Respuesta inmunológica a varias proteínas del H. pylori en pacientes guatemaltecos / Inmune response to various H. pylori proteins in Guatemalan patients

Se determinó la respuesta inmunológica a proteínas recombinantes de Helicobacter pylori en pacientes dis-pépticos (adultos y niños), pacientes con cáncer gástrico y sus familiares asintomáticos adultos viviendo con ellos. Se utilizó la prueba recomLine® Helicobacter IgG e IgA, y con base en el reconocimiento de los factores de virulencia VacA y CagA se determinó si la cepa de H. pylori era de tipo I o II. El análisis de los datos fue descriptivo y analítico y se estimaron los intervalos de confianza de 95%, con un nivel de error de 0.05 y Odds ratio. El 58.7% (121/206) de los pacientes presentó la bacteria en tinción histológica de biopsia, positividad que disminuyó con la edad y daño histológico. La frecuencia de la respuesta a los anticuerpos IgG fue mayor que IgA, en ambos casos ésta fue menor en los niños. Las proteínas del H. pylori más reconocidas tanto por IgA como IgG fueron VacA y CagA, y la respuesta a las otras proteínas investigadas fue mayor al aumentar el daño histológi-co. La cepa tipo I fue la que predominó en la población en estudio con 66% (136/206). Se deben continuar con los estudios de prevalencia de la cepa tipo I del H. pylori y del reconocimiento de sus antígenos en la población guatemalteca a fin de determinar su utilidad en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la infección.

The immune response to recombinant Helicobacter pylori proteins was determined in dyspeptic patients (adults and children), patients with gastric cancer and their asymptomatic adults' relatives living with them. The recomLine® Helicobacter IgG and IgA test was used and based on the recognition of the virulence factors VacA and CagA, it was determined whether the H. pylori strain was type I or II. The data analysis was descriptive and analytic, and 95% confidence intervals were estimated, with an error level of 0.05, and Odds ratio. The patients that presented the bacterium in histological biopsy were 58.7% (121/206), positivity that decreased with age and histological damage. The frecuency of response to IgG antibodies was higher than IgA, in both cases it was lower in children. VacA and CagA were the H. pylori proteins most recognized by both IgA and IgG and it was observed that the number of recognized proteins was greater with increasing histological damage. The type I strain was the one that predominated in the study population 66% (136/206). Prevalence studies of the type I strain of H. pylori ant the recognition of its antigens in the Guatemalan population should continue in order to determine its usefulness in the diagnosis and prognosis of infection.

Associação de infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal com infecção por Helicobacter pylori, mas não com dispepsia funcional / Association of duodenal eosinophilic infiltrate with helicobacter pylori infection, but not with functional dyspepsia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The role of Helicobacter pylori infection on eosinophilic infiltration in duodenal mucosa is poorly studied. An increase in the number of eosinophils in duodenum has been associated with functional dyspepsia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on duodenal eosinophil count and the role of eosinophilic infiltrate of duodenum in functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Positive and negative H. pylori individuals were included. Both functional dyspeptic patients according to Rome III criteria (cases) and individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms (controls) were enrolled. They were submitted to upper endoscopy and H. pylori infection was verified by gastric histopathology and urease test. Eosinophils in the duodenal mucosa were counted in five high-power fields, randomly selected on slides of endoscopic biopsies. RESULTS: Thirty-nine H. pylori positive (mean age 40.5 and 69.2% women) and 24 negative patients (mean age 37.3 and 75% women) were included. The influence of the infection was observed in the duodenal eosinophil count, which was higher in infected individuals: median 13.2 vs 8.1 in non-infected individuals (P=0.005). When we analyzed patients according to symptoms, cases - mean age 39.6; 71.4% women - and controls - mean age 38.7; 71.4% women - had similar duodenal eosinophil count: median 11.9 and 12.6 respectively (P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: We did not demonstrate association of duodenal eosinophil count with functional dyspepsia but found association with H. pylori infection.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O papel de infecção por Helicobacter pylori no infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal ainda é pouco compreendido. Um aumento no número de eosinófilos duodenais tem sido associado a dispepsia funcional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do H. pylori na contagem de eosinófilos duodenais e o papel do infiltrado eosinofílico duodenal na dispepsia funcional. MÉTODOS: Indivíduos H. pylori positivo e negativo foram incluídos. Ambos os grupos, compreendendo dispépticos funcionais pelos critérios de Roma III (casos) e indivíduos sem sintomas gastrointestinais (controles), foram submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta para pesquisa de H. pylori, efetuada por histopatologia e teste de urease. Eosinófilos na mucosa duodenal foram contabilizados em cinco campos de maior aumento, selecionados randomicamente nas lâminas de biópsia endoscópicas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove indivíduos H. pylori positivo (média de idade 40,5 e 69,2% mulheres) e 24 H. pylori negativos (média de idade 37,3 e 75% mulheres) foram incluídos. A influência da infecção por H. pylori foi observada na contagem de eosinófilos, que foi maior nos positivos: mediana 13,2 vs 8,1 (P=0,005). Quando analisados pacientes de acordo com sintomas, os casos (média de idade 39,6 e 71,4% mulheres) e controles (média de idade 38,7 e 71,4% mulheres), apresentaram semelhante contagem de eosinófilos duodenais: mediana 11,9 e 12,6, respectivamente (P=0,19). CONCLUSÃO: Não demonstramos associação da contagem de eosinófilos duodenais com dispepsia duodenal, mas encontramos associação com infecção por H. pylori.

Eosinofilia duodenal en pacientes Colombianos con dispepsia funcional: un estudio de casos y controles / Duodenal eosinophilia in functional dyspepsia in a Colombian sample: a case-control study

Introducción: La dispepsia funcional (DPF) es una entidad compleja cuya fisiopatología no está claramente definida. Existen alteraciones motoras gastroduodenales y recientemente se ha dado importancia a la eosinofilia duodenal. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fuedeterminar si existe asociación entre eosinofilia duodenal y DPF. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles. Pacientes mayores de 18 años con dispepsia según ROMA IV, a quienes se descartó DP orgánica con endoscopia alta (EVDA). Los controles fueron pacientes con anemia ferropénica y diarrea crónica a quienes de rutina se toman biopsias tanto del estómago como del duodeno. Se calcularon 70 pacientes en cada grupo. La información se recolectó en un formulario específico. Resultados: Hubo 243 pacientes elegibles. Se incluyeron 84 pacientes en grupo. El 80% eran mujeres. Edad promedio 53,6 años. Se encontró eosinofilia duodenal con diferencia significativa en los pacientes con saciedad precoz (p=0,01). No hubo diferencia significativa en los pacientes con llenura posprandial (p=0,63), dolor o ardor epigástrico (p=0,26), síntomas de reflujo gastroesofágico (p=0,13), alergia e intolerancia a alimentos (p=0,42) y tabaquismo (p=0,28). Asimismo, no se encontró relación entre mastocitosis duodenal y saciedad precoz (p=0,98), llenura posprandial (p=0,78) y dolor o ardor epigástrico (p=0,82). Conclusiones: La eosinofilia duodenal fue más frecuente en pacientes con DPF que tenían saciedad precoz.

Introduction: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a complex symptom. Currently there are multiple therapeutic options that are used for the management of these patients; however, FD therapies are based on symptomatic control and do not address the pathophysiological pathways involved in its development. The duodenum has been proposed as a key site to understand the complex pathophysiology involved in FD. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine duodenal eosinophilia in patients with FD and establish the clinical-pathological correlation with the cardinal symptoms of dyspepsia. Material and methods: Case-control study. Patients older than 18 years with dyspepsia according to the Rome IV criteria, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy normal (FD group).Patients with iron deficiency anemia and chronic diarrhea (control group). Biopsies were taken in the stomach, duodenal bulb and second portion of duodenum. A sample size of 140 patients (70 patients in the FD group and 70 patients in the control group) was calculated. The collected information was described and analyzed by conventional statistical techniques. Results: 243 patients were recruited. 84 patients were included in the FD group and 84 patients in the control group. 135 patients were women (80.3%). The mean age was 53.6 years (SD 14.9). Duodenal eosinophilia was found with significant difference in patients with early satiety (p=0.01). There was no difference in patients with postprandial fullness (p=0.63), epigastric pain or burning (p=0.26), gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (p=0.13), allergy and food intolerance (p=0.42) and smoking (p=0.28). There was no relationship between duodenal mastocytosis and early satiety (p=0.98), postprandial fullness (p=0.78), and epigastric pain or burning (p=0.82). Conclusions: Duodenal eosinophilia was similar in FD and controls. In subgroup analysis, duodenal eosinophilia occurs in patients with early satiety.

Diagnostic accuracy of urea breath test for helicobacter pylori infection in children with dyspepsia in comparison to histopathology

ABSTRACT Background - Helicobacter pylori infection is the gram negative bacillus with the close association with chronic antral gastritis. Objective - In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of urea breath test (UBT) with carbon isotope 13 in comparison with histopathology of gastric antrum for detection of H. pylori infection in children with dyspepsia. Methods - This cross-sectional study was performed at specialized laboratory of Shiraz Gastroenterohepatology Research Center and Nemazee Hospital, Iran, during a 12-months period. This study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of UBT in comparison with biopsy-based tests. We included a consecutive selection of 60 children who fulfilled Rome III criteria for dyspepsia. All children were referred for performing UBT with carbon isotope 13 (C13) as well as endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from antrum of stomach and duodenum. The pathologic diagnosis was considered as the standard test. Results - The mean age of the participants was 10.1±2.6 (range 7-17 years). From our total 60 patients, 28 (46.7%) had positive UBT results and 32 (53.3%) had negative UBT results. Pathologic report of 16 (57.1%) out of 28 patients who had positive UBT were positive for H. pylori and 12 (42.9%) ones were negative. Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. Conclusion - Sensitivity and specificity of C13-UBT for detection of H. pylori infection were 76.2% and 69.2% respectively. Another multicenter study from our country is recommended.

RESUMO Contexto - A infecção por Helicobacter pylori, bacilo gram negativo, tem estreita associação com gastrite antral crônica. Objetivo - Neste estudo, avaliou-se a precisão do teste respiratório da urease (UBT) com isótopos de carbono 13 em comparação com a histopatologia do antro gástrico para detecção da infecção por H. pylori em crianças com dispepsia. Métodos - Estudo transversal realizado no laboratório especializado no Centro de Pesquisa Gastroenterológica de Shiraz e do Hospital de Nemazee, Iran, durante um período de 12 meses. Este estudo investigou a sensibilidade, a especificidade e valores preditivos positivos e negativos da UBT em comparação com testes baseados em biópsia. Incluímos uma seleção consecutiva de 60 crianças que preencheram os critérios de Roma III para dispepsia. Todas as crianças foram encaminhadas para a realização de UBT com isótopos de carbono 13 (C13) assim como endoscopia. Biópsias foram tiradas do antro do estômago e duodeno. O diagnóstico patológico era considerado o teste padrão. Resultados - A idade média dos participantes foi 10.1±2.6 (intervalo de 7 a 17 anos). Do nosso total de 60 pacientes, 28 (46,7%) tiveram resultados positivos UBT e 32 (53,3%) tiveram resultados negativos de UBT. Dezesseis (57,1%) de 28 pacientes que tiveram UBT positiva foram H. pylori positivo e 12 (42,9%) foram negativos. A sensibilidade e especificidade do C13-UBT para detecção da infecção por H. pylori foi de 76,2% e 69,2%, respectivamente. Conclusão - A sensibilidade e especificidade do C13-UBT para detecção da infecção por H. pylori foi de 76,2% e 69,2%, respectivamente. Recomenda-se outro estudo multicêntrico de nosso país.

Evaluación del efecto de la Lepidium meyenii “Maca” en la mucosa gástrica en pacientes con dispepsia funcional / Assesing the effect of Lepidium meyenii “Maca” on the gastric mucosa in patients with functional dyspepsia

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto que tiene Lepidium meyenii “Maca” en la histología de la mucosa gástrica en pacientes con dispepsia funcional. Material y métodos: Serie de casos realizado en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en la que se evaluó el efecto de la Maca administrada por cuatro semanas 3 gramos por día en la histopatología gástrica de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y endoscópico de dispepsia funcional. Se evaluó el grado y la profundidad de la inflamación en la lámina propia y el efecto sobre la presencia de H. pylori (en aquellos que tenían la infección), a través de biopsias obtenidas antes y después del tratamiento. Resultados: Se reclutaron 29 pacientes con dispepsia funcional entre el 2010 y 2012. Las biopsias antes y después del tratamiento, revisadas por un solo patólogo, no demostraron cambios significativos en los parámetros histológicos, ni tuvo efecto en la erradicación del H. pylori. Conclusiones: La Maca no produce cambios significativos en la mucosa gástrica ni tiene efecto en la erradicación del H. pylori al ser brindada por cuatro semanas a pacientes con dispepsia funcional.

Objective: The present study was designed to determine the histological effect of Lepidium meyenii “Maca” on the gastric mucosa in patients with functional dyspepsia. Material and methods: This study consists of a clinical case series, in which the effect of Maca on the gastric histopathology of 29 Peruvian patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia was examined. The presence of H. pylori, as well as the degree and depth of the gastric mucosa inflammation was evaluated from biopsies obtained before and after the treatment based solely of Maca 3 grams per day for four weeks. Results: Average values of the degree and depth of mucosal inflammation before and after the treatment were compared showing no statistical difference among the samples. Sixteen patients were infected with H. pylori, and they remained infected after the treatment with Maca. Conclusions: A four week long treatment with Maca does not produce significant changes on gastric mucosa of patients with functional dyspepsia, neither on H. pylori eradication.

Investigation of the association between clinical outcome and the cag pathogenicity-island and other virulence genes of Helicobacter pylori isolates from patients with dyspepsia in Eastern Turkey

The aims of our work were to determine the presence of the cag pathogenicity-island (cag PAI) and other virulence genes of Helicobacter pylori recovered from patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer, and to investigate the correlation of these virulence genes with clinical outcome. The presence of the cagA, the promoter regions of cagA, cagE, cagT, and the left end of cag-PAI (LEC), cag right junction (cagRJ), the plasticity region open reading frames (ORFs), vacA and oipA genes among 69 H. pylori isolates were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Intact cag PAI was detected in only one (1.4%) isolate. The cagA gene was identified in 52.1% and 76.2% of isolates from patients with dyspepsia (gastritis and peptic ulcer), respectively. The plasticity region ORFs i.e. JHP912 and JHP931 were predominantly detected in isolates from peptic ulcer. Less than 25% of the isolates carried other ORFs. Types I, II and III were the most commonly found among the isolates. None of the isolates possessed type Ib, 1c, IIIb, IV and V motifs. The most commonly vacA genotypes were s1am1a and s1m2 in isolates with peptic ulcer and gastritis, respectively. The results confirmed that the prevalence of oipA (Hp0638) gene was 75% and 85.7% in patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer, respectively. Furthermore, vacA s1am1a positivity was significantly related to peptic ulcer (p < 0.05).

Dispepsia: características clínicas, hallazgos endoscópicos e histológicos en pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Perú, durante el año 2010 / Dyspepsia: clinical characteristics, endoscopic and histological findings in patients of the Hospital Nacional Hipolito Unanue, during 2010

Objetivo: Identificar las características clínicas, endoscópicas e histológicas así como su relación con Helicobacter pylori (Hp) en pacientes atendidos con el diagnóstico de dispepsia en nuestro hospital durante el año 2010. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en la población que acudía a nuestro hospital, en el año 2010, tamaño muestral de 300 pacientes. Se evaluaron variables clínicas, histológicas y endoscópicas. Se confeccionó un instrumento de recolección de datos. Utilizamos el paquete estadístico SPSS 15.0. Resultados: Del total, en su mayoría fueron mujeres (63%), la edad media de 42 años, procedentes del distrito de SJL (30%), 50% de origen andino. El 19% presentaba signos de alarma, la baja de peso caracterizó a este grupo (14%), en endoscopía, se observó eritema antral (74,7%), erosiones (32,9%) y nodularidad (22%). El 93% presentó infección por Hp, displasia leve en el 2,7% y atrofia en solo 14,7%.El 98,5% de los pacientes que presentó nodularidad tuvo infección por Hp. Conclusiones: Los síntomas dispépticos frecuentes fueron dolor epigástrico seguido de distensión abdominal, el género femenino lo presentó con mayor frecuencia, signos de alarma fueron poco frecuentes, eritema antral fue la característica más encontrada en las endoscopías. La gastritis crónica moderada fue el diagnóstico anátomo-patológico mas frecuente. La infección por Hp tuvo asociación significativa con nodularidad y eritema antral así como también con actividad de la gastritis.

Objective: To identify clinical, endoscopic and histological characteristics and their relationship with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in patients treated with the diagnosis of dyspepsia in our hospital during 2010. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross sectional and retrospective study in the population attending our hospital during 2010, a sample of 300 patients was studied. We evaluated clinical, histological and endoscopic findings. An instrument of data collection was made. We used the statistical package SPSS 15.0. Results: It was found that the majority were female (63%), while the mean age at diagnosis was 42 years, mostly from SJL district (30%) of these Andean origin (50 %) was the highest percentage. Only 19% showed signs of alarm, low weight characterize this group (14%), the endoscopic findings most commonly found were antral erythema (74.7%), followed by erosions (32.9%) and nodules (22%). Hp infection was found in 93%, mild dysplasia was present in 2.7% and atrophy in only 14.7%. The 98.5% of patients with nodularity on endoscopy had Hp infection. Conclusions: The most frequent dyspeptic symptoms were epigastric pain followed by abdominal distension, the female gender was present more often, the warning signs were rare, antral erythema was the feature most found in endoscopies. Hp infection was significantly associated with some features such as endoscopic antral nodularity and erythema as well as had relation to the activity of gastritis.

Comparison of Quick Lactose Intolerance Test in duodenal biopsies of dyspeptic patients with single nucleotide polymorphism LCT-13910C>T associated with primary hypolactasia/lactase-persistence / Comparação do Teste Quick de Intolerância à Lactose em biópsias duodenais de pacientes dispépticos com polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único LCT-13910C>T associado com hipolactasia primária/lactase persistente

PURPOSE: To analyze the usefulness of Quick Lactose Intolerance Test in relation to the genetic test based on LCT-13910C>T genotypes, previously validated for clinical practice, for primary hypolactasia/lactase-persistence diagnosis. METHODS: Thirty-two dyspeptic patients that underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy entered the study. Two postbulbar duodenal biopsies were taken for the Quick test, and gastric antral biopsy for DNA extraction and LCT-13910C>T polymorphism analysis. DNA was also extracted from biopsies after being used in the Quick Test that was kept frozen until extraction. RESULTS: Nine patients with lactase-persistence genotype (LCT-13910CT or LCT-13910TT) had normolactasia, eleven patients with hypolactasia genotype (LCT-13910CC) had severe hypolactasia, and among twelve with mild hypolactasia, except for one that had LCT-13910CT genotype, all the others had hypolactasia genotype. The agreement between genetic test and quick test was high (p<0.0001; Kappa Index 0.92). Most of the patients that reported symptoms with lactose-containing food ingestion had severe hypolactasia (p<0.05). Amplification with good quality PCR product was also obtained with DNA extracted from biopsies previously used in the Quick Test; thus, for the future studies antral gastric biopsies for genetic test would be unnecessary. CONCLUSION: Quick test is highly sensitive and specific for hypolactasia diagnosis and indicated those patients with symptoms of lactose intolerance.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a aplicabilidade do Teste Quick de Intolerância à Lactose em relação ao teste genético baseado nos genótipos LCT-13910C>T, previamente validado para a prática clínica, para diagnóstico de má digestão primária de lactose/digestão de lactose. MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois pacientes dispépticos submetidos à endoscopia digestiva entraram no estudo. Duas biópsias duodenais pós-bulbares foram empregadas no Teste Quick, e biópsia do antro gástrico para extração de DNA e análise do polimorfismo LCT-13910C>T. DNA também foi extraído de biópsias depois de terem sido usadas no teste Quick, e conservadas congeladas. RESULTADOS: Nove pacientes com genótipo de lactase persistente (LCT-13910CT ou LCT-13910TT) tinham normolactasia, onze pacientes com genótipo de hipolactasia (LCT-13910CC) tinham hipolactasia severa, e entre doze com hipolactasia leve, com exceção de uma que tinha genótipo LCT-13910CT, todos os demais tinham genótipo de hipolactasia. A concordância entre o teste genético e o Quick Teste foi alta (p<0,0001; Índice Kappa=0,92). A maioria dos pacientes que relataram sintomas com ingestão de alimentos com lactose tinham hipolactasia severa (p<0,05). Amplificação com produto de PCR foi obtido com DNA extraído das biópsias usadas no teste Quick; portanto, nos trabalhos futuros seria desnecessário coletar biópsia do antro gástrico para o teste genético. CONCLUSÃO: O Teste Quick é altamente sensível e específico para diagnóstico de hipolactasia e indicou aqueles pacientes com sintomas de intolerância à lactose.

Trastornos funcionales gastrointestinales: metoclopramida, domperidona y trimebutina / Functional gastrointestinal disorders: metoclopramide, domperidone and trimebutine

Muchos de los síntomas digestivos en niños, no están asociados a cambios patológicos, osea, en los trastornos funcionales no hay alteración en la mucosa, como tampoco en la endoscopia. Estas alteraciones son muy amplias, no solamente incluye el reflujo gastroesofágico. Los procinéticos aumentan la actividad colinérgica. La metoclopramida, es un antagonista dopaminérgico que aumenta el tono del esfínter esofágico inferior y mejora el vaciamiento gástrico. La domperidona, es un antagonista periférico de la dopamina con propiedades procinéticas y antieméticas. La trimetutina, es un regulador de la motilidad del tracto digestivo inferior.

Many of the gastrointestinal symptoms in children are not associated with pathological changes, that is, in functional disorders there is no alteration in the mucosa, nor in endoscopy. These changes are extensive, not only includes gastroesophageal reflux. Prokinetics increase cholinergic activity. Metoclopramide is a dopaminergic antagonist that increases lower esophageal sphincter tone and enhances gastric emptying. Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic properties. Trimetubine, is a regulator of the lower digestive tract motility.

Comparison of enzyme immunoassays detecting Helicobacter pylori specific IgG in serum and saliva with endoscopic and biopsy findings in patients with dyspepsia.

Purpose: To compare the performance of two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) detecting Helicobacter pylori (HP)-specific IgG antibodies in serum and saliva with endoscopic observations and histologic findings of biopsies from dyspeptic patients, in an area of high HP prevalence. Materials and Methods : Sera, saliva and antral biopsies were obtained from 55 dyspeptic patients. IgG antibodies against HP were assayed in sera and saliva utilizing two indirect ELISAs. Biopsies were processed according to standard procedures in order to detect histological changes and the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori. Laboratory data thus obtained were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Forty-two (76.36%) biopsies were positive for HP. The organisms were detected in 4 of 16 (25%) cases with normal endoscopic findings, in all 16 cases of gastritis and in 22 of the 23 (95.6%) cases of duodenal ulcers (DU). Serum and saliva HP-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 4 normal cases with positive biopsies, in 12 and 14 cases of gastritis, respectively, and in all 22 (100%) biopsy positive cases of DU. The sensitivities of the serum and saliva tests were 90.5% and 95%, respectively, while the specificities were 84.5% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to their high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing HP-associated DU and gastritis, serum and saliva antibody testing seems to offer a valuable alternative to invasive procedures especially in areas of high HP prevalence such as ours; saliva antibody testing is simple and practical especially in children and in difficult patients who resent venipuncture.

Achados histopatológicos gástricos em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com dispepsia e infecção por Helicobacter pylori / Gastric histopathological findings in Brazilian dyspeptic children and adolescents with helicobacter pylori infection

Avaliar as características histopatológicas da mucosa gástrica, duodenal e esofágica de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros infectados por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) e submetidas à endoscopia digestiva alta para investigar dispepsia crônica. As correlações entre variáveis clínicas e histopatológicas também foram analisadas. Foi realizado estudo prospectivo de biópsias do trato gastrointestinal superior (mucosa gástrica, duodenal e esofágica) em crianças e adolescentes de 4 a 17 anos de idade. A análise histopatológica foi realizada com coloração por Hematoxilina & Eosina, as lesões gástricas e duodenais foram classificadas de acordo com o Sistema Sydney atualizado e a intensidade da esofagite foi graduada. O estudo incluiu um grupo de crianças infectadas por H. pylori (Hp+), com resultados positivos para dois testes (teste da urease e histologia) e um grupo de não infectadas (Hp-). Utilizou-se teste de Mann-Whitney, Qui-Quadrado, exato de Fisher e correlação de Spearman, sendo p<0,05 considerado significativo. Foram estudadas 185 crianças dispépticas (idade 9.5±2.7 anos), 63,2% (117/185) do sexo feminino, 96 (51,8%) H. pylori positivos (Hp+) e 89 (48,2%) H. pylori negativos (Hp-). O grupo Hp+ foi significativamente mais velho (9.9±2.8 anos) do que o grupo Hp- (9.0±2.6 anos) (p=0,02). Não houve diferença entre a proporção de sintomas entre os grupos Hp+ e Hp-. Não foram encontradas úlcera gástrica ou duodenal durante o procedimento endoscópico. Gastrite crônica ativa moderada/grave esteve presente em 70,5% das biópsias do antro e em 45,2% das biópsias do corpo no grupo Hp+, com intensidade significativamente maior no antro do que no corpo (p<0,05)...

To evaluate the histopathological features of the gastric, duodenal and esophageal mucosa from Brazilian children and adolescents infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to investigate chronic dyspepsia. The correlations between clinical and histopathological variables were also analyzed. A prospective study of biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastric, duodenal and esophageal mucosa) was performed on children and adolescents 4 to 17 years-old. The histopathological analysis was performed on Hematoxylin-and-Eosin-stained slides, the gastric and duodenal lesions were graded according to the updated Sydney System and the intensity of esophagitis was recorded. The study included one group of H. pylori infected children (Hp+), with positive results for two tests (rapid urease test and histology) and one uninfected group (Hp-). Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Fisher exact test and Spearman rank correlation were performed and p<0.05 considered significant. We studied 185 dyspeptic children (age 9.5±2.7 years), 63.2% (117/185) female, 96 (51.8 %) H. pylori positive (Hp+) and 89 (48.2%) H. pylori negative (Hp-). H. pylori-positive were significantly older (9.9±2.8 years) than Hp- (9.0±2.6 years) (p=0.02). There was no difference among the proportion of symptoms between Hp+ and Hp- groups. Gastric or duodenal ulcers were not found during the endoscopic procedure. Moderate/severe chronic active gastritis was present in 70,5% of antrum biopsies and in 45,2% of corpus biopsies in the Hp+ group, with significantly higher grading in antrum than in corpus (p<0.05)...

changing pattern of upper gastro-lntestinal lesions in southern Saudi Arabia: an endoscopic study

Dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder and is the most common indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy [UGIE]. In recent years, it has been observed in several centers that there is a change in the causes of dyspepsia as revealed by UGIE. Our main objectives were: [1] To study the pattern of upper gastrointestinal pathology in patients with dyspepsia undergoing upper endoscopy; [2] Compare that with the pattern seen 10-15 years earlier in different areas of KSA. Retrospective study of all UGI endoscopies performed at Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Southern Saudi Arabia during the years 2005-2007 on patients above 13 years of age. Patients who underwent UGIE for reasons other than dyspepsia were excluded. The analysis was performed using the SPSS 14 statistical package. A total of 1, 607 patients underwent UGI endoscopy during the three-year study period [age range, 15-100]. There were 907 males [56.4%] and 700 female [43.6%]. Normal findings were reported on 215 patients [14%] and the majority had gastritis [676 = 42%], of whom 344 had gastritis with ulcer disease. Moreover, 242 patients [15%] had gastro-esophageal reflux [GERD], with or without esophagitis or hiatus hernia. Also, a total of 243 patients had duodenal ulcer [DU] [15%] while only 12 had gastric ulcer [0.7%]. There is clear change in the frequency of UGIE lesions detected recently compared to a decade ago with an increasing prevalence of reflux esophagitis and hiatus hernia. This could be attributed to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits such as more consumption of fat and fast food, increased prevalence of obesity, and smoking. These problems should be addressed in order to minimize the serious complications of esophageal diseases

Could gastric histology be a useful marker for making decision on Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in patients with dyspepsia? / É a histologia gástrica um marcador útil na decisão de erradicar o Helicobacter pylori nos pacientes com dispepsia?

CONTEXT: It still remains an open debate whether Helicobacter pylori eradication is beneficial or not for the improvement of symptoms in functional dyspepsia. Differences in geographic distribution, the worldwide H. pylori genetic variability and the fact that the outcome of infection is strongly related to the virulence of the infecting strain are factors that might be driving ongoing controversies. OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between gastric histology and H. pylori serology status in patients with dyspepsia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study where 40 consecutive dyspeptic patients (28 women and 12 men, mean age 48.5 years) with endoscopically normal stomachs were selected from the endoscopy unit at a university hospital in Recife, PE, Northeast of Brazil, between March 1998 and July 1999. Patients underwent gastric mucosal biopsy and serological tests (anti-Hp and anti-CagA antibodies). Gastric biopsies were examined using H-E and Giemsa stains and gastritis was classified and graded (mild, moderate or severe) according to "the updated Sydney System - Houston, 1994". RESULTS: Among 40 patients with dyspepsia the gastric histology revealed that about » had moderate (25 percent) or severe (2.5 percent) gastritis. This subgroup of patients also had a greater positive frequency of anti-Hp (100 percent vs 41 percent; P = 0.0005) and anti-CagA (91 percent vs 58 percent; P = 0.09) antibodies when compared with those with normal histology (27.5 percent) or mild gastritis (45 percent). CONCLUSION: Since upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is part of the functional dyspepsia investigation and serology for anti-CagA antibody is not available in daily clinical practice, by biopsying gastric mucosa we would only be able to selectively apply H. pylori eradication therapy for those with histology that best correlate with virulent infecting strains (moderate or severe gastritis) - around » of our study patients with dyspepsia.

CONTEXTO: O benefício da terapia de erradicação do H. pylori como parte do tratamento da dispepsia funcional ainda é uma questão em aberto. Diferenças na distribuição geográfica, a ampla variabilidade genética e o fato de que a expressão clínica da infecção está fortemente relacionada com a virulência das cepas infectantes, são fatores que provavelmente guiam as controvérsias. OBJETIVO: Estudar a correlação entre histologia gástrica e sorologia para H. pylori em doentes com dispepsia. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo-transversal com 40 pacientes consecutivos com sintomas dispépticos (28 mulheres e 12 homens, média de idade de 48,5 anos) e achado endoscópico de estômago normal, selecionados a partir da sala de endoscopia (Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE.) entre março de 1998 e julho de 1999. Todos foram submetidos a biopsias gástricas e testes sorológicos (anti-Hp e anti-CagA). As biopsias foram analisadas pelos métodos de H-E e Giemsa e os achados de gastrite classificados de acordo com o Sistema Sydney atualizado. RESULTADOS: A histologia dos 40 pacientes revelou que cerca de » apresentava gastrite moderada (25 por cento) ou severa (2,5 por cento). Esse grupo também apresentava maior frequência de positividade anti-Hp (100 por cento vs 41 por cento; P = 0,0005) e anti-CagA (91 por cento vs 58 por cento; P = 0,09) quando comparado com os casos com histologia normal (27,5 por cento) ou gastrite leve (45 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Considerando que a endoscopia digestiva alta é parte da rotina de investigação da dispepsia funcional e que a sorologia anti-CagA não está disponível na prática clínica diária, através da histologia pode-se selecionar e aplicar terapia de erradicação do H. pylori apenas para os casos que muito provavelmente estão associados a cepas patogênicas de H. pylori (doentes com gastrite moderada ou severa) - cerca de » da presente amostra.

Compactação primária do abomaso em 14 bovinos no estado de Pernambuco / Primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil

Apesar de forragens grosseiras e secas serem empregadas comumente na alimentação de vacas em várias regiões, especialmente durante o período seco, a compactação primária do abomaso tem sido pouco relatada no Brasil, provavelmente pela dificuldade de diagnóstico dos veterinários de campo. Este trabalho objetivou realizar um estudo retrospectivo sobre a compactação primária do abomaso em 14 bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco. Oito casos considerados moderados, sem grave distensão abdominal e sem compactação do rúmen, foram tratados conservativamente e quatro casos graves, com severa distensão abdominal e compactação do rúmen, foram tratados cirurgicamente. Um touro foi encaminhado para abate e uma vaca morreu antes de receber qualquer tratamento. O maior número de casos de compactação do abomaso ocorreu em bovinos da raça Holandesa com seis casos (42,9 por cento), seguido por animais mestiços com cinco casos (35,8 por cento) e as raças Pardo-Suiça, Nelore e Marchigiana com um caso cada (21,3 por cento). A composição da alimentação oferecida caracterizou-se por conter fibra de baixa qualidade e variou bastante dentre os casos. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentes foram comportamento apático, desidratação, timpanismo ruminal associado à hipomotilidade, distensão abdominal, hipomotilidade intestinal e fezes escassas ou ausentes com presença de muco. Os achados hematológicos revelaram, na maioria dos casos, leucocitose por neutrofilia e hiperfibrinogenemia. Na análise do fluido ruminal havia comprometimento da dinâmica da flora e fauna microbiana, e elevação no teor de cloreto. O índice de recuperação clínica (4/8) e cirúrgica (2/4) observado neste estudo foi de 50 por cento. As condutas clínica e cirúrgica permanecem como opções viáveis para o tratamento das compactações leves e severas, entretanto o prognóstico é considerado reservado, principalmente quando associado à gestação avançada.

Despite the frequent use of dry and fibrous roughage for feeding cows in many regions, especially during the dry season, impaction of the abomasum has been poorly reported in Brazil, probably because the condition is misdiagnosed by practitioners. The present paper aimed to accomplish a retrospective study on primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. Eight moderate cases, without severe abdominal distention and with no rumen compaction, were treated conservatively, and four severe cases, with severe abdominal distention and rumen compaction, were treated surgically. One bull was slaughtered and one cow died without treatment. The greater number of abomasal impaction cases was in Holstein cows with six cases (42.9 percent), followed by crossbred cattle with five cases (35.8 percent), and the breeds Brown-Swiss, Nelore and Marchigiana, each with one case (21.3 percent). The food composition was characterized by low quality fibers and varied greatly among cases. Most frequent clinical signs were apathy, dehydration, hypomotility and ruminal bloat, intestinal hypomotility and scanty or absent feces with mucus. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hyperfibrinogenemia in most cases. Ruminal fluid analysis showed compromised flora and fauna dynamics and increased chlorine ion concentration. Clinical (4/8) and chirurgical (2/4) recovery rate achieved 50 percent. The clinical and chirurgical methods remain as viable options for the treatment of light and severe impaction, but the prognosis is always reserved especially when associated to late pregnancy.

Percepción popular y profesional del significado del vocablo empacho / Popular and professional perception of the meaning of the word

Con el objetivo de establecer los criterios populares y profesionales sobre el significado del vocablo empacho, sus semejanzas y divergencias, se realizaron dos investigaciones exploratorias paralelas en el período comprendido entre agosto de 2005 y diciembre de 2006. En la dimensión popular se definió como universo la totalidad de habitantes del municipio de Holguín y se obtuvo una muestra intencional de 158 personas mayores de 18 años de edad y dispuestas a cooperar. El universo profesional, por su parte, comprendió el total de pediatras, así como de cirujanos y gastroenterólogos que atienden pacientes adultos en los tres hospitales provinciales del territorio. Ambas muestras, intencionadas, incluyeron 17 pediatras y 10 gastroenterólogos, respectivamente, quienes laboran con adultos, todos con 10 años o más de experiencia profesional y en la atención a pacientes que refirieron padecer un empacho. La definición más frecuente en el criterio popular fue ®parálisis de la digestión¼, seguida por la de ®indigestión¼. La mayoría de los pedíatras identificaron el empacho con la indigestión. Los gastroenterólogos también seleccionaron la indigestión y, junto a ella, "un trastorno con marcada disminución de la motilidad gástrica". En este último caso se aprecia una mayor semejanza con los criterios populares que asocian el término empacho con una parálisis de la digestión.

In oder to establish the popular and professional criteria of the meaning of the word empacho, their similarities and divergences, two exploratory and parallel investigations were carried out from August, 2005, to December 2006. In the popular dimension, all the inhabitants of Holguín municipality were considered as the universe, and an intentional sample of 158 people over 18, ready to cooperate, was selected. On the other hand, the professional universe was composed of all the pediatricians, surgeons and gastroenterologists who give attention to adult patients in the three provincial hospitals of the territory. Both intended samples included 17 pediatricians and 10 gastroenterologists, respectively. All of them had more than 10 years of professional experience, and had seen patients suffering from empacho. The most frequent definition in the popular criterion was "paralysis of the digestion", followed by "indigestion". Most the pediatricians identified the empacho with the word indigestion. The gastroenterologists also selected indigestion and, together with it, "a disorder with marked reduction of the gastric motility". In this case, it is observed a greater similarity with the popular criteria that associates the term empacho with a paralysis of digestion.

Utilización de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa para le detección y genotificación de Helicobacter pylori gástricas incluidas en parafina: un estudio retrospectivo / Utilization of polymerase chain reaction for detection and genotyping of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy using paraffin: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is presumed to be the major causal agent of chronic active gastritis in humans. The persistent infection with this pathogen would be an important factor in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer and also gastric cancer. METHODS: We investigated relationship between H. pylori characteristics in 42 patients with normal mucosa or gastritis with minor changes and 40 patients with mild and severe gastritis. Detection and typing of vacA and cagA genes were performed using a polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The analysis of vacA prevalence and the type (S1 or S2) showed non-significant differences between the two groups studied (p > 0.05). However, cagA analysis showed highly significant differences between the groups classified as normal tissue-weak gastritis and mild-severe gastritis (p < 0.0001; OR = 8.4; CI = 3.1-22.8). CONCLUSIONS: cagA status is associated to the grade of gastritis, finding higher frequencies of H. pylori cagA+ in the moderate-severe gastritis group. These highly significant differences could make cagA status a genetic marker for disease progress.

Predicting ulcer disease in dyspeptic patients by H. Pylori testing rather than endoscopy

To validate accuracy of the Rapid Blood Test [RBT] in predicting peptic ulcer disease in dyspeptic patients. Rationale: Most patients with dyspepsia have no pathology at endoscopy, thus are exposed to unjustified risk, cost, and inconvenience associated with this invasive assessment. Setting: Medical World Polyclinic and Dar Al-Shefa Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. Patients: One hundred patients with ulcer- like dyspepsia. All patients underwent a RBT followed by endoscopy with antral biopsies for histology and urease slide test [CLO test]. Sixty-five% of the patients were "gold standard" H. pylori positive [positive CLO test, positive histology], 30% were "gold standard" negative [negative CLO test, negative histology], and 5% had conflicting CLO test and histology results. Patients with peptic ulcer disease included 31% of all dyspeptic patients, 42% of H pylori-infected patients, and 7% of non-infected individuals. RBT could determine H. pylori status with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 77%. Positive and negative predictive values of the test were 89% and 79% respectively. In predicting peptic ulcer disease, RBT was sensitive in 93% of patients and specific in 41%. Positive and negative predictive values of the test were 41% and 93% respectively. Conclusions: RBT is reliable in determining H. pylori status. However, we cannot predict the development of peptic ulcer disease merely on the presence or absence of H. pylori

Comparative analysis of duodenal biopsy tissue orientation supported on vegetable matrix versus filter paper.

BACKGROUND: Biopsy tissue may get disoriented if filter paper is used as a supporting medium. Use of vegetable matrix (cucumber) as a supporting medium may obviate the need of lifting the tissue while making blocks and thus avoid disorientation that occurs during this step. OBJECTIVE: To compare the orientation of duodenal biopsy tissue supported on vegetable matrix (cucumber) and on filter paper. METHODS: Over one year, 40 patients (20 with large-volume diarrhea, 20 with dyspepsia) were included in the study. Two pairs of duodenal biopsy tissues were obtained during gastroscopy; one pair was placed on filter paper, the other on vegetable matrix. Tissue and vegetable matrix were embedded together while making blocks, whereas the tissue had to be lifted off in case of filter paper. Sections were stained and assessed for crypt-villous alignment, parallel orientation of crypts and presence of visible muscularis mucosae with the help of a scoring system. RESULTS: Compared to biopsy tissue supported on filter paper, vegetable matrix-supported tissues were better oriented. Scores were rated as bad, good and very good in 8, 11 and 21 vegetable matrix-mounted tissues and in 21, 11 and 8 filter paper-mounted tissues, respectively. CONCLUSION: Duodenal biopsy tissue supported on vegetable matrix (cucumber) is better oriented than that on filter paper.

Role of Helicobacter pylori in gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND. Helicobacter pylori infection has recently been incriminated in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma and chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are considered to be precursors of this condition. Although the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in India is high that of gastric carcinoma is low. We, therefore, decided to examine the association between Helicobacter pylori, intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma in a prospective study. METHODS. Fifty patients with carcinoma of the stomach and 50 with non-ulcer dyspepsia underwent upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and had biopsies from the antrum, body and carcinomatous tissue. In 12 cases of gastric carcinoma, tissue was obtained from resected specimens at operation. The types of gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and presence of Helicobacter pylori were assessed by staining with haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff reagent with alcian blue and Warthin-Starry stains. RESULTS. The incidence of chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori were 82%, 36% and 38% in patients with carcinoma and 86%, 4% and 68% in those with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Helicobacter pylori positivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and intestinal metaplasia significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia than in those with carcinoma. Of the 50 cases with carcinoma, 28 were of the intestinal and 22 of the diffuse type. The incidence of chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori in the intestinal type of carcinoma was 71%, 46% and 39% while in the diffuse type it was 32%, 23% and 36%. The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection did not differ significantly in the two types of carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS. We have found that although Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis are common in Indians, the incidence of intestinal metaplasia is low. Helicobacter pylori infection was equally common in both the intestinal and diffuse type of gastric carcinomas. Our findings, therefore, cast doubt on the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric carcinogenesis.