Actinomicosis esofágica en pacientes con infección por VIH / Esophageal actinomycosis in patients with HIV infection

La patología esofágica es común en pacientes con VIH, frecuentemente debido a Candida, citomegalovirus o virus herpes simple. Sin embargo, la actinomicosis esofágica es una infección rara, incluso en pacientes con infección VIH. Reportamos el caso en un paciente varón de 33 años, con diagnóstico reciente de VIH que acudió a consulta por fiebre, odinofagia, disfagia y dolor retroesternal. La endoscopia digestiva alta evidenció múltiples úlceras esofágicas y el informe histopatológico de la biopsia esofágica describió una esofagitis crónica con presencia de colonias de bacilos PAS positivos, compatibles con Actinomyces, iniciando tratamiento antimicrobiano con evolución favorable. Aunque es una enfermedad no común, cerca de un tercio de los casos de actinomicosis esofágica se presentan en pacientes con infección VIH, y es preciso el estudio endoscópico con toma de biopsia para definir el diagnóstico y manejo apropiado.

Esophageal pathology is common in patients with HIV, frequently due to Candida, cytomegalovirus or herpes virus. However, esophageal actinomycosis is a rare infection, even in patients with HIV. We report the case of a 33-year-old male patient, with a recent diagnosis of HIV who was admitted for fever, odynophagia, dysphagia and retrosternal pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy evidenced multiple esophageal ulcers and the histopathological report of the esophageal biopsy described a chronic esophagitis with colonies of PAS positive bacilli, compatible with Actinomyces, initiating favorable antimicrobial therapy. Although it is an uncommon disease, about one-third of cases of esophageal actinomycosis occur in patients with HIV infection, and endoscopic biopsies are required to define diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Relationship between esophagitis grades and helicobacter pylori / Relação entre graus de esofagite e o helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT Background: The Helicobacter pylori infection (HP) is related to the development of gastric lesions and lymphoma; however, it is not known if there is a relation with gastroesophageal reflux disease and reflux esophagitis. Aim: To evaluate HP's relationship with esophagitis in patients undergoing upper endoscopy. Methods: Observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study, being evaluated 9576 patients undergoing outpatient endoscopic examination during the period between January and December 2015. Were included patients with any esophageal alteration at the examination; greater than 18; of both genders; independent of the complaint or the reason for the examination, illness or drug use. Were excluded those with active bleeding during the examination and in use of anticoagulants. The variables gender, age, esophagitis and result of the urease test, were studied. For statistical analysis was used the Epi Info software 7.1.5.2. Results: Most of the samples consisted of women and the overall average age was 46.54±16.32 years. The presence of infection was balanced for gender: 1204 (12.56%) women and 952 (13.92%) men. Relating degree of esophagitis HP- and HP+ was observed that the type A was the most common (58.79%, n=1460); 604 (24.32%) had grade B; 334 (13.45%) grade C, and 85 (3.42%) grade D. In the relation between the grade of esophagitis with gender, esophagitis A was predominant in women and present in 929 (63.33%), followed by type B, 282 (46.68%), 136 C (40.71%) and D 30 (35.29%). In men 531 (36.36%) showed type A, 322 (53.31%) B, 198 (59.28%) C, and 55 (64.70%) D. Among the groups 40-50 and over 60 years there was a significant difference in whether have or not have HP+. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between HP infection and the different grades of esophagitis.

RESUMO Racional: A infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori (HP) é relacionada com o desenvolvimento de lesões e linfoma gástricos; porém, ainda não se sabe ao certo se há relação dele com a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e esofagite de refluxo. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do HP com as esofagites em pacientes submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e transversal, sendo avaliados 9576 pacientes submetidos ao exame endoscópico ambulatorial durante o período compreendido entre janeiro e dezembro de 2015. Foram incluídos pacientes que apresentaram alguma alteração esofágica ao exame; maiores que 18 anos; de ambos os gêneros; independente da queixa ou da razão para a realização do exame, doença ou uso de medicamentos. Excluíram-se os com sangramento ativo durante o exame e em uso de anticoagulantes. Foram avaliadas as variáveis gênero, idade, esofagite e resultado do teste da urease. Para a análise estatística utilizou-se o software Epi Info 7.1.5.2. Resultados: A maioria das amostras foi composta por mulheres e a idade média geral foi de 46,54±16,32 anos. A presença da infecção foi equilibrada para a variável gênero: 1204 (12,56%) mulheres e 952 (13,92%) homens. Relacionando os graus da esofagite com HP+ e HP- observou-se que o tipo A foi o mais comum (58,79% da amostra, n=1460), que 604 (24,32%) possuíam o grau B; 334 (13,45%) o grau C e 85 (3,42%) o grau D. Já na relação entre os graus de esofagite com o gênero, a esofagite A foi predominante nas mulheres e presente em 929 (63,33%), seguido pelo tipo B, com 282 (46,68%), C com 136 (40,71%) e D com 30 (35,29%) mulheres. Nos homens 531 (36,36%) apresentam o tipo A, 322 (53,31%) o B, 198 (59,28%) o C e 55 (64,70%) o D. Entre os grupos de 40 a 50 anos e acima de 60 anos houve diferença significativa em ter ou não HP+. Conclusão: Não há diferença significativa entre infecção por HP nos diferentes graus de esofagite.

Relationship between the presence of helicobacter pylori with inflammatory endoscopic changes in gastroduodenal mucosa / Relação entre a presença do helicobacter pylori com alterações endoscópicas inflamatórias na mucosa gastroduodenal

ABSTRACT Background: The influence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in inflammatory disorders of the digestive mucosa has been the subject of several studies since socioeconomic, personal and environmental factors were implicated in the bacteria transmission. Aim: To correlate the inflammatory endoscopic findings with HP infection and the onset of mucosal diseases mucous of the upper digestive tract. Method: Comparative observational study, in which were collected data from 2247 patients who underwent upper endoscopy and biopsies for HP with urease test. The patients were divided into two groups: HP+ and HP- (control) in which endoscopic findings were observed for the following changes: esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, gastritis, erosive gastritis, gastric ulcer, bulboduodenitis, bulbar ulcer and without disease. Results: As for esophagitis, there was little disparity in the distribution favorable to HP+ group (HP+ =67.11% and HP- =69.89%) and esophageal ulcer (HP+ =0% and HP- =0, 21%). Gastritis was favorable to HP- group (HP+ =78.34% and HP- =73.63%), as well as erosive gastritis (HP+ = 67,11% and HP- = 64,55%), in bulboduodenitis (HP+ =1,87% and HP- 1,23%), in gastric ulcer (HP+ =2,14% and HP- =2,03%) and in the absence of alterations in the HP+ group (4.81%) with the HP- control group (6,30%), in which there was little disproportion in favor of HP- group, but without statistical significance. As for the bulbar ulcer (HP +=10.16% and HP- =4.48%), there was statistically significant (p=0.00001). Conclusion: There is no difference between HP+ and HP- groups in inflammatory changes in endoscopic gastroduodenal mucosa, except for the relationship between HP and bulbar ulcer.

RESUMO Racional: A influência do Helicobacter pylori (HP) nas alterações inflamatórias das mucosas digestivas tem sido objeto de vários estudos uma vez que fatores socioeconômicos, pessoais e ambientais são implicados na transmissão da bactéria, facilitando-a. Objetivo: Relacionar os achados inflamatórios endoscópicos com a infecção pelo HP e o aparecimento de doenças mucosas do trato digestivo alto. Método: Estudo observacional comparativo, o qual foram coletados dados de 2247 pacientes submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta e biópsias para HP com teste de urease. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: HP+ e o controle HP-dentro dos quais foram observados os achados endoscópicos referentes às seguintes alterações: esofagite, úlcera esofágica, gastrite, gastrite erosiva, úlcera gástrica, bulboduodenite, úlcera bulbar e sem doença. Resultados: Quanto à esofagite, observou-se pequena desproporção na distribuição, favorável ao grupo HP+ (HP+ =67,11% e HP- =69,89%) bem como na úlcera esofágica (HP+ =0% e HP- =0,21%). Na gastrite foi favorável ao grupo HP- (HP+ =78.34% e HP- =73.63%), assim como na gastrite erosiva (HP+ = 67,11% e HP- = 64,55%), na bulboduodenite (HP+ = 1,87% e HP- 1,23%), na úlcera gástrica (HP+ =2,14% e HP- =2,03%) e na ausência de alterações no grupo HP+ (4.81%) com o grupo controle HP- (6,30%), nos quais há pequena desproporção favorável ao grupo HP-, porém, sem significância estatística. Já quanto à úlcera bulbar (HP+ =10,16% e HP- =4,48%), houve significância estatística (p=0,00001). Conclusão: Não há diferenciação entre os grupos HP+ e HP- nas alterações endoscópicas inflamatórias na mucosa gastroduodenal, exceto para a relação entre HP e úlcera bulbar.

Menor prevalencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori observada en pacientes con esofagitis erosiva / Lower prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection observed in patients with erosive esophagitis

Objetivos: Investigar la prevalencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori y el tipo histológico de gastritis que presentan los pacientes con esofagitis erosiva confirmada por endoscopía. Contrastar estos resultados con los de un grupo control sin esofagitis. Materiales y métodos: Estudio realizado con recolección prospectiva de datos en una clínica privada de Lima, Perú. En cada paciente y control se tomaron 2 biopsias del antro gástrico, 2 del cuerpo y 2 muestras para el test de la ureasa. Si alguna de estas pruebas era positiva para helicobacter se consideraba al paciente infectado. Se determinó el tipo de gastritis en las biopsias. Resultados: Ingresaron al estudio 140 pacientes adultos con esofagitis, edad promedio 48 años, 69% varones y 140 controles pareados por edad y sexo. La prevalencia de infección por helicobacter fue menor en los pacientes con esofagitis (27 vs 44% p=0,004). Los pacientes infectados mostraron menor riesgo de presentar esofagitis: OR: 0,48 IC95% (0,28 - 0,82) No se demostró diferencias en el tipo histológico de gastritis, pero si hubo una mayor proporción de pacientes con histología gástrica normal en el grupo con esofagitis (44 vs 31% p= 0,036). En 16 pacientes la esofagitis erosiva se desarrolló “de novo” luego de la erradicación del helicobacter. Conclusiones: Se demostró una menor prevalencia de infección por helicobacter y una mayor proporción de biopsias gástricas normales en los pacientes con esofagitis erosiva.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection and the histological type of gastritis in patients with erosive esophagitis and compare these findings with a control group without esophagitis. Materials and methods: Prospective study in the settings of a private clinic in Lima, Peru. Each esophagitis and control patient had two biopsies taken from the antrum, two from the corpus as well as two additional samples for the ureasa (CLO) test. If any of the samples was positive for helicobacter, the patient was considered infected. The histological type of gastritis was assessed in the biopsies. Results: 140 adult patients (69% males, mean age 48 years) with endoscopically proven esophagitis and 140 control cases, matched by age and sex, were included. A lower prevalence of helicobacter infection was found in the esophagitis group (27 vs. 44% p= 0.004). The risk for esophagitis was also lower in the patients with helicobacter OR: 0.48 IC95% (0.28 - 0.82. A higher percentage of normal gastric histology was found in the patients with esophagitis (44 vs. 31% p= 0.036). In 16 patients the erosive esophagitis was developed “de novo”, after the eradication of helicobacter. Conclusions: A lower prevalence of helicobacter infection and a higher percentage of normal gastric mucosa were found in patients with endoscopic proven erosive esophagitis.

Neither genotype nor the gastric colonization site of Helicobacter pylori are predictive factors for the development of erosive esophagitis in patients with peptic ulcer disease, 1 year after eradication / O genótipo e o local no estômago de isolamento do Helicobacter pylori em pacientes com úlcera péptica não são fatores preditivos para o desenvolvimento de esofagite erosiva 1 ano após a erradicação da bactéria

CONTEXT: Whether Helicobacter pylori infection is a protective or predisposing factor for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease remains controversial. The most virulent strains, such as those expressing the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), and the site of gastric colonization have been correlated with the prevention or development of esophagitis. AIM: To determine the incidence of erosive esophagitis following eradication of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer disease and to evaluate the association of erosive esophagitis with virulent strains of H. pylori and the site of gastric colonization. METHODS: Triple therapy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin was administered to 159 patients with peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopy, histopathology, urease and carbon-14 urea breath tests were performed prior to treatment, at 3 months and 1 year following treatment. Genotyping of H. pylori strains using polymerase chain reaction was performed separately on samples from the corpus and antrum. RESULTS: One year after treatment, 148 successfully treated patients were reevaluated. Twenty-eight patients (19 percent) had erosive esophagitis, classified as Los Angeles grade A in 24 and B in 4. The samples taken from the corpus were CagA-positive in 18 patients (64 percent), while the samples taken from the antrum were CagA-positive in 21 patients (75 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of erosive esophagitis in peptic ulcer patients who had their H. pylori eradicated was 19 percent. No correlation was found between the gastric site colonized by H. pylori or strains expressing CagA and the prevention or development of erosive esophagitis in patients with peptic ulcer disease, 1 year after infection eradication.

CONTEXTO: É controverso se a infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori é um fator de proteção ou de predisposição para o desenvolvimento da doença de refluxo gastroesofágico. Cepas mais virulentas tais como as que expressam a citotoxina CagA e o local no estômago de infecção pela bactéria, podem estar correlacionados com a prevenção ou desenvolvimento de esofagite. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a incidência de esofagite erosiva após a erradicação do H. pylori em pacientes com úlcera péptica e a sua associação com a virulência das cepas da bactéria e o local no estômago de seu isolamento. MÉTODOS: Um tratamento tríplice com lansoprazol, amoxicilina e claritromicina foi administrado a 159 pacientes com úlcera péptica. Endoscopia digestiva alta, exame histológico, teste rápido da urease e o teste respiratório de uréia com carbono-14 foram realizados antes, 3 meses e 1 ano após o tratamento. A genotipagem das cepas do H. pylori por meio de PCR foi realizada separadamente em amostras obtidas da mucosa do corpo e do antro gástricos. RESULTADOS: Um ano após o tratamento, 148 pacientes curados da infecção foram avaliados: 28 (19 por cento) apresentavam esofagite erosiva, 24 com grau A da classificação de Los Angeles e 4 com grau B. Nas amostras obtidas da mucosa do corpo gástrico, a citotoxina CagA foi positiva em 18 (64 por cento) pacientes com esofagite erosiva, enquanto que nas amostras obtidas do antro gástrico, a citotoxina CagA foi positiva em 21 (75 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de esofagite erosiva em pacientes com doença péptico-ulcerosa foi de 19 por cento. Não houve correlação entre o local de isolamento no estômago ou as cepas CagA-positivas do H. pylori e a proteção ou o desenvolvimento de esofagite erosiva, em pacientes com úlcera péptica, 1 ano depois da erradicação da bactéria.

Candida esophagitis: species distribution and risk factors for infection / Esofagite por Candida: distribuição da espécie e fatores de risco para a infecção

Although Candida albicans is the main cause of fungal esophagitis, other species such as C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. stellatoidea have also been implicated. Several studies have identified risk factors for C. albicans esophagitis. However, data for non-C. albicans species is still sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of Candida esophagitis in our medical centre over an 18-month period. Additionally, we aimed to investigate predisposing conditions for esophageal candidosis caused by different Candida species. A total of 21,248 upper gastroscopies were performed in Santa Casa Complexo Hospitalar between January 2005 and July 2006. The prevalence of Candida esophagitis was 0.74 percent (n = 158). C. albicans caused the vast majority of infections (96.2 percent), followed by C. tropicalis (2.5 percent), C. lusitaniae (0.6 percent) and C. glabrata (0.6 percent). There were 81 women (51.3 percent) and 77 men (48.7 percent). No case of mixed infection occurred. Concomitant oral candidosis was documented for 10.8 percent (n = 17). Most of cases (55.1 percent) involved outpatients. Around one fifth of patients in our cohort had no identifiable risk factors for esophageal candidosis (20.8 percent). Since nearly all infections were caused by C. albicans we were not able to determine risk factors for esophagitis caused by other Candida species.

Embora Candida albicans seja a principal causa de esofagite fúngica, outras espécies como C. tropicalis, C. krusei e C. stellatoidea também têm sido implicadas. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever espécies causadoras de esofagite fúngica em nosso centro durante um período de 18 meses, além de comparar condições predisponentes para candidose esofágica causadas por diferentes espécies de Candida. De janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2006, 21.248 endoscopias digestivas altas foram realizadas no Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa (Porto Alegre, Brasil). A prevalência de esofagite por Candida foi de 0,74 por cento (n = 158). C. albicans foi a causadora da maioria das infecções (96,2 por cento), seguida por C. tropicalis (2,5 por cento), C. lusitaniae (0,6 por cento) e C. glabrata (0,6 por cento). Candidose oral concomitante foi documentada em 10,8 por cento (n = 17). Cerca de 21 por cento dos pacientes não teve qualquer fator de risco identificável para candidose esofágica. Em função do pequeno número de pacientes infectados por espécies não-Candida albicans, não foi possível determinarmos fatores de risco para estas infecções.

Estudio de test de ureasa en exámenes endoscópicos con patologías benignas: ¿algún cambio en diez años? / Positivity of urease tests: results of its application in an open-access unity after a decade is there any change?

Epidemiological studies have shown changes in upper digestive diagnosis in recent times. It has been observed especially in developed countries, consisting in a diminution of duodenal peptic ulcers and non cardial gastric cancer and an increase of symptoms and lesions attributable to gastroesophageal reflux. Both circumstances have been considered as a consequence of a reduction in the prevalence, of infection with Helicobacter pylori and its more aggressive strains. There is little information of Possible changes in our country, so we have studied our experience in years 1996 and 2006 observing the results of Helicohacter pylori presence through urease tests and biopsies in a 10 year period. Patients were assessed with endoscopy indicated for upper digestive symptoms in an open access University Endoscopy Center. The accuracy of the test compared with biopsies was similar in both years. We observed after a decade: increase in the number of examinations and urease tests similar percentages of normal endoscopies and those with esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcers. In patients studied for suspected gastroesophageal reflux, there were similar percentages of those with and without esophageal erosions. The Urease Test was positive in similar high percentage in duodenal ulcers, but showed decreased values in patients studied for reflux, both erosive and non erosive esophagitis and also in erosive gastritis. In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori infection is still important in duodenal ulcer, with reductions in other diagnosis, possibly as a consequence of differences in patients social status or the very common medication aiming at the eradication of the infection or control of gastroesophageal symptoms.

Estudios epidemiológicos han mostrado cambios en la incidencia de patologías digestivas consistentes en disminución de úlceras duodenales y cáncer gástrico y aumento de cuadros atribuidos a reflujo gastroesofágico. Ambas tendencias se han asociado a disminución de la tan difundida infección por Helicobacter pylori y sus cepas genéticamente más agresivas. El presente estudio tuvo come objeto revisar retrospectivamente los resultados de endoscopias en 1996 y 2006 para observar eventuales cambios en la patología de esófago y gastroduodenal. Los resultados en la última década indican: aumento del número de exámenes y de tests de ureasa; proporción similar, de: endoscopias normales, esofagitis erosiva, síntomas de reflujo no erosivo, gastritis erosiva, úlcera gástrica, úlcera duodenal; porcentaje similar de esofagitis erosiva y reflujo no erosivo en pacientes estudiados por síntomas sugerentes de reflujo gastroesofágico y disminución de la positividad del TU, significativamente en EE y GE. Pensamos que el Hp continúa siendo factor patogénico en UD y que la disminución de positividad en pacientes con RGE puede atribuirse a cambios en la composición de la población examinada y al uso de medicación que puede modificar su presencia en la mucosa de estómago, siendo similar la reducción en reflujo con y sin esofagitis erosiva.

Esofagites em pacientes com síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida: estudo histológico e imunoistoquímico / Esophagitis in patients with acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome: an histological and immunohistochemistry study

RACIONAL: A maioria dos pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida cursa com sintomas gastrointestinais ao longo da sua evolução. A alta prevalência e morbidade das esofagites nesses pacientes são amplamente reconhecidas. OBJETIVOS: Graduar, histologicamente, as esofagites; identificar os agentes associados, tais como Candida sp, citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias; identificar, através da imunoistoquímica, os seguintes agentes: citomegalovírus, herpes vírus I e II, vírus Epstein-Barr, vírus do papiloma humano e vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida; verificar a contribuição da imunoistoquímica para o diagnóstico dos agentes infecciosos; verificar a associação entre os achados histológicos e endoscópicos; verificar a relevância do número de fragmentos na caracterização dos agentes etiológicos. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se, retrospectivamente, biopsias esofagianas em 227 pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. Utilizaram-se as colorações de hematoxilina e eosina, PAS ("periodic acid of Schiff"), prata de Grocott e Ziehl-Nielsen, assim como a imunoistoquímica para a detecção de infecções por agentes oportunistas. Aspectos endoscópicos também foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: A esofagite inespecífica acentuada, localizada no terço inferior, foi o tipo mais freqüente. A Candida sp foi o agente mais encontrado, seguida de citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias. A presença de placa e ulceração sugeriu o diagnóstico de candidíase e esofagite por citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O herpes vírus I não foi encontrado isolado e sim associado ao herpes vírus II. Não houve imunorreatividade para o vírus Epstein-Barr e o vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida. O número de fragmentos nas amostras não influenciou na detecção do agente etiológico. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados endoscópicos de lesão em placa ou de úlcera estão associados com os diagnósticos de Candida sp e citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O emprego da técnica de imunoistoquímica...

BACKGROUND: Almost all patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome will have gastrointestinal symptoms during the course of their illness. The high prevalence and complications of esophagitis are well documented. AIM: Graduate esophagitis; identify microorganisms like Candida sp, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria; identify by immunohistochemical staining viral agents cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus I, herpesvirus II, Epstein-Barr Virus, human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus; verify how immunohistochemistry changes the profile of esophagitis; verify the association between the histological and endoscopical findings; verify the relevance of the number of fragments studied in the characterization of the histological agents. METHODS: We studied retrospectively esophageal biopsies in 227 patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome using hematoxylin and eosin, PAS (periodic acid of Schiff), Groccott and Ziehl-Nielsen stains and immunoperoxidase stains to detect opportunistic agents. Endoscopic aspects were studied. RESULTS: The non-specific esophagitis grade III, in the inferior third of the esophagus, was the most frequent type. Candida sp was the most frequent agent, followed by viruses cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria. The presence of plaque and ulceration suggested the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis and cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemical allowed the characterization of cytomegalovirus and of herpesvirus in those cases where other techniques could not achieve it, furthermore the cytomegalovirus was also found in histological normal cases, making the use of this technique advisable in routine diagnosis. The herpesvirus I was not found isolated but associated to herpesvirus II. We have not found immunoreactivity for the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. The number of fragments does not seem to influence the detection of the etiologic agent...

Recurring Candida albicans esophagitis in a HIV-infected patient undergoing long-Term antiretroviral therapy, and with absent-negligible immunodeficiency

A patient with HIV infection developed the first episode of AIDS-defining opportunism (severe Candida albicans esophagitis) with an underlying CD4+ lymphocyte count of 1,025 cells/µL. After treatment with a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), taken with insufficient compliance and leaving a residual viral load, our patient suffered from two relapses of esophageal candidiasis, which occurred three months and seven years later, when his CD4+ lymphocyte count was 930 and 439 cells/µL, respectively, and a viral load slightly above 10(4) copies/mL was still present. Also in the HAART era, Candida esophagitis remains one of the most common AIDS-defining diseases, but a presentation with a concurrent CD4+ count above 1,000 cells/µL remains a rare exception, as well as the two isolated, subsequent relapses, occurred with a CD4+ count ranging from 439 to 930 cells/µL, and a residual HIV viremia due to insufficient adherence to the prescribed HAART regimens. Our case report represents the opportunity to revisit the epidemiology and, especially, the pathogenesis of this opportunistic fungal complication in HIV-infected patients and in other subjects at risk, on the ground of an extensive literature review, and to explore possible alternative supporting factors other than the crude absolute CD4+ lymphocyte count, with emphasis on the possible role of a persisting HIV viremia, and other potential contributing factors. Clinicians engaged with immunocompromised patients and subjects with HIV disease, should be aware that a Candida esophagitis may occur and relapse also when the cell-mediated immunity, as measured by a simple CD4+ cell count, do not show relevant abnormalities.

Candidiasis esofágica: análisis clínico y micológico / Oesophageal candidiasis: clinical and mycological analysis

Oesophageal candidiasis is an epithelial infection which requires an immune deficiency. C. albicans is commonly the cause, although other species may also be responsible. Resistance to fluconazole, drug of choice for treatment, is an emerging problem. The objectives of the current paper were: to determine the frequency of oesophageal candidiasis in patients submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, analyze risk factors, identify Candida species and determine in vitro susceptibility to fluconazole. During 12 months, 34 patients with oesophageal candidiasis were detected. Out of 1.230 HIV negative and 91 HIV positive patients submitted to upper endoscopy, 11 (0.9%) and 23 (25.3%), respectively, had candidiasis. Risk factors for HIV negative patients were systemic antibiotic therapy in 2, deficient dental cleaning in 2 aged patients, use of proton pump inhibitors in 3, inhaled steroids in 2, malignancy in 1 and oral steroids in 1. The histopathologic diagnosis was confirmed in 48.6% of cases. Cultures were positive in 91.2% C. albicans was prevalent (93.5%), and was associated to other species in 5 cases (16.1%), (3 C. glabrata, 1 C. tropicalis and 1 C. parapsilosis). One case cultured only C. glabrata and 1, only C tropicalis. Out of 31 cultures, 25 were susceptible to fluconazole, 4 dose dependent (1 C. albicans, 3 C. glabrata), and 2 resistant (1 C. albicans, 1 C. glabrata). Frequency of oesophageal candidiasis was low, except for HIV positive patients. The most common etiologic agent was C. albicans, though other Candida species were also found. C. albicans and C. glabrata showed dose dependency and resistance to fluconazole.

La candidiasis esofágica es una infección epitelial querequiere un defecto adicional inmunitario. Candida albicans es la especie más frecuente, aunque puedenencontrarse otras. Un problema emergente es la resistenciaal fluconazol, droga de elección para tratarla. Los objetivos fueron: determinar la frecuencia de candidiasisesofágica en pacientes sometidos a endoscopía, analizar los factores predisponentes, identificar las especiescausantes, y estudiar la sensibilidad in vitro al fluconazol. Durante 12 meses se realizaron 1.321 endoscopíasdonde se detectaron 34 pacientes con candidiasis esofágica. Se hicieron 1.230 endoscopías en pacientes HIV negativos y 91 en HIV positivos. Se diagnosticó candidiasis esofágica en 11 (0.9%) y 23(25.3%), respectivamente. En HIV negativos, fueron causas predisponentes: antibioticoterapia prolongada, prótesis dentarias sin higiene, uso prolongado de inhibidoresde la bomba de protones, secreción ácida, corticoides inhalatorios, malignidad y vasculitis bajo corticoterapia. La histopatología fue positiva en 48.6%. El cultivo se desarrolló en el 91.2%. C. albicans fue laespecie más frecuente (93.5%) y en 5 pacientes (16.1%) se la encontró asociada a C. glabrata (3) C. tropicalis (1) y C. parapsilosis (1). En un caso solo se cultivó C. glabrata y en otro C. tropicalis. De las 31 cepas, 25 fueron sensibles al fluconazol, 4 dosis dependientes (1 C. albicans, 3 C. glabrata), y 2 resistentes(1 C. albicans, 1 C. glabrata). En nuestro hospital, la frecuencia de candidiasis esofágica fue baja, excepto enHIV positivos. El principal agente etiológico fue C. alalbicans,aunque también se cultivaron otras especies. C. albicans y C. glabrata mostraron dosis dependencia yresistencia al fluconazol.

Role of ELISA in H. pylori detection and its correlation with urease test.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans linked to acid peptic diseases, gastric carcinomas and lymphomas. The bacilli produces large amounts of urease and this property has formed the basis of detection of H. pylori by the Christensen's urease test. Where endoscopy is not clinically indicated, serology may be used to establish the diagnosis. This study was undertaken to diagnose H. pylori with the help of Christensen's urease test on endoscopic biopsy specimens & correlated with the detection in Sera, of IgG antibodies against H. pylori, by ELISA technique. The study was conducted on 100 patients suffering from acid peptic disorders out of which 40 (40%) tested positive for H. pylori both by urease and serology. Christensen's urease and ELISA were found to have sensitivities of 85.7% & 90.9% and specificities of 96% and 87.5% respectively. Christensen's urease was taken as a standard method of diagnosis and its correlation with ELISA worked out to (+1) which meant there was a strong positive association between both the tests. Hence either test could be used for primary diagnosis of H. pylori instead of histopathological study and/or culture of H. pylori.

Analysis on the causes for refractory GERD / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To analyze the causes of failure in conventional treatment to refractory gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) patients, 16 refractory GERD patients (group R) and 16 cases of GERD primarily diagnosed (group P) were studied. Endoscopy, pathologic examination and 14C urea breath test were conducted in every patient. 24 h ambulatory pH and bilirubin monitoring were performed with Digitrapper MK III and Synetics Bilitec 2000. It was found that esophagitis in group R was more severe than in group P. The rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in group R was significantly lower than in group P. Fraction time pH below 4.00 was not longer while the bile reflux represented by fraction time abs above 0.14 was greater for patients in the group R as compared with those in the group P. The mixed refluxes and pure bile refluxes between the two groups had significant difference. The reflux episodes in the group R mainly occurred during nights. These results indicated that severe esophagitis, especially Barrett's esophagus with complications makes it difficult to control GERD. Severe duodenogastroesophageal refluxes (DGER) are often accompanied by refractory GERD. Mixed refluxes aggravate the esophageal injuries. Pure bile refluxes and nocturnal refluxes may cause failure of administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in the morning. Helicobacter pylori infection and acid refluxes may not be the direct cause of refractoriness. Individual refractory GERD patient without abnormal results on pH or bile reflux recently should be diagnosed again.

Erradicación de helicobacter pylori en países en desarrollo / Eradication of helicobacter pylori in developing countries

A NIH Consensus Conference recommended Helicobacter pylori eradication to all ulcer patients, based mainly on information coming from countries with a low prevalence of infection in general population. The epidemiological situation is different in developing countries, where a pandemic of H., pylori goes unchecked, and most people become infected at young age. It is possible that response to eradication therapies and reinfection rate were to be included among the differences between developed and developing countries, raising doubts about the worldwide applicability of NIH recommendations. Limited published evidence and out experience suggest that eradication therapies have a lower efficacy and reinfection rate is significantly higher in developing compared to developed countries. In spite of this, the risk of ulcer recurrence after H. pylori eradication is substantially reduced compared to antisecretory therapy. Model analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of H. pylori eradication, using figures that probably include the clinical and cost situation of developing countries, suggests that also from an economic perspective H. pylori eradication should be the standard treatment for peptic ulcer disease in developing countries. Local studies must determine the best eradication therapy for a particular geographical location, and longer follow-up of eradicated patients is needed to determine the true reinfection rate

Endoscopic, histologic and microbiologic evaluation of upper abdominal pain with special reference to Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE: To study children with significant upper abdominal pain of unidentifiable etiology and evaluate: (a) the relationship of pain to inflammatory esophago-gastro-duodenal lesions and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, and (b) the response to specific therapy. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Pediatric section of a tertiary referral gastroenterology center. SUBJECTS: Thirty three consecutive children with significant upper abdominal pain [mean age 9.9 +/- 2.7, range 4-15 years; 20 males] were subjected to upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and antral mucosal biopsies obtained for rapid urease test (RUT), Gram's staining of impression/crush smears and culture for HP and histologic examination. Patients with HP gastritis were treated with triple therapy, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, amoxycillin and metronidazole, for two weeks. At 8 weeks from the initiation of therapy, patients were re-evaluated for symptoms and HP eradication by repeat endoscopy and antral biopsies. Patients with esophagitis, gastritis and duodenitis without HP infection were treated with ranitidine for 6 weeks. All the patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: Histology revealed antral gastritis in 28/33 (85%) patients. HP infection was present in 12/28 (43%) patients with antral gastritis. Symptomatic improvement with triple therapy was observed in 10/12 (83%) patients with HP gastritis and eradication of HP in 5/7. Improvement on ranitidine therapy was observed in 12/16 (75%) patients with HP negative gastritis. On follow-up, no patient with initial improvement with therapy had relapse of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic children with HP related gastritis should be treated with triple therapy and HP negative gastritis with H2-receptor antagonist.

Candidal oesophagitis in Cushing's syndrome.

Opportunistic infections are known to occur with increased frequency in patients with Cushing's syndrome, particularly those due to ectopic ACTH production. This report highlights the rare situation of a patient with Cushing's disease having candidal oesophagitis as one of the major presenting manifestations.

Esofagitis herpética / Herpetic esophagitis

La esofagitis herpética, una infección ulcerativa causada por el herpes virus tipo I, es poco frecuente, generalmente se presenta en pacientes inmunocomprometidos y ocasionalmente en pacientes inmunocompetentes. La manifestación clínica más frecuente es la odinofagia, disfagia y/o dolor retroesternal. La radiología, endoscopia, biopsia, citología, cultivo y la serología son los diferentes métodos utilizados, solos o en combinación, para su diagnóstico. Reportamos e pacientes con Esofagitis Herpética, diagnosticados desde 1984 a 1987, evaluando su presentación clínica, endoscópica e histológica. Observamos que existen ciertas características clínicas comunes, así como ciertos hallazgos endoscópicos de Esofagitis Herpética y para la certeza del mismo utilizamos la biopsia, siendo necesario el uso el cultivo y la serología como métodos de apoyo