Seroepidemiology of whooping cough in the Czech Republic: estimates of incidence of infection in adults.

OBJECTIVES: Despite widespread vaccination programmes, pertussis remains a significant health burden in many countries. Low awareness of the disease, the high rate of asymptomatic cases in adults and difficulties with diagnosis could explain the under-reporting of pertussis. The lack of data on actual incidence constitutes an obstacle for public health authorities for the implementation of a vaccination strategy against pertussis in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis infection in adults and to estimate the actual incidence of the disease compared with the reported incidence. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre seroprevalence study. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2000 adult subjects aged ≥18 years who had not received pertussis vaccination within the last 5 years. All enrolled subjects provided a blood sample for serum testing of IgG antibodies against pertussis toxin, performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, to indicate if they had an acute infection or if they had been infected with pertussis within the last 12 months or earlier. Results were validated in accordance with the guidelines of the European Sero-epidemiology Network 2 and were expressed in ESEN units/ml. RESULTS: A positive concentration of anti-pertussis toxin antibodies, indicating previous pertussis infection, was demonstrated in 39.9% (n = 799) of all study subjects, and 0.40% (n = 8) of subjects had a concentration suggestive of a recent infection (within the last 12 months). The highest antibody seroprevalence was observed in subjects aged 18-29 years (1.46%). No cases of acute infection were detected. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, the reported incidence of pertussis in the adult population was 0.84/100,000 inhabitants. Based on the seroprevalence results from this study, it is estimated that the actual incidence of pertussis could be as much as 699/100,000 inhabitants. The actual incidence of pertussis in adults in the Czech Republic could therefore be at least 200-fold higher than the reported incidence. These findings support the need for pertussis vaccination in the adult population.

[The prevalence of antibodies against Hepatitis E Virus in the Czech Republic: serological survey]. / Prevalence protilátek proti viru hepatitidy E v Ceské republice - sérologický prehled.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus in the general population of the Czech Republic of age 15 to 64, to analyse the age and sex distribution of these antibodies, and to evaluate the benefit of the immunoblot test for the confirmation of the specificity of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) screening test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sera from the last available multipurpose serological survey conducted in 2001 were tested. Anti-HEV IgG was detected by the RecomWell HEV IgG EIA test (Mikrogen Diagnostik, Germany). The immunoblot assay RecomLine HEV IgG/IgM (Mikrogen Diagnostik, Germany) was used for confirmation. RESULTS: Using the RecomWell IgG EIA test, anti-HEV IgG reactivity was found in 115 (6.7%) of 1715 sera. No significant difference in the anti-HEV IgG reactivity was found between men 58 (6.9%) and women 57 (6.6%). The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG increased with age from 3.5% in the age group 15-24 years to 16.8% in 55-64-year-olds. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hepatitis E IgG antibodies determined in the serological survey in the age group 15-64 years was 6.7%. Recalculated for the general population of the Czech Republic, the prevalence was 8.6%. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies increased with age, reaching a peak of 16.8% in the age group 55-64 years. The prevalence was not significantly different between men and women. Using the immunoblot RecomLine IgG test for the confirmation of the specificity of the screening test in the seroprevalence study was not of clear benefit.

NOD2/CARD15 mutations and the risk of reoperation in patients with Crohns disease.

INTRODUCTION: Three NOD2/CARD15 gene variants (3020insC, R702W, G908R) have been identified as genetic risk factors for Crohns disease patients. However the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance for clinical practice remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between these variants, the risk of reoperation and disease phenotype. METHODS: In 76 Crohns disease patients (41 female, 35 male) with a minimum 5 year follow-up, three polymorphisms of the NOD2/CARD15 gene (R702W, G908R, 3020insC) were tested. Detailed clinical and medical history including surgical procedures and reoperations were obtained by reviewing the medical charts and completed prospectively. Association between the need for reoperation, disease phenotypes and gene variants were analyzed. RESULTS: 24 patients (32%) showed at least one NOD2/CARD15 mutation. 25 patients (33%) required reoperation, 51 (67%) represented the control group. The expected trend that patients with NOD2/CARD15 variants have a higher frequency of reoperations was not confirmed to a level of statistical significance (p=0.2688). Two of the four patients (50%) with the 3020insC variant required further surgery. We did not confirm any association between NOD2/CARD15 mutations and age at diagnosis (p=0.4356), behavior (p=0.6610), or localization (p=0.4747) according to the Montreal classification. CONCLUSION: NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms did not significantly affect the reoperation rate. Homozygosity for the 3020insC variant in the NOD2/CARD15 gene is associated with a high risk of reoperation. NOD2/CARD15 gene variants are not significantly associated with specific disease phenotypes.

Differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.

Differential diagnosis between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic cancer can be very difficult. The main clinical symptoms in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis are jaundice, weight loss, abdominal pain and new onset of diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, the same symptoms could be observed in patients with pancreatic carcinoma too. Imaging methods as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endosonography (EUS); together with serological examination (IgG4 and Ca 19-9) play the important role in differentiation autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer. Extrapancreatic findings are distinctive in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. In some cases the pancreatic biopsy is indicated, mainly in patients with focal or multifocal form of autoimmune pancreatitis. Response to steroids (decreased pancreatic or extrapancreatic lesion or damage) is distinctive to AIP. In clinical practice, CT scan seems to be the most reasonable tool for examining the patients with obstructive jaundice with or without present pancreatic mass. Stratification the patients with possible AIP versus pancreatic cancer is important. In patients with AIP it may avoid pancreatic resection, as well as incorrect steroid treatment in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

[Which first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal neoplasias are at the highest risk]. / Kterí príbuzní prvního stupne nemocných s kolorektálními neoplaziemi jsou nejvíce ohrozeni.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal neoplasias have higher risk of colorectal cancer than general population. The aim of our study was to identify first- degree relatives at the highest risk of colorectal neoplasia considering both their hereditary and nonhereditary risks. METHODS: We have analysed the results of colonoscopic examinations of the first- degree relatives done within the project and we have compared them with the epidemiologic data relevant to colorectal cancer that we obtained from first-degree relatives. RESULTS: 160 first- degree relatives (66 men, 94 women, mean age 48.2, SD ± 10.9 years) have undergone colonoscopic examination within the project, 105 (66 %) of them had no or nonneoplastic polyps, 55 (34 %) had neoplastic lesions. In the univariate analysis the risk factors for the occurrence of neoplastic lesions were: male sex (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.18- 4.48, p = 0.014), age over 50 years (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.42- 5.45, p = 0.003), sibship (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.25- 5.87, p = 0.012), smoking (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.21- 4.63, p = 0.012) and higher fat intake (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.07- 4.04, p = 0.032). In the multivariate analysis only the age over 50 years proved significant (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.32- 6.09, p = 0.007). The most of the neoplastic lesions in first- degree relatives were located in the right colon. CONCLUSIONS: We can confirm high prevalence of neoplastic lesions among first- degree relatives. First-degree relatives at the highest risk are men over 50 years of age, siblings, smokers, who do not reduce dietary fat intake. This group of patients share both genetic and environmental risks and thus should be screened with the highest priority.

[Specificities of the diagnostics and therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency]. / Zvlástnosti diagnostiky a terapie exokrinní pankreatické nedostatecnosti

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency develops steadily; however, the initial reduction in secretion is practically not diagnosable. More advanced stages, which usually replicate morphological changes, can be determined with tests which asses the exocrine pancreatic capacity. Substantial damage of the pancreas and replacement of viable parenchyma with connective tissue is accompanied by the occurrence of steatorrhoea. This corresponds to a reduction in exocrine pancreatic secretion below 10% of physiological secretion. Exocrine pancreatic secretion tests are still not sufficiently sensitive for diagnosing early stages of pancreas defects and thus are not suitable for diagnostics. Furthermore, detecting reduced exocrine secretion does not provide any information about the aetiology of the disease, e.g. inflammation/tumor. The most precise test is a costly examination, including a stimulation of the gland with enterohormones; however, breath tests are usually recommended for the assessment of exocrine insufficiency therapy. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency therapy consists of administering drugs containing pancreatin (amylase, lipase, and peptidase) to patients diagnosed with steatorrhoea, manifest pancreatic insufficiency. As standard, capsules containing microparticles of 1-2mm are recommended. They have a protective coating that prevents inactivation in the microparticles of the contained enzymes by gastric hydrochloric acid. The drug should be administered during each meal, i.e. several times a day. The most common mistake during pancreatic enzyme therapy is under dosage. The following rule applies to patients with digestive insufficiency: 40,000-50,000 UNT of lipase are to be administered during "main meals" and 25,000 UNT of lipase during morning or afternoon snacks. The drug should be taken during the meal; insufficient treatment and dosage are associated with insufficient digestion and absorption ofa number of substances and also with pancreatic malabsorption.

[Chronic pancreatitis in 2011]. / Chronická pankreatitida v roce 2011.

The incidence of chronic pancreatitis grows slowly but steadily. At present, alcohol is the most frequent risk factor, although the new forms of so called non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, such as genetically induced pancreatitis and its autoimmune variety, are carefully watched. Alcohol consumption continues to be most closely associated with the disease, though it is no more than a risk factor and other aspects, e.g., genetic predisposition, are prerequisite to the disease development. Imaging methods play a fundamental role in diagnosing the disease; non-invasive magnetic resonance and CT, invasive but safe endosonography, and diagnostically rarely used ECRP that, because of its invasive nature, is currently predominantly used for therapeutic purposes. Genetic markers are also exploited, including CFTR mutation, SPINK 1 and PRRS 1 gene, immunoglobulin G4 in the autoimmune form of the disease as well as, alternatively, pancreatic biopsy. Disease symptoms, i.e., pancreatic malabsorption (enzymes with high lipase content) and pancreatic pain are treated conservatively, with paracetamol as the first line therapy for pain followed, if necessary, by so called synaptic analgesics. Alternatively, endoscopic techniques (drainage) or surgery (drainage and resection) are applied. Hereditary and non-hereditary chronic pancreatitis is among the risk factors for pancreatic cancer and thus patients with these diseases should be closely followed up.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG-positive sclerosing cholangitis]. / Autoimunitní pankreatitida a IgG pozitivní sklerotizující cholangitida.

Sclerosing cholangitis is a heterogenous disease. Sclerosing cholangitis with an unknown cause is abbreviated PSC. PSC affects extra- as well as intra-hepatic bile ducts and since this is a permanently progressing fibrous condition, it leads to liver cirrhosis. The disease is often associated with a development of cholangocarcinoma and idiopathic intestinal inflammation. Causal therapy does not exist; liver transplantation is indicated. IgG4 cholangitis differs from PSC in a number of features. This form is, unlike PSC, linked to autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) as well as other IgG4 sclerosing diseases. Anatomically, distal region of ductus choledochus is most frequently involved. Icterus is, unlike in PSC, a frequent symptom of AIP. There also is a distinctive histological picture--significant lymphoplasmatic infiltration of the bile duct wall with abundance of IgG4 has been described, lymphoplasmatic infiltration with fibrosis in the periportal area and the presence of obliterating phlebitis is also typical. However, intact biliary epithelium is a typical feature. IgG4 can be diagnosed even without concurrent presence of AIP. IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis is a condition sensitive to steroid therapy. At present, there is no doubt that IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis is a completely different condition to primary sclerosing cholangitis. From the clinical perspective, these diseases should be differentiated in every clinician's mind as (a) AIP is treated with corticosteroids and not with an unnecessary surgery, (b) IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis is mostly successfully treated with corticosteroids and the disease is not, unlike PSC, a risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma.

[Pancreatic cancer--association with diabetes mellitus and smoking]. / Pankreatický karcinom--vztah k diabetes mellitus a kourení.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer is a disease with rather poor prognosis. This can be explained, among other reasons, by unusually aggressive course of the tumour growth and, in the majority of cases, late, and thus further treatment limiting, diagnosis. In addition, no effective screening programme for pancreatic cancer is available and thus identification of risk factors associated with the development of pancreatic cancer represents a possible approach to diagnosing early stages of the disease. Smoking represents a general and diabetes mellitus a specific risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The aim of our prospective study in pancreatic cancer patients was to identify patients with diabetes mellitus and divide these into smokers and non-smokers--in association with the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 83 patients, 50 men and 33 women, with pancreatic cancer who were divided into 3 groups--non-smokers with diabetes mellitus, smokers and smokers with diabetes mellitus; the mean age was 64.2 years in male and 59.8 years in female patients. Pancreatic cancer was confirmed histomorphologically from pancreatic biopsies or a histology of pancreatic tissue obtained during a surgery. RESULTS: Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed after 3 or more years in patients with diabetes mellitus, the majority of diagnoses in smokers were made within the first year from the first dyspeptic symptoms. We found that the proportion of patients with subsequent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (33.3% up to 10 cigarettes per day and 66.5% over 10 cigarettes per day). The highest incidence of pancreatic cancer, in 42 persons (50.6%), was associated with concurrent diabetes and smoking. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic cancer was identified in 24% of patients with diabetes mellitus, 25.3% of smokers with no diabetes and in more than 50% of smokers with diabetes mellitus. We assume that smoking is an independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer induction and it importantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Role of imaging methods in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis is a complex interdisciplinary team problem. Without knowledge of classification and the current opinion of other experts on this disease, the radiologist cannot be an adequate partner in this team. Nonetheless, the radiologist has a very important position, primarily 'thanks to' computed tomography (CT) in diagnosis and fading of the disease and the possibilities offered by minimally invasive treatment of early and late complications of this disease. A turning point from the viewpoint of diagnosing acute pancreatitis was first marked by Balthazar's classification and then establishing the CTSI (severity index for the disease based on CT findings), proposed by Balthazar as well. Radiologists' increasingly more active approach to drainage of acute fluid collections and pseudocysts in patients with acute pancreatitis as well as some possibilities for percutaneous treatment of necroses has led to a reassessment of surgeons' attitudes. A persistent problem is the correct indication and timing of CT scans and the drainage itself. In their concise communication, the authors present data from the literature and summarize their own experience. They highlight the most common mistakes, especially in the indication and timing of individual methods. Finally, they present their views on a practical approach to the use of CT and percutaneous drainage in these patients.

Autoimmune pancreatitis--recent advances.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is recognized as a distinct clinical entity, identified as a chronic inflammatory process of the pancreas in which the autoimmune mechanism is involved. Clinically and histologically, AIP has two subsets: type 1--lymphoplasmatic sclerosing pancreatitis with abundant infiltration of the pancreas and other affected organs with immunoglobulin G4-positive plasma cells, and type 2--duct centric fibrosis, characterized by granulocyte epithelial lesions in the pancreas without systemic involvement. In the diagnosis of AIP, two diagnostic criterions are used--the HISORt criteria and Asian Diagnostic Criteria. In the differential diagnosis, the pancreatic cancer must be excluded by endosonographically guided pancreatic biopsy. Typical signs of AIP are concomitant disorders in other organs (kidney, liver, biliary tract, salivary glands, colon, retroperitoneum, prostate). Novel clinicopathological entity was proposed as an 'IgG4-related sclerosing disease' (IgG4-RSC). Extensive IgG4-positive plasma cells and T lymphocyte infiltration is a common characteristics of this disease. Recently, IgG4-RSC syndrome was extended to a new entity, characterized by IgG4 hypergammaglobulinemia and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration, this being considered an expression of a lymphoproliferative disease, 'IgG4-positive multiorgan lymphoproliferative syndrome'. This syndrome includes Mikulicz's disease, mediastinal fibrosis, autoimmune hypophysitis, and inflammatory pseudotumor--lung, liver, breast. In the therapy of AIP, steroids constitute first-choice treatment. High response to the corticosteroid therapy is an important diagnostic criterion. In the literature, there are no case-control studies that determine if AIP predisposes to pancreatic cancer. Undoubtedly, AIP is currently a hot topic in pancreatology.

[Immunoglobulin G4-associated cholangitis]. / Imunoglobulin G4 pozitivní cholangitida.

Autoimmune LgG4- associated cholangitis is a new entity among the liver and biliary tree disorders, classified among the so-called IgG4-related diseases. Even though prognosis of this disease is unclear, this type of sclerosing cholangitis is not being linked to a carcinoma. Clinical and laboratory data differ slightly from the findings associated with the usual primary sclerosing cholangitis and it is mainly the high IgG4 level and hyperbilirubinaemia that supports the diagnosis ofautoimmune disease. Unlike primary sclerosing cholangitis, this disease is not associated with a malignant prognosis and steroids represent an effective treatment. Combination of steroids with azathioprin is a possible alternative in case of a relapse. Patient's response to steroid therapy is a diagnosis-supporting criterion. This disease should always be considered as part of differential diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis, especially when autoimmune aberrations or other autoimmune diseases are present. Long-term evaluations of these patients are so far lacking and thus studies on larger patient samples are required.

[Chronic pancreatitis and the skeleton]. / Chronická pankreatitida a skelet.

The aim of our work was to determine the incidence of bone demineralization in patients with chronic pancreatitis, following the relation between the funcionality of the pancreatic tissue and etiological factors in the development of osteopathy and calciophosphate metabolism. Prospectivelly, during 1 year we followed 55 patients with chronic pancreatitis of different etiology verified by endoultrasound. Patients with other possible cause of osteopathy were not included in the group. In the following of calciophosphate metabolism we determined different biochemical parameters and we measured the bone mass with densitometry in standard locations. In the patients that we followed we managed to show high proportion (43.7%) of bone demineralization, however, no relation between the bone demineralization and the grade of chronic pancreatitis or the operation of pancreas was proved. Vitamin D deficiency has a significantly negative impact on bone metabolism, which is potentiated by pancreatic insufficiency and long-time alcohol abuse.

[Contribution to differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain]. / Príspevek k diferenciální diagnostice thronických brisních bolestí.

Differential diagnosis of abdominal pain is a complex area of internal medicine. The present paper discusses possible aetiology together with characterisation of some other signs, pain localisation, its propagation and diagnosis. The approach to differential diagnosis of abdominal pain must always be comprehensive and span from targeted anamnesis to physical examination of the abdomen and rational application of available, mainly imaging and endoscopic methods. Therefore, we present the most frequent aetiologies of functional and organic impairments ofthe oesophagus, intestines and pancreatic and biliary area, including possible extra-abdominal causes of abdominal pain. It is emphasised that abdominal pain should always be carefully investigated and analysed in order to prevent major mistakes and possible harm to our patients.

[Endoscopic diagnostics and management of pancreatic-biliary disorders in patients after Billroth II gastric resection]. / Endoskopická diagnostika a lécba pankreatobilárních onemocnení u pacientu po resekci zaludku podle Billrotha II.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse diagnostic and therapeutic success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in our sample of patients following Billroth II gastric resection, where, due to significantly modified anatomic ratios, this surgery represents a specific and often extremely difficult technical problem when performing ERCP. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: The sample was followed up for 13 years (November 1994-December 2007). The data on 112 patients after Billroth II gastric resection were assessed retrospectively; indications for ERCP included cholestasis in 92 patients, acute biliary pancreatitis in 12 patients, acute cholangitis in 6 patients and suspected bile leak following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCE) in 2 patients. RESULTS: Cannulation success during ERCP in the 112 patients following Billroth II gastric resection was 90.2% (i.e. 101 of the 112 patients). Normal ERCP finding was recorded in 4 patients. The remaining 97 patients had pathological results on ERCP (choledocholitiasis was found in 78 patients, malignant biliary stenosis in 14, benign biliary stenosis in 3 a bile leak following LCE in 2). Endoscopic treatment was initiated immediately after diagnostic ERCP in all these 97 patients, the initial step was in all cases endoscopic papillotomy using one of the special papillotomes (diathermy wire). Overall, therapeutic ERCP was completely successful in 83 of the 97 patients (85.6% of 97) in whom the originally endoscopic treatment had been initiated. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP following Billroth II gastric resection is, due to modified post-surgery anatomy, markedly more challenging then the conventional procedure. Availability of a variety of tools as well as, understandably, extensive experience and skill of an endoscopist are prerequisite to ERCP success in these patients. Correctly performed ERCP in patients following Billroth II gastric resection is a highly effective and safe method for diagnostics and, in particular, treatment of pancreatic-biliary diseases, in which similar success as under standard anatomic conditions can be achieved.

[Incidence of pancreatic carcinoma in persons with chronic pancreatitis]. / Incidence pankreatického karcinomu u osob s chronickou pankreatitidou.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the diseases which mostly fail to be diagnosed on a timely basis, and there is no way to effectively screen patients for pancreatic carcinoma either. An option for the diagnosis of the "early glandular carcinoma" therefore resides in identification and systematic screening of patients with risk of pancreatic carcinoma. METHOD: We monitored 223 patients with chronic pancreatitis on a systematic basis from 1992 to 2005. During this 14-year period, we monitored the number of cigarettes smoked per year in addition to standard parametres measured by biochemical methods, endosonography, CT and ERCP exams, and assigned the alcoholic form of chronic pancreatitis to patients consuming more than 80g of alcohol per day on a systematic basis for more than 5 years in the case of men, and 50 g of alcohol per day in the case of women, and classed the patients according the TIGARO classification. RESULTS: Alcoholic etiology was proven in 73.1% of the examined patients, chronic obstructive form of pancreatitis was diagnosed in 21.5% of patients, and only 5.4% of patients were classified into the idiopathic pancreatitis group. Pancreatic carcinoma in the region of chronic pancreatitis was found in 13 patients (5.8%); stomach carcinoma was diagnosed in 3 patients with chronic pancreatitis, and oesophageal carcinoma in 1 patient of the total of patients monitored. Malignant pancreatic disease was diagnosed primarily in patients with alcoholic pancreatitis (4.5%). During the period of 14 years, 11 patients died, 8 of the deaths being associated with pancreatic carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Both pancreatic and extrapancreatic carcinoma in gastrointestinal location is a serious complication of protracted chronic, non-hereditary pancreatitis. Systematic identification and treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis is therefore necessary for timely diagnosis ofgastrointestinal and pancreatic malignancies.

Autoimunne pancreatitis.

Since Sarles et al. in 1961 reported a particular type of pancreatitis with hypergammaglobulinemia, many investigators have suggested that an autoimmune mechanism may be involved in some patients with pancreatitis. Recently, the concept of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been proposed in which several unique clinical, biochemical and imaging signs have been shown. In the TIGARO risk factor classification system of chronic pancreatitis proposed in 2001, autoimmunity was categorized as one of six of the risk factors. AIP is a chronic fibroinflammatory condition primary affecting pancreas. It is an atypical form of chronic pancreatitis characterized by sonolucent swelling of the pancreas, diffuse irregular narrowing of the pancreatic duct, and high serum IgG4 concentrations. Co-occurrence of extrapancreatic involvement, such as sclerosing cholangitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, or salivary gland swelling were found: Histopathologic examinations detected extrapancreatic lesions such as lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and fibrosis, similar to those present in the pancreatic tissue, suggesting a common pathogenesis. These findings suggest that the disease involves a general involvement of the digestive system, although the presence of such involvement has not been fully elucidated. Steroids are a main therapeutic option in AIP.

Occurrence of metabolic osteopathy in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease manifested by maldigestion and, in an advanced stage, by malabsorption. The aim of our research was to monitor the occurrence of metabolic osteopathies (osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia) in patients with chronic pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The group consisted of 73 patients (17 women and 56 men) in different stages of chronic pancreatitis. In all patients we determined serum concentrations of Ca, P, 25-OH vitamin D, 1,25-(OH)(2) vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and its bone isoenzyme. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the lumbar spine (L(1)-L(4)) and in the proximal femur. When bone pathology was identified by DXA, we determined the other to exclude other causes of secondary osteopathy and the 24-hour loss of calcium and phosphorus in the urine. RESULTS: Osteopathy was found in 39% of patients, i.e. osteopenia in 26%, osteoporosis in 5% and osteomalacia in 8% of cases. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of relatively high percentages of metabolic osteopathies in patients with chronic pancreatitis may correlate, namely in advanced stages of the disease, with the malabsorption of vitamin D to the enterohepatic circulation. In initial forms of pancreatitis, it is not possible to exclude progression of osteopathy due to changes of the intestinal flora, with disturbance of vitamin D absorption to the intestinal mucosa.