A rare case of Salmonella-associated acute pancreatitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a known risk factor for enteric infections such as Salmonella. This infection can affect almost all major organs. Acute Salmonella pancreatitis is a rare complication. This is the case of a 61-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed acute pancreatitis complicating Salmonella infection.

A slightly different polyp: melanoma metastasis diagnosed by colonoscopy.

Melanoma metastases are rare in the colon. Its diagnosis is difficult because they do not usually produce symptoms. They can present through the endoscopic image of a non-pigmented polyp. This is the case of a 56-year-old woman diagnosed with melanoma metastasis through polypectomy of an unusual-looking polyp.

Predicted estimates of resting energy expenditure have limited clinical utility in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Accurate assessment of energy requirements is needed to optimize dietary intake. Resting energy expenditure (REE), the major component of total energy expenditure, can be measured using indirect calorimetry (mREE) or estimated using prediction equations (pREE). This study assessed the usefulness of predicted estimates of REE in this patient population. METHODS: Individual mREE data were available for 900 patients with cirrhosis (mean [±1 SD] age 55.7±11.6 years-old; 70% men; 52% south-east Asian) and 282 healthy controls (mean age 36.0±12.8 years-old; 52% men; 18% south-east Asian). Metabolic status was classified using thresholds based on the mean ± 1 SD of the mREE in the healthy controls. Comparisons were made between mREE and pREE estimates obtained using the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin, Schofield and Henry equations. Stepwise regression was used to build 3 new prediction models which included sex, ethnicity, body composition measures, and model for end-stage liver disease scores. RESULTS: The mean mREE was significantly higher in patients than controls when referenced to dry body weight (22.4±3.8 cf. 20.8±2.6 kcal/kg/24 hr; p <0.001); there were no significant sex differences. The mean mREE was significantly higher in Caucasian than Asian patients (23.1±4.4 cf. 21.7±2.9 kcal/kg/24 hr; p <0.001). Overall, 37.1% of Caucasian and 25.3% of Asian patients were classified as hypermetabolic. The differences between mREE and pREE were both statistically and clinically relevant; in the total patient population, pREE estimates ranged from 501 kcal/24 hr less to 548 kcal/24 hr more than the mREE. Newly derived prediction equations provided better estimates of mREE but still had limited clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction equations do not provide useful estimates of REE in patients with cirrhosis. REE should be directly measured. LAY SUMMARY: People with cirrhosis are often malnourished and this has a detrimental effect on outcome. Provision of an adequate diet is very important and is best achieved by measuring daily energy requirements and adjusting dietary intake accordingly. Prediction equations, which use information on age, sex, weight, and height can be used to estimate energy requirements; however, the results they provide are not accurate enough for clinical use, particularly as they vary according to sex and ethnicity.

Pan-enteric capsule for bleeding high-risk patients. Can we limit endoscopies?

INTRODUCTION: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as bleeding from a source that cannot be identified on upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and capsule endoscopy is the next step in these patients. Some patients may be unsuitable for conventional endoscopy and performing a capsule panendoscopic test as a first line procedure might potentially reduce the number of endoscopies and their subsequent risk. AIM: to analyze our experience with capsule endoscopy in the bleeding setting. METHODS: the first 100 panendoscopic capsule procedures performed in our center from August 2011 until December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: positive findings were observed in 61.2 % of patients; 46.26 % had a previous negative gastroscopy and the capsule detected small bowel lesions in 67.7 % and colonic findings in 80.64 %. Taking into consideration that our population were high-risk patients (mainly because of comorbidities) and that we used up to 45 ml of sodium phosphate, sodium, potassium and creatinine changes were analyzed before and after procedure. The mean "before" values were 140.68, 4.04 and 1.36, respectively. The mean "after" values were 140.28, 3.9 and 1.35 (p = n.s.). According to our findings, no other endoscopic studies would be needed in 64.5 % of patients with negative gastroscopy. According to capsule results, conventional endoscopy could have been avoided in 68.6 % of cases. CONCLUSION: panendoscopy with a capsule may be useful and safe in bleeding high-risk patients, by selecting those who need therapeutic endoscopy, avoiding up to 68.6 % of diagnostic endoscopies in our series.

Development and validation of a scoring index to predict the presence of lesions in capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn's disease of the small bowel: a Spanish multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is the first-line investigation in cases of suspected Crohn's disease (CD) of the small bowel, but the factors associated with a higher diagnostic yield remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to develop and validate a scoring index to assess the risk of the patients in this setting on the basis of biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and other biomarkers from a population of 124 patients with suspected CD of the small bowel studied by CE and included in a PhD study were used to build a scoring index. This was first used on this population (internal validation process) and after that on a different set of patients from a multicenter study (external validation process). RESULTS: An index was designed in which every biomarker is assigned a score. Three risk groups have been established (low, intermediate, and high). In the internal validation analysis (124 individuals), patients had a 10, 46.5, and 81% probability of showing inflammatory lesions in CE in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. In the external validation analysis, including 410 patients from 12 Spanish hospitals, this probability was 15.8, 49.7, and 80.6% for the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results from the internal validation process show that the scoring index is coherent, and results from the external validation process confirm its reliability. This index can be a useful tool for selecting patients before CE studies in cases of suspected CD of the small bowel.

Role of capsule endoscopy in suspected celiac disease: A European multi-centre study.

AIM: To analyze the diagnostic yield (DY), therapeutic impact (TI) and safety of capsule endoscopy (CE). METHODS: This is a multi-centre, observational, analytical, retrospective study. A total of 163 patients with suspicion of celiac disease (CD) (mean age = 46.4 ± 17.3 years, 68.1% women) who underwent CE from 2003 to 2015 were included. Patients were divided into four groups: seronegative CD with atrophy (Group-I, n = 19), seropositive CD without atrophy (Group-II, n = 39), contraindication to gastroscopy (Group-III, n = 6), seronegative CD without atrophy, but with a compatible context (Group-IV, n = 99). DY, TI and the safety of CE were analysed. RESULTS: The overall DY was 54% and the final diagnosis was villous atrophy (n = 65, 39.9%), complicated CD (n = 12, 7.4%) and other enteropathies (n = 11, 6.8%; 8 Crohn's). DY for groups I to IV was 73.7%, 69.2%, 50% and 44.4%, respectively. Atrophy was located in duodenum in 24 cases (36.9%), diffuse in 19 (29.2%), jejunal in 11 (16.9%), and patchy in 10 cases (15.4%). Factors associated with a greater DY were positive serology (68.3% vs 49.2%, P = 0.034) and older age (P = 0.008). On the other hand, neither sex nor clinical presentation, family background, positive histology or HLA status were associated with DY. CE results changed the therapeutic approach in 71.8% of the cases. Atrophy was associated with a greater TI (92.3% vs 45.3%, P < 0.001) and 81.9% of the patients responded to diet. There was one case of capsule retention (0.6%). Agreement between CE findings and subsequent histology was 100% for diagnosing normal/other conditions, 70% for suspected CD and 50% for complicated CD. CONCLUSION: CE has a high DY in cases of suspicion of CD and it leads to changes in the clinical course of the disease. CE is safe procedure with a high degree of concordance with histology and it helps in the differential diagnosis of CD.

Pacientes con trastorno funcional intestinal: eficacia de una dieta baja en FODMAPS para el tratamiento de los síntomas digestivos / Patients with functional bowel disorder: effectiveness of a diet low in FODMAPS for the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms

Introducción: Investigaciones recientes indican que los síntomas digestivos que presentan los pacientes con trastorno funcional intestinal mejoran con la restricción en la dieta de los hidratos de carbono de cadena corta (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides and Monosaccharides and Polyols: FODMAPs). Objetivos: 1. Valorar la eficacia de una dieta baja en FODMAPs en la mejoría de los síntomas digestivos en pacientes con trastorno funcional intestinal y en aquellos con enfermedades orgánicas del tubo digestivo. 2. Examinar qué alimentos dentro de cada grupo de hidratos de carbono (fructanos, galactanos, lactosa, exceso de fructosa y polioles) vuelven a tolerar los pacientes, después de realizar una dieta de reintroducción de alimentos con FODMAPs. Método: Investigación prospectiva que estudió de forma consecutiva 164 pacientes con trastorno funcional intestinal tratados en la consulta del Área de Nutrición de un hospital universitario de España. Los síntomas que presentaban eran dolor abdominal, distensión, gases, diarreas y/o estreñimiento. Durante 6-8 semanas siguieron dieta baja en FODMAPs, analizando en todos los casos la mejoría y la adherencia al tratamiento dietético. Posteriormente siguieron la dieta de reintroducción de alimentos con FODMAPs, evaluando la tolerancia a cada uno de los alimentos. Resultados: El ochenta y cuatro por ciento de los pacientes presentaron mejoría de los síntomas digestivos con una alta adherencia al tratamiento. Después de realizar la dieta de reintroducción, más del 80% de los pacientes volvieron a tolerar trigo, así como lácteos con lactosa y más del 70% legumbres y 2 raciones de frutas bajas en fructosa en la misma toma. Conclusiones: 1. La dieta baja en FODMAPs es eficaz para mejorar la sintomatología digestiva de los pacientes con trastorno funcional intestinal. 2. La mayor adherencia a la dieta se asocia con una mejoría total de los síntomas digestivos. 3. La mayoría de los pacientes, tras realizar la dieta de reintroducción, vuelve a tolerar trigo, leche, derivados lácteos con lactosa y legumbres, así como una variedad de frutas con alto contenido en FODMAPs (AU)

Introduction: Recent studies indicate that the gastrointestinal symptoms presented by patients with functional bowel disorder improve by restricting the intake of short-chain carbohydrates (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides and Monosaccharides and Polyols: FODMAPs). Objectives: l. Evaluate the efficacy of a diet low in FODMAPs for the improvement of most gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorder and patients with organic gastrointestinal disorders. 2. Examine the foods within each group of carbohydrates (fructans, galactans, lactose, excess of fructose and polyols) that the patients can again tolerate, after following a diet of reintroducing foods with FODMAPs. Method: Prospective study of 164 patients consecutive with functional bowel disorder attending the Nutrition Unit of a Spanish university hospital. The symptoms presented were abdominal pain, bloating, wind, diarrhoea and/or constipation. Patients followed for 6-8 weeks a diet low in FODMAPs, analysing in every case the improvement and adherence to the dietary treatment. They subsequently followed a re-introductory diet of nutrients with FODMAPs, evaluating their tolerance to each one of the food items. Results: Eighty-four percent of the patients showed an improvement in the gastrointestinal symptoms with a high level of adherence to the dietary treatment. After performing the reintroduction diet, more than 80% of the patients tolerated again wheat as well as dairy products with lactose and more than 70%, legumes and 2 pieces of low-fructose fruits together. Conclusions: 1.The diet low in FODMAPs is effective in improving the gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with functional bowel disorder. 2. Greater adherence to the diet is associated with a general improvement in the gastrointestinal symptoms. 3. The majority of the patients, after following the re-introductory phase, tolerated again wheat, milk, dairy products with lactose and legumes, as well as a variety of fruits with high FODMAPs content (AU)

Comparative study of a responsive insertion technology (RIT) colonoscope versus a variable-stiffness colonoscope.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: recently, Olympus developed a new prototype (XCF-Q180AY2L) with responsive insertion technology (RIT), which besides the still known variable stiffness technology, included a passive bending section and a new high force insertion tube. Our objective was to investigate whether the use of this prototype could ease colonoscope insertion, increasing the cecal intubation rate, and/or shortening the cecal intubation time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the study was designed as a prospective observational study in 305 consecutive patients from a colo-rectal cancer screening program. We compared colonoscopies performed with conventional colonoscopes (CFH180AL/CFQ160L) with those performed with the prototype XCF-Q180AY2L. End points were mean cecal and terminal ileal intubation times, cecum intubation rate, and need for specific maneuvers. All colonoscopies were performedunder sedation with intravenous propofol. Finally, 288 patients were included. RESULTS: no complications were observed. Complete cecal intubation rate was 100 % in both groups. The ileum could be reached in 98.95 % of cases. Mean time required to reach the cecum was shorter in the prototype endoscope group (4.31 min, SD 2.63 min) than in the conventional endoscope group (4.66 min, SD 2.52 min) (p < 0.05). Compared with the standard colonoscope group, we observed in the prototype group less subjective sensation of difficultyin the passage of the sigma (p < 0.01), fewer maneuvers when it proved necessary to straighten the scope (p < 0.01), and less frequent need to modify the stiffness of the endoscope (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: we concluded that the prototype endoscope (XCFQ180AY2L) facilitated colonoscope insertion, requiring slightly less time to reach the cecum than a standard colonoscope.

Estudio comparativo entre un colonoscopio con tecnología RIT (“responsive insertion technology”) y un colonoscopio de rigidez variable convencional / Comparative study of a responsive insertion technology (RIT) colonoscope versus a variable-stiffness colonoscope

Introducción y objetivos: la casa Olympus ha desarrollado recientemente un nuevo endoscopio prototipo, denominado XCFQ180AY2L con tecnología RIT. Esta tecnología supone la incorporación, además de la función de rigidez variable ya conocida, de un segmento con flexión pasiva (PB, de sus siglas en inglés passive bending section) contiguo al segmento móvil del endoscopio, y un tubo de inserción que optimiza la transmisión de la fuerza desde los mandos al extremo distal del aparato (HFT, de sus siglas en inglés high force transmission tube). El objetivo del estudio es comprobar si el uso de este prototipo facilita el procedimiento de inserción del colonoscopio, incrementando la tasa de colonoscopias completas y/o disminuyendo el tiempo de intubación. Material y métodos: estudio observacional y unicéntrico en el que se incluyó de forma prospectiva a 305 pacientes comparando la proporción de colonoscopias completas, los tiempos medios de intubación cecal e ileal, y la necesidad de recibir maniobras específicas durante la colonoscopia, en función del colonoscopio utilizado: el colonoscopio prototipo XCF-Q180AY2L o un colonoscopio convencional, del tipo CFH180AL o CFQ160L, usados como control. Todos los procedimientos fueron realizados bajo sedación con propofol intravenoso. El estudio incluyó finalmente a 288 pacientes y no se observó ninguna complicación. Resultados: la tasa de colonoscopias completas fue del 100 % en ambos grupos. La ileoscopia se realizó en el 98,95 % de los casos. El tiempo medio de intubación fue menor en el grupo del prototipo (4,31 min, DE 2,63 min) que en el grupo control (4,66 min, DE 2,52 min) (p < 0,05). En el grupo del prototipo se utilizó menos la función de rigidez variable (p < 0,05), se necesitó menor número de rectificaciones cuando fue necesario hacer esta maniobra (p < 0,01), y se obtuvo una menor sensación de dificultad al pasar el sigma (p < 0,01). Conclusión: la conclusión fue que el colonoscopio prototipo (XCF-Q180AY2L) facilitó la inserción del colonoscopio, y disminuyó muy ligeramente el tiempo de inserción cecal (AU)

Background and objectives: recently, Olympus developed a new prototype (XCF-Q180AY2L) with responsive insertion technology (RIT), which besides the still known variable stiffness technology, included a passive bending section and a new high force insertion tube. Our objective was to investigate whether the use of this prototype could ease colonoscope insertion, increasing the cecal intubation rate, and/or shortening the cecal intubation time. Material and methods: the study was designed as a prospective observational study in 305 consecutive patients from a colo-rectal cancer screening program. We compared colonoscopies performed with conventional colonoscopes (CFH180AL/CFQ160L) with those performed with the prototype XCF-Q180AY2L. End points were mean cecal and terminal ileal intubation times, cecum intubation rate, and need for specific maneuvers. All colonoscopies were performed under sedation with intravenous propofol. Finally, 288 patients were included. Results: no complications were observed. Complete cecal intubation rate was 100 % in both groups. The ileum could be reached in 98.95 % of cases. Mean time required to reach the cecum was shorter in the prototype endoscope group (4.31 min, SD 2.63 min) than in the conventional endoscope group (4.66 min, SD 2.52 min) (p < 0.05). Compared with the standard colonoscope group, we observed in the prototype group less subjective sensation of difficulty in the passage of the sigma (p < 0.01), fewer maneuvers when it proved necessary to straighten the scope (p < 0.01), and less frequent need to modify the stiffness of the endoscope (p < 0.05). Conclusion: we concluded that the prototype endoscope (XCFQ180AY2L) facilitated colonoscope insertion, requiring slightly less time to reach the cecum than a standard colonoscope (AU)

Carbon dioxide vs. air insufflation in ileo-colonoscopy and in gastroscopy plus ileo-colonoscopy: a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO2) during endoscopies compared to air is associated with a decrease in abdominal discomfort after the examination, because CO2 is readily absorbed through the small intestine and eliminated by the lungs. AIM: the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the effect of CO2 insufflation on pain and abdominal distension after an ileo-colonoscopy (I) and after an ileo-colonoscopy plus gastroscopy (I+G). MATERIAL AND METHODS: we included a total of 309 patients in the study and all endoscopies were performed under sedation with propofol. Two hundred fourteen patients underwent an I (132 with CO2 / 82 with air) and 95 underwent an I+G (53 with CO2 / 42 with air). Abdominal pain was studied at 10, 30 and 120 minutes of exploration and abdominal perimeter difference before and after the procedure. RESULTS: both in group I and in group I+G, the use of CO2 translated into an average of abdominal pain significantly lower (p < 0.05). Similarly, a smaller increase in waist circumference was found among group I and group I+G, in patients where CO2 was used (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the insufflation of CO2 instead of air during the performance of endoscopy significantly reduces the discomfort and abdominal pain after an ileo-colonoscopy and after a gastroscopy + ileo-colonoscopy.

Insuflación de CO2 vs. aire en íleo-colonoscopia y en gastroscopia más íleo-colonoscopia: estudio comparativo / Carbon dioxide vs. air insufflation in ileo-colonoscopy and in gastroscopy plus ileo-colonoscopy: a comparative study

Introducción: la insuflación con dióxido de carbono (CO2) durante las endoscopias digestivas comparado con el aire, se asocia a una disminución de las molestias abdominales después de la exploración, ya que el CO2 es fácilmente absorbido por el intestino delgado y eliminado por los pulmones. Objetivo: el objetivo de este ensayo clínico aleatorizado fue valorar el efecto de la insuflación de CO2 sobre el dolor y la distensión abdominal después de una ileo-colonoscopia (I) y después de una íleo-colonoscopia + gastroscopia (I+G). Material y métodos: se incluyeron un total de 309 pacientes en el estudio y todas las endoscopias fueron realizadas bajo sedación con propofol. A 214 pacientes se les realizó una I (132 con CO2 / 82 con aire) y a 95 se les realizó una I+G (53 con CO2 / 42 con aire). Se estudió el dolor abdominal a los 10, 30 y 120 min de la exploración y la diferencia de perímetro abdominal antes y después del procedimiento. Resultados: tanto en el grupo I como en el grupo I+G, se objetivó una media de dolor abdominal en los pacientes en los que se utilizó CO2 significativamente menor que en los que se utilizó aire (p < 0,05). Y de igual modo se objetivó un menor incremento en el perímetro abdominal para el grupo I y para el I+G en los pacientes en que se utilizó CO2 frente a los que se utilizó aire (p < 0,05). Conclusión: la insuflación de CO2 en vez de aire durante la realización de la exploración endoscópica, reduce significativamente el disconfort y el dolor abdominal después de una íleo-colonoscopia y después de una íleo-colonoscopia + gastroscopia(AU)

Introduction: insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO2) during endoscopies compared to air is associated with a decrease in abdominal discomfort after the examination, because CO2 is readily absorbed through the small intestine and eliminated by the lungs. Aim: the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the effect of CO2 insufflation on pain and abdominal distension after an ileo-colonoscopy (I) and after an ileo-colonoscopy plus gastroscopy (I+G). Material and methods: we included a total of 309 patients in the study and all endoscopies were performed under sedation with propofol. Two hundred fourteen patients underwent an I (132 with CO2 / 82 with air) and 95 underwent an I+G (53 with CO2 / 42 with air). Abdominal pain was studied at 10, 30 and 120 minutes of exploration and abdominal perimeter difference before and after the procedure. Results: both in group I and in group I+G, the use of CO2 translated into an average of abdominal pain significantly lower (p < 0.05). Similarly, a smaller increase in waist circumference was found among group I and group I+G, in patients where CO2 was used (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the insufflation of CO2 instead of air during the performance of endoscopy significantly reduces the discomfort and abdominal pain after an ileo-colonoscopy and after a gastroscopy + ileo-colonoscopy(AU)