ABSTRACT
Some studies suggested that gastrointestinal (GIT) decontamination with oil may improve the prognosis of patients who ingested aluminum phosphide (AlP). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of gastric lavage with oil-based solutions to any method of gastric decontamination not using oils in patients presenting with acute AlP poisoning. The literature was searched for English-published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 16 September 2023. The searched electronic databases included MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted and pooled by calculating the risk ratio (RR) for categorical outcomes and standardized mean difference (SMD) for numerical outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven RCTs were included. Paraffin oil was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality (RR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.45, 0.76], p < .001), intubation (RR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.46, 0.76], p < .001) and vasopressor need (RR = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.56, 0.91], p = .006). Survival time was significantly prolonged with paraffin oil (SMD = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.32, 1.13], p < .001). Coconut oil was significantly associated with prolonged survival time (SMD = 0.83 [95% CI: 0.06, 1.59], p = .03) as well as decreased risk of requiring intubation (RR = 0.78 [95% CI: 0.62, 0.99], p = .04). Oil-based GIT decontamination using paraffin oil showed benefits over conventional lavage regarding the incidence of in-hospital mortality and endotracheal intubation, and survival time. Coconut oil showed some benefits in terms of the intubation incidence and survival time. Decontamination using paraffin oil is recommended. Future clinical trials are warranted with larger sample sizes and focusing on cost-benefit and safety.
Subject(s)
Aluminum Compounds , Gastric Lavage , Phosphines , Humans , Aluminum Compounds/poisoning , Gastric Lavage/methods , Oils , Paraffin , Pesticides , Phosphines/poisoning , Poisoning , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Delivery-room gastric lavage reduces feeding intolerance and respiratory distress in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of gastric lavage on exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact in neonates delivered through MSAF. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: 110 late preterm and term neonates delivered through MSAF not requiring resuscitation beyond initial steps. METHODS: Participants randomized into gastric lavage (GL) (n=55) and no-GL (n=55) groups. The primary outcome was the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 72±12 hours of life. Secondary outcomes were time to initiate breastfeeding and establish exclusive breastfeeding, rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, time to initiate skin-to-skin contact and its duration, rates of respiratory distress, feeding intolerance, and the procedure-related complications of gastric lavage monitored by pulse oximetry and videography. RESULTS: Both the groups were similar in baseline characteristics. 49 (89.1%) neonates in GL group could achieve exclusive breast-feeding at 72 hours compared to 48 (87.3%) in no-GL group [RR (95% CI) 1.02 (0.89-1.17); P=0.768]. Initiation of skin-to-skin contact was significantly delayed and the total duration was significantly less in GL group compared to no-GL group. No difference in respi-ratory distress and feeding intolerance was observed. Procedure-related complications included retching, vomiting, and mild desaturation. CONCLUSION: Gastric lavage did not help to establish exclusive breastfeeding, delayed the initiation of skin-to-skin contact in delivery room and reduced its total duration. Moreover, the procedure of gastric lavage was associated with neonatal discomfort.
Subject(s)
Meconium , Respiratory Distress Syndrome , Pregnancy , Female , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Breast Feeding , Amniotic Fluid , Gastric Lavage/adverse effects , Gastric Lavage/methods , Delivery Rooms , Vomiting/etiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay is a useful adjunct to culture for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) using gastric lavage aspirates (GLAs) in children aged < 5 years. METHODS: We reviewed the yield from diagnostic modalities in children suspected of having TB followed at an infectious disease research and treatment center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS: In 187 children clinically diagnosed with TB, a microbiologic diagnosis could be established in 40 (21%). Cultures, Xpert, and smears were positive in 30 (19%), 28 (17%), and 3 (1.6%) children, respectively. Ten cases that would not have been diagnosed by culture alone were found by the use of the Xpert assay. Collecting 2 GLA samples optimized microbiologic yield. CONCLUSIONS: In GLAs, Xpert increased the yield of microbiologically documented cases by 33%. Additionally, the rapidity of diagnosis potentially makes Xpert a valuable adjunct in initiating treatment for TB in children. Smear microscopy has low sensitivity in GLA and did not add to the documented cases. Our findings also highlight the low rate of microbiologic confirmation of clinically diagnosed TB.
Subject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Gastrointestinal Contents/microbiology , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Child, Preschool , Female , Haiti , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Caffeine is a common stimulant consumed daily worldwide and available in a wide variety of over-the-counter formulations. It is a mild central nervous system stimulant when used in recommended doses. However, it can be fatal if taken as an intentional or accidental overdose. We report a case of a 48-year-old lady with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder who consumed a significant overdose of caffeine, triggered by the stress that she had contracted coronavirus disease 19. This led to significant cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity. The condition was identified early and managed appropriately with early ß-blockers and gastric decontamination, which saved her life. There are few studies with regard to such modalities on treatment for caffeine overdose; our patient responded rapidly and favourably to the treatment. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Caffeine overdose is uncommon but one that clinicians should be aware of. Early identification and intervention with ß-adrenergic antagonists and activated charcoal is paramount in caffeine toxicity.
Subject(s)
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use , Caffeine/poisoning , Drug Overdose/therapy , Gastric Lavage/methods , COVID-19/psychology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Differently from other digestive malignancies, gastric cancer (GC) pathobiology is still little known and understood. Recently, cytopathology and molecular biology on gastric juice/gastric lavage (GJ/GL) of GC patients have provided novel and interesting results in terms of screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. However, entertaining cytologic examination and molecular test as a unified solo-run test is previously unreported. Our aim was to assess the new parameter "GL Ca 72.4" for GC patients. METHODS: Between April 2012 and July 2013, GJ/GL obtained from 37 surgical GC patients were tested for the presence/absence (GL1/GL0) of exfoliated malignant cells along with the intragastric concentration of Ca 72.4 (normal value <6.49 ng/mL: Ca 72.4n; elevated level ≥6.49 ng/mL: Ca 72.4+). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 79.3 months, all the GC alive patients were "GL0 Ca 72.4n." The "GL1 Ca 72.4+" parameter, in comparison with GL0 Ca 72.4n, strongly correlated with deeper tumor invasion (p = 0.027), severe nodal metastasis (p = 0.012), worst metastatic node ratio (p = 0.041), higher number of metastatic lymph nodes (30 vs. 20 nodes, p = 0.014), angiolymphatic invasion (p = 0.044), advanced stage (p = 0.034), and adjuvant therapy (p = 0.044). The Kaplan-Meier model showed that GL1 Ca 72.4+ subjects had shorter overall survival (OS) than GL0 Ca 72.4n cases (9.7 vs. 43.2 months, respectively, p = 0.042). At univariate analysis, the GL1 Ca 72.4+ parameter resulted a significant prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The combined cyto-molecular parameter "GL1 Ca 72.4+" appears to be a strong indicator of aggressive tumor behavior and a significant prognostic factor of poor survival for GC patients.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Stomach/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Gastric Lavage/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging/methods , Prognosis , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
The presence of bezoars in daily clinical practice is a event that poses a challenge both diagnostic, due to the associated factors in its development, as well as therapeutic. The management of this entity is associated with medical, endoscopic and surgical procedures and it is necessary to know its usefulness in different clinical scenarios. The role of carbonated beverages is increasingly accepted given its low cost, wide availability and high efficiency. For the aforementioned, it seems important to report a series of cases and the management performed.
La presencia de bezoares en la práctica clínica diaria es un evento que establece un desafío diagnóstico, por los factores asociados en su desarrollo, como también terapéutico. El manejo de esta patología se asocia a procedimientos médicos, endoscópicos y quirúrgicos siendo necesario conocer su utilidad en distintos escenarios clínicos. El rol de las bebidas carbonatadas es cada vez más aceptado dado su bajo costo, amplia disponibilidad y alta eficacia. Por lo antes señalado, nos parece importante reportar una serie de casos y el manejo realizado.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Bezoars/therapy , Carbonated Beverages , Gastric Lavage/methods , Bezoars/diagnosis , Endoscopy, Digestive System , Treatment OutcomeSubject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Hemosiderosis/diagnosis , Lung Diseases/diagnosis , Azathioprine/administration & dosage , Early Diagnosis , Hemosiderosis/drug therapy , Hemosiderosis/pathology , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Infant , Lung Diseases/drug therapy , Lung Diseases/pathology , Male , Prednisone/administration & dosage , Radiography , Thorax/diagnostic imaging , Treatment Outcome , Hemosiderosis, PulmonaryABSTRACT
Neonates who swallow a considerable amount of maternal blood may exhibit vomiting and suckling disorder during the first few days of the postnatal period. Some clinicians treat these neonates with gastric lavage (GL) to prevent vomiting and the establishment of enteral feeding empirically, but there was no study assessing the effect of GL for neonates with coffee-ground emesis. We designed a multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GL in neonates with coffee-ground emesis. Vigorous neonates with birth weight ranging from 2500 g to 3999 g and gestational age between 37w0d and 41w6d who presented with coffee-ground emesis on more than twice and diagnosed as false melena, were divided into two groups using computerized randomization. We defined feeding intolerance (FI) as (1) ≥2 vomiting episodes in 4h or ≥3 episodes in 24h and/or (2) feeding failure on at least two occasions because of retching or poor sucking. Primary outcome is percentage of infants who present FI within 24 hours from admission. We also assessed the residual volumes, number of vomiting episodes, percentage of weight reduction at postnatal day 4, rates of body weight gain at 1 month of age, and peak serum total bilirubin value before discharge. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GL for neonates with coffee-ground emesis. This trial is registered at UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000026483.
Subject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Vomiting/therapy , Birth Weight/physiology , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Meconium/chemistry , Prospective Studies , SoftwareABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the prognostic predictive value of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with acute paraquat (PQ) intoxication.A total of 107 patients with acute PQ intoxication via oral ingestion were admitted in Cangzhou Central Hospital from May 2012 to September 2018. Valuable detection indices were screened out by using Cox proportional hazard regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and their diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier curve.The 90-day mortality was 58.9% (63/107). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that PLR was not associated with 90-day survival (log-rank test; Pâ=â.661). In Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, PLR was not an independent risk factor. Meanwhile, the ROC curves showed that PLR had an AUC value of 0.569 (95% confidence interval: 0.459-0.679, Pâ=â.227) in predicting 90-day survival.PLR is not a prognostic predictor for patients with acute PQ intoxication.
Subject(s)
Blood Platelets/cytology , Lymphocytes/cytology , Organophosphate Poisoning/blood , Paraquat/poisoning , Adult , China/epidemiology , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , Gastric Lavage/methods , Herbicides/adverse effects , Herbicides/poisoning , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mortality , Organophosphate Poisoning/complications , Organophosphate Poisoning/diagnosis , Organophosphate Poisoning/mortality , Paraquat/adverse effects , Platelet Count/methods , Retrospective Studies , Time-to-Treatment/statistics & numerical data , Time-to-Treatment/trendsABSTRACT
We report a case of 50-year-old male patient from tribal area in South Indian state of Telangana, who ingested the liquid extract from crushed leaves of the plant, cleistanthus collinius with the intention of self-harm. Immediate gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration was done and the patient was subsequently admitted into an acute medical care unit. During first 24 hours of monitoring, the patient was clinically stable. There was mild normal anion gap metabolic acidosis and hypokalaemia on arterial blood gas (ABG) and was corrected accordingly. On second day of admission he developed acute onset shortness of breath. Chest auscultation revealed extensive bilateral coarse crackles. Chest X-ray was suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient had to be intubated. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was initiated in view of worsening metabolic acidosis and unstable haemodynamics. In spite of appropriate intensive care measures, the patient succumbed to illness. Immediate gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration was done and the patient was subsequently admitted into an acute medical care unit. During first 24 hours of monitoring, the patient was clinically stable. There was mild normal anion gap metabolic acidosis and hypokalaemia on ABG and was corrected accordingly. On second day of admission, he developed acute onset shortness of breath. Chest auscultation revealed extensive bilateral coarse crackles. Chest X-ray was suggestive of ARDS. The patient had to be intubated on day 2. CRRT was initiated in view of worsening metabolic acidosis and unstable haemodynamics. In spite of appropriate intensive care measures, the patient gradually deteriorated, had cardiac arrest and passed away on day 5 of his hospital stay.
Subject(s)
Antidotes/therapeutic use , Charcoal/therapeutic use , Gastric Lavage/methods , Malpighiales , Plant Extracts/poisoning , Poisoning/therapy , Suicide , Acidosis/chemically induced , Acidosis/therapy , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Poisoning/etiology , Renal Replacement Therapy , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/chemically induced , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pediatric idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH). METHODS: Pediatric IPH cases that were diagnosed at West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University between 1996 and 2017 were reviewed. Follow-up data from 34 patients were collected. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were included (42 boys and 65 girls). The median age was 6 years at diagnosis. The main manifestations of the patients were as follows: anemia (n = 100, 93.45%), cough (n = 68, 63.55%), hemoptysis (n = 61, 57%), fever (n = 23, 21.5%), and dyspnea (n = 23, 21.5%). There were relatively few pulmonary signs. The positive rates of hemosiderin-laden macrophages in sputum, gastric lavage fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were 91.66%, 98.21%, and 100%, respectively. Seventy-nine patients were misdiagnosed. A total of 105 patients were initially treated with glucocorticoids, among whom 102 survived and three died. Among the followed up patients, two died and 32 survived, among whom 10 presented with recurrent episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The classic triad of pediatric IPH is not always present. The rates of misdiagnosis and recurrence of IPH are high. Early recognition and adequate immunosuppressive therapy are imperative for improving prognosis of IPH.
Subject(s)
Anemia/diagnostic imaging , Cough/diagnostic imaging , Dyspnea/diagnostic imaging , Fever/diagnostic imaging , Hemoptysis/diagnostic imaging , Hemosiderosis/diagnostic imaging , Lung Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Anemia/drug therapy , Anemia/mortality , Anemia/physiopathology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry , Child , Child, Preschool , Cough/drug therapy , Cough/mortality , Cough/physiopathology , Diagnostic Errors/statistics & numerical data , Dyspnea/drug therapy , Dyspnea/mortality , Dyspnea/physiopathology , Female , Fever/drug therapy , Fever/mortality , Fever/physiopathology , Gastric Lavage/methods , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Hemoptysis/drug therapy , Hemoptysis/mortality , Hemoptysis/physiopathology , Hemosiderosis/drug therapy , Hemosiderosis/mortality , Hemosiderosis/physiopathology , Humans , Infant , Lung/physiopathology , Lung Diseases/drug therapy , Lung Diseases/mortality , Lung Diseases/physiopathology , Macrophages/chemistry , Male , Retrospective Studies , Sputum/chemistry , Survival Analysis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Hemosiderosis, PulmonaryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of gastric lavage (GL) in preventing feed intolerance in babies born through Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital, neonates born of MSAF after 34 weeks period of gestation requiring routine care were randomly allocated to GL with 10âml/kg of normal saline. The control group did not receive GL. The subjects were monitored for first 24 hours in predefined time epochs. The primary outcome was incidence of feed intolerance which was defined as vomiting or abdominal distension more than 2âcm from baseline measure. Babies were also monitored for potential adverse events due to GL and total duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Baseline parameters were comparable. The incidence of feed intolerance was not significant in the GL group [4.6% vs 9.2%; RR 0.92 (0.29-3)]. There were no adverse events secondary to GL. The duration of hospital stay was comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: GL in neonates born of MSAF does not reduce feed intolerance.
Subject(s)
Amniotic Fluid/chemistry , Feeding Behavior/physiology , Gastric Lavage/methods , Meconium Aspiration Syndrome/prevention & control , Vomiting/prevention & control , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Infant, Newborn , Male , Meconium Aspiration Syndrome/complications , Meconium Aspiration Syndrome/therapy , Tertiary Care Centers , Treatment Outcome , Vomiting/etiologyABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Vortioxetine is a new multimodal antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and recently introduced in Europe. While antidepressant properties of vortioxetine and its tolerability have been demonstrated by preclinical and clinical studies data on the safety of vortioxetine after overdose are still lacking. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old Caucasian man presenting a severe depressive episode that in a suicide attempt he took vortioxetine at 250âmg. DIAGNOSES: Suicide attempt by vortioxetine in a patient affected by Major Depressive Disorder. INTERVENTIONS: General evaluations and gastric lavage with 2 L of water plus 50âg of activated charcoal was performed. After 12âhours of clinical stability, the patient was discharged from the emergency department and considering the suicidal ideation he was admitted to the inpatients psychiatric department. OUTCOMES: After vortioxetine overdose the patient displayed no clinical signs or symptoms resulting from the exposure suggesting a good safety in overdose. LESSON: Overdose safety of different antidepressant drugs is a matter of great considering that overdose in individuals affected by Major Depressive Disorder frequently involves prescribed antidepressants. Previous studies showed wide variation in the relative toxicity of different antidepressant drugs with higher toxicity for tricyclic antidepressants, followed by venlafaxine bupropion and mirtazapine and lower for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. By now there is limited clinical trial experience regarding human overdose with vortioxetine and the maximum single dose tested was 75âmg in men associated with increased rates of nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, generalized pruritus, somnolence, and flushing. Even if there is still limited available evidence and further investigation is needed to better understand the potential risk of vortioxetine overdose; from our case, it seems that vortioxetine overdose at 250âmg (12 times the common daily dose) showed no signs or symptoms resulting from the exposure suggesting a good safety in overdose.
Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major , Drug Overdose , Piperazines , Suicide, Attempted/psychology , Sulfides , Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage , Antidepressive Agents/adverse effects , Charcoal/administration & dosage , Depressive Disorder, Major/complications , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy , Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology , Drug Overdose/etiology , Drug Overdose/physiopathology , Drug Overdose/psychology , Drug Overdose/therapy , Gastric Lavage/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Piperazines/administration & dosage , Piperazines/adverse effects , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Suicidal Ideation , Sulfides/administration & dosage , Sulfides/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , VortioxetineABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Intragastric free cancer cells in patients with gastric cancer have rarely been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detection rate of intragastric free cancer cells in gastric washes using two types of solutions during endoscopic examination. We further clarified risk factors affecting the presence of exfoliated free cancer cells. METHODS: A total of 175 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled. Lactated Ringer's solution (N = 89) or distilled water (DW; N = 86) via endoscopic working channel was sprayed onto the tumor surface, and the resultant fluid was collected for cytological examination. We compared the cancer-cell positivity rate between the two (Ringer and DW) groups. We also tested the correlation between cancer-cell positivity and clinicopathological factors in the Ringer group to identify risk factors for the presence of exfoliated cancer cells. RESULTS: The cancer-cell positivity rate was significantly higher in the Ringer group than that in the DW group (58 vs 6%). Cytomorphology in the Ringer group was well maintained, but not in the DW group. The larger tumor size (≥ 20 mm) and positive lymphatic involvement were significant risk factors of exfoliated free cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer cells can be highly exfoliated from the tumor surface into the gastric lumen by endoscopic irrigation in large gastric cancer with lymphatic involvement. Gastric washing by DW can lead to cytoclasis of free cancer cells; therefore, it may minimize the possibility of cancer-cell seeding in procedures carrying potential risks of tumor-cell seeding upon transluminal communication, such as endoscopic full-thickness resection and laparoscopy-endoscopy cooperative surgery.
Subject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Gastroscopy/methods , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Diagnostic Uses of Chemicals , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ringer's LactateABSTRACT
In addition to classical metastatic pathways, recently gastric cancer was described having an alternative route called "endoluminal exfoliation". Provisional analyses demonstrated, in fact, this kind of shedding is associated with several clinico-pathological features indicative of aggressive behavior and resulted to be an independent prognostic factor entailing poor prognosis. Compared with non-sowing counterparts, in fact, patients affected with exfoliating early and advanced gastric carcinomas met with shorter overall survival, disease free survival, progression free survival and time to tumor progression. In spite of these interesting results, however, the clinico-pathological and oncological significance of this unconventional metastatic route is still to be clarified. Such an investigation is further urged by the increasing widespread employment of minimally invasive treatments for gastric cancer which include a wide spectrum of intragastric interventions and maneuvers. Indeed, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, endoscopic full-thickness resection, intragastric laparoscopic surgery and hybrid procedures all take place inside of the stomach. However, iatrogenic perforations can occur during execution of these treatments leading to spillage of malignant cells from gastric to the peritoneal cavity or trocar insertion sites. Furthermore, many other gastric conditions and interventions can collide with endogastric presence of floating cancer cells: spontaneous ulceration or perforation, laparotomy surgery, gastrointestinal occlusion, diverticula. Viability, migration and intraluminal transportability of the intragastric floating cancer cells represents another original and intriguing topic. All these considerations led us to entertain the hypothesis that removing the exfoliated cancer cells from the gastric lumen could save patients from the dreaded potential risk of spillage. Performing gastric lavage before starting any kind of tumor intervention could be the most appropriate procedure to adopt with prophylactic intent. Should our speculation prove to be clinically significant, preoperative gastric lavage should be pointed out as a simple but cogent method useful for preventing oncological mishaps such as spillage of gastric cancer cells and development of related recurrences or metastases.
Subject(s)
Endoscopy , Gastric Lavage/methods , Neoplasm Metastasis , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Stomach Neoplasms/surgery , Humans , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures , Models, Theoretical , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Peritoneum/pathology , Preoperative Period , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosisSubject(s)
Decontamination/standards , Gastric Lavage/methods , Poisoning/therapy , Quality Improvement , Societies, Medical , Toxicology , Europe , Humans , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Concerning gastric cancer (GC), nasogastric tube (NGT) is routinely employed for peri-operative decompression and palliative enteral nutrition. Additionally, we believe to have found a further application. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2012 and April 2017, 96 GC patients received preoperative nasogastric lavage (GL). All samples were cytologically examined to detect the presence (GL1) or absence (GL0) of malignant cells. Data were analyzed with classificatory, staging and prognostic purpose. RESULTS: GL1 was detected in 46 GC patients: association with tumor depth, lymph node and distant metastasis, lymphovascular and peri-neural invasion, diffuse type and signet-ring cells was significant (respectively p=0.0274, 0.0324, 0.0446, 0.0287, <0.0001, 0.0413, <0.0001). GL1 entailed significantly poorer overall (OS), progression-free, disease-free survival and tumor progression (18 vs. 32 months). At multivariate analysis, GL1 was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS (p=0.0287). CONCLUSION: NGT seems an economic oncologic measure useful for obtaining information on GC staging and prognosis.
Subject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Intubation, Gastrointestinal/methods , Neoplasm Staging/methods , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Stomach Neoplasms/therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Stomach Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ricin is a protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis. Several cases secondary to its consumption have been published and, more recently, its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. Oral absorption of ricin is highly erratic, leading to a wide spectrum of symptoms. In addition, conventional urine drug screening tests will not be able to detect this compound, posing a diagnostic challenge. CASE REPORT: A male teenager intended to die by ingesting 200 castor beans after mixing and blending them with juice. Eight hours later, he presented with weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting and sought medical treatment. The patient was admitted and treated conservatively. An immune-based standard urine toxicology drug screen panel was reported as negative. A comprehensive untargeted urine drug screen test showed the presence of ricinine, a surrogate marker of ricin intoxication. He was transferred to the psychiatric service 3 days after admission. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights the importance of knowing the peculiar pharmacokinetic properties of ricin after oral ingestion of castor beans and toxin release through mastication. Emergency physicians should be aware that oral absorption of ricin is dependent on several factors, such type and size of seeds and the geographic harvesting region, making it extremely difficult to estimate its lethality based solely on the number of ingested beans. Finally, comprehensive untargeted urine drug screening testing is highly valuable as a diagnostic tool in this context.
Subject(s)
Eating/psychology , Ricin/chemistry , Ricinus communis/poisoning , Adolescent , Antidotes/therapeutic use , Ricinus communis/chemistry , Charcoal/therapeutic use , Depression/complications , Depression/psychology , Dizziness/etiology , Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration , Gastric Lavage/methods , Humans , Male , Muscle Weakness/etiology , Nausea/etiology , Poisoning , Ricin/adverse effects , Ricin/poisoning , Suicide , Vomiting/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is usually associated with excellent prognosis. Some cases, however, entail a poorer survival. Our aim was to assess if EGC exfoliating into gastric lavage (GL) has a more aggressive behavior than the non-exfoliative counterpart. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2012 and April 2017, 96 gastric cancer patients were prospectively submitted to preoperative GL to detect the presence (GL1) or absence (GL0) of exfoliated malignant cells. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients had EGC. T1b cases had significantly poorer overall (OS), progression-free (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than their GL0 counterpart (16.3 vs. 61 months, p=0.0032). Similarly, the entire T1 class (T1a plus T1b EGCs) showed worse OS, PFS, DFS (15.5 vs. 61 months, p=0.0008) and time-to-tumor progression (17 vs. 61 months, p=0.0103). CONCLUSION: In the case of EGC, the GL0-GL1 classification should become a routine clinical practice to identify the aggressive tumor phenotypes requiring for closer follow-up or additional treatment.
Subject(s)
Gastric Lavage/methods , Prognosis , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosis , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Disease-Free Survival , Early Detection of Cancer , Female , Gastrectomy , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Male , Middle Aged , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapyABSTRACT
A 51-year-old man committed suicide by swallowing the contents of a fire extinguisher. A few hours after his suicide attempt, he was referred to the medical center for poisoning. At the time of admission, the patient was conscious with stable vital signs. The patient complained of burning lips and mouth, mentioning diarrhea. Initial treatments included gastric lavage with activated charcoal, while paraclinical measures were requested. The patient had undergone hypernatremia (Na: 152 mEq/l) and metabolic alkalosis. Treatment focused on the adjustment of sodium level and alkalosis. On the first day of hospitalization, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of tonic-clonic seizure along with the loss of consciousness. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient developed respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest and death.