Prescripción de protectores gástricos en pacientes reumatológicos: análisis desde Consulta Externa de Gastroenterología / Prescription of gastric protectors in rheumatological patients: Analysis from a gastroenterology outpatient clinic

Introducción: Los antinflamatorios no esteroideos son los medicamentos más recetados por reumatólogos y traumatólogos. Pero a pesar de tener una eficacia similar para controlar la inflamación y el dolor, los diferentes antinflamatorios no esteroideos disponibles presentan variabilidad en su perfil de seguridad. Objetivo: Brindar una panorámica sobre la prescripción de protectores gástricos en pacientes reumatológicos, en dos centros hospitalarios, desde una perspectiva gastroenterológica. Métodos: La investigación se inscribe en el paradigma cuantitativo con un estudio observacional. Se conformaron dos grupos de pacientes, uno de ellos provenientes del hospital A y el segundo grupo pertenecía al hospital B. Discusión: Los gastroprotectores se han convertido en los fármacos de mayor demanda en las farmacias comunitarias de Ecuador, y los más prescritos son los inhibidores de la bomba de protones y en menor frecuencia los antihistamínicos H2. Respecto a los gastroprotectores más frecuentemente prescritos, según nuestro estudio, estos valores podrían obedecer a la disponibilidad y los costos de la famotidina y el omeprazol con respecto a otros medicamentos de probada eficacia (ansoprazol, pantoprazol, rabeprazol y ranitidina). Conclusiones: Durante los últimos años, el uso de los fármacos gastroprotectores en América Latina ha experimentado un importante desarrollo, con la observancia de normas y guías clínicas de manejo de casos que ofrecen recomendaciones importantes al respecto. Por tanto, desde una perspectiva gastroenterológica, para tener éxito, es indispensable procurar un conocimiento de estos aportes y evidencias científicas(AU)

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most prescribed medications by rheumatologists and traumatologists. However, despite having similar efficacy in controlling inflammation and pain, the different available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs show variability in their safety profile. Objective: To provide an overview of the prescription of gastric protectors in rheumatological patients, in two hospital centers, from a gastroenterological perspective. Methods: The research is part of the quantitative paradigm with an observational study. Two groups of patients were formed, one of them from hospital A and the second group belonged to hospital B. Discussion: Gastroprotectors have become the drugs in greatest demand in community pharmacies in Ecuador, the most prescribed being Proton Pump Inhibitors (IBPS) and, to a lesser extent, H2 antihistamines (anti-H2). Regarding the most frequently prescribed gastroprotectors, according to our study, these values ​​could be due to the availability and costs of famotidine and omeprazole compared to other drugs with proven effectiveness, such as ansoprazol, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and ranitidine. Conclusions: In recent years, the use of gastroprotective drugs in Latin America has undergone significant development, with the observance of clinical case management norms and guidelines that offer important recommendations in this regard. Therefore, from a gastroenterological perspective, to be successful, it is essential to seek knowledge of these contributions and scientific evidence(AU)

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.

Tratamento antissecretor da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico pediátrica - uma revisão sistemática / Antisecretory treatment for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease - a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2 receptor antagonists are two of the most commonly prescribed drug classes for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease, but their efficacy is controversial. Many patients are treated with these drugs for atypical manifestations attributed to gastroesophageal reflux, even that causal relation is not proven. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2 receptor antagonists in pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease through a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed, using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The search was limited to studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. There was no limitation regarding date of publication. Studies were considered eligible if they were randomized-controlled trials, evaluating proton pump inhibitors and/or histamine H2 receptor antagonists for the treatment of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease. Studies published only as abstracts, studies evaluating only non-clinical outcomes and studies exclusively comparing different doses of the same drug were excluded. Data extraction was performed by independent investigators. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO platform (CRD42016040156). RESULTS: After analyzing 735 retrieved references, 23 studies (1598 randomized patients) were included in the systematic review. Eight studies demonstrated that both proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2 receptor antagonists were effective against typical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and that there was no evidence of benefit in combining the latter to the former or in routinely prescribing long-term maintenance treatments. Three studies evaluated the effect of treatments on children with asthma, and neither proton pump inhibitors nor histamine H2 receptor antagonists proved to be significantly better than placebo. One study compared different combinations of omeprazole, bethanechol and placebo for the treatment of children with cough, and there is no clear definition on the best strategy. Another study demonstrated that omeprazole performed better than ranitidine for the treatment of extraesophageal reflux manifestations. Ten studies failed to demonstrate significant benefits of proton pump inhibitors or histamine H2 receptor antagonists for the treatment of unspecific manifestations attributed to gastroesophageal reflux in infants. CONCLUSION: Proton pump inhibitors or histamine H2 receptor antagonists may be used to treat children with gastroesophageal reflux disease, but not to treat asthma or unspecific symptoms.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Inibidores de bomba de prótons e antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina são duas das mais comumente prescritas classes de medicações para a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico pediátrica, mas sua eficácia é controversa. Muitos pacientes são tratados com essas drogas por manifestações atípicas atribuídas ao refluxo gastroesofágico, mesmo que uma relação causal não esteja comprovada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os inibidores da bomba de prótons e os antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina na doença do refluxo gastroesofágico pediátrica através de uma revisão sistemática. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A pesquisa foi limitada a estudos publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. Não houve limitação quanto à data de publicação. Os estudos foram considerados elegíveis se fossem ensaios controlados randomizados que avaliassem inibidores da bomba de prótons e/ou antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina para o tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico pediátrica. Estudos publicados apenas como resumos, estudos que não avaliassem desfechos clinicamente relevantes e estudos que comparassem exclusivamente diferentes doses do mesmo fármaco foram excluídos. A extração de dados foi realizada por pesquisadores independentes. O protocolo do estudo foi registrado na plataforma PROSPERO (CRD42016040156). RESULTADOS: Após a análise das 735 referências identificadas, 23 estudos (1598 pacientes randomizados) foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. Oito estudos demonstraram que tanto os inibidores da bomba de prótons como os antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina eram eficazes contra as manifestações típicas da doença de refluxo gastroesofágico e que não havia evidências de benefício na combinação dessas classes de drogas ou na prescrição rotineira de tratamentos de manutenção de longo prazo. Três estudos avaliaram o efeito dos tratamentos em crianças com asma e, nem os inibidores da bomba de prótons, nem os antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina se mostraram significativamente melhores do que o placebo. Um estudo comparou diferentes combinações de omeprazol, betanecol e placebo para o tratamento de crianças com tosse, e não há uma definição clara sobre a melhor estratégia terapêutica. Outro estudo demonstrou que o omeprazol apresentou melhor desempenho do que a ranitidina para o tratamento de manifestações extraesofágicas da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. Dez estudos não tiveram sucesso em demonstrar benefícios significativos dos inibidores da bomba de prótons ou dos antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina para o tratamento de manifestações inespecíficas atribuídas ao refluxo gastroesofágico em crianças menores de 1 ano de idade. CONCLUSÃO: Inibidores da bomba de prótons ou antagonistas dos receptores H2 da histamina podem ser utilizados para tratar crianças com doença de refluxo gastroesofágico, mas não para tratar asma ou sintomas inespecíficos.

Current Status and Clinical Impact of Pediatric Endoscopy in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In pediatrics, endoscopic examination has become a common procedure for evaluation of gastrointestinal presentations. However, there are limited data on pediatric endoscopy in Korea. The aim of this study was to analyze the current status and clinical impacts of endoscopic examination in children and adolescents. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of outpatients who visited the tertiary hospital. Patients under 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy were included. Endoscopic findings were classified as specific and normal based on gross findings. Specific endoscopic findings were reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcers, and Mallory-Weiss tear. Other findings included acute gastritis classified according to the updated Sydney system. RESULTS: In 722 of 330,350 patients (0.2%), endoscopic examination (554 esophagogastroduodenoscopies [EGDs], 121 colonoscopies, 47 sigmoidoscopies) was performed between January 2008 and January 2013. In EGD, abdominal pain was the most frequent presentation (64.1%). The most common diagnosis was gastritis (53.2%), followed by reflux esophagitis. The frequency of peptic ulcer disease was 12.8%. Frequent symptoms leading to colonoscopic examination were abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hematochezia. In colonoscopy, a negative result was more likely in children younger than 7 years old. After the procedure, the diagnostic yield of EGD and colonoscopy was 88.1% and 45.8%, respectively, and the rate of change in management was 67.1%. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatrics, endoscopic examination was useful for the choice of therapeutic strategy and it would be a standard method for evaluation of gastrointestinal presentation.

Optimal Duration of Medical Treatment in Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Children

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome, and optimal duration of medical treatment in children with superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). Eighteen children with SMAS were retrospectively studied. The data reviewed included demographics, presenting symptoms, co-morbid conditions, clinical courses, nutritional status, treatments, and outcomes. The three most common symptoms were postprandial discomfort (67.7%), abdominal pain (61.1%), and early satiety (50%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 68 days. The most common co-morbid condition was weight loss (50%), followed by growth spurt (22.2%) and bile reflux gastropathy (16.7%). Body mass index (BMI) was normal in 72.2% of the patients. Medical management was successful in 13 patients (72.2%). The median duration of treatment was 45 days. Nine patients (50%) had good outcomes without recurrence, 5 patients (27.8%) had moderate outcomes, and 4 patients (22.2%) had poor outcomes. A time limit of >6 weeks for the duration of medical management tended to be associated with worse outcomes (P=0.018). SMAS often developed in patients with normal BMI or no weight loss. Medical treatment has a high success rate, and children with SMAS should be treated medically for at least 6 weeks before surgical treatment is considered.

Guidelines for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia / 대한소화기학회지

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as the presence of symptoms thought to originate in the gastroduodenal area, in the absence of any organic, systemic, or metabolic disease that is likely to explain the symptoms. Based on the available evidence and consensus opinion, thirteen consensus statements for the treatment of FD were developed using the modified Delphi approach. Proton pump inhibitor, prokinetics, and histamine 2 receptor antagonists are effective for the treatment of FD. Mucosal protecting agents, fundus relaxant, and drugs for visceral hypersensitivity can improve symptoms in FD. Antacids and antidepressants may help improving symptoms in FD. Comparing endoscopy with 'test and treat' of Helicobacter pylori, endoscopy may be more effective initial strategy for managing patients with FD in Korea given high incidence of gastric cancer and low cost of endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori eradication can be one of the therapeutic options for patients with FD. Psychotherapy is effective for those who have severe symptoms and refractoriness. Further studies are strongly needed to develop better treatment strategies for Korean patients with FD.

Rebamipide May Be Comparable to H2 Receptor Antagonist in Healing Iatrogenic Gastric Ulcers Created by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) results in the formation of iatrogenic gastric ulcers and the optimal treatments for such ulcers are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rebamipide in the management of EMR-induced ulcers by comparing it with an H2 receptor antagonist. After EMR, patients were randomly assigned into either rebamipide or famotidine groups. All patients received a one-week lansoprazole 30 mg q.d. therapy followed by three-week famotidine (20 mg b.i.d.) or rebamipide (100 mg t.i.d.) therapy. Four weeks after the treatments, ulcer sizes, stages, bleeding rates, and ulcer-related symptoms were compared using endoscopy and a questionnaire. A total of 63 patients were enrolled in this study. Finally, 51 patients were analyzed, 26 in rebamipide and 25 in famotidine group. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Four weeks after EMR, the two groups were comparable in terms of ulcer reduction ratio (P=0.297), and ulcer stage (P=1.000). Moreover, no difference was observed with regard to ulcer-related symptoms, drug compliance, adverse drug event rates, and bleeding rates. Our data suggest that rebamipide is not inferior to famotidine in healing iatrogenic gastric ulcers, and could be a therapeutic option in the treatment of such ulcers.

Risk Factors for Development and Recurrence of Peptic Ulcer Disease / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases, and its medical management has been developed so much that the incidence of its serious complications, such as bleeding and perforation, are declining significantly. Its prevalence in Korea is not definitely decreased, probably due to increasing proportion of elderly patients and their rising usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirins. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors for development and recurrence of peptic ulcer disease in Korea. METHODS: From 2003 to 2008, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and detailed personal questionnaires were performed for patients who visited Department of Gastroenterology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. In total, 475 PUD patients and 335 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients were included. The results of questionnaires and repeated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at initial diagnosis time and follow-up periods were analyzed. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis showed that male, H. pylori infection, NSAIDs use and smoking were risk factors for the development of PUD. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists has significantly reduced the risk of PUD in patients who had taken NSAIDs and/or aspirins. H. pylori infection was found as the only risk factor for the recurrence of PUD. CONCLUSIONS: For the old patients who are taking drugs, such as NSAIDs and aspirins, concomitant use of PPIs or H2 receptor antagonists should be considered to protect from the development of PUD. H. pylori eradication has been confirmed again to be essential for the treatment of PUD patients infected with H. pylori.

Influence of Long-term Gastric Acid Suppression Therapy on the Expression of Serum Gastrin, Chromogranin A, and Ghrelin / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Influence of Long-term Gastric Acid Suppression Therapy on the Expression of Serum Gastrin, Chromogranin A, and Ghrelin / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) induces hypergastrinemia, which results from the suppression of gastric acid secretion. Hypergastrinemia causes enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell hyperplasia, which is a predisposing factor of carcinoid tumor of stomach. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of long-term gastric acid suppression on the gastric peptides levels, such as gastrin, chromogranin A, or ghrelin. METHODS: Control group included patients who had no medication over six months. Both H2RA (H2 receptor antagonist) and PPI groups had medication at least for six months. Fasting blood was taken from each patient to assay serum gastrin, chromogranin A, and ghrelin by RIA and ELISA techniques. RESULTS: The patients with the above reference range of serum gastrin and chromogranin A were more commonly found in PPI group compared to control and H2RA group. However, serum ghrelin level was within the reference range in all the patients regardless of groups. There was no difference in the ratio of serum gastrin/chromogranin A among three groups. Both average serum levels of gastrin and chromogranin A were significantly elevated in PPI group compared to control and H2RA group. There was a significant correlation between the level of serum gastrin and chromogranin A. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term administration of H2RA does not affect the serum gastrin and chromogranin A level. However, long-term administration of PPI increases serum gastrin and chromogranin A. Ghrelin may influence gastric acid secretion in other pathway than ECL cell-mediated pathway such as gastrin or chromogranin A.

Anaphylaxis: lesson learned from five cases.

Anaphylaxis is a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Its clinical manifestations vary, affecting several organs at once. Skin symptom is the most frequent manifestation; however, diagnosis of anaphylaxis will only be established when involving one or both vital organs, which are cardiovascular and respiratory system. Other symptom, such as that involving central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, may accompany. We present five cases of anaphylaxis which vary in onset of symptoms, allergen, degree of severity, therapeutic response and clinical manifestation. Anaphylactic reaction to drugs in these cases is mainly manifested as anaphylactic shock and reaction to food allergen causing obstruction of respiratory tract. Four anaphylactic events occurred at home and only one occurred in a hospital, thus education on anaphylaxis to general community is very important, especially for the patients and their families. Prompt medical assistance in patients with anaphylactic symptoms determines their therapeutic response. Skin test prior to administration of cephalosporin does not give negative predictive value toward anaphylactic event.

A Randomized, Prospective, Comparative, Multicenter Study of Rabeprazole and Ranitidine in the Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of rabeprazole (proton-pump-inhibitor) and ranitidine (H2-receptor antagonist) in the symptom relief and treatment of erosive esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were enrolled in this multicenter study. They were randomized into rabeprazole group (53 patients) and ranitidine group (57 patients) respectively. The patients in rabeprazole group were given 10 mg of rabeprazole and ranitidine group received 300 mg of ranitidine before breakfast and dinner for 8 weeks. After the end of treatment, we evaluated the endoscopic healing rate of reflux esophagitis and symptomatic improvement. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, rabeprazole group showed significantly higher complete endoscopic cure rate than ranitidine group (86.8% [46/53] vs. 57.9% [33/57], p=0.001) and higher symptomatic improvement of heartburn (91.2% [31/34] vs. 76.2% [32/42], p=0.085), especially in the first 7 days (76.7% vs. 45.3%, p=0.008). Also, rabeprazole group showed significantly higher improvement of regurgitation symptom than ranitidine group (100% [35/35] vs. 83% [39/47], p=0.009). Both group showed no differences in the improvement of chest pain and globus sensation. All the adverse events (rabeprazole group 4 events vs. ranitidine group 3 events) were mild and there was no abnormality in laboratory test. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GERD, rabeprazole 10 mg b.i.d. is superior to ranitidine 300 mg b.i.d. in healing of reflux esophagitis and resolving typical GERD symptoms. Rabeprazole is an effective and well-tolerated drug for GERD treatment.

Effect of preoperative short course famotidine on TILs and survival in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Histamine receptor antagonists have been shown to induce tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in colonic cancers and improve survival. The role of histamine receptor anatagonists in breast cancer is unclarified. AIM: To evaluate the role of histamine receptor antagonists in inducing (TILs) in breast cancer. METHOD: Forty-five patients with operable breast cancers (25 cases who received preoperative famotidine and 20 controls) were studied for the effect of famotidine in inducing TILs and survival in breast cancer. RESULTS: Significant TILs were seen in 75% (18/24) of cases as opposed to 35% (7/20) controls. In logistic regression analysis the only variable found to be predictive of TILs was famotidine, odds ratio 7.324 (1.693-31.686) P=0.008. In Cox's regression presence of TILs was favorably associated with improved disease free survival at a median follow up of 35.56 months. The hazard ratio for disease relapse was 3.327 (1.174-9.426) P=0.024 in TIL negative as compared to TIL positive patients. Famotidine use alone was not significant in the original model, however, on incorporation of quadrant of involvement in addition to other established prognostic factors in the above multivariate model, it assumed borderline significance with a hazard ratio for disease free survival 3.404 (1.005-11.531, P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative short course famotidine induces TILs in breast cancer. Patients with TILs demonstrable in tumor specimens had an improved disease free survival. Famotidine may improve disease free survival in breast cancer and these findings need validation in larger population subsets.

GERD like symptoms as seen in a village.

Twenty cases of protozoal infection presented with symptoms suggesting GERD. Treatment with antacids and H2 blockers was unsuccessful in giving them relief. As they had also protozoal infection, treatment with anti-protozoal drugs gave them complete relief in the follow up period of one year after the end of treatment. Hence we have named these conditions simulating peptic ulcer GERD as pseodogerd or protozoal GERD. It is suggested that the person presenting with the symptoms of GERD in our area should be investigated for protozoal infection or should be given treatment of protozoal infection rather than that of peptic ulcers. It is also suggested that the length of treatment of protozoal infection should not be less than one month and not for three or 7 days as suggested in western text books.

Tosse de difícil controle em otorrinolaringologia, induzida por anti-hipertensivo: inibidor fa enzima conversora da angiotensina / Difficulties in cough control in otorhinolaryngology, when provoked by anti-hypertensive angiotensin: converring enzyme inhibitors

Os autores relatam casos clínicos de tosse de longa duraçäo, de até cinco anos, em pacientes hipertensos e alérgicos, que fazem uso dos inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA), como hipotensores, näo melhoram com a utilizaçäo de anti-histamínicos e regridem com a mudança do inibidor da ECA por outro anti-hipertensivo

Antihistamínicos en dermatología / Antihistamines in dermatology

Los antihistamínicos son agentes terapéuticos muy útiles para el tratamiento de las enfermedades alérgicas y son una de las medicinas más frecuentemente prescritas en todo el mundo; sin embargo, la utilidad de los antihistamínicos clásicos se limitó por los efectos adversos, como sedación y somnolencia. En la década del año 1980 se desarrolló una nueva generación de antihistamínicos que mantiene una mayor efectividad y produce menos sedación. En este artículo de revisión se analiza los antihistamínicos H1 clásicos y los antihistamínicos H1 de segunda generación en el tratamiento de las enfermedades alérgicas. Además el uso de los antihistamínicos H2 como única droga o combinado con antihistamínicos H1 en la terapéutica dermatológica