Late is too late? Surgical timing and postoperative complications after primary ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent advances in medical therapy, the majority of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) still require surgery during the course of their life. While a correlation between early primary surgery and lower recurrence rates has been shown, the impact of surgical timing on postoperative complications is unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of surgical timing on 30-day postoperative morbidity. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 307 consecutive patients submitted to elective primary ileocolic resection for CD at our institution between July 1994 and July 2018. The following variables were considered: age, gender, year of treatment, smoking habits, preoperative steroid therapy, presence of fistula or abscess, type of anastomosis, and time interval between diagnosis of CD and surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between risk factors and complications. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 29 patients, while anastomotic leak was observed in 16 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that surgical timing in years (OR 1.10 p = 0.002 for a unit change), along with preoperative use of steroids (OR 5.45 p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for major complications. Moreover, preoperative treatment with steroids (6.59 p = 0.003) and surgical timing (OR 1.10 p = 0.023 for a unit change) were independently associated with anastomotic leak, while handsewn anastomosis (OR 2.84 p = 0.100) showed a trend. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the longer is the time interval between diagnosis of CD and surgery, the greater is the risk of major surgical complications and of anastomotic leak.

Benefit of supplements in functional dyspepsia after treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

AIM: Functional dyspepsia, though benign, leads to deterioration of the quality of life and high costs for healthcare systems. The optimal therapy for functional dyspepsia is still to be defined because of its multifactorial pathogenesis. In an open multicentric study of patients with functional dyspepsia, we prospectively evaluated the benefit of treatment with a food supplement composed of sodium alginate, carbonate calcium, pineapple, papaya, ginger, α-galactosidase and fennel (Perdiges, Bioten Snc, Turin, Italy). METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive patients were included, suffering from functional dyspepsia, who had been previously submitted to therapy to eradicate the infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and were waiting to perform the Urea Breath Test (UBT). The primary goal was to establish the percentage of patients who continued to abstain from proton pump inhibitors (PPI) as they waited to carry out the UBT, differentiating between patients who were treated (N.=55) with Perdiges and those who were not (N.=36). Our secondary goal was to document the differences within the 2 groups in terms of symptoms perceived between the start and end of the observation period. The wellness reported, during or in absence of treatment with Perdiges, was evaluated by the use of the VAS scale (Visual Analogical Scale) completed before the start of the treatment and after 30 days. RESULTS: All the patients treated with Perdiges (55/55, 100%) and 31/36 (86.1%) patients who were not (P=0.008) continued to abstain from PPI in the period awaiting the UBT. The VAS scale of those who took Perdiges improved on average by 1.78 points versus a worsening of 0.08 points of those who did not take it (P<0.0001). Furthermore, while among those who took Perdiges there was a statistically significant improvement (P<0.0001) in the VAS scale, between the baseline and the end of treatment, a worsening of 0.08 points (P=0.78) was noticed among the patients who did not take it. CONCLUSION: Perdiges is significantly effective in the period following treatment to eradicate the infection from H. pylori in patients with functional dyspepsia. This allows to reduce the need to use antisecretive drugs. Further randomised studies, with wide ranging case histories, must assess its long-term efficacy.

Inflammatory bowel diseases and primary sclerosing cholangitis: hepatic and pancreatic side effects due to azathioprine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In up to 80% of cases primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The efficacy of azathioprine (AZA), in the maintenance of remission of IBD has been suggested by several studies. However, AZA tends to exter varied well-known toxicity. Since the rate of hepato-pancreatic side-effects in patients with IBD and PSC is still unclear, we investigated this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive subjects who underwent Outpatient Clinic admission for both IBD and PSC were included. Both conditions were diagnosed according to International Guidelines. RESULTS: Data of 43 patients were elaborated. Twelve of them underwent therapy with AZA. Five (41.7%) presented hepatic (n=4) or pancreatic toxicity. Eighty percent of the patients with hepato-pancreatic reactions versus 28.6% of those without (p < 0.001) were males, with 60% affected by ulcerative colitis and 40% by Crohn's disease versus 57% and 43%, respectively. Forty percent of patients with reactions versus 43% of those without needed an operation for IBD, and the same percentage underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, with a 100% versus 66.7% (p < 0.001) need of second transplantation. Colonic neoplasia (20%) was detected only in the former group while cholangiocarcinoma (28.6%) only in the latter. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of hepato-pancreatic reactions from AZA in our caseload is higher (41.7%) compared to that reported in literature (4%). Therefore, the presence of PSC, in association to IBD, may strongly affect AZA tolerability compared to presence of IBD only.  

A retrospective study on a cohort of patients with lymphocytic colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The term "microscopic colitis" includes lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis, bearing common clinical presentation distinguishable only by histopathological examination of colonic biopsies. This study reports on demographic and clinical characteristics, and outcome of a cohort of patients with LC. METHODS: Demographic, clinical and histopathological data were reviewed. Every patient underwent total colonoscopy with multiple biopsies examined by an expert pathologist. Diagnosis of LC was confirmed if histopathological criteria were present. Routine laboratory tests were collected to rule out other diagnosis. RESULTS: We included 80 patients (28 males; mean age: 46.4 years). At diagnosis, 71 patients (88%) reported diarrhea, 46 (58%) abdominal pain, 21 (36%) weight loss, 10 (13%) nausea. Regarding autoimmune or inflammatory diseases accompanying LC, thyroid disorders and celiac disease (CD) ranked first. Moreover, in over 10% of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, duodenal biopsies showed villi alterations classified as Marsh I damage, without clinical and serological data for diagnosis of CD. Mesalazine and oral topical steroids (budesonide or beclomethasone) were used to treat LC in 34 (43%) and 32 (39%) of patients, respectively, with similar percentages of clinical response (approximately 80%). CONCLUSIONS: The need for total colonoscopy with multiple biopsies in all patients with chronic watery diarrhea was confirmed. Since the association between CD and LC exists, additional tests should be performed in patients not responding to gluten-free diet or to LC specific therapy to exclude the other condition. Mesalazine obtained a similar outcome than oral steroids in this cohort.

Clinical and biochemical parameters related to cardiovascular disease after Helicobacter pylori eradication.

AIM: Since the major established risk factors explain the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in a proportion of cases, it is crucial to search for other causal mechanisms. The possible link between IHD and Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection has been reported. However, the precise mechanism of this potential relationship, by a proinflammatory activity or metabolic disorder, is unclear. In order to investigate this issue, the authors assessed changes in clinical and biochemical parameters related to IHD after bacterial eradication. METHODS: A total of 496 patients (281 males; mean age 59.7+/-2.3) with H.pylori-positive dyspepsia and/or peptic ulcer were studied after cure of the bacterium. H.pylori status was determined by histology or 13C-urea breath testing. Examinations for body mass index, diastolic blood pressure and blood testing (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose) were performed before eradication and annually for up to five years thereafter. For statistical analyses, the Student's t test was performed. RESULTS: HDL-C increased (P=0.02) while C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels diminished (P<0.0001) significantly. BMI and diastolic blood pressure increased in a significant (P=0.032 and P=0.039 respectively) manner compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: H.pylori eradication is associated with modification of some clinical and biochemical parameters related to IHD during a follow-up of five years. There is a need for large interventional randomized studies in order to prove a causal association.

Benefit of dietary integrators for treating functional dyspepsia: a prospective pilot study.

AIM: Because of the multifactorial pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia, strategies alternative to antacid therapy are being sought for treating the disorder. This prospective study evaluated the benefit of treatment with a dietary integrator composed of sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, bromelin and essential oils. METHODS: The study population included 53 consecutive patients (22 males, 31 females; mean age, 54+/-2.5 years) with functional dyspepsia and negative for Helicobacter pylori infection. The patients were categorized into four subgroups according to predominant symptom: ulcer-like dyspepsia, motility-like dyspepsia, reflux-like dyspepsia, and nonspecific dyspepsia. All received TUBES gastro (0.80 g oral tablets bid) for a minimum of 3 months (range, 3-11). Treatment efficacy was measured by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Two patients were lost to follow-up; of the remaining 51 patients who completed the study, 35 (68%) showed an improvement in VAS score. The difference in scores between the initial and the final visit was -1.9+/-2.1 cm (range, -6 to +3), or 23.8+/-40.8% (range, -150% to 100%) compared to the scores at the baseline visit (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that in the short term TUBES gastro can significantly improve dyspeptic symptoms in dyspeptic patients negative for H. pylori infection through the synergistic action of its components: alginate buffers gastric acid; bicarbonate helps to eliminate gas and rebalance pH; essential oils regulate motility; and bromelin stimulates enzymatic activity.

Risk factors for HCV infection. Focus on ethnic and cultural characteristics.

A precise understanding of the source of infection and modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide priority in terms of public health. This is more evident where multi-ethnic customs cohabit. Despite the knowledge on risk factors for HCV transmission, nearly 50% of infected patients do not have a history suggesting a parenteral route of acquisition. In the present paper, the authors, focusing on ethnic and cultural aspects of HCV transmission, emphasize the need for health education in order to avoid the acquisition and the diffusion of the infection. With the current globalization and large-scale migrations, only by following a preventive strategy based on disseminate information risk behaviours may be modified.

Potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori and ischemic heart disease: any pathogenic model?

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), causal agent of several gastroduodenal diseases, has been involved in diverse aspects of many extragastric manifestations, including ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present paper focuses on the potential pathogenic mechanisms relating H. pylori to IHD. Since H. pylori DNA has been detected in the coronary arteries only in sporadic occasions, and considering that long-term inflammation might raise cytokine levels in the bloodstream, an indirect pathway is more plausible. Moreover, the evidence that some strains of H. pylori induce platelet aggregation supports a role in the acute phase of IHD. In conclusion, because IHD is a multifactorial disease, it is evident that H. pylori is not the only cause. Thus, the definition of H. pylori or other infectious agents as culprits requires a multidisciplinary approach.

A 2008 panorama on osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

The availability of osteodensitometry has contributed significantly to increase the awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated bone disease. Reported osteoporosis prevalence in patients with IBD range from 2% to 30%. The fractures risk varies between studies, influenced by demographic, clinical and genetic factors. The main pathogenetic factors involved are malabsorption, treatment with glucocorticoids, inflammation (increased cytokine production) and hypogonadism. A screening should be considered for all patients with small bowel Crohn's disease and especially for those with extensive disease, multiple resections, and malnutrition. Supplementation with both calcium and vitamin D is frequently the first step taken, but is insufficient to inhibit bone loss in many patients requiring use of glucocorticoids. Among available therapies, only biphosphonates are effective for treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

2008 Clinical approach to irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as defined by Rome III diagnostic criteria, affects 10-20% of the general population, with women 20-40 years old accounting for the majority of patients. Although variable and intermittent, IBS symptoms may persist for many years. Repeated referrals for medical consultation and diagnostic studies generate huge healthcare costs. Since there is no evidence that IBS leads to more severe gastrointestinal disorders, in absence of alarm symptoms or signs, an invasive diagnostic algorithm is not indicated. Optimal treatment for IBS still needs to be defined. The clinical approach is based on treatment of the prevalent symptom. When pain predominates, antispasmodics are the first choice. In case of diarrhea, loperamide is useful for reducing bowel frequency. Soluble fiber represents the first option in subjects with IBS and constipation or mixed IBS. Dietary integrators composed of probiotics and serotonin precursors are a promising therapeutic option.

Helicobacter pylori eradication: metronidazole or tinidazole? Data from Turin, Italy.

AIM: Triple therapy consisting of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two antibiotics is used as first choice in treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Since in the North Italian population, metronidazole resistance is less than 40%, this antibiotic would be preferable as first approach. The aim of this randomized study was to assess the efficacy of a metronidazole-based versus a tinidazole-based treatment, in naïve patients with H. pylori infection. METHODS: Diagnosis and eradication of H. pylori infection were assessed by 13C-urea breath test, and by histology when an endoscopic examination was necessary. A total of 171 patients was treated: 91 (47 males, mean age 50+/-3 years) with metronidazole 250 mg q.i.d., amoxicilline 1 gr b.i.d. and PPI standard dose (MAO), and 80 (36 males, mean age 52+/-3.8 years) with tinidazole 500 mg b.i.d., amoxicilline 1 gr b.i.d. and PPI standard dose (TAO) regimen for 7, 10 or 14 days. RESULTS: Three patients suspended MAO treatment due to side effects. H. pylori eradication was obtained as follow indicated. After 7 days, in 23/30 (76.6%) patients in MAO versus 20/27 (74.0%) in TAO regimen. After 10 days, in 20/26 (76.9%) patients in MAO versus 20/26 (76.9%) in TAO regimen. After 14 days, in 25/32 subjects (78.1%) in MAO versus 21/27 (77.7%) in TAO treatment. The differences among durations or between metronidazole-versus tinidazole-based triple therapy were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Treatment with metronidazole is as effective as that with tinidazole in terms of efficacy. Moreover, duration did not influence efficacy of treatment.

Severe ulcerative colitis: predictors of response and algorithm proposal for rescue therapy.

BACKGROUND: There is no agreeing if rescue therapy can avoid short-term colectomy in patients treated for severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. AIMS: The aim of our study was to identify predictors of response to infliximab and cyclosporine A. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 49 patients with severe ulcerative colitis were included. Response to therapy was defined as three or more point reductions in Mayo score after 6 months of treatment and avoidance of colectomy after 1 year. The predictors analysed were gender, age, time from ulcerative colitis diagnosis, months of steroid or/and azathioprine therapy before onset of the severe phase, smoking habits, extension of the disease, laboratory analyses and Mayo score. RESULTS: Patients treated with infliximab showed a statistically significant higher response rate in case of moderate Mayo score (P = 0.04). Ex-smokers had very low chance of response to infliximab (P = 0.03). In the group treated with cyclosporine A, patients with C-reactive protein >3 mg/L had a response rate significantly higher than those with C-reactive protein <3 mg/L (P = 0.03); those with negative C-reactive protein and moderate Mayo score did not responded to therapy, while in the ones with elevated C-reactive protein and/or severe Mayo score, 15 versus 4 responded (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that cyclosporine A is advisable in ex-smokers. In never smokers or active smokers, infliximab can be prescribed in case of Mayo score ≤10 and/or negative CRP, while cyclosporine A is indicated in case of Mayo score >10 and positive CRP.

Efficacy and safety of oral beclomethasone dipropionate for ileal or ileal-right colon Crohn's disease of mild-to-moderate activity or in remission: Retrospective study.

Although conventional glucocorticosteroids are the main treatments for active Crohn's disease, several problems are associated with steroid dependence and steroid-related adverse events. To assess the efficacy and safety of oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) coated tablets in adults with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. Thirty-four patients (age 18-70years) with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease confirmed by conventional criteria (barium enema, clinical criteria, colonoscopy, histology) were retrospectively evaluated in the study. All subjects received a treatment schedule with BDP 5-10mg/day for 24weeks. BDP significantly (p=0.005) reduced mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score from 169.6 at baseline to 123.2 after 24weeks. Clinical success was evident at 24weeks in 66.7% of patients with initial active disease, and remission was maintained at week 24 in 93.8% of patients with remission at baseline. Overall, female non-smokers had the best response to treatment. BDP was well tolerated and the only adverse events observed were nausea (n=1), facial erythema (n=1) and one patient with raised fasting blood glucose level. These results clearly suggest that oral BDP coated tablets are effective and safe for treatment of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease of ileal or ileal-right colonic localisation.

Women and celiac disease: association with unexplained infertility.

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent intolerance to gluten characterized by destructions of the small intestinal villi and malabsorption. The gluten-free diet (GFD) results in healing of the mucosa, resolution of the malabsorpitive states, and reversal of great part of CD effects. Among the extradigestive complications associated with CD, unexplained infertility has been reported since the 70's. The prevalence of CD among women with unexplained infertility is 2.5-3.5%, higher, although not always significantly, than control population. To date, it is widely accepted that untreated CD represents a risk for abortion, low birth weight babies and short-breast feeding period. These features can be corrected by GFD. Some discrepancies could stem from the heterogeneity of the studies. Regarding a potential pathogenic mechanism, since CD causes malabsorption of folic acid and other nutrients, this pathway has been proposed to explain the unfavourable outcomes of pregnancy. However, this remains a speculation. In conclusion, each woman with unexplained infertility should be screened for CD.

[Helicobacter pylori and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: clinical considerations]. / Helicobacter pylori e malattia da reflusso gastro-esofageo. Considerazioni cliniche.

In the last decade, several studies have approached the issue of a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The different aspects debated were the possibility that the bacterium could have a protective role or worsen the disease or have no relationship at all. Hitherto, although some researchers have proposed fascinating pathogenic pathways, no scientific evidences exist to support the need to treat or not H. pylori infection in order to modify the natural history of GERD. In this review, the authors report the main updated considerations regarding this matter.

[Helicobacter pylori and headache: a minireview]. / Helicobacter pylori e cefalea essenziale: minireview.

The interest that surrounds the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is due not only to its causal role in several gastroduodenal diseases, but also to its supposed involvement in the pathogenesis of extragastric manifestations. This review provides a literature update on the hypothetic correlation between H. pylori and headache. The authors examine three aspects of this potential association: epidemiology, intervention trials and pathogenesis. Regarding the first, apart in some subgroups, no difference in prevalence exists between patients and controls. Considering the intervention studies, it is documented that, at 6 and 12 months, bacterial eradication is associated to disappearance of symptoms in 23% and 28% of cases, and to a significant decrease of intensity, frequency and duration of acute attacks in the remaining patients. As to the pathogenetic aspect, if H. pylori has a role, it does not act through oxidative stress. In conclusion, the involvement of H. pylori infection in the pathogenesis of headache is unclear. Further investigations should focalize on particular subgroups of patients and, encouraged from data produced by intervention studies, evaluate the long-term benefit of eradication.

Hepatocellular carcinoma complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis in Crohn's disease. A case report.

The prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is up to 8.5%. Although cholangiocarcinoma may complicate long-standing PSC in one third of the cases if follow-up is extended long enough, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare complication of PSC. The concomitant presence of PSC, HCC and CD have been reported sporadically. We discuss here a case of association of these three conditions.

Assessment of liver fibrosis in the clinical setting: something is changing?

Clinical management of compensated chronic liver diseases (CLD) requires precise definition of the stage of liver fibrosis which is the key histologic predictor of progression to cirrhosis. Several methods are used to assess liver fibrosis. Among those, percutaneous liver biopsy is still the gold standard. However, the recent introduction of liver imaging techniques, the rising of statistical tests able to classify CLD noninvasively, and a reconsideration of its potential complications, have contributed to an audit of the evolving role of liver biopsy. At present, there is an increasing interest for noninvasive approaches to evaluate the stage of liver fibrosis in the clinical work-up of patients with CLD. Transient elastography (FibroScan) is a new, noninvasive method to assess liver stiffness and, consequently, the degree of liver fibrosis. Since its use in the clinical setting is of great interest, further studies should define the exact role of this procedure.