Detection of helicobacter pylori infection by helicobacter pylori IgG serology test in pediatric patients at the Philippine General Hospital

Objective@#To determine the validity of serum H. pylori IgG in the detection of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenitis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. @*Methods@#Cross-sectional study which included consecutive patients 1-18 years old with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by positive tests for both rapid urease test (RUT) and Giemsa stain of gastric biopsies. H. pylori IgG (ELISA) serology was also performed.@*Results@#Twenty-five patients [Mean (SD) age: 12 (4.5) years, 68% females] were included. Majority presented with epigastric pain (64%) and had endoscopic gastritis (84%). Four patients had ulcers (1 antral, 3 duodenal). Giemsa stain was positive in 16 (64%) patients and RUT in one. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 4%. Serum H. pylori IgG test was positive in two; borderline in three with a 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 10.9 and 0.6.@*Conclusion@#The present study showed a low prevalence of H. pylori infection, thus, the validity of the H. pylori serology could not be adequately evaluated. We presently could not recommend the serum IgG in the detection of H. pylori gastroduodenitis in our setting.

A systematic approach to stillbirth examinationin a tertiary hospital

Background@#Stillbirth has a complex pathophysiology, hence the difficulty in arriving at a specific cause.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to identify the probable causes of stillbirth in a tertiary hospital based on gross examination of the placenta and the fetus, as well as, to identify the demographic profile of the stillbirths.

A systematic approach to stillbirth examination in a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth has a complex pathophysiology, hence the difficulty in arriving at a specific cause.OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the probable causes of stillbirth in a tertiary hospital based on gross examination of the placenta and the fetus, as well as, to identify the demographic profile of the stillbirths.METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 29 stillbirths delivered in a tertiary hospital from March 2016 to September 2016. The probable causes of stillbirth were categorized as obstetrics complications, placental abnormalities, umbilical cord abnormalities, fetal malformations, infections, hypertensive disorders, medical complications, and undetermined causes.RESULTS: 86% of stillbirths in this study had a probable cause of death. Umbilical and placental abnormalities were the most probable causes (62% and 41%, respectively). The two most common identified cord abnormalities were short cord length (34%) and marginal insertion (23%), while small placenta (27%) was the most common for placental abnormalities.CONCLUSION: To be able to come up with the probable cause of stillbirth, the delivering physician or health personnel should always account the gross findings of the fetus and placenta after delivery.