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Biomedical subjects

A J Smout

Publications and source records attributed to A J Smout.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

A randomised controlled trial of four management strategies for dyspepsia: relationships between symptom subgroups and strategy outcome.

BACKGROUND: The first step in the management of uncomplicated dyspepsia in primary care often consists of prescribing empirical therapy, but in certain cases prompt endoscopy might be preferred. Any decision is usually based on the patient's symptoms and the presumed underlying pathology that causes these symptoms. AIM: To assess the relationship between symptom subgroups and the effect of management strategies on primary care patients with dyspepsia. DESIGN OF STUDY: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: All patients presenting successively with a new episode of dyspepsia between January 1995 and November 1997. METHOD: The results of four management strategies in dyspeptic primary care patients were compared and the value of subgrouping within this trial was estimated. Patients were allocated to one of either (a) empirical treatment in which therapy was based on the presented symptoms, or empirical treatment with (b) omeprazole or (c) cisapride regardless of the presented symptoms, or (d) prompt endoscopy followed by the appropriate treatment. Patients were retrospectively classified into the subgroups for each strategy using baseline data. The yield of each strategy was measured by counting the number of strategy failures in the first year. RESULTS: Of the 349 included patients, 326 were analysed. No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated between the strategies or between the symptom subgroups. However, patients in the reflux-like subgroup showed a trend towards a better outcome in all empirical strategies. Ulcer-like dyspepsia seemed to benefit from omeprazole. The non-specific subgroup seemed to benefit from cisapride but also had the highest proportion of strategy failure. Prompt endoscopy did not appear especially useful in any subgroup. CONCLUSION: Although this study has relatively low power, we conclude that the use of symptom subgroups seems to be a sensible approach when choosing empirical therapy in dyspepsia. Patients with reflux-like symptoms seem to have the best prognosis in the first year in every strategy.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗
PubMed2000

[Gastrointestinal surgery and gastroenterology. IX. Obstipation: etiology and diagnosis].

Constipation and disordered defaecation are symptoms, not disease entities. Usually these symptoms are not caused by organic abnormalities, but by disordered motility of the colon and pelvic floor. Both decreased colonic motility (inertia coli) and increased frequency and amplitude of haustrating colonic contractions in the context of an irritable bowel syndrome may lead to constipation. A third important functional cause of constipation is by paradoxical straining of the pelvic floor muscles during (attempts to) defaecate: anismus. In the diagnosis of constipation the primary aim usually is the exclusion of organic disorders. A plain abdominal X-ray and measurement of colonic transit with radiopaque particles will provide information about the severity of the constipation. Defaecography is indicated primarily if disordered faecal expulsion exists. Anorectal manometry is relevant when Hirschsprung's disease is suspected.

Constipation↗
PubMed2000

[Gastrointestinal surgery and gastroenterology. X. Obstipation: treatment].

Treatment of the symptom of constipation is usually symptomatic. Correction of abnormal lifestyle and dietary habits may constitute a sufficient treatment of constipation. In addition, bulk-forming agents and osmotically active laxatives may be used. Only when these measurements are insufficiently effective, may more drastic treatment options such as contact laxatives and enemas may be used. In cases of spastic pelvic floor syndrome physiotherapy of the pelvic floor is indicated.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed2000

Laparoscopic or conventional Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: randomised clinical trial. The Netherlands Antireflux Surgery Study Group.

BACKGROUND: For the surgical treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD), laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has largely replaced the open procedure. Retrospective and prospective non-randomised studies have shown similar results after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication compared with the open procedure. METHODS: In a multicentre randomised trial candidates for surgical treatment of GORD were randomly assigned to either laparoscopic or open 360 degrees Nissen fundoplication. Primary endpoints were dysphagia, recurrent GORD, and intrathoracic hernia. Secondary endpoints were effectiveness and quality of life. This planned interim analysis focuses on endpoints and complications and in-hospital costs. FINDINGS: At the time of interim analysis, 11 patients in the laparoscopic group and one in the conventional group had reached a primary endpoint (p=0.01; relative risk=8.8, 95% CI 1.2-66.3). This difference was caused mainly by whether or not patients had dysphagia (seven patients in the laparoscopic group and none in the conventional group, p=0.016). INTERPRETATION: Although laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was as effective as the open procedure in controlling reflux, the significantly higher risk of reaching a primary endpoint in the laparoscopic group led us to stop the study.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Relief of dyspeptic symptoms by colloidal bismuth subcitrate in Helicobacter-negative and -positive patients: results of a study in general practice.

BACKGROUND: The role of H. pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is controversial. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) is known to suppress H. pylori. We hypothesized that if H. pylori is a causal factor in dyspepsia, then suppression of H. pylori would lead to a decrease in symptoms. AIM: To assess the relationship between H. pylori status and the effect of CBS on dyspeptic symptoms in patients visiting their general practitioner for dyspeptic complaints. METHODS: In total 446 patients between 17 and 81 years of age (median 44 years) were included. All patients were treated with CBS (240 mg Bi2O3) twice a day for 4 weeks. Symptoms were scored at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. At the first visit, blood was taken for serological H. pylori testing. RESULTS: During follow up, 65 patients were lost due to violation of protocol. Positive H. pylori serology was found in 110 (24.7%) of the 446 initially selected patients, and in 90 (23.6%) of the 381 patients who completed the protocol (NS). The mean overall symptom score decreased significantly after 4 weeks of CBS (P<0.001). This reduction in overall symptom score was not significantly different between the H. pylori-positive and -negative groups. CONCLUSIONS: The H. pylori status does not influence the outcome of CBS therapy in patients who consult their general practitioner for dyspepsia. This finding suggests that H. pylori does not play an important role in the etiology of dyspepsia in patients seen by the general practitioner.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The effect of motilin agonist ABT-229 on gastro-oesophageal reflux, oesophageal motility and lower oesophageal sphincter characteristics in GERD patients.

BACKGROUND: ABT-229, a motilin agonist without antibacterial activity, has been shown to enhance both lower oesophageal sphincter pressure in cats and gastric emptying in humans. AIM: To investigate the effect of oral treatment with ABT-229 10 mg b.d., ABT-229 5 mg b. d. and cisapride 10 mg q.d.s. on gastro-oesophageal reflux, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and symptoms in GERD patients. METHODS: Twenty-four GERD patients completed the study. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period incomplete crossover design was used with three dosing periods of 7 days. All patients received ABT-229 10 mg b.d. and placebo during two of the three periods. In the remaining period 12 patients were given ABT-229 5 mg b.d. and 12 received cisapride 10 mg q.d.s. Ambulatory 24 h recordings of oesophageal pH and pharyngeal, oesophageal, lower oesophageal sphincter and gastric pressures were performed on day 7 using an assembly incorporating a Dent sleeve connected to a portable water-perfused manometric system. RESULTS: Oesophageal acid exposure was not affected by ABT-229 or cisapride, but the incidence of reflux episodes was reduced by cisapride. None of the drugs affected oesophageal motility, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure or the incidence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations. Both ABT-229 10 mg b.d. and cisapride reduced the severity of daytime heartburn. CONCLUSION: The value of ABT-229 in the treatment of GERD appears to be limited.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Surgical treatment for recurrent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after failed antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent or persistent symptoms occur in 10-15 per cent of patients after antireflux surgery. Failure of surgery is not uniform in its presentation. The cause of failure is not easily detected and even harder to treat. Different approaches have been proposed and few reports are available on the objective and subjective outcome of reoperation. METHODS: This study focuses on 30 patients (16 men and 14 women; age range 20-69 years) with recurrent symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) resistant to medical treatment. In all patients reoperation was by the Belsey Mark IV antireflux operation. A clinical history, endoscopy and oesophageal manometry were obtained in all patients, and 24-h pH monitoring was performed in 27 of 30 before and in most patients after the Belsey procedure. RESULTS: Symptomatic improvement was reported in 24 of 30 patients. Oesophagitis (present before operation in 19 patients) was cured or remained absent in 24 of 30 patients, stabilized in one, improved in four and deteriorated in one. Relief of symptoms combined with absence of oesophagitis was obtained in 21 of 30 patients, with concomitant normalization of the 24-h pH profile in 11 of 22 patients. The median basal lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure increased significantly from 6. 9 to 9.0 mmHg (P < 0.01). Redo surgery had no effect on oesophageal body motility. CONCLUSION: Reoperation performed for documented recurrent GORD had a good and lasting effect on symptoms, on oesophagitis (both in 24 of 30 patients) and on the combination of both (21 of 30). In these patients reoperation increased basal LOS pressure and decreased reflux time. Overall, the results approximate to those of primary operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The effect of coffee on gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit time.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of coffee allegedly induces or aggravates gastrointestinal symptoms. In order to investigate the effect of coffee on gastrointestinal motility we studied the effect of coffee on gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit time. METHODS: In a randomised, controlled, cross-over study gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit time were studied in 12 healthy volunteers, using applied potential tomography and lactulose hydrogen breath test, respectively. After 1 day of coffee abstinence and an overnight fast, coffee or the control drink (water) was drunk and 10 min thereafter a liquid nutrient meal was ingested together with lactulose. During 150 min, recordings were made with applied potential tomography and breath samples were taken every 5 min. Lag-phase duration and gastric half-emptying time were determined by two blinded observers. RESULTS: The lag-phase duration after coffee (median 19.8 min, range 6-47 min) was not significantly different from that after water (median 19.3 min, range 11-37.5), nor was the gastric half-emptying time (median 75.7 min, range 56-157.6 vs. median 83.4 min, range 64. 6-148.4). Likewise, coffee had no significant effect on oro-caecal transit time (median 135 min, range 60-270 vs. median 140 min, range 55-270). No significant correlation between any of these parameters and mean daily coffee intake was found. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee does not affect gastric emptying of a liquid meal or small bowel transit.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Diagnosis of reflux disease.

There are numerous tests for which a diagnostic value in the context of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease has been claimed. Some of these tests (e.g. the acid perfusion test) have become obsolete after the advent of 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring. With the latter test not only can excessive reflux be identified, but also, and more importantly, a temporal relationship can be demonstrated between a patient's symptoms and reflux episodes. Radiographical examination of the oesophagus has largely been replaced by endoscopy, although the use of the former test is still indicated in certain circumstances (e.g. in the differentiation of sliding from para-oesophageal hiatus hernia). In clinical practice, the so-called proton pump inhibitor test has gained considerable popularity. Despite several studies on the specificity and sensitivity of this test, its value has not yet been established with sufficient accuracy. Conventional manometric evaluation of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure has been over-emphasized as a diagnostic test in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Diagnostic Imaging↗
PubMed2000

Excess gastroesophageal reflux in patients with hiatus hernia is caused by mechanisms other than transient LES relaxations.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophageal acid exposure is higher in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with hiatus hernia than in those without. We investigated the effect of a sliding hiatus hernia on the mechanisms underlying spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux over 24 hours. METHODS: Twelve GERD patients with and 10 GERD patients without hiatus hernia were studied for 24 hours. Combined esophageal pH and manometric recordings of the pharynx, lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and stomach were performed using a multiple-lumen assembly incorporating a Dent sleeve connected to a portable water-perfused manometric system and a pH glass electrode. RESULTS: Patients with hiatus hernia had greater esophageal acid exposure (7.6% vs. 3.3%; P < 0.01) and more reflux episodes (3.1 vs. 1.8/h; P < 0.001) than those without. LES pressure, the incidence of transient LES relaxations (TLESRs), and the proportion of TLESRs associated with acid reflux were comparable in both groups. Both groups had equal numbers of reflux episodes associated with TLESRs and swallow-associated prolonged LES relaxations. Patients with hiatus hernia had more reflux associated with low LES pressure, swallow-associated normal LES relaxations, and straining during periods with low LES pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The excess reflux in GERD patients with hiatus hernia compared with those without is caused by malfunction of the gastroesophageal barrier during low LES pressure, swallow-associated normal LES relaxations, deep inspiration, and straining.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Dysphagia lusoria: clinical aspects, manometric findings, diagnosis, and therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The lusorian artery is a rare anomaly of the right subclavian artery. This artery arises from the aortic arch distal of the left subclavian artery, crossing the midline behind the esophagus. Normally this anomaly causes no symptoms. Sometimes dysphagia first appears above the age of 40 yr. METHODS: In the period of 1992-1997, the diagnosis of an aberrant right subclavian artery was made in five patients with dysphagia who were referred to a small community hospital. A sixth patient had a right-sided aorta with an aberrant left subclavian artery. RESULTS: Endoscopy revealed a pulsating impression in the esophagus of three patients. Four patients had coexisting esophageal abnormalities. Barium contrast examination of the esophagus showed a characteristic diagonal impression at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra in all patients. Computed tomography and angiography confirmed the diagnosis and excluded aneurysms. Manometric investigation of the esophagus revealed nonspecific abnormalities in five patients. Drug treatment was sufficient in three patients (mean follow-up, 6.2 yr). Three patients were operated upon because of persistent dysphagia. Through a cervical approach the artery was ligated near its root and connected with the right carotid artery. Postoperatively two patients became symptom-free, the other patient still has intermittent dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia can be caused by a rare anomaly of the subclavian artery. The diagnosis can be overlooked at endoscopy, but barium contrast study of the esophagus will reveal the abnormality. In patients with coexisting esophageal abnormalities the finding may be incidental and specific conservative treatment may be sufficient. Manometry cannot be used to diagnose this condition or to predict surgical outcome. When the symptoms are intractable, surgical correction should be considered even if coexisting esophageal abnormalities are present.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of different recumbent positions on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in normal subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is increased in the right compared to the left recumbent position. Esophageal acid exposure is related to the acidity at the cardia, but the effect of body position on the acidity at the cardia has not yet been investigated. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying increased esophageal acid exposure in the right recumbent position. METHODS: On 2 separate days a 4-h combined esophageal and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) manometry and pH recording of esophagus, gastric cardia, and corpus was performed in the right and left recumbent position after a high fat meal in 10 healthy subjects. RESULTS: In the right recumbent position a prolonged esophageal acid exposure (7.0% vs 2.0%, p < 0.03), a higher incidence of reflux episodes (3.8 vs 0.9/h, p < 0.03), more transient LES relaxations (TLESRs) (6.5 vs 3.2/h, p < 0.03), and higher percentage TLESRs associated with reflux (57.0% vs 22.4% p < 0.03) was recorded than in the left supine position. Acidity at gastric cardia and corpus was not affected by body position. CONCLUSIONS: Increased esophageal acid exposure in the right recumbent position relative to the left recumbent position is the result of a higher incidence of GER episodes caused by an increased incidence of TLESRs and higher percentage of TLESRs associated with GER. Body position does not affect the acidity at the gastric cardia and corpus.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Abnormal clearance of exogenous acid and increased acid sensitivity of the proximal duodenum in dyspeptic patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although acid is likely to play a role in the genesis of symptoms in dyspeptic patients, most studies have failed to show an increase in gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate clearance of acid from the duodenum and its relationship with symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Twelve patients and 10 healthy volunteers were studied using an assembly allowing recording of pressures and pH. Acid and saline were infused intraduodenally during phase II and postprandially. Sensations were scored before and 1 and 5 minutes after each infusion. RESULTS: After acid infusion in the fasting period, a greater increase in acidity in the duodenal bulb (P = 0.007) and fewer duodenal pressure waves (P = 0.002) were observed in dyspeptic patients. No significant differences in the time with pH < 4 and duodenal motor activity were observed in the postprandial period. Acid infusion reproducibly increased the sensation of nausea in patients (P < 0.001) but not in the controls. Saline infusion had no effect on upper gastrointestinal sensations. CONCLUSIONS: In fasting dyspeptic patients, clearance of exogenous acid from the duodenal bulb and duodenal motor activity are decreased. The duodenal bulb in dyspeptic patients is hypersensitive to acid infusion, which induces the nausea.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effects of hyperglycemia on cortical response to esophageal distension in normal subjects.

Acute changes in the blood glucose concentration affect the intensity of gastrointestinal sensations. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hyperglycemia on cortical potentials evoked by esophageal distension. In 16 healthy volunteers, a balloon was positioned in the lower esophagus. A series of 50 distensions was performed at both a lower volume (producing definite sensation) and a higher volume (producing unpleasant sensation), at blood glucose concentrations of 5 and 13 mmol/liter. Triphasic cortical potentials were recorded from a midline scalp electrode (Cz). During euglycemia, interpeak amplitudes were greater at the higher than the lower balloon volume (P < 0.005). At the lower balloon volume, the interpeak amplitudes were greater during hyperglycemia than euglycemia (P < 0.05). There was no effect of the blood glucose concentration on amplitude at the higher balloon volume. We conclude that in healthy subjects, the amplitude of the cortical response to moderate, but not unpleasant, esophageal distension is greater during hyperglycemia when compared to euglycemia. These observations are consistent with the concept of increased intensity of gut sensation during hyperglycemia.

Adolescent↗