Transient hemodynamic instability caused by TIPS.

Variceal bleeding belongs to the one of the complications of portal hypertension and is a life-threatening condition. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated in case of failure of the pharmacological and endoscopic therapy, even if it is associated with complications. Stent migration to the heart, is a rare event which may cause perforation of the right cardiac chambers or damage to the tricuspid valve. However, it may not be a problem in some cases. There are two approaches to extraction - percutaneous or surgical. Leaving the stent in situ is possible, especially in polymorbid patients. Choosing an optimal approach often requires interdisciplinary cooperation.

Adalimumab biosimilars in the therapy of Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis: Prospective multicentric clinical monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: The adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 and GP2017 were approved for the therapy of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Relatively few prospective studies with biosimilar adalimumab in patients with IBD have been published. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the biosimilar adalimumab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 (Hulio®) and GP2017 (Hyrimoz®) were indicated to 50 naive patients in terms of biological therapy with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Effectiveness of therapy was evaluated via the Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI] or the Mayo Scoring System [MSS] in patients with CD or UC, respectively, before and after 12 weeks. Additional goals were to evaluate weight changes, laboratory tests and complications or adverse events of this therapy. RESULTS: In CD patients, remission (CDAI <150) was achieved in 73.5% of cases, partial response (≥70-point decrease in CDAI score from baseline) in 11.8%, no response in 11.8% and 2.9% patients discontinued therapy. In UC patients, remission (total score on partial Mayo index ≤2 points) was achieved only in 18.8% of cases, partial response (≥2-point decrease in partial Mayo score from baseline) in 43.8%, no response in 25.0% and 12.5% patients discontinued therapy. There were statistically significant improvements in CDAI, MSS, haemoglobin, fecal calprotectin, albumin and CRP serum levels after 12 weeks of therapy. Seven adverse events were identified, three of which resulted in therapy being discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective observational study proved the effectiveness of the adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 and GP2017 in IBD.

Differentiating Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis from Similar Diseases of Autoimmune Origin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease. Differential diagnostics can confuse it with immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (SC), an IgG4-related disease with clearly proven autoimmune origin. Differential diagnosis is made even more challenging because PSC with increased IgG4 levels (PSC-increased IgG4) also occurs. In order to facilitate their differential diagnosis, we reviewed recent literature regarding the etiologies, identifying characteristics, the most useful diagnostics, treatment, and the progression of these partially similar diseases. It is clear that PSC's pathogenesis differs from that of IgG4-related SC. In any differential diagnosis between PSC and PSC-increased IgG4, high IgG1 and low or normal IgG2 levels are characteristic for patients with PSC. Histological examination of the biliary tree wall in patients with IgG4-related SC typically reveals such changes as storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and venulitis. These are absent in PSC-increased IgG4, which is characterized by a typical circular thickness in different parts of the biliary ducts. Finally, PSC is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, which is rare in IgG4-related SC, and more frequently is associated with cholangiocarcinomas and colon cancers. As distinct from IgG4-related SC, PSC is not a primary autoimmune disease.

Thymoma - disease of many faces.

A thymoma belongs to rather rare tumors, although it holds the first place among primary mediastinal tumors in adults. The biological characteristics of thymomas are considerably divergent. The tumors are usually asymptomatic at the begining, later due to a local spread, symptoms from the infiltration or compression of adjacent structures arise, they metastasize rarely. Thymomas are often associated with various autoimmune or endocrinologic diseases. The authors present case of the patient with less common paraneoplasia - autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Main strategy of treatment thymom with AIHA isn´t clear. The most important seems to be the early started corticotherapy. Achieving remission of secondary AIHA has importace in following therapy of thymoma - surgical resection or chemotherapy. Thymectomy has positive effect on the course of associated paraneoplastic syndromes and prognosis in general.

Endoscopic diagnostics and therapy of pancreatobiliary diseases in persons after gastric resection according to Billroth I.

The stomach resection according to Billroth I (B I) is very rarely done. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate our experience with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients after stomach resection according to Billroth I. In patients with a condition after stomach resection according to B I, a study of the group of 20 years (November 1994 - December 2014) took place. Three patients were evaluated retrospectively after B I stomach resection with biliary obstruction. For the ERCP was used the Olympus therapeutic videotheroscop in all cases with the standard (as in normal anatomical situation). Cannulation success in diagnostic ERCP was achieved in 3 out of 3 patients - 100% success rate of ERC diagnosis. For all these 3 patients CDL was found in the ERCP. In addition, endoscopic treatment was performed immediately after ERCP diagnosis in all 3 patients with a CDL pathologic ERCP diagnosis, the initial endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) performed in the standard procedure (as in normal anatomy). Subsequently, endoscopic extraction of all CDL from hepatocholedocus to duodenum was performed. Overall the ERCP was completely successful in all 3 of the 3 (100% of 3) patients who initially started endoscopic therapy. There were no complications in our group of 3 patients. For ERCP in patients with BI stomach resection, we had 100% success rate of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in all of these patients (3 CDL patients).

Are changes in the blood count clinically useful marker of azathioprine dose?

INTRODUCTION: The 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) level, may be used to estimate dose-adequacy of azathioprine (AZA) therapy. 6-TGN test is not commercially available. The aim of the study was to determine whether a blood cell changes correlate also with the dose of AZA and may serve as a predictor of the dose adequacy (for MCV > 6 fl). METHODS: Retrospective, multicentre study in subjects with IBD treated with azathioprine. Demographic data, leukocyte, platelet counts, erythrocyte (MCV) and thrombocyte (MPV) volume, azathioprine dose, inflammatory activity in the 3rd, 6th and 12th months of treatment and presence of sideropenia were recorded. RESULTS: 103 subjects analysed. To increase the MCV by 6 fl, the AZA dose above 2 mg/kg is needed (p = 0.04). The MCV increases within 165 days (95% CI, 154-181 days, p = 0.002). Sideropenia has no impact on the MCV change. Number of leukocytes and thrombocytes decreases during treatment (p < 0.001). Change in their number as well as MPV, does not correlate with MCV change and is not affected by activity of the inflammation. CONCLUSION: The MCV dynamics (> 6 fl within 6 months) is the only relevant indicator during AZA treatment. Changes in the number of leukocytes, platelets and their volume can not be used to assess the sufficiency of the AZA dose. Sideropenia has no impact on the dynamics of MCV.

Vitamin D levels in IBD: a randomised trial of weight-based versus fixed dose vitamin D supplementation.

Objectives: Body weight is one of the factors affecting blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). The aim of this study was to establish whether a vitamin D (vitD) weight-based dosing is more appropriate to a fixed daily dose in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Materials/methods: This was an open label randomised trial. Patients with IBD were assigned to receive oral cholecalciferol at a dose of 28 IU/kg (IU/kg) or 2000 IU per day (IU/day) for 12 weeks during winter months. 25OHD plasma levels and other biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after supplementation period. The primary outcome measure was 25OHD level after a follow-up period.Results: A total of 173 patients were analysed. The mean BMI was 25.5 ± 5.1 and initial mean 25OHD level was 62.7 ± 25.5 nmol/l. A similar increase (9.7 ± 26.9 vs 9.8 ± 26.7 nmol/l) in 25OHD levels occurred both in IU/kg and IU/day group. The proportion of subjects with normal and sub-normal levels following the substitution was comparable irrespective of body weight. The change in 25OHD level correlated positively only with the dose of vitD (p < .001) and negatively with the baseline 25OHD level (p < .001). A sustained 25OHD level of 75 nmol/l corresponds with a calculated daily vitD dose of 2034 IU.Conclusions: Weight-based dosing of vitamin D is not superior to a fixed dose in order to maintain stable 25OHD levels in IBD patients. Cholecalciferol dose of 2,000 IU/day is safe and sufficient during winter period.

Acute portal vein thrombosis in noncirrhotic patients - different prognoses based on presence of inflammatory markers: a long-term multicenter retrospective analysis.

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a partial or complete thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein and is rare in noncirrhotic patients.Patients and methods: 78 adult patients with noncirrhotic acute PVT without known malignity were evaluated. Patients with initial CRP level 61-149 mg/l were excluded.Results: Patients were divided into two groups - the first one (33 patients) was characterized with signs of inflammation and CRP over 149 mg/l. The second group (45 patients) was without signs of inflammation and CRP level less than 61 mg/l. The frequency of prothrombotic hematologic factors was statistically significantly different in levels of factor VIII and MTHFR 677 C mutation. All patients from both groups underwent the same oncologic and hemato-oncologic screening which was positive in 23 patients (51.1%) in the group without signs of inflammation. In the group of patients with clinical and laboratory signs of inflammation oncologic and hemato-oncologic screening was positive only in 1 patient (3.0%). Complete portal vein recanalization was achieved in 19.2%, partial recanalization in 26.9%.Conclusions: Patients with clinical signs of inflammation and acute PVT have a low risk of malignancy in contrast to patients without signs of inflammation and acute PVT, which have a high risk of oncologic or hemato-oncologic disease. Patients with negative hemato-oncologic screening should be carefully observed over time because we expect they are at higher risk for the development of hemato-oncologic disease, independent from the presence and number of procoagulation risk factors.

Vitamin D supplementation dose needs to be higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: interventional study.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (vitD) is a substance with an immunomodulatory effect. Its insufficiency has negative impact also on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where it is often present. The recommended daily intake for general population is 600 UI/day (units/day). What is the necessary dose for IBD patients remains unknown. The aim of the study was to verify whether the 2,000 IU/day of vitD is sufficient for maintaining sustained levels in these patients. METHODS: Patients with Crohns disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were supplemented orally with 2,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily during winter time. The level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was established at the beginning of substitution period (October to December) and in Month 4. Demographic data, Ca, P, parathormone levels, dose of vitD used, and patients compliance were observed. RESULTS: 108 patients with CD and UC (71/37) were analysed, out of them 51 females, average age 43.3 ± 16.2 years. The level of 25OHD increased from 60.2 ± 26.5 nmol/l to 68.1 ± 27.1 nmol/l (p < 0.001) during the period with the average substitution dose of vitD 1 858 ± 464 IU/day. 60.2 % of subjects complied with the recommended dosing of vitD. The dose of 1,820 IU vitD/day showed to be sufficient for maintaining sustained levels in the model. No changes of Ca, P serum levels occurred during observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Substitution doses of vitD recommended for general population are insufficient for IBD patients. A dose of up to 2,000/day, which is safe, is necessary to maintain normal levels of 25OHD. Noncompliance with the use of vitD is high.

Adherence, risk factors of non-adherence and patient's preferred treatment strategy of mesalazine in ulcerative colitis: multicentric observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Compliance to therapy is a key factor in the efficacy of treatment in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of compliance with mesalazine in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), to examine risk factors of noncompliance and especially find ways on how adherence can be improved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 198 outpatients with UC completed two anonymous questionnaires including information on basic demographics, details of patient´s disease and the use of mesalazine medication and quality of life. RESULTS: We found noncompliance (percentage of used medication per day less than 80%) with 5-ASA in 21.2% patients. Our study proved that the education level of patients significantly influenced the compliance of patients using mesalazine. A significant difference (p = .014) was found between the compliance of patients with secondary school education (84.1 ± 16.73) and those with university education (94.1 ± 9.9). The majority of patients preferred mesalazine once daily and are less likely to forget to take medication in the morning. Better quality of life was observed based on our data from WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in statistically significant way in patients using concomitant therapy of immuosuppressive or biological therapy, lower daily doses and using sachets not tablets. CONCLUSIONS: Our study proved that compliance with mesalazine in patients with UC was related only to education level. If we target mesalazine therapy based on patient's preferences, we can improve the adherence with mesalazine. Our data could be beneficial for the treatment strategy in clinical practice.

The optimal bowel preparation intervals before colonoscopy: A randomized study comparing polyethylene glycol and low-volume solutions.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The optimal duration of bowel preparation has only been assessed for polyethylene glycol (PEG). The aim of the study was to determine the intervals for achieving a satisfactory quality/tolerability of the preparation using PEG/ascorbic acid (PEGA) and sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (SPMC), and to compare them with 4L of PEG. METHODS: A randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicentre study. The 612 outpatients referred to a colonoscopy, were prepared using PEG, SPMC, PEGA. The quality, tolerability, duration of the preparation, and the interval from the end of the preparation to the colonoscopy was assessed. RESULTS: Optimum duration of the preparation was similar for both PEG and SPMC (≥7.3 vs. ≥8.8 h, overall ≥8.4 h). Optimum interval to the colonoscopy was ≤11.8 h and did not differ between preparations (PEG, PEGA ≤ 11.8, SPMC ≤ 13.3 h). These times were the only predictors for a satisfactory preparation. The tolerability depends on the product type (SPMC) only. Timing of the preparation or the other factors had no impact on tolerability. CONCLUSION: The optimum intervals for bowel preparation are identical for all preparations. Satisfactory preparation is achived at the preparation length ≥8.4 h and the time to colonoscopy ≤11.8 h.

A head-to-head comparison of 4-L polyethylene glycol and low-volume solutions before colonoscopy: which is the best? A multicentre, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC) and low-volume polyethylene glycol/ascorbic acid (PEGA) in a single- or split-dose regimen for colonoscopy bowel preparation. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicentre study. Outpatients received either PEG or SPMC or PEGA in a single or a split dose before the colonoscopy. Quality and tolerability of the preparation and complaints during preparation were recorded. RESULTS: Nine hundred seventy-three patients were analysed. Satisfactory bowel cleansing (Aronchick score 1 + 2) was more frequent when a split dose was used irrespective of the solution type (PEG 90.1 vs 68.8%, PEGA 86.0 vs 71.6%, SPMC 84.3 vs 60.2%, p < 0.001). SPMC was the best tolerated followed by PEGA (p < 0.006) and PEG as the worst (p < 0.001). Tolerability did not correlate with the regimen and amount of the solution used. Female gender is associated with a higher incidence of nausea, vomiting and pain (p < 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Both PEG, PEGA and SPMC are fully comparable in terms of colonic cleansing when used in similar regimens. The split-dose preparation is more effective in all agents. SPMC and PEGA are better tolerated than PEG. The preparation regimen and/or the volume do not affect tolerability.

[Effective bowel preparation before coloscopy - low-volume PEG in the divided dose regimen]. / Efektivní príprava streva pred koloskopií - nízkoobjemový PEG v deleném rezimu.

INTRODUCTION: The good and safe bowel cleansing is key to the success of coloscopy. The standard preparation involves 4 l polyethylene glycol (PEG). Now the combination of PEG and ascorbic acid (PEGA) of half the volume is available. Besides the type of product also the time factors which are not clarified, play a role during the bowel preparation. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency and tolerance of both the agents and evaluate the effect of the time regimen of preparation. METHODS: 380 individuals were included in the evaluation in 4 cohorts which used 4 l PEG (Fortrans) in a single dose or split into 3 + 1 l and PEG + ascorbic acid (Moviprep) split into 1 + 1 l or 2 l one day before examination. RESULTS: There was no difference between the agents as to the quality of bowel preparation, when they were used in the same regimen. The bowel cleansing was better in both cases in the divided dose regimen (p < 0.001), and it was inversely proportional to the length of preparation (p = 0.003) and directly proportional to the length of time between the end of preparation and coloscopy (p < 0.001). PEGA was better tolerated (p < 0.028), regardless of the preparation regimen. CONCLUSION: PEG and PEGA are similarly efficient in the bowel preparation before coloscopy provided they are used in a similar regimen. The best results are reached when the preparation is divided into 2 days. PEGA is better tolerated than PEG, regardless of the used regimen. The quality of bowel cleansing is affected by the length of preparation (optimally up to 12 hours) and the time elapsed from the preparation until examination (up to 8 hours).

[Vitamin D - old substance in new perspectives]. / Vitamin D - stará látka s novými perspektivami.

Receptors for vitamin D are present almost in all body tissues. Vitamin D does not only act as a regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, but also a substance which modulates the immunity system function, regulates cell proliferation. Genetic, epidemiological and experimental data indicate a possible role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of some diseases, mainly of autoimmune diseases and tumours. The benefit of curative intake of vitamin D has so far not been proven. There is no reason why the deficiency of vitamin D should not be covered. The substitution should start with the replenishment of the lacking amount of vitamin D (which may even be several hundred thousand units) and involve ongoing intake of the recommended substitution dose of 800-1000 vitamin D units per day.

A single or split dose picosulphate/magnesium citrate before colonoscopy: comparison regarding tolerance and efficacy with polyethylene glycol. A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To compare the efficacy and tolerance of sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (PMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a single or split dose regimen for colonoscopy bowel preparation. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicenter study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive PMC (PMC4/0) or PEG (PEG4/0) in a single dose 4L day before colonoscopy or a split dose 2+2L PMC (PMC2/2) or 3+1L PEG (PEG3/1) one day before and in the morning before the colonoscopy. Each patient was interviewed to determine his/her subjective tolerance of the preparation before the procedure. The quality of bowel cleansing was assessed in a blinded test performed by multiple endoscopists using the Aronchick scale. RESULTS: A total of 600 patients were enrolled, 88.2% were included in the analysis. Satisfactory bowel cleansing (Aronchick score 1 and 2) was significantly more frequent when a split dose was used irrespective of the solution type (81.6% PMC2/2, 87.3% PEG3/1 vs. 73.0% PEG4/0, p = 0.024). In single dose regimens, PMC performed better than PEG (82.6% vs. 73.0%). Single or split dose PMC preparations were comparable. A PMC based solution was generally better tolerated than PEG regardless of the regimen used (p < 0.001). Nausea was reported mostly after the 4L PEG (32.8%, p < 0.001), incontinence after a split PMC dose (34.4%, p = 0.002), and bloating after the 4L PEG (38.0%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of vomiting. CONCLUSION: Colonic preparation with PMC yields similar results as a split PEG dose, regardless of whether PMC is administered in single or separate doses. PMC is better tolerated than any PEG-based preparation. A single 4L PEG the day before the colonoscopy is less appropriate for bowel cleansing.

Prevalence and determinants of delayed gastric emptying in hospitalised Type 2 diabetic patients.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying (GE) in older patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: One hundred and forty seven patients with Type 2 diabetes, of whom 140 had been hospitalised, mean age 62.3 +/- 8.0 years, HbA1c 9.1% +/- 1.9%, treated with either oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin were studied. GE of a solid meal (scintigraphy), autonomic nerve function, upper gastrointestinal symptoms, acute and chronic glycemic control were evaluated. Gastric emptying results were compared to a control range of hospitalised patients who did not have diabetes. RESULTS: Gastric emptying was delayed (T50 > 85 min) in 17.7% patients. Mean gastric emptying was slower in females (T50 72.1 +/- 72.1 min vs 56.9 +/- 68.1 min, P = 0.02) and in those reporting nausea (112.3 +/- 67.3 vs 62.7 +/- 70.0 min, P < 0.01) and early satiety (114.0 +/- 135.2 vs 61.1 +/- 62.6 min, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between GE with age, body weight, duration of diabetes, neuropathy, current glycemia or the total score for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prolonged GE occurs in about 20% of hospitalised elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes when compared to hospitalised patients who do not have diabetes. Female gender, nausea and early satiety are associated with higher probability of delayed GE.