CXCR3 Expression Pattern on CD4+ T Cells and IP-10 Levels with Regard to the HIV-1 Reservoir in the Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue.

(1) Background: The gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) represents the largest lymphoid organ, and is considered to be the largest HIV reservoir. The exact size of the GALT reservoir remains unclear. Several markers, such as the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its pro-inflammatory ligand IP-10, have been proposed to define the size of HIV reservoirs in the peripheral blood (PB). However, little is known about the role of CXCR3 and IP-10 within the GALT. (2) Methods: We compared the CXCR3 expression, IP-10 levels, and cell-associated HIV DNA of distinct memory CD4+ T cell subsets from the terminal ileum (TI), PB and rectum (RE) of 18 HIV+ patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART), 6 HIV+ treatment-naive patients and 16 healthy controls. (3) Results: While the relative distributions of CD4+ T cell subsets were similar in PB, TI and RE, HIV DNA and CXCR3 expression were markedly increased and IP-10 levels were decreased in TI when compared to PB. No significant correlation was found between the CXCR3 expression and memory CD4+ T cell subsets, IP-10 levels and the HIV DNA amounts measured in PB, TI or RE. (4) Conclusions: During a chronic HIV-1 infection, neither CXCR3 nor IP-10 are indicative of the size of the viral reservoir in the GALT (TI and RE).

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Direct Puncture Technique: When, Why and How?

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placed in the pull through (PT) technique is a common procedure to restore enteral feeding in patients with swallowing disorders. Limitations of this technique are patients with obstruction of the pharynx or esophagus or with an esophageal stent. We report our experience with the direct puncture (DP) PEG device. METHODS: We included 154 patients (55 women). One hundred forty patients had cancer. After passing the endoscope into the stomach, 4 gastropexies were performed with a gastropexy device and the PEG was placed with the introducer method. After 1 month, the sutures were removed and a constant gastrocutaneous fistula had been created and the new catheter could be placed safely. RESULTS: The DP PEG was successfully placed in all patients. Overall complication rate was 11% (minor: 6%, major: 5%). The most common event was tube dislocation (40 cases). In 5 cases of dislocation, this resulted in a major complication with injuring the gastric wall and the necessity for surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The DP PEG system is safe, and can be used in cases in which a standard PT PEG is not feasible. To avoid dislocation, strict adherence to a post-interventional protocol is highly recommended.

Endoscopic therapy for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leak with a self-expandable metallic stent.

BACKGROUND: Leaks of the esophagus are associated with a high mortality rate and need to be treated as soon as possible. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection or conservative management with cessation of oral intake and antibiotic therapy. We evaluated an alternative approach that uses self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS). METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 9), intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy (n = 16), spontaneous tumor perforation (n = 5), and esophageal ischemia (n = 1) were treated at our institution. All were treated with endoscopic placement of a covered SEMS. Stent removal was performed 4 to 6 weeks after implantation. To exclude continuous esophageal leak after SEMS placement, radiologic examination was performed after stent implantation and removal. RESULTS: SEMS placement was successful in all patients and a postinterventional esophagogram demonstrated full coverage of the leak in 29 patients (92%). In two patients, complete sealing could not be achieved and they were referred to surgical repair. Stent migration was seen in only one patient (3%). After removal, a second stent with larger diameter was placed and no further complication occurred. Two patients died: one due to myocardial infarction and one due to progressive ischemia of the esophagus and small bowl as a consequence of vascular occlusion. Stent removal was performed within 6 weeks, and all patients had radiologic and endoscopic evidence of esophageal healing. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of covered SEMS in patients with esophageal leak or perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment and can lower the interventional morbidity rate.