A retrospective study of pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Acute pancreatitis is a rare disease in pregnant patients. Although it may have serious maternal and fetal consequences, morbidity and mortality rates have decreased recently due to appropriate and rapid treatment with earlier diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnant patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. METHODS: The study included pregnant patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis who were admitted to Adana City Training and Research Hospital in Adana, Turkey, between January 2014 and January 2022. Patients' files were screened. Patients' demographics, acute pancreatitis etiology, severity, complications, and applied treatment, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 65 pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis. The mean age was 26.6±5 (19-41) years. Acute pancreatitis was observed in the third trimester. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis was gallstones, and its severity was often mild. Only two patients required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and the remaining patients were treated medically. Maternal and infant death developed in a patient with necrotizing acute pancreatitis secondary to hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSION: The most common etiology of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy was gallstones. Acute pancreatitis occurred in the third trimester. Most of the patients had mild acute pancreatitis. Maternal and fetal complications were rare. We think that the reasons for the low mortality rate were mild disease severity and biliary etiology, and most patients were in the third trimester, as well as early diagnosis and no delay in the intervention.

Buried Bumper Syndrome: Early or Late?

Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare and serious complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. In the literature, BBS is considered to be a late complication of PEG procedure, but it may occur in the early period after PEG tube placement. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important. Different treatment modalities may be used to treat BBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with BBS. During a time frame between January 2015 and February 2020, a hospital medical database was screened for PEG placement and BBS. Buried bumper syndrome was found in 36 patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients were retrospectively investigated. Those who developed BBS in the first month were evaluated as early BBS. Those who developed BBS after more than a month were evaluated as late BBS. The median BBS development time was 135.9 ± 208.1 days (9-834 days). In 18 (50%) patients, BBS developed within the first month. Serious complications such as abscess and peritonitis were observed in 8 (22.2%) patients on admission. Thirty-two (88.9%) of 36 patients were treated with external traction and four patients were treated with surgery. No complications were observed in patients who were treated with traction. Five patients died, of whom three of them died because of BBS complications, whereas two of them died from other causes unrelated to BBS. Buried bumper syndrome is a complication that can be seen in the early period after gastrostomy. External traction is a reliable method for treating these patients. Proper education of patients' relatives and caregivers is very important to prevent BBS and related complications.

Retrospective analysis of cases with an ectopic opening of the common bile duct into duodenal bulb.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic opening of the common bile duct (EOCBD) is a very rare entity. It has been reported in the 3rd or 4th portion of the duodenum, pyloric canal, duodenal bulb, and the stomach. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory values and imaging studies of patients with EOCBD into the duodenal bulb retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between January 2003 and November 2015 were reviewed. The demographic data, presentations, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and ERCP findings of patients with EOCBD into the duodenal bulb were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Ectopic openings of the CBD into the duodenal bulb were found in 20 out of 3,270 patients who had undergone ERCP. Twenty patients (15 males and 5 females) with a median age of 59 (40-88) years were included in the study. Ectopic opening of the CBD into the duodenal bulb were found in 20 patients (0.61%). Laboratory test abnormalities included: hyperbilirubinemia in 20 (100%) patients, leukocytosis in 14 (70%) patients, an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase level in 20 (100%) patients. Indications for ERCP were CBD dilatation and extrahepatic cholestasis (n = 20), cholangitis (n = 12), only choledocholithiasis (n = 7), and acute pancreatitis (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with recurrent duodenal ulcers and/or apical stricture with accompanying CBD dilatation, extrahepatic cholestasis and cholangitis, EOCBD into the duodenal bulb should be considered.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was found to be dominant in Turkey. In this study, HCV genotypes were examined in the Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 639 HCV-RNA-positive patients with chronic HCV infection in Adana (214 males and 101 females) and Antakya (139 males and 185 females) in Turkey. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used for genotype determination. RESULTS: In Antakya, it was determined that the percentages of genotypes of type la (0.31%), 1b (86.73%), 2 (9.26%), 3 (0.93%), and 4 (2.78%) were compatible with the nationwide results seen in Turkey. In Adana, the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (3.49%), 1b (55.24%), 2 (14.60%), 3 (26.03%), and 4 (0.63%) were found to be different. This difference was mainly due to the infection rates in males: genotype 1b was significantly lower (42.5% versus 82.2%, P < 0.001) in men in Adana, but genotype 2 (17.8% versus 7.9%, P = 0.021) and genotype 3 (34.6% versus 7.9%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in men than in women in Adana. CONCLUSION: Rates of genotypes 2 and 3 were unexpectedly high in Adana compared to other parts of Turkey.

Efficacy and safety of sodium phosphate for colon cleansing in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The need for colonoscopy is common among diabetic patients. However, there are no standards per se for bowel preparation in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sodium phosphate (NaP), and the quality of bowel cleansing in relation to glycemic control and late complications. METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients and 50 non-diabetic patients underwent bowel preparation by NaP. Fasting blood glucose, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium, and creatinine levels were measured on the procedure day. Patients were given a tolerability questionnaire regarding symptoms. RESULTS: With regard to bowel preparation quality, optimal bowel cleansing was achieved in 35 (70%) diabetic and 47 (94%) non-diabetic patients (P = 0.002). Abdominal pain or discomfort during and an hour after the procedure was similar in both groups (P >0.05). The changes in Na, K, Ca, P and creatinine levels after NaP use did not reach statistical significance between the groups (P >0.05). In the diabetic patients, there was a significant correlation between the quality of bowel cleansing and mean age, duration of diabetes mellitus, level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose level, and diabetic late complications (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that NaP is safe and tolerable in diabetic patients, but the quality of bowel cleansing is worse than in non-diabetic patients. These observations support the concept that the quality of bowel cleansing in those with type 2 diabetes is closely related to the duration and regulation of the disease and the presence of late complications.

The role of ascitic fluid viscosity in the differential diagnosis of ascites.

BACKGROUND: Ascites is defined as the pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is the most common complication of cirrhosis, which is also the most common cause of ascites. Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid to deform under shear stress. Plasma viscosity is influenced by the concentration of plasma proteins and lipoproteins, with the major contribution from fibrinogen. To our knowledge, the viscosity of ascitic fluid has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ascitic fluid viscosity in discriminating between ascites due to portal hypertension-related and nonportal hypertension-related causes, and to compare results with the serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG). METHODS: The present study involved 142 patients with ascites presenting with diverse medical problems. Serum total protein, albumin, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and complete blood count were obtained for all subjects. Paracentesis was performed routinely on admission and all ascitic fluid samples were evaluated by manual cell count with differential, ascitic fluid culture and biochemistry (total protein, albumin, glucose and LDH). Cultures of ascitic fluid were performed at bedside in all patients using blood culture bottles. Ascitic fluid viscosity was measured in a commercially available cone and plate viscometer. RESULTS: Of the 142 patients studied, 34 (24%) had an SAAG of 11 gL or less, whereas 108 (76%) had an SAAG of greater than 11 gL. Sex and mean age did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, glucose, LDH levels, leukocyte count, ascitic fluid glucose levels and ascitic fluid leukocyte counts were similar in both groups, with no statistically significant relationship detected (P>0.05). However, the mean (+/-SD) ascitic fluid total protein (0.0172+/-0.1104 gL versus 0.043+/-0.011 gL), albumin (0.0104+/-0.0064 gL versus 0.0276+/-0.0069 gL) and LDH (102.76+/-80.95 UL versus 885.71+/-199.93 UL) were found to be higher in patients with an SAAG of 11 gL or less than in those with an SAAG of greater than 11 gL (P<0.001). The mean ascitic fluid viscosities were 0.86+/-0.12 centipoise (cP) and 1.22+/-0.25 cP in patients with an SAAG greater than 11 gL and an SAAG of 11 gL or less, respectively (P<0.001). Although ascitic fluid infection was detected in 35 patients (24.6%) (19 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, seven patients with culture-negative neutrocytic ascites, three patients with monobacterial non-neutrocytic bacterascites and six patients with secondary bacterial peritonitis), no significant effect on ascitic fluid viscosity was detected. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ascitic fluid total protein, albumin and LDH levels were independent predictors of ascitic fluid viscosity (P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ascitic fluid viscosity for the discrimination between ascites due to portal hypertension-related and nonportal hypertension-related causes according to the SAAG were determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Regarding the cut-off value of 1.03 cP, ascitic fluid viscosity measurement had a high sensitivity, specificity (98% and 80%, respectively), and positive and negative predictive value (79% and 94%, respectively) for the etiological discrimination of ascites. CONCLUSION: The measurement of ascitic fluid viscosity correlates significantly with SAAG values. In view of its simplicity, low cost, small sample volume requirement and allowance for measurement in previously frozen samples, measurement of ascites viscosity could be useful for the accurate and rapid classification of ascites.

Bismuth-based first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a bismuth-based quadruple regimen as first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The secondary aim was to study the effect of HP eradication on dyspeptic symptoms in DM patients. METHOD: Eighty-nine consecutive type 2 DM and 48 non-diabetic age- and sex-matched patients were enrolled in this study. Diabetic patients were randomized to receive either pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), and amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d., PCA-DM group) for 14 days, or pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.), bismuth citrate (400 mg b.i.d.), tetracycline (500 mg q.i.d.), and metronidazole (500 mg b.i.d., PBTM-DM group) for 14 days as the eradication regimen. All non-diabetic patients were treated by quadruple therapy (PBTM-non-DM group) for 14 days. We used the validated Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (LDQ) to assess dyspeptic symptoms at baseline and 6 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: The HP eradication rates with intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were 51% (for both) in the PCA-DM group; 81 and 85% in the PBTM-DM group, and 85 and 87% in the PBTM-non-DM group. The eradication rates are not different between the PBTM-DM and PBTM-non-DM groups (p > 0.05). The eradication rate was significantly lower in the PCA-DM group with both ITT and PP analysis than in the PBTM-DM and PBTM-non-DM groups (p < 0.05). LDQ score was 4.53 +/- 7.7 in DM patients with successful eradication and 14.68 +/- 5.9 in DM patients without successful eradication (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The bismuth-based quadruple eradication regimen as first-line therapy is safe, tolerable and achieves a high cure rate in patients with DM, and successful eradication may be beneficial on dyspeptic symptoms.

Efficacy of two different Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes and the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on dyspeptic symptoms in patients with diabetes: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with a standard triple regimen has been reported as being lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those without DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 2 different H. pylori eradication regimens in patients with type 2 DM. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive type 2 DM and 116 nondiabetic age- and sex-matched patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to receive either pantoprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (PCA) for 14 days or ranitidine-bismuth citrate, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (RCA) for 14 days as the eradication regimen. H. pylori eradication was assessed using C14-urea breath test 6 weeks after the end of therapy. RESULTS: The H. pylori eradication rate with PCA regimen in patients with DM with both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analysis was 24/49 (48.9% and 62.9%) and in non-DM patients was 44/58 (75.9% and 86.7%) with ITT and 44/57 (77.2% and 88.2%) with PP analysis (P < 0.05). The H. pylori eradication rates with RCA regimen in patients with DM were 22/49 (45.9% and 59.8%) with ITT and 22/48 (45.8% and 59.9%) with PP analysis and in non-DM patients were 44/58 (75.9% and 86.7%) with ITT and 44/56 (78.6% and 89.3%) with PP analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the eradication rate of H. pylori with PCA or RCA treatment is lower in patients with type 2 diabetes than in nondiabetics and that successful eradication could decrease dyspeptic symptoms.

Clarithromycin resistance and efficacy of clarithromycin-containing triple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori infection is an important factor leading to failure of therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the eradication rate of H pylori in type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess the effect of clarithromycin resistance on H pylori eradication. METHOD: Fifty-six consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 58 age- and sex-matched control patients were included in the study. H pylori infection was assessed by a rapid urease test and histopathological examination of biopsy specimens. Biopsies were also taken for antibiotic susceptibility testing. All enrolled patients were treated with triple therapy consisting of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and pantoprazole for 14 days. C-13 urea breath test was performed 6 weeks after completing the triple therapy to assess eradication and associated point mutations using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: H pylori was eradicated in 42.9% of diabetic patients and 79.3% of control patients, (P < 0.05). In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, clarithromycin resistance was 64.3% (36/56), while in the control group, clarithromycin resistance was 35.7% (20/58) (P < 0.05). H pylori was eradicated in 14 (70%) of the 20 clarithromycin-susceptible diabetic patients and in only 10 (27.8%) of the 36 clarithromycin-resistant diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: The H pylori eradication rate was significantly lower and clarithromycin resistance was significantly higher in type 2 diabetics. Alternative and new treatment protocols and antibiotic susceptibility testing are needed to achieve successful eradication rates.

Plasma viscosity changes in patients with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: Plasma viscosity (PV) is a major determinant of capillary blood flow through the microcirculation, which, if impaired, can result in potentially important clinical sequelae. The objectives of this study were to investigate the alterations of PV values in different stages of cirrhosis, and to determine if any change in PV correlates with Child score or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score or has any prognostic significance. METHOD: The study included 92 patients with cirrhosis and 28 healthy volunteers. Upper endoscopic and ultrasonographic examinations of the patients were obtained. Serum biochemistry fibrinogen, complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid profile were performed. PV was determined using a rotational viscosimeter. RESULTS: PV decreased with the progression in Child scores (Child A: 1.46 +/- 0.20 mPa-s, Child B: 1.33 +/- 0.21 mPa-s, Child C: 1.12 +/- 0.15 mPa-s), (P < 0.001). A similar change was detected between the MELD score and PV (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the total protein, albumin and plasma viscosity in the control group, but a similar relationship was not found in cirrhotic patients. History of hepatic encephalopathy (30 of 92 patients) was independently associated with decreased PV (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: We observed that increasing Child and MELD scores were significantly associated with lower PV levels irrespective of biochemical and hematologic values. These observations support the concept that hemorheologic changes in cirrhotic patients might be either the cause or the result of a pathophysiological process, and it may not be easy to distinguish between these two possibilities.

The effect of autonomous neuropathy on bowel preparation in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: The need for colonoscopy is common among diabetics. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of autonomous neuropathy on bowel preparation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 45 patients with DM and 48 non-diabetic, age- and sex-matched subjects. All colonoscopies were performed 5 h after the last dose of sodium phosphate. Colonoscopists rated the bowel preparation quality during the procedure using the Aronchick scale. All patients underwent a detailed cardiologic examination and 24-h Holter rhythm monitoring. Orthostatic hypotension and impairment in heart rate variability were accepted as indicators of autonomous neuropathy. RESULTS: Gender, age, blood pressure, and heart rates did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Autonomous neuropathy was detected in 14 (31.1%) patients in the DM group and in two (4.2%) in the control group (p < 0.05). Optimal bowel cleansing was achieved in 93.8% of controls and 73.3% of diabetics; bowel cleansing was suboptimal in 26.7% of diabetics and 6.2% of controls (p < 0.05). Optimal bowel cleansing was achieved in six of 14 (42.8%) diabetic patients with autonomous neuropathy; however, optimal bowel cleansing was achieved in 27 of 31 (87.1%) diabetic patients without autonomous neuropathy (p < 0.05). Although optimal bowel cleansing was more prevalent among control patients than in diabetic patients without autonomous neuropathy, the difference was not significant (87.1% vs 93.8%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that optimal bowel cleansing is poorer in diabetics with autonomous neuropathy than in those without autonomous neuropathy and controls.

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

AIM: The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is relatively frequent among patients with immune suppression. The impairment of the immune system is well demonstrated in diabetics. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B core antibody (HbcAb)+/- hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) positive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 100 HBcAb+/-anti-HBs type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 100 age and sex matched, HBcAb+/-anti-HBs healthy blood donors. Exclusion criteria were positive serology for HBsAg, hepatitis C virus or HIV, diagnosis of malignancy or earlier organ transplantation history, use of immunosuppressive therapy. All patients were questioned about their past medical history and were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase and HBV DNA level. RESULTS: The diabetic patients did not differ significantly from healthy controls in terms of sex and age. HBV DNA was detected in 11% of the diabetic patients (1 x 10-5 x 10 copies/ml) and in 3% of the controls (4 x 10-1 x 10 copies/ml). The difference between groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The history of blood transfusion, surgery, and vaccination for HBV and alcohol use were similar in both groups (P>0.05). The serum alanine aminotransferase levels in diabetic patients were close to those of controls (26.2+/-16.4 IU/l vs. 23.9+/-9.7 IU/l; P>0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the prevalence of occult HBV infection is higher in diabetics compared with healthy controls and this may contribute to the increased prevalence of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetics.

Helicobacter pylori prevalence in diabetes mellitus patients with dyspeptic symptoms and its relationship to glycemic control and late complications.

BACKGROUND: There are contradictory reports on Helicobacter pylori prevalence and its relationship to late complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in type 2 DM patients and to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and the glycemic control, late complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 141 type 2 DM patients and 142 nondiabetic subjects with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy specimens obtained from gastric antrum and corpus. H. pylori status was evaluated in each patient by both the rapid urease test and histopathological examination. Plasma glucose, HbA1c, microalbuminuria in 24 h collected urine, electroneuromyography, and fundoscopic examinations were performed in all subjects. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 61.7% and 58.5%, respectively, among type 2 diabetic patients and nondiabetic controls and was not statistically significant (P = 0.577). The duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels, nephropathy and retinopathy prevalence did not differ significantly between the two groups (diabetics versus nondiabetics). There was no late complication in 60.3% of the type 2 diabetic patients as compared to at least one late complication in the remainders. A statistically significant correlation was found between H. pylori infection and the presence of neuropathy (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection did not differ significantly between the diabetic patients and nondiabetic controls. Interestingly, diabetics with H. pylori infection had a higher incidence of neuropathy, although there was no association between the duration and regulation of diabetes, retinopathy, nephropathy and H. pylori status.