“Cervia II Working Group Report 2006”: Guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Italy

Proper management of Helicobacter pylori infection in clinical practice--when supported by evidence-based data--is expected to produce substantial cost-efficacy advantages. This consideration has prompted the Cervia Working Group to organise a meeting of experts to update the National Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection in Italy. Recommendations in the new European Guidelines were considered in the National setting, here in the light of factors such as the incidence of gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma, the accessibility to different diagnostic tools, the prevalence of bacterial resistance against antibiotics, and the availability of different drugs. The main revisions in respect to the previous guidelines include H. pylori eradication in non-ulcer dyspepsia patients and in non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug users, as well as in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and iron deficiency anaemia. The stool antigen test is now accepted as a valid test for confirmation of H. pylori eradication following therapy. New therapeutic approaches have been recommended for both first- (sequential therapy) and second-line (levofloxacin-based) treatment in our country.     

Search for poliovirus long-term excretors among patients affected by agammaglobulinemia

Patients with agammaglobulinemia may excrete enteroviruses, including vaccine-derived poliovirus, for prolonged periods of time. This poses a risk to the patients but it also may pose a risk to the population after eradication of poliovirus and the cessation of routine vaccination. To assess this risk, a pilot study was performed to identify potential poliovirus long-term excretors in a cohort of 38 patients with a definite/presumptive diagnosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). Stool samples were analyzed to detect any polio or other enteroviruses replicating in the gut and neutralizing antibodies against polioviruses were measured in the sera. No viruses were isolated from the stool samples and most sera had neutralizing antibody levels against all three poliovirus serotypes considered by the WHO to be protective in immunocompetent individuals. This suggests that long-term excretion of enteroviruses in patients with agammaglobulinemia is relatively uncommon.     

Histological findings in gastric mucosa in patients treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

AIMS--To identify distinguishing and general histological features related to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). METHODS--Slides from gastric antral biopsies of 50 patients with osteoarthritis taking NSAID were compared with slides from antral biopsies of 50 control cases matched for age, sex, and race. Semithin sections stained with toluidine blue were used. RESULTS--Chronic gastritis was seen in 76% of the patients taking NSAID and in 58% of the control cases; active inflammation was detected in 10% of the NSAID treated patients and in 24% of the control cases, and it appeared closely related with Helicobacter pylori infection. Some histological features common to all slides of patients taking NSAID were recognised. These consisted of focal erosions of the gastric epithelium and macroerosions, and they seemed to represent successive steps of a process of "desquamation". CONCLUSIONS--Some distinguishing morphological aspects appeared prominent; it is suggested that these may be related to the pathogenesis of NSAID linked peptic ulceration. On the other hand, epithelial damage due to NSAID appears very different from that due to Helicobacter pylori, another important factor involved in the aetiopathogenesis of peptic disease.     

Ultrastructural patterns of Helicobacter pylori.

Ultrastructural morphology of the bacterial bodies was studied in 40 Helicobacter pylori positive cases. Two bacterial patterns were identified, which were associated with different modes of contact with the epithelial cells and possibly with different stages of the natural history of the infection.     

Comparison between the two systems to evaluate the appropriateness of endoscopy of the upper digestive tract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the two systems for the evaluation of the appropriateness of upper digestive endoscopy suggested by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and by the European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE). METHODS: Patients referred for the upper digestive endoscopy (EGD) to a University Outpatients Clinic of Northeastern Italy were consecutively included in this prospective observational study. Before the EGD, the endoscopist assigned the patients to one of the ASGE appropriateness classes; another endoscopist then identified the detailed clinical scenario for the patients, which corresponds to scenarios examined by EPAGE by using a nine-point scale: 1-3 inappropriate; 4-6 uncertain; and 7-9 appropriate. The relationship between the appropriateness of use and the presence of relevant endoscopic lesions (neoplasms, ulcers, esophagitis, erosive gastritis/duodenitis, stenosis, and varices) was assessed, calculating the sensitivity and the specificity for each of the ASGE criteria, and each of the EPAGE scores, and plotting them to form a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) provides a summary measure of test performance, and can vary from a minimum of 0.5 to a maximum of 1.0. We compared the AUC of the ROC curve derived from the ASGE criteria against that derived from the EPAGE criteria. RESULTS: A total of 2,300 consecutive patients were included in the study (42% men; mean age: 57.3; range: 12-99); comparison of appropriateness criteria according to the ASGE and EPAGE could be made for 2,000 patients. The AUC of the ROC curve derived from the ASGE criteria was 0.553 (95% CI: 0.527-0.579), significantly higher than the AUC of the ROC curve derived from the EPAGE score: 0.523 (95% CI: 0.497-0.549; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the diagnostic yield for relevant endoscopic findings obtained by both the systems (ASGE and EPAGE) is low; slightly better results could be accomplished by the ASGE criteria.     

Balanced and unbalanced solutions modulate the release of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli: an in vitro study

Objectives and design

We investigated the effect of balanced (BS) and unbalanced (UBS) solutions in the absence or presence of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on neutrophil functionality, evaluating the release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and MMP-8.

Materials and methods

Neutrophils were isolated by gradient centrifugation and dextran sedimentation and incubated in BS or UBS without or with HES, in the absence or presence of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MMP-9, MPO, and MMP-8 were assayed by commercially available ELISA kits.

Results

There was not any influence of volume replacement solutions on the release of the enzymes from resting neutrophils. After IL-8 stimulation, the release of MMP-9 was higher in BS than in UBS or RPMI-1640, whereas HES enhanced its release regardless of the composition. After LPS stimulation, the release of MMP-9 was higher in both UBS and BS than RPMI-1640, but HES brought its release back to physiological conditions. No difference was found in the release of MPO and MMP-8 after stimulation with IL-8 or LPS.

Conclusion

Volume replacement solutions might have an impact on the release of MMP-9 depending on the inflammatory milieu, suggesting that the use of balanced or unbalanced solutions is not a neutral choice.     

Simultaneous colorectal and parenchymal-sparing liver resection for advanced colorectal carcinoma with synchronous liver metastases: Between conventional and mini-invasive approaches

The optimal timing of surgery in case of synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases is still under debate. Staged approach, with initial colorectal resection followed by liver resection (LR), or even the reverse, liver-first approach in specific situations, is traditionally preferred. Simultaneous resections, however, represent an appealing strategy, because may have perioperative risks comparable to staged resections in appropriately selected patients, while avoiding a second surgical procedure. In patients with larger or multiple synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases, simultaneous major hepatectomies may determine worse perioperative outcomes, so that parenchymal-sparing LR should represent the most appropriate option whenever feasible. Mini-invasive colorectal surgery has experienced rapid spread in the last decades, while laparoscopic LR has progressed much slower, and is usually reserved for limited tumours in favourable locations. Moreover, mini-invasive parenchymal-sparing LR is more complex, especially for larger or multiple tumours in difficult locations. It remains to be established if simultaneous resections are presently feasible with mini-invasive approaches or if we need further technological advances and surgical expertise, at least for more complex procedures. This review aims to critically analyze the current status and future perspectives of simultaneous resections, and the present role of the available mini-invasive techniques.     

Predictors of Health-related Quality of Life and Adjustment to Prostate Cancer During Active Surveillance

Background

Active surveillance (AS) is emerging as an alternative approach to limit the risk of overtreatment and impairment of quality of life (QoL) in patients with low-risk localised prostate cancer. Although most patients report high levels of QoL, some men may be distressed by the idea of living with untreated cancer.

Objective

To identify factors associated with poor QoL during AS.

Design, setting, and participants

Between September 2007 and March 2012, 103 patients participated in the Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance (PRIAS) QoL study. Mental health (Symptom Checklist-90), demographic, clinical, and decisional data were assessed at entrance in AS. Health-related QoL (HRQoL) Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate version and Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer outcomes were assessed after 10 mo of AS.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of low (<25th percentile) HRQoL, adjustment to cancer, and a global QoL index at 10 mo after enrolment.

Results and limitations

The mean age of the study patients was 67 yr (standard deviation: ±7 yr). Lack of partner (odds ratio [OR]: 0.08; p = 0.009) and impaired mental health (OR: 1.2, p = 0.1) were associated with low HRQoL (p = 0.006; area under the curve [AUC]: 0.72). The maladaptive adjustment to cancer (p = 0.047; AUC: 0.60) could be predicted by recent diagnosis (OR: 3.3; p = 0.072). Poor global QoL (overall p = 0.02; AUC: 0.85) was predicted by impaired mental health (OR: 1.16; p = 0.070) and time from diagnosis to enrolment in AS <5 mo (OR: 5.52; p = 0.009). Influence of different physicians on the choice of AS (OR: 0.17; p = 0.044), presence of a partner (OR: 0.22; p = 0.065), and diagnostic biopsy with >18 core specimens (OR: 0.89; p = 0.029) were predictors of better QoL. Limitations of this study were the small sample size and the lack of a control group.

Conclusions

Factors predicting poor QoL were lack of a partner, impaired mental health, recent diagnosis, influence of clinicians and lower number of core samples taken at diagnostic biopsy. Educational support from physicians and emotional/social support should be promoted in some cases to prevent poor QoL.     

Dietary Habits of a Group of Children with Crohn’s Disease Compared to Healthy Subjects: Assessment of Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies through a Bromatological Analysis

Diet is a matter of interest in the pathogenesis and management of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Little is known about CD children’s dietary habits. Our aim was assessing the quality and the amount of nutrient intake in a group of CD pediatric patients. Data were compared with those of healthy subjects (HS). In total, 20 patients (13 males) and 48 HS (24 males) aged 4–18 years were provided with a food diary to fill out for one week. Winfood software performed the bromatological analysis, providing data about intakes of proteins and amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Estimates of the antioxidant activity of foods and of the dietetic protein load were also calculated. The diet of CD patients was poorer in fibers, polyphenols, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fatty acids, and richer in animal proteins, vitamin B12, and niacin. PRAL was higher in CD patients’ diets, while ORAC was higher in HS. No significant differences were observed in carbohydrate and other macro- and micronutrient consumptions. CD dietary habits seem to reflect the so-called Western diet, possibly involved in CD pathogenesis. Furthermore, analysis of dietary habits allows for prevention of nutritional deficiencies and timely correction through education and supplementation.