A Controlled Study to Examine the Effect of Topical Sucralfate on Radiofrequency-induced Burn Wounds in Rats

Several preclinical studies have shown topical sucralfate facilitates wound repair. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 10% topical sucralfate on healing radiofrequency-induced burn wounds in rats. METHODS: Twenty (20) male rats were divided into 2 equal groups. Using radiofrequency, 4 full-thickness, 1 cm in diameter round burns were created on the backs of the rats that then were randomized to receive twice-daily treatment for 30 days with 10% sucralfate or neutral cream. Biopsies were taken on days 4, 7, 14, and 21 to analyze fibrin-leukocyte crut, edema density, epidermal-dermal cell infiltration, amount of fibroblast and collagen fibers, amount of elastic fibers, neovascularization-angiogenesis, and reepithelialization-granulation tissue. Data were collected to a spreadsheet and entered into statistical software for analysis. Histopathological features were classified as categorical variables and compared using the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. When χ2 was used, Yates' correction for continuity was performed. All reported P values were 2-tailed; P less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: On day 4, improvement in edema density (P = .034), epidermal detachment (P = .020), epidermal-dermal cell infiltration (P = .007), and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration (P = .021) were statistically more significant in the sucralfate than control group. On day 7, epidermal-dermal cell infiltration (P = .007) and elastic fibers P = .050) were statistically more significant in the sucralfate group. On day 14, angiogenesis (P = .029), reepithelialization (P = .035), and granulation tissue (P = .003) were statistically more significant in the sucralfate group. By the end of the study (day 30), angiogenesis (P = .010), reepithelialization (P <.001), fibroblast density (P = .016), granulation tissue (P = .035), and collagen density (P = .002) were significantly improved in the sucralfate group versus the control group. CONCLUSION: In a rat wound model, 10% topical sucralfate was found to histopathologically facilitate the healing process compared to the control group. Controlled clinical studies are needed to elucidate the effect of this treatment in human wounds.

Topical sucralfate cream treatment for aplasia cutis congenita with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case study.

Bart syndrome consists of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and dominant or recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), associated with skin fragility and nail dysplasia. ACC in DEB is thought to be caused by trauma, the most cited cause being in utero formation of bullae consequent to friction of the limbs. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) refers to a hereditary mechanobullous disease following trauma, characterised by formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. There are four categories of the disease, including epidermolysis bullosa simplex, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and Kindler syndrome. Infection, sepsis and death may occur as a consequence of generalised blistering with complication. We present the case of a newborn diagnosed with DEB and whose lesions became almost fully epithelialised after treatment with 10% topical sucralfate.

Behçet's disease-related superior vena cava syndrome and bleeding downhill varices: A rare complication.

Obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) due to any cause results in development of venous collaterals in the upper part of the esophagus, known as "downhill" varices. Although rare, bleeding can be life-threatening. Presently described is case of Behçet's diseaserelated SVC occlusion in a patient who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding from upper esophageal varices.

A case of mediastinal fibrosis due to radiotherapy and 'downhill' esophageal varices: a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

'Downhill' varices are located in the proximal part of the esophagus. Their etiology differs from the distal types, with most of them usually being related to superior vena cava obstruction. Although bleeding due to 'downhill' varices is very rare, it can be life-threatening. Here, we present a case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to mediastinal fibrosis associated with chest radiotherapy for seminoma metastasis sixteen years previously, which was successfully treated conservatively.

The histological quality and adequacy of diminutive colorectal polyps resected using jumbo versus hot biopsy forceps.

BACKGROUND: Polypectomy with jumbo forceps (JF) and polypectomy with hot biopsy forceps (HBF) are still widely used techniques for removal of diminutive colorectal polyps (DCPs). JF may be more effective for the removal of DCPs because of their larger size. AIM: To evaluate the histological quality and adequacy of DCPs resected using JF compared with HBF. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine patients with 237 DCPs were included in this study. DCPs were removed using either JP or HBF. RESULTS: The tissue architecture was good in 29.9 % of the HBF group, in comparison with 90 % of the JF group (p < 0.001). No cautery damage or crash artifact was observed in 93.3 % of JF group and in 8.5 % of HBF group (p < 0.001). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to the high level of cautery damage or crush artifact (p < 0.001). The overall diagnostic quality of the specimens removed using JF was significantly better than that of the specimens removed by HBF (96 vs. 80 %, respectively, p < 0.001). There were statistically significant inverse associations between cautery damage or crush artifact and overall diagnostic quality of HBF and JF (r = -0.373, p < 0.001; r = -0.382, p < 0.001, respectively). Surgical margins were determined as negative in 87.5 % of the JF group and in 76.1 % of the HBF group (p = 0.022). A total of 80.8 % of the JF specimens and 30.8 % of the HBF specimens were well evaluated for two lateral and deep surgical margins (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: JF was superior to HBF for histopathological interpretation and eradication of DCPs.

The diagnostic accuracy of the Forns index, platelet count and AST to Platelet Ratio Index derived fibrosis index for the prediction of Hepatitis C virus-related significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

AIM: To provide a simple fibrosis index combining the routine laboratory markers for predicting significant fibrosis (SF) and cirrhosis in patients with chronic HCV. METHODS: Platelet count, ALT, AST, AST to ALT Ratio, AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), Forns index, FIB-4 and Age Platelet Index of 202 liver biopsy performed HCV-infected patients were reviewed. METAVIR classification was used to determine the stage of liver fibrosis. The predictive fibrosis index was constructed by multiple linear regression analysis (- 2.948 + 0.562 × Forns index + 0.288 × APRI + 0.006 × platelet count [10(9)/L]). RESULTS: Median (25th-75th interquartile range) age was 52 (42-59) years, and 61% were male. 65.8% (n = 133) had SF (F2-F4) and 23.3% (n = 47) had cirrhosis (F4). For discrimination of SF, AUROCs were: Fibrosis index = 0.869, Forns index = 0.837, APRI = 0.814, platelet count = 0.764. For cirrhosis, AUROCs were: Fibrosis index = 0.911, Forns index = 0.883, APRI = 0.847, platelet count = 0.827. A cut-off point of ≤ 1.2 for fibrosis index excluded SF in 89% of patients with sensitivity of 96%, while > 2.0 predicted SF in 88% of patients with specificity of 86%. Threshold of ≤ 1.9 excluded cirrhosis in 95% of patients with sensitivity of 94%, while > 2.7 showed cirrhosis in 88% of patients with specificity of 95%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, OR (95% CI) of fibrosis index was 7.825 (3.682-16.629) for SF (p < 0.001) and was 8.672 (4.179-17.996) for cirrhosis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SF and cirrhosis were predicted with accuracy of 82% and 89% and were excluded with accuracy of 74% and 82% using this fibrosis index which may potentially decrease the need for liver biopsy in 76% and 83% of patients, respectively.

Paget's Disease of the Breast in a Patient with Amyopathic Dermatomyositis.

Amyopathic dermatomyositis (AD) can be a part of paraneoplastic syndrome of an underlying malignancy. Paget's disease is a rare form of breast cancer. We present a very rare case of Paget's disease associated with AD. Paget's disease has been diagnosed in a patient with AD who is under surveillance of dermatology department. The patient has undergone central lumpectomy with removal of the nipple-areola complex and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Surgical margins after lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy were negative. The whole breast irradiation was performed after surgery. The patient receives medical treatment for AD of which lesions regressed in 1 year during the follow-up period. This is a very rare case of Paget's disease diagnosed in a patient with AD. Female patients with dermatomyositis have been absolutely recommended to undergo screening for breast and gynaecological malignancies. AD may be an early finding of primary or recurrent malignancy of the breast.

AST-platelet ratio index in the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AST-platelet ratio index in the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients by comparison with liver biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our computerized data of chronic hepatitis B patients who attended the Gastroenterology Clinic from 2004-2009. Treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients who had undergone liver biopsy were included in this study. The degree of fibrosis was scored according to the Ishak staging system. Significant fibrosis was defined as F3-6 and cirrhosis as F5-6. AST-platelet ratio index was calculated based on the original studies. Tests results were compared between the groups F0-2 versus F3-6 and F0-4 versus F5-6. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B were included in this study. The area under the ROC curves of AST-platelet ratio index to predict significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.779 and 0.781, respectively. Using cut-off values ≤0.5 and >1.5, significant fibrosis was excluded with a negative predictive value of 91.30% and sensitivity of 87.69% and predicted with a positive predictive value of 59.52% and specificity of 90.81% in 53.60% of patients. Using cut-off values ≤1 and >2, cirrhosis was excluded with a negative predictive value of 92.09% and sensitivity of 64.10% and predicted with a positive predictive value of 33.33% and specificity of 91.47% in 81.60% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: AST-platelet ratio index may be a useful noninvasive marker in the exclusion of both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, it is not accurate in the prediction of either significant fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Clinical importance of celiac disease in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common disease of the oral mucosa that is characterized by recurrent, painful ulcers of unknown etiology. The association between celiac disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis has been evaluated in several studies, but variable results have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. METHODS: The study group consisted of 82 patients, all of whom had a history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The control group included 82 patients who did not have aphthous stomatitis. Patients were screened for IgA anti-endomysial antibodies, IgG anti-endomysial antibodies, IgA anti-gliadin antibodies, and IgG anti-gliadin antibodies. Patients with positive serology underwent endoscopic biopsies of the duodenal mucosa. Patients in both groups were also questioned regarding gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: One patient (1.2%) out of 82 in the study group was diagnosed with celiac disease by biopsy. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, heartburn and regurgitation were determined to be of higher incidence in the study group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). None of the 82 patients in the control group were diagnosed as having celiac disease. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is no apparent etiological link between recurrent aphthous stomatitis and celiac disease and that screening recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients for celiac disease has little clinical value. Additionally, regurgitation of gastric acid to the oral cavity may precipitate the formation of aphthous stomatitis.

AST-platelet ratio index, Forns index and FIB-4 in the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index, the Forns index and FIB-4 for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients by comparison with liver biopsy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our computerized data of chronic hepatitis C patients who admitted to the Gastroenterology Clinic between 2004 and 2008. Treatment-naive chronic hepatitis C patients who had undergone liver biopsy and had laboratory test results allowing the calculation of aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index, the Forns index and FIB-4 were included in this study. The degree of fibrosis was scored according to the METAVIR staging system. Significant fibrosis was defined as F2-4 and cirrhosis as F4. Aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index, the Forns index and FIB-4 were calculated based on the original studies. Tests results were compared between groups F0-1 (no or mild fibrosis) versus F2-4 (significant fibrosis) and F03 (no cirrhosis) versus F4 (cirrhosis). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients with chronic hepatitis C were included in this study. The areas under the ROC curves of the Forns index, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index and FIB-4 to predict significant fibrosis were 0.795, 0.774 and 0.764, respectively. The area under the ROC curves of the Forns index, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index and FIB-4 to predict cirrhosis were 0.879, 0.839 and 0.874, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Forns index, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index and FIB-4 were accurate noninvasive blood tests to predict the presence or absence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in half of the chronic hepatitis C patients. The Forns index was slightly better than the aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index and FIB-4 in the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Efficacy of probiotics in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin in Helicobacter pylori eradication is widely accepted, but this combination fails in a considerable number of cases. Our aim was to evaluate whether probiotic-containing yogurt affects the success of eradication. The second aim was to investigate the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of the side effects related to eradication therapy. METHODS: A total of 76 histopathologically proven H. pylori-positive patients enrolled in this study were randomized into two groups. The following regimens were recommended: Group A: pantoprazole (40 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), and 125 ml of probiotic-containing yogurt (Bifidobacterium DN-173 010-1010 cfu/g) before breakfast for 14 days; and Group B: pantoprazole (40 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) and clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.) for 14 days. Subjects were asked to report any side effects of therapy during the treatment period. H. pylori status was rechecked four weeks after the completion of the eradication therapy by 13C-urea breath test. RESULTS: H. pylori eradication was achieved in 25 of the 38 patients in Group A (66%) and in 20 of the 38 patients (53%) in Group B. Although the success rate was higher in Group A than in Group B, the difference was not significant (p=0.350). The addition of probiotics to the triple therapy significantly lessened the frequency of stomatitis and constipation (p=0.037 and p=0.046, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of probiotic-containing yogurt to the triple therapy did not increase the H. pylori eradication rates for the evaluated dosage and model; however, it decreased the frequency of stomatitis and constipation.

Liver biopsy: ultrasonography guidance is not superior to the blind method.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with adequate liver biopsy samples and compare the complication rates of blind and US-guided biopsies, as well as to compare the histological yield of blind and US-guided biopsy specimens. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 205 consecutive patients that underwent liver biopsies during a 12-month period. Liver biopsy was performed via the blind method in 152 patients, and via US-guidance in 53 patients. Biopsy specimens were evaluated according to length, presence of fragmentation, crush artifacts, adequacy for diagnosis, and the number of portal tracts and central veins. We also evaluated the rates of mortality and major life-threatening complications. RESULTS: All the biopsy specimens were adequate for histological evaluation, except in 8 cases, of which 4 were in the blind biopsy group (2.63%) and 4 were in the US-guided biopsy group (7.54%) (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the specimen fragmentation, or number of portal tracts and central veins in each specimen. Mean specimen length in the US-guided liver biopsy group was 12.58+/-5.59 mm, and in the blind biopsy group 16.22+/-9.91 mm (P<0.005) . There was no mortality or major complications in either of the two study groups. CONCLUSION: US-guided biopsy was not superior to blind biopsy, an unexpected result. Gastroenterologists/hepatologists should be encouraged to perform liver biopsies via the blind method.

Effect of the mucolytic erdosteine on the success rate of PPI-based first-line triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Because Helicobacter pylori creates a well-sheltered microenvironment within the gastric mucus layer, it has been speculated that the disruption of this space by a mucolytic agent may enhance the eradication rate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of erdosteine, a strong mucolytic agent, on the effectiveness of PPI-based, first-line triple therapy in the eradication of H. pylori. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Initially, 196 patients were enrolled to the study. Of these, 79 H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to the erdosteine group (triple therapy consisting of pantoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin plus erdosteine; n = 40) or the placebo group (triple therapy plus placebo; n = 39) for 14 days. Endoscopic biopsies and (13)C-urea breath tests were performed at entry and at 4-6 weeks after the completion of the treatment. Additionally, rapid urease tests were performed at entry. RESULTS: The eradication of H. pylori was achieved in 30 (75%) of the 40 patients in the erdosteine group and in 20 (51.3%) of the 39 patients in the placebo group, according to the ITT analysis (p = 0.028). When the PP analysis was performed as well, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 30 (78.9%) of the 38 patients in the erdosteine group and in 20 (52.6%) of the 38 patients in the placebo group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Erdosteine is an efficient adjuvant therapy that could be used in conjunction with first-line triple therapy in the treatment of H. pylori.

Oxidative stress in Helicobacter pylori infection: does supplementation with vitamins C and E increase the eradication rate?

AIM: This study aims to assess the antioxidant property of vitamins E and C in Helicobacter pylori infection, and to determine if adding them to standard triple therapy plus bismuth subcitrate increases the H. pylori eradication rate. METHODS: This study included 160 patients infected with H. pylori, who were randomized into one of two groups. Patients in group A (n = 80) received lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days, while patients in group B (n = 80) received vitamin C (500 mg, b.i.d.) and vitamin E (200 IU, b.i.d.) for 30 days, in addition to lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated with a Randox kit. Success rate was calculated using both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty patients were analyzed using ITT analysis. One hundred and fifty-three patients completed the study. In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 48 (60%) of the 80 patients included in the ITT analysis, and in 48 (64%) of the 75 patients included in the PP analysis. In group B, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 73 (91.25%) of the 80 included in the ITT analysis and in 73 (93.5%) of the 78 patients included in the PP analysis. The eradication rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A (p < .005). TAC was at the lower limit of normal in both groups and the difference between them was not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: In group B, H. pylori eradication rate was 91.25%, which is higher than the ideal 80% eradication rate. The results of the present study show that adding the prescribed doses of vitamins E and C to antimicrobial therapy is effective in eradicating H. pylori infection.

Administration of olive oil followed by a low volume of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution improves patient satisfaction with right-side colonic cleansing over administration of the conventional volume of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution for colonoscopy preparation.

BACKGROUND: Proper bowel cleansing before colonoscopy is essential for satisfactory evaluation of the colon. The required consumption of a large volume of salty-tasting liquid, 4 L of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS), is the primary limitation to achieving this goal. OBJECTIVE: To achieve better patient satisfaction with efficient bowel cleansing, we compared the effects of the conventional volume (4 L) of PEG-ELS with those of a low volume (2 L) in combination with pretreatment using different laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and olive oil. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study. SETTING: A single research hospital. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 120 patients were randomized to 1 of 3 different preparation regimens: 39 patients were prepared with a conventional volume (4 L) of PEG-ELS (Preparation [Prep] 1), and the remaining patients were prepared with a lower volume (2 L) of PEG-ELS and pretreatment with a laxative, either 15 g of magnesium hydroxide (40 patients, Prep 2) or 60 mL of olive oil (41 patients, Prep 3) 3 hours before PEG-ELS administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the efficacy of colonic cleansing on the left and right sides. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and side effects. RESULTS: The olive oil regimen (Prep 3) resulted in significantly more adequate bowel cleansing of the right colon than administration of the conventional volume of PEG-ELS (Prep 1) and the magnesium hydroxide (Prep 2) regimen (97.6% vs 74.5% and 72.5%, respectively, P = .007). However, this difference was not observed in the left colon (91.5%, 85.5%, and 91.8% for Preps 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P = .776). When asked, 38 patients (95%) taking Prep 2, 35 patients (85.3%) taking Prep 3, and only 11 patients (28.2%) taking Prep 1 preferred the same preparation regimen if they required a future colonoscopy (P =.006), based on ease of use and taste. The side effects were comparable in each group. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include the relatively small sample size, the single-center study design, and the use of a nonvalidated symptom scoring system. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with olive oil before administration of a low volume of PEG-ELS enhances both patient satisfaction and the quality of right-side colonic cleansing over the administration of the conventional volume of PEG-ELS for colonoscopy preparation. Although the magnesium hydroxide regimen (Prep 2) was the preferred regimen in this study, its colonic cleansing effectiveness was not as great as those of the other regimens. Based on our results, the olive oil regimen is recommended, especially for patients who are not able to consume large volumes of liquids, such as the elderly, and those who are suspected of having subtle right-side colonic lesions.

Glutaraldehyde-induced colitis: three case reports.

Glutaraldehyde (2% solution) is an effective and widely used disinfecting solution for cold sterilization of endoscopic instruments. Direct contact of glutaraldehyde solution with colonic mucosa can cause self-limited colitis. As it rarely occurs as a complication of colonoscopy, glutaraldehyde-induced colitis is generally reported only as case reports in the literature. We report three cases of glutaraldehyde-induced colitis after colonoscopy. All lesions resolved with supportive treatment. We stress the need for thorough rinsing of the surface and channels of the endoscope with water to avoid the occurrence of this complication.