Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective (a) to assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in female Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients using the Rome III criteria and (b) to examine the effect of disease duration on FGID prevalence. Methods Female SLE outpatients aged ≥18 years with no organic gastrointestinal disorder were included. Participants were invited to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening and a faecal immunochemical test. FGID symptoms were evaluated using the Rome III questionnaire. Results Eighty-six SLE patients with median age of 45 (interquartile range 34-54) years were included. At least one FGID was found in 76.7% (66/88) of patients with SLE. The most prevalent domains of FGID diagnosed were functional oesophageal, gastroduodenal disorders and bowel disorders, of which functional dyspepsia (72.7%), functional heartburn (68.1%) and bloating (63.8%) were the most frequent. Fifty-nine per cent of patients had overlapping FGIDs. The most prevalent overlap was the combination of functional dyspepsia and functional heartburn. Patients with longer disease duration had a higher prevalence of FGID than those with shorter disease duration. Conclusions There was a high prevalence of FGIDs in Mexican SLE women with low disease activity. Overlapping FGIDs were frequent. Longer disease duration may be associated with FGIDs in SLE patients.

Incidence of cervical human papillomavirus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus women.

Objectives Our objective was to study the incidence, persistence and clearance of human papillomavirus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus women and assess risk factors for persistence of human papillomavirus infection. Methods We carried out a prospective, observational cohort study of 127 systemic lupus erythematosus women. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at three years. Traditional and systemic lupus erythematosus women-related disease risk factors were collected. Gynaecological evaluations and cervical cytology screening were made. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were made by polymerase chain reaction and linear array. Results The cumulative prevalence of human papillomavirus infection increased from 22.8% at baseline to 33.8% at three years; p = < 0.001: 20.1% of patients experienced 43 incident infections. The risk of any human papillomavirus infection was 10.1 per 1000 patient-months. At three years, 47 (88.6%) prevalent infections were cleared. Independent risk factors associated with incident human papillomavirus infection included more lifetime sexual partners (odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.11-3.0) and cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (odds ratio = 3.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.2-12.8). Conclusions In systemic lupus erythematosus women, the cumulative prevalence of human papillomavirus infection, including high risk-human papillomavirus and multiple human papillomavirus infections, may increase over time. Most persistent infections were low risk-human papillomavirus. The number of lifetime sexual partners and the cumulative cyclophosphamide dose were independently associated with incident human papillomavirus infection.

Risk factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease relapse in primary care patients successfully treated with a proton pump inhibitor. / Factores de riesgo asociados a recaída de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en pacientes de primer nivel de atención exitosamente tratados con inhibidor de la bomba de protones.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies on the factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) relapse in primary care patients. AIM: To identify the risk factors associated with GERD relapse in primary care patients that responded adequately to short-term treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted that included GERD incident cases. The patients received treatment with omeprazole for 4 weeks. The ReQuest questionnaire and a risk factor questionnaire were applied. The therapeutic success rate and relapse rate were determined at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment suspension. A logistic regression analysis of the possible risk factors for GERD relapse was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 83 patient total, 74 (89.16%) responded to treatment. Symptoms recurred in 36 patients (48.64%) at 4 weeks and in 13 patients (17.57%) at 12 weeks, with an overall relapse rate of 66.21%. The OR multivariate analysis (95% CI) showed the increases in the possibility of GERD relapse for the following factors at 12 weeks after treatment suspension: basic educational level or lower, 24.95 (1.92-323.79); overweight, 1.76 (0.22-13.64); obesity, 0.25 (0.01-3.46); smoking, 0.51 (0.06-3.88); and the consumption of 4-12 cups of coffee per month, 1.00 (0.12-7.84); citrus fruits, 14.76 (1.90-114.57); NSAIDs, 27.77 (1.12-686.11); chocolate, 0.86 (0.18-4.06); ASA 1.63 (0.12-21.63); carbonated beverages, 4.24 (0.32-55.05); spicy food 7-16 times/month, 1.39 (0.17-11.17); and spicy food ≥ 20 times/month, 4.06 (0.47-34.59). CONCLUSIONS: The relapse rate after short-term treatment with omeprazole was high. The consumption of citrus fruits and NSAIDs increased the possibility of GERD relapse.

Mexican consensus on dyspepsia. / Consenso mexicano sobre la dispepsia.

Since the publication of the 2007 dyspepsia guidelines of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología, there have been significant advances in the knowledge of this disease. A systematic search of the literature in PubMed (01/2007 to 06/2016) was carried out to review and update the 2007 guidelines and to provide new evidence-based recommendations. All high-quality articles in Spanish and English were included. Statements were formulated and voted upon using the Delphi method. The level of evidence and strength of recommendation of each statement were established according to the GRADE system. Thirty-one statements were formulated, voted upon, and graded. New definition, classification, epidemiology, and pathophysiology data were provided and include the following information: Endoscopy should be carried out in cases of uninvestigated dyspepsia when there are alarm symptoms or no response to treatment. Gastric and duodenal biopsies can confirm Helicobacter pylori infection and rule out celiac disease, respectively. Establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, are useful initial measures. H2-blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, prokinetics, and antidepressants are effective pharmacologic therapies. H.pylori eradication may be effective in a subgroup of patients. There is no evidence that complementary and alternative therapies are beneficial, with the exception of Iberogast and rikkunshito, nor is there evidence on the usefulness of prebiotics, probiotics, or psychologic therapies. The new consensus statements on dyspepsia provide guidelines based on up-to-date evidence. A discussion, level of evidence, and strength of recommendation are presented for each statement.

The Mexican consensus on irritable bowel syndrome. / Consenso mexicano sobre el síndrome de intestino irritable.

BACKGROUND: Since the publication in 2009 of the Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología (2009 Guidelines), there have been significant advances in our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. AIMS: To present a consensus review of the most current knowledge of IBS, updating the 2009 Guidelines by incorporating new internationally published scientific evidence, with a special interest in Mexican studies. METHODS: The PubMed literature from January 2009 to March 2015 was reviewed and complemented through a manual search. Articles in English and Spanish were included and preference was given to consensuses, guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Statements referring to the different aspects of the disease were formulated and voted upon by 24 gastroenterologists employing the Delphi method. Once a consensus on each statement was reached, the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation were determined through the GRADE system. RESULTS: Forty-eight statements were formulated, updating the information on IBS and adding the complementary data that did not appear in the 2009 Guidelines regarding the importance of exercise and diet, diagnostic strategies, and current therapy alternatives that were analyzed with more stringent scientific vigor or that emerged within the last 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: We present herein a consensus review of the most relevant advances in the study of IBS, updating and complementing the 2009 Guidelines. Several studies conducted in Mexico were included.

Lack of association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cervical human papillomavirus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Our objective was to evaluate whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with cervical human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in women with SLE. This is a cross-sectional study of 67 women with SLE. A structured questionnaire was administered to ascertain the possible risk factors associated with cervical HPV infection. A gynaecological evaluation and cervical cytology screening were made. HPV detection and genotyping was made by PCR and linear array assay. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels were quantified by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Mean age and disease duration were 44.8 ± 10.6 and 42.5 ± 11.8 years, respectively. Demographic characteristics were similar in patients with and without deficiency (<20 ng/ml and ≥20 ng/ml). There were 28.4% of women with cervical HPV infection and 68.4% had high-risk HPV infections. Patients with 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels <20 ng/ml had a higher prevalence of cervical HPV infection than those with levels ≥20 ng/ml (30.7% vs. 25.8%; p = 0.72). We found no significant difference when high-risk HPV infection was evaluated (36.8% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.73). In conclusion, women with SLE have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and cervical HPV infection. However, we found no association between vitamin D deficiency and cervical HPV.

Carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with lower bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures (VF) have been associated with atherosclerosis in the general population. We sought to investigate the relationship between BMD and VF and carotid atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We studied 122 women with SLE. All patients had BMD, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque assessment by ultrasound. RESULTS: Mean age at study entry was 44 years and mean disease duration was 11 years. Carotid plaque was found in 13 (11%) patients (9 postmenopausal and 4 premenopausal). Patients in the highest IMT quartile were more likely to be older (p = 0.001), have a higher body mass index (p = 0.008), and exhibit dyslipidemia at study entry (p = 0.041), compared with the lower three quartiles. BMD at the lumbar spine was lower in patients in the highest IMT quartile compared with the lower quartiles in the multivariate logistic analysis, however, there was no association between lumbar or total hip BMD and IMT (p = 0.91 and p = 0.6, respectively). IMT measurements did not differ according to the presence or absence of VF (0.08 ± 0.12 vs. 0.06 ± 0.03 mm, p = 0.11). A trend towards higher incidence of VF was found in patients with carotid plaque compared with those without (33% vs. 21%; p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SLE, the presence of carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with low BMD or VF.

Increase in Mexican and Latin American scientific articles on irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There is an implied perception that little scientific information on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) comes out of Mexico and Latin America in the international medical literature, but the number and tendencies of articles from the region on IBS are not known. AIMS: To determine the number and type of Mexican and Latin American articles on IBS published between 1990-2015. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline was carried out employing the terms « Irritable Bowel Syndrome ¼ or its abbreviation (IBS). Mexico and every other Latin American country were added to specify the search. The articles were selected if they were published in Mexico and/or the rest of Latin America, if they were international papers on IBS in the region, or if they were written by Mexican and/or Latin American authors. In addition, the articles were classified into the following categories: Reviews/Editorials/Letters to the Editor (REV/ED), Epidemiology/Quality of Life/Psychosocial Factors (EPI/QOL), Diagnostic (DX), Treatment (TX), and Translational/Pathophysiologic (TRANS) studies. RESULTS: A total of 66 articles from Mexico and 47 from Latin America were identified, but only 87.7 and 48.9%, respectively, fit the selection criteria. Category distribution was: EPI/QOL: 36.2%, REV/ED: 27.5%, TRANS: 18.8, TX: 10%, and DX: 7.5% and was similar between Mexico and Latin America (p=0.33). The year 2005 saw an increase in the number of articles in Mexico, with a peak in 2010. The figures for Latin American articles remained stable over the years, with a peak in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: A noticeable increase has been observed over the last decade in the research conducted on IBS in Mexico and Latin America. Even though the EPI/QOL studies predominate, the sophistication of research is reflected in the TRANS studies that are in third place of frequency. The information referred to herein demonstrates maturity in the field, making it possible to carry out consensuses based on local data.

Microbiota, gastrointestinal infections, low-grade inflammation, and antibiotic therapy in irritable bowel syndrome: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) prevalence, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), altered microbiota, low-grade inflammation, and antibiotic therapy in IBS are all controversial issues. AIMS: To conduct an evidence-based review of these factors. METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out up to July 2012, with the inclusion of additional articles as far as August 2013, all of which were analyzed through the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) system. RESULTS: 1.There is greater SIBO probability in IBS when breath tests are performed, but prevalence varies widely (2-84%). 2.The gut microbiota in individuals with IBS is different from that in healthy subjects, but a common characteristic present in all the patients has not been established. 3.The incidence and prevalence of PI-IBS varies from 9-10% and 3-17%, respectively, and the latter decreases over time. Bacterial etiology is the most frequent but post-viral and parasitic cases have been reported. 4.A sub-group of patients has increased enterochromaffin cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and mast cells in the intestinal mucosa, but no differences between PI-IBS and non-PI-IBS have been determined. 5.Methanogenic microbiota has been associated with IBS with constipation. 6.Rifaximin at doses of 400mg TID/10days or 550mg TID/14days is effective treatment for the majority of overall symptoms and abdominal bloating in IBS. Retreatment effectiveness appears to be similar to that of the first cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required to determine the nature of the gut microbiota in IBS and the differences in low-grade inflammation between PI-IBS and non-PI-IBS. Rifaximin has shown itself to be effective treatment for IBS, regardless of prior factors.

Treatment of vitiligo with a chimeric monoclonal antibody to CD20: a pilot study.

Five patients with active disseminated vitiligo were given 1g of a chimeric (murine/human) monoclonal antibody to CD20 in a single intravenous infusion and followed-up for 6 months. Three of the patients showed an overt clinical and histological improvement of the disease, one presented slight improvement and the remaining patient showed no changes. Improvement was neither associated with changes in laboratory parameters nor to a specific human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) phenotype. We believe that these preliminary results are encouraging, and further clinical trials should be undertaken. An important aim should be the finding of a marker with a good response to this therapeutic approach.

Bone mineral density in systemic lupus erythematosus women one year after rituximab therapy.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of rituximab on bone mineral density (BMD) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 1 year after treatment. Thirty active female SLE patients treated with rituximab were compared with 43 SLE women not treated with rituximab. BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before initiating biologic therapy and after 1 year. The mean age was 38.5 ± 2.1 years; median disease duration was 7 years. In the rituximab group, after 1 year of follow-up, BMD at the femoral neck (FN) decreased from 0.980 ± 0.130 g/cm(2) to 0.809 ± 0.139 g/cm(2) (-17.4%; p=0.001). Similarly, BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) decreased from 1.062 ± 0.137 g/cm(2) to 0.893 ± 0.194 g/cm(2) (-15.8%; p=0.001). In control subjects, BMD at the FN decreased from 0.914 ± 0.193 g/cm(2) to 0.890 ± 0.135 g/cm(2) (-2.6%; p=0.001), and BMD at the LS decreased from 0.926 ± 0.128 g/cm(2) to 0.867 ± 0.139 g/cm(2) (-6.2%; p=0.09). After 1 year, SLE patients had lower BMD at both the FN and LS, but the loss was greater in postmenopausal patients who had received rituximab therapy.

The Mexican consensus on fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage or the incapacity to control the release of fecal matter through the anus. It is a condition that significantly impairs quality of life in those that suffer from it, given that it affects body image, self-esteem, and interferes with everyday activities, in turn, favoring social isolation. There are no guidelines or consensus in Mexico on the topic, and so the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología brought together a multidisciplinary group (gastroenterologists, neurogastroenterologists, and surgeons) to carry out the «Mexican consensus on fecal incontinence¼ and establish useful recommendations for the medical community. The present document presents the formulated recommendations in 35 statements. Fecal incontinence is known to be a frequent entity whose incidence increases as individuals age, but one that is under-recognized. The pathophysiology of incontinence is complex and multifactorial, and in most cases, there is more than one associated risk factor. Even though there is no diagnostic gold standard, the combination of tests that evaluate structure (endoanal ultrasound) and function (anorectal manometry) should be recommended in all cases. Treatment should also be multidisciplinary and general measures and drugs (lidamidine, loperamide) are recommended, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions, such as biofeedback therapy, in selected cases. Likewise, surgical treatment should be offered to selected patients and performed by experts.

Health related quality of life in Mexican women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a descriptive study using SF-36 and LupusQoL(C).

The LupusQoL© questionnaire is a disease-specific health related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Short Form-36 (SF-36) is a generic instrument that captures the physical, psychological, and social impact. We conducted a descriptive study of women aged ≥ 18 years attending our Lupus Clinic. HRQOL was assessed by applying the LupusQoL© and SF-36. Lupus activity was measured using the Mexican Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (Mex-SLEDAI) and chronic damage using the Systemic Lupus Collaborative Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. A total of 127 patients were included with a mean age of 40.5 ± 12.6 years. The mean disease duration was 8.2 ± 5.6 years, the mean disease activity score was 2.4 ± 3.0, and the mean SDI score 0.77 ± 1.06. The mean SF-36 score was 58.1 ± 21.1 and the mean LupusQoL© score was 69 ± 22.7. The correlation between global scores of the SF-36 and LupusQoL© was rho = 0.73 (p < 0.001). The correlation between lupus disease activity and the SF-36 and the LupusQoL© was -0.26 (p = 0.003) and -0.25 (p = 0.004), respectively. The correlation between the SDI and the SF-36 and the LupusQoL© was -0.28 (p = 0.001) and -0.38 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusions: both LupusQoL© and SF-36 were useful instruments in assessing HRQOL in Mexican lupus female patients. The usefulness of the LupusQoL© should be evaluated in lupus patients with moderate to severe disease activity.

Anti-CD20 therapy in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal analysis of 52 Hispanic patients.

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-CD20 treatment in Hispanic patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and to determine whether baseline parameters predict disease flare. Fifty-two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 13 with active lupus nephritis, eight with thrombocytopenia, three with leukocytopenia, 25 with severe musculoskeletal involvement and three with skin involvement) refractory to conventional therapy were treated with anti-CD20 treatment (rituximab; MabThera, Roche) plus ongoing immunosuppressive treatment. Disease activity was assessed monthly using the SLEDAI validated for the Mexican population with a follow-up period of 6 months. At 6 months of follow-up, significant clinical improvements were detected, with a reduction in the global SLEDAI validated for the Mexican population score. Five of the 13 patients with lupus nephritis (38.4%) had a complete renal response and five (38.4%) had a partial response. Rituximab was also effective in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia, inducing a significant increase in platelet counts (p = 0.012). Nineteen of 25 patients with severe musculoskeletal involvement had remission of arthritis. Only one of the three patients with skin involvement had no lesions at 6 months. Rituximab treatment also allowed a reduction of the oral prednisone dose in the majority of patients. No baseline predictors of flare were found. Treatment was discontinued after the first infusion in two patients due to serum sickness and in another due to pulmonary infection. In conclusion, the addition of rituximab to conventional immunosuppressive therapy may be an effective strategy for lupus nephritis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia and inflammatory polyarthritis in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus.

[Prevalence and clinical characteristics of the IBS subtypes according to the Rome III criteria in patients from a clinical, multicentric trial. A report from the Mexican IBS Working Group]. / Prevalencia y caracterización de los subtipos de SII según los criterios de Roma III, en un estudio clínico, multicéntrico. Informe del grupo mexicano de estudio para el SII.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico the prevalence of irritable bowel síndrome (IBS) using Rome II criteria varies between 16 and 35%. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relative frequency of the IBS subtypes according to the Rome III criteria. METHODS: A multicentric study in 1677 IBS-Rome III patients that consulted private medical clinics. They all answered a structured interview by their physicians to determine the IBS subtype and to evaluate their symptoms intensity (Likert Scales). Patients self-evaluated their symptoms as well by using 10 cm visual analog scales for each one. RESULTS: Women represented 76.8% of the patients for a F:M ratio of 3.3:1. The relative frequencies of the IBS subtypes were IBS-M: 48.4%, IBS-E: 43.0%, IBS-D: 5.6% and IBS-U: 2.8% with females predominating among all. However, IBS-D included 1.7 to 2.4 times more men than any of the other subtypes. The IBS-M reported a higher frequency and intensity of halitosis and vomiting and a higher intensity of burping; while those with IBS-E reported a higher frequency and intensity of straining and the IBS-D more urgency for a bowel movement, fecal incontinence and mucous in the stools. CONCLUSIONS: In IBS-Rome III patients in Mexico, IBS-M is the most common subtype and is more commonly associated with dyspeptic symptoms while the IBS-E reported more outlet symptoms and the IBS-D fecal incontinence. There is a higher female predominance amongst all, however men are more likely to be in IBS-D.

[Pharmacological treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome: a technical review]. / Tratamiento farmacológico del síndrome de intestino irritable: revisión técnica.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of a comprehensive treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients should be the improvement of symptoms and improve the quality of life. AIM: To review the drugs recommended in IBS, their mechanisms of action, side effects, risks and benefits, contraindications, availability in our country and the evidence supporting their use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A technical and narrative review which evaluated the articles published in national and world literature regarding the pharmacological treatment of IBS was performed. PubMed and IMBIOMED electronic databases were searched (until September 2009) using all descriptors regarding IBS and drug therapy. RESULTS: There is enough clinical evidence to recommend the use of antispasmodics (alone orin combination) and tricyclic antidepressants for pain treatment in IBS. Laxatives are useful in the management of chronic constipation, but there is little evidence in the management of IBS. Although, antiflatulents and antidiarrheals are widely used there is little information supporting its use. The use of a nonabsorbable antibiotic (rifaximin) is effective in a subgroup of IBS patients. Serotoninergics drugs have proven effective in relieving symptoms of IBS; however, these drugs require caution in their use. There are studies have shown that probiotics improve some symptoms of IBS. CONCLUSIONS: There are many effective treatment options in the symptomatic management of IBS. The choice of treatment should be based on the predominant symptoms of each patient.

Prevalence of esophageal inlet patch and clinical characteristics of the patients. / Prevalencia y características clínicas de pacientes con parche de mucosa gástrica ectópica en esófago.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: An inlet patch (IP) is the presence of gastric columnar epithelium outside of the stomach. No studies have been conducted in Mexico on that pathology. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of esophageal IP and the clinical characteristics of the patients that present it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included consecutive patients referred for endoscopy within the time frame of September 2015 to May 2016. The patients answered a questionnaire, and high-definition endoscopy with digital chromoendoscopy was performed. The prevalence of IP was identified. The chi-square test was used to compare the clinical characteristics between patients that presented with esophageal IP and those without it. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 53 years, and 130 (54.4%) were women. IP was found in 26 patients (10.9%), 15 of whom were men (57.7%). The main reason for referral to endoscopy was gastroesophageal reflux disease, present in 69.2% of the patients with IP and in 55.9% without IP (p=.19). The most common symptoms were heartburn and regurgitation. The former was present in 69.2% of the patients with IP and in 59.1% without IP (p=.32), and the latter was present in 65.4% of the patients with IP and 69.1% without IP (p=.7). Extraesophageal manifestation distribution was: cough in 46.2% of the patients with IP and 38% without IP (p=.45) and dysphonia in 54% with IP and 47% without IP (p=.53). Twenty-three percent of the patients with IP had Barrett's esophagus, as did 23% without IP (p=.99). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IP was high. The primary referral diagnosis was gastroesophageal reflux disease. No differences were found in relation to symptoms or the presence of Barrett's esophagus between the patients with and without IP.

The Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon. / Consenso mexicano sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad diverticular del colon.

Since the publication of the 2008 guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon by the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología, significant advances have been made in the knowledge of that disease. A systematic review of articles published in the medical literature from January 2008 to July 2018 was carried out to revise and update the 2008 guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations. All high-quality articles in Spanish and English published within that time frame were included. The final versions of the 43 statements accepted in the three rounds of voting, utilizing the Delphi method, were written, and the quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations were established for each statement, utilizing the GRADE system. The present consensus contains new data on the definition, classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors of diverticular disease of the colon. Special emphasis is given to the usefulness of computed tomography and colonoscopy, as well as to the endoscopic methods for controlling bleeding. Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis is discussed, as well as the role of rifaximin and mesalazine in the management of complicated acute diverticulitis. Both its minimally invasive alternatives and surgical options are described, stressing their indications, limitations, and contraindications. The new statements provide guidelines based on updated scientific evidence. Each statement is discussed, and its quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendation are presented.

The Mexican consensus on non-cardiac chest pain. / Consenso mexicano sobre dolor torácico no cardiaco.

INTRODUCTION: Non-cardiac chest pain is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by retrosternal pain similar to that of angina pectoris, but of non-cardiac origin and produced by esophageal, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, or psychiatric diseases. AIM: To present a consensus review based on evidence regarding the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain, as well as the therapeutic options for those patients. METHODS: Three general coordinators carried out a literature review of all articles published in English and Spanish on the theme and formulated 38 initial statements, dividing them into 3 main categories: (i)definitions, epidemiology, and pathophysiology; (ii)diagnosis, and (iii)treatment. The statements underwent 3rounds of voting, utilizing the Delphi system. The final statements were those that reached >75% agreement, and they were rated utilizing the GRADE system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The final consensus included 29 statements. All patients presenting with chest pain should initially be evaluated by a cardiologist. The most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain is gastroesophageal reflux disease. If there are no alarm symptoms, the initial approach should be a therapeutic trial with a proton pump inhibitor for 2-4weeks. If dysphagia or alarm symptoms are present, endoscopy is recommended. High-resolution manometry is the best method for ruling out spastic motor disorders and achalasia and pH monitoring aids in demonstrating abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Treatment should be directed at the pathophysiologic mechanism. It can include proton pump inhibitors, neuromodulators and/or smooth muscle relaxants, psychologic intervention and/or cognitive therapy, and occasionally surgery or endoscopic therapy.