THE USE OF MICROBIOLOGICAL AND LABORATORY DATA IN THE CHOICE OF EMPIRICAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - THE ROLE OF LOCAL ANTIBIOGRAMS.

Antibiotic therapy is indicated during acute cholecystitis. However, in the treatment of uncomplicated cholelithiasis, prophylactic use of antibiotics is controversial. Microbiological and laboratory data are the basis for the choice of antibiotic treatment. However, monitoring and updating local antibiograms is important because they ensure effective therapy in the given clinical environment. The study included 110 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, divided into the group of uncomplicated cholelithiasis (n=60) and the group of acute cholecystitis (n=50). Preoperative data included age, sex, body mass index, leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and ultrasound examination. Bile samples for bacteriological testing were obtained under aseptic conditions during the surgery. Cultures were evaluated for aerobic, anaerobic and fungal organisms using routine tests. After the surgery, gallbladder specimens were sent for histopathological examination. In the group of uncomplicated cholelithiasis, 6/60 positive samples were found, and in the group of acute cholecystitis, there were 25/50 positive microbiological findings. Citrobacter sp. and Enterococcus faecalis predominated in the group of uncomplicated cholelithiasis, and Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter sp. in the group of acute cholecystitis. Antibiotics were administered to 49/50 patients with acute cholecystitis and to 32/60 patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Cefazolin was the most frequently used antibiotic and also the most resistant antibiotic. To conclude, the administration of antibiotics in elective patients is not justified. The results of this study indicate that third-generation cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin + metronidazole should be administered in mild and moderate acute cholecystitis, and fourth-generation cephalosporin + metronidazole in severe acute cholecystitis in this local setting. The appropriate use of antibiotic agents is crucial and should be integrated into good clinical practice and standards of care.

Safety of Semaglutide.

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) semaglutide is the most recently approved agent of this drug class, and the only GLP-1RA currently available as both subcutaneous and oral formulation. While GLP-1RAs effectively improve glycemic control and cause weight loss, potential safety concerns have arisen over the years. For semaglutide, such concerns have been addressed in the extensive phase 3 registration trials including cardiovascular outcome trials for both subcutaneous (SUSTAIN: Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes) and oral (PIONEER: Peptide InnOvatioN for the Early diabEtes tReatment) semaglutide and are being studied in further trials and registries, including real world data studies. In the current review we discuss the occurrence of adverse events associated with semaglutide focusing on hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal side effects, pancreatic safety (pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer), thyroid cancer, gallbladder events, cardiovascular aspects, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy (DRP) complications and injection-site and allergic reactions and where available, we highlight potential underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss whether effects are specific for semaglutide or a class effect. We conclude that semaglutide induces mostly mild-to-moderate and transient gastrointestinal disturbances and increases the risk of biliary disease (cholelithiasis). No unexpected safety issues have arisen to date, and the established safety profile for semaglutide is similar to that of other GLP-1RAs where definitive conclusions for pancreatic and thyroid cancer cannot be drawn at this point due to low incidence of these conditions. Due to its potent glucose-lowering effect, patients at risk for deterioration of existing DRP should be carefully monitored if treated with semaglutide, particularly if also treated with insulin. Given the beneficial metabolic and cardiovascular actions of semaglutide, and the low risk for severe adverse events, semaglutide has an overall favorable risk/benefit profile for patient with type 2 diabetes.

Variants in ABCB4 (MDR3) across the spectrum of cholestatic liver diseases in adults.

The ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 4 (ABCB4) gene on chromosome 7 encodes the ABCB4 protein (alias multidrug resistance protein 3 [MDR3]), a P-glycoprotein in the canalicular membrane of the hepatocytes that acts as a translocator of phospholipids into bile. Several variants in ABCB4 have been shown to cause ABCB4 deficiency, accounting for a disease spectrum ranging from progressive familial cholestasis type 3 to less severe conditions like low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy or drug-induced liver injury. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing has shown that ABCB4 variants are associated with an increased incidence of gallstone disease, gallbladder and bile duct carcinoma, liver cirrhosis or elevated liver function tests. Diagnosis of ABCB4 deficiency-related diseases is based on clinical presentation, serum biomarkers, imaging techniques, liver histology and genetic testing. Nevertheless, the clinical presentation can vary widely and clear genotype-phenotype correlations are currently lacking. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the most commonly used medical treatment, but its efficacy has yet to be proven in large controlled clinical studies. Future pharmacological options may include stimulation/restoration of residual function by chaperones (e.g. 4-phenyl butyric acid, curcumin) or induction of ABCB4 transcription by FXR (farnesoid X receptor) agonists or PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α)-ligands/fibrates. Orthotopic liver transplantation remains the last and often only therapeutic option in cirrhotic patients with end-stage liver disease or patients with intractable pruritus.

Cholelithiasis After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment.

Aim: Few adverse effects may occur after bariatric surgery, one being the formation of gallstones. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of cholelithiasis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment reduces gallstone formation. Materials and Methods: Gall bladders of all patients planned for LSG were preoperatively checked by ultrasonography (USG). Patients who had no documented gallbladder pathology before LSG and who had USG at 12th month and 2 years follow-up after LSG were included in the study. The incidences of newly developed cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) requirement in patients who did not receive any UDCA treatment (pre-2015 protocol, n = 128) was compared with the corresponding numbers in patients who regularly used 500 mg/day oral UDCA for 6 months after the LSG (post-2015 protocol, n = 152). Results: Between January 2012 and October 2018, 717 LSGs were performed in two centers and after exclusions, 280 patients were eligible for evaluation. Sixty-four of 280 (23%) patients developed cholelithiasis after LSG and cholecystectomy was performed in 24 patients (8.6%) for symptomatic cholelithiasis. In the non-UDCA group, 48 patients developed cholelithiasis (n = 48/128, 37.5%) compared with 16 patients in the UDCA group (n = 16/152, 10.5%) (P < .001). Compared with 5 patients in the UDCA group, 19 patients underwent cholecystectomy (39.6%) in the non-UDCA group due to symptomatic cholelithiasis (P = .55) and 5 of these patients also required an ERCP. No ERCP became necessary in the UDCA group (P = .2). Conclusions: An almost fourfold decrease in the rate of new gall stone formation with 500 mg daily UDCA treatment was impressive and may suggest routine UDCA treatment after LSG. Given the rate of exclusions and follow-up differences among the groups, certainly, randomized trials, with less exclusion are needed to provide conclusive evidence.

Effect of oral ursodeoxycholic acid on cholelithiasis following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a definitive solution for morbid obesity and its related co-morbidities. Cholelithiasis is a postoperative complication of LSG. The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) after LSG is a proposed solution to reduce the incidence of cholelithiasis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of UDCA prophylaxis on cholelithiasis following LSG in morbidly obese patients. SETTING: Two university hospitals in Egypt, Cairo, and Beni Suef Universities' hospitals. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between July 2015 and March 2018 and included 200 patients scheduled for LSG. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. The UDCA group received a postoperative prophylaxis regimen for prevention of cholelithiasis in the form of 250 mg twice daily of UDCA for 6 months. The control group did not receive prophylactic treatment. Abdominal ultrasound was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for all patients to detect cholelithiasis. The primary outcome measure was cholelithiasis. RESULTS: Only 6% of the UDCA group developed cholelithiasis compared with 40% in the control group (P < .001). Age, sex, initial body mass index, and excess weight loss at 6 months did not significantly affect cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: UDCA treatment for 6 months after LSG is effective in the prevention of cholelithiasis.

Oral medical dissolution of gallstones in patients with gallstone disease

Being the main treatment for cholelithiasis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not always solve the problem. It often entails postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). Oral medication to dissolve gallstones with bile acids is alternative therapy for some patients. However, lack of efficacy and limited medical indications make it necessary to apply combination treatment tactics. This study was conducted to investigate the dissolution of gallstones during the combined effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and rosuvastatin as well as to assess the results of eradication therapy in the presence of H. pylory as a measure to prevent cholelithiasis in the course of treatment.

ABCB4 Gene Aberrations in Human Liver Disease: An Evolving Spectrum.

ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4 (ABCB4) is a phospholipid translocator at the canalicular membrane of the hepatocyte, which "flops" phosphatidylcholine into bile. Dysfunction of this transporter due to ABCB4 gene variants can cause liver diseases and has been called ABCB4 deficiency. Several diseases including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC), a subgroup of patients developing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), drug-induced liver injury and chronic cholangiopathy with biliary fibrosis and cirrhosis were attributed to ABCB4 deficiency and characterized in the past decade. LPAC and ICP are usually caused by monoallelic variants, whereas patients affected by PFIC3 are homozygous or compound heterozygous carriers of ABCB4 variants. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid is often effective, but as the more severe forms of ABCB4 deficiency progress, nevertheless, new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are warranted. Current functional classifications for ABCB4 deficiency-associated mutations can guide the development of novel genotype-based targeted pharmacotherapies for these conditions. Recently, increasing evidence from genome-wide association studies is emerging on associations of ABCB4 variants with hepatobiliary malignancies.

Evaluación de la estabilidad hemodinámica en pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal tratados con morfina durante la inducción anestésica / Evaluation of hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing abdominal surgery treated with morphine during anesthesia induction

Los opioides son los fármacos más potentes utilizados para atenuar los efectos cronotrópicos y vasoconstrictores que se producen durante la laringoscopia. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con el objetivo de evaluar la estabilidad hemodinámica de los pacientes ingresados al Hospital Central Universitario Dr. Antonio María Pineda para cirugía abdominal tratados con morfina durante la inducción anestésica. La muestra incluyó 30 pacientes con una edad promedio de 38 ± 4,6 años, predominio del sexo masculino (56,6%) y ASA II (53,3%). Los procedimientos quirúrgicos más frecuentes fueron colecistectomía (40%), hernioplastia umbilical (20%) e inguinal (16,6%). Durante la inducción, 26,7%, 10% y 50% de los pacientes registró un aumento de la PAS, PAD y PAM > 20 mmHg en comparación con los valores basales. A los 5 minutos post-inducción, todos los pacientes mostraron disminución de los valores de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica y sólo 10% de los pacientes de la PAM. No se registraron efectos adversos a la morfina. Estos resultados demuestran que la morfina a una dosis de 0,1 mg/kg por vía endovenosa 30 minutos antes de la inducción permite brindar mayor confort para el paciente con mínimos cambios hemodinámicos y sin efectos adversos(AU)

Opioids are the most potent drugs used to mitigate the chronotropic and vasoconstrictor effects that occur during laryngoscopy. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in order to evaluate the hemodynamic stability of morphine during anesthetic induction in patients undergoing abdominal surgery in the Hospital Central Universitario Dr. Antonio María Pineda. The sample included 30 patients with an average age of 38 ± 14.63 years predominantly male (56.67%) and ASA II (53.33%). 40% of patients underwent cholecystectomy and 20% umbilicoplasty and 16.67% inguinal hernia repair. During anesthesia induction, 26.7%, 10% and 50% of patients showed an increase in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure > 20 mmHg compared to basal values. Five minutes post induction, all patients showed decreased values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and only 10% of patients showed changes in mean arterial blood pressure. No adverse effects were recorded. These results show that morphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg intravenously 30 minutes before induction allows greater comfort for the patient with minimal hemodynamic changes and no adverse effects(AU)

Bile Acid Derivatives: From Old Molecules to a New Potent Therapeutic Use: An Overview.

Bile acids or bile salts, belong to a large family of biological steroid derivatives found predominantly in the bile of mammals and other vertebrates. These amphipathic molecules possess numerous functions, including eliminating cholesterol from the body, driving the flow of bile to eliminate catabolites, emulsifying fat-soluble vitamins to enable their absorption, aiding in motility and in reducing the bacteria flora found in the small intestine and biliary tract. In this review, we investigate progress towards synthetic bile acid derivatives, with special emphasis on how they might be used for various biological applications and the challenges that remain in developing these compounds as potent drugs of the future especially in the field of microbiology (antimicrobial activities) and cancer (anticancer agents). We will emphasize the fact that even few researches are devoted around these peculiar structures. All the researches pointed out the important potential of such derivatives for the design of new classes of drugs.

Cholelithiasis - always infected?

This study aims to present results regarding the presence and identification of bacterial strains found in bile and gallstones located in the gallbladder and bile ducts in patients operated on due to cholelithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacterial culture was evaluated in 92 patients. There were 54 women (59%) and 38 men (41%) who underwent surgery on account of cholelithiasis and /or gallstones in bile ducts between 2013 and 2014. Bile and gallstone samples were cultured intraoperatively for bacteria; bacterial strains were identified, and their sensitivity to antibiotics was determined. Molecular methods (NGS and Sanger method) were used to separate bacterial strains in one of the gallbladder stones and the results were compared with bacterial strains grown from the bile. RESULTS: Bile cultures were positive in 46 patients that is, 50% of the study group. The following bacteria strains were grown: Enterococcus spp. (44%), Escherichia coli (37%) and Klebsiella spp. (35%). Candidiasis accompanied by bacterial infection was detected in 7 patients (15%). Molecular testing of gallstones revealed DNA of Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Streptococcus spp. and Clostridium spp. In the bile culture of the same patient Enterococcus spp. (avium and faecalis) was detected. Conclusion 1. More than one pathogen was grown on samples obtained from 31 patients (70%) with bile infection. 2. The most common pathogens include Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. 3. Bacterial infections are often accompanied by a fungal infection (Candida albicans) 4. Bacterial strains grown from a gallstone sample partially corresponded with strains identified in the bile of the same patient.

El cuidado enfermero como problema ético: concepto y principios prácticos aplicados al acto de cuidado / Nursing care as an ethical problem: concepts and principles applied to the act of caring / O cuidado de enfermagem como problema ético: conceitos e princípios aplicados ao ato de cuidar

En este trabajo los autores estudian la naturaleza del acto del cuidado, destacan la importancia de la ética en las profesiones vinculadas con la salud de las personas y desarrollan, a la luz de la tradición central de la filosofía moral occidental, un conjunto de principios que deben guiar la actividad de la enfermería.

In this paper the authors study the nature of the act of care, emphasize the importance of ethics in the professions related to the health of people and develop, in the light of the central tradition of Western moral philosophy, a set of principles that should guide nursing activity.

Neste trabalho, os autores refletem sobre a natureza do ato de cuidar, enfatizam a importância da ética nas profissões relacionadas com a saúde das pessoas e desenvolvem, à luz da tradição central da filosofia moral ocidental, um conjunto de princípios que deve orientar o trabalho de enfermagem.

Comunicação não verbal entre enfermeiros e idosos à luz da proxêmica / Nonverbal communication between nurses and the elderly based on the proxemics / Comunicación no verbal entre enfermeros y ancianos a la luz de la proxémica

Objetivou-se analisar a comunicação não verbal entre enfermeiros e idosos na consulta de enfermagem à luz do referencial teórico de Hall. Estudo exploratório descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado por filmagens das consultas de enfermagem com idosos em Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de João Pessoa-Paraíba, analisadas a cada um minuto, totalizando 1.575 interações não verbais. A análise mostra predomínio de enfermeiros (90,63%) e idosos (65,63%) do sexo feminino e classificação regular para a maioria dos fatores com prevalência da postura sentada (80,09%), cadeiras uma em frente a outra (64,46%), distância pessoal (91,40%), expressão facial tranquila (59,78%), uso do toque apenas ao realizar um procedimento técnico (53,33%), interação visual enquanto manipula objetos (57,69%) e volume de voz inalterado (48,79%). Esses resultados refletem a necessidade de os enfermeiros dominarem conscientemente suas manifestações corporais e faciais a fim de melhor interagirem com o idoso.

The aim is to analyze the nonverbal communication between nurses and the elderly in the nursing consultation based on the theory by Hall. The research concerns a descriptive exploratory study and it has a quantitative approach. It took place through filmings of the nursing consultations which happened in Health Basic Units in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, observed every minute, a total of 1.575 nonverbal interactions. The analysis has showed the predominance of the female nurses (90.63%) and the elderly (65.63) and a regular classification for most of the factors as a prevalence of a sitting set (80.09), opposite chairs (64.46%), personal distance (91.40%), calm facial expression (59.78%), touch was used for a technical procedure (53.33%), visual interaction for the manipulation of the objects (57.69) and no alteration in the voice volume (48.79%). These results reflect the necessity of the nurses to domain consciously their corporal and facial manifestations in order to improve the interaction with the elderly.

El objetivo es analizar la comunicación no verbal entre enfermeros y ancianos en la consulta de enfermería bajo la teoría de Hall. Estudio exploratório descriptivo con abordaje cuantitativa, realizada a través de filmaciones de consultas con ancioanos en Unidades Básicas de Saúde de João Pessoa - Paraíba, totalizando 1.1575 interacciones no verbales. El análisis muestra predomínio de enfermeros (60,63%) y ancianos (65,63%) de sexo femenino y classificación Regular para la mayoría de factores con predominio de postura sentada (80,09%), sillas una frente a otra (64,46%), distancia personal (91,40%), expresión facial tranquila (59,78%), uso de contacto sólo para realizar procedimientos técnicos (53,33%), interacción visual cuando manipula objetos (57,69%) y volumen de voz inalterado (48,79%). Estos resultados reflejan la necessidad de que los enfermeros dominen conscientemente manifestaciones corporales y faciales a fin de mejorar la interacción con el anciano.

Application of positive airway pressure in restoring pulmonary function and thoracic mobility in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery: a randomized clinical trial / Aplicação de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas na restauração da função pulmonar e da mobilidade torácica no pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Objective: To evaluate whether the application of bilevel positive airway pressure in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery might be more effective in restoring lung volume and capacity and thoracic mobility than the separate application of expiratory and inspiratory positive pressure. Method: Sixty morbidly obese adult subjects who were hospitalized for bariatric surgery and met the predefined inclusion criteria were evaluated. The pulmonary function and thoracic mobility were preoperatively assessed by spirometry and cirtometry and reevaluated on the 1st postoperative day. After preoperative evaluation, the subjects were randomized and allocated into groups: EPAP Group (n=20), IPPB Group (n=20) and BIPAP Group (n=20), then received the corresponding intervention: positive expiratory pressure (EPAP), inspiratory positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or bilevel inspiratory positive airway pressure (BIPAP), in 6 sets of 15 breaths or 30 minutes twice a day in the immediate postoperative period and on the 1st postoperative day, in addition to conventional physical therapy. Results: There was a significant postoperative reduction in spirometric variables (p<0.05), regardless of the technique used, with no significant difference among the techniques (p>0.05). Thoracic mobility was preserved only in group BIPAP (p>0.05), but no significant difference was found in the comparison among groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The application of positive pressure does not seem to be effective in restoring lung function after bariatric surgery, but the use of bilevel positive pressure can preserve thoracic mobility, although this technique was not superior to the other techniques. .

Objetivo: Avaliar se a aplicação de dois níveis de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas no pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica pode ser mais efetiva do que quando aplicadas pressões positivas expiratória e inspiratória separadamente na restauração dos volumes e capacidades pulmonares e na mobilidade torácica. Método: Foram avaliadas 60 voluntárias adultas, obesas mórbidas, internadas para realização da cirurgia bariátrica. Afunção pulmonar e a mobilidade torácica foram avaliadas por meio da espirometria e da cirtometria no pré-operatório e reavaliadas no primeiro pós-operatório. Após a avaliação pré-operatória, as voluntárias foram randomizadas e alocadas nos grupos G EPAP (n=20), G RPPI (n=20) e G BIPAP (n=20) e então receberam a intervenção proposta, pressão positiva expiratória nas vias aéreas (EPAP), respiração por pressão positiva inspiratória (RPPI) ou pressão positiva binível nas vias aéreas (BIPAP), em sessões de seis séries de 15 respirações ou de 30 minutos, duas vezes ao dia no pós-operatório imediato e no primeiro pós-operatório, além do tratamento fisioterapêutico convencional. Resultados: Houve redução significativa das variáveis espirométricas no pós-operatório (p<0,05), independente do recurso utilizado, não havendo diferença significativa entre as técnicas (p>0,05), e preservação da mobilidade torácica somente nas voluntárias do grupo BIPAP (p>0,05), porém sem diferença nas comparações entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão: A aplicação de pressão positiva parece não ser efetiva na restauração da função ...

Chinese medicinal herbs for cholelithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis is a common disease of the biliary tract. Chinese medicinal herbs are being used widely as an alternative treatment in people with cholelithiasis, but their beneficial or harmful effects have not been assessed systematically. OBJECTIVES: To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of Chinese medicinal herbs in people with cholelithiasis. SEARCH METHODS: We conducted searches in the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Chinese Medicine Conference Disc, and Chinese Bio-Medicine Disc to January 2013. We handsearched four Chinese journals. No language or year of publication restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials studying Chinese medicinal herbs for treatment of cholelithiasis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors (SJ, TG) independently extracted data. For dichotomous data, we estimated the risk ratio (RR), and for continuous data, we calculated the mean difference. We also calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Eleven randomised trials with 1205 participants with asymptomatic or mild-to-moderate cholelithiasis were included. None of the randomised clinical trials compared a single Chinese medicinal herb with a Western medicine or with surgery. No placebo-controlled trials were identified. In the trials comparing one Chinese herbal medicine (Gandanxiaoshi tablet) versus another (Aihuodantong tablet), there was no significant difference in the improvement of upper abdominal pain after the end of treatment (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.71 to 2.05), and the heterogeneity among trials was not substantial. No other outcomes could be assessed. The remaining trials of Chinese medicinal herbs (Qingdan capsule, Danshu capsule, Paishi capsule, Rongdanpaishi capsule), did not offer specific data on symptoms, signs, or change in gallstones that would permit assessment of significant differences in curative effects between the treatment and control groups. No serious adverse events were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals no strong evidence that the analysed Chinese medicinal herbs have any beneficial effects on asymptomatic or mild-to-moderate cholelithiasis. Definitive conclusions will require much better designed randomised trials to reduce risk of bias and allow detailed assessment of clinical outcomes.

Low phospholipid-associated cholestasis and cholelithiasis.

Low phospholipid-associated cholestasis and cholelithiasis (LPAC) is a genetic disorder characterized by cholesterol gallbladder and intrahepatic stones. It is caused by a mutation of the gene ABCB4, which encodes the canalicular protein ABCB4/MDR3, a flippase that plays an essential role in the secretion of phosphatidylcholine into bile. Failure of this protein leads to secretion of bile that is poor in phospholipids and, hence, highly lithogenic, with potent detergent properties. This, in turn, leads to cholangiocyte luminal membrane injury and biliary lesions causing cholestasis. The diagnosis should be suspected when at least two of the following criteria are present: onset of symptoms before the age of 40 years; recurrence of biliary symptoms (biliary colic, jaundice, cholangitis, acute pancreatitis) after cholecystectomy; presence of echogenic foci within the liver indicative of intrahepatic stones or biliary sludge; previous episode(s) of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; and family history of gallstones in first-degree relatives. Intrahepatic stones can be demonstrated by ultrasonography with color Doppler examination, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiography, and the diagnosis confirmed by ABCB4 genotyping. Therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid offers prompt relief of symptoms and usually prevents complications. In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary.

Combined rifampicin and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment does not amplify rifampicin effects on hepatic detoxification and transport systems in humans.

BACKGROUND: Rifampicin (RIFA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) were found to stimulate different but complementary hepatobiliary detoxification pathways in gallstone patients. AIM: To study whether single drug effects are sustained or even enhanced by combination of both drugs and whether possible effects are mediated by circulating fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), which has recently been identified as a master regulator of bile acid biosynthesis. METHODS: 20 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to a combination of UDCA (1 g/day during 3 weeks before surgery) and RIFA (600 mg/day during 1 week before surgery), or no treatment. Routine biochemistry, lipids, bile acid synthesis (7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, C-4) and FGF19 were measured in serum. Bile acids were analyzed in serum and bile. A wedge liver biopsy was taken for determination of expression of hepatobiliary ABC transporters on mRNA and protein levels and of enzymes and regulatory transcription factors involved in the metabolism of biliary compounds on mRNA levels. RESULTS: Combination treatment with both RIFA and UDCA significantly stimulated bile acid and bilirubin detoxification (CYP3A4, p < 0.001), conjugation (UGT1A1, p < 0.001) and elimination (MRP2, p < 0.05), as well as bile acid synthesis (p < 0.05), as compared to untreated controls. Notably, serum FGF19 levels in RIFA- and UDCA-treated patients did not differ from controls. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with RIFA and UDCA preserves the previously observed beneficial effects of single treatment with RIFA, including stimulation of bile acid synthesis. Most notably, the latter effect in humans is not mediated by FGF19.

[Methods of prophylaxis of an acute postoperative pancreatitis in abdominal surgery].

Experience of treatment of 105 patients, operated for the abdominal organs diseases, owing various degree of risk of an acute postoperative pancreatitis (APOP) occurrence, was summarized. Octrestatin was injected perioperatively in patients of the main group, in a control group it was not applied. Complex pancreatoprotective therapy was conducted in patients of both groups. In prophylactic application of octrestatin the trustworthy APOP occurrence frequency reduction was noted.

Microlithiasis, endoscopic ultrasound, and children: not just little gallstones in little adults.

PURPOSE: Biliary microlithiasis is an uncommon but recognized cause of upper abdominal pain, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis in adults. Gallstones smaller than 3 mm may not be seen on transabdominal ultrasound and may only be seen on endoscopic ultrasound. This condition is poorly described in children. The aim of this study is to review the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat biliary microlithiasis in a pediatric case series. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case review of children with biliary microlithiasis who were treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Three children were diagnosed with biliary microlithiasis. Two patients had recurrent right upper quadrant pain and nausea. A third patient had midepigastric pain and idiopathic pancreatitis. All 3 had a normal gallbladder on transabdominal ultrasound. Additional imaging with hepatobiliary scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed no biliary source for symptoms. Endoscopic ultrasound was performed on all 3 children, demonstrating microlithiasis of the gallbladder. Each child had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. No abnormalities were seen on intraoperative cholangiogram. All 3 children had alleviation of pain and improvement of symptoms in postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Children with biliary microlithiasis and associated clinical symptoms can be successfully treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Endoscopic ultrasound should be considered in the evaluation of the child with clinical biliary symptoms and a negative transabdominal ultrasound result.

Cholelithiasis in a neonate with chylous ascites.

A case of a neonate with congenital chylous ascites resulting from primary lymphatic dysplasia is described. The baby also presented with a sludge ball in the gallbladder that eventually progressed to gallstones. The association of chylous ascites with cholelithiasis in this neonate is discussed.