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Ala I Sharara

Publications and source records attributed to Ala I Sharara.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

A randomized single-blind trial of whole versus split-dose polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for colonoscopy preparation.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy preparation regimens are often poorly tolerated because they require use of large-volume bowel preparation solution and diet restrictions for adequate cleansing. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a split-dose polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution plus bisacodyl and a regular diet. METHODS: A total of 187 patients (104 men, 83 women; age range 18-91 years) were randomly assigned to receive either 3 L of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (n = 96; Group A) with a liquid diet on the day before colonoscopy, or 2 L of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution, one tablet of bisacodyl, and a minimally restricted diet on the day before colonoscopy, and then 1 L of the same solution on the day of colonoscopy (n = 91; Group B). Acceptability, adverse events, and willingness to retake the preparation were assessed by questionnaire. The quality of the preparation was graded by an endoscopist, blinded to the type of preparation, by using a previously described scale (excellent to poor). RESULTS: There were 96 patients in Group A and 91 in Group B. Colon cleansing was significantly better in Group B with regard to the overall quality of the preparation (p lt; 0.05). Compliance was significantly higher in Group B as evidenced by the lower number of patients who discontinued the preparation (4 vs. 15; p = 0.02) because of side effects such as nausea or vomiting. The degree of discomfort, adverse events, and willingness to retake the preparation were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic preparation with split-dose polyethylene glycol-electrolyte provided better quality colon cleansing and higher compliance, with less dietary restrictions, than preparation with whole-dose polyethylene glycol-electrolyte.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Endemic gastrointestinal anthrax in 1960s Lebanon: clinical manifestations and surgical findings.

Anthrax is an ancient disease caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis; recently, it has gained much attention because of its potential use in biologic warfare. Anthrax infection occurs in three forms: cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal. The last type results from ingestion of poorly cooked contaminated meat. Intestinal anthrax was widely known in Lebanon in the 1960s, when a series of >100 cases were observed in the Bekaa Valley. We describe some of these cases, introduce the concept of the surgical management of advanced intestinal anthrax, and describe some of the approaches for treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxycillin and tetracycline in Lebanon.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance amongst Helicobacter pylori isolates cultured from gastric biopsies taken during routine endoscopies at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon. Fifty-four consecutively recovered H. pylori isolates were tested against metronidazole, clarithromycin, tetracycline and amoxycillin using the epsilometer test. Resistance to metronidazole (MIC > 8 mg/l) was found in 29.5% of the isolates while resistance to clarithromycin (MIC > or =0.25 mg/l) and tetracycline (MIC > or =4 mg/l) was low (4 and 2%, respectively). All isolates were susceptible to amoxycillin (MIC < or =8 mg/l). These findings are comparable with those reported from Europe and the United States. The prevalence of metronidazole resistance in our study was lower than that from other parts of the Middle East and the developing world.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Biliary fascioliasis: case report and review of the literature.

Hepatobiliary parasitic diseases are rare in Lebanon. We recently encountered biliary fascioliasis in a Lebanese native. The clinical and laboratory findings were nonspecific. The biliary parasite (Fasciola hepatica) was identified by sonography and confirmed at ERCP that has retrieved the parasite from the common bile duct.

Adult↗