A Comparison of the Effect of Kegel Exercises and Conventional Therapy versus Conventional Therapy Alone in the Treatment of Functional Constipation in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: There have been few studies on the effect of Kegel exercises on the treatment of functional constipation in children. Hence, the present study investigated the add-on role of Kegel exercises in children with functional constipation. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on children with functional constipation, according to Rome IV, who were referred to the pediatric department of Imam Reza Clinic (Shiraz, Iran) in 2022. The sample consisted of 64 children who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control groups. In the control group, a pediatrician administered conventional therapy, including diet training, defecation training, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) syrup (0.7 g/Kg daily). In the treatment group, in addition to conventional therapy, a pediatrician taught Kegel exercises to the child both verbally and in writing in the presence of their parents. To investigate the effectiveness of the intervention, frequency of defecation, defecation time, assistance used for defecation, incomplete emptying, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painful defecation were selected as the outcomes. Independent sample t test was used for continuous variables. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentages. To examine the difference in categorical outcome variables, Wilcoxon (pre and post), Chi square, and Fisher exact tests were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-seven (88.4%) patients in the Kegel exercise group reported a defecation time of less than 5 min, while only 12 (37.5%) patients in the control group reached this time, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Moreover, patients in the treatment group showed significant improvements in terms of incomplete emptying of stool, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painless defecation (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.037, respectively). After intervention, the use of laxatives, digits, or enemas to assist defecation was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.659). Conclusion: Kegel exercise was an effective adjunctive treatment for pediatric functional constipation.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20230424057984N1.

Large Volume Paracentesis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Temporarily Diminishes Blood Cell Count.

Background: Large-volume paracentesis is the preferred treatment for patients with severe and refractory ascites. Several complications were reported during therapeutical paracentesis. However, there are very few published studies on the change in blood cell count after paracentesis. This study aimed to evaluate any changes in blood cell counts after ascites fluid drainage. Methods: This study was conducted on patients with severe ascites and chronic liver disease who underwent large-volume paracentesis at Namazi Hospital, in Shiraz, Iran, between March 2021 and February 2022. A data gathering form containing the patient's medical history, cause of cirrhosis, ascites fluid volume, as well as routine tests including primarily sodium, potassium, and basal creatinine, was filled out. Before and after the surgery, the total blood cell count was measured. Before the procedure, adjustment was made in the case of coagulopathy and albumin deficiency. The effect of factors such as the volume of drained fluid, splenomegaly, antibiotics, and steroid use was assessed on the changes in the number of blood cells. Using the JAMOVI 2.3.9 software, a paired t test and multiple regression were applied for statistical analysis (P<0.001). Results: The study included 37 patients. After the paracentesis procedure, the number of blood cells significantly decreased in all groups (P<0.001). The followings are the amounts of each type of blood cells before and after the procedure: Platelet=153837±91862 and 115648±69136, red blood cells=3.53±0.784 and 3.22±0.705, white blood cells=12.3±7.78 and 8.6±5.5. None of the study variables, including drained volume, splenomegaly, antibiotics, and steroid use, were significant predictors of the changes in the blood cell count after paracentesis (P>0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that children with tense ascites who had large-volume paracentesis might experience a sharp drop in blood cell count after the procedure, which was a transient physiological condition.

Questioning Diagnostic Value of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 for Biliary Atresia.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) has been suggested as a promising biomarker in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum MMP7 in BA in the Middle Eastern population. Methods and materials: In this cross-sectional study, neonates and infants with direct hyperbilirubinemia admitted to Namazi referral hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were studied. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and blood samples were obtained on admission. MMP7 serum concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ZellBio GmbH, Ulm, Germany). Results: 44 infants with a mean age of 65.59 days were studied. Of these patients, 13 cases were diagnosed with BA, and 31 cases' cholestasis related to other etiologies. Serum MMP7 concertation was 2.13 ng/mL in the BA group and 1.85 ng/mL in the non-BA group. MMP7 was significantly higher in those presented with either dark urine or acholic stool. The predictive performance capability of the MMP7 was not significant in the discrimination of BA from the non-BA group based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under curve: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.75). In the optimal cut of point 1.9, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.6% and 45.1%, respectively. Further combination of MMP7 with Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, direct and total bilirubin, and dark urine or acholic stool was not remarkably boosted the diagnostic accuracy of the test. Interestingly, GGT at a cut-off point of 230 U/L was 84.6% sensitive and 90.3% specific for BA. Conclusion: Our results are not consistent with previous studies on this subject. Considering more conventional and available tests like GGT besides conducting future studies with greater samples and different geographical areas is recommended.

Rosa damascena together with brown sugar mitigate functional constipation in children over 12 months old: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rosa × damascena Herrm., known as damask rose, is a bushy shrub that is found abundantly in Fars province, Iran. This species has been used in Iranian traditional practices for the treatment of abdominal pain and constipation, as gastrointestinal diseases. Brown sugar (Saccharum officinarum L.) has also shown laxative effects in pediatric patients with functional constipation. AIM OF STUDY: This study aimed to compare the effects of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and a syrup made of R. damascena and brown sugar on the treatment of functional constipation in children aged above 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 100 patients. One group received PEG and the other received an herbal syrup containing the decocted extract of 0.1 g R. damascena petals mixed with 0.85 g brown sugar per 1 mL. The patients were followed up for two and four weeks and their progresses were recorded. RESULTS: The cure rate was 100% in the R. damascena group and 91.7% in the control group. R. damascena and brown sugar syrup had an odds ratio of 1.09 in the treatment of functional constipation compared to PEG, but the difference was not statistically significant. The only adverse effect detected in the R. damascena group after four weeks was the bad taste of the medication that was too sweet. Nonetheless, this could be solved during the pharmaceutical processes. CONCLUSION: The R. damascena extract and brown sugar syrup can be used as an effective, safe, and inexpensive agent in the treatment of functional constipation.

An evaluation of ascitic calprotectin for diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: The most common infection in children with the hepatic disease with or without cirrhotic ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which occurs in the absence of an evident intra-abdominal source of infection. The present study aims to assess the value of calprotectin in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-section study, 80 children with underlying liver disease who attended the Hepatology and Emergency Department in Shiraz University Hospitals were studied. All the patients were evaluated by a thorough history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, diagnostic paracentesis with PMNLs count, and Calprotectin, which was measured in 1 mL ascitic fluid by ELISA. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with ascitic fluid infection. Of these children 6 cases had positive ascitic fluid culture (SBP). Calprotectin was high in AFI patients with a statistically significant difference in AFI patients compared to non-AFI patients. The cut-off levels were 91.55 mg /L and the area under the curve was 0.971. So it can serve as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for detection of AFI in children with underlying liver disease. CONCLUSION: Elevated ascitic calprotectin levels in cirrhotic patients are a diagnostic and reliable marker for the detection of AFI and are considered a surrogate marker for PMN.

Different Clinical Features of Celiac Disease in Children, Adolescents, and Adults; a Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND Celiac disease is a common disorder but there are few studies comparing the clinical features of the disease in adults, adolescents and children. METHODS Demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients with celiac disease referred to the Celiac Clinic were evaluated and compared in different age groups. RESULTS Of 3416 participants, 473 patients were included. 302 (63.8%) were women and 171 (36.2%) were men. Overall, 325 (68.7%) and 411 (86.9%) patients had gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI manifestations, respectively. The most common symptom in adults was psychiatric problems (66.5%), while abdominal discomfort was the most common symptom in adolescents (45.2%) and children (53.8%). According to age groups, GI manifestations were seen in 79 (66.4%), 119 (59.8%), and 127 (81.9%) children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Adults had significantly more GI manifestations than the other groups (PR 1.167; 95% CI: 1.094- 1.244; p < 0.001). Non-GI manifestations were seen in 90 (75.6%), 174 (87.4%), and 147 (94.8%) children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Adults had significantly more non-GI manifestations than the other groups (PR 1.112; 95% CI: 1.060-1.168; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study showed that there were significant differences in the clinical features of celiac disease between the different age groups. Considering these results may help plan for future studies.

Clinical and genetic spectrum of glycogen storage disease in Iranian population using targeted gene sequencing.

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are known as complex disorders with overlapping manifestations. These features also preclude a specific clinical diagnosis, requiring more accurate paraclinical tests. To evaluate the patients with particular diagnosis features characterizing GSD, an observational retrospective case study was designed by performing a targeted gene sequencing (TGS) for accurate subtyping. A total of the 15 pediatric patients were admitted to our hospital and referred for molecular genetic testing using TGS. Eight genes namely SLC37A4, AGL, GBE1, PYGL, PHKB, PGAM2, and PRKAG2 were detected to be responsible for the onset of the clinical symptoms. A total number of 15 variants were identified i.e. mostly loss-of-function (LoF) variants, of which 10 variants were novel. Finally, diagnosis of GSD types Ib, III, IV, VI, IXb, IXc, X, and GSD of the heart, lethal congenital was made in 13 out of the 14 patients. Notably, GSD-IX and GSD of the heart-lethal congenital (i.e. PRKAG2 deficiency) patients have been reported in Iran for the first time which shown the development of liver cirrhosis with novel variants. These results showed that TGS, in combination with clinical, biochemical, and pathological hallmarks, could provide accurate and high-throughput results for diagnosing and sub-typing GSD and related diseases.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children: a single center study at Tertiary hospital Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy among children who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Nemazee hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were included in the current study. Place of the study was department of pediatric gastroenterology of Nemazee children hospital of Shiraz university of medical sciences. Duration of the study was 5 year starting from 2008. All drugs such as aspirin, NSAIDS, and heparin were discontinued 1-7 days before procedures. All patients were kept NPO 6-8 hours before procedure according to the age. Single dose antibiotic was prescribed for all cases before procedure. During procedure, all patients were sedated using propofol and or midazolam. Some patients required intubation. RESULTS: Of 39 cases who underwent PEG, 4 (10.2%) patients showed complication. The most common indication for PEG insertion were neurologic problem (84.6%) and metabolic disease (10.2%). Of our patients, 84.6% of the cases had the weight below third percentile. CONCLUSION: The most common indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was cerebral palsy. The complication rate in our study was 10.2%. Celulitis was the most common complication.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children: a single center study at Tertiary hospital Iran / Gastrostomía percutánea en niños: reporte de un hospital terciario de Iran

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy among children who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Nemazee hospital. Materials and methods: All children who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were included in the current study. Place of the study was department of pediatric gastroenterology of Nemazee children hospital of Shiraz university of medical sciences. Duration of the study was 5 year starting from 2008. All drugs such as aspirin, NSAIDS, and heparin were discontinued 1-7 days before procedures. All patients were kept NPO 6-8 hours before procedure according to the age. Single dose antibiotic was prescribed for all cases before procedure. During procedure, all patients were sedated using propofol and or midazolam. Some patients required intubation. Results: Of 39 cases who underwent PEG, 4 (10.2%) patients showed complication. The most common indication for PEG insertion were neurologic problem (84.6%) and metabolic disease (10.2%). Of our patients, 84.6% of the cases had the weight below third percentile. Conclusion: The most common indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was cerebral palsy. The complication rate in our study was 10.2%. Celulitis was the most common complication

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las complicaciones luego de una gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (PEG) en niños realizada en el hospital Nemazee. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron al estudio todos los niños que se realizaron PEG en el hospital. El lugar del estudio fue el departamento de gastroenterología pediátrica del Hospital para niños Nemazee de la Universidad Shiraz de ciencias médicas. La duración del estudio fue cinco años, iniciando en el año 2008. Todas las drogas como aspirina, AINES y heparina fueron suspendidas entre 1 a 7 días previos al procedimiento. Todos los pacientes estuvieron entre 6 a 8 horas del examen en ayunas dependiendo de la edad. Se prescribió una dosis de antibioterapia profiláctica en todos los casos previo al procedimiento. Durante el procedimiento, todos los pacientes fueron sedados usando propofol y/o midazolam. Algunos pacientes necesitaron intubación. Resultados: De 39 casos que se sometieron a PEG, 4 (10,2%) tuvieron alguna complicación. La indicación más frecuente de PEG fueron los problemas neurológicos (84,6%) y luego las enfermedades metabólicas (10,2%). De nuestros pacientes, 84,6% de los casos estuvieron por debajo del tercer percentile. Conclusión: La indicación más común de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea fue la parálisis cerebral. La tasa de complicación en nuestro estudio fue 10,2%. La celulitis fue la complicación más común

Caustic ingestion in children in south of Iran. Retrospective study from Shiraz - Iran.

Caustic ingestion is a major health concern in both developed and developing countries, that may lead to serious esophageal injury. The clinical presentation of caustic ingestion in children vary from asymptomatic to serious and fatal sequelae, such as perforation and stricture formation. OBJECTIVE: Due to the lack of a comprehensive study in our area, this study has evaluated clinical and endoscopic manifestations and complications of caustic ingestion in children in south of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 75 children with caustic ingestion who admitted in Nemazee Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Science during 6 years (2006-2011). Sign and symptoms were recorded for each case. RESULTS: The most common symptoms were dysphagia, oral lesions, vomiting, and drooling. Esophageal injuries were detected in both acid and alkali ingestion, but gastric injuries was significantly more in acid ingestion. During follow up period, 20% of all cases developed esophageal stricture. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia, oral lesions, vomiting, and drooling were the most common findings.Esophageal stricture was found in 20% of cases during 3 months of follow up.

Caustic ingestion in children in south of Iran: Retrospective study from Shiraz - Iran / Ingestión de cáusticos en niños del sur de Irán: Estudio retrospectivo de Shiraz - Irán

Caustic ingestion is a major health concern in both developed and developing countries, that may lead to serious esophageal injury. The clinical presentation of caustic ingestion in children vary from asymptomatic to serious and fatal sequelae, such as perforation and stricture formation. Objective: Due to the lack of a comprehensive study in our area, this study has evaluated clinical and endoscopic manifestations and complications of caustic ingestion in children in south of Iran. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 75 children with caustic ingestion who admitted in Nemazee Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Science during 6 years (2006-2011). Sign and symptoms were recorded for each case. Results: The most common symptoms were dysphagia, oral lesions, vomiting, and drooling. Esophageal injuries were detected in both acid and alkali ingestion, but gastric injuries was significantly more in acid ingestion. During follow up period, 20% of all cases developed esophageal stricture. Conclusion: Dysphagia, oral lesions, vomiting, and drooling were the most common findings. Esophageal stricture was found in 20% of cases during 3 months of follow up.

La ingestión de cáusticos es una gran preocupación de salud tanto en países desarrollados como en vías de desarrollo, que puede llevar a lesiones esofágicas graves. La presentación clínica de la ingestión de cáusticos en niños varía desde asintomática hasta tener secuelas fatales, como perforación y/o estenosis. Objetivo: Debido a la ausencia de estudios en nuestra área, este estudio ha evaluado las manifestaciones clínicas, endoscópicas y las complicaciones de la ingesta de cáusticos en niños en el sur de Irán. Materiales y métodos: En estudio retrospectivo, revisamos 75 niños con ingesta de cáusticos que ingresaron al Nemazee Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Science durante 6 años (2006-2011). Los signos y síntomas fueron recolectados para cada caso. Resultados: Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron disfagia, lesiones orales, vómitos y salivación. Las lesiones esofágicas se detectaron tanto en ingestión de ácido como de álcali, pero las lesiones gástricas fueron definitivamente más frecuentes con la ingestión de ácidos. Durante el periodo de seguimiento el 20% de los casos desarrolló estrechez esofágica. Conclusión: La disfagia, lesiones orales, vómitos y salivación fueron los hallazgos más comunes. La estrechez esofágica se encontró en el 20% de los casos durante los tres meses de seguimiento de los pacientes.

Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum in a 3-day-old Neonate; A Case Report.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication in neonatal period. A 3-dayold term male neonate was transferred to our emergency room due to bowel perforation. Surgical exploration was done and perforated Meckel's diverticulum was detected. Pathological report of the tissue showed inflamed diverticulum with heterotopic gastric mucosa. This is the first report of Meckel's diverticulum perforation in a neonate in our country.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: Is it really a rare condition in children?

AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of the children with solitary rectal ulcer. METHODS: Fifty-five children with a confirmed diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer were studied in a period of 11 years from March 2003 to March 2014. All data were collected from the patients, their parents and medical records in the hospital. RESULTS: From 55 studied patients, 41 were male (74.5%) and 14 female (25.5%). The mean age of the patients was 10.4 ± 3.7 years and the average time period from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer was 15.5 ± 11.2 mo. The most common clinical symptoms in our patients were rectal bleeding (n = 54, 98.2%) and straining during defecation or forceful defecation (n = 50, 90.9%). Other symptoms were as follows respectively: Sense of incomplete evacuation (n = 34, 61.8%), mucorrhea (n = 29, 52.7%), constipation (n = 14, 25.4%), tenesmus and cramping (n = 10, 18.2%), diarrhea (n = 9, 16.4%), and rectal pain (n = 5, 9.1%). The colonoscopic examination revealed 67.3% ulcer, 12.7% polypoid lesions, 10.9% erythema, 7.3% both polypoid lesions and ulcer, and 1.8% normal. Most of the lesions were in the rectosigmoid area at a distance of 4-6 cm from the anal margin. Finally, 69.8% of the patients recovered successfully with conservative, medical and surgical management. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that solitary rectal ulcer is not so uncommon despite what was seen in previous studies. As the most common symptom was rectal bleeding, clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with this disorder and common symptoms in order to prevent its complications with early diagnosis.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF UREA BREATH TEST FOR HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH DYSPEPSIA IN COMPARISON TO HISTOPATHOLOGY.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is the gram negative bacillus with the close association with chronic antral gastritis. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of urea breath test (UBT) with carbon isotope 13 in comparison with histopathology of gastric antrum for detection of H. pylori infection in children with dyspepsia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at specialized laboratory of Shiraz Gastroenterohepatology Research Center and Nemazee Hospital, Iran, during a 12-months period. This study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of UBT in comparison with biopsy-based tests. We included a consecutive selection of 60 children who fulfilled Rome III criteria for dyspepsia. All children were referred for performing UBT with carbon isotope 13 (C13) as well as endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from antrum of stomach and duodenum. The pathologic diagnosis was considered as the standard test. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 10.1±2.6 (range 7-17 years). From our total 60 patients, 28 (46.7%) had positive UBT results and 32 (53.3%) had negative UBT results. Pathologic report of 16 (57.1%) out of 28 patients who had positive UBT were positive for H. pylori and 12 (42.9%) ones were negative. Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. Another multicenter study from our country is recommended.

Diagnostic accuracy of urea breath test for helicobacter pylori infection in children with dyspepsia in comparison to histopathology

ABSTRACT Background - Helicobacter pylori infection is the gram negative bacillus with the close association with chronic antral gastritis. Objective - In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of urea breath test (UBT) with carbon isotope 13 in comparison with histopathology of gastric antrum for detection of H. pylori infection in children with dyspepsia. Methods - This cross-sectional study was performed at specialized laboratory of Shiraz Gastroenterohepatology Research Center and Nemazee Hospital, Iran, during a 12-months period. This study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of UBT in comparison with biopsy-based tests. We included a consecutive selection of 60 children who fulfilled Rome III criteria for dyspepsia. All children were referred for performing UBT with carbon isotope 13 (C13) as well as endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from antrum of stomach and duodenum. The pathologic diagnosis was considered as the standard test. Results - The mean age of the participants was 10.1±2.6 (range 7-17 years). From our total 60 patients, 28 (46.7%) had positive UBT results and 32 (53.3%) had negative UBT results. Pathologic report of 16 (57.1%) out of 28 patients who had positive UBT were positive for H. pylori and 12 (42.9%) ones were negative. Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. Conclusion - Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. Another multicenter study from our country is recommended.

RESUMO Contexto - A infecção por Helicobacter pylori, bacilo gram negativo, tem estreita associação com gastrite antral crônica. Objetivo - Neste estudo, avaliou-se a precisão do teste respiratório da urease (UBT) com isótopos de carbono 13 em comparação com a histopatologia do antro gástrico para detecção da infecção por H. pylori em crianças com dispepsia. Métodos - Estudo transversal realizado no laboratório especializado no Centro de Pesquisa Gastroenterológica de Shiraz e do Hospital de Nemazee, Iran, durante um período de 12 meses. Este estudo investigou a sensibilidade, a especificidade e valores preditivos positivos e negativos da UBT em comparação com testes baseados em biópsia. Incluímos uma seleção consecutiva de 60 crianças que preencheram os critérios de Roma III para dispepsia. Todas as crianças foram encaminhadas para a realização de UBT com isótopos de carbono 13 (C13) assim como endoscopia. Biópsias foram tiradas do antro do estômago e duodeno. O diagnóstico patológico era considerado o teste padrão. Resultados - A idade média dos participantes foi 10.1±2.6 (intervalo de 7 a 17 anos). Do nosso total de 60 pacientes, 28 (46,7%) tiveram resultados positivos UBT e 32 (53,3%) tiveram resultados negativos de UBT. Dezesseis (57,1%) de 28 pacientes que tiveram UBT positiva foram H. pylori positivo e 12 (42,9%) foram negativos. A sensibilidade e especificidade do C13-UBT para detecção da infecção por H. pylori foi de 76,2% e 69,2%, respectivamente. Conclusão - A sensibilidade e especificidade do C13-UBT para detecção da infecção por H. pylori foi de 76,2% e 69,2%, respectivamente. Recomenda-se outro estudo multicêntrico de nosso país.

Evaluation of the Correlation Between tTG-IgA Titer and Duodenal Biopsy Findings in Children With Suspected Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated inflammation of the small intestine caused by sensitivity to dietary gluten in genetically sensitive individuals. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies for the diagnosis of celiac disease in a pediatric population in order to determine if duodenal biopsy can be avoided. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were selected among individuals with probable celiac disease, referring to a gastrointestinal clinic. After physical examinations and performing tissue transglutaminase-immunoglobulin A (tTG-IgA) tests, upper endoscopy was performed if serological titer was higher than 18 IU/mL. Therapy started according to pathologic results. RESULTS: The sample size was calculated to be 121 subjects (69 female and 52 male subjects); the average age of subjects was 8.4 years. A significant association was found between serological titer and pathologic results; in other words, subjects with high serological titer had more positive pathologic results for celiac disease, compared to others (P < 0.001). Maximum sensitivity (65%) and specificity (65.4%) were achieved at a serological titer of 81.95 IU/ml; the calculated accuracy was lower in comparison with other studies. As the results indicated, lower antibody titer was observed in patients with failure to gain weight and higher antibody titer was reported in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: As the results indicated, a single serological test (tTg-IgA test) was not sufficient for avoiding intestinal biopsy.

BOWEL PREPARATION BEFORE COLONOSCOPY FOR CHILDREN: comparison of efficacy of three different methods

Background - Colonoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Adequate bowel preparation is mandatory. Several regimens were discussed in the literature. Among the drugs which has recently used, polyethylene glycol is one of the most popular agents. Objectives - The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of three different methods for 1 day preparation before colonoscopy. Methods - This study included children with the range of ages (2-21) who had an indication of colonoscopy. Exclusion criteria were based on the history of previous surgery, parental disagreement, and patients who did not use preparation protocol. Three methods for bowel preparation were studied: 1- Polyethylene glycol only; 2- Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl suppositories; 3- Polyethylene glycol plus normal saline enema. Boston Bowel Preparation Score was used for evaluation of preparation. SPSS version 16.0 (Chicago, IL, USA) were used for data analysis. Results - In this study 83 cases completed the bowel preparation completely. Acceptable bowel preparation was seen in 24 (85.71%), 36 (94.73%), and 14 (82.35%) of cases in PEG, PEG + bisacodyl, and PEG + normal saline enema groups respectively. PEG + bisacodyl suppositories was more effective than PEG + normal saline for the preparation of the first segment ( P=0.05). For second and third segment of colon, BPPS score was higher in PEG + bisacodyl suppositories compared to other regimens, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion - There was no significant difference between 1 day colonoscopy regimens in terms of bowel preparation score. Lowest score was seen in PEG + enema group compared to other group.

Contexto - A colonoscopia é um procedimento diagnóstico e terapêutico importante. A preparação intestinal adequada é obrigatória. Vários esquemas são discutidos na literatura. Dentre as drogas que se têm usado recentemente, o polietilenoglicol é um dos agentes mais utilizados. Objetivo - O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia de três métodos diferentes para a preparação feita 1 dia antes de colonoscopia. Métodos - Este estudo incluiu crianças com a gama de idades entre 2 e 21 anos, que tinham indicação de colonoscopia. Os critérios de exclusão foram baseados em história da cirurgia anterior, não aprovação dos pais e pacientes que não utilizaram o protocolo de preparação. Três métodos para a preparação do intestino foram estudados: 1-polietilenoglicol; 2 - polietilenoglicol e bisacodil supositórios; 3 - polietilenoglicol e enema de solução salina. O escore de Boston para preparação intestinal foi usado para a avaliação e os dados foram analisados pelo SPSS versão 16.0 (Chicago, Il, USA). Resultados - Um total de 83 pacientes concluiu completamente o preparo intestinal. Houve preparo aceitável em 24 (85,71%), 36 (94,73%) e 14 (82,35%) dos casos, nos grupos PEG, PEG + bisacodil e PEG + enema salino, respectivamente. PEG + bisacodil supositórios foi mais eficaz do que a PEG + solução salina para a preparação do primeiro segmento ( P=0,05). Para segundo e terceiro segmento do cólon, a pontuação de BPPS foi maior no grupo PEG + bisacodil supositórios em comparação com outros regimes, mas essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão - Não houve nenhuma diferença significativa entre os regimes de preparo para colonoscopia de um dia em termos de pontuação de preparação do intestino. A nota mais baixa foi vista no grupo PEG + enema em comparação com outros grupos.

Complications of blind versus ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in children.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Liver biopsy is a well-established procedure in the diagnosis and follow-up of liver diseases. Complications of liver biopsy are rare but potentially lethal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications of percutaneous liver biopsy and to compare the complications of blind and ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in paediatric wards of Nemazee Hospital of Shiraz in the south of Iran. PATIENT AND METHOD: To complete the questionnaire, registered information of liver biopsies due to different causes in paediatric patients between 2008 and 2012 was retrospectively reviewed. All children aged between 0 and 18years, who underwent liver biopsy (due to any indication), participated in this study. RESULTS: Liver biopsies were obtained from 210 patients. Seven of 210 cases were excluded due to unreliable data. A total of 209 liver biopsies were done in the rest of the cases (n=203). Of all cases of liver biopsies, 22 (10.5%) experienced complications after biopsy. Pain (n=7) was the most frequent complication in 22 cases of liver biopsy. Mortality rate was one (0.5%) due to rupture of subcapsular haematoma. In terms of complication (p=0.592), there was no significant difference statistically between patients with blind liver biopsy (n=16) and patients with ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (n=6). CONCLUSION: In terms of complications, there was no significant difference when the patients were evaluated with and without ultrasound-guided biopsy.