Physical exercise in asthma adolescents: a concept review.

Background: Asthma is a frequent pathological condition during childhood and adolescence. Young asthmatics demonstrate decreased aptitude for physical activity and a limited exercise capacity. Lower hospitalisation rates, reduced school absenteeism, fewer medical examinations, and limited use of bronchodilators have been documented in children and adolescents with bronchial asthma who engage in physical exercise regularly. Structured physical exercise protocols should be encouraged as they can work as a synergistic therapeutic option in addition to regular pharmacologic treatment. This article outlines the most suitable exercise training techniques for young patients with bronchial asthma and their effects on health status.

Effectiveness of adalimumab for ulcerative colitis: A multicentre, retrospective study of clinical practice in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab is used to treat ulcerative colitis, but additional effectiveness and safety data are needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study considered adults with ulcerative colitis treated with adalimumab at 19 hospitals. Clinical data were collected from the start of treatment, after 2, 6 and 12 months, and at the last visit. Outcome measures of effectiveness were treatment duration, reasons for discontinuation and colectomy. RESULTS: We studied 381 patients treated with adalimumab for a median of 12.1 months. Disease activity at the start of treatment was moderate to severe in 262 cases (68.8%) and endoscopic activity was moderate to severe in 339 cases (89.0%). At week 8, clinical responses were observed in 177 cases (46.5%) and clinical remission in 136 cases (35.7%). At 12 months, remission was observed in 128 cases (33.6%). Overall, 44 patients required colectomy, and 170 patients (44.6%) were still taking adalimumab when data were collected. Variables associated with adalimumab discontinuation were concomitant steroid treatment, severe clinical-endoscopic activity at baseline, need for adalimumab intensification and drug-related adverse events. Variables associated with colectomy were concomitant steroid treatment and high baseline C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: Adalimumab is safe and effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Familial Idiopathic Pan-Colonic Varices Found Incidentally in a Young Patient with a Hepatic Flexure Tumor.

BACKGROUND Colonic varices are rare entity that often results from portal vein hypertension and hepatic cirrhosis. In the absence of underlying pathology, they are termed "idiopathic colonic varices". They are usually an incidental finding; however, they can present with varying degrees of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. There is only one reported case in the literature of colonic varices with a concomitant colonic tumor; our patient is the second one with such a presentation. We report a case of this rare combination with the outcomes of the elected surgical management and review the literature. CASE REPORT A 24-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a 1-month history of colicky abdominal pain. His family history is remarkable of 2 relatives with colonic varices. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a hepatic flexure colonic mass. Colonoscopy revealed pancolonic varices. Biopsy from the lesion revealed adenocarcinoma. Options were discussed with the patient to undergo only a right hemicolectomy for his cancer or a total colectomy to include the colonic segment involved with varices, and he elected the first option, with no complications upon 1 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS Idiopathic pan-colonic varices are rare pathology. Their presence with colonic tumor presents a dilemma as to whether a subtotal/total colectomy is needed on the premise that a limited resection may carry the risk of subsequent bleeding. In the literature, the only similar case to ours had brisk postoperative bleeding, while ours did not experience such a complication.

Spontaneous Splenic Rupture following Colorectal Surgery and Hemodialysis.

Atraumatic splenic rupture is rarely encountered in clinical practice compared to traumatic rupture. General risk factors include hematological, infectious, or malignant splenic diseases, uremic coagulopathy, use of heparin, hypertension, and immune-compromised status. Spontaneous splenic rupture following colorectal surgery has never been reported. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with left upper quadrant pain and tenderness is crucial. Diagnosis can be made with the aid of an ultrasound or CT scan. The management plan should be tailored to the patient's clinical conditions. The authors present a case of spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient following colectomy for cancer and undergoing postoperative hemodialysis and discuss the possible etiological factors.

Disseminated intestinal basidiobolomycosis with mycotic aneurysm mimicking obstructing colon cancer.

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection that may affect the gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by Basidiobolus ranarum and less than 80 cases have been reported in the literature. The incidence seems to be higher in the Middle East and in particular Saudi Arabia where most cases are diagnosed in the south-western region. An 18-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an obstructing caecal mass initially suspected to be malignant. Surgical resection was complicated by bowel perforation, histology and cultures confirmed basidiobolomycosis infection. The postoperative course was complicated by an enterocutaneous fistula, fungal intra-abdominal abscesses, liver and lung abscesses, formation of mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm and meningoencephalitis. The patient eventually expired due to sepsis despite aggressive treatment. Diagnosis and management of such rare cases are very challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. Complications are common and associated with a high mortality.

A Propensity Score-matched Comparison of Infliximab and Adalimumab in Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor-naïve and Non-naïve Patients With Crohn's Disease: Real-Life Data From the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is an unmet need to better understand the effectiveness of different biologics in inflammatory bowel diseases. We aimed at performing a multicentre, real-life comparison of the effectiveness of infliximab [IFX] and adalimumab [ADA] in Crohn's disease [CD]. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients with CD treated with IFX and ADA from January 2013 to May 2017 were extracted from the cohort of the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We used propensity score-matching accounting for the main baseline characteristics in TNF-α inhibitor-naïve and non-naïve patients. RESULTS: A total of 632 patients [735 total treatments] were included. Among naïve patients, a clinical benefit [the sum of steroid-free remission plus clinical response] was achieved in 81.8% patients treated with ADA and in 77.6% patients treated with IFX (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.23, 95% CI 0.63-2-44, p = 0.547] at 12 weeks; after 1 year, a clinical benefit was achieved in 69.2% of patients treated with ADA and in 64.5% patients treated with IFX [adjusted OR: 1.10, 95% CI 0.61-1.96, p = 0.766]. Among non-naïve patients, a clinical benefit was achieved in 61.7% of patients treated with ADA and in 68.1% of patients treated with IFX [adjusted OR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.21-2.44, p = 0.600] at 12 weeks; after 1 year, a clinical benefit was achieved in 48.9% of patients treated with ADA and in 40.4% patients treated with IFX [adjusted OR: 1.23, 95% CI 0.54-2.86, p = 0.620]. CONCLUSIONS: In this propensity score-matched comparison of ADA and IFX in CD, both drugs showed high rates of clinical benefit, without significant differences between them.

A Rare Case of Adult-Onset Rectosigmoid Hypoganglionosis.

BACKGROUND Intestinal hypoganglionosis is very rare and accounts for 3% to 5% of all classified congenital intestinal innervation disorders. Isolated hypoganglionosis of the colon is a particularly rare form of the disease, and differential diagnosis includes association with Hirschsprung's disease and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) related to visceral myopathies. Most cases are diagnosed at an early age or in childhood with only a few cases reported in adults. CASE REPORT We report a case of isolated hypoganglionosis of the rectum and sigmoid presenting as an emergency with acute intestinal obstruction in a 20-year-old male patient. A history of chronic constipation was reported since childhood, but this condition had never been investigated. A preoperative CT scan showed a megasigmoid and megarectum. A Hartmann's procedure was performed. The patient made a slow recovery and was discharged on the 12th postoperative day in good condition. Histology showed features consistent with isolated hypoganglionosis, and a full thickness rectal biopsies taken 2 months later confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Isolated hypoganglionosis in an adult is very rare, and a high index of suspicion is warranted in young patients with a history of chronic constipation to avoid delayed presentation as an emergency.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Altemeier's Procedure for Recurrent Strangulated Rectal Prolapse: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Rectal prolapse is an uncommon disease that usually requires surgical intervention. Several techniques have been described with either an abdominal or perineal approach, the latter having a higher recurrence rate. In case of irreducible and strangulated full-thickness prolapse, a perineal approach is necessary, and efforts should be made to reduce recurrence rates. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old mentally retarded woman presented with a painful, recurrent, strangulated sigmoid prolapse following a perineal recto-sigmoidectomy (Altemeier's procedure) for strangulated rectal prolapse 2 months previously. Examination revealed a 10-cm strangulated, prolapsed sigmoid. A laparoscopic-assisted perineal sigmoid resection with colo-anal anastomosis was carried out. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS This is the second report in the literature highlighting the role of laparoscopy in Altemeier's procedure for strangulated prolapse. Laparoscopy aids assessment of sigmoid length, allows colonic mobilization, and assures that all redundant bowel is excised. This approach can reduce recurrence rate and need of further surgical interventions.

Subhepatic appendicitis: a diagnostic dilemma.

A middle-aged woman was admitted with recurrent episodes of ill-defined right-sided abdominal pain, more prominent in the right upper quadrant. Surgical history revealed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 1 month prior, for gallstones that were thought to be the cause of her symptoms. However, she continued to experience similar pain with exacerbation leading to readmission. Blood tests revealed increased inflammatory markers and an ultrasound scan showed a tubular hypoechoic structure between her right kidney and liver corresponding to the area of maximal tenderness. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and a subhepatic inflammatory mass of appendicular origin was found. This required mobilisation of the right colon and appendicectomy. The patient made an uneventful recovery after being readmitted for an ileus treated conservatively. Histology revealed acute appendicitis with mucosal ulceration.

A novel approach to management of a sacral defect in ileal pouch-sacral fistula.

Fistula formation after restorative proctocolectomy poses a challenge to the surgeon and sometimes can lead to the excision of the pouch. While pouch-vaginal fistulas are more common, pouch-sacral fistulas are a rare event and treatment is still controversial. The authors report a case of pouch-sacral fistula which was treated successfully with a novel approach comprising pouch revision, debridement of sacrum and placement of a human acellular dermal matrix (Alloderm) mesh to patch the residual large sacral defect. This is the first report of the use of Alloderm under this rare condition.

Time-dependent density-functional theory meets dynamical mean-field theory: real-time dynamics for the 3D Hubbard model.

We introduce a new class of exchange-correlation potentials for a static and time-dependent density-functional theory of strongly correlated systems in 3D. The potentials are obtained via dynamical mean-field theory and, for strong enough interactions, exhibit a discontinuity at half-filling density, a signature of the Mott transition. For time-dependent perturbations, the dynamics is described in the adiabatic local density approximation. Results from the new scheme compare very favorably to exact ones in clusters. As an application, we study Bloch oscillations in the 3D Hubbard model.

Surgical approach and oncologic outcomes following multidisciplinary management of retrorectal sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Retrorectal sarcomas are rare, and limited data are available on oncologic outcomes following surgery. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes in this patient population at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical resection of a malignant retrorectal/presacral sarcoma between 1985 and 2005 were identified. Data analyzed included demographics, histopathologic diagnosis, surgical morbidity and mortality, use of adjuvant therapy, local and distant recurrence, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were identified (20 males) with a median age of 49 years (range, 22-81 years). The most common histopathologic diagnosis was malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (n = 8). Also, 22 tumors were high grade and 15 were low grade. Surgical margin status was R0 in 31 patients and R1 in 6. Adjuvant therapy was given to 26 patients. Postoperative morbidity and mortality was 57% and 3%, respectively. Median length of follow-up in 16 patients alive at last contact was 4.7 years. The 5-year survival free of local (LDFS), distant (DDFS), and local or distant recurrence (DFS) was 51, 58, and 39%, respectively. Patient survival at 2, 5, and 10 years was 75, 55, and 47%, respectively. Disease-free survival was not significantly associated with gender (P = .16), primary vs secondary (P = .94), R0 vs R1 resection (P = .26), low vs high tumor grade (P = .17), or the use of surgery with or without adjuvant therapy (P = .33). CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal sarcomas are often high grade and locally advanced. Most tumors are resectable with free margins, and long-term survival may be possible in up to one-half of patients following an aggressive surgical approach.

Minimally invasive colectomy for Crohn's colitis: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery for Crohn's ileocolitis is well established but few data exist regarding laparoscopic techniques for Crohn's colitis. We aimed to describe outcomes associated with minimally invasive surgery for Crohn's colitis, including predictors of conversion to laparotomy and postoperative complications. METHODS: We identified all Crohn's patients who underwent minimal invasive colectomy at our institution from 1997-2008. Data represent frequency (proportion) or median (interquartile range). Multivariate regression identified factors associated with conversion and 30-day complications (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). RESULTS: Over 11 years we identified 92 patients, median age 40 (26-51) years, body mass index (BMI) 22.9 (19.3-26.4) kg/m(2); 61% were women. Median Crohn's duration was 6.5 (4-15) years, 11% had prior intestinal resection; medications included immunomodulators (62%), corticosteroids (54%), infliximab (35%). Forty-three cases (47%) were total colectomy, 17 (18%) subtotal colectomy, 32 (35%) were segmental. Straight laparoscopy was used in 57%; 43% were hand-assisted. Median operative time was 248 (190-292) minutes. There were 15 (16%) conversions; only small bowel disease predicted conversion (OR 7 [1.6-35]). Conversion was not associated with increased length of stay or with postoperative complications. Overall postoperative length of stay was 5 (4-7) days. Short-term complications occurred in 34% with reoperation in 5: obstruction n = 3, anastomotic leak n = 2. Only perianal disease predicted complications (2.6 [1.0-6.6]). There was no 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive colectomy in patients with Crohn's colitis can be safely accomplished with reasonable operative times, conversion rates, and excellent postoperative outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic (LAP) surgery is increasingly performed for primary ileocolic Crohn's disease (CD), but its application in patients with recurrent ileocolic CD is less well described. Our aim was to assess whether or not a laparoscopic approach was safe, feasible, and conferred meaningful short-term benefits in this patient population. METHODS: Patients undergoing LAP surgery for recurrent ileocolic CD at our institution from 1998-2008 were identified using a prospectively maintained database. Potential risk factors for conversion to open surgery and overall patient outcomes were assessed with univariate analysis. RESULTS: Forty patients were identified, of which 30 (75%) were LAP-completed and 10 (25%) were LAP-converted. The groups did not differ with respect to clinicopathological features. LAP-converted patients were significantly more likely to require adhesiolysis than LAP-completed patients (100% versus 67%, P = 0.04). There was 1 intraoperative complication in a converted patient. LAP-converted patients had longer times to soft diet (4 versus 3 days, P = 0.03) and longer length of stay (7 versus 4 days, P = 0.003). The groups did not differ with respect to incidence of postoperative complications or frequency of readmission within 30 days. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In up to 20% of patients with recurrent ileocolic, successful laparoscopic re-resection may be prevented by adhesions. Conversion increased the length of stay without increasing morbidity. We conclude that LAP surgery can be safely performed in selected patients with recurrent ileocolic CD and leads to short-term benefits.

Minimally invasive total proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Total proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy remains the optimal surgical procedure for select ulcerative colitis patients. However, few studies describe outcomes of minimally invasive total proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy. Our aim was to describe the safety and feasibility of these procedures by examining short-term (30-day) outcomes. METHODS: Using a prospective database, we identified a cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy at our institution from 2000-2007. Results are reported as median (range) or frequency (proportion). RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included; age 65 years (54-73), 24 were male (55%), body mass index was 26.5 (22.1-30.2) kg/m(2). Colitis duration was 66 months (24-240), and 40% had prior surgery. The indication for surgery was refractory colitis (82%) and neoplasia (18%). Factors influencing choice of total proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy were advanced age in 18 (41%), lifestyle in 13 (30%), medical comorbidities in 11 (25%), fecal incontinence in 10 (23%), oncologic reasons in 3 (6.8%), and obesity in 3 (6.8%). Twenty-three (52%) operations were hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, 13 (30%) were laparoscopic-assisted, and 8 (18%) were "laparoscopic-incisionless" with transanal specimen extraction. Two laparoscopic-assisted cases (4.6%) were converted. Operative time was 329 (272-402) minutes, and length of stay 5 (4-6) days. Major post-operative complications occurred in 4 (9%); there were no perioperative mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive total proctocolectomy with Brooke ileostomy is a safe, feasible option for the surgical treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis, and is the procedure of choice for select patients.

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: report of a case.

The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, type IV, is associated with severe complications, including arterial rupture and visceral perforation. However, to our knowledge, there has been only one previous report of splenic rupture caused by a spontaneous hemorrhage in type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We report another case of this uncommon complication, occurring in a 35-year-old woman who presented after the sudden onset of acute abdominal pain. Patients should be stabilized quickly in the intensive care unit and the most timesaving surgical techniques used. Moreover, tissues must be handled with great care intraoperatively in view of their extreme fragility. Despite prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is often dismal.

Actinomycosis of the sigmoid colon: A case report.

Abdominal actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative infection caused by Actinomyces species. The ileo-cecal region is most commonly affected, while the left side of the colon is more rarely involved. The infection has a tendency to infiltrate adjacent tissues and is therefore rarely confined to a single organ. Presentation may vary from non specific symptoms and signs to an acute abdomen. A computed tomography scan is helpful in identifying the inflammatory process and the organs involved. It also allows visual guidance for percutaneous drainage of abscesses, thus aiding diagnosis. Culture is difficult because of the anaerobic character and slow growth of actinomycetes. Colonoscopy is usually normal, but may shows signs of external compression. Preoperative diagnosis is rare and is established only in less than 10% of cases. In uncomplicated disease, high dose antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Surgery is often performed because of a difficulty in diagnosis. Surgery and antibiotics are required in the case of complicated disease. Combined medical and surgical treatment achieves a cure in about 90% of cases. The authors report a case of sigmoid actinomycosis where diagnosis was made from the histology, and a review of the literature is presented.

Congenital asplenia and group B streptococcus sepsis in the adult: case report and review of the literature.

Asplenia is associated with an increased incidence of fatal and life-threatening sepsis caused by encapsulated pathogens. Isolated congenital asplenia is a very rare condition, with only 33 cases reported in the literature. The authors report another case of this condition complicated by overwhelming Group B streptococcus sepsis secondary to paronychia that was managed successfully.

[Recurrent varicose veins due to neovascularisation: can they be prevented?]. / Varici recidive da "neocrosse"; è possibile prevenirle?

The authors analyse the problems of recurrent varicose veins on the basis of their own experience. The 5-year incidence of recurrent varicose veins ranges from 25 to 40% after internal saphenectomy. The recurrences should be classified in relation to the site and pathogenetic mechanism. The authors assess the effectiveness of a prevention method for sapheno-femoral stump recurrences. The study population consisted of 80 patients undergoing internal saphenectomy. In 34 (Group A) a traditional safenectomy was performed with short stripping, while in 46 (Group B) closure of the ostium with a flap of pectineal fascia was performed in order to prevent recurrences caused by neovascularisation. In Group A the recurrence rate was 27.1% as against 14.8% in Group B. Recurrences originating from the sapheno-femoral stump are mainly caused not only by an inadequate echo-colordoppler preoperative diagnosis and an inadequate or insufficient crossectomy, but also by neovascularisation. The pectineal flap method in our experience is a very simple, effective and complication-free technique to appreciably reduce recurrent varicose veins originating from the sapheno-femoral stump.