Prospective evaluation of health-related quality of life after laparoscopic colectomy for cancer

Background

The aim of the present study was to prospectively determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes and affecting factors after elective laparoscopic colectomy for cancer.

Methods

The SF-36, EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29, and Gastrointestinal Quality of life Index (GIQLI) were used to assess 85 patients preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

An initial drop form baseline values was observed in 3 of 8 SF-36 domains, 3 of 5 QLQ-C30 functional scales and 1 of 5 GIQLI subscales. Emotional functioning (EF) was better postoperatively even from the first month (p = 0.03). Most functional domains were improved compared to baseline. The statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) were in the SF-36: general health (GH) (3 months), physical function (PF) (12 months) and role limitations due to emotional problems (12 months); in the QLQ-C30: EF (12 months); in the GIQLI: the global score and PF at 12 months and EF (3, 6, 12 months). From the first month after surgery, most QLQ-C30 “symptom” items were better than baseline. QLQ-CR29 “anxiety” and the “defecation problems” scales were significantly better than baseline at 1, 12 and at 6, 12 months (p < 0.05). Advanced stage (III) and chemotherapy were linked to worse EF, social function (SF), GH and global quality of life (QOL) at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.01). Males appeared to have a worse HRQoL than females at 3 and 6 months, and in 5 of 8 SF-36 domains and 3 of 5 GIQLI subscales at 12 months (p < 0.05). According to the QLQ-CR29, rectal surgery was associated more often with “impotence,” “stoma problems” and “incontinence” up to 6 months, and ostomies with “embarrassment” and “stoma problems” (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

HRQoL generally improved over the first year after laparoscopic colectomy reaching even better levels than before surgery. There was an early postoperative improvement in patients’ emotional status. The main factors affecting HRQoL seem to be tumor stage, chemotherapy and male sex.     

A modified total colonic exclusion for elderly patients with severe slow transit constipation

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of total colonic exclusion with antiperistaltic ileorectal anastomosis (TCE-AIA) for elderly patients with slow transit constipation (STC).

Methods

Elderly patients (defined as age >65) who underwent TCE-AIA for severe idiopathic STC between 2009 and 2012 at our institution were identified. Postoperative outcomes and routine follow-up were assessed using the Wexner constipation score (WCS), gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and four-point postoperative satisfaction scales.

Results

A total of 13 elderly patients were met the inclusion criteria. Five patients (38.5 %) were male, and eight patients (61.5 %) were female. The mean age of this population was 74 years (range 63–82 years). The mean operative time was 55 min (range 28–32), and blood loss was minimal. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.7 days (range 5–12 days). The mean time until the first postoperative bowel movement was 4 days (range 2–8 days). There was no procedure-related mortality and no major in-hospital complications. The median duration of follow-up was 12.4 months (range 6–29 months). None of the 13 patients had fecal incontinence or recurrence of constipation at the follow-up end point. However, eight patients underwent colonoscopy during follow-up, and four patients presented with diversion colitis. The patients’ preoperative WCS was 22.8 ± 3.3, and it had significantly improved to 5.4 ± 2.1 on 6 months after operation (p < 0.05). The preoperative GIQLI of 93.6 ± 20.5 had significantly increased to 120.8 ± 13.0 on 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction at 6 months was very high in 11 patients and high in two patients.

Conclusions

TCE-AIA is a relatively simple procedure. It might be an effective surgical intervention for the selected elderly patients with STC.     

Comparison of Manning, Rome I, II, and III, and Asian diagnostic criteria: Report of the Multicentric Indian Irritable Bowel Syndrome (MIIBS) study

Background

Attempts to diagnose and subtype irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by symptom-based criteria have limitations, as these are developed in the West and might not be applicable in other populations.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare different criteria for diagnosing and subtyping of IBS in India.

Method

Manning's and the Rome I, II, and III criteria as well as the Asian criteria were applied to 1,618 patients (from 17 centers in India) with chronic lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms with no alarm features and negative investigations.

Results

Of 1,618 patients (aged 37.5 [SD 12.6] years; 71.2 % male), 1,476 (91.2 %), 1,098 (67.9 %), 649 (40.1 %), 849 (52.5 %), and 1,206 (74.5 %) fulfilled Manning's, Rome I, II, and III, and the Asian criteria, respectively. The most common reason for not fulfilling the criteria was absence of the following symptoms: “more frequent stools with onset of pain,” “loose stool with onset of pain,” “relief of pain with passage of stool,” “other abdominal discomfort/bloating,” and, in a minority, not meeting the duration criterion of 3 months/12 weeks. By stool frequency, constipation-predominant IBS (<3 stools/week) was diagnosed in 319 (19.7 %), diarrhea-predominant IBS (>3 stools/day) in 43 (2.7 %), and unclassified in 1,256 (77.6 %). By Bristol stool form, constipation, diarrhea, and unclassified were diagnosed in 655 (40.5 %), 709 (43.8 %), and 254 (15.7 %) patients, respectively. By their own perception, 462 (28.6 %), 541 (33.4 %), and 452 (27.9 %) patients reported constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, and alternating types, respectively.

Conclusion

By Manning's and the Asian criteria, a diagnosis of IBS was made frequently among Indian patients with chronic functional lower GI symptoms with no alarm features; the Rome II criteria gave the lowest yield. By the stool frequency criteria, a majority of patients had unclassified pattern, unlike by the stool form and patients' perception of their symptoms.     

Quality of life of patients after low anterior, intersphincteric, and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer—a matched-pair analysis

Purpose

Limits for sphincter preservation in rectal cancer have been expanded under the assumption that patients with a permanent colostomy have worse quality of life (QoL). Incontinence and painful defecation are common problems; therefore, this study compares functional outcome and QoL after sphincter-sparing intersphincteric resection (ISR), low anterior resection (LAR), and abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer.

Methods

From a prospective database, three matched groups of patients after surgery for rectal cancer between 1999 and 2009 were extracted. Median follow-up was 59 months. Of 131 patients receiving a questionnaire, 95 % could be analyzed further. Generic and disease-specific validated QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer QLQ-C30, CR38) and Wexner incontinence score were used.

Results

Global QoL was comparable between the groups. Physical functioning was significantly better after sphincter preservation surgery than APR (p?<?0.05). Symptom scores for diarrhea (DIA) and constipation (CON) were higher after sphincter-preserving surgery (ISR: DIA 45.4, CON 20.2; LAR: DIA 34.1, CON 25.2) compared to APR (DIA 16.6, CON 12.0) (p?<?0.05 and <0.01, respectively). Disease-specific QoL assessment showed significantly worse QoL regarding to male sexual function after APR (80.8) than after ISR (53.6) (p?<?0.005). Regarding defecation, the ISR group showed significantly higher symptom scores than patients after LAR (p?<?0.05). Wexner scores were significantly higher after ISR (12.9) than after LAR (9.5) (p?<?0.005).     

Breast Cancer Treatment Decision-Making: Are We Asking Too Much of Patients?

OBJECTIVE

Physicians are mandated to offer treatment choices to patients, yet not all patients may want the responsibility that entails. We evaluated predisposing factors for, and long-term consequences of, too much and not enough perceived decision-making responsibility among breast cancer patients.

DESIGN

Longitudinal assessment, with measurements collected just after surgical treatment (baseline) and 6-month follow-up.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with early-stage breast cancer treated surgically at eight NYC hospitals, recruited for a randomized controlled trial of patient assistance to improve receipt of adjuvant treatment.

MEASUREMENTS

Using logistic regression, we explored multivariable-adjusted associations between perceived treatment decision-making responsibility and a) baseline knowledge of treatment benefit and b) 6-month decision regret.

RESULTS

Of 368 women aged 28–89 years, 72 % reported a “reasonable amount”, 21 % “too much”, and 7 % “not enough” responsibility for treatment decision-making at baseline. Health literacy problems were most common among those with “not enough” (68 %) and “too much” responsibility (62 %). Only 29 % of women had knowledge of treatment benefits; 40 % experienced 6-month decision regret. In multivariable analysis, women reporting “too much” vs. “reasonable amount” of responsibility had less treatment knowledge ([OR] = 0.44, [95 % CI] = 0.20–0.99; model c?=?0.7343;p?<?0.01) and more decision regret ([OR] = 2.,91 [95 % CI] = 1.40–6.06; model c?=?0.7937;p?<?0.001). Findings were similar for women reporting “not enough” responsibility, though not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Too much perceived responsibility for breast cancer treatment decisions was associated with poor baseline treatment knowledge and 6-month decision regret. Health literacy problems were common, suggesting that health care professionals find alternative ways to communicate with low health literacy patients, enabling them to assume the desired amount of decision-making responsibility, thereby reducing decision regret.     

Morphological Abnormalities of the Recto-Anal Inhibitory Reflex Reflects Symptom Pattern in Neurogenic Bowel

Background

Bowel dysfunction amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI) patients often manifests as fecal incontinence (FI) or constipation, but the pathophysiology is poorly understood. Anorectal physiology provides an objective assessment of lower bowel functions and is increasingly being used in clinical practice.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to correlate symptoms of bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord disease with findings in anorectal physiology. We hypothesized that specific abnormalities will correlate with symptoms: prolonged recto-anal inhibitory reflex in patients with incontinence and decreased rectal mucosal blood flow in patients with constipation.

Methods

Forty-nine patients with MS (35 with predominant FI and 14 constipation), 46 supraconal SCI (mixed symptom load), and 21 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex were studied. Subjects completed validated constipation and FI symptom questionnaires. Patients underwent standard anorectal physiology, including assessment of rectal mucosal blood flow and recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR).

Results

Severity of constipation correlates significantly with distension sensitivity (urge volume [r = 0.68, p = 0.002] and maximal volume [r = 0.39, p = 0.03]). Severity of constipation also correlated with diminished rectal mucosal blood flow in both patient groups (r = ?0.51, p = 0.006). In both groups, constipation correlated with diminished relaxation of the sphincters in the RAIR whilst fecal incontinence correlated with a prolonged duration of RAIR (r = 0.33, p = 0.009) and recovery phase (r = 0.37, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Bowel symptoms in patients with MS and SCI correlate with specific alterations of anorectal physiology. This provides objective assessment of bowel symptoms and may allow tailored treatment to individual patients.     

Effect of a new synbiotic supplement on symptoms,stool consistency,intestinal transit time and gut microbiota in patients with severe functional constipation: a pilot randomized double-blind,controlled trial

Background

Data on the benefits of synbiotics in functional constipation are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess whether the administration of the synbiotic supplement Psyllogel Megafermenti^® normalized stool consistency and decreased intestinal transit time (ITT) in patients with severe functional constipation, based on its ability to impact on the gut microbiota.

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. After a 2-week run-in period, patients from a tertiary care setting with severe functional constipation fulfilling the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria in the past year were randomly assigned to receive by mouth 2 bags/day of Psyllogel Megafermenti^® (Group A) or 2.8 g of maltodextrin twice daily (Group B) for 8 weeks. Primary endpoints were increase of bowel evacuations with normal stool consistency and volume, and ITT reduction. Secondary endpoints included symptom improvement according to the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, reduction of the Agachan–Wexner score and changes in gut microbiota composition.

Results

Twenty-nine patients completed the study: 17 were allocated to Group A and 12 to Group B. A statistically significant increase in stools with normal consistency was observed only in Group A (p = 0.001), even when considering patients with normal stools ≤50 % of time at baseline. In Group A, a significant reduction in ITT was also found (p = 0.022). According to polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiling of stool samples, 50 % of the patients treated with synbiotics harbored all the probiotic species of the study product.

Conclusions

An 8-week treatment with Psyllogel Megafermenti^® improved the main clinical parameters of functional constipation in patients extremely homogeneous for disorder severity and underlying pathophysiology (Eudract.ema.europa.eu, No. 2008-000913-30).     

Clostridium difficile as a cause of acute diarrhea: a prospective study in a tertiary care center

Introduction

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is an increasing problem. Recent reports suggest presence of community acquired CDAD (CA CDAD). Studies in India have shown varied results.

Aims

The following are the aims of this study: (a) the prevalence of CDAD and CA CDAD in patients with acute diarrhea; (b) the incremental yield of second stool sample for the diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI); and (c) the risk factors for CDI.

Patients and Methods

Patients with acute diarrhea (<4 weeks) between April 2009 and December 2010 had two stool sample tested for C. difficile toxin (CDT) by enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay. Demographic, clinical data, risk factors, clinical course, complications, treatment, and response were noted.

Results

Of 150 patients (mean age, 47.3 years; 76 males), 12 (8 %) had their first stool sample positive for CDT. Two patients (1.3 %) had community acquired CDI. The study group was compared with 138 patients (“control group”, stool samples negative for CDT). Compared to the controls, the study group were more likely to have had intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p?=?0.018) and tube feeding (p?=?0.035). Eleven patients were treated with metronidazole. One patient did not respond to metronidazole and was treated with vancomycin. No patient developed complications of CDAD.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CDAD in our population was 8 % and of CA CDAD was 1.3 %. There was no advantage of testing two samples. ICU stay and tube feeding were major risk factors for the CDAD. Metronidazole was an effective first-line therapy.     

Aspirin Dose Increase from 75 to 150 mg Suppresses Red Blood Cell Contribution to Suboptimal Platelet Response to Aspirin in Patients with CAD

Purpose

To verify the hypothesis that erythrocytes play a role in suboptimal blood platelet response to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

In a cross-over randomized controlled intervention study we evaluated blood platelet response to 30-day treatment with 75 mg/d or 150 mg/d of ASA (enteric coated) in CAD patients (n?=?125). In vitro platelet response to collagen or arachidonic acid was monitored with impedance aggregometry and plasma thromboxane B₂ was assayed immunoenzymatically. Blood morphology and several plasma biochemical parameters were determined using routine diagnostic procedures.

Results

CAD patients demonstrated lower blood platelet responsiveness to 75 mg/d of ASA compared to healthy subjects. The improved platelet responsiveness to 150 mg/d of ASA was particularly evident in “poor” responding patients. Positive correlations between platelet “poor” response to lower (75 mg/d) ASA dose and red blood cell count (R_s?=?0.215; p?<?0.04), haemoglobin (R_s?=?0.232; p?<?0.02) and haematocrit (R_s?=?0.239; p?<?0.02) were found in CAD patients. Association between “poor” platelet response with lower ASA dose was confirmed by conditional maximum likelihood logistic regression, which showed the independency between erythrocyte-derived parameters, as the risk factors for suboptimal platelet response to ASA, and other risk factors, like CRP or LDL-cholesterol. In “poor” ASA responders taking the higher ASA dose (150 mg/d) the correlation between platelets’ response to ASA and erythrocyte-derived parameters was not significant.

Conclusions

Red blood cell parameters are associated with suboptimal blood platelet response to ASA in patients with CAD. Such a platelet refractoriness to ASA may be effectively overcome by increasing the ASA dose.     

Predictive factors for the development of brain metastases in patients with malignant melanoma: a study by the Anatolian society of medical oncology

Background

The development of brain metastases (BMs) was associated with poor prognosis in melanoma patients. Patients with BMs have a median survival of <6 months. Melanoma is the third most common tumor to metastasize to the brain with a reported incidence of 10–40 %. Our aim was to identify factors predicting development of BMs and survival.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 470 melanoma patients between 2000 and 2012. The logistic regression analyses were used to identify the clinicopathological features of primary melanoma that are predictive of BMs development and survival after a diagnosis of brain metastases.

Results

There were 52 patients (11.1 %) who developed melanoma BMs during the study period. The analysis of post-BMs with Kaplan–Meier curves has resulted in a median survival rate of 4.1 months (range 2.9–5.1 months). On logistic regression analysis site of the primary tumor on the head and neck (p = 0.002), primary tumor thickness (Breslow >4 mm) (p = 0.008), ulceration (p = 0.007), and pathologically N2 and N3 diseases (p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the development of BMs. In univariate analysis, tumor thickness and performance status had a significant influence on post-BMs survival. In multivariate analysis, these clinicopathologic factors were not remained as significant predictive factors.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the importance of primary tumor characteristics associated with the development of BMs. Ulceration, primary tumor thickness, anatomic site, and pathologic ≥N2 disease were found to be significant predictors of BMs development.     

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy: a prospective long-term evaluation of functional results and quality of life

Background

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse combines the advantages of a minimally invasive approach with the low recurrence rate observed after abdominal procedures. To date, only a few long-term functional studies and no quality of life assessment are available. The aim of this study was to assess long-term functional outcomes and quality of life after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2008, patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for full-thickness external rectal prolapse and/or rectocele were prospectively included. Fecal incontinence and constipation were scored (Wexner score and Rome II criteria). Quality of life was assessed using the gastrointestinal quality of life form (GIQLI).

Results

Thirty-three patients were included and 30 (91 %) completed all the questionnaires. There was no morbidity or mortality. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 ± 1 days (range 3–7 days). After a mean follow-up of 42 ± 7 months (range 32–52 months), recurrence of rectocele was observed in two patients (6 %). At the end of follow-up, constipation was improved in 13/18 patients (72 %) and two patients (7 %) presented de novo constipation. The patients’ Wexner score improved between preoperative status and end of follow-up (12 ± 7 vs. 4 ± 3, p = 0.002). Compared to the preoperative score, quality of life significantly improved over time: 77 ± 21 preoperatively versus 107 ± 17 at 1 year versus 109 ± 18 at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This prospective study showed that laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was associated with excellent postoperative outcomes and a low long-term recurrence rate. Long-term functional results were excellent in terms of continence, with significant improvement of quality of life and without worsening constipation.     

Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels in Young Adults Can Be Used to Discriminate Between Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory Diarrhea

Objective

To determine if the level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to differentiate between inflammatory diarrhea and non-inflammatory diarrhea in patients with acute infectious diarrhea or acute gastrointestinal infection.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on medical records from a single military hospital located in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. The records of 1,085 patients who presented with abdominal pain, fever (≥37.8 °C), and diarrhea between May 2008 and May 2011 were reviewed, and 538 patients were selected. The eligible patients had undergone abdominal contrast tomography (CT) or colonoscopy within 3 days and blood sampling on the day of admission. The selected patients were divided into two groups on the basis of their abdominal CT or colonoscopy findings: group A, the inflammatory diarrhea group (n = 234), and group B, the non-inflammatory diarrhea group (n = 304). We then compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of these two groups.

Results

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP levels were significantly higher in group A (inflammatory diarrhea) patients than group B (non-inflammatory diarrhea) patients (16.47 ± 5.46 vs. 15.29 ± 5.72 (P < 0.05), respectively, and 4.92 ± 2.49 vs. 1.79 ± 0.95 (P < 0.05), respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that CRP level on admission was the most important predictor of inflammatory diarrhea (OR 7.39, P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis results also showed that CRP had the highest area-under-the-curve value (0.91; 95 % confidence interval 0.88–0.93; P < 0.05) for distinguishing inflammatory diarrhea from non-inflammatory diarrhea. At a cut-off level of 3.08 mg/dL, CRP had a sensitivity of 82 % and a specificity of 85 %.

Conclusions

CRP as a diagnostic marker of inflammatory diarrhea was superior to the other inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics we evaluated in this study. A patient’s CRP level on admission may aid clinical decision-making, for example initiating empiric antibiotics therapy and/or performing additional clinical tests.     

Magnifying narrow-band imaging of surface maturation in early differentiated-type gastric cancers after Helicobacter pylori eradication

Background

Even after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication, primary or metachronous gastric cancers are sometimes discovered. The endoscopic features of these cancers may be modified by controlling inflammation. Characteristic findings for such lesions in terms of narrow-band imaging with magnifying endoscopy (NBI-ME) and histopathology need to be clarified to allow accurate diagnosis.

Methods

Distinctive NBI-ME characteristics were examined retrospectively in intramucosal or minimally submucosal and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas from a successful eradication group (42 patients, 50 lesions) and a non-eradicated control group (44 patients, 50 lesions) matched in age and sex. A “gastritis-like” appearance under NBI-ME was characterized by uniform papillae and/or tubular pits with a whitish border, regular or faint microvessels and unclear demarcation, resembling the adjacent noncancerous mucosa. Histological differentiation at the luminal surface of the cancer was evaluated according to Ki-67 immunoreactivity restricted at the middle or lower portion of the tubules. NBI-ME alteration was prospectively confirmed in 29 patients (30 lesions) after eradication therapy.

Results

The frequency of a “gastritis-like” appearance was 44 % (22/50) for the eradication group, which was significantly higher than the 4 % (2/50) for the control group (p < 0.001). In the eradication group, the “gastritis-like” appearance was significantly correlated with histological surface differentiation (p < 0.001). In the prospective study, NBI-ME showed changes to heterogeneous papillary microstructures in 43 % (10/23) of the lesions after successful eradication at short-term follow-up.

Conclusions

Identification of surface maturation under NBI-ME offers a promising approach for accurate diagnosis of early gastric cancers after successful eradication.     

Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease (CDAD): A Shift from Hospital-Acquired Infection to Long-Term Care Facility-Based Infection

Background

Previous epidemiological studies on Clostridium-difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) have focused on hospitalized patients with nosocomial transmission. However, increasing numbers of patients with CDAD are being admitted to acute-care hospitals from long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and the local community. The purpose of our study was to study the changing epidemiological trends of CDAD patients admitted to an acute-care hospital and examine factors contributing to this shift in epidemiology.

Materials and Methods

This IRB-approved retrospective study included 400 randomly selected patients with a diagnosis of CDAD, admitted to an acute-care hospital between January, 2005 and December, 2010. CDAD was defined as ≥3 episodes of loose stools in <24 h with a positive Clostridium difficile stool toxin assay. The patients were divided into three groups: hospital-acquired CDAD, long-term care facility (LTCF)-acquired CDAD, and community-acquired CDAD. The groups were compared in terms of demographics, ICU admissions, hospital length of stay, co-morbidities, presenting complaint, and medication use. Patients who were hospitalized in the preceding 12 weeks or who had history of antibiotic use in the prior 8 weeks were excluded.

Results

Final analysis included 258 toxin-positive CDAD patients. Only 53 (20.6 %) patients had hospital-acquired CDAD. Patients from LTCFs (n = 119, 46.1 %) and the community (86 patients, 33.3 %) comprised 79.4 % of patients. The mean age for LTCF population was significantly higher than the hospital-acquired and community-acquired CDAD groups (p < 0.0001). The presenting complaint was categorized as diarrhea or non-diarrheal symptom. Other non-diarrheal symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and altered mental status. Only 15.2 % of LTCF patients had diarrhea as their presenting complaint (n = 18) as compared to 29.1 % of patients from the community (n = 25; p < 0.05). Most LTCF patients (n = 101, 84.8 %) had non-diarrheal symptoms as their presenting complaint as compared to only 61 patients from the community (70.9 %) (p < 0.05). Use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was more frequent in LTCF patients (73 %) and patients with hospital-acquired CDAD (69.8 %) as compared to patients with community-acquired CDAD (43 %) (p < 0.05). No valid indication was found for PPI use in 24.13 % of LTCF patients and 32.1 % of patients with community-acquired CDAD as compared to only 12.9 % of patients with hospital-acquired CDAD.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that CDAD originated predominantly in patients from LTCFs (46.1 %) and community (33.3 %) rather than from hospitalized patients (20.6 %). Diarrhea was the presenting complaint in LTCF patients in only 15.2 % of cases. Hence, CDAD should be suspected if LTCF patients present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or altered mental status along with loose stools. Majority of the LTCF patients were found to be on PPIs, a risk factor for CDAD, with as many as 24 % of these patients with no valid indication for their use.     

Disability is the major negative predictor for achievement of Boolean-based remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab

Objective

To analyze the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) and the factors that influence achievement of Boolean-based remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with TCZ in daily clinical practice.

Methods

The efficacy of TCZ at 24 weeks after initiation of TCZ in 80 patients with RA was analyzed by comparing achievement of “DAS28 remission” with that of “Boolean-based remission”. The predictive factors that influence achievement of Boolean-based remission were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis using a step-wise method.

Results

DAS28 remission and Boolean-based remission were achieved in 50.0 and 12.5 % of patients, respectively. Significant differences in achieving Boolean-based remission were observed when patients were stratified by disease duration in tertiles (p < 0.05) and by physical function in tertiles (p < 0.05); no such differences were observed for achieving DAS28 remission. The least achievable component among the Boolean-based remission criteria was patient’s global assessment. The predictive factor for not achieving Boolean-based remission at 24 weeks was having a worse baseline physical function (odds ratio, 3.66; 95 % confidence interval, 1.17–14.48).

Conclusions

This study suggests that baseline disability predicts a lack of achievement of Boolean-based remission. Thus, better responses to TCZ may be obtained when TCZ is initiated in RA patients before disability develops.     

Cholecystectomy and Clinical Presentations of Gastroparesis

Background

Many patients with gastroparesis have had their gallbladders removed.

Aim

To determine if clinical presentations of patients with gastroparesis differ in those with prior cholecystectomy compared to patients who have not had their gallbladder removed.

Methods

Gastroparetic patients were prospectively enrolled in the NIDDK Gastroparesis Registry. Detailed history and physical examinations were performed; patients filled out questionnaires including patient assessment of GI symptoms.

Results

Of 391 subjects with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis (IG), 142 (36 %) had a prior cholecystectomy at the time of enrollment. Patients with prior cholecystectomy were more often female, older, married, and overweight or obese. Cholecystectomy had been performed in 27/59 (46 %) of T2DM compared to 19/78 (24 %) T1DM and 96/254 IG (38 %) (p = 0.03). Patients with cholecystectomy had more comorbidities, particularly chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. Postcholecystectomy gastroparesis patients had increased health care utilization, and had a worse quality of life. Independent characteristics associated with prior cholecystectomy included insidious onset (OR = 2.06; p = 0.01), more comorbidities (OR = 1.26; p < 0.001), less severe gastric retention (OR(severe) = 0.68; overall p = 0.03) and more severe symptoms of retching (OR = 1.19; p = 0.02) and upper abdominal pain (OR = 1.21; p = 0.02), less severe constipation symptoms (OR = 0.84; p = 0.02), and not classified as having irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 0.51; p = 0.02). Etiology was not independently associated with a prior cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

Symptom profiles in patients with and without cholecystectomy differ: postcholecystectomy gastroparesis patients had more severe upper abdominal pain and retching and less severe constipation. These data suggest that prior cholecystectomy is associated with selected manifestations of gastroparesis.     

Defecatory disorders in anorexia nervosa: a clinical study

Background

Defecatory disorders in patients with eating disorders have been overlooked. We evaluated the prevalence and type of defecatory disorders in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Methods

The aim of our questionnaire-based study was to determine the prevalence of constipation and faecal incontinence (FI) in patients with anorexia nervosa attending our dedicated eating disorders outpatient clinics and whether length of illness and low body mass index (BMI) exacerbate both constipation and FI. The Wexner constipation score (WCS), Altomare’s obstructed defecation score (OD score) and the faecal incontinence severity index (FISI) were used to evaluate constipation and incontinence. A WCS ≥5, OD score ≥10 and a FISI ≥10 were considered clinically relevant.

Results

Eighty-five patients (83 females; mean age 28 years ± 13) with anorexia nervosa (study group) and mean BMI of 16 ± 2 kg/m² (range 14–19 kg/m²) were studied. This group was compared to 57 healthy volunteers (control group) with mean BMI of 22 ± 3 kg/m² (range 20–27 kg/m²). In the study group, 79/85 (93 %) patients suffered from defecatory disorders defined as at least one abnormal score, either WCS, OD score or FISI, compared to 7/57 (12 %) controls (p < 0.001). Constipation (defined as WCS ≥5) was present in 70/85 (83 %) patients with anorexia and in 7/57 (12 %) controls (p = 0.001), while obstructed defecation syndrome (defined as OD score ≥10) was present in 71/85 (84 %) patients with anorexia and 7/57 (12 %) controls (p < 0.001). In patients with anorexia, the mean WCS score was 10 ± 5 standard deviation (SD) (3 ± 2 SD in controls; p < 0.001), and the mean OD score was 12 ± 4 SD (3 ± 4 SD in controls; p < 0.001). Overall, 62/85 (73 %) patients with anorexia had FI defined as FISI score ≥10, and the mean FISI score in anorexia patients was 12 ± 9 SD. A combination of constipation and FI (either both WCS and FISI abnormal or both OD score and FISI abnormal) was present in 55/85 (64 %) and 8/85 (9 %) presented with FI alone. Moreover, all results are influenced by the severity of the disease measured by BMI and duration. The percentage of defecatory disorders rises from 75 to 100 % when BMI is <18 kg/m² and from 60 to 75 % when the duration of illness is ≥5 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.021, respectively).

Conclusions

Defecatory disorders are associated with anorexia nervosa and increased with the duration and severity of the illness.     

Celiac disease presentation in a tertiary referral centre in India: current scenario

Background

Nondiarrheal celiac disease (NDCD) is being increasingly reported but data from India is limited.

Aim

We undertook this study to compare the clinical spectrum of NDCD with that of diarrheal/classical celiac disease (CCD).

Method

This facility-based retrospective observational study included consecutive patients diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) (as per modified ESPGHAN criteria) from October 2009 to August 2011.

Results

A total of 381 patients were diagnosed with CD during the study period. NDCD was present in 192 (51.8 %). NDCD had higher mean age at presentation (5.8?±?2.8 vs. 6.9?±?2.9 years respectively; p?=?0.003) and longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis (2.9?±?1.7 years vs. 3.6?±?2.2 years; p?=?0.02) as compared to CCD. In the NDCD group, the most frequent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were recurrent abdominal pain [122 (63.5 %)] and abdominal distension [102 (53.1 %)] followed by constipation [48 (25 %)], vomiting [76 (39.6 %)] and recurrent oral ulcers [89 (46.4 %)]. Vomiting and constipation were more frequently seen in NDCD as compared to CCD (p? <?0.001 in both). Commonly enumerated extraintestinal manifestations in NDCD included failure to thrive [109 (56.8 %)], isolated short stature [36 (18.8 %)], persistent anemia [83 (43.2 %)] and hepatomegaly/splenomegaly or both [56 (29.2 %)]. Associated comorbidities included autoimmune thyroiditis [11 (5.7 %)], type 1 diabetes mellitus [8 (4.2 %)], bronchial asthma [23 (11.9 %)], idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis [4 (2.1 %)], Down’s syndrome [3 (1.6 %)], alopecia areata [6 (3.1 %)], polyarthritis [2 (1.0 %)], dermatitis herpetiformis [6 (3.1 %)] and chronic liver disease [6 (3.1 %)]. The number of patients with a Marsh score IIIb and above of duodenal biopsy was significantly more in the CCD group (p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

NDCD is not uncommon in India. Long-term follow up is needed to evaluate the impact of the disease and of treatment in these children.     

Long-term quality of life after conservative treatment versus surgery for different stages of acute sigmoid diverticulitis

Purpose

It is controversial whether patients fare better with conservative or surgical treatment in certain stages of acute diverticulitis (AD), in particular when phlegmonous inflammation or covered micro- or macro-perforation are present. The aim of this study was to determine long-term quality of life (QoL) for AD patients who received either surgery or conservative treatment in different stages.

Methods

We included patients treated for AD at the University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany, between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010. Patients were classified by the Hansen and Stock (HS) classification, the modified Hinchey classification, and the German classification of diverticular disease (CDD). Pre-therapeutic staging was based on multidetector computed tomography. Long-term QoL was assessed by the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) questionnaire, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Data are mean?±?SEM.

Results

Patients with phlegmonous AD (HS type 2a, Hinchey Ia and CDD 1b, respectively) had a better long-term QoL on the GIQLI when they were operated (78.5?±?2.5 vs. 70.7?±?2.1; p?<?0.05). Patients with micro-abscess (CDD 2a) had a better long-term QoL on the GIQLI, CGQL, and the “Role Physical” scale of the SF-36 when they were not operated (GIQLI 86.9?±?2.1 vs. 76.8?±?1.0; p?=?0.10; CGQL 82.8?±?5.1 vs. 65.3?±?11.0; p?=?0.08; SF-36/Role Physical 100?±?0.0 vs. 41.7?±?13.9; p?<?0.001). Patients with macro-abscess (CDD 2b) had a better long-term QoL when they were operated (GIQLI 89.3?±?1.4 vs. 69.5?±?4.5; p?<?0.01; CGQL 80.3?±?7.6 vs. 60.5?±?5.8; p?<?0.05; SF-36/Role Physical 95.8?±?4.2 vs. 47.9?±?13.6; p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Considering long-term QoL, phlegmonous AD (HS type 2a, Hinchey Ia and CDD 1b, respectively) should be treated conservatively. In patients with covered perforation, abscess size should guide the decision on whether to perform surgery later on or not. In the light of long-term quality of life, patients fare better after elective sigmoid colectomy when abscess size exceeds 1 cm.

     

Granisetron Transdermal System Improves Refractory Nausea and Vomiting in Gastroparesis

Background

Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea and vomiting, which can markedly diminish quality of life. Nausea and vomiting can also make treatment with oral antiemetics problematic.

Aim

Our aim was to determine whether treatment-resistant nausea and vomiting in patients with gastroparesis improve after granisetron transdermal patch (GTP) therapy.

Methods

In an open-label pilot study, patients with gastroparesis and symptoms of nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional treatment were treated with GTP. After 2 weeks, patients were asked to assess their therapeutic response using the Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS; +7 = completely better; 0 = no change; ?7 = very considerably worse). Responders were defined as CPGAS score >0, non-responders as ≤0.

Results

Patients (n = 36) were treated with GTP. Of these 36 patients, one patient discontinued treatment due to the GTP not adhering to the skin. Of the remaining 35 patients, 18 improved, 15 remained the same, and two worsened. The average CPGAS score was +1.8 ± 0.4 (SEM) (P < 0.05 vs 0). Of the 18 patients with improvement, the average CPGAS score was +3.7 ± 0.3 (SEM), corresponding to “somewhat” to “moderately better” improvement in nausea/vomiting. Side effects occurred in nine patients: four developed constipation, three patients had skin rash, and two reported headaches.

Conclusions

GTP was moderately effective in reducing refractory symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting from gastroparesis in 50 % of patients. Mild side effects were reported by 25 % of patients. GTP may be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting in gastroparesis, and further study is warranted.