Diagnóstico y manejo de la colitis microscópica / Diagnosis and management of microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical condition characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, normal colonic mucosa and characteristic histological findings. It is composed of two main entities: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). Its incidence has been increasing, currently accounting for between 8 to 16% of studies for chronic diarrhea. It is more frequent in elderly women and is strongly associated with other autoimmune disorders. Its pathogenesis is not very well understood, but it supposes the immune activation secondary to the exposure of the colonic mucosa to different luminal antigens, mainly drugs. Management includes suspension of the potential causative agent and the use of anti-diarrheal medications. Oral budesonide has proven to be effective in induction and maintenance of remission, but with a high rate of recurrence upon discontinuation. Immune-modulators drugs such as azatioprine and metrotrexate have been tested in patients dependent to corticoids with variable results. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are under studies, with promising results.

La colitis microscópica (CM) es una condición clínica caracterizada por diarrea crónica acuosa con mucosa colónica normal y hallazgos histológicos característicos. Está compuesta por dos entidades principales: la colitis colágena (CC) y la colitis linfocítica (CL). Su incidencia ha ido en aumento, siendo en la actualidad la responsable del 8 a 16% de los casos por diarrea crónica. Es más frecuente en mujeres de edad avanzada con una fuerte asociación a otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Su etiopatogenia no es del todo conocida, pero se cree juega un rol la activación inmune secundaria a la exposición de la mucosa colónica a diferentes antígenos luminales, principalmente fármacos. Dentro del manejo se incluye la suspensión del potencial agente causal y el uso de fármacos antidiarreicos. La budesonida oral ha demostrado alta efectividad en la inducción y mantención de la remisión, pero con una alta tasa de recurrencia al suspenderla. Fármacos inmunomoduladores como azatioprina y metrotrexato se han probado en pacientes corticodependendientes con resultados variables. El uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) se encuentra en estudio, con resultados prometedores.

Adición de subsalicilato de Bismuto a la terapia triple erradicadora de la infección por Helicobacter pylori: efectividad y efectos adversos / Addition of Bismuth subsalicylate to triple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: efficiency and adverse events

Determinar la eficacia y los efectos adversos de la adición del Subsalicilato de bismuto a la terapia triple en la erradicación de la infección del Helicobacter Pylori. Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental controlado doble ciego. Se trabajó con 54 pacientes con diagnóstico de Helicobacter Pylori atendidos entre febrero-marzo 2012. El grupo experimental tuvo 29 pacientes a los que se les agregó subsalicilato de bismuto, a la terapia triple convencional y 24 pacientes a los que se añadió placebo. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 47 +/- 14,9 años, el 66,7% fueron mujeres. Se realizó test de aliento en ambos grupos para el control post tratamiento, obteniendo un test de aliento negativo en el 89.7% en el grupo de estudio y 80% en el grupo placebo (p=0,319). Los efectos adversos de los pacientes que recibieron tanto subsalicilato de Bismuto como aquellos que fueron tratados con Placebo fueron: diarrea en ambos grupos (10,3% primer grupo y 16% en el segundo grupo) p=0,537, Heces oscuras 37,9% en el primer grupo mientras que en el segundo grupo no hubo este tipo de consecuencia, (p=0,001). El dolor abdominal se presentó en el 20,7% del primer grupo y en el 52% del segundo grupo (p=0,016). Las náuseas se presentaron solo en el 3% del grupo placebo. (p=0,055). Conclusiones: No se encontró diferencias estadísticas con la adición de Bismuto al esquema de la terapia triple para erradicar el Helicobacter Pylori Comparado con placebo. (p=0,319).Los efectos adversos fueron menores en el grupo que recibió bismuto...

To establish the efficiency and adverse effects of the addition of bismuth subsalicylate to triple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. Material and methods: Double blind controlled experimental trial. The study population consisted of 54 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: 29 were allocated to the experimental group, who received the usual triple plus bismuth subsalicylate therapy, and 24 received the triple therapy plus placebo. Results: The average age was 47+/-14.9 years, 66.7% of the patients were women. Both groups underwent the breath test: it was negative in 89.7% of the patients from the experimental group and 80% of the patients from the placebo group (p=0.319). The adverse events of both groups were: diarrhea (10.3% in the experimental group vs 16% in the placebo group; p=0.537), dark feces (37.9% in the experimental group vs 0% in the placebo group; p=0.001), abdominal pain (20.7% in the experimental group vs 52% in the placebo group; p=0.016). Nausea only were present in 3% of the patients of placebo group p=0.055). Conclusions: The association of bismuth subsalicylate to the triple therapy scheme for the erradication of Helicobacter pylori was effective in 89.7% of patients, whereas 80% of efficiency was obtained in the placebo group (p=0.319). The adverse events were lesser in the experimental group...

Perceptions regarding oral rehydration solutions for the management of diarrhea in Guatemalan children: implications for diarrheal management in the Americas / Ideas con respecto a las soluciones de rehidratación oral en el tratamiento de la diarrea de los niños guatemaltecos: repercusiones sobre el tratamiento de la diarrea en las Américas

OBJECTIVE: To describe knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) for the management of diarrheal diseases among formal and informal health care providers and community caregivers in the Guatemalan department of Santa Rosa, and to recommend strategies to increase ORS use for management of diarrhea in children. METHODS: From July to September 2008, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with formal health care providers; open-ended interviews were conducted with informal health care providers; and focus group discussions and pile sorting were carried out with community caregivers. RESULT: The study participants attributed episodes of diarrhea in children to culturally recognized or folk ailments (empacho, cuajo, and varillas) that are primarily treated by traditional healers. There were knowledge deficits about 1) dehydration as a manifestation of diarrhea, and 2) management of dehydration, including the use of ORS and the need to continue feedings during diarrheal episodes. Caregivers perceived bottled/ready-made ORS products and the more expensive over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications as superior to ORS packets in the treatment of diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: In Guatemala, folk etiologies of disease differ from those of the biomedical establishment and influence the decisions made by caregivers when treating ill children, including those related to the use of ORS. Public health campaigns addressing the treatment and management of diarrheal diseases in Santa Rosa should recognize the ailments known as empacho, cuajo, and varillas and target them for ORS use by community caregivers as well as health care providers in both the formal and informal health sectors.

OBJETIVO: Describir los conocimientos y las ideas que tienen las personas que prestan atención de salud en el sector convencional, el sector no convencional y los cuidadores de la comunidad con respecto al uso de las soluciones de rehidratación oral en el tratamiento de las enfermedades diarreicas, en el departamento guatemalteco de Santa Rosa y recomendar estrategias encaminadas a aumentar la utilización de estas soluciones en el tratamiento de la diarrea en los niños. MÉTODOS: De julio a septiembre del 2008 se llevaron a cabo entrevistas exhaustivas semiestructuradas a los profesionales de salud y entrevistas con preguntas abiertas a los proveedores no convencionales de atención sanitaria y se organizaron debates en grupos de opinión y ejercicios de ordenamiento de tarjetas con los cuidadores de la comunidad. RESULTADOS: Los participantes en el estudio atribuyeron la causa de los episodios de diarrea en los niños a dolencias culturalmente aceptadas o populares (empacho, cuajo y varillas), que tratan principalmente los curanderos. Se observaron deficiencias en los conocimientos acerca de 1) la deshidratación como una manifestación de la diarrea y 2) el tratamiento de la deshidratación, incluido el uso de las soluciones de rehidratación oral y la necesidad de continuar la alimentación durante los episodios diarreicos. Los cuidadores consideraron las soluciones de rehidratación embotelladas o preparadas y los medicamentos antidiarreicos de venta libre, que son más costosos, como mejores opciones para el tratamiento de la diarrea que las soluciones de rehidratación oral. CONCLUSIONES: En Guatemala, el concepto popular y el de las instituciones biomédicas sobre la causa de las enfermedades es diferente e influye sobre las decisiones que toman los cuidadores al tratar a los niños enfermos, por ejemplo, las relacionadas con el uso de soluciones de rehidratación oral. Las campañas de salud pública que abordan el tratamiento y el manejo de las enfermedades diarreicas en Santa Rosa deben incorporar las dolencias conocidas como empacho, cuajo y varillas y fomentar el uso de las soluciones de rehidratación oral en estos casos, por parte de los cuidadores de la comunidad, los profesionales de salud del sector convencional y los proveedores de atención del sector no convencional.

Ramosetron might be useful for treating diabetic diarrhea with a rapid small bowel transit time

No abstract available.

Guidelines for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome / 대한소화기학회지

Traditional symptom-based therapies of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are directed at the relief of individual IBS symptoms, but they are often of limited efficacy in addressing the entire symptom complex. Combinations of drugs to target bothersome symptoms are suggested as the first-line pharmacologic treatment. Increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of IBS has resulted in the development of several new therapeutic approaches. Thirteen consensus statements for the treatment of IBS were developed using the modified Delphi approach. Exclusion diets have modest efficacy in improving symptoms in some IBS patients. Symptom-based therapies with dietary fiber, bulking agents, laxatives, antispasmodics and laxatives are effective in the improvement of some individual symptoms, e.g. dietary fiber and bulking agents for constipation, laxatives for constipation, antispasmodics for abdominal pain and discomfort, antidiarrheals for diarrhea. 5HT3 receptor antagonists and 5HT4 receptor agonists are effective in the relief of global IBS symptoms and individual symptoms such as abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits. A short term course of nonabsorbable antibiotics may improve global IBS symptoms, particularly in patients with diarrhea- predominant IBS. Some probiotics appear to have the potential benefit in improving global IBS symptoms. Selective C-2 chloride channel activator is more effective than placebo at relieving global IBS symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. Both tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are equally effective in relieving global IBS symptoms, and have some benefits in treating abdominal pain. Certain types of psychologic therapy may be effective in improving global symptoms in some IBS patients. Further studies are strongly needed to develop better treatment strategies for Korean patients with IBS.

Saccharomyces boulardii: novas perspectivas para a terapêutica em diarreia aguda / Saccharomyces bourlardii: new approaches for treatment of acute diarrhea

Probióticos contendo Saccharomyces boulardii têm sido utilizados no tratamento de diarreias de etiologias diversas, incluindo infecciosa e inflamatória. Os mecanismos de ação e efeitos benéficos desses microrganismos no controle do quadro diarreico consistem na redução da hipersecreção de água e eletrólitos, estimulação da atividade de dissacaridases dos enterócitos, produção de aminopeptidases, secreção de IgA, atividade antitoxina, antiinflamatória, metabólica, e antimicrobiana. Tais propriedades biológicas desses microrganismos não patogênicos permitem a sua utilização no tratamento de doenças gastrintestinais endêmicas especialmente em países em desenvolvimento como gastroenterites por rotavírus, diarreia dos viajantes, além de doenças inflamatórias intestinais como a doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativa. Os objetivos dessa revisão consistem em discutir os aspectos significativos e a aplicabilidade do uso de Saccharomyces boulardii no tratamento das diarreias agudas e o racional para a dose de ataque na fase aguda.

Operational issues and trends associated with the pilot introduction of zinc for childhood diarrhoea in Bougouni district, Mali.

Zinc for the treatment of childhood diarrhoea was introduced in a pilot area in southern Mali to prepare for a cluster-randomized effectiveness study and to inform policies on how to best introduce and promote zinc at the community level. Dispersible zinc tablets in 14-tablet blister packs were provided through community health centres and drug kits managed by community health workers (CHWs) in two health zones in Bougouni district, Mali. Village meetings and individual counselling provided by CHWs and head nurses at health centres were the principal channels of communication. A combination of methods were employed to (a) detect problems in communication about the benefits of zinc and its mode of administration; (b) identify and resolve obstacles to implementation of zinc through existing health services; and (c) describe household-level constraints to the adoption of appropriate home-management practices for diarrhoea, including administration of both zinc and oral rehydration solution (ORS). Population-based household surveys with caretakers of children sick in the previous two weeks were carried out before and four months after the introduction of zinc supplementation. Household follow-up visits with children receiving zinc from the health centres and CHWs were conducted on day 3 and 14 after treatment for a subsample of children. A qualitative process evaluation also was conducted to investigate operational issues. Preliminary evidence from this study suggests that the introduction of zinc does not reduce the use of ORS and may reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for childhood diarrhoea. Financial access to treatments, management of concurrent diarrhoea and fever, and high use of unauthorized drug vendors were identified as factors affecting the effectiveness of the intervention in this setting. The introduction of zinc, if not appropriately integrated with other disease-control strategies, has the potential to decrease the appropriate presumptive treatment of childhood malaria in children with diarrhoea and fever in malaria-endemic areas.

Does age affect the response to zinc therapy for diarrhoea in Bangladeshi infants?

The benefit of zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea in a cluster-randomized trial of children, aged 3-59 months, living in rural Bangladesh was previously reported. Here, the benefits of zinc stratified by age--3-5 months, 6-11 months, and 12-59 months--are reported. Although the sample sizes in the stratified groups were too small to detect statistical significance in the 3-5-month and 6-11-month age-groups, the trends suggest that there may be a benefit of zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea on the duration of diarrhoea and on subsequent morbidity and mortality. Additional research is needed to better understand the effect of zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea among infants aged less than six months.

Tratamiento farmacológico de enfermedades gastrointestinales durante el embarazo / Gastrointestinal medication in pregnancy

Medication of gastrointestinal disorders in the pregnancy, as well as of other pathological conditions, represent an important challenge for gastroenterologist and obstetrician. Several new medications has been developed in the last year and an adequate knowledge about the risks and benefits of different drugs involved in the treatment of these patients is very important. Classification of the drugs used in gastrointestinal diseases as well the available evidence of the effects these drugs during pregnancy is analyzed.

El tratamiento de las enfermedades gastrointestinales en el embarazo, así como otras condiciones patológicas, representa un importante desafió para los gastroenterólogos y obstetras. Nuevos medicamentos han sido desarrollados en el último tiempo y un adecuado conocimiento sobre los riesgos y beneficios de las diferentes drogas involucradas en el tratamiento de estas pacientes es muy importante. La clasificación de las drogas usadas en las enfermedades gastrointestinales, así como la evidencia disponible de los efectos de estos medicamentos durante el embarazo es analizada.

Current status of anti-diarrheal and anti-secretory drugs in the management of acute childhood diarrhea.

Each year 1.8 million children die due to diarrheal diseases. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Moreover the recent outbreaks of shigella and cholera have revealed multi-drug resistance strains. There is a need for review of recommended antibiotics for shigellosis. From recent data it emerges that fluoroquinolones should be the first line of therapy and cephalosporins to be used as the second line. Among the anti-cholera antibiotics, tetracyclines which were the drug of choice for adults, has the advantage of high sensitivity and low cost. Single dose doxycycline would have minimal side effects, hence can be the drug of choice even in children. We should not allow the business pressures to force usage of probiotics and racecadotril as their role in the management of acute diarrhea is yet to be established. Nitazoxanide has high efficacy against Cryptosporodial diarrhea only. Strict adherence to the recommendations for the management of acute childhood diarrhea is needed or else we dilute the effect of standard management.

Acute diarrhoeal diseases--an approach to management.

Acute diarrhoeal diseases rank second amongst all infectious diseases as a killer in children below 5 years of age worldwide. Globally, 1.3 billion episodes occur annually, with an average of 2-3 episodes per child per year. The important aetiologic agents of diarrhoea and the guidelines for management are discussed. Management of acute diarrhoea is entirely based on clinical presentation of the cases. It includes assessment of the degree of dehydration clinically, rehydration therapy, feeding during diarrhoea, use of antibiotic(s) in selected cases, micronutrient supplementation and use of probiotics. Assessment of the degree of dehydration should be done following the WHO guidelines. Dehydration can be managed with oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution or intravenous fluids. Recently WHO has recommended a hypo-osmolar ORS solution for the treatment of all cases of acute diarrhoea including cholera. Feeding during and after diarrhoea (for at least 2-3 weeks) prevents malnutrition and growth retardation. Antibiotic therapy is not recommended for the treatmentof diarrhoea routinely. Only cases of severe cholera and bloody diarrhoea (presumably shigellosis) should be treated with a suitable antibiotic. Pilot studies in several countries have shown that zinc supplementation during diarrhoea reduces the severity and duration of the disease as well as antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial use rate. Probiotics may offer a safe intervention in acute infectious diarrhoea to reduce the duration and severity of the illness.

Perceived causes and management of diarrhoea in young children by market women in Enugu State, Nigeria.

The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of mothers regarding the causes and management of diarrhoea of their children aged 0-24 months. In Enugu State, Nigeria, 80 market women whose children had diarrhoea during last 6 months were interviewed fortnightly. When possible, the children were observed to determine the types of diarrhoea and treatments given. Fifty-three of the women brought their children to market, and 27 left their children at home. Seventy-one percent of the mothers perceived that diarrhoea was caused by teething. The most common types of diarrhoea occurring in these children were watery diarrhoea (59%) and the so-called teething diarrhoea (29%). Dysentery (6%) and jedi jedi or frothy and mucoid stools (4%) occurred less frequently. In 68% of the cases, drugs were used alone or in conjunction with salt-sugar solution (SSS) or other forms of treatment. These drugs were prescribed by medical personnel (40%), patent medicine dealers (23%), or mothers themselves (30%). About 26% and 39% of the mothers treated, respectively, watery and teething diarrhoeas with drugs only, while 23% used SSS alone. The drugs used were mainly antimicrobials (34%) and a combination of antimicrobial, antimalarial, antacid, analgesic, and some local herbal preparations (21%). The results of the study showed the evidence of unnecessary use of drugs and ignorance about their potential adverse effects. These underscore the need for appropriate primary care education among the market women in Nigeria.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes ingresados por diarrea / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patientes admitted with diarrhea

Objetivo.Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de todos los pacientes que ingresan al Departamento de Pediatría con diagnóstico de diarrea líquida.Diseño. Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo.Población ciento ochenta y seis niños. Metodología. Se incluyó en el estudio a todos los niños con edades entre dos meses y dos años que ingresaron a cualquier servicio interno del Departamento de Pediatría y cuyo motivo principal de consulta fuera diarrea y que por sus características e historia se categorizara como líquida aguda.Resultados. El 90 de los pacientes ingresados fueron menores de un año de vida; 91 presentaban desnutrición aguda y el 77 no recibió lactancia materna. Las condiciones ambientales más comúnmente encontradas fueron inadecuado acceso a servicio de agua y hacimiento. El 61de las madres eran menores de 20 años y 55 sólo llegó a tercer grado de educación primaria. El 76 de los pacientes ya habían sido manipulados con otros tratamientos previo a su ingreso.Conclusiones. La diarrea líquida aguda sigue siendo un problema frecuente relacionado con características epidemiológicas secundarias a mala higiene y pobreza

Misuse of drugs in acute diarrhoea in under-five children.

This was a community based, thirty cluster survey, carried out in Chittagong metropolitan area of Bangladesh, aimed to determine the extent of misuse of drugs in acute diarrhoea among under-five children. Data were collected from 360 mothers whose under-five children had suffered from acute diarrhoea during the preceding two weeks of interview. Data were pertained to type and duration of diarrhoea and treatment received. There were 339(94.2%) cases of acute watery diarrhoea and 21 (5.8%) cases of dysentery i.e. blood in stool. The mean duration of the diarrhoeal episode was 3.17 +/- 1.69 days (95% CI, 2.99-3.34). Three hundred twenty eight (91.1%) cases received treatment. There was a total of 401 consultations, out of which 328(81.8%) had first, 69(17.2%) had second and 4(1.0%) had third consultations. The first and second treatment were provided predominantly by care-providers (43.3%) and physicians (5.5%) respectively. Only 82(26.7%) cases of acute watery diarrhoea received WHO recommended treatment and only 5(23.8%) cases of dysentery received appropriate antibiotics. The rest 241(73.5%) cases received inappropriate treatment either antibiotic or drugs other than WHO recommendation. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 1.5 during the episode. The commonly prescribed drugs were metronidazole (38.6%) and antibiotics (17.3%). Those who consulted health professionals were at 5.7 times higher risk of receiving drugs. The mean duration of the episode of acute watery diarrhoea was increased significantly when drug is used in the treatment. It is concluded that there was high prevalence of misuse of drugs in the treatment of acute diarrhoea among under-five children which calls for intervention to improve the prescribing pattern as per WHO recommendation.

Uso de medicamentos en el tratamiento del síndrome diarréico agudo / Drugs therapy in the acute diarrheic syndrome

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia del uso de medicamentos en el tratamiento de la diarrea aguda.Diseño.Estudio prospectivo a través de entrevistas con las madres. Población.114 niños, de ambos sexos, entre 0 y 5 años de edad. Metodología. La entrevista se realizó de manera directa a la madre sobre los medicamentos administrados al niño y el nombre de los mismos. Los casos en los que la madre dudaba se excluyeron. Resultados. El problema se presentó con mayor frecuencia en varones entre 1 mes y dos años de edad. Se documentó una amplia gama de medicamentos utilizados, siendo el trimetropim-sulfametoxazol el m s usado,seguido de metronidazol, caolín y pectina.Las sales de rehidratación oral (SRO) se promocionan poco en lo privado. Los medicamentos fueron recetados principalmente por médicos generales, seguidos de pediatras y dependientes de farmacia,así como de algún familiar. Conclusiones.Existe en nuestro medio un uso indiscriminado de medicamentos para tratar diarrea aguda, sin siquiera determinar la etiología de la misma