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Biomedical subjects

J J Gonvers

Publications and source records attributed to J J Gonvers.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Duodenal bacterial overgrowth during treatment in outpatients with omeprazole.

The extent of duodenal bacterial overgrowth during the pronounced inhibition of acid secretion that occurs with omeprazole treatment is unknown. The bacterial content of duodenal juice of patients treated with omeprazole was therefore examined in a controlled prospective study. Duodenal juice was obtained under sterile conditions during diagnostic upper endoscopy. Aspirates were plated quantitatively for anaerobic and aerobic organisms. Twenty five outpatients with peptic ulcer disease were investigated after a 5.7 (0.5) weeks (mean (SEM)) treatment course with 20 mg (nine patients) or 40 mg (16 patients). The control group consisted of 15 outpatients referred for diagnostic endoscopy without prior antisecretory treatment. No patient in the control group had duodenal bacterial overgrowth. In the omeprazole group bacterial overgrowth (> or = 10(5) cfu/ml) was found in 14 (56%) patients (p = 0.0003). The number of bacteria (log10) in duodenal juice in patients treated with omeprazole was distinctly higher (median 5.7; range < 2-8.7) when compared with the control group (median < 2; range < 2-5.0; p = 0.0004). As well as orally derived bacteria, faecal type bacteria were found in seven of 14 and anaerobic bacteria in three of 14 patients. Bacterial overgrowth was similar with the two doses of omeprazole. These results indicate that duodenal bacterial overgrowth of both oral and faecal type bacteria occurs often in ambulatory patients treated with omeprazole. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings, particularly in high risk groups during long term treatment with omeprazole.

Adult↗

Gastric and duodenal bacterial colonization in HIV-infected patients without gastrointestinal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of gastric and duodenal bacterial colonization in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive outpatients at various stages of HIV infection were examined. No patient received antibiotic therapy or antisecretory drugs, and none presented with digestive symptoms. A second group consisted of 39 patients without risk factors for HIV infection referred to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for suspected peptic ulcer disease. Gastric and duodenal juices were aspirated separately through the endoscope under direct visual control, using a sterilized double-sheathed tube. Specimens were plated quantitatively for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Parasitological evaluation was done on duodenal samples. RESULTS: gastric and/or duodenal bacterial colonization was documented in 7/23 (30%) HIV+patients and in 3/39 (8%) patients in the second group (p < 0.05). No parasites were detected. All isolates were oral Gram-positive cocci or bacilli. Mean fasting gastric pH was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients with bacterial colonization than in HIV-infected patients and patients in the second group without bacterial colonization (p < 0.02). There was no correlation between the presence of bacterial colonization and CD4+ cells counts. CONCLUSION: HIV infection may predispose to asymptomatic digestive bacterial colonization. Further studies are needed to assess the role of bacterial colonization in symptomatic patients presenting with diarrhea and/or weight loss.

Adult↗

[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of the gallbladder: importance of selection criteria].

In recent years, a number of alternatives to surgery for gallstones have been developed. Among them, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was promising, being non-invasive and risk-free. Nevertheless, its results vary according to the size, number and composition of the stones and according to the bile acids treatment used for fragment dissolution. To better evaluate the importance of these factors, we have widened the selection criteria currently used (1 to 3 non-calcified stones with a diameter below 30 mm) by including patients with large stones (up to 40 mm in diameter), multiple stones (up to 10 stones) and calcified stones. We also compared, for efficacy of fragment dissolution after ESWL, treatment by ursodeoxycholic acid alone as opposed to a mixture with chenodeoxycholic acid. Our results were (1) significant lessening of the fragmentation rate and of the number of gallbladders free of stones 1 year after ESWL when selection criteria are widened; (2) a mixture of ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids may favour fragment dissolution after ESWL compared to treatment by ursodeoxycholic acid alone.

Adolescent↗

Low-dose interferon in chronic hepatitis non-A/non-B: effects on quantitative liver function and structure in a randomized, controlled multicenter trial.

In this randomized, controlled multicenter trial we evaluated the effects of recombinant interferon-alpha 2b on galactose elimination capacity and histological activity index in 88 patients with chronic active hepatitis non-A/non-B. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to treatment with interferon at 1.5 x 10(6) U three times per for 1 year; 43 patients were assigned to no treatment. A complete response (normalization of alanine aminotransferase) was observed, respectively, in 47% and 5% of the two groups (P < 0.006); 47% of these patients suffered a relapse. Thus 22% of patients had a sustained response. Histological activity decreased significantly in responders (P < 0.04) while the biopsy score did not change significantly in nonresponders. In contrast, galactose elimination capacity--a surrogate marker for survival in chronic active hepatitis--was not affected by response to treatment. None of the parameters evaluated, including hepatitis C virus RNA, was able to predict response or relapse. We conclude that low-dose interferon treatment for 1 year is as effective as the recommended treatment schedule.

Adolescent↗

Practice and complications of liver biopsy. Results of a nationwide survey in Switzerland.

Studies on the complication rate of liver biopsy have hitherto been conducted in referral hospital centers. They are therefore not representative for general practice where liver biopsy is performed by specialists and nonspecialists. In a postal nationwide survey, we approached all gastroenterologists and hospital internists to assess the complication rate and practice (setting, needle type, use of ultrasonography) of percutaneous liver biopsy performed in 1989 in Switzerland for diffuse liver disease. Two hundred eighty questionnaires were mailed and 252 were returned (response rate 90.0%) 165 respondents (65.5%) performed 3501 biopsies while 87 respondents (34.5%) did not practice liver biopsy; 67.7% of biopsies were executed blindly and 32.3% were guided. Eight nonfatal and three fatal complications occurred. Hemorrhage was the most frequent complication (five cases) and was responsible for all three fatal outcomes. The overall complication rate was 0.31%, being distinctly lower in the group of gastroenterologists (0.11%) as compared to the group of internists (0.55%; P = 0.031). The complication rate was 1.68% in the group of internists performing fewer than 12 biopsies per year, while there was no complication in the group of internists performing more than 50 biopsies per year (P = 0.036). Complications were not related to the needle diameter or to the absence of ultrasonography before biopsy. In conclusion, this representative survey in Switzerland shows that the complication rate of liver biopsy is mainly related to the experience and training of the operator.

Biopsy, Needle↗

[Prevalence of anti-HCV (C100-3) antibodies in 20.373 blood donors].

The anti-HCV antibody (C100-3) is present in the serum of 70-90% of patients that are carriers of posttransfusion non-A non-B hepatitis. This marker appears to be associated with a viral replication and infectiousness state. Since 1st August 1990 the Swiss Red Cross Transfusion Service has operated a systematic search for anti-HCV antibodies for every blood donation. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in a donor population, look for the risk factors in the anti-HCV positive group, look for biological symptoms and signs of chronic hepatitis, and compare the data with that from an anti-HCV negative control group. From August to March 1991, 20,373 donors were tested by EIA (Ortho). The presence of anti-HCV antibody was confirmed by a neutralization test (Abbott). The donors in which both tests were positive formed the group studied (55 subjects). Their data was compared with that of a control group of anti-HCV negative donors. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody in the group of 20,373 donors was 0.29%. Possible parenteral exposure to hepatitis C virus was found in 47% of anti-HCV positive subjects (30% blood transfusion, 9% i.v. drug addiction, 8% tattooing). 42% of the anti-HCV positive donors had no risk factor presently known for hepatitis C. 27% of anti-HCV positive donors had elevated transaminase levels. Until more effective screening tests are introduced it appears necessary to stress the previous history of future blood donors in order to search for hepatitis C risk factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Donors↗

[Gastroenterological problems in the elderly].

An increasing number of elderly patients presenting with gastroenterological problems is seen in hospital and private practice. It is therefore very important to be able to recognize the different clinical aspects of these diseases in this category of patients. Esophageal reflux and problems of motility can give rise to vague, atypical symptomatology, which does not orient the clinician to the esophagus. Unrecognized gastric ulcer is frequently complicated by hemorrhage or perforation leading to high mortality rates. Mesenteric infarction, even when diagnosed early still remains a serious complication. The prognosis of ischaemic colitis is more favorable than that of mesenteric infarction, thanks to the existence of a collateral circulation. Its evolution to gangrene is rare. 30% of patients 60-years or older suffer from diverticular disease which can remain asymptomatic or progress to diverticulitis, hemorrhage or fistulization. The prevalence of constipation, often aggravated by sedentary life style or drugs, increases in patients over 65 years. Fecal impaction is often unrecognized due to the poor specificity of its symptoms.

Aged↗

[Drug-induced esophagitis and its complications. Retrospective study of 30 case reports and review of 650 published cases (1970-1987)].

Prevalence and incidence of drug-related esophagitis are probably underestimated. The condition can often be diagnosed on the basis of history alone. Tetracyclines and emepronium bromide were implicated in most published cases. Endoscopy usually shows erosions in the upper two thirds of the esophagus. These esophageal lesions generally heal after the medication has been stopped. Complications such as stricture, hemorrhage or perforation are very rare.

Adolescent↗

Incidence of gallbladder lithiasis after ceftriaxone treatment.

Ceftriaxone has potent activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While it is eliminated mainly by the kidney, 10-20% of the drug is eliminated in the bile and ceftriaxone salt precipitates have been described in the gallbladder of animals dosed with ceftriaxone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the incidence of biliary lithiasis 6 and 12 months after treatment with ceftriaxone and to compare it with that in patients treated with amoxycillin/clavulanate. Biliary ultrasonography was performed at the start of treatment, at 6 months and at 12 months after the beginning of the study. One hundred patients were randomized and 74 were evaluable: 34 were given amoxycillin/clavulanate, 40 ceftriaxone. Gallbladder lithiasis developed in one patient 12 months after the amoxycillin/clavulanate treatment and in none in the ceftriaxone treatment arm. Biliary precipitate during ceftriaxone treatment was not looked for because this phenomenon was not known at the beginning of the study, but gallbladder precipitation that was seen in two patients given ceftriaxone during and at the end of treatment, respectively, resolved spontaneously. In conclusion, ceftriaxone treatment does not appear to lead to gallstone formation more often than an antibiotic that is not eliminated through the bile.

Adolescent↗