Comparison of MRCP and ERCP findings: A retrospective secondary data analysis.

Objective: To compare the findings of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients presenting with bile duct disorders. METHODS: The retrospective secondary-data study was conducted at the Gastroenterology Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, and comprised data of patients who presented with bile duct disorders from June2019 to May2020. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients, 41(44.6%) were males and 51(55.4%) were females. The overall mean age was 50.12 ± 16.7 years (range: 13-80 years). Out of 28 bile duct calculi cases detected by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, 25(89.3%) were detected by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and, of the 64 without calculi, it was 50(78.1%). Out of 8 bile duct strictures detected by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, 3(37.5%) were correctly diagnosed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and, of the 84 unaffected patients, were excluded 79(94%). Out of 64 bile duct dilatation cases, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography correctly diagnosed 59(92.2%), and, of the 28 unaffected patients, it excluded 27(96.4%). CONCLUSIONS: For bile duct stone and dilation, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was found to have high diagnostic accuracy.

Role of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v versus Placebo in symptomatic improvement of irritable bowel syndrome patients.

Objectives: To find the efficacy of lactobacillus plantarum 299v compared to placebo in symptomatic improvement of irritable bowel syndrome patients. METHODS: The randomised control trial was conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from July 20, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and comprised irritable bowel syndrome patients who were randomised into intervention group A treated with lactobacillus plantarum 299v and control group B treated with placebo. Symptoms, like abdominal pain, bloating and complete rectal emptying, were noted and compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 190 patients assessed, 120(63%) were included; 60(50%) in each of the two groups. After loss to follow-up, the study was completed by 55(91.7%) in group A and 53(88.3%) in group B. The mean age in group A was 37.53±9.02 and it was 34.40±11.23 in group B (p=0.652). The male-to-female ratio and irritable bowel syndrome type in both the groups was not significantly different (p>0.055). There was no significant difference in terms of relieving abdominal pain, bloating and rectal emptying between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No significant efficacy was established in favour of treating in irritable bowel syndrome with lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Trials Registration: IRCT20200504047303N1.