[Evaluation of a carbon 13 breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori]. / Evaluación de un test del aliento con carbono 13 para el diagnóstico de Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a Chinese-made carbon-13 breath test as a non-invasive diagnostic method for Hp infection in the Peruvian population through the determination of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic utility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out on a secondary database of the Gastroenterology Service of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital and Cayetano Heredia Clinic from November 2017 to August 2018. Patients over 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy were included upper digestive. RESULTS: A sensitivity of 90.3% (95% CI 0.81-0.96), a specificity of 82.5% (95% CI 0.67-0.93), a positive predictive value was found and negative of 90.3% and 82.5%, and positive and negative likelihood ratio of 5.16 and 0.12, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The carbon 13 breath test is a non-invasive and simple test that provides results quickly. However, it is not possible to recommend the routine use of this test due to the discrepancy between the international and local results obtained. Studies with larger sample sizes, standardized protocols and different manufacturers are suggested to evaluate their performance and characteristics.

Evaluación de un test del aliento con carbono 13 para el diagnóstico de Helicobacter pylori / Evaluation of a carbon 13 breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar un test del aliento con carbono 13 de fabricación China como método diagnóstico no invasivo para la infección por Hp en población peruana a través de la determinación de sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo, likelihood ratio positivo y negativo y utilidad diagnóstica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo sobre una base de datos secundaria del Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Cayetano Heredia y Clínica Cayetano Heredia de noviembre de 2017 a agosto de 2018. Se incluyó a pacientes mayores de 18 años sometidos a una endoscopía digestiva alta. Resultados: Se halló una sensibilidad de 90,3% (IC 95% 0,81-0,96), especificidad de 82,5% (IC 95% 0,67-0,93), valor predictivo positivo y negativo de 90,3% y 82,5%, y likelihood ratio positivo y negativo de 5,16 y 0,12, respectivamente. El área bajo la curva ROC fue 0,88 (IC 95%: 0,80-0,96). Conclusiones: El test del aliento con carbono 13 es una prueba no invasiva y sencilla que proporciona resultados de forma rápida. Sin embargo, no es posible recomendar el uso rutinario de esta prueba debido a la discrepancia entre los resultados internacionales y locales obtenidos. Se sugiere realizar estudios con mayores tamaños muestrales, protocolos estandarizados y de diferentes fabricantes para evaluar su rendimiento y características.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate a Chinese-made carbon-13 breath test as a non-invasive diagnostic method for Hp infection in the Peruvian population through the determination of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic utility. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out on a secondary database of the Gastroenterology Service of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital and Cayetano Heredia Clinic from November 2017 to August 2018. Patients over 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy were included upper digestive. Results: A sensitivity of 90.3% (95% CI 0.81-0.96), a specificity of 82.5% (95% CI 0.67-0.93), a positive predictive value was found and negative of 90.3% and 82.5%, and positive and negative likelihood ratio of 5.16 and 0.12, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96). Conclusions: The carbon 13 breath test is a non-invasive and simple test that provides results quickly. However, it is not possible to recommend the routine use of this test due to the discrepancy between the international and local results obtained. Studies with larger sample sizes, standardized protocols and different manufacturers are suggested to evaluate their performance and characteristics.

Hypoxic hepatitis in an extensive aortic disecction: case report.

Hypoxic hepatitis is an uncommon cause of hepatic damage characterized by a centrolobular necrosis. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Aortic dissection is a rare but frequently catastrophic event. It is caused by an aortic intimal tear with propagation of a false channel in the media. Depending on the site and extension, it can cause hypoperfusion of any organ leading to cellular ischemia and necrosis. We are presenting a case of hypoxic hepatitis in a patient with an extensive aortic dissection who present to the emergency department.

Hypoxic hepatitis in an extensive aortic disecction: case report / Hepatitis hipóxica en una disección aórtica extensa: reporte de caso

Hypoxic hepatitis is an uncommon cause of hepatic damage characterized by a centrolobular necrosis. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Aortic dissection is a rare but frequently catastrophic event. It is caused by an aortic intimal tear with propagation of a false channel in the media. Depending on the site and extension, it can cause hypoperfusion of any organ leading to cellular ischemia and necrosis. We are presenting a case of hypoxic hepatitis in a patient with an extensive aortic dissection who present to the emergency department.

La hepatitis hipóxica es una causa poco frecuente de daño hepático caracterizada por una necrosis centrolobular. Su fisiopatología sigue siendo poco clara. La disección aórtica es un evento raro pero con frecuencia catastrófico. Dependiendo del sitio y la extensión, puede causar hipoperfusión de cualquier órgano lo que conduce a una isquemia celular y necrosis. Nosotros presentamos un caso de hepatitis hipóxica en un paciente con disección aórtica extensa que se presenta al servicio de emergencia.

[Familiar adenomatous polyposis: report of 2 cases]. / Poliposis adenomatosa familiar: a propósito de 2 casos.

Familial Adenomatous polyposis (FAP) it is based on an autosomal dominant mutation which results in loss of function of theAPC tumor suppressor gene. On the other hand, Gardner syndrome is a type of FAP and is characterized for multiple colonic adenomatous polyps and extracolonic abnormalities as desmoid tumors, osteomas, lipomas, dental abnormalities, dermoid cysts and duodenal adenomas. This report aims to present two patients with FAP: The first one is a patient who presented with osteomas and hematochezia, being diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome after the colonoscopy. The second patient has a family history of colon cancer, who is diagnosed with FAP with tubular adenocarcinoma. We decide to report both cases due to the absence of previous reports in Peru.

Poliposis adenomatosa familiar: a propósito de 2 casos / Familiar Adenomatous Polyposis: Report of 2 Cases

La poliposis adenomatosa familiar (PAF) se basa en una mutación autosómica dominante de pérdida de la función en el gen supresor tumoral APC. El síndrome de Gardner es un tipo de PAF y está caracterizado por múltiples pólipos adenomatosos colónicos además de anormalidades extracolónicas como tumores desmoides, osteomas, lipomas, anormalidades dentales, quistes dermoides y adenomas duodenales. Este reporte tiene como propósito presentar dos casos referentes a PAF. El primer caso, trata de un paciente con osteomas e historia de hematoquezia, con diagnóstico de sindrome de Gardner posterior a la colonoscopia. El segundo caso es un paciente con historia familiar de cáncer de colon, que al examen colonoscópico se le diagnostica PAF con adenocarcinoma tubular bien diferenciado. Se decide reportar los casos debido a que son los primeros reportes en el Perú sobre esta entidad

Familial Adenomatous polyposis (FAP) it is based on an autosomal dominant mutation which results in loss of function of the APC tumor suppressor gene. On the other hand, Gardner syndrome is a type of FAP and is characterized for multiple colonic adenomatous polyps and extracolonic abnormalities as desmoid tumors, osteomas, lipomas, dental abnormalities, dermoid cysts and duodenal adenomas. This report aims to present two patients with FAP: The first one is a patient who presented with osteomas and hematochezia, being diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome after the colonoscopy. The second patient has a family history of colon cancer, who is diagnosed with FAP with tubular adenocarcinoma. We decide to report both cases due to the absence of previous reports in Peru

An assessment of drinking water contamination with Helicobacter pylori in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a gut bacterium that is the primary cause of gastric cancer. H. pylori infection has been consistently associated with lack of access to sanitation and clean drinking water. In this study, we conducted time-series sampling of drinking water in Lima, Peru, to examine trends of H. pylori contamination and other water characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Drinking water samples were collected from a single faucet in Lima's Lince district 5 days per week from June 2015 to May 2016, and pH, temperature, free available chlorine, and conductivity were measured. Quantities of H. pylori in all water samples were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Relationships between the presence/absence and quantity of H. pylori and water characteristics in the 2015-2016 period were examined using regression methods accounting for the time-series design. RESULTS: Forty-nine of 241 (20.3%) of drinking water samples were contaminated with H. pylori. Statistical analyses identified no associations between sampling date and the likelihood of contamination with H. pylori. Statistically significant relationships were found between lower temperatures and a lower likelihood of the presence of H. pylori (P < .05), as well as between higher pH and higher quantities of H. pylori (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided evidence of the presence of H. pylori DNA in the drinking water of a single drinking water faucet in the Lince district of Lima. However, no seasonal trends were observed. Further studies are needed to determine the presence of H. pylori in other drinking water sources in other districts in Lima, as well as to determine the viability of H. pylori in these water sources. Such studies would potentially allow for better understanding and estimates of the risk of infection due to exposure to H. pylori in drinking water.

Antibiotic resistance among Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric carcinoma is the most common cancer and cause of cancer mortality in Peru. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the human stomach, is a Group 1 carcinogen due to its causal relationship to gastric carcinoma. While eradication of H. pylori can help prevent gastric cancer, characterizing regional antibiotic resistance patterns is necessary to determine targeted treatment for each region. Thus, we examined primary antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of H. pylori in Lima, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with histologically proven H. pylori infection. Primary antibiotic resistance among isolates was examined using E-test strips. Isolates were examined for the presence of the cagA pathogenicity island and the vacA m1/m2 alleles via polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Seventy-six isolates were recovered from gastric biopsies. Clinical isolates showed evidence of antibiotic resistance to 1 (27.6%, n=21/76), 2 (28.9%, n=22/76), or ≥3 antibiotics (40.8%). Of 76 isolates, eight (10.5%) were resistant to amoxicillin and clarithromycin, which are part of the standard triple therapy for H. pylori infection. No trends were seen between the presence of cagA, vacA m1, or vacA m2 and antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: The rate of antibiotic resistance among H. pylori isolates in Lima, Peru, is higher than expected and presents cause for concern. To develop more targeted eradication therapies for H. pylori in Peru, more research is needed to better characterize antibiotic resistance among a larger number of clinical isolates prospectively.

[Actinic enteritis as a cause of digestive bleeding of obscure origin]. / Enteritis actínica como causa de hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro.

Chronic actinic enteritis is a malfunction of the small bowel, occurring in the 6 months post-radiotherapy, and it can be manifestated as malabsortion, stenosis, fistula formation, local abscesses, perforation and bleeding, We report a case of an elderly patient who presents an episode of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) secondary to actinic enteritis. She is a 64-year- old female patient with the past medical history of cervical cancer who received radiotherapy and brachytherapy. One year after the treatment, the patient presents a chronic episode of melena and symptomatic anemia and 1 week before the admission she had hematochezia. At admission she has hemodynamic instability with a hemoglobin value of 2.7 gr/dl. We did an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy and abdomino-pelvic tomography without any findings of the bleeding’s source. Reason why an endoscopic capsule was done, showing bleeding areas in the medial and distal small bowel. The patient had another gastrointestinal bleeding requiring a surgery where they decide to do a resection of the small bowel and a right hemicholectomy. The pathology was compatible with actinic enteritis. The patient after the surgery had a torpid evolution, and finally dies. We describe this case and do a review of all the existent data around the world, because is the first case reported in Peru of an actinic enteritis as a cause of OGIB.

Enteritis actínica como causa de hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro / Actinic enteritis as a cause of digestive bleeding of obscure origin

La enteritis actínica crónica es un trastorno del intestino delgado que ocurre a partir de los 6 meses post radioterapia y se puede manifestar como malabsorción, estenosis, formación de fístulas, abscesos locales, perforación y sangrado. Se reporta el caso de una paciente adulta mayor la cual presentó un cuadro de hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro (HDO) secundario a enteritis actínica. Es una paciente mujer de 64 años con antecedente de neoplasia maligna de cérvix quien recibió sesiones de radioterapia y braquiterapia, La paciente un año después de dicho tratamiento presenta un cuadro crónico de melena y anemia, presentando hematoquezia en la última semana previa a la hospitalización. Al ingreso presenta inestabilidad hemodinámica con valores de hemoglobina en 2,7gr/dL. Se realiza una endoscopia, colonoscopia y tomografía abdomino pélvica, las cuales no mostraron la causa del sangrado, motivo por el cual se realiza una cápsula endoscópica evidenciando áreas de sangrado en intestino delgado medio y distal. La paciente vuelve a presentar un episodio de sangrado agudo siendo sometida a una cirugía de emergencia en donde se decide realizar resección de intestino más hemicolectomia derecha. En la biopsia de la pieza quirúrgica se encuentran hallazgos compatibles con enteropatía actínica. La paciente posterior a la cirugía evoluciona tórpidamente, llegando a fallecer. Describimos el presente caso y hacemos una recolección de la data existente debido a que es el primer caso en el Perú en el que se reporta a una enteritis actínica como causante de HDO...

Chronic actinic enteritis is a malfunction of the small bowel, occurring in the 6 months post-radiotherapy, and it can be manifestated as malabsortion, stenosis, fistula formation, local abscesses, perforation and bleeding, We report a case of an elderly patient who presents an episode of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) secondary to actinic enteritis. She is a 64-year-old female patient with the past medical history of cervical cancer who received radiotherapy and brachytherapy. One year after the treatment, the patient presents a chronic episode of melena and symptomatic anemia and 1 week before the admission she had hematochezia. At admission she has hemodynamic instability with a hemoglobin value of 2.7 gr/dl. We did an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy and abdomino-pelvic tomography without any findings of the bleedingÆs source. Reason why an endoscopic capsule was done, showing bleeding areas in the medial and distal small bowel. The patient had another gastrointestinal bleeding requiring a surgery where they decide to do a resection of the small bowel and a right hemicholectomy. The pathology was compatible with actinic enteritis. The patient after the surgery had a torpid evolution, and finally dies. We describe this case and do a review of all the existent data around the world, because is the first case reported in Peru of an actinic enteritis as a cause of OGIB...

Correlación entre síntomas gastrointestinales funcionales y la histopatología de la mucosa gástrica, incluyendo la infección por Helicobacter pylori, en Lima, Perú.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between functional gastrointestinal disorders and histopathology characteristics, including H. pylori infection, of gastric mucosa, at Cayetano Heredia National Hospital, Lima-Peru, in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 112 patients were interviewed prospectively between June and July 2013 in the gastroenterology service. Dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and postprandial distress syndrome were characterized using the Rome III Survey. RESULTS: Pathology results were determined by gastric biopsies obtained by endoscopy. Of the patients interviewed, biopsy results were obtained for 101. 22.8% had atrophy, 24.8% had intestinal metaplasia, 57.4% presented with H pylori. CONCLUSIONS: Using chi-square analysis, no statistically significant relationship could be identified between clinical presentation and biopsy results.

[BISAP-O y APACHE-O: utility in predicting severity in acute pancreatitis in modified Atlanta classification]. / BISAP-O y APACHE-O: utilidad en la predicción de severidad en la pancreatitis aguda según la clasificación modificada de Atlanta.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the BISAP and APACHE II scores in predicting severity according to the 2012 Atlanta classification and whether the obesity factor added to these scores improves prediction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study between January 2013 and April 2014 including all patients with acute pancreatitis was performed according to the new Atlanta 2012 classification. ROC curves were fabricated for BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II scores and Apache O and appropriate cutoffs were selected to the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, RPP and RPN. RESULTS: We studied 334 patients. 65.27% were overweighted or obese. The biliar etiology was 86.53%. Only 8.38% had severe pancreatitis and 1.5% died. Areas under the ROC curve and cut points selected were: BISAP: 0.8725, 2; BISAP-O: 0.8246, 3; APACHE-II: 0.8547, 5; APACHE-O: 0.8531, 6. Using these cutoffs the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, RPP and RPN were BISAP: 60.71%, 91.83%, 40.48%, 96.23 %, 7.43, 0.43; BISAP-O: 60.71%, 86.93%, 29.82%, 96.03%, 4.76, 0.45; APACHE-II: 85.71%, 76.14%, 24.74%, 98.31%, 3.6, 0.19; APACHE-O: 82.14%, 79.41%, 26.74%, 97.98%, 4, 0.22. CONCLUSIONS: BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II and APACHE-O systems can be used to identify patients at low risk of severity because of its high NPV, however their use should be cautious considering that the RPP and RPN do not reach optimal levels indicating that their value in predicting severity is limited. On the other hand adding the obesity factor did not improve their predictive ability.

Correlación entre síntomas gastrointestinales funcionales y la histopatología de la mucosa gástrica, incluyendo la infección por Helicobacter pylori, en Lima, Perú / Correlation between functional gastrointestinal disorders and gastric mucosa histopathology findings, including Helicobacter pylori infection, in Lima, Peru

This study aims to investigate the relationship between functional gastrointestinal disorders and histopathology characteristics, including H. pylori infection, of gastric mucosa, at Cayetano Heredia National Hospital, Lima-Peru, in 2013. Materials and methods: 112 patients were interviewed prospectively between June and July 2013 in the gastroenterology service. Dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and postprandial distress syndrome were characterized using the Rome III Survey. Results: Pathology results were determined by gastric biopsies obtained by endoscopy. Of the patients interviewed, biopsy results were obtained for 101. 22.8% had atrophy, 24.8% had intestinal metaplasia, 57.4% presented with H pylori. Conclusions: Using chisquare analysis, no statistically significant relationship could be identified between clinical presentation and biopsy results...

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la correlación que existe entre la presencia de síntomas gastrointestinales y los hallazgos histopatológicos de la biopsia gástrica incluyendo la presencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio prospectivo comprendió a 112 pacientes que se incluyeron entre junio y julio de 2013 en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima-Perú a los que se les hizo endoscopía y biopsia gástrica. Los síntomas de dispepsia, síndrome de intestino irritable y síndrome de distrés post prandial fueron obtenidos usando las encuestas de Roma III. Resultados: De los pacientes a los que se les hizo la encuesta sólo en 101 se les evaluó la biopsia. 22,8% tuvo atrofia, 24,8% presentó metaplasia intestinal, y en 57,4% se reportó la infección por Helicobacter pylori. Conclusiones: Usando el análisis con chi-cuadrado no se pudo establecer ninguna correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la presentación clínica y los resultados de las biopsias...

BISAP-O y APACHE-O: utilidad en la predicción de severidad en la pancreatitis aguda según la clasificación modificada de Atlanta / BISAP-O y APACHE-O: utility in predicting severity in acute pancreatitis in modified Atlanta classification

Objetivo: Valorar los puntajes BISAP y APACHE II en predecir severidad según la clasificación Atlanta 2012 y determinar si el factor obesidad añadido a dichos puntajes mejora su predicción. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo entre enero de 2013 y abril de 2014 de todos los pacientes con pancreatitis aguda según la nueva clasificación Atlanta 2012. Se confeccionó curvas ROC para los puntajes BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II y APACHE-O y se seleccionó puntos de corte apropiados con los que se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP, VPN, RPP y la RPN. Resultados: Se estudió a 334 pacientes. El 65,27% presentó sobrepeso u obesidad. La etiología fue biliar en el 86,53%. Sólo 8,38% presentó pancreatitis severa y 1,5% falleció. Las áreas bajo la curva ROC y puntos de corte seleccionados fueron: BISAP: 0,8725, 2; BISAP-O: 0,8246, 3; APACHE-II: 0,8547, 5; APACHE-O: 0,8531, 6. Con dichos puntos de corte la sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP, VPN, RPP y la RPN fueron: BISAP: 60,71%, 91,83%, 40,48%, 96,23%, 7,43, 0,43; BISAP-O: 60,71%, 86,93%, 29,82%, 96,03%, 4,76, 0,45; APACHE-II: 85,71%, 76,14%, 24,74%, 98,31%, 3,6, 0,19; APACHE-O: 82,14%, 79,41%, 26,74%, 97,98%, 4, 0,22. Conclusiones: Los sistemas BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II, y APACHE-O pueden usarse para identificar a los pacientes con bajo riesgo de severidad en razón de su alto VPN, sin embargo su uso debe ser prudente considerando que la RPP y RPN no alcanza niveles óptimos, indicando que su valor en la predicción de severidad es limitado. Por otro lado el añadir el factor obesidad no mejoró su capacidad predictiva.

Objective: To assess the BISAP and APACHE II scores in predicting severity according to the 2012 Atlanta classification and whether the obesity factor added to these scores improves prediction. Material and methods: A prospective study between January 2013 and April 2014 including all patients with acute pancreatitis was performed according to the new Atlanta 2012 classification. ROC curves were fabricated for BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II scores and Apache O and appropriate cutoffs were selected to the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, RPP and RPN. Results: We studied 334 patients. 65.27% were overweighted or obese. The biliar etiology was 86.53%. Only 8.38% had severe pancreatitis and 1.5% died. Areas under the ROC curve and cut points selected were: BISAP: 0.8725, 2; BISAP-O: 0.8246, 3; APACHE-II: 0.8547, 5; APACHE-O: 0.8531, 6. Using these cutoffs the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, RPP and RPN were BISAP: 60.71%, 91.83%, 40.48%, 96.23 %, 7.43, 0.43; BISAP-O: 60.71%, 86.93%, 29.82%, 96.03%, 4.76, 0.45; APACHE-II: 85.71%, 76.14%, 24.74%, 98.31%, 3.6, 0.19; APACHE-O: 82.14%, 79.41%, 26.74%, 97.98%, 4, 0.22. Conclusions: BISAP, BISAP-O, APACHE-II and APACHE-O systems can be used to identify patients at low risk of severity because of its high NPV, however their use should be cautious considering that the RPP and RPN do not reach optimal levels indicating that their value in predicting severity is limited. On the other hand adding the obesity factor did not improve their predictive ability.

Tuberculin skin test conversion among health sciences students: a retrospective cohort study.

Previous studies have reported that health sciences students are at greater risk for tuberculosis infection, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection among Health Sciences students in Peru. Students enrolled at private university (in Lima-Peru) are tested annually for tuberculosis infection by tuberculin skin test. Data on tuberculin skin test results between 2002 and 2009 was used in this retrospective cohort study, a total of 4842 students were included. Tuberculin skin test conversion was defined as the change of tuberculin skin test from negative (<10 mm) to positive (≥10 mm) after 48-72 h of inoculation. Baseline tuberculin skin test positivity was 1.0% (95%CI: 0.6%-1.3%), whereas tuberculin skin test conversion incidence was 12.4 per 100 person-years (95%CI: 11.8-13.0). This study showed that students from clinical careers in close contact with patients had an increased risk of tuberculosis infection in the internship, especially Medicine, Dentistry, Medical Technology and Nursing. Administrative, environmental and personal protection measures should be implemented and evaluated periodically in order to reduce the risk of exposure.

[Pepsinogen and gastrin in the noninvasive diagnosis of gastric atrophy. A case-control study in Peruvian population]. / Pepsinógeno y gastrina en el diagnóstico no invasivo de la atrofia gástrica. Un estudio caso-control en población Peruana.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of gastric atrophy could be used for early diagnosis of gastric cancer in Perú. It was determined the pepsinogens I and II (PGI, PGII) and Gastrin-17 (G17) serum levels, and the PGI/PGII ratio as a non-invasive diagnostic test for gastric atrophy in Peruvian patiens. METHODS: Dyspeptic adults undergoing endoscopy and gastric biopsies were studied.For each case with atrophy two controls without atrophy were selected. Differences were evaluated and ROC curves constructed. A serologic profile was produced combining PGI and PGI/PGII ratio. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: 22 cases and 44 controls were included. Areas under ROC curves were 0.599, 0.546 and 0.534 for PGI, PGII and PGI/PGII ratio, respectively. None of these allowed for discrimination between cases and controls. The serological profile did not reach appropriate sensitivity and specificity. DISCUSSION: This first study of pepsinogen, gastrin and atrophy in Peru showed none of these tests to be useful. Their potential impact in early detection and prevention of prevalent cancer justify further investigation. Recruiting more patients, excluding those previously treated for Helicobacter pylori, and processing independently the antrum and corpus biopsies, could reveal findings not seen in present study.

Pepsinógeno y gastrina en el diagnóstico no invasivo de la atrofia gástrica: un estudio caso-control en población peruana / Pepsinogen and gastrin in non-invasive diagnosis of gastric atrophy: a case-control study in peruvian population

INTRODUCCIÓN: La detección de atrofia gástrica podría ser utilizada en el diagnóstico precoz de cáncer gástrico en Perú. Se evaluó la determinación de niveles séricos de pepsinógenos I y II (PGI, PGII), gastrina-17 (G17), y la relación PGI/PGII como posible prueba de diagnóstico no invasivo de atrofia en pacientes peruanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron adultos con dispepsia sometidos a endoscopía con biopsia gástrica, considerando dos controles sin atrofia por cada caso con atrofia. Se evaluaron las diferencias y se confeccionaron curvas ROC, así como el perfil serológico combinando PGI y PGI/PGII. Se calculó su sensibilidad y especificidad. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 22 casos y 44 controles. El área bajo la curva ROC fue 0.599, 0.546 y 0.534 para PGI, PGII, y PGI/PGII respectivamente. Ninguna prueba discriminó entre casos y controles. El perfil serológico no alcanzó sensibilidad y especificidad adecuadas. DISCUSIÓN: Este primer estudio de pepsinógeno, gastrina y atrofia en Perú, no mostró utilidad de estos métodos. El impacto potencial en la detección y prevención de una neoplasia prevalente justifica mayor investigación. Incluir más pacientes, excluir a los tratados previamente contra Helicobacter pylori, y procesar separadamente las biopsias de antro y cuerpo, podrían revelar asociaciones no vistas en este estudio.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of gastric atrophy could be used for early diagnosis of gastric cancer in Perú. It was determined the pepsinogens I and II (PGI, PGII) and Gastrin-17 (G17) serum levels, and the PGI/PGII ratio as a non-invasive diagnostic test for gastric atrophy in Peruvian patiens. METHODS: Dyspeptic adults undergoing endoscopy and gastric biopsies were studied. For each case with atrophy two controls without atrophy were selected. Differences were evaluated and ROC curves constructed. A serologic profile was produced combining PGI and PGI/PGII ratio. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: 22 cases and 44 controls were included. Areas under ROC curves were 0.599, 0.546 and 0.534 for PGI, PGII and PGI/PGII ratio, respectively. None of these allowed for discrimination between cases and controls. The serological profile did not reach appropriate sensitivity and specificity. DISCUSSION: This first study of pepsinogen, gastrin and atrophy in Peru showed none of these tests to be useful. Their potential impact in early detection and prevention of prevalent cancer justify further investigation. Recruiting more patients, excluding those previously treated for Helicobacter pylori, and processing independently the antrum and corpus biopsies, could reveal findings not seen in present study.

[Use of glycerol trinitrate in an ointment for the management of chronic anal fissure at the National Hospital "Cayetano Heredia"]. / Uso de Trinitrato de Glicerol en unguento para el manejo de fisura anal crónica en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia.

INTRODUCTION: The anal fissure is a linear tear in the anal canal mucosa. If healing fails, it evolves into a chronic anal fissure (CAF). This is one of the most frequent proctologic problems affecting younger patients, altering their social and work life. As it is disabling disease, it causes a socioeconomic problem and, hence, it is important to make a proper diagnosis and apply a rapid and efficient treatment.At present, there are different therapeutic options, both medical and surgical. Among the first, there are several options that relax the anal sphincter. One of the options which are most used is the 0.2% Glycerol Trinitrate (GTN) ointment, there being some randomized and controlled studies reporting 48% and 69% healing rates and other studies with comparable results against surgery.The objective was to know the results of the GTN ointment, so as to avoid surgery, and the probable permanent section of the internal anal sphincter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Topical Glycerol Trinitrate ointment 0.2% was used twice a day during two weeks. All patients diagnosed with CAF who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study for a one-year period, from February 2007 to January 2008. Two controls were carried out, one at the end of the treatment to verify healing and absence of symptoms, and the other after two months to check recidivism. RESULTS: There were 19 female patients (63.3%) and 11 male patients (36.7%). The average age was 34.87 years, with higher prevalence between 21 and 40 years (50%) and minor prevalence between 41 and 50 years (13.3%). The most frequent symptoms found were the association of anal pain with rectal bleeding in 66.6% of the patients, followed by isolated rectal bleeding and anal pain in 23.3% and 10% of cases, respectively. The most common localization of the CAF was the posterior midline in 63.3% of patients, followed by the anterior midline in 16.7% of patients, and by both midlines in 16.7% of cases. Four of the 30 patients included were lost. All the symptoms vanished in 73% (19)of the 26 remaining patients and symptoms persisted to a lower degree in 27% (7).Headache was an adverse effect in three patients. The control performed after 2 weeks of treatment evidenced partial and complete cicatrization of the fissure in 22 patients (84.6%) and persistence in 4 patients (15.4%). The final control performed after 2 months on the 18 patients who attended evidenced healing of the fissure in 16 (69.6%) and recidivism in 2 (8.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The following conclusion was drawn topical Glycerol Trinitrate 0.2% ointment, applied twice a day during two weeks, is effective in the treatment of chronic anal fissure, with a 69.9% success rate after two months of follow-up. Consequently, it must be considered as an alternate therapy in the treatment of CAF.

Uso de Trinitrato de Glicerol en ungüentopara el manejo de la Fisura Anal Crónica en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia / Use of Glycerol Trinitrate in an ointment for the management of chronic anal fissure at the National Hospital ôCayetano Herediaõ

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fisura anal es un desgarro lineal de la mucosa del canal anal. Cuando la curación falla progresa a fisura anal crónica (FAC). La FAC es un problema proctológico frecuente, afecta mayormente a pacientes jóvenes, es incapacitante, por lo que es importante un diagnóstico adecuado y un tratamiento rápido y eficaz. Actualmente existen diferentes opciones terapéuticas, médicas y quirúrgicas. Dentro de las primeras existen varias opciones que producen relajación del esfínter anal. Una de las opciones más usadas es el ungüento de Trinitrato de Glicerol (TNG) al 0.2 por ciento, conalgunos estudios randomizados y controlados que reportan tasas de curación entre 48 y 69 por ciento y otros con resultados equiparables comparados con la cirugía. Nuestro objetivo fue conocer los resultados del ungüento de TNG evitando la cirugía yla probable sección permanente del esfínter anal interno. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se utilizó Trinitrato de Glicerol al 0.2 por ciento en ungüento tópico, 2 veces al día durante 2 semanas. En todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de FAC, que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, en el periodo, de febrero de 2007 a Enero de 2008.Se realizaron dos controles, uno al término del tratamiento para verificar cicatrización y desaparición de sintomatología y el otro a los 2 meses para constatar recidiva. RESULTADOS: Ingresaron al estudio 30 pacientes, 19 mujeres (63.3 por ciento) y 11 varones (36.7 por ciento). La edad promedio fue de 34.87 años, con mayor prevalencia entre 21 y 40 años (50 por ciento) ycon menor entre 41 y 50 (13.3 por ciento). La sintomatología más frecuentemente encontrada fue la asociación de dolor anal y rectorragia en 66.6 por ciento, seguida de rectorragia y dolor anal aislados en 23.3 por ciento y 10 por ciento respectivamente. La localización más frecuente de la FAC fue la línea media posterior en 63.3 por ciento, seguida de la línea media anterior en 16.7 por ciento y ambas en16.7 por ciento...

INTRODUCTION: The anal fissure is a linear tear in the anal canal mucosa. If healing fails, it evolves into a chronic anal fissure (CAF). This is one of the most frequent proctologic problems affecting younger patients, altering their social and work life. As it is disabling disease, it causes a socioeconomic problem and, hence, it is important to make a proper diagnosis and apply a rapid and efficient treatment. At present, there are different therapeutic options, both medical and surgical. Among the first, there are several options that relax the anal sphincter. One of the options which are most used is the 0.2 per cent Glycerol Trinitrate (GTN) ointment, there being some randomized and controlled studies reporting 48 per cent and 69 per cent healing rates and other studies with comparable results against surgery. The objective was to know the results of the GTN ointment, so as to avoid surgery, and the probable permanent section of the internal anal sphincter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Topical Glycerol Trinitrate ointment 0.2 per cent was used twice a day during two weeks. All patients diagnosed with CAF who met the inclusion criteriaparticipated in this study for a one-year period, from February 2007 to January 2008. Two controls were carried out, one at the end of the treatment to verify healing and absence of symptoms, and the other after two months to check recidivism. RESULTS: There were 19 female patients (63.3 per cent) and 11 male patients (36.7 per cent). Theaverage age was 34.87 years, with higher prevalence between 21 and 40 years (50 per cent) and minor prevalence between 41 and 50 years (13.3 per cent). The most frequent symptoms found were the association of anal pain with rectal bleeding in 66.6 per cent of the patients, followedby isolated rectal bleeding and anal pain in 23.3 per cent and 10 per cent of cases, respectively. The most common localization of the CAF was the posterior midline in 63.3 per cent of patients, ...