Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Colombian anesthesiologists: Survey study / Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en anestesiólogos colombianos. Estudio de encuesta

Abstract Introduction: The practice of anesthesiology during the COVlD-i9/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a psychological impact, and has been associated with ethical dilemmas, work overload, and occupational risk. Objective: To understand different problems affecting anesthesiologists, in particular with regards to professional ethics in the decision-making process, increased personal workload, and the potential risk in terms of their own safety and health, as a consequence of working during the COVlD-19 pandemic. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A survey was administered to anesthesiologists members of the Colombian Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (S.C.A.R.E.), to enquire about work hours, occupational safety, prevention standards and strategies, and ethical aspects involved in decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 218 anesthesiologist participated in the survey. Most of the respondents felt that there was not a significant increase in their workload, except for those in critical care (42.5 %; n = 17). Most of the participants believe that leisure time is not enough. 55.96 % (n = 122) of the participants said they felt moderately safe with the biosecurity measures, but with a higher risk of contagion versus other practitioners, with 72.9 % (n = 159) responding that they used their own money to buy personal protection equipment (PPE). There was also evidence that one fourth of the respondents has faced ethical dilemmas during the resuscitation of SARS-CoV-2 - infected patients. Conclusions: The information gathered is a preliminary approach to the situation arising in Colombia as a result of the pandemic; it is clear that anesthesiologists perceive higher associated lack of safety due to different factors such as higher risk of infection, shortage of PPEs and burnout, inter alia. Hence we believe that it is fundamental to acknowledge the work of all anesthesiologists and understand the impact that the pandemic has had on this group of professionals.

Resumen Introducción: El ejercicio de la anestesiología durante la pandemia por COVID-i9/SARS-CoV-2 ha tenido un impacto psicológico y ha estado asociado a dilemas éticos, aumento en la sobrecarga y riesgo laboral. Objetivo: Comprender distintos problemas en los que se han visto envueltos los médicos anestesiólogos, en especial los relacionados con su ética profesional en el proceso de tomar decisiones, el aumento en la carga personal y el posible riesgo de su seguridad y salud como consecuencia de su labor durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal. Por medio de una encuesta, aplicada a anestesiólogos afiliados a la Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología y Reanimación (S.C.A.R.E.), se indagó acerca de jornadas laborales, seguridad laboral, normas y estrategias de prevención, y aspectos éticos vinculados con la toma de decisiones durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Resultados: Participaron 218 anestesiólogos. La mayoría de los encuestados consideró que no hubo aumento significativo en su carga laboral, excepto aquellos que ejercen en cuidado crítico (42,5 %; n = 17). La mayoría de los participantes consideran que el tiempo de descanso no es suficiente. Un 55,96 % (n = 122) de los participantes, refieren sentirse moderadamente seguros con las medidas de bioseguridad, pero con un mayor riesgo de contagio frente a otros profesionales, con un 72,9 % (n = 159) y manifestaron haber invertido de sus propios recursos para la adquisición de elementos de protección personal (EPP). Así mismo, se evidenció que una cuarta parte de los entrevistados se ha enfrentado a dilemas éticos durante la reanimación de pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2. Conclusiones: La información obtenida hace un acercamiento inicial a la problemática generada en Colombia por la pandemia, donde es evidente que los anestesiólogos perciben una mayor inseguridad asociada, debido a diversos factores como mayor riesgo de infección, insuficiencia de EPP y burnout, entre otros. Por ende, creemos que es fundamental reconocer el trabajo de todos los anestesiólogos, y comprender el impacto que la pandemia ha tenido en estos profesionales.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common conditions in clinical practice. In spite of its prevalence, FD is associated with major uncertainties in terms of its definition, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS: A Delphi consensus was initiated with 41 experts from 22 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 87 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 36 statements. RESULTS: The panel agreed with the definition in terms of its cardinal symptoms (early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning), its subdivision into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, and the presence of accessory symptoms (upper abdominal bloating, nausea, belching), and overlapping conditions. Also, well accepted are the female predominance of FD, its impact on quality of life and health costs, and acute gastrointestinal infections, and anxiety as risk factors. In terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, the consensus supports a role for impaired gastric accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, and altered central processing of signals from the gastroduodenal region. There is consensus that endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of FD, but that in primary care, patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy. There is consensus that H. pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy. Also, proton pump inhibitor therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached a consensus. The long-term prognosis and life expectancy are favorable. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis and management of FD.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common conditions in clinical practice. In spite of its prevalence, FD is associated with major uncertainties in terms of its definition, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS: A Delphi consensus was initiated with 41 experts from 22 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 87 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 36 statements. RESULTS: The panel agreed with the definition in terms of its cardinal symptoms (early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning), its subdivision into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, and the presence of accessory symptoms (upper abdominal bloating, nausea, belching), and overlapping conditions. Also, well accepted are the female predominance of FD, its impact on quality of life and health costs, and acute gastrointestinal infections, and anxiety as risk factors. In terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, the consensus supports a role for impaired gastric accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, and altered central processing of signals from the gastroduodenal region. There is consensus that endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of FD, but that in primary care, patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy. There is consensus that H. pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy. Also, proton pump inhibitor therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached a consensus. The long-term prognosis and life expectancy are favorable. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis and management of FD.

Complexities and challenges of surgical data collection from cataract patients: comparison of cataract surgery rates between 2001 and 2008 in all provinces of Argentina.

PURPOSE: To compare the cataract surgical rate (CSR) in 2001 with that in 2008 in all Argentinean provinces using current reporting methods and verify the accuracy of CSRs by cross-checking these methods with the number of sold intraocular lenses (IOLs) within the country. METHODS: A longitudinal study including public and private set-ups was conducted, and it included 40 ophthalmologists from 22 provinces who provided cataract surgery data for 2001 and 2008. Other data were obtained from the Ministry of Health. Estimates were cross-checked against the market data for sold intraocular lens (IOLs) in 2008 and 2010. RESULTS: The number of cataract surgeries increased 2.7-fold, from 62,739 in 2001 to 169,762 in 2008, with increases in every province except Mendoza. Although the population also increased by 9.4% during the same time period, the apparent CSR jumped from 1,744 to 4,313 per million population. The number of IOLs sold in Argentina in 2008 was 186,652, suggesting that the number of cataract surgeries performed was slightly greater than anticipated. Cross-checks with other countries using IOL sales data did not show discrepancies when compared with previously reported CSRs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the CSR in Argentina increased considerably from 2001 to 2008 for several reasons, the main reason was that thorough cross-checking between the number of surgeries reported and the number of IOLs sold revealed that the number of surgeries performed annually were being underestimated as a result of incomplete reporting by private practitioners. Furthermore, the presence of multiple societies of ophthalmology in the country complicated the process of obtaining accurate data.

The origin of segmentation motor activity in the intestine.

The segmentation motor activity of the gut that facilitates absorption of nutrients was first described in the late 19th century, but the fundamental mechanisms underlying it remain poorly understood. The dominant theory suggests alternate excitation and inhibition from the enteric nervous system. Here we demonstrate that typical segmentation can occur after total nerve blockade. The segmentation motor pattern emerges when the amplitude of the dominant pacemaker, the slow wave generated by interstitial cells of Cajal associated with the myenteric plexus (ICC-MP), is modulated by the phase of induced lower frequency rhythmic transient depolarizations, generated by ICC associated with the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP), resulting in a waxing and waning of the amplitude of the slow wave and a rhythmic checkered pattern of segmentation motor activity. Phase-amplitude modulation of the slow waves points to an underlying system of coupled nonlinear oscillators originating in the networks of ICC.

Complexities and challenges of surgical data collection from cataract patients: comparison of cataract surgery rates between 2001 and 2008 in all provinces of Argentina / Complexidades e desafios da coleta de dados cirúrgicos de catarata: comparação das taxas de cirurgia de catarata em todas as províncias da Argentina de 2001 em relação a 2008

Purpose: To compare the cataract surgical rate (CSR) in 2001 with that in 2008 in all Argentinean provinces using current reporting methods and verify the accuracy of CSRs by crosschecking these methods with the number of sold intraocular lenses (IOLs) within the country. Methods: A longitudinal study including public and private setups was conducted, and it included 40 ophthalmologists from 22 provinces who provided cataract surgery data for 2001 and 2008. Other data were obtained from the Ministry of Health. Estimates were crosschecked against the market data for sold intraocular lens (IOLs) in 2008 and 2010. Results: The number of cataract surgeries increased 2.7-fold, from 62,739 in 2001 to 169,762 in 2008, with increases in every province except Mendoza. Although the population also increased by 9.4% during the same time period, the apparent CSR jumped from 1,744 to 4,313 per million population. The number of IOLs sold in Argentina in 2008 was 186,652, suggesting that the number of cataract surgeries performed was slightly greater than anticipated. Crosschecks with other countries using IOL sales data did not show discrepancies when compared with previously reported CSRs. Conclusions: Although the CSR in Argentina increased considerably from 2001 to 2008 for several reasons, the main reason was that thorough crosschecking between the number of surgeries reported and the number of IOLs sold revealed that the number of surgeries performed annually were being underestimated as a result of incomplete reporting by private practitioners. Furthermore, the presence of multiple societies of ophthalmology in the country complicated the process of obtaining accurate data. .

Objetivo: Comparar a taxa de cirurgia de catarata (TCC) em todas as províncias da Argentina entre 2001 e 2008, utilizando métodos de relatórios convencionais e verificar a precisão da TCC por meio do cruzamento desses métodos com o número de lentes intraoculares (LIOs) vendidas no país. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal realizado em clínicas públicas e privadas, com a participação de 40 oftalmologistas de 22 províncias, que forneceram dados sobre cirurgias de catarata para 2001 e 2008. Outros dados foram obtidos a partir do Ministério da Saúde. As observações foram cruzadas com os dados de mercado para LIOs no período de 2008 a 2010. Resultados: O número de cirurgias de catarata aumentaram 2,7 vezes, de 62.739 em 2001 para 169.762 em 2008, com aumentos em todas as províncias, exceto Mendoza. Embora a população também tenha aumentado 9,4 % durante o mesmo período de tempo, a aparente TCC saltou de 1.744 para 4.313 por milhão de população. O número de LIOs vendidas na Argentina em 2008 foi de 186.652, o que pode significar que tenham sido realizadas um pouco mais de cirurgias de catarata do que o estimado. Verificações cruzadas com outros países que utilizam dados de vendas de LIOs não apresentam discrepâncias quando comparado a TCC anteriormente relatadas. Conclusões: De 2001 a 2008, a TCC na Argentina aumentou consideravelmente por várias razões mas, principalmente, porque foi revelada, por meio do cruzamento de dados sobre cirurgias relatadas com o número de LIOs vendidas, que o número de cirurgias realizadas anualmente foi hipoestimado no passado, como resultado de relatórios incompletos feitos por médicos privados. Há também várias sociedades de oftalmologia no país, o que dificulta a obtenção de dados precisos. .

Risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina.

PURPOSES: To assess the risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina using a case-control study. METHODS: Surveys were used for subjects' antioxidant intake, age/gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes (and type of treatment), smoking, sunlight exposure, red meat consumption, fish consumption, presence of age-related macular degeneration and family history of age-related macular degeneration. Main effects models for logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: There were 175 cases and 175 controls with a mean age of 75.4 years and 75.5 years, respectively, of whom 236 (67.4%) were female. Of the cases with age-related macular degeneration, 159 (45.4%) had age-related macular degeneration in their left eyes, 154 (44.0%) in their right eyes, and 138 (39.4%) in both eyes. Of the cases with age-related macular degeneration in their left eyes, 47.8% had the dry type, 40.3% had the wet type, and the type was unknown for 11.9%. The comparable figures for right eyes were: 51.9%, 34.4%, and 13.7%, respectively. The main effects model was dominated by higher sunlight exposure (OR [odds ratio]: 3.3) and a family history of age-related macular degeneration (OR: 4.3). Other factors included hypertension (OR: 2.1), smoking (OR: 2.2), and being of the Mestizo race, which lowered the risk of age-related macular degeneration (OR: 0.40). Red meat/fish consumption, body mass index, and iris color did not have an effect. Higher age was associated with progression to more severe age-related macular degeneration. CONCLUSION: Sunlight exposure, family history of age-related macular degeneration, and an older age were the significant risk factors. There may be other variables, as the risk was not explained very well by the existing factors. A larger sample may produce different and better results.

Risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina / Fatores de risco para degeneração macular relacionada à idade na Argentina

PURPOSES: To assess the risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina using a case-control study. METHODS: Surveys were used for subjects' antioxidant intake, age/gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes (and type of treatment), smoking, sunlight exposure, red meat consumption, fish consumption, presence of age-related macular degeneration and family history of age-related macular degeneration. Main effects models for logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: There were 175 cases and 175 controls with a mean age of 75.4 years and 75.5 years, respectively, of whom 236 (67.4%) were female. Of the cases with age-related macular degeneration, 159 (45.4%) had age-related macular degeneration in their left eyes, 154 (44.0%) in their right eyes, and 138 (39.4%) in both eyes. Of the cases with age-related macular degeneration in their left eyes, 47.8% had the dry type, 40.3% had the wet type, and the type was unknown for 11.9%. The comparable figures for right eyes were: 51.9%, 34.4%, and 13.7%, respectively. The main effects model was dominated by higher sunlight exposure (OR [odds ratio]: 3.3) and a family history of age-related macular degeneration (OR: 4.3). Other factors included hypertension (OR: 2.1), smoking (OR: 2.2), and being of the Mestizo race, which lowered the risk of age-related macular degeneration (OR: 0.40). Red meat/fish consumption, body mass index, and iris color did not have an effect. Higher age was associated with progression to more severe age-related macular degeneration. CONCLUSION: Sunlight exposure, family history of age-related macular degeneration, and an older age were the significant risk factors. There may be other variables, as the risk was not explained very well by the existing factors. A larger sample may produce different and better results.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores de risco para degeneração macular relacionada à idade na Argentina utilizando um estudo caso-controle. MÉTODOS: Questionários foram usados para a obtenção de informações dos participantes em relação à ingesta de antioxidantes, idade/sexo, raça, índice de massa corporal, hipertensão, diabetes (e tipo de tratamento), tabagismo, exposição à luz solar, consumo de carne vermelha/peixe, presença de degeneração macular relacionada à idade e história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Modelos de efeito principal para regressão logística e regressão logística ordinal foram usados para analisar os resultados. RESULTADOS: Foram recrutados 175 casos e 175 controles com uma média de idade de 75,4 anos e 75,5, respectivamente, dos quais 236 (67,4%) eram mulheres. Cento e cinquenta e nove (45,4%) tinham degeneração macular relacionada à idade em seus olhos esquerdos, 154 (44,0%) em seus olhos direitos, e 138 (39,4%) em ambos os olhos. Entre os casos de degeneração macular relacionada à idade no olho esquerdo, 47,8% apresentavam o tipo seca, 40,3% o tipo úmida, e o tipo era desconhecido em 11,9%. Os achados para os olhos direitos foram: 51,9%, 34,4% e 13,7%, respectivamente. O modelo de efeito principal foi dominado por maior exposição à luz solar (OR [odds ratio]: 3,3) e história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade (OR: 4,3). Outros fatores incluindo hipertensão (OR: 2,1), tabagismo (OR: 2,2), e pertencente à raça mestiça, que diminuiram o risco de degeneração macular relacionada à idade (OR: 0,40). Consumo de carne vermelha e de peixe, índice de massa corporal e coloração da íris não foram fatores de risco. Idade avançada foi associada com progressão para degeneração macular relacionada à idade mais grave. CONCLUSÃO: Exposição à luz solar, história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade, e idade avançada foram os fatores de risco significativos. Podem existir outras variáveis, já que os riscos não foram bem explicados pelos fatores existentes. Um maior tamanho amostral poderia produzir resultados diferentes e melhores.

Chronic constipation: lessons from animal studies.

Chronic constipation is a highly debilitating condition, affecting a significant proportion of the community. The burden to the health care system and impact on individual patients quality of life is immense. Unfortunately, the aetiology underlying chronic constipation is poorly understood and animal models are being used increasingly to investigate possible intrinsic neurogenic and myogenic mechanisms leading to relevant colonic sensori-motor dysfunction. Recently, major advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie propagating contractions along the large intestine, such as peristalsis and colonic migrating motor complexes in laboratory animals, particularly in guinea-pigs and mice. The first recordings of cyclical propagating contractions along the isolated whole human colon have now also been made. This review will highlight some of these advances and how impairments to these motility patterns may contribute to delayed colonic transit, known to exist in a proportion of patients with chronic constipation.

Accurate localization of a fall in pH within the ileocecal region: validation using a dual-scintigraphic technique.

Stereotypical changes in pH occur along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Classically, there is an abrupt increase in pH on exit from the stomach, followed later by a sharp fall in pH, attributed to passage through the ileocecal region. However, the precise location of this latter pH change has never been conclusively substantiated. We aimed to determine the site of fall in pH using a dual-scintigraphic technique. On day 1, 13 healthy subjects underwent nasal intubation with a 3-m-long catheter, which was allowed to progress to the distal ileum. On day 2, subjects ingested a pH-sensitive wireless motility capsule labeled with 4 MBq (51)Chromium [EDTA]. The course of this, as it travelled through the GI tract, was assessed with a single-headed γ-camera using static and dynamic scans. Capsule progression was plotted relative to a background of 4 MBq ¹¹¹Indium [diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid] administered through the catheter. Intraluminal pH, as recorded by the capsule, was monitored continuously, and position of the capsule relative to pH was established. A sharp fall in pH was recorded in all subjects; position of the capsule relative to this was accurately determined anatomically in 9/13 subjects. In these nine subjects, a pH drop of 1.5 ± 0.2 U, from 7.6 ± 0.05 to 6.1 ± 0.1 occurred a median of 7.5 min (1-16) after passage through the ileocecal valve; location was either in the cecum (n = 5), ascending colon (n = 2), or coincident with a move from the cecum to ascending colon (n = 2). This study provides conclusive evidence that the fall in pH seen within the ileocolonic region actually occurs in the proximal colon. This phenomenon can be used as a biomarker of transition between the small and large bowel and validates assessment of regional GI motility using capsule technology that incorporates pH measurement.

Clinical presentation and patterns of slow transit constipation do not predict coexistent upper gut dysmotility.

BACKGROUND: Slow transit constipation (STC) is associated with upper gastrointestinal tract motor abnormalities in a subset of patients. This could influence the clinical approach, particularly in those rare cases where surgical management is considered. AIMS: To identify factors that predict proximal gut dysmotility in patients with STC. METHODS: Esophageal and small bowel motor function were evaluated in 77 patients with STC. Severity and pattern of colonic transit delay, prevalence of a co-existent rectal evacuatory disorder, and type (if present), and duration, and onset of constipation symptoms were compared. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients studied, 43% exhibited altered motor function in the esophagus and/or small bowel. Frequency of defecation was lower in these patients than in those without upper gastrointestinal dysmotility (0.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3 bowel movements/per week, respectively; P = 0.04). Severity and patterns of colonic transit delay and the mechanism associated with the onset of constipation symptoms or with their duration were similar in subjects with or without upper gastrointestinal tract dysmotility. Small bowel but not esophageal motor dysfunction was more frequently associated with a co-existent rectal evacuatory disorder (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Upper gastrointestinal tract dysmotility in patients with STC is frequent, but prediction on the basis of clinical history and characteristics of colonic transit is problematic.

Deficiency of intramuscular ICC increases fundic muscle excitability but does not impede nitrergic innervation.

The motility of the gastrointestinal tract is generated by smooth muscle cells and is controlled to a large extent by an intrinsic neural network. A gap of approximately 200 nm usually separates nerve varicosities from smooth muscle cells, which suggests that direct innervation of the smooth muscle by synapses does not occur. Enteric nerves do make synapse-like contact with proposed regulatory cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which in turn may be in gap junction contact with smooth muscle cells. The role played by ICC in enteric innervation is controversial. Experimental evidence has been presented in vitro for the hypothesis that nitrergic inhibitory innervation is strongly reduced in the absence of ICC. However, in vivo data appear to dispute that. The present report provides evidence that explains the discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro data and provides evidence that inhibitory neurotransmitters can reach smooth muscle cells without hindrance when ICC are absent. The fundic musculature shows increased responses to substance P-mediated innervation and shows marked spontaneous activity, which is consistent with increased muscle excitability.

Interstitial cells of Cajal and adaptive relaxation in the mouse stomach.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are proposed to play a role in stretch activation of nerves and are under intense investigation for potential roles in enteric innervation. Most data to support such roles come from in vitro studies with muscle strips whereas data at the whole organ level are scarce. To obtain insight into the role of ICC in distention-induced motor patterns developing at the organ level, we studied distension-induced adaptive relaxation in the isolated whole stomach of wild-type and W/W(v) mice. A method was developed to assess gastric adaptive relaxation that gave quantitative information on rates of pressure development and maximal adaptive relaxation. Pressure development was monitored throughout infusion of 1 ml of solution over a 10-min period. The final intraluminal pressure was sensitive to blockade of nitric oxide synthase, in wild-type and W/W(v) mice to a similar extent, indicating NO-mediated relaxation in W/W(v) mice. Adaptive relaxation occurred between 0.2 and 0.5 ml of solution infusion; this reflex was abolished by TTX, was not sensitive to blockade of nitric oxide synthase, but was abolished by apamin, suggesting that ATP and not nitric oxide is the neurotransmitter responsible for this intrinsic reflex. Despite the absence of intramuscular ICC (ICC-IM), normal gastric adaptive relaxation occurred in the W/W(v) stomach. Because pressure development was significantly lower in W/W(v) mice compared with wild type in all the conditions studied, including in the presence of TTX, ICC-IM may play a role in development of myogenic tone. In conclusion, a mouse model was developed to assess the intrinsic component of gastric accommodation. This showed that ICC-IM are not essential for activation of intrinsic sensory nerves nor ATP-driven adaptive relaxation nor NO-mediated relaxation in the present model. ICC-IM may be involved in regulation of (distention-induced) myogenic tone.

Association between achalasia and nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: Our group previously reported the absence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the gastroesophageal junction of patients with achalasia. NOS exists in three distinct isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible isoform (iNOS). Some studies have shown that NO production is regulated by NOS polymorphisms. AIM: To assess whether some functional polymorphisms in the nNOS, iNOS, or eNOS genes are involved in susceptibility to suffer from achalasia. METHODS: Genomic DNA from 80 unrelated Spanish Caucasian patients with sporadic achalasia and 144 healthy subjects matched for age (+/-5 yr) and gender was typed by PCR and RFLP methods for the 27-bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in intron 4 of the eNOS gene, a CA microsatellite repeat and a Nla III (C-->T) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in exon 29 of the nNOS gene, and two nucleotide substitutions located in exon 16 (C-->T) and exon 22 (G-->A) of the iNOS gene. RESULTS: No significant differences in carriage, genotype, and allele frequencies of the nNOS, iNOS, or eNOS gene polymorphisms were found between patients with achalasia and controls. Individuals homozygous for genotype iNOS22*A/A tended to be more frequent in achalasia (20%vs 11%, odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-3.59, p= 0.09) as were those homozygous for the rare eNOS*4a allele (6.2%vs 1.4%, OR 4.5, 95% CI 0.89-22.67, p= 0.1) although the difference did not reach statistical significance. No differences in genotype and allele distribution were found with respect to epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with achalasia. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that NOS gene polymorphisms are not involved in the susceptibility to and nature of the clinical course of sporadic achalasia. However, studies in a greater number of patients are required to analyze the tendency toward a higher prevalence of genotypes iNOS22*A/A and eNOS*4a4a.

Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in women who report domestic violence to the police.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Retrospective studies found an association between past sexual, physical, or psychological abuse and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). However, there are no studies evaluating such an association concurrently with the ongoing abuse. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of the main FGIDs, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, in 70 women reporting a situation of domestic violence to the police and to evaluate the level of psychological distress and its relationship with the presence of FGID. METHODS: Through an interview between a social worker and the woman reporting abuse, digestive symptoms, psychological status, and type of abuse were recorded. These data were matched against police records. Functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome were diagnosed according to Rome II criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of the women had an FGID: 67% functional dyspepsia, 47% irritable bowel syndrome, and 43% both. In two thirds of the cases, FGID onset occurred simultaneously with or soon after abuse onset. Only 34% of the women had sought medical attention for FGID symptoms. No differences were found between women with or without FGID regarding age and type or duration of abuse; psychological distress tended to be more severe in the group of women with FGIDs. CONCLUSIONS: Most women who suffer domestic violence (reported to the police) have functional dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel syndrome and also have elevated psychological distress. This has important implications, not only for comprehensive health care of women in a situation of abuse, but also for medical treatment of women with FGIDs.

Clinical patterns over time in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom instability and severity variability.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical course of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains poorly known. In 209 IBS patients meeting Rome II criteria (137 females and 72 males) we evaluated: (1). changes in frequency and intensity of abdominal pain/discomfort, abnormal number of bowel movements, loose or watery stools, defecatory urgency, hard or lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, and feeling of incomplete evacuation); (2). use of resources, HRQoL, and psychological well being. METHODS: Observational, prospective, multicenter study. Symptoms were registered in a diary over two 28-day periods with an interval of 4 wk; direct resource use and indirect costs were noted weekly. Three HRQoL questionnaires were administered. RESULTS: High-intensity symptoms were present on more than 50% of the days. Sixty-one percent were classified in the same IBS subtype on both occasions (kappa= 0.48), while 49% had the same symptom predominance and intensity (kappa= 0.40). The greatest instability was observed among diarrhea (D-IBS) and constipation (C-IBS) subtypes: only 46% and 51% remained in the same pattern with a tendency to shift to alternating diarrhea/constipation subtype (A-IBS); however, practically no patient changed from D-IBS to C-IBS, or vice versa. The most reliable symptom characteristic was frequency, followed by intensity and number of episodes. Symptom frequency and intensity were directly related to resource use and HRQoL impairment. CONCLUSIONS: IBS symptoms are instable over time and variables in intensity. Many patients with D-IBS or C-IBS move to A-IBS; however, shift from D-IBS to C-IBS, or vice versa, is very infrequent.

Achalasia treatment in the elderly: is botulinum toxin injection the best option?

BACKGROUND: Achalasia treatment in elderly patients is a matter of controversy. Botulinum toxin injection has been proposed as the best option in this group of patients as it is a safe procedure. However, concern persists regarding its short-term effect. AIMS: To analyse the clinical and economic effectiveness of botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of achalasia patients who are elderly. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive achalasia patients older than 65 years were treated with 80 units of botulinum toxin. Clinical follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months was performed. Control manometry when symptoms recurred was carried out. Results were compared with those of an historical control group of 16 achalasia patients also older than 65 years and who had been treated with endoscopic dilation. The costs of both procedures were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-nine botulinum toxin injections were performed in the 17 patients of the botulinum toxin group (follow-up, 12-36 months). In the dilation group only two patients had to be retreated (follow-up, 12-108 months). No major complications were observed in either group. The average duration of symptom alleviation was 48 +/- 33 months for endoscopic dilation and 13.8 +/- 9.5 months for botulinum toxin injection. Maintaining a patient free of symptoms cost E348.31 per year for botulinum toxin injection, whilst if endoscopic dilation was chosen the cost was only E117.47 per year. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of botulinum toxin injections wanes with time in elderly patients, necessitating repeated injections to keep the patients symptom-free. Due to the required repeated injections this procedure is more expensive than endoscopic dilation.