Recipient-associated risk factors for post-liver transplantation biliary complications: A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Biliary complications (BCs) are a well-documented post-liver transplantation concern with potential implications for patient survival. This study aims at identifying risk factors associated with the development of BCs in recipients after liver transplantation (LT) and exploring strategies for their management.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1595 adult patients (age > 18 years) who underwent LT surgery between 2019 and 2021. The study assessed the incidence of BCs in this cohort.

RESULTS

Of 1595 patients, 178 (11.1%) experienced BCs, while 1417 (88.8%) did not exhibit any signs of such complications. Patients who developed BCs were found to have a significantly lower average age (p < 0.001) and longer cold ischemic times (p < 0.001) compared to those without BCs. Variables such as sex, body mass index (BMI), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, primary diagnosis, type of anastomosis, hepatectomy technique, type of transplanted liver and mortality did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a cold ischemic time exceeding 12 hours and duct-to-duct anastomosis were positive predictors for BC development (odds ratios of 6.23 [CI 4.29-9.02] and 1.47 [CI 0.94-2.30], respectively). Conversely, increasing age was associated with a protective effect against BC development, with an odds ratio of 0.64 (CI 0.46-0.89).

CONCLUSION

Our multi-variate analysis identified cold ischemia time (CIT) as the sole significant predictor of post-liver transplantation biliary complications. Additionally, this study observed that advancing patient age had a protective influence in this context. Notably, no significant disparities were detected between hepatectomy techniques and the etiology of liver disease types in the two study groups.

Predictive Score for Early Successful Tracheal Extubation After Liver Transplant: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation after liver transplant increase postoperative complications. Hence, timely extubation should be considered; however, a standard clinical criteria set or scoring system to select patients has not been established for early extubation after livertransplant.We investigated the factors that affect early extubation to design a predictive scoring system for early extubation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a case-control study of adult liver transplant patients. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were collected. Early extubation was defined as tracheal extubation immediately or up to 6 hours posttransplant. The variables were compared between the early extubation group and the delayed extubation (>6 hours) group.

RESULTS

Our study enrolled 237 patients; among them, 57 patients (24%) were in the early extubation group, and 180 (76%) were in the delayed extubation group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative base excess level at admission to the intensive care unit, number of units of packed red blood cells transfused during surgery, urine volume, and excess base level 6 hours after surgery were the main predictors of successful early extubation.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial base excess level at the entrance to the intensive care unit(postsurgery) and 6 hours after surgery, packed red blood cell volume transfused during surgery, and urine volume 6 hours after surgery are the main predictors for a successful early tracheal extubation.These factors are considered for the Shiraz Extubation Predictor formula.

Organic colonic lesions in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Any alarm symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be carefully evaluated. Colonoscopy is a standard diagnostic procedure for evaluating the colonic mucosa and ruling out probable diseases responsible for patient symptoms. We analyzed the colonoscopy findings in patients with and without IBS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-six patients with IBS and 101 without IBS were consecutively enrolled in the study. All the patients in the IBS group met the Rome IV criteria, and underwent colonoscopy due to the appearance of red flags. The colonoscopy findings were compared between the 2 groups of patients.

RESULTS

The main indications for colonoscopy in the IBS group were progressive abdominal pain (36.7%), rectal bleeding with fresh blood (17.7%), and occult blood in stool (12.5%). In the non-IBS group, the most prevalent indicators were rectal bleeding with fresh blood (37.6%), colorectal cancer surveillance (21.8%), and abdominal pain (13.9%). The most common macroscopic findings in the 2 groups were hemorrhoids, polyps, and anal fissure. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to the microscopic and macroscopic findings between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the prevalence of organic lesions in the colon of patients with IBS was the same as that in the patients without IBS. The Rome IV criteria accurately predicted IBS. Additional evaluation through colonoscopy in IBS should be based on the presence of alarm features.

Early cryptococcosis infection in a liver transplant patient: A case report

Key Clinical Message

In order to early diagnose and prevent the infection dissemination in both suspected solid organ donors and recipients after transplantation, pretransplantation screening tests for rare etiologies like Cryptococcus neoformans should be necessitated, as they can affect many vital organs, especially the brain, liver, and lungs.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection mainly affecting immunocompromised patients. The infection is occasionally seen in 16-21 months after organ transplantation, while early involvement is uncommon within <30 days posttransplantation. In the present study, we reported an unusual case of cryptococcosis infection 21 days after transplantation, limited to the transplanted liver in a 60-year-old male. Treatment with an antifungal agent showed prompt improvement in his clinical condition.

Organic colonic lesions in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Any alarm symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be carefully evaluated. Colonoscopy is a standard diagnostic procedure for evaluating the colonic mucosa and ruling out probable diseases responsible for patient symptoms. We analyzed the colonoscopy findings in patients with and without IBS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-six patients with IBS and 101 without IBS were consecutively enrolled in the study. All the patients in the IBS group met the Rome IV criteria, and underwent colonoscopy due to the appearance of red flags. The colonoscopy findings were compared between the 2 groups of patients.

RESULTS

The main indications for colonoscopy in the IBS group were progressive abdominal pain (36.7%), rectal bleeding with fresh blood (17.7%), and occult blood in stool (12.5%). In the non-IBS group, the most prevalent indicators were rectal bleeding with fresh blood (37.6%), colorectal cancer surveillance (21.8%), and abdominal pain (13.9%). The most common macroscopic findings in the 2 groups were hemorrhoids, polyps, and anal fissure. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to the microscopic and macroscopic findings between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the prevalence of organic lesions in the colon of patients with IBS was the same as that in the patients without IBS. The Rome IV criteria accurately predicted IBS. Additional evaluation through colonoscopy in IBS should be based on the presence of alarm features.

Value of Serological Biomarker Panel in Diagnosis of Atrophic Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori Infection

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection is clearly correlated with gastric carcinogenesis. Therefore, the use of a new non-invasive test, known as the GastroPanel test, can be very helpful to identify patients at a high risk, including those with atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. This study aimed to compare the results of GastroPanel test with the pathological findings of patients with gastric atrophy to find a safe and simple alternative for endoscopy and biopsy as invasive methods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with indigestion, who were referred to Motahari Clinic and Shahid Faghihi Hospital of Shiraz, Iran, since April 2017 until August 2017 for endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The serum levels of gastrin-17 (G17), pepsinogen I (PGI), and pepsinogen II (PGII), as well as H. pylori antibody IgG, were determined by ELISA assays. Two biopsy specimens from the antrum and gastric body were taken for standard histological analyses and rapid urease test. A pathologist examined the biopsy specimens of patients blindly. Results: A total of 153 patients with indigestion (62.7% female; mean age, 63.7 years; 37.3% male; mean age, 64.9 years) were included in this study. The G17 levels significantly increased in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) of the body (9.7 vs. 32.8 pmol/L; P = 0.04) and reduced in patients with antral CAG (1.8 vs. 29.1 pmol/L; P = 0.01). The results were acceptable for all three types of CAG, including the antral, body, and multifocal CAG (AUCs of 97%, 91%, and 88% for body, antral, and multifocal CAG, respectively). The difference in PGII level was not significant. Also, the PGI and PGI/PGII ratio did not show a significant difference (unacceptably low AUCs for all). The H. pylori antibody levels were higher in patients infected with H. pylori (251 EIU vs. 109 EIU, AUC = 70, P = 0.01). There was a significant relationship between antibody tests and histopathology. Conclusion: Contrary to Biohit's claims, the GastroPanel kit is not accurate enough to detect CAG; therefore, it cannot be used for establishing a clinical diagnosis.

Impact of Multimedia CD Education on the Quality of Colon Preparation; A Single-Blind Randomized Study

Background: Routine bowel preparation instructions are usually given to patients in the form of oral explanations with written instructions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multimedia training in the form of video CDs on the quality of colon preparation and other related indicators. Methods: 201 outpatients in three referral academic colonoscopy centers were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (n=100) received supplementary video CD education besides the routine instructions (VCD group). The second group (n=101) received only routine instruction, which included oral and printed instructions (non-VCD group). Results: Complete use of colon cleansing medication was statistically and significantly better in the VCD group (P=0.038). Duration of colonoscopy was shorter in the VCD group (P=0.001), demand for conscious sedation was lesser in the VCD group (P=0.049), and the quality of colon preparation was better in the VCD group (P<0.00). There was no statistically significant difference in pain sensation (P=0.1), cecal intubation rate (P=0.3), and technical difficulty of the colonoscopy (P=0.1) in both groups. Conclusion: Supplementary education in the form of multimedia CD increases the patients' compliance to cleansing mediation consumption, improves the quality of bowel preparation, and decreases the duration of colonoscopy with lesser demands for conscious sedation.

Alterations in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to systematically review and pool data regarding the alterations in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies were identified by searching databases and gray literature through December 2020. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled frequency of IBD patients with disease course alterations ("improved," "unchanged," or "aggravated") after LT and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes in 2 or 3 categories. In the analysis of studies with 3-category outcomes (n = 13), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved, unchanged, or aggravated IBD course after LT were 29.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 41.9%), 51.4% (95% CI, 45.5% to 57.3%), and 25.2% (95% CI, 15.6% to 34.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), younger age at LT, or shorter duration of follow-up were more likely to have an improved disease course. Moreover, higher IBD exacerbation estimates were observed in studies with a low risk of bias. In the analysis of studies with 2-category outcomes (n = 12), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved/unchanged or aggravated IBD course were 73.6% (95% CI, 62.2% to 85.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI, 15.1% to 33.2%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of an exacerbated IBD course following LT was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.29; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that IBD activity remains unchanged (or improved/unchanged) in most IBD patients following LT. Furthermore, IBD type, age, and follow-up length can influence the IBD course after LT.

Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Given the recent increasing trends in colorectal cancer incidence globally, up-to-date information on the colorectal cancer burden could guide screening, early detection, and treatment strategies, and help effectively allocate resources. We examined the temporal patterns of the global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors in 204 countries and territories across the past three decades.

METHODS

Estimates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for colorectal cancer were generated as a part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 by age, sex, and geographical location for the period 1990-2019. Mortality estimates were produced using the cause of death ensemble model. We also calculated DALYs attributable to risk factors that had evidence of causation with colorectal cancer.

FINDINGS

Globally, between 1990 and 2019, colorectal cancer incident cases more than doubled, from 842 098 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 810 408-868 574) to 2·17 million (2·00-2·34), and deaths increased from 518 126 (493 682-537 877) to 1·09 million (1·02-1·15). The global age-standardised incidence rate increased from 22·2 (95% UI 21·3-23·0) per 100 000 to 26·7 (24·6-28·9) per 100 000, whereas the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 14·3 (13·5-14·9) per 100 000 to 13·7 (12·6-14·5) per 100 000 and the age-standardised DALY rate decreased from 308·5 (294·7-320·7) per 100 000 to 295·5 (275·2-313·0) per 100 000 from 1990 through 2019. Taiwan (province of China; 62·0 [48·9-80·0] per 100 000), Monaco (60·7 [48·5-73·6] per 100 000), and Andorra (56·6 [42·8-71·9] per 100 000) had the highest age-standardised incidence rates, while Greenland (31·4 [26·0-37·1] per 100 000), Brunei (30·3 [26·6-34·1] per 100 000), and Hungary (28·6 [23·6-34·0] per 100 000) had the highest age-standardised mortality rates. From 1990 through 2019, a substantial rise in incidence rates was observed in younger adults (age <50 years), particularly in high Socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries. Globally, a diet low in milk (15·6%), smoking (13·3%), a diet low in calcium (12·9%), and alcohol use (9·9%) were the main contributors to colorectal cancer DALYs in 2019.

INTERPRETATION

The increase in incidence rates in people younger than 50 years requires vigilance from researchers, clinicians, and policy makers and a possible reconsideration of screening guidelines. The fast-rising burden in low SDI and middle SDI countries in Asia and Africa calls for colorectal cancer prevention approaches, greater awareness, and cost-effective screening and therapeutic options in these regions.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Statins Enhance the Potency of First Line Anti-Helicobacter Regimens to that of Second Line Regimens

Background:

Infection-related to Helicobacter pylori (HP) is one of the most common human bacterial infections, as it affects about 50% of the human population. This bacterium causes chronic inflammation and eventually mucosal gastric metaplasia. Antibiotics are commonly used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection. Presumably, statins could increase the effectiveness of anti-HP regimens because of some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties attributed to these anti-lipidemic agents.

Methods:

Two hundred patients with both gastrointestinal symptoms and positive urease test were included. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups with 100 cases. One group received pantoprazole 40mg, twice per day (BD) + atorvastatin 40mg, daily + bismuth subcitrate 240mg, BD + Amoxicillin 1g, BD + Levofloxacin 500mg, daily and the other one received pantoprazole 40mg BD + atorvastatin 40mg, daily + bismuth subcitrate 240mg, BD + Amoxicillin 1g, BD + Clarithromycin (Fromilid) 500mg, BD for two weeks. A stool antigen test for HP was performed one month after drug treatment ended, and the results were compared.

Results:

According to our findings, eradication of HPinfection in both groups was 87%, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value = 1).

Conclusion:

The current study highlighted that adding atorvastatin to the first line anti-HP infection regimen could increase the potency and efficacy of the regimen to that of second-line regimen. Moreover, the addition of atorvastatin to the second line regimen did not bear any beneficial effect.

Alarm of non-communicable disease in Iran: Kavar cohort profile, baseline and 18-month follow up results from a prospective population-based study in urban area

The PERSIAN Kavar cohort study (PKCS) aims to investigate the prevalence, trends, and relevant prognostic risk factors of non-communicable diseases in participants aged 35-70 years living in the urban area of Kavar County. Kavar County is located at the center of Fars province in the southwest of Iran. Overall, 5236 adults aged 35-70 years old were invited to participate in the PKCS. From whom, 4997 people comprising 2419 men and 2578 women met the inclusion criteria and were recruited in the study (participation rate: 95.4%). This study is aimed to follow participants for at least 10 years; it is designed to perform all procedures similar to the primary phase including biological sampling, laboratory tests, physical examinations, and collecting general, nutritional, and medical data at the 5th and 10th years of follow-up. In addition, participants are annually followed-up by phone to acquire data on the history of hospitalization, any major diagnosis or death. At the enrollment phase, trained interviewers were responsible for obtaining general, nutritional, and medical data utilizing a 482-item questionnaire. The results of the baseline phase of this study show that the overweight category was the most prevalent BMI category among the registered participants (n = 2005, 40.14%). Also, almost one-third of Kavar adult population suffered from metabolic syndrome at the baseline phase (n = 1664, 33.30%). The rate of eighteen-month follow-up response was 100% in the PKCS. Hypertension (n = 116, 2.32%), cardiovascular outcomes (n = 33, 0.66%), and diabetes (n = 32, 0.64%) were the most prevalent new-onset NCDs during eighteen months of follow-up in the participants.

Efficacy of Common Bile Duct Stenting on the Reduction in Gallstone Migration and Symptoms Recurrence in Patients with Biliary Pancreatitis Who Were Candidates for Delayed Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

In patients with severe biliary pancreatitis, delayed cholecystectomy associated with a high risk of recurrence is recommended. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of common bile duct (CBD) stenting on reducing gallstones migration and recurrence of symptoms in patients with pancreatitis and delayed cholecystectomy candidates.

METHODS

To this purpose, the randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed on 40 patients with biliary pancreatitis who were candidates for delayed cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of A and B that underwent CBD stenting after ERCP and received endoscopic treatment without stenting, respectively. A checklist recorded demographics and complications. Group A was followed up after four weeks to remove the stent and record the complications. Group B underwent MRCP to examine the migration of new gallstones as well as the complications.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients, 20 subjects (11 males and 9 females) were allocated to each group, matched for demographic variables. In the one-month follow-up, only one subject in group A manifested symptoms of gallstone migration and recurrence, while in group B, recurrence was observed in 6 patients (P = 0.037). There was no significant difference in the success rate of ERCP and the incidence of complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

CBD stenting in patients with biliary pancreatitis and gallstone could reduce the risk of recurrence and remigration of gallstones in delayed cholecystectomy cases.

Cholangiocarcinoma and liver transplantation: What we know so far?

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer with increasing prevalence around the world that originates from cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of the bile duct. The tumor begins insidiously and is distinguished by high grade neoplasm, poor outcome, and high risk for recurrence. Liver transplantation has become broadly accepted as a treatment option for CCA. Liver transplantation is expected to play a crucial role as palliative and curative therapy for unresectable hilar CCA and intrahepatic CCA. The purpose of this study was to determine which cases with CCA should be subjected to liver transplantation instead of resection, although reported post-transplant recurrence rate averages approximately 20%. This review also aims to highlight the molecular current frontiers of CCA and directions of liver transplantation for CCA.

COVID-19 infection and liver injury: Clinical features, biomarkers, potential mechanisms, treatment, and management challenges

It is hypothesized that liver impairment caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection might play a central role in severe clinical presentations. Liver injury is closely associated with severe disease and, even with antiviral drugs, have a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition to the common hepatobiliary disorders caused by COVID-19, patients with pre-existing liver diseases demand special considerations during the current pandemic. Thus, it is vital that upon clinical presentation, patients with concurrent pre-existing liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction and COVID-19 be managed properly to prevent liver failure. Careful monitoring and early detection of liver damage through biomarkers after hospitalization for COVID-19 is underscored in all cases, particularly in those with pre-existing metabolic liver injury. The purpose of this study was to determine most recent evidence regarding causality, potential risk factors, and challenges, therapeutic options, and management of COVID-19 infection in vulnerable patients with pre-existing liver injury. This review aims to highlight the current frontier of COVID-19 infection and liver injury and the direction of liver injury in these patients.

Timing of Emergency Endoscopy for Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Literature Review

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common cause for Emergency Department and hospital admissions and has significant mortality and morbidity if it remains untreated. Upper endoscopy is the key procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of acute upper GI bleeding. The aim of this article is to review the optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with acute upper GI bleeding. The cost-effectiveness and the influence of urgent or emergent endoscopy on patients' outcomes are discussed. Also, we compare and contrast the available evidence and guidelines regarding the recommended time points for performing endoscopy in different clinical settings.

Tenofovir in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection after liver transplantation, a single center large population study

AIM

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) compared with lamivudine (LAM) in the prevention of recurrent HBV infection after liver transplantation (LT).

BACKGROUND

Although the recurrence of hepatitis B virus after liver transplantation (LT) is now very uncommon with both nucleoside and nucleotide analogs represented with lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, respectively, few studies have compared the two classes.

METHODS

A total of 302 HBV-related post-transplant patients who received liver transplants from deceased donors were enrolled in this retrospective study from 2011 to 2015 in the Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Iran. The demographic data, kidney function, recurrence, resistance rate, and acute rejections at 1-, 6-, and 12-month intervals and after 12 months were compared on TDF (n=209) and lamivudine (n=93) groups.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 42.9 months, mean creatinine level was not significantly different between the two groups. Hepatitis B virus recurrence rate as well as acute graft rejection episode had no statistical difference in either group over the study period.

CONCLUSION

Kidney function, creatinine level, disease recurrence, and acute graft rejection were comparable between tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine in patients who received follow-up periods.

Adding ursodeoxycholic acid to the endoscopic treatment and common bile duct stenting for large and multiple biliary stones: Will it improve the outcomes?

Background

The role of common bile duct (CBD) stenting in the establishment of bile stream in the elderly patients and the ones who are not good candidates for surgery due to not responding to treatments was well documented in previous studies. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of adding Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to CBD stenting alone in order to reduce the size of large and multiple CBD stones.

Methods

Clinical outcomes including success rates in CBD stones clearance, incidence of pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding, as well as, decrease in size of stones and liver enzymes after a two-month period were assessed in the UDCA + CBD stenting group.

Results

A total of 64 patients referring to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom, Iran with multiple or large CBD stones (above three or larger than 15 mm) received standard endoscopic therapies and UDCA + CBD stenting (group B) and controls only received standard endoscopic therapies with only CBD stenting (group A). The mean reduction in the size of stones in group B was significantly higher than that of group A (3.22 ± 1.31 vs 4.09 ± 1.87 mm) (p = 0.034). There was no difference in the incidence rate of complications including pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding, and perforation between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Adding UDCA to CBD stenting, due to decrease in the stone size and subsequently facilitation of the stones outlet, can be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with large and multiple CBD stones. Also, in the cases with large or multi stones may be effective in reducing size and subsequently stone retrieval.

Trial registry The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qom University of Medical Sciences (ethical code: IR.MUQ.REC.1397.075); the study was also registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No. IRCT20161205031252N8). This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.

A preliminary report on the use of Midodrine in treating refractory gastroesophageal disease: Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease with various clinical presentations. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors and lifestyle modification may not lead to satisfactory response in a substantial portion of patients. We investigated the possible effect of midodrine in patients with refractory GERD.

Methods:

Patients suffering from GERD and were refractory to one-month course of pantoprazole 40mg twice daily entered the study. This was a pilot, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. After randomization, one group received Midodrine 5mg before meals for one month, and the other group received placebo for the same period. Meanwhile, pantoprazole was continued 40mg twice daily in both arms. The severity of symptoms was evaluated by the visual scoring system. Quality of life (QoL) in both groups was measured using a standardized version of Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia questionnaire (QOLRAD).

Results:

A total of twenty patients were enrolled in this study. There was a significant interaction between the groups and time on all measured scores based on QOLRAD questionnaire. All the markers in the Midodrine group had significant improvement over time, but the placebo group did not show any significant improvement. Both visual severity score and total QoL score in Midodrine arm showed a U shape change during 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

Midodrine before a meal could be useful in alleviating symptoms and improving QoL in the patients with refractory gastroesophageal disease. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hepatobiliary system characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive fibrosis, stricture formation and destruction of extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. Areas covered: The increased incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in PSC has been well documented and can be explained by the continuous inflammation in the biliary tree leading to an enhanced dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. Although PSC patients may progress to liver cirrhosis; CCA most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 45 years when cirrhosis has not yet developed. Therefore, CCA in patients with PSC occurs earlier than in patients without PSC. Expert commentary: Despite improvement in diagnostic methods and devices, the dilemma of diagnosing CCA in patients with PSC has not been solved yet and needs further investigation.

Anatomical Variations of the Biliary Tree Found with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholagiopancreatography in a Referral Center in Southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Anatomical variations in the biliary system have been proven to be of clinical importance. Awareness of the pattern of these variations in a specific population may help to prevent and manage biliary injuries during surgical and endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of the biliary anatomy will be also of great help in planning the drainage of adequate percentage of liver parenchyma in endoscopic or radiological procedures.

METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from April 2013 to April 2015 at Nemazee Hospital, a referral center in the south of Iran, were included in this cross-sectional study. The patients with previous hepatic or biliary surgery, liver injury or destructive biliary disease were excluded from the study. All ERCPs were reviewed by two expert gastroenterologists in this field. The disagreed images by the two gastroenterologists were excluded. Huang classification was used for categorizing the different structural variants of the biliary tree, and the frequency of each variant was recorded.

RESULTS

Totally, 362 patients (181 men and 181 women) were included in the study. 163 patients (45%) had type A1 Huang classification (right dominant), which was the most prevalent type among our patients. 55% of them had non-right dominant anatomy. The result of the Chi-square test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the men and women regarding the anatomical variations (p = 0.413).

CONCLUSION

The anatomical variation in the biliary system among Iranian patients is comparable to other regions of the world. Significant proportions of our patients are non-right dominant and may need bilateral biliary drainage.

Oral manifestation in inflammatory bowel disease: a review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, not only affect the intestinal tract but also have an extraintestinal involvement within the oral cavity. These oral manifestations may assist in the diagnosis and the monitoring of disease activity, whilst ignoring them may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and useless and expensive workups. Indurated tag-like lesions, cobblestoning, and mucogingivitis are the most common specific oral findings encountered in CD cases. Aphthous stomatitis and pyostomatitis vegetans are among non-specific oral manifestations of IBD. In differential diagnosis, side effects of drugs, infections, nutritional deficiencies, and other inflammatory conditions should also be considered. Treatment usually involves managing the underlying intestinal disease. In severe cases with local symptoms, topical and/or systemic steroids and immunosuppressive drugs might be used.

Efficacy of premedication with activated Dimethicone or N-acetylcysteine in improving visibility during upper endoscopy

AIM: To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and activated Dimethicone in improving endoscopic mucosal visibility.

METHODS: A total of 148 patients were randomly allocated into four groups to receive one of the following premedications: group A: 100 mL water alone; group B: activated Dimethicone plus water (up to 100 mL); group C: NAC plus water (up to 100 mL); and group D: activated Dimethicone and NAC plus water (up to 100 mL). A single endoscopist blinded to the patients group assessed the gastric mucosal visibility scores (range 1-4) at four sites. The sum of the scores from the four sites was considered as the total mucosal visibility score (TMVS).

RESULTS: The patients in group B showed a significantly lower TMVS than those of groups A and C (P < 0.001). The TMVS in patients of group D was significantly lower than that of groups A and C (P < 0.001). The TMVS did not significantly differ between groups B and D (P > 0.05). The difference between TMVS of groups C and A was not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Premedication with activated Dimethicone 20 min prior to the upper endoscopy leads to the best visibility. NAC does not improve visualization by itself.