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Biomedical subjects

W J Hogan

Publications and source records attributed to W J Hogan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Medical treatment of supraesophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A growing number of bronchopulmonary, laryngopharyngeal, and oral cavity disorders are suspected of being caused by gastroesophageal refluxate traveling from the esophageal body. Although diagnostic methods have not been developed to positively identify the etiology of these conditions as being related to refluxate, many patients with these supraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (SeGERD) respond to empiric antireflux therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). When used in an appropriate dose (twice daily) and for an appropriate duration (12 weeks or longer), PPIs can be effective in relieving SeGERD symptoms. Economic issues and outcome studies are needed to help further define the role of PPIs in SeGERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux↗

Successful treatment of POEMS syndrome with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) is a plasma cell dyscrasia that differs substantially from classic multiple myeloma. It is often associated with disabling polyneuropathy in younger patients. Current therapeutic approaches are frequently inadequate and leave many patients wheelchair-bound with significant deterioration in quality and length of life. We present the case of a young man with progressive disease despite conventional therapeutic approaches. We describe a novel approach to treatment with a bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical, samarium-153 ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonate ((153)Sm-EDTMP), followed by myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell reconstitution. This approach resulted in regression of the organomegaly and skin changes and in neurologic improvement both clinically and electrophysiologically. The patient progressed from being wheelchair-bound to independent ambulation. An aggressive approach should be considered in patients with POEMS syndrome in whom standard therapeutic measures fail.

Adult↗

Self-expanding metal esophageal stent with anti-reflux mechanism.

BACKGROUND: When deployed across the gastroesophageal junction, self-expanding metal esophageal stents can predispose to gastroesophageal reflux. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a self-expanding metal esophageal stent that was modified to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: The polyurethane coating of a metal Z-stent was extended beyond its lower end to form windsock-type valve. The anti-reflux property of this stent was studied in vitro by submerging the stent under water and measuring the pressure required to invert the valve. Esophageal acid exposure time was measured in 5 dogs with a standard and the modified stent placed across the gastroesophageal junction. The modified stent was also placed in 11 patients with cancer of the gastroesophageal junction who were prospectively followed. RESULTS: The pressure required to invert the valve was directly proportional to the thickness of the valve membrane (48 +/- 0.4 cm water for a 0.0067-inch thick membrane). Esophageal acid exposure time was significantly less with the modified stent as compared with a standard stent (1% +/- 0.3%, 49% +/- 11%, respectively, p = 0.03). Dysphagia score in patients improved from 3.4 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.2 (p < 0.001). Daytime heartburn and regurgitation scores were less than 1 (score 10 = severe). No patient complained of nocturnal reflux symptoms. Karnofsky performance status scale did not improve significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the modified stent in relieving dysphagia is comparable with a standard stent. It also effectively prevents gastroesophageal reflux.

Aged↗

Reflex-mediated enhancement of airway protective mechanisms.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) comprise the basal mechanisms against entry of gastric content into the aerodigestive tract and the airway. There are, however, other mechanisms referred to here as "response mechanisms" that become activated after certain stimulation, such as distention of the esophagus or tactile/pressure stimulation of the pharyngeal wall, and result either in fortification of the UES barriers--i.e., esophago-UES, pharyngo-UES, and laryngo-UES contractile reflexes--or closure of the glottis--i.e., esophagoglottal and pharyngoglottal closure reflexes. In addition, there are other reflexes included among the response mechanisms--such as pharyngeal swallow and secondary peristalsis induced by pharyngeal stimulation by liquid and esophageal distention by refluxate--that result in pharyngeal and esophageal volume clearance, thus reducing the chance for contact of refluxate with the tracheal, bronchial, and glottal structures.

Deglutition↗

Life after antireflux surgery.

Laparoscopic fundoplication technique has become the operative modality of choice for antireflux surgery. An increasing number of patients and physicians have enthusiastically embraced this "minimally-invasive" technologic development for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, laparoscopic fundoplication has been frequently advertised as the therapeutic solution for all GERD patients. Subsequently, the number and severity of complications resulting from laparoscopic surgery--often performed indiscriminately--has increased dramatically. This article reviews the efficacy of the laparoscopic fundoplication operation for GERD based on current, relatively short-term reports from centers specializing in this treatment modality. The majority of these reports are very positive. Unfortunately, the results of fundoplication operations performed by community surgeons are unknown. There are a number of disturbing factors relating to laparoscopic treatment for GERD that should raise a red flag of caution to the medical community, particularly primary-care physicians and their patients. The central portion of this report devotes itself to discussing the problems associated with this new minimally-invasive technique for fundoplication operations. These problems include the selectivity of current reports on outcomes of the laparascopic fundoplication operation and the lack of uniform data acquisition associated with these postoperative studies. The technical difficulties of the laparascopic fundoplication surgery are discussed, and the need for operator expertise and appreciation of esophageal physiology and anatomy are stressed. Finally, the long-term durability of the fundoplication wrap is questioned and the morbidity associated with the operation--particularly dysphagia--is addressed. In the final segment, the complications encountered after laparoscopic fundoplication operations are detailed and the techniques for evaluating the symptomatic postfundoplication patient are discussed. Laparoscopic fundoplication operation is good therapy in an appropriate clinical setting when performed by a well-trained and experienced surgeon. However, the operation should not be first-line therapy for the majority of GERD patients. An esophagus disabled by an inappropriate or dysfunctional fundoplication wrap is a terrible price to pay for control of acid reflux.

Esophagoscopy↗

Supraesophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux.

Supraesophageal complications of GERD have become more commonly recognized or suspected by physicians. However, the direct association between these complications and GERD has often been difficult, if not impossible, to establish. Furthermore, the majority of patients with suspected supraesophageal complications of GERD do not have either the characteristic symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation or the definitive findings of esophageal inflammation, which would help reinforce the suspicion of a connection between the supraesophageal complications and GERD. Frequent acid reflux has been shown in patients with various bron-chopulmonary, laryngopharyngeal, or oral cavity disorders. GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the population. It is possible that the supraesophageal problems and acid reflux are mutually independent disorders that occur in the same person. The suspected mechanisms of GERD-related supraesophageal complications appear to be directed through two pathways: by a vagal reflex between the esophagus and tracheobronchial tree triggered by acid reflux or by microaspiration that causes contact damage to mucosal surfaces. The most useful diagnostic modality available to the clinician to aid in the diagnosis of supraesophageal GERD complications is the ambulatory pH recording technique. However, the sensitivity and specificity of this test for recording esophageal or pharyngeal acid reflux events has been critically challenged. Despite the many clinical studies that support the theory that GER has a role in suspected supraesophageal complications, only 1 long-term prospective controlled study of a large group of patients with asthma has shown the positive effects of the elimination of acid reflux. With the focus now on "outcomes medicine," there is a serious need for appropriately designed, controlled studies to answer the many questions surrounding a cause-and-effect association between acid reflux and supraesophageal disorders. Because of the lack of convincing proof between acid reflux and suspected supraesophageal complications, the physician must resort to an intent-to-treat strategy as both a primary therapy and a diagnostic trial. High-dose PPI therapy for prolonged periods is the recognized conservative therapy. Operative therapy (i.e., fundoplication operation) is the procedure of choice when overt regurgitation occurs or when medical therapy, although successful, is not practical for long periods. Controlled, well-designed clinical trials and more sophisticated techniques to measure and quantify acid reflux are crucial in the future to help determine which patients with suspected supraesophageal complications actually have acid reflux as a primary cause. The medical community needs to be alerted to the possibility of an association between GERD and supra-esophageal complications so that patients with a GERD-related complication will be recognized and effectively treated.

Adult↗

Obliteration of esophageal varices using EUS-guided sclerotherapy with color Doppler.

BACKGROUND: The current standard treatment of bleeding esophageal varices is band ligation. Although endoscopic sclerotherapy has largely been supplanted by band ligation, there are still clinical situations in which injection methods are useful. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may allow for a more complete evaluation of esophageal varices and perforating veins and may allow for more effective delivery of sclerosant. Our aim was to evaluate the use of color Doppler EUS-guided sclerotherapy for the obliteration of esophageal varices. METHODS: Five patients with esophageal varices (Child's A = 1, B = 2, C = 2) underwent dynamic EUS-guided sclerotherapy with color flow Doppler. EUS sclerotherapy was performed using Varijet (2.5 mm catheter) injector needles and sodium morrhuate directed at the perforating vessels until flow was completely impeded (2 to 4 mL per injection site). Data collected included (1) sessions to obliteration, (2) episodes of recurrent bleeding, (3) complications, and (4) mortality. RESULTS: Patients undergoing EUS-sclerotherapy required 2.2 sessions to achieve obliteration of varices. No patient had a recurrence of bleeding and no deaths occurred. One patient developed an esophageal stricture that responded to balloon dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic EUS-guided sclerotherapy with color flow Doppler may be safely and effectively used for the treatment of esophageal varices. It allows for effective delivery of sclerosant with favorable outcomes. Prospective, multicenter, randomized trials are warranted.

Endosonography↗

Does open access endoscopy close the door to an adequately informed patient?

BACKGROUND: The use of open access endoscopy is increasing. Its effect on the adequacy of patient informed consent, procedure acceptance and the impact on subsequent communication/transfer of procedure results to the patient have not been evaluated. The aim of our study was to compare the extent of preknowledge of procedures and test explanation, patient medical complexity, information transfer and overall patient satisfaction between a patient group referred for outpatient open access endoscopy versus a patient group from a gastrointestinal (GI) subspecialty clinic. METHODS: Information was obtained from all patients presenting for outpatient upper and lower endoscopy by using a 1-page questionnaire. Patients from the two groups who had an outpatient upper/lower endoscopic procedure were contacted by phone after the procedure to obtain information with a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The open access patients reported receiving significantly less information to help them identify the procedure (p < 0.01) and less explanation concerning the nature of the procedure than the group of patients referred from the subspecialty clinic (p < 0.005). There was no difference between the two groups in satisfaction scores for examinations performed under conscious sedation. For flexible sigmoidoscopy without sedation, however, the GI clinic patient group were more satisfied with their procedure. The majority of patients, regardless of access, were more likely to receive endoscopic results from a gastroenterologist than the referring physician. Furthermore, the patients in the GI clinic group who underwent colonoscopy felt significantly better at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing open access procedures are less likely to be properly informed about their endoscopic procedure. Our results indicate that with open access endoscopy, a defined mechanism needs to be in place for communication of endoscopic results to the patient.

Adult↗

Antiphospholipid syndrome and perioperative hemostatic management of cardiac valvular surgery.

Hemostatic aspects of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) present unique challenges to clinicians and laboratory personnel alike, particularly in the perioperative period. These challenges are especially evident in patients requiring cardiac valve replacement surgery. However, the literature outlining the optimal approach in such patients is limited. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman with severe aortic regurgitation as a result of APS with particular reference to the precautions necessary during perioperative care. Particularly important are the prevention of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications, management of associated thrombocytopenia, and laboratory methods of perioperative anticoagulation monitoring in the setting of prolonged clotting times.

Adult↗

Prognostic relevance of monosomy at the 13q14 locus detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Deletion of the chromosome band 13q14, which contains the putative deleted in B-cell malignancy (DBM) gene, and trisomy 12 have been demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques in malignant B-cells from patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). However, the prognostic relevance of 13q14 abnormalities as detected by FISH is unknown. We prospectively studied malignant blood cells from 54 consecutive, untreated B-CLL patients using FISH probes to the RB1 locus and DBM (markers D13S25 and D13S319) for band 13q14, as well as probes to chromosome 12. The cells from all cases were CD5+ CD20+, expressed clonally restricted surface immunoglobulin light chain, and had typical features for B-CLL on careful blood smear morphologic evaluation. Patients were followed for a mean of 3.9 years and treatment-free survival (TFS) was used in the prognostic factor analysis. Twenty-four (44%) patients were observed to have monosomy of the RB1 locus and 26 (48%) monosomy of D13S25 and D13S319. The 26 patients who had a deletion at at least one of these loci had a 48.4 month (mo) median TFS vs 31.1 mo for those without evidence of deletion at any 13q14 locus (p = 0.07). The seven patients found to have trisomy 12 had a median TFS of 6.9 mo vs 39.3 mo for those diploid for chromosome 12 (p < 0.01). When these seven patients with trisomy 12 were excluded from the analysis, patients who had a deletion at 13q14 tended to have a longer median TFS (50.1 vs 36.2 mos), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). This study confirms the prevalence of 13q14 deletions in B-CLL and suggests that patients with this abnormality have a better TFS than those with trisomy 12.

Adult↗