Is the Combination of Rectal Diclofenac and Intravenous Ringer Lactate Superior to Individual Therapy for Prophylaxis of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Center Randomized Trial.

METHODS: This was single-center, open-label, randomized trial. Patients who were undergoing ERCP and who were at high risk for the development of PEP were selected for the study. Patients were randomized into 3 treatment groups: diclofenac suppository group, RL group, and a combination group. RESULTS: Eight of 57 patients (14.03%) in the diclofenac group, 9 of 57 patients (15.78%) in the RL group, and 6 of 57 patients (10.52%) in the combination group developed PEP. The incidence of PEP between the three groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.70). Serum amylase level of >252 U/L had 91.3% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity for the diagnosis of PEP. CONCLUSIONS: Post-ERCP pancreatitis is usually mild to moderate 95% times. Female sex, age younger than 50 years, a benign indication of ERCP, and low bilirubin levels have higher chances of PEP. A combination of rectal diclofenac and hydration with RL does not offer better protection for PEP, as compared with individual prophylaxis.

An unusual cause of encephalopathy with renal failure in a patient with treated HCV cirrhosis.

A 63-year-old teetotaller male, previously treated for hepatitis C-related compensated cirrhosis, presented with acute-onset encephalopathy with no focal neurological deficit and stable vitals. Investigations revealed elevated serum creatinine (2.94 mg/dL), hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and high serum PTH levels. He was diagnosed with right parathyroid adenoma (1.3×1.2×0.7 cm) with the help of a neck ultrasound. His encephalopathy and renal failure persisted despite adequate IV fluids, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Urgent hemi-parathyroidectomy was performed on day four, following which he recovered completely.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin determines short-term mortality and type of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute kidney injury increases mortality in cirrhotic patients by four fold. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for differential diagnosis for acute kidney injury and for predicting short-term mortality in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We enrolled 94 patients of decompensated cirrhosis. uNGAL was measured upon hospital admission in all patients. Patients with urinary tract infection and anuria were excluded. Patients were followed for 30 days or until death. RESULTS: Ten (9%) patients had normal kidney function, 9 (11.37%) stable chronic kidney disease, 32 (29.50%) prerenal azotemia, 33 (36.37%) hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and 10 (13.64%) intrinsic acute kidney injury (iAKI). Prerenal azotemia had lower median uNGAL values compared to HRS and iAKI (95.50 vs 465.00 vs 1217.50, P < 0.001). uNGAL levels were significantly higher in patients who died within 30 days (717.17 ± 494.26 vs 331.65 ± 313.65 ng/mL, P -0.0017). On univariate analysis, serum creatinine (sCr), uNGAL, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score on admission, and length of stay were significant, and on multivariate analysis, uNGAL and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were significant in predicting mortality. CONCLUSIONS: uNGAL at baseline serves as an early marker in differentiating HRS, prerenal AKI, and iAKI in cirrhotic patients, where sCr values are not useful. Patients with higher uNGAL levels had higher transplant-free mortality at 30 days.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided-fine-needle aspiration/fine-needle biopsy in diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy - A boon.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (MLA) is a great diagnostic challenge considering the myriad of causes. In recent years, the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been greatly extended in evaluation of MLA due to its safety, reliability, and accuracy. The present study details the role of EUS-guided-fine-needle aspiration/fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) in MLA of unknown origin. METHODS: Seventy-two patients (34 men) with MLA of unknown etiology were studied. Mediastinum was evaluated with linear echoendoscope and FNA/FNB was performed with 22-G needle and sent for cytology, histopathological, and mycobacterial growth indicator tube/GeneXpert evaluation. EUS-FNA/FNB diagnosis was based on cytology reporting by pathologists. Patients tolerated the procedure, and insertion of needle into the lesion was always successful without any complications. RESULTS: EUS-FNA/FNB established a tissue diagnosis in 66/72 patients in first sitting, while six patients underwent repeat procedure. EUS-FNA diagnoses (after second sitting) were tuberculous lymphadenitis in 45/72 (62.5%), metastatic lymph nodes 12/72 (16.7%), reactive lymphadenopathy 6/72 (8.3%), sarcoidosis 4/72 (5.6%), and lymphoma 2/72 (2.8%), while it was nondiagnostic in 3/72 (4.1%) patients. Final diagnosis was based on combined clinical presentation, EUS-FNA/FNB result and clinicoradiological response to treatment on long-term follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: EUS echo features along with EUS-FNA/FNB can diagnose MLA and surgical biopsy can be avoided.

CLINICAL UTILITY OF RISK SCORES IN VARICEAL BLEEDING.

BACKGROUND: Variceal bleeding remains important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed. Various risk scores are used in risk stratification for non-variceal bleed. Their utility in variceal bleeding patients is not clear. This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. To study characteristics and validate AIMS65, Rockall, Glasgow Blatchford score(GBS), Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED) score in variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed (UGIB) patients for predicting various outcomes in our population. METHODS: Three hundred subjects with UGIB were screened prospectively. Of these 141 patients with variceal bleeding were assessed with clinical, blood investigations and endoscopy and risk scores were calculated and compared to non-variceal cases. All cases were followed up for 30 days for mortality, rebleeding, requirement of blood transfusion and need of radiological or surgical intervention. RESULTS: Variceal bleeding (141) was more common than non variceal (134) and 25 had negative endoscopy. In variceal group, cirrhosis (85%) was most common etiology. Distribution of age and sex were similar in both groups. Presence of coffee coloured vomitus (P=0.002), painless bleed (P=0.001), edema (P=0.001), ascites (P=0.001), hemoglobin <7.5 gms (P<0.001), pH<7.35 (P<0.001), serum bicarbonate level <17.6 mmol/L (P<0.001), serum albumin<2.75 gms% (P<0.001), platelet count <1.2 lacs/µL (P<0.001), high INR 1.35 (P<0.001), BUN >25mmol/L (P<0.001), and ASA status (P<0.001), high lactate >2.85 mmol/L (P=0.001) were significant. However, no factor was found significant on multivariate analysis. Rockall was found to be significant in predicting mortality and rebleed. AIMS65 was also significant in predicting mortality. GBS was significant in predicting blood transfusion and need of intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality. CONCLUSION: All four scores had lower predictive potential in predicting events in variceal bleed. However, AIMS65 & Rockall score were significant in predicting mortality, while GBS in predicting need of transfusion and intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality.

Utilidade clínica dos escores de risco no sangramento varicoso / Clinical utility of risk scores in variceal bleeding

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Variceal bleeding remains important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed. Various risk scores are used in risk stratification for non-variceal bleed. Their utility in variceal bleeding patients is not clear. This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare probability of these scores in predicting various outcomes in same population. To study characteristics and validate AIMS65, Rockall, Glasgow Blatchford score(GBS), Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED) score in variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed (UGIB) patients for predicting various outcomes in our population. METHODS: Three hundred subjects with UGIB were screened prospectively. Of these 141 patients with variceal bleeding were assessed with clinical, blood investigations and endoscopy and risk scores were calculated and compared to non-variceal cases. All cases were followed up for 30 days for mortality, rebleeding, requirement of blood transfusion and need of radiological or surgical intervention. RESULTS: Variceal bleeding (141) was more common than non variceal (134) and 25 had negative endoscopy. In variceal group, cirrhosis (85%) was most common etiology. Distribution of age and sex were similar in both groups. Presence of coffee coloured vomitus (P=0.002), painless bleed (P=0.001), edema (P=0.001), ascites (P=0.001), hemoglobin <7.5 gms (P<0.001), pH<7.35 (P<0.001), serum bicarbonate level <17.6 mmol/L (P<0.001), serum albumin<2.75 gms% (P<0.001), platelet count <1.2 lacs/µL (P<0.001), high INR 1.35 (P<0.001), BUN >25mmol/L (P<0.001), and ASA status (P<0.001), high lactate >2.85 mmol/L (P=0.001) were significant. However, no factor was found significant on multivariate analysis. Rockall was found to be significant in predicting mortality and rebleed. AIMS65 was also significant in predicting mortality. GBS was significant in predicting blood transfusion and need of intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality. CONCLUSION: All four scores had lower predictive potential in predicting events in variceal bleed. However, AIMS65 & Rockall score were significant in predicting mortality, while GBS in predicting need of transfusion and intervention. PNED score was significant in all events except mortality.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O sangramento varicoso permanece como importante causa de sangramento gastrointestinal superior. Vários escores são utilizados na estratificação do risco para sangramento não varicoso. Sua utilidade em pacientes de sangramento varicoso não é clara. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a probabilidade desses escores em prever vários desfechos na mesma população. Estudar característica e validar o AIMS65, o Rockall, a Pontuação de Glasgow Blatchford (GBS), o escore Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED), na pontuação em hemorragia gastrointestinal varicosa superior (UGIB) em pacientes para prever vários resultados em nossa população. MÉTODOS: Um total de 300 indivíduos com UGIB foram rastreados prospectivamente. Destes, 141 pacientes com sangramento varicoso foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, hematológica e endoscopia tendo seus escores de risco calculados e comparados aos casos não-varicosos. Todos os casos foram acompanhados por 30 dias para mortalidade, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea por ressangramento ou de necessidade de intervenção radiológica ou cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: O sangramento varicoso (141) foi mais comum do que não varicoso (134) e em 25 teve endoscopia negativa. No grupo varicoso, a cirrose foi a etiologia mais comum (85%). A distribuição da idade e do sexo foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. Presença de vômito colorido em borra de café (P=0,002), sangramento indolor (P=0,001), edema (P=0,001), ascite (P=0,001), hemoglobina <7,5 GMS (P<0,001), pH <7,35 (P<0,001), nível de bicarbonato sérico <17,6 mmol/L (P<0,001), albumina sérica <2,75 GMS% (P<0,001), contagem plaquetária <1,2 Lacs/μL (P<0,001), INR elevada 1,35 (P<0,001), Bun >25 mmol/L (P<0,001) e estado ASA (P<0,001), lactato elevado >2,85 mmol/L (P=0,001) foram significativos. Entretanto, nenhum fator foi encontrado como significativo na análise multivariada. Rockall foi significativo em prever a mortalidade e ressangrar. O AIMS65 também foi significante na predição da mortalidade. O GBS foi significativo na predição de transfusão sanguínea e necessidade de intervenção. O escore de PNED foi significante em todos os eventos, exceto mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os quatro escores apresentaram menor potencial preditivo na predição de eventos em sangramento varicoso. Entretanto, o AIMS65 e o escore de Rockall foram significantes na predição da mortalidade, enquanto o GBS na predição da necessidade de transfusão e intervenção. O escore de PNED foi significante em todos os eventos, exceto mortalidade.

CLINICAL PROFILE, DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERN AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF ABDOMINAL TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN WESTERN INDIA.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is an increasing problem in developing world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentations, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in Western India. METHODS: All the cases of abdominal tuberculosis from May 2014 to April 2017, diagnosed on the basis of clinical profile and gross morphological findings at endoscopy, imaging, followed by histology and/or GeneXpert and MGIT culture were included. All patients received antitubercular drug (AKT) therapy according to national protocol. Patients were followed from diagnoses till completion of treatment and various parameters were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 176 patients, 48% were males. Abdominal pain was most common complaint in 83.5%. On colonoscopy terminal ileum and ileocaecal valve were most commonly involved segments. Upper gastrointestinal tract was involved in four patients. Overall ulceronodular lesions were most common followed by ulcerative/nodular lesion. Strictures in bowel were seen in 28 (15.9%) patients with ileocaecal valve being most commonly involved, of which 23 had symptomatic relief with AKT and only three required dilatation. Histopathology showed granuloma in 80.8% cases. MGIT was positive in 43 (35.80%) cases and GeneXpert was positive in 35 (26.1%) cases. Eight patients had multi drug resistant tuberculosis. Only two patients required surgical management. CONCLUSION: Abdominal tuberculosis with wide spectrum of presentation, can still be managed with early diagnosis and treatment even in patients with sub acute intestinal obstruction. Weight gain or resolving symptoms were considered early markers of treatment response. Patients with stricture can become asymptomatic with medical treatment alone.

Massive Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Fulminant Necrotizing Amebic Colitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

Acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis rarely presents with massive lifethreatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding without diarrhea. Diagnosis is difficult as colonoscopy is suboptimal due to active bleeding, stool testing is often negative and a positive serology cannot confirm the diagnosis. We herein report a case of a 39-year-old male who presented with profuse bleeding per rectum, without associated significant antecedent history of fever or diarrhea. Colonoscopy was inconclusive as active bleeding obscured the vision. Computed tomography of abdomen revealed non-specific thickening of the caecum. Emergency laparotomy with right hemicolectomy and temporary ileostomy was performed. Microscopic examination of colonic mucosa revealed Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites with erythrophagocytosis suggestive of fulminant amebic colitis. Intravenous metronidazole was given subsequently and patient recovered completely. Ileocolonic anastomosis was done after closing the ileostomy three months later. This case highlights this exceedingly rare presentation of fulminant amebic colitis which poses a diagnostic challenge and can be life threatening without early surgical intervention.

Perfil clínico, teste padrão da resistência à droga e resultados do tratamento de pacientes com tuberculose abdominal da Índia ocidental / Clinical profile, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis patients in western india

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is an increasing problem in developing world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentations, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in Western India. METHODS: All the cases of abdominal tuberculosis from May 2014 to April 2017, diagnosed on the basis of clinical profile and gross morphological findings at endoscopy, imaging, followed by histology and/or GeneXpert and MGIT culture were included. All patients received antitubercular drug (AKT) therapy according to national protocol. Patients were followed from diagnoses till completion of treatment and various parameters were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 176 patients, 48% were males. Abdominal pain was most common complaint in 83.5%. On colonoscopy terminal ileum and ileocaecal valve were most commonly involved segments. Upper gastrointestinal tract was involved in four patients. Overall ulceronodular lesions were most common followed by ulcerative/nodular lesion. Strictures in bowel were seen in 28 (15.9%) patients with ileocaecal valve being most commonly involved, of which 23 had symptomatic relief with AKT and only three required dilatation. Histopathology showed granuloma in 80.8% cases. MGIT was positive in 43 (35.80%) cases and GeneXpert was positive in 35 (26.1%) cases. Eight patients had multi drug resistant tuberculosis. Only two patients required surgical management. CONCLUSION: Abdominal tuberculosis with wide spectrum of presentation, can still be managed with early diagnosis and treatment even in patients with sub acute intestinal obstruction. Weight gain or resolving symptoms were considered early markers of treatment response. Patients with stricture can become asymptomatic with medical treatment alone.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A tuberculose abdominal é um problema crescente no mundo em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as apresentações clínicas, o padrão de resistência a fármacos e os desfechos de tratamento da tuberculose abdominal na Índia ocidental. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os casos de tuberculose abdominal de maio de 2014 a abril de 2017, diagnosticados com base no perfil clínico e nos resultados morfológicos brutos na endoscopia, imagem latente, seguido pela histologia e/ou pela cultura de GeneXpert e de MGIT. Todos os pacientes receberam a terapia antitubercular da droga (AKT) de acordo com o protocolo nacional. Os pacientes foram acompanhados de diagnósticos até a conclusão do tratamento e vários parâmetros foram estudados. RESULTADOS: Dos 176 pacientes, 48% eram do sexo masculino. A dor abdominal foi a queixa mais comum em 83,5%. Na colonoscopia, o íleo terminal e a válvula íleo-cecal foram os segmentos mais comumente envolvidos. O trato gastrointestinal superior foi envolvido em quatro pacientes. As lesões ulceronodulares totais foram as mais comuns seguidas pela lesão ulcerosa/nodular. As estenoses foram observadas em 28 (15,9%) pacientes priciplamente com a válvula íleo-cecal envolvida, dos quais 23 tiveram alívio sintomático com AKT e somente três necessitaram de dilatação. A histopatologia mostrou o granuloma em 80,8% casos. O MGIT foi positivo em 43 (35,80%) e GeneXpert foi positivo em 35 (26,1%) casos. Oito pacientes tiveram tuberculose resistente a múltiplas drogas. Apenas dois pacientes necessitaram de manejo cirúrgico. CONCLUSÃO: A tuberculose abdominal com amplo espectro de apresentação, ainda pode ser manuseada com diagnóstico precoce e tratamento mesmo em pacientes com obstrução intestinal sub-aguda. Ganho de peso ou sintomas resolvidos foram considerados marcadores precoces de resposta ao tratamento. Pacientes com estenose podem se tornar assintomáticos com tratamento médico isoladamente.

Comparison of risk scores in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in western India: A prospective analysis.

AIM: To study the upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) characteristics and to validate the Rockall and Glasgow-Blatchford scores (GBS), Progetto Nazionale Emorragica Digestiva (PNED) and albumin, international normalized ratio (INR), mental status, systolic blood pressure, and age > 65 (AIMS65) risk scores in predicting outcomes in patients with UGIB. METHODS: Three hundred subjects with hematemesis and/or melena were prospectively enrolled and followed up for 30 days. All patients were assessed by hematological investigations, imaging, and endoscopy and risk scores were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.5 ± 17.2 years, and 207 (69%) were males. Hematemesis was the most common presentation (94%). Variceal bleeding was the most common etiology (47.7%). Thirty patients died (10%) and 50 had rebleeding (16.7%). On univariate analysis, serum albumin ≤ 2.7 gm% (p = 0.008), Glasgow Coma scale ≤ 13.9 (p = 0.001), serum bilirubin > 3 mg/dL (p = 0.004), serum bicarbonate ≤ 15.7 mEq/L (p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (p = 0.004), and arterial pH ≤ 7.3 (p = 0.003) were found to be the predictors of mortality. No variable was found significant on multivariate analysis. All four scores were significant in predicting mortality, but Rockall (area under receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] 0.728) was better than others. Rebleeding was better predicted by PNED (modified) (AUROC 0.705). In predicting the need for transfusion and surgical or radiological intervention, GBS score > 0 was significant while score of < 2 classified patients into low risk for mortality with high negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the variceal bleeding was the commonest cause of UGIB. Rockall score was more significant in predicting mortality while PNED for rebleeding. Low risk for mortality, need for blood transfusion, or interventions were accurately predicted by GBS.

An unusual case of obstructive jaundice: ampullary Burkitt lymphoma.

Primary lymphomas of the digestive tract are uncommon heterogenous group of neoplasms that primarily affects stomach. Lymphomatous involvement of small intestine is amongst the rare lymphomas; ampullary involvement is even rarer. It is important to recognize this entity early as it mimics periampullary neoplasms and its management is different. We present the case of a 14-year-old male who presented with rapidly progressive obstructive jaundice and weight loss and ultimately was diagnosed to have ampullary Burkitt's lymphoma. Early diagnosis of this aggressive tumor and prompt induction of chemotherapy dramatically improved the patient's condition. It is crucial to consider Burkitt's lymphoma as a differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice as both the treatment and prognosis are markedly different.

Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Indians: Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score and Inhibitory Control Test for Diagnosis and Rifaximin or Lactulose for Its Reversal.

Background and Aims: Psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) is used widely for diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). This prospective study aimed to determine the utility of the inhibitory control test (ICT) for the diagnosis of MHE. Additionally, the efficacy of rifaximin and lactulose for reversal of MHE was evaluated. Methods: A total of 180 eligible cirrhotic patients underwent testing for MHE. When PHES was ≤ -5 and ICT lures were ≥ 14, MHE was diagnosed. The 108 patients with MHE were randomized to three groups for treatment with either lactulose, rifaximin, or placebo. Treatment outcomes were measured at the end of 3 months. Results: The 108 patients with MHE diagnosed by PHES and/or ICT accounted for 60%. The diagnosis of MHE was made by both ICT and PHES positivity in 56 patients, by abnormal ICT and normal PHES in 37 patients, and by abnormal PHES and normal ICT in 15 patients. For diagnosis of MHE, ICT had sensitivity of 78.87%, specificity of 66.06% with 60.22% positive predictive value and 82.76% negative predictive value. An area under the curve value of 0.724 (95% CI: 0.653-0.788) was obtained for diagnosis of MHE. Reversal of MHE was seen in 71.42%, 70.27% and 11.11% of patients in the rifaximin, lactulose and placebo arms (p < 0.001). Rifaximin showed better tolerability compared to lactulose. Conclusions: For the diagnosis of MHE, ICT is a simple tool but has lower sensitivity and better specificity than PHES. Rifaximin is as efficacious as lactulose in the treatment of MHE and better tolerated.

Natural History and Treatment Outcomes of Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis.

GOALS: The aim of this study was to analyze the natural history and treatment outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) variants presenting with severe-AIH. BACKGROUND: Severe acute presentation is an uncommon manifestation of AIH, and it remains poorly characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 101 patients with AIH from January 2011 to December 2015. Patients were classified as seropositive-AIH and seronegative-AIH. Patients with acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and severe acute hepatitis were defined as severe-AIH patients. Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes with follow-up until 12 months were analyzed between the different groups. RESULTS: Out of 101 cases, 24 (23.76%) had severe AIH. Of them 9 (37.5%) had severe acute hepatitis, 3 (12.5%) had acute liver failure, and 12 (50%) had acute-on-chronic liver failure. Seronegative-AIH patients presented with severe-AIH significantly more frequently compared with seropositive-AIH patients (50% vs. 20.27%, P=0.022). Severe-AIH had 50% complete responders, 25% partial responders, and 25% treatment failures. Jaundice (88.88% vs. 68.7%, P=0.048), encephalopathy (55.55% vs. 6.66%, P=0.014), and higher international normalized ratio values (2.17±0.60 vs. 1.82±0.14, P=0.038) were factors associated with nonresponse rather than the presence or absence of autoantibodies in severe-AIH. The hazard ratio for predicting remission in the non-severe AIH group as compared with the severe-AIH group was 1.502, which was statistically not significant (95% CI, 0.799-2.827; P=0.205). CONCLUSION: Approximately 24% of patients with AIH have severe-AIH. Conventional autoantibodies are often absent in severe-AIH; however, it does not alter the outcome. Immunosuppressants should be given expediently in patients with severe-AIH.

Changing clinical profile and factors associated with liver enzyme abnormalities among HIV-infected persons.

The spectrum of liver disease among HIV-infected patients is changing. In the era of antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infections are diminishing and deranged liver function appears to be due usually to drug-induced liver injury, alcohol, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or chronic hepatitis B. To test this hypothesis, 98 HIV-positive patients with deranged liver function were compared with matched HIV-positive patients with normal liver function and likewise matched HIV-negative patients with normal liver function tests.

A Child with Debilitating Pruritus.

We describe a case of two-year-old boy presenting with debilitating pruritus, patchy alopecia and jaundice since the age of 6 months. On evaluation he had intrahepatic cholestasis with persistently raised serum alkaline phosphatase, normal Gamma glutamyl transferase and raised serum bile acid levels. His liver biopsy showed bland cholestasis and electron microscopy showed granular bile suggestive of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type I. Medical therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, cholestyramine, rifampicin with nutritional modification was successful in alleviating the symptoms and correcting the nutritional status. To our knowledge this is only the sixth case of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type I reported from India. Herein we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles that one encounters in managing progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and also review the literature regarding this rare disorder.

Symptomatic improvement with gluten restriction in irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double blinded placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The existence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity has been debated. Indeed, the intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms of many patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but without celiac disease or wheat allergy have been shown to improve on a gluten-free diet. Therefore, this study set out to evaluate the effects of gluten on IBS symptoms. METHODS: We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled rechallenge trial in a tertiary care hospital with IBS patients who fulfilled the Rome III criteria. Patients with celiac disease and wheat allergy were appropriately excluded. The participants were administered a gluten-free diet for 4 weeks and were asked to complete a symptom-based questionnaire to assess their overall symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, wind, and tiredness on the visual analog scale (0-100) at the baseline and every week thereafter. The participants who showed improvement were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either a placebo (gluten-free breads) or gluten (whole cereal breads) as a rechallenge for the next 4 weeks. RESULTS: In line with the protocol analysis, 60 patients completed the study. The overall symptom score on the visual analog scale was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the patients in the gluten intervention group scored significantly higher in terms of abdominal pain, bloating, and tiredness (P<0.05), and their symptoms worsened within 1 week of the rechallenge. CONCLUSIONS: A gluten diet may worsen the symptoms of IBS patients. Therefore, some form of gluten sensitivity other than celiac disease exists in some of them, and patients with IBS may benefit from gluten restrictions.

Most overweight and obese Indian children have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

 Background and rationale. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of pediatric liver disease in western countries. Its prevalence in Indian subcontinent is not well studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a school based cross sectional study we have screened overweight and obese children in the age group of 11 to 15 years for NAFLD. Ultrasonography, elevated serum transaminases, fibroscan were used for defining NAFLD. Dietary habits, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, blood counts and insulin resistance were recorded. The relation of fibrosis 4 score, pediatric NAFLD fibrosis index, aspartate transaminases to platelet ratio index (APRI) with fibroscan was evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 616 students screened 198 were overweight and obese. Hundred students and their parents gave informed consent for the further evaluation. The prevalence of NAFLD was 62% in overweight and obese children. Fatty liver was found in 50 % students on ultrasonography, liver stiffness (≥ 6.1 Kilopascals) in 23% and raised alanine transaminase in 30%. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance were seen in 6%, 18%, 2% and 66% students respectively. Systolic hypertension, serum triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, APRI was significantly higher in the NAFLD group. On binary logistic regression only systolic hypertension was an independent risk factor for NAFLD. CONCLUSION: In conclusion NAFLD is common in asymptomatic overweight and obese Indian children. Systolic hypertension is the only independent factor associated with NAFLD. Fibroscan has limited role for screening. We recommend screening for NAFLD in this high risk group with alanine transaminases and ultrasonography.

Congenital Esophageal Duplication Cyst: A Rare Cause of Dysphagia in an Adult.

Esophageal duplication cyst is a rare congenital embryonal gastrointestinal (GI) malformation which is diagnosed most commonly in childhood. In adults, they can present with a variety of symptoms ranging from dysphagia, chest pain, epigastric discomfort, and vomiting to more serious complications including infections, hemorrhage, and ulcerations. A 30-year-old male presented with gradually progressive dysphagia to solids for 4 months without significant weight loss. Clinical examination and routine laboratory examination were unrevealing. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a well-defined submucosal lesion bulging into the esophageal lumen involving the right antero-lateral wall of the distal esophagus. The overlying mucosa was normal with mild luminal narrowing but gastroscope could be negotiated across this narrowing. Differential diagnosis included lipoma, leiomyoma or GI stromal tumors. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of thorax revealed a 3.5 × 2.3 × 3 cm well-defined homogenous hypodense lesion involving the right antero-lateral wall of the distal thoracic esophagus with likely possibility of submucosal or intramural lesion. Subsequently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a 3.3 × 2.8 cm homogenous hypoechoic lesion without any vascularity involving the distal esophagus wall suggestive of duplication cyst. The lesion was intramural in location as muscularis propria was seen to go around the lesion. Bronchogenic cyst was excluded due to absence of cartilage and close proximity of the cyst to lumen. Fine-needle aspiration was not attempted in view of high risk of introducing infection. Being symptomatic, the patient underwent complete surgical excision of the cyst with exteriorization of the base which on histopathology confirmed duplication cyst. Esophageal duplication cysts are exceedingly rare congenital embryonal malformations with estimated prevalence of 0.0122% arising from aberration of posterior division of embryonic foregut at 3 - 4 weeks of gestation. This case shows that duplication cysts can rarely masquerade as submucosal tumor in adults and EUS is highly accurate in pre-operative diagnosis and therapeutic decision making. Literature search revealed only a handful of cases of EUS-guided diagnosis of esophageal duplication cyst reported in the literature.

Primary Esophageal Intramural Squamous Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Submucosal Tumor: A Rare Presentation of a Common Disease.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the commonest primary malignant esophageal tumor, which typically presents as endoscopically visible surface mucosal ulcerations, irregularities, or polyploidal masses. We here report a rare case of primary ESCC with completely intramural growth under a normal looking intact nondysplastic surface squamous epithelium disguising as a submucosal tumor. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy-guided mucosal biopsy was negative for malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a heteroechoic solid mass originating from the muscularis propria of the distal esophagus. Cytological study of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration from the mass was suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma, which was confirmed on immunohistochemistry. There was no evidence of metastatic origin of this tumor or continuous cancer involvement from the surrounding structures, including the head, neck, and lungs on bronchoscopy, computed tomography scan, and positron emission tomography scan. Exclusive intramural squamous cell carcinoma with normal overlying mucosa is an exceedingly rare presentation of primary ESCC with only four cases reported in the literature so far. A high index of suspicion is required by the gastroenterologists and pathologists in diagnosing these cases as these tumors closely mimic the mesenchymal submucosal tumors such as lipoma, leiomyoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. EUS is an indispensable tool in making a preoperative diagnosis and therapeutic decision making.

Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy in Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Acute encephalopathy in a patient with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a commonly encountered emergency situation occurring most frequently due to liver failure precipitated by varying etiologies. Acute reversible cerebellar ataxia with confusion secondary to prolonged metronidazole use has been reported rarely as a cause of encephalopathy in patients with ALD. CASE REPORT: We describe a decompensated ALD patient with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis associated with hepatolithiasis who presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset cerebellar ataxia with dysarthria and mental confusion after prolonged use of metronidazole. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was suggestive of bilateral dentate nuclei hyper intensities on T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sections seen classically in metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIE). Decompensated liver cirrhosis resulted in decreased hepatic clearance and increased cerebrospinal fluid concentration of metronidazole leading to toxicity at a relatively low total cumulative dose of 22 g. Both the clinical symptoms and MRI brain changes were reversed at 7 days and 6 weeks, respectively, after discontinuation of metronidazole. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: A patient with ALD presenting with encephalopathy creates a diagnostic dilemma for the emergency physician regarding whether to continue metronidazole and treat for hepatic encephalopathy or to suspect for MIE and withhold the drug. Failure to timely discontinue metronidazole may worsen the associated hepatic encephalopathy in these patients. Liver cirrhosis patients have higher mean concentration of metronidazole and its metabolite in the blood, making it necessary to keep the cumulative dose of metronidazole to < 20 g in them.