Refractory Hypothyroidism: Unraveling the Complexities of Diagnosis and Management.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory hypothyroidism (RH) represents a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment within the field of thyroidology. It is defined as the inability to achieve disease control despite using levothyroxine (LT4) doses of 1.9 µg/kg/d or higher. METHODS: A comprehensive review, encompassing 103 articles, was conducted using the Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, providing an approach to evaluation and diagnosis of this condition. RESULTS: LT4 disintegrates and dissolves within an acidic gastric environment before being absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. It then extensively binds to serum transporter proteins and undergoes deiodination to yield tri-iodothyronine, the biologically active hormone. There are various nonpathological causes of RH, such as noncompliance with treatment, changes in the brand of LT4, food and drug interferences, as well as pregnancy. Pathological causes include lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection, giardiasis, among others. The diagnosis of RH involves conducting a thorough medical history and requesting relevant laboratory tests to rule out causes of treatment resistance. The LT4 absorption test allows for the identification of cases of malabsorption. The treatment of RH involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of noncompliance or malabsorption. In cases of pseudomalabsorption, supervised and weekly administration of LT4 may be considered. DISCUSSION: Early recognition of RH and correction of its underlying cause are of utmost importance, as this avoids the use of excessive doses of LT4 and prevents cardiovascular and bone complications associated with this condition.

Bariatric surgery and medicines: from first principles to practice.

Obesity is a major public health issue with significant health and financial costs. Almost one in three Australian adults are living with obesity Bariatric surgery can have a role in the management of obesity. There is evidence for its effectiveness in preventing or reversing chronic health conditions The type of bariatric surgery can significantly impact the absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination of orally administered drugs. Some changes can be predicted from pharmacokinetic and physiological effects, but management should be individualised The effect of weight loss itself after bariatric surgery may require drug doses to be altered A review of the patient's medicines and ongoing follow-up are important before and after surgery to ensure optimal outcomes.

Tropheryma whipplei Infection (Whipple Disease) in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Whipple disease (WD) is an infection caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei (TW). Few cases have been reported in the USA. AIMS: To report on the demographics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcomes of TW infection. METHODS: Cases of TW infection diagnosed from 1995 to 2010 were identified in three US referral centers and from 1995 to 2015 in one. Definite classic WD was defined by positive periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and probable WD by specific positive TW polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of intestinal specimens. Localized infections were defined by a positive TW PCR result from samples of other tissues/body fluids. RESULTS: Among the 33 cases of TW infections, 27 (82%) were male. Median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range 11-75). Diagnosis was supported by a positive TW PCR in 29 (88%) and/or a positive PAS in 16 (48%) patients. Classic WD was the most frequent presentation (n = 18, 55%), with 14 definite and 4 probable cases. Localized infections (n = 15, 45%) affected the central nervous system (n = 7), joints (n = 4), heart (n = 2), eye (n = 1), and skeletal muscle (n = 1). Blood PCR was negative in 9 of 17 (53%) cases at diagnosis. Ceftriaxone intravenously followed by trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole orally was the most common regimen (n = 23, 70%). Antibiotic therapy resulted in clinical response in 24 (73%). CONCLUSIONS: TW infection can present as intestinal or localized disease. Negative small bowel PAS and PCR do not exclude the diagnosis of TW infection, and blood PCR is insensitive for active infection.

Cumulative Inflammation Could Be a Risk Factor for Intestinal Failure in Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal failure is the most critical complication of Crohn's disease. Intestinal failure requires home parenteral nutrition, which worsens the quality of life of the patients and sometimes causes life-threatening complications. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for intestinal failure in Crohn's disease. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of Crohn's disease patients (162 cases) at Osaka University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2017. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to investigate the cumulative incidence of intestinal failure. To identify the risk factors of intestinal failure, patient characteristics were analyzed by multivariate analysis, including disease classification, surgical history, medical treatment other than surgery, and cumulative inflammation was calculated using the average C-reactive protein value and disease duration. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of intestinal failure 5, 10, and 15 years after Crohn's disease diagnosis was 2.6%, 3.4%, and 8.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the following as independent risk factors for intestinal failure in Crohn's disease: residual small intestinal length < 200 cm (odds ratio 7.51, 95% confidence interval 2.14-29.96), non-use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy (3.34, 1.22-10.74), and cumulative inflammation (1.01, 1.001-1.038). We created a new predictive nomogram consisting of these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal failure occasionally occurred during long-term treatment of Crohn's disease. Cumulative inflammation for the first time, in addition to short residual small intestinal length and non-use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy, was shown to be potential risk factors for intestinal failure in Crohn's disease.

Pancrelipase-Induced Hypersensitivity Reaction: Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced exanthems are commonly associated with NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anti-epileptics. Pancrelipase is frequently used for conditions resulting in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Published case reports of pancrelipase hypersensitivity focus on the respiratory manifestations. CASE REPORT: Here we report a case of skin hypersensitivity resulting from pancrelipase use. To further assess this association, we used a Naranjo nomogram, which determines the likelihood that an adverse drug reaction is the result of the drug itself. Our patient had a score of seven, suggesting our patient had a probably adverse drug reaction. DISCUSSION: As pancrelipase is a commonly prescribed drug, clinicians should be aware of the potential hypersensitivity skin reactions associated with pancrelipase.

Incidence and predictive factors for positive 75SeHCAT test: improving the diagnosis of bile acid diarrhoea.

AIMS: To determine the value of 75SeHCAT retention in determining bile acid diarrhoea (BAD), treatment response and predictors of a positive result. METHODS: Retrospective casenote review of consecutive patients undergoing 75SeHCAT from 2008 to 2014, including gender, age, history, clinical, and laboratory parameters. This included diseases associated with Type 1 BAD (ileal resection, Crohn's disease) and Type 3 BAD. Chi-squared test and logistic regression determined factors predictive of BAD. Subjective response to treatment with bile acid sequestrants (BAS) was analysed with respect to the 75SeHCAT result. RESULTS: Of 387 patients, 154 (39.7%) were male and average age was 50 years. Ninety-five patients (24.5%) were investigated for Type 1 BAD, 86 (22.2%) for Type 3, and 206 patients (53.2%) for Type 2 or idiopathic BAD. There was a large increase in the number performed with time but no difference in percentage positive tests. One hundred and seventy-nine patients (46.2%) had BAD. Positive result was commonest in possible Type 1 and they had most severe BAD. Ninety-nine patients had severe BAD (<5% 75SeHCAT retention), 47 moderate BAD (5% to <10% retention), and 33 mild BAD (10% to <15% retention). Predictors of a positive 75SeHCAT were right hemicolectomy (OR 4.88), cholecystectomy (OR 2.44), and Crohn's (OR 1.86). A positive 75SeHCAT predicted a good or partial response to BAS of 66.7% (mild), 78.6% (moderate), or 75.9% (severe BAD). CONCLUSION: 75SeHCAT test use increased in 2008-2014, with high positive results throughout. Ileal resection, Crohn's, and cholecystectomy independently predict BAD. 75SeHCAT predicted response to BAS.

Diagnosis and management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: In 2015, the Australasian Pancreatic Club (APC) published the Australasian guidelines for the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (http://pancreas.org.au/2016/01/pancreatic-exocrine-insufficiency-guidelines). Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) occurs when normal digestion cannot be sustained due to insufficient pancreatic digestive enzyme activity. This may be related to a breakdown, at any point, in the pancreatic digestive chain: pancreatic stimulation; synthesis, release or transportation of pancreatic enzymes; or synchronisation of secretions to mix with ingested food. Main recommendations: The guidelines provide advice on diagnosis and management of PEI, noting the following: A high prevalence of PEI is seen in certain diseases and conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and pancreatic surgery. The main symptoms of PEI are steatorrhoea or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. These symptoms are non-specific and often go undetected and untreated. PEI diagnosis is predominantly based on clinical findings and the presence of underlying disease. The likelihood of PEI in suspected patients has been categorised into three groups: definite, possible and unlikely. If left untreated, PEI may lead to complications related to fat malabsorption and malnutrition, and have an impact on quality of life. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) remains the mainstay of PEI treatment with the recommended adult initial enzyme dose being 25 000-40 000 units of lipase per meal, titrating up to a maximum of 75 000-80 000 units of lipase per meal. Adjunct acid-suppressing therapy may be useful when patients still experience symptoms of PEI on high dose PERT. Nutritional management by an experienced dietitian is essential. Changes in management as a result of these guidelines: These are the first guidelines to classify PEI as being definite, possible or unlikely, and provide a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate the early diagnosis of PEI and appropriate use of PERT.

Compliance and Lifestyle of Children with Celiac Disease in the Iranian Children.

Background: Celiac disease is popular and needs a proper and constant gluten-free diet. However, data on the experience of the disease by children are insufficient. A few children have difficulty adjusting their lifestyles, and gluten-free foods are difficult for them. The present study aimed to find influential factors in the growth disorders and nonresponse to the treatment diet in celiac patients. Materials and Methods: We gave a list of all children with celiac disease to the project manager and according to the criteria extracted additional information from their files. Duodenal biopsies on 382 patients with suspected celiac disease and 93 patients with positive pathology were included in the study, regardless of antibody and genetic titer, then analyzed their information using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean age of individuals was 9.48 ± 3.88, and 35 were male and 58 female. At the age of <5, there was more growth disorder than other age groups. The recovery percentage in short stature was significantly better in children with higher marches, and they responded better to the treatment regimen. Individuals with comorbidities had higher anti-tTG and lower Hb levels, higher incidence of growth disorder, did not respond to the treatment regimen. Those with a first-degree relative with celiac disease had a lower growth disorder than others. Conclusion: Identifying and correcting nutritional disorders in patients with celiac disease need to evaluate persistent symptoms and identify their causes to plan appropriate treatment and follow-up of patients with celiac disease step by step and continuously.

When It Rains It Pours...: Wernicke Encephalopathy with Sudden Blindness after Bariatric Surgery in a Patient with Congenital Deafness.

BACKGROUND: Malabsorption syndromes are known chronic complications of bariatric surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to take oral supplementation with multivitamins. Wernicke's encephalopathy represents an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with alcoholism or severe malnutrition; sporadic cases of this potential complication related to bariatric surgery are described in the literature. We present a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy due to severe vitamin B1 deficiency after bariatric surgery. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old woman with deaf-mutism from the age of 3 years old, operated 3 months before with a mini-gastric bypass for severe obesity, was transferred to our unit after accessing the emergency room. In the immediate medical history, there was the sudden and rapid decline in vision, leading to complete loss of vision, marked asthenia, and paresthesia in the four limbs. Considering the previous bariatric surgery, the diagnosis of non-alcoholic Wernicke's syndrome was suspected, for which IV therapy with Vitamin B1 was started at a dosage of 5 vials of 200 mg in 100 cc of saline solution (three times a day for the first 72 hours, subsequently 1 once/day). After 12 hours, there was an improvement in visual acuity, and the symptoms completely resolved within 48 hours. She was discharged with complete resolution of all symptoms after 1 month. CONCLUSION: Initial vision loss without confusion or encephalopathy is one atypical presentation of Wernicke syndrome. Clinical suspicion must be high in case of alcoholism or post-bariatric surgery. Early recognition of atypical symptoms, including vision loss, and timely administration of therapy improves the prognosis of this potentially reversible but time-dependent neurological emergency.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency following esophagectomy.

Weight loss following esophagectomy is a management challenge for all patients. It is multifactorial with contributing factors including loss of gastric reservoir, rapid small bowel transit, malabsorption, and adjuvant chemotherapy. The development of a postoperative malabsorption syndrome, as a result of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), is recognized in a subgroup of patients following gastrectomy. This has not previously been documented following esophageal resection. EPI can result in symptoms of flatulence, diarrhea, steatorrhea, vitamin deficiencies, and weight loss. It therefore has the potential to pose a significant level of morbidity in postoperative patients. There is some evidence that patients with proven EPI (fecal elastase-1 < 200 µg/g) may benefit from a trial of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). We observed symptoms compatible with EPI in a subgroup of patients following esophagectomy. We hypothesized that this was contributing to malabsorption and malnutrition in these patients. To investigate this, fecal elastase-1 was measured in postoperative patients, and in those with proven EPI, a trial of PERT was commenced in combination with specialist dietary education. At routine postoperative follow-up, which included assessment by a specialist dietitian, those patients with symptoms suggestive of malabsorption were given the opportunity to have their fecal elastase-1 measured. PERT was then offered to patients with fecal elastase-1 less than 200 µg/g (EPI) as well as those in the 200-500 µg/g range (mild EPI) with more severe symptoms. Fecal elastase-1 was measured in 63 patients between June 2009 and January 2011 at a median of 4 months (range 1-42) following surgery. Ten patients had fecal elastase-1 less than 200 µg/g, and all had failed to maintain preoperative weight. All accepted a trial of PERT. Nine (90%) had symptomatic improvement, and seven (70%) increased their weight. Thirty-nine patients had a fecal elastase-1 in the 200-500 µg/g range. Twelve were given a trial of PERT based on level of symptoms, five (42%) reported an improvement in symptoms, but only two (17%) gained weight. Our early results support the observation that EPI is a factor contributing to postoperative morbidity in patients recovering from esophagectomy and that these patients can benefit from a trial of PERT. Our study has limitations, and a formal trial is required to evaluate the impact of EPI and PERT following esophagectomy. Currently, our practice is to measure fecal elastase-1 in any patient with unexplained weight loss or symptoms of malabsorption. In patients with proven EPI or those who are symptomatic with mild EPI, a trial of PERT should be offered and symptoms reassessed.

[Subcutaneous administration of levothyroxine in refractory hypothyroidism]. / Administración subcutánea de levotiroxina en hipotiroidismo refractario.

Hypothyroidism can usually be treated effectively with oral levothyroxine (LT-4) supplementation. However, hypothyroidism refractory to treatment with LT-4 is a common clinical condition. Causes include poor compliance, interactions with food or other medications, and gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndromes. Increasing the oral dose of LT-4 is not always effective in these scenarios. Therefore, other routes of administration may be necessary. In this report, we evaluate alternative treatment modalities for refractory hypothyroidism and present two patients with intestinal malabsorption successfully treated by subcutaneous administration of LT-4.

El hipotiroidismo generalmente se puede tratar de manera efectiva con levotiroxina (LT-4) oral. Sin embargo, el hipotiroidismo refractario al tratamiento con LT-4 es una condición clínica frecuente. Entre las causas se encuentra la falta de adherencia, interacciones con alimentos u otros medicamentos y enfermedades gastrointestinales, como enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y síndromes de intestino corto. El aumento de la dosis oral de LT-4 no siempre es eficaz en estos escenarios. Por lo tanto, pueden ser necesarias otras vías de administración. En este reporte, evaluamos modalidades alternativas de tratamiento para el hipotiroidismo refractario y presentamos dos pacientes con malabsorción intestinal tratadas con éxito mediante la administración subcutánea de LT-4.

Myelopathy due to copper deficiency: A case series and review of the literature / Mielopatía por déficit de cobre: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura.

Copper deficiency can present as myelopathy by the manifestation of sensory ataxia, secondary to demyelination of the posterior cords of the spinal cord, accompanied by cytopenia, mainly anemia, and leukopenia. Case series study of three patients with myelopathy due to copper deficiency, diagnosed and managed from 2020 to 2022 in a highly complex university hospital in Colombia. Regarding gender, two cases were female patients. The age range was between 57 and 68 years. In all three cases serum copper levels were decreased, and in two of these, different causes of myelopathy affecting the posterior cords of the spinal cord were ruled out, such as vitamin B12, vitamin E and folic acid deficiency, tabes dorsalis, myelopathy due to human immunodeficiency virus, multiple sclerosis and infection by the human lymphotropic virus type I and II, among others. However, at the moment of the myelopathy diagnosis, one patient had vitamin B12 deficiency associated with copper insufficiency. All three cases presented sensory ataxia, and in two, paraparesis was the initial motor deficit. The diagnostic approach must include copper levels assessment in every case of patients with chronic gastrointestinal pathology, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, or significant reduction in dietary intake; and the development of neurological symptoms that may suggest cord involvement. It has been reported that a delay in diagnosis can lead to poor neurological outcomes.

El déficit de cobre puede presentarse como una mielopatía y manifestarse como una ataxia sensorial secundaria a una desmielinización de los cordones posteriores de la médula espinal. Puede acompañarse de citopenias, principalmente anemia y leucopenia. Se presenta una serie de casos de tres pacientes con mielopatía por déficit de cobre, diagnosticados y manejados desde el año 2020 al 2022 en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad en Colombia. Dos de los casos eran mujeres. El rango de edad fue entre 57 y 68 años. En los tres casos, los niveles séricos de cobre estaban disminuidos y en dos de ellos, se descartaron diferentes causas de mielopatía que afectan los cordones posteriores de la médula espinal como el déficit de vitamina B12, vitamina E y ácido fólico, tabes dorsal, mielopatía por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, esclerosis múltiple e infección por el virus linfotrópico humano de tipo I y II, entre otras. Sin embargo, un paciente tenía deficiencia de vitamina B12 asociada con de cobre en el momento del diagnóstico de la mielopatía. En los tres casos hubo ataxia sensitiva y en dos, la paraparesia fue el déficit motor inicial.

The Puerto Rico Journal of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (1925-1949): Coverage of Tropical Sprue.

Our current understanding of tropical sprue is that it is a malabsorption syndrome that responds to treatment with folic acid and a broad spectra antibiotic. This realization came only after countless years of research by legions of investigators. Twenty-seven individual studies on various aspects of tropical sprue were published in the Puerto Rico Journal of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from 1925 to 1949. This article summarizes significant findings, presented chronologically, and speculates on the direction of future investigations into tropical sprue.

The Pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status Score in Ovarian Cancer: Influence on Prognosis, Surgical Outcome, and Postoperative Complication Rate.

Introduction The Controlling Nutritional (CONUT) Status score is an established predictor of impaired prognosis in patients with solid tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the CONUT score for overall survival and perioperative complication rates in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients In this retrospective study we assessed the data of 337 consecutive patients with ovarian cancer. The CONUT score was associated with surgical outcome, postoperative complications and clinicopathological parameters. We used univariate log-rank test and multivariable Cox regression models to evaluate the association between pretreatment CONUT scores and survival. Results A low CONUT score (0 - 2) was associated with an early FIGO stage (p = 0.004), complete tumor resection (p < 0.001), less neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.017) and other histologies than serous cystadenocarcinoma (p = 0.006). Postoperative complications were observed in 51.4% and 60.5% of patients with a CONUT score of 0 - 2 and a score > 2, respectively (p = 0.161). A shorter overall survival was observed in patients with a CONUT score > 2 compared to patients with a low CONUT score, with 5-year overall survival rates of 31.5% and 58.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, both advanced age (p < 0.001) and FIGO stage (p < 0.001), residual disease (p < 0.001) and a high CONUT score (p = 0.048) were independently associated with unfavorable overall survival. Conclusion Pretreatment CONUT score is an independent prognostic marker for overall survival and associated with successful surgery. Patients with a high CONUT score might benefit from pretreatment nutritional intervention.

Copper deficiency myeloneuropathy with a history of malabsorption: a tale of two cases.

Acquired copper deficiency is rare but often seen among patients with intestinal malabsorption syndromes. Often times, these patients can develop myeloneuropathies with copper deficiency as an elusive culprit. With early diagnosis and appropriate supplementation, many symptoms, such as myeloneuropathy, can be reversed entirely. Checking copper levels should be included in the workup of myeloneuropathies to prevent irreversible damage and improving morbidity and mortality.

From Congenital Disorders of Fat Malabsorption to Understanding Intra-Enterocyte Mechanisms Behind Chylomicron Assembly and Secretion.

During the last two decades, a large body of information on the events responsible for intestinal fat digestion and absorption has been accumulated. In particular, many groups have extensively focused on the absorptive phase in order to highlight the critical "players" and the main mechanisms orchestrating the assembly and secretion of chylomicrons (CM) as essential vehicles of alimentary lipids. The major aim of this article is to review understanding derived from basic science and clinical conditions associated with impaired packaging and export of CM. We have particularly insisted on inborn metabolic pathways in humans as well as on genetically modified animal models (recapitulating pathological features). The ultimate goal of this approach is that "experiments of nature" and in vivo model strategy collectively allow gaining novel mechanistic insight and filling the gap between the underlying genetic defect and the apparent clinical phenotype. Thus, uncovering the cause of disease contributes not only to understanding normal physiologic pathway, but also to capturing disorder onset, progression, treatment and prognosis.

A novel surgical technique focused on the study of the ileum: The preduodenal ileal transposition.

AIMS: Our main goal is to study the effects on the carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, we designed various experimental surgical models on healthy non-obese Wistar rats to reproduce several conditions. In this sense, we report a new experimental model. It is well known that bariatric surgery has important effects on the control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The underlying reasons are yet unknown, although the different theories focused in the release of different hormones after the pass of the nutrients through the tract. These released hormones have opposite effects that come together in a balanced glycemic metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After bariatric surgical techniques, the modified anatomy resulted in an imbalance of the secreted hormones. Wistar rats were randomized in two groups Sham and surgical group. Our model consisted on the transposition of the terminal ileum right after the pylorus. Weight gain, food intake, and basal glycemia were measured weekly. RESULTS: We did not obtain significant differences between both groups for these functional variables. CONCLUSIONS: This technique involved an early pass of the bolus through the ileum. The change on the luminal pH, along with the lack of enzymes to absorb the content, or the changes in the release of several hormones must be variables to the study. The mortality rate was assumable considering it was an experimental model on animals.

OBJETIVO: Crear un nuevo modelo quirúrgico experimental en ratas Wistar sanas no obesas para estudiar los efectos del metabolismo glucídico. Es bien sabido que las técnicas de cirugía bariátrica tienen un efecto importante sobre la resolución de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Se han invocado diferentes hipótesis, algunas centradas en el papel que tienen distintas hormonas secretadas por el propio tubo digestivo tras el paso de los nutrientes a su través, pero las razones últimas subyacentes permanecen desconocidas. El efecto contrapuesto de dichas hormonas consigue un efecto de control glucémico. El desequilibrio hormonal tras las alteraciones anatómicas de las cirugías bariátricas podría estar en la base de dicha mejora del metabolismo glucídico final. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Las ratas fueron operadas en dos grupos (control quirúrgico y experimental) y se procedió a disponerles el íleon anastomosado al antro pilórico, previo al esfínter pilórico. Medimos distintos parámetros funcionales (ganancia de peso, ingesta y glucemias semanales). RESULTADOS: No obtuvimos diferencias significativas en la evolución de estos parámetros. CONCLUSIONES: Este modelo será útil para nuestro propósito de estudiar el íleon, en su componente secretor de enterohormonas, cuando el paso de los nutrientes se produzca tempranamente. La mortalidad fue asumible, dada la innovación técnica realizada.

GLP-1 mediated improvement of the glucose tolerance in the T2DM GK rat model after massive jejunal resection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the middle gut in the entero-pancreatic axis modification that leads to glucose improvement in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat as a non-obese T2DM model. BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is considered an assured solution for type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Enterohormones such as ghrelin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and mainly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were recognized as key players in the physiophathological mechanisms associated with entero-pancreatic axis regulation and glucose tolerance improvement. However, the influence of anatomical arrangements post-bariatric surgery on this axis is still debatable. METHOD: To this purpose, 50% of small intestine resections were performed on GK rats (n = 6), preserving the proximal half of the jejunum and the ileum (IR50). Phenotypic and functional changes, such as performance in oral glucose tolerance tests, ileal release of GLP-1, beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1, beta-cell mass, and turnover were characterized in IR50 and the surgical control group (Sham). RESULTS: The glucose tolerance was improved and ileal release of GLP-1 was enhanced four weeks after IR50 versus the control group rats. Beta-cell mass, beta-cell proliferation, and beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1 were also increased in the pancreas of IR50 versus the control group rats. CONCLUSION: the jejunal exclusion increases beta-cell-mass and improves glucose tolerance by increasing in GLP-1 expression and number of receptors via the entero-pancreatic axis.

Eficácia da midostaurina na mastocitose sistêmica ­ um relato de caso / Efficacy of midostaurin in systemic mastocytosis: a case report

Paciente do sexo feminino, com 63 anos de idade, portadora de mastocitose sistêmica há cerca de 20 anos, sendo agressiva há 10 anos. Crises quase diárias com manifestações do trato gastrointestinal e vasomotoras. Após diversas tentativas de tratamento, iniciou uso de midostaurina, um inibidor multiquinase. Depois de 6 meses de uso, observou-se bom controle dos sintomas, diminuição em quase 50% da triptase sérica e desaparecimento completo das lesões cutâneas.

A 63-year-old female presented with an approximately 20-year history of systemic mastocytosis, which had become aggressive over the past 10 years. She experienced almost daily episodes of gastrointestinal and vasomotor manifestations. After multiple treatment attempts, she was started on midostaurin, a multikinase inhibitor. At 6 months of therapy, satisfactory control of symptoms was achieved, with a nearly 50% reduction in serum tryptase and complete resolution of cutaneous lesions.

EUS-Guided Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Anastomosis with Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent: Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy.

Traditionally, restoration of normal bowel continuity after resection and bypass of a diseased or obstructed gastrointestinal tract can only be achieved through surgery, which can be technically challenging and comes with a risk of adverse events. Here, we describe our institutions' experience with endoscopic-guided gastroenterostomy or enteroenterostomy with lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) from March 2015 to August 2016. Ten patients had gastrogastrostomy (gastric pouch to gastric remnant) and three patients had jejunogastrostomy (Roux limb to gastric remnant) for the reversal of Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery. One patient had gastroduodenostomy (stomach to duodenal bulb) post antrectomy and one patient had jejunojejunostomy for distal obstruction following Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Technical and clinical success were achieved in all patients, save for delayed anastomotic stenosis following stent removal in one patient, with a mean follow-up of 126 days (3-318 days) with minimal complications in two patients. Endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis therefore may be a safe and feasible technique to re-establish continuity of the digestive system following bypass in the short-term.