Opium Effects on Pancreatobiliary System in Opium Abusers Evaluated by Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Background: Opium use is a significant social and public health issue. There are numerous effects of opium documented as affecting the pancreatobiliary system. The aim of the study was to assess the pancreatobiliary changes in patients with opium addiction by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Methods: During the study period, consecutive patients who were referred for EUS of submucosal upper gastrointestinal lesions were included. The history of opium addiction and clinical symptoms were recorded prospectively. Diameters of the common bile duct (CBD), pancreatic duct (PD), size of the ampulla of Vater, and gallbladder abnormalities were evaluated using EUS. Results: A total of 254 patients (53.1% male, mean age of 55.4±14.2 years) were studied. A history of opium addiction was present in 56 patients (22.0%). Choledocholithiasis was found in two patients (3.6%) and one control (0.5%) patient (P=0.06). Gallbladder stones were found in 13 opium-addict (23.2%) and 16 control (8.1%) patients (P=0.002). The mean diameter of the CBD, size of the ampulla of Vater (P<0.001), and PD (P=0.04) were all significantly greater in patients with opium addiction. Conclusion: Dilation of the biliary and PDs is seen more commonly in patients addicted to opium. However, the clinical implications of these findings need to be further evaluated in future studies.

Colonoscopy Complications in an Iranian Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure with a limited number of adverse events. Few studies have addressed the rate of adverse events in teaching hospitals. This study aimed to investigate the rate of complications after colonoscopy performed by gastroenterology fellows in a teaching hospital in Tehran. METHODS: A historical cohort study was carried out to link the colonoscopy reports and the hospital information system to identify serious adverse events leading to unplanned hospitalization, unplanned procedures or interventions (e.g. surgery), prolongation of existing hospitalization, or death within 30 days after colonoscopy. RESULTS: We included 9928 colonoscopies (mean age of the patients 53.0±15.9 years, 52.3% men) in this study. In-hospital patients comprised (34.8%) of the procedures. The indications of colonoscopy included 7137 diagnostic (71.9%), and 2519 screening (25.4%) reasons. Colorectal polyps were found in 2005 (20.2%) patients. Major complications were seen in 17 patients (0.2%), including serious bleeding in seven patients, cardiopulmonary complications in five patients, perforation in four patients, and sepsis in one patient. CONCLUSION: Serious adverse events after colonoscopy are relatively rare. The rate of complications does not appear to be higher in an academic teaching hospital when performed by fellows under supervision.

Evaluation of the effect of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial (DISCOVER)

Background

The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir has shown preliminary efficacy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in four open-label studies with small sample sizes. This larger trial aimed to assess if the addition of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir to standard care improved clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 at 19 hospitals in Iran. Patients were randomized to oral sofosbuvir/daclatasvir 400/60 mg once-daily or placebo in addition to standard of care. Patients were included if they had positive PCR or diagnostic chest CT, O₂ saturation <95% and compatible symptoms. The primary outcome was hospital discharge within 10 days of randomization. Secondary outcomes included mortality and time to clinical events. The trial is registered on the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials under IRCT20200624047908N1.

Results

Between July and October 2020, 1083 patients were randomized to either the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir arm (n = 541) or the placebo arm (n = 542). No significant difference was observed in the primary outcome of hospital discharge within 10 days, which was achieved by 415/541 (77%) in the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir arm and 411/542 (76%) in the placebo arm [risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% CI 0.95–1.08, P = 0.734]. In-hospital mortality was 60/541 (11%) in the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir arm versus 55/542 (10%) in the placebo arm (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.77–1.54, P = 0.615). No differences were observed in time to hospital discharge or time to in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

We observed no significant effect of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir versus placebo on hospital discharge or survival in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir regimens for the treatment of COVID-19: an individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir has a well-established safety profile and improves clinical outcomes in HCV patients. In silico and in vitro studies suggest that sofosbuvir/daclatasvir may show antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

Three clinical trials comparing sofosbuvir/daclatasvir-based regimens with a comparator in hospitalized COVID-19 patients were combined in a meta-analysis. The primary outcomes measured were clinical recovery within 14 days of randomization, time to clinical recovery and all-cause mortality. A two-step approach was used to analyse individual-level patient data. The individual trial statistics were pooled using the random-effects inverse-variance model.

RESULTS

Our search identified eight studies of which three met the inclusion criteria (n = 176 patients); two studies were randomized and one was non-randomized. Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment arms. Clinical recovery within 14 days of randomization was higher in the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir arms compared with control arms [risk ratio = 1.34 (95% CI = 1.05-1.71), P = 0.020]. Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir improves time to clinical recovery [HR = 2.04 (95% CI = 1.25-3.32), P = 0.004]. The pooled risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the sofosbuvir/daclatasvir arms compared with control arms [risk ratio = 0.31 (95% CI = 0.12-0.78), P = 0.013].

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence suggests that sofosbuvir/daclatasvir improves survival and clinical recovery in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. However, the sample size for analysis was relatively small, one of the trials was not randomized and the designs were not standardized. These results need to be confirmed in larger randomized controlled trials.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in the general population and high-risk occupational groups across 18 cities in Iran: a population-based cross-sectional study

Background

Rapid increases in cases of COVID-19 were observed in multiple cities in Iran towards the start of the pandemic. However, the true infection rate remains unknown. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 18 cities of Iran as an indicator of the infection rate.

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study, we randomly selected and invited study participants from the general population (from lists of people registered with the Iranian electronic health record system or health-care centres) and a high-risk population of individuals likely to have close social contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals through their occupation (from employee lists provided by relevant agencies or companies, such as supermarket chains) across 18 cities in 17 Iranian provinces. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, recent COVID-19-related symptoms, and COVID-19-related exposures. Iran Food and Drug Administration-approved Pishtaz Teb SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples from participants. Seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for population weighting (by age, sex, and city population size) and test performance (according to our independent validation of sensitivity and specificity).

Findings

From 9181 individuals who were initially contacted between April 17 and June 2, 2020, 243 individuals refused to provide blood samples and 36 did not provide demographic information and were excluded from the analysis. Among the 8902 individuals included in the analysis, 5372 had occupations with a high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and 3530 were recruited from the general population. The overall population weight-adjusted and test performance-adjusted prevalence of antibody seropositivity in the general population was 17·1% (95% CI 14·6–19·5), implying that 4 265 542 (95% CI 3 659 043–4 887 078) individuals from the 18 cities included were infected by the end of April, 2020. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies varied greatly by city, with the highest estimates found in Rasht (72·6% [53·9–92·8]) and Qom (58·5% [37·2–83·9]). The overall population weight-adjusted and test performance-adjusted seroprevalence in the high-risk population was 20·0% (18·5–21·7) and showed little variation between the occupations included.

Interpretations

Seroprevalence is likely to be much higher than the reported prevalence of COVID-19 based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran. Despite high seroprevalence in a few cities, a large proportion of the population is still uninfected. The potential shortcomings of current public health policies should therefore be identified to prevent future epidemic waves in Iran.

Funding

Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

Translation

For the Farsi translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir compared with standard of care in the treatment of patients admitted to hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus infection (COVID-19): a randomized controlled trial

Background

Currently no effective antiviral therapy has been found to treat COVID-19. The aim of this trial was to assess if the addition of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir improved clinical outcomes in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19.

Methods

This was an open-label, multicentre, randomized controlled clinical trial in adults with moderate or severe COVID-19 admitted to four university hospitals in Iran. Patients were randomized into a treatment arm receiving sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus standard care, or a control arm receiving standard care alone. The primary endpoint was clinical recovery within 14 days of treatment. The study is registered with IRCT.ir under registration number IRCT20200128046294N2.

Results

Between 26 March and 26 April 2020, 66 patients were recruited and allocated to either the treatment arm (n = 33) or the control arm (n = 33). Clinical recovery within 14 days was achieved by 29/33 (88%) in the treatment arm and 22/33 (67%) in the control arm (P = 0.076). The treatment arm had a significantly shorter median duration of hospitalization [6 days (IQR 4–8)] than the control group [8 days (IQR 5–13)]; P = 0.029. Cumulative incidence of hospital discharge was significantly higher in the treatment arm versus the control (Gray’s P = 0.041). Three patients died in the treatment arm and five in the control arm. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The addition of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir to standard care significantly reduced the duration of hospital stay compared with standard care alone. Although fewer deaths were observed in the treatment arm, this was not statistically significant. Conducting larger scale trials seems prudent.

Combination of different clinical reasoning tests in a national exam

INTRODUCTION

Clinical reasoning as a critical and high level of clinical competency should be acquired during medical education, and medical educators should attempt to assess this ability in medical students. Nowadays, there are several ways to evaluate medical students' clinical reasoning ability in different countries worldwide. There are some well-known clinical reasoning tests such as Key Feature (KF), Clinical Reasoning Problem (CRP), Script Concordance Test (SCT), and Comprehensive Integrative Puzzle (CIP). Each of these tests has its advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we evaluated the reliability of combination of clinical reasoning tests SCT, KF, CIP, and CRP in one national exam and the correlation between the subtest scores of these tests together with the total score of the exam.

METHODS

In this cross sectional study, a total number of 339 high ranked medical students from 60 medical schools in Iran participated in a national exam named "Medical Olympiad". The ninth Medical Olympiad was held in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in summer 2017. The expert group designed a combination of four types of clinical reasoning tests to assess both analytical and non-analytical clinical reasoning. Mean scores of SCT, CRP, KF, and CIP were measured using descriptive statistics. Reliability was calculated for each test and the combination of tests using Cronbach's alpha. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the score of each subtest and the total score. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis and the level of significance was considered <0.05.

RESULTS

The reliability of the combination of tests was 0.815. The reliability of KF was 0.81 and 0.76, 0.80, and 0.92 for SCT, CRP, and CIP, respectively. The mean total score was 169.921±41.54 from 240. All correlations between each clinical reasoning test and total score were significant (P<0.001). The highest correlation (0.887) was seen between CIP score and total score.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that combining different clinical reasoning tests can be a reliable way of measuring this ability.

Esophageal Aperistalsis in a Patient with Lipoid Proteinosis

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance, characterized by progressive deposition of hyaline material in the skin, mucous membrane, and different organs of the body, resulting in a multitude of clinical manifestations. A 34-year-old woman presented with hoarseness, dysphagia, eyelid beeding, and acneiform scars on the facial skin and extremities. The patient was diagnosed clinically as having lipoid proteinosis, which was confirmed by laryngeal biopsy. The objective of the present report is to describe this rare entity. This case report also illustrates that lipoid proteinosis may show protean clinical features and yet may remain undiagnosed for many years.

Inappropriate Packed RBC Transfusion in a Tertiary Care Center

INTRODUCTION

Transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBC) with appropriate indications is not only important for patient safety and well-being but is also crucial for proper utilization of resources and health care-related cost reduction. We aimed to investigate the clinical appropriateness of blood transfusion in Shariati Hospital, one of the largest academic medical centers in Tehran.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 1000 transfusions of allogenic pRBCs from April 1st to October 31st, 2015 were included. The patients' characteristics, reason for hospitalization, indications for pRBC transfusions and ordering wards were collected.

RESULTS

The mean level of hemoglobin before transfusion was 7.4 ± 2.3 g/dL in the emergency department, 7.5 ± 1.0 g/dL in medical wards, 10.4 ± 2.6 g/dL in surgical wards, and 9.1 ± 2.2 g/dL in the intensive care unit. The baseline hemoglobin levels differed significantly between the departments (P < 0.001). Approximately 22% (219 patients) with hemoglobin level ≥ 10 g/dL received pRBC, which appeared to be unnecessary and inappropriate.

CONCLUSION

Despite current international guidelines emphasizing the importance of restricted transfusion policy, the transfusion of pRBC with insufficient indications occurred frequently in Shariati Hospital, particularly in surgical wards.

Giant abdominal wall hernia in a patient with cryptogenic cirrhosis

Abdominal wall hernias are common problems found in patients with cirrhosis because of persistently high intra-abdominal pressure. When abdominal hernias are neglected in such patients, they may become larger and could result in cosmetic problems and pressure effects that are also difficult to treat. We found a voluminous mass in the anterior abdominal wall of a 40-year-old patient with cirrhosis. The patient was operated on for acute cholecystitis 12 years earlier. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an epigastric hernia presenting as a grossly distended hernia sac filled with serous fluid and intestinal loops. The patient was not operated on and was discharged with sodium-restricted diet and diuretics.

Fulminant Hepatic Failure due to Primary Hepatic Lymphoma: a Case Report

Primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare malignancy usually presenting withsymptoms of fever, hepatomegaly, jaundice and weight loss. This picture mimicsinfectious and inflammatory disorders and thus delays the diagnosis. Here,we present a 47-year old man with prolonged fever who underwent several investigationsand, in the meantime, developed fulminant hepatic failure beforethe diagnosis could be reached.

Colonoscopic evaluation of minimal rectal bleeding in average-risk patients for colorectal cancer

AIM: To assess the prevalence of clinically significant lesions in patients with minimal bright red bleeding per rectum (BRBPR).

METHODS: Consecutive outpatients prospectively underwent colonoscopy at Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran. Minimal BRBPR was defined as small amounts of red blood after wiping or in the toilet bowl. Patients with the following alarm signs were excluded: Positive personal history of colorectal neoplasms or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), positive first degree family history of colorectal neoplasms, history of altered bowel habits, recent significant weight loss, and presence of iron deficiency anemia. Neoplastic polyps, colorectal carcinoma, and IBD were defined as significant lesions.

RESULTS: A total of 402 patients (183 female and 219 male, aged 43.6 ± 15.7 years) were studied. Hemorrhoids (54.2%), anal fissures (14.2%) and ulcerative colitis (14.2%) were the most common lesions and colonoscopy was normal in 8.0%. Significant lesions were found in 121 (30.1%) patients, including 26 patients (6.5%) with adenocarcinoma and 30 (7.5%) with adenomatous polyps. Almost all patients with significant lesions had at least one lesion in the distal colon; an adenocarcinoma and an adenomatous polyp in the proximal colon were found in 2 patients with hemorrhoids.

CONCLUSION: Flexible sigmoidoscopy appears to be sufficient for the evaluation of average risk patients with minimal BRBPR. Rigid sigmoidoscopy may be used as an alternative in patients less than 40 years of age in settings where the former is not available. The choice of colonoscopy over flexible sigmoidoscopy in patients aged over 50 years should be individualized.

Endoscopic lesions in low-to average-risk patients with minimal bright red bleeding from midline anal fissures. How much should we go in?

BACKGROUND

Anal fissure is a common condition in young patients, and the main symptoms include anal pain and bleeding. Our aim was to determine the need to perform lower gastrointestinal endoscopy on patients with midline anal fissure who present with minimal bright red rectal bleeding and who are at low risk for colorectal neoplasia.

METHODS

Patients with midline anal fissure who reported small amounts of red blood on toilet paper, toilet bowl or stool after defecation were evaluated. Patients with alarm signs (recently altered bowel habit, weight loss, anemia and family or personal history of colorectal neoplasms) were excluded. A total of 134 patients (80 female and 54 male, aged 35.8+/-11.4 years) were studied. Patients younger than 40 years underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy was used for older ones.

RESULTS

Fissures were posterior in 106 cases (79.1%) and anterior in 27 cases (20.1%); one patient (0.7%) had both anterior and posterior fissures. The lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was normal in 120 patients (89.6%), and 36 patients (26.9%) had associated internal hemorrhoids. Adenomatous polyps were found in 4 cases (3.0%), ulcerative colitis in 8 (6.0%) and Crohn's disease in one patient (0.7%). There was no case of adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical evaluation plus rectoscopy might be the appropriate evaluation in this selected group of patients, if our results are confirmed by further studies.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in prevention of unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective study of 150 patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of substituting endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in cases of a low to intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

During a 16-month period, patients who were referred for suspected choledocholithiasis, biliary colic, or acute biliary pancreatitis on the basis of alterations in liver enzyme values with or without gallstones seen on transabdominal ultrasonography were included. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed for all patients. Patients with common bile duct stones underwent ERCP. Cholecystectomy was recommended in all patients with symptomatic gallstones. Cases were followed for 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were included. Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed by EUS in 39 patients (26.0%) and was confirmed by ERCP in 30 (77.0%). Fifty-one patients had a normal common bile duct, and follow-up for 12 months showed no abnormalities except in 1 patient. Cholecystectomy without ERCP was recommended for the remaining 60 patients who had symptomatic gallstones or sludge. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was avoided by this approach in 110 patients (73.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a low to intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis, EUS can preclude the need for ERCP in most cases.

Peptic ulcer bleeding: is Helicobacter pylori a risk factor in an endemic area?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

A high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported in Iran. Although the importance of H. pylori in the induction of peptic ulcer disease is clearly defined, only few studies have addressed its role in bleeding from peptic ulcers. We evaluated the role of H. pylori in peptic ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

Patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) and those with peptic ulcer disease without bleeding ('controls') were enrolled. Upper GI endoscopy and rapid urease test were performed in both groups. Histological study for detection of H. pylori was performed in patients with active bleeding, if RUT was negative. Other variables evaluated included sex, age, smoking, previous history of bleeding, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use, ulcer size, ulcer location, and duration of acid-peptic disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

161 patients with PUB and 287 control patients were enrolled. H. pylori infection was seen more frequently in patients with duodenal ulcer than gastric ulcer (88.9% vs. 60.5%, p< 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that patients with PUB were more often male, older in age, used NSAID, had history of PUB in the past, had ulcer located in the stomach and not in the duodenum, and more often had large ulcer (>1 cm). Logistic regression analysis showed that H. pylori infection was protective in PUB after controlling for confounders (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.79), when ulcer location was not entered in the model. A second model including ulcer location (to test for a residual effect) showed that H. pylori infection was not a significant risk factor in PUB (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.30-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori may not be an independent factor in bleeding from peptic ulcers. The lower frequency of this infection in these patients can be described by the higher frequency of bleeding from gastric ulcers, which are less H. pylori related compared with duodenal ulcer.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their relation with socio-economic factors and hygienic habits in Tehran primary school students

School age children carry the heaviest burden of morbidity due to intestinal parasitic infections. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of these infections in primary school children living in Tehran and their association with socio-economic factors and hygienic habits. In September 1998, a total of 19,213 subjects were invited to participate. Data on health and socio-economic status and health-related behaviours, collected via questionnaires, physical examinations and stool sample analyses, were available for 19,209 persons, with a participation rate greater than 99.99%. All participants were subjected to three methods of microscopic examinations on the stool sample and an adhesive cellophane tape slide evaluation. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection among the students was 18.4%. Coinfection with two or three parasites was seen in 2%. With increase in educational level of parents (especially mothers), the infection rate of children was decreased. Girls showed a significantly higher positive rate than boys. Using piped water, correct method of washing vegetables and increase in the economic score of the family, resulted in a decrease in the infection rate. According to the results, low level of education and consequently poor socio-economic and hygienic condition of families appear to be powerful determinants of infection.

Healthy ranges of serum alanine aminotransferase levels in Iranian blood donors

AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated with serum ALT activity in apparently healthy blood donors.

METHODS: A total of 1939 blood donors were included. ALT measurements were performed for all cases using the same laboratory method. Healthy ranges for ALT levels were computed from the population at the lowest risk for liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical factors and ALT levels.

RESULTS: Serum ALT activity was independently associated with body mass index (BMI) and male gender, but not associated with age. Association of ALT with BMI was more prominent in males than in females. Upper limit of normal for non-overweight women (BMI of less than 25) was 34 U/L, and for non-overweight men was 40 U/L.

CONCLUSION: Serum ALT is strongly associated with sex and BMI. The normal range of ALT should be defined for male and female separately.

Tuberculous peritonitis in an endemic area

BACKGROUND

Tuberculous peritonitis is a fatal disease if not diagnosed in time.

AIMS

To identify the clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic features of tuberculous peritonitis in Iranian patients.

PATIENTS

Included in the study were all cases of tuberculous peritonitis with a definite diagnosis confirmed by pathology in four referral University Hospitals in Tehran between 1989 and 1999.

METHODS

All clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings as well as invasive procedures were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients (30 female, 20 male), mean age 33.5 years were studied. Main presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (84%), weight loss (72%) and fever (50%). In 24% of patients a positive tuberculin test was found. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate >50 mm/h was detected in 60% of patients and 4.4% had an Erythrocyte sedimentation rate >100 mm/h. Laparoscopy or laparotomy showed peritoneal seeding in 74% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Exudative ascites should give rise to clinical suspicion of tuberculous peritonitis in endemic areas or in immigrants from endemic areas. Laparoscopy is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic method.

Second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication with a furazolidone-based regimen in patients who have failed a metronidazole-based regimen

BACKGROUND/AIM

In developing countries the standard quadruple therapy containing metronidazole results in suboptimal eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (<75%). In a retrospective study, we undertook to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a furazolidone-based regimen (omeprazole, furazolidone, bismuth, and tetracycline) in patients who had previously failed the standard metronidazole-based regimen (omeprazole, metronidazole, bismuth, and amoxicillin).

METHODS

The records of H. pylori infected patients who were referred to outpatient clinic (from March 1999 to August 1999) and who underwent previous eradication regimens were studied. A total of 320 cases were noted to have received a metronidazole-based quadruple regimen. From these 320 patients, 80 were noted to have failed this regimen based on a urea breath test. These 80 patients were enrolled in the study and given the furazolidone-based regimen. Side effects were assessed at follow-up visits. At least 2 months after the end of each therapy regimen, a (14)C-urea test was performed in each subject to document the cure of the patients.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients (39 males and 41 females) with a mean age of 43.8 +/- (SD) 13.3 years were studied. The H. pylori eradication rate was 90% with the furazolidone-based regimen. The side effects of this regimen were minor.

CONCLUSIONS

A furazolidone-based regimen is effective in patients who do not achieve cure of H. pylori infection with the metronidazole-based quadruple therapy. In areas where the metronidazole resistance is high, initial therapy with a furazolidone-based regimen is recommended.