Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies: 14 Years of Experience in a University Clinic

Introduction: Ingesting foreign bodies is a common medical problem, especially in the emergency department. Some small studies describe experiences in this regard. Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective study included patients with suspected ingestion of foreign bodies admitted to the gastroenterology and GI endoscopy service of the Clínica Universitaria Colombia between January 2007 and August 2020. Results: The age of occurrence of the event was 18 to 95 years, and the average age was 45 years. The foreign bodies ingested and found were variable. The most frequent was fish bones, representing 64.11% of the cases, followed by chicken bones and dietary impaction. Thirty-eight percent of patients required foreign body removal; the most frequently used tool was the foreign body forceps. The primary location was the esophagus in 12.53% of cases, followed by the cricopharynx in 11.18% and the hypopharynx in 10%. Conclusions: The Clínica Universitaria Colombia is a referral site for many gastroenterology emergencies due to its high technological level and extensive human resources. This paper probably describes the largest number of patients with this reason for consultation, which is why this retrospective descriptive study was designed. It shows the demographic characteristics, foreign body types, radiological and endoscopic findings, and associated complications, which help to provide a more accurate knowledge of this pathology.

Introducción: La ingesta de cuerpos extraños es un problema médico frecuente, especialmente en el servicio de urgencias. Existen algunos estudios pequeños que describen las experiencias al respecto. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, en el cual se incluyó a pacientes con sospecha de ingesta de cuerpos extraños, ingresados al servicio de gastroenterología y endoscopia digestiva de La Clínica Universitaria Colombia, entre enero de 2007 y agosto de 2020. Resultados: La edad de ocurrencia del evento se presentó en pacientes desde los 18 hasta los 95 años, y la edad promedio fue de 45 años. Los cuerpos extraños ingeridos y encontrados fueron variables; los más frecuentes fueron la ingesta de espinas de pescado, que representó el 64,11% de los casos, seguido por la ingesta de huesos de pollo y la impactación alimentaria. Un 38% de los pacientes requirieron la extracción de cuerpo extraño y la herramienta usada con mayor frecuencia fue la pinza de cuerpo extraño. La localización principal fue el esófago, en el 12,53% de los casos, seguido por la cricofaringe, en el 11,18%, y la hipofaringe, en el 10%. Conclusiones: La Clínica Universitaria Colombia es un sitio de referencia de una gran cantidad de urgencias en gastroenterología debido a su alto nivel tecnológico y al gran recurso humano que requieren. Este trabajo representa probablemente la cantidad más grande de pacientes con este motivo de consulta, razón por la que se diseñó este estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, que muestra las características demográficas, los tipos de cuerpo extraño, los hallazgos radiológicos y endoscópicos y las complicaciones asociadas, que son de utilidad para tener un conocimiento más real de esta patología.

Optical Detection of Cancer Cells Using Lab-on-a-Chip.

The global need for accurate and efficient cancer cell detection in biomedicine and clinical diagnosis has driven extensive research and technological development in the field. Precision, high-throughput, non-invasive separation, detection, and classification of individual cells are critical requirements for successful technology. Lab-on-a-chip devices offer enormous potential for solving biological and medical problems and have become a priority research area for microanalysis and manipulating cells. This paper reviews recent developments in the detection of cancer cells using the microfluidics-based lab-on-a-chip method, focusing on describing and explaining techniques that use optical phenomena and a plethora of probes for sensing, amplification, and immobilization. The paper describes how optics are applied in each experimental method, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The discussion includes a summary of current challenges and prospects for cancer diagnosis.

Prevalencia y localización gástrica del Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con atrofia y metaplasia intestinal en una institución de alta complejidad en Colombia / Prevalence and Gastric Location of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Intestinal Atrophy and Metaplasia in a Tertiary Care Institution in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Helicobacter pylori juega un papel fundamental en la cascada de carcinogénesis del cáncer gástrico tipo intestinal; sin embargo, no existe claridad respecto a su prevalencia en condiciones preneoplásicas que generan cambio en el microambiente de la mucosa. Actualmente se recomienda la vigilancia endoscópica por protocolo de Sydney cada 2 a 3 años, pero no es clara la presencia de H. pylori en la región subcardial y el fondo gástrico. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y localización gástrica del H. pylori en pacientes con condiciones preneoplásicas. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal en adultos con diagnóstico previo de atrofia o metaplasia intestinal que ingresaron a endoscopia de control, a quienes se les tomaron biopsias del antro, cuerpo, incisura angularis, región subcardial y fondo gástrico. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los resultados por regiones gástricas. Resultados: se recolectó la información de 160 pacientes con una prevalencia de H. pylori del 37,5 %, la cual fue en aumento de proximal a distal iniciando con una prevalencia de 12,5 % en la región subcardial hasta una prevalencia de 30,6 % en el antro; hubo un patrón similar en la prevalencia de lesiones preneoplásicas. Se observó una mayor presencia de lesiones avanzadas (displasia, carcinoma) en la incisura. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de H. pylori en condiciones premalignas evidenció una mayor presencia en las regiones distales en comparación con las proximales, y es más frecuente en la región antral y menor en la región subcardial. En cuanto a la distribución gástrica de atrofia y metaplasia, se encontró mayor compromiso en el antro y la incisura, y es baja en la región subcardial y el fondo.

Abstract Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection plays a critical role in the carcinogenesis cascade of intestinal gastric cancer. However, its prevalence in preneoplastic conditions generating changes in the gastric mucosa is unclear. Currently, endoscopic surveillance using the Sydney protocol is suggested every 2 to 3 years, but the presence of H. pylori infection in the subcardial region and gastric fundus is ill-defined. Objective: to determine the prevalence and gastric location of H. pylori infection in patients with preneoplastic conditions. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional study in adults with a previous diagnosis of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia who entered control endoscopy and were antrum, body, incisura angularis, subcardial region, and gastric fundus biopsied. A descriptive analysis of the results by gastric regions was performed. Results: data from 160 patients with a prevalence of H. pylori of 37.5% were collected. It increased from proximal to distal, starting with a 12.5% prevalence in the subcardial region to a 30.6% prevalence in the antrum. In addition, there was a similar pattern in the prevalence of preneoplastic lesions. Furthermore, advanced lesions (dysplasia, carcinoma) were observed in the incisura. Conclusions: the prevalence of H. pylori in precancerous conditions showed a high presence in the distal regions compared to the proximal ones, and it is more frequent in the antrum and lower in the subcardial region. As for the gastric distribution of atrophy and metaplasia, more involvement was found in the antrum and angular notch and lower in the subcardial region and fundus.

Endoscopic identification of endoluminal esophageal landmarks for radial and longitudinal orientation and lesion location.

AIM: To characterize esophageal endoluminal landmarks to permit radial and longitudinal esophageal orientation and accurate lesion location. METHODS: Distance from the incisors and radial orientation were estimated for the main left bronchus and the left atrium landmarks in 207 consecutive patients using white light examination. A sub-study was also performed using white light followed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in 25 consecutive patients to confirm the findings. The scope orientation throughout the exam was maintained at the natural axis, where the left esophageal quadrant corresponds to the area between 6 and 9 o'clock. When an anatomical landmark was identified, it was recorded with a photograph and its quadrant orientation and distance from the incisors were determined. The reference points to obtain the distances and radial orientation were as follows: the midpoint of the left main bronchus and the most intense pulsatile zone of the left atrium. With the video processor system set to moderate insufflation, measurements were obtained at the end of the patients' air expiration. RESULTS: The left main bronchus and left atrium esophageal landmarks were identified using white light in 99% and 100% of subjects at a mean distance of 25.8 cm (SD 2.3), and 31.4 cm (SD 2.4) from the incisors, respectively. The left main bronchus landmark was found to be a tubular, concave, non-pulsatile, esophageal external compression, occupying approximately 1/4 of the circumference. The left atrium landmark was identified as a round, convex, pulsatile, esophageal external compression, occupying approximately 1/4 of the circumference. Both landmarks were identified using white light on the anterior esophageal quadrant. In the sub-study, the left main bronchus was identified in 24 (92%) patients at 25.4 cm (SD 2.1) and 26.7 cm (SD 1.9) from the incisors, by white light and EUS, respectively. The left atrium was recognized in all patients at 30.5 cm (SD 1.9), and 31.6 cm (SD 2.3) from the incisors, by both white light and EUS, respectively. EUS confirmed that the landmarks corresponded to these two structures, respectively, and that they were located on the anterior esophageal wall. The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated high agreement between the white light and EUS measurements. CONCLUSION: This study provides an endoscopic characterization of esophageal landmarks corresponding to the left main bronchus and left atrium, to permit radial and longitudinal orientation and accurate lesion location.

Primary Gastrointestinal Kaposi's Sarcoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in HIV patients secondary to coinfection by HHV8 and development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare complication even if no skin lesions are detected on physical examination. This article indicates which patients might develop this type of clinical sign and also tries to recall that absence of skin lesions never rules out the presence of KS, especially if gastrointestinal involvement is documented. Gastrointestinal bleeding in terms of hematemesis has rarely been reported in the literature. We review some important clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment approach. We present the case of an HIV patient who presented to the emergency department with hematemesis and gastrointestinal signs of KS on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy without any dermatological involvement.

Bilateral Ocular Decompression Retinopathy after Ahmed Valve Implantation for Uveitic Glaucoma.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 29-year-old man who underwent Ahmed valve implantation in both eyes as treatment for uveitic glaucoma, subsequently presenting with bilateral ocular decompression retinopathy in the postoperative period. DISCUSSION: Ocular decompression retinopathy is a rare complication of filtering surgery in patients with glaucoma; however, the course is benign in most cases, with spontaneous resolution of bleedings and improvement of visual acuity.

Primary Repair of Moderate Severity Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Critical Decision-Making Algorithm.

We reviewed all the available data regarding the current management of non-complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and aimed to propose a new decision-making algorithm aimed to improve the single surgery success rate for mid-severity rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. An online review of the Pubmed database was performed. We searched for all available manuscripts about the anatomical and functional outcomes after the surgical management, by either scleral buckle or primary pars plana vitrectomy, of retinal detachment. The search was limited to articles published from January 1995 to December 2015. All articles obtained from the search were carefully screened and their references were manually reviewed for additional relevant data. Our search specifically focused on preoperative clinical data that were associated with the surgical outcomes. After categorizing the available data according to their level of evidence, with randomized-controlled clinical trials as the highest possible level of evidence, followed by retrospective studies, and retrospective case series as the lowest level of evidence, we proceeded to design a logical decision-making algorithm, enhanced by our experiences as retinal surgeons. A total of 7 randomized-controlled clinical trials, 19 retrospective studies, and 9 case series were considered. Additional articles were also included in order to support the observations further. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a potentially blinding disorder. Its surgical management seems to depend more on a surgeon´s preference than solid scientific data or is based on a good clinical history and examination. The algorithms proposed herein strive to offer a more rational approach to improve both anatomical and functional outcomes after the first surgery.

Hepatitis autoinmune / Autoimmune hepatitis

La hepatitis autoinmune es una entidad que se puede presentar en forma asintomática, como hepatitis aguda o como cirrosis hepática; el diagnóstico se basa en criterios clínicos, de laboratorio basados en niveles elevados de inmunoglobulina G y autoanticuerpos y en criterios histológicos como la hepatitis de interfase, la presencia de células plasmáticas e infiltrado linfocitario, en casos de difícil diagnóstico se pueden utilizar los sistemas de puntuación original o modificado. El tratamiento se basa en la utilización de inmunosupresores como corticoides y azatioprina que cambiaron la historia natural de la enfermedad.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition which can be asymptomatic or can present as acute hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and laboratory criteria. Laboratory criteria include elevated levels of immunoglobulin G and/or autoantibodies and histological criteria such as hepatitis interface, the presence of plasma cells and lymphocytic infiltrate. In difficult to diagnose cases original or modified scoring systems can be used. Treatment is based on the use of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids and azathioprine that have changed the natural history of disease.

ANÁLISIS Y CLASIFICACIÓN DEL PATRÓN RESPIRATORIO DE PACIENTES EN PROCESO DE RETIRADA DEL VENTILADOR MECÁNICO / ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE BREATHING PATTERN IN PATIENTS ON WEANING TRIAL PROCESS

La estimación del momento óptimo de retirar la ventilación asistida de un paciente en cuidado intensivo sigue siendo fundamental en la práctica clínica. En este trabajo se estudia el patrón respiratorio a partir de la señal de flujo respiratorio de pacientes en proceso de extubación teniendo en cuenta las siguientes etapas: caracterización de la señal a partir de la identificación de los ciclos respiratorios, análisis del patrón respiratorio a partir del modelado matemático de las series, y clasificación del mismo con el objetivo de identificar patrones de pacientes con posible éxito en el proceso. Se analizaron 153 pacientes clasificados en los grupos éxito, fracaso y reintubados, de acuerdo con el resultado de la prueba de extubación de tubo en T. Se seleccionaron las series temporales de tiempo de espiración, tiempo de inspiración, duración del ciclo respiratorio e índice de respiración superficial dado que presentaron diferencias significativas en los parámetros de valor medio, orden del modelo, primer coeficiente y error final de predicción. Con ellas se obtuvo una exactitud de clasificación del 86% (sensibilidad 0,86 - especificidad 0,84) utilizando un clasificador tipo discrimante lineal. Se analizaron otros clasificadores como regresión logística y máquinas de soporte vectorial.

Estimating the optimal time to remove the ventilatory support from a patient in intensive care remains essential in clinical practice. In this work we study the breathing pattern from the respiratory flow signal in the process of weaning considering the following stages: characterization of the signal from the identification of respiratory cycles, respiratory pattern analysis from mathematical modeling of the resulting series, and classification in order to identify patterns of patients with possible success in the process. We analyzed 153 patients classified into three groups: success, failure and reintubated, according to results of T-tube test. The time series for breathing duration, inspiratory time, expiratory time, and shallow breathing index that resulted in significant differences in the mean, model order, first coefficient and final error of prediction were selected. With them we obtained a classification accuracy of 86% (sensitivity 0.84 - specificity 0.86) using a linear classifier discriminate type. Other classifications were analyzed, such as logistic regression and support vector machines.