Inflammatory and nutritional statuses of patients submitted to resection of gastrointestinal tumors / Estado inflamatório e nutricional em pacientes submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica de tumores do trato gastrointestinal

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the association between the nutritional and the inflammatory statuses of patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract undergoing surgical resection and to identify predictors of mortality in these patients. Methods: we conducted a prospective study of 41 patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer submitted to surgery between October 2012 and December 2014. We evaluated the nutritional status by subjective and objective methods. We assessed the inflammatory response and prognosis using the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Onodera Prognostic Nutritional Index (mPNI), Inflammatory-Nutritional Index (INI) and C-Reactive Protein/Albumin ratio (mPINI). Results: half of the patients were malnourished and 27% were at nutritional risk. There was a positive association between the percentage of weight loss (%WL) and the markers NLR (p=0.047), mPINI (p=0.014) and INI (p=0.015). Serum albumin levels (p=0.015), INI (p=0.026) and mPINI (p=0.026) were significantly associated with the PG-SGA categories. On multivariate analysis, albumin was the only inflammatory marker independently related to death (p=0.004). Conclusion: inflammatory markers were significantly associated with malnutrition, demonstrating that the higher the inflammatory response, the worse the PG-SGA (B and C) scores and the higher the %WL in these patients. However, further studies aimed at improving surgical outcomes and determining the role of these markers as predictors of mortality are required.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre o estado nutricional e inflamatório em pacientes com câncer do trato gastrointestinal submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica e identificar variáveis preditoras de mortalidade nestes pacientes. Métodos: estudo prospectivo de 41 pacientes com câncer do trato gastrointestinal submetidos à cirurgia entre outubro de 2012 e dezembro de 2014. O estado nutricional foi avaliado por métodos subjetivos e objetivos. A resposta inflamatória e o prognóstico foram avaliados através do Escore Prognóstico de Glasgow modificado (mGPS), razão Neutrófilo/Linfócito (NLR), Índice Nutricional Prognóstico de Onodera (mPNI), Índice Inflamatório Nutricional (INI) e razão Proteína C-reativa/Albumina (mPINI). Resultados: metade dos pacientes estava desnutrida e 27% apresentavam-se em risco nutricional. Associação positiva foi encontrada entre percentual de perda de peso (%PP) e os marcadores NLR (p=0,047), mPINI (p=0,014) e INI (p=0,015) e os níveis séricos de albumina (p=0,015), INI (p=0,026) e mPINI (p=0,026) se associaram significativamente às categorias da ASG-PPP. Na análise multivariada, a albumina foi o único marcador inflamatório independentemente relacionado ao óbito (p=0,004). Conclusão: marcadores inflamatórios foram significativamente associados com a desnutrição, demonstrando que quanto maior a resposta inflamatória, piores foram os escores da ASG-PPP (B e C) e maior o %PP nesses pacientes. No entanto, mais estudos, com o objetivo de melhorar resultados cirúrgicos e determinar o papel desses marcadores como preditores de mortalidade são necessários.

Relationship between nutritional status and the clinical outcomes of patients with and without neoplasms according to multiple correspondence analysis / Relação entre estado nutricional e desfechos clínicos pela técnica da análise de correspondência múltipla em pacientes com e sem neoplasias

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND For many years, many studies have reported undesirable outcomes that may occur during the hospital stay of patients diagnosed with malnutrition or even at some nutritional risk. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and clinical outcomes during hospital stay using the multiple correspondence analysis technique. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 600 patients with and without neoplasms. The following data were collected: subjective global assessment, nutritional indicators, nutritional risk screening, anthropometric data (body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), recent weight loss (RWL)), and habitual energy intake (HEI/ER <75%). The clinical outcomes of interest were complications, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and death. The data were analyzed by the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test at a significance level of 5%. Multiple correspondence analysis was used for the multivariate data analysis. RESULTS The multiple correspondence analysis map for the patients with neoplasms showed that the following characteristics were associated and represented by death, complications, and a greater likelihood of LOHS ≥7 days: underweight according to BMI; TST, MUAC, and MUAMC ≤15th percentile; malnutrition according to the subjective global assessment; at nutritional risk according to the nutritional risk screening; being male; age ≥60 years; and HEI/ER <75%. The multiple correspondence analysis map for the patients without neoplasms showed that the following characteristics were associated and represented by death: underweight according to BMI; TST ≤15th percentile; malnutrition according to the subjective global assessment; and at nutritional risk according to the nutritional risk screening. Complications and LOHS ≥7 days represented the categories male, no recent weight loss, HEI/ER <75%, MUAC and MUAMC ≤15th percentile, TST between the 15th and 85th percentiles, and age <60 years. CONCLUSION The results of this study confirm an association between unsatisfactory nutritional indicators and undesirable clinical outcomes.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Muitos estudos já vêm relatando há muitos anos, alguns desfechos indesejáveis que podem se manifestar durante o curso da hospitalização em pacientes diagnosticados com desnutrição ou até mesmo com algum risco nutricional. OBJETIVO Explorar pela técnica da análise de correspondência múltipla a relação entre o estado nutricional e os desfechos clínicos apresentados no decorrer da internação em pacientes hospitalizados. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com 600 pacientes com e sem neoplasias. Foram estudados os indicadores nutricionais de avaliação subjetiva global, screening de risco nutricional, antropometria (IMC, circunferência braquial-CB, circunferência muscular do braço-CMB, prega cutânea triciptal-PCT), perda de peso recente e consumo energético habitual (CEH/NE <75%). Como desfechos clínicos, foram considerados a presença de complicações, tempo de internação e óbito. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5%. Para a análise multivariada dos dados, utilizou-se a análise de correspondência múltipla. RESULTADOS O mapa fornecido pela análise de correspondência múltipla no grupo de pacientes com neoplasias, mostrou que as categorias de baixo peso pelo IMC, PCT, CB e CMB ≤ ao percentil 15, desnutrido pela avaliação subjetiva global, com risco nutricional pelo screening de risco nutricional, com perda de peso recente, sexo masculino, idade ≥ a 60 anos e CEH/NE <75% se associaram e foram representadas pelo óbito, com complicações e mais próximos do tempo de internação ≥ a 7 dias. O mapa fornecido pela análise de correspondência múltipla no grupo de pacientes sem neoplasias, mostrou que as categorias de baixo peso pelo IMC, PCT ≤ ao percentil 15, desnutrido pela avaliação subjetiva global e com risco nutricional pelo screening de risco nutricional se associaram e foram representadas pelo óbito. Complicações e tempo de internação ≥ 7 dias representaram as categorias de sexo masculino, sem perda de peso recente, CEH/NE <75%, CB e CMB ≤ ao percentil 15, PCT entre percentil 15 e 85 e idade < 60 anos. CONCLUSÃO Os resultados deste estudo confirmaram uma associação entre indicadores nutricionais insatisfatórios e desfechos clínicos indesejáveis.

Intususcepción gastroduodenal como presentación de un tumor del estroma gastrointestinal gástrico / Gastroduodenal intussusception as a presentation of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Objetivo Presentar un caso de GIST con presentación clínica poco usual. Caso clínico Presentamos una paciente de género femenino, de 70 años, con 5 días de dolor en hemiabdomen superior y vómitos; se le diagnóstica por TC de abdomen y pelvis con contraste una intususcepción gastroduodenal. Se ingresa a pabellón; confirmando diagnóstico, se realiza gastrectomía subtotal más Y de Roux. La biopsia diferida con inmunohistoquímica confirma un GIST gástrico con 2 mitosis cada 50 campos. Se decide manejo conservador y control anual con endoscopia digestiva alta. Buena evolución.

Aim To present a case of GIST with unusual clinical presentation. Case report We present a 70-year old female patient with 5 days of upper abdominal pain and vomiting, being diagnosed with a gastroduodenal intussusceptions by contrasted CT scan. She was admitted to the operating room, confirming the diagnosis and a subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed. A deferred biopsy with immunohistochemical confirmed GIST with 2 mitoses/50 high-powerfields. Conservative management was proposed and annual control with upper endoscopy decided. Satisfactory evolution.

Reliability of nutritional assessment in patients with gastrointestinal tumors / Confiabilidade da avaliação nutricional em pacientes com tumores gastrointestinais

ABSTRACT Patients with gastrointestinal cancer and malnutrition are less likely to tolerate major surgical procedures, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In general, they display a higher incidence of complications such as infection, dehiscence and sepsis, which increases the length of stay and risk of death, and reduces quality of life. The aim of this review is to discuss the pros and cons of different points of view to assess nutritional risk in patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tumors and their viability, considering the current understanding and screening approaches in the field. A better combination of anthropometric, laboratory and subjective evaluations is needed in patients with GIT cancer, since malnutrition in these patients is usually much more severe than in those patients with tumors at sites other than the GIT.

RESUMO Pacientes com neoplasia gastrointestinal e desnutridos são menos propensos a tolerar procedimentos cirúrgicos de grande porte, radioterapia ou quimioterapia. Em geral, apresentam maior incidência de complicações, como infecção, deiscência e sepse, o que aumenta o tempo de internação e o risco de morte, e reduz a qualidade de vida. O objetivo desta revisão é abordar os prós e contras de diferentes pontos de vista que avaliam risco nutricional em pacientes com tumores do Trato Gastrointestinal (TGI) e sua viabilidade, considerando o atual entendimento e abordagens de triagem neste campo. Melhor combinação de avaliações antropométricas, laboratoriais e subjetivas se faz necessária em pacientes com câncer do TGI, uma vez que a desnutrição nestes pacientes costuma ser muito mais grave do que naqueles indivíduos com tumores em outros sítios que não o TGI.

Câncer gastrintestinal: impacto nutricional em pacientes hospitalizados / Gastrointestinal cancer: nutritional impact in hospitalized patients

Introdução: O câncer gastrintestinal caracteriza-se pela localização no trato digestório, acome- tendo com maior incidência o cólon, reto, estômago, cavidade oral e esôfago. O estado nutricional de pacientes com este tipo de câncer é comumente afetado devido aos sintomas da doença e ao tratamento, que podem dificultar a ingestão alimentar, causar má absorção dos nutrientes e, consequentemente, comprometer o estado nutricional. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de delineamento transversal, realizado com adultos e idosos internados no Hospital São Vicente de Paulo de Passo Fundo, RS, para tratamento oncológico, com diagnóstico de câncer gastrintestinal. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de consulta em prontuário médico e anamnese nutricional. Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos, alimentares, antropométricos e aplicada a Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Próprio Paciente (ASG-PPP) durante as primeiras 24 horas de inter- nação, para posterior classificação do estado nutricional. Resultados: Participaram 102 pacientes, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino e idosos, com idade média de 60,7 anos (±11,43). Quanto à localização do tumor, prevaleceu a neoplasia de intestino (n=66). De acordo com a ASG-PPP, 28,4% dos pacientes encontravam-se bem nutridos, 56,9% com desnutrição moderada/suspeita e 14,7% com desnutrição grave. A perda de peso foi registrada em 79,75% da amostra (n=63). A desnutrição moderada foi a prevalente nas neoplasias de estômago, pâncreas e intestino. O sintoma mais referido foi a inapetência (n=24). Conclusões: O estado nutricional e a ingestão alimentar dos pacientes estudados sofreram depleção durante a internação, estando a maioria com algum grau de desnutrição, necessitando de um acompanhamento nutricional adequado.(AU)

Introduction: Gastrointestinal neoplasms are characterized by occurring in the digestive system, affecting mostly organs like colon, rectum, stomach, oral cavity and esophagus. Nutritional status is frequently affected due to the prognostic of this kind of cancer. The treatment, which commonly interferes in diet quality and metabolism of some nutrients, makes the patient to lose weight and consequently his/her nutritional status. Methods: Descriptive research with cross-sectional delineation regarding adult and senior patients at São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil, during their oncological treatment for gastrointestinal neoplasms. Data were collected from consulting medical records and nutritional history. Demographic, clinic, dietetic and anthropometric data was collected applied to a Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PGSGA) during first 24 hours hospitalization for a later nutritional evaluation. Results: 102 patients participated in the study, most of them were elderly female, with average age of 60.7 years old (±11.43). Intestine cancer prevailed regarding location of the neoplasms. According to PGSGA, 28.4% were found well nourished, 56.9% were found with moderate/suspicious malnutrition and, 14.7% with severe malnutrition. Weight lost was registered in 79.75% of sample (n=63). Moderate malnutri- tion prevailed regarding stomach, pancreas and intestine neoplasm. Innapetence was the most common symptom (n=24). Conclusions: Nutritional status and food intake of the studied patients decreased considerably during hospitalization, being the majority of them with some degree of malnutrition and in need of an adequate nutritional monitoring.(AU)

Influência da composição corporal sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer / The influence of body composition on cancer patients' quality of life / Influencia de la composición corporal sobre la calidad de vida de pacientes con cáncer

Introdução: O câncer tem reflexos na composição corporal, frequentemente causando sarcopenia, o que impacta na capacidade funcional e prognóstico dos doentes, podendo afetar sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da composição corporal sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer de trato gastrointestinal e de pulmão. Método: Estudo transversal com pacientes portadores de câncer gastrointestinal e de pulmão, no serviço de quimioterapia do Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. A composição corporal foi estimada por meio da bioimpedância elétrica e da qualidade de vida por meio do instrumento European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer ­ Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30. Resultados: Foram avaliados 74 pacientes, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (56,8%). Os tumores mais prevalentes foram os de trato gastrointestinal (75,4%). Aproximadamente 24% dos pacientes apresentaram déficit de massa muscular e nenhum apresentou excesso de adiposidade. Na análise da relação entre composição corporal e as diferentes escalas de qualidade de vida, os pacientes com déficit de massa muscular apresentaram escores mais baixos nas escalas de Saúde Geral/QV e funcional, e maiores pontuações na escala de sintomas, demonstrando pior qualidade de vida quando comparados aqueles sem déficit de massa muscular. Conclusão: A composição corporal com déficit de massa magra se associou à pior Qualidade de Vida em pacientes com câncer de trato gastrointestinal e de pulmão.

Introduction: Cancer has effects on body composition, often causing sarcopenia, which impacts on the functional capacity and prognosis of these patients, which may affect their quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the influence of body composition on the quality of life of patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with gastrointestinal and lung cancer, in the chemotherapy service of the Hospital School of the Federal University of Pelotas. Body composition was estimated by bioelectrical impedance, performed with instrument BIA and quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 Instrument. Results: We evaluated 74 patients, the majority of whom were male (56.8 %). The most prevalent tumors were those in the gastrointestinal tract (75.4 %). Regarding body composition, it was found that 24.3% of the patients showed a deficit in muscle mass and none had excess adiposity. When analyzing the relationship between body composition and differing scales of quality of life, patients with muscle mass deficit had lower scores on the General Health scales / QOL and functional, and higher scores on the symptoms, demonstrating worse quality of life when compared to those without muscle mass deficit. Conclusion: Body composition was related significantly to the QOL of patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, keeping the association between the deficit of muscle mass and worse QOL of these patients.

Introducción: El cáncer tiene efectos sobre la composición corporal, a menudo causando la sarcopenia, lo que repercute en la capacidad funcional y el pronóstico de estos pacientes, que pueden afectar su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de la composición corporal en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer del tracto gastrointestinal y los pulmones. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes con cáncer gastrointestinal y pulmón, en el servicio de quimioterapia Hospital Escuela de la Universidad Federal de Pelotas. La composición corporal se calcula por impedancia bioeléctrica y la calidad de vida fue evaluada utilizando el instrumento Organización Europea para la Investigación y el Tratamiento del Cáncer Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida de 30. Resultados: Se evaluaron 74 pacientes, la mayoría del sexo masculino (56,8 %). El tamaño de los tumores eran los más prevalentes entre el tracto gastrointestinal (75,4 %). Se encontró en la composición corporal que el 24,3 % de los pacientes presentaron un déficit en la masa muscular y ninguno presentó exceso de adiposidad. Al analizar la relación entre la composición corporal y las diferentes escalas de calidad de vida, los pacientes con déficit de masa muscular tuvieron puntuaciones más bajas en la salud general de las escalas / CDV y funcional, y puntuaciones más altas en los síntomas, lo que demuestra peor calidad de vida en comparación con los que no tienen déficit de masa muscular. Conclusión: La composición corporal con déficit de masa muscular se relaciona significativamente con la peor Calidad de Vida en los pacientes con cáncer del tracto gastrointestinal y de pulmones.

Relación entre estado nutricional y evolución postoperatoria, en cirugía oncológica digestiva / Nutritional status and postoperative complications in patients with digestive cancer

Background: Risk of malnutrition is elevated among oncologic patients, and this increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Aim: To study the association between nutritional status and postoperative outcomes in a group of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Patients and Methods: We studied 129 patients with diagnosis of digestive cancer, previous to potentially curative surgery. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measures, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), dietary intake recalls and routine biochemical parameters. Functional performance was assessed by the Karnofsky index (KI). Cancer stage was classified according to TNM4. During the postoperative period, complications, length of stay at the critical care ward and duration of hospitalization were registered. Thirty days after discharge, patients were contacted, and the appearance of new complications was listed. Results: According to SGA 14.7% of patients were classified as well nourished (A), 57.3% as moderately undernourished or at risk of malnutrition (B) and 27.9% as severely malnourished (C). The incidence of total complications was 25.5%. Nutritional status was not associated with cancer stage. The frequency of complications among patients classified as A, B and C were 5.5, 25.3 and 37.1% respectively (p = 0.03). Conclusions: We detected a high frequency of malnutrition in this group of patients. Overall the frequency of postoperative complications was low, however malnourished patients exhibited a higher rate of surgical complications.

Transcatheter arterial embolization of acute gastrointestinal tumor hemorrhage with Onyx.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular embolization has been used to control gastrointestinal tumor bleeding. Lots of embolic agents have been applied in embolization, but liquid embolic materials such as Onyx have been rarely used because of concerns about severe ischemic complications. AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with Onyx for acute gastrointestinal tumor hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2011 and July 2013, nine patients were diagnosed as acute gastrointestinal tumor hemorrhage by clinical feature and imaging examination. The angiographic findings were extravasation of contrast media in the five patients. The site of hemorrhage included upper gastrointestinal bleeding in seven cases and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in two cases. TAE was performed using Onyx in all the patients, and the blood pressure and heart rate were monitored, the angiographic and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, procedure related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated after therapy. The clinical parameters and embolization data were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: All the patients (100%) who underwent TAE with Onyx achieved complete hemostasis without rebleeding and the patients were discharged after clinical improvement without a second surgery. No one of the patients expired during the hospital course. All the patients were discharged after clinical improvement without a second surgery. Postembolization bowel ischemia or necrosis was not observed in any of the patients who received TAE with Onyx. CONCLUSIONS: TAE with Onyx is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for acute gastrointestinal tumor hemorrhage, even with pre‑existing coagulopathy.

Body mass index: different nutritional status according to WHO, OPAS and Lipschitz classifications in gastrointestinal cancer patients / Índice de massa corpórea: estados nutricionais divergem de acordo com as classificações de WHO, OPAS e Lipschitz em pacientes com câncer gastrointestinal

CONTEXT: The body mass index (BMI) is the most common marker used on diagnoses of the nutritional status. The great advantage of this index is the easy way to measure, the low cost, the good correlation with the fat mass and the association to morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare the BMI differences according to the WHO, OPAS and Lipschitz classification. METHODS: A prospective study on 352 patients with esophageal, gastric or colorectal cancer was done. The BMI was calculated and analyzed by the classification of WHO, Lipschitz and OPAS. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.1 ± 12.4 years and 59% of them had more than 59 years. The BMI had not difference between the genders in patients <59 years (P = 0.75), but over 59 years the BMI was higher in women (P<0.01). The percentage of undernourished was 7%, 18% and 21% (P<0.01) by WHO, Lipschitz and OPAS, respectively. The overweight/obesity was also different among the various classifications (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with gastrointestinal cancer had more than 65 years. A different cut off must be used for this patients, because undernourished patients may be wrongly considered well nourished.

CONTEXTO: O índice de massa corpórea (IMC) é largamente usado no diagnóstico do estado nutricional. As principais vantagens deste índice são a facilidade de obtenção, o baixo custo e a correlação com o índice de massa gorda. OBJETIVO: Comparar as diferenças entre o IMC de acordo com as classificações da OMS, OPAS e Lipschitz. MÉTODO: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo com 352 pacientes com câncer esofágico, gástrico ou colorretal. O IMC foi calculado e analisado pelas classificações da OMS, de Lipschitz e da OPAS. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 62,1 ± 12,4 anos e 59% dos pacientes tinham mais que 59 anos. O IMC não variou entre os sexos nos pacientes com idade < 59 anos (P = 0,75), mas após os 59 anos o IMC foi maior entre as mulheres (P<0,01). O percentual de desnutridos foi de 7%, 18% e 21% (P<0,01) segundo as classificações da OMS, Lipschitz e OPAS, respectivamente. O sobrepeso/obesidade também diferiu entre as várias classificações (P<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com câncer gastrointestinal têm com frequência idade superior a 65 anos. Um diferente nível de corte deve ser usado para estes pacientes porque os desnutridos podem ser erroneamente considerados bem nutridos.

Gastroduodenal Intussusception Due to Pedunculated Polypoid Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor / 대한소화기학회지

The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a mesenchymal tumor of the digestive tract showing differentiation along the line of interstitial cell of Cajal. The most GISTs in the stomach generally show the appearance of submucosal tumors. It is rare for GISTs to appear as a pedunculated polypoid lesion on endoscopy. We experienced a case of a 51-year-old man who had a pedunculated polypoid GIST. He was admitted to our hospital for nausea, vomiting, melena and severe anemia (hemoglobin 3.4 g/dL, hematocrit 10.8%). An upper endoscopy showed gastroduodenal intussusception due to a pedunculated polypoid mass. This report presents a rare case of endoscopically proven gastroduodenal intussusceptions due to pedunculated polypoid GIST in the stomach.

Periampullary carcinoid: An uncommon tumor at an unusual site.

Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors represent a group of well-differentiated tumors originating from various neuroendocrine cells located in the gastrointestinal mucosa and submucosa. Consequently, there is diversity in their clinical presentation, incidence at specific anatomic sites, biological behavior, hormone production, morphologic characteristics, and immunophenotype. Periampullary carcinoids are extremely rare and less then 100 patients have been reported in the world literature, that too mostly as case reports. We are reporting two cases of periampullary carcinoids, one of which presented with rare manifestation as gastrointestinal bleed and both are doing well after successful pancreatoduodenectomy.

Hallazgos endoscópicos en pacientes ambulatorios referidos a endoscopia por síntomas digestivos altos / Endoscopic findings in ambulatory patients referred to endoscopy for upper digestive symptoms

Antecedentes: La realización de endoscopia como primer estudio de un paciente con dispepsia es muy controvertida. Objetivos: Conocer la frecuencia de patología orgánica en pacientes con dispepsia a quienes se les solicita endoscopia digestiva alta, tanto desde la atención primaria como desde los consultorios de especialidades. Métodos: Se analizó la base de datos de endoscopias de nuestro centro en el período 1999-2002. Los diagnósticos de cáncer se confirmaron histológicamente. Resultados: En 10.275 endoscopias practicadas en ese período, 1.488 fueron por dispepsia, 2.536 por síndrome ulceroso y 1.055 por reflujo gastroesofágico. En el grupo con dispepsia se encontró patología orgánica en un 33 por ciento, predominando la gastritis significativa y la esofagitis erosiva. La frecuencia de cáncer gástrico fue baja (0,1 por ciento) y sólo apareció en pacientes sobre 40 años y especialmente en mayores de 60. Lo mismo ocurrió en pacientes referidos por síndrome ulceroso y por reflujo gastroesofágico. Conclusiones: Solicitar endoscopia a pacientes con dispepsia está justificado porque un tercio de ellos tienen patologías de fácil y efectivo tratamiento. El acceso irrestricto a la endoscopia como screening de cáncer gástrico no parece en cambio ser útil en pacientes de menores de 60 años.

Background: The performance of upper digestive endoscopy as a first line study in patients with dyspepsia is highly controversial. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of organic diseases in dyspeptic patients referred from Primary Care centers or from Gastroenterology clinics for upper digestive endoscopy. Methods: The Endoscopy database of our unit was reviewed for the period 1999-2002. The endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer was confirmed by positive biopsies. Results: Out of 10.275 endoscopies performed in the study period, the reference diagnosis was: dyspepsia 1.488; ulcer syndrome 2.536 and gastroesophageal reflux 1.055. In the dyspepsia group, 33 percent of cases had some organic pathology, mainly gastritis and erosive esophagitis. The frequency of gastric cancer was low (0.1 percent) and it was found only in patients older than 40 years and specially older than 60 years. Similar results were found in patients referred for ulcer syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusions: An upper digestive endoscopy in the initial work up of patients with dyspepsia seems to be acceptable one third of them present organic diseases with easy and effective therapies. On the other hand the irrestrictive acces to endoscopy as screening of gastric cancer does not seem to be useful in patients under 60 years.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and multiple organ failure in critically ill cancer patients

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical outcomes and thrombotic events in a series of critically ill cancer patients positive for antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. DESIGN: Retrospective case series study. SETTING: Medical-surgical oncologic intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients with SIRS/sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF) and positive for aPL antibodies, included over a 10-month period. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: aPL antibodies and coagulation parameters were measured up to 48 hours after the occurrence of acrocyanosis or arterial/venous thrombotic events. When current criteria for the diagnosis of aPL syndrome were applied, 16 patients met the criteria for "probable" and two patients had a definite diagnosis of APL syndrome in its catastrophic form (CAPS). Acrocyanosis, arterial events and venous thrombosis were present in eighteen, nine and five patients, respectively. Sepsis, cancer and major surgery were the main precipitating factors. All patients developed MOF during the ICU stay, with a hospital mortality rate of 72 percent (13/18). Five patients were discharged from the hospital. There were three survivors at 90 days of follow-up. New measurements of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) antibodies were performed in these three survivors and one patient still tested positive for these antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series of patients, we observed a high frequency of auto-antibodies and micro- and macro-vascular thrombotic events in critically ill cancer patients. The coexistence of sepsis or SIRS and aPL antibodies was often associated with MOF and death. More studies are necessary to determine the pathophysiological significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in severely ill cancer patients.

Case of Small Bowel Perforation due to Enteropathy-Type T-Cell Lymphoma

Enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETTL) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, it is a subtype of the peripheral T-cell lymphomas. This disease is associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, has a high risk of intestinal perforation and obstruction, and is refractory to chemotherapeutic treatment. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman who was diagnosed with enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma of the small intestine, which was positive for the markers of cytotoxic T cells, CD3, CD8, and CD56, on immunohistochemical staining after resection of the perforated terminal ileum.

Factores procoagulantes en pacientes con cáncer / Procoagulant factors in patients with cancer

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los niveles de factor tisular (FT) y procoagulante del cáncer (PC) en pacientes con enfermedades neoplásicas para intentar establecer: 1) si existe asociación entre la presencia de estos marcadores y el origen del tumor; 2) si los niveles de estas proteínas procoagulantes se correlacionan con los estadíos I/II o III/IV de la enfermedad; 3) si los tratamientos con quimioterapia modifican los niveles séricos del FT y PC y, finalmente 4) evaluar si estos procoagulantes podrían comportarse como marcadores predictivos en el desarrollo de trombosis. Se incluyeron 61 pacientes con diferentes tipos de cáncer: pulmón (n=14), mama (n=19), digestivo (n=13), y génitourinario (n=12) y controles normales (n=20). Los resultados demostraron una sensibilidad y especificidad del 87,9% y 85%, respectivamente, para el PC y del 72,4% y 100% para el FT. Los pacientes con cáncer génitourinario presentaron los valores más altos de ambos procoagulantes coicidiendo con la mayor prevalencia de trombosis objetiva clínica y radiológicamente. Ninguno de los procoagulantes evaluados permitió difenciar estadío I-II de III-IV de la enfermedad. Por otra parte, el tratamiento con quioterapia no modificó con significancia estadística, los niveles de ambos procoagulantes. Un seguimiento clínico y de laboratorio en función del tiempo y del tratamiento sería importante para establecer el valor pronóstico de los niveles de estos procoagulantes y su propensión a desarrollar trombosis en pacientes con cáncer.

[ role of laparoscopy in diagnosing metastasis of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies]

Upper gastrointestinal tract cancers are important malignancies in the entire world. Many Diagnostic procedures are frequently used for staging gastrointestinal malignancies. Laparoscopy has emerged as a good staging modality for most gastrointestinal cancers than many other preoperative modalities. Patients with gastrointestinal tract malignancies were selected for evaluation from 2000 to 2001. After complete physical examination and paraclinical evaluations, all patients underwent laparoscopy with general anesthesia and biopsies prepared from metastasis followed by laparotomy. Data were analyzed by statistical tests. Fourty three patients, 41%female and 59% male with a mean age of 61.25 +/- 14 years were studied. Sensitivity and specifity of laparoscopy in diagnosing lymph node metastasis of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies were 83.33%, 100% respectively. These indices were 75% and 100% in liver metastasis. Positive and negative predictive values of lymph node metastasis were 100% and 89.3% respectively and 100% and 20% in liver metastasis. Preoperative laparoscopy is an effective method for diagnosing metastasis in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers and can prevent many unnecessary laparotomies

Causes of intestinal obstruction: a study of 257 patients

To find out the common causes of intestinal obstruction in our practice. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration: The study was conducted in Surgical Unit-I, Ward-3 of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan between February, 2000 to January, 2004. Patient And In this study we included only those patients of intestinal obstruction who underwent exploratory laparotomy. Total of 257 patients of intestinal obstruction were diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, examination, radiological findings and investigations. After resuscitation exploratory laparotomy was performed to confirm the diagnosis and relieve the obstruction. The most common cause of intestinal obstruction was tuberculosis, 38.13% followed by obstructed/strangulated hernia 26.84%, post-operative adhesions 17.12%, large gut malignancy 10.09%, volvulus 6.22% and small gut malignancy 0.77%. The causes of intestinal obstruction are variable in different parts of world. Tuberculosis is one of the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in Pakistan

Rate and Predictive Factors of Rebleeding with Obscure-Overt Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Little information is available on the rate and predictive factors of rebleeding of unknown cause, which is very important in deciding further investigations on obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rebleeding rate and related factors in obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding patients who revealed normal gastroscopic and colonoscopic findings. METHODS: A total of 69 patients with negative first-line gastroscopy and colonoscopy were enrolled in this study as obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding cases. The relationships between rebleeding and clinical characteristics were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The causes of obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding were confirmed in 30 cases among the 69 cases. Small bowel tumors (14 cases) were the most common cause, followed by vascular lesions (6 cases). The mean follow-up period was 28 months and rebleeding was noticed in 19 patients (27.5%). Among these rebleeding patients, 14 cases (73.7%) occurred within 6 months. The past experience of previous bleeding was significantly related with rebleeding (p=0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Close observation and detailed investigations are needed for obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding patients with bleeding history, especially during 6 months follow-up.