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Biomedical subjects

A Montserrat

Publications and source records attributed to A Montserrat.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Seven versus ten days of rabeprazole triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Ten-day triple therapy is somewhat more effective than 7-day treatment for curing Helicobacter pylori infection. Recent studies have suggested that rabeprazole-a proton pump inhibitor with fast onset of acid inhibition-could raise the efficacy of 7-day therapies to the levels obtained with 10-day treatment. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of 7- and 10-day rabeprazole-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and fifty-eight patients were randomized to 7 or 10 days of triple therapy, including rabeprazole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and amoxicillin 1 g, all twice a day. Cure rates were evaluated by urea breath test. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-seven patients received 7-day and 221 received 10-day therapy. Groups were comparable in terms of demographic variables. Intention to treat cure rates were 73.8% (95% CI: 67-79%) for 7-day and 79.6% (95%: CI:74-85%) for 10-day therapy (p= 0.09). Per-protocol cure rates were 81.8% (95% CI:76-86%) and 89.3% (95% CI: 84-93%), p= 0.02, respectively. Cure rates were similar in peptic ulcer patients but in subjects without ulcer they were clearly lower for 7-day therapy: 66%versus 77% by intention to treat (p= 0.08) and 73%versus 91% in the per-protocol analysis (p= 0.004). Side effects and compliance in the two groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Seven- and 10-day triple therapies seem equally efficient in peptic ulcer patients. In contrast, 7-day therapy is significantly less effective in nonulcer dyspepsia patients. Ten-day therapy, therefore, seems preferable when treating nonulcer patients.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2004

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients by stool antigen detection usefulness of a new monoclonal enzyme immunoassay test.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori antigens can be measured in human stools with an enzyme immunoassay, which may prove to be a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool. Aim. To evaluate the usefulness of a new monoclonal enzyme immunoassay for detecting H. pylori antigens in dyspeptic patients' faeces (FemtoLab H. pylori, Connex, Martinsried, Germany). PATIENTS: H. pylori infection was determined in 75 patients (49 men, 26 women, mean age 52 + 16.5) for histology and rapid urease test. METHODS: H. pylori status was established by concordance of the reference tests. FemtoLab H. pylori was measured in triplicate. In addition, two determinations of a polyclonal faecal antigen test (HpSA, Platinum Premier HpSA, Meridian Diagnostic Inc., Cincinnati, USA) were also performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Concordance between different measurements was estimated by Kappa statistics. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the FemtoLab H. pylori immunoassay ranged from 98 to 100% and its specificity was 76%. Positive and negative predictive values were 91 and 94-100%, respectively. Concordance coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.92. Corresponding HpSA values were 69, 86, 92 and 53%, respectively. Concordance coefficient was 0.61. CONCLUSIONS: FemtoLab H. pylori is a very sensitive, specific, highly reproducible and easy-to-perform tool for diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Evaluation of a rapid test (ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA) for Helicobacter pylori detection in stools].

INTRODUCTION: The use of a rapid diagnostic technique may be extremely useful for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. A new immunochromatographic in-office test (ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA, Meridian Diagnosis Inc, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA) for the detection of H. pylori in feces has recently become available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic reliability and reproducibility of the ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA test in patients with dyspepsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three dyspeptic patients were enrolled. H. pylori status was determined by CLO-test and Giemsa staining of antral biopsy. Patients with a positive result for both tests were considered infected and those with a negative result for both tests were considered not infected. Fecal H. pylori antigen was tested twice by ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of each determination were calculated. The concordance between the two determinations was evaluated using Kappa statistics. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients, 46 were infected by H. pylori. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 89-91%, 86-93%, 96-98% and 72-75%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between determinations was 0.845. CONCLUSION: The new ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA test shows good sensitivity and reproducibility. Therefore, it could be highly useful in the management of H. pylori infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of low and standard midazolam doses for gastroscopy. A randomized, double-blind study.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different doses of intravenous midazolam (35 and 70 microg/kg) compared to placebo in patients undergoing gastroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for diagnostic gastroscopy were selected according to factors previously reported to affect tolerance (Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999; 11:201-204) and were randomly assigned to receive premedication with midazolam 35 microg/kg iv, midazolam 70 microg/kg iv or placebo iv. Oxygen saturation was continuously monitored during the procedure. Patients' tolerance, time to discharge and post-sedative inconvenience were evaluated using visual analogue scales and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients receiving either dose of midazolam showed better tolerance of gastroscopy than those receiving the placebo. Fewer patients receiving 70 or 35 microg/kg of midazolam were reluctant to undergo a further gastroscopy compared to those receiving the placebo (2, 1 and 9 patients respectively, P = 0.01). Compared to patients receiving midazolam 70 microg/kg, those receiving midazolam 35 microg/kg were discharged earlier (29.3+/-14.4 versus 43.1+/-12.4 min respectively, P < 0.001), experienced less post-sedative inconvenience (8 versus 15 patients slept for > 1 h at home respectively, P = 0.02), and suffered fewer clinically relevant desaturation episodes (< 90%) (0 versus 5 patients respectively, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Low doses of intravenous midazolam (35 microg/kg) are adequate and safe when sedation is indicated for gastroscopy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Validation of phone interview for follow-up in clinical trials on dyspepsia: evaluation of the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score and a Likert-scale symptoms test.

OBJECTIVE: To validate two widely used dyspepsia scores performed by phone interview. DESIGN: Spanish translations of the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score and a Likert-scale symptomatic test were evaluated. Responsiveness to the treatment, validity of the tests, and reproducibility of tests performed by phone interview were assessed. SETTING: Gastroenterology and endoscopy unit of a county hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Group I consisted of 16 ulcer patients undergoing Helicobacter pylori eradication; Group II consisted of 29 healthy volunteers; and Group III consisted of 95 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. MEASUREMENTS: Glasgow Severity Dyspepsia Score and Likert test. RESULTS: Both tests showed adequate improvement (responsiveness) after H. pylori eradication. With regard to validity, the Glasgow and Likert test were significantly higher in 95 patients undergoing endoscopy than in 29 healthy controls. Analysis of reproducibility showed that intraobserver variation was low on both the Glasgow and Likert scores. No differences were found between consecutive tests regardless of whether both were performed by phone (24 patients) or one by phone and the other by clinical interview (40 patients). Interobserver variation analysis showed that the Glasgow test remained highly reproducible even when performed by different observers using different methods (clinical interview 8.83, phone 8.44, P = 0.12). By contrast, Likert-scale tests showed significant differences between observers for all symptoms except abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The Glasgow score is highly reproducible even when performed by different observers and using different methods. (2) By contrast, Likert tests show greater variability. To be reproducible in different conditions, they need to be performed by the same observer.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Identification of factors that influence tolerance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Unsedated gastroscopy is unpleasant for some patients. The identification of factors related to tolerance would permit the selection of patients for sedation. The aim of the present study was to identify these factors. METHODS: Five hundred and nine patients underwent diagnostic gastroscopy after the administration of topical pharyngeal anaesthesia, without sedation. Patients were grouped as to whether they had undergone prior examinations or not. Tolerance was assessed with a visual analogue scale and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three (54%) patients underwent gastroscopy for the first time, and 236 (46%) patients had prior experience. Patient tolerance was poor in 84 of 273 (31%) patients undergoing gastroscopy for the first time, and in 61 of 236 (26%) patients with prior experience. Logistic regression analysis identified the following variables related to poor tolerance: (a) in patients undergoing gastroscopy for the first time: presence of gag reflex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90-6.17), apprehension (OR = 2.57, CI 1.33-4.95), young age (OR = 0.95, CI 0.93-0.98) and high level of anxiety (OR = 1.91, CI 0.96-3.89); (b) in patients with prior experience: apprehension (OR = 4.21, CI 1.93-9.20), poor tolerance of prior examinations (OR = 4.92, CI 1.93-12.5) and female (OR = 2.23, CI 1.09-4.57). CONCLUSIONS: The above-mentioned factors are predictive of poor tolerance, and may enable the identification of those patients who might benefit more from sedation for gastroscopy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Transnasal gastroscopy compared to conventional gastroscopy: a randomized study of feasibility, safety, and tolerance.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Gastroscopy is often an unpleasant procedure for the patient. Sedation improves the tolerance, but it causes inconvenience both for patients and for endoscopy units. The aim of the present study was to compare the feasibility, safety, and tolerance of transnasal gastroscopy using a thin endoscope with conventional oral gastroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-one consecutive outpatients referred for diagnostic gastroscopy were randomized to undergo transnasal or oral conventional gastroscopy. The tolerance (discomfort, retching, throat pain, and desire for sedation in any further procedures) and examination difficulty (intubation, examination, aspiration, and visibility) were assessed by the patients and the endoscopists, respectively, using visual analogue scales and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Endoscope insertion failed in six patients (four transnasal, two conventional). The tolerance was significantly better with transnasal gastroscopy in comparison to conventional oral gastroscopy. Only 3% of patients undergoing transnasal gastroscopy desired sedation in any further examinations, compared to 15% in the conventional oral gastroscopy group (P = 0.01). The examination time was longer in the transnasal group (5 min 25 sec +/- 1 min 46 sec vs. 3 min 22 sec +/- 1 min 9 sec, P < 0.001). Visualization capability and aspiration using the thin endoscope were considered more difficult by the endoscopists. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal introduction of thin endoscopes is better tolerated by patients than conventional gastroscopy, minimizing the need for sedation. However, technical improvements in thin endoscopes (a wider working channel, increased length and better image quality) would increase their usefulness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Prognostic factors of early mortality in the 1st episode of hemorrhage caused by esophageal varices].

AIM: To assess the prognostic factors of early mortality in cirrhotic patients with the first variceal bleeding episode. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five cirrhotic patients with endoscopic evidence of variceal bleeding treated with sclerotherapy during emergent endoscopy were included. RESULTS: Permanent hemostasis was obtained in 36 patients (65.5%). Fourteen (25.4%) patients died within six weeks of the bleeding episode. Twenty-four variables obtained at admission and in the following days were compared between patients who survived (n = 41), and died (n = 14). In the univariate analysis the following variables were related to early mortality: prothrombin ratio (p = 0.04), the presence of ascites (p = 0.004) and encephalopathy (p = 0.06), albumin (p = 0.01), Child-Pugh score (p = 0.0003), hemostasis during endoscopy (p = 0.002), absence of rebleeding at 24 hours (p = 0.01) and early rebleeding (within five days after the bleeding episode) (p = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression identified the Child-Pugh score (OR 11.86, CI 95% 2.54-55.48; p = 0.001) and early rebleeding (OR 6.27, CI 95% 1.29-30.44; p = 0.02) as prognostic independent factors of early mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of hepatic failure and early rebleeding are prognostic independent factors of early mortality in cirrhotic patients after the first variceal bleeding episode.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1995

Topical pharyngeal anesthesia improves tolerance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The usefulness of topical pharyngeal anesthesia is not well established. The aim of the present study was to determine its benefits in relation to patient tolerance and facilitation of the procedure in unsedated patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind study comparing Topicaina spray - a mixture of benzocaine butyl aminobenzoate (butoforme), amethocaine, and butacaine - and a placebo was carried out on 256 outpatients referred for diagnostic endoscopy. No additional premedication was used. After the examination, both the tolerance to and difficulty of the intubation and examination were evaluated by patients and endoscopists respectively, using visual analogue scales and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Three patients (1.2%) did not tolerate the endoscopy. One patient was excluded for unexpected therapeutic endoscopy. One hundred twenty-five patients received the active spray and 127 received the placebo. The two groups were similar with respect to patient characteristics. Both intubation and examination, assessed with visual analogue scales, were better tolerated (both p = 0.0001) and more easily performed (p = 0.02 and p = 0.0001 respectively) in the active treatment group. Patients receiving the active spray had a better tolerance for the procedure, according to questionnaire replies. CONCLUSIONS: Topical pharyngeal anesthesia in unsedated patients undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy improves tolerance and makes examination easier.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed1994

Effects of hypoosmotic incubation on acrosome and tail structure on canine spermatozoa.

Hypoosmotic tests are widely used as valuable tests for determining sperm quality in species as varied as the human and the porcine. However, there is little information about the use of these tests in canine spermatozoa. This work evaluates the response of canine spermatozoa in hypoosmotic media in order to introduce the use of the hypoosmotic tests in the canine standard semen analysis. In this way, the incubation of canine spermatozoa in hypoosmotic media containing citrate (ORT medium, osmotic pressure = 100 mOsm) or citrate plus fructose (HOS medium, osmotic pressure = 150 mOsm) resulted in the swelling of the sperm tail. These reactions were time-dependent, reaching maximum percentages after 45 to 60 min. Optimal percentage of tail swelling with minimal effect on the viability of spermatozoa was observed at 100 to 150 mOsm. Response on sperm viability, tail swelling and acrosome detachment to hypoosmotic tests of both undiluted fresh, and 24 h-stored samples were similar. The percentage of swollen tails after both tests showed a good correlation to viability and to gross and progressive motility but not to concentration. However, acrosome detachment after both hypoosmotic tests did not correlate to any of the studied parameters. Our results indicate that the swelling observed after hypoosmotic shock could be used as a useful test in improving the standard semen analysis in the dog.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1991

[A descriptive epidemiological study of ulcerative colitis in a community hospital (1985-1989)].

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) shows a marked geographical variation. It is high in Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian countries, while in Mediterranean countries the available data on its epidemiological features are few. Spain is not an exception. METHODS: The new cases of UC diagnosed during the period 1985-1989 in the Hospital de Sabadell (a reference center of an area with a markedly industrial population of 343924) were retrospectively evaluated. The definitive diagnosis of UC required a negative fecal microbiological study and findings in colonoscopy and biopsy consistent with UC. RESULTS: During the study period 68 new cases of UC were diagnosed, representing a mean yearly incidence of 3.95/10(5) population, and 5.26/10(5) considering only the adult population (age greater than 14 years). No significant differences were found (p greater than 0.05) in the sex and age distributions, although the male/female ratio was 1.06. In 84% of cases UC was limited to the rectum and/or distal colon, with a low frequency of pancolonic forms (5%). In 70% of patients UC was classified as a low severity disease. CONCLUSIONS: Although the estimation of incidence only from hospital cases underestimates the true incidence, and also considering the limitation of comparing results of studies from several time periods, the incidence of UC in our area is the highest one reported to the present time in Spain and Southern Europe. Nevertheless, it is lower than that in most Northern European countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Protein-energy malnutrition: an integral approach and a simple new classification.

A new approach to the classification of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in adults is proposed. Three widely accepted measurements, triceps skinfold (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and serum albumin (SA) were evaluated simultaneously as representative of the three main body nutritional compartments, that is, fat, muscle protein and visceral protein, respectively. These measurements were carried out in a group of 1709 healthy controls (1038 men and 671 women) living a normal life in the geographical area served by our hospital, in order to define the standard values (50th percentile) of the chosen variables for different age and sex groups. The lower limits of normal values were obtained by calculating the 5th percentile for each age and sex group and were expressed as the percentage of the 50th percentile. Once the standards and lower limits of normality were established, the chosen variables were incorporated into a tridimensional Cartesian system, the origin of the three axes (point 0) being the lower limits of normality (5th percentile). Each axis was then divided into positive (optimal) and negative (suboptimal) zones. This provided eight theoretical possibilities of protein-energy nutritional status. In order to define completely the nutritional status in a particular individual, the degree of severity for each variable should be added (mild, moderate and severe). This quantification can be represented with a point in the corresponding nutritional space. This classification was used to assess the nutritional status in 135 consecutive GI hospital in-patients (82 men and 53 women, mean age 48.23 years) at the time of admission, and in a group of 50 consecutive GI out-patients (28 men and 22 women, mean age 47.98 years) when seen for the first time at a NHS Gastroenterology Clinic. Only 32 per cent of the GI in-patients fulfilled the criteria of being well-nourished. The prevalence of PEM in this group was 68 per cent, the predominant types being mixed and kwashiokor-like (35 and 24 per cent, respectively). The prevalence of PEM in the GI out-patient group was 18 per cent, with a total absence of mixed types. Statistical analysis was performed between nutritional measurements among the three groups studied, as well as for the prevalence of PEM in different diseases among in-patients. This series was compared with other reported series, using the same nutritional variables but a different approach.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗