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D A Antonioli

Publications and source records attributed to D A Antonioli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Clinical, biological, and histologic parameters as predictors of relapse in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to assess whether clinical, biological, and histologic parameters in quiescent UC predict time to clinical relapse. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with clinically and endoscopically determined inactive UC were followed up for 1 year or for a shorter period if they had a relapse. Serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate; C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-15 values; anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titers; and rectal biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline, at 6 and 12 months, and/or at relapse. Multivariate survival analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of clinical relapse. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients relapsed (19/42 women; 8/32 men). Multivariate Cox regression analysis retained younger age (P = 0.003; hazard ratio, 0.4 per decade), greater number of prior relapses in women (P < 0.001; hazard ratio, 1.6 per prior relapse), and basal plasmacytosis (P = 0.003; hazard ratio, 4.5) on rectal biopsy specimens as predictors of shorter time to clinical relapse. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed the 20-30-year-old age group and women with more than 5 prior relapses to be groups with shorter times to relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, multiple previous relapses (for women), and basal plasmacytosis on rectal biopsy specimens were independent predictors of earlier relapse. These findings may help identify patients with inactive UC who will require optimal maintenance medical therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Phenotypic characteristics of a distinctive multilayered epithelium suggests that it is a precursor in the development of Barrett's esophagus.

A distinctive type of multilayered epithelium (ME) has been described at the neo-squamocolumnar junction and within columnar mucosa in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). This epithelium has morphologic and ultrastructural features of both squamous and columnar epithelium. Multilayered epithelium may represent an early or intermediate stage of columnar metaplasia; therefore, we performed this study to determine the morphologic and biologic characteristics of this epithelium and to gain insight into its derivation. Esophageal mucosal biopsies containing ME from 17 patients with BE were evaluated morphologically, stained with a variety of mucin histochemical stains; and also immunostained with antibodies against cytokeratins (CK) 13 (squamous epithelium marker); 14 (basal squamous epithelium marker) 7, 8/18, 19, and 20 (columnar epithelium markers), MIB-1 (proliferation marker); villin (intestinal brush border protein); and TGFalpha, EGFR, pS2, and hSP (enteric proliferation/differentiation regulatory peptides). The results were compared with normal esophageal squamous epithelium, normal gastric cardia epithelium, specialized-type intestinal epithelium (BE), and esophageal mucosal and submucosal gland duct epithelium. Multilayered epithelium expressed a pattern of mucin production (neutral mucin, sialomucin, and sulfomucin in 88%, 100%, and 71% of cases, respectively) and cytokeratin expression (CK 13 and 19 in the basal "squamoid" cells, CK 7, 8/18, 19, and 20 in the superficial "columnar" cells) similar to that of columnar epithelium in BE, and showed a high capacity for cellular proliferation (Ki-67-positive in 88% of cases) and differentiation (TGFalpha, EGFR, pS2 and villin-positive in 100%, 100%, 93%, and 66% of cases, respectively). The mucosal gland duct epithelium showed a similar phenotypic pattern and, in one case, was seen to give rise to ME at the surface of the mucosa. These data provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that ME represents an early or intermediate stage in the development of esophageal columnar metaplasia (BE). The mucosal gland duct epithelium may contain progenitor cells that can give rise to ME.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Factors that influence the decision to do an adequate evaluation of a patient with a positive stool for occult blood.

OBJECTIVE: The factors that influence the decision to do an adequate evaluation for a positive test for fecal occult blood in a middle-aged or elderly patient are largely unknown. Our study was undertaken to determine whether factors such as the number of positive Hemoccult II card windows, age, gender, family history of colon cancer, the patient's concern that he or she might have colon cancer, or history of rectal bleeding influence the evaluation performed. METHOD: A mass screening program for colon cancer was performed using unrehydrated Hemoccult II cards in the Boston area. RESULTS: Among the 23,593 Hemoccult II cards returned to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, cards from 1,112 patients (4.7%) were found to be positive for one or more of the six possible card windows. Ninety percent, or 940 patients, over 40 yr of age had follow-up information available. As the number of positive windows increased from one to four, there was a significant trend (p < 0.001) for the adequacy of the evaluation to increase. Family history (p = 0.044) and a patient's worry that he or she might have colon cancer (p = 0.003) significantly improved a patient's chance for an adequate evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Hemoccult testing is not followed by an adequate evaluation in a significant proportion of patients. Our study points out for the first time that the number of positive Hemoccult windows significantly influences the decision-making.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Gastritis.

A wide variety of infectious, inflammatory, and other disorders affect the gastric mucosa in pediatric patients. The most common cause of gastritis in children is Helicobacter pylori infection, which is also responsible for the majority of duodenal ulcers. Acute erosive gastritis is most commonly the result of metabolic stress or drug or corrosive injury. Other major causes of gastritis include celiac disease, allergic disorders, and Crohn's disease. The distinctive clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of these disorders are discussed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Significance of acid-mucin-positive nongoblet columnar cells in the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

Acidic mucin-positive nongoblet columnar cells (NGCC) have recently been observed in the surface epithelium of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and distal esophagus in resections from patients with traditional long segment (>3 cm) Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, the significance of finding acidic mucin-positive NGCC in the surface epithelium of biopsy specimens from the distal esophagus/GEJ region in the absence of goblet cells (GC) remains unknown. Therefore, to determine the significance of mucin histochemical changes in the distal esophagus/GEJ region, we analyzed and compared the types, prevalence, and distribution of neutral and acidic mucins in biopsy specimens obtained from 2 groups of patients: those with (32 patients) and those without (107 patients) GC identified in this area. Various mucin histochemical stains (PAS-Ab pH 2.5, HID-Ab pH 2.5, PB/KOH/PAS) were used to identify neutral mucins, acidic mucins (sialomucins and sulphomucins), and o-acetylated sialomucins. The results were compared between the 2 patient groups and correlated with the clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features. Compared with patients without GC, patients with GC had a significantly higher male/female ratio and a higher proportion of patients with greater than 3 cm of columnar epithelium within the esophagus. Acidic mucin (sialomucin and sulphomucin)-positive NGCC in the surface, foveolar, and glandular epithelium did not show any correlation with any of the clinical, endoscopic, or pathologic features, such as esophagitis, carditis, antritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, or length of columnar epithelium in the distal esophagus. However, acidic mucin-positive NGCC correlated strongly with the presence of GC (P < .001). For example, sialomucin-positive NGCC were present in 28 of 32 (88%) patients with GC compared with 31 of 107 (29%) patients without GC (P < .001). Similarly, sulphomucin-positive NGCC were present in 20 of 32 (62%) patients with GC, compared with 11 of 107 (10%) patients without GC (P < .001). Of the non-GC cases, all biopsy specimens that stained positively for sulphomucin in surface NGCC (11 specimens), except one, showed staining restricted to the surface of multilayered epithelium, a distinctive type of epithelium that shows morphological, ultrastructural, and cytochemical features of both squamous and columnar epithelium. Sialomucin positivity in surface NGCC from the distal esophagus/GEJ region is a sensitive (sensitivity 88%), but nonspecific (specificity 71%), indicator of GC metaplasia. In contrast, sulphomucin expression in NGCC from the same anatomic area is a less sensitive (sensitivity 62%), but more specific (specificity = 90%) marker for the presence of metaplastic epithelium, of either the GC or the multilayered epithelial cell type and thus may represent an early or incomplete form of intestinal metaplasia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Allergic esophagitis in children: a clinicopathological entity.

Infiltration of esophageal epithelium by eosinophils is seen in reflux esophagitis and allergic gastroenteritis. This study was performed to identify differences between patients with acid reflux esophagitis and those with non-acid reflux, possibly allergic, esophagitis. Intraepithelial eosinophils were demonstrated in posttherapy esophageal biopsy specimens in 28 children treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These patients were divided into three groups based on their response to treatment and the results of esophageal pH probe monitoring. Eleven patients (Group A) had incomplete clinical response and normal pH probe monitoring results. Ten patients (Group B) had incomplete response but did not have pH probe monitoring. These two groups formed the index population. Seven patients (Group C) had clinical improvement with GERD therapy and abnormal pH probe monitoring characteristic of GERD; they constituted the control population. Clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features were evaluated to detect differences between index and control populations. Dysphagia, food impaction, failure to thrive, peripheral eosinophilia, and abnormal allergen skin test results were detected only in Group A and B patients. Biopsy specimens of the distal 9 cm of the esophagus, after GERD therapy, contained larger numbers of eosinophils in Groups A and B than in Group C as shown on high-power fields (HPF) (A: 31/HPF +/- 19.5; B: 28/HPF +/-23.7; versus C: 5/HPF +/-6.7; p = 0.009). Eosinophil aggregates were identified only in Groups A and B (p = 0.07). Eosinophils located preferentially in the superficial layers of the squamous epithelium were noted only in Groups A and B (p = 0.02). Group A and B patients demonstrated clinical improvement when given antiallergic therapy. The authors identified a group of pediatric patients characterized by an allergic history, lack of adequate response to GERD therapy, normal esophageal pH probe monitoring results, and large numbers of eosinophils in esophageal biopsy specimens obtained after GERD treatment. On the basis of these features, the authors propose that these patients represent examples of allergic esophagitis.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Gastroesophageal reflux disease versus Helicobacter pylori infection as the cause of gastric carditis.

To explore the potential contributions of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as opposed to Helicobacter pylori infection, to the development of gastric carditis, we evaluated gastric carditis (using the criteria of the updated Sydney system for the classification of gastritis), clinical and morphologic features of esophagitis, and H. pylori infection (evaluation of Steiner stains) in biopsy specimens from the gastroesophageal squamocolumnar junction. We correlated clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features in an unselected group of 116 patients. Some degree of carditis was found in 107 (92%) of the patients. The mean age of the patients increased with increasing severity of carditis (P < .05). The various groups of patients with different degrees of carditis did not differ significantly in sex ratio, ethnic background, presence of obesity, percentage having symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (such as heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, or odynophagia), endoscopic evidence of esophagitis and columnar epithelium in the distal esophagus, or histologic evidence of active esophagitis. The presence, however, of active gastritis and H. pylori infection in the distal stomach and/or in the cardia was significantly associated with carditis. In patients without carditis, H. pylori was not detected in any cardiac or distal gastric biopsy specimen. In contrast, H. pylori was demonstrated in gastric tissue samples (either from the cardia or distally) of patients with carditis, with the prevalence rate increasing with greater degrees of cardiac inflammation. The H. pylori prevalence rate was 12% in the group with mild carditis, 40% in those with moderate carditis, and 57% in patients with marked carditis (P = .0001). In summary, carditis is commonly found in patients with symptoms related to upper gastrointestinal diseases. From analysis of our study cohort, we concluded that carditis was significantly associated with H. pylori infection and active gastritis but not with symptoms or signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease. These findings suggest that carditis with histologic features similar to those of gastritis in the distal stomach was a sequel of H. pylori infection and represented a part of an H. pylori--associated gastric inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Value of cytology in detecting intestinal metaplasia and associated dysplasia at the gastroesophageal junction.

Tissue sampling is essential for detecting intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus (Barrett's esophagus), because symptoms and endoscopy are not reliable in making this diagnosis. The utility of cytology in this process is unknown. All adult patients having elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy over a 6-month period were invited to participate in a prospective study whose aim was to determine the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus in an adult population with diverse upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinical data and endoscopic findings were recorded. Brush cytology and biopsy specimens were obtained from both sides of the apparent squamocolumnar junction. The cytology specimens were processed routinely, stained with the Papanicolaou technique, and reviewed blinded to the clinical information and the histological findings in the corresponding biopsy specimens. One hundred fifty-five patients (81 women, 74 men; 137 whites, 11 blacks, 7 others; mean age, 52 years) were included. Glandular epithelium/cells were present on both histology and cytology in 147 specimens. Thirty-two patients (22%) showed intestinal metaplasia on histology. Of the cytology specimens from these 32 patients, 6 contained definite goblet cells (19%), 7 probable goblet cells, and 19 no goblet cells. Goblet cells and probable goblet cells were observed on cytology in 7 and 11 additional specimens, respectively. One was from a patient known to have intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus. Follow-up endoscopy with biopsy was performed in two of these latter 18 patients and did not show intestinal metaplasia. One case of high-grade dysplasia, two of low-grade dysplasia, and three indefinite for dysplasia were diagnosed on histology. All three cases of dysplasia were also identified on cytology. The three indefinite cases on histology were considered reactive in two and unremarkable in one on cytology. Low-grade dysplasia was diagnosed on cytology alone on two cases. Follow-up endoscopy with biopsy was performed in one patient, and low-grade dysplasia was found. Cytology using the Papanicolaou stain is not as sensitive and specific as histology for detecting intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus. However, it may be at least as useful as tissue sampling in detecting dysplasia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Morphology of Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's-associated dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

This article has reviewed the morphologic features of BE and its complications of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in routinely processed endoscopic biopsy and resection specimens. In addition, the problems related to the diagnosis of dysplasia in tissue samples have been analyzed, and the role of esophageal brush cytology in the diagnosis of these lesions has been reviewed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Distribution of cytokeratin markers in Barrett's specialized columnar epithelium.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The cell of origin for Barrett's epithelium is unknown. A multilayered epithelium within Barrett's epithelium has been noted recently. To investigate the hypothesis that this multilayered epithelium may be a transitional stage between squamous and Barrett's epithelium, cytokeratin immunocytochemistry was used to examine normal squamous, Barrett's, and multilayered epithelium. METHODS: Seventeen endoscopic biopsy specimens taken from the squamo-Barrett's junction of 8 patients with Barrett's epithelium and 3 biopsy specimens from the gastroesophageal junction of 3 patients without Barrett's epithelium were investigated. Antibodies to cytokeratins 4 and 13 were used as markers for squamous differentiation, and antibodies to cytokeratins 8 and 19 were used as markers for glandular differentiation. Coded samples were evaluated by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In patients with Barrett's epithelium and control patients, staining with columnar markers was confined to either the Barrett's or the gastric columnar epithelium. Staining with squamous markers was confined to the adjacent squamous epithelium. In contrast, focal areas of multilayered epithelium amidst Barrett's epithelium stained with cytokeratin antibodies for both squamous and columnar epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: A focal multilayered epithelium within Barrett's epithelium that expresses concurrently both squamous and glandular cytokeratin markers is described. These findings suggest a multipotential cell as the cell of origin of Barrett's epithelium.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Morphological characterization of the squamocolumnar junction of the esophagus in patients with and without Barrett's epithelium.

Barrett's esophagus is a metaplastic condition in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium. Our group has previously characterized a unique surface cell (the "distinctive cell") at the junction of squamous and Barrett's epithelium. This cell is notable for the simultaneous presence on its surface of both squamous and columnar cell features. The aims of our present study were, first, to evaluate prospectively the frequency with which Barrett's patients have the distinctive cell at the squamo-Barrett's junction; second, to further elucidate the characteristics of the distinctive cell; and third, to perform a combined morphological study of the squamo-Barrett's junction using scanning electron microscopy followed by transmission and light microscopy. We divided study patients into two groups: Group I consisted of Barrett's patients and group II of non-Barrett's control patients. Of eight group I Barrett's patients with junctional biopsies, three were noted to have the distinctive cell (37.5%). In contrast, this cell was not observed in any of the group II control patients. Biopsies in control patients as well as Barrett's patients without the distinctive cell revealed abrupt squamogastric or squamo-Barrett's junctions by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. In contrast, biopsies from the Barrett's patients with the distinctive cell revealed junctions that were not abrupt and had the distinctive cells overlying normal squamous epithelium. By scanning electron microscopy, the distinctive cells were flattened, polygonal cells with surface microvilli (a columnar cell feature) and were demarcated from one another by shallow depressions, or by intercellular ridges (a squamous cell feature). By transmission electron microscopy, the distinctive cells were cuboidal in shape with abundant apical microvilli and secretory vesicles. We have confirmed that distinctive cells are present in some Barrett's patients. This cell is a morphologic hybrid, sharing features of both squamous and columnar cells, and may be analogous to hybrid cells identified in other locations that undergo metaplasia (eg, the human cervix). Its origin may be the result of transformation of multipotential basal cells of squamous epithelial origin. We hypothesize that the distinctive cells may represent an intermediate stage in the development of Barrett's epithelium.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence and significance of pancreatic acinar metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction.

Pancreatic acinar metaplasia (PAM), defined as nodules of glandular tissue forming acini composed of cells with coarse apical eosinophilic granules, with or without mucous cells, was recently recognized in gastric mucosa, but its significance is not known. As part of a study on intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), we evaluated the prevalence and clinical and histologic correlates of PAM in biopsy specimens from the gastroesophageal squamocolumnar junction. All adult patients having elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy over a 6-month period were invited to participate. Clinical data and endoscopic findings were recorded. Biopsy specimens, obtained from both sides of the apparent squamocolumnar junction, were processed routinely and reviewed (without knowledge of the clinical data) to evaluate types of epithelium, types and degree of inflammation, and the presence of PAM. The presence or absence of PAM was then correlated with the other histologic findings and with the clinical and endoscopic data. The study comprised 155 patients (79 women, 76 men; 139 white patients, nine black patients, and seven patients of other ethnic groups). Their mean age was 52 years (range: 18-89 years). PAM was present in 37 patients (24%). PAM was not associated with any of the reported symptoms, endoscopic evidence of esophagitis or columnar epithelium in the distal esophagus, or any of the histologic features evaluated, including active esophagitis, intestinal metaplasia at the GEJ, active and chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia in the stomach, and Helicobacter infection. Although PAM is present in a considerable proportion (24%) of patients with mucosal biopsy specimens from the squamocolumnar junction, it appears to be an incidental finding unrelated to clinical or histologic abnormalities. We therefore suggest a congenital, rather than an acquired, origin for this entity.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Scanning electron microscopy of the human esophagus: application to Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous lesion.

In Barrett's esophagus, metaplastic columnar epithelium replaces the normal squamous epithelium. The importance of this lesion lies in the increased incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus occurring in patients with Barrett's esophagus. We characterized the surface epithelial cells of Barrett's esophagus using quantitative scanning electron microscopy. Three distinct surface cell types, in addition to the globlet cell, were recognized in Barrett's epithelium: the gastric-like cell and the intestinal-like cell, both of which were similar to normal gastric and small intestinal surface cells, respectively, by quantitative scanning electron microscopy, and the variant cell which had a range of surface features. In four biopsy specimens from the squamo-Barrett's junction in three patients, we found the distinctive cell that had features intermediate between those of squamous and columnar epithelium. On the distinctive cell's surface there are two disparate structures not normally present on the same cell in the gastrointestinal tract: microvilli (a scanning electron microscopy feature of glandular epithelium) and intercellular ridges (a scanning electron microscopy feature of squamous epithelium). The surface characteristics of this cell were almost identical to those of cells found in the transformation zone of the uterine cervix, an area in which squamous epithelium physiologically replaces columnar epithelium. Scanning electron microscopy of Barrett's esophagus has increased our understanding of this precancerous lesion by showing striking cellular heterogeneity. It has also identified the distinctive cell which may represent an intermediate step in the development of Barrett's epithelium during which the surface characteristics of two different cell types, columnar and squamous, coexist in the same cell.

Barrett Esophagus↗
PubMed1995

Prevalence and nonspecificity of microvesicular fatty change in the liver.

Hepatic microvesicular fat (MVF) has been associated with clinical syndromes of liver failure (such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy and Reye's syndrome). We performed this pilot study to investigate the specificity and potential risk factors of MVF. Sections of the liver from 17 adult autopsies were snap-frozen, and Oil Red O (ORO)-stained sections were obtained. The presence of MVF in the ORO stains was analyzed in a semiquantitative manner: 3+ = > 90% liver parenchyma with MVF; 2+ = 25-90%; 1+ = 1-24%. H&E-stained liver sections were reviewed independently to determine the presence and extent of inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis. Autopsy reports were reviewed for the gross findings; medical records were reviewed for demographic data, medical history, and, in particular, medication usage. The study consisted of 10 males and 7 females (15 white, 2 black), with a median age of 76 years (range: 50-88). MVF was identified in 16 patients (94%); it was infrequent (1+, 2+) in the majority, but 4 patients (24%) had 3+ MVF. MVF was not associated with the age or sex of the patients, liver weight, postmortem interval to examination, or other histologic features in the liver. None of the patients, including those with 3+ MVF, had a history of liver disease. All 4 patients with extensive MVF were using salicylates, as opposed to 2 of 5 with 2+ MVF and 1 of 8 with 0 to 1+ MVF (P = 0.015). In this autopsy study, the prevalence of MVF was high, with 24% of patients having extensive MVF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Prevalence of metaplasia at the gastro-oesophageal junction.

Specialised columnar epithelium (SCE), a form of intestinal metaplasia usually found in Barrett's oesophagus, cannot be distinguished endoscopically from normal gastric epithelium. Endoscopists seldom obtain biopsy specimens from a normal-appearing gastro-oesophageal junction, and therefore short segments of SCE in this region may go unrecognised. We studied patients who had short segments of SCE at the gastro-oesophageal junction. All patients scheduled for elective endoscopic examinations in our general endoscopy unit, irrespective of indication, were questioned for symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. At endoscopy, severity of oesophagitis was graded, and biopsy specimens obtained from the squamocolumnar junction, irrespective of its appearance or location in the oesophagus. Among 142 patients without endoscopically apparent Barrett's oesophagus, 26 (18%) were found to have SCE. All patients with SCE were white, and the male/female ratio was 1.9. In contrast, non-whites accounted for 14% of the 114 patients without SCE and the male/female ratio was 0.8. The groups did not differ significantly in the frequency of symptoms and endoscopic signs of gastrooesophageal reflux. We conclude that adults frequently have unrecognised segments of SCE at the gastro-oesophageal junction; this may underlie the rising frequency of cancer of the gastrooesophageal junction in the USA and Europe.

Barrett Esophagus↗
PubMed1994

Rising incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma and use of pharmaceutical agents that relax the lower esophageal sphincter (United States).

Primary adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, previously considered a rare neoplasm, has shown a dramatic increase in its incidence rate among White men in the United States since 1970. The reason for this increase is unknown. Since the presence of Barrett's esophagus is essential for the development of most esophageal adenocarcinomas, the increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma may be related to an increasing prevalence of Barrett's esophagus, and its precursor, gastroesophageal reflux. An association between this increasing incidence and an increasing use of pharmaceutical agents that relax the lower esophageal sphincter is proposed. The data on the dollar amount and approximate quantity in milligrams purchased per capita through retail pharmacies and hospitals in the United States from 1957 to 1986 are presented for four categories of such agents. An upward trend is observed for all four categories.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Primary antral gastritis in young American children. Low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections.

Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered by many to be the major cause of primary antral gastritis (PAG), several important questions concerning its pathogenetic role remain unanswered. The most basic unresolved issue relates to the low prevalence of H. pylori in children in developed countries. If H. pylori is the cause of PAG, the prevalence of PAG should also be low, but previous studies have not provided data on this issue. To answer this question, we prospectively studied 408 children who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 1990, for symptoms consistent with peptic disease or immunocompromise. Although the prevalence of PAG was similar (about 20%) in the four age groups of patients studied (< 5, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-20 years), the prevalence of H. pylori infections was significantly greater in the oldest age group (67%, P < 0.0001). Only four of 39 children < 10 years old with PAG had evidence of H. pylori. H. pylori is an uncommon finding in our population of young American children with PAG, indicating that it does not play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disorder in this age group.

Adolescent↗