Genetic Polymorphism on Chromosome 4q25 (rs17570669) May Predict Recurrence After Successful Electrical Cardioversion in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Direct current electrical cardioversion (DCCV) is an effective rhythm-control option for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite initial success, a high recurrence rate remains a significant challenge. There is limited data on the genetic predictors of AF recurrence following successful DCCV. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with AF are also linked to recurrence after DCCV in the Turkish population. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with persistent AF, who achieved stable sinus rhythm following DCCV, were included in the study. The patients were prospectively monitored for the onset of AF recurrence. Clinical characteristics and SNPs were analyzed and compared between patients who experienced recurrence and those who did not. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 61.9 ± 11.5, and 33 (44%) were female. Over an average follow-up period of 17.0 (11.0-25.0) months, AF recurrence was observed in 38 patients (50.7%). A SNP in the PITX2 gene (rs17570669) (OR: 9.00, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.28-63.02) and another in the ZFHX3 gene (rs2106261) (OR: 8.96, 95% CI: 1.03-77.66) were notably associated with AF recurrence in the additive model (P = 0.027 and 0.047, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the rs17570669 SNP was the sole independent predictor of AF recurrence (Hazard Ratio (HR): 3.59, 95% CI: 1.05-12.21, P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The SNP in the paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2) gene (rs17570669) emerges as an independent predictor for AF recurrence after successful electrical cardioversion.

The relationship of retinopathy of prematurity with brain-derivated neurotrophic factor, vascular endotelial growth factor-A, endothelial PAD domain protein 1 and nitric oxide synthase 3 gene polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: In addition to risk factors such as low birth weight and uncontrolled oxygen therapy, genetic predisposition is also thought to play a role in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In our study, we aimed to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes in infants who develop ROP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five mild-moderate and 73 severe ROP cases were included in this study. Eleven different SNPs regions that located in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes were analysed by SnapShot technique and compared between two groups by the multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained in 8 of the 11 SNPs. It was observed that the excess of mutant alleles in four (VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039, EPAS1 rs13419896, NOS3 rs2070744) of these regions increased ROP severity and treatment requirement (p < .001, p < .001, p = .022, p = .004, respectively) while the excess of mutant alleles in the other four regions (VEGFA rs833061, BDNF rs7929344, EPAS1 rs1867785 and rs1868085) showed that ROP severtiy was milder and eliminated the need for treatment (p < .001, p = .019, p = .017, p = .017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of our study, it was seen that besides the known environmental and demographic factors in ROP pathogenesis, genetic predisposition also had an effect on the clinic and course of ROP. Polymorphisms of VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039, EPAS1 rs13419896, NOS3 rs2070744 were found to be associated with severe ROP. More studies involving different populations cases are needed to confirm these findings and enlighten the etiology of ROP.

IL-15 Gene Polymorphism in Celiac Disease Patients and Their Siblings.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy characterized by lifelong gluten intolerance. Interleukin-15 (IL- 15) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is considered a key component in the immune reaction triggered by gluten. Our aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of IL-15 gene polymorphisms on CD development and clinical presentation. METHODS: The study was enrolled-with 90 CD patients (49 female/41 male, median years of age 11), their 38 siblings (20 female/18 male, median years of age 8), and 99 healthy controls (66 female/33 male, median years of age 13). Their demographic findings, symptoms, and signs histopathological grade, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) types were recorded. IL-15 gene polymorphisms rs2857261, rs10519613, and rs1057972 were analyzed through PCR. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype in rs2857972 polymorphisms and TT genotype in rs1057972 polymorphisms in celiac families compared to controls [41% vs. 23% (P = .0008), 36% vs. 11% (P = .001), respectively]. Without considering their HLA status, there was not any difference between celiacs and healthy siblings. However, when stratified according to their HLADQ2 status, rs2857972 GG polymorphism was 1.5 times prominent in celiacs than siblings at homozygous state, whereas rs1057972 TT genotype was found to be 2.5 times prominent in celiac siblings at heterozygous state. There was no association between these polymorphisms and clinical presentation. CONCLUSION: rs2857972 GG and rs1057972 TT variants of IL 15 are more prominent in celiac families than controls. However, the impact of IL-15 gene polymorphism on CD development is dependent on HLADQ2 status.

Association of eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms with refractive disorders from Eskisehir, Turkey.

AIM: To investigate relationship between refractive errors and eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HGF, GC, MFN1, GNB4, and VDR genes in Turkish population. METHODS: A group of 212 participants with myopia (n=91), hyperopia (n=45), and emmetropia (n=76) were investigated in this study. SNPs in HGF, GC, MFN1, GNB4 and VDR genes were studied by SnapShot technique. RESULTS: The patients in this study consists of 47 female/44 male (age: 23.47±4.30) patients with myopia, 20 female/25 male (age: 31.20±8.02) with hyperopia and 33 female/43 male (age: 25.22±6.60) with emmetropia. The genotype distribution of the rs7618348 polymorphism, which was the only statistically significant one between myopia and emmetropia group. The genotype distribution of the rs3819545, rs3735520, rs7041, and rs2239182 polymorphisms, which were statistically significant between hyperopia and emmetropia groups. CONCLUSION: The importance of genetic predisposition to refractive errors with respect to etiology of the disease is revealed. It is known that polymorphism studies may differ because of genetic diversity among populations so larger cohort studies are required in different populations to enlighten the etiology of the refractive errors.

Genetic variants associated with atrial fibrillationand long-term recurrence after catheter ablation for atrialfibrillation in Turkish patients.

OBJECTIVE: Genome-wide association studies have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and can predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation in different populations. However, there exists no such data for the Turkish population. We aimed to investigate whether 11 SNPs in the PITX2, ZFHX3, EPHX2, CAV1, TBX5, TGF-1, and SCN10A were related to AF and whether these SNPs can predict long-term atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for AF in Turkish patients. METHODS: A total of 245 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF (44.9% men, mean age: 60.2±13.2 years, 65.3% paroxysmal AF) and 50 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this analysis. The clinical features and genetic variants were compared between the 2 groups. Of the 245 patients, 128 who underwent PVI with second-generation cryoballoon were further examined for long-term recurrence after the procedure. RESULTS: Four SNPs in PITX2 were significantly associated with AF (rs10033464_T: OR 3.29, 95%CI: 1.38-7.82, p=0.007; rs6838973_T: OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.36-6.87, p=0.007; rs3853445_C: OR 2.84, 95%CI: 1.27-6.36, p=0.011; rs17570669_T: OR 4.03, 95% CI: 1.71-9.51, p=0.001). Among these patients who underwent PVI, one locus in CAV1 (rs3807989_G: OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.04-19.31, p=0.043) and early recurrence (OR: 8.06, 95% CI: 2.12-30.55, p=0.002) predicted long-term AF recurrence after catheter ablation. CONCLUSION: Significant associations exists between 4 SNPs in PITX2 and AF (rs10033464, rs6838973, rs3853445, and rs17570669) in Turkish patients. In addition, 1 genetic variant in CAV1 (rs3807989) and early recurrence can predict long-term ATa recurrence after catheter ablation.

Patient with Mal de Meleda in whom a Novel Gene Mutation was Identified.

Mal de Meleda, also known as keratoderma palmoplantaris transgrediens, is a rare type of autosomal recessive palmoplantar keratoderma. A 19-year-old male presented with a congenital yellowish discoloration and thickening of both palms and soles of the feet. His family history revealed that there was no consanguinity between the mother and the father and that the patient had three healthy brothers. The second- and third-degree relatives, five females and one male, also exhibited similar skin findings. From the isolated DNA samples, the extrinsic regions of the SLURP1 gene were screened using the sequence analysis and the Sanger sequencing was performed with the 3130 Sequence Analyzer. Results of this analysis show that a p.Arg 96 Pro (R96P) (c.287 CGA>CCA) homozygous missense point mutation was detected on the SLURP 1 (a secreted toxin-like mammalian lymphocyte antigen 6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related protein 1) gene of the patients, while heterozygous p.Arg 96 Pro (R96P) (c.287 CGA>CCA) mutation was detected in the mother, father, and brothers. Our search of the Human Genome Mutation Database and previous literature revealed no reports of this mutation in mal de Meleda. We report this case due to the identification of a novel gene mutation in a patient with mal de Meleda, a palmoplantar keratoderma.

Retrospective evaluation of pregnant women with celiac disease.

OBJECTIVE: To show celiac disease (CD) and its poor pregnancy outcome relationship, and to demonstrate the importance of a gluten-free diet together with low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and low-dose corticosteroid (LDC) in the management of pregnancies with CD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study consisted of 2 groups of patients. Six patients with CD (control group) on a gluten-free diet were monitored during their first pregnancies within the framework of antenatal care program and their pregnancy outcomes were compared with eight poorly-treated pregnant patients with CD (study group) who were referred from other medical institutions. LMWH (enoxaparine 1x2000 Anti-XA IU/0.2 mL/day), and LDC (methylprednisolone 1x4 mg p.o/day) were used in the control group. Their obstetric histories and outcomes of their last pregnancies were compared. The patients' obstetric risk levels were evaluated using the "Beksac Obstetrics Index" (BOI). RESULTS: There were miscarriages in 50% of the study group. There were also 50% and 75% preterm deliveries in the control and study groups, respectively. The BOI of the study group was significantly worse than the control group (1.31 vs. 0.31±0.21, p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between age (24±4.7 vs 31.7±6 years, p=0.448), gestational day of birth (259.3±8.5 vs 246.6±24.3), birthweight (2691±698 vs 2262±359 g, p=0.394), and cesarean section rates (p=0.118). CONCLUSION: CD is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. Miscarriage and preterm labor are critical complications in pregnancies complicated by CD. A gluten-free diet is important in the treatment. LMWH and LDC seem to be helpful in the management of pregnant women with CD.

One-Stage Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in an Older Population.

BACKGROUND: In underdeveloped countries one-stage definitive repair of cleft lip and palate is considered for late-presenting patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with unoperated cleft lip and palate more than 2 years of age were enrolled in this study for one-stage simultaneous repair of cleft lip and palate. According to Veau-Wardill-Kilner push-back technique, 2 flap palatoplasties were performed for palatal repairs; all of the lips were repaired with the Millard II rotation-advancement technique. RESULTS: The authors experienced no perioperative or postoperative life-threatening complications. With respect to the registered operation periods, longer times were required to perform these double operations, but this elongation is shorter than the sum of the periods if the 2 operations had been performed separately. Although the authors were unable to evaluate the late postoperative results because the authors could not follow-up the patients after they were discharged the day after surgery, the early results related to the success of the operation without any surgical complication were prone to meet the parents' and patients' expectations. DISCUSSION: The authors presented their experiences with many volunteer cleft lip and palate trips to third world countries; however the structure of this article is not a new hypothesis and data based to support a scientific study, but observations are objective to get a conclusion. To perform one-stage definitive repair of the cleft lip and palate in late-presented patients was the reality that they had only 1 chance to undergo these operations. According to the terms and conditions of this challenging operation, one-stage simultaneous repair of cleft lip and palate is a more demanding and time-consuming procedure than is isolated cleft lip repair or cleft palate repair. Although technically challenging, single-stage repair of the whole deformity in late-presenting patients is a feasible, reliable, successful, and safe procedure in authors' experience.

Serum beta 2-microglobulin as a biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic utility of beta 2 microglobulin (B2-M) levels and analyze this correlation with the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Overall, 78 IBD patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We examined B2-M serum levels in 43 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 35 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 30 control subjects, using an enzymatic method. Patients were divided into two groups according to two disease types: active and in remission. Subjects were also divided into two subgroups according to extent of the disease: left-side and pancolitis for UC and ileitis and ileocolitis for CD. All groups were compared for mean serum B2-M levels and also examined to see whether there was a correlation between serum B2-M levels and other inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The mean serum B2-M levels in the control group, UC and CD were 1.71, 2.41 and 2.24 respectively. B2-M values ≥ 1.96 mg/L had a 62% sensitivity, 76% specificity, a 79% positive predictive value, and a 58% negative predictive value for UC patients. B2-M values ≥ 1.70 mg/L had 80% sensitivity, 53% specificity, 66% positive predictive value, and 69% negative predictive value for CD patients. Mean B2-M values were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients than in healthy controls (UC 2.41 ± 0.87 vs 1.71 ± 0.44, P = 0.002; CD 2.24 ± 1.01 vs 1.71 ± 0.44, P = 0.033). Also, mean B2-M values were significantly higher in active disease when compared to patients in remission (UC 2.66 ± 0.92 vs 1.88 ± 0.41, P = 0.004; CD 2.50 ± 1.15 vs 1.73 ± 0.31, P = 0.033). The difference between groups (UC and CD) in terms of serum B2-M levels was statistically insignificant (2.41 ± 0.87 vs 2.24 ± 1.01, P > 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum B2-M levels may be used as an activity parameter in IBD.

Magnetic resonance colonography for the evaluation of colonic inflammatory bowel disease: correlation with conventional colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate quantitative parameters of colonic inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared with conventional colonoscopy (CC). METHODS: Retrospectively, 37 consecutive patients who underwent MR colonography (MRC) from March 03- April 06 were included in this study. Patients with suspected and known IBD (n = 22) constituted the study group (SG) and those evaluated for colonic polyps (n = 15) constituted the control group. All patients in the SG underwent CC. Magnetic resonance colonography was performed using a gadolinium-enhanced coronal 3-dimensional gradient-echo sequence. The colon was divided into segments, and each segment was evaluated in consensus by 2 abdominal radiologists blinded to the CC findings. Readers assessed the bowel wall thickness index, the signal intensity index of colonic wall, and the caliber of vasa recta in all segments. Indices calculated from colonoscopically diseased and nondiseased segments were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to determine the use of these indices in predicting the presence of colonic inflammation. RESULTS: There were 60 colonoscopically diseased and 33 nondiseased segments in the SG. For all 3 MR indices, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in these indices between diseased and nondiseased segments. Bowel wall thickness index, signal intensity index, and vasa recta values of 0.074, 118% and 0.25 mm, respectively, had 63% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting colonic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory changes in the colon can be demonstrated on MRC in patients with IBD with moderate sensitivity and high specificity using quantitative parameters.

Enterococcal endocarditis associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis secondary to infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon diagnosis and is usually associated with cardiac valvular infection by blood-culture-positive bacteria. We report a case of necrotizing glomerulonephritis associated with culture-positive endocarditis caused by Enterococcus faecalis. The patient presented with renal abnormalities and was further investigated by renal biopsy. He had immune complex-mediated necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis with mesengial and capillary deposition of immunoglobulin M (Ig M), Ig G, and complement 3 (C3). He was treated with antibiotics, including ampicillin and gentamicin. In addition, steroid and cyclophosphamide were administered. The patient died of renal failure 48 days after hospital admission. In conclusion, glomerulonephritis caused by Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis is an immune-complex-mediated disease characterized by necrotizing and crescentic glomerular lesions that can be fatal despite aggressive antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy.

The search for a common thrombophilic state during the active state of inflammatory bowel disease.

The clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently associated with thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study was to investigate common thrombophilic markers in Turkish patients with active IBD. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with IBD who were followed-up at the Hacettepe University Hospital were recruited. All the patients were in the active disease state. International normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin IgG, IgM antibodies, protein C, protein S, antithrombin-III, factor V, and factor II mutation of all the IBD patients and of a sex-matched and age-matched control group of non-IBD patients were measured. International normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, protein C, protein S, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin IgG and IgM, and Proteins C and S mutations were comparable between the 2 groups, but antithrombin-III was significantly lower in the IBD group compared with healthy control group (P<0.0001). As a conclusion, it is reasonable to assume that there may be a subpopulation of the patients with IBD, in whom thrombophilic abnormalities might be important for either disease manifestation or for thrombotic complications. Those hemostatic abnormalities could be either inherited or secondary to the ongoing disease process. Routine screening for the common markers of thrombophilia does not seem to be warranted unless simultaneous arterial and venous thrombosis, major organ thrombosis, strong family history of thrombophilia, unusual and recurrent thrombosis resistant to standard anticoagulant therapy are present. Further studies are definitely required to clarify these complicated associations.

Agenesis of gallbladder and multiple anomalies of the biliary tree in a patient with portal thrombosis: a case report.

A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital because of splenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography failed to demonstrate the gallbladder. The diagnosis of right portal vein thrombosis was established by Doppler ultrasonography, splenoportography and computed tomography angiography. To investigate the biliary tree and evaluate the effect on the biliary tree of portal changes, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography study revealed the absence of gallbladder, cystic duct and common bile duct together with the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts at the pancreatic head, with predominant left hepatic duct. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of multiple congenital anomalies of the extrahepatic biliary tree associated with right portal vein thrombosis. The presence of these rare pathologies in two viscera running together in a patient with right portal vein thrombosis is a very rare condition.

Fasciola hepatica infection: clinical and computerized tomographic findings of ten patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fasciola hepatica is the cause of liver infection, fascioliasis. Although rare, it is still a problem even in developed countries. In this study, the clinical and computerized tomographic findings of 10 patients diagnosed with fascioliasis are summarized. METHODS: The medical records of the patients with fascioliasis were retrospectively examined. Clinical, laboratory findings and computerized tomographic results were recorded. RESULTS: Abdominal pain, fever, eosinophilia and abnormal liver function tests were the most commonly encountered symptoms and signs. One patient was human immunodeficiency virus -positive with active tuberculosis. Serologic test for fasciola hepatica was positive in all patients. Nodular masses without prominent enhancement, and branching low-attenuated tubular lesions were the most commonly seen tomographic findings and were supportive for the diagnosis. All except the HIV-positive patient received bithionol therapy; six patients responded well, two lost contact with the clinic and one patient who was unresponsive to bithionol therapy received triclabendazole. During follow-up of the six patients who responded, all the clinical and radiological findings regressed. CONCLUSION: In any patient with peripheral eosinophilia, abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes, especially when CT reveals tubular and nodular hypodense lesions particularly in subcapsular area, F. hepatica infection should be considered. Either triclabendazole or bithionol can be used effectively for the treatment.

How much helpful is the capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of small bowel lesions?

AIM: To assess the practically usefulness and diagnostic yield of this new method in a group of patients with suspected small bowel lesions. METHODS: Capsule endoscopic (CE) examination by using M2A capsule endoscope TM (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) was performed in thirty nine patients (26 males, 13 females) with suspected small intestinal lesions. The composing of the patients was as follows: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in twenty three patients, known Crohn's disease in 6 patients, in whom CE was used to evaluate the severity and extension of the diseases, chronic diarrhea in 8 patients, abdominal pain in one patient and malignancy in one patient with unknown origin. RESULTS: In two patients CE failed. Different abnormalities were revealed in 26 patients overall. Detection rate of abnormalities was highest among patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and the source of bleeding was demonstrated in 17 of 23 patients with obscure bleeding (73.9%). Entero-Behcet was diagnosed in two patients by CE as a source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. In 6 patients with known Crohn's disease, CE revealed better evaluation of the disease extension. In 3 of 8 (37.5%) patients with chronic diarrhea; CE revealed some mucosal abnormalities as the cause of chronic diarrhea. In a patient with unexplained abdominal pain and in a cancer patient with unknown origin, CE examination was normal. CONCLUSION: In our relatively small series, we found that capsule endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool particularly in diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic diarrhea and in estimating the extension of Crohn's disease.

Efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea due to Helicobacterpylori eradication.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea may develop during or following Helicobacter pylori eradication. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in patients receiving antibiotics for H. pylori eradication. METHODS: In a multicentre prospective clinical trial, patients with peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia were enrolled to receive clarithromycin, amoxicillin and omeprazole for H. pylori eradication for 14 days. These patients were then randomized to receive either S. boulardii 500 mg twice daily (treatment group) or no treatment (control group). The primary outcome measure was the development of diarrhoea during (treatment period) or within 4 weeks after treatment (follow-up period). RESULTS: Of the 389 patients that were enrolled, 376 completed the study. Within the treatment period, diarrhoea developed in 5.9% of patients in the treatment group and in 11.5% of patients in the control group (P = 0.049); and in the follow-up period, diarrhoea developed in 1.0% of patients in the treatment group and in 3.8% of patients in the control group (P = 0.09). Overall diarrhoea rates throughout the whole study period were 6.9% in the treatment group and 15.6% in the control group (P = 0.007). No significant difference was observed between the treatment and control groups in terms of adverse events. CONCLUSION: S. boulardii is an effective and safe treatment for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea when given concomitantly to patients receiving H. pylori eradication.

Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotics: related with anticardiolipin antibodies?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the relationship of antiphospholipid antibodies and portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotics. METHODOLOGY: 22 cirrhotics without portal vein thrombosis (Group I), 18 with portal vein thrombosis (Group II) and 20 healthy controls (Group III) were enrolled. Anticardiolipin IgG and IgM antibody concentrations were measured by ELISA and lupus anticoagulant by clotting. Groups were compared according to sex, age, etiology of cirrhosis, prior intraabdominal surgery, Child groups, anticardiolipin IgG, IgM and lupus anticoagulant. Then for all the 40 cirrhotics (Group IV) correlation was tested between anticardiolipin IgM, IgG, lupus anticoagulant and Child groups, etiology of cirrhosis, sex and prior surgery. RESULTS: In Group I, anticardiolipin IgG concentration was 15.3 (15.9) GPL)/mL and IgM was 8.6 (6.5) MPL/mL. In 6 (27.27%) anticardiolipin IgG, in 6 (27.27%) IgM and in 2 (9.09%) both were high. Lupus anticoagulant was positive in 7 (31.81%). In Group II anticardiolipin IgG concentration was 26.3 (14.7) GPL/mL and IgM was 15.1 (7.2) MPL/mL. In 10 (55.55%) anticardiolipin IgG, in 13 (72.22%) IgM and in 9 (50%) both were high. Lupus anticoagulant was positive in 5 (27.77%). In Group III lupus anticoagulant was positive in 1 (0.5%). Anticardiolipin IgG was 10.3 (5.9) GPL/mL, IgM 5 (3.6) MPL/mL anticardiolipin IgM level was high in 1 (0.5%). Group I and II were similar with respect to lupus anticoagulant, Child groups, prior intraabdominal surgery and etiology of cirrhosis. For anticardiolipin IgG and IgM there was a significant difference between Group I and II, I and III and II and III. In Group IV there was no correlation between prior abdominal surgery, Child groups, sex, etiology and anticardiolipin IgG, IgM or lupus anticoagulant. CONCLUSIONS: Anticardiolipin antibody concentrations were significantly higher in cirrhotics with portal vein thrombosis. Thus anticardiolipin antibodies may play a role in the development of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis.

Clinical outcome of Crohn's disease treated with infliximab.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Controlled studies in humans have shown the role of antibodies to tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the treatment of both fistulizing and inflammatory Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to report the results of a multicenter clinical trial to evaluate efficacy of infliximab in Crohn's disease patients who are refractory to conservative drugs or fistulizing Crohn's disease. METHODOLOGY: This trial was carried out at 5 university and community hospitals, in Turkey. A total of 25 patients with Crohn's disease that were unresponsive to conventional medical therapy, participated; 17 of the 25 were in the fistulizing disease group and 8 were in the inflammatory disease group. Clinical response was classified according to fistula drainage, diarrhea as positive response or no response. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 92% (23/25), regardless of the disease group, after first infusion of infliximab. Sixteen out of 17 patients in the fistulizing disease group had a positive response. Fourteen of the 16 positive responders later relapsed. Median duration of response was 8 weeks (range, 2-35 wk). Active inflammatory disease patients had a positive response rate of 75% (6/8) and two of the patients were nonresponders. A further two patients relapsed at week 14. Two patients in both arms of the study were still in remission at the end of the study. Major adverse events were: pneumonia in one patient, skin infections in two patients, pulmonary thromboembolism and death in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab treatment seems to be more effective in Crohn's disease patients especially in those with fistulizing disease than those with non-fistulizing, inflammatory disease. It is evident that maintenance of remission might be achieved with ongoing maintenance therapy. We suggest maintenance of infliximab therapy.

Evaluation of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test (HpSA) for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and comparison with other methods.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several invasive and non-invasive methods are available for the detection of H. pylori infection. The accuracy of anti-H. pylori antibodies in serum is low. There is a need for a quick, inexpensive and reliable non-invasive test to detect H. pylori. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enzyme immunoassay for the detection of H. pylori antigen in stool in the Turkish population and compare it to other methods. METHODOLOGY: 50 patients who were admitted to Hacettepe University Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology with the symptom of dyspepsia for whom the indication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was present were included in the study. With their permission stool samples were taken. The patients were evaluated with histology, culture, serology, rapid urease test and HpSA (Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen test). Forty-one patients had gastritis and biopsies were taken from those. RESULTS: Excluding HpSA if three of the rest of four methods were positive, patients were accepted as H. pylori positive. Nineteen patients were positive for H. pylori, 22 were negative. HpSA was positive in 16 of 19. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods were as follows: histology 100% sensitive, and 86% specific, culture 63% and 100%, HpIgG 58% and 73%, rapid urease test 89% and 82%, respectively. The results were as 84% and 82% for HpSA. Comparing with the 'Gold Standard' histology using McNemar's test Kappa results were as 0.610, 0.181, 0.610, 0.708 for culture, HpIgG, Rapid Urease Test and HpSA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HpSA is a cheap, effective method for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in the Turkish population.