Increased mucosal inflammatory cytokines in children with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis

The concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1-β in tissue homogenates of gastric mucosal biopsy specimens, and in gastric juice samples from Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative children, were determined. The study population comprised 30 children with recurrent abdominal pain attending upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Of these patients 18 were infected with H. pylori. Cytokine concentrations in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants and in gastric juice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF-α levels in gastric juice and in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants in patients with H. pylori-positive gastritis were found to be significantly higher than those in children without H. pylori infection. IL-6 levels were also higher in H. pylori -infected subjects, but the difference in IL-6 concentrations measured in gastric juice and biopsy homogenate supernatants did not reach statistical significance. IL-1-β concentrations in both specimens showed no significant difference between the two groups of children. It was suggested that increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α and IL-6 generated locally within the gastric mucosa might be implicated in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated gastritis in childhood.     

New therapies for cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction and occurs as a consequence of acute left ventricular failure and subsequent inappropriate tissue perfusion. While its incidence has been reported to be as high as 10% in the late 90ties, it has been steadily declining to currently less than 6% since the implementation of early revascularization as a class I indication in current guidelines. Despite recent advances in the treatment of cardiogenic shock, mortality is still high at approximately 50%. Current therapeutic approaches include early revascularization, fluid resuscitation, inotropic and vasopressor therapy, and mechanical circulatory support using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or percutaneous left ventricular assist devices. Novel treatment options such as specific inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase or newer developments in mechanical circulatory support might be beneficial and should be tested in adequately powered randomized trials. However, difficulties in enrolling cardiogenic shock patients in randomized controlled trials are considerable. Until more data are available, cardiogenic shock patients should be treated aggressively with early revascularization and mechanical circulatory support to increase their probability of survival.