Evaluation of the Effects of Gastro Protect as an Alternative Medicine on Gastritis and Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: The use of herbal medicine as a part of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine is increasing worldwide. Herbal remedies are used to better different conditions including gastritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized control clinical trial on a total sample of 72 patients with gastritis in order to examine the effects of the commercial herbal product Gastro Protect. After 6 weeks of conventional therapy the patients were divided into two groups with 36 patients each. As a continuation of the treatment, Group 1 received conventional therapy + Gastro Protect and Group 2 received conventional therapy + Placebo. We analyzed 14 selected gastrointestinal symptoms, five related to digestive problems, and nine related to stool and bowel problems. For assessing the selected symptoms we used seven point gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). RESULTS: The Gastro Protect group had a significantly lower GSRS score (better condition) compared to the Placebo group related to all five selected symptoms of digestive problems as: abdominal pain (p=0.0250), hunger pain (p=0.0276), nausea (p=0.0019), heartburn (p=0.00001), and acid reflux (p=0.0017). The Gastro Protect group, also had a significantly lower GSRS score (better condition) compared to the Placebo group related to three out of nine selected bowel symptoms: rumbling (p=0.0022), abdominal distension (p=0.0029), and gas or flatus (p=0.0039). CONCLUSION: Gastro protect was effective in treating gastritis and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It was safe for usage and showed almost no side effects. In our study, Gastro Protect reduced the examined gastric symptoms and related examined intestinal symptoms.

The Value of Injection Therapy with Botulinum Toxin in Pain Treatment of Primary Chronic Anal Fissures Compared to Anal Dilation, and Local Nifedipine in Combination with Lidocaine.

Introduction: Anal fissure is a longitudinal tear of the mucosa of the anal canal extending from the outer anal orifice in the direction of the dentate line of the inner anal opening. Fissures are divided into primary and secondary, and acute or chronic. Besides minimal rectal bleeding, itching and soiling, primary chronic anal fissures (PCAF) manifest with anal pain as theirs main determinant. It is described as the most troubling symptom. Aim: To compare the effect of injection therapy with botulinum toxin A (ITBT) vs. anal dilation (AD), and local nifedipine with lidocaine (LNL) in pain treatment of PCAF. Materials and Methods: This controlled retrospective prospective longitudinal study covered 94 patients, divided in 3 groups. The first was treated with ITBT, the second with AD and third using LNL (31, 33 and 30 patients respectively). Clostridium botulinum toxin A was used, dissolved with saline to concentration of 200 U/ml. The solution was applied to both sides of PCAF at dose of 40U. Modified technique of AD was done using 3 fingers of a single hand, progressively introduced into the anal canal, followed by gradual lateral distraction during 1 min. LNL therapy was conducted using nifedipine (0.3%) with lidocaine (1.5%) ointment, applied twice daily for 3 weeks. To measure pain, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used. The follow-up period was 12 weeks with checkup at week 4. Results: The median age of participants was 46.6±13.9 years (50 males vs. 44 females). The type of therapy had a significantly different effect on pain at week 4 (p=0.0003). Severe pain was present in only 2 ITBT patients, 16 AD, and 6 LNL patients. Post hoc analyses showed different pain disappearance time by week 12 (p <0.0001). The mean time was shortest in ITBT group (6.1±1.5 weeks). Anal pain intensity significantly differed among the 3 groups (Fisher exact, p=0.002). Namely, 71% in ITBT group rated the pain as weakest (VAS score 1) compared to 18.2% in AD and 30% of patients in LNL group. The overall pain reduction significance was in favor of ITBT, due to the differences between the ITBT and AD groups (p=0.00024) and ITBT compared to LNL group (p=0.018). Conclusion: ITBT is superior to AD and LNL in reducing pain in PCAF.

Biologic Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Results from a Single Tertiary Care Center in North Macedonia.

Medical therapies used for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) include conventional (e.g. 5-aminosalicylates, steroids, immunomodulators) and biologic (e.g. inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor - alpha, integrin inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors) medications. Biologics, due to their high cost, were unfortunately not covered by the public health insurance system in North Macedonia until 2019 and, therefore, not widely utilized for our IBD patients. In 2019, the University Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Skopje developed a biologic therapy supply, provided by the National Health Insurance Fund, making this therapy available for a larger number of patients. This report presents the initial results of our prospective, single tertiary-care center study on the effects of biologic therapy in patients with IBD in North Macedonia. The study is focused on the evaluation of clinical outcomes after anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti TNF-alpha) therapy in IBD patients with prior inadequate response to conventional medications.

Bleeding Meckel's Diverticulum in a 33-Year-Old Female Diagnosed with Video Capsule Endoscopy and a Technetium-99 m Pertechnetate Scan with a Favorable Response to H2 Blocker and PPI.

Meckel's diverticulum is a true diverticulum consisting of all three layers of the small intestine resulting from incomplete regression of the vitelline duct. While it is often benign, it can present with serious complications such as intussusception, ulceration, torsion, hemorrhage, obstruction, inflammation, and fistula formation. Although it typically presents in infancy and early childhood, it can also manifest much later into adulthood. We report a case of Meckel's diverticulum complicated by significant bleeding in a 33-year-old female patient. Diagnosis was accomplished with video capsule endoscopy and a technetium-99 m pertechnetate scan. The patient responded well to acid suppression, initially with an H2 blocker and later with a PPI (proton pump inhibitor), and remained asymptomatic for nearly four months in the interim to definitive surgical treatment. Microscopic examination of the resected diverticulum confirmed the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa. A PubMed literature search revealed several similar cases of Meckel's diverticulum complicated by hemorrhage with a favorable response to H2 blockers and PPIs. While surgical resection remains the mainstay of definitive treatment, medications aimed at acid suppression can delay the need for urgent surgery, allow for diagnostic assessment, and optimize conditions for elective surgical treatment.

Recurrent Severe Hepatitis of Autoimmune Origin.

The autoimmune liver disease constituent conditions include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG-4 associated cholangitis. They remain a diagnostic challenge to the practicing physician due to their close resemblance in clinical course, and laboratory and imaging findings to the vast array of other etiologies of liver injury. We report a case of recurrent severe hepatitis of autoimmune origin in a female patient. The disease course was marked by initial onset at age 39, followed by nearly four years of remission, and a second flare with a more exaggerated severity. Systemic lupus erythematosus was initially deemed as the culprit, however formal diagnostic criteria were not fulfilled and the serological findings were not reproduced at a later date. With the aim of ascertaining the underlying process, the patient underwent an extensive array of testing with regards to infectious, genetic, systemic and autoimmune disease. Positive anti-dsDNA (double stranded DNA) and an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:160 provided the strongest support for an autoimmune etiology, specifically autoimmune hepatitis or possibly an overlap syndrome. An excellent outcome was achieved via treatment with corticosteroids, ursodeoxycholic acid and plasmapheresis.

Diagnostic Potential of Calprotectin for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Patients Withliver Cirrhosis and Ascites.

The development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious and life-threatening condition in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic potential of calprotectin in ascites, for SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites before and after antibiotic treatment and to compare the mean values of calprotectin in ascites in patients with and without SBP. This prospective-observational study was comprised of 70 patients with cirrhosis and ascites, divided into two groups, the SBP and the non-SBP group. Quantitative measurements of calprotectin in ascites was completed with the Quantum Blue Calprotectin Ascites test (LF-ASC25), using the Quantum Blue Reader. The average value of calprotectin in the SBP group was 1.5 ± 0.40 µg / mL, and in the non-SBP group it was lower (0.4 ± 0.30). The difference between the mean values was statistically significant with p <0.05. The mean value of calprotectin in ascites before therapy among the SBP group was 1.5 ± 0.4, and after antibiotic therapy, the value decreased significantly to 1.0 ± 0.6; the difference between the mean values was statistically significant with p <0.05. ROC analysis indicated that calprotectin contributed to the diagnosis of SBP with a 94.3% sensitivity rating (to correctly identify positives), and the specificity was 62.5%, which corresponded to the value of 0.275. Our research confirmed that ascitic calprotectin was a good predictor, and is significantly associated with the occurrence of SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis. By monitoring the value of calprotectin in ascites on the 7th day of antibiotic treatment, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in patients with SBP can be determined.

Atorvastatin in Combination with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Provided High Rate of Sustained Virological Response in Patients with Genotype 3 Hepatitis C Virus.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection represents a more frequent cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Statins, inhibit HCV replication in vitro, enhance the antiviral effect of the already known antiviral drugs and reduce their resistance. AIM: To determine the impact of additional therapy (treatment with Atorvastatin 20 mg) to the standard antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon alpha-peg-IFN α and ribavirin) on achieving sustained virological response (SVR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study which is comparative, open-label, prospective-retrospective, 70 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who met criteria for treatment with standard antiviral therapy combined with anti-lipemic therapy (Atorvastatin 20 mg) were included. Patients in the study were divided into two groups: one group of 35 patients receiving combination therapy (Atorvastatin + peg-IFN α + Ribavirin) and another group of 35 patients received only standard antiviral therapy. Those parameters were followed in all patients: genotyping, quantification of the virus, histological assessment of liver inflammation and fibrosis degree (before starting treatment), the presence of steatosis, laboratory analysis: hematology, liver, lipid and carbohydrate status, insulin blood level (the calculation of HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI) calculation. The overall treatment of the patients depends from the virus genotype, thus, patients with genotype 1 and 4 received 48 weeks standard antiviral therapy, but patients with genotypes 2 and 3 received 24 weeks of antiviral therapy. SVR was considered an undetectable level of HCV RNA levels 24 weeks after completion of antiviral therapy. The results were statistically analysed, and all results for p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Combination therapy leads to a slightly higher percentage of SVR (85.71%) in patients with chronic hepatitis C versus standard therapy (74.29%), but in a group of patients with genotype 3 this rate of SVR amounting to 95.83%. Combination therapy leads to significant improvement of lipid and glucose status after treatment, and in terms of side effects, there was no appearance of serious adverse events that would be a reason for discontinuation of the therapy. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy Atorvastatin + pegylated interferon alpha + Ribavirin leads to high rate of SVR of 95.83% in patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 3. Statins can be used safely in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Comparison of Argon Plasma Coagulation and Injection Therapy with Adrenalin and Polidocanol in the Management of Bleeding Angiodysplasia in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract.

INTRODUCTION: The term angiodysplasia (AD) refers to acquired malformation of the blood vessels (communications between veins and capillaries), frequently found within the gastrointestinal mucosa and submucosa. AD of stomach and duodenum are cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 4%-7% of patients. The means of treatment are usually endoscopic, including argon plasma coagulation (APC), electrocoagulation, mechanical hemostasis by clippsing, laser photo-coagulation and injection therapy. AIM: To compare the success rate, and adverse events (ulcer lesions, perforations) of APC and injection therapy in the treatment of bleeding angiodysplasia in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study including 50 patients with bleeding angiodysplasia of the upper GIT, 35 patients were treated with APC, and remaining 15 with injection therapy using adrenaline and 1.5% solution of polidocanol. Follow-up period was 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients aged 18 to 64 years, 64% male and 36% female, have been treated during 2 years period. The rate of recurrent bleeding and side effects was significantly higher in the adrenaline group (p <0.01). Blood transfusion was required in 68% during the first hospital admission. Angiodysplasia of the stomach was present in 66%, versus 34% in duodenum. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy is "gold standard" for diagnosis and treatment of AD in the gastrointestinal tract. The study unveiled APC as more effective treatment option with lower degree of complications and adverse events in comparison to injection therapy in patients with bleeding AD.

Short and medium-term therapeutic effects of pneumatic dilatation for achalasia: a 15-year tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatic dilatation (PD) is a commonly used endoscopic technique to weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter in patients with achalasia. It is considered as the most effective non-surgical therapeutic option for achalasia, but further data on the overall effectiveness and rate of complications is needed. AIMS: To determine the short- and medium-term therapeutic effectiveness of PD for achalasia and estimate the cumulative probability of remaining in remission over one year after a single treatment. The study also aimed to identify clinical predictors of therapeutic outcome achieved by PD and assess for PD-related complications. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with achalasia who were treated with PD between 1997 and 2011 at a tertiary care centre were followed for up to 1 year. Data related to demographics, clinical symptoms and PD-related complications were collected. Short (1 and 3 months) and medium (1 year) term therapeutic effectiveness of PD was assessed with the use of the Eckhart scoring system for evaluation of clinical symptoms. The probability of staying in remission one year after a single PD was determined by using a Kaplan-Meier estimator. In order to prevent major complications, limited maximal pressure of no more than 11 PSI was used during PD. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with symptomatic achalasia (mean age 47.1±18.5 years, 82% males) underwent 44 PD procedures (mean 1.7/patient). Thirteen patients (50%) had a single PD, 10 patients (38%) had two dilatations, and 3 patients (12%) had three or more dilatations over one year. Nineteen out of the 26 patients (73%) were in remission at one and three months each, following the initial PD. Seventeen out of the 26 patients (65%) remained in remission after one year. A total of 5 patients (19%) were referred for surgery over 1 year due to lack of success of the endoscopic treatment. The mean Eckhart symptom scores, at 1 month (3.2±1.2), 3 months (3.5±1.3) and 1 year (1.8±0.6) after the initial PD, were significantly lower when compared to the mean initial Eckhart symptom score (9.7±4.4, P<0.05). Using a symptom score above 3 as a cutoff value for treatment failure, the probability of remaining in remission (relapse-free) after a single dilatation was 35% at one year. Patient gender appeared as an important treatment outcome predictor. Namely, 4 of the 5 patients (80%) with PD treatment failure were males. There were no major complications from the 44 PDs. One patient (3.8%) developed significant heartburn. The majority of PDs (33/44, 75%) were followed with minor, subclinical oesophageal mucosal bleeding from the dilation site as seen on post-dilation oesophagoscopy. CONCLUSION: Pneumatic dilatation is an effective short and medium term treatment option for the majority of patients with achalasia without significant related complications. Further studies are warranted to assess the possible role of limited maximal pressure use of no more than 11 PSI during PD in preventing oesophageal perforations.