New Trends and Advances in Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding-Series II.

The gastrointestinal tract is a long tubular structure wherein any point in the mucosa along its entire length could be the source of a hemorrhage. Upper (esophagel and gastroduodenal) and lower (jejunum, ileum, and colon) gastrointestinal bleeding are common. Gastroduodenal and colonic bleeding are more frequent than bleeding from the small bowel, but nowadays the entire gastrointestinal tract can be explored endoscopically and bleeding lesions can be locally treated successfully to stop or prevent further bleeding. The extensive use of antiplatelet and anticoagulants drugs in cardiovascular patients is, at least in part, the cause of the increasing number of patients suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with these conditions are usually older and more fragile because of their comorbidities. The correct management of antithrombotic drugs in cases of gastrointestinal bleeding is essential for a successful outcome for patients. The influence of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of small bowel bleeding is an example of the new data that are emerging as potential therapeutic target for bleeding prevention. This text summarizes the latest research and advances in all forms of acute gastrointestinal bleeding (i.e., upper, small bowel and lower). Diagnosis is approached, and medical, endoscopic or antithrombotic management are discussed in the text in an accessible and comprehensible way.

Colonic diverticular disease. Treatment and prevention / Enfermedad diverticular cólica. Tratamiento y prevención

Diverticular disease represents the most common disease affecting the colon in the Western world. Most cases remain asymptomatic, but some others will have symptoms or develop complications. The aims of treatment in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease are to prevent complications and reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms. Fibre, probiotics, mesalazine, rifaximin and their combinations seem to be usually an effective therapy. In the uncomplicated diverticulitis, outpatient management is considered the optimal approach in the majority of patients, and oral antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment. Admission to hospital and intravenous antibiotic are recommended only when the patient is unable to intake food orally, affected by severe comorbidity or does not improve. However, inpatient management and intravenous antibiotics are necessary in complicated diverticulitis. The role of surgery is also changing. Most diverticulitis-associated abscesses can be treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage and emergency surgery is considered only in patients with acute peritonitis. Finally, patient related factors, and not the number of recurrences, play the most important role in selecting recipients of elective surgery to avoid recurrences

La enfermedad diverticular es la enfermedad cólica más frecuente en el mundo Occidental. La mayoría de los pacientes permanecerán asintomáticos a lo largo de su vida, pero un porcentaje no despreciable presentarán síntomas o desarrollarán complicaciones. El objetivo del tratamiento en la enfermedad diverticular no complicada sintomática es prevenir las complicaciones y reducir la frecuencia e intensidad de los síntomas. La fibra, los probióticos, la mesalazina, la rifaximina y sus combinaciones parecen ser terapias eficaces. En la diverticulitis no complicada, el manejo extrahospitalario se considera actualmente el manejo óptimo, siendo los antibióticos administrados por vía oral la piedra angular del tratamiento. El ingreso hospitalario solo será necesario en pacientes con intolerancia oral, comorbilidad grave o ausencia de mejoría. Sin embargo, el manejo intrahospitalario es preciso en las diverticulitis complicadas. La mayoría de los abscesos podrán ser tratados con antibióticos y/o drenaje percutáneo, reservando la cirugía urgente para pacientes con peritonitis aguda. La indicación de cirugía electiva para prevención de recurrencias debe ser indidualizada y no basarse únicamente en el número de episodios previos de diverticulitis

Esophageal cancer: Risk factors, screening and endoscopic treatment in Western and Eastern countries.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most unknown and deadliest cancers worldwide, mainly because of its extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate. Esophageal cancer is the 6(th) leading cause of death from cancer and the 8(th) most common cancer in the world. The 5-year survival is around 15%-25%. There are clear differences between the risk factors of both histological types that affect their incidence and distribution worldwide. There are areas of high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (some areas in China) that meet the requirements for cost-effectiveness of endoscopy for early diagnosis in the general population of those areas. In Europe and United States the predominant histologic subtype is adenocarcinoma. The role of early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus remains controversial. The differences in the therapeutic management of early esophageal carcinoma (high-grade dysplasia, T1a, T1b, N0) between different parts of the world may be explained by the number of cancers diagnosed at an early stage. In areas where the incidence is high (China and Japan among others) early diagnoses is more frequent and has led to the development of endoscopic techniques for definitive treatment that achieve very effective results with a minimum number of complications and preserving the functionality of the esophagus.

Colonic diverticular disease. Treatment and prevention.

Diverticular disease represents the most common disease affecting the colon in the Western world. Most cases remain asymptomatic, but some others will have symptoms or develop complications. The aims of treatment in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease are to prevent complications and reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms. Fibre, probiotics, mesalazine, rifaximin and their combinations seem to be usually an effective therapy. In the uncomplicated diverticulitis, outpatient management is considered the optimal approach in the majority of patients, and oral antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment. Admission to hospital and intravenous antibiotic are recommended only when the patient is unable to intake food orally, affected by severe comorbidity or does not improve. However, inpatient management and intravenous antibiotics are necessary in complicated diverticulitis. The role of surgery is also changing. Most diverticulitis-associated abscesses can be treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage and emergency surgery is considered only in patients with acute peritonitis. Finally, patient related factors, and not the number of recurrences, play the most important role in selecting recipients of elective surgery to avoid recurrences.

Balancing the risk and benefits of low-dose aspirin in clinical practice.

Antiplatelet agents are widely used in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The scientific evidence has provided strong support for the benefits of aspirin in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events in a wide range of pathologies. The relatively rare occurrence of major bleeding complications should not be underestimated, mainly due to its high morbi-mortality. The assessment of both gastrointestinal risk and cardiovascular benefits of low-dose aspirin for any individual patient may be difficult in clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the evidence supporting the efficacy of aspirin and the risks of side effects due to hemorrhagic complications. This article proposes a unifying framework for application to help the clinician in the decision making process of individuals who have different risk of cardiovascular and bleeding events with different examples. Finally, new developments in the field directed towards individualized risk assessment strategies are described.

Antiagregantes plaquetarios e inhibidores de la bomba de protones. ¿Cómo optimizar el riesgo-beneficio en los pacientes con riesgo cardiovascular y riesgo de hemorragia gastrointestinal? / Antiplatelet agents and proton pump inhibitors. How can the risk-benefit balance be optimized in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal bleeding?

Los antiagregantes plaquetarios son usados de forma rutinaria tanto en prevención primaria como secundaria de accidentes cardiovasculares. El desarrollo de nuevos agentes y el auge del intervencionismo coronario han hecho que el tratamiento antiagregante sea más prescrito y utilizado durante más tiempo. El efecto secundario más importante es el aumento de la incidencia de complicaciones hemorrágicas, siendo las gastrointestinales las más prevalentes. En este contexto es necesario optimizar el balance entre los beneficios cardiovasculares y los riesgos hemorrágicos de este tipo de terapias.El artículo recomienda unas pautas de manejo específico y resalta aspectos prácticos relevantes, incluyendo la interacción entre clopidogrel y los inhibidores de la bomba de protones. La revisión describe los riesgos y beneficios en los diferentes escenarios clínicos con el objetivo de optimizar el equilibrio entre los beneficios cardiovasculares y el riesgo de hemorragia por el tratamiento antiagregante (AU)

Antiplatelet agents are routinely used in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The development of new antiplatelet agents and the strong growth of interventional cardiology have led to this therapy being more widely prescribed and for longer periods. The most important secondary effect is the rise in the incidence of hemorrhagic complications, the most prevalent being gastrointestinal bleeding. In this context, the balance between the cardiovascular benefits and bleeding risk of these agents must be optimized.This review provides specific management recommendations and highlights important practical aspects related to antiplatelet therapy, including the interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors. The benefits and hazards in distinct clinical settings are outlined within the context of optimizing the balance between the cardiovascular benefits and bleeding risk of antiplatelet therapy (AU)

[Antiplatelet agents and proton pump inhibitors. How can the risk-benefit balance be optimized in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal bleeding?]. / Antiagregantes plaquetarios e inhibidores de la bomba de protones. Cómo optimizar el riesgo-beneficio en los pacientes con riesgo cardiovascular y riesgo de hemorragia gastrointestinal?

Antiplatelet agents are routinely used in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The development of new antiplatelet agents and the strong growth of interventional cardiology have led to this therapy being more widely prescribed and for longer periods. The most important secondary effect is the rise in the incidence of hemorrhagic complications, the most prevalent being gastrointestinal bleeding. In this context, the balance between the cardiovascular benefits and bleeding risk of these agents must be optimized. This review provides specific management recommendations and highlights important practical aspects related to antiplatelet therapy, including the interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors. The benefits and hazards in distinct clinical settings are outlined within the context of optimizing the balance between the cardiovascular benefits and bleeding risk of antiplatelet therapy.

Avances en patología gastrointestinal relacionada con el tratamiento con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y antiagregantes plaquetarios / Advances in gastrointestinal diseases related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antiplatelet agents

La publicación del estudio CONDOR ha supuesto el avance más importante y reciente en el campo de las lesiones gastrointestinales por antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE). Este estudio señala que el tratamiento con celecoxib 200 mg/12 h se asocia a una menor frecuencia de efectos adversos clínicamente significativos que la combinación de diclofenaco 75 mg/12 h + omeprazol 20 mg/día cuando se evalúa todo el tracto digestivo en pacientes con artritis y factores de riesgo gastrointestinal. Otros estudios de interés señalan que la mayor parte de los pacientes con artrosis presenta factores de riesgo gastrointestinal y cardiovascular, y que en el 50% de éstos la prescripción no se realiza de acuerdo a las recomendaciones actuales. Los estudios epidemiológicos más recientes confirman que el ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS), solo o combinado con otros agentes antiplaquetarios, aumenta el riesgo de hemorragia gastrointestinal alta y baja, y que la asociación con inhibidores de la bomba de protones (IBP) reduce el riesgo de hemorragia digestiva alta. Los datos más recientes cuestionan una interacción negativa de IBP con clopidogrel, pero en general los estudios son todavía de calidad baja. En el campo de la innovación terapéutica destaca la aparición de nuevos agentes que reducen el riesgo de lesiones inducidas por AINE, como la cobipostrona, un activador local de los canales de cloro, o el nuevo compuesto que asocia AAS con fostatidilcolina, que induce menos lesiones gástricas con igual actividad antiplaquetaria que AAS sola (AU)

The most important and recent advance reported in the field of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated gastrointestinal (GI) lesions is the CONDOR study. This study shows that treatment with celecoxib 200 mg/12 hours is associated with a lower frequency of clinically significant adverse effects throughout the GI tract when compared with treatment with diclofenac 75 mg/12 hours + omeprazole 20 mg/day in at-risk patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Other studies of interest report that most arthritis patients requiring NSAIDs are at increased GI and cardiovascular risk and that more than 50% do not receive appropriate therapy based on current recommendations. Recent epidemiological studies confirm that aspirin use, alone or associated with other antiplatelet agents, is associated with increased risk of GI bleeding from either the upper or the lower GI tract, and that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the risk of upper GI bleeding. The most recent data also question the negative interaction between PPI and clopidogrel, but the data are still generally of low quality. A notable new compound is cobiprostone, a local chloride channel activator. When combined with NSAIDs, this agent reduces the occurrence of gastric lesions. Another new agent that combines aspirin with phosphatidylcholine is associated with a lower degree of gastroduodenal mucosal damage than aspirin and has identical antiplatelet effect to aspirin alone (AU)

Uso apropiado de los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en reumatología: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología y el Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología / Appropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology

Objetivos: Elaborar recomendaciones para el uso apropiado de AINE en reumatología. Métodos: Se utilizó una metodología modificada de RAND/UCLA. Se seleccionaron dos grupos de panelistas, uno por el CMR y otro por la SER. A partir de grupos nominales, se obtuvieron propuestas de recomendaciones, que fueron sometidas a la prueba de acuerdo entre los reumatólogos de ambas sociedades mediante encuesta Delphi a dos rondas. Del análisis de la segunda ronda Delphi, se extrajeron las recomendaciones finales y posteriormente se revisó el nivel de evidencia y el grado de acuerdo de la recomendación según el Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia de Oxford. Finalmente, se efectuó revisión sistemática de cinco recomendaciones sin acuerdo. Resultados: Se presentan recomendaciones sobre el uso seguro de los AINE en las enfermedades reumáticas, con base en la mejor evidencia disponible, la opinión de expertos, el acuerdo entre reumatólogos y la revisión de la literatura. La tendencia es disminuir la frecuencia, la duración y la dosis de AINE en favor de medidas no farmacológicas, analgésicos o fármacos modificadores de los síntomas o del curso de la enfermedad. Además, es obligado identificar perfiles de mayor riesgo de toxicidad, en especial gastrointestinal y cardiovascular. Se recomiendan pautas de actuación y monitorización en los diferentes grupos de riesgo y en pacientes con empleo de antiagregantes plaquetarios, anticoagulación o con terapias concomitantes. El porcentaje de acuerdo es elevado en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: Los AINE son medicamentos seguros y eficaces en el tratamiento de las afecciones reumáticas. No obstante, dado su perfil de riesgo, es necesario individualizar su uso (AU)

Objective: To develop guidelines for the appropriate use of NSAIDs in rheumatology. Methods: We used a methodology modified from the one developed by RAND/UCLA. Two groups of panellists were selected, one by the CMR and another by the SER. Recommendations were proposed from nominal groups and the agreement to them was tested among rheumatologists from both societies by a tworound Delphi survey. The analysis of the second Delphi round supported the generation of the final set of recommendations and the assignment of a level of agreement to each of them. Systematic reviews of five recommendations in which the agreement was low or was divided were also carried out. Results: Here we present recommendations for the safe use of NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases, based on the best available evidence, expert opinion, the agreement among rheumatologists, and literature review. The trend is to reduce the frequency, duration and dose of NSAIDs in favour of non-pharmacological measures, analgesic drugs or disease modifying drugs. In addition, the recommendations help to identify profiles for increased toxicity, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The recommendations deal with the course of action and monitoring in different risk groups and in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The overall level of agreement is high. Conclusions: The NSAIDs are safe and effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. However, it is necessary to individualize its use according to their risk profile (AU)

[Appropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology]. / Uso apropiado de los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en reumatología: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología y el Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología.

OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for the appropriate use of NSAIDs in rheumatology. METHODS: We used a methodology modified from the one developed by RAND/UCLA. Two groups of panellists were selected, one by the CMR and another by the SER. Recommendations were proposed from nominal groups and the agreement to them was tested among rheumatologists from both societies by a tworound Delphi survey. The analysis of the second Delphi round supported the generation of the final set of recommendations and the assignment of a level of agreement to each of them. Systematic reviews of five recommendations in which the agreement was low or was divided were also carried out. RESULTS: Here we present recommendations for the safe use of NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases, based on the best available evidence, expert opinion, the agreement among rheumatologists, and literature review. The trend is to reduce the frequency, duration and dose of NSAIDs in favour of non-pharmacological measures, analgesic drugs or disease modifying drugs. In addition, the recommendations help to identify profiles for increased toxicity, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The recommendations deal with the course of action and monitoring in different risk groups and in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The overall level of agreement is high. CONCLUSIONS: The NSAIDs are safe and effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. However, it is necessary to individualize its use according to their risk profile.

Aspirina en dosis bajas y complicaciones gastrointestinales / Low dose aspirin and gastrointestinal complications

The use of aspirin is associated with a significant increase of gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk appears to be dose-dependent and although it is lower than the one observed with classical NSAIDS there is no risk-free dose. Risk factors are poorly described, although a previous history of peptic ulcer or complications as well as Helicobacter pylori infection seem to be the most relevant ones. Patients with one or more risk factors or those with poor health conditions requiring aspirin, should receive prophylaxis, although data concerning such issues is still scarce. The ideal prophylactic strategy has yet to be defined but proton pump inhibitors are the best option available and they are very beneficial in high-risk patients. H. pylori eradication could be a reasonable prophylactic alternative but more studies are needed to clarify the exact role H. pylori has and the population that would benefit from eradication.

La utilización de aspirina se asocia con incremento significativo de hemorragia gastrointestinal. Dicho riesgo parece ser dependiente de la dosis y, aunque es menor que el observado para antiinflamatorios no esteroides clásicos, no parece existir una dosis libre de riesgo. Los factores de riesgo no están totalmente definidos aunque la historia previa de úlcera o complicaciones y la infección por Helicobacter pylori parecen ser los más importantes. Si bien la información al respecto continúa siendo escasa debería ofrecerse profilaxis a aquellos pacientes con uno o más factores de riesgo o a aquellos pacientes que presentando mala salud requieran aspirina. Aunque la terapia profiláctica ideal está todavía por definirse, la mejor opción para la profilaxis parecen ser los inhibidores de la bomba de protones, especialmente beneficiosa en los pacientes de alto riesgo. La erradicación de la infección por H. pylori podría ser otra alternativa en la profilaxis aunque hacen falta más estudios que aclaren su papel exacto y en qué población debe aplicarse.

Infección por Helicobacter pylori y administración de antiinflamatorios no esteroides. ¿tratamiento antibacteriano? Datos en contra / Infection by Helicobacter pylori and the administration of non steroid antiinflammatory drugs. Antibacterial treatment? Data against this

No disponible