An Expert Review and Recommendations on the Rational Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Indian Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment for acid peptic diseases (APDs), but are often irrationally prescribed in clinical practice. Appropriate prescription of PPIs is needed to optimize outcomes, and minimize risks and cost burden on the healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: To review available literature on efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and give recommendations for rational use of PPIs from an Indian perspective. METHODS: Twelve healthcare professionals (9 gastroenterologists, 1 cardiologist, 1 orthopedist, 1 clinical pharmacologist) comprised the expert group; members disclosed conflicts of interest. The creation of the expert review was through a process that included meetings (in-person, online, telephone) where each professional contributed their experiences with regards to efficacy and safety of PPIs. Articles published between the years 2000 and 2017 were reviewed for evaluation of safety and efficacy of PPIs in treatment of various APDs. CONCLUSION: This expert review provides key recommendations for decision making in order to minimize the irrational use of PPIs. Some significant recommendations include: patients with GERD and acid-related complications should take a PPI for minimum 12 weeks for healing of esophagitis, and for maximum up to 48 weeks for symptom control. Patients with Barrett's esophagus should take long-term PPI. Patients at high risk for ulcer-related bleeding from NSAIDs including aspirin should take a PPI if they continue to take NSAIDs. Best practice recommendations are meant to merely assist with decision making in conjunction with patients' clinical history, and are not intended to dictate mandatory rules.

Type Va Duplication of the Common Bile Duct With Type IIIa Intrahepatic Bile Duct Anatomy: A Rare Combination of Dual Biliary Ductal Anomaly With Difficulty to Extract Common Bile Duct Stone.

Extrahepatic duplication of the common bile duct (CBD) is an extremely rare anatomic variation seen in the biliary tract. It represents failure of regression of the primitive duplicated biliary ductal system, resulting in five different subtypes of the duplicated CBD as described by Choi et al. To date, only few such cases have been reported in the literature. Associated variation in branching of intrahepatic bile ducts presenting as combined dual ductal anomaly is even rarer phenomena to be seen. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with chronic kidney disease and obstructive jaundice resulting from choledocholithiasis. Evaluation revealed type IIIa branching of intrahepatic bile ducts with type Va duplication of the CBD.

Endotherapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Pain is the most distressing symptom of chronic pancreatitis. Although the pathogenesis of pain is still poorly understood, an increase in intraductal pressure may be the dominant factor. The management of pain can involve medical, endoscopic, neurolytic, and surgical therapies. Endotherapy includes pancreatic sphincterotomy, extraction of stones, placement of stent, and dilatation of strictures, sometimes preceded or followed by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. Several studies have now shown that endotherapy provides partial or complete relief of pancreatic pain in a majority of patients with an acceptable frequency of early and late complications. Endotherapy should now graduate from an experimental form of treatment to a realistic treatment option in patients with chronic or relapsing pain, particularly in the setting of calcific chronic pancreatitis.

Management of patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although various drugs are available for the treatment of CHB, emergence of the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative mutant variant, specifically in Asia, the Middle East and southern Europe, is creating a new challenge as this variant is less responsive to available treatments. HBeAg-negative CHB rapidly progresses to cirrhosis and its related complications. This review discusses the available literature on the approved and under-trial treatment options and their respective efficacies for HBeAg-negative CHB.

Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin for 24 Weeks Is An Effective Treatment Option for Recurrent Hepatitis C Infection After Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been a serious problem after liver transplantation (LT). We report our experience of 24-week therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) and ribavirin (RBV) in post-LT recurrent HCV in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) setting in South Asia. METHODS: Data from all patients treated for post-transplantation HCV recurrence in a single center were analyzed. Treatment regimen was 24 weeks of SOF 400 mg daily and RBV (starting at 800 mg daily, increased as tolerated). Sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed 12 weeks and 24 weeks after completion of treatment. RESULTS: 63 patients (median age 52 [range 30-69] years; 80% males) were treated. Most (76.2%) were treatment experienced and predominant HCV genotype was 3 (77.7%) followed by 1 (20.6%). Median transient elastography (Fibroscan) score was 7 (range 3-11) kPa and none of the patients had cirrhosis. SVR12 was achieved in 60 of 63 patients (95.2%) while SVR24 was noted in 59 (93.7%). SVR12 rates were as good in genotype-3 as in genotype-1. Older age, longer period after transplantation, higher Fibroscan value and higher need for erythropoietin were likely to be associated with relapse. Adverse effects were noted in 34 patients and weakness and fatigue were the commonest side effects. Significant drop in hemoglobin (<8 g/dL) was seen in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SOF + RBV combination therapy for 24 weeks was safe and effective in treatment of for post-LT recurrent HCV in a single LT center and remains relevant due to its low cost and lack of drug interactions.

Gastric tuberculosis presenting as linitis plastica: a case report and review of the literature.

Gastric tuberculosis is rare and usually presents as an ulcerated lesion or gastric outlet obstruction. Rarer presentations include massive gastrointestinal bleed and gastric perforation. A case of gastric tuberculosis presenting as linitis plastica is reported here. This is the first such case report. The patient was a young woman who presented with non-specific abdominal pain and significant weight loss. The gastric mucosa appeared oedematous and hyperaemic and there was spontaneous oozing of blood on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed diffuse thickening of the gastric wall. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of caseating granulomas with acid fast bacilli in the endoscopic biopsy specimen. The patient showed significant clinical improvement on four-drug anti-tuberculous treatment.

Infectious mononucleosis presenting as acute hepatitis, with marked leukocytosis and renal involvement.

We report a 45-year-old lady with infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus. The unusual features of this case included a negative heterophil antibody test, marked leukocytosis, renal involvement and jaundice.

Good's syndrome: an unusual cause of chronic diarrhea.

A 50-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of pulmonary infections over a period of 5 years, chronic small bowel diarrhea and weight loss of 6 months' duration. On evaluation he was found to have a thymoma, intestinal infection with giardia, oral candidiasis, and low immunoglobin levels. He was diagnosed to have Good's syndrome. The patient refused further management.

Propofol--a safe and effective sedative for endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Propofol has recently been reported to be a safe sedative for endoscopy. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients more than 18 years of age undergoing an endoscopic procedure were included in the study. The risk of sedation was calculated using the American Society of Anesthesiology risk class. Pregnant women, patients opting to undergo endoscopy without sedation, and those allergic to any sedative, eggs or soyabeans were excluded. A trained nurse administered propofol under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Vital parameters, including oxygen saturation, were measured before and during the procedure. Time taken for full sedation, quantity of propofol used, duration of the procedure, time taken for recovery from sedation, and any complication during or after anesthesia were recorded. The patients scored quality of sedation, perception of pain and any memory of the procedure. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were in ASA risk class I and II and the remaining 16 were in a higher ASA risk class. There was no difference in vital sign measurements during the endoscopic procedures as compared to baseline values. None of the patients had any complication. More than 90% of patients did not report any pain and had complete amnesia for the procedure. CONCLUSION: Propofol is a safe and effective sedative for endoscopic procedures.

Role of branched-chain amino acids in liver disease: the evidence for and against.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is ample evidence that patients with liver disease have an ongoing energy and protein catabolism. Nutritional management in these patients must receive high priority. The administration of branched-chain amino acids to patients with liver disease has been a controversial subject. This review is an update on the data available from various studies involving branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with chronic liver disease and associated complications. RECENT FINDINGS: This review summarizes the results of nutritional interventions involving branched-chain amino acids supplementation carried out in different centres around the world. It is interesting to note that no toxic effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation have been reported in any of these trials. SUMMARY: Administration of branched-chain amino acids stimulates hepatic protein synthesis in patients with chronic liver disease and this could contribute significantly to improving their nutritional status, and result in a better quality of life. The beneficial role of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy has been clearly documented in some studies but the exact mechanism of action is still not clear.

Epiploic appendagitis: Report of two cases.

Epiploic appendagitis (EA) refers to primary or secondary inflammatory disease of the epiploic appendages: peritoneal pouches of subserosal fat, which run in parallel rows beside the taenia coli of the colon. It is an uncommon but self-limiting condition, which often mimics acute appendicitis or diverticulitis. An accurate diagnosis of EA can be made by performing an abdominal computed tomography scan. Establishing a correct preoperative diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary exploratory laparoscopy or laparotomy. We report two cases of EA, which to our knowledge represent the first documented cases from India.

Association of extent and infection of pancreatic necrosis with organ failure and death in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Organ failure is the usual cause of death in acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Our objective was to study whether the extent and infection of pancreatic necrosis correlate with organ failure and mortality. METHODS: All consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were prospectively studied. They underwent a detailed clinical and investigative evaluation. Pancreatic necrosis, diagnosed on a computed tomography scan, was graded as <30%, 30%-50%, and >50% necrosis and characterized as either sterile or infected. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the association of the extent and infection of pancreatic necrosis with organ failure and mortality. RESULTS: Of 276 patients (mean age, 41.25 years; 172 men), 104 had pancreatic necrosis: 30 had <30% necrosis, 37 had 30%-50% necrosis, and 37 had >50% necrosis; 74 had sterile necrosis, and 30 had infected necrosis. Of them, 37 (35%) patients developed organ failure. Two significant factors were associated with the development of organ failure, the extent of necrosis (<30% necrosis vs 30%-50% necrosis: P = .03; odds ratio [OR], 5.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-29.45; <30% necrosis vs >50% necrosis: P = .0004; OR, 18.86; 95% CI, 3.75-94.92) and infected pancreatic necrosis (P = .02; OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.17-9.24). The overall mortality was 22%. Infected pancreatic necrosis (P = .006; OR, 4.99; 95% CI, 1.56-16.02) and Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II score (P = .004; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.52) were 2 independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Extent of necrosis and infected pancreatic necrosis were associated with the development of organ failure in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Infected pancreatic necrosis was the most significant predictor of mortality.

Enteral nutrition delivery technique.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ingestion and absorption of a nutritionally adequate diet is necessary to maintain normal body composition and organ function. Patients with all kinds of diseases are at increased risk of developing nutritional abnormalities from anorexia, dietary restriction, malabsorption, increased intestinal losses or altered nutrient requirements. Therefore, it is important for doctors to understand the general principles of clinical nutrition for optimal management of patients with various disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight an important aspect of nutrition: methods for enteral nutrient delivery. Enteral feeding is the preferred method to provide nutritional support in patients who cannot or will not eat but who have a functional gastrointestinal tract. The placement of a small-diameter nasogastric or nasoduodenal tube is the simplest technique for feeding patients who are unlikely to require tube feeding for more than 6 weeks. Gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy and jejunostomy tubes placed by using endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical techniques should be considered in patients who require long-term feeding. With newer endoscopic feeding techniques replacing more conventional surgical techniques, this review proposes to discuss the newer developments in techniques of enteral feeding. RECENT FINDINGS: This review will briefly discuss the principles governing nasoenteral feeding and will describe in detail the endoscopic assisted methods for placing enteral feeding tubes. These include percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, jejunal extension through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or direct endoscopic jejunostomy. It will also discuss the procedural complications and long term results of these methods of enteral feeding. Lastly the latest innovation in enteral feed - the one step button - is also discussed. SUMMARY: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement is an appropriate method for providing nutrition in ill patients if no contraindication to enteral feeding exists. In certain situations, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement may even be used to make the life of a terminally ill patient comfortable.

Incidence, etiology, and impact of Fever in patients with acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Fever, as a significant event, has not been studied systematically in patients with acute pancreatitis. We studied prospectively incidence, etiology, and impact of fever on the management and outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis. METHODS: All consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were studied for the development of fever, its etiology, and its influence on the management and outcome of acute pancreatitis. Fever was considered to be significant, if the temperature was >38 degrees C and persisted for >2 days. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients (51 males; mean age 41 years) with acute pancreatitis were included between January 1997 and June 1998. The causes of pancreatitis were gallstones in 48%, alcohol in 28%, and others in 24% of the patients. 20 patients had pancreatic necrosis, and 45 (60%) developed fever during the course of pancreatitis. The etiology of fever was infected pancreatic necrosis in 8 (18%), pancreatitis per se in 10 (22%), cholangitis in 4 (9%), nonpancreatic infections in 17 (38%), and an undetermined one in 6 (13%) patients. Of the 45 patients with fever, 17 had pancreatic necrosis as compared with only 3 of 30 patients who did not develop fever (p < 0.05). Patients with fever had a higher pancreatitis-related mortality than those without fever (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: 60% of the patients with acute pancreatitis developed fever. Infected pancreatic necrosis was the cause of fever in 18% of the patients and not in the majority, i.e., 82% of the patients. The mortality rate was higher in patients who developed fever than in those who did not.