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Biomedical subjects

Eran Goldin

Publications and source records attributed to Eran Goldin.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Long-term results of "chemical sphincterotomy" for chronic anal fissure: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacologic anal sphincter relaxants promote fissure healing; however, their effect is transient and the risk of late recurrence remains uncertain. METHODS: From August 1997 to August 2002, patients with chronic anal fissure attending our outpatient clinic were treated with a protocol that included: topical isosorbide dinitrate, 2.5 mg, or nifedipine, 0.2 percent t.i.d., or the combination of both. Botulinum toxin 20 units was injected to the internal anal sphincter to those who failed. All the patients were contacted and interviewed during November to December 2002. RESULTS: Follow-up was a median of 47.43 +/- 13 (range, 4.7-60) months. A total of 455 patients completed the study; 323 patients (71 percent) healed at follow-up ending: 170 of the healed patients had one or more recurrences that responded to further treatment (37.4 percent), whereas 153 patients (33.6 percent) healed and had no recurrences. One hundred thirty-two patients (29 percent) did not heal and were referred to lateral sphincterotomy. Long intervals between symptoms appearance and treatment initiation decreased healing and increased recurrence rates (P = 0.03 and 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Topical treatment is effective for patients with chronic anal fissure, at short-term and long-term periods. Because for many patients it is not a definitive treatment, it can be offered to those who are ready to receive repeated treatments. Longer intervals between symptom appearance and treatment initiation negatively affects fissure healing and recurrence rate.

Adolescent↗

Leigh syndrome: anesthetic management in complicated endoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Leigh's syndrome, a disorder of infancy and childhood, is characterized by gray matter degeneration and focal brainstem necrosis. It presents with special clinical features such as developmental delay, nervous system dysfunction, respiratory abnormalities, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that can be a real challenge to the anesthesiologist. Anesthesia or sedation has rarely been reported in patients with Leigh disease. We report our experience in sedating five children with Leigh syndrome in seven procedures undertaken in the endoscopy suite (outside the operating room). METHODS: Five children with Leigh disease, three girls and two boys, have been referred to us for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion and or replacement (a total of seven procedures). The average age was 2.6 years with a range of 4 months to 6 years. Informed consent was obtained from the patient's parents or guardian. An anesthesia machine, scavenging system, O(2) source and routine monitoring were available. Sedation was accomplished with propofol intravenous (i.v.) (0.5-1 mg x kg(-1)) maintained with a propofol infusion (50-100 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The spontaneously breathing patients received oxygen through an oxygen facemask during the procedure and afterwards recovery was managed in the gastroenterology unit. RESULTS: All the children underwent the procedure without complications. One patient developed transient desaturation (SpO(2) 80%) for a few seconds. Body temperature, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, O(2) saturation and endtidal CO(2) were stable during the endoscopies. No special post-procedure management was required; the patients woke up at the end of the endoscopy and were able to drink and eat as usual. CONCLUSIONS: This rare mitochondrial disease presents unique management problems to the anesthesiologist when using general anesthesia. Our patients were managed appropriately before endoscopy and underwent the procedure under deep sedation. No complications occurred. We concluded that deep sedation in the endoscopy suite was safe in this small series of patients with this rare disease.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

A double-blind clinical trial for treatment of Crohn's disease by oral administration of Alequel, a mixture of autologous colon-extracted proteins: a patient-tailored approach.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a personalized mode of treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) by oral administration of Alequel an extract of autologous colonic proteins. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with moderate to severe CD were enrolled in a 27-wk randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive either a placebo or the study drug prepared from autologous colonic extract. RESULTS: Oral administration of autologous colonic proteins resulted in clinical remission (58% vs 29%; 46.6% vs 26.6%, using an intention to treat analysis, p= NS), clinical response (67% vs 43%; 53.3% vs 40%, using an intention to treat analysis, p= NS) and improved quality of life (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire score improvement 43%vs 12%) in the drug study group, compared to placebo group. No treatment-related adverse events were noted. Only in the study-drug-treated cohort who achieved clinical remission (DR), there was a decreased number of subject-specific, antigen-directed, IFNgamma spot-forming colonies. DR subjects had a lower initial C-reactive protein level than DNOR or placebo subjects, an increased percentage of peripheral blood nature killer T cells, and an increased CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio throughout the period of drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of Alequel is a safe method for treatment of patients with moderate to severe CD, and its efficacy needs to be proven. Several markers may be applicable as surrogate markers for the clinical effect.

Administration, Oral↗

Oral immune regulation using colitis extracted proteins for treatment of Crohn's disease: results of a phase I clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate safety and possible efficacy of induction of oral immune regulation using colitis extracted proteins (CEP) in Crohn's disease (CD) subjects. METHODS: Ten CDs were treated orally with autologous CEP thrice weekly for 16 wk. Subjects were monitored for CDAI and IBDQ. Immune modulatory effect was assessed by T-lymphocyte FACS analysis, CEP-specific IFNgamma ELISPOT assay and cytokine levels. RESULTS: Induction of oral immune regulation significantly ameliorated disease activity. All (10/10) subjects had clinical response (CDAI < or = 70) and 7/10 achieved clinical remission (CDAI < or = 150). Significant increase in mean IBDQ score was noted (134+/-9 vs 164+/-12). No treatment-related adverse events were noted. High levels of CEP-specific IFNgamma spot forming colonies were detected in five subjects prior to treatment and in all five, a marked decrease was observed. The CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio and peripheral NKT cell numbers increased significantly, in 7/10 and in 5/10 subjects, respectively. Significant increase in serum IL-10 and IL-4 levels was observed in 7/10 subjects during treatment period. CONCLUSION: Immune regulation via oral administration of CEP is a safe and possibly effective treatment for subjects with moderate CD and may provide means of antigen-specific immune modulation.

Administration, Oral↗

A prospective study assessing the efficacy of abdominal computed tomography scan without bowel preparation in diagnosing intestinal wall and luminal lesions in patients presenting to the emergency room with abdominal complaints.

AIM: To evaluate the positive predictive value of abdominal non-prepared computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing intestinal lumen or wall lesions in patients presenting to the emergency room (ER) with abdominal complaints. METHODS: For 1-year we prospectively evaluated all ER patients hospitalized after abdominal CT scan detected either intraluminal or intestinal wall lesions. These patients underwent colonoscopy serving as gold standard. Patients with prior abdominal pathology or CT findings of appendicitis or diverticulitis were excluded. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-eight abdominopelvic CT scans were performed in the ER, 96 had positive colonic findings. Sixty-two patients were excluded, 46 because of diverticulitis or appendicitis, 16 because of prior abdominal pathology. Of the remaining 34 patients, 14 did not undergo colonoscopy during hospitalization. Twenty eligible patients were included in the study. The positive predictive value of the CT scans performed in the ER was calculated to be 45% (95% CI 25-67). CONCLUSION: CT findings correlated with colonoscopic findings only in approximately half of the cases. Relying on non-prepared CT scan findings in planning patient management and colonoscopy may lead to unnecessary diagnostic work-ups.

Abdomen↗

Electromagnetic interference with implantable cardiac pacemakers by video capsule.

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by cellular phones and metal detectors, may interfere with normal pacemaker function. However, it remains unclear whether the wireless capsule endoscope interacts with implanted pacemakers. This prospective study evaluated potential interactions between the M2A video capsule (Given Imaging, Yoknam, Israel) and implanted pacemakers. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients (70 men, 30 women) with an implanted pacemaker (95 on bipolar mode) were studied. The testing was performed with a functional testing device (Test Cap) for the Given Diagnostic System that reproduces the effect of the video capsule by transmitting at exactly the same frequency. During continuous electrocardiographic monitoring and recording, 100 tests were carried out without changing the pacemaker settings. Those with a positive result were retested 1 week later. RESULTS: The 100 pacemakers evaluated in the study population included the following: 70 dual chamber (11 DDD, 56 DDDR, 3 VDD) and 30 ventricular inhibited (12 VVI, 18 VVIR). In 4 of the 100 patients, pacemaker interference (noise-mode function forcing a synchronous mode) was registered during the Test Cap operation. Three patients had a dual-chamber pacemaker, and one had a single-chamber pacemaker. The interference was reproducible in all cases 1 week later. None of the implanted pacemakers tested was affected by oversensing. CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic interferences with pacemakers from the M2A video capsule can occur, but this is without clinical significance. No potentially dangerous pacemaker inhibition was observed.

Adult↗

Prophylactic administration of topical glutamine enhances the capability of the rat colon to resist inflammatory damage.

Glutamine is an important nutrient for the GI tract and has been shown to exert a protective effect on the bowel. Nonetheless, in the context of IBD, data demonstrating a therapeutic role for glutamine has been inconclusive. IBD is associated with oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species. We aimed to investigate the effect of topical glutamine administration in rats before or after induction of colitis by trinitrobenzenosulfonic acid. In study I glutamine enemas were given beginning 2 days before or on the same day of induction of colitis. Inflammation severity was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic score and tissue myeloperoxidase activity. In study II glutamine enemas were given for 3 days without induction of colitis: mitotic index and colonic crypt length were measured, as well as water-soluble low molecular weight antioxidants and energy-rich phosphate levels (by HPLC). Results showed that glutamine significantly decreased indexes of inflammation when administered before induction of colitis. Glutamine caused an increase in the mitotic index and the levels of water-soluble low molecular weight antioxidants and energy-rich phosphates. We conclude that glutamine exerts a beneficial effect only when administered before induction of colitis, by increasing the resistance of the colonic tissue to inflammatory injury. This effect is probably mediated by increasing the antioxidant capacity and energy level of the tissue.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Prevention of fibrosis in experimental colitis by captopril: the role of tgf-beta1.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is a body of evidence to suggest that the local activation of angiotensin II (ANG II) plays a pivotal role in fibrogenic response involving the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver. In such conditions, fibrosis is mediated, at least partially, through ANG II induction of the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). Both ANG II and TGF-beta1 also seem to be involved in intestinal fibrosis and stenosis, particularly in Crohn's disease. The aim of the present study was, firstly, to determine the effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, on colonic fibrosis in experimental colitis in rats and, secondly, to check the role of TGF-beta1 on these effects. METHODS: Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of TNBS. Colonic fibrosis was assessed 21 days later by macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Levels of collagen alpha1 gene expression, hydroxyproline, angiotensin II and TGF-beta1 proteins, and TGF-beta1 mRNA were measured on the colonic tissue. RESULTS: In chronic colitis, captopril significantly reduced the score of macroscopic and histologic lesions, as well as the colonic tissue levels of collagen alpha1, hydroxyproline, ANG II and TGF-beta1 proteins, and TGF-beta1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate for the first time that the prophylactic administration of captopril is effective in preventing colonic fibrosis in TNBS-induced colitis. The antifibrotic action of captopril could be due to the blockade of TGFbeta-1 overexpression, and/or to a direct down-regulation of TGFbeta-1 transcript.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Natalizumab for active Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: In chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, the migration of leukocytes from the circulation into the parenchyma and their activation within inflammatory sites are mediated in part by alpha4 integrins. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the alpha4 integrin-specific humanized monoclonal antibody natalizumab in 248 patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: two infusions of placebo; one infusion of 3 mg of natalizumab per kilogram of body weight, followed by placebo; two infusions of 3 mg of natalizumab per kilogram; or two infusions of 6 mg of natalizumab per kilogram. Infusions were given four weeks apart. Outcomes included changes in scores for the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (higher scores indicate more severe disease), the health-related quality of life, and C-reactive protein levels. RESULTS: The group given two infusions of 6 mg of natalizumab per kilogram did not have a significantly higher rate of clinical remission (defined by a score of less than 150 on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index) than the placebo group at week 6 (the prospectively defined primary end point in the efficacy analysis). However, both groups that received two infusions of natalizumab had higher remission rates than the placebo group at multiple time points. Natalizumab also produced a significant improvement in response rates (defined by a reduction of at least 70 points in the score on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index). The highest remission rate was 44 percent and the highest response rate was 71 percent (at week 6 in the group given two infusions of 3 mg per kilogram). Overall, the two infusions of 6 mg of natalizumab per kilogram and of 3 mg per kilogram had similar effects. The quality of life improved in all natalizumab groups; C-reactive protein levels improved in groups receiving two infusions of natalizumab. The rates of adverse events were similar in all four groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with the selective adhesion-molecule inhibitor natalizumab increased the rates of clinical remission and response, improved the quality of life and C-reactive protein levels, and was well tolerated in patients with active Crohn's disease.

Adolescent↗

A novel 13C-urea breath test device for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection: continuous online measurements allow for faster test results with high accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of a novel laptop sized 13C-Urea breath test analyzer that continuously measures expired breath and to use its advantages to decrease testing time. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-six subjects (mean age of 47.8 years) were tested simultaneously by the BreathID system (Oridion, Israel), and by the traditional IRMS. BreathID continuously measured the expired breath for a ratio of 13CO(2):12CO(2.) This value was expressed as delta over baseline (DOB) and displayed graphically on a screen in real time. RESULTS: One hundred and one subjects were positive and 85 were negative for H. pylori by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The correlation for the BreathID system at 30 minutes was 100% for positive cases and 98% for negative cases. Analysis of the continuous curves generated by the BreathID for all patients permitted definition of different DOB thresholds for a positive or negative result at shorter time intervals. Thus, after 6 minutes a conclusive test result could be obtained for 64% of subjects, and after 10 minutes for 92% of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The 13C-Urea breath test utilizing the technology of molecular correlation spectrometry is an accurate method for determining infection by H. pylori. The advantage of continuous measurements can shorten testing time without compromising accuracy.

Adult↗

Familial dysautonomia: deep sedation and management in endoscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Familial dysautonomia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the central nervous system, causing GI dysfunction. Because of an improved prognosis, elective surgical procedures are more common and present a unique problem to the anesthesiologist. All patients reported in the literature underwent these interventions under general anesthesia in the operating theater. We report our preliminary experience with deep sedation in the endoscopy room in patients with this rare syndrome. METHODS: Four girls (7-16 yr old) underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. Preprocedure management consisted of adequate hydration and anxiolysis. Intraprocedure management consisted of stabilization of an erratic autonomic nervous system. Midazolam (0.1-0.2 mg/ kg) was administered i.v. before the procedure. Deep sedation was accomplished with propofol i.v. (0.5-1 mg/kg) and maintained with a propofol drip (50-100 microg/kg/min). Recovery was managed in the gastroenterology unit of our facility. RESULTS: Body temperature, ventilation, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO2 were stable during the endoscopies. The patients regained consciousness at the end of the endoscopy and were able to drink or to eat as normal. Pain that could precipitate a crisis was present in two patients and was successfully treated with a simple analgesic. No other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: This rare genetic disorder presents unique management problems to the anesthesiologist, resulting in morbidity and mortality when general anesthesia is used. Our patients received appropriate management before endoscopy, and we performed the procedure under deep sedation. No complications occurred. We are thus confident that deep sedation in the endoscopy suite is safe in this rare syndrome.

Adolescent↗