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Biomedical subjects

D Urbain

Publications and source records attributed to D Urbain.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Use of sedation for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Survey of National Endoscopy Society Members.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sedation rates may vary among countries, depending on patients' and endoscopists' preferences. The aim of this survey was to investigate the rate of using premedication for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy in endoscopy societies, members of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). METHODS: We evaluated a multiple-choice questionnaire which was e-mailed to representatives of national endoscopy societies, which are members of the ESGE. The questionnaire had 14 items referring to endoscopy practices in each country and the representatives' endoscopy units. RESULTS: The response rate was 76% (34/45). In 47% of the countries, less than 25% of patients undergo routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy with conscious sedation. In 62% of the responders' endoscopy units, patients are not asked their preference for sedation and do not sign a consent form (59%). Common sedatives in use are midazolam (82%), diazepam (38%) or propofol (47%). Monitoring equipment is not available 'in most of the endoscopy units' in 46% (13/28) of the countries. Though they were available in 91% of the national representatives' endoscopy units, they are rarely (21%) used to monitor unsedated routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In about 50% of ESGE-related countries, less than 25% of patients are sedated for routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy. Major issues to improve include availability of monitoring equipment and the use of a consent form.

Procedural Sedation↗

Video capsule endoscopy in small-bowel malignancy: a multicenter Belgian study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Early diagnosis of small-bowel tumors is crucial for therapy. Video capsule endoscopy has improved the diagnosis of small-bowel diseases, but data concerning the role of this technique in detecting small-bowel malignancy are scarce. The aim of this paper was to review all capsule endoscopy findings at Belgian hospitals, in order to evaluate the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in the field of small-bowel malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, the seven Belgian academic hospitals where the device was being used were asked to review the findings obtained by means of video capsule endoscopy, and to collect information about the cases of small-bowel malignancy. RESULTS: In total, 443 capsule endoscopies were performed up to November 2004, and 11 malignant small-bowel processes were detected (2.5%). The most frequent indications for performing capsule endoscopy in those 11 cases were intestinal bleeding of undefined origin or iron-deficiency anemia. The mean number of diagnostic procedures performed before capsule endoscopy was 3.6. The capsule endoscopy results had a diagnostic yield of 1.6% after classical work-up. In 55% of these cases, capsule endoscopy findings had an influence on therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Tumors of the small bowel remain a rare condition. Video capsule endoscopy is able to detect tumors undiagnosed by classical procedures in about 1.6% of cases and has an impact on the therapy in 55% of the tumor cases.

Aged↗

Role of the intrinsic coagulation pathway in atherogenesis assessed in hemophilic apolipoprotein E knockout mice.

OBJECTIVE: The contribution of thrombosis and coagulation in atherogenesis is largely unknown. We investigated the contribution of the coagulation intrinsic factor VIII (FVIII)-dependent pathway in atherogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Apolipoprotein E and FVIII double-deficient mice (E degrees/FVIII degrees) were generated. Aortic root lesions were analyzed in 14-week-old and 22-week-old female mice maintained for 8 or 16 weeks, respectively, on a normal chow diet or a hypercholesterolemic diet. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher plasma total cholesterol concentration compared with E degrees mice, E degrees/FVIII degrees mice developed dramatically less early-stage atherosclerotic lesions. Whereas early lesions in E degrees mice contained abundant fibrin(ogen) deposits on which few platelets adhered, lesions in E degrees/FVIII degrees were almost devoid of fibrin(ogen), and no platelets could be detected. The genotype effect on development and composition of lesions tended to decrease with time. This study demonstrates that the activation of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation is potently proatherogenic at the early stage of atherogenesis.

Animals↗

The early effect of proton pump inhibitor therapy on the accuracy of the 13C-urea breath test.

BACKGROUND: The intake of proton pump inhibitors may interfere with the reliability of the urea breath test. AIM: Prospective study to assess the accuracy of the urea breath test during the first days of therapy with proton pump inhibitors. PATIENTS: Thirty patients who needed to start proton pump inhibitors therapy and 53 volunteers. METHODS: A 13C-urea breath test was performed respectively before starting proton pump inhibitors therapy and every morning before its intake up until 10 days. The test was considered positive for values of 13CO2 > or = 3.0% delta over baseline. The coefficient of reproducibility for 95% interval of confidence of the urea breath test was calculated in both groups. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients receiving proton pump inhibitors, 47% were positive for Helicobacter pylori. Among these, 43% developed false negative breath tests in the first 10 days. False positive results occurred in 37.5% of H. pylori-negative subjects in the first 10 days. The coefficient of reproducibility of the urea breath test was significantly higher in the group treated with proton pump inhibitors (11.0 versus 1.8 for the control group, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The intake of proton pump inhibitors impairs the accuracy of the 13C-urea breath test. False negative and false positive 13C-urea breath tests are common, occur as soon as after 1 day and increase with prolonged duration of treatment. The coefficient of reproducibility of the test in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors is not acceptable for clinical purpose and the test should not be performed once the medication has been started.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Is ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring useful in suspected ENT manifestations of GERD?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The present study is aimed at assessing the relationship between ear, nose and throat manifestations and proximal reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by using 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients were included: (;) 28 patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux disease: (ii) 18 patients with typical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without extraoesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; (iii) 12 healthy volunteers. Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring was performed in all patients. Oesophagogastroscopy was performed in all patients of groups I and II. Ear, nose and throat examination was performed in all patients with ear, nose and throat complaints. RESULTS: At the upper oesophageal sphincter, results of pH monitoring were significantly different between groups I and III (0.009 < P < 0.02) and between groups I and II (0.008 < P < 0.03). When comparing data at the lower oesophageal sphincter, we found a significant difference between groups II and III (0.002 < P < 0.009) and between groups I and III (0.001 < P < 0.002). Endoscopic examination of the oesophagus did not show any significant difference between groups I and II. Laryngoscopy was abnormal in 86% of the patients with ear, nose and throat symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring is useful in the assessment of patients with suspected ear, nose and throat manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, especially in the case of abnormal laryngoscopy.

Adult↗

Expression of somatostatin receptors in normal and cirrhotic human liver and in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Somatostatin analogues have been used with conflicting results to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in human liver, and to examine the effect of selective SSTR agonists on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of hepatoma cells (HepG2, HuH7) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: Expression of SSTRs in cell lines, normal and cirrhotic liver, and HCC was examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Effects of SSTR agonists on proliferation and apoptosis of tumour cells and HSCs were assessed by the 5-bromo-2' deoxyuridine and TUNEL methods, respectively. The influence of SSTR agonists on migration was investigated using Boyden chambers. RESULTS: In normal liver, both hepatocytes and HSCs were negative for all five SSTRs. Cirrhotic liver and HCC as well as cultured hepatoma cells and HSCs expressed all five SSTRs, both at the protein and mRNA levels, except for HuH7 cells which did not immunoreact with SSTR3. None of the agonists influenced proliferation or apoptosis. However, compared with untreated cells, L-797,591, an SSTR1 agonist, reduced migration of HepG2, HuH7, and HSCs significantly to 88 (7)% (p<0.05), 83 (11)% (p<0.05), and 67 (13)% (p<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhotic liver and HCC express SSTRs. Although the somatostatin analogues used in this study did not affect proliferation and apoptosis, stimulation of SSTR1 may decrease invasiveness of HCC by reducing migration of hepatoma cells and/or HSCs. Clinical trials evaluating somatostatin analogues for the treatment of HCC should take these findings into account.

Apoptosis↗

Factor V inhibitor after injection of human thrombin (tissucol) into a bleeding peptic ulcer.

Endoscopic injection of fibrin glue into a bleeding peptic ulcer is an effective and safe treatment modality. The present report describes a patient who developed rectal bleeding from an arteriovenous malformation after endoscopic injection of fibrin glue containing human thrombin into a gastric ulcer. Additional laboratory investigations revealed the presence of an inhibitor against coagulation factor V, which resulted in severe coagulopathy, triggering the bleeding. Acquired factor V inhibitors have frequently been reported with the use of bovine thrombin, but to our knowledge, they have never been documented in patients exposed to human thrombin. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare, but potentially serious, complication.

Aged↗

Influence of the physiological changes of gastric emptying on the simplified single sample 14 C-urea breath test.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the physiological changes of gastric emptying on the simplified 14C-urea breath test. Thirty patients performed the test in fasting conditions. Patients were orally administered 0.074 mega Bq of 14C-urea, mixed with 0.0185 mega Bq of 99mTc-S colloids in 25 ml water. A breath sample was taken before and 10 min after intake of the tracers and followed by a 2 min planar anterior scintigraphic image of the abdomen to measure gastric activity. Gastric emptying was estimated by dividing the residual gastric activity at 10 min by the total activity in the abdomen. The procedure was performed twice for each patient after a 24 h interval. The repeatability of both the gastric emptying test and the urea breath test was assessed by the method described by Bland and Altman. The coefficient of repeatability of the urea breath test was 1.18 for a confidence interval of 95%. The coefficient of repeatability of gastric emptying was 27.4. There was no significant correlation (r= 0.08) between the plot of the individual modifications of urea breath test and residual gastric activity in two successive tests. It is concluded that the physiological changes of gastric emptying do not influence the results obtained by the simplified, single-sample 14C-urea breath test.

Breath Tests↗

Importance of precise timing in the simplified 10-min 14C-urea breath test procedure.

This study was performed to assess the impact of precise timing and the repeatability of the simplified 10-min 14C-urea breath test. Thirty-three patients underwent a 14C-urea breath test at 10 and 12 min (test I) and after 24 h (test II). The paired t-test was applied to assess differences between two successive measurements at 10 and 12 min, and the method of Bland and Altman was used to evaluate the repeatability of the test. Only test I (P = 0.004) showed a significant difference between two successive measurements at 10 and 12 min. The coefficients of repeatability at 10 and 12 min were 1.54 and 1.48, respectively. No bias was found. From this study, we can conclude that breath collections, delayed by 2 min (20% error), have no impact on the clinical interpretation of the results. The repeatability of the simplified 10-min 14C-urea breath test is sufficient for clinical use.

Breath Tests↗

Somatostatin suppresses endothelin-1-induced rat hepatic stellate cell contraction via somatostatin receptor subtype 1.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered therapeutic targets to decrease portal hypertension. To elucidate some of the hemodynamic effects of somatostatin (SST) on portal pressure, the presence and function of SST receptors (SSTRs) on HSCs were investigated. METHODS: SSTR messenger RNA expression, and SSTR presence was investigated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The function of SSTRs was studied by examining the effects of SST and specific SSTR agonists on endothelin-1(ET-1)-induced HSC contraction. RESULTS: Specific amplicons for SSTR subtypes 1, 2, and 3 were demonstrated in rat liver and in activated HSCs. The presence of SSTR subtypes 1, 2, and 3 was confirmed by Western blotting. With immunohistochemistry, a strong staining of HSCs was obtained for SSTR subtypes 1, 2, and 3 in CCl4-treated rats, but not in normal rat liver. Incubation of HSCs on collagen gels with buffer, 10(-8) mol/L SST, and 2 x 10(-8) mol/L ET-1 resulted in collagen surface area decreases of 5.5% +/- 3.3%, 6.8% +/- 4.4%, and 49.8% +/- 8.3%, respectively. Relative contraction of gels preincubated with 10(-8) mol/L SST followed by 2 x 10(-8) mol/L ET-1 or vice versa as compared with maximal contraction (100%) with 2 x 10(-8) mol/L ET-1 were 72.6% +/- 17.9% and 76.2% +/- 12.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). SSTR agonist 1, but not SSTR agonist 2 or 3, was able to counteract the contractile effect of ET-1. CONCLUSIONA: Activated rat HSCs bear SSTR subtypes 1, 2, and 3. SST causes significant partial inhibition of ET-1-induced contraction of activated HSCs, mainly by stimulation of SSTR subtype 1.

Animals↗

Jaundice caused by a pancreatic mass: an exceptional presentation of Crohn's disease.

It is well known that Crohn's disease can involve the pancreas. However, granulomatous inflammation of the pancreas causing jaundice is extremely rare. In this report, we describe a patient presenting with jaundice in whom a Whipple procedure was performed because of the suspicion of a malignant pancreatic tumor. However, on histologic examination a benign granulomatous pancreatic mass was found. Further investigations revealed no other organ involvement and no underlying disease could be identified. Therefore, the tentative diagnosis of an idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumor was made. Only 6 months later, when the patient developed bloody diarrhea, Crohn's disease was diagnosed. This case stresses that, especially in young patients, Crohn's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of benign common bile duct strictures even if no other symptoms of Crohn's disease are present.

Adult↗

PH monitoring in the distal and proximal esophagus in symptomatic infants.

BACKGROUND: Standard distal esophageal pH monitoring data are sometimes within normal ranges in children with clinically suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the authors hypothesized that the amount of acid reflux reaching the proximal esophagus may be greater in some subgroups of patients than in healthy controls or in other subgroups of patients. METHODS: The parameters of 24-hour pH monitoring in the proximal part of the esophagus were analyzed in 120 symptomatic infants in who the reflux parameters in the lower esophagus were clearly within normal ranges (reflux index < 5.0%). The infants were classified into four patient groups: excessive regurgitation (n = 41): inconsolable crying (n = 31), apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) (n = 18), and chronic respiratory disorders (n = 30). The control group consisted also of 120 infants. The following parameters were calculated: reflux index, the number of reflux episodes, the number of reflux episodes lasting longer than 5 minutes, the duration of the longest reflux episode, and the acid clearance time (ACT, duration of reflux episodes divided by number of reflux episodes). RESULTS: The patients with chronic respiratory disorders were significantly older than the patients in the other groups and the controls. In the distal esophagus, there was no statistically significant difference between the reflux parameters. As could be expected, every parameter was statistically (paired t test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test) significantly smaller in the proximal than in the distal esophagus, except for the ACT in infants who presented with inconsolable crying. In the proximal esophagus, there was no statistically significant difference between the different patient subgroups or controls, except for the number of reflux episodes in the group with chronic respiratory disorders and the group with inconsolable crying, applying one-way analysis of variance. As determined by applying the Mann-Whitney test, the number of reflux episodes in the upper esophagus was significantly higher in the group with chronic respiratory disorders than in the other patient groups and controls. Therefore, the authors' data do not support the hypothesis that reflux reaching the proximal esophagus is a frequent cause of ALTE. However, the data may suggest that the number of reflux episodes reaching the proximal esophagus in children with chronic respiratory disorders and with distal pH monitoring data within normal ranges may be increased. Whether this finding reflects reality or a statistical coincidence, or is influenced by the older age of this patient group, needs further evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: In theory, dual simultaneous esophageal pH monitoring in the distal and proximal esophagus may increase the diagnostic accuracy of pH monitoring in infants. Our results do not support a substantial advantage of a systematic application of this new technique, especially not in infants presenting with ALTE, excessive regurgitation, or inconsolable crying. In the subgroup of patients with chronic respiratory disorders, more data are needed before conclusions can be determined and recommendations can be made.

Cohort Studies↗

Endoscopic volume adjustment of intragastric balloons for intolerance.

BACKGROUND: A new type of saline-filled, spherical-shaped balloon, which moves freely within the stomach, has been increasingly used as a tool to assist weight reduction. Balloon intolerance is an infrequent complication, characterized by continuous nausea and vomiting or abdominal pain, uncontrollable by medical therapy. This has usually been followed by puncture, deflation and extraction of the balloon. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present 4 patients in whom intolerance was treated by endoscopic volume adjustment of the device. After partial defilling of the balloon, epigastric symptoms disappeared rapidly, while the patients respectively lost 5.2, 14.4, 5.9 and 15.8 kg of body weight at the end of the treatment. Practical recommendations are provided to ensure a successful endoscopic reintubation of the balloon's valve. CONCLUSION: Early intolerance to an intragastric balloon can be successfully treated by endoscopic volume adjustment of the device.

Endoscopy↗

[Cyanosis and cirrhosis of liver: hepatopulmonary syndrome].

A 66-year-old man with Child-B alcoholic cirrhosis presented with melaena due to hemorrhagic gastritis. Clinical examination revealed cyanosis and clubbing accompanied by severe hypoxaemia without signs of obstructive or restrictive lung disease. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography showed right to left shunt due to intrapulmonary shunting leading to the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome. Hypoxaemia in patients suffering from chronic liver disease can have different causes but in the presence of cyanosis and clubbing without signs of lung disease the hepatopulmonary syndrome should be suspected. When presence of intrapulmonary shunts has been proven by contrast-enhanced echocardiography, a 100% oxygen test can determine the need for pulmonary angiography and thus determine the indication for interventional therapy or liver transplantation. The patient described was treated supportively with long-term oxygen therapy 6 l/min. Three months later his clinical condition was stable. An attempt to reduce the need for nasal oxygen failed.

Aged↗

13C urea breath test with nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometry: reproducibility and importance of the fasting status.

BACKGROUND: The 13C urea breath test (13C-UBT) is the most convenient method for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection noninvasively. Nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometry (NDIRS) is an inexpensive and easy alternative to mass spectrometry. The objective of this study was to evaluate: (1) the reproducibility of the 13C-UBT as performed by using the NDIRS method; (2) the repeatability of bags analysis and the impact of delayed analysis; and (3) the need for fasting status for the 13C-UBT. METHODS: The 13C-UBT was performed with 75 mg urea labeled with 13C, with breath samples collected at times 0 and 30 minutes. Results are expressed as delta over baseline (0/00). Fifty-three patients underwent two successive 13C-UBTs with an interval of 48 to 72 hours. The 106 collected bags were randomly reanalyzed immediately or 72 hours later. In 26 volunteer subjects, the 13C-UBT was performed both in a fasting condition and after a nonstandardized meal. The reproducibility was assessed by the method of Bland and Altman. RESULTS: The mean of difference between two successive tests was 0. 14 0/00 (standard deviation, 0.90), and the coefficient of repeatability was 1.80 (confidence interval, 95%). The difference between two successive analyses was always less than 2.2% of the initial value. The coefficient of variation between two successive tests for the influence of a meal was 11.24. CONCLUSION: The 13C-UBT as performed by using NDIRS is reproducible, analyses can be delayed up to 72 hours, and the test must be performed in fasting conditions.

Breath Tests↗