ABSTRACT
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by cyclic vomiting and abdominal pain in chronic cannabis users. It is caused by long-term cannabis use and is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized. CHS can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and renal failure, exacerbating the risk of nephrolithiasis or kidney stones. Nephrolithiasis is a common urologic condition characterized by the formation of solid stones in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. The association between CHS and nephrolithiasis is still unclear and requires further investigation. However, it is suggested that CHS may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential complications of CHS and monitor patients for kidney stones, especially in chronic cannabis users. We report a case of a 28-year-old American-Indian male with a history of daily marijuana use, presented with recurrent renal stones and acute colicky pain.
ABSTRACT
The global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is estimated to be around 4.4 billion, with the majority of individuals affected in developing countries. Chronic infection of the gram-negative bacterium results in several gastrointestinal pathologies such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and cancer. Probiotics compete directly with H. pylori and help restore the gut microbial environment; these living microorganisms are comparatively more effective than the standard triple antibiotic regimen in the management of symptoms related to the pathogenic bacteria. The need for alternative therapy is better explained by the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance and the lowering of patient compliance to the standard treatment. Adjuvant administration of probiotics to H. pylori eradication therapy is associated with a higher H. pylori eradication rate, decreased diarrhea-related treatment, less common self-reported side effects, and higher treatment compliance. Therefore, with the ongoing and future resistance to antibiotics, this systematic review aims to investigate the use and efficacy of probiotics when used alone or in conjunction with the current guideline treatment. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2016 and April 2022. MeSH terms used were: "H. pylori," "H. pylori and probiotics," "Probiotics," "H. pylori treatment," "Mechanism of Action" with subheadings as "clinical manifestations," "treatment," and "diagnosis." All literature reviews, original papers, and case reports were included. This search strategy aimed to find literature that could describe the transmission and mechanism of action of H. pylori, the current treatment guidelines, and the efficacy of probiotics in eradicating H. pylori.
