Altered Esophageal Mucosal Structure in Patients with Celiac Disease.

Background/Aim. Reflux symptoms (RS) are common in patients with celiac disease (CD), a chronic enteropathy that affects primarily the small intestine. We evaluated mucosal integrity and motility of the lower esophagus as mechanisms contributing to RS generation in patients with CD. Methods. We enrolled newly diagnosed CD patients with and without RS, nonceliac patients with classical reflux disease (GERD), and controls (without RS). Endoscopic biopsies from the distal esophagus were assessed for dilated intercellular space (DIS) by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Tight junction (TJ) mRNA proteins expression for zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-2 and claudin-3 (CLDN-2; CLDN-3) was determined using qRT-PCR. Results. DIS scores were higher in patients with active CD than in controls, but similar to GERD patients. The altered DIS was found even in CD patients without RS and normalized after one year of a gluten-free diet. CD patients with and without RS had lower expression of ZO-1 than controls. The expression of CLDN-2 and CLDN-3 was similar in CD and GERD patients. Conclusions. Our study shows that patients with active CD have altered esophageal mucosal integrity, independently of the presence of RS. The altered expression of ZO-1 may underlie loss of TJ integrity in the esophageal mucosa and may contribute to RS generation.

[The Latin-American Consensus on Chronic Constipation]. / Consenso Latinoamericano de Estreñimiento Crónico.

The Latin-American Consensus on Chronic Constipation aimed to establish guidelines to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in the region. Two coordinators and an honorary coordinator established the process and the topics to be discussed, based on a systematic review of the literature published in the previous 10 years, since 1995. Seventeen members participated with the support of their local gastroenterology societies. The members reviewed the different subjects based on the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation; the topics were then discussed in a plenary session. A written report was drafted and the coordinators prepared the final declarations to be submitted to a vote by all the members in October 2006. The consensus concluded that chronic constipation has an estimated prevalence of 5-21% in the region, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Among individuals with constipation, 75% use some type of medication, with more than 50% using home remedies. A diagnosis based on Rome Criteria was recommended and diagnostic testing only in persons older than 50 years or with alarm symptoms. The use of barium enema as an initial investigation was recommended only in countries with a high prevalence of idiopathic megacolon or Chagas' disease. Recommendations on treatment included an increase in dietary fiber of up to 25-30 g/day (grade C). No evidence was found to recommend measures such as exercise, increased water intake, or frequent visits to the toilet. Fiber supplements such as Psyllium received a grade B and pharmacological treatments such as tegaserod and polyethylene glycol, both grade A. There was insufficient evidence to recommend lactulose, but the consensus did not disadvise its use when necessary. Complementary investigations such as colonic transit followed by anorectal manometry and defecography were only recommended to rule out colonic inertia and/or obstructive defecation in patients not responding to treatment. Biofeedback was recommended (grade B) for those with pelvic dyssynergia.

[Breath hydrogen levels do not predict fiber intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation]. / El incremento del hidrógeno en el aire espirado no predice la intolerancia a la fibra en la dieta en el síndrome del intestino irritable con constipación. Estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by the worsening of symptoms with a high fiber diet. This intolerance could be related to an increase in colonic bacterial fermentation. The hydrogen breath test (HBT) is a marker of the intestinal micro flora fermentative capacity. AIM: To assess if there is an association between hydrogen (H2) levels and clinical changes between diets with and without bran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 10 women with predominantly constipated irritable bowel syndrome (Rome II criteria) received a lowfiber diet during one week. This phase was followed by a second 7 day period with the same diet but supplemented with 12 g of crude dietary fiber. At the end of both periods, patients completed a symptom scale (Lickert type) and performed a HBT. RESULTS: Comparing both periods with a different diet the median difference in the clinical scale score (-2.5) shows a tendency favorable to the diet without bran, p = 0.048. In the fiber period the median increase of 2 ppm in H2 values was not significant deferent. Neither was possible to establish an association between breath H2 and the clinical response to a fiber diet. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study we could not detect ary association between breath H2 levels and the clinical response to dietary fiber.

The enteric nervous system in chagasic and idiopathic megacolon.

Chagas disease frequently causes megacolon. We investigated the enteric nervous systems in patients with chagasic megacolon compared to idiopathic megacolon and controls. Surgical specimens were obtained from 12 patients with chagasic megacolon (1 woman, 11 men, age range 41 to 72 y) and 9 patients with idiopathic megacolon (3 women, 6 men, age range 39 to 68 y), undergoing surgery for intractable constipation. A control group of 10 patients (9 women, 1 man, age range 43 to 75 y) undergoing left hemicolectomy for nonobstructing colorectal cancer was also studied. Colonic sections were investigated by conventional and immunohistochemical methods, also taking into consideration the presence of lymphocytes. Compared to controls, the 2 megacolon groups showed a decrease of enteric neurons (not due to increased apoptosis) and of enteric glial cells (all more important in chagasic patients). The interstitial cells of Cajal subtypes were decreased but not absent in megacolons, although an increase of the intramuscular subtype was found, suggesting a possible compensative mechanism. An increased amount of fibrosis was found in the smooth muscle and the myenteric plexus of chagasic patients compared to the idiopathic megacolon and the control group. A mild lymphocytic infiltration of the enteric plexuses (more evident in Chagas disease) was also found in megacolons but not in controls. Patients with chagasic megacolon display important abnormalities of several components of the enteric nervous system. Similar alterations, although of lesser severity, may be found in patients with idiopathic megacolon.

Audit of constipation in a gastroenterology referral center.

This study was designed to assess the various subtypes of functional constipation in a referral gastrointestinal center of a Latino-American country. All patients referred for evaluation of constipation during a 10-year period were audited, and those with functional constipation according to Rome I criteria classified by physiologic tests of colonic transit, as well as tests of anorectal and pelvic floor function. More than 70% of patients with functional constipation had evidence of pelvic floor dysfunction, whereas those with slow transit and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome subtypes were less frequently represented. Even in a setting different from those most frequently reported in the literature, pelvic floor dysfunction represents the most common cause of functional constipation. Simple, physiologic testing is needed and useful for the diagnosis. This fact has therapeutic implications, especially because many such patients may benefit from biofeedback.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in functional dyspepsia]. / Algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico para la dispepsia funcional.

INTRODUCTION: Dyspepsia is a word that means bad digestion. In the conviction of which it is a question of an entity that it includes different disciplines, we realize a meeting consensus to discuss and to resolve a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of national order. OBJECTIVE: To agree on a national algorithm applicable to the functional dyspepsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In June 2005 a multidisciplinary group met to design and to propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for the functional dyspepsia. RESULTS: Priority gives to the medical-patient relationship and to the reinsurance. Then we divide the patients if they have signs of alarm. If they are present we studied them, if not we divide them, in accordance to the principal symptoms, in pain or epigastric discomfort. If they have pain we realized an endoscopy and a abdominal ultrasound scan. If they are positive, treatment of the disease. If the studies are negative or it has epigastric discomfort we propose a therapeutic test. Pain: H2 bloquers, wait 4 to 6 weeks, if it not response we propose a PPI, wait for 4 to 6 weeks, if there is no response psychiatric or psychological consultation. Discomfort: proquinetics, wait for 4 to 6 weeks if there are no answers, antidepressants in low doses, wait for 4 to 6 weeks if there are no answers, ca. bloquers, sumatriptan or trimebutina. In all cases we can add tranquillizers in anxious personality. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary dignostic and therapeutic consensus of national order for the patients with functional dyspepsia was obtained.

Algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico para la dispepsia funcional / Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in functional dyspepsia

Introducción. “Dispepsia” deriva del griego y significa “mala digestión”. Dado que se trata de una entidad que abarca distintas disciplinas, se realizó una reunión de consenso para discutir y acordar un algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico nacional. Objetivo: Consensuar un algoritmo nacional aplicable a la dispepsia funcional. Material y métodos: En junio de 2005 un grupo multidisciplinario se reunió para diseñar y proponer un algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico para dispepsia funcional. Resultados: Darle prioridad a la relación médico-paciente, a las medidas higiénicos dietéticas y al reaseguro. Luego dividimos a los pacientes de acuerdo a si tienen o no signos de alarma. Si están presentes, se los estudia, si no, se los divide de acuerdo a los síntomas principales en dolor o malestar epigástrico. Si tienen dolor, se realiza VEDA y ecografía abdominal. Si son positivos, tratamiento de la enfermedad. Si los estudios son negativos o tiene malestar epigástrico: prueba terapéutica. La pruebas serían: Dolor: Antagonistas H2, esperar 4 a 6 semanas, respuesta negativa: IBP, esperar 4 a 6 semanas, sin no hay mejoría: consulta Psiquiátrica o Psicológica. Malestar: Proquinéticos y esperar 4 a 6 semanas. Si no hay respuestas: Antidepresivos a bajas dosis, esperar 4 a 6 semanas y si no responde: Bloqueantes Cálcicos, Sumatriptan o Trimebutina. En todos los casos se pueden sumar ansiolíticos en personalidad ansiosa. Conclusiones: Se logró un consenso diagnóstico y terapéutico multidisciplinario de orden nacional para los pacientes con dispepsia funcional.

Introduction. Dyspepsia is a word that means bad digestion. In the conviction of which it is a question of an entity that it includes different disciplines, we realize a meeting consensus to discuss and to resolve a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of national order. Objetive: To agree on a national algorithm applicable to the functional dyspepsia. Material and methods: In June 2005 a multidisciplinary group met to design and to propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for the functional dyspepsia. Results: Priority gives to the medical-patient relationship and to the reinsurance. Then we divide the patients if they have signs of alarm. If they are present we studied them, if not we divide them, in accordance to the principal symptoms, in pain or epigastric discomfort. If they have pain we realized an endoscopy and a abdominal ultrasound scan. If they are positive, treatment of the disease. If the studies are negative or it has epigastric discomfort we propose a therapeutic test. Pain: H2 bloquers, wait 4 to 6 weeks, if it not response we propose a PPI, wait for 4 to 6 weeks, if there is no response psychiatric or psychological consultation. Discomfort: proquinetics, wait for 4 to 6 weeks if there are no answers, antidepressants in low doses, wait for 4 to 6 weeks if there are no answers, ca. bloquers, sumatriptan or trimebutina. In all cases we can add tranquillizers in anxious personality. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary dignostic and therapeutic consensus of national order for the patients with functional dyspepsia was obtained.

Encuesta piloto virtual a médicos argentinos (usuarios de la red intramed) sobre conocimientos, conductas diagnósticas y terapéuticas referidas a la dispepsia funcional / Virtual Pilot survey to Argentinian physicians (users from IntraMed), knowledge, diagnostic approach and therapeutic related to functional dyspepsia

La dispepsia funcional es una entidad muy frecuente en la práctica diaria tanto del gastroenterólogo como de médicos clínicos y aún de los que practican otras especialidades, pero continúa siendo muy polémica desde el punto de vista de su definición, clasificación, diagnóstico y su enfoque terapéutico. Para conocer el punto de vista y los conocimientos que los médicos argentinos tienen del tema hemos realizado una encuesta virtual. Objetivos: 1) Determinar creencias, criterios y conductas édicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas más frecuentes asociadas al cuadro clínico de dispepsia funcional. 2) Determinar (estimativamente) por los médicos que respondieron, la prevalencia de dispépticos en la consulta diaria y mensual. 3) Determinar (estimativamente) por los médicos que respondieron, la prevalencia de enfermedad orgánica dentro de los pacientes que consultaron por dispepsia funcional. Población y muestra: Médicos residentes en Argentina, usuarios de red virtual IntraMed (expuestos: n=12.849). Respondieron voluntariamente 622 médicos de las siguientes especialidades: generalistas, de familia, gastroenterólogos, erontólogos, cirujanos generales y “otras” (muestreo no probabilístico). Fueron excluidos 43 especialistas que respondieron por no constituir una especialidad que reciba este tipo de consultas con mayor frecuencia. Fueron eliminadas las respuestas de pediatras por ser de bajísima frecuencia (3 pediatras). Lugar y período de exposición a la encuesta: Buenos Aires, Red virtual IntraMed, desde enero de 2005 a enero de 2006, encuesta colgada on-line desde el 2 al 31 de mayo de 2005. Metodología: Invitación electrónica a participar luego de una breve difusión previa. Exhibición de la encuesta on-line durante mayo de 2005. Diseño: exploratorio, prospectivo, observacional, transversal, de cuantificación. Instrumento: Cuestionario que exploróentre médicos de diferentes especialidades de la Argentina: a) Dificultades y preferencias acerca de la definición...

Bio-feedback treatment of fecal incontinence: where are we, and where are we going?

Fecal incontinence is a disabling disease, often observed in young subjects, that may have devastating psycho-social consequences. In the last years, numerous evidences have been reported on the efficacy of bio-feedback techniques for the treatment of this disorder. Overall, the literature data claim a success rate in more than 70% of cases in the short term. However, recent controlled trials have not confirmed this optimistic view, thus emphasizing the role of standard care. Nonetheless, many authors believe that this should be the first therapeutic approach for fecal incontinence due to the efficacy, lack of side-effects, and scarce invasiveness. Well-designed randomized, controlled trial are eagerly awaited to solve this therapeutic dilemma.

Tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal con "biofeedback" / Biofeedback treatment for fecal incontinence

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la eficacia de la biorretroalimentación en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal. Entre mayo de 1991 y mayo de 1993 se evaluaron en forma restrospectiva 36 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 58 años; 22 eran mujeres. Las causas de la incontinencia eran: idiopática en 16, trauma obstétrico en 10, post cesárea en 5 y neurológicas en 5. La técnica empleada fue de manometría anorectal y retro alimentación, complementando con un sistema de balones conectados a los esfínteres anales y a la ampolla rectal. Se evaluó la respuesta como curación, mejoría o fracaso terapéutico. 2 pacientes abandonaron el tratamiento. De los 34 restantes, 17 (50 por ciento) se curaron, 15 (44 por ciento) mejoraron y no hubo respuesta (fracaso terapéutico) en 2. Sólo el grupo de pacientes curados demostró una contracción voluntaria completa con significación clínica estadística. Este tipo de tratamiento es eficaz, no traumático y sencillo de realizar por los pacientes con incontinencia fecal

Aplicación clínica de la manometría y la electromiografía en la incontinencia anorrectal / Clinical use of the manometry and the electromyography in anorectal incontinence

Tanto la manometría como la electromiografía son dos buenos procedimientos de evacuación objetiva del mecanismo esfinteriano, proveyendo información más precisa que el simple examen digital, en los casos de incontinencia anorrectal. El hallazgo de bajas presiones en el conducto anal, ya sea en toda su circunferencia o en alguna de sus caras, juntamente con una baja presión de contracción máxima, se ha correlacionado con un examen electromiográfico patológico. La aplicación clínica de estos procedimientos radica en una mejor planificación del tratamiento más adecuado para cada paciente, sea este quirúrgico, o de reaprendizaje con técnica de biofeddback.

Acute effect of the gastrokinetics cisapride and metoclopramide on the gastric emptying function in patients with the early satiety syndrome

Diez pacientes con dispepsia postprandial crónica, 4 de ellos con retardo de la evacuación gástrica se incluyeron en un estudio simple-ciego, con evaluaciones realizadas por cámara Gamma con el objetivo de comparar los efectos del Cisapride y la metoclopramida sobre la evaluación gástrica. Ambas drogas se adminstraron secuencialmente con una semana de intervalo entre sí, a la dosis única de 10 mg., 15 minutos antes de la toma de la comida de prueba marcada. Aplicando un modelo matemático exponencial para los datos de cámara Gamma, se determinó el tiempo medio y el perfil de la curva de vaciamiento. El tiempo medio de vaciamiento (T 1/2) se redujo desde 81.5 minutos en condiciones basales a 62.5 minutos (- 23%) con Cisapride, a 74.5 (-9%) con metoclopramida. Comparado con los valors basales Cisapride reduce el porcentaje de retención a partir de los 45 minutos con una significancia de P <0,05 (Wilcoxon Test). La fase inicial (LAG FASE) fué más acelerada por acción del Cisapride que por la meto clopramida (P < 0,05). Cada una de estas drogas aceleraron la evacuación de la comida de prueba en los casos de retardo evacuatorio. Cisapride acortó particularmente la fase lag de vaciamiento inicial y fue superior a la metoclopramida en este punto

Adenomatosis endocrina múltiple tipo I: síndrome de Wermer / Multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I: Wermer's syndrome

Se presentan 2 pacientes del sexo masculino de 32 y 23 años respectivamente portadores de adenomatosis endocrina múltiple Tipo I o enfermedad de Wermer. El primeiro de ellos presentó adenoma hipofisario que condicionó una enfermedad de Cushing nesidioblastosis difusa de páncreas que generó elevada gastrinemia y un síndrome de Zollinger-Ellison e hiperparatioidismo con hiperplasia leve. El segundo enfermo manifestó el síndrome de Zollinger-Ellison por gastrinoma pancreático maligno, hiperparatiroidismo por hiperplasia difusa de las 4 glándulas paratiroides y prolactinoma hipofisario. El tratamiento quirúrgico de los componentes de la adenomatosis endocrina múltiple Tipo I no difiere del indicado para cada una de las enfermedades, de presentarse en forma aislada. Sólo será necesario adecuar la secuencia de los procedimientos terapéuticos a la magnitud y gravedad de cada una de las manifestaciones que presente el caso en estudio