Interferon-gamma release assay has poor diagnostic accuracy in differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease in tuberculosis endemic areas

Background/Aims@#Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) frequently present with a diagnostic dilemma because of similar presentation. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) has been used in differentiating ITB from CD, but with sparse reports on its diagnostic accuracy in tuberculosis endemic regions and this study evaluated the same. @*Methods@#Patients with definitive diagnosis of ITB (n=59) or CD (n=49) who underwent IGRA testing (n=307) were retrospectively included at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (July 2014 to September 2021). CD or ITB was diagnosed as per standard criteria. IGRA was considered positive at >0.35 IU/mL.Relevant data was collected and IGRA results were compared between ITB and CD to determine its accuracy. @*Results@#Among 59 ITB patients (mean age, 32.6±13.1 years; median disease duration, 1 year; male, 59.3%), 24 were positive and 35 tested negative for IGRA. Among 49 CD patients (mean age, 37.8±14.0; median disease duration, 4 years; male, 61.2%), 12 were positive and 37 tested negative for IGRA. Hence, for diagnosing ITB, IGRA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 40.68%, 75.51%, 66.67%, and 51.39%, respectively. The area under the curve of IGRA for ITB diagnosis was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.75). In a subset (n=64), tuberculin skin test (TST) showed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 64.7%, 73.3%, 73.3%, and 64.71%, respectively. IGRA and TST were concordant in 38 (59.4%) patients with κ=0.17. @*Conclusions@#In a tuberculosis endemic region, IGRA had poor diagnostic accuracy for differentiating ITB from CD, suggesting a limited value of IGRA in this setting.

Serum albumin is the strongest predictor of anti-tumor necrosis factor nonresponse in inflammatory bowel disease in resource-constrained regions lacking therapeutic drug monitoring

Background/Aims@#Evidence on predictors of primary nonresponse (PNR), and secondary loss of response (SLR) to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in inflammatory bowel disease is scarce from Asia. We evaluated clinical/biochemical/molecular markers of PNR/SLR in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). @*Methods@#Inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with anti-TNF agents (January 2005–October 2020) were ambispectively included. Data concerning clinical and biochemical predictors was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Immunohistochemistry for expression of oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor (OSM-R), and interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) were done on pre anti-TNF initiation mucosal biopsies. @*Results@#One-hundred eighty-six patients (118 CD, 68 UC: mean age, 34.1±13.7 years; median disease duration at anti-TNF initiation, 60 months; interquartile range, 28–100.5 months) were included. PNR was seen in 17% and 26.5% and SLR in 47% and 28% CD and UC patients, respectively. In CD, predictors of PNR were low albumin (P<0.001), postoperative recurrence (P=0.001) and high IL-7R expression (P<0.027) on univariate; and low albumin alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.28; P<0.001) on multivariate analysis respectively. Low albumin (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.62; P=0.001) also predicted SLR. In UC, predictors of PNR were low albumin (P<0.001), and high C-reactive protein (P<0.001), OSM (P<0.04) and OSM-R (P=0.07) stromal expression on univariate; and low albumin alone (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.39; P=0.001) on multivariate analysis respectively. @*Conclusions@#Low serum albumin at baseline significantly predicted PNR in UC and PNR/SLR in CD patients. Mucosal markers of PNR were high stromal OSM/OSM-R in UC and high IL-7R in CD patients.

A case report of Budd-Chiari syndrome with cardiac complications and low SPO2 successfully managed by an integrated-approach

Budd-Chiari syndrome [BCS] is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the triad of abdominal pain, ascites, and hepatomegaly (with or without jaundice). There will be an underlying disorder in most cases. The diagnosis, as well as management of the case, requires a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment should aim at reducing the presenting symptoms as well as removing the underlying pathology. Here we explain a case report of a 21-year-old male patient in the subacute stage of BCS with its complications and considered as a candidate for liver transplantation. His liver enzymes, PT/INR, D- dimer, and homocysteine values were above normal levels. The arterial oxygen saturation level was subnormal, and he was on supportive oxygen supplement. Inferior venacava [IVC] Doppler revealed a non-obstructive intrahepatic thrombus. The patient was treated with Homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album and Arnica montana, given as an adjuvant to conventional treatment.

Efficacy and tolerability of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in small bowel stricturing Crohn’s disease: a pilot study

Background/Aims@#Existing therapeutic options for complicated Crohn’s disease (CD) like biologics and surgery are limited by inadequate long-term efficacy, cost, and adverse effects. Tissue hypoxia is important in CD pathogenesis and may be ameliorated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of HBOT in small bowel stricturing CD. @*Methods@#This pilot study included patients of small bowel stricturing CD (from April 2019 to January 2020) who underwent HBOT. These patients were refractory to conventional medical treatment or had multiple strictures not amenable to resection. Each session of HBOT was given for 60 minutes with a pressure of 1.5–2.5 atm. Clinical, biochemical responses and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SIBD) questionnaire were evaluated at 2 and 6 months, and radiological response was evaluated at 6 months. @*Results@#Fourteen patients (mean age, 42.9±15.7 years; male, 50%) were subjected to 168 HBOT sessions. Thirteen patients (92.7%) had strictures and 1 patient had enterocutaneous fistula in addition. Median number of HBOT sessions was 11 (range, 3–20) which were administered over a median of 4 weeks. Most patients tolerated it well except 1 who had hemotympanum. At 2 and 6 months of follow-up, 64.2% of patients had a clinical response, 50% and 64.2% of patients had clinical remission respectively. Steroid-free clinical remission was seen in 8 (57%) of patients with radiological improvement in 50%. There was a significant improvement in SIBD scores at 2-month follow-up (59.4 vs. 44.5, P=0.03). @*Conclusions@#HBOT can be a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with stricturing small bowel CD refractory to conventional medical treatment.

Safety and efficacy of "on-demand" tramadol in patients with premature ejaculation: an updated meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tramadol has been used for the treatment of premature ejaculation, however, the studies published for the same are not well designed. The primary objective of this study was to explore the literature pertaining to the use of tramadol in patients with PE to determine its safety and efficacy in this population. Materials ande methods: Systematic literature search of various electronic databases was conducted to include all the randomized studies and quasi-randomized studies. Standard PRISMA (Preferred reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines were pursued for this review and study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019123381). Results: Out of 9 studies included in this review, 5 were randomized controlled trials, and rests of the 4 studies were quasi-randomized studies. Tramadol resulted in significantly higher improvement of IELT with the mean difference (MD) of 139.6 seconds and confidence interval (CI) 106.5-172.6 seconds with a p-value of p <0.00001. All dosages except 25mg fared well as compared to placebo. Tramadol fared better than placebo at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after initiation of therapy as compared to the placebo. Tramadol group had reported a significantly higher number of adverse events with treatment as compared to placebo but none of them were serious. Conclusion: Tramadol appears to be an effective drug for the management of PE with a low propensity for serious adverse events. However, evidence obtained from this study is of low to moderate quality. Furthermore, effective dose and duration of therapy remain elusive.

Changes in Cardiovascular system among smokeless tobacco users attending tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Tobacco can be consumed as cigarettes and also as smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco is a harmful tobacco product that contains over 3,000 chemicals, 7 including 28 known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Various forms of smokeless tobacco (mainly snuff and chewing tobacco) cause an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure. However, the relationship between smokeless tobacco uses on blood pressure remains unknown, especially in tertiary level hospitals. Our aim is to find out the smokeless tobacco use influence on cardiovascular parameters, for instance, pulse rate and blood pressure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess cardiovascular changes among adult male smokeless tobacco (ST) users. For this purpose, 50 male respondents were selected. The participants were selected from the medicine outpatient department of Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Pulse rate and blood pressure were measured and ST uses behavior was assessed using self-reports. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS20. Results: In this study, the mean (±SD) of pulse rate was 83.2±12.3 beats/min. The mean (±SD) of systolic blood pressure was 158.72±24.84 mm of Hg and the mean (±SD) of diastolic blood pressure was 98.78±9.87 mm of Hg in smokeless tobacco users. Conclusion: Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in smokeless tobacco users in the tertiary level hospital. However, the mean pulse rate was within the normal range.

Vitamin D3 effect on Albuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in Northern Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a common disorder in diabetic patients and may be a risk factor for the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a large dose of parenteral. Vitamin D on 24 hours albuminuria in T2DM patients. Methods: This prospective single-center study included 80 vitamin D deficient [25(OH) D <50 nmol/l] T2DM patients with an adequate glycemic control (HbA1c< 7.0%). Without any changes in anti-hyperglycemic or antihypertensive drugs, these patients were given a single high dose (600000 IU) of parenteral Vitamin D3. Then the changes in Vitamin D levels and 24 hours albuminuria were seen on follow up at 3 months. Results: Vitamin D3 supplementation improved 24 hours albuminuria. In the present study, Twenty-four-hour urinary albumin excretion decreased from 210.4 ± 101.2 to 204.6 ± 104.5. In males, it changed from 221.8 ± 99.7 to 216.1 ± 100.3 and in females, it changed from 192.3 ± 108.5 to 186.7 ± 113.1. There was a negative association of albuminuria with Vit D levels in the present study. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduces 24-hour urinary albumin excretion in T2DM patients with Vitamin D3 deficiency.

Volume guarantee ventilation in premature neonates with respiratory distress: a comparative study

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in about 50% of preterm infants born at less than 30 weeks of gestational age. Surfactant therapy and mechanical ventilation have been the standard of care in the management of RDS. Objective of this study to compare the time required to achieve successful extubation criteria in Volume guarantee mode of ventilation to that with Time cycled pressure-limited mode of ventilation and the duration of mechanical ventilation between them in preterm neonates ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome.Method: The study was done at Neonatal intensive care unit, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala over a period of 2 years. Total of 37 inborn preterm neonates between 26 weeks to 32weeks with RDS requiring mechanical ventilation were included in 2-year study period with 18 babies in 1st year study period ventilated with SIPPV mode and 19 babies in 2nd year study period on SIPPV'VG mode of ventilation. Analysis was done using SPSS v. 16 software.Results: In the present study the neonates receiving SIPPV-VG ventilation had stable and equivalent gas exchange at significantly lower MAP and PIP compared to neonates receiving SIPPV -TCPL. Also, neonates receiving SIPPV-VG had achieved significantly faster extubation criteria than SIPPV-TCPL and hence lesser duration of ventilation.Conclusion: Our study concludes that Volume Guarantee ventilation achieves near stable tidal volume delivery by auto-weaning peak inspiratory pressures thereby promoting early extubation and hence reducing volutrauma and barotrauma in contrast to TCPL mode.