An alternative, sensitive method to detect Helicobacter pylori DNA in feces.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high sensitivity and specificity of PCR, detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in feces is still challenging. Fecal samples contain inhibitory molecules that can prevent amplification of the target DNA. Even by using specific DNA extraction kits for stools, monitoring of infection by analyzing stool samples remains problematic and endorses the need for improved diagnostic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The newly proposed method uses selective hybridization of target DNA with biotin-labeled probes, followed by DNA isolation with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. After three washing steps, the purified DNA can be amplified immediately using conventional or quantitative PCR. In order to test this technique on biological samples, Mongolian gerbils were infected with H. pylori ATCC 43504 and fecal samples were analyzed on days 1, 4, and 10 post infection. RESULTS: A detection limit of one bacterial cell per 100 mg stool sample was established, but only after removal of the magnetic beads from the target DNA by heating. This resulted in a 10-fold increase of sensitivity compared to a commercially available stool DNA extraction kit. Analysis of fecal samples from infected gerbils demonstrated the presence of H. pylori DNA on each time point, while the uninfected animal remained negative. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed technique allows detection of very low quantities of H. pylori DNA in biological samples. In laboratory animal models, detailed monitoring of infection and complete clearance of infection can be demonstrated thanks to the low detection limit.

Spontaneous liver bleeding in a patient with congenital arterioportal fistulisation. Presentation of a casus princeps and review of the literature.

We present the first case reported in the literature describing spontaneous liver haemorrhage due to diffuse arterioportal fistulae. A 48-year old Caucasian woman was admitted to the hospital complaining of acute epigastric pain eradiating to the right shoulder. Patient never had any penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma in the past nor any intervention on the liver. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a subcapsular haematoma originating from two bleeding sites in the right liver lobe. Arteriography of the common hepatic artery showed opacification of the portal branches, indicative of an arterioportal fistula. A hypertrophic feeding branch of the right hepatic artery was then embolized, resulting in disappearance of the fistula. After complete resolution of the haematoma, investigations to detect underlying liver lesions were repeatedly negative. Therefore we conclude that a diffuse congenital arterioportal fistula was the cause of spontaneous bleeding. This is to our knowledge the first case in whom a spontaneous liver bleeding secondary to diffuse arterioportal fistulisation is reported. A review of the literature regarding arterioportal fistulas and regarding the possible aetiology of spontaneous liver haematomas is provided.

Efficacy of infliximab in refractory pouchitis and Crohn's disease-related complications of the pouch: a Belgian case series.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients undergoing surgery with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) will develop chronic pouchitis not responding to antibiotics. In case reports, thiopurine analogs and infliximab (IFX) have been proposed as effective therapy in this setting. We analyzed the long-term efficacy of IFX in Belgian patients with refractory pouch complications. METHODS: We identified 28 IPAA patients who received IFX for refractory luminal inflammation (pouchitis and/or pre-pouch ileitis, n = 25) and/or pouch fistula (n = 7). Patients with elements of Crohn's disease after review of the colectomy specimen were excluded. Clinical response was defined as complete in case of cessation of diarrhea, blood loss, and abdominal pain, and as partial in case of marked clinical improvement. Fistula response was defined as complete in case of cessation and as partial in case of reduction of fistula drainage. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of patients were concomitantly treated with immunomodulatory agents. At week 10 following start of IFX, 88% of patients with refractory luminal inflammation showed clinical response (14 partial, 8 complete), while 6 patients (86%) showed fistula response (3 partial, 3 complete). The mPDAI dropped significantly from 9.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.0-10.0) to 4.5 (3.0-7.0) points (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 20 (7-36) months, 56% showed sustained clinical response while 3 out of 7 fistula patients showed sustained fistula response. Five patients needed permanent ileostomy. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, IFX was effective long-term in IPAA patients with refractory luminal inflammation and pouch fistula. These results warrant a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.