ABSTRACT
Distal esophageal spasm is characterized by premature contractions of the distal esophageal smooth muscle leading to non-obstructive dysphagia and non-cardiac chest pain. Diagnosis requires the presence of symptoms along with evidence of at least 20% premature contractions in the setting of a normal lower esophageal sphincter relaxation on high-resolution manometry. New updates to the Chicago Classification have improved the diagnostic accuracy of this method. Functional lumen imaging probe is a growing diagnostic modality that gives a more complete picture of esophageal motility. Pharmacologic treatment remains inadequate. Endoscopic myotomy might be of benefit for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders. More research is required to better understand the pathophysiology and develop safe and long-lasting management for this disease.
ABSTRACT
Bile reflux is a pathological retrograde flow of bile into the stomach that may lead to gastric overdistension and gastritis. It generally manifests as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn. Hiccups have thus far not been described as part of its presentation. Here, we describe a case of excessive post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography bile accumulation in the stomach that caused persistent hiccups requiring endoscopic suctioning.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis remains a commonly available treatment option for many patients with end-stage renal disease. In addition to regular hemodialysis, these patients require regular use of medicines, follow fluid restriction and dietary modification. Hence, adherence to treatment remains a major factor to improve survival and quality of life among these patients. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the adherence to treatment among patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 patients undergoing hemodialysis at three centers of Bagmati province of Nepal from July to December 2020. We used End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) to record the adherence scores in different domains of treatment adherence. The scores were compared with different sociodemographic variables using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Out of a total score of 1200, the overall obtained mean score was 1084.07±125.58. The percentage of the respondents adhering to dialysis, medicines, fluid, and diet was 91.9%, 76.3%, 48.9%, and 43.0% respectively. Male patients scored significantly higher score in the diet. And the married patients scored higher in adherence to fluid. Patients with middle socio-economic status scored significantly higher score in adherence to hemodialysis treatment. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the respondents were non adherent to fluid and diet. Periodic motivation by health care professional and dietary counseling by dietitians might be helpful to improve the adherence to treatment.
