Clinical Outcomes of Medical Management Options for Chronic Anal Fissures in a Long-Term Follow-up: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Topical treatments and botulinum toxin injections are valid options for the management of patients with chronic anal fissures (CAF), but little is known about the efficacy of these techniques in long-term follow-up. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness, given to clinical outcomes, of medical treatments with calcium antagonists, nitroglycerin, and botulinum toxin on CAF treatment in adults. METHOD: A systemic review and meta-analysis developed according to PRISMA [PLoS Med. 2009 Jul 21;6(7):e1000100; BMJ. 2010 Mar 23;340:c332] and registered in PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42020120386). A systematic literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized control trials that compared medical treatment were identified; publications had to have a clinical definition of CAF with at least one of the following signs or symptoms: visible sphincter fibers at the base of the fissure, anal papillae, sentinel piles, and indurated margins. The symptoms had to be chronic for at least 4 weeks. Data were independently extracted for each study, and a meta-analysis was drawn using fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS: 17 randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. Diltiazem showed a superior effect compared with glycerin (RR = 1.16 [95% CI = 1.05-1.30]; I2 = 18%) and with fewer adverse effects (RR = 0.13 [95% CI = 0.04-0.042]; I2 = 87%). Similar results were evidenced with the use of nifedipine compared with lidocaine (RR = 4.53 [95% CI = 2.99-6.86]; I2 = 28%). Botulinum toxin did not show statistically significant differences compared to glycerin (RR = 0.81 [95% CI = 0.02-29.36]; I2 = 93%) or isosorbide dinitrate (RR = 1.45 [95% CI = 0.32-6.54]; I2 = 85%). Regarding recurrence, nifedipine was superior to lidocaine (RR = 0.18 [95% CI = 0.08-0.44]; I2 = 31%). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium channel blockers performed well regarding the healing of CAF when compared to others in long-term follow-up. The superiority of botulinum toxin was not evidenced compared to topical treatments. More studies are needed to better assess recurrence rates.

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica asistida por enteroscopia de doble balón en un paciente con gastrectomía total y reconstrucción en Y-de-Roux: reporte de caso / Double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with total gastrectomy and roux-en-y reconstruction: A case report

Resumen La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es un procedimiento útil en el manejo de enfermedades biliopancreáticas. Los pacientes con alteración anatómica del tracto gastrointestinal representan un desafío técnico por múltiples razones. Con técnicas como la enteroscopia de doble balón (EDB) es posible realizar una CPRE en estos pacientes. El caso que se presenta es el primero de este tipo publicado en Colombia sobre una paciente con gastrectomía total con reconstrucción en Y-de-Roux y coledocolitiasis.

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable procedure in managing biliopancreatic diseases. Patients with anatomical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract represent a technical challenge for multiple reasons. With techniques such as double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), it is possible to perform ERCP in these patients. The case was first published in Colombia on a female patient with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and choledocholithiasis.

Capsule endoscopy retention in Zenker´s diverticulum.

Clinical case of a patient who underwent small bowel examination with endoscopic capsule which was never recovered and two years later presented with dysphagia and was found with the capsule inside a Zenker´s diverticulum.

A single session of EUS directed transgastric ERCP and EUS FNB in a patient with RYGB, pancreatic head tumor and biliary obstruction.

The alteration of the gastrointestinal anatomy represents a challenge for the performance of endoscopic procedures in case of bile duct obstruction. Follow we present the technique used in a patient with altered anatomy and a mass in the head of the pancreas with obstruction of the bile duct through endoscopic ultrasound-guided trans gastric retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Acute surgical-like abdomen as a gastrointestinal manifestation of COVID-19 infection: a case report in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a considerable public health problem, which has caused a burden on health systems in many countries. Despite the existence of multiple studies on the different digestive symptoms and their relationship with this disease, it is still vital to highlight the severity of the different symptoms, the need to diagnose it properly and quickly. Currently in Colombia there are no writings that highlight the above. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reports the case of a 37-year-old female patient, with no important history, who consulted for 10 h of a generalized intense abdominal pain, of sudden onset, associated with multiple stools of diarrheal consistency, and no respiratory symptoms and no epidemiological exposure. Physical examination with intense pain in the colic frame with tenderness. It was decided to rule out surgical pathology and a CT scan was performed finding no evidence of acute intra-abdominal pathology, but with a peripheral alveolar, and ground-glass opacities at lung bases, classic COVID-19 radiological pattern, confirmed by a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, leading to consider that the gastrointestinal symptoms were secondary to this infection. Symptomatic management was given with subsequent improvement. CONCLUSIONS: It is extremely important to present this first case report of a young female COVID-19 patient with an acute abdominal pain as the main clinical manifestation, that almost culminates in a surgical procedure; demonstrating the scope of gastrointestinal symptoms secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Peripancreatic lymph node tuberculosis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound.

Peripancreatic lymph node tuberculosis is a rare disease. Correct diagnosis is a challenge, and endoscopic ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNB) allow rapid diagnosis with high precision. In this report, we present a 45-year-old female patient with abdominal pain and the presence of peripancreatic adenopathy who underwent FNB, which diagnosed peripancreatic lymph node tuberculosis.

No inferioridad entre dos agentes de bajo volumen (picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio frente al sulfato de sodio/potasio/magnesio) en la preparación del colon para procedimientos diagnósticos: estudio observacional / Non-inferiority between two low-volume agents (sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate vs. sodium sulfate/potassium/magnesium) to prepare the bowel for diagnostic procedures: an observational study

Resumen Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal es un problema de salud pública; sin embargo, la detección temprana reduce su morbimortalidad. La colonoscopia es el procedimiento de elección para detectar lesiones premalignas y el éxito depende de una limpieza adecuada. El objetivo es evaluar el desempeño de dos preparaciones de bajo volumen empleados en un hospital de alto nivel. Materiales y métodos: estudio prospectivo en adultos que asistieran a colonoscopia en la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. Las preparaciones se evaluaron con la escala de Boston, con puntaje ≥ 6 puntos para una limpieza adecuada. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para establecer la efectividad de los medicamentos con un cálculo de no inferioridad del 3 %-5 %. Resultados: 598 pacientes fueron evaluados. El 49 % (293) fue expuesto al picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio y el 51 % (305) fue expuesto al sulfato de sodio/potasio/magnesio. Con un promedio de Boston de 6,98 ± 1,86 (78 % con puntaje de Boston ≥ 6) y 7,39 ± 1,83 (83 %), respectivamente (p = 0,649). Según el análisis de la presencia y frecuencia de síntomas no deseados, el picosulfato fue mejor tolerado (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: los estudios de preparación intestinal en pacientes de un escenario real son muy escasos. Los medicamentos de bajo volumen obtuvieron una efectividad global y por segmento de colon similar, confirmando la no-inferioridad; el picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio fue mejor tolerado. Un estudio de costo-efectividad podría definir esto según las necesidades de la población de estudio.

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a public health problem; however, early detection reduces morbidity and mortality. Colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for detecting precancerous lesions, and success depends on proper bowel cleansing. Objective: To evaluate the performance of two low-volume agents used in a high-level hospital. Materials and methods: Prospective study in adults who underwent colonoscopy at the Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá, Colombia. Preparations were evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. A score ≥6 points indicated adequate preparation. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to establish the effectiveness of the medicines with a non-inferiority ratio of 3-5%. Results: 598 patients were evaluated. 49% (293) received sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate and 51% (305) received sodium sulfate/potassium/magnesium, with an average Boston score of 6.98±1.86 (78% Boston ≥6) and 7.39±1.83 (83%), respectively (p=0.649). According to the analysis of the presence and frequency of unwanted symptoms, picosulfate was better tolerated (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bowel preparation studies in patients from a real-life scenario are scarce. Low-volume agents had similar overall and segmental effectiveness in the colon, confirming non-inferiority; sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate was better tolerated. A cost-effectiveness study could establish the best option according to the needs of the study population.

Prevalence and short-term outcome of hepatorenal syndrome: A 9-year experience in a high-complexity hospital in Colombia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatorenal syndrome is a rare entity that is part of the complications of liver cirrhosis in its more severe stages. Without treatment, its mortality rate increases significantly. Terlipressin is considered to be the therapy of choice until the need of a liver transplant. The aim is to determine its prevalence, define patients' characteristics, triggers and 90-day survival, according to the type of managements established. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in Colombia. It included patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney injury who met hepatorenal syndrome criteria, reaching 28 patients from 2007 to 2015. Groups were categorized according the type of hepatorenal syndrome and treatment. Demographic and trigger factors were evaluated to characterize the population. Treatment outcomes with terlipressin vs norepinephrine were analyzed up to a 90-day survival, using log Rank test. Continuous variables needed Student's T and Mann Whitney's U tests and categorical variables, Chi2 test. A value of p <0.05 and a power of 85% was considered. The data was analyzed in the SPSS version 23 software. RESULTS: 117 patients with cirrhosis developed renal injury; of these 23.9% were diagnosed with Hepatorenal Syndrome (67.8% type1; 32.1% type2). The presence of ascites was 100% in HRS2 and 84% in HRS1 (p = 0.296). The main trigger in both types was paracentesis greater than 5 liters in the last 4 weeks (39.3%). In total, 35% of the patients received renal replacement therapy and 14% underwent a hepatic transplant. Type 1 was more frequent (63% received terlipressin; 21% norepinephrine). The total complete response was 36% (Type2 66.6% vs. Type1 18.7%) (p = 0.026). In contrast, the overall mortality was of 67.8% at 90-day of follow-up (89.4% Type1 vs. 22% Type2) (p = <0.001). We found a lower mortality rate in patients treated with terlipressin than treated with norepinephrine (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: There is scarce clinical and epidemiological information about this condition in Colombia. A significant difference between the two drugs cannot be stipulated due to the limitation in the sample size of our study. The general mortality at a 90-day follow-up was high, being higher in patients with HRS1. While the results of this study are suggestive of clinical information for HRS patients in the Colombian population, they should also be interpreted with caution, therefore further multicenter studies should be performed.

Whipple disease diagnosed by enteroscopy: first case report in Colombia of an underdiagnosed disease and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Whipple's disease is a rare systemic disease caused by a gram-positive bacillus called Tropheryma whipplei. First described in 1907 as an intestinal lipodystrophy with histological finding of vacuoles in the macrophages of the intestinal mucous. Usually the symptoms are localized according to the compromised organ. The differential diagnosis is wide. It can be fatal without proper treatment. Recurrence can occur in up to 33% of the cases and usually compromises the neurological system. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reports the case of a 46-year-old female patient with a history of a 6-month hypochromic microcytic anemia of unknown cause. She consulted for a 6-months oppressive abdominal pain located in the mesogastrium as well as abdominal distention associated with nausea and liquid stools; in addition, she had an 8-month small and medium joint pain, without edema or erythema. Physical examination without relevant findings. Multiple esophagogastroduodenoscopies with normal gastric and duodenal biopsies findings and a normal colonoscopy were performed. Endoscope capsule showed red spots in the duodenum and ulcerations in the jejunum and proximal ileum covered by fibrin; histological report showed macrophages with positive periodic acid-schiff reaction staining (PAS staining), disgnosing Whipple's disease. Antibiotics were initiated. The patient is currently in the second phase of treatment without gastrointestinal and joint symptoms. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reported in Colombia. It is a rare entity and difficult to diagnose reason why it is important to continue with clinical investigations to give more clarity about the onset and appropriate diagnose to avoid the delay in treatment of this entity.

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled N-of-1 Trial: The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is defined as a condition developed when the reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation). This requires adequate treatment since it can lead to long-term complications including esophagus adenocarcinoma. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are generally used to treat GERD due to their high-security profile and efficiency on most patients. However, recurrent reflux despite initial treatment is frequent. N-of-1 trial is a study that allows the identification of the best treatment for each patient. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of standard dose with double dosage of esomeprazole, to improve the GERD symptoms in a single patient. Methods: A single-patient trial, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, was carried out from September 25th, 2012, to April 26th, 2013. It included one outpatient at the gastroenterology service in a fourth-level hospital, diagnosed with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Yet, his symptoms were heartburn and reflux, and his endoscopic results were normal esophageal mucosa, without hiatal hernia, though pathological pH values. A no-obese male without any tobacco or alcohol usage received esomeprazole 40 mg/day and 40 mg/bid for 24 weeks. A standardized gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was used weekly to evaluate symptom frequency and severity. The consumption of 90% of the capsules was considered as an adequate treatment adherence. D'agostino-Pearson and Wilcoxon test were used to determine normal or nonnormal distribution and compare both treatments, respectively, both with a significant statistical difference of p < 0.05. Results: The patient completed the study with 96% of adherence. The double dosage of esomeprazole did not improve the control of symptoms compared with the standard dosage. Mean symptomatic score was 9.5±0.5 and 10.2±0.6 for each treatment, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant improvement in the patient GERD symptoms increasing the dose of oral esomeprazole during the 6 months of study. N-of-1 trials in chronic pathologies including GERD are recommended due to their potential value as systematic methods that evaluate therapies without strong scientific evidence.

Embolia pulmonar aérea secundaria a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en una paciente con trasplante hepático. Reporte de caso / Case report of a pulmonary air embolism secondary to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a liver transplant patient

Resumen La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es uno de los recursos terapéuticos más importantes para el manejo de las complicaciones biliares del trasplante hepático. Sin embargo, se pueden presentar varias complicaciones: pancreatitis aguda, hemorragia, perforaciones, infecciones y eventos adversos cardiopulmonares. La embolia aérea es una complicación muy infrecuente, severa y potencialmente fatal. Se reporta un caso de embolia aérea post-CPRE en una mujer de 55 años con antecedente de trasplante hepático y estenosis de la anastomosis biliar. Se discute la presentación clínica, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y los posibles mecanismos involucrados en esta complicación.

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most important therapeutic resources for management of biliary complications of liver transplantation. However, several complications including acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforations, infections and cardiopulmonary adverse events can occur. Air embolisms occur very infrequently but are severe and potentially fatal complications. We report a case of post-ERCP embolism in a 55-year-old woman with a history of liver transplantation and stenosis of the biliary anastomosis. The clinical presentation, the diagnosis, the treatment and the possible mechanisms involved in this complication are discussed.

Esophageal Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a capillary hemangioma mainly found in the skin and oral mucosa, but rarely described in the esophagus. We report the case of a 66-year-old man who consulted for retrosternal pain. Endoscopic studies showed a 28-mm polypoid mass located at the distal esophageal mucosa. The patient underwent endoscopic resection, and the histopathological examination showed a neoplastic proliferation of small blood vessels growing in a lobular architecture, with edematous stroma and prominent inflammatory infiltrate. Special stains for fungus showed pseudohyphae compatible with Candida spp. Findings were consistent with those of an esophageal PG associated with Candida infection. This case is a reminder that PG can be found in the esophagus, can be associated with other entities such as Candida infection, and is one of the differential diagnoses of neoplastic vascular proliferations that may mimic malignancy. In addition, we reviewed previously reported cases of esophageal PG.

Incidencia de adenocarcinoma en esófago de Barrett, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, 11 años de seguimiento / Adenocarcinoma incidence in Barret’s esophagus, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá in eleven years of pursuit

Ha sido interesante el entendimiento de la fisiopatología del esófago de Barrett en los últimos 50 años y su asociación como el factor de riesgo más reconocido para adenocarcinoma de esófago, cuya incidencia se incrementa en una tasa mayor que cualquier otro tipo de cáncer, entre un 4-10 por ciento anualmente. Este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo pretende determinar la incidencia de adenocarcinoma de esófago en pacientes con esófago de Barrett y esofagitis durante once años de seguimiento, en la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Contó con 49 pacientes tanto para el grupo de expuestos (esófago de Barrett) como de no expuestos (Esofagitis). La incidencia dentro del grupo de expuestos fue de 4 por ciento (2 casos). Los intervalos de confianza del 95 por ciento para un riesgo de 4 por ciento en los sujetos expuestos, incluyeron el 0 por tanto, no hubo diferencia con la cohorte no expuesta, donde no hubo casos. Ambos eventos se detectaron en endoscopias rutinarias, con intervalo promedio entre el diagnóstico de esófago de Barrett y desarrollo de adenocarcinoma de 7,5 años. No hubo mortalidad en ambos casos. Este puede ser el primer y único estudio de cohortes que evalúa la asociación de esófago de Barrett y adenocarcinoma de esófago que se haya realizado en el país, con seguimiento a 11 años. Los hallazgos en general coinciden con lo referido en la literatura científica disponible. El seguimiento de los pacientes continúa y estos resultados deben considerarse como un informe de avance.

Papel de la domperidona en el tratamiento de la dispepsia no ulcerosa: una revisión sistemática / Rol of domperidone in the treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia: A systematic review

El manejo de los pacientes con dispepsia no ulcerosa sigue siendo un enigma. A pesar de los múltiples tratamientos con que actualmente contamos para el manejo de esta enfermedad, ninguno ha mostrado un beneficio muy superior a lo logrado por los placebos. Una de las terapias más comúnmente empleadas para tratar esta enfermedad es la de los proquinéticos. Entre este tipo de tratamiento, la domperidona, que es una antagonista de los receptores dopaminérgicos ha mostrado un efecto terapéutico regular. El propósito de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la bibliografía existente sobre el papel del la domperidona en el tratamiento de los pacientes con dispepsia no ulcerosa. Después de un análisis crítico de la literatura podemos concluir que la domperidona es una medicación segura y útil en el tratamiento de la dispepsia no ulcerosa; de hecho el número necesario de tratar es de 4

Interpretación y utilidad de las principales medidas en epidemiología clínica / Interpretation and utility of the main measures in clinical epidemiology

Uno de los principales objetivos de la epidemiología es identificar asociaciones entre factores de exposición y eventos de desenlace. Estas asociaciones deben ser medidas en forma cuantitativa a través de cálculos matemáticos simples. La proporción de ocurrencia de los eventos es evaluada con medidas de frecuencia; la asociación entre exposición y desenlace, con medidas de asociación o efecto; y el impacto que produce esta asociación en el desenlace, con medidas de impacto. Éstas frecuentemente generan confusión y su terminología es pobremente entendida. Este artículo presenta una revisión actualizada y resumida del fundamento y utilidad de estas medidas

Dieta, nutrición y cáncer gastrointestinal / Diet, nutrition and the cancer gastric

El cáncer constituye la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo y en nuestro país las neoplasias de origen gastrointestinal ocupan la primera. Ante las expectativas de crecimiento de las tasas de mortalidad por esta causa y ante la fuerte sospecha de su relación con factores de carácter dietario entre muchos otros, hemos revisado el tema a partir del Reporte Técnico de la Organización Mundial de la Salud OMS-FAO en un Comité Consultivo de Expertos denominado “Dieta, nutrición y prevención de enfermedades crónicas”. En el presente artículo revisamos las grandes dificultades para establecer causalidad entre dieta y cáncer, planteando aspectos de tipo epidemiológico de la misma, verificando algunas evidencias de su relación y exponiendo algunas recomendaciones de carácter preventivo que fácilmente pueden ser adoptadas por nuestros pacientes con el fin de disminuir factores de riesgo que bajo la evidencia actual parecen razonables