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1.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 11: 1407812, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38983363

ABSTRACT

Objective: In patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), the diagnostic yield of gastroscopy and colonoscopy (bidirectional endoscopy) in detecting neoplastic lesions is low. This study aimed to develop and validate a faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based model to optimise the work-up of patients with IDA. Methods: Outpatients with IDA were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre study from April 2016 to October 2019. One FIT was performed before bidirectional endoscopy. Significant gastrointestinal lesions were recorded and a combined model developed with variables that were independently associated with significant colorectal lesions in the multivariate analysis. The model cut-off was selected to provide a sensitivity of at least 95% for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection, and its performance was compared to different FIT cut-offs. The data set was randomly split into two groups (developed and validation cohorts). An online calculator was developed for clinical application. Results: The development and validation cohorts included 373 and 160 patients, respectively. The developed model included FIT value, age, and sex. In the development and validation cohorts, a model cut-off of 0.1375 provided a negative predictive value of 98.1 and 96.7% for CRC and 90.7 and 88.3% for significant colorectal lesions, respectively. This combined model reduced the rate of missed significant colorectal lesions compared to FIT alone and could have avoided more than one-fourth of colonoscopies. Conclusion: The FIT-based combined model developed in this study may serve as a useful diagnostic tool to triage IDA patients for early endoscopic referral, resulting in considerable reduction of unnecessary colonoscopies.

2.
Ann Intern Med ; 176(9): 1145-1152, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37639723

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of computer-aided detection in identifying advanced colorectal neoplasia is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of computer-aided detection to colonoscopic detection of advanced colorectal neoplasias as well as adenomas, serrated polyps, and nonpolypoid and right-sided lesions. DESIGN: Multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04673136). SETTING: Spanish colorectal cancer screening program. PARTICIPANTS: 3213 persons with a positive fecal immunochemical test. INTERVENTION: Enrollees were randomly assigned to colonoscopy with or without computer-aided detection. MEASUREMENTS: Advanced colorectal neoplasia was defined as advanced adenoma and/or advanced serrated polyp. RESULTS: The 2 comparison groups showed no significant difference in advanced colorectal neoplasia detection rate (34.8% with intervention vs. 34.6% for controls; adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.01 [95% CI, 0.92 to 1.10]) or the mean number of advanced colorectal neoplasias detected per colonoscopy (0.54 [SD, 0.95] with intervention vs. 0.52 [SD, 0.95] for controls; adjusted rate ratio, 1.04 [99.9% CI, 0.88 to 1.22]). Adenoma detection rate also did not differ (64.2% with intervention vs. 62.0% for controls; aRR, 1.06 [99.9% CI, 0.91 to 1.23]). Computer-aided detection increased the mean number of nonpolypoid lesions (0.56 [SD, 1.25] vs. 0.47 [SD, 1.18] for controls; adjusted rate ratio, 1.19 [99.9% CI, 1.01 to 1.41]), proximal adenomas (0.94 [SD, 1.62] vs. 0.81 [SD, 1.52] for controls; adjusted rate ratio, 1.17 [99.9% CI, 1.03 to 1.33]), and lesions of 5 mm or smaller (polyps in general and adenomas and serrated lesions in particular) detected per colonoscopy. LIMITATIONS: The high adenoma detection rate in the control group may limit the generalizability of the findings to endoscopists with low detection rates. CONCLUSION: Computer-aided detection did not improve colonoscopic identification of advanced colorectal neoplasias. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Medtronic.


Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Colorectal Neoplasms , Humans , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colonoscopy , Odds Ratio , Radiopharmaceuticals
3.
Gastroenterol. hepatol. (Ed. impr.) ; 46(4): 282-287, Abr. 2023. tab, mapas
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-218419

ABSTRACT

Introducción: La estrategia diagnóstico-terapéutica en la hemorragia digestiva baja (HDB) grave varía según la situación clínica del paciente. Las guías de práctica clínica actuales proponen diferentes estrategias de manejo. Objetivo: Conocer la toma de decisiones de los gastroenterólogos de distintos centros hospitalarios en el manejo de esta enfermedad. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo mediante una encuesta on-line, dirigida a facultativos de aparato digestivo de España y Latinoamérica, en diciembre de 2021. Resultados: Se incluyeron 281 encuestas anónimas de facultativos de España y Latinoamérica. El manejo diagnóstico-terapéutico de la HDB grave fue heterogéneo entre los encuestados. Con respecto a los estudios iniciales mostraron variabilidad entre la solicitud de angiografía por tomografía computarizada (angio-TC) (44,5%), gastroscopia (33,1%), colonoscopia (20,6%) y arteriografía (1,1%). La decisión terapéutica tras angio-TC positiva variaba mayoritariamente entre la solicitud de arteriografía (38,1%) y colonoscopia (44,1%). Si la angio-TC era negativa se realizaba gastroscopia en la mayoría de los casos. Si el paciente ingresaba en una unidad de cuidados intensivos y precisaba colonoscopia, la mayor parte de los encuestados la realizaban urgente (<24h) (31% siempre, 43,4% en la mayoría de los casos); mientras que, si no requerían ingreso en intensivos este porcentaje se reducía (10% siempre, 33,8% en la mayoría de los casos). Reconocían tener dudas en el manejo de estos pacientes el 40,9% de los encuestados, y consideraban necesario la creación de un protocolo de actuación el 98,2% de los participantes. Conclusiones: Existe una gran variabilidad interhospitalaria en el manejo de la HDB grave entre los gastroenterólogos. Es necesario unificar la actuación diagnóstico-terapéutica en esta enfermedad.(AU)


Background and aims: The diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) varies depending on the patient's clinical situation. Actual clinical practice guidelines propose different management strategies. We aim to know the attitude of the gastroenterologists from different hospitalary centers in the management of this entity. Methods: Descriptive and observational study using an on-line questionnaire, addressed to gastroenterologists in Spain and Latin America, in December 2021. Results: We included 281 anonymous questionnaires of gastroenterologists from Spain and Latin America. Diagnostic and therapeutic management of severe LGIB was heterogeneous among the participants. Regarding to the first diagnostic modalities they showed variability between performing computed tomography angiography (CTA) (44.5%), gastroscopy (33.1%), colonoscopy (20.6%) and arteriography (1.1%). The therapeutic attitude after a positive CTA mostly varied between performing arteriography (38.1%) and colonoscopy (44.1%). If negative CTA, in the majority of cases a gastroscopy was performed. If the patient needed intensive critical unit (ICU) care and to undergo colonoscopy, most participants performed an urgent colonoscopy (<24h) (31% always, 43.4% in most cases); while if the patient did not require ICU admission this percentage was lower (10% always, 33.8% in most cases). The 40.9% of the participants admitted having doubts about the management of this patients and the 98.2% considered the need for a creation of an action protocol. Conclusions: There is a high interhospitalary variability on the management of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding among gastroenterologists. It is necessary to unify the diagnostic and therapeutic management of this pathology.(AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Endoscopy , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage , Gastroenterologists , Decision Making , Disease Management , Surveys and Questionnaires , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Gastroenterology
4.
Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 46(4): 282-287, 2023 Apr.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35964809

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) varies depending on the patient's clinical situation. Actual clinical practice guidelines propose different management strategies. We aim to know the attitude of the gastroenterologists from different hospitalary centers in the management of this entity. METHODS: Descriptive and observational study using an on-line questionnaire, addressed to gastroenterologists in Spain and Latin America, in December 2021. RESULTS: We included 281 anonymous questionnaires of gastroenterologists from Spain and Latin America. Diagnostic and therapeutic management of severe LGIB was heterogeneous among the participants. Regarding to the first diagnostic modalities they showed variability between performing computed tomography angiography (CTA) (44.5%), gastroscopy (33.1%), colonoscopy (20.6%) and arteriography (1.1%). The therapeutic attitude after a positive CTA mostly varied between performing arteriography (38.1%) and colonoscopy (44.1%). If negative CTA, in the majority of cases a gastroscopy was performed. If the patient needed intensive critical unit (ICU) care and to undergo colonoscopy, most participants performed an urgent colonoscopy (<24h) (31% always, 43.4% in most cases); while if the patient did not require ICU admission this percentage was lower (10% always, 33.8% in most cases). The 40.9% of the participants admitted having doubts about the management of this patients and the 98.2% considered the need for a creation of an action protocol. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high interhospitalary variability on the management of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding among gastroenterologists. It is necessary to unify the diagnostic and therapeutic management of this pathology.


Subject(s)
Colonoscopy , Hospitalization , Humans , Colonoscopy/methods , Computed Tomography Angiography , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/therapy
5.
Surg Endosc ; 36(11): 8164-8169, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35486191

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) guided lymphadenectomy has been proposed has a technique to improve the lymphadenectomy of patients with gastric cancer. Nevertheless, experience with this procedure is scarce in Western countries. METHODS: A retrospective analytic study in a tertiary hospital in Spain was performed, comparing patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with (ICG cohort) and without (historic cohort) ICG guided lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Thirty four patients were included (17 in each group). Although the number of positive nodes was similar in both groups (0.0 in the ICG cohort vs. 2 in the historic cohort, p = 0.119), the number of lymph nodes removed was higher in the ICG cohort (42.0 vs 28.0, p = 0.040). In the ICG cohort, more lymph nodes were positive for adenocarcinoma in the group of nodes that were positive for IGC (10.6% of the IGC + nodes vs. 1.9% in the ICG - nodes, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ICG lymphadenectomy is a promising procedure that could improve the lymphadenectomy of patients with gastric cancer. ICG lymphadenectomy could be used to increase the number of lymph nodes removed in patients with a high-risk of nodal invasion or it could be used to reduce the surgical aggressiveness in fragile patients with a low-risk of nodal invasion.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Stomach Neoplasms , Humans , Indocyanine Green , Stomach Neoplasms/surgery , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Lymph Node Excision/methods , Gastrectomy/methods , Laparoscopy/methods , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
6.
Entropy (Basel) ; 24(1)2022 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35052129

ABSTRACT

Automatic prediction of the aesthetic value of images has received increasing attention in recent years. This is due, on the one hand, to the potential impact that predicting the aesthetic value has on practical applications. Even so, it remains a difficult task given the subjectivity and complexity of the problem. An image aesthetics assessment system was developed in recent years by our research group. In this work, its potential to be applied in commercial tasks is tested. With this objective, a set of three portals and three real estate agencies in Spain were taken as case studies. Images of their websites were taken to build the experimental dataset and a validation method was developed to test their original order with another proposed one according to their aesthetic value. So, in this new order, the images that have the high aesthetic score by the AI system will occupy the first positions of the portal. Relevant results were obtained, with an average increase of 52.54% in the number of clicks on the ads, in the experiment with Real Estate portals. A statistical analysis prove that there is a significant difference in the number of clicks after selecting the images with the AI system.

7.
PeerJ Comput Sci ; 8: e1185, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37346318

ABSTRACT

This article seeks to provide a snapshot of the security of Wi-Fi access points in the metropolitan area of A Coruña. First, we discuss the options for obtaining a tool that allows the collection and storage of auditable information from Wi-Fi networks, from location to signal strength, security protocol or the list of connected clients. Subsequently, an analysis is carried out aimed at identifying password patterns in Wi-Fi networks with WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols. For this purpose, a password recovery tool called Hashcat was used to execute dictionary or brute force attacks, among others, with various word collections. The coverage of the access points in which passwords were decrypted is displayed on a heat map that represents various levels of signal quality depending on the signal strength. From the handshakes obtained, and by means of brute force, we will try to crack as many passwords as possible in order to create a targeted and contextualized dictionary both by geographical location and by the nature of the owner of the access point. Finally, we will propose a contextualized grammar that minimizes the size of the dictionary with respect to the most used ones and unifies the decryption capacity of the combination of all of them.

8.
Comput Struct Biotechnol J ; 19: 4538-4558, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34471498

ABSTRACT

Drug discovery aims at finding new compounds with specific chemical properties for the treatment of diseases. In the last years, the approach used in this search presents an important component in computer science with the skyrocketing of machine learning techniques due to its democratization. With the objectives set by the Precision Medicine initiative and the new challenges generated, it is necessary to establish robust, standard and reproducible computational methodologies to achieve the objectives set. Currently, predictive models based on Machine Learning have gained great importance in the step prior to preclinical studies. This stage manages to drastically reduce costs and research times in the discovery of new drugs. This review article focuses on how these new methodologies are being used in recent years of research. Analyzing the state of the art in this field will give us an idea of where cheminformatics will be developed in the short term, the limitations it presents and the positive results it has achieved. This review will focus mainly on the methods used to model the molecular data, as well as the biological problems addressed and the Machine Learning algorithms used for drug discovery in recent years.

11.
Entropy (Basel) ; 22(4)2020 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33286263

ABSTRACT

Providing the visual complexity of an image in terms of impact or aesthetic preference can be of great applicability in areas such as psychology or marketing. To this end, certain areas such as Computer Vision have focused on identifying features and computational models that allow for satisfactory results. This paper studies the application of recent ML models using input images evaluated by humans and characterized by features related to visual complexity. According to the experiments carried out, it was confirmed that one of these methods, Correlation by Genetic Search (CGS), based on the search for minimum sets of features that maximize the correlation of the model with respect to the input data, predicted human ratings of image visual complexity better than any other model referenced to date in terms of correlation, RMSE or minimum number of features required by the model. In addition, the variability of these terms were studied eliminating images considered as outliers in previous studies, observing the robustness of the method when selecting the most important variables to make the prediction.

12.
Entropy (Basel) ; 22(12)2020 Nov 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33266338

ABSTRACT

RealTimeBattle is an environment in which robots controlled by programs fight each other. Programs control the simulated robots using low-level messages (e.g., turn radar, accelerate). Unlike other tools like Robocode, each of these robots can be developed using different programming languages. Our purpose is to generate, without human programming or other intervention, a robot that is highly competitive in RealTimeBattle. To that end, we implemented an Evolutionary Computation technique: Genetic Programming. The robot controllers created in the course of the experiments exhibit several different and effective combat strategies such as avoidance, sniping, encircling and shooting. To further improve their performance, we propose a function-set that includes short-term memory mechanisms, which allowed us to evolve a robot that is superior to all of the rivals used for its training. The robot was also tested in a bout with the winner of the previous "RealTimeBattle Championship," which it won. Finally, our robot was tested in a multi-robot battle arena, with five simultaneous opponents, and obtained the best results among the contenders.

15.
Rev Esp Enferm Dig ; 110(3): 135-137, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29465249

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In an attempt to raise awareness on this situation, and to implement preventive measures, March 31st has been established as international colorectal cancer awareness day. Our country, with the Spanish "Alianza para la Prevención del Cáncer de Colon", pioneered in 2008 an institution that brought together scientific and civil societies to pursue this goal. A stabilization, even a decrease in the incidence and mortality of this condition has been reported in western countries for the last few years, which may be attributed to a number of highly relevant factors.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Humans , Incidence
16.
Gastroenterol. hepatol. (Ed. impr.) ; 39(5): 305-310, mayo 2016. tab, graf
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-154754

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCCIÓN: La vitamina D (VD) participa en multitud de funciones extraesqueléticas en el organismo y cada vez es más importante su relación con las enfermedades hepáticas crónicas (EHC). OBJETIVOS: Analizar la prevalencia de déficit o insuficiencia de VD en los pacientes con EHC de nuestra área. Evaluar si el aporte de VD influye en la concentración sérica y se asocia a mejoría de la función hepática. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio en 2 fases. En el primer tiempo se analizaron características clínico-epidemiológicas de 94 pacientes con EHC; en un segundo tiempo, se administraron diferentes dosis de calcifediol (25-OH-VD) a aquellos pacientes con déficit (<20ng/mL) e insuficiencia (20-30ng/mL) de VD. Se determinaron concentraciones plasmáticas, variables analíticas y de función hepática (Child-Pugh y MELD) al finalizar el tratamiento y se compararon con los datos basales. RESULTADOS: El 87% de los pacientes tenían concentraciones deficitarias o insuficientes de VD, con una media de 18,8ng/mL, siendo menor en los cirróticos (15,9ng/mL) (p = 0,002) y en la etiología por alcohol. Igualmente la concentración sérica de VD era inversamente proporcionales al grado de función hepática: Child A (16,52ng/mL) vs. C (7,75ng/mL). Tras el aporte con VD, se consiguió normalizar los niveles en el 94% de los pacientes, mejorar significativamente la cifra de plaquetas, de albúmina (p < 0,05) y el grado funcional valorado por la escala de Child-Pugh (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Dada la alta prevalencia de déficit o insuficiencia de VD debería plantearse la necesidad de cribado en la población con EHC. El aporte de VD podría ser seguro y eficaz


INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (VD) is known to have multiple extra-skeletal health functions. There is emerging interest in exploring the relationship between vitamin D and chronic liver disease (CLD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of VD deficiency in patients with CLD in our setting and to assess whether VD supplementation influences plasma levels and is associated with improved liver function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a study in 2 phases. First, we analysed clinical and epidemiological characteristics in 94 patients with CLD; second, different doses of calcifediol (25-OH-VD) were administered to patients with VD deficiency (<20ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-30ng/mL). Plasma concentrations and liver function (Child-Pugh and MELD) at the end of treatment were compared with baseline data. RESULTS: Deficient or insufficient VD levels were found in 87% of the patients, with an average concentration of 18.8ng/mL. Levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis (15.9ng/mL) (P=.002) and in alcoholic liver disease. VD levels were inversely proportional to the degree of liver function: Child A (16.52ng/mL) vs C (7.75ng/mL). After VD supplementation, optimal serum levels were achieved in 94% of patients and significant improvements were observed in platelet count, albumin levels (P<.05) and functional status assessed by the Child-Pugh scale (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of VD deficiency or insufficiency, the need for screening should be considered in the population with CLD. VD supplementation could be safe and effective


Subject(s)
Humans , Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy , Vitamin D/pharmacokinetics , Hepatic Insufficiency/complications , Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Hepatic Insufficiency/physiopathology
17.
Gastroenterol. hepatol. (Ed. impr.) ; 39(5): 313-317, mayo 2016. tab
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-154755

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCCIÓN: El esófago de Barrett (EB) es una lesión esofágica ocasionada mayoritariamente por reflujo gastroesofágico ácido. El control del reflujo ácido es uno de los principales objetivos del tratamiento de esta patología. OBJETIVO: Evaluar en nuestra área de salud el grado de control del reflujo ácido en los pacientes con EB en función del tratamiento de mantenimiento recibido, médico o quirúrgico. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico de EB. Un grupo de pacientes recibió tratamiento médico con inhibidores de la bomba de protones (IBP) y otro grupo fue sometido a intervención quirúrgica (funduplicatura de Nissen). Se compararon datos epidemiológicos y resultados de pHmetría (tiempo de pH < 4, reflujos prolongados > 5 min, puntuación de DeMeester) de cada grupo. La pH-metría se realizó con IBP en el grupo de tratamiento médico y en el grupo de cirugía sin consumo de antisecretores ácidos. Se definió fracaso del tratamiento como un pH < 4 total superior al 5%. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos 128 pacientes con EB (tratamiento médico 75, tratamiento quirúrgico 53). Ambas cohortes eran homogéneas respecto a sus características demográficas. Las puntuaciones de DeMeester, fracción de tiempo de pH < 4 y cantidad de reflujos prolongados fueron significativamente inferiores en los pacientes con funduplicatura frente a los que recibían IBP (p < 0,001). De forma global se apreció un fracaso de tratamiento en el 29% de los pacientes, que fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de tratamiento médico (40% vs 13%; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El grado de control del reflujo ácido gastroesofágico es subóptimo en un elevado porcentaje de pacientes con EB. El tratamiento médico ofrece resultados inferiores a la cirugía antirreflujo y se debería intentar optimizar sus resultados


INTRODUCTION: Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is an oesophageal injury caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. One of the main aims of treatment in BE is to achieve adequate acid reflux control. OBJECTIVE: To assess acid reflux control in patients with BE based on the therapy employed: medical or surgical. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with an endoscopic and histological diagnosis of BE. Medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) was compared with surgical treatment (Nissen fundoplication). Epidemiological data and the results of pH monitoring (pH time < 4, prolonged reflux > 5min, DeMeester score) were evaluated in each group. Treatment failure was defined as a pH lower than 4 for more than 5% of the recording time. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients with BE were included (75 PPI-treated and 53 surgically-treated patients). Patients included in the two comparison groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics. DeMeester scores, fraction of time pH < 4 and the number of prolonged refluxes were significantly lower in patients with fundoplication versus those receiving PPIs (P < .001). Treatment failure occurred in 29% of patients and was significantly higher in those receiving medical therapy (40% vs 13%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment results were significantly worse with medical treatment than with anti-reflux surgery and should be optimized to improve acid reflux control in BE. Additional evidence is needed to fully elucidate the utility of PPI in this disease


Subject(s)
Humans , Barrett Esophagus/therapy , Gastroesophageal Reflux/complications , Gastric Acid , Acidity Regulator , Gastric Acidity Determination , Digestive System Surgical Procedures
19.
Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 39(5): 305-10, 2016 May.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26596370

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (VD) is known to have multiple extra-skeletal health functions. There is emerging interest in exploring the relationship between vitamin D and chronic liver disease (CLD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of VD deficiency in patients with CLD in our setting and to assess whether VD supplementation influences plasma levels and is associated with improved liver function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a study in 2 phases. First, we analysed clinical and epidemiological characteristics in 94 patients with CLD; second, different doses of calcifediol (25-OH-VD) were administered to patients with VD deficiency (<20ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-30ng/mL). Plasma concentrations and liver function (Child-Pugh and MELD) at the end of treatment were compared with baseline data. RESULTS: Deficient or insufficient VD levels were found in 87% of the patients, with an average concentration of 18.8ng/mL. Levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis (15.9ng/mL) (P=.002) and in alcoholic liver disease. VD levels were inversely proportional to the degree of liver function: Child A (16.52ng/mL) vs C (7.75ng/mL). After VD supplementation, optimal serum levels were achieved in 94% of patients and significant improvements were observed in platelet count, albumin levels (P<.05) and functional status assessed by the Child-Pugh scale (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of VD deficiency or insufficiency, the need for screening should be considered in the population with CLD. VD supplementation could be safe and effective.


Subject(s)
Liver Diseases/complications , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Vitamin D/administration & dosage , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence
20.
Scand J Gastroenterol ; 51(2): 186-95, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26200929

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical practice with infliximab (IFX) in ulcerative colitis (UC); identification of predictive factors for IFX treatment discontinuation due to insufficient response and for colectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, multicentric and observational study including every UC IFX-treated patient in 10 Spanish hospitals. Variables analyzed: epidemiological data; variables for poor prognosis; IFX prior treatments; characteristics of the IFX treatment; time from the UC diagnosis to induction with IFX; time from induction to colectomy or until data collection. Predictive and protective factors for IFX discontinuation due to lack of response and for colectomy were analyzed with binary logistic regression and Cox analysis. RESULTS: Follow-up time from induction with IFX to the collection of data or colectomy: 36.7 ± 25.7 months. Prior treatment with immunomodulator medications (IMM): 79%; IFX + immunosuppressant therapy: 77%; discontinuation of IFX: 26%, colectomy 16%. Independent predictive or protective factors for IFX discontinuation: IMM resistance (OR: 2.9, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), prior use of leukocytapheresis (OR: 3.3, p = 0.024, 95% CI: 1.1-9.4), IFX + IMM therapy (OR: 0.3, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, and HR: 0.4, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8) and corticosteroid use in induction (HR: 1.9, p = 0.049, 95% CI: 1.0-3.8). Independent predictive or protective factors for colectomy: Use of leukocytapheresis (OR: 3.0, p = 0.036, 95% CI: 1.1-8.4), IFX + IMM therapy (OR: 0.3, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, and HR: 0.3, p = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8) and severe cortico-resistant flare-up (HR: 2.5, p = 0.032, 95% CI: 1.1-5.9). CONCLUSIONS: Prior use of IMM and leukocytapheresis, the use of corticosteroids in induction and a severe cortico-resistant flare predict a worse response to IFX and the need for colectomy. Combination therapy is a protective factor for both.


Subject(s)
Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy , Colitis, Ulcerative/surgery , Gastrointestinal Agents/therapeutic use , Infliximab/therapeutic use , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Adult , Azathioprine/therapeutic use , Calcineurin Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Colectomy , Disease Progression , Drug Resistance , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Induction Chemotherapy/methods , Leukapheresis , Maintenance Chemotherapy/methods , Male , Mercaptopurine/therapeutic use , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Protective Factors , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Treatment Failure
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