Adefovir dipivoxil added to ongoing lamivudine therapy in patients with lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Long-term treatment with lamivudine is required to control viral replication in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B, but is associated with a high rate of viral resistance. The role of adefovir dipivoxil in these patients has not been definitively evaluated.

AIM

To address the role of adefovir in the management of patients with lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Patients were assigned to receive adefovir 10 mg once daily plus ongoing lamivudine 100 mg once daily for 52 weeks. The primary end point was reduction in serum hepatitis B virus DNA level (hepatitis B virus DNA response). Secondary end points included the proportion of patients with undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA at week 52 (complete virological response) and the percentage of patients with normalization of alanine transferase level at week 52 (biochemical response).

RESULTS

A total of 49 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. After 52 weeks of treatment, all patients had an hepatitis B virus DNA response and 57.1% had complete virological response. Biochemical response occurred in 75.6% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of adefovir in patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B results in significant suppression of viral replication. Nevertheless, continuous therapy will probably be needed in order to maintain remission in these patients.

The administration of cisapride as an adjuvant to PEG-electrolyte solution for colonic cleansing: a double-blind randomized study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Traditional bowel preparation before colonoscopy involves lavage with approximately 4L of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-electrolyte solution. Only a few studies have been published evaluating the use of cisapride in routine bowel preparation.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a blinded, placebo-controlled trial with the prokinetic agent, cisapride, in addition to standard PEG-electrolyte lavage. Of 115 patients undergoing colonoscopy, 58 were randomized (double-blind) to PEG plus cisapride (10 mg per os thrice per day three days before the procedure and one 10-mg dose on the morning of the procedure) and 57 to PEG plus a placebo of identical appearance. The adequacy of the preparation was scored on a four-point grading scale for each anatomic-segment and for the overall impression. A questionnaire was also used to assess each patient's symptoms during lavage.

RESULTS

The difference in the overall score between the two groups was not significant (p=0.21). The quality of bowel preparation was significantly better in transverse (p=0.001), ascending (p=0.0053), and cecum (p=0.0001) in the cisapride group than in the placebo group. The differences in symptoms scores between the two groups were not significant in nausea, abdominal cramps and bloating but there was improvement in symptom score of vomiting in cisapride group (p=0.0422).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of cisapride to patients undergoing colonic lavage may be an effective adjuvant to PEG-electrolyte solution particularly with respect to increase patient acceptability.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula.

METHODOLOGY

In a retrospective study we analyzed 87 patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for cholangitis; the cholangitis considered "acalculus", when outlining the extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts, we could not observe any intraluminal defect or stricture, and during the clearing of the bile ducts with the balloon, after endoscopic sphincterotomy, there was no evidence of stones, fragments of stones or sludge. Patients who had undergone previous endoscopic sphincterotomy, or who had additional pancreatobiliary diseases were excluded from this study. There were 11 patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula, and sufficient clinical data available for this study.

RESULTS

Nine patients presented pain, fever, and jaundice. In two patients diagnosis was established via the test of abnormal liver biochemistry. Seven patients had positive blood cultures and three of them developed confusion and hypotension. Endoscopic sphincterotomy succeeded in all cases; no evidence of stones, fragments of stones or sludge was recorded during the clearing of bile ducts, after endoscopic sphincterotomy, with the balloon. Five patients presented mild post-endoscopic sphincterotomy complications successfully treated. In the follow-up period, from 4 months to 7 years after endoscopic sphincterotomy, none of the patients developed symptoms of cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula, despite the absence of obvious obstruction, and the possible morbidity which is inherent with an invasive procedure like endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Needle-knife papillotomy: a safe and effective technique in experienced hands

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Results from studies evaluating needle-knife papillotomy are conflicting. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of needle-knife papillotomy as a precut procedure to achieve biliary access during ERCP.

METHODOLOGY

During a period of seven years, ERCP was performed 938 times. During this time, needle-knife papillotomy was carried out in 68 patients, with complete follow-up obtained in all patients. The follow-up concentrated on the safety and efficacy of the procedure and short-term complications.

RESULTS

Cannulation of the common bile duct was successful immediately after needle-knife papillotomy in 44 patients (66%), during a second ERCP in 18 patients (26%), and in a third ERCP in 2 patients (3%) achieving a total cannulation rate of 94%. There were no needle-knife papillotomy related deaths. Complications included bleeding in 5 patients (7%), and pancreatitis in 3 patients (4%). All complications were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience indicates that needle-knife papillotomy is a versatile, effective and safe technique of gaining biliary access in patients in whom deep cannulation proves impossible and biliary access is considered essential.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in adult hemophiliac patients with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of bleeding in adult hemophiliac patients undergoing endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

From 1983 to 2002, 7 patients with hemophilia A and two with hemophilia B were referred for endoscopic sphincterotomy and extraction of bile duct stones. The degree of hemophilia was mild in 4 patients, moderate in 3, and severe in two. Pre-admission levels of blood clotting factors ranged from less than 1% to 18%. Levels of the deficient factors were monitored carefully before and after sphincterotomy, and the relevant factor was replaced to achieve 100% activity before and for 24 hours after endoscopic sphincterotomy.

OBSERVATIONS

Seven patients had factor replacement every 8 hours, and two received continuous infusions. No patient developed bleeding after sphincterotomy. At discharge, 48 hours after the procedure, patients who had received continuous infusions had a factor level of greater than 90%; those who had received intermittent replacement had levels of greater than 50%. After discharge, the patients were treated with regular infusion of the deficient factor for 15 days.

CONCLUSIONS

With adequate preoperative and post-procedure monitoring of clotting factors, meticulous attention to hemostasis during sphincterotomy, careful post-procedure monitoring, and timely replacement therapy, patients with hemophilia can undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy without bleeding complications.

Colopathy associated with the systemic use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications. An underestimated entity

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Adverse effects of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) on the upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestine are well described. Evidence is also accumulating that implicate NSAIDs in inducing and exacerbating damage in the distal gastrointestinal tract. In this article we describe eight cases of colonic inflammation associated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administration; our aim is to stress the importance of an underestimated entity by clinicians.

METHODOLOGY

Over a five-year period at two clinics, eight cases of NSAID-colopathy have been diagnosed. Crohn's disease, ulcerative and infections colitis have been excluded from this analysis. In all these subjects a careful drug history has been taken in a prospective manner and colonic inflammation appeared to be directly related to NSAID administration. There was a time interval (mean: 20 months) between initiation of treatment with NSAID and presentation with diarrhea, rectal hemorrhage and tenesmus.

RESULTS

A correct diagnosis of colopathy associated with NSAIDs administration was made on careful drug history, pathological findings, stool cultures and biochemical changes which were insignificant, in contrast to the protracted troublesome symptoms. Resolution of symptoms was observed on discontinuation of NSAID medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report is further evidence that NSAIDs administration is associated with significant mucosal injury in the distal gastrointestinal tract, despite is underestimated by most physicians.

Treatment of complications of hepatic hydatid disease by ERCP

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic sphincterotomy for preoperative and postoperative complications of hepatic hydatid disease.

METHODS

Nineteen patients underwent endoscopic treatment for complications of hepatic hydatid disease. Indications for ERCP in 5 patients treated before surgery (Group A) were obstructive jaundice in 1 and acute cholangitis in 4. In 14 patients treated after surgery (Group B), the indication was acute cholangitis in 6, obstructive jaundice 2, and persistent external drainage in 6 patients.

OBSERVATIONS

In group A, ERCP detected hydatid vesicles within the bile duct. All patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and clearance of the duct with no complications. The 6 patients in Group B with persistent external drainage had biliary fistulas that resolved after endoscopic treatment within 10 to 20 days. Among the 8 patients with postoperative obstructive jaundice or acute cholangitis, 7 had cyst remnants obstructing the bile duct and 1 had findings of sclerosing cholangitis. All underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and clearance of the bile duct without complications. After treatment, all patients, with the exception of the one with sclerosing cholangitis, remained asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective treatment for biliary complications of hepatic hydatid disease.

Endoscopic band ligation of Dieulafoy-like lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is currently considered to be the treatment of choice for esophageal variceal bleeding. This study reports on the efficacy and safety of EBL in patients with Dieulafoy-like bleeding lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 1994 and February 2000, 23 patients with upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (median age 58, range 28-75) were treated using EBL. EBL was used as a rescue therapy in four patients and as the initial treatment in 19 patients.

RESULTS

The site of bleeding was the stomach in 10 patients, Billroth II anastomosis in 10, the first part of the duodenum in one, the second part of the duodenum in one, and the jejunum in one patient. Endoscopic band ligation was successful in 22 of the 23 patients. The remaining patient, a young man with a Dieulafoy-like lesion in the jejunum, had recurrent bleeding on day 5 after EBL and underwent elective surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic band ligation is an effective and safe endoscopic treatment for Dieulafoy-like lesions. It is easy to use and relatively inexpensive.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for the treatment of amoxycillin-clavulanate potassium (Augmentin)-induced intra-hepatic cholestasis: report of two cases

This report describes two patients who developed jaundice within two weeks of receiving an amoxycillin-clavulanate potassium combination. Causes of jaundice, other than drug administration, were excluded. The patients' jaundice and clinical symptoms did not respond to stopping the drug. Ursodeoxycholic acid (750 mg/day) led to a prompt and sustained improvement in their hyperbilirubinaemia and symptoms such as pruritus and fatigue. These cases suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid may be an effective treatment for drug-associated cholestasis.

Tenoxicam-associated hepatic injury: a case report and review

A 51-year-old woman developed jaundice while taking tenoxicam. A full evaluation, including ultrasound, computed tomography, endoscopic cholangiography and liver biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of mixed hepatic injury. The patient's jaundice and all other liver function abnormalities normalized 1 month after she discontinued taking tenoxicam. This is the first case report of mixed hepatic injury, confirmed with biopsy, associated with tenoxicam. Tenoxicam should be considered as a potential cause of hepatic injury when other more common aetiologies have been excluded.

Bone scan and angiography for orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma

A case of a cholesterol-containing granuloma of the orbit studied by bone scanning and selective carotid angiography is presented. Bone scanning with 99mDisphosphonate disclosed a solitary focus of intense activity in the right orbitofrontal region. On the selective angiogram of the right external carotid artery a faint vascular blush was found in the orbital wall.

Tumor calcinosis imaged by bone scanning: case report

The typical symmetric lesions in a patient with tumor calcinosis avidly accumulated bone-seeking compounds. Thus, bone scanning is very helpful in the diagnosis of this rare disease, especially if the calcareous masses are not situated periarticularly.