Possible alleviation of symptoms and side effects through clinicians' nocebo information and empathy in an experimental video vignette study.

To alleviate anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer, patient-clinician communication strategies based on nocebo-effect mechanisms are promising. We assessed distinct/combined effects on psychological outcomes (e.g. anxiety; main outcome) and side-effect expectations of (1) nocebo information about the (non)pharmacological origin of side effects, and (2) clinician-expressed empathy through reassurance of continuing support. Furthermore, we explored whether information and empathy effects on side-effect expectations were mediated by decreased anxiety. In a two-by-two experimental video-vignette design, 160 cancer patients/survivors and healthy women watched one of four videos differing in level of nocebo information (±) and empathy (±). Regression and mediation analysis were used to determine effects of information/empathy and explore anxiety's mediating role. Anxiety was not influenced by empathy or information (Stai-state: p = 0.295; p = 0.390, VAS p = 0.399; p = 0.823). Information improved (specific) side-effect coping expectations (p < 0.01). Empathy improved side-effect intensity expectations (p < 0.01 = specific; p < 0.05 = non-specific/partial) and specific side-effect probability expectations (p < 0.01), and increased satisfaction, trust, and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No mediating effects were found of anxiety on expectations. Mainly empathy, but also nocebo information improved psychological outcomes and-mainly specific-side-effect expectations. Exploring the power of these communication elements in clinical practice is essential to diminish the anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer.

Small-bowel diagnosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: comparison of push enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, ileoscopy, and enteroclysis.

BACKGROUND: Conventional upper endoscopy (EGD), EGD with side-view endoscope and ileoscopy are established procedures for endoscopic evaluation of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). However, we still have little data on the frequency and relevance of adenomas in those parts of the small bowel which are not accessible to EGD and ileoscopy. Adenomas distal to the duodenum are found more often in FAP patients with known duodenal adenomas. The question is, whether these patients can benefit from additional endoscopic and/or radiographic examinations. METHODS: Between July 2001 and August 2006 we performed comparative small bowel studies with push enteroscopy (PE), capsule endoscopy (CE), ileoscopy (IL) and enteroclysis (EC) in 25 FAP patients known to have duodenal adenomas. The number, size and location of any adenomas detected were documented. RESULTS: PE: The examination revealed duodenal adenomas (max. size 80 mm) requiring treatment in 9 of the 25 patients examined. In 12 of the 25 patients the PE showed adenomas distal to the ligament of Treitz with a maximum size of 15 mm. CE: In 22 of the 23 examined patients the CE revealed adenomas of the small bowel. Thirteen of these 22 patients also had adenomas in regions not accessible to PE or IL. These adenomas had a maximum size of 10 mm. IL: In 12 of the 25 patients adenomas were found in the region of the ileal pouch. The maximum size of the adenomas was 10 mm. EC: In 19 of the 23 examined patients the EC examination produced a false-negative result. in 8 of these 19 patients the adenomas not detected radiologically measured >or= 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: FAP patients with duodenal adenomas particularly often have adenomas distal to the duodenum. CE is a safe and convenient method for evaluating the small bowel in these patients. EC is considerably inferior to the endoscopic procedures for evaluation of the small bowel and is therefore not suitable for the diagnosis of adenomas in FAP.

Severe paraneoplastic gastroparesis associated with anti-Hu antibodies preceding the manifestation of small-cell lung cancer.

Gastroparesis is a common but challenging disorder which can be idiopathic or induced by a variety of underlying diseases, most frequently by diabetes, or post-surgical conditions of the upper abdomen. Clinicians must also consider rare causes of gastric motor dysfunction, such as collagen vascular disorders and paraneoplastic syndromes. Here we present the case of a patient with severe gastroparesis, who was admitted to our hospital for vomiting and weight loss of 25 kg within four months. Endoscopy showed a dilated fluid-filled stomach without peristalsis but no obstruction. High titres of anti-Hu antibodies were detected in patient's serum, supporting the diagnosis of severe paraneoplastic gastroparesis with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Fine-needle aspiration of suspicious mediastinal lymph nodes guided by endoscopic ultrasound revealed lymphatic metastases of a small-cell lung carcinoma. Jejunal tube feeding and chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide were initiated. Paraneoplastic gastrointestinal dysmotility is rare, however, clinicians should consider this differential diagnosis in otherwise unexplained gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. The pathophysiology of paraneoplastic gastroparesis, the diagnostic relevance of anti-Hu antibodies as well as therapeutic options are discussed.

[Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: endoscopic detection and treatment of small bowel polyps by double-balloon enteroscopy]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Dünndarmpolypen mittels Push-and-Pull-Enteroskopie in Doppelballontechnik bei Patienten mit Peutz-Jeghers-Syndrom.

INTRODUCTION: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is characterised by a combination of hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps and mucocutaneous melanin pigmentation. The polyps occur mainly in the small bowel and can lead to intestinal obstruction, intussusception and bleeding. Until only a few years ago, primary surgical resection and intraoperative endoscopy and polypectomy were the only available means of treating polyps in the mid-small bowel in these patients. With the introduction of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), we now have not only an improved diagnostic tool but also a non-surgical treatment option. METHODS: Between March 2003 and September 2006 a total of 16 patients with PJS were examined by DBE and treated endoscopically. The size, number and location of the diagnosed and endoscopically resected small-bowel polyps were documented as were all complications associated with the examination or treatment. RESULTS: A total of 47 DBE-procedures were performed (oral approach 39, anal approach 8). The examinations revealed a total of 178 polyps. 47 polyps were removed by endoscopic polypectomy on the grounds of their size and/or gross appearance. The largest small-bowel polyp resected was 50 mm (min. 15 mm, max. 50 mm). A total of four complications occurred (2 episodes of bleeding with a fall in Hb, 1 perforation, 1 propofol-associated decrease in oxygen saturation). CONCLUSION: DBE is a safe and reliable procedure for the diagnosis of small-bowel polyps in patients with PJS. In addition to macroscopic assessment and biopsy of suspicious areas, it permits the exact localisation as well as preoperative marking of polyps that are primary candidates for surgery. DBE revolutionises the therapeutic options for polyps in the region of the mid-small bowel and limits the indications for primary surgical management.