Hasil untuk "Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology"

Bindu Chandrasekharan, Huixia Wu, Charlie Smoller et al.

Background & Aims: Formylated peptide receptors 1 and 2 (Fpr1/2 or FPRs) are G-protein-coupled pattern recognition receptors that bind bacterial formylated peptides. The role of FPRs in enteric nervous system (ENS) development and gastrointestinal (GI) motility is unknown. Methods: We generated mice with germline, epithelial-, and neural crest-specific deletion of the Fpr1/2 locus and assessed ENS structure and GI motility. We also employed a gestational microbiota suppression model using antibiotic-treated wild-type dams, alongside a transient gestational colonization model in pregnant germ-free mice using auxotrophic Escherichia coli, to determine whether temporary restoration of maternal microbiota-Fpr1/2 signaling can regulate embryonic ENS development. Enteric neuronal density at embryonic day 18.5, postnatal day 2 (P2), and in adult mice was assessed by CLARITY immunostaining and confocal imaging of pan neuronal markers (Tuj1, HuD, and Peripherin). Fecal formylated peptide (fMLF) content was measured by mass spectrometry. GI motility was assessed by stool frequency, total GI transit time, and FITC-dextran intestinal transit assay. Results: Germline, epithelial, and neural crest-specific Fpr1/2 deletion resulted in reduced fetal, postnatal, and post weaning ENS density and epithelial innervation with reduced GI motility in post weaned mice. The 3-week-old pups derived from antibiotic-treated pregnant wild-type dams showed significantly reduced ENS density and GI motility, with reduced fecal fMLF. Critically, transient gestational colonization of pregnant germ-free mice with auxotrophic E. coli significantly improved enteric neuronal density and GI motility in 6-week-old offspring. Conclusions: Collectively our data show that microbiota-Fpr1/2 signaling in the murine gut is critical for normal ENS development and GI motility and identify Fpr1/2 as a potential therapeutic target to correct GI hypomotility. Our data also suggests a cautious approach to antibiotic usage during pregnancy.

Francesco Saverio Lucido, Giusiana Nesta, Luigi Brusciano et al.

Purpose Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy can be performed via intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (ICA) or extracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (ECA). Prior studies have emphasized ICA’s advantages in hospital stay and postoperative pain. This multicenter study aimed to compare the 2-year incidence of incisional hernia between ICA (using a suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision) and ECA (using a pararectal incision) and assess perioperative outcomes. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy between 2019 and 2020, divided into 2 groups: ICA with a Pfannenstiel incision and ECA with a pararectal incision. Results The mean operative time was longer in the ICA group (190 minutes vs. 170 minutes, P=0.004). Despite requiring advanced surgical skills and prolonged operative time, ICA was associated with superior short-term outcomes and a significantly lower incisional hernia rate compared to ECA (1.2% vs. 14.7%, P=0.044) at 24-month follow-up. Conclusion ICA is linked to longer operative times, but shorter hospital stays, fewer wound complications, and reduced incisional hernia rates compared to ECA.

Hugo M. Oliveira, Filipa Ribeiro, Graça Lopes et al.

Background: Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) experience multiple physical symptoms. Despite the poor prognosis and significant symptom burden, palliative care integration remains limited. Objectives: To assess the symptom burden in ESLD patients, the viability of applying a symptom scale in routine evaluations, and to assess the impact of palliative care on symptom management. Design: Observational, prospective cohort study. Methods: We prospectively included patients with chronic liver disease following their first episode of decompensation or diagnosis of hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Data collected included patient demographics, ESLD etiology, history of decompensation, and patient-reported symptom burden. Two-sided tests were used to identify factors of disease severity and evaluate the benefits of palliative care intervention. Results: Forty-four patients were assessed, divided into two cohorts: palliative care cohort (52.3%; n  = 23) and hepatology care cohort (47.7%; n  = 21). Patients in the palliative care cohort were older (69.35 ± 11.71 vs 59.86 ± 7.11 years; p  = 0.002), had lower functional status (59.13 ± 2.51 vs 72.38 ± 2.92; p  = 0.002), and higher prevalence of unstable decompensated cirrhosis (60.9% vs 28.6%; p  = 0.043) and HCC ( p  < 0.001). This cohort reported a higher overall symptom burden, with rates of 82.6% for asthenia, 65.2% for pain, and 56.5% for anorexia. Palliative care interventions tended to reduce the prevalence of pain, anorexia, and dyspnea, with a significant decrease in pain intensity from 86.7% to 23.1% ( p  = 0.008) and asthenia intensity from 100% to 84.2% ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion: Significant differences in symptom prevalence were observed between the two cohorts, likely due to specific clinical characteristics of each group. The use of a symptom assessment scale proved to be simple and effective, revealing a high prevalence of symptoms. Palliative care was associated with a positive impact on symptom management. Trial registration: NCT06181474.

Marco Valvano, Chiara Giansante, Antonio Vinci et al.

Usha Gungabissoon, Haley S Friedler, John Logie et al.

Objective Cholestatic pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) reduces patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite this, existing research suggests that pruritus is under-recorded in patients’ health records. This study assessed the extent to which pruritus was recorded in medical records of patients with PBC as compared with patient-reported pruritus, and whether patients reporting mild itch were less likely to have pruritus recorded. We also evaluated clinico-demographic characteristics and HRQoL of patients with medical record-documented and patient-reported pruritus.Design This cross-sectional study used clinical information abstracted from medical records, together with patient-reported (PBC-40) data from patients with PBC in the USA enrolled in the PicnicHealth cohort. Medical record-documented pruritus was classified as ‘recent’ (at, or within 12 months prior to, enrolment) or ‘ever’ (at, or any point prior to, enrolment). Patient-reported pruritus (4-week recall) was assessed using the first PBC-40 questionnaire completed on/after enrolment; pruritus severity was classified by itch domain score (any severity: ≥1; clinically significant itch: ≥7). Patient clinico-demographic characteristics and PBC-40 domain scores were described in patients with medical record-documented and patient-reported pruritus; overlap between groups was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were reported.Results Pruritus of any severity was self-reported by 200/225 (88.9%) patients enrolled; however, only 88/225 (39.1%) had recent medical record-documented pruritus. Clinically significant pruritus was self-reported by 120/225 (53.3%) patients; of these, 64/120 (53.3%) had recent medical record-documented pruritus. Patients reporting clinically significant pruritus appeared to have higher mean scores across PBC-40 domains (indicating reduced HRQoL), versus patients with no/mild patient-reported pruritus or medical-record documented pruritus.Conclusion Compared with patient-reported measures, pruritus in PBC is under-recorded in medical records and is associated with lower HRQoL. Research based only on medical records underestimates the true burden of pruritus, meaning physicians may be unaware of the extent and impact of pruritus, leading to potential undertreatment.

Suet-Ying Kwan, Kristyn A. Gonzales, Mohamed A. Jamal et al.

The gut microbiota drives progression to liver fibrosis, the main determinant of mortality in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In this study, we aimed to identify bacterial species associated with protection against liver fibrosis in a high-risk population, and test their potential to protect against liver fibrosis in vivo. Based on stool shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 340 subjects from a population cohort disproportionally affected by MASH, we identified bacterial species from the Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders associated with reduced risk of liver fibrosis. A bacterial consortium was subsequently tested in a mouse model of MASH, which demonstrated protective effects against liver fibrosis. Six of the eight inoculated bacteria were detected in mouse stool and liver. Intrahepatic presence of bacteria was further confirmed by bacterial culture of mouse liver tissue. Changes in liver histological parameters, gut functional profiles, and amino acid profiles were additionally assessed. Comparison between fibrosis-associated human metagenome and bacteria-induced metagenome changes in mice identified microbial functions likely to mediate the protective effect against liver fibrosis. Amino acid profiling confirmed an increase in cysteine synthase activity, associated with reduced fibrosis. Other microbiota-induced changes in amino acids associated with reduced fibrosis included increased gut asparaginase activity and decreased hepatic tryptophan-to-kynurenine conversion. This human-to-mouse study identified bacterial species and their effects on amino acid metabolism as innovative strategies to protect against liver fibrosis in MASH.

Qianping Liang, Feifei Chu, Lei Zhang et al.

Background/Aims: Chemoresistance is a common event after cancer chemotherapy, which is associated with the deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). The objective of this study was to clarify the role of circ-LDLRAD3 in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The expression of circ-LDLRAD3, miR-588, and SRY-box transcription factor 5 (SOX5) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value were measured by CCK8 assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by colony formation and EdU assays. Cell apoptosis and cell invasion were assessed by flow cytometry assay and transwell assay, respectively. The expression of SOX5 protein was detected by Western blotting. A xenograft model was established to verify the role of circ-LDLRAD3 in vivo. Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy and the expression of exosome-related proteins. Results: circ-LDLRAD3 was overexpressed in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells. circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown decreased the IC50 of DDP-resistant cells and suppressed cell proliferation, survival and invasion. miR-588 was a target of circ-LDLRAD3, and miR-588 inhibition attenuated the inhibition of DDP resistance, proliferation, survival and invasion in DDP-resistant GC cells caused by circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown. SOX5 was a target of miR-588, and the inhibition of the DDP resistance, proliferation, survival and invasion of DDP-resistant GC cells by miR-588 restoration was largely rescued SOX5 overexpression. circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown inhibited DDP resistance and tumor growth in vivo. circ-LDLRAD3 was overexpressed in exosomes isolated from DDP-resistant GC cells. Conclusions: circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown reduced DDP resistance and blocked the malignant development of DDP-resistant GC by modulating the miR-588/SOX5 pathway.

Bartel M, Hofmann V, Wang S et al.

Marc Bartel,1,&ast; Vanessa Hofmann,1,&ast; Shijin Wang,2,3 Johannes Mueller,2 Tom R Sundermann,1 Sebastian Mueller2 1Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; 2Center for Alcohol Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 3Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sebastian Mueller, Center for Alcohol Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany, Tel +49 (0) 6221 567121, Email sebastian.mueller@urz.uni-heidelberg.dePurpose: Ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate (EtS) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) are considered specific direct biomarkers for detecting alcohol consumption. However, PEth, which is produced in red blood cells (RBC), varies considerably between patients for unknown reasons. We here studied various confounders of PEth elimination including fibrosis after alcohol withdrawal.Patients and Methods: EtG, EtS and PEth together with routine laboratory and clinical parameters were studied in 100 Caucasian heavy drinkers prior and after alcohol detoxification. In addition, fibrosis stage and degree of steatosis were assessed by transient elastography (Fibroscan, Echosens, Paris).Results: All three biomarkers were highly correlated (0.61– 0.72) with initial serum alcohol levels, but only PEth correlated with daily alcohol consumption. After alcohol withdrawal, PEth significantly decreased within 6.1 days from 1708 to 810 ng/mL (half-life varied from 1.6 to 15.2 days). Both levels of serum alcohol but also EtG and EtS were higher in patients with liver cirrhosis as compared to patients without fibrosis despite comparable alcohol consumption suggesting a decreased alcohol elimination in patients with cirrhosis. PEth was also elevated in cirrhosis but not significantly. In contrast, PEth elimination rate was significantly higher in patients with enhanced RBC turnover and signs of alcohol-mediated hemolytic anemia with elevated ferritin, LDH and increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV).Conclusion: We here demonstrate that alcohol elimination is decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis. In patients with cirrhosis, PEth levels are both affected in opposite directions by enhanced red blood cell turnover and elevated alcohol levels. Our data have important implications for the use and interpretation of PEth in the clinical setting.Keywords: ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, alcohol-related liver disease, liver fibrosis, liver stiffness, alcohol consumption

Bhaskar Kante, Pabitra Sahu, Saurabh Kedia et al.

Background/Aims Existing therapeutic options for complicated Crohn’s disease (CD) like biologics and surgery are limited by inadequate long-term efficacy, cost, and adverse effects. Tissue hypoxia is important in CD pathogenesis and may be ameliorated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of HBOT in small bowel stricturing CD. Methods This pilot study included patients of small bowel stricturing CD (from April 2019 to January 2020) who underwent HBOT. These patients were refractory to conventional medical treatment or had multiple strictures not amenable to resection. Each session of HBOT was given for 60 minutes with a pressure of 1.5–2.5 atm. Clinical, biochemical responses and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SIBD) questionnaire were evaluated at 2 and 6 months, and radiological response was evaluated at 6 months. Results Fourteen patients (mean age, 42.9±15.7 years; male, 50%) were subjected to 168 HBOT sessions. Thirteen patients (92.7%) had strictures and 1 patient had enterocutaneous fistula in addition. Median number of HBOT sessions was 11 (range, 3–20) which were administered over a median of 4 weeks. Most patients tolerated it well except 1 who had hemotympanum. At 2 and 6 months of follow-up, 64.2% of patients had a clinical response, 50% and 64.2% of patients had clinical remission respectively. Steroid-free clinical remission was seen in 8 (57%) of patients with radiological improvement in 50%. There was a significant improvement in SIBD scores at 2-month follow-up (59.4 vs. 44.5, P=0.03). Conclusions HBOT can be a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with stricturing small bowel CD refractory to conventional medical treatment.

Anita Das, Arafat H Razon, Tanvir Ahmad et al.

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, but research regarding this disease is rare in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IBS and its associated risk factors among university students in Bangladesh. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study. A total of 300 randomly selected participants were included in this study. By using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric methods, we collected all the required data for our study. The diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome III criteria. Results The overall prevalence of IBS was 39.3%, but the majority (77.3%) had no basic awareness of IBS. In our study, anxiety and depression (χ2 = 6.817; odds ratio [OR] = 1.910; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.172, 3.113; P = 0.011) had a significant relationship with IBS and IBS had a significant (P < 0.001) relationship with food intolerance (χ2 = 8.737; OR = 2.130; 95% CI = 1.284, 3.531), chest pain (χ2 = 7.482; OR = 2.035; 95% CI = 1.218, 3.401), and insomnia (χ2 = 19.320; OR = 2.907; 95% CI = 1.794, 4.709). In our dietary data, the intake patterns of vegetables (P = 0.000), fast food (P = 0.000), and tea–coffee (P = 0.003) showed a strong significant association with IBS. On the other hand, monthly household income (P = 0.154) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.138) showed no significant association with IBS. Among our study subjects, IBS‐constipation (54.2%) was more common than IBS‐diarrhea (27.1%) and IBS‐mixed (18.6%). Moreover, among the 118 IBS respondents, 67.8% had a headache with increased flatulence (95.8%) as the most common IBS‐related complication. Conclusion IBS is common in university students of Bangladesh and is associated with anxiety, depression, and particular dietary patterns.

F.V. Hladkykh

Background. Over-the-counter use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs leads to their uncontrolled consumption among the population, which in some cases makes it impossible to prevent and timely detect adverse drug effects, and their effectiveness does not always satisfy clinicians. The purpose was to characterize the cytoprotective properties of cryopreserved placenta extract according to the condition of the mucous membrane of the proximal (esophagus and stomach) and distal (small and large intestine) parts of the gastrointestinal tract on the model of ibuprofen-induced esophagogastroenterocolonopathy. Mate­rials and methods. In vivo experimental studies were performed on 28 male rats. Subchronic ibuprofen-induced gastrointestinal lesions were reproduced by intragastric administration of ibuprofen to rats at a dose of 310 mg/kg. The condition of the gastrointestinal tract mucous membrane was assessed macroscopically on a scale. Results. The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of esomeprazole statistically significantly (р < 0.05) took place in the proximal parts of the gastrointestinal tract but had little effect on the prevalence of ulcerative lesions in the intestine. At the same time, unlike esomeprazole, which is known to have only gastroprotective activity, cryopreserved placenta extract had a cytoprotective effect both in the stomach and in the distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract — small and large intestine. Thus, the prevalence of ibuprofen-induced both entero- and colonopathy on the background of the study of the extract was almost twice lower than in rats that did not receive correction drugs. Conclusions. It is established that the use of cryopreserved placenta extract in the treatment-and-prophylactic mode has comparable to esomeprazole gastroprotective activity. In addition, it was found that the use of the studied cryoextract was accompanied by a decrease in the multiplicity of ulcerative defects in the small and large intestine of rats, by 4.6 and 3.8 times, respectively, compared to the control animals.

Rooma Sinha, G Swarnasree, B Rupa et al.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse our data of laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uteri (>16 weeks size) regarding their perioperative outcomes and possible factors for conversions to open surgery over 5 years. It also describes our techniques for the feasibility of performing such hysterectomies by the minimally invasive way. Materials and Methods: A five-year retrospective chart review was performed at the Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery Unit of the Department of Gynecology at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad. Demographic and pre-operative and post-operative data were recorded. Clinical assessment including bimanual examination and surgery was made by a single senior surgeon. Intra-operative conversions, complications and post-operative complications were recorded. Results: A total of 128 women were included in this study, 5 patients underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy. The average age was 44.4, body mass index - was 27.6 and size of the uterus was 17.5 weeks. The most common diagnosis was leiomyoma. The median Operating room (OR) time was 107 min. There was a need for myomectomy in 39.8%, extensive adhesiolysis in 33.6% and dense bladder adhesion in 26.6%. The average drop in haemoglobin was 1.72 g%, and hospital stay was 2 days. The specimen was removed by vaginal morcellation (2 cases via an umbilical port). Conversion to open surgery was required in 10.9% of cases. The conversion was significantly correlated with excessive haemorrhage and bladder injury but not with difficult hysterectomy, difficult bladder dissection or adhesions. There were 3 cases of bladder injury detected and managed intraoperatively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic hysterectomy is technically feasible and safe procedure for large uteri. The learning curve is about 50 cases and can be performed by experienced surgeons regardless of the size, number or location of the myomas without much morbidity.

Wolfgang J. Schnedl, Sonja Lackner, Dietmar Enko et al.

Background/Aims Food intolerance/malabsorption, particularly histamine intolerance (HIT), may cause nonspecific functional gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. We evaluated gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms in patients with HIT. Methods In an analysis of outpatients’ charts we identified 133 patients, who presented with recurring nonspecific functional gastrointestinal, extraintestinal symptoms, and a diamine oxidase value <10 U/mL, indicative of HIT. A standardized anonymous questionnaire with symptoms of HIT based on known symptoms and the 4 histamine receptors including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory and skin complaints was developed, and sent by mail to the patients. Results In the 62 patients that completed the questionnaire, bloating was the most common and most serious symptom. Other commonly reported gastrointestinal symptoms were postprandial fullness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. The presence of 2 from a list of 24 symptoms resulted in 276 various symptom combinations. From calculated 2.024 possible combinations of 3 symptoms the patients with HIT presented 1.975 combinations. Conclusions The knowledge of this wide variability of symptoms and complex symptom combinations in patients with HIT may help to clinically recognize and diagnose HIT.

Ana Isabel Ferreira, Mónica Garrido, Fernando Castro-Poças

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which can affect all members of a society, regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status. Because of its high prevalence and chronic nature, it represents a significant economic burden. In fact, these patients have a relevant impairment of their quality of life, which limits their work productivity and daily social activities, especially when it is associated with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The diagnosis of IBS relies on symptom-based diagnostic criteria with normal results on a limited number of complementary tests that rule out other possible diagnoses. The aetiology of this condition is incompletely established. However, evidence suggests that it is a multifactorial disorder with several different mechanisms that have been implicated as responsible for the symptoms. Since the treatment strategy is usually based on predominant symptoms and their severity, it is important to recognise the underlying mechanisms in order to successfully relief the visceral pain and altered bowel habits. The aim of this non-systematic review of the literature was to explore the pathophysiology and treatment options of IBS, highlighting the most recent evidence, from the new Rome IV criteria to the new drug armamentarium.

Naoki Akizue, Tomoaki Matsumura, Daisuke Maruoka et al.

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) requires advanced skills to perform safely without complications. The current study evaluated the usefulness of a novel three-dimensional (3D) imaging system in ESD using porcine stomachs. Methods Four endoscopists (two trainees and two experts) performed eight ESD procedures using both 3D and 2D images. The usefulness of 3D image versus 2D image was evaluated by visibility and procedure time. In addition, occurrence of eyestrain and dizziness in 3D image was assessed. Results En bloc resection was successfully achieved, without perforation, in all cases. The evaluation score in the 3D image group was better than that in the 2D image group, particularly depth perception was statistically significantly good. No significant difference was found in the working speed between the 2D and 3D image groups. Two examiners experienced eyestrain and dizziness while using the 3D image. Conclusions All the ESD procedures were performed safely. Depth perception using the 3D image was better than with the 2D image. A novel 3D image system may facilitate ESD.

Tatsuki Ueda, Masataka Kikuyama, Yuzo Kodama et al.

Aims. To investigate the effect of biliary stent placement without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) on common bile duct stones (CBDS) disappearance and the contribution of preserving the duodenal papilla function to reduce recurrence of CBDS. Methods. Sixty-six patients admitted for acute obstructive cholangitis due to CBDS who underwent biliary stent placement without EST for 2 years from March 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed for treatment of CBDS 3 to 4 months after the first ERCP. We estimated the rate of stone disappearance at the time of second ERCP. Results. CBDS disappearance was observed in 32 (48.5%) of 66 patients. The diameter of the bile ducts and the diameter of CBDS in patients with CBDS disappearance were significantly smaller than in those with CBDS requiring extraction (p=0.007 and p<0.001, resp.). Stone disappearance was evident when the diameter of bile ducts and that of CBDS were <10 and 7 mm, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusions. Short-term stent placement without EST eliminates CBDS while preserving duodenal papilla function and may be suitable for treating CBDS in patients with nondilated bile ducts and small CBDS.

Nurten Turkel Kucukmetin, Bulent Gucyetmez, Tuncer Poyraz et al.

Smuggling drugs by swallowing or inserting into a body cavity is not only a serious and growing international crime, but can also lead to lethal medical complications. The most common cause of death in ‘body packers', people transporting drugs by ingesting a packet into the gastrointestinal tract, is acute drug toxicity from a ruptured packet. However, more than 30 years after the initial report of body packing, there is still no definitive treatment protocol for the management of this patient group. The treatment strategy is determined according to the particular condition of the patient and the clinical experience of the treatment center. Surgical intervention is also less common now, due to both the use of improved packaging materials among smugglers and a shift towards a more conservative medical approach. Herein, we report a case of toxicity from ingested packets of cocaine that leaked and, despite surgery, resulted in exitus of the patient.

Graciela Salis

Marguerite Clyne, Brendan Drumm

Bacterial adhesion to the intestinal epithelium is a critical initial step in the pathogenesis of many enteric diseases. Helicobacter pylori is a duodenal pathogen that adheres to the gastric epithelium and causes gastritis and peptic ulceration. The mechanism by which H pylori causes disease has not yet been elucidated but adherence to the gastric mucosa is thought to be an important virulence determinant of the organism. What is known about adherence of H pylori to the gastric mucosa is summarized. Topics discussed are the mechanism of H pylori adherence; in vitro and in vivo models of H pylori infection; and adherence and potential adhesins and receptors for H pylori.