Prognostic Utility of Hypokalemia in Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We researched the relationships between serum potassium level and prognostic scores and complications of cirrhosis, and mortality. METHODS: This study was performed retrospectively in Turkish High Specialty Training and Research Hospital between 2009 and 2015. Patients who had missing patient files and electrolyte disorder for another reason, showed complications at the time of application and were using diuretics were excluded from the study. RESULTS: 218 patients were included in the study. During the follow-up period, 23.4% (n: 51) of the entire population passed away. Compared to the patients who survived, the patients who passed away had higher HCC and HES development rate, mean Child-Pugh and MELD score and lower mean blood potassium level. The stepwise multivariable Cox regression model which included significant independent predictors showed that ChildPugh score (HR: 1.29; p <0.001), MELD score (HR:1.13; p= 0.006), and potassium level (HR: 0.18; p< 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. The cut off value for potassium level in predicting mortality was found to be ≤ 3.4 mmol/L with 80.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Compared to the patients with a potassium level > 3.4 mmol/L, the patients with a potassium level ≤ 3.4 mmol/L had higher mortality rate, HCC and HES development rate, mean Child-Pugh and mean MELD scores. CONCLUSION: Hypokalemia is an important prognostic factor in cirrhotic patients.

Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with celiac disease.

OBJECTIVES: Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the small intestine. It has been known that dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic coronary artery disease have become more frequent in patients with celiac disease. The aim of the study was to assess Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with celiac disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted at a single center in collaboration with gastroenterology and cardiology clinics. Between January 2014 and June 2015, a total of 76 consecutive patients were enrolled (38 patients with celiac disease and 38 control subjects). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Tp-e interval (64.2±11.0 vs. 44.5±6.0; p<0.001), Tp-e/QT ratio (0.18±0.02 vs. 0.13±0.02; p<0.001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (0.16±0.02 vs. 0.11±0.01; p<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with celiac disease than control subjects. There was a significant positive correlation between Tp-e/QTc ratio and disease duration in patients with celiac disease (r=0.480, p=0.003) and also there was a significant positive correlation between Tp-e/QTc ratio and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=0.434, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in patients with celiac disease. Whether these changes increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia deserve further studies.

Diffuse nodular duodenitis in a woman presenting with dyspepsia and weight loss.

Duodenal nodularity is an uncommon endoscopic finding charac-trized by numerous visible mucosal nodules in the duodenum. It is important to consider giardiasis in patients with symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and abdominal distension. It is also important to remind giardiasis in patients with duodenal nodularity.

Splenic abscess in ulcerative colitis under anti tumor necrosis factor treatment.

Splenic abscess are rare conditions. Since morbidity and mortality rates are high, immediate diagnosis should be required. Here we presented an ulcerative colitis patients who develops splenic abscess under anti tumor necrosis factor treatment.