Review of efficacy and safety of laxatives use in geriatrics

AIM:To study the efficacy and safety of pharmacolo-gical treatment of constipation in geriatrics.METHODS:Pub Med,MEDLINE,google scholar,and Ovid were searched to identify human studies performed on the use of laxatives in elderly with constipation,which were conducted between January1990 and January 2013 using the specified keywords.Controlled studies that enrolled geriatric patients with a diagnosis of constipation and addressed the efficacy and/or the safety of pharmacological treatments were included.Studies were excluded from this review if they were non-controlled trials,case series,or case reports.RESULTS:Out of twenty three studies we initially retrieved in our search,only nine studies met the eligibility criteria of being controlled trials within geriatrics.The laxatives examined in the nine studies were senna,lactulose,sorbital,polyethylene glycol(PEG),lubiprostone,linaclotide,and prucalopride.In those studies,senna combinations had a higher efficacy than sorbitol or lactulose as well as,a very good adverse effect profile.PEG was also shown to be safe and effective in geriatric population.Furthermore,it has been shown that PEG is as safe in geriatrics as in general population.New agents like lubiprostone and prucalopride show promising results but the data about these agents in geriatrics are still limited which warrant further investigation.CONCLUSION:Senna combinations and PEG appear to have a more favorable profile over the other traditionally used laxatives in elderly patients with constipation.

Frequency of alcohol and smoking cessation counseling in hepatitis C patients among internists and gastroenterologists

Given the overwhelming evidence that both alcoho consumption and smoking accelerate the progression of hepatitis C virus(HCV)-induced liver disease we evaluated the frequency of alcohol and smoking counseling of patients with HCV-induced liver disease by their primary care internists and gastroenterologists.One hundred and twenty-three medical records of consecutive patients with HCV-induced liver disease referred by an internist to a gastroenterologist for its management were reviewed.Patient gender,race,history of and counseling against alcohol and tobacco use by a physician and a gastroenterologist were obtained A database was created using Microsoft Excel.There were 105 African-Americans,12 Caucasians and six patients of other races/ethnicities.Forty-six(37%)pa- tients were daily tobacco users and 34(28%)patients were daily alcohol consumers.There was a statistically significant difference in the frequencies of alcohol(P= 0.0002)and smoking cessation(P=0.0022)between gastroenterologists and internists.This study reveals that internists and gastroenterologists,alike,inadequately counsel patients with hepatitis C about tobacco and alcohol use.

case of familial hyperlipoproteinemia type Ⅲ hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis: role for outpatient apheresis maintenance therapy

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis(HTGP) accounts for up to 10% of acute pancreatitis presentations in nonpregnant individuals and is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis after alcohol and gallstones. There are a number of retrospective studies and case reports that have suggested a role for apheresis and insulin infusion in the acute inpatient setting. We report a case of HTGP in a male with hyperlipoproteinemia type Ⅲ who was treated successfully with insulin and apheresis on the initial inpatient presentation followed by bi-monthly outpatient maintenance apheresis sessions for the prevention of recurrent HTGP. We also reviewed the literature for the different inpatient and outpatient management modalities of HTGP. Given that there are no guidelines or randomized clinical trials that evaluate the outpatient management of HTGP, this case report may provide insight into a possible role for outpatient apheresis maintenance therapy.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators:Outcome analysis using telemetry review

AIM:To determine if there were any interactions between cardiac devices and small bowel capsules secondary to electromagnetic interference (EMI) in patients who have undergone small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).METHODS:Authors conducted a chart review of 20 patients with a cardiac pacemaker (CP) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring during their SBCE from 2003-2008.authors searched for unexplained electrocardiogram (ECG) findings,changes in CP andICD set parameters,any abnormality in transmitted capsule data,and adverse clinical events.RESULTS:There were no adverse events or hemodynamically significant arrhythmias reported.CP and ICD set parameters were preserved.The majority of ECG abnormalities were also found in pre-or post-SBCE ECG tracings and the CP behavior during arrhythmias appeared appropriate.Two patients seemed to have episodes of undersensing by the CP.However,similar findings were documented in ECGs taken outside the time frame of the SBCE.One patient was observed to have a low signal encountered from the capsule resulting in lack of localization,but no images were lost.CONCLUSION:Capsule-induced EMI remains a possibility but is unlikely to be clinically important.CPinduced interference of SBCE is also possible,but is infrequent and does not result in loss of images transmitted by the capsule.

Colorectal cancer surveillance:What's new and what's next?

The accumulated evidence from two decades of randomized controlled trials has not yet resolved the question of how best to monitor colorectal cancer(CRC)survivors for early detection of recurrent and metachronous disease or even whether doing so has its intended effect.A new wave of trial data in the coming years and an evolving knowledge of relevant biomarkers may bring us closer to understanding what surveillance strategies are most effective for a given subset of patients.To best apply these insights,a number of important research questions need to be addressed,and new decision making tools must be developed.In this review,we summarize available randomized controlled trial evidence comparing alternative surveillance testing strategies,describe ongoing trials in the area,and compare professional society recommendations for surveillance.In addition,we discuss innovations relevant to CRC surveillance and outline a research agenda which will inform a more risk-stratified and personalized approach to follow-up.

Ayurvedic drug induced liver injury

Drug induced liver injury is responsible for 50% of acute liver failure in developed countries. Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicine have been linked to liver injury. This case describes the first documented case of Punarnava mandur and Kanchnar guggulu causing drug induced liver injury. Drug induced liver injury may be difficult to diagnosis, but use of multi-modalities tools including the ACG algorithms, causative assessment scales, histological findings, and imaging, is recommended. Advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, may possibly have a greater role than previously reported in literature.

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel? Mesocaval shunting for refractory esophageal varices in patients with contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeds who have failed prior medical and endoscopic therapies and are not transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt candidates face a grim prognosis with limited options. We propose that mesocaval shunting be offered to this group of patients as it has the potential to decrease portal pressures and thus decrease the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding. Mesocaval shunts are stent grafts placed by interventional radiologists between the mesenteric system, most often the superior mesenteric vein, and the inferior vena cava. This allows flow to bypass the congested hepatic system, reducing portal pressures. This technique avoids the general anesthesia and morbidity associated with surgical shunt placement and has been successful in several case reports. In this paper we review the technique, candidate selection, potential pitfalls and benefits of mesocaval shunt placement.

Accuracy of endoscopists' estimate of polyp size: A continuous dilemma

AIM: To examine the discrepancy, if any, between the endoscopist's estimate and pathologist's measurement of colonic polyp size. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 88 patients who underwent colonoscopy with a clear unequivocal documentation of polyp size by both the endoscopist and pathologist. Endoscopist measurements were based on the visual estimate of polyp size seen on high definition screens. The measurement was done by our pathologists after formalin fixation. We compared the endoscopist estimate of the polyp size to the pathologist measurement in order to explore the discordance between the two readings. Data regarding demographics and method of polypectomy(snare polypectomy vs excisional biopsy) was collected, as well. Statistical analysis software statistical software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Our cohort included 88 patients from which 111 polyps were removed. Fifty-two(46.8%) of the 111 polyps were excised using biopsy forceps and fiftynine(53.2%) were removed by snare. In the biopsy forceps group, the mean polyp size documented by the pathologist was 0.38 ± 0.19 cm and the mean polyp size documented by the endoscopist was 0.54 ± 0.16cm. The mean difference was 0.15 cm(P < 0.001). In the snare group, the mean polyp size documented by the pathologist was 0.54 ± 0.24 cm and the mean polyp size documented by the endoscopist 0.97 ± 0.34 cm. The mean difference was 0.42 cm(P < 0.001). Combining both groups, the mean size documented by pathologist was 0.46 ± 0.23 cm compared to 0.76 ± 0.35 cm documented by the endoscopist. The mean difference was 0.3 cm(95%CI: 0.23-0.36).CONCLUSION: Post polypectomy measurement by the pathologist are generally smaller than the endoscopist's estimate.

The pros and cons of biological effects of herbs and herb-derived compounds on liver tumorigenesis

Consumption of natural products such as herbs,spices,plant-derived compounds,and foods is on the rise globally.The use of these substances is widely recognized as an integral part of culture and tradition,with the philosophy being“no benefit is no harm”.The utility of medicinal plants and extracts is under scrutiny,and the scientific community needs to clarify many conceptual gaps.Medicinal plants are rich in bioactive phytochemicals that produce chemopreventive effects at different levels,including cellular,animal,and clinical.The ultimate translational value is often missing,and some studies suggest that botanicals may contain toxic compounds that cause acute or chronic toxicity.In this regard,the liver is the center,and herbal products can show protective effects or induce hepatotoxicity,thereby promoting liver cancer.In this review article,we examine a range of herbal products implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis and extend the discussion to herbal products that may be potentially involved in the prevention and treatment of liver carcinoma.

Isolated arterioportal fistula presenting with variceal hemorrhage

We report a case of life-threatening hematemesis due to portal hypertension caused by an isolated arterioportal fistula (APF). Intrahepatic APFs are extremely rare and are a cause of presinusoidal portal hypertension. Etiologies for APFs are comprised of precipitating trauma, malignancy, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, but these were not the case in our patient. Idiopathic APFs are usually due to congenital vascular abnormalities and thus usually present in the pediatric setting. This is one of the first cases of adult-onset isolated APF who presented with portal hypertension and was successfully managed through endoscopic hemostasis and subsequent interventional radiological embolization.

Direct acting antiviral therapy is curative for chronic hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome

Autoimmune phenomena are common in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Management of chronic hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis syndrome has until recently been problematic due to the adverse effects of interferon on autoimmune processes and immunosuppression on viral replication. In this report we describe 3 patients with chronic hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome who responded rapidly to direct acting antiviral therapy. The resolution of the autoimmune process supports a direct viral role in its pathophysiology.

The mechanism of dysbiosis in alcoholic liver disease leading to liver cancer

Currently, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, representing one of the main etiologies of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although we do not know the exact mechanisms by which only a selected group of patients with ALD progress to the final stage of HCC, the role of the gut microbiota within the progression to HCC has been intensively studied in recent years. To date, we know that alcohol-induced gut dysbiosis is an important feature of ALD with important repercussions on the severity of this disease. In essence, an increased metabolism of ethanol in the gut induced by an excessive alcohol consumption promotes gut dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth, setting a leaky gut. This causes the translocation of bacteria, endotoxins, and ethanol metabolites across the enterohepatic circulation reaching the liver, where the recognition of the pathogen-associated molecular patterns via specific Toll-like receptors of liver cells will induce the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, which releases pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, the mitogenic activity of hepatocytes will be promoted and cellular apoptosis will be inhibited, resulting in the development of HCC. In this context, it is not surprising that microbiota-regulating drugs have proven effectiveness in prolonging the overall survival of patients with HCC, making attractive the implementation of these drugs as co-adjuvant for HCC treatment.

Pregnant inflammatory bowel disease patients may require counselling regarding live vaccines in newborns

Inflammatory bowel disease patients are prone to immunosuppression due to effects of their medications. Physicians are recommended to assess vaccination status and overall health in all patients, prior to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressant medications in women with inflammatory bowel disease are often continued during pregnancy, which can result in newborns having an increased risk of immunosuppression at birth. While medication-induced immunosuppression in infants is transient, parents should be counselled about delaying live vaccine administration in newborns until they are immune competent. A retrospective study was done over six months at an urban multispecialty medical center to assess whether physicians are counselling pregnant immunosuppressed inflammatory bowel disease patients regarding live vaccinations in their newborns. The study revealed that only 57% of patients had documented counselling in their charts. Further studies are necessary to determine physician counselling practices of pregnant women about live vaccines. It is critical that physicians and patients are aware of the risks of immunosuppression in pregnancy and the potential impact of live vaccinesupon the newborn.

Similarities and differences between biliary sludge and microlithiasis: Their clinical and pathophysiological significances

The terms biliary sludge and cholesterol microlithiasis(hereafter referred to as microlithiasis)were originated from different diagnostic techniques and may represent different stages of cholesterol gall-stone disease.Although the pathogenesis of biliary sludge and microlithiasis may be similar,micro-lithiasis could be preceded by biliary sludge,followed by persistent precipitation and aggregation of solid cholesterol crystals,and eventually,gallstone formation.Many clinical conditions are clearly associated with the formation of biliary sludge and microlithiasis,including total parenteral nutrition,rapid weight loss,pregnancy,organ transplantation,administration of certain medications,and a variety of acute and chronic illnesses.Numerous studies have demonstrated complete resolution of biliary sludge in approximately 40%of patients,a cyclic pattern of disappearing and reappearing in about 40%,and progression to gallstones in nearly 20%.Although only a minority of patients with ultrasonographic demonstration of biliary sludge develop gallstones,it is still a matter of controversy whether micro-lithiasis could eventually evolve to cholesterol gallstones.Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are asymp-tomatic in the vast majority of patients;however,they can cause biliary colic,acute cholecystitis,and acute pancreatitis.Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are most often diagnosed ultrasonographically and bile microscopy is considered the gold standard for their diagnosis.Specific measures to prevent the development of biliary sludge are not practical or cost-effective in the general population.Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers the most definitive therapy on biliary sludge.Endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgical intervention is effective for microlithiasis-induced pancreatitis.Ursodeoxycholic acid can effectively prevent the recurrence of solid cholesterol crystals and significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pancreatitis.

胆石体外调节人体胆汁的胆固醇结晶途径

背景:胆固醇结晶是胆石形成的一个必要步骤。尽管一些模拟胆汁研究显示,胆石表面与周围水相对于结晶形成过程中的胆固醇分子存在竞争关系;但相关研究尚未在人体胆汁中开展。方法:收集13例行腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者的新鲜胆汁,其中10例为胆固醇结石,3例为胆色素结石。再从其他2例患者收集小的胆固醇结石。应用偏光显微镜观察原始胆汁和超滤胆汁(加入或不加入胆石)中胆固醇结晶的形态,包括螺旋状和针状无水胆固醇结晶,以及片状和块状胆固醇单水结晶。分别于胆石加入胆汁前和加入21天后,称量胆石的重量。结果:在原始胆汁中加入胆石后,无水胆固醇结晶有减少的趋势,但块状胆固醇单水结晶显著增多。在超滤胆汁中加入胆石后,螺旋状结晶和针状结晶的形成有受抑趋势,而片状和块状胆固醇单水结晶数量显著增多。胆汁孵育21天后,胆石重量显著减轻,无论是原始胆汁(-4.5%61.6%,P=0.046)还是超滤胆汁(-6.5%61.5%,P=0.002)。来自胆色素结石患者的胆汁,在未加入胆石前是清亮的;但加入胆固醇胆石后,所有样本均早期出现片状和块状胆固醇单水结晶。结论:无论是在原始胆汁还是超滤胆汁中,加入胆固醇结石均可对胆固醇结晶途径产生重大影响,胆固醇单水结晶的数量增加,而无水胆固醇结晶的形成受抑。固态胆固醇结晶从胆石表面分离或可解释这一现象。