Pharmacological and toxicological investigations of etodolac loaded gum katira microspheres prepared by W1/O/W2 emulsion solvent evaporation technique in rats

ABSTRACT Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and approved by USFDA as a COX2 inhibitor. Although etodolac therapy provides clinical benefits, it is associated with upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications also. Etodolac loaded gum Katira microsphere (ELGKM) was prepared by W1/O/W2 emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The gastric irritation properties of orally administered pure etodolac, ELGKM and blank microspheres (without etodolac) were evaluated in experimental rats treated for 6 days. The stomach examination and biochemical investigation of stomach tissue of treated rats indicated that ELGKM formulation remarkably reduced ulcerogenecity as compared to pure etodolac. The anti-inflammatory activities of pure etodolac and ELGKMs were ascertained by the implantation of cotton pellets in rats for 6 days. Based on the results, ELGKMs showed significant anti-inflammatory activities (P<0.01) as compared to control group. The cotton pellets test suggested that ELGKM formulation retained more anti-inflammatory properties among the groups. The hematological changes, biochemical analysis and histopathological studies of subacute toxicity in rats revealed that ELGKM were the effective sustained release formulation in the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. In conclusion, the physicochemical characterization, pharmacological and toxicological studies suggest that ELGKMs may represent as a potential candidate for sustained drug delivery (10-12 hours) in chronic joint pain related diseases with remarkably diminished gastrointestinal side effects.

Rebleeding after Initial Endoscopic Hemostasis in Peptic Ulcer Disease

Endoscopic hemostasis is the first-line treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Although several factors are known to be risk factors for rebleeding, little is known about the use of antithrombotics. We tried to verify whether the use of antithrombotics affects rebleeding rate after a successful endoscopic hemostasis for peptic ulcer disease (PUD). UGIB patients who underwent successful endoscopic hemostasis were included. Rebleeding was diagnosed when the previously treated lesion bled again within 30 days of the initial episode. Of 522 UGIB patients with PUD, rebleeding occurred in 93 patients (17.8%). The rate of rebleeding was higher with aspirin medication (P=0.006) and after a long endoscopic hemostasis (P<0.001). Of all significant variables, procedure time longer than 13.5 min was related to the rate of rebleeding (OR, 2.899; 95% CI, 1.768-4.754; P<0.001) on the logistic regression analysis. The rate of rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis for PUD is higher in the patients after a long endoscopic hemostasis. Endoscopic hemostasis longer than 13.5 min is related to rebleeding after a successful endoscopic hemostasis for PUD.

Association between Dyspepsia and Upper Endoscopic Findings / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to estimate the proportion of significant endoscopic findings and their association with dyspeptic symptoms and to evaluate the predictors for significant endoscopic findings. METHODS: Total of 3,872 subjects (58.3% men, mean age 43.6+/-9.3 years) who had undergone endoscopy were enrolled at the health promotion center. Each subject completed validated questionnaires, including data on gastrointestinal symptoms, socio-demographic history and medical history. Significant endoscopic findings were included peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagitis, gastric cancer, Barrett's esophagus and gastro-duodenal erosions. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the predictors for significant endoscopic findings. RESULTS: The proportion of significant endoscopic findings was 39.1%. There was no significant difference of endoscopic findings between the dyspepsia and asymptomatic group (41.0% vs. 37.4%, p>0.05). There was no difference of the incidence of reflux esophagitis or peptic ulcer between subjects with and without dyspepsia. Peptic ulcer was more frequently present in subjects with reflux symptoms than asymptomatic subjects (12.3% vs. 9.0%, p=0.03). Male gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.18-4.81) increased the risk for having endoscopic abnormality and having symptoms of functional dyspepsia according to Rome III criteria (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.97) significantly decreased this risk. CONCLUSIONS: About 40% of subjects with dyspepsia had abnormal endoscopic findings, and the dyspepsia symptoms may not predict the significant endoscopic findings. Diagnostic criteria of functional dyspepsia by Rome III may be useful to predict not having significant upper endoscopic findings.

characteristics of adults with upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted to Tripoli medical center: a retrospective case-series analysis

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding [UGIB] is a common reason for hospital admissions worldwide. Aetiological causes of UGIB vary according to geographic region and socioeconomic status. However, despite the implementation of early endoscopy as the standard method for the diagnosis and treatment of UGIB, data on the characteristics of patients with UGIB in Libya are still minimal. In this study, we describe patient demographics, aetiological causes for UGIB, and possible risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients admitted to the Gastroenterology Department at Tripoli Medical Center from January 2001 through June 2006. This is a retrospective case-series analysis of all adult patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted to the Gastroenterology Department at TMC. Patients' medical records were individually reviewed and relevant data abstracted. A total of 928 cases with diagnoses of UGIB were admitted to Tripoli Medical Center during the study period. Of these cases, 60.3% were males and 39.7% females [3:2] and males were significantly younger than females [49.6 years vs. 53.9 years, p<0.001]. The most common cause of UGIB was peptic ulcer [37.1%] of which duodenal ulcer was the most common [30.7% of all UGIB], especially amongst male patients [36.4%]. The second most common cause was bleeding due to varices [29.8%], especially amongst females [35.1%]. Additionally, smoking and NSAIDs use were reported by 18.6% and 9.7% of cases and both were significantly associated with bleeding due to peptic ulcers. This study has investigated the characteristics of adults with UGIB at a tertiary referral center in Libya. The high frequency of bleeding due to varices amongst females mandates further investigations into the possible underlying hepatic causes and their management, and the potential impact on patient outcome and prognosis

Achados histopatológicos gástricos em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com dispepsia e infecção por Helicobacter pylori / Gastric histopathological findings in Brazilian dyspeptic children and adolescents with helicobacter pylori infection

Avaliar as características histopatológicas da mucosa gástrica, duodenal e esofágica de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros infectados por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) e submetidas à endoscopia digestiva alta para investigar dispepsia crônica. As correlações entre variáveis clínicas e histopatológicas também foram analisadas. Foi realizado estudo prospectivo de biópsias do trato gastrointestinal superior (mucosa gástrica, duodenal e esofágica) em crianças e adolescentes de 4 a 17 anos de idade. A análise histopatológica foi realizada com coloração por Hematoxilina & Eosina, as lesões gástricas e duodenais foram classificadas de acordo com o Sistema Sydney atualizado e a intensidade da esofagite foi graduada. O estudo incluiu um grupo de crianças infectadas por H. pylori (Hp+), com resultados positivos para dois testes (teste da urease e histologia) e um grupo de não infectadas (Hp-). Utilizou-se teste de Mann-Whitney, Qui-Quadrado, exato de Fisher e correlação de Spearman, sendo p<0,05 considerado significativo. Foram estudadas 185 crianças dispépticas (idade 9.5±2.7 anos), 63,2% (117/185) do sexo feminino, 96 (51,8%) H. pylori positivos (Hp+) e 89 (48,2%) H. pylori negativos (Hp-). O grupo Hp+ foi significativamente mais velho (9.9±2.8 anos) do que o grupo Hp- (9.0±2.6 anos) (p=0,02). Não houve diferença entre a proporção de sintomas entre os grupos Hp+ e Hp-. Não foram encontradas úlcera gástrica ou duodenal durante o procedimento endoscópico. Gastrite crônica ativa moderada/grave esteve presente em 70,5% das biópsias do antro e em 45,2% das biópsias do corpo no grupo Hp+, com intensidade significativamente maior no antro do que no corpo (p<0,05)...

To evaluate the histopathological features of the gastric, duodenal and esophageal mucosa from Brazilian children and adolescents infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to investigate chronic dyspepsia. The correlations between clinical and histopathological variables were also analyzed. A prospective study of biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastric, duodenal and esophageal mucosa) was performed on children and adolescents 4 to 17 years-old. The histopathological analysis was performed on Hematoxylin-and-Eosin-stained slides, the gastric and duodenal lesions were graded according to the updated Sydney System and the intensity of esophagitis was recorded. The study included one group of H. pylori infected children (Hp+), with positive results for two tests (rapid urease test and histology) and one uninfected group (Hp-). Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Fisher exact test and Spearman rank correlation were performed and p<0.05 considered significant. We studied 185 dyspeptic children (age 9.5±2.7 years), 63.2% (117/185) female, 96 (51.8 %) H. pylori positive (Hp+) and 89 (48.2%) H. pylori negative (Hp-). H. pylori-positive were significantly older (9.9±2.8 years) than Hp- (9.0±2.6 years) (p=0.02). There was no difference among the proportion of symptoms between Hp+ and Hp- groups. Gastric or duodenal ulcers were not found during the endoscopic procedure. Moderate/severe chronic active gastritis was present in 70,5% of antrum biopsies and in 45,2% of corpus biopsies in the Hp+ group, with significantly higher grading in antrum than in corpus (p<0.05)...

Description of the technique of upper gastrointestinal series radiological examination for the evaluation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum of Wistar female rats / Descrição de técnica radiológica contrastada de esôfago, estômago e duodeno em ratas Wistar

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomy of female Wistar rats and the workability of contrast radiography as a technique to investigate the gastrointestinal series. METHODS: Eight adult female Wistar rats were undergone to the contrast radiography as anteroposterior incidence and as posterior incidence in profile. The radiological examination was conducted at a 45° angle to the radiological table. Film-focus distance (FFD) was 100 cm, film-object distance (FOD) was 0 cm, and object-focus distance (OFD) was 100 cm. An orogastric probe was used to inject barium contrast at 5-min intervals, for a total of four applications. After the radiological examination, animals were necropsy for confirmation of the radiological findings, and the radiographs were the absence of the normal anatomy variations inspected and described by an experienced radiologist. RESULTS: All the radiographs produced achieved satisfactory results in terms of position, exposure, location and quality. The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) was identified in the esophagus at the nerve C2, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was identified between spinal cord segments L1 and L2, the thoracic-abdominal junction was observed at T10, the esophageal-gastric junction (EGJ) at T13-L1, with the abdominal portion in the epigastric region. The stomach was observed mostly in the epigastric region, left hypochondrium, left and mesogastric flank. The duodenum findings presented higher variation, with most findings identified in the epigastric region, right hypochondrium, right flank and mesogastric ileal fossa at T13-L5. CONCLUSION: Contrast radiology is useful and may be employed to assess the anatomy of the animal being studied. The experimental model described afforded to fully identify all organs investigated, as well as other occasional relevant findings. No anatomical anomalies in the subsequent necropsy, confirming the radiographic findings.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a anatomia normal de ratas Wistar e a viabilidade do exame contrastado nesta população. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidas ao exame oito ratas Wistar adultas, em incidência Ântero-Posterior e Perfil. A técnica consiste no posicionamento à 45º de inclinação em relação à mesa radiológica e colocado à Distância Foco Filme (DFF) de 100 cm, Distância Objeto Filme (DOF) de 0 cm, Distância Foco Objeto (DFO) de 100 cm. O contraste baritado foi injetado via sonda nasoesofágica, em intervalos de 5 minutos para cada fase, em um total de quatro fases. Após a realização do exame foi realizada necropsia dos animais para confirmação dos achados radiológicos e da ausência de variações da anatomia normal As radiografias foram analisadas e descritas por radiologista experiente no exame. RESULTADOS: Todos os exames foram satisfatórios no que se refere ao posicionamento, exposição, localização e qualidade do exame. Foi identificado o esôfago com o Esfíncter Esofágico Superior (EES) ao nível de segunda vértebra cervical (C2) e Esfíncter Esofágico Inferior (EEI) entre as vértebras lombares (L1-2), transição toracoabdominal na vértebra Torácica (T10), Junção Esôfago Gástrica em T13-L1, com a porção abdominal em região epigástrica. O estômago, predominantemente, localizou-se em região epigástrica, hipocôndrio esquerdo, flanco esquerdo e mesogástrico. O duodeno teve a maior variação, com predomínio dos achados na região epigástrica, hipocôndrio direito, flanco direito, fossa ilíaca direita e mesogástrica e ao nível de T13-L5. CONCLUSÃO: O exame contrastado pôde avaliar a anatomia normal do animal em estudo e foi identificada de forma integral em todos os órgãos avaliados com o método descrito, achados confirmados em todos os animais em necropsia subseqüente.

[Nitrate and nitrite level of drinking water and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers in urban areas of Golestan province, northeast of Iran]

Esophageal and gastric cancers are among prevalent cancers in the world and it is believed that nitrate and nitrite contaminations of drinking water are important factors in increasing the risk of these cancers. This study was designed to determine the correlations between these factors and upper gastrointestinal cancers. In this ecologic study, mean concentrations of nitrite and nitrate of drinking waters in Golestan urban areas were obtained during 2004-2005. All patients with esophageal and gastric cancers during this period who resided in urban areas were recruited to estimate the incidence rate and Age Standardized Rate [ASR] of these cancers. The province was divided into three regions of low, intermediate and high incidence based on 33% and 66% quartiles of both cancers. Spearman Correlation Coefficient and regression line were used to analyze data

evaluation of the relationship between the initiation times of feeding through Jejunostomy and procedure complications after upper gastrointestinal [hypopharynx-esophagus] malignancy

Jejunostomy is a common route for enteral nutrition in patient s with upper gastrointestinal [hypopharynx-esophagus] surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the starting time of feeding through Jejunostomy with this resulting complications and suggesting a new guideline to reduce complications of the procedure. In a clinical trial study in Amir-Alam hospital patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancy underwent Jejunostomy in a 3 year- period. The patients divided in two groups and complication rates compared feeding through Jejunostomy group [A] 6 hours after the main surgery and group [B] 3 days after the main procedure. Ninety patients [41 male, mean age: 55 yr of age ranging 20-90yr] with upper gastrointestinal malignancy were recruited. In each group twenty seven [30%] of the patients did not complain of any side effect during enteral nutrition .The complications of Jejunostomy procedure in group [A] 6 hours and in group [B] 3 days after the main surgery was seen in 12/37 [32%] and 13/53[24%] of the patients respectively. Significantly higher incidence of abdominal distention and fever was observed in group [A] patients who underwent enteral nutrition through Jejunostomy 6 hours after the main surgery, compared to group [B] [P=0.001] and [P=0.001], respectively. No significant differences in other complications were observed between the two groups. Feeding through Jejunostomy 3 days after the main surgical procedure shows lower adverse effect and because of its well toleration in upper gastrointestinal tract and hypopharyngeal cancer, this method is recommended for enteral nutrition in these patients

The Clinical Usefulness of Focally Enhanced Gastritis in Korean Patients with Crohn's Disease / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Focally enhanced gastritis (FEG) has been suggested as a specific diagnostic marker for patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, the usefulness of FEG for distinguishing CD from ulcerative colitis (UC) is uncertain and the incidence or prevalence of FEG for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in Korea has not been defined yet. In this study, we investigated the frequency of FEG and other gastric histological abnormalities in Korean patients with CD and UC. METHODS: We evaluated 37 patients with known CD, 43 patients with UC and 41 non-IBD control group; all underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy followed by biopsy from the antrum and the body. The pathology of the gastric biopsy specimens and the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were evaluated. FEG was characterized by a focal perifoveolar or periglandular inflammatory cell infiltrates. RESULTS: H. pylori positive gastritis was found in 10 of 37 (27.0%) of CD patients, in 16 of 43 (37.2%) of UC patients, and in 22 of 41 (53.7%) of non-IBD control group (p=0.054). In H. pylori-negative patients, FEG was found in 8 of 27 patients (29.6%) of CD patients, 6 of 27 (22.2%) patients with UC, and 2 of 9 (10.5%) of non-IBD control group (p=0.324). CONCLUSIONS: In H. pylori-negative patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of FEG among CD, UC and control groups in Korea.

Correlation of endoscopic brush cytology with biopsy in diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Neoplasms of upper gastrointestinal tract, especially malignancy, are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The advent of endoscopy has greatly facilitated the detection and diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions. Although it has been shown that the combined use of cytology and biopsy renders the highest probability of detecting malignancy, the merit of routine brush cytology has been questioned since it appears to duplicate biopsy. This study is undertaken to correlate the findings of brush cytology with tissue biopsy and the feasibility of the procedure as an adjunct in diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Seventy-five patients with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms were subjected to endoscopy in a period of two years. Brushing was done before the biopsy was taken from the suspected lesions and cytological findings were compared with that of biopsy. Of the 75 cases, brush cytology was positive for malignancy in 65 cases (86.66%) and biopsy was positive in 58 cases (77.33%); the sensitivity of the study was 98.03%. Thus, brush cytology is a useful adjunct to biopsy in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy. With the inclusion of a "suspicious" category in the reporting of the smears, malignancy can be detected early, and if possible, patient management can be altered.

NSAID-induced Gastroenteropathy / 대한소화기학회지

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for the management of various conditions, such as pain, fever, inflammation, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases. These drugs may induce injury throughout the gastrointestinal tract. NSAIDs are associated with diverse upper gastrointestinal adverse effects, including dyspepsia, erosions, peptic ulcer diseases and complications such as bleeding perforation. Established risk factors for these adverse effects include age, prior ulcer, types, doses and duration of NSAIDs, concurrent other NSAIDs administration, and the concomitant uses of corticosteroids or anticoagulants. Misoprostol, proton pump inhibitors, and cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors have been used to reduce the risk of NSAID-associated upper gastrointestinal events. NSAID-induced enteropathy is more common than complications of the stomach and duodenum and is usually manifested by occult blood loss or hypoalbuminemia. Furthermore, NSAIDs induce small intestinal injuries causing gut barrier damage, and bacterial translocation that have been proposed to be associated with the burden of illness in decompensated chronic heart failure. However, the risk factors for NSAID-induced enteropathy and bacterial translocation, as well as its preventive measures, are not well documented.

Study of upper gastrointestinal tract involvement in pemphigus by esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Involvement of upper gastrointestinal tract in pemphigus vulgaris is not uncommon. AIM: To study the involvement of upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) with the help of esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) in patients of vesiculobullous dermatoses with emphasis on pemphigus vulgaris. METHODS: Forty-two patients (M-22, F-20) with vesiculobullous dermatoses, diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and skin histopathology as pemphigus vulgaris (PV)-40 patients and pemphigus foliaceus (PF)-2 patients were included in the study. The EGD was performed and mucosa of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the duodenum were examined. Mucosal biopsies were taken from the lower esophagus in 26 patients of PV and studied after H and E staining. RESULTS: On EGD, esophageal involvement was seen in 67% patients of PV (27/40). Of these, Grade I esophagitis was observed in seven, Grade II in 11, Grade III in four and Grade IV involvement was seen in five patients of PV. Three PV patients had associated esophageal candidiasis. Involvement of esophageal mucosa was also observed in one out of two patients of PF. Gastric mucosa was involved in 52% and duodenal mucosa in 20% of PV patients. Acantholysis was observed in seven out of 26 (27%) esophageal biopsies of PV patients. Two patients of PV vomited a tube-like structure, indicative of 'esophagitis dissecans superficialis'. The involvement of the gastric mucosa in patients with history of oral corticosteroid intake (60%) was compared to the group without history of oral corticosteroids (30%). CONCLUSION: Among PV patients under study, significant involvement of oral (87%), esophageal (67%), gastric (52%) and duodenal mucosa (20%) was observed.

Magnifying Endoscopy in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / 대한소화기학회지

For the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, magnification method is usually used in conjunction with chromoscopy, enabling the endoscopist to view subtle mucosal patterns in exquisite detail. Recently published datas have shown that magnifying endoscopy might be a valuable adjunct for the diagnosis, detection, and characterization of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of the upper GI tract. It is also proven to be an useful surveillance protocol in identifying dysplastic epithelium or early cancer within a segment of Barrett's esophagus. Possible indications for magnifying endoscopy in upper GI tract include screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus, defining the extent of esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma, detecting synchronous/metachronous gastric and esophageal cancers, diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection, and recognizing minimal mucosal changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease. By grading the quality of evidence for the currently published trials, it is clear that the majority are case series, case reports, and/or observational studies without randomization, control, or blinding. Moreover, other evidence-based criteria such as independent, blind comparisons of magnifying endoscopy with a standard method which evaluates this technology in an appropriate spectrum of patients to whom the test may be applicable, and standardizing methodology would be crucial before magnifying endoscopy becomes a standard procedure in clinical practice. In the future, a uniform classification system for staining and magnifying patterns should be devised and observer agreement should be tested. Futher studies then could be performed based upon consistent, validated, and standardized terminologies and criteria.

Análise crítica da seriografia do esôfago, estômago e duodeno em um serviço de radilogia de um hospital geral / Critical analysis of upper gastrointestinal contrast examinations at a radiology service in a general hospital

OBJETIVO: Foram revisados os exames de seriografia do esôfago, estômago e duodeno (SEED), a fim de demonstrar os principais diagnósticos e achados radiológicos, o atual benefício para o paciente e a viabilidade financeira para os serviços de radiologia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo realizado a partir do levantamento dos exames realizados no período de 6/3/2001 a 12/4/2002 no Serviço de Radiologia do Hospital Santa Cruz da Beneficência Portuguesa de Niterói. RESULTADOS: Do total de 270 exames, 115 (42,5 por cento) apresentavam alterações radiológicas (anatômicas, congênitas, adquiridas, funcionais, pépticas ou relacionadas a cirurgias) e 155 (57,5 por cento) exames foram normais. Em relação à faixa etária, 197 (72,9 por cento) eram pacientes de zero a 12 anos incompletos e 73 (27,1 por cento) tinham mais de 12 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A SEED não deve cair em desuso e sim se manter como um importante método complementar para o estudo das doenças do trato gastrintestinal superior, principalmente em crianças e nos casos cirúrgicos, pelo seu indubitável benefício aos pacientes. Assim, devemos ter em mente que o exame contrastado e o exame endoscópico do trato gastrintestinal superior são complementares e não excludentes, quando consideramos as vantagens e as desvantagens de cada método. A SEED é um exame simples, rápido, relativamente barato e com poucos riscos para os pacientes.

Endoscopic study of upper gastrointestinal changes during steroids therapy and the effect of a cytoprotective drug

The present study included 25 patients [15 males and 10 females] with various disorders. They were under systemic treatment with corticosteroids for at least 8 weeks. The upper GIT was examined endoscopically to study the effect of prolonged use of corticosteroids. Patients that showed ulcer and/or erosions stopped corticosteroids and received a cytoprotective agent [sucralfate] for 3-4 weeks and re-examined endoscopically. Serum cortisol level was estimated to all the patients and was repeated for those patients with GIT lesions after the stoppage of corticosteroids and the intake of sucralfate. The study showed that 12 patients had ulcers and/or erosions while the rest of the patients [13 patients] had no such lesions. On endoscopic re-examination, it was found that lesions were completely healed after the stoppage of corticosteroids and the intake of sucralfate. Serum cortisol was subnormal in 23 patients due to the inhibitory influence of corticosteroids on the hypothalamic pituitary axis. On stoppage of corticosteroids, the serum cortisol level was significantly elevated. The study also revealed that the effect of corticosteroids on GIT does not depend totally on the dosage and the duration or the route of administeration. The effect of corticosteroids depends to some extent on personal susptibility

Fibre-optic endoscopic study of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with diabetic keto-acidosis

Fifteen diabetic patients complicated with ketoacidosis complaining of various upper gastrointestinal symptoms, shortly before and during the attack and ten controlled diabetic patients were studied by fibreoptic endoscopy and biopsies were taken for histology and histochemical study. Radiology with barium for upper gastrointestinal tract was done. The results revealed occult blood and manifested in the stool of 5 patients. The endoscopic examination showed normal findings in two patients and different abnormalities in the motility as hyperperistalsis, incompetent esophago-gastrie function, pylorus or pylorospasms and biliary reflux. Structural macosal abnormality varies from hyperaemia, oedema, erosions and even acute ulceration of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Candida infection of the esophagus was present in one patient. The histopathology and histochemistry of mucosal biopsy revealed marked inflammatory reactions, with increased histochemical activity of acid phosphatase enzyme. Ten days after controlling the keto-acidosis most of these changes subsided and gastrointestinal symptoms improved. There was a relation between the severity of ketoacidosis and the extent in the pathological changes in motility and structural changes. These changes of upper gastrointestinal tract functions or structure may be attributed to the metabolic derangement, presence of ketonemia and ketoacidosis as well as the electrolyte disturbances