Secretory diarrhea and hypokalemia associated with colonic pseudo-obstruction: A case study and systematic analysis of the literature

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in polytrauma patients

BACKGROUND

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is characterized by severe colonic distension without mechanical obstruction. It has an uncertain pathogenesis and poses diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to explore risk factors and clinical outcomes of ACPO in polytrauma patients and contribute information to the limited literature on this condition.

METHODS

This retrospective study, conducted at a Level 1 trauma center, analyzed data from trauma patients with ACPO admitted between July 2009 and June 2018. A control cohort of major trauma patients was used. Data review encompassed patient demographics, abdominal imaging, injury characteristics, analgesic usage, interventions, complications, and mortality. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression and correlation coefficients, were employed to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 57 cases of ACPO, with an incidence of 1.7 per 1,000 patients, rising to 4.86 in major trauma. Predominantly affecting those older than 50 years (75%) and males (75%), with motor vehicle accidents (50.8%) and falls from height (36.8%) being the commonest mechanisms. Noteworthy associated injuries included retroperitoneal bleeds (RPBs) (37%), spinal fractures (37%), and pelvic fractures (37%). Analysis revealed significant associations between ACPO and shock index >0.9, Injury Severity Score >18, opioid use, RPBs, and pelvic fractures. A cecal diameter of ≥12 cm had a significant association with cecal ischemia or perforation.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the significance of ACPO in polytrauma patients, demonstrating associations with risk factors and clinical outcomes. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in older patients with RPBs, pelvic fractures, and opioid use. Early supportive therapy, vigilant monitoring, and timely interventions are crucial for a favorable outcome. Further research and prospective trials are warranted to validate these findings and enhance understanding of ACPO in trauma patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

A Case of Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction and Anastomotic Leakage After Sigmoidectomy for Sigmoid Volvulus

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is characterized by significant colonic distension without a mechanical obstruction. We present a case of an 83-year-old male who developed ACPO following laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid volvulus. This report details the patient's postoperative journey, highlighting the diagnostic and management challenges encountered. Despite various medical interventions, the patient's condition necessitated further surgical attention due to complications. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management in ACPO to prevent life-threatening consequences and improve patient outcomes.

Correlations between Dental Implant Infectious Pathologies and Maxillary Sinusitis: A Review Article

(1) Background: The demands of patients for aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of edentulous areas led to the use of dental implants as therapeutic means on an increasingly large scale. This aspect determined the appearance of some infectious pathologies with a peri-implant starting point that can be complicated by various sinus diseases. The purpose of this review article is to synthesize the existing information in the specialized literature regarding the existing correlations between peri-implant and maxillary sinusitis. (2) Methods: The articles published in five databases were researched using different combinations of search terms. We selected 12 articles from the 250 found, by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing duplicates. (3) Results: We analyzed the included studies and we found that all of them reported a positive correlation between maxillary sinusitis and peri-implant infectious diseases. There are also reported other pathologies with a peri-implant infectious disease as a starting point such as abscesses, oro-antral communications, or foreign body reactions due to implant or bone graft materials migration. (4) Conclusions: This scoping review highlighted the existence of correlations between peri-implant and sinus pathology and the importance of preventing peri-implant diseases of an infectious nature to avoid the occurrence of these complications.

Mirtazapine-induced Acute Pancreatitis in Patients With Depression: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Antidepressant-induced pancreatitis is a rare, albeit serious, adverse effect, with a frequency of occurrence that is not equally distributed among antidepressant drugs. The goal of this study was to investigate the association and causal relationship between mirtazapine treatment of patients with depression and pancreatitis.

METHODS

The study was designed as a systematic review of the literature, accompanied by the description of a new case of mirtazapine-associated acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Nine cases of mirtazapine-associated pancreatitis have been reported, involving 7 female patients and 2 male patients with a mean age of 46.4 years (range: 26 to 83 y of age). All of the patients were hospitalized, with an average length of stay of 16.2 days (range: 3 to 34 d). In 6 cases, "de-challenge" followed by improvement was reported. The patients for whom the outcome was reported (7 of 9) recovered completely.

CONCLUSION

Although a rare adverse effect, mirtazapine-induced pancreatitis should be considered when patients taking mirtazapine report abdominal discomfort.

The cure rate after different treatments for mucosal leishmaniasis in the Americas: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Mucosal or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is the most severe form of tegumentary leishmaniasis due to its destructive character and potential damage to respiratory and digestive tracts. The current treatment recommendations are based on low or very low-quality evidence, and pentavalent antimonial derivatives remain strongly recommended. The aim of this review was to update the evidence and estimate the cure rate and safety profile of the therapeutic options available for mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) in the Americas.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review was conducted in four different databases and by different reviewers, independently, to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity associated with different treatments for ML. All original studies reporting cure rates in more than 10 patients from American regions were included, without restriction of design, language, or publication date. The risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers, using different tools according to the study design. The pooled cure rate based on the latest cure assessment reported in the original studies was calculated grouping all study arms addressing the same intervention. The protocol for this review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO: CRD42019130708.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Twenty-seven original studies from four databases fulfilled the selection criteria. A total of 1,666 patients with ML were treated predominantly with pentavalent antimonials in Brazil. Other interventions, such as pentamidine, miltefosine, imidazoles, aminosidine sulfate, deoxycholate and lipidic formulations of amphotericin B (liposomal, lipid complex, colloidal dispersion), in addition to combinations with pentoxifylline, allopurinol or sulfa were also considered. In general, at least one domain with a high risk of bias was identified in the included studies, suggesting low methodological quality. The pooled cure rate based on the latest cure assessment reported in the original studies was calculated grouping all study arms addressing the same intervention. It was confirmed that antimony is still the most used treatment for ML, with only moderate efficacy (possibly increased by combining with pentoxifylline). There is already evidence for the use of miltefosine for ML, with a cure rate similar to antimony, as observed in the only direct meta-analysis including 57 patients (OR: 1.2; 0.43-3.49, I2 = 0). It was possible to gather all descriptions available about adverse events reported during ML treatment, and the toxicity reflected the pattern informed in the manufacturers' technical information.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an overview of the clinical experience in the Americas related to ML treatment and points out interventions and possible combinations that are eligible to be explored in future well-designed studies.

Refractory Hypokalemia in Secretory Diarrhea Phenotype of Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (Ogilvie's Syndrome)

Colonic pseudo-obstruction is an acute non-obstructive colonic dilation associated with constipation or secretory diarrhea. The secretory diarrhea phenotype is associated with refractory hypokalemia that may require different interventions to treat. We present a case of a 51-year-old male who was admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke whose hospital course was complicated by severe abdominal distension, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Initial investigations excluded infectious causes. Imaging confirmed colonic pseudo-obstruction. The hypokalemia was severe and refractory, requiring daily potassium replacement along with rectal tube decompression and spironolactone. Despite these interventions, the hypokalemia persists and requires nearly 100 days to resolve completely.

Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia Is a Late and Fatal Complication of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that has been reported in patients with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). Clinical and prognostic features of MAHA in this setting have been poorly described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review in 8 databases of gastric SRCC complicated by MAHA and performed a case-control study assessing factors associated with survival in patients with gastric SRCC and MAHA in our pooled cohort compared with age-, sex-, and stage-matched cases of gastric SRCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Descriptive analyses were performed and multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with overall survival.

RESULTS

All identified patients (n = 47) were symptomatic at index presentation, commonly with back/bone pain, and dyspnea. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia was the first manifestation of gastric SRCC in 94% of patients. Laboratory studies were notable for anemia (median 7.7 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (median 45.5 × 103/μL), and hyperbilirubinemia (median 2.3 mg/dL). All patients with MAHA had metastatic disease at presentation, most often to the bone, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Median survival in patients with gastric SRCC and MAHA was significantly shorter than a matched SEER-derived cohort with metastatic gastric SRCC (7 weeks vs 28 weeks, P < .01). In multivariate analysis, patients with MAHA were at significantly increased risk of mortality (HR 3.28, 95% CI 2.11-5.12).

CONCLUSION

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia is a rare, late-stage complication of metastatic gastric SRCC and is associated with significantly decreased survival compared with metastatic gastric SRCC alone.

A systematic review of the burden and risk factors of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Africa

Background

While sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has long been recognized as a leading preventable cause of infant mortality in high-income countries, little is known about the burden of SIDS in Africa. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted the first systematic review of SIDS-related publications in Africa. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of SIDS and its risk factors in Africa.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to identify studies published until December 26, 2020. Review authors screened titles and abstracts, and selected articles independently for full-text review. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) or a modification. Data on the proportion of infants who died of SIDS and reported prevalence of any risk factors were extracted using customized data extraction forms in Covidence.

Results

Our analysis rested on 32 peer-reviewed articles. Nine studies presented prevalence estimates on bedsharing and prone sleeping, suggesting near-universal bedsharing of infants with parents (range, 60 to 91.8%) and frequent use of the prone sleeping position (range, 26.7 to 63.8%). Eleven studies reported on the prevalence of SIDS, suggesting high rates of SIDS in Africa. The prevalence of SIDS ranged from 3.7 per 1000 live births in South Africa, 2.5 per 1000 live births in Niger, and 0.2 per 1000 live births in Zimbabwe. SIDS and other sudden infant deaths accounted for between 2.5 to 21% of infant deaths in South Africa and 11.3% in Zambia.

Conclusions

Africa may have the highest global rate of SIDS with a high burden of associated risk factors. However, majority of the studies were from South Africa which limits generalizability of our findings to the entire continent. There is an urgent need for higher quality studies outside of South Africa to fill this knowledge gap.

Protocol registration

Prospero Registration Number: CRD42021257261

Extragonadal teratomas in women and adolescent girls: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Extragonadal teratomas (EGTs) are rare and the commonest intra-abdominal subtype is omental. We present two cases: 1) a parasitic omental teratoma likely secondary to auto-amputation of an ovarian teratoma with subsequent omental reimplantation and 2) an omental immature teratoma likely due to parthenogenetic activation of displaced primordial germ cells. We subsequently conduct a systematic review to characterise EGTs.

METHODS

We sourced for English, peer-reviewed case reports of extragonadal teratomas in women and female adolescents aged 11 and above published from inception of each database through 31st June 2020 following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors reviewed each case for appropriateness and each case was graded for methodological quality utilising a modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020190131 RESULTS: Upon literature review between 1920-2020, from an initial screen of 818 articles, 67 articles were selected featuring 70 cases. One case featured an immature teratoma while the remaining were mature. Omental EGTs were the most common (56.5 %) followed by Pouch of Douglas and uterosacral ligament (23.2 %) and upper abdomen (14.5 %). There were statistically significant differences in EGT mean sizes between each location with the largest being in the upper abdomen (10.9 cm) and the smallest being in the adnexa or hernia (6.2 cm). Auto-amputation was deemed the commonest cause amongst omental EGTs (55.3 %) and Pouch of Douglas and uterosacral ligament EGTs (37.5 %) while 70 % of upper abdominal EGTs were likely due to displaced primordial germ cells. We characterise clinical features associated with each pathogenic mechanism and imaging characteristics of EGTs. Characterisation of EGT tumour marker profiles was limited as only 42.9 % of cases reported them but 19.2-25.0 % had raised tumour markers. The main risks are torsion, rupture, immature components and potential malignant change of the cell lines. Treatment is largely surgical. The mean size of EGTs approached laparoscopically and via laparotomy was 5.23 cm and 9.16 cm respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

While rare, EGTs should be considered when evaluating pelviabdominal masses with imaging characteristics consistent with teratomas. Confirmation is usually intraoperative and a laparoscopic approach is reasonable if there is good surgeon comfort and the size is about 5 cm.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Following Scoliosis Surgery: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a well-recognized, rare complication of undergoing surgical correction of a spinal deformity. The objective of this study was to summarize the best available evidence on SMA syndrome treatment after scoliosis surgery. To identify differences, special attention was paid to scoliosis pathology, intervention and SMA syndrome presentation.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed on SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery. The Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang (Chinese) and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for articles from January 1971 to October 2020. The main subjects discussed are scoliosis pathology, intervention and SMA syndrome presentation.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles with 52 cases were included in our report. The mean age of patients with SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery was 14.7 ± 2.9 years and the majority (n = 42, 80.8%) were girls. The most frequently reported scoliosis type was adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n = 34, 65.4%). The mean postoperative days (POD) (interval between the surgical treatment and the onset of symptoms) was 9.6 ± 9.5 days. Different treatment methods were analyzed in 46 patients. We noted a trend toward a higher percentage of patients with POD < 48 hr in the group with surgical treatment than in the conservative treatment group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

In summary, in this systematic review, for the first time, we found that the time of onset of postoperative symptoms can be used as an important reference index for surgical intervention. We also believe that recommendations about the treatment of SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery should include this finding. Given the lack of robust clinical evidence, these findings warrant verification in a prospective multicenter screening trial.

Efficacy and safety of combined endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous occlusion (BRTOcc) of gastrorenal shunts in patients with bleeding gastric fundal varices

Background

Endoscopic cyanoacrylate (glue) injection of fundal varices may result in life-threatening embolic adverse events through spontaneous gastrorenal shunts (GRSs). Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous occlusion (BRTOcc) of GRSs during cyanoacrylate injection may prevent serious systemic glue embolization through the shunt. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined endoscopic–interventional radiologic (BRTOcc) approach for the treatment of bleeding fundal varices.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of patients who underwent the combined procedure for acutely bleeding fundal varices between January 2010 and April 2018. Data were extracted for patient demographics, clinical and endoscopic findings, technical details, and adverse events of the endoscopic–BRTOcc approach and patient outcomes.

Results

We identified 30 patients (13 [43.3%] women; median age 58 [range, 25–92] years) with gastroesophageal varices type 2 (53.3%, 16/30) and isolated gastric varices type 1 (46.7%, 14/30) per Sarin classification, and median clinical and endoscopic follow-up of 151 (range, 4–2,513) days and 98 (range, 3–2,373) days, respectively. The median volume of octyl-cyanoacrylate: Lipiodol injected was 7 (range, 4–22) mL. Procedure-related adverse events occurred in three (10.0%) patients, including transient fever, non-life-threatening pulmonary glue embolism, and an injection-site ulcer bleed. Complete gastric variceal obturation was achieved in 18 of 21 patients (85.7%) at endoscopic follow-up. Delayed variceal rebleeding was confirmed in one patient (3.3%) and suspected in two patients (6.7%). Although no procedure-related deaths occurred, the overall mortality rate was 46.7%, primarily from liver-disease progression and co-morbidities.

Conclusion

The combined endoscopic–BRTOcc procedure is a relatively safe and effective technique for bleeding fundal varices, with a high rate of variceal obturation and a low rate of serious adverse events.

Normal liver stiffness and influencing factors in healthy children: An individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although transient elastography (TE) is used to determine liver stiffness as a surrogate to hepatic fibrosis, the normal range in children is not well defined. We performed a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to determine the range of liver stiffness in healthy children and evaluate the influence of important biological parameters.

METHODS

We pooled data from 10 studies that examined healthy children using TE. We divided 1702 children into two groups: ≥3 years (older group) and < 3 years of age (younger group). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models predicting liver stiffness were conducted.

RESULTS

After excluding children with obesity, diabetes, or abnormal liver tests, 652 children were analysed. Among older children, mean liver stiffness was 4.45 kPa (95% confidence interval 4.34-4.56), and increased liver stiffness was associated with age, sedation status, and S probe use. In the younger group, the mean liver stiffness was 4.79 kPa (95% confidence interval 4.46-5.12), and increased liver stiffness was associated with sedation status and Caucasian race. In a subgroup analysis, hepatic steatosis on ultrasound was significantly associated with increased liver stiffness. We define a reference range for normal liver stiffness in healthy children as 2.45-5.56 kPa.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established TE-derived liver stiffness ranges for healthy children and propose an upper limit of liver stiffness in healthy children to be 5.56 kPa. We have identified increasing age, use of sedation, probe size, and presence of steatosis on ultrasound as factors that can significantly increase liver stiffness.

Pseudoobstrucción colónica aguda (Sindrome de Ogilvie) posterior a una nefrectomía radical: Reporte de caso

El Sindrome de Ogilvie se caracteriza por una dilatación masiva del colon y una clínica sugestiva de obstrucción intestinal mecánica, sin causa orgánica. Presentamos un caso de dilatación aguda idiopática del colon secundaria a una cirugía abdominal.

El objetivo de este reporte fue la descripción de una patología urológica inusual que puede pasarse por alto o tratarse como un íleo adinámico y, la revisión de la literatura relacionada con la definición, factores de riesgos, etiología, fisiopatología y el tratamiento de la misma.

Paciente masculino de 61 años con antecedente de nefrectomía radical izquierda por tumor renal que, a las 48hs del alta hospitalaria, consultó por presentar distensión abdominal aguda. Se solicitó una radiografía abdominal y una tomografía computada que evidenciaba importante dilatación intestinal y un diámetro cecal mayor a 12cm.

Se practicó una laparotomía exploradora de urgencia constatándose dilatación colónica del colon transverso y ascendente con un cambio de diámetro a nivel del ángulo esplénico, sin causa osbtructiva. Finalmente, se realizó colostomía en asa.

A los 6 meses de seguimiento, la videocolonoscopía no mostró lesiones endoluminales concluyendo en un Sindrome de Ogilvie secundario a la nefrectomía. Finalmente, se efectuó reconstrucción del tránsito con buena evolución posterior.

En nuestro caso, el Sindrome de Ogilvie fue una complicación postoperatoria y como fallaron las terapias conservadoras iniciales instauradas, este reporte provee una modalidad de tratamiento alternativo. Si se reconoce temprano y se trata adecuadamente, la pseudoobstrucción se resolverá en la mayoría de los pacientes y la tasa de mortalidad posterior será menor.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction After Posterior Spinal Fusion: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) or Ogilvie's syndrome occurs in 0.22%-7% of patients undergoing surgery, with a mortality of up to 46%. ACPO increased median hospital days versus control in spinal surgery (14 vs. 6 days; P < 0.001). If defined as postoperative ileus, the incidence was 7%-13.4%. Postoperative ileus is associated with 2.9 additional hospital days and an $80,000 increase in cost per patient. We present a case of ACPO in an adult patient undergoing spinal fusion for correction of scoliosis and review the available literature to outline clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The patient was a 31-year-old woman with untreated advanced scoliosis with no history of neurologic issues. T2-L3 spinal instrumentation and fusion was completed. Plain abdominal radiography showed of dilated cecum 11 cm and the department of general surgery was consulted. Neostigmine administration was planned after conservative treatment failure after transfer to the intensive care unit. The patient was discharged home with no recurrence >60 days. Thirty cases were found in our literature review using PubMed and Embase databases and summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Of 30 cases reviewed, only 3 cases of ACPO were specific to patients undergoing spinal fusion for scoliosis. According to the literature, 20% of patients had resolution with conservative treatment, 40% with neostigmine, and 30% with surgical intervention. Other noninvasive treatments may have similar efficacy in preventing complications leading to surgical invention. Sixty clinical trials and 9 systematic reviews were summarized with an updated management algorithm.

TMEM16A deficiency: a potentially fatal neonatal disease resulting from impaired chloride currents

INTRODUCTION

TMEM16A is a calcium-activated chloride channel expressed in various secretory epithelia. Two siblings presented in early infancy with reduced intestinal peristalsis and recurrent episodes of haemorrhagic diarrhoea. In one of them, the episodes were characterised by hepatic pneumatosis with gas bubbles in the portal vein similar to necrotising enterocolitis of the newborn.

METHODS

Exome sequencing identified a homozygous truncating pathogenic variant in ANO1. Expression analysis was performed using reverse transcription PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Electrophysiological and cell biological studies were employed to characterise the effects on ion transport both in patient respiratory epithelial cells and in transfected HEK293 cells.

RESULTS

The identified variant led to TMEM16A dysfunction, which resulted in abolished calcium-activated Cl^- currents. Secondarily, CFTR function is affected due to the close interplay between both channels without inducing cystic fibrosis (CF).

CONCLUSION

TMEM16A deficiency is a potentially fatal disorder caused by abolished calcium-activated Cl^- currents in secretory epithelia. Secondary impairment of CFTR function did not cause a CF phenotyp, which may have implications for CF treatment.

Colonic Manifestations and Complications Are Relatively Under-Reported in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Although systemic sclerosis (SSc) is known to affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most of the literature focuses on esophageal, small intestinal, or anorectal manifestations. There have been no reviews focused on large bowel SSc complications in over 30 years. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of colonic manifestations and complications of SSc.

METHODS

An experienced librarian conducted a search of databases, including English and Spanish articles. The search used keywords including "systemic sclerosis," "scleroderma," and "colon." A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Case reports/series were screened for validity by adapting from criteria published elsewhere.

RESULTS

Of 1,890 articles, 74 met selection criteria. Fifty-nine of the 77 articles were case reports/series. The most common article topics on colonic SSc complications were constipation/dysmotility (15), colonic volvulus (8), inflammatory bowel disease (7), microscopic colitis (6), megacolon (6), and telangiectasia (6). Colonic manifestations constituted 24% of articles on GI complications of SSc. There were a total of 85 cases (84% women, with a median age of onset of colon complication of 52 years). Limited cutaneous SSc phenotype (65.6%) was more common than diffuse (26.2%). Patients frequently had poor outcomes with high mortality related to colonic complications (27%). Recent studies explore contemporary topics such as the microbiome in SSc and prucalopride for chronic constipation in SSc.

DISCUSSION

Colonic complications comprise a large proportion of the published reports on GI symptoms afflicting patients with SSc and require raised diagnostic suspicion and deliberate action to avoid potentially serious complications including death.

A Rare Presentation of Ogilvie's Syndrome

Ogilvie’s syndrome or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by massive colon dilation in the absence of mechanical obstruction or toxic megacolon. The phenotype associated with secretory diarrhoea is rare and is related to increased potassium channel activity in the colon, inducing excessive potassium loss, with increased sensitivity to normal serum aldosterone levels. The recommended therapy is potassium-sparing agents.

We present the case of an 85-year-old patient who was admitted at the emergency department with prostration, abdominal distension and diarrhoea, corresponding to functional colonic dilation precipitated by severe hypokalaemia. Resolution of the condition only occurred after spironolactone was administered for suspected primary hyperaldosteronism, which was not proved as the patient showed normal aldosterone serum levels. The pathophysiological mechanism of abnormal potassium secretion in this scenario corresponds to ‘relative hyperaldosteronism’ caused by increased sensitivity of colonocytes to aldosterone.

Predictors for tooth loss in periodontitis patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

A range of predictors for tooth loss in periodontitis patients have been reported. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the consistency and magnitude of any association between a total of 12 predictors and tooth loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medline/Embase/Central were searched for longitudinal studies investigating the association between predictors and tooth loss in periodontitis patients. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and study quality assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty studies (15,422 patients, mean follow-up: 12 years) were included. The mean annual tooth loss/patient was 0.12 (min./max: 0.01/0.36). Older patients (n = 8 studies; OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08/year), non-compliant ones (n = 11; 1.51, 1.06-2.16), diabetics (n = 7; 1.80, 1.26-2.57), those with IL-1-polymorphism (n = 3; 1.80; 1.29-2.52) and smokers (n = 15; 1.98, 1.58-2.48) had a significantly higher risk of tooth loss. Teeth with bone loss (n = 3; 1.04, 1.03-1.05/%), high probing pocket depth (n = 6; 3.19, 1.70-5.98), mobility (n = 4; 3.71, 1.65-8.38) and molars (n = 4; 4.22, 2.12-8.39), especially with furcation involvement (n = 5; 2.68, 1.75-4.08) also showed higher risks. Gender (n = 16; 0.95, 0.86-1.05) and endodontic affection (n = 3; 3.62, 0.99-13.2) were not significantly associated with tooth loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Older, non-compliant, smoking or diabetic patients, and teeth with bone loss, high probing pocket depth, mobility, or molars, especially with furcation involvement showed higher risks of tooth loss.

Acute liver failure caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 and 4: A systematic review and pooled analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute liver failure caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 and 4 has been rarely described. Because of the presence of a short golden therapeutic window in patients with viral acute liver failure from other causes, it is possible that early recognition and treatment might reduce the morbidity and mortality. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis of acute liver failure caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 and 4.

METHODS

Two reviewers appraised studies after searching multiple databases on June 12th, 2017. Appropriate tests were used to compare hepatitis E virus genotype 3 vs 4, suspected vs confirmed genotypes, hepatitis E virus-RNA positive vs negative, and to discern important mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

We identified 65 patients, with median age 58 years (range: 3-79), and a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The median bilirubin, ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase (expressed by multiplication of the upper limit of normal) levels were 14.8, 45.3, 34.8 and 1.63 respectively. Antihepatitis E virus IgG, antihepatitis E virus IgM and hepatitis E virus-RNA were positive in 84%, 91% and 86% of patients respectively. The median interval from symptoms onset to acute liver failure was 23 days, and 16 patients underwent liver transplantation. Final outcome was reported in 58 patients and mortality was 46%. Age was a predictor of poor prognosis in multivariate analysis. No important differences were found between patients infected with genotype 3 vs 4, patients with confirmed vs suspected genotypes, or patients with positive vs negative RNA.

CONCLUSION

Acute liver failure caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 and 4 is rare, similar between genotypes, occurs commonly in middle-aged/elderly patients and has a very high mortality. Age is predictive of poor prognosis in multivariate analysis.

Systematic review of acute pancreatitis associated with interferon-α or pegylated interferon-α: Possible or definitive causation?

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) associated with interferon-α or pegylated interferon-α (AP-IFN) has been described, although the causal relation certitude remains elusive. Some recent studies suggest definite causality, although the relation is grouped in class III of Badalov classification of drug-induced AP.

OBJECTIVES

Perform systematic review of AP-IFN and assess causality.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently evaluated the data and quality of studies extracted from multiple databases on March 13, 2017. Studies selection was based on a priori criteria. Naranjo scale, and Badalov classification were applied to determine causality.

RESULTS

We identified 16 studies that reported AP-IFN with a total of 23 patients. Fifteen studies had moderate to good methodological quality. The frequency of AP-IFN was 7/3450 (0.2%). The median age of patients was 50 years. In most cases IFN was used for chronic hepatitis C. The latency between IFN and diagnosis of AP was (>30 days). AP was mild or moderately severe and improved with supportive management. No mortality was observed. Re-challenge was done in 5 patients and resulted in AP recurrence in 3 cases. Twenty-one cases were classified as probable and 2 cases as definitive according to Naranjo scale. Evaluations of studies confirm a status Ia for AP-IFN according to Badalov classification.

CONCLUSION

AP-IFN is rare and has a probable or definite causal relation according to Naranjo scale. The evidence supports a class Ia of Badalov classification. Hypertriglyceridemia is not a contributing factor. IFN-induced AP is usually mild or moderately severe, and responds favorably to supportive management.

Peribiliary cysts: a systematic review and proposal of a classification framework

OBJECTIVE

Peribiliary cysts are usually benign, although severe complications and mortality may occur, and they may be confounded with other diseases. No classification delineating their different characteristics exists.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic review of the frequency and clinical manifestations of peribiliary cysts. Two reviewers identified studies after searching multiple databases on 2 August 2017.

RESULTS

These cysts were prevalent in cirrhosis (9%). A total of 135 patients were reported in 72 papers with sufficient clinical data (10 countries, 65% from Japan, median age 63 years (range: 4-88), and 80% were males). Symptoms were present in 70%. Misdiagnosis occurred in 40%, and 33% underwent therapeutic misadventures. Cysts were solitary in 10%. Obstructive features and cholangitis were observed in 36% and 12.5%, respectively. Cysts progression was observed in 37.5% over a median of 18 months. Mortality was 24%, mostly due to cirrhosis. A classification framework is proposed, wherein type I includes hepatic, type II extrahepatic and type III mixed hepatic and extrahepatic cysts, each having distinct features. Specifically, type II was more frequent in females, solitary, without cirrhosis, presenting with obstructive jaundice, more difficult to diagnose and required more surgical interventions (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although rarely studied in the literature, peribiliary cysts were frequent in studies designed to evaluate their prevalence, and were mostly asymptomatic. Inaccurate diagnosis, therapeutic misadventures, cysts progression and cysts-related complications are frequent. In a novel classification framework based on location, extrahepatic peribiliary cysts have distinct characteristics and require a special approach for diagnosis and management.

Methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports

Case reports and case series are uncontrolled study designs known for increased risk of bias but have profoundly influenced the medical literature and continue to advance our knowledge. In this guide, we present a framework for appraisal, synthesis and application of evidence derived from case reports and case series. We propose a tool to evaluate the methodological quality of case reports and case series based on the domains of selection, ascertainment, causality and reporting and provide signalling questions to aid evidence-based practitioners and systematic reviewers in their assessment. We suggest using evidence derived from case reports and case series to inform decision-making when no other higher level of evidence is available.

Methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports

Case reports and case series are uncontrolled study designs known for increased risk of bias but have profoundly influenced the medical literature and continue to advance our knowledge. In this guide, we present a framework for appraisal, synthesis and application of evidence derived from case reports and case series. We propose a tool to evaluate the methodological quality of case reports and case series based on the domains of selection, ascertainment, causality and reporting and provide signalling questions to aid evidence-based practitioners and systematic reviewers in their assessment. We suggest using evidence derived from case reports and case series to inform decision-making when no other higher level of evidence is available.