Perspectiva histórica do tratamento clínico da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico / Historical perspective of gastroesophageal reflux disease clinical treatment

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases. GERD generates significant impairment in patients' quality of life and it is associated to relevant medical resources utilization. A better understanding of GERD pathophysiology in the past five decades has favored the evolution of therapeutic strategies from non-drug interventions and antacids to more efficacious and safer alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To summarize data about the historical evolution of GERD management in Brazil, focusing on medical therapy and addressing evidence on efficacy and safety of drug classes currently recommended. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by systematizing information about discoveries on GERD pathophysiology. We also addressed efficacy and safety of medications currently used to reduce symptoms and improve endoscopic healing of esophageal lesions. A structured search on Pubmed was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analysis investigating GERD outcomes positively impacted by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the first choice of pharmacotherapy for the disease. RESULTS: The chronological development of therapeutic measures for GERD in Brazil evolved from lifestyle interventions with relative poor effect on symptoms related to esophageal acid exposure, particularly heartburn, to effective and safe pharmacological interventions such as histamine H2-receptor antagonists and PPIs. In the present days, some drug classes play a minor role in disease management, namely prokinetics and antacids, due to their reduced efficacy and relevant safety concerns (particularly with prokinetics). The main challenge for prescribers and researchers seems to be finding long-acting acid suppressants strategies able to ameliorate patients' symptoms and quality of life, thereafter, reducing medical resource consumption. The dual delayed-release PPI dexlansoprazole seems to respond for some of the limitations other PPIs have. CONCLUSION: Recognizing the historical evolution of GERD management can help care providers to better understand therapeutic options for their patients, as well as focus on unmet needs that deserve further attention. PPIs are still the first choice therapy, with good evidence in favor of their efficacy, despite some safety concerns. However, as with any medical intervention, it is recommended to prescribe PPIs for patients with clear indication, using adequate dosing and monitoring for adverse events.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é uma das doenças gastrointestinais mais prevalentes, resultando em limitações significativas na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e, também, relevante utilização de recursos médicos. Um melhor entendimento da fisiopatologia da doença nas últimas cinco décadas tem favorecido a evolução das estratégias de tratamento, desde intervenções não farmacológicas e antiácidos, a alternativas mais eficazes e seguras. OBJETIVO: Resumir os dados sobre a evolução histórica do manejo da DRGE no Brasil, focando na terapia medicamentosa e abordando evidências sobre a eficácia e segurança de classes medicamentosas atualmente recomendadas. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão narrativa foi conduzida para sistematizar informações sobre descobertas na fisiopatologia da DRGE e, também, sobre a eficácia e segurança de medicamentos utilizados atualmente para reduzir os sintomas e melhorar a cicatrização endoscópica de lesões esofágicas. Uma busca estruturada na base de dados Pubmed foi realizada para identificar revisões sistemáticas e metanálises que investigassem desfechos da doença impactados positivamente pelos inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBPs), a primeira escolha farmacológica para a doença. RESULTADOS: O desenvolvimento cronológico das medidas terapêuticas para a DRGE no Brasil evoluiu de modificações no estilo de vida que demonstraram relativamente pouco efeito sobre os sintomas relacionados à exposição esofágico ao ácido, particularmente a azia, a intervenções farmacológicas eficazes e seguras como os anti-histamínicos H2 e os IBPs. Atualmente, algumas classes de medicamentos exercem um papel menor no manejo da doença, procinéticos e antiácidos por exemplo, devido à sua eficácia reduzida e a preocupações relevantes quanto a segurança (particularmente com os procinéticos). O principal desafio para os prescritores e pesquisadores parece ser encontrar estratégias supressoras de ácidos de longa duração capazes de melhorar os sintomas e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, reduzindo assim o consumo de recursos médicos. O dexlansoprazol, um IBP de liberação retardada dupla, parece responder a algumas limitações que outros IBPs têm. CONCLUSÃO: O reconhecimento da evolução histórica do manejo da DRGE pode auxiliar aos profissionais assistentes a melhor entender as opções terapêuticas para seus pacientes, assim como focar em necessidades não atendidas que necessitem de maior atenção. IBPs ainda são a terapia de escolha inicial, com boas evidências a favor de sua eficácia, apesar algumas questões acerca da segurança de seu uso. No entanto, assim como para qualquer intervenção medicamentosa, é recomendada a prescrição dos IBPs para pacientes com indicação clara, utilizando doses adequadas e monitorando a ocorrência de eventos adversos.

Aluminum toxicity to bone: A multisystem effect?

Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element in the earth's crust and is omnipresent in our environment, including our food. However, with normal renal function, oral and enteral ingestion of substances contaminated with Al, such as antacids and infant formulae, do not cause problems. The intestine, skin, and respiratory tract are barriers to Al entry into the blood. However, contamination of fluids given parenterally, such as parenteral nutrition solutions, or hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or even oral Al-containing substances to patients with impaired renal function could result in accumulation in bone, parathyroids, liver, spleen, and kidney. The toxic effects of Al to the skeleton include fractures accompanying a painful osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, microcytic anemia, cholestatic hepatotoxicity, and suppression of the renal enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha hydroxylase. The sources of Al include contamination of calcium and phosphate salts, albumin and heparin. Contamination occurs either from inability to remove the naturally accumulating Al or from leeching from glass columns used in compound purification processes. Awareness of this long-standing problem should allow physicians to choose pharmaceutical products with lower quantities of Al listed on the label as long as this practice is mandated by specific national drug regulatory agencies.

Consumo de drogas médicas, medicamentos de venta libre y alcohol en adultos mayores / Consumption of medical drugs, over-the-counter medications and alcohol in elderlys / Consumo de drogas médicas, medicamentos de venda livre e álcool em idosos

Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura para identificar los estudios que reportan la frecuencia del consumo drogas médicas, medicamentos de venta libre y alcohol, así como el consumo combinado de estas sustancias en los adultos mayores. Método: se utilizó como guía la Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, se identificaron 4,881 artículos a través de las bases de datos y tres artículos en el buscador google scholar, se eligieron doce estudios ya que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y por su calidad metodológica. Resultados: la revisión de la literatura permitió identificar que las drogas médicas más utilizadas fueron los benzodiacepinas, los sedantes, los antidepresivos y los psicotrópicos, los medicamentos de venta libre más usados fueron los analgésicos, laxantes, antiácidos y antihistamínicos; la combinación con el alcohol son prácticas observadas entre los adultos mayores. Conclusión: las drogas médicas y medicamentos de venta libre son consumidas para tratar los trastornos del sueño, depresión, ansiedad y estrés; con relación al alcohol entre el 20.3% y el 57.1% de los adultos mayores lo consumen; la combinación de alcohol y drogas médicas se observó entre el 9.3% y el 18.1%.(AU)

Objective: to perform a systematic review of the literature to identify the studies that report the frequency of consumption of medical drugs, over-the-counter medications and alcohol, as well as the combined use of these substances in the elderly. Method: the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes were used as a guide, 4,881 items through the databases and three items in the search google scholar were identified, twelve studies were chosen as they met the eligibility criteria and their methodological quality. Results: the literature review allowed us to identify that the most used medical drugs were benzodiazepines, sedatives, antidepressants and psychotropic drugs, the most used over-the-counter medications were analgesics, laxatives, antacids and antihistamines; the combination with alcohol are practices observed among the elderly. Conclusion: medical drugs and over-the-counter medications are consumed to treat sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and stress; in relation to alcohol between 20.3% and 57.1% of the elderly consume it; the combination of alcohol and medical drugs was observed between 9.3% and 18.1%.(AU)

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura para identificar os estudos que revelam a frequência do consumo de drogas médicas, medicamentos de venda livre e álcool, assim como o consumo combinado dessas substâncias em idosos. Método: foi utilizada como guia a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses, foram identificados 4,881 artigos através das bases de dados e três artigos no Navegador Google Scholar, foram selecionados doze exames já que cumpriram com os critérios de elegibilidade e pela sua qualidade metodológica. Resultados: a revisão da literatura permitiu identificar que as drogas médicas mais utilizadas foram as benzodiazepínicas, sedativos, antidepressivos e os psicotrópicos. Os medicamentos de venda livre mais usados foram os analgésicos, laxantes, antiácidos e anti-histamínicos. A combinação com o álcool é um comportamento observado nos idosos. Conclusão: as drogas médicas e medicamentos de venda livre são consumidos para o tratamento dos distúrbios do sono, depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Com relação ao álcool, entre 20.3% e 57.1% das pessoas idosas o consomem. A combinação de álcool e drogas médicas foi observada entre 9.3% e 18.1%.(AU)

Automedicação em acadêmicos de Medicina / Self-medication in medical students

OBJETIVO: Determinar a incidência da automedicação em estudantes do curso de Medicina, evidenciando suas principais causas, os principais grupos de medicamentos utilizados nesta conduta e as consequências de seu uso irracional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de análise quantitativa e não probabilística. Foi realizado por pesquisa de campo, por meio de questionário sistemático, em uma universidade, com o propósito de envolver todos os períodos correspondentes ao curso de Medicina. As análises dos resultados foram realizadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado e executadas no software Minitab®, versão 18, e Microsoft Excel 2010. RESULTADOS: As frequências de automedicação entre alunos do primeiro e segundo anos e do terceiro e quarto anos foram, respectivamente, 44,57% e 71,42% (p=0,001). Dentre eles, 43,15% eram do sexo feminino e se automedicavam (p=0,014). Dos alunos que se automedicavam, 36,3% indicariam o medicamento em uso para outrem (p=0,012), sendo que a classe de fármaco mais citada foi a dos analgésicos (52,05%) seguida pelos anti-inflamatórios (17,81%) e antiácidos (6,85%). O uso de psicotrópicos somou 6,85% das recomendações. Dentre as pessoas que diziam realizar a automedicação, 51% continuariam a prática. Tinham consciência dos riscos à saúde em relação à prática da ação em estudo 96,58% da amostra. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência da automedicação em acadêmicos de medicina é equiparada a índices nacionais, ou seja, altas taxas regionais da prática de consumo desregulado de fármacos, com predominância entre os acadêmicos do sexo feminino, principalmente do terceiro e quarto anos do curso. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of self-medication in medical students, evidencing the main causes, main drug-classes used in this behavior, and the consequences of its irrational use. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of quantitative and non-probabilistic study analyses. It was carried out through field research, with the use of a systematic questionnaire, at a university, with the purpose of involving all periods of the medical course. The results analysis was done with chi-square test and run on Minitab® software version 18 and Microsoft Excel 2010. RESULTS: The frequency of self-medication among students in the 1st -2nd and 3rd-4th grades was respectively, 44,57% and 71,42% (p=0,001). Of them, 43.15% of the research population were female and self-medicated (p=0.014). Out of students who self-medicate,36.3% would indicate the drug in use for others (p=0.012), and the most cited drug-class was of analgesics (52.05%), followed by anti-inflammatories (17.81%), and antacids (6.85%). The use of psychotropic drugs accounted for 6.85% of the recommendations. Of people who say they self-medicate, 51% would continue doing it. Of the sample, 96.58% were aware of the health risks of self-medication. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication among medical students is similar to national indices, that is, high regional rates of unregulated drug use, with a predominance among female students, especially in students in the 3rd and 4th years of course. (AU)

¿El reflujo gastroesofágico y la aspiración de contenido gástrico están implicados en la etiopatogenia y la progresión de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática? / Does gastroesophageal reflux and gastric content aspiration have some role in the pathogenesis and progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Resumen El reflujo gastroesofágico (RGE) y la aspiración oculta de contenido digestivo están probablemente implicados en la etiopatogenia y progresión de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI). Los mecanismos patogénicos involucrados son la disminución de la distensibilidad pulmonar y el consiguiente aumento de la presión negativa intratorácica durante la inspiración, así como la disminución de los mecanismos de control de la motilidad esofágica o del tono del esfínter esofágico inferior. La prevalencia de RGE y anomalías de la motilidad esofágica están aumentadas en los pacientes con FPI comparado con la población general. Entre los pacientes con FPI, el 67-76% demostraron exposición anormal al contenido ácido en el esófago. Sin embargo, no hubo relación entre la gravedad del RGE y la gravedad de la FPI. Los estudios que han examinado el tratamiento antirreflujo en esta población han sido escasos. Incluso, algunos datos sugieren que el tratamiento antiácido puede ser perjudicial en algunos pacientes con esta condición. Después de analizar toda la evidencia relevante encontrada hasta la fecha, concluimos que no se puede establecer una relación causal entre el RGE, la aspiración del contenido gástrico y la patogénesis de la FPI. Además, existe escasa evidencia clínica que haya examinado el tratamiento antirreflujo en pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática.

ABSTRACT Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and hidden aspiration of gastric contents are probably involved in the pathogenesis and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The pathological mechanisms involved are decreased pulmonary distensibility and consequent increase of intrathoracic negative pressure during inspiration, as well as decreased control mechanisms of esophageal motility or lower esophageal sphincter. The prevalence of GERD and oesophageal dysmotility was higher in patients with IPF as compared with general population. Among patients with IPF, 67-76% demonstrated abnormal oesophageal acid exposure. However, no relationship was demonstrated between severity of GERD and severity of IPF. Data are scant on outcomes of antireflux treatment in patients with IPF. Actually, some data suggests that antacid treatment may be deleterious in some IPF patients. After analyzing all the relevant evidence found to date, a causal relationship between GERD, gastric content aspiration and IPF pathogenesis cannot be established. There is scant evidence examining antireflux treatment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Manejo del paciente portador de sangrado digestivo alto en el servicio de urgencias / Upper digestive bleeding patient management in the emergency department

Introducción: el sangrado digestivo alto constituye uno de los síndromes más frecuentes en servicios de urgencias. La endoscopia oral y los medicamentos antiácidos y protectores de la mucosa gástrica, hacen menos frecuente el empleo de intervenciones quirúrgicas en el manejo del paciente con sangrado digestivo alto. La necesidad del tratamiento quirúrgico no siempre puede obviarse. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con sangrado digestivo alto atendidos en el Hospital Militar Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Universo constituido por 92 pacientes con diagnóstico de sangrado digestivo alto. Variables caracterizadas: edad, sexo, tratamiento médico empleado, técnica quirúrgica utilizada, complicaciones posquirúrgicas y estadía hospitalaria. Resultados: el sangrado digestivo alto fue más frecuente en hombres, con más de 40 años de edad, se les aplicó tratamiento médico, la modalidad más frecuente fue la combinación de antiácidos. Se realizó tratamiento endoscópico al 3,2 por ciento de los pacientes, fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente el 5,4 por ciento. La mitad de los operados padecía úlcera péptica gástrica. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la gastrostomía y gastrorrafia. La estadía hospitalaria fue menor de 5 días. Conclusiones: se evidenció predominio del sangrado digestivo alto en el sexo masculino y en mayores de 40 años. El tratamiento endoscópico y las intervenciones quirúrgicas representaron un bajo porcentaje. La estadía hospitalaria fue más prolongada en pacientes con complicaciones. Los hallazgos en los que más difieren otras investigaciones radican en el incremento del empleo de la endoscopia oral, en combinación con el uso de antisecretores y en las variantes de técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas(AU)

Introduction: upper Digestive Bleeding is one of the most frequent syndromes in emergency services. Oral endoscopy, antacid and protective gastric mucosal medications make the use of surgical interventions less common in the management of upper digestive bleeding patients. However, the need for surgical treatment cannot always be overlooked. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with upper digestive bleeding treated at the Military Hospital Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany. Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study. A universe of 92 patients with a diagnosis of upper digestive bleeding. Variables characterized: Age, sex, medical treatment, surgical technique used, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. Results: upper digestive bleeding was more frequent in men and in patients over 40 years old. In patients in whom medical treatment was applied, the most frequent modality was the combination of anti-H2 antihistamines and proton pump inhibitors. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 3.2 percent of patients, and 5.4 pèrcent was operated on. Half of the patients underwent gastric peptic ulcer, and the most commonly used surgical technique was gastrostomy. The predominant hospital stay was less than 5 days(AU)

Ethanolic extract of Garcinia mangostana L. pericarp as preservative in antacid suspension

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the preservative activity of ethanolic extract of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) pericarp and its compatibility in an antacid suspension.METHODS: The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and was used as preservative in a formulated antacid suspension. Compatibility with the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients were analyzed using fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Preservative activity of the formulation against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed using the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) antimicrobial effectiveness test, with methylparaben as positive control and suspension without preservative as negative control.RESULTS: The extract exhibited pharmaceutical compatibility with API and excipients. The formulation revealed comparable reduction in microbial count of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa with positive control at Day 14 (p=0.916, 0.624, 0.335). At Day 28, comparable activity with positive control was only observed against E. coli and S. aureus (p=0.999, 0.854). However, it displayed significant increase in activity against P. aeruginosa (p=0.010) at Day 28. These activities may be attributed to glycosides and reducing substances present in the extract.CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract from Garcinia mangostana L. pericarp acted as a preservative in the formulation of an antacid suspension. It conformed to the USP criteria for antimicrobial effectiveness test on bacteria.

Drug Use Evaluation of Clostridium difficile Infection in Elderly Patients and Risk Factors of Non-improving Group

OBJECTIVE: Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) is one of the common nosocomial infections. As elderly population increases, the proper treatment has been emphasized. We investigated the risk factors associated with CDI unimprovement in elderly patients. Furthermore, we performed drug use evaluation of old CDI patients and oldest-old CDI patients. METHODS: It was a retrospective study using electronic medical record at Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center (KBSMC) from January 2016 to December 2017. Seventy three patients aged 65 years or older, diagnosed with CDI by Clostridium difficile Toxin B Gene [Xpert] were screened and they were assessed for risk factors regarding unimprovement status. We also evaluated drug use evaluation in old patients (65≤age<80) and oldest-old patients (80≤age) by assessing the use of initial therapy, severity, dose, route, treatment course, days of use, total days of use and treatment outcome of initial therapy. RESULTS: Out of 73 patients aged over 65 years, four patients were excluded because they did not receive any treatment. There were 31 improved patients and 38 unimproved patients after initial therapy. We were able to find out patients with surgical comorbidity or endocrine comorbidity (especially, diabetes mellitus) had 2.885 more risk of becoming unimproved than those patients without surgical comorbidity or endocrine comorbidity. Drug use evaluation for CDI was generally fair, but vancomycin as initial therapy is more recommended than metronidazole. CONCLUSION: Although age, antibiotics exposure, use of antacids are all important risk factors for CDI, our result did not show statistical significance for these risk factors. However, the study is meaningful because the number of elderly population keeps increasing and recently updated guideline suggests the use of vancomycin as drug of choice for CDI.

Efectividad de un nuevo régimen simplificado en la erradicación de Helicobacter pylori. Estudio prospectivo realizado en una clínica privada de Lima Metropolitana / New simplified regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication achieves high effectiveness. Prospective study in a private clinic in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de dos nuevos esquemas para el tratamiento de Helicobacter pylori frente al esquema triple convencional de amoxilina, claritromicina y un inhibidor de bomba de protones. Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, no aleatorio, realizado en una clínica privada de Lima, Perú. Los pacientes con infección por Helicobacter demostrada por endoscopia con biopsia y/o test de la ureasa, recibieron uno de tres tratamientos en estudio y fueron examinados mediante el test del aliento con urea C14, entre 1 y 6 meses después. Resultados: El tratamiento triple convencional solo logró la erradicación en 49/68 casos (71,2%) y el cuádruple con doxiciclina, metronidazol, bismuto y esomeprazol lo hizo en 52/62 casos (83,9%) siendo esta diferencia no significativa (p>0,1). El esquema simplificado de doxiciclina, furazolidona y bismuto logró curar a 79/83 pacientes (95,2%) superando a los dos anteriores con valor significativo (p<0,005 y p<0,05 respectivamente). Conclusiones: El tratamiento triple convencional para Helicobacter no está alcanzando niveles aceptables de efectividad en nuestra institución. Esto enfatiza la necesidad de buscar nuevas alternativas; por lo que sería útil validar con nuevos estudios los buenos resultados logrados por el régimen Simplificado de doxiciclina, furazolidona y bismuto que aquí presentamos

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the effectiveness of two new therapeutic regimes for Helicobacter pylori versus triple therapy that includes a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Materials and methods: prospective study, non-randomized, in a private Hospital in Lima, Peru. Patients with biopsy and/or rapid ureasa test proven Helicobacter pylori infection received one of the three therapeutic regimens and were followed with a urea breath test 1 to 6 months upon completion of therapy. Results: Triple therapy achieved eradication in 49/68 of cases (71.2%); quadruple therapy (doxycycline + metronidazole + bismuth + esomeprazole) in 52/62 (83.9%), and the simplified regimen with doxycycline + furazolidone + bismuth, obtained success in 79/83 of cases (95.2%). Statistically significant difference with p<0.005 and p<0.05 respectively. Conclusion: Triple therapy against Hp does not achieve acceptable effectiveness in our institution. This highlights the need to look for new therapeutic options, being the simplified regime (doxycycline, furazolidone and bismuth) used in the current study a good option, requiring further studies for validation.

Efficacy of 7-Day and 14-Day Bismuth-Containing Quadruple Therapy and 7-Day and 14-Day Moxifloxacin-Based Triple Therapy as Second-Line Eradication for Helicobacter pylori Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bismuth-containing quadruple and moxifloxacin-based triple regimens are recommended as second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of each regimen. METHODS: From August 2004 to October 2012, a total of 949 patients (mean age, 54.32+/-12.08 years; male, 49.4%) who failed H. pylori eradication with a standard triple regimen were included. Patients treated with a bismuth-containing quadruple regimen for 7 and 14 days were designated as 7-BMT and 14-BMT, respectively, and those treated with a moxifloxacin-based triple regimen for 7 and 14 days were designated as 7-MA and 14-MA, respectively. H. pylori eradication was confirmed using the 13C-urea breath test, rapid urease test or histology. RESULTS: The eradication rates by 7-BMT, 14-BMT, 7-MA, and 14-MA were 66.4% (290/437), 71.1% (113/159), 53.1% (51/96), and 73.5% (189/257), respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and 76.5% (284/371), 83.8% (109/130), 55.6% (50/90), and 80.6% (187/232), respectively, by per-protocol analysis (PP). The eradication rates were higher in 14-BMT than 7-BMT by the ITT and PP analyses (p=0.277 and p=0.082, respectively). The 14-BMT and 14-MA treatments showed similar efficacies by ITT and PP (p=0.583 and p=0.443, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The 7-BMT, 14-BMT, and 14-MA treatments showed similar and suboptimal efficacies. In both regimens, extending the duration of treatment may be reasonable considering the high level of antibiotic resistance in Korea.

Efficacy of Magnesium Trihydrate of Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Chenodeoxycholic Acid for Gallstone Dissolution: A Prospective Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cholecystectomy is necessary for the treatment of symptomatic or complicated gallbladder (GB) stones, but oral litholysis with bile acids is an attractive alternative therapeutic option for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium trihydrate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) on gallstone dissolution and to investigate improvements in gallstone-related symptoms. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, phase 4 clinical study to determine the efficacy of orally administered magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA was performed from January 2011 to June 2013. The inclusion criteria were GB stone diameter or =50%, radiolucency on plain X-ray, and asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients. The patients were prescribed one capsule of magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA at breakfast and two capsules at bedtime for 6 months. The dissolution rate, response rate, and change in symptom score were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 237 subjects were enrolled, and 195 subjects completed the treatment. The dissolution rate was 45.1% and the response rate was 47.2% (92/195) after 6 months of administration of magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA. Only the stone diameter was significantly associated with the response rate. Both the symptom score and the number of patients with symptoms significantly decreased regardless of stone dissolution. Adverse events necessitating discontinuation of the drug, surgery, or endoscopic management occurred in 2.5% (6/237) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA is a well-tolerated bile acid that showed similar efficacy for gallstone dissolution and improvement of gallstone-related symptoms as that shown in previous studies.

Evaluación de la prescripción de medicamentos en consultas de Gastroenterología / Evaluation of drug prescription in Gastroenterology outpatient departments

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, de tipo farmacoepidemiológico, de 426 pacientes atendidos en las consultas de Gastroenterología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" y del Policlínico Docente "Ramón López Peña" de Santiago de Cuba, de mayo del 2011 a igual mes del 2012, quienes consumían medicamentos bajo indicación facultativa (o se automedicaban), con vistas a evaluar dichas prescripciones. En la serie, el grupo farmacológico más prescrito fue el de los antiácidos, con un mayor consumo del Alusil® y el Silogel®, y entre las prescripciones inadecuadas predominaron las asociaciones medicamentosas para la cimetidina y la metoclopramida, así como la incorrecta individualización al recetar el Alusil®; de igual manera, la polimedicación resultó el factor más relacionado con la prescripción inadecuada.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of pharmacoepidemiological type of 426 patients assisted in the Gastroenterology Department from "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital and in "Ramón López Peña" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from May, 2011 to same month of 2012, who consumed drugs prescribed by doctors (or they self-medicated), with the aim of evaluating these prescriptions. In the series, the most prescribed pharmacological group was that of antacids, with a higher consumption of Alusil® and Silogel®, and among the inadequate prescriptions the medicamentous associations for cimetidina and metoclopramida, as well as the incorrect individualization when prescribing Alusil® prevailed; likewise, polymedication was the most related factor with inadequate prescription.

Can Acid Pocket-targeting Alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) Relieve Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease? / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Clinical experience of surgical intervention for severe acute pancreatitis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The controversy on the treatment strategy for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has never stopped for the past century. Even now surgical procedures play a decisive role in the treatment of SAP, especially in managing the related complications, but the rational indications, timing, and approaches of surgical intervention for SAP are still inconclusive.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 308 SAP patients recruited during January 2000-January 2013, including 96 conservatively treated cases plus 212 surgically intervened cases, were comparatively analyzed. Based on the initial surgical intervention time, the surgical intervention group was split into two: early intervention group (within 2 weeks) 103 cases, and late intervention group (after 2 weeks) 109 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the conservative treatment group, the cure rate was 82.29% (79/96), the death rate was 13.54% (13/96), and 4 cases self-discharged, while in the surgical intervention group, the cure rate was 84.43% (179/212) and the death rate was 10.85% (23/212) with 10 cases self-discharged. The difference was of no statistical significance between these two groups (P > 0.05). In surgical intervention group, the death rate 15.53% (16/103) in the early surgical intervention group was higher than that of late surgical intervention group 6.42% (7/109), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both conservative treatment and surgical intervention play important roles in the treatment of SAP, and the indication, timing, and procedure should be strictly followed. Surgery earlier than 2 weeks after onset of the disease is not recommended in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis only when there are specific indications, such as multiple organ failure, which does not improve despite active treatment, and in those who develop abdominal compartment syndrome.</p>

The use of a second biopsy from the gastric body for the detection of Helicobacter pylori using rapid urease test

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>The use of an additional biopsy from the gastric body may help improve the detection of Helicobacter pylori during endoscopy. This study aimed to determine whether such an additional biopsy is necessary in routine rapid urease test (RUT), and whether acid suppression and antibiotic therapy affect RUT results.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients recruited had two gastric mucosal biopsies taken - one from the gastric antrum and the other from the gastric body. Each biopsy was placed into separate RUT kits. Information on previous or current use of proton-pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonist, bismuth and antibiotics was obtained. Patients on any of those drugs one week prior to endoscopy were considered to have a positive drug history (PDH).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 400 patients recruited, 311 had negative RUTs and 89 had at least one positive RUT. Between the PDH and negative drug history (NDH) groups, there was a significant difference in the distribution of the location of the biopsies that yielded positive RUTs (p = 0.023). The NDH group had a higher proportion of patients who had positive RUTs for both locations, whereas the PDH group had a higher proportion of patients who had positive RUTs for only one location.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As RUT results are significantly affected by the use of acid suppression and antibiotic therapies, biopsies for RUT should be taken from both the gastric antrum and body to minimise false negative results.</p>

Seguridad de los medicamentos gastrointestinales en el embarazo / Gastrointestinal drugs safety in pregnancy

Las embarazadas se consideran población de riesgo para el uso de medicamentos. La incidencia de defectos congénitos en la población general es de 2-4%, y menos del 1% es atribuible a medicamentos. El problema es que la mayoría de los medicamentos tienen un riesgo indeterminado, dado las limitaciones de la evidencia durante el embarazo y la lactancia. Los medicamentos de uso gastrointestinal, son fármacos ampliamente utilizados en la población general y también durante el embarazo. Se realiza una revisión sobre la seguridad fetoneonatal de antieméticos, antiácidos, inhibidores de la bomba de protonoes, antagonistas del receptor H2 de histamina y medicamentos utilizados en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Bismuth subsalicylate as filler particle for an experimental epoxy-based root canal sealer

AIM: To evaluate the influence of bismuth subsalicylate addition in different concentrations on theproperties ofan experimental epoxy-based root canal sealer. METHODS: Bismuth subsalicylate in 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120 wt% was added tothe sealer. Flow, film thickness, working time, setting time, dimensional change, sorption, solubility and cytotoxicity were evaluated according to ISO standard. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey'stest with a significance level of 5% for all tests. RESULTS:The flow, working and setting times significantly decreased withincreasing particle concentration. The film thickness, dimensional change, water sorption and solubility values significantly increased with higher particle amount. The results for cytotoxicity showed no statistically significant differences among the particle proportions. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the addition up to 80% wt of bismuth subsalicylate appears to be a promising filler particle to root canal sealer development.

Aliden / Aliden

Forma farmacéutica: Polvo para suspensión oral. Presentación: Estuche por un frasco de vidrio ámbar para 60 mL con un vaso dosificador. Composición: Cada cucharadita (5 mL) contiene: Hidróxido de aluminio gel seco 600 mg Hidróxido de magnesio 300 mg Lactosa monohidratada 12 mg. Farmacodinamia: Contiene dos antiácidos que actúan por reacción química con el ácido clorhídrico produciendo su neutralización total o parcial. El hidróxido de magnesio contribuye a la neutralización inmediata del ácido y se mantiene el efecto de forma prolongada debido a la acción del hidróxido de aluminio. El efecto astringente del hidróxido de aluminio es compensado con el efecto laxante del hidróxido de magnesio. Farmacocinética: Estos compuestos son insolubles y se solubilizan a medida que reaccionan. El Hidróxido de Aluminio reacciona con el Acido Clorhídrico originando agua y Cloruro de Aluminio, que se absorbe solo del 17 al 30 por ciento y se elimina totalmente por vía urinaria, el resto, no absorbido se elimina por las heces fecales. El Hidróxido de Magnesio reacciona originando agua y Cloruro de Magnesio, se absorbe del 15 al 30 por ciento para eliminarse por vía renal y el resto por las heces.Este medicamento no altera el equilibrio ácido-base del ..

Results of urinary dissolution therapy for radiolucent calculi

Purpose In this paper we present our experience with dissolution therapy of radiolucent calculi. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were offered urinary dissolution therapy between January 2010 and June 2011. Patients were treated with tablets containing potassium citrate and magnesium oxide. Partial dissolution was defined as at least a 50% reduction in stone size. Patients with complete or partial dissolution were classified in the successful dissolution group. Patients with no change, inadequate reduction, increase in stone size and those unable to tolerate alkali therapy were classified as failures. Patient sex, stenting before alkalinization, stone size, urine pH at presentation and serum uric acid levels were analyzed using Fisher t-test for an association with successful dissolution. Results Out of 67, 48 patients reported for follow up. 10 (15%) had complete dissolution and 13 (19%) had partial dissolution. Alkalinization was unsuccessful in achieving dissolution in 25 (37%). Stenting before alkalinization, patient weight (< 60 vs. > 75kg) and serum uric acid levels (≤ 6 vs. > 6) were the only factors to significantly affected dissolution rates (p = 0.039, p 0.035, p 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSIONS A policy of offering dissolution therapy to patients with radiolucent calculi had a successful outcome in 34% of patients. .