Microbiological analysis of peritoneal fluid samples from patients with perforated peptic ulcer - retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis due to perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a surgical emergency associated with high mortality. Preoperative management includes immediate initiation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the spectrum of microbial pathogens in peritoneal fluid. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients who underwent surgery for PPU at the 1st Department of Surgery - Thoracic, Abdominal and Injury Surgery, General University Hospital in the period 2015-2020. Analysis of the microbiological analytical results of peritoneal fluid. RESULTS: The microbiological profile of PPU-associated peritonitis is somewhat different from microbial pathogens involved in secondary peritonitis due to bowel perforation. A high rate of negative culture findings, high incidence of Candida spp. and low incidence of anaerobic bacteria are characteristic for PPU-associated peritonitis. Negative culture from the peritoneal fluid collected during surgery was identified in 42% of the patients. A total of 66 isolates of microbial pathogens were identified, including Candida spp. (42.5%), aerobic gram-positive bacteria (30.3%), aerobic gram-negative bacteria (22.7%) and anaerobic bacteria (4.5%). Candida albicans and Candida glabrata represented the most common species. Decreased susceptibility to fluconazole and resistance to itraconazole was associated with all Candida glabrata isolates. CONCLUSION: Although PPU-associated peritonitis is mostly of community origin, we confirmed a significant incidence of Candida spp. with decreased azole susceptibility. The choice of antifungal therapy should always be based on local epidemiology.

Sequential versus concomitant therapy for eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer: A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Comparison of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates, side effects, compliance, cost, and ulcer recurrence of sequential therapy (ST) with that of concomitant therapy (CT) in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer following simple omental patch closure. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with perforated duodenal ulcer treated with simple closure and found to be H. pylori positive on three months follow-up were randomized to receive either ST or CT for H. pylori eradication. Urease test and Giemsa stain were used to assess for H. pylori eradication status. Follow-up endoscopies were done after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year to evaluate the ulcer recurrence. RESULTS: H. pylori eradication rates were similar in ST and CT groups on intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (71.43% vs 81.80%,P = 0.40). Similar eradication rates were also found in per-protocol (PP) analysis (86.20% vs 90%,P = 0.71). Ulcer recurrence rate in ST groups and CT groups at 3 months (17.14% vs 6.06%,P = 0.26), 6 months (22.86% vs 9.09%,P = 0.19), and at 1 year (25.71% vs 15.15%,P = 0.37) of follow-up was also similar by ITT analysis. Compliance and side effects to therapies were comparable between the groups. The most common side effects were diarrhoea and metallic taste in ST and CT groups, respectively. A complete course of ST costs Indian Rupees (INR) 570.00, whereas CT costs INR 1080.00. CONCLUSION: H. pylori eradication rates, side effects, compliance, cost, and ulcer recurrences were similar between the two groups. The ST was more economical compared with CT.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: The most common complications of peptic ulcer are bleeding and perforation. In many regions, definitive acid reduction surgery has given way to simple closure and Helicobacter pylori eradication. AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to ask whether this change in practice is in fact justified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search on the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, and Embase was made for controlled trials of duodenal ulcer perforation patients using simple closure method plus postoperative H. pylori eradication therapy versus simple closure plus antisecretory non-eradication therapy. The long-term results for prevention of ulcer recurrence were compared. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of 1-year ulcer recurrence in H. pylori eradication group was 5.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.7 and 9.7], which is significantly lower than that of the control group (35.2%) with 95% CI of 0.25 and 0.45. The pooled relative risk was 0.15 with 95% CI of 0.06 and 0.37. CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori eradication after simple closure of duodenal ulcer perforation gives better result than the operation plus antisecretory non-eradication therapy for prevention of ulcer recurrence. All duodenal ulcer perforation patients should be tested for H. pylori infection, and eradication therapy is required in all infected patients.

[Clinical and morphological features in a case of recent gastric carcinoma (the signet ring cell carcinoma type)]. / Particularitati clinico-morfologice într-un caz de carcinom gastric incipient (tipul de carcinom în inel cu pecete).

The article presents the case of a male patient, hospitalized due to severe pain in the upper abdomen area, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with surgical acute abdomen, for which emergency surgery is performed. Upon penetration into the peritoneal cavity, stomach inspection shows at the medio-gastric level, on the greater curvature, a callous gastric ulcer, with a central perforation. A large excision is decided up to the healthy (normal) gastric tissue, and the resulting pieces are sent to the pathological anatomy laboratory. The histopathological exam reveals signet ring cell recent gastric carcinoma. The biopsy performed 1 month after surgery, prelevated from the antropyloric zone, reveals antropyloric gastritis with moderate activity and Helicobacter pylori positive. Due to the fact that such cases when this gastric cancer type is diagnosed in recent stages are extremely rare, we considered it useful to present it and look into its macroscopic and microscopic aspects, as well as into the differentiating diagnosis.

[Tactics of surgical treatment of patients with complicated peptic ulcer disease].

Article presents the results of medical treatment after peptic ulcer surgery. I group--59 patients with late complications after peptic ulcer surgery and II group--16 patients with complications of peptic ulcer disease, operated in presence of absolute indications. 13C-UBT and RUT of biopsy material were used to diagnose Hp infection. Hp positive patients received antibacterial treatment. After 1 month from the end of therapy and 1 year after Hp eradication control investigations by 13C-UBT and endoscopy were performed. 77.3% of all and 84.4% of early non treated patients were Hp positive. All patients (of I and II gr.), who followed control testing after antibacterial treatment were finally detected as Hp negative. In I group, control endoscopy revealed epitelization or scarring of ulcer and reduction of inflammatory changes in gastric and duodenal mucosa in all 44 cases of eradication of Hp infection (in 2 patients with peptic ulcer of GEA ulcer relapsed in later). In II group, in 8 patients, who received antibacterial treatment additionally to surgical method, any late complications after surgery were not revealed. In other 6 Hp positive patients: 2--ulcer recurrence and 2--development of chronic gastritis of operated stomach were noted, which required the treatment of Hp infection in future. It is concluded that 1)surgery does not change Hp-status of patients and Hp infection retains in more than 80% of cases; 2) ulcer recurrence, chronic gastritis of operated stomach or its stump are associated with Hp and regress after Hp eradication; 3) progression of gastritis into atrophic remain after surgery, which increases risk of cancer development and there is possibility of its regression after antibacterial treatment of Hp infection. The recommendations were worked out: 1) perforated, bleeding or stenosing ulcer must be treated only by ulceroraphy, suturing or pyloroplasty respectively, added with subsequent Hp eradication therapy for the prevention of late complications after peptic ulcer surgery; 2) vagotomy or partial gastrectomy must be a forced intervention in cases of decompensate pylorostenosis, resistant to treatment ulcers, as ulcers non-healing or recurring after adequate conservative treatment. Subsequent verification and eradication of Hp infection are necessary.

[Application of low-intensive laser irradiation in the treatment of perforative gastroduodenal ulcers].

Comparative analysis of results of surgical treatment, performed for perforative gastroduodenal ulcers in the patients, lacking H. pylori (control group) and owing this etiologic factor (main group), was conducted. Together with other conventional schemes of medicinal treatment in the early postoperative period a low-intensive irradiation of He-Ne laser was applied. Complete eradication of H. pylori was noted in 95.8% patients of the main group. In a late follow-up period (in 1-5 yrs observation terms) the frequency of recurrence, hemorrhage, pyloroduodenal stenosis and other surgical complications, occurring in the main group, was lesser than in a control one.

[Microflora of the small intestine in patients with perforating duodenal ulcers].

The toxic phase of peritonitis in patients with perforating duodenal ulcers is accompanied with the development of syndrome of redundant bacterial colonization of the small intestine. However, it is less pronounced than in other forms of intra-abdominal infection. The greatest quantitative growth in all the patients is observed among the species of the family of enterobacteria and aerobic Gram-positive bacilli, the bacterial species dominating in the upper part of the intestine in health being the leading etiological agents of intra-abdominal infection in patients with perforating duodenal ulcers. Unlike peritonitis of other etiology strict anaerobic bacteria are found in the small intestine much rarer.

[Gastric perforation associated with Candida infection]. / Perforación gástrica asociada a infección por Candida.

Notable causes of gastroduodenal ulcer are Helicobacter pylori infection, intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, neoplastic disease, acid hypersecretory states and secondary peptic ulcer disease. There are case reports of healthy patients or those with risk factors for fungal infection who develop gastroduodenal ulcer perforation associated with the presence of fungi in ascitic fluid or gastroduodenal ulcer tissue but without the above-mentioned etiological factors. Thus, other factors and pathogens may be involved in the pathogenesis of perforation. The use of antifungal agents in patients following surgery for a perforated gastroduodenal ulcer is controversial. We report two cases of healthy patients who underwent surgery for perforated gastroduodenal ulcer, in whom the most frequent causes of perforation were excluded. Only the presence of Candida in the ulcer was found.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on ulcer recurrence after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients with a perforated duodenal ulcer and to determine whether eradication of H. pylori prevent ulcer recurrence following simple repair of the perforation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighty-three patients with perforated duodenal ulcer (68 males); mean age was 47.8 years+/-7.2. Antral mucosal biopsies (to determine the status of HP by rapid urease test, culture and histological examination/staining) were obtained during laparotomy by passing a biopsy forceps through the perforation site. H. pylori positive patients who had undergone patch repair were randomized into the eradication group who received amoxicillin, metranidazole plus omperazole and the control group was given omeprazole alone. Follow-up endoscopy and antral biopsies were performed at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year to show ulcer healing and determine H. pylori state. RESULTS: Of 77 patients in the study, 65 patients (84.8%) had H. pylori. These patients were randomly divided into the triple therapy group (34 patients) and the control group (31 patients). Eradication of H. pylori was significantly higher in the triple therapy group than the control group and initial ulcer healing was significantly better in the eradication group. After 1 year, ulcer recurrence was (6.1%) in the eradication group vs. (29.6%) in the control group (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: H. pylori was present in a high proportion of patients with duodenal ulcer perforation. Eradication of H. pylori after simple closure of a perforated duodenal ulcer reduced the incidence of recurrent ulcer.

Acute perforated duodenal ulcer in Maiduguri: experience with simple closure and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Effective medical management of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has reduced the incidence of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) as a complication, but perforation especially in the elderly remains unchanged and is in fact on the increase. There is a changing trend in emergency surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) from definitive anti ulcer surgery to simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in managing PDU with simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. METHODS: This was a chart review of patients managed for PDU over a nine year period (Jan 1999 to Dec 2007) using information obtained from ward admission registers, theatre operation registers, and patients case files from the medical records department. The patients biodata, clinical, and operative findings as well as treatment outcome were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Of 55 patients eligible for analysis, 44 (80%) were males and 11(20%) females (M to F, 4:1). Their ages ranged between 18 and 65 years with a mean(SD) of 39.9 (13.5) years. Most of the patients, 34 (61.8%), were below 40 years of age and majority 39(71.0%) had a history suggestive of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Twenty six (47.3%) patients presented within 24 hours of perforation, while nine (16.4%) presented more than 72 hours afterwards. The latter group accounted for most, five(55.6%), of the mortality. All the perforations were anterior pyloroduodenal and all except one had simple closure with omental patch followed by a course of a proton pump inhibitor and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. CONCLUSION: Simple closure with omental patch followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication is effective in managing PDU with low morbidity and mortality despite patients late presentation in our center. This technique is recommended in place of a definitive ulcer surgery.

Effect of Candida infection on outcome in patients with perforation peritonitis.

Perforation peritonitis is treated with surgery and antibiotics. This study was conducted to identify bacterial and fungal microorganisms responsible for peritonitis in patients with hollow viscus perforation and to examine the influence of these microorganisms on the outcome. A prospective study was conducted from May 2005 to September 2006 involving 84 consecutive patients with spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation peritonitis, who were referred for surgery. Peritoneal fluid was analyzed by microbial culture and biochemical tests for bacteria and fungi. The Jabalpur Prognostic Score was calculated. Forty-two of the 84 patients had positive peritoneal fluid cultures. Escherichia coli was the most common bacterium (n=26) and Candida (n=13) the most common fungus isolated. Bacterial isolates were largely sensitive to amikacin while all the Candida isolates were sensitive to fluconazole. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with positive peritoneal cultures (15/42) compared with those with negative peritoneal cultures (0/42, p<0.001), and in patients with mixed bacterial and fungal-positive cultures (10/13) compared with those with isolated bacterial cultures (5/29, p<0.001). Using the Jabalpur Prognostic Score, positive fungal cultures were found to be associated with a significantly higher than expected mortality. Patients with gastrointestinal perforations and positive peritoneal cultures have a poor prognosis, which is significantly worsened by the association of positive fungal cultures. Early recognition and treatment of fungal infection is advisable.

Helicobacter genotyping and detection in peroperative lavage fluid in patients with perforated peptic ulcer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Certain Helicobacter pylori genotypes are associated with peptic ulcer disease; however, little is known about associations between the H. pylori genotype and perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate which genotypes are present in patients with PPU and which genotype is dominant in this population. The secondary aim was to study the possibility of determining the H. pylori status in a way other than by biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples, gastric tissue biopsies, lavage fluid, and fluid from the nasogastric tube were collected from patients operated upon for PPU. By means of PCR, DEIA, and LIPA the presence of the "cytotoxin associated gene" (cagA) and the genotype of the "vacuolating cytotoxin gene" were determined. RESULTS: Fluid from the nasogastric tube was obtained from 25 patients, lavage fluid from 26 patients, serum samples from 20 patients and biopsies from 18 patients. Several genotypes were found, of which the vacA s1 cagA positive strains were predominant. Additionally, a correlation was found between the H. pylori presence in biopsy and its presence in lavage fluid (p=0.015), rendering the latter as an alternative for biopsy. Sensitivity and specificity of lavage fluid analysis were 100% and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows the vacA s1 cagA positive strain is predominant in a PPU population. The correlation found between the H. pylori presence in biopsy and its presence in lavage fluid suggests that analysis of the lavage fluid is sufficient to determine the H. pylori presence. Risks associated with biopsy taking may be avoided.

Pattern of change in the frequency of Helicobacter pylori with perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcers were believed to be caused by stress, dietary factors, and gastric acid, but the link between H. pylori and peptic ulcers was identified in 1983. To see the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer and advise eradication therapy in these patients. This cross sectional study was conducted in Surgical Unit Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, during January 2007-June 2008. METHODS: A total of 50 cases were included in the study. All cases presenting to our unit with acute perforated duodenal ulcer were recruited. After resuscitation and baseline investigations, all underwent emergency laparotomy via upper midline incision, after thorough peritoneal lavage, the perforation margins were freshened and closed over an omental patch. Serum from every patient was tested for H. pylori and accordingly managed. RESULTS: Out of the 50 cases, 45 were males, and 5 were females. Age ranged from 20- 80 years old. All patients underwent emergency laparotomy. Postoperatively, all were started on PPI treatment and serum testing for H. pylori was done. Thirty-four (68%) turned out positive and 16 (32%) were found to be negative for H. pylori. CONCLUSION: There is still a high frequency of H. pylori infection in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer. But comparing these results with the various data available, there is a significant decline in H. pylori positive perforated duodenal ulcer patients.

Candida albicans aggravates duodenal ulcer perforation induced by administration of cysteamine in rats.

BACKGROUND: Candida sp are frequently isolated from the ascitic fluid of patients with perforated ulcers. The present study was performed to examine whether Candida infection may be involved in the process of ulcer perforation. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into a saline group (n = 15) and a Candida group (n = 17). Cysteamine-HCl (Sigma; 31 mg/100 g) was administered thrice on day 1 to both groups of animals. Candida albicans at a density of 10(8) in 0.5 mL of saline was administered 1 h before, and 12 h and 24 h after the first administration of cysteamine in the Candida group. RESULTS: Perforated duodenal ulcers were observed in 94.1% of the rats in the Candida group, but only 26.7% of the rats in the saline group (P < 0.01). The area of the duodenal ulcers in the Candida group was 40.89 +/- 33.07 mm2, whereas that in the saline group was 16.53 +/- 20.4 mm2 (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the Candida group than in the saline group. In the Candida group, colonization by C. albicans was recognized at the ulcer base, surrounded by marked granulocytic infiltration. The number of eosinophils infiltrating the ulcer base was also significantly greater in the Candida group than in the saline group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of secretory aspartyl protease (SAP) in the region of the ulcer showing colonization by C. albicans in the Candida group. CONCLUSION: Candida albicans aggravates duodenal ulcer perforation in the experimental model of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer perforation. The present findings suggest that SAP and host-parasite relationships, including granulocyte-dependent mechanisms, may be involved in the aggravation of ulcer perforation by C. albicans.

Persistence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) the convergence between the high eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection and low rates of ulcer relapse after treatment has been associated with reinfection by non-virulent strains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence of infection by virulent H. pylori strains and ulcer recurrence in 33 patients with PPU one year after surgery and antimicrobial treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histological evaluation and molecular detection of H. pylori cagA and ureA genes, vacA allelic types and the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses of the glmM gene products from antral mucosa specimens were performed initially, 2-5 months and 1 year after therapy. RESULTS: The density of H. pylori colonization was temporarily decreased (p<0.05) 2-5 months after therapy. After one year, complete eradication was achieved in only 7 patients (23%) at histological examination and recurrent ulcers were found in 3/33 (9%) patients. The vacA s1a allelic type of cagA-positive strains persisted in 19/33 (58%) PPU patients with identical PCR-RFLP fingerprints in 8/9 (89%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In PPU patients with a low eradication rate of H. pylori infection after surgical and antimicrobial treatment, the frequent recrudescence of the infection is mostly caused by the persisting virulent strains of the cagA and vacA s1a subtypes. In the 1-year follow-up period the recurrent ulceration can be postponed just by the lowered colonization density of H. pylori after eradicative therapy.

Helicobacter pylori eradication prevents recurrence after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Evidence remains inconclusive as to whether eradication of Helicobacter pylori prevents ulcer relapse after simple closure of a perforated duodenal ulcer. This study was conducted to determine the effect of H. pylori eradication using a quadruple drug regimen along with a probiotic on ulcer recurrence after perforation closure. METHODS: A total of 93 patients who had presented with perforated duodenal ulcer and had a simple closure of a duodenal perforation comprised the study group. Three months postoperatively, patients who were found to be positive for H. pylori infection (n = 60) were administered quadruple therapy consisting of omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin and colloidal bismuth subcitrate for 10 days along with the probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes for 14 days. Diagnosis of H. pylori was carried out by urease test and histology. Patients were followed for 18 months. Recurrence of ulcer was analyzed for correlation with H. pylori status. RESULTS: Of 60 patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy, 53 were available for subsequent follow up. H. pylori eradication was achieved in 43/53 (81.1%) patients. The ulcer recurrence in the eradicated group was 18.6% (8/43) compared to 70% (7/10) in the noneradicated group (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Eradication of H. pylori significantly reduces the relapse of duodenal ulcer after simple closure of perforation. Anti H. pylori therapy must be recommended for all H. pylori positive patients after simple closure of a perforated duodenal ulcer.

Surgical management of perforated peptic ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for perforated peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common emergency procedures carried out in the western world. The role of postoperative empiric Helicobacter Pylori eradication therapy is controversial. METHODS: The clinical, operative and postoperative surveillance details of 84 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for perforated peptic ulcer were reviewed. RESULTS: All patients underwent omentopexy +/- simple closure followed by proton pump therapy. Patients were followed-up for an average of 44 +/- 19 months. Females were older than male patients (59 +/- 20 vs. 46 + 17 years; p<0.05), presented with symptoms of a longer duration (17.9 +/- 16 vs. 8.9 +/- 9 hours; p=0.045) and had a higher mortality rate (18% vs 3%; p<0.05). Seventy-nine per cent of patients received postoperative empiric Helicobacter Pylori eradication therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for perforated peptic ulcer is associated with a significant perioperative mortality rate. Elderly female patients are particularly at risk.