A new distensibility technique to measure sphincter of Oddi function

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the biliary tract is important in physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical studies. Although the sphincter of Oddi (SO) can be evaluated with manometry, this technique has several limitations. This may explain the difficulties in identifying pathophysiological mechanisms for dysfunction of the SO and in identifying patients who may benefit from certain therapies. To encompass problems with manometry, methods such as the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) technique have been developed to study GI sphincters. This study set about miniaturising the FLIP probe and validating it for measurements in the SO. In order to get a better physiological understanding of the SO the aims were to show the sphincter profile in vivo and motility patterns of SO in pilot studies using volunteers that were experiencing biliary type pain but had normal SO manometry.

METHODS

The SO probe was constructed to measure eight cross-sectional areas (CSA) along a length of 25 mm inside a saline-filled bag. To validate the technique for profiling the SO, six perspex cylinders with different CSAs were measured nine times to assess reproducibility and accuracy.

KEY RESULTS

Reproducibility and accuracy for these measurements were good. The probe performed well in bench tests and was therefore tested in four humans. The data indicated that it was possible to make distensions in the human SO and that a geometric sphincter profile could be obtained.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The probe will in future studies be tested for diagnostic purposes related to sphincter of Oddi diseases.

Gallstone Ileus, Bouveret's Syndrome and Choledocholithiasis in a Patient with Billroth II Gastrectomy - A Case Report of Combined Endoscopic and Surgical Therapy

Intestinal obstruction due to gallstone is a rare, but quite severe gastrointestinal disorder, which always requires a rapid and correct diagnosis to achieve optimal therapy. Digestive endoscopy is an important method to determine the level of the bowel obstruction and to plan an optimal therapeutic strategy. Our present case demonstrates that in a high-risk patient, a combined endoscopic and surgical therapy is the best choice to solve the obstruction of the colon, of the stomach and of the common bile duct caused by multiple gallstones.

Feasibility and safety of emergency ERCP and small-caliber pancreatic stenting as a bridging procedure in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis but difficult sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the feasibility and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and pancreatic duct (PD) stenting with small-caliber stents as a bridging procedure in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) patients in whom biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) proved difficult, failed or was contraindicated, and (2) to compare the clinical outcome of those patients having emergency ERCP with and without pancreatic stent.

METHOD

Eighty-seven consecutive patients with ABP were referred for emergency ERCP. In 60 of these ABP patients, ERCP, EST, and stone extraction (if necessary) were performed without PD stenting. In the remaining 27 patients, small-caliber (3-5 F, 4 cm) pancreatic stent insertion was initially applied. All patients were hospitalized for medical therapy and were followed up.

RESULTS

The mean ages, the initial symptom-to-ERCP times, the Glasgow severity scores, and the peak amylase and CRP levels at initial presentation were not significantly different in the ERCP + EST with PD stent group versus the ERCP + EST without PD stent group. More importantly, the complication rate was significantly lower in the ERCP + EST with PD stent group versus the ERCP + EST without PD stent group (7.4% vs. 25%); while the mortality rates (0% vs. 6.7%) were comparable, reasonably low, and demonstrated no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary PD stenting with small-caliber stents is a safe and effective procedure that may afford sufficient PD decompression to reverse the process of ABP and serve as a bridging procedure in severe ABP in patients with failed, complicated, or contraindicated biliary EST.

The interferon-induced helicase IFIH1 Ala946Thr polymorphism is associated with type 1 diabetes in both the high-incidence Finnish and the medium-incidence Hungarian populations

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The rs1990760 polymorphism (Ala946Thr) of interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) has been proposed to associate with type 1 diabetes. In this study, association between IFIH1 Ala946Thr and type 1 diabetes was investigated in two distinct white populations, the Hungarians and Finns.

METHODS

The rs1990760 polymorphism was genotyped in 757/509 Hungarian/Finnish childhood-onset cases, 499/250 Hungarian/Finnish control individuals and in 529/924 Hungarian/Finnish nuclear family trios. Disease association was tested using case-control and family-based approaches. A meta-analysis of data from 9,546 cases and 11,000 controls was also performed.

RESULTS

In the Hungarian dataset, the A allele was significantly more frequent among cases than among controls (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10-1.52; p = 0.002). Combined analysis of Hungarian and Finnish datasets revealed a strong disease association (OR 1.235, 95% CI 1.083-1.408; p = 0.002). Furthermore, the A allele was significantly overtransmitted in both family trio datasets (p = 0.017 in Hungarians; p = 0.007 in Finns). The A allele was increased in Hungarian vs Finnish cases (64.9% vs 60.8% in Finns; p = 0.003). The meta-analysis yielded a significant effect for IFIH1 rs1990760 A allele on type 1 diabetes risk (OR 1.176, 95% CI 1.130-1.225; p = 5.3 x 10(-15)) with significant heterogeneity between effect sizes across the studied populations (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study represents the first independent confirmation of the association between type 1 diabetes and the IFIH1 gene in Hungarian and Finnish populations. Summarising the data published so far, a clear association between the Ala946Thr polymorphism and type 1 diabetes was detected, with an apparent difference in the contribution to disease susceptibility in different populations of European ancestry.

Prophylactic pancreas stenting followed by needle-knife fistulotomy in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and difficult cannulation: new method to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to reduce post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications with a combination of early needle-knife access fistulotomy and prophylactic pancreatic stenting in selected high-risk sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients with difficult cannulation.

METHODS

Prophylactic pancreatic stent insertion was attempted in 22 consecutive patients with definite SOD and difficult cannulation. After 10 min of failed selective common bile duct cannulation, but repeated (>5x) pancreatic duct contrast filling, a prophylactic small calibre (3-5 Fr) pancreatic stent was inserted, followed by fistulotomy with a standard needle-knife, then a standard complete biliary sphincterotomy followed. The success and complication rates were compared retrospectively with a cohort of 35 patients, in which we persisted with the application of standard methods of cannulation without pre-cutting methods.

RESULTS

Prophylactic pancreatic stenting followed by needle-knife fistulotomy was successfully carried out in all 22 consecutive patients, and selective biliary cannulation and complete endoscopic sphincterotomy were achieved in all but two cases. In this group, not a single case of post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed, in contrast with a control group of three mild, 10 moderate and two severe post-ERCP pancreatitis cases. The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was significantly different: 0% versus 43%, as were the post-procedure (24 h mean) amylase levels: 206 U/L versus 1959 U/L, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected, high-risk, SOD patients, early, prophylactic pancreas stent insertion followed by needle-knife fistulotomy seems a safe and effective procedure with no or only minimal risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, prospective, randomized studies are awaited to lend to support to our approach.

Somatosensory hypersensitivity in the referred pain area in patients with chronic biliary pain and a sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: new aspects of an almost forgotten pathogenetic mechanism

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Somatosensory hyperalgesia in the referred pain area (RPA) in patients with acute or chronic abdominal pain syndromes may result from the convergence of nerve fibers from visceral and somatic tissues at the spinal and supraspinal levels. Chronic biliary pain in patients with the postcholecystectomy syndrome (i.e., biliary hypersensitivity) may be explained by persistent hyperexcitability of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous neural sensory perception in the RPA in patients with chronic postcholecystectomy biliary pain and a sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction (SOD).

METHODS

Forty-two patients with persistent biliary pain and suspected SOD, 27 age-matched healthy volunteers, and 18 age-matched asymptomatic cholecystectomized controls were prospectively investigated by quantitative sensory testing (Neurometer CPT). The biliary symptoms and the severity of pain were classified on a visual analog pain severity scale system via a previously validated and standardized questionnaire. The patients helped the doctors locate the RPA in the right upper quadrant. The sensory detection threshold was determined noninvasively (Neurometer CPT) with transcutaneous electrical stimulation at 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz, and different current intensities (range from 0.01 to 9.99 mA) applied in a single (patient) blinded method. These three frequencies selectively excite small unmyelinated (C fibers), small myelinated (A-delta), and large myelinated (A-beta) fibers, which transmit dull pain, sharp pain, and touch, respectively. The contralateral region of the abdomen left upper quadrant served as the control area. The sensory current perception threshold ratio (SCPTR) of the data measured in the contralateral area and the RPA was calculated.

RESULTS

The SCPTRs in the definite SOD patients with biliary pain, healthy volunteers, the asymptomatic cholecystectomized controls, and the symptomatic cholecystectomized patients but without SOD were 2.32 +/- 1.4 versus 1.06 +/- 0.24 versus 0.97 +/- 0.16 versus 0.83 +/- 0.35 at 2,000 Hz; 2.19 +/- 1.0 versus 1.01 +/- 0.26 versus 1.02 +/- 0.25 versus 0.88 +/- 0.35 at 250 Hz; and 2.19 +/- 1.1 versus 1.12 +/- 0.26 versus 0.99 +/- 0.37 versus 0.84 +/- 0.32 at 5 Hz, respectively. Significant hypersensitivity was detected in the RPA at different stimulation frequencies in the SOD patients with biliary pain versus the cholecystectomized controls: at 5 Hz: P = 0.00001; at 250 Hz: P = 0.00001; and at 2,000 Hz: P = 0.0001, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Continuous visceral pain (biliary pain) caused by local inflammatory/sensitizing processes or a CNS malfunction could lead to significant hypersensitivity of the peripheral nociceptive nerve fibers in SOD patients. Postcholecystectomy pain may be explained by persistent hyperexcitability of the nociceptive neurons in the CNS with or without objective motility disorders of the SO.

Occurence of thyroid autoimmunity in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Ismert, hogy azok a betegek, akikben egy autoimmun betegség már kialakult, fokozottan veszélyeztetettek más autoimmun betegségek fellépésével szemben. Korábban a szerzők kimutatták, hogy 1-es típusú diabéteszben szenvedő betegekben a coeliakia előfordulása gyakoribb, mint a háttérpopulációban. Az autoimmun pajzsmirigybetegség az 1-es típusú diabétesz leggyakoribb társbetegsége, amely általában az élet második évtizedében, az 1-es típusú diabétesz manifesztációját követően lép fel. Célkitűzés: Mindezek alapján a szerzők megvizsgálták a thyreoidea-autoimmunitás, illetve az autoimmun pajzsmirigybetegségek előfordulási gyakoriságát 1-es típusú diabéteszben szenvedő betegekben. Választ kerestek arra a kérdésre is, hogy változik-e a thyreoidea-autoimmunitás prevalenciája azokban a gyermekekben, akik a diabétesz mellett coeliakiában is szenvednek. Módszerek: 268 1-es típusú diabéteszben, valamint 48 1-es típusú diabéteszben és coeliakában szenvedő betegben az autoimmun pajzsmirigybetegségek irányába szűrővizsgálatot végeztek a thyreoglobulin- és a peroxidáz-ellenes antitestek vizsgálatával. Pozitivitás esetén a betegséget a pajzsmirigyfunkció vizsgálatával, illetve ultrahang elvégzésével igazolták. Eredmények: Vizsgálataik szerint a pajzsmirigyellenes antitestek előfordulási gyakorisága szignifikánsan magasabb volt azokban az 1-es típusú diabéteszes betegekben, akik egyidejűleg coeliakában is szenvedtek (1-es típusú diabétesz: 43 (16%), 1-es típusú diabétesz + coeliakia: 16 (33,3%, p < 0,01). A thyreoiditis talaján kialakult hypothyreosis is gyakrabban fordult elő azokban a diabéteszes betegekben, akik coeliakiásak voltak. Következtetések: A szerzők hangsúlyozzák, hogy a coeliakiában szenvedő 1-es típusú diabéteszes betegekben az autoimmun pajzsmirigybetegség fellépésének nagyobb valószínűsége miatt ennek a populációnak az autoimmun pajzsmirigybetegségek iránti rendszeres szűrése feltétlenül indokolt.

Celiac artery compression syndrome – stepchild of abdominal angina?

A krónikus, étkezéssel összefüggést nem mutató epigastrialis fájdalmak hátterében az esetek néhány százalékában a truncus coeliacus külső kompressziója áll. Esetismertetés: A szerzők egy 58 éves nőbeteg kórtörténetét ismertetik, akinél a hasi szervek ischaemiája, a felhasi fájdalom hátterében a preoperatív kivizsgálás a truncus coeliacuson rövid szakaszú stenosist okozó, a rekeszizom-hiátus aorticusát övező inas-izmos ívet igazolt. Előkészítést követően műtétet végeztünk, a trifurcatio eredésétől számított 8–10 mm-re levő heges, gyűrűszerű leszorítást felhasítottuk, a ganglion coeliacum egy részét eltávolítottuk. A beteg a posztoperatív 6. napon gyógyultan, panaszmentesen otthonába távozott. Megbeszélés: A klasszikus értelemben vett angina abdominalis a hasi szervek relatív ischaemiájának következménye. Ennek oka legtöbbször az érintett ér betegsége. Az artéria külső kompressziója csupán az esetek pár százalékát jelenti. A truncus coeliacus esetében ezt betegünknél a rekeszizom-hiátus aorticusát övező inas megerősödés okozta. A kivizsgálás során az erre utaló első jel az ér felett hallható „surranás” volt, a poststenoticus turbulens áramlás miatt. Az erre alapozott részletes radiológiai vizsgálatok igazolták a tényleges kórokot. Ennek ismeretében a felszabadító műtét teljes tünet- és panaszmentességet eredményezett. Következtetés: Bizonytalan hasi panaszok esetén gondolnunk kell az arteria coeliaca stenosisának lehetőségére is. Esetismertetésünkkel kívánjuk felhívni a figyelmet a hasi auscultatio jelentőségére, amely elengedhetetlen része a gasztroenterológiai vizsgálatoknak. A diagnózis felállításában a Doppler-duplexvizsgálat mellett komoly segítséget jelentettek az érfestési eljárások. A műtét lényegét képező érfelszabadítást célszerű mielőbb elvégezni, még mielőtt a tartós külső kompresszió degeneratív érfalelváltozást okoz.

Polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene and risk of celiac disease in T1DM children

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) frequently occur together. Previous reports suggested that the (-308)A variant of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene is associated either with T1DM or with CD. The aim of our study was to determine whether (-308)A and (-238)A allelic variants of the TNF-alpha gene might have any impact on the risk of CD in T1DM children.

METHODS

Three hundred and one T1DM children were enrolled to the study. The presence of CD was screened with IgA endomysial antibodies (EMA) test. Jejunal biopsy was performed to confirm CD. TNF-alpha-308 and -238 genetic variants were tested using the method of restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CD in the enrolled diabetic children was 6.3% (19 out of 301 children). The frequency of the (-308)A TNF-alpha variant was similar in the CD and the non-CD groups, exceeding the Hungarian healthy reference value. The number of (-238)A allele carriers was higher in the CD (4/19) than in the non-CD group (17/277) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is limited by the small number of CD patients. On the basis of our findings, carriers of TNF (-308)A allele do not seem to have an increased risk for CD in T1DM. The association between TNF-alpha(-238)A allele carrier state and CD requires further investigation.

Effect of heat shock protein peptide DiaPep277 on beta-cell function in paediatric and adult patients with recent-onset diabetes mellitus type 1: two prospective, randomized, double-blind phase II trials

BACKGROUND

Aim of this trial was to test whether heat shock protein peptide DiaPep277 treatment in adult and paediatric patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) is safe and whether it can preserve endogenous insulin production.

METHODS

Two studies were performed in a prospective, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty adult (study p520, aged 16-44 years) and 49 paediatric patients (study p521, 4-15 years) with recent-onset T1D were treated subcutaneously at four different time points with 0.2 mg or 1.0 mg DiaPep277 versus placebo and followed for 18 months. Adult patients were treated with 0.2 mg, 1.0 mg or 2.5 mg DiaPep277 versus placebo. Stimulated C-peptide served as readout for functional beta-cell-mass.

RESULTS

DiaPep277-treatment was not associated with severe side effects. No differences were found in placebo and DiaPep277 treated groups. In adults, a modest trend towards better maintenance of beta-cell function was observed in the 0.2 mg and 1.0 mg group, while there was significant loss of stimulated C-peptide in the placebo and 2.5 mg group. Paediatric patients with low HLA risk showed stable C-peptide levels until 13 months upon treatment with 1 mg DiaPep277. Despite similar stimulated C-peptide levels at baseline, children exhibited a more pronounced loss of beta-cell function over 18 months than adults (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

Administration of DiaPep277 seems safe and may have beneficial effects on C-peptide levels over time in some patients with T1D, but this finding was not accompanied by reduced HbA1c or insulin requirement. Studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed to further study the effect of DiaPep277.

[Determining factors of cardiac biomarkers in hemodialysed diabetic and non-diabetic patients]

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent in chronic renal failure patients, especially in diabetic population. Cardiac biomarkers such as pro-brain natriuretic peptide N-terminal piece (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) are increasingly used for early detection.

AIMS

The authors analysed, which factors influence cardiac biomarker levels in hemodialysed patients and whether these factors depend on the presence of diabetes.

METHODS

In 28 diabetic and 40 non-diabetic patients on chronic hemodialysis was analysed the association between routine laboratory data, bioimpedance parameters, results of echocardiography and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on cardiac biomarkers. Multivariate linear regression analysis (ANOVA) was applied for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

The authors found stronger correlation (p = 0.034 vs. p = 0.001) between NT-proBNP and extracellular volume/total water volume hyperhydration ratio (ecv/twv) evaluated in diabetics than in non-diabetics. In case of cTnT, no relation was found with CaxP, iPTH, Kt/V, beta2-microglobulin, and serum uric acid levels. The hs-CRP was correlated with total cholesterol (p = 0.039) and EPO-dose (p = 0.03) in diabetics, while with serum fibrinogen (p = 0.025) in non-diabetics. The HbA1c didn't influence biomarkers in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors having an impact on cardiac biomarker levels are similar in diabetic and non-diabetic hemodialysed patients. According to results the presence of end-stage renal disease in a cross-sectional survey probably overcomes the impact of diabetes and quality of glycaemic control on cardiac biomarker levels.

Characterization of functional biliary pain and dyspeptic symptoms in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: Effect of papillotomy

AIM: To characterize functional biliary pain and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) patients with and without sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) proved by endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry (ESOM), and to assess the post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) outcome.

METHODS: We prospectively investigated 85 cholecystectomized patients referred for ERCP because of PCS and suspected SOD. On admission, all patients completed our questionnaire. Physical examination, laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound, quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS), and ERCP were performed in all patients. Based on clinical and ERCP findings 15 patients had unexpected bile duct stone disease and 15 patients had SOD biliary typeI. ESOM demonstrated an elevated basal pressure in 25 patients with SOD biliary-type III. In the remaining 30 cholecystectomized patients without SOD, the liver function tests, ERCP, QHBS and ESOM were all normal. As a control group, 30 ‘asymptomatic’ cholecystectomized volunteers (attended to our hospital for general cardiovascular screening) completed our questionnaire, which is consisted of 50 separate questions on GI symptoms and abdominal pain characteristics. Severity of the abdominal pain (frequency and intensity) was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). In 40 of 80 patients having definite SOD (i.e. patients with SOD biliary typeIand those with elevated SO basal pressure on ESOM), an EST was performed just after ERCP. In these patients repeated questionnaires were filled at each follow-up visit (at 3 and 6 mo) and a second look QHBS was performed 3 mo after the EST to assess the functional response to EST.

RESULTS: The analysis of characteristics of the abdominal pain demonstrated that patients with common bile duct stone and definite SOD had a significantly higher score of symptomatic agreement with previously determined biliary-like pain features than patient groups of PCS without SOD and controls. In contrary, no significant differences were found when the pain severity scores were compared in different groups of PCS patients. In patients with definite SOD, EST induced a significant acceleration of the transpapillary bile flow; and based on the comparison of VASs obtained from the pre- and post-EST questionnaires, the severity scores of abdominal pain were significantly improved, however, only 15 of 35 (43%) patients became completely pain free. Post-EST severity of abdominal pain by VASs was significantly higher in patients with predominant dyspepsia at initial presentation as compared to those without dyspeptic symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Persistent GI symptoms and general patient dissatisfaction is a rather common finding after EST in patients with SOD, and correlated with the presence of predominant dyspeptic symptoms at the initial presentation, but does not depend on the technical and functional success of EST.

Evaluation of the biliary tract in patients with functional biliary symptoms

The aim of this paper was to describe functional biliary syndromes and methods for evaluation of the biliary tract in these patients. Functional biliary symptoms can be defined as biliary symptoms without demonstrable organic substrate. Two main syndromes exist: Gallbladder dysfunction and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The most important investigative tools are cholescintigraphy and endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry. In gallbladder dysfunction a scintigraphic gallbladder ejection fraction below 35% can select patients who will benefit from cholecystectomy. Endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry is considered the gold standard in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction but recent development in scintigraphic methods is about to change this. Thus, calculation of hilum-to-duodenum transit time and duodenal appearance time on cholescintigraphy have proven useful in these patients. In conclusion, ambient methods can diagnose functional biliary syndromes. However, there are still a number of issues where further knowledge is needed. Probably the next step forward will be in the area of sensory testing and impedance planimetric methods.

Assessment of the reproducibility of quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS) in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD)--inappropriate method or intermittent disease?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Although quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS) was originally suggested as a promising method in the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), it was recently claimed that QHBS displays poor reproducibility and specificity in cholecystectomized patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the reproducibility of QHBS in cholecystectomized patients.

METHODOLOGY

28 cholecystectomized patients with suspected SOD underwent QHBS evaluation on two separate occasions. On the basis of the clinical and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) data, patients with suspected SOD were categorized by applying the Geenen and Hogan classification: 10 were identified as having SOD of biliary type I (SO stenosis group), and the remaining 18 patients as having SOD of biliary type II or III (SO dyskinesia group). During the same period, 12 asymptomatic cholecystectomized individuals (control group) were recruited to undergo QHBS evaluation on two separate occasions. QHBS was performed with our standard method in all subjects. After an overnight fast, 140MBq 99mTc-EHIDA was injected intravenously. Digital images were recorded continuously on a 128 x 128 matrix, at one frame/min for 90 min. For the final analysis, the liver-choledochus T. difference (LCTD), half-time of excretion of the common bile duct (CBD T1/2), and the duodenum appearance time (DAT) were applied.

RESULTS

In the 12 asymptomatic controls, the QHBS parameters were highly reproducible, all but 6 of the 72 separate parameters obtained from two repeated studies were within our normal limits. In all 10 patients belonging in the SO stenosis group, the QHBS parameters were markedly abnormal and again highly reproducible. All of the 60 separate quantitative parameters obtained in this group from the two repeated studies were high above our normal range. In contrast, in the 18 patients with SO dyskinesia, the QHBS parameters were distinctly variable and poorly reproducible. Of the 108 separate quantitative parameters obtained in this group the two separate studies, 55 were normal and 53 were above our normal range. Of the 18 SO dyskinesia patients, only 9 had at least one quantitative parameter abnormal in both QHBS examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

QHBS is a highly reproducible technique in cholecystectomized controls and in patients with SO stenosis. In contrast, the reproducibility of QHBS is poor in patients with SO dyskinesia, which is probably a consequence of the disease characteristics rather than methodological insufficiency of QHBS.

The HLA 8.1 ancestral haplotype is strongly linked to the C allele of -429T>C promoter polymorphism of receptor of the advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) gene. Haplotype-independent association of the -429C allele with high hemoglobinA1C levels in diabetic patients

Previously we reported on strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the mono-S-C4B-RCCX module (mono-S) and the TNF2 allele (both known constituents of the 8.1 ancestral haplotype (8.1 AH)) in two Caucasian populations. The gene for the receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is encoded between the RCCX module and the HLA class II genes in the central MHC region. In order to assess the relationship between the promoter polymorphisms of the RAGE gene and the 8.1 AH, we performed a family study in eight informative families affected with type 1 diabetes mellitus; haplotypes of a RAGE promoter SNP (-429T>C) with the HLA-DQ2, -DR-3(17) and TNF2 alleles, as well as the mono-S genotype were determined. A similar analysis was performed in 82 unrelated patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and in unrelated healthy individuals of three different Caucasian populations (Hungarians, Ohioian females, Icelandics). In the diabetic patients clinical correlations were also investigated. Out of the 32 paternal and maternal chromosome 6 from the eight families, 15 different MHC haplotypes were found. Haplotypes containing at least three of the known constituents of the 8.1 AH (HLA-DQ2, -DR17, mono-S, TNF2) were always linked to the RAGE -429C allele. The RAGE -429C allele exhibited highly significant (p<0.0001) LD coefficients to known constituents of the 8.1 AH both in healthy persons and patients with type 1 diabetes. In the group of patients with diabetes we found significantly (p=0.013) higher maximal hemoglobinA1C concentration in the carriers of the RAGE -429C allele, this trait, however was not linked to the 8.1 AH. Our present findings indicate that the RAGE -429C allele can be considered as a candidate member of the 8.1 AH. The results also reveal a spectrum of recombinant MHC haplotypes in addition to the conserved ancestral haplotypes.

Association between interleukin-6 polymorphism and age-at-onset of type 1 diabetes. Epistatic influences of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta polymorphisms

Multiple immune mediators have been mentioned as playing a role in the pathomechanism of type1 DM. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha play a central role in the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, whereas IL-6 inhibits TNF-alpha secretion, and may have some protecting effects. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between these three cytokines' single nucleotide polymorphisms (IL-6 gene G(-174)C, TNF-alpha gene G(-308)A and IL-1beta gene C(3954)T polymorphisms) and age-at-onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in 165 diabetic children (median age: 17 years). Polymorphisms were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. We found that the age-at-onset of T1DM was significantly different in patients with a different IL-6 genotype (median age-at-onset of T1DM was: 8, 6 and 4.5 years in children with the (-174)GG, GC and CC genotypes, respectively; p < 0.01). Adjusted for TNF-alpha and IL-1beta polymorphisms, patients with a IL-6 (-174)CC genotype have a 3.0-fold (95% CI: 1.2-7.1) increased risk of developing diabetes before the age of 6 years than (-174)G allele carrier patients. However, we found this association to be present only in patients who carried the TNF-alpha (-308)A or IL-1beta (3954)T allele, i.e. in patients with high TNF-alpha and high IL-1beta producer genotypes. We suppose that in the case of high TNF-alpha and IL-1beta producer genotypes, elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels result in a higher production of IL-6 in (-174)G allele carrier patients. This elevated IL-6 level may have a protective effect against the development of T1DM and may delay the destruction of pancreatic beta-cells.

Diagnosis of gallbladder dyskinesia by quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy

AIM

The aim of the present study was to develop a new pharmacologic method during hepatobiliary scintigraphy by which patients with functional and organic forms of gallbladder (GB) dysfunction can be differentiated.

METHODS

Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS) was performed on 31 patients with impaired GB motility selected by cerulein-augmented ultrasonography. Nineteen patients had acalculous biliary pain (ABP) and suspected GB dyskinesia, 6 patients had celiac disease, and 6 patients had type II diabetes mellitus. Sixty minutes after the isotope administration, 1 ng/bwkg/min cerulein (CCK10) was infused for 10 minutes, and then from the 90th minute, an equivalent dose of CCK10 was infused in the presence of 0.5 mg sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in 12 or placebo in 7 consecutive patients. The GB ejection fraction (GBEF) was calculated repeatedly in time periods from 60 to 90 and from 90 to 120 minutes.

RESULTS

In the majority of patients with ABP and suspected GB dyskinesia, CCK10 and GTN coadministration normalized the previously impaired GB-emptying. When the cumulative results of all 12 patients were calculated, we demonstrated significant differences (P=0.003) in the GBEF between the first (CCK10) versus the second (CCK10 plus GTN) stimuli: 19+/-11% versus 40+/-17%, respectively. In contrast, in 12 patients with celiac sprue and diabetes mellitus, no differences in the GBEF were detected when the first (CCK10 alone) versus the second (CCK10 plus GTN) stimuli was compared: 21+/-10% versus 22+/-13%, respectively. Finally, placebo and CCK10 coadministration in 7 consecutive patients with ABP and suspected GB dyskinesia did not influence the GBEF as compared with CCK10 alone: 13+/-9% versus 15+/-10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GTN and CCK10 coadministration induces a significant improvement of the GBEF in patients with GB dyskinesia. The application of this new pharmacologic test during QHBS permitted the noninvasive separation of those patients with secondary impaired GB-emptying as a result of GB dyskinesia from those with primary forms of GB hypokinesia.

Analysis of the motor function of the human sphincter of Oddi by endoscopic retrograde cinecholangiography gated by manometry--a report of a case

Although the motor function of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) has been clearly identified by endoscopic SO manometry (ESOM), the physiologic role of the phasic contractions of the SO remains unsettled in humans. The aim of this study was to correlate SO motor activity measured by ESOM with bile flow characteristics determined by simultaneously recorded endoscopic retrograde cinecholangiography. We investigated a 55-year-old female patient by means of ESOM. During the station pull-through recording, the ESOM catheter was withdrawn into the SO zone and retained there for 15 min. The pressures transmitted by the external transducers and the enlarged video picture of the choledochoduodenal junction from the X-ray fluoroscopic monitor (25 digital pictures/sec) were recorded simultaneously on the computer system with a time-correlated basis. During the analysis without taking note of the cinefluoroscopic events, we selected different manometric periods manually, such as the pressure wave of the SO phasic contraction, no SO phasic activity and the first second of the beginning of the next phasic contraction. Cumulative cinecholangiographic pictures were then constructed by the computer for each period, at a frequency of one frame/sec to create representative sum-of-pictures for each manometric period. By means of the application of manometrically gated cinecholangiography, we succeeded in demonstrating an exact time correlation between the SO systolic and diastolic movements on cinecholangiography and the pressure recording detected by ESOM in humans.

[Continuous glucose monitoring system, as a valuable tool in the care of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus]

INTRODUCTION

Good metabolic control of diabetic patients is mainly based on the results of self measured blood glucose levels. Important excursions of blood glucose may, however, be hidden in the usual case of 4-5 daily determinations. The aim of this paper was to give detailed information about this new diagnostic tool and to report the first Hungarian pediatric experiences with continuous glucose monitoring.

METHOD

Continuous glucose monitoring system (Mini-Med) is able to monitor the changes of tissue glucose levels for up to 72 hours by measuring glucose concentration via a s.c. canula every 5 minutes. In its present form the results of continuous glucose monitoring cannot be observed real time by the patient, it provides useful information retrospectively mainly for the doctor.

RESULTS

The sensor detected unexpectedly high fluctuation of glucose levels in several patients. It was possible to distinguish between nighttime hypoglycaemia (Somogyi-effect) or dawn phenomenon-induced morning hyperglycaemiae by the use of continuous glucose monitoring. Fever may influence peripheral circulation representing a limitation in the use (or evaluation) of continuous tissue glucose monitoring. The authors found good correlation between continuous glucose monitoring and self blood glucose monitoring results. The best correlation was observed in the low blood glucose range.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuous glucose monitoring results provide useful information for the diabetologist in order to modify insulin treatment. Continuous glucose monitoring-based changes in insulin treatment are reported to result in better long term metabolic control. Continuous glucose monitoring in the near future will obviously play a primary role in insulin pump therapy where it will provide glucose result for the pump.

Altered Distribution of the Debrisoquine Oxidative Phenotypes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The recently observed increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (Type 1 DM) suggests a major role of environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The individual variation in cytochrome P(450)IID6 may influence the individual susceptibility to environmentally linked diseases. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cytochrome P(450)IID6 phenotypes in Hungarian children with Type 1 DM (n = 69) compared to healthy controls (n = 100).

METHODS

Debrisoquine was administered orally and debrisoquine hydroxylation phenotype was determined as a metabolic ratio of urinary recovered debrisoquine and 4-hydroxydebrisoquine.

RESULTS

Eight of the 100 healthy subjects (8%) and 15 of the 69 diabetic children (22%) (p < 0.05) had cytochrome P(450)IID6 poor metabolizer phenotype (metabolic ratio > or =12.6).

CONCLUSION

Cytochrome P(450)IID6's activity may play a role in the development of Type 1 DM.

Effect of nalbuphine on the motility of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Nalbuphine is an ideal supplementary analgesic drug for midazolam-induced conscious sedation during operative endoscopy because it has no cardiovascular effect and only a moderate depressive effect on respiration. However, no data are available as to whether nalbuphine is suitable as an analgesic drug during endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nalbuphine on the sphincter of Oddi motility in patients with a suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

METHODS

Seventeen patients who were suspected clinically to have SOD after cholecystectomy were prospectively investigated. Five mg of midazolam was administered intravenously before the procedure to induce conscious sedation. After approximately 5 minutes of stationary sphincter of Oddi manometry recording (baseline), either 10 mg of nalbuphine or saline solution (placebo) was administered intravenously in random fashion and pressure was recorded for a further 5 minutes. Maximum sphincter of Oddi basal pressure and average phasic contraction amplitude and frequency were measured before and after the infusion of the drug or saline solution.

RESULTS

Nalbuphine administration effectively enhanced the sedation obtained with midazolam without any adverse effect. When the sphincter of Oddi manometric periods before and after the administration of nalbuphine versus placebo were compared, there was a significantly increased basal sphincter of Oddi pressure only in the nalbuphine group: respectively, 49 (18) and 77 (29) mm Hg (p = 0.003) versus 51 (24) and 49 (23) mm Hg (p = 0.9). The phasic contraction amplitude did not change in response to nalbuphine, but the phasic contraction frequency increased significantly, from 5 (3) to 8 (4) per minute (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Nalbuphine has a stimulatory effect on sphincter of Oddi motility in patients with a suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Nalbuphine should not be used as premedication before endoscopic ERCP if sphincter of Oddi manometry is to be performed.