Instruções em bulas destinadas ao uso de medicamentos para dispepsia e constipação durante a lactação / Instructions in package inserts intended for the use of medicines for dyspepsia and constipation during lactation / Instrucciones en prospectos destinados al uso de medicamentos para la dispepsia y el estreñimiento durante la lactancia

Introdução: A segurança e eficácia do uso de medicamentos durante a lactação são preocupações para mães e profissionais de saúde. Esta pesquisa analisa as orientações das bulas de medicamentos comumente prescritos para dispepsia e constipação, que visa fornecer informações essenciais para orientar as decisões terapêuticas durante esse período crucial da maternidade. Objetivos: Analisar as informações das bulas sobre contraindicações de medicamentos para dispepsia e constipação durante a amamentação, verificando se estão de acordo com as evidências científicas. Métodos: Medicamentos para dispepsia e constipação foram selecionados de acordo com a classificação da Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) e o registro ativo no Brasil. A presença de contraindicações para o uso de medicamentos nas bulas do profissional de saúde e do paciente foi comparada com as informações contidas no manual técnico do Ministério da Saúde, Medicamentos e Leite Materno, LactMed, UptoDate, Micromedex, Documento Científico da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria e Reprotox. Resultados: Nenhuma informação sobre o uso durante a amamentação foi encontrada em 20,0 e 24,3% das bulas para dispepsia e constipação, respectivamente. A concordância entre as bulas dos medicamentos para dispepsia e as fontes consultadas foi baixa (27,2% das bulas contraindicavam o medicamento na lactação, enquanto nas fontes o percentual de contraindicação variou de 0 a 8,3%). Com relação a medicamentos para constipação, 26,3% das bulas os contraindicavam, enquanto nas fontes o percentual variou de 0 a 4,8%. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou que pelo menos duas em cada dez bulas para dispepsia e constipação não fornecem informações adequadas sobre o uso desses medicamentos em lactentes, e também que houve baixa concordância entre o texto das bulas e as fontes de referência quanto à compatibilidade do medicamento com a amamentação.

Introduction: The safety and effectiveness of medication use during lactation are concerns for mothers and healthcare professionals. This research analyzes the instructions on the leaflets of medications commonly prescribed for dyspepsia and constipation, which aims to provide essential information to guide therapeutic decisions during this crucial period of motherhood. Objectives: To analyze the information in package inserts about contraindications of drugs for dyspepsia and constipation during breastfeeding, verifying whether these are consistent with scientific evidence. Methods: Drugs for dyspepsia and constipation were selected according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and active registry in Brazil. The presence of contraindications for the use of medications in the health professional's and patient's package inserts was compared with the information in the technical manual of the Ministry of Health, Medications and Mothers' Milk, LactMed, UptoDate, Micromedex, Documento Científico da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria and Reprotox. Results: No information about use during breastfeeding was found in 20.0 and 24.3% of leaflets for dyspepsia and constipation, respectively. The agreement between the leaflets of medications for dyspepsia and the sources consulted was low (27.2% of the leaflets contraindicated the medication during lactation, while in the sources the percentage of contraindication varied from 0 to 8.3%). In relation to medicines for constipation, 26.3% of the leaflets contraindicated them, while in the sources the percentage ranged from 0 to 4.8%. Conclusions: The study pointed out that at least two out of every ten package inserts for dyspepsia and constipation do not provide adequate information on the use of these drugs in infants, and also shows low concordance between the text of the package inserts and the reference sources regarding compatibility of the drug with breastfeeding.

Introducción: La seguridad y eficacia del uso de medicamentos durante la lactancia son preocupaciones para las madres y los profesionales de la salud. Esta investigación analiza las instrucciones contenidas en los prospectos de medicamentos comúnmente recetados para la dispepsia y el estreñimiento, con el objetivo de proporcionar información esencial para guiar las decisiones terapéuticas durante este período crucial de la maternidad. Objetivos: Analizar la información contenida en los prospectos sobre las contraindicaciones de los medicamentos para la dispepsia y el estreñimiento durante la lactancia, verificando si estas son consistentes con la evidencia científica. Métodos: Se seleccionaron medicamentos para la dispepsia y el estreñimiento de acuerdo con la clasificación ATC y el registro activo en Brasil. Se comparó la presencia de contraindicaciones para el uso de medicamentos en los prospectos del profesional de la salud y del paciente con la información del manual técnico del Ministerio de Salud, Medicamentos y Leche Materna, LactMed, UptoDate, Micromedex, Documento Científico da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria y Reprotox. Resultados: No se encontró información sobre su uso durante la lactancia en el 20% y el 24,3% de los prospectos para dispepsia y estreñimiento, respectivamente. La concordancia entre los prospectos de los medicamentos para la dispepsia y las fuentes consultadas fue baja (el 27,2% de los prospectos contraindicaba el medicamento durante la lactancia, mientras que en las fuentes el porcentaje de contraindicación variaba del 0% al 8,3%). Con relación a los medicamentos para el estreñimiento, el 26,3% de los prospectos los contraindicaba, mientras que en las fuentes el porcentaje osciló entre el 0% y el 4,8%. Conclusiones: El estudio señaló que al menos dos de cada diez prospectos para dispepsia y estreñimiento no brindan información adecuada sobre el uso de estos medicamentos en lactantes, y también muestra la baja concordancia entre el texto de los prospectos y la referencia. fuentes sobre la compatibilidad del fármaco con la lactancia.

Analysis between symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical and endoscopic aspects of dyspeptic patients submitted to upper endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, and analytical research through interviews and endoscopic reports of 80 patients with dyspeptic complaints submitted to upper endoscopy. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 66.25% were women, most were aged ≥ 40 years old and had epigastric pain as their main symptom, and 29.75% had no appropriate indication to perform upper endoscopy. Mild enanthematous gastritis of the antrum was the most frequent finding, and 92.5% had non-significant findings. Rapid urease test was positive in 25%. The following findings showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05): age < 40 years old, female gender, and gastric lesion with positive urease test; smoking with gastric lesion and age less than 40 years old with normal examination. Patients with significant findings had appropriate indications for upper endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The correct indication of upper endoscopy is essential for satisfactory endoscopic yields and accurate diagnosis.

The interplay between Helicobacter pylori infection and rs738409 PNPLA3 in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested an association between H. pylori and metabolic-disfunction associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). However, epidemiologic studies have yielded inconsistent results. We aim to evaluate the association of H. pylori and G-allele PNPLA3 in MASLD diagnosis, and markers of severity. METHODS: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total 224 functional dyspepsia (FD) patients cohort who underwent gastroscopy was selected. Biochemical, clinical parameters, ultrasound, FIB-4 score, LSM by VCTE, gastric biopsies, H. pylori status, and rs738409 PNPLA3 were evaluated. A second retrospective cohort of 86 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD who underwent gastroscopy with gastric biopsies was analyzed. RESULTS: In the FD cohort MASLD was observed in 52%, and H. pylori-positive in 51%. H. pylori infection was associated with MASLD prevalence, but in multivariate analyses adjusted for G-allele PNPLA3, it became not significant. Then in MASLD-only dyspeptic cohort, H. pylori infection was significantly linked to elevated serum AST levels and increased liver stiffness measurements, suggesting a potential role in liver injury and fibrosis. Histopathological analysis in biopsy-proven MASLD patients further supported these findings, showing a significant association between H. pylori infection and increased NAS score, fibrosis stage, and prevalence of MASH. Notably, the combination of H. pylori infection and G-allele PNPLA3 appeared to exacerbate MASLD severity beyond individual effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that H. pylori infection may play a role in the progression of liver injury and fibrosis in patients with MASLD, especially in those with specific genetic predispositions.

Dispepsia no investigada y los factores de riesgos relacionados en estudiantes universitarios / Uninvestigated dyspepsia and related risk factorsin collegestudents

Introducción. La dispepsia no investigada es un síndrome que se caracteriza por la sensación de plenitud, molestias epigástricas, náuseas, entre otros síntomas, ya sea de forma recurrente o episodios aislados, para lo cual no se ha realizado una endoscopia para determinarla etiología. Para el diagnóstico clínico se utilizan los criterios de Roma IV. Materiales y Métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Los alumnos del ciclo preclínico de la Universidad del Pacífico fueron sometidos al test diagnóstico OnSite H. PyloriAb Combo Rapid Test de CTK Biotech inc, que consiste en la técnica de inmunoensayo cromatográfico para detectar de forma cualitativa la presencia de anticuerpos en sangre. Los estudiantes completaron un cuestionario sobre los síntomas y factores de riesgo para adquirir dispepsia. Resultados. Se estudiaron 156 estudiantes con una edad media fue de 22,1 años, el 65% del sexo femenino, 55,1% del departamento Central. La prevalencia de dispepsia no investigada fue de 32,7%; y de anticuerpos anti H. Pylori14%. El 13% informó ser fumador de al menos 1 cigarrillo/día, el 71% refirió beber alcohol, y el 45% consumir AINES con una elevada frecuencia. Conclusión.La prevalencia de la dispepsia no investigada es elevada y seria imperativo adjudicarle una causa, o categorizarla como dispepsia funcional para poder emplear medidas terapéuticas. También es importante la identificación y control de posibles factores de riesgo para la patología. Palabras clave: dispepsia; helicobacter pylori; gastroenterología

Introduction. Uninvestigated dyspepsia is a syndrome characterized by a feeling of fullness, epigastric discomfort, nausea, among other symptoms, whether recurrent or isolated episodes, for which an endoscopy has not beenperformed to determine the etiology. For clinical diagnosis,the Rome IV criteria are used. Material and Methods.A cross-sectional descriptive observational study.Students from the preclinical cycle of the Universidad del Pacíficowere subjected to the OnSite H. PyloriAb Combo Rapid Test diagnostic test, from CTK Biotech inc, consistingin the chromatographic immunoassay technique to qualitatively detect the presence of antibodies in the blood.The students filled out a questionnaireon symptoms and risk factors to acquire dyspepsia. Results.A total of 156 students were studied with anaverage age of22.1 years, 65% female, 55,1% from the Central department. The prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia was 32,7%andof anti-H. Pyloriantibodies 14%;13% claimedto be a smoker of at least 1 cigarette/day, 71% reporteddrinking alcohol, and 45% consuming NSAIDs with a high frequency. Conclusion.The prevalence of uninvestigated Dyspepsia is high and it would be imperative to assign a cause or categorize it as functional dyspepsia in order to usetherapeutic measures. It is also important to identifyand control possible risk factors for the pathology. Key words: dyspepsia; helicobacter pylori; gastroenterology

Analysis between symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil

Purpose: To analyze clinical and endoscopic aspects of dyspeptic patients submitted to upper endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil. Methods: Observational, descriptive, and analytical research through interviews and endoscopic reports of 80 patients with dyspeptic complaints submitted to upper endoscopy. Results: Among the respondents, 66.25% were women, most were aged ≥ 40 years old and had epigastric pain as their main symptom, and 29.75% had no appropriate indication to perform upper endoscopy. Mild enanthematous gastritis of the antrum was the most frequent finding, and 92.5% had non-significant findings. Rapid urease test was positive in 25%. The following findings showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05): age < 40 years old, female gender, and gastric lesion with positive urease test; smoking with gastric lesion and age less than 40 years old with normal examination. Patients with significant findings had appropriate indications for upper endoscopy. Conclusions: The correct indication of upper endoscopy is essential for satisfactory endoscopic yields and accurate diagnosis.

Plasma Interleukin-13 Levels Correlate With the Severity of Symptoms Induced by Functional Dyspepsia.

OBJECTIVE: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal functional disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract that affects the quality of life of patients and poses a significant economic burden. It has been proposed that the local inflammatory immune response at the duodenum is associated with an increase in intestinal permeability, favoring the recruitment of Th2 cells and granulocyte degranulation. Moreover, systemic immune response could also be related to the symptoms of FD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the systemic immune response in Uruguayan patients with FD by analyzing the cytokine levels in plasma and the frequency of circulating T cells associated with duodenal recruitment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytic and cross-sectional study in 30 patients with FD and 15 healthy controls (HCs) was carried out. Patients were diagnosed with FD according to the Roma IV Committee definition. Cytokine levels were measured in plasma by a specific assay. Expression of α4ß7 and CC chemokine receptor9 in circulating T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Higher levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, and IL-8 and lower levels of IL-10 and IL-12p70 were detected in patients with FD than in HC. Furthermore, a positive linear correlation between IL-13 and the severity of FD symptoms was found. CD4 + T cells from patients with FD expressed higher levels of α4ß7 and CC chemokine receptor9 than those from HC. CONCLUSIONS: An increase of Th2-like cytokines and a positive correlation between the levels of plasma IL-13 and the severity of symptoms in patients with FD from Uruguay were detected.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of NOD1, Interleukin-1B, and cagA strain with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in Helicobacter pylori-related dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related dyspepsia (HpD) may be considered a separate entity. Duodenal eosinophilia is a potential pathogenic mechanism in FD. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophilia and host genetic polymorphism of innate and pro-inflammatory cascade, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD-1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) in HpD was not explored. AIM: To evaluate the association of NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants and low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in HpD. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 253 patients who met Rome-IV criteria were selected before upper endoscopy and 98 patients were included after unremarkable upper endoscopy and positive H. pylori in gastric biopsies were assessed. Clinical parameters, H. pylori cagA and duodenal histology, were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-four (65%) patients had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 24 (25%) postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and 10 (10%) EPS/PDS overlap. FD subtypes were not associated with NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants. Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significantly increased in NOD1-796 GG versus single A-allele, but not in IL-1B-511 single T-allele or CC-allele. This association is dependent of cagA infection, since harboring cagA strain was significantly associated with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia with isolated variants NOD1-796 GG and IL-1B-511 single T-allele, but not without cagA. When we performed combined polymorphism analysis with NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele, a synergistic effect on low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was found between these two loci irrespective of cagA strain status in HpD. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is significantly associated with NOD1-796 GG allele specially in cagA strain and with allelic combination NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele independent of cagA strain infection in HpD patients.

Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: One-third of people with gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia, use some form of complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal medicines. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to assess the effects of non-Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of people with functional dyspepsia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases on 22 December 2022: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, among other sources, without placing language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs comparing non-Chinese herbal medicines versus placebo or other treatments in people with functional dyspepsia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened references, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias from trial reports. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs). We created effect direction plots when meta-analysis was not possible, following the reporting guideline for Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence (CoE) for all outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: We included 41 trials with 4477 participants that assessed 27 herbal medicines. This review evaluated global symptoms of functional dyspepsia, adverse events and quality of life; however, some studies did not report these outcomes. STW5 (Iberogast) may moderately improve global symptoms of dyspepsia compared with placebo at 28 to 56 days; however, the evidence is very uncertain (MD -2.64, 95% CI -4.39 to -0.90; I2 = 87%; 5 studies, 814 participants; very low CoE). STW5 may also increase the improvement rate compared to placebo at four to eight weeks' follow-up (RR 1.55, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.47; 2 studies, 324 participants; low CoE). There was little to no difference in adverse events for STW5 compared to placebo (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.64; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 786 participants; low CoE). STW5 may cause little to no difference in quality of life compared to placebo (no numerical data available, low CoE). Peppermint and caraway oil probably result in a large improvement in global symptoms of dyspepsia compared to placebo at four weeks (SMD -0.87, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.58; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 210 participants; moderate CoE) and increase the improvement rate of global symptoms of dyspepsia (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.81; I2 = 0%; 3 studies, 305 participants; moderate CoE). There may be little to no difference in the rate of adverse events between this intervention and placebo (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.53; I2 = 47%; 3 studies, 305 participants; low CoE). The intervention probably improves the quality of life (measured on the Nepean Dyspepsia Index) (MD -131.40, 95% CI -193.76 to -69.04; 1 study, 99 participants; moderate CoE). Curcuma longa probably results in a moderate improvement global symptoms of dyspepsia compared to placebo at four weeks (MD -3.33, 95% CI -5.84 to -0.81; I2 = 50%; 2 studies, 110 participants; moderate CoE) and may increase the improvement rate (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.11; 1 study, 76 participants; low CoE). There is probably little to no difference in the rate of adverse events between this intervention and placebo (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.51 to 3.08; 1 study, 89 participants; moderate CoE). The intervention probably improves the quality of life, measured on the EQ-5D (MD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09; 1 study, 89 participants; moderate CoE). We found evidence that the following herbal medicines may improve symptoms of dyspepsia compared to placebo: Lafonesia pacari (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.14; 1 study, 97 participants; moderate CoE), Nigella sativa (SMD -1.59, 95% CI -2.13 to -1.05; 1 study, 70 participants; high CoE), artichoke (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.09; 1 study, 244 participants; low CoE), Boensenbergia rotunda (SMD -2.22, 95% CI -2.62 to -1.83; 1 study, 160 participants; low CoE), Pistacia lenticus (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.01; 1 study, 148 participants; low CoE), Enteroplant (SMD -1.09, 95% CI -1.40 to -0.77; 1 study, 198 participants; low CoE), Ferula asafoetida (SMD -1.51, 95% CI -2.20 to -0.83; 1 study, 43 participants; low CoE), ginger and artichoke (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.13; 1 study, 126 participants; low CoE), Glycyrrhiza glaba (SMD -1.86, 95% CI -2.54 to -1.19; 1 study, 50 participants; moderate CoE), OLNP-06 (RR 3.80, 95% CI 1.70 to 8.51; 1 study, 48 participants; low CoE), red pepper (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.89 to -0.26; 1 study, 27 participants; low CoE), Cuadrania tricuspidata (SMD -1.19, 95% CI -1.66 to -0.72; 1 study, 83 participants; low CoE), jollab (SMD -1.22, 95% CI -1.59 to -0.85; 1 study, 133 participants; low CoE), Pimpinella anisum (SMD -2.30, 95% CI -2.79 to -1.80; 1 study, 107 participants; low CoE). The following may provide little to no difference compared to placebo: Mentha pulegium (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.02; 1 study, 100 participants; moderate CoE) and cinnamon oil (SMD 0.38, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.94; 1 study, 51 participants; low CoE); moreover, Mentha longifolia may increase dyspeptic symptoms (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88; 1 study, 88 participants; low CoE). Almost all the studies reported little to no difference in the rate of adverse events compared to placebo except for red pepper, which may result in a higher risk of adverse events compared to placebo (RR 4.31, 95% CI 1.56 to 11.89; 1 study, 27 participants; low CoE). With respect to the quality of life, most studies did not report this outcome. When compared to other interventions, essential oils may improve global symptoms of dyspepsia compared to omeprazole. Peppermint oil/caraway oil, STW5, Nigella sativa and Curcuma longa may provide little to no benefit compared to other treatments. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on moderate to very low-certainty evidence, we identified some herbal medicines that may be effective in improving symptoms of dyspepsia. Moreover, these interventions may not be associated with important adverse events. More high-quality trials are needed on herbal medicines, especially including participants with common gastrointestinal comorbidities.

[Comparison of two types of classification in functional dyspepsia; postprandial distress or epigastric pain vs a multidimensional cluster analysis using unsupervised learning]. / Comparación de dos tipos de clasificación en dispepsia funcional; distrés postprandial o dolor epig ástrico vs un an álisis multidimensional por conglomerados utilizando aprendizaje no supervisado.

Artificial intelligence methods using unsupervised learning tools can support problem solving by establishing unidentified grouping or classification patterns that allow typing subgroups for more individualized management. There are few studies that allow us to know the influence of digestive and extra-digestive symptoms in the classification of functional dyspepsia. This research carried out a cluster unsupervised learning analysis based on these symptoms to discriminate subtypes of dyspepsia and compare with one of the currently most accepted classifications. An exploratory cluster analysis was carried out in adults with functional dyspepsia according to digestive, extra-digestive and emotional symptoms. Grouping patterns were formed in such a way that within each group there was homogeneity in terms of the values adopted by each variable. The cluster analysis method was two-stage and the results of the classification pattern were compared with one of the most accepted classifications of functional dyspepsia. Of 184 cases, 157 met the inclusion criteria. The cluster analysis excluded 34 unclassifiable cases. Patients with type 1 dyspepsia (cluster one) presented improvement after treatment in 100% of cases, only a minority presented depressive symptoms. Patients with type 2 dyspepsia (cluster two) presented a higher probability of failure to treatment with proton pump inhibitor, suffered more frequently from sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, physical limitations or chronic pain of a non-digestive nature. This classification of dyspepsia by cluster analysis establishes a more holistic vision of dyspepsia in which extradigestive characteristics, affective symptoms, presence or absence of sleep disorders and chronic pain allow discriminating behavior and response to first-line management.

Wilkie's and Nutcracker's syndromes overlapping a case of functional dyspepsia.

We present the case of a patient suffering from a mixed-type functional dyspepsia who markedly reduced his diet to improve his symptoms leading him to malnourishment and a subsequent Wilkie's and Nutcracker's syndromes which exacerbated his pain. Our aim by presenting this case is to raise awareness as to what extent a so-called functional dyspepsia can evolve and of the possible overlap with these two entities in case of severe malnutrition.

Is bad breath associated with dyspepsia? An association and an equivalence study.

Halitosis affects all populations worldwide. The presence of chronic halitosis may be related to a health problem. Patients with bad breath usually seek a gastroenterologist and, in some cases, invasive and expensive exams, such as digestive endoscopy, are performed to investigate the etiology of halitosis. This study aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of bad breath in patients diagnosed with dyspepsia (any pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen) is higher than or equivalent to that in non-dyspeptic patients. This is a cross-sectional study that included 312 patients from university hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro (141 dyspeptic patients and 171 non-dyspeptic ones). The presence of halitosis was defined based on different cutoff points. Association analyses were performed using a log-binomial model and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the coefficients, adjusting for sex and age. The equivalence test (Westlake) was used to test the hypothesis of equivalence between the proportions of patients with bad breath in the two groups (dyspeptic vs. non-dyspeptic), considering an equivalence band of ± 15%. The prevalence of bad breath ranged from 30% to 64% according to the definition of bad breath. Dyspepsia was not associated with bad breath in any of the three definitions of bad breath (two specific ones and a sensitive one). The proportion of patients with marked bad breath was equivalent in patients with and without dyspepsia.

Clinical Implications of Low-grade Duodenal Eosinophilia in Functional Dyspepsia: A Prospective Real-life Study.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder with no targeted therapy. Duodenal eosinophilia and low-grade inflammation are potential pathogenic mechanisms. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophils (D-EO) histologic evaluation in real-life clinical practice was not explored. AIM: To evaluate the clinical utility of D-EO and low-grade inflammation in FD in real-life practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective study was conducted. A total of 636 patients who meet Rome-III criteria were selected before upper endoscopy and 516 patients were included after normal endoscopy were assessed. Clinical parameters, Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori), and duodenal histology were evaluated. RESULTS: FD subtypes were 231 (45%) patients who had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 168 (33%) postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and 117 (22%) EPS/PDS overlap. Two hundred fifty-nine (50.3%) patients were H. pylori+ . Histologic duodenal grading of chronic inflammation and intraepithelial lymphocytes showed no difference between FD subtypes. Increased in D-EO densities (>10 per high power field) was significant in PDS compared with EPS and EPS/PDS overlap subtypes. The odds ratio of PDS in subjects with duodenal eosinophilia densities was 2.28 (95% CI, 1.66-3.14; P <0.0001), adjusting for age, gender, H. pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug the odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI, 2.45-5.28; P <0.0001). receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further demonstrated that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia, in particular H. pylori- , was highly accurate for PDS with the area under the curve 0.731 compared with H. pylori+ area under the curve 0.598. Furthermore, low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significantly correlated with treatment response under 4 to 6 weeks of proton pump inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is associated with PDS subtype non- H. pylori FD patients and could be a useful marker of treatment response.

Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is associated with cagA in Helicobacter pylori-related dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related dyspepsia (HpD) may be considered a separate entity. Duodenal eosinophilia is a potential pathogenic mechanism in FD. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophilia and H. pylori virulence genes in HpD was not explored. We aim to evaluate the association of H. pylori virulence genes and low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in HpD. METHODS: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 301 patients who meet Rome-III criteria were selected before upper endoscopy, and 95 patients were included after normal endoscopy and positive H. pylori in gastric biopsies were assessed. Clinical parameters, H. pylori virulence genes (cagA, oipA, and vacA) and duodenal histology were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-nine (72%) patients had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 17 (18%) post-prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and 9 (10%) EPS/PDS overlap. FD syndromes were not associated with cagA or oipA strains. A significantly trend of vacA s1/m1 (78%) and s1/m2 (80%) positive strains in EPS was observed. Histological duodenal grading of chronic inflammation, low-grade duodenal eosinophilia and intra-epithelial lymphocytes showed no difference in oipA and vacA strains. Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significant in cagA positive strain, and the OR for low-grade duodenal eosinophilia with H. pylori cagA positive strain was 4.2 (95% CI, 1.78-9.93). Adjusting for age, gender, smoking, diabetes, alcohol, PPI, and NSAID, the OR was 5.44 (1.989-14.902). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is significantly associated with cagA strain in HpD.

Celiac disease in Chilean adults.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To characterize a university hospital population of Chilean adult patients with celiac disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients under control that were diagnosed with celiac disease through clinical characteristics, serology, and histology. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were included, 119 (79.9%) of whom were women. Mean patient age was 42 years at diagnosis and 13.4% of patients had a family history of celiac disease. Mean body mass index was 24.3kg/m2, 55.3% presented with normal weight, 37.9% with overweight and obesity, and 6.8% with underweight. The main reasons for consultation were diarrhea (47%), weight loss (31%), dyspepsia (43%), and fatigue (26.1%). Anemia (26.1%), elevated transaminases (17.4%), low ferritin (11.4%), and hypovitaminosis D (9.3%) stood out, among others, in the initial laboratory work-up. The more frequent associated diseases were hypothyroidism (15.4%) and depressive disorder (11.4%). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was found in 10.1% and lactose malabsorption in 15.4%. The primary histologic diagnosis was celiac disease, with Marsh stage 3a villous atrophy (34.9%). CONCLUSION: Our results were similar to those of other case series on adults, finding that celiac disease was more frequent in women, disease began in the fourth decade of life, extraintestinal symptoms predominated, and there was an association with other autoimmune diseases. An important percentage of patients were also overweight and obese.

Hemangioma hepático gigante: presentación de caso clínico / Giant hepatic hemangioma: case report

Los hemangiomas hepáticos se consideran las lesiones benignas hepáticas más comunes. Se de-nominan hemangiomas gigantes cuando su diámetro supera los 5 cm. La etiología es poco clara y su mayor prevalencia se ubica en mujeres de mediana edad. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente de 73 años con dispepsia tipo distrés postprandial. La paciente acudió a consulta donde se documentó una masa heterogénea en segmentos hepáticos VI y VII con componente exofítico, realce periférico y llenado centrípeto en fases tardías. Recibió manejo sintomático con buena respuesta clínica y continúa en seguimiento. La presentación de este caso clínico obedece a que el hemangioma hepático es diagnosticado, por lo general, de forma incidental por imágenes abdominales realizadas desde un enfoque distinto en el paciente, y por las numerosas consultas al servicio de salud por síntomas diferentes a los directamente relacionados con el hemangioma hepá-tico. Adicionalmente, puede generar complicaciones asociadas al efecto de masa, y su prevalencia dentro de las lesiones hepáticas benignas es considerable

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver. They are called giant he-mangiomas when their diameter exceeds 5 cm. The pathophysiology is unclear, and middle-aged women have the highest prevalence. The case of a 73-year-old woman with dyspepsia postprandial distress syndrome is presented. The patient had a heterogeneous mass in the liver segments VI and VII with an exophytic component, peripheral enhancement, and centripetal filling in late phases. The patient received symptomatic treatment with adequate clinical response and continues in observa-tion. The presentation of this clinical report is due to the fact that hepatic hemangioma is generally diagnosed incidentally by abdominal imaging performed from a different approach, and to the numerous visits to the health service due to symptoms other than those directly related to hepatic hemangioma. Additionally, it can involve mass-related complications, and the prevalence within benign liver lesions is substantial.

Reduced mastication is a risk factor for Rome IV postprandial distress syndrome in patients investigated with upper endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reduced mastication could force the stomach to do extra work on crushing food and contribute to dyspeptic symptoms. This study aimed to assess the relationship between mastication and dyspepsia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 209 consecutive patients referred for elective upper endoscopy. Before endoscopy, an expert dentist performed an oral examination and scored chewing function in three levels (normal, regular, and reduced), and applied questionnaires for assessment of dyspepsia (Rome IV), xerostomia, and mastication (normal, regular, and reduced). A reduced masticatory function was defined when an oral examination or mastication questionnaire rated the chewing as poor. Associations between mastication, confounders, and dyspepsia were estimated by prevalence ratio [PR (95% Confidence Interval)] using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients showed relevant organic conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract (moderate to severe reflux oesophagitis, peptic ulcer, neoplasia, and surgical modification) and were excluded. Among 175 patients with non-organic diseases (aging 51.3 ± 15.7 years; 61.7% women), 50 (28.6%) had reduced mastication, and 125 (71.4%) had normal/regular mastication. After adjusting for age and xerostomia, reduced mastication was associated with postprandial distress syndrome [PR = 1.93 (95%CI 1.27 - 2.91)] but not with epigastric pain syndrome [PR = 1.09 (95%CI 0.75 - 1.60)]. CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for upper digestive endoscopy, reduced mastication was associated with postprandial distress syndrome but not with epigastric pain syndrome. An interdisciplinary approach with dentists and physicians might benefit dyspeptic patients with postprandial distress syndrome.

THE ROLE OF ENDOSCOPY IN DYSPEPTIC SYNDROME IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTES.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the epigastric region, and can be subdivided into organic and functional. The diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is based on the criteria defined by the Rome committee. In the pediatric population, functional dyspepsia is more common than organic dyspepsia, in addition to being part of a set of diseases called defined gastrointestinal disorders, defined by the Rome IV criteria. The most efficient diagnostic method of functional dyspepsia in the pediatric population is still uncertain since endoscopy is an important test to rule out organic changes, but it is invasive to be performed on a large scale. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia in pediatric patients, aiming at preventing invasive procedures and reaching high specificity in the result, which is important to determine the best diagnostic guideline for these patients. METHODS: Narrative literature review study performed by searching for articles in the PubMed/Medline and LILACS database using the PRISMA method. RESULTS: A total of 102 articles were found in PubMed, 15 of which were selected for the study. In the LILACS database, nine articles were found and one was selected. Thus, 16 articles were selected for the study. The most appropriate indications for endoscopy, how to differentiate organic from functional dyspepsia without endoscopy, the main endoscopic findings of the studies, the differences between Rome III and Rome IV criteria, and the prevalence and factors possibly associated with functional dyspepsia were approached through the selected articles. CONCLUSION: The main indication for endoscopy is the presence of alarm symptoms in pediatric patients with dyspepsia and the Rome clinical criteria are efficient for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. However, there is still no standardized diagnostic guideline to be followed in this age group.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS ACCORDING TO ROME IV CRITERIA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children according to Rome IV criteria. METHODS: We included cohorts and observational descriptive studies, including information for the prevalence of FGIDs according to Rome IV criteria in children 4 to 18 years old. We searched the MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases from May 2016 to nowadays. Gray literature and other databases were also consulted. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE Statement. The results were reported in forest plots of the estimated effects of the included studies with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: We included 14 studies involving a total of 17427 participants. Three studies were conducted in Europe, two in North America, and nine in Latin America. Most studies were school-based (n=14670, 84.18%), participants were mostly female (55.49%), white (51.73%), 8 to 18 years old (77.64%), and assisted to a public school (81.53%). Thirteen studies used the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS-RIV) to assess FGIDs. We found a global prevalence for FGIDs of 23% (95%CI 21-25%, I2 99%). Main disorders were functional constipation (FC) with 12% (95%CI 11-15%) followed by functional dyspepsia (FD) (5%, 95%CI 11-15%) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3%, 95%CI 2-4%). The prevalence of FGIDs was higher in the Americas, representing 23.67% (95%CI 21.2-26.2%, I2 91.3%). CONCLUSION: FGIDs are present in one of four children and adolescents, representing a common condition in this age group the central disorders were FC, FD, and IBS.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is Undiagnosed in Some Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Using the Rome IV Criteria.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent disorders in clinical practice, with a mean 7.6-10.8% worldwide prevalence. A study showed that 6.1% of patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) had severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). We aimed to identify the prevalence of EPI based on fecal elastase stool testing (Fel-1) in IBS-D and the clinical characteristics that may predict the diagnosis of EPI. METHODS: Patients aged > 18 years presenting to tertiary hospital outpatient clinics with IBS-D completed validated questionnaires and gave a stool sample where Fel-1 concentration was measured. Patients with Fel-1 < 100 µg/g represented EPI and > 100 to < 200 µg/g underwent testing for pancreatic pathology with laboratory and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evaluation. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients (mean age 60 years, females 75.7%) were studied. EPI was found in 5% (95% CI 2.2-10.4), and pancreatic steatosis was the main EUS finding (71%). Dyspepsia was an independent factor associated with EPI (OR 34.7; 95% CI 4.95-366.37, p = 0.0007). After pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), patients showed a significant improvement in the Bristol stool scale (p < 0.0001), bowel movements per day (p < 0.005), distension score (0.0009), pain score (0.0277) and IBS severity (0.0034). CONCLUSION: EPI is present in 5% of patients who fulfill Rome IV criteria for D-IBS, and dyspepsia was an independent symptom strongly associated with EPI. Pancreatic steatosis was the main endoscopic ultrasound finding. After PERT therapy, patients had significantly improved stool frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, distension and IBS severity score.