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Biomedical subjects

R H Kalro

Publications and source records attributed to R H Kalro.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Gastric emptying of solids in long-term NSAID users: correlation with endoscopic findings and Helicobacter pylori status.

OBJECTIVE: Prostaglandins regulate gastric motor function. Inhibition of prostaglandins by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may alter gastric emptying. To study gastric emptying of solids and its relation to endoscopic findings and Helicobacter pylori in patients receiving long-term NSAIDs, we undertook this study. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with arthritis, 65 taking long-term NSAIDs (Group I) and 30 not taking NSAIDs (Group II) were studied. Presence of dyspeptic symptoms was determined using a questionnaire. Mucosal damage was determined by endoscopy. H. pylori was detected by antral biopsies for rapid urease test and histology. Gastric emptying for solids was evaluated using a scintigraphic method. Thirty healthy volunteers were used as controls for gastric emptying (Group III). Patients with peptic ulcer were excluded from the analysis of gastric emptying. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for gastric emptying. RESULTS: Nineteen patients from Group I with peptic ulcers were excluded. Dyspeptic symptoms were seen in 24 (52%) Group I and seven (23%) Group II patients. Gastroduodenal erosions were seen in 10 (21.7%) Group I patients and four (13.3%) Group II patients. H. pylori was detected in 17 patients in Group I (36.9%) and Group II (56.6%). Gastric emptying was delayed in 24 (52%) Group I patients, six (20%) Group II patients (p < 0.001), and in none of the Group III controls. The mean gastric emptying times were 99.5 (15.6) min and 89 (17.7) min for Groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.05). Endoscopic damage was found with similar frequency in Group I patients with delayed or normal gastric emptying. H. pylori infection was present in 37.5% Group I patients with delayed gastric emptying and in 36.3% with normal gastric emptying (p = ns). Logistic regression analysis identified NSAID therapy as the single factor most predictive of delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying was seen in 52% of patients on long-term NSAID therapy.

Adult↗

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in Mumbai, and immunogenicity and safety of hepatitis A vaccine.

OBJECTIVES: Since epidemiologic trends of hepatitis A are changing worldwide, we studied its seroprevalence in Mumbai, which is thought to be a high-endemicity area. The immunogenicity and safety of a hepatitis A vaccine were also studied. METHODS: Six hundred and seventy subjects (456 men; age range 6 mo-60 y) answered a questionnaire on social and medical history. Qualitative analysis of total anti-HAV was performed in all subjects by ELISA. One hundred and seven of 147 anti-HAV negative subjects received hepatitis A vaccine at months 0, 1 and 6. Subjects were followed up (months 1, 2, 6, 7) to look for side-effects and seroconversion. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HAV was 523/670 (78%); 38% of children < 5 years were anti-HAV negative. Seroprevalence rates of 80% were reached by 15 years. Prevalence was lower in the higher socio-economic group (151/234; 64.5%) compared with the lower socio-economic group (372/436; 85%) (p < 0.001). One month after doses 1, 2 and 3 of the hepatitis A vaccine, seropositivity was 92%, 99% and 100%, respectively. Minor self-limited side-effects occurred in 19.5% of subjects; there were no major side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of anti-HAV is high in Mumbai. Seroprevalence is lower in the higher socio-economic groups. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and immunogenic.

Adolescent↗

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection on abdominal tuberculosis in western India.

We studied the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and abdominal tuberculosis. We also assessed the clinical characteristics, risk factors, tuberculin status, site, and response to therapy of abdominal tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients. Volunteer blood donors (n = 8,395), patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 387), and patients with abdominal tuberculosis (n = 108) were screened for HIV 1 and/or HIV 2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Torrent, India) and positivity reconfirmed by a repeat ELISA and Western blot test. The HIV seroprevalence in the abdominal tuberculosis patients (16.6%) was significantly higher compared with those with pulmonary tuberculosis (6.9%, p < 0.05) and volunteer blood donors (1.4%, p < 0.01). Absolute lymphocyte counts did not differ between the HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients (2,044.94 +/- 830 vs 2,261.34 +/- 805/mm3, p = NS). The Mantoux reaction was larger in the HIV-seronegative group as compared with the HIV-seropositive group (14.8 mm vs. 9.5 mm, p < 0.05). Tuberculosis patients responded well to conventional antituberculosis drugs in standard doses regardless of their HIV status.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Retroperitoneal perforation in ulcerative colitis with mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema.

Retroperitoneal colonic perforation in patients with ulcerative colitis is rare. We report such a case in a patient with severe ulcerative colitis without toxic dilatation in whom mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema also developed. Unlike previously reported cases, our patient was treated conservatively with intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition, intravenous hydrocortisone, and antibiotics. After 2 weeks, the mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema and the retroperitoneal air completely disappeared.

Adult↗

Spectrum of liver diseases in HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Most earlier reports on the spectrum of liver diseases in HIV-infected individuals originated from the West. OBJECTIVE: To study the spectrum of liver diseases in HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: Seventy four consecutive HIV-positive patients (57 men; age range 23-75 years, mean 34) were studied prospectively with clinical evaluation, liver function tests, ultrasonography, radioisotope liver scan, markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, and liver histology whenever necessary. RESULTS: Thirty four patients (45%) were chronic alcoholics. Mean (SD) absolute lymphocyte count was 2521 (1271)/mm3; count < 2000/ mm3 was present in 20 patients. Serum bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated in 13%, 13% and 24% of patients, respectively. Ultrasonography detected an abscess in two patients (tuberculous-1, amebic-1). Evidence of exposure to HBV was present in 81% (HBsAg-12, hepatitis B core and/or surface antibody-48); anti-HCV antibody was positive in 29.7%. Five patients with liver tuberculosis (granuloma-4, abscess-1) had AFB either in liver tissue or lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Chronic alcoholism, HBV and HCV infection, hepatic tuberculosis, and evidence of other liver disease were common in patients with HIV infection.

Adult↗

Long-term anti-inflammatory drug use and Helicobacter pylori infection: a clinical, endoscopic and histological study.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori are independent risk factors for gastroduodenal damage and peptic ulcer. OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and effect of H pylori infection on gastroduodenal mucosa in patients on long-term NSAID use. METHODS: A total of 125 subjects were studied: 65 patients (Group 1) on NSAID therapy (> 6 months), 30 patients (Group 2) with arthritic disorders prior to starting NSAID therapy, and 30 healthy volunteers (Group 3). Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. All patients underwent endoscopy and antral and duodenal biopsies were obtained to assess the extent of gastroduodenal damage and H pylori status. RESULTS: H pylori infection was less frequent in Group 1 (37%) compared to Group 2 (57%, p = ns) and 3 (60%, p < 0.05). Among Group 1 patients, H pylori infection did not increase the risk of gastroduodenal damage (52% vs 45%) or ulceration (32% vs 27%). Group 1 patients with H pylori infection were more likely to be symptomatic (48% vs 27%) and have chronic active gastritis (76% vs 12%) and chronic active duodenitis (68% vs 5%). Gastric metaplasia was seen only in patients with H pylori infection, chronic active gastritis and duodenitis. Chemical gastritis was observed more commonly in Group 1 (34% vs 3%) compared to Group 2; its was not seen in Group 3. H pylori infection was less commonly observed in patients with chemical gastritis (8% vs 50%). CONCLUSION: Patients on long-term NSAIDs are not at increased risk of H pylori infection. Presence H pylori infection is not associated with increased risk of gastroduodenal damage in these patients. H pylori infection correlated with presence of chronic active gastritis, and NSAID with presence of chemical gastritis.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Frequency analysis of proliferating and cytotoxic T cells in livers and peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Frequencies of proliferating and cytotoxic lymphocytes from liver biopsy samples and peripheral blood of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and control subjects were monitored by limiting dilution analysis. Precursor frequencies of proliferating T lymphocytes were not significantly different in the liver and peripheral blood compartments of patients and controls. Moreover, similar frequencies of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were observed in the peripheral blood of patients and controls. A higher frequency of cytotoxic T cells (1 of 22) compared to NK cells (1 of 306) was observed in liver tissues of CHB patients. Dual colour flow cytometric analysis revealed the presence of both CD4+ HLA-DR+ and CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells in the liver tissues. These results suggest that in livers of CHB patients not only activated CD8+ T cells but also activated CD4+ T cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.

Adolescent↗

Congestive gastropathy: factors influencing development, endoscopic features, Helicobacter pylori infection, and microvessel changes.

OBJECTIVES: To study 1) the factors influencing the development of congestive gastropathy (CG) in patients with portal hypertension (PHT), 2) the changes in gastric microvessels in patients with PHT with and without CG, and 3) to determine whether Helicobacter pylori plays any role in the pathogenesis of CG. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients with PHT (102 cirrhosis, 16 noncirrhotic portal fibrosis) were evaluated by videogastroscopic examination. Antral biopsy tissue was examined for microvessel changes, histological gastritis, and H. pylori infection in 85 of 118 patients and 45 controls. Portal venous pressure (PVP) was determined by hepatic venous pressure gradient in 17 patients with CG. RESULTS: CG was present in 71 (60%) patients with PHT, of whom 41 (58%) had mild and 30 (42%) had severe CG. CG was observed with equal frequency in cirrhosis (63%) and noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (44%). The incidence of CG was higher in patients with severe liver disease, a past history of hemetemesis, in those with esophageal varices, and in those with gastric varices. Severe CG was commonly observed in patients with large size esophageal varices and in those with gastric varices. There was significant dilation of gastric mucosal vessels in patients with PHT, but in this regard there was no significant difference between patients with and without CG. The presence of H. pylori, histological gastritis, degree of PVP, or degree of capillary dilation did not influence the severity of CG. CONCLUSIONS: CG occurs commonly in patients with PHT, especially those with severe liver disease, past history of hemetemesis, and esophagogastric varices. Patients with PHT have significant gastric microvessel changes. The severity of CG appears to be independent of PVP, capillary dilation, H. pylori infection, or histological gastritis.

Adolescent↗

Role of routine estimation of creatinine clearance in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Frequent occurrence of renal dysfunction without azotemia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and its prognostic and therapeutic importance, are not well appreciated. METHODS: Creatinine clearance (CrCl), 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, fractional excretion of sodium, and urine flow were estimated in 68 non-azotemic uncomplicated cirrhosis patients; all these patients were followed up for a period of 6 months. Eighteen patients with ascites and edema were treated with large volume paracentesis without colloid replacement and renal function was evaluated before, and 48 hours and 7 days later. Eight patients with abnormal CrCl were treated with 10 mg of enalapril daily and CrCl estimated at the end of 7 days. RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 22 had CrCl > 80 mL/min (Group I), 21 had CrCl of 50-80 mL/min (Group II) and 25 had CrCl < 50 mL/min (Group III). Renal dysfunction correlated with Child's class. During a mean follow up period of 180 days, patients in Groups II and III had higher mortality rates than those in Group I (23.8% and 36.0% vs 9.1%; p < 0.001). Following large volume paracentesis, CrCl decreased at 48 h and continued to be low at the end of 7 days even though blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine remained normal. CrCl improved with 10 mg enalapril at 7 days (46.5 +/- 15.4 to 73.2 +/- 19.7 mL/min; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds of patients with advanced cirrhosis have abnormal CrCl despite normal blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine; they also have a higher mortality as compared with patients with normal CrCl. CrCl decreases after large volume paracentesis even though blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine remain unchanged. Enalapril improves CrCl in patients with liver cirrhosis but its exact clinical utility needs further evaluation.

Adult↗

Electron microscopic observations in gastric mucosa of habitual tobacco chewers.

Clinical evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and electron microscopy of mucosal biopsies from antrum, body and fundus of stomach were performed in three control subjects and 17 habitual tobacco chewers. Electron microscopic abnormalities such as discontinuous, fragmented basement membrane with reduction in hemidesmosomes, and widened intercellular spaces filled with clusters of desmosomes were found in the gastric mucosa of habitual tobacco chewers; these were similar to those reported in experimental carcinogenesis and leukoplakia. It is concluded that habitual chewing of tobacco produces electron microscopic alterations in the human gastric mucosa which may be important precursors for gastric malignancy.

Adult↗