Primary gastroduodenal tuberculosis presenting as gastric outlet obstruction:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB is one of the three forms.The disease can mimic other intra-abdominal conditions,leading to delayed diagnosis owing to the absence of specific symptoms.While gastric outlet obs-truction(GOO)remains a frequent complication,its incidence has declined with the advent of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Gastroduodenal TB can cause upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage,obstruction,and malignancy-like tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain,distension,nausea,vomiting,and weight loss,prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist clinic.Endoscopic examination revealed distorted gastric mucosa and signs of chronic inflammation.However,treatment was interrupted,possibly owing to vomiting or comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus infection or diabetes.Subsequent surgical intervention revealed a dilated stomach and diffuse thickening of the duodenal wall.Resection revealed gastric wall effacement with TB.CONCLUSION Primary gastric TB is rare,frequently leading to GOO.Given its rarity,suspicions should be promptly raised when encountering relevant symptoms,often requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.

Gastroduodenal artery disconnection during liver transplantation decreases non-anastomotic stricture incidence

Background:The hepatic artery is the only blood source nourishing the biliary duct and associated with biliary complication after liver transplantation(LT).Gastroduodenal artery(GDA)disconnection increased proper hepatic artery flow.Whether this procedure attenuates biliary non-anastomotic stricture(NAS)is not clear.Methods:A total of 241 patients with LT were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the GDA disconnection(GDA-)and GDA preservation(GDA+)groups.Propensity score matching(PSM)was administrated to reduce bias.Logistic regression was conducted to analyze risk factors for biliary NAS before and after PSM.Postoperative complications were compared.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were performed to compare overall survival.Results:In all,99 patients(41.1%)underwent GDA disconnection,and 49(20.3%)developed NAS.Multivariate logistic regression revealed that GDA preservation(OR=2.24,95%CI:1.11-4.53;P=0.025)and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score>15(OR=2.14,95%CI:1.12-4.11;P=0.022)were risk factors for biliary NAS.PSM provided 66 pairs using 1:2 matching method,including 66 GDA disconnection and 99 GDA preservation patients.Multivariate logistic regression after PSM also showed that GDA preservation(OR=3.15,95%CI:1.26-7.89;P=0.014)and MELD score>15(OR=2.41,95%CI:1.08-5.36;P=0.031)were risk factors for NAS.When comparing complications between the two groups,GDA preservation was associated with a higher incidence of biliary NAS before and after PSM(P=0.031 and 0.017,respectively).In contrast,other complications including early allograft dysfunction(P=0.620),small-for-size graft syndrome(P=0.441),abdominal hemorrhage(P=1.000),major complications(Clavien-Dindo grade≥3,P=0.318),and overall survival(P=0.088)were not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusions:GDA disconnection during LT ameliorates biliary NAS incidence and may be recommended for application in clinical practice.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gastroduodenal Lesions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Gastroduodenal lesions are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are linked to various factors including Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori). Few data are available in Africa on H. pylori infection and chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of H. pylori infection and to describe the gastroduodenal lesions found in patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, February 1st to May 31st, 2021, at the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon. We included patients with CKD classified as stages 3 to 5 according KDIGO classification, on hemodialysis or not, who agreed to participate in the study. They were matched with a “control” population including patients with normal renal function according to sex and age (ratio 1:2). Patients on antibiotics and/or proton pump inhibitors were excluded. We collected data from CKD patients and from medical records for non-CKD group. Each patient underwent an upper digestive endoscopy and identification of H. pylori using a urease rapid test. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations for a significance level set at p Results: We included 99 patients including 33 with CKD and 66 control patients. Among patients with CKD, the predominance was male (n = 18/33 or 54.5%). The mean age was 51.2 ± 12.8 years. Arterial hypertension was the first etiology of CKD (n = 13 or 39.4%). The prevalence of H. pylori in patients with CKD was 63.6% versus 37.9% in control patients (p-value = 0.015). The main endoscopic lesions were erosive gastropathy (n = 14 or 42.4%) and erythematous gastropathy (n = 7 or 21.2%). Patients with CKD were 5 times more likely to have H. pylori infection (OR = 5.69;CI 95% 0.14 - 0.82;p = 0.017). Factors associated with H. pylori infection were chronic kidney disease (aOR = 1.02;CI 95% 0.14 - 0.82;p = 0.017) and hemodialysis (aOR = 10;CI 95% 1.08 - 91.9;p = 0.042). Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is higher in patients with CKD. Endoscopic lesions are inflammatory. Factors associated with H. pylori infection are chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis.

Clinical features of gastroduodenal injury associated with long-term low-dose aspirin therapy

Low-dose aspirin(LDA) is clinically used for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events with the advent of an aging society.On the other hand,a very low dose of aspirin(10 mg daily) decreases the gastric mucosal prostaglandin levels and causes significant gastric mucosal damage.The incidence of LDAinduced gastrointestinal mucosal injury and bleeding has increased.It has been noticed that the incidence of LDA-induced gastrointestinal hemorrhage has increased more than that of non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID)-induced lesions.The pathogenesis related to inhibition of cyclooxygenase(COX)-1 includes reduced mucosal flow,reduced mucus and bicarbonate secretion,and impaired platelet aggregation.The pathogenesis related to inhibition of COX-2 involves reduced angiogenesis and increased leukocyte adherence.The pathogenic mechanisms related to direct epithelial damage are acid back diffusion and impaired platelet aggregation.The factors associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal(GI) complications in subjects taking LDA are aspirin dose,history of ulcer or upper GI bleeding,age > 70 years,concomitant use of non-aspirin NSAIDs including COX-2-selective NSAIDs,and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection.Moreover,no significant differences have been found between ulcer and non-ulcer groups in the frequency and severity of symptoms such as nausea,acid regurgitation,heartburn,and bloating.It has been shown that the ratios of ulcers located in the body,fundus and cardia are significantly higher in bleeding patients than the ratio of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients taking LDA.Proton pump inhibitors reduce the risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers.In contrast to NSAIDinduced gastrointestinal ulcers,a well-tolerated histamine H2-receptor antagonist is reportedly effective in prevention of LDA-induced gastrointestinal ulcers.The eradication of H.pylori is equivalent to treatment with omeprazole in preventing recurrent bleeding.Continuous aspirin therapy for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding may increase the risk of recurrent bleeding but potentially reduces the mortality rates,as stopping aspirin therapy is associated with higher mortality rates.It is very important to prevent LDA-induced gastroduodenal ulcer complications including bleeding,and every effort should be exercised to prevent the bleeding complications.

Gastroduodenal intussusception due to gastric schwannoma treated by billroth Ⅱ distal gastrectomy:One case report

Schwannomas are rarely observed in the gastrointestinal tract.The most common symptoms of a gastric schwannoma are abdominal pain or dyspepsia,gastrointestinal bleeding,and an abdominal mass.Many gastric schwannomas are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally or at postmortem.The diagnosis of a schwannoma is based on immunohistochemical positivity for S-100 protein.Wepresent a case report of a rare complication of gastric schwannoma causing gastroduodenal intussusception that was successfully managed by a BillrothⅡdistal gastrectomy.In this rare case,the patient had intermittent,colicky abdominal pain,nausea,and vomiting for over 4wk accompanied by a weight loss.A diagnosis of gastric intussusception was made by computed tomography.A BillrothⅡdistal gastrectomy was then performed,and complete en bloc removal(R0 resection)was achieved.Pathology confirmed a gastric schwannoma through positive immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein.

Gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding in elderly patients on low dose aspirin therapy

AIM To determine the clinical characteristics of elderly patients of hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer on low-dose aspirin(LDA)therapy.METHODS A total of 1105 patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer treated in our hospital between January 2000 and March 2016 were grouped by age and drugs used,and these groups were compared in several factors.These groups were compared in terms of length of hospital stay,presence/absence of hemoglobin(Hb)decrease,presence/absence of blood transfusion,Forrest Ⅰ,percentage of Helicobacter pylori infection,presence/absence of underlying disease,and percentage of severe cases.RESULTS The percentage of blood transfusion(62.6%vs 47.7%,P<0.001),Hb decrease(53.8% vs 40.8%,P<0.001),and the length of hospital stay(23.5 d vs 16.7 d,P<0.001)were significantly greater in those on drug therapy.The percentage of blood transfusion(65.3%vs 47.8%,P<0.001),Hb decrease(54.2%vs 42.1%,P<0.001),and length of hospital stay(23.3 d vs 17.5 d,P<0.001)were significantly greater in the elderly.In comparison with the LDA monotherapy group,the percentage of severe cases was significantly higher in the LDA combination therapy group when elderly patients were concerned(16.1%vs34.0%,P=0.030).Meanwhile,among those on LDA monotherapy,there was no significant difference between elderly and non-elderly(16.1%vs 16.0%,P=0.985).CONCLUSION A combination of LDA with antithrombotic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)contributes to aggravation.And advanced age is not an aggravating factor when LDA monotherapy is used.

“Wrapping the gastroduodenal artery stump” during pancreatoduodenectomy reduced the stump hemorrhage incidence after operation

Objective： After pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD）, the postoperative gastroduodenal artery stump （GDAS） hemorrhage is one of the most serious complications. The purpose of this study is to determine whether wrapping the GDAS during PD could decrease the postoperative GDAS hemorrhage incidence. Methods： A retrospective review involving 280 patients who underwent PD from 2005 to 2012 was performed. Wrapping the GDAS during PD was defined as ＂Wrapping the GDAS using the teres hepatis ligamentum during PD＂. A total of 140 patients accepted the ＂wrapping＂ procedure （wrapping group）. The other 140 patients didn＇t apply the procedure （non-wrapping group）. Age, sex, preoperative data, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, pathologic parameters and hospitalization time were compared between two groups. ResultsI There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between two groups. After wrapping, the incidence of postoperative GDAS bleeding decreased significantly （1/140 vs. 9/140, P=0.01）. The rates of the other complications （such as intra-abdominal infection pancreatic fistula, billiary fistula, gastrointestinal bleeding, et aL） showed no significant differences. Conclusions： Wrapping the GDAS during PD significantly reduced the postoperative GDAS hemorrhage incidence. And the ＂wrapping＂ had no obvious influence on other complications.

rate of adverse events of gastroduodenal snare polypectomy for non-flat polyp is low: A prospective and multicenter study

AIM To evaluate the rate of adverse events(AEs) during consecutive gastric and duodenal polypectomies in several Spanish centers. METHODS Polypectomies of protruded gastric or duodenal polyps ≥ 5 mm using hot snare were prospectively included. Prophylactic measures of hemorrhage were allowed in predefined cases. AEs were defined and graded according to the lexicon recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Patients were followed for 48 h, one week and 1 mo after theprocedure. RESULTS308 patients were included and a single polypectomy was performed in 205. Only 36(11.7%) were on prior anticoagulant therapy. Mean polyp size was 15 ± 8.9 mm(5-60) and in 294 cases(95.4%) were located in the stomach. Hemorrhage prophylaxis was performed in 219(71.1%) patients. Nine patients presented AEs(2.9%), and 6 of them were bleeding(n = 6, 1.9%)(in 5 out of 6 AE, different types of endoscopic treatment were performed). Other 24 hemorrhagic episodes could be managed without any change in the outcome of the endoscopy and, consequently, were considered incidents. We did not find any independent risk factor of bleeding.CONCLUSION Gastroduodenal polypectomy using prophylactic measures has a rate of AEs small enough to consider this procedure a safe and effective method for polyp resection independently of the polyp size and location.

Geographic differences in low-dose aspirin-associated gastroduodenal mucosal injury

Aspirin, even at low doses, has been known to cause upper gastro-intestinal complications, such as gastroduodenal ulcers, despite the definite benefits from its antithrombotic effects. Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is major pathogen responsible for gastroduodenal ulcerformation. There have been conflicting results about the potential interaction between these two ulcerogenic factors and the geographic areas involved. In Western countries, the prevalence of gastroduodenal ulcers is consistently higher in H. pylori-positive low-dose aspirin(LDA) users than in H. pylori-negative ones, suggesting that H. pylori infection exacerbates LDA-induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury in these geographic areas. Meanwhile, previous studies from Japan have generally reported a similar prevalence of LDA-induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury regardless of the presence of H. pylori infection, indicating that the infection is not an overall exacerbating factor for drug-induced injury. H. pylori infection could have a synergistic or antagonistic interaction with LDA use in adverse gastroduodenal events depending on gastric acid secretion. It is wellrecognized that the net effect of H. pylori infection on gastric acid secretion shows considerable geographic variation at the population level. While gastric acid secretion levels were not decreased and were wellpreserved in most patients with H. pylori infection from Western countries, the majority of Japanese patients with H. pylori infection exhibited decreased gastric acid secretion. Such large geographic differences in the net effect of H. pylori infection on gastric acid secretion could be at least partly responsible for the geographically distinct interaction between LDA use and H. pylori infection on adverse gastroduodenal lesions.

Gastroduodenal artery aneurysm rupture in hospitalized patients:An overlooked diagnosis

Gastroduodenal artery(GDA) aneurysm rupture is a rare serious condition.The diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion with specif ic attention to warning signs.Early diagnosis can prevent fatal outcomes.In this report,we describe a case of GDA aneurysm rupture presenting as recurrent syncope and atypical back and abdominal discomfort.The rupture manifested as hemorrhagic shock.The diagnosis was made by computed tomography of the abdomen which showed acute peritoneal and retroperitoneal bleeding.Angiographic intervention failed to coil the GDA and surgery with arterial ligation was the def initive treatment.

Long-term follow-up study of gastroduodenal lesions after radioembolization of hepatic tumors

AIM:To evaluate the long-term natural history of the gastroduodenal lesions secondary to extrahepatic embolization with Ytrium 90(90 Y) spheres.METHODS:From September 2003 to January 2012,379 procedures of liver radioembolization(RE) using resin microspheres loaded with 90 Y were performed in our center.We have retrospectively compiled the data from 379 RE procedures performed in our center.We report a comprehensive clinical,analytical,endoscopic and histologic long-term follow-up of a series of patients who developed gastroduodenal lesions after the treatment.RESULTS:Six patients(1.5%) developed gastrointestinal symptoms and had gastrointestinal lesions as shown by upper endoscopy in the next 12 wk after RE.The mean time between RE and the appearance of symptoms was 5 wk.Only one patient required endoscopic and surgical treatment.The incidence of gastrointestinal ulcerations was 3.75%(3/80) when only planar images were used for the pre-treatment evaluation.It was reduced to 1%(3/299) when singlephoton emission computed tomography(SPECT) images were also performed.The symptoms that lasted for a longer time were nausea and vomiting,until 25 mo after the treatment.CONCLUSION:All patients were free from severe symptoms at the end of follow-up.The routine use of SPECT has decreased the incidence of gastrointestinal lesions due to unintended deployment of 90 Y particles.

Typical gastroduodenal endoscopic findings in a Crohn's disease patient in remission stage

A 39-year-old patient with Crohn's disease (CD) was referred to our hospital for maintenance treatment of CD.He was diagnosed as having CD of the small and large intestines at 32 years old.He underwent partial resection of the ileum at 35 years old because of ileal perforation.He had received enteral nutritional supplement (1200 kcal/d) and metronidazole preparation (500 mg/d),and was in remission Crohn's disease activity index 73.We performed a routine gastroduodenal endoscopic examination,which revealed the representative endoscopic findings of gastroduodenal lesions in CD,namely,bamboo-joint-like appearance of the gastric body and cardia and a notched sign in the duodenum.These findings were clearly observed by using indigo carmine dye spraying.In our patient,typical gastroduodenal findings were observed even in the remission stage,suggesting that these findings would contribute to the early diagnosis of CD not only in the active stage but also during remission.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus caused by gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm associated with chronic pancreatitis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a very rare but severe form of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.The most common etiology is peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm secondary to chronic pancreatitis.Due to the rarity of gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysms,most of the current literature consists of case reports.Limited knowledge about the disease causes diagnostic difficulty.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man with a previous history of chronic pancreatitis was hospitalized due to hematemesis and melena for 2 wk,with a new episode lasting 1 d.Two weeks prior,the patient had visited a local hospital for repeated hematemesis and melena.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy indicated hemorrhage in the descending duodenum.The patient was discharged after the bleeding stopped,but hematemesis and hematochezia recurred.Bedside esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed no obvious bleeding lesion.On admission to our hospital,he had hematemesis,hematochezia,left middle and upper abdominal pain,severe anemia,and elevated blood amylase.After admission,intermittent hematochezia was observed.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the pancreas head.Angiography confirmed the diagnosis of gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm.The pseudoaneurysm was successfully embolized with a coil and cyanoacrylate.No bleeding was observed after the operation.After discharge from the hospital,a telephone follow-up showed no further bleeding signs.CONCLUSION Hemosuccus pancreaticus caused by gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm associated with chronic pancreatitis is very rare.This diagnosis should be considered when upper gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain are intermittent.Abdominal enhanced computed tomography and angiography are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Risk factors of gastroparesis syndrome after abdominal nongastroduodenal operation and its prevention

Objective:To investigate risk factors of gastroparesis syndrome(PGS) after abdominal nongastroduodenal operation and its prevention.Methods:Clinical data of 22 patients with PGS after abdominal non-gastroduodenal operation was analyzed retrospectively,and compared with the patients of non-PGS after abdominal non-gastroduodenal operation during the same time.The possible influencing factors of PCS were analyzed by single factor analysis and logistic regression analysis.Results:All t3 selected factors related with PGS,including age,disease category (benign and malignant),operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative analgesic pump, postoperative enteral nutrition time,postoperative parenteral nutrition time,perioperative blood glucose level,perioperative nutrition status(anaemia or lower proleinemia),pylorus obstruction before surgery,intra-abdominal infection after surgery,and spiritual factor were related with PGS.The statistical analysis showed that the difference was statistical significant(P【0.05),and gender had no correlation with PCS(P】0.05);non-conditional multivariate analysis showed that malignant tumor,perioperative nutrition status,pylorus obstruction,operation time,blood loss, intra-abdominal infection after surgery,and mental factor were significant related with PGS as dependent variable and related risk factors in single factor analysis as independent variables (P 【0.05).Conclusions:PGS is a result of multiple factors,and among these factors,malignant tumor,poor nutrition status,pylorus obstruction before surgery,longer operation—time,more blood loss,intra-abdominal infection after surgery,and mental factor are major risk factors of PGS.

Effects of the myeloperoxidase 463 gene polymorphisms on development of atrophy in H pylori infected or noninfected gastroduodenal disease

AIM: To investigate the relationship between myelo- peroxidase polymorphisms as a host-related factor and atrophy caused by H pylori. METHODS: Our study enrolled 77 patients. Biopsy materials obtained during gastrointestinal endoscopies were evaluated for the presence of H pylori. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was used to characterize myeloperoxidase genotypes. RESULTS: Forty four patients (57.1%) were Hp (+) and 33 (42.9%) were Hp (-). Sixty six (85.7%) had GG genotype, 10 (12.9%) had GA genotype and 1 (1.29%) had AA genotype. The change in atrophy in relation to neutrophil infiltration was significant in Hp (+) patients (P = 0.0001). The change in atrophy in relation to neutrophil infiltration in patients with GG genotype was significant (P = 0.002). However, the change in atrophy in relation to neutrophil infiltration was not significiant in patients with Hp (+) GG genotype (r = 0.066, P = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Myeloperoxidase genotype is critical for development of atrophy in relation to the severity of inflammation. However, it is interesting to note that, H pylori does not show any additive effect on development of atrophy.

Anatomic and technical skill factor of gastroduodenal complication in post-transarterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study of 280 cases

AIM: To reduce the possibility of gastroduodenal complications. The purpose of this retrospective study was to survey the literature and compare and discuss the incidence of post-transarterial embolization (TAE)gastroduodenal complications.METHODS: We found reports describing 280 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with TAE procedures done during the past 4 years and selected all of them for our study.Amongst these cases, 86 were suspected of suffering gastroduodenal complications within one month of postTAE treatment. Fifteen of these cases were proved by pan-endoscopy to have gastroduodenal erosions or ulcerations. We reviewed the angiographic pictures in patient records to evaluate the possibility that anatomic and technical skill factors could explain the complications.RESULTS: Amongst the 15 cases, 9 were primary lesions of the antrum and prepylorus; 4 had duodenal ulcer or erosions; 2 had mid-body lesions; none showed a lesion at the fundus or cardia region. Three cases had not received TAEs using our ideal method, and may be associated with possible regurgitation of gel-foam pieces into the right or left gastric arteries. Two cases involved sub-selective embolization at a distal point on the hepatic artery; one case was found by angiography to have complete occlusion of the celiac trunk.CONCLUSION: Comparing our results with past cases of post-TAE gastroduodenal complications, we surmise that our relatively low incidence (5.3%) of gastric complications might be explained by our concerted efforts to improve our technical skills in multi-sequential, selective and superselective approaches to the embolization of tumor vessels.

Celecoxib-related gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events in a randomized trial for gastric cancer prevention

AIM: To evaluate the long-term risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events induced by celecoxib in a population-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.METHODS: From 2004 to 2006, a total of 1024 Chinese patients (aged 35 to 64 years) with severe chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg of celecoxib twice daily or placebo in Linqu County (Shandong Province, China), a high-risk area of gastric cancer. All gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events occurred were recorded and the patients were followed up for 1.5 years after treatment. At the end of the trial, a systematic interview survey about other adverse events was conducted. RESULTS: Gastroduodenal ulcer was detected in 19 of 463 (3.72%) patients who received celecoxib and 17 of 473 (3.31%) patients who received placebo, respectively (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.58-2.19). Cardiovascular (CV) events occurred in 4 patients who received celecoxib and in 5 patients who received placebo, respectively. Compared with those who received placebo, patients who received celecoxib had no signif icant increase in occurrence of CV events (hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.23-3.15). Among the adverse events acquired by interview survey, only the frequency of bloating was signif icantly higher in patients treated with celecoxib than in those treated with placebo. CONCLUSION: Treatment of gastric cancer with celecoxib is not associated with increased risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events.

Concentrations of α-and β-defensins in gastric juice of patients with various gastroduodenal diseases

AIM: To determine the concentration of α- and β-defensins in gastric juice of patients with various gastroduodenal diseases.METHODS: Concentrations of human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) 1-3, the major forms of α-defensins, and human β-defensin (HBD)-1 and HBD-2 were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma and gastric juice of 84 subjects,consisting of 54 Helicobacter pylori-infected and 30 uninfected subjects. They included 33 patients with chronic gastritis (CG),12 with gastric ulcer (GU), 11 with duodenal ulcer (DU), 11with benign gastric polyp (BGP) and 16 with normal mucosa (N group) on upper endoscopy. Plasma pepsinogen Ⅰ and Ⅱ levels, biomarkers for gastric mucosal inflammation and atrophy, were also measured.RESULTS: Gastric juice HNPs 1-3 levels in patients with CG, GU and BGP were significantly higher than those in patients with DU and N. Gastric juice HBD-2 concentrations in patients with CG and GU were significantly higher than those in the N group, but were significantly lower in DU patients than in GU patients. Gastric juice HBD-1 levels and plasma levels of these peptides were similar in the patient groups.Concentrations of gastric juice HNPs 1-3 and HBD-2 of in Hpylori-infected patients were significantly different from those in uninfected subjects. HNPs 1-3 concentrations in gastric juice correlated negatively with plasma pepsinogen I levels and Ⅰ/Ⅱ ratios. HBD-2 levels in gastric juice correlated positively and negatively with plasma pepsinogen Ⅱ concentrations and Ⅰ/Ⅱ ratios, respectively.CONCLUSION: HNPs 1-3 and HBD-2 levels in gastric juice are diverse among various gastrointestinal diseases, reflecting the inflammatory and atrophic events of the background gastric mucosa affected by H pylorri.

Predictors of the patency of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the predictive factors of selfexpandable metallic stent patency after stent placement in patients with inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODS:A total of 116 patients underwent stent placements for inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction at a tertiary academic center. Clinical success was defined as acceptable decompression of the obstructive lesion within the malignant gastroduodenal neoplasm. We evaluated patient comorbidities and clinical statuses using the World Health Organization's scoring system and categorized patient responses to chemotherapy using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. We analyzed the relationships between possible predictive factors and stent patency. RESULTS:Self-expandable metallic stent placement was technically successful in all patients(100%),and the clinical success rate was 84.2%. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model,carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) levels were correlated with a reduction in stent patency [P = 0.006; adjusted hazard ratio(a HR)= 2.92,95%CI:1.36-6.25]. Palliative chemotherapy was statistically associated with an increase in stent patency(P = 0.009; a HR = 0.27,95%CI:0.10-0.72).CONCLUSION:CEA levels can easily be measured at the time of stent placement and may help clinicians to predict stent patency and determine the appropriate stent procedure.

Microbial Diversity in Patients with Gastroduodenal Diseases

H. pylori infection is mainly spread in the kind of gastroduodenal diseases: chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, MALT-lymphoma, gastric cancer. According to certain literature, the mentioned bacterium causes diseases of other visceral organs of humans. Study of the aggravating impact of this infection is under the attention of the scientists. However, other infectious agents, including fungi, other bacteria, parasites, and viruses and their role in different gastroduodenal diseases are not studied enough. The aim of our study was to identify mucous (parietal) gastroduodenal microflora in patients with different diseases of this zone. 390 patients with chronic gastritis (CG), peptic ulcer diseases (PUD) and gastric cancer (GC) were included in the study. The resection materials and biopsy specimens were taken during the operation or endoscopy procedures. Identification of strains H. pylori, Candida spp and others was performed by established methods, on the basis of morphological, tinctorial, cultural and biochemical properties. Microflora of patients with different gastroduodenal diseases is diverse enough. It is represented by facultative, obligate anaerobes, microaeropilic bacteria. More frequently, there were H. pylori and Candida sp, as well as in associations and monocultures. The obtained results confirmed the wide distribution of H. pylori and Candida spp and their frequent coexistence in patients with gastric cancer, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Microflora of patients with CG and GC was represented on 11 species. Microflora of patients with PUD-13 species was more diverse.