Endoscopic band ligation as salvage therapy in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers not responding to injection therapy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoscopic band ligation has recently been used to control bleeding from a variety of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal sources. However, it has not been used as salvage therapy in patients with peptic ulcer in whom injection therapy has failed to control bleeding. The objective was to study the role of band ligation in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer where injection therapy had failed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Endoscopic band ligation was attempted in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from peptic ulcers in whom at least two attempts to control bleeding by injection therapy failed. Anti- Helicobacter pylori therapy was given to patients who were infected with the bacteria. RESULTS: Endoscopic band ligation could be performed in all the 11 patients in whom it was attempted. It was successful in controlling the bleeding in all patients. Over a mean (SD) follow-up of 23.1 (14.8) months none of the patients had recurrence of ulcer or bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic band ligation is an effective means of controlling bleeding in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer in whom injection therapy is not successful. Band ligation followed by anti- H. pylori therapy is useful in preventing recurrence of ulcer and bleeding in such patients.

Colonic changes in patients with cirrhosis and in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Figures for the prevalence of anorectal varices and portal hypertensive colopathy have varied considerably in the available studies of patients with cirrhosis, and few studies have observed these changes in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). Our aim was to investigate the colonic changes, if any, in patients with EHPVO and to compare them with those seen in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with cirrhosis and 35 patients with EHPVO, all of whom had a history of at least one episode of bleeding from esophageal varices, underwent both upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy. RESULTS: Anorectal varices were seen more commonly in patients with EHPVO than in patients with cirrhosis (63 % vs. 38 %, P < 0.03). Of the patients with anorectal varices, large anorectal varices were also more common in patients with EHPVO than in patients with cirrhosis (73 % vs. 32 %, P < 0.01). Colopathy was noted in 40 % of patients with EHPVO and in 62 % of patients with cirrhosis (P < 0.05). Of the patients with EHPVO, colopathy was noted in 27 % of patients who also had anorectal varices and in 61.5 % of patients without anorectal varices (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients with both cirrhosis and anorectal varices were found to have a lower prevalence of colopathy than cirrhotic patients without anorectal varices (42 % vs. 74 %, P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal varices are more common in patients with EHPVO, while portal hypertensive colopathy is more common in patients with cirrhosis. Large anorectal varices are also more common in patients with EHPVO than in patients with cirrhosis and there is an inverse relationship between anorectal varices and colopathy in both cirrhotic patients and patients with EHPVO.

Biological warfare--an emerging threat.

As we approach the 21st century, there is an increasing worldwide awareness and threat regarding the use of biological warfare agents both for war and terrorist attack. Biological agents include microorganisms or biological toxins that are used to produce death in humans, animals and plants. They are characterized by low visibility, high potency, substantial accessibility and relatively easy delivery. Biological warfare agents are unconventional weapons that can be delivered by unconventional means like aerosol sprays, food and water contamination, conventional explosive munitions or by covert injections. Because of their concealed delivery, easy transportation and difficult identification they are readily adaptable for terrorist operations or to gain political advantages. The detection of such attack requires recognition of the clinical syndromes associated with various biological warfare agents. Diagnosis can be made on clinical grounds and on investigations. Protective measures can be taken against biological warfare agents. These should be implemented early (if warning is received) or later (once suspicion of agent use is made). After the confirmation of diagnosis emergency medical treatment and decontamination are performed in rapid sequence. Patients are then evacuated and specific therapy is given according to the agent involved. Appropriate emergency department and hospital response could significantly limit the morbidity and mortality of biological warfare agents.