Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Teduglutide Treatment in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome in Slovakia-Multicenter Real-World Study.

(1) Background: We present the first real-world-data study on teduglutide-treated SBS patients in the Slovak Republic and the first study to enable the comparison of the effects of teduglutide treatment between the adult and pediatric populations. (2) Methods: This was a non-interventional retrospective cohort study of adult and pediatric SBS patients treated with teduglutide. Primary and secondary endpoints were the results of teduglutide use at 12 weeks and 6 months after the initiation of treatment, compared to baseline. (3) Results: Teduglutide treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in the volume of intravenous hydration, HPN caloric intake, HPN and intravenous hydration applications per week and to increased urine output in adult patients. The results in the pediatric population were similar, but not statistically significant. A complete weaning off HPN was achieved in 57.14% of all patients (50.00% of children; 62.50% of adults) after a median of 0.99 years of teduglutide treatment (1.07 and 0.98 years for children and adults, respectively). (4) Conclusions: Teduglutide treatment in SBS patients leads to considerable reduction in or even weaning off PN in both pediatric and adult patients.

Gastrointestinal Complications of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS) Syndrome Managed By Parenteral Nutrition.

MELAS - an acronym for mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes - is a multiorgan disease caused by a mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Its clinical manifestations are highly variable; mainly stroke-like episodes, seizures, recurrent headaches, or muscle weakness. However, gastrointestinal complications such as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO), pancreatitis, gastroparesis and hepatopathy are also common. In this report we describe a young patient with gastrointestinal complication of MELAS which led to superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). It is rare but not surprising combination and should be considered in cases with significant weight loss and resistance to symptomatic treatment. The optimal energy support is the main pillar of the treatment. LEARNING POINTS: Gastrointestinal complications of MELAS such as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, pancreatitis and gastroparesis can lead to undernutrition.Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare condition but should be considered in cases with significant weight loss and resistance to symptomatic treatment.Optimal caloric intake and energy support can improve the condition of patients with MELAS.

Surgical treatment of severe dumping syndrome.

Dumping syndrome is a common post-operative complication following gastric surgery. Clinically, severe dumping can be a serious medical condition with a negative impact on the patient's life. In our case report, we present a case of refractory dumping syndrome which developed after laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with gastrojejunoanastomosis due to massive gastroptosis with stomach evacuation problems. Conservative gastroenterology treatment was not successful. Due to the progression of weight loss and life-threatening hypoglycaemia, the decision for surgical treatment was made. After the corrective gastro-duodenal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, all clinical symptoms resolved completely. With regard to the presented case, we discuss the common treatment options for dumping syndrome: the standard recommendations for dietary habits, pharmacological treatment and finally the surgery and its pitfalls. Due to the absence of randomized trials and guidelines, every patient should be treated in a personalized way.

Induction Therapy With ATG Compared With Anti-IL2 Basiliximab in Low-Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Practically all kidney allograft recipients require immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection and loss of the allograft. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of biopsy-proven acute rejection in low-immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients according to the type of induction (basiliximab vs low-dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin [rATG], 3.5 mg/kg). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 patients after primary kidney transplant were included in the retrospective analysis with 6-month follow-up. The immunosuppression regimen included tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, and corticoids. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference in the occurrence of acute rejection or difference in the occurrence of infection complications. Patients in the rATG group had a significantly longer period of cold ischemia, more frequently received kidney transplants from expanded criteria donors, and had significantly more mismatches in HLA-DR. Delayed graft function (DGF) was identified as an independent risk factor for biopsy-proven acute rejection (hazard ratio, 3.4859; P = .003). There was comparable incidence of DGF between the 2 groups despite that there were several factors that are more commonly associated with DGF in the rATG group. CONCLUSION: Patients with low immunologic risk and high risk of DGF benefit from the rATG induction in dose of 3.5 mg/kg without the increased risk of infection complications with the assumption of good graft function in long-term post-transplant period.

Trimeresurus albolabris (white-lipped green pit viper) - bite report: case report.

Toxicology is a specialized scientific discipline, focusing on microbiological, botanical and animal venoms, poisons and toxins. This discipline includes more than just the chemistry and mode of action of a toxin, but also with the biology of venom or poison producing organism, the structure and function of the venom apparatus, as well as the use of the venom or poison. The discipline of toxicology involves the study of the poison on living organisms and the therapy of the intoxication. A genus Trimeresurus, to which belongs Green Pit Viper, is large and includes around 36 types. Snake venoms have various composition and they can effect cardiovascular and nervous system, kidneys, hemocoagulation, vessel wall and muscle cells. In this article, we are presenting a rare case report about Trimeresurus albolabris, review of literature and general treatment after intoxication with snake venom. Prompt assessment, observation and early specific management are the keys to treat intoxication with snake venom. Key words: hemotoxin - intoxication - snake venom - treatment - Trimeresurus albolabris.