High prevalence of response to PPI treatment in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis in southern Brazil.

Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a newly recognized entity, in which there is significant evidence available that clearly demonstrates the positive impact of PPIs on reducing esophageal eosinophilia in individuals across different age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain how this treatment effect occurs. In Brazil, there seems to be a lack of studies that have prospectively assessed the clinical and therapeutic response rate in pediatric patients with EoE. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and therapeutic response of pediatric patients with EoE in a medical center located in southern Brazil, by investigating the effectiveness of PPI treatment. Methods: This study is a clinical, prospective, open trial that took place in a pediatric hospital located in southern Brazil. The focus of the study was on patients diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) who were given treatment using omeprazole/esomeprazole at a dosage of 1 mg.kg per dose, twice daily, for a period of 8-12 weeks. Following the treatment period, the patients underwent another endoscopy. Patients who exhibited 15 or less eosinophils in the biopsy conducted after the treatment were considered as responders. Results: A total of 27 patients was evaluated (74.1% boys). The average age (± standard deviation) was 8 years (±4). Nineteen patients (70.3%) were considered as responders to PPI treatment: 6 patients-22.2%-exhibited a complete response (defined as having 5 or fewer eosinophil per high power field. Additionally, 13 patients-48.1%-demonstrated a partial response, characterized by eosinophil counts exceeding 5 but less than 15 eos/hpf. When comparing the responder and non-responder groups at presentation, a statistical difference was observed in the prevalence of food refusal as a presenting symptom. Food refusal was found to be more prevalent in the non-responder group (87.5% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.008). No differences were observed in terms of atopy history and endoscopic scores. Upon comparing the histological findings from the post-treatment endoscopy of the two groups, it was observed that PPI responders exhibited a greater tendency to decrease basal cell hyperplasia (P = 0.06) and intercellular edema (P = 0.08). Conclusion: In this group of pediatric patients with EoE in Southern Brazil most patients showed a high prevalence of histological, endoscopic, and clinical response to PPI treatment. PPIs showed efficacy in Brazilian patients with EoE, most of whom would probably not be able to adequately undergo other treatments. Clinical Trial Registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2ntbth9, identifier (U1111-1301-1842).

Incidence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Symptoms After 7 Days of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Study on Healthy Volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed drugs. Chronic PPI use has recently been associated with the risk for developing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It is not known whether the short-term prescription of a PPI can trigger SIBO. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of SIBO and gastrointestinal symptoms after 7 days of PPI use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, pilot, open-label study was conducted on asymptomatic healthy volunteers. The incidence of SIBO was evaluated at the baseline and after administration of 40 mg of pantoprazole once a day for 7 days, through a glucose breath test. In addition, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, the number of bowel movements, and the consistency of stools, according to the Bristol scale, were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight healthy subjects (71.1% women, mean age 25.18 ± 6.5 years) were analyzed. The incidence of SIBO after 7 days of PPI administration was 7.8% (95% CI 1.6-21.3%). The patients that developed SIBO had a greater prevalence of bloating (p = 0.0002) and flatulence (p = 0.004) after 7 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a short-term 7-day PPI course produced SIBO in 7.8% of healthy subjects. Although, inappropriate use of PPIs should be discouraged, but since more than 90% of subjects who received PPIs for one week did not develop SIBO, the advantages of PPI administration seem to outweigh the disadvantages.

Treatment Results of Vocal Process Granuloma: Intubation versus Contact Granuloma

Abstract Introduction Contact granulomas (CGs) and intubation granulomas (IGs) are known to have different clinical manifestations despite having the same pathological features. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to analyze the treatment results for CG and IG and to obtain clinical information. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with vocal process granuloma (VPG) between January 2015 and December 2018. The patient's age, sex, medical history, lesion size, lesion type, reflux finding score (RFS), response to treatment, duration of treatment, and follow-up period were compared. Results Eighteen patients with CG and 14 patients with IG were included in the study. The IG group had more female patients (p = 0.0009), showed better response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and steroid inhalation (SI) (p = 0.036), and had a shorter treatment period (p = 0.0029) than the CG group. Five patients who received botulinum toxin injections in their vocal cords had complete remission. Conclusions Compared with CG, IG was more responsive to treatment with PPI and SI and required a shorter duration of treatment.

Treatment Results of Vocal Process Granuloma: Intubation versus Contact Granuloma.

Introduction Contact granulomas (CGs) and intubation granulomas (IGs) are known to have different clinical manifestations despite having the same pathological features. Objective The purpose of the present study was to analyze the treatment results for CG and IG and to obtain clinical information. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with vocal process granuloma (VPG) between January 2015 and December 2018. The patient's age, sex, medical history, lesion size, lesion type, reflux finding score (RFS), response to treatment, duration of treatment, and follow-up period were compared. Results Eighteen patients with CG and 14 patients with IG were included in the study. The IG group had more female patients ( p = 0.0009), showed better response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and steroid inhalation (SI) ( p = 0.036), and had a shorter treatment period ( p = 0.0029) than the CG group. Five patients who received botulinum toxin injections in their vocal cords had complete remission. Conclusion Compared with CG, IG was more responsive to treatment with PPI and SI and required a shorter duration of treatment.

Airway Impedance: A Novel Diagnostic Tool to Predict Extraesophageal Airway Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a novel biomarker, airway impedance for extraesophageal disease. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively recruited patients with respiratory symptoms undergoing combined endoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for the evaluation of symptoms. The direct laryngoscopy was performed and videotaped for blinded scoring by 3 otolaryngologists and an impedance catheter was placed onto the posterior larynx to obtain measurements. Following this, an endoscopy was performed and impedance measurements and biopsies were taken at 3 esophageal heights. Impedance values were compared within and between patients. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were recruited, of which 73 had complete airway and endoscopic exams. There was no significant correlation between airway impedance values and mean reflux finding scores (r2 = 0.45, P = .07). There was no significant positive correlation between airway impedance and esophageal impedance values (r2 = 0.097-0.138, P > .2). Patients taking proton pump inhibitors had significantly lower mean airway impedance values (706 ± 450 Ω) than patients not taking them (1069 ± 809 Ω, P = .06). Patients who had evidence of aspiration on video fluoroscopic swallow studies had lower airway impedance (871 ± 615 Ω) than patients without aspiration (1247 ± 360 Ω, P = .008). Inhaled steroids did not impact airway impedance levels (P = .7). CONCLUSIONS: Airway impedance may be an important diagnostic tool to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux or aspiration, eliminating the subjectivity of airway appearance alone.

Efficacy and safety of potassium-competitive acid blockers versus proton pump inhibitors as Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs) have been used in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapies in recent years. However, the efficacy and safety of P-CABs compared to Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in this setting remain controversial. METHODS: The efficacy and safety of P-CABs and PPIs for H. pylori eradication were compared in a meta-analysis based on a systematic literature search of major electronic databases for relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Seven studies and 1,168 patients were included. The pooled eradication rate determined by Intention-To-Treat (ITT) analysis was 90.2% for P-CAB-based and 75.5% for PPI-based triple therapy (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.08-1.28], p < 0.001). The Per-Protocol (PP) analysis also demonstrated significant superiority of P-CABs (pooled eradication rate = 92.4% vs. 77.8%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.03-1.26], p < 0.01). In a subgroup evaluation, P-CABs were significantly better than PPIs as a first-line eradication therapy, in both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 91.8% vs. 76.4%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.10-1.28], p < 0.0001) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.0% vs. 78.6%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.02-1.26], p < 0.05). However, P-CABs were not superior to PPIs when administered as salvage therapy, as determined in the ITT (75.0% vs. 66.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [0.69-1.78], p = 0.66) and PP (85.7% vs. 70.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.20 [0.82-1.75], p = 0.34) analyses. In a subgroup analysis limited to Japanese patients, both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 89.6% vs. 73.9%; RR [95% CI] = 1.21 [1.14-1.29], p < 0.01) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 92.0% vs. 75.7%; RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.06-1.32], p < 0.01) showed that P-CABs were significantly superior compared to PPIs as triple eradication therapy. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients from other countries, there was no significant difference in either the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.8% vs. 85.2%; RR [95% CI] = 1.10 [0.99-1.22], p = 0.07) or PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 95.0% vs. 90.8%; RR [95% CI] = 1.05 [0.98-1.14], p = 0.17). The incidence of adverse events associated with the two regimens did not significantly differ (P-CABs vs. PPIs: 33.6% vs. 40.0%; RR [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.71‒1.00], p = 0.05). The incidence of serious adverse events and dropout rate due to adverse events also did not differ (p = 0.44 and p = 0.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. As salvage therapy, the efficacy of the two treatments did not significantly differ. The tolerability of P-CAB-based and PPI-based triple therapy was comparable, as was the incidence of adverse events.

Association of Early Life Prescriptions for Antibiotics and Acid Suppressants with Childhood Psychotropic Prescriptions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between antibiotic and acid suppressant prescriptions in the first 2 years of life and subsequent treatment for childhood psychiatric disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of children born between October 2001 and September 2012 in the Military Health System enrolled in TRICARE past age 2 years and within 35 days of birth, with an initial hospital stay <7 days, and without psychotropic agents dispensed during the first 2 years of life. Exposure was defined as a filled prescription for an antibiotic or acid suppressant before age 2 years, and the outcome was defined as a filled prescription for a psychotropic agent after age 2 years. RESULTS: For the 804 920 patients (51% males and 49% female) composing the study population, the mean age at first psychotropic prescription was 6.8 years. A total of 24 176 children (3%) were prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), 79 243 (10%) were prescribed a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), and 607 348 (76%) were prescribed an antibiotic during the first 2 years of life. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of a psychotropic prescription was significantly increased in children prescribed any H2RA (1.79; 95% CI, 1.63-1.96), PPI (1.47; 95% CI, 1.26-1.71), or antibiotic (1.71; 95% CI, 1.59-1.84). The aHR of psychotropic prescriptions increased commensurately with each additional antibiotic class added and with each additional class of medication (H2RA, PPI, or antibiotics) prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: Children prescribed antibiotic and acid suppressants in the first 2 years of life have a significant increase in future prescriptions for psychotropics, with a dose-related effect observed. This association represents a potential risk of early exposure to antibiotics and acid suppressants.

Pediatric Prescriptions of Proton Pump Inhibitors in France (2009-2019): A Time-Series Analysis of Trends and Practice Guidelines Impact.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ambulatory proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescription in French children, its trends, and the impact of French (2014) and international (2018) clinical guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: We described PPI prescription rates based on national dispensation data in French children (IQVIA's Xponent database, 2009-2019). Using a segmented linear regression, we assessed the impact of clinical guidelines on PPI prescription rates. Analyses were performed for the overall pediatric population and by age subgroups (infants <2 years old, children 2-11 years old, adolescents 12-17 years old). RESULTS: During the study period, 8 060 288 pediatric PPI prescriptions were filled, with a mean PPI prescription rate of 52.5 per 1000 inhabitants per year. Between 2009 and 2019, the PPI prescription rate increased by 41% in the overall pediatric population (+110% in infants). The PPI prescription rate showed seasonal patterns with peaks in winter. After the release of French guidelines, significant decreases in trends of prescription rates occurred overall (change in trend -0.28, 95% CI -0.34;-0.23) and across all age groups. In infants, this change in trend was not sufficient to reverse the PPI prescription rate that was still increasing over time. In children, the PPI prescription rate slightly decreased and in adolescents, it was stable. After the release of international guidelines, a significant decrease in trend occurred in adolescents only (change in trend -0.26, 95% CI -0.47; -0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The pediatric PPI prescription rate in France was high, displayed a major increase over the last decade, mainly among infants, and was modestly affected by clinical guidelines.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on the Pediatric Population with Aerodigestive Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine on baseline health, medication use, health anxiety, and healthcare use in pediatric patients with aerodigestive disease and to evaluate for associations of commonly prescribed medications with the risk of COVID-19 illness. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of patients presenting in person to pediatric neurogastroenterology clinics between July 2020 and March 2021. RESULTS: Of 202 recruited patients, 71.3% were seen in the aerodigestive diseases center and 28.7% in the functional abdominal pain (FAP)/motility clinic. Of all patients, 25.1% reported improved overall health during quarantine; patients with aerodigestive disease (35.3%) reported higher rates of improved overall health compared with patients with FAP/motility disorders (3.6%, P = .0001). Patients with aerodigestive disease had fewer airway symptoms (P < .05) and less medication use during quarantine (inhaled steroids, P < .05 and albuterol, P < .05). Despite objective improvement, there was significant health-related anxiety, with greater anxiety scores reported during and at the end of quarantine (P < .05), with no difference between patient groups (P > .11). Patients continued to access healthcare during quarantine. In total, 28.7% of patients were seen in the emergency department (patients with FAP more than patients with aerodigestive disease, P = .02), and 19.8% were hospitalized. COVID-19 testing was performed in 58.4% of patients and 2.0% (n = 4) of the entire cohort tested positive. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with aerodigestive disease show improvement of airway symptoms and decreased use of medications during the pandemic, despite increased health-related anxiety. Despite complexities of accessing care due to the widespread lockdown, all patient groups continued to access healthcare.

Efficacy and safety of potassium-competitive acid blockers versus proton pump inhibitors as Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract Background and aims: Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs) have been used in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapies in recent years. However, the efficacy and safety of P-CABs compared to ProtonPump Inhibitors (PPIs) in this setting remain controversial. Methods: The efficacy and safety of P-CABs and PPIs for H. pylori eradication were compared in a meta-analysis based on a systematic literature search of major electronic databases for relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Results: Seven studies and 1,168 patients were included. The pooled eradication rate determined by Intention-ToTreat (ITT) analysis was 90.2% for P-CAB-based and 75.5% for PPI-based triple therapy (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.08-1.28], p < 0.001). The Per-Protocol (PP) analysis also demonstrated significant superiority of P-CABs (pooled eradication rate = 92.4% vs. 77.8%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.03-1.26], p < 0.01). In a subgroup evaluation, P-CABs were significantly better than PPIs as a first-line eradication therapy, in both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 91.8% vs. 76.4%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.10-1.28], p < 0.0001) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.0% vs. 78.6%; pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.02 -1.26], p < 0.05). However, P-CABs were not superior to PPIs when administered as salvage therapy, as determined in the ITT (75.0% vs. 66.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [0.69-1.78], p = 0.66) and PP (85.7% vs. 70.0%, pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.20 [0.82-1.75], p = 0.34) analyses. In a subgroup analysis limited to Japanese patients, both the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 89.6% vs. 73.9%; RR [95% CI] = 1.21 [1.14 -1.29], p < 0.01) and the PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 92.0% vs. 75.7%; RR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.06 -1.32], p < 0.01) showed that P-CABs were significantly superior compared to PPIs as triple eradication therapy. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients from other countries, there was no significant difference in either the ITT analysis (pooled eradication rate = 93.8% vs. 85.2%; RR [95% CI] = 1.10 [0.99-1.22], p = 0.07) or PP analysis (pooled eradication rate = 95.0% vs. 90.8%; RR [95% CI] = 1.05 [0.98-1.14], p = 0.17). The incidence of adverse events associated with the two regimens did not significantly differ (P-CABs vs. PPIs: 33.6% vs. 40.0%; RR [95% CI] = 0.84 [0.71‒1.00], p = 0.05). The incidence of serious adverse events and dropout rate due to adverse events also did not differ (p = 0.44 and p = 0.67, respectively). Conclusions: The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. As salvage therapy, the efficacy of the two treatments did not significantly differ. The tolerability of P-CAB-based and PPI-based triple therapy was comparable, as was the incidence of adverse events. HIGHLIGHTS The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. P-CABs were not superior to PPIs as a salvage triple eradication therapy. The safety and tolerability of P-CAB are comparable to PPI in H. pylori triple eradication therapies. Further large RCTs conducted in multiple regions and countries are necessary.

Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de reflujo gastroesofágico en pediatría / Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in childhood

El reflujo gastroesofágico es una situación frecuente en el primer año de vida. En ausencia de signos y síntomas de alarma, se lo considera fisiológico. No requiere estudios y puede ser abordado por el pediatra con medidas no farmacológicas. La enfermedad por reflujo (definidaporsíntomasmolestosocomplicaciones) debe ser manejada por el gastroenterólogo. Los exámenes complementarios tienen indicaciones precisas y el tratamiento incluye medidas no farmacológicas, farmacológicas y quirúrgicas (si fuera necesario). Nuestro objetivo es describir los diferentes métodos diagnósticos, sus indicaciones y limitaciones, así como los recursos terapéuticos disponibles, incluidas las indicaciones y los efectos adversos

Gastro esophageal reflux is a frequent condition in infants. In the absence of warning symptoms and signs, it is considered physiologic. No exam is required and a non-pharmacologic approach can be instituted by pediatricians. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is characterized by troublesome symptoms or complications and should be managed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. Diagnostic tests have accurate indications and treatment includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures as well as surgery. Our objective is to describe the different diagnostic methods, their indications and limitations as well as the therapeutic resources available, including indications and adverse effects.

The efficacy of dual therapy for eradicating H. pylori in a Colombian population

Abstract Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) affects 50% of the human population. The efficacy of the usual treatments has decreased due to increased antibiotic resistance, except for that of amoxicillin, tetracycline, furazolidone and bismuth. Recently, there has been a new interest in dual therapy with high-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and amoxicillin as initial and rescue treatment. There are no studies on this topic in our setting. Objective: to determine the efficacy of dual therapy with high-dose IPP and amoxicillin for eradicating H. pylori. Materials and methods: this was a quasi-experimental study carried out from December 2019 to July 2020 in people over the age of 18 with histologically confirmed H. pylori. All received 40 mg of esomeprazole half an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus 1 gram of oral amoxicillin every eight hours for 14 days. Eradication was determined by fecal antigens (OnSiteTM H. pylori Biotech Inc.) after four weeks of treatment. Results: 108 patients with an average age of 67 years were included, 70% of whom were women. Eradication per protocol (PP) and intention to treat (ITT) was 86% (95%CI 79.4-92.5%) for both. In previously treated patients (26%) the efficacy was 85.7% (95%CI 71.8-99.5%). Adverse events were mild in 31%, especially nausea (16%) and abdominal distension (14%). Treatment was not suspended in any patient. Conclusion: Dual therapy is effective, easy to administer, and has few adverse effects. It would be a good option in our setting as initial or rescue therapy. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2091).

[Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in childhood]. / Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de reflujo gastroesofágico en pediatría.

Gastro esophageal reflux is a frequent condition in infants. In the absence of warning symptoms and signs, it is considered physiologic. No exam is required and a non-pharmacologic approach can be instituted by pediatricians. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is characterized by troublesome symptoms or complications and should be managed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. Diagnostic tests have accurate indications and treatment includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures as well as surgery. Our objective is to describe the different diagnostic methods, their indications and limitations as well as the therapeutic resources available, including indications and adverse effects.

El reflujo gastroesofágico es una situación frecuente en el primer año de vida. En ausencia de signos y síntomas de alarma, se lo considera fisiológico. No requiere estudios y puede ser abordado por el pediatra con medidas no farmacológicas. La enfermedad por reflujo (definida por síntomas molestos o complicaciones) debe ser manejada por el gastroenterólogo. Los exámenes complementarios tienen indicaciones precisas y el tratamiento incluye medidas no farmacológicas, farmacológicas y quirúrgicas (si fuera necesario). Nuestro objetivo es describir los diferentes métodos diagnósticos, sus indicaciones y limitaciones, así como los recursos terapéuticos disponibles, incluidas las indicaciones y los efectos adversos.

Multilevel Approach for the Treatment of Giardiasis by Targeting Arginine Deiminase.

Giardiasis represents a latent problem in public health due to the exceptionally pathogenic strategies of the parasite Giardia lamblia for evading the human immune system. Strains resistant to first-line drugs are also a challenge. Therefore, new antigiardial therapies are urgently needed. Here, we tested giardial arginine deiminase (GlADI) as a target against giardiasis. GlADI belongs to an essential pathway in Giardia for the synthesis of ATP, which is absent in humans. In silico docking with six thiol-reactive compounds was performed; four of which are approved drugs for humans. Recombinant GlADI was used in enzyme inhibition assays, and computational in silico predictions and spectroscopic studies were applied to follow the enzyme's structural disturbance and identify possible effective drugs. Inhibition by modification of cysteines was corroborated using Ellman's method. The efficacy of these drugs on parasite viability was assayed on Giardia trophozoites, along with the inhibition of the endogenous GlADI. The most potent drug against GlADI was assayed on Giardia encystment. The tested drugs inhibited the recombinant GlADI by modifying its cysteines and, potentially, by altering its 3D structure. Only rabeprazole and omeprazole decreased trophozoite survival by inhibiting endogenous GlADI, while rabeprazole also decreased the Giardia encystment rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of GlADI as a target against giardiasis.

Prevalência de automedicação para sintomas dispépticos na atenção primária / Prevalence of self-medication for dyspeptic symptoms in primary care: a brazilian survey

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dyspeptic symptoms are among the eight symptoms that most lead to the use of self-medication globally. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of use and profile of the population doing self-medication to control dyspeptic symptoms in a capital from South Brazil. METHODS: Application of a survey consisting of topics regarding individual's socio-cultural data, self-reported comorbidities, use of self-medication in the 15 days prior to the interview and information on the use of this medication. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected to determine the prevalence of self-medication for dyspeptic symptoms (SMDS) and to establish correlations with independent factors, such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education, family income and self-reported comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 719 individuals from the public health system were interviewed. Overall, 67.7% were female, 65.3% had a BMI greater than 25; 28.4% presented with self-reported hypertension, 21.4% with depression and 13.8% with diabetes. The prevalence of self-medication to control digestive symptoms in this population was 28.7% (95%CI: 25.3-32), 91.8% (n=189) due to complaints of dyspeptic origin. Proton pump inhibitors were the most used class of medication (67%), followed by antacids (15%). There was a relationship between SMDS and age >38 years (OR=1.734, 95%CI: 1.177-2.580, P=0.001), BMI >26 (OR=1.660, 95%CI: 1.166-2.362, P<0.001) and self-reported depression (OR=1.471, 95%CI: 0.983-2.201, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of the use of self-medication to control dyspeptic symptoms in relation to previous data from the literature. Age >38 years, BMI >26 and self-reported depression were associated with SMDS.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Os sintomas dispépticos estão entre os oito sintomas que mais levam uso de automedicação. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência e o perfil da população que utiliza automedicação para controle dos sintomas dispépticos em uma capital do Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Aplicação de inquérito composto por tópicos relativos aos dados socioculturais do indivíduo, comorbidades autorreferidas, uso de automedicação nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista e informações sobre o uso deste medicamento. Foi realizada a análise estatística dos dados coletados para determinar a prevalência de automedicação para controle dos sintomas dispépticos e estabelecer correlações com fatores independentes, como sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal (IMC), escolaridade, renda familiar e comorbidades autorrelatadas. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 719 indivíduos atendidos pela atenção primária. Destes, 67,7% de indivíduos do sexo feminino, 65,3% apresentavam IMC maior que 25 kg/m², 28,4% autorrelataram apresentar hipertensão arterial sistêmica, 21,4% depressão e 13,8% diabetes. A prevalência de uso de automedicação para controle de sintomas digestivos nesta população foi de 28,7% (n=206, IC95% 25,3-32), 91,8% (n=189) por queixas de origem dispéptica. A classe de medicação mais utilizada foi a dos inibidores de bomba de prótons (67%), seguidos dos antiácidos (15%). Houve relação entre o uso deste tipo de automedicação e idade maior de 38 anos (OR=1,734, IC95% 1,177-2,580, P=0,001), IMC acima de 26 kg/m² (OR=1,660, IC95% 1,166-2,362, P<0,001) e presença de autorrelato de depressão (OR= 1,471, IC95% 0,983-2,201, P=0,04). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo revelou uma alta prevalência do uso de automedicação para controle dos sintomas dispépticos em comparação com dados da literatura, sendo os inibidores de bomba de prótons a classe de droga mais utilizada. Idade maior que 38 anos, índice de massa corporal maior 26 kg/m² e autorrelato de depressão foram associados ao uso de automedicação para sintomas dispépticos.

The Influence of Omeprazole on the Dissolution Processes of pH-Dependent Magnetic Tablets Assessed by Pharmacomagnetography.

Pharmacomagnetography involves the simultaneous assessment of solid dosage forms (SDFs) in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the drug plasmatic concentration, using a biomagnetic technique and pharmacokinetics analysis. This multi-instrumental approach helps the evaluation, as GI variables can interfere with the drug delivery processes. This study aimed to employ pharmacomagnetography to evaluate the influence of omeprazole on the drug release and absorption of metronidazole administered orally in magnetic-coated tablets. Magnetic-coated tablets, coated with Eudragit® E-100 (E100) and containing 100 mg of metronidazole, were produced. For the in vivo experiments, 12 volunteers participated in the two phases of the study (placebo and omeprazole) on different days to assess the bioavailability of metronidazole. The results indicated a shift as the pH of the solution increased and a delay in the dissolution of metronidazole, showing that the pH increase interferes with the release processes of tablets coated with E100. Our study reinforced the advantages of pharmacomagnetography as a tool to perform a multi-instrumental correlation analysis of the disintegration process and the bioavailability of drugs.

Variants *1, *2, *3 and *17 of CYP2C19 Cytochrome among Helicobacter Pylori Carriers from Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to estimate the frequency of CYP2C19 cytochrome variants *1, *2, *3 and *17 among Helicobacter pylori carriers from Manaus, Amazonas state, who were treated at Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD). METHODS: From the 78 recruited individuals who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy and histopathological test, 50 tested positive for H. pylori. Peripheral blood was collected from this group and CYP2C19 *2, *3 and *17 alleles were genotyped using qPCR. RESULTS: Of the 50 H. pylori + individuals, 22 were male and 28 were female. Their age varied from 18 to 67 years old, with the mean age being 40.24. Racial groups were classified by self-declaration, based on the official Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) categories: 16% (8) were white, 78% (39) were brown, 4% (2) were black, and 2% (1) were indigenous. H. pylori infection was classified using the system of crosses, with 30% (15) of infections being classified as mild (+), 30% (15) as moderate (++), and 40% (20) as severe (+++). The CYP2C19 genotype results showed an allelic frequency of 11% for *2 (20% of the subjects), 6% for *3 (10% of the subjects) and 17% for *17 (30% of the subjects). Based on the phenotypic profiles, the individuals were classified as poor metabolizers (PM, 10%), intermediate metabolizers (IM, 2%), extensive metabolizers (EM, 58%) and ultra-rapid metabolizers (UM, 20%). CONCLUSIONS: Even though the percentage of allele *3 was higher than expected, the percentage of allele *17, a possible contributor to H. pylori eradication failure, was also significant. The population that self-declared as brown showed a unique genotypic pattern, unlike any other population described in previous studies. Our results show that small populations may have genetic particularities that are relevant to therapeutic outcomes.
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Actualización en la interpretación de la medición del pH e impedanciometría / Updated interpretation of Impedance-pH monitoring

Resumen La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) se define como el tránsito anormal del contenido gástrico hacia el esófago, que se da por una alteración de la barrera antirreflujo, causando síntomas o complicaciones. Para su correcto diagnóstico y abordaje terapéutico, se requiere de la integración de hallazgos clínicos, endoscópicos y monitorización del pH esofágico en 24 horas con o sin impedanciometría, la cual debe ser realizada con especificaciones técnicas, y su interpretación debe basarse en la mejor evidencia clínica disponible, con el objetivo de tener diagnósticos precisos que permitan tomar las mejores decisiones con los pacientes. Recientemente, en el Consenso de Lyon se han incorporado nuevas directrices para el diagnóstico de ERGE por monitorización de pH esofágico, las cuales se revisan en este artículo.

Abstract Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the abnormal transit of gastric contents into the esophagus. It is caused by an alteration of the anti-reflux barrier, causing multiple symptoms or complications. In order to achieve accurate diagnosis and proper therapeutic approach, integration of clinical findings, endoscopic findings and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, with or without impedancometry, is required. These tests must be performed following technical specifications and their interpretation must be based on the best clinical evidence available to obtain accurate diagnoses that allow making the best decisions to the benefit of patients. Recently, the Lyon Consensus incorporated new guidelines for the diagnosis of GERD by esophageal pH monitoring, which are reviewed in this paper.

Prevalence and risk factors of long-term proton pump inhibitors-associated hypomagnesemia: a cross-sectional study in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)-related hypomagnesemia is a potentially life-threatening adverse event first described in 2006. PPIs are widely used in the general population. Information regarding prevalence and risk factors is scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional study in inpatients to evaluate prevalence and associated factors with hypomagnesemia in chronic PPIs users. This is a cross-sectional study of hospitalized adult patients with chronic use of PPIs from January 01, 2012, to December 31, 2018. Chronic use was defined as taking PPIs at least 6 months before hospital admittance. Data were collected from informatized medical records from a University Hospital (Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires). Hypomagnesemia was defined as a value equal to or less than 1.7 mg/dl. The first hospitalization measurement was retrieved. Thirty-six percent of patients (95% CI 30-43) with chronic PPI use presented hypomagnesemia at admission. Patients with hypomagnesemia presented a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (18.6% vs 8%, p < 0.05), more use of oral magnesium supplementation (20.9% vs 8%, p < 0.05), use of corticosteroids (32.6% vs 19.3%, p = 0.06) and calcineurin inhibitors (17.4% vs 6.7%, p < 0.05). Regarding laboratory findings, they presented lower hematocrit (28.7% vs 32.8%, p < 0.05), phosphatemia (3 mg/dl vs 3.4 mg/dl, p < 0.05), natremia (135 mg/dl vs 136 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and albumin levels (2.8 g/dl vs 3.2 g/dl p < 0.05) when compared to those who presented normomagnesemia. Hypocalcemia was more frequent among patients with hypomagnesemia (57% vs 38.7%, p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, hyponatremia, decreasing levels of hematocrit (odds ratio, OR 0.93-CI 95% 0.88-0.98) and malignant bone compromise (OR 2.83-CI 95% 1.04-7.7) were associated with hypomagnesemia. Adult patients with long-term use of PPIs have a high prevalence of hypomagnesemia. Increasing age, female sex, concomitant use of drugs that impair tubular function and chronic kidney disease may enhance this phenomenon. Anemia, hyponatremia and malignant bone compromise were associated factors with PPIs-related hypomagnesemia.

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia in patients on peritoneal dialysis: incidence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Hypokalemia is a well-described electrolyte disturbance in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Hyperkalemia, however, is still overlooked, although it also represents a risk factor for mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE/ARB), diuretics, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can interfere with potassium levels in these patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that evaluated monthly serum potassium in a 5-year period. Serum potassium disturbances were evaluated as time-average and number of hypo- and hyperkalemia episodes per patient. Prescribed medication such as ACE/ARB, diuretics, and omeprazole were recorded. RESULTS: We evaluated 2025 potassium measurements obtained from 146 patients on PD. Serum potassium ranged from 2.5 to 8.3 mEq/L with an average of 4.72 ± 0.74 mEq/L. Hypokalemia was found in 59 measurements (2.9%) obtained from 35 patients (23.9%) whereas hyperkalemia was demonstrated in 269 (13.3%) measurements obtained from 74 patients (50.7%). Hypokalemia was associated with low albumin (p = 0.022), and omeprazole use (p = 0.024). Black race was a protector factor (p = 0.031). Omeprazole-associated hypokalemia was seen only in non-anuric patients and remained an independent risk factor even after adjustments. Patients who had hyperkalemia were more likely to be anuric (p = 0.001) and in use of furosemide (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia are very frequent in patients on PD and should be closely monitored. Interventional studies should address the impact of discontinuing omeprazole in the levels of potassium.