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Biomedical subjects

C M Wilcox

Publications and source records attributed to C M Wilcox.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Diagnosis of esophageal ulcers in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The esophagus is one of the most common sites of gastrointestinal involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, with at least 30% of the patients having esophageal symptoms at some point during the course of HIV infection. Esophageal ulcers are commonly caused by infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or may be idiopathic. The clinical presentation of the various causes of esophageal ulcers are similar; therefore, a thorough endoscopic and histological workup is imperative to make a diagnosis and, consequently, to provide appropriate therapy. The widespread use of more effective antiretroviral therapy appears to have led to a decline in gastrointestinal opportunistic disorders in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), including those involving the esophagus. Unfortunately, there are several reports of resistance of HIV-1 to multiple antiretroviral agents, and thus it is possible we will observe an increase in various opportunistic disorders again. The aim of this article is to provide a practical approach to the clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic evaluation of esophageal ulcers in patients with AIDS.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

High mucosal levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha messenger RNA in AIDS-associated cytomegalovirus-induced esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a key inflammatory cytokine, in cytomegalovirus-associated gastrointestinal disease, we quantitated the level of TNF-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) in esophageal mucosa from patients with cytomegalovirus-associated esophagitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. METHODS: Four patients underwent endoscopic biopsy of their cytomegalovirus-associated esophageal ulcers before and after ganciclovir therapy. The level of TNF-alpha mRNA in coded esophageal specimens was assessed by in situ hybridization, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Esophageal mucosa from 3 patients whose ulcers healed or markedly improved contained before therapy numerous macrophages expressing TNF-alpha mRNA and high tissue levels of TNF-alpha mRNA that decreased substantially or were not detectable after therapy. In contrast, esophageal specimens from the single patient whose ulcer worsened after therapy contained many mucosal macrophages expressing TNF-alpha mRNA before as well as after therapy, and the high number of molecules of TNF-alpha mRNA present in the tissue before therapy increased further after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Increased macrophage production and high tissue levels of TNF-alpha mRNA are associated with cytomegalovirus-associated esophageal ulcers and probably contribute to the inflammatory response associated with cytomegalovirus-induced gastrointestinal disease.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Cytomegalovirus colitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a clinical and endoscopic study.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus colitis is an important complication of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), although the clinical and colonoscopic manifestations of this disease have not been systematically characterized. METHODS: Patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus colitis were prospectively identified at two medical centers. The diagnosis of cytomegalovirus disease was based on established endoscopic and histologic criteria. At the time of sigmoidoscopic and/or colonoscopic examination, clinical features were recorded; the location, size, and appearance of all endoscopic abnormalities were documented; and multiple biopsies of any lesions were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were studied. The majority of the patients were homosexual men with severe immunodeficiency (median CD4 lymphocyte count 15/mm3, range 1 to 294/mm3). Chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most frequent clinical manifestations, seen in 45 (80%) and 28 (50%) patients, respectively. Five patients (9%) presented with lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, three of whom had no antecedent history of diarrhea. The colonoscopic abnormalities could be categorized into three main groups: colitis associated with ulcer (39%), ulceration alone (38%), or colitis alone (20%). Subepithelial hemorrhage was a prominent endoscopic manifestation of disease. Of the 31 patients undergoing colonoscopy to the cecum, in four (13%) endoscopic evidence of disease was limited to the colon proximal to the splenic flexure. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus colitis in AIDS appears to have variable but stereotypical clinical and colonoscopic manifestations. Distal colitis associated with ulceration is the most common colonoscopic pattern.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

How many times can you reuse a "single-use" sphincterotome? A prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The decreasing reimbursement for endoscopic supplies has prompted evaluation of reuse of "single use" items. METHODS: Over a 12.5-month period, numbered sphincterotomes were used for sphincterotomy or as a diagnostic catheter in all patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Before first use and after each subsequent use, the resistance of the sphincterotome was measured with an ohmmeter. After each use, the sphincterotome was thoroughly cleaned and gas sterilized. Sphincterotomes that could not be adequately cleaned or would not function properly were discarded. The endoscopist was blinded to the number of prior uses of the sphincterotome. RESULTS: During the study period, 80 sphincterotomes were used 290 times, including use in 162 sphincterotomies. The median number of uses before discarding was 3 and ranged from 0 to 10. The single most common reason for discarding the sphincterotome was breakage of the wire to the handle which occurred after 1 to 9 uses. The sphincterotome did not cut inappropriately in any patient, and no complications were linked to reuse. Equipment costs to our unit were reduced $21,000 by reuse. CONCLUSIONS: "Single use" sphincterotomes can be safely reused multiple times without compromising their use as a diagnostic or therapeutic device.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed1998

The prevalence and significance of leukocytosis in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Although leukocytosis has long been recognized to occur in patients with hemorrhage, there are no data regarding leukocytosis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We evaluated the prevalence and significance of the admission white blood cell count in consecutive patients admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital with upper gastrointestinal bleeding seen prospectively over a 50-month period. Any white count greater than 8.5 x 10(3)/mm3 was considered abnormal. Of the 731 patients eligible for the study, leukocytosis was seen in 463 (63%). When compared to patients with a normal white count, patients with leukocytosis on admission were more likely to be tachycardic (31.4% versus 24.3%, P = 0.04) and hypotensive (10.9% versus 5.7%, P = 0.018), required more units of blood (4.6+/-5.9 versus 3.5+/-6.0, P = 0.01), had a longer hospital stay (7.3+/-9.7 versus 5.9+/-6.2 days, P = 0.01), and required more frequent surgical intervention for bleeding (8.0% versus 4.2%, P = 0.04). No significant difference in mortality was seen between patients with leukocytosis and those with a normal white count (8.7% versus 6.4%, P = 0.27). Leukocytosis is common in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, appears to reflect the severity of the bleeding episode, and is associated with a more complicated course.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Diagnosis and management of esophageal disease in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal disorders are common complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. In a significant number of patients, the esophagus may be the site of the first acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining opportunistic illness. METHODS: We reviewed pertinent articles, obtained from a MEDLINE search, on the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal diseases in HIV disease. RESULTS: Infections are the most common cause of esophageal disease, and opportunistic disorders such as cytomegalovirus and idiopathic esophageal ulceration rarely present until the CD4 lymphocyte count falls below 100/mm3. Endoscopy is the most valuable tool for evaluating esophageal complaints in AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all esophageal infections in patients with AIDS are treatable; therefore, a thorough work-up is indicated. With the widespread use of more effective antiretroviral therapy including the protease inhibitors, there is a general consensus that the incidence of many opportunistic diseases appears to be decreasing.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Etiology and outcome of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate bleeding (LGIB) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). METHODS: All hospitalized AIDS patients with LGIB evaluated by the gastroenterology service at a large city-county hospital during a 6 yr period were identified by database review and by endoscopy and consultation records. RESULTS: Of the 691 AIDS patients seen during the study period, 18 (2.6%) (median age 41+/-7 years) were evaluated for LGIB. In these patients, LGIB was caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)-associated disorders in 72% including cytomegalovirus colitis in seven patients, idiopathic colonic ulcers in five patients, and intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in one patient. HIV-associated thrombocytopenia contributed to substantial bleeding from hemorrhoidal disease in two patients. Rebleeding occurred in four patients (22%), including hemorrhoids in three and idiopathic colonic ulcers in one. Surgery was not performed in any patient. Following the institution of ganciclovir therapy, no patient with CMV colitis had recurrent bleeding. The in-hospital mortality was high (28%), although bleeding was the direct cause of death in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: LGIB is infrequent in patients with AIDS and is usually caused by opportunistic diseases specifically related to immunodeficiency. Although some of these conditions are potentially treatable medically, in-hospital mortality is high and long-term prognosis is poor because of AIDS-related comorbidity.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Diagnosis and treatment of colonic disease in AIDS.

The colon is a frequent site of gastrointestinal complications in patients with HIV infection, and these colonic disorders increase in frequency as immunodeficiency worsens. The most common clinical manifestations of colonic disease in AIDS are diarrhea, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Toxic megacolon, intussuseption, typhlitis, idiopathic colonic ulcer, and pneumatosis intestinalis also have been described. In the HIV-infected patient with preserved immunity, the most common cause of colitis is bacterial, but as the degree of immunodeficiency worsens, opportunistic pathogens (CMV, protozoa, mycobacteria, fungi) and neoplasms become more frequent. The frequent use of antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and frequent hospitalization increase the susceptibility to cf2Clostridium difficule cf1colitis. Endoscopy plays an integral role in the management of many colonic disorders in AIDS.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1997

A prospective trial of thalidomide for the treatment of HIV-associated idiopathic esophageal ulcers.

Thalidomide appears to be highly effective for oropharyngeal apthous ulcers in HIV-infected patients. However, there are limited data regarding the use of this drug for the treatment of HIV-associated idiopathic esophageal ulcer(s) (IEU). Twelve HIV-infected patients with esophageal symptoms and IEU as defined by previously proposed criteria were studied prospectively. Two of these patients had failed oral corticosteroid treatment, and two others had a previous history of IEU. Patients were treated with thalidomide (200 mg/day orally) for 28 days in an open label fashion. Clinical evaluation was performed weekly with endoscopic reexamination performed at the completion of treatment. After therapy, patients were followed clinically with endoscopy recommended for recurrent esophageal symptoms. Of the 12 treated patients, 11 (92%) had a complete symptomatic response; endoscopy in 11 patients at the completion of treatment showed 9 with complete ulcer healing, 1 partially healed, and 1 with no response. All responders were asymptomatic by day 28. The partial responder received an additional 1 month of thalidomide at 300 mg/day, resulting in complete endoscopic healing. The patient failing therapy received prednisone, but died prior to completing this therapy. On follow-up to 20 months, six patients have died with no recurrence of IEU. Three patients had relapse of IEU, two of whom had a prior history of multiple recurrences of IEU; both of these patients relapsed within 2 months of completing thalidomide treatment. The drug was well tolerated without significant side effects. Thalidomide appears to be an effective and well-tolerated alternative to prednisone for the treatment of IEU.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Prospective evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with iron deficiency and no systemic or gastrointestinal symptoms or signs.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract is commonly performed to evaluate iron deficiency, little data is available regarding the underlying causes, yield of evaluation, and long-term outcome for those in whom gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms and signs are absent. METHODS: In- or out-patients seen by the gastroenterology consultative service at a large inner-city hospital over a 56-month period were considered eligible for the study when iron deficiency (serum ferritin <50 ng/mL) was documented. Exclusion criteria included: any gastrointestinal or systemic symptoms/signs, radiographic or endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract within 3 and 5 years, respectively, or obvious source of blood loss. Patients underwent colonoscopy and if no lesions other than carcinoma were found, upper endoscopy was then performed with a pediatric colonoscope. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were evaluated (mean age, 66 +/- 13 years; range, 20 to 89 years; 32 men/20 women). At the time of evaluation, the mean (+/-SD) hematocrit was 25% +/- 7% (range, 14% to 42%). Overall, 23 patients (44%; 95% CI 30% to 59%) had an identifiable gastrointestinal lesion considered the cause of iron deficiency, including: colonic carcinoma, 11 (21%); colonic and/or esophagogastric/duodenal vascular ectasias, 9 (17%); and gastric carcinoma, colonic polyposis, and colonic ulcers in 1 patient each. Long-term follow-up (median 24 months, range 2 to 63 months) identified only 1 patient with a cause found (colonic carcinoma), and in this patient, complete colonoscopy was not technically possible at the time of initial evaluation. There were no clinical or laboratory features that distinguished patients with an etiology for iron deficiency to the idiopathic group. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients with iron deficiency in whom gastrointestinal or systemic signs or symptoms are absent have an underlying gastrointestinal lesion. Nevertheless, despite a thorough endoscopic evaluation, some patients will have no etiology found; the prognosis for these patients is excellent.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Choice of long-term strategy for the management of patients with severe esophagitis: a cost-utility analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Omeprazole has shown remarkable efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); similarly, laparoscopic techniques have allowed less morbidity in patients undergoing fundoplication procedures. Concerns about the long-term cost and safety of both strategies have prompted a debate of their role in long-term management of patients with severe erosive esophagitis. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was performed to compare two strategies: laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) vs. omeprazole. A two-stage Markov model was used to obtain cost and efficacy estimates; all estimates were discounted at 3% per year. The time horizon was 5 years. Sensitivity analyses were performed on all relevant variables. RESULTS: Both strategies were similarly effective (4.33 quality-adjusted life years per patient), with omeprazole less expensive than LNF ($6053 vs. $9482 per patient). At 10 years, LNF and omeprazole costs were similar. Efficacy estimates were extremely sensitive to changes in quality of life associated with postoperative symptoms and long-term use of medication. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy is the preferred treatment strategy for most patients with severe erosive esophagitis. Individuals with a long life expectancy are good candidates for LNF if postoperative morbidity is low and GERD symptoms remain abated for many years.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relationship between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, Helicobacter pylori, and gastroduodenal mucosal injury.

With the realization that Helicobacter pylori is the main etiologic factor for peptic ulcer disease, recent studies have explored a potential relationship between H. pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-related gastroduodenal mucosal injury. Using serology and/or histology to detect H. pylori, case-control studies have shown no meaningful differences in H. pylori prevalence in both arthritis and nonarthritis NSAID users and controls. Placebo-controlled short-term trials of NSAIDs have also shown no change in the frequency of detection of H. pylori by gastric mucosal biopsy specimens after 7-30 days of NSAID ingestion. A number of studies have shown that the histological gastritis identified in NSAID users is caused by H. pylori infection, whereas the reactive (chemical) gastritis can be caused by NSAID use. Although the overall relationship between H. pylori gastritis and dyspepsia remains controversial, there is no evidence from well-controlled studies using either serology or histology that this gastritis predisposes to NSAID-related dyspepsia. The effect of H. pylori on NSAID-related gastroduodenal mucosal injury may be best established by evaluating the ulcer recurrence rate after H. pylori eradication and rechallenge with NSAIDs. To date, only one such study has examined this question, and in this small study, the ulcer recurrence rate at 6 months was not reduced by H. pylori eradication.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1997

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

To evaluate the association between nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), we performed a prospective case-control study at a large inner-city hospital over a 28-month period evaluating 461 consecutive patients hospitalized for UGIB and 105 with LGIB. During the same period, 1895 in-patients evaluated by our gastroenterology consultative service served as controls. At the time of initial evaluation, all patients were asked about the use of any prescription or over-the-counter NSAID product within one week of admission. Endoscopic examination was performed in most patients with bleeding. NSAID use was almost equivalent in patients with UGIB and LGIB (60%) and significantly greater than controls [34%; P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 3.0; 95% CI, 2.4-3.6]. The age, race, and gender adjusted risk for LGIB associated with NSAID use was significant [adjusted OR (AOR) 2.6; 95% CI 1.7-3.9], although less than UGIB (AOR 3.2; P = 0.34). The risk associated with diverticular bleeding (N = 53, AOR 3.4; 95% CI 1.9-6.2) was higher than duodenal ulcer bleeding although not significantly (N = 97, AOR 3.0). We conclude that NSAID use is strongly associated with LGIB and from lesions not considered associated with mucosal ulceration such as diverticulosis.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1997

Association of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs with outcome in upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use is strongly associated with both upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), few data exist regarding the outcome of the bleeding episode for those consuming these drugs. Consecutive patients with UGIB or LGIB evaluated during the period August 1, 1990 through September 30, 1994 at a large inner city hospital were prospectively identified. Both prescription and over-the-counter NSAID use was specifically evaluated. Endoscopy was performed in most patients for diagnosis. Outcome measures included transfusion requirement, hospital stay, need for endoscopic therapy or surgery, and death. Over the 50-month study period, 785 patients admitted with UGIB and 161 with LGIB were studied. NSAID use was documented in 59% of patients with UGIB and 51% with LGIB. In UGIB, NSAID users were more likely to be female and older. NSAID users had a significantly shorter median hospital stay (4 vs 5 days), less rebleeding (11% vs 18%; P = 0.004) and in-hospital mortality (5% vs 13%; P = 0.001) as compared to nonusers. These differences remained significant when controlling for age, race, and gender. Similar trends in outcome were seen when evaluating ulcer- and non-ulcer-related bleeding. NSAID users with LGIB were more likely to be female, although rebleeding (19% vs 21%), hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality (5% vs 2%) were not significantly different between users and nonusers. UGIB in NSAID users appears to have a better prognosis as compared to nonusers. In contrast, NSAID use does not appear to be associated with outcome in patients with LGIB.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1997

Review article: the therapy of gastrointestinal infections associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Although there have been dramatic strides in the therapy of human immunodeficiency virus infection over the last few years, the number of infected people world-wide is tremendous and, at least in developing countries, continues to expand. Complications which involve the gastrointestinal tract are common in these patients, because the gut is a major site for involvement by opportunistic infections and neoplasms in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is important to recognize the clinical spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as the appropriate and most cost-effective diagnostic strategies, as therapies for a number of these disorders are both widely available and high effective. This review summarizes the major gastrointestinal infections which are seen in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and their treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗