Suboptimal response to tumor necrosis factor antagonists in inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America: EXPLORE LATAM study / Respuesta subóptima a los antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en Latinoamérica: Estudio EXPLORE LATAM

Objective Data on anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment and suboptimal response (SOR) among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Latin America (LATAM) are scarce. This study evaluated the incidence and indicators of SOR to anti-TNF therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) from Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Patients and methods We performed retrospective analysis of data from LATAM patients of the EXPLORE study (NCT03090139) including adult patients with IBD who initiated anti-TNF therapy between March 2010 to March 2015. The cumulative incidence of SOR to first-line anti-TNF therapy was assessed. A physician survey to assess barriers to anti-TNF therapies was also carried out. Results We included 185 IBD patients (UC/CD: 99/86) treated with first-line anti-TNF from Argentina (38 UC; 40 CD), Colombia (21 UC; 25 CD) and Mexico (40 UC; 21 CD). 36.4% of patients with UC and 46.5% of patients with CD experienced SOR to anti-TNF therapy during the median (interquartile range) observational period: 49.0 months (37.2–60.1) in UC, and 50.0 months (40.9–60.1) in CD. The most common indicator of SOR among patients was augmentation of non-biologic therapy (UC: 41.7%; CD: 35.0%). Affordability and late referral to IBD specialist care centers were the most common barriers to anti-TNF therapies. Conclusions SOR to anti-TNF therapy was common in LATAM IBD patients, where augmentation with non-biologic therapy represented the most frequent indicator of SOR across indications. Our findings contribute to the current evidence on the unmet needs associated with anti-TNF in LATAM (AU)

Objetivo Los datos sobre tratamiento con antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral (anti-TNF) y su respuesta subóptima (RSO) en las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (EII) en América Latina (LATAM) son escasos. Se evaluaron la incidencia e indicadores de RSO a anti-TNF en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa (CU) y enfermedad de Crohn (EC) de Argentina, Colombia y México. Pacientes y métodos Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de datos del estudio EXPLORE LATAM (NCT03090139), incluyendo pacientes adultos con EII que iniciaron anti-TNF entre marzo de 2010 a marzo de 2015. Se evaluó la incidencia acumulada de RSO a los anti-TNF en primera línea. Además, se realizó una encuesta a especialistas sobre las barreras del tratamiento con anti-TNF. Resultados Se incluyeron 185 pacientes con EII (CU/EC: 99/86) tratados con anti-TNF en primera línea de Argentina (38 CU; 40 EC), Colombia (21 CU; 25 EC) y México (40 CU; 21 EC); 36,4% de los pacientes con CU y 46,5% de los pacientes con EC experimentaron RSO a anti-TNF durante la mediana (intervalo intercuartílico) de 49 meses (37,2-60,1) en CU y 50 meses (40,9-60,1) en EC. El indicador más común de RSO fue el aumento del tratamiento no biológico (CU: 41,7%; EC: 35,0%). La accesibilidad y la derivación tardía a centros especializados fueron las barreras más comunes para el tratamiento con anti-TNF. Conclusiones La RSO a anti-TNF fue frecuente en pacientes con EII de LATAM, el aumento del tratamiento no biológico representó el indicador más frecuente de RSO. Nuestros hallazgos contribuyen a la evidencia actual sobre las necesidades insatisfechas asociadas a los anti-TNF en LATAM (AU)

Suboptimal response to tumor necrosis factor antagonists in inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America: EXPLORE LATAM study.

OBJECTIVE: Data on anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment and suboptimal response (SOR) among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Latin America (LATAM) are scarce. This study evaluated the incidence and indicators of SOR to anti-TNF therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) from Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of data from LATAM patients of the EXPLORE study (NCT03090139) including adult patients with IBD who initiated anti-TNF therapy between March 2010 to March 2015. The cumulative incidence of SOR to first-line anti-TNF therapy was assessed. A physician survey to assess barriers to anti-TNF therapies was also carried out. RESULTS: We included 185 IBD patients (UC/CD: 99/86) treated with first-line anti-TNF from Argentina (38 UC; 40 CD), Colombia (21 UC; 25 CD) and Mexico (40 UC; 21 CD). 36.4% of patients with UC and 46.5% of patients with CD experienced SOR to anti-TNF therapy during the median (interquartile range) observational period: 49.0 months (37.2-60.1) in UC, and 50.0 months (40.9-60.1) in CD. The most common indicator of SOR among patients was augmentation of non-biologic therapy (UC: 41.7%; CD: 35.0%). Affordability and late referral to IBD specialist care centers were the most common barriers to anti-TNF therapies. CONCLUSIONS: SOR to anti-TNF therapy was common in LATAM IBD patients, where augmentation with non-biologic therapy represented the most frequent indicator of SOR across indications. Our findings contribute to the current evidence on the unmet needs associated with anti-TNF in LATAM.

Latin America consensus statement inflammatory bowel disease: importance of timely access to diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions that negatively interferes with the quality of life of the patients, on a physical, emotional, and social level. Its symptoms can vary including diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss, depending on the type and location and severity of the disease. Despite evolving treatment, they do not always achieve control of the symptoms, so between 23% and 45% of people with idiopathic chronic ulcerative colitis, and up to 75% of those with Crohn's disease, eventually, will need surgery. Objective: The increase in its incidence in Latin America has promoted a renewed interest on the part of the medical and scientific community in standardizing and unifying criteria for the proper diagnosis and management of the disease, which is part of the current discussions of various events; however, this interest has not yet been reflected in policies and initiatives by governments to address the disease. We decided to develop a consensus meeting in order to elucidate the actual situation of IBD care in our region. Design: The methodology employed to build the consensus document derived from a review of literature, evidence, and policies on IBD, followed by a process of validation and feedback with a group of 10 experts in the field. Methods: Nine experts from different countries in Latin America were reunited in web meetings on 2 days and voted on topics derived from the consensus document. A full agreement with 100% approval was needed, so topics were discussed to reach the consensus otherwise were removed. Results: There is still a lack of information about IBD in Latin America, therefore IBD continues to be an 'invisible' disease and is little recognized by decision-makers. Conclusion: This document describes the current situation of IBDs in the Latin American region, highlighting the main barriers and challenges in timely access to diagnosis and treatment, in order to demonstrate the need to promote the development and implementation of policies, in order to improve the quality of care of patients with IBD.

GADECCU 2022 Guideline for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Adaptation and updating of the GETECCU 2020 Guideline. / Guía GADECCU 2022 para el tratamiento de la colitis ulcerosa. Adaptación y actualización de la Guía GETECCU 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that compromises the colon, affecting the quality of life of individuals of any age. In practice, there is a wide spectrum of clinical situations. The advances made in the physio pathogenesis of UC have allowed the development of new, more effective and safer therapeutic agents. OBJECTIVES: To update and expand the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of relevant treatments for remission induction and maintenance after a mild, moderate or severe flare of UC. RECIPIENTS: Gastroenterologists, coloproctologists, general practitioners, family physicians and others health professionals, interested in the treatment of UC. METHODOLOGY: GADECCU authorities obtained authorization from GETECCU to adapt and update the GETECCU 2020 Guide for the treatment of UC. Prepared with GRADE methodology. A team was formed that included authors, a panel of experts, a nurse and a patient, methodological experts, and external reviewers. GRADE methodology was used with the new information. RESULTS: A 118-page document was prepared with the 44 GADECCU 2022 recommendations, for different clinical situations and therapeutic options, according to levels of evidence. A section was added with the new molecules that are about to be available. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline has been made in order to facilitate decision-making regarding the treatment of UC, adapting and updating the guide prepared by GETECCU in the year 2020.

Probiotic lactobacilli as a promising strategy to ameliorate disorders associated with intestinal inflammation induced by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Damage to the small intestine caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) occurs more frequently than in the upper gastrointestinal tract, is more difficult to diagnose and no effective treatments exist. Hence, we investigated whether probiotics can control the onset of this severe condition in a murine model of intestinal inflammation induced by the NSAID, indomethacin. Probiotic supplementation to mice reduce the body weight loss, anemia, shortening of the small intestine, cell infiltration into the intestinal tissue and the loss of Paneth and Goblet cells associated with intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, a high antimicrobial activity in the intestinal fluids of mice fed with probiotics compared to animals on a conventional diet was elicited against several pathogens. Interestingly, probiotics dampened the oxidative stress and several local and systemic markers of an inflammatory process, as well as increased the secretion of IL-10 by regulatory T cells. Even more importantly, probiotics induced important changes in the large intestine microbiota characterized by an increase in anaerobes and lactobacilli, and a significant decrease in total enterobacteria. We conclude that oral probiotic supplementation in NSAID-induced inflammation increases intestinal antimicrobial activity and reinforces the intestinal epithelial barrier in order to avoid pathogens and commensal invasion and maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease in Mexico and Colombia: Analysis of health databases, mathematical modelling and a case-series study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) have a major impact on quality of life and medical costs. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence, incidence and clinical phenotypes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) cases in Mexico and Colombia. METHODS: We analyzed official administrative and health databases, used mathematical modelling to estimate the incidence and complete prevalence, and performed a case-series of IBD patients at a referral center both in Mexico and Colombia. RESULTS: The age-adjusted complete prevalence of UC per 100,000 inhabitants for 2015/2016 ranged from 15.65 to 71.19 in Mexico and from 27.40 to 69.97 in Colombia depending on the model considered. The prevalence of CD per 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico ranged from 15.45 to 18.08 and from 16.75 to 18.43 in Colombia. In Mexico, the age-adjusted incidence of UC per 100,000 inhabitants per year ranged from 0.90 to 2.30, and from 0.55 to 2.33 in Colombia. The incidence for CD in Mexico ranged from 0.35 to 0.66 whereas in Colombia, the age-adjusted incidence of CD ranged from 0.30 to 0.57. The case-series included 200 IBD patients from Mexico and 204 patients from Colombia. The UC/CD prevalence ratio in Mexico and Colombia was 1.50:1 and 4.5:1 respectively. In Mexico, the female/male prevalence ratio for UC was 1.50:1 and 1.28:1 for CD, while in Colombia this ratio was 0.68:1 for UC and 0.8:1 for CD. In Mexico the relapse rate for UC was 63.3% and 72.5% for CD, while those rates in Colombia were 58.2% for UC and 58.3% for CD. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated burden of disease of IBD in Mexico and Colombia is not negligible. Although these findings need to be confirmed by population-based studies, they are useful for decision-makers, practitioners and patients with this condition.

[Intersociety guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Clostridioides difficile infections]. / Recomendaciones intersociedades para diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de las infecciones por Clostridioides difficile.

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) are among the leading causes of health care-associated infections. The epidemiology of CDI has undergone major changes in the last decade, showing an increase in incidence, severity, and rate of relapse. These guidelines were developed by specialists from four scientific societies: Sociedad Argentina de Infectología (SADI), Sociedad Argentina de Gastroenterología (SAGE), Sociedad Argentina de Bacteriología, Micología y Parasitología Clínicas (SADEBAC) and Asociación de Enfermeras en Control de Infecciones (ADECI). The objective of these intersociety guidelines is to provide national recommendations on CDI diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The methodology used involved the systematic review of the bibliography available up to December 2018, which was performed by six groups formed ad hoc: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, Special Populations, and Infection Control. The conclusions were presented and discussed in meetings held by each individual group and plenary meetings. In this document, updated diagnosis algorithms, therapeutic options (including fecal microbiota transplant) for immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients are presented, as well as strategies for the control of C. difficile infection.

Las infecciones por Clostridioides difficile están entre las principales causas de infecciones asociadas al sistema de salud. Su epidemiología ha sufrido importantes cambios en la última década con aumento en incidencia, gravedad y frecuencia de recidivas. El objetivo de este documento es brindar recomendaciones nacionales para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la prevención de las infecciones por C. difficile. Estas recomendaciones fueron elaboradas por especialistas pertenecientes a cuatro sociedades científicas de la República Argentina: Sociedad Argentina de Infectología (SADI), Sociedad Argentina de Gastroenterología (SAGE), Sociedad Argentina de Bacteriología, Micología y Parasitología Clínica (SADEBAC) y Asociación de Enfermeros en Control de Infecciones (ADECI). La metodología utilizada consistió en la revisión sistemática de la evidencia publicada hasta diciembre 2018. Seis grupos de especialistas fueron formados a tal fin: Epidemiología, Diagnóstico, Tratamiento, Trasplante de Microbiota Fecal, Poblaciones Especiales y Control de Infecciones. En reuniones individuales de grupo y plenarias se presentaron y discutieron las conclusiones y se elaboraron las recomendaciones. En este documento se actualizan los algoritmos diagnósticos, las opciones terapéuticas, incluido el trasplante de microbiota fecal, en paciente inmunocompetentes e inmunocomprometidos, y las medidas de control de infecciones por C. difficile.

Oral Administration of Probiotics Increases Paneth Cells and Intestinal Antimicrobial Activity.

The huge amount of intestinal bacteria represents a continuing threat to the intestinal barrier. To meet this challenge, gut epithelial cells produce antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that act at the forefront of innate immunity. We explore whether this antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells, the main intestinal cell responsible of AMP production, are influenced by probiotics administration, to avoid the imbalance of intestinal microbiota and preserve intestinal barrier. Administration of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (Lc 431) and L. paracasei CNCM I-1518 (Lp 1518) to 42 days old mice, increases the number of Paneth cells on small intestine, and the antimicrobial activity against the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium in the intestinal fluids. Specifically, strong damage of the bacterial cell with leakage of cytoplasmic content, and cellular fragmentation were observed in S. Typhimurium and S. aureus. Even more important, probiotics increase the antimicrobial activity of the intestinal fluids at the different ages, from weaning (21 days old) to old age (180 days old). Intestinal antimicrobial activity stimulated by oral probiotics, do not influence significantly the composition of total anaerobic bacteria, lactobacilli and enterobacteria in the large intestine, at any age analyzed. This result, together with the antimicrobial activity observed against the same probiotic bacteria; endorse the regular consumption of probiotics without adverse effect on the intestinal homeostasis in healthy individuals. We demonstrate that oral probiotics increase intestinal antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells in order to strengthen epithelial barrier against pathogens. This effect would be another important mechanism by which probiotics protect the host mainly against infectious diseases.

Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease in recently diagnosed celiac disease patients.

AIM: To evaluate novel risk factors and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in celiac disease (CD) patients compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty adult patients with recent diagnosis of CD and 20 sex, age and body mass index-matched healthy controls were recruited during a period of 12 mo. Indicators of carbohydrate metabolism, hematological parameters and high sensitive C reactive protein were determined. Moreover, lipoprotein metabolism was also explored through evaluation of the lipid profile and the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2, which is also considered a specific marker of vascular inflammation. The protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee from School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires and from Buenos Aires Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. RESULTS: Regarding the indicators of insulin resistance, CD patients showed higher plasma insulin levels [7.2 (5.0-11.3) mU/L vs 4.6 (2.6-6.7) mU/L, P < 0.05], increased Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance [1.45 (1.04-2.24) vs 1.00 (0.51-1.45), P < 0.05] and lower Quantitative Sensitive Check index [0.33 (0.28-0.40) vs 0.42 (0.34-0.65), P < 0.05] indexes. Folic acid concentration [5.4 (4.4-7.9) ng/mL vs 12.2 (8.0-14.2) ng/mL, P < 0.01] resulted to be lower and High-sensitivity C reactive protein levels higher (4.21 ± 6.47 mg/L vs 0.98 ± 1.13 mg/L, P < 0.01) in the patient group. With respect to the lipoprotein profile, CD patients showed lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (45 ± 15 mg/dL vs 57 ± 17 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and apo A-I (130 ± 31 mg/dL vs 155 ± 29 mg/dL, P < 0.05) levels, as well as higher total cholesterol/HDL-C [4.19 (3.11-5.00) vs 3.52 (2.84-4.08), P < 0.05] and apo B/apo A-I (0.75 ± 0.25 vs 0.55 ± 0.16, P < 0.05) ratios in comparison with control subjects. No statistically significant differences were detected in lipoprotein-associated lipid transfer protein and enzymes. CONCLUSION: The presence and interaction of the detected alterations in patients with CD, would constitute a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Extensive mesenteric lipodystrophy of the left colon: case report and brief review of the literature.

Mesenteric lipodystrophy is a rare inflammatory process that predominantly affects mesenteric adipose tissue of the small bowell. Several mechanisms have been suggested as responsible for this entity although the precise etiolog remains unknown. The diagnosis is based on CT or MRI imaging and generally confirmed by surgical biopsies. Treatment is individualized and empiric and depends on disease stage and symptoms. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with a history of abdominal pain, constipation and a palpable mass in the left lower quadrant. Abdominal CT scan showed diffuse thickening of the descending and rectosigmoid colon, associated with increased density of the mesenteric fat. After failure ofan initial treat- ment with glucocorticoids, he underwent a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Histopatholog analysis revealed extensive stea- tonecrosis ofpericolonicfat and lipid-ladenfoamy cells which was consistent with the diagnosis of mesenteric lipodystrophy. Clinical presentation and treatment as well as a brief review of the literature are discussed.

[Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: a case report and review of the literature]. / Pneumatosis quística intestinalis: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis features the presence of subserum or submucous cysts with gas in the intestinal wall. Its prevalence is 0.03%, although it has increased in the past decades due to a greater use of colonoscopy in everyday medical practice. Though there are several theories about its origin and many associated diseases were reported, its pathogenesis still remains uncertain. It is generally diagnosed as a finding in an imaging test. The treatment depends on the severity of the associated disease and symptoms. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman, heavy smoker, with no other clinical conditions who took a medical consultation due to abdominal bloating. She underwent a screening colonoscopy which detected the existence of cysts on the colonic wall. Afterwards, a computed tomography was performed and showed apical lung bullae, gas in a colonic wall segment, and ascitis associated to a big anexial tumor. She underwent a cytoreductive surgery, confirming the presence of advanced ovary neoplasm. The endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of penumatosis cystoides intestinalis. We report these case because it is a rare entity which requires uncommon management and treatment guidelines.

Pneumatosis quística intestinalis: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / [Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: a case report and review of the literature].

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis features the presence of subserum or submucous cysts with gas in the intestinal wall. Its prevalence is 0.03

, although it has increased in the past decades due to a greater use of colonoscopy in everyday medical practice. Though there are several theories about its origin and many associated diseases were reported, its pathogenesis still remains uncertain. It is generally diagnosed as a finding in an imaging test. The treatment depends on the severity of the associated disease and symptoms. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman, heavy smoker, with no other clinical conditions who took a medical consultation due to abdominal bloating. She underwent a screening colonoscopy which detected the existence of cysts on the colonic wall. Afterwards, a computed tomography was performed and showed apical lung bullae, gas in a colonic wall segment, and ascitis associated to a big anexial tumor. She underwent a cytoreductive surgery, confirming the presence of advanced ovary neoplasm. The endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of penumatosis cystoides intestinalis. We report these case because it is a rare entity which requires uncommon management and treatment guidelines.

Pneumatosis quística intestinalis: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura. / [Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: a case report and review of the literature].

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis features the presence of subserum or submucous cysts with gas in the intestinal wall. Its prevalence is 0.03

, although it has increased in the past decades due to a greater use of colonoscopy in everyday medical practice. Though there are several theories about its origin and many associated diseases were reported, its pathogenesis still remains uncertain. It is generally diagnosed as a finding in an imaging test. The treatment depends on the severity of the associated disease and symptoms. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman, heavy smoker, with no other clinical conditions who took a medical consultation due to abdominal bloating. She underwent a screening colonoscopy which detected the existence of cysts on the colonic wall. Afterwards, a computed tomography was performed and showed apical lung bullae, gas in a colonic wall segment, and ascitis associated to a big anexial tumor. She underwent a cytoreductive surgery, confirming the presence of advanced ovary neoplasm. The endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of penumatosis cystoides intestinalis. We report these case because it is a rare entity which requires uncommon management and treatment guidelines.

Risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with celiac disease: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association of celiac disease with colorectal neoplasia is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with celiac disease. METHODS: We carried out a multicenter, retrospective case-control study, within four community hospitals. Celiac disease patients with a complete colonoscopy were regarded as cases and those without celiac disease as controls. For each case, two controls matched for age, sex, indication for colonoscopy and colorectal cancer family history, were randomly selected. The main outcome evaluated was risk of colorectal polyps, adenomas, advanced neoplastic lesions and cancer. RESULTS: We identified 118 patients with celiac disease and 236 controls. The risk of polyps, adenomas and advanced neoplastic lesions was similar in both groups (OR 1.25, CI 0.71-2.18, p=0.40; OR 1.39, CI 0.73-2.63, p=0.31; and OR 1.00, CI 0.26-3.72, p=1.00, respectively). On multivariate analysis, age >75 years old, and first-grade CRC family history were associated with adenomas (OR 2.68 CI 1.03-6.98, OR 6.68 CI 1.03-47.98 respectively) and advanced neoplastic lesions (OR 15.03, CI 2.88-78.3; OR 6.46 CI 1.23-33.79, respectively). With respect to celiac disease characteristic, a low adherence to a gluten free diet was independently associated with the presence of adenomas (OR 6.78 CI 1.39-33.20 p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Celiac disease was not associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. Nonadherence to a strict gluten free diet was associated with the presence of adenomas. Further studies addressing celiac disease characteristics are needed to confirm this observation.

Risk of fracture in celiac disease: gender, dietary compliance, or both?

AIM: To determine the incidence of peripheral fractures in patients with celiac disease (CD) and the effect of treatment on fracture risk. METHODS: We compared the incidence and risk of peripheral fractures before and after diagnosis between a cohort of 265 patients who had been diagnosed with CD at least 5 years before study entry and a cohort of 530 age- and sex-matched controls who had been diagnosed with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Data were collected through in-person interviews with an investigator. The overall assessment window for patients was 9843 patient-years (2815 patient-years after diagnosis). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the CD cohort showed significantly higher incidence rate and risk of first peripheral fracture before diagnosis [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23-2.56, P < 0.002] and in men (HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.37-5.22, P < 0.004). Fracture risk was significantly associated with the classic CD presentation with gastrointestinal symptoms (P < 0.003). In the time period after diagnosis, the risk of fractures was comparable between the CD cohort and controls in both sexes (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.55-2.10 for women; HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.57-4.26 for men). CONCLUSION: CD patients have higher prevalence of fractures in the peripheral skeleton before diagnosis. This is associated with male sex and classic clinical presentation. The fracture risk was reduced after the treatment.

[Gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal perforation due to polyarteritis nodosa in a patient with celiac disease. A case report]. / Hemorragia digestiva y perforación intestinal secundarias a panarteritis nodosa en un paciente con enfermedad celiaca. Presentación de un caso.

Complications of celiac disease could present with intestinal perforation and rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding, which are usually secondary to nongranulomatous ulcerative jejunoileitis or T-cell lymphoma. We describe the case of a 66-year-old male patient with an 8-year history of celiac disease (CD) who presented with recurrent abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. Several tests were performed to find out possible complications associated to CD. Due to an overt gastrointestinal bleeding, an arteriography was performed and signs of polyarteritis nodosa were found. Vascular disease was aggressive, and despite multiple medical and surgical treatments the patient died. As arteriography is not usually performed for the study of the complications of CD, it is possible that the association between CD and PAN has been underdiagnosed.

[Is the preparation with sodium phosphate purgative for bowel cleansing safe in low-risk patients?]. / Es segura la preparación con laxante de fosfato sódico para la limpieza colónica en pacientes de bajo riesgo?

UNLABELLED: The development of colonoscopy has increased the oral sodium phosphate (OSP) laxative use. OSP complications like hyperphosphatemia with acute and chronic kidney impairment with nephrocalcinosis have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze acute and one year after OSP complications in low risk well hydrated patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective study in 100 consecutive patients undergoing colonic cleansing with OSP for colonoscopy aged 35-74 year, ASA I-II. Exclusion criteria were congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, intestinal obstruction, decreased bowel motility, increased bowel permeability, hyperparathyroidism. Arterial pressure, hematocrit, serum osmolality, serum phosphate, ionic calcium, electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+), creatinine and urea were measured before and after OSP. The day before colonoscopy all the participants entered a 24 hr-period diet consisting in 4 litres of clear fluids and standard OSP dose (30 g at 17:00 and 30 gr at 22:00). Phosphatemia levels post OSP according to patient's weight (> or =, < or = 70 kg) and one year later kidney function were compared. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.9 +/- 8.4 years, 66% of patients were women and mean weight was 71 +/- 13 kg. Kidney function showed no significant difference between pre and post OSP, and after one year values. Hyperphosphatemia appeared in 87%. Hyperphosphatemia was higher in patients with low weight (5.8 mg/dl vs 5.3 mg/dl, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OSP complications were reduced through an adequate patient selection in order to avoid risk factors and an effective hydration. Phosphate overload was tolerated without symptoms. Considering high hyperphosphatemia incidence and its relation with weight, to adjust dose related to weight should be evaluated. There was no acute or a year later renal damage.

[Celiac disease: diagnosis prevalence in a community hospital]. / Enfermedad celíaca: prevalencia del diagnóstico en un hospital de comunidad.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-sensitive enteropathy characterized by a chronic injury of the small bowel, caused by gluten intolerance in genetically predisposed individuals. The different forms of presentation of CD resemble more a multisystem disorder than a primary gastrointestinal disease and it is frequently underdiagnosed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of CD diagnosis in the population of affiliates to the HMO of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study, using secondary databases of diagnosis and laboratory from the electronic medical record (EMR) in a HMO population between 1998 and 2006. The criteria used to define a case was based on a diagnosis of CD in the EMR and/or a IgA antitransglutaminase antibodies value >15 AU/mL. RESULTS: According to these criteria, 283 patients with CD were identified in 128,748 individuals of the HMO. The prevalence of CD was 0.22%. The mean age of this group was of 42.3 years, and 80.2% of them were female. CONCLUSIONS: In a primary care HMO setting, using secondary databases from EMR we found 1 case of celiac disease every 470 affiliates, giving a prevalence of 0.22%. The rate between serological prevalence of CD and clinical diagnosis carried out in our center was near 3.3 to 1. Although this level of diagnosis could be considered relatively high, an important proportion of patients are left without diagnosis, considering the local estimated prevalence reported using serological tests. An increased level of awareness and clinical suspicion is needed at the primary care level.