adjusting for confounders, the association between RBC transfusion and NEC for transfusions ≤2 d, >2 to 4 d, and > 4 to 6 d prior to NEC were 1.83 (0.41, 8.16; p = 0.43), 1.7 (0.26, 11.16; p = 0.58) and 1.19 (0.31, 4.62; p = 0.80) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

After controlling of confounders, no evidence of association was found between RBC transfusion and TANEC.

Are Clostridium difficile toxins nephrotoxic?

Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) occurs along a spectrum from simple uncomplicated enteritis to a multi-system disease which may include nephropathy. Pathology is attributed to bacterial toxins, but it is unclear if the latter are directly nephrotoxic. Anecdotes of renal disease from human biopsy findings suggest a variation of histopathologies, but data are relatively limited. Acute renal failure does occur in patients with advanced morbidity. CDAD can complicate chronic renal failure. Kidney tissue culture cytotoxicity has long been known. Kidney function alterations among animal models or diseased humans are relatively uncommon in mild to moderate enteritis. Rare findings of toxinemia are reported. Some have proposed that renal dysfunction arises more from pre-renal compromises. Direct toxin studies on whole kidney are sparse. The role of direct toxin-associated renal disease is worthy of further investigation given the current impetus towards the development of protective and therapeutic passive and active immunity. Hypotheses of toxin-direct or pre-renal toxin compromise of renal function prevail.

Optimal time for single-stage pull-through colectomy in infants with short-segment Hirschsprung disease

OBJECTIVE

Short-segment Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is the predominant type of HSCR that affects approximately 75% of patients. Whether single-stage endorectal pull-through (ERPT) surgery is appropriate for neonatal patients with HSCR has not been definitively determined. This retrospective cohort study concerning infants with short-segment HSCR investigated the optimal age for single-stage ERPT surgery, regardless of the operative approach.

METHODS

The 198 patients were stratified by operative age ≤ 3 or > 3 months (groups A or B, respectively, n = 62 and 136, respectively). Diagnoses of short-segment HSCR were conducted by preoperative contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy with acetylcholinesterase immunohistochemical staining. The perioperative clinical course for all patients was reviewed and the accuracy rate of the preoperative diagnoses and postoperative short- and midterm outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The rates of diagnostic accuracy, according to the results of the preoperative contrast enema or rectal suction biopsy, were lower in group A (67.2 and 93.5%, respectively) than in group B (81.4 and 94.9%, respectively). In groups A and B, 49 (79.1%) and 108 (79.4%) infants, respectively, completed follow-up examinations. The short-term outcomes were postoperative HSCR-associated enterocolitis, adhesive bowel obstruction, anastomosis leakage, and anal stenosis during the first 12 months after surgery. The midterm outcomes were incontinence and constipation at ~24 months after surgery. Compared with group B, group A experienced more incidences of anastomotic leakage in the short-term and more soiling in the midterm. In groups A and B, the rates of constipation recurrence were nil and 1.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Infants with HSCR ≤3 months old at the time of single-stage ERPT surgery showed lower rates of accurate and conclusive diagnostic results and poorer postoperative outcomes. Waiting to perform this surgery until infants are older might be more beneficial.

Risk factors for the development of post-operative enterocolitis in short segment Hirschsprung's disease

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study is to identify risk factors associated with the development of post-operative enterocolitis (HAEC), in short segment Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR-S).

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out for post-operative patients with HSCR-S from 1997 to 2017. HSCR-S was defined as the most proximal extension of aganglionosis limited to the sigmoid colon. An episode of HAEC was defined as the presence of (1) vomiting or explosive diarrhea; (2) abdominal distension; (3) fever and (4) leukocytosis. Risk factors for the development of HACE were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

MAIN RESULTS

The medical records of 96 patients were reviewed. The overall incidence of HAEC was 20.8% (n = 20) and 65.0% (n = 13) of HAEC occurred within the first year of operation. After a univariate logistic regression analysis, three risk factors for HAEC were identified: (1) presence of other major anomalies [OR: 1.43 (1.12-2.32), p = 0.041]; (2) creation of pre-operative defunctioning stoma [OR: 2.28 (1.47-3.23), p = 0.035]; (3) extension of aganglionosis to the sigmoid colon [OR: 1.89 (1.05-3.19), p = 0.049]. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant association was demonstrated for creation of pre-operative defunctioning stoma [OR: 1.81 (1.08-3.22), p = 0.045] and extension of aganglionosis to the sigmoid colon [OR: 1.91 (1.37-2.98), p = 0.038].

CONCLUSIONS

The requirement of pre-operative defunctioning stoma and a more proximal extension of aganglionosis are risk factors for the development of post-operative HAEC in HSCR-S. Patients with these risk factors should be closely followed up especially during the first year after the operation.

Altered expression of inflammasomes in Hirschsprung's disease

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is poorly understood. Inflammasomes are a large family of multiprotein complexes that act to mediate host immune responses to microbial infection and have a regulatory or conditioning influence on the composition of the microbiota. Inflammasomes and the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) lead to caspase-1 activation. The activated caspase-1 promotes secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) from their precursors (pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18). Inflammasomes have been implicated in a host of inflammatory disorders. Among the inflammasomes, NLRP3, NLRP12 and NLRC4 are the most widely investigated. Knock-out mice models of inflammasomes NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, caspase-1 and ASC are reported to have higher susceptibility to experimental colitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, caspase-1, ASC, pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 in the bowel specimens from patients with HSCR and controls.

METHODS

Pulled-through colonic specimens were collected from HSCR patients (n = 6) and healthy controls from the proximal colostomy of children with anorectal malformations (n = 6). The gene expression of NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, caspase-1, ASC, pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 was assessed using qPCR. The protein distribution was assessed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

MAIN RESULTS

qRT-PCR analysis revealed that NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, ASC and pro-IL-1β gene expressions was significantly downregulated in the aganglionic and ganglionic colon of patients with HSCR compared to controls. Confocal microscopy revealed a markedly decreased expression of NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4 and ASC protein in the colonic epithelium of aganglionic and ganglionic bowel of patients with HSCR compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, ASC and pro-IL-1β gene expressions in patients with HSCR. Decreased expression of NLRP3, NLRP12, NLRC4, ASC and pro-IL-1β in the aganglionic and ganglionic bowel may increase susceptibility of HSCR patients to develop HAEC.

Endoscopic evaluation of immunotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity

Immunotherapy is any treatment aimed at boosting or enhancing the immune system. It includes a wide range of options, from vaccines to treatment for conditions such as allergy and cancer. In the case of cancer, unlike other available treatments, immunotherapy is not aimed at destroying the tumor cells but at stimulating the patient’s immune system so that it attacks the tumor. In cancer, immunotherapy provides a series of advantages. Nevertheless, immunotherapy administered for treatment of cancer is associated with immune-mediated enterocolitis. Colitis mediated by monoclonal anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 and to programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand PDL1 shares characteristics with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and similar findings have been reported for both the endoscopy images and the segment involved. The most frequent lesions on endoscopy are ulcer and erythema, and the most frequently affected site is the sigmoid colon. A segmental pattern has been reported to be slightly more frequent than a continuous pattern. In addition, upper gastrointestinal lesions have been reported in up to half of patients, with the most frequent findings being gastritis and erosive duodenitis. As is the case in IBD, systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive treatment (anti-TNF agents) are the approaches used in patients with a more unfavorable progression. Immunotherapy must be suspended completely in some cases.

The protective effects of sesamol in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis

Background and aim: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal inflammatory disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Its pathophysiology includes hypoxic-ischemic injury that may be related to oxygen-derived free radical formation. Sesamol is considered to be an antioxidant and free radical scavenger with anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of sesamol in a neonatal rat model of NEC.Materials and methods: The study included 1-day-old Wistar albino rat pups (n = 34) that were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (NEC), group 2 (NEC + intraperitoneal sesamol), group 3 (NEC + oral sesamol), and a control group. NEC was induced by exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation, following cold stress and hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding. Sesamol 100 mg kg^-1 dose^-1 was administered intraperitoneally to group 2 and orally to group 3 for 3 days. On day 4 all rats were sacrificed. Histological injuries, the Bcl-2, caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured in intestinal samples.Results: The grade of intestinal damage, and Bcl-2 and caspase-3 levels in group 1 were significantly higher than in groups 2 and 3 and the control group, and intestinal damage was significantly more severe in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. The MDA activity was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 (112, 89, and 144 nmol mL^-1, respectively). Groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher SOD and GSH-Px activities than group 1 (SOD: 1.75, 1.74, and 0.89 U mg^-1; GSH-Px: 114, 121, and 110 nmol of NADPH min^-1 mg^-1, respectively).Conclusions: The present findings highlight that sesamol has beneficial effects on intestinal injury in a rat model of NEC through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Outcomes in patients with Hirschsprung disease following definitive surgery

Objective

Several pull-through procedures have been described for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) with varying outcomes. We aimed to describe the outcomes in HSCR patients < 18 year of age who underwent surgical procedures at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia from January 2013 to December 2014.

Results

We utilized 67 HSCR patients, of whom 49 (73%) were males and 18 (27%) females. Neonatal presentation was seen in 57 cases (85%) and most patients (98.5%) had short-segment HSCR. The clinical manifestations were mainly abdominal distension (94%) and delayed passage of meconium (45%). The most common definitive treatment performed was transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) (54%), followed by Soave (18%) and Duhamel (13%) procedures. Enterocolitis occurred in 13% of the HSCR patients after endorectal pull-through, but did not reach a significant level (p-value = 0.65), while the constipation rate was significantly higher in HSCR patients who underwent posterior neurectomy compared with those other procedures (OR = 15.5, 95% CI = 1.8–132.5; p-value = 0.019). In conclusions, most HSCR patients in Indonesia were diagnosed in the neonatal period and underwent the TEPT procedure. Furthermore, the risk of constipation is increased in HSCR patients following posterior neurectomy compared with other definitive surgical techniques.

Mutational spectrum of PTS gene and in silico pathological assessment of a novel variant in Mexico

BACKGROUND

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the cofactor for 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS); it is involved in BH4 biosynthesis and is encoded by PTS gene. Its deficiency (PTPSD) is characterized by hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and deficit in central monoamine neurotransmitters. We describe the clinical and mutational spectrum of five patients with PTPSD, from four unrelated Mexican families. All patients had symptomatic diagnosis and presented severe early neurological manifestations and HPA.

METHODS

Clinical and biochemical data from studied patients were recorded. Responsible PTPSD genotypes was determined by direct and bidirectional Sanger DNA sequencing of the six PTS coding exons and their exon-intron borders, and these were directly searched in the available relatives. The novel PTS missense variant [NM_3000317.2:331G > T, p.(Ala111Ser)] was subjected to in silico, to predict a possible deleterious effect.

RESULTS

Diminished fetal movements were perceived as a uniform characteristic in the studied group. DNA sequencing showed two known p.(Arg25∗) and p.(Val132TyrFs∗19) and the novel missense p.(Ala111Ser) PTS variants, the latter representing potentially a frequent PTPSD-responsible allele (50%, 4/8) in Mexican patients. In silico protein modeling analysis of the p.(Ala111Ser) variant revealed loss of hydrophobic interactions between the alanine and neighboring valines, suggesting that these changes in polarity may be detrimental for enzyme function, structure and/or stability.

CONCLUSIONS

This work contributes to the knowledge of PTPS molecular spectrum. The delayed diagnosis of these patients emphasizes the importance of considering BH4 metabolism defects in the differential diagnosis of HPA, especially for countries that are beginning their HPA newborn screening programs.

Foal Diarrhea: Established and Postulated Causes, Prevention, Diagnostics, and Treatments

Diarrhea is one of the most important diseases in young foals and may occur in more than half of foals until weaning age. Several infectious and noninfectious underlying causes have been implicated but scientific evidence of pathogenesis is evolving. It is important to investigate all known potential causes and identify infectious agents to avoid outbreaks, evaluate the level of systemic compromise, and establish adequate therapy. It is crucial to differentiate foals that can be managed in field conditions from those that should be sent to a referral center. This article reviews these aspects and recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Nutritional management of cow's milk allergy in children: An update

Cow's milk is one of the most common foods responsible for allergic reactions in children. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) involves immunoglobulin E (IgE)- and non-IgE-mediated reactions, the latter being both variable and nonspecific. Guidelines thus emphasize the need for physicians to recognize the specific syndromes of CMA and to respect strict diagnostic modalities. Whatever the clinical pattern of CMA, the mainstay of treatment is the elimination from the diet of cow's milk proteins. The challenge is that both the disease and the elimination diet may result in insufficient height and weight gain and bone mineralization. If, during CMA, the mother is not able or willing to breastfeed, the child must be fed a formula adapted to CMA dietary management, during infancy and later, if the disease persists. This type of formula must be adequate in terms of allergic efficacy and nutritional safety. In older children, when CMA persists, the use of cow's milk baked or heated at a sufficient temperature, frequently tolerated by children with CMA, may help alleviate the stringency of the elimination diet. Guidance on the implementation of the elimination diet by qualified healthcare professionals is always necessary. This guidance should also include advice to ensure adequate bone growth, especially relating to calcium intake. Specific attention should be given to children presenting with several risk factors for weak bone mineral density, i.e., multiple food allergies, vitamin D deficiency, poor sun exposure, steroid use, or severe eczema. When CMA is outgrown, a prolonged elimination diet may negatively impact the quality of the diet over the long term.

Routine Treatment-Resistant Clostridium difficile Infection during Recovery from Myxedema

Development of the extreme form of hypothyroidism defined as myxedema is very rare. Acute symptoms and their management have been described in detail previously. However, not much attention has been devoted to therapeutic challenges that are faced in the recovery phase of the treatment, especially pertaining to the gastrointestinal system. The link between myxedema and the appearance of severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has not been established so far. A 61-year-old woman with no significant medical record was admitted to hospital because of infected heel pressure and thyroid dysfunction. A week later, due to hypothermia, hypotension, and unconsciousness, she was transferred to the intensive care unit. The clinical picture and the results of laboratory tests confirmed diagnosis of myxedema. After the introduction of resuscitative measures and hormonal substitution, patient's condition stabilized within 10 days. Due to concomitant sepsis, initially piperacillin/tazobactam and later cefuroxime were administered. After 20 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient developed CDI that was resistant to the routine mode of treatment. The clinical recovery was achieved only after a fecal microbiota transplantation procedure. The function of the digestive tract in myxedema is disturbed by gastric achlorydia and reduced peristalsis, which in turn can predispose the small intestine to overgrowth of bacteria. The use of antibiotics can additionally decrease the intestinal bacterial diversity, favoring the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile. The authors conclude that myxedema may increase the likelihood of a treatment-resistant form of CDI that requires the implementation of fecal microbiota transplantation.

[Risk factors associated with the development of enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease]

OBJECTIVES

Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a live-threatening complication that remains badly understood. Our objective is to identify the risk factors related to the development of HAEC in the cohort of patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) treated in our center.

METHODS

We reviewed the patients treated for HD between 2000 and 2016. Ninety four patients were included, and the clinical details related to the disease were evaluated. Our primary outcome measure was the development of HAEC. Relative risks are presented with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Twenty seven patients out of the ninety four (28.7%) suffered HAEC. None of them died from this complication. The extended aganglionosis, the need of a preoperative stoma, a transabdominal surgery and the diagnosis before the age of 7.2 months were related to a higher risk of suffering HAEC.

CONCLUSIONS

HAEC remains a common complication in patients suffering from HD, especially those with complex forms. The identification of the risk factors could result in a better control of the HAEC, which lead to a faster diagnosis and treatment, reducing the morbi-mortality related to HAEC.