Antioxidant diet and genotyping as tools for the prevention of liver disease.

It is well-known that 75% of risk factors of chronic liver disease (CLD) are related to nutrition. These circumstances potentially progress towards liver steatosis, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It still represents an enormous problem for the economy of public health worldwide. Furthermore, validated prevention programs could be the solution. Recent knowledge in understanding molecular determinants of energy liver metabolism and new genetic markers offers new insights into the pathogenesis of CLD and HCC. The main rationale of the present issue is to provide a summary of recent insights into the inherited variants regulating lipid metabolism (steatohepatitis) and acquired mutation for early diagnosis of HCC, specifically focusing on the significance of antioxidant agents and genotyping tests as a cost-effectiveness tool for the prevention of liver disease. Several national healthy programs worldwide promote the daily use of antioxidant nutrients either for the prevention and/or as complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). This review could be advising for the planning of a large-scale clinical trial including a combination strategy of antioxidant agents and genotyping tests in patients with high risk of CLD.

Polipectomías difíciles por residentes: ¿Es posible? / Difficult polypectomies by residents: Is it possible?

Antecedentes: La polipectomía endoscópica (PE) es una herramienta habitual en el campo de la coloproctología. La misma ofrece un desafío al residente más aún cuando son pólipos difíciles (mayores de 20 mm). La bibliografía es escasa y no concluyente en lo que respecta a la curva de aprendizaje de este procedimiento. Objetivos: analizar la eficacia y complicaciones de la (PE) en pólipos difíciles de colon realizadas por médicos residentes en coloproctología, comparando sus resultados con los de la bibliografía internacional. Pacientes y métodos: Durante el periodo 1 de junio de 2009 al 31 de mayo del 2010 se efectúa el análisis retrospec­tivo de las polipectomías endoscópicas difíciles realizadas por un médico residente de su último año de formación bajo supervisión de un tutor. Se evalúan las siguientes variables: el tamaño, patología y complicaciones. Resultados: Se realizaron 1303 colonoscopias. Se encontraron 34 pólipos mayores a 20 mm en 34 pacientes, realizando pe en 24 casos de los cuales el residente pudo realizar el 95,8%. La edad media fue de 63 años. 15 del sexo masculino y 9 femeninos. El tamaño promedio fue 28 mm. El tiempo medio fue de 47 minutos. Displasia leve fue reportada en el 66,4%, grave en 29.4 %, cáncer invasor en 4,2 %. Complicaciones: un paciente presento un sangrado que se resuelve endoscópicamente colocando clips. No se registraron perforaciones ni síndromes post polipectomias. Conclusiones: Con una técnica adecuada y una selección cuidadosa de los casos, las polipectomías endoscópicas de pólipos de gran tamaño pueden ser realizadas con seguridad y eficacia por residentes con una adecuada curva de entrenamiento.

Background: the endoscopic polypectomy (EP) is a widespread practice in the coloproctology field. It is usually seen as a challenge by the resident, and it is seen even more challenging when operating on difficult polyps (bigger than 20 mm). The available literature is Iittle and it is not conclusive regarding the learning curve of this procedure. Objectives: analyse the efficiency and complications of the EP practiced on difficult polyps performed by residents specialized in coloproctology, and compare the outcome with the international literature available. Patients and Techniques: the retrospective analysis ­from 1st of June 2009 to 31 st of May 2010- of the EP practiced on difficult polyps done by a senior resident supervised by his mentor; considering the following indicators: size, pathology and complications of the polyp. Results: 1303 colonoscopies performed. 34 polyps bigger than 20 mm were found in 34 patients: EP was practiced on 24 cases of which the resident was able to accomplish the 95.8%. The median age of patients was 63 years old. 15 of which were males and 9 females. The average size of the polyp resulted in 28 mm. The median time of the practice was 47 minutes. The 66.4% of the cases indicated moderate dysplasia, the 29.4% acute dysplasia and the rest 4.2% invader cancer. Complications: a patient bleeding. No perforations nor post polypectomies syndroms were observed. Conclusions: With an appropiate technique and a carefuI case selection, the endoscopic polypectomies of big size polyps can be efficiently performed by residents with an adequate training curve.

Resolución endoscópica de la obstrucción de colon mediante el uso de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles / Endoscopic treatment of colonic obstruction by self-expandable metallic stent placement

Introducción: la obstrucción aguda colónica es una situación que requiere un tratamiento urgente y tiene elevada morbi-mortalidad. Las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles, lograron un lugar en el armamento terapéutico. Se pueden colocar en forma "definitiva" o como "puente a la cirugía electiva". Las ventajas son reducción de la morbi-mortalidad, evitan cirugías de urgencia no apropiadas. Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad del uso de las prótesis, en obstrucción colorrectal, revisión de aspectos técnicos, tasas de éxito y complicaciones. Material y Métodos: Se analizaron todos los pacientes con obstrucción colorrectal ingresados en el Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital Británico entre Junio 2007 y Junio del 2009, los datos fueron vertidos en una base Excel 2007. Se realizó un análisis, retrospectivo, observacional descriptivo y longitudinal. Las variables analizadas fueron: diagnóstico primario, localización de la obstrucción, intención de colocación de la prótesis, evaluación del éxito terapéutico, y complicaciones del procedimiento. Resultados: Sobre 13 pacientes con obstrucción colorrectal, en 11 (84,6 por ciento) se colocaron 15 PMA, con resolución del cuadro agudo. La edad media fue de 66 años. El 61 por ciento (8 pacientes) fueron de sexo masculino. El éxito técnico fue de 84,6 por ciento (11 pacientes), en 3 como "puente" a cirugía electiva y en 8 en foma definitiva. El éxito terapéutico fue del 100 por ciento. Las complicaciones fueron suboclusión en 1 paciente y migración en 2 pacientes con patología benigna. Conclusión: la colocación de las PMA, son eficaces y seguras con resultados preliminares que refuerzan las ventajas de los procedimientos mini-invasivos.

Background: Acute colonic obstruction is a situation that requires urgent treatment and has high morbidity and mortality. The self-expandable metallic stents achieved a place in the therapeutic armamentarium. May be placed in a “palliative” or “bridge to elective surgery”. The advantages are reducing morbility and mortality, prevent inappropriate emergency surgeries. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using prosthetics in colorectal obstruction, review of technical aspects, success rates and complications. Method: we analyzed all patients with colorectal obstruction admitted to the Colorectal Service at the British Hospital between June 2007 and June 2009, data were analyzed in a database Excel 2007. An analysis, retrospective, observational, descriptive was performed and the variables analyzed were: primary diagnosis, location of obstruction, self-expandable metallic stent, assessment of therapeutic success and complications of the procedure. Results: About 13 patients with colorectal obstruction in 11 (84.6 per cent) were placed 15 self-expandable metallic stents, with resolution of acute disease. The mean age was 66 years. 61 per cent (8 patients) were male. Technical success was 84.6 per cent (11 patients) in 3 as a "bridge" to elective surgery and 8 eight in final forms or palliative. Treatment success was 100 per cent. Complications were partial occlusion in 1 patient and migration in two patients with benign disease. Conclusion: The placement of the self-expandable metallic stents, are effective and safe with preliminary results that reinforce the advantages of mini-invasive procedures.

Special care dentistry: Midazolam conscious sedation for patients with neurological diseases.

AIM: Midazolam is used very often to control the anxiety of patients for dental treatment, especially in patients with special needs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Midazolam in patients with neurological diseases referred for dental treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with neurological disorders (encephalopathy, autism, and epilepsy) were referred to dental treatment, and 45 sedations were performed; all were sedated with Midazolam (intramuscular 0.2-0.3 mg/kg or intravenous 0.1mg/kg) and all were anesthetised with lidocaine 2% (0.5-2 mL). During the dental procedure, their behavior was analysed and classified into 3 categories: A (indifferent), B (reacted but allowed treatment), and C (did not allow treatment). Data were tabbed and statistically analysed. RESULTS: The final patients' classification was: A 22 (49%), B 18 (40%) and C 5 (11%); the patients with encephalopathy had the best results of sedation according to the proposed classification (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Midazolam demonstrated to be effective in 89% of this sample for dental procedures in patients with neurological and behavioral disturbances, but it was less effective for patients with autism (p<0.05).

Surgical management of chronic, unreduced posterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Four patients with chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder underwent surgical treatment after an average delay of 10 months from injury. They were examined clinically and radiographically at an average follow-up of 32 months. Treatment consisted of subscapularis tendon transfer (McLaughlin procedure) into the humeral defect in one case, transfer of the lesser tuberosity (McLaughlin modified procedure) in two cases, and in the fourth case-a patient with a 19-month missed dislocation and 50% humeral head lesion-a transposition of the coracoid process and conjoined tendon was performed. X-rays and CT scan excluded avascular necrosis or severe post-traumatic arthrosis. All patients achieved complete pain relief without limitation of daily or work activities. A slight limitation of anterior elevation and external rotation was present in all patients. Our results confirm that McLaughlin's original or modified procedure is suggested in cases of chronic, unreduced posterior dislocation of the shoulder (type I according to Randelli). The transposition of the coracoid process is a valid alternative to prosthesis and to autologous or homologous bone graft implants.

In vitro immunoglobulin production in relatives of patients with IgA nephropathy.

We hypothesized that the altered immunoglobulin synthesis and/or lymphocyte function apparent in patients with IgA nephropathy might be, at least partially, genetically determined. To address this hypothesis, immunoglobulin production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 22 patients with IgA nephropathy and 44 of their first degree relatives was investigated. Spontaneous overproduction of IgA1 and IgM from patients' PBMC was found. After pokeweed mitogen stimulation, both patients and relatives produced significantly more IgA1 and IgM than normal subjects. However, relatives showed a higher index of stimulation by pokeweed mitogen compared to both normals and patients. No differences were revealed in IgA2 or IgG subclass production among the groups. We propose that patients with IgAN have defects in immunoregulation that likely depend upon the genetic substrate in the patients' relatives. Such defect may reside not with the balance between help for and suppression of a particular isotype, but rather with the overall balance of isotypes in response to a particular antigenic challenge.

A survey on surgical site infection among cancer patients at Chong Hua Hospital

A retrospective descriptive study on the relative frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) among 235 operated cancer patients at Chong Hua Hospital was done covering the period from January 1991 up to May 1993. SSI occurred in 9.4 percent (22/235). There was a significant increase in SSI as the population became older (p=0.01). Dirty operations had a significantly higher infection rate of 50 percent (2/4) compared to 8.7 percent (20/211) for the rest (p=0.45). Clean operations had a significantly lower infection rate of 2.5 percent (3/121) compared to 16.7 percent (19/114) for the rest. There was no difference in SSI between early and late stage cancer cases. Operations in the alimentary tract had a significantly higher infection rate of 19.3 percent (11/57) compared to 6.4 percent (11/172) for operations on the other sites (p=0.004). Operations on solf tissues, breast and thyroid had a signifanctly lower rate of 4.6 percent (4/87) compared to 12.7 percent (18/142) for operations on other sites (p=0.045).(Author)

Abnormalities of the IgA immune system in members of unrelated pedigrees from patients with IgA nephropathy.

In the last few years many investigators have reported the recurrence of primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) or the presence of persistent microhaematuria and/or proteinuria in family members of patients with IgAN. Our study was undertaken to investigate the relevance of abnormalities in the regulation of the IgA and IgM immune system in microhaematuric and asymptomatic family members of IgAN patients. Fifty-four out of 120 members of nine unrelated pedigrees were examined by urinalysis; polymeric IgA (pIgA), IgA rheumatoid factor (IgARF), IgA1-IgG immune complexes (IgA 1-IgG IC) and IgA 1-IgM IC, and other immunoglobulins were measured in serum samples. Moreover, we studied the production of immunoglobulins, pIgA and IgARF by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in basal conditions and after pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation. Our data demonstrate that persistent microhaematuria was present in 24% of relatives. High serum levels of IgA, mainly pIgA and IgARF, IgA 1-IgG IC and IgA 1-IgM IC occurred in 66% of relatives. Abnormal spontaneous production of IgA by PBMC and after PWM stimulation was present in 64% of family members. Interestingly, high serum levels of IgM and abnormal production of this immunoglobulin by PBMC were observed in relatives. However, the immunological abnormalities did not correlate in any way with the presence of urinary abnormalities such as microhaematuria, which was most likely determined by an underlying glomerular alteration.

Involvement of peripheral blood monocytes in haemodialysis: in vivo induction of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and beta 2-microglobulin.

Our aim was to evaluate the role of three different variables in the activation of the monocyte system: dialysis membrane (cuprophane or polyacrylonitrile), dialysate (acetate or bicarbonate), and procedure (standard or high-flux haemodialysis). By ELISA test we measured the 'in vivo' intracellular (monocyte-associated) production and extracellular release of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-6 (Il-6) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) by monocytes from 20 uraemic patients before and after the dialysis session. At the beginning of the dialysis session, uraemic patients' cultured monocytes spontaneously released a greater amount of TNF alpha, Il-6 and beta 2-M compared to normal controls. However, no differences in cytokine and beta 2-M were observed in monocyte lysate between the two groups. At the end of the dialysis session, cultured monocytes from patients treated with cellulosic membranes and acetate dialysate showed greater TNF alpha values than normal controls (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 respectively). Moreover, TNF alpha and Il-6 values were strictly correlated (P less than 0.05). These results clearly show an activation of the monocyte system in uraemic patients undergoing periodic haemodialysis. The implicated factors may be multiple, such as complement activating cellulosic membranes or acetate dialysate. The production of TNF alpha, Il-6 and beta 2-M may explain some of the pathological findings observed in long-term haemodialysis patients.