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Biomedical subjects

J B Dilawari

Publications and source records attributed to J B Dilawari.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: an experience from India.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is considered to be rare in India. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence, clinical profile and outcome of PSC seen in a tertiary care centre. Over a period of 10 years (July, 1984-June, 1994) 18 patients of PSC were diagnosed at cholangiography (14 patients by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, two patients by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and two patients by both methods). The presence of secondary causes, such as choledocholithiasis, biliary tract surgery, congenital biliary tract anomalies, cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic diseases, were excluded. These patients were evaluated retrospectively with respect to their clinical presentation, radiological findings, presence of associated idiopathic ulcerative colitis (IUC), treatment instituted and outcome. The mean (+/- s.d.) age at diagnosis of PSC was 39.0 (+/- 16.1) years with a male:female ratio of 1.57:1. Nine (50%) patients had associated IUC. The diagnosis of the IUC preceded that of PSC in all but one case. Fifteen (83.3%) patients had cholestatic jaundice at presentation, while three (16.7%) patients had asymptomatic rise of alkaline phosphatase. Three (16.7%) patients had recurrent cholangitis and five (27.8%) patients developed portal hypertension during the course of the disease. At cholangiography, intrahepatic radicles were involved in all and extrahepatic radicles in 12 (66.6%) cases. Patients were managed with steroids (n = 7), colchicine (n = 3), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA; n = 2) and methotrexate (n = 1), along with symptomatic measures. Mean duration of follow up available in 11 (61%) patients was 20.1 months (range: 1 month-8 years). Four (36.4%) patients died. Steroids and colchicine did not have any effect while the one patient on UDCA and one on methotrexate showed improvement. In conclusion, in India PSC does not seem to be a rare entity. Its clinical profile and outcome are somewhat similar to those seen in Western countries.

Adult

Atypical strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from north India.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection was detected during an epidemic in North India. Virus particles present in the stool of an acutely ill patient (YAM-67) was transmitted intravenously into rhesus monkeys (M. mulata) and orally to a human volunteer. Virus-like particles (VLPs) of 32-34 nm were detected in the bile of monkeys and in the stools of the human volunteer by means of solid phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM) with acute homologous and heterologous sera. The VLPs were confirmed to be HEV by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Virus-like particles from human volunteer stools were passaged further into rhesus monkeys. A bimodal rise in aminotransferase levels were observed in the animals, and liver histopathology indicated mild to severe form of hepatitis. Further, SPIEM and RT-PCR analysis in monkey bile revealed presence of virus from 15 to 45 days post-inoculation. Rechallenge of the animals 6 months after recovery with the same viral inoculum failed to produce abnormal liver function tests indicating the presence of protective immunity during this period. The VLPs in the stool from the patient (YAM-67) with epidemic hepatitis were found to retain infectivity even after several cycles of freeze-thawing and exposure at 37 degrees C for 2 days. Moreover, these VLPs from the patient, human volunteer, and monkeys did not react with an anti-HEV chimpanzee serum from NIH, Bethesda, MD. These findings indicate that this North India isolate of HEV is an atypical strain of HEV. The present study further validates that the rhesus monkey is a suitable experimental model for HEV.

Animals

Hepatic outflow obstruction (Budd-Chiari syndrome). Experience with 177 patients and a review of the literature.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) may not be as uncommon as was once believed. Our study has substantiated the existence of 2 major clinical forms. The acute syndrome is invariably associated with extensive blockage of the major hepatic veins, resulting in congestive liver cell necrosis. In a small, but significant, number of patients the inferior vena cava (IVC) is also occluded. The important etiologic factors are related to hypercoagulability of blood. Immediate placement of a shunt improves survival. The chronic syndrome is characterized by portal hypertension and is associated with a variable abnormal vascular anatomy. The causes of the chronic syndrome are not clear, but a substantial number of cases are related to the presence of an IVC membrane. Shunt surgery is effective but procedures aimed at the primary pathology are likely to be even more so. The natural history of BCS should be viewed over a long period of time. The very long survival of several patients urges a more cautious approach to surgical remedies. Budd-Chiari syndrome probably represents a spectrum of disease caused primarily by a hypercoagulable state and having a varied presentation depending on the balance between rate of formation and the extent of the thrombosis and the body's own rate of thrombolysis and recanalization. The extent and efficacy of the individual's collateral circulation and the rate of development of liver fibrosis are other determinants. It is thus possible to view BCS as a continuum of a single pathogenetic spectrum. Pregnancy-related BCS in India probably has strong social determinants, and is usually acute and fulminant. We have, however, documented a chronic form not described earlier. Children usually do not have acute BCS, but chronic BCS in children and adolescents is similar to that in adults. Membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (MOVC) is common and was found even at a young age. The association of MOVC with hepatocellular carcinoma, however, did not appear to be as clear as was previously believed. There has been a wide geographical variability in the causes and manifestations of BCS. Our study has clearly shown that--Kipling's categorical statement to the contrary--East and West do meet in India, in the Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Acute Disease

Gallbladder varices in portal vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a prospective study to determine the frequency that gallbladder varices are seen on duplex sonograms of patients with portal vein thrombosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Findings of gallbladder wall varices were sought on duplex Doppler sonograms of 74 patients with portal vein thrombosis. The diagnosis of portal vein obstruction was made on the basis of sonographic or splenoportographic findings. RESULTS: Sonography showed gallbladder varices in 22 (30%) of 74 patients. Varices were defined as anechoic, serpentine areas in the wall of the gallbladder showing venous flow on Doppler imaging. However, no gallbladder varices were detected in six patients who had patent surgical splenorenal shunts. Gallbladder varices did not correlate with the site and extent of portal vein thrombosis, the presence of a spontaneous (natural) splenorenal shunt, or endoscopic obliteration of varices. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder varices are common in patients with portal thrombosis. Awareness of gallbladder varices should increase the surgeon's caution during biliary tract surgery in patients with portal hypertension.

Adolescent

Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage in acute suppurative cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute suppurative cholangitis is associated with significant mortality. It is best managed by drainage of the biliary tree, endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical. AIMS: To study the effect of emergency endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) in acute suppurative calculous cholangitis. METHODS: In 37 patients with calculous cholangitis, an endoscopic nasobiliary drain (7 F) was placed in the biliary tree above the site of obstruction to ensure continuous biliary drainage. RESULTS: Success rate was 100% and there was no mortality. ENBD was performed in 4 very sick patients without the aid of fluoroscopy. Cholangitis improved in 36 of 37 patients within 12-24 hours. When the clinical condition improved, all the 36 patients were taken up for elective biliary surgery or endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency endoscopic nasobiliary drainage is an effective method in managing patients with acute suppurative calculous cholangitis.

Acute Disease

Hepatitis E virus: epidemiological, clinical and serological studies of north Indian epidemic.

BACKGROUND: A large waterborne epidemic of viral hepatitis occurred in the city of Karnal (Haryana) from February to April 1987. An attempt was made to study the epidemic clinically, serologically and etiologically. METHODS: A house-to-house search of the city was conducted for the detection of acute hepatitis cases. Patients willing to give blood samples for liver function tests were studied. RESULTS: A total of 1273 persons (0.79% of persons surveyed) were affected by viral hepatitis. Of the 477 clinically and biochemically documented cases, more than 75% were adults, while only 11% were less than 10 years old. Children below 15 years of age and females had a significantly higher incidence of anicteric hepatitis. Serological markers for acute hepatitis A and B viruses were absent in 85% of patients. Antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) were detected in 84% of acute phase sera studied by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Liver biopsy showed characteristic features of cholangitic hepatitis. Three of 19 pregnant females who developed hepatitis died. No residual clinical or biochemical abnormality was detected in any of the patients followed up for 8 months. This epidemic correlated with the timing of unsupervised digging of lanes to provide new tap water connections to houses in the congested area of the city. This resulted in damage to the sewerage system and leakages which contaminated drinking water supply. CONCLUSION: HEV was transmitted by contaminated drinking water in this epidemic. Most affected individuals were adults, and recovered without sequelae. Affected pregnant women had a worse outcome.

Adolescent

Hepatitis E virus transmission to a volunteer.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis. The disease occurs in epidemic settings and sporadically, and viral transmission is thought to be faecal-oral. We present here a single volunteer study of HEV transmission followed by disease. Clinical and biochemical features of the infection correlated with HEV detection in the stools and sera by reverse transcription/polymerase chain amplification. IgG antibody has persisted for 2 years. The presence of HEV in serum before clinical signs appeared suggests that in endemic areas sporadic transmission of HEV may also occur parenterally.

Feces

Side-to-side lienorenal shunt without splenectomy in noncirrhotic portal hypertension in children.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension is a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, and adolescents in India. More than one major bleeding episode, severe hypersplenism, presence of fundal varices, rare blood group, remoteness from the hospital, and patient noncompliance to sclerotherapy formed the main indications for shunt surgery. One hundred four cases of noncirrhotic portal hypertension (age range, 18 months to 20 years) underwent side-to-side lienorenal shunt (SSLR) without splenectomy in a period of 15 years. Splenic veins varying in diameter from 4 to 18 mm and in length from 3 to 4 cm were skeletonized through the root of transverse mesocolon and a shunt of at least 1.5 cm in diameter was constructed. At a mean follow-up of 54 months, 87% of shunts were patent, 13% of shunts were blocked, and 2% were inadequate. Ten percent of the children had rebled, all of whom had a blocked shunt. Growth and development was normal and no patients developed encephalopathy. There was a good correlation between shunt patency on splenoportography and endoscopic disappearance of varices, reduction in the size of spleen and splenic pulp pressure, and improvement of hypersplenism.

Adolescent

Polymyositis associated with ulcerative colitis.

An elderly woman with chronic ulcerative colitis who developed proximal muscle weakness, increased serum creatine phosphokinase activity, and histological and electromyographic abnormalities characteristic of polymyositis is described. Treatment with corticosteroids and 5-acetylsalicylic acid was followed by a remission in bowel symptoms, improvement in muscle power, and reversal of electromyographic changes. An autoimmune link between the two disorders seems likely.

Aged

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from gastrointestinal tract.

Forty-two children with ingestion of foreign bodies (FB) were managed conservatively. Thirty one (74%) of them were under 5 years of age. At presentation history revealed accidental ingestion in 95% and of being put in the oral cavity by elder sibs in 5% patients. Fifty seven per cent had respiratory distress, 38% had dysphagia and 12% had hematemesis. Foreign bodies were located in the gastrointestinal tract in the stomach (40%), esophagus (26%), small intestine (19%), duodenum (12%) and rectum (2%). A large majority of the FB were constituted by household objects. All the FB above the duodenojejunal junction and one in the rectum were retrieved successfully with fiberoptic endoscopes. In 19% patients, the FB had crossed duodenojejunal junction, and had come out in the stools during 4-5 days observation and these were mostly round in shape. Endoscopic procedures were carried out under intravenous diazepam or ketamine sedation. On endoscopic examination, 21% of them showed erosions in stomach and/or esophagus. No complications of endoscopic procedure or sedation were observed and none of the patients required surgical removal. Removal of FB with flexible fiberoptic endoscopes is less invasive and the best therapeutic option to avoid preventable complications of FB ingestion. In this procedure there is need of a trained and skilled Pediatric endoscopist with lot of patience and a good team work.

Child

Common aetiological agent for epidemic and sporadic non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Enterovirus-like particles have been reported in the acute phase of both epidemic and sporadic non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis. To examine whether these particles were the causative agent in the two types of disease, 29 patients with acute viral hepatitis in a north Indian epidemic outbreak and 9 with sporadic acute disease were investigated. 25 (86%) of 29 patients with epidemic hepatitis and 5 (56%) of 9 with sporadic disease were diagnosed as having enterically-transmitted-NANB hepatitis by exclusion. Virus-like particles (VLP) of 30-34 nm were detected in stool of 1 patient with epidemic and 1 with sporadic hepatitis. The VLPs crossreacted serologically and a specific IgM response was seen in acute epidemic and sporadic serum samples. After inoculation with infected stool rhesus monkeys had a mild rise in liver enzymes, and bile samples contained VLPs. These results suggest that the aetiological agent in epidemic and sporadic disease is the same.

Animals

Intracellular cAMP determines the extent of degradation and not the synthesis of collagen by rat hepatocytes.

Intracellular collagen degradation in normal rat hepatocytes was exponentially stimulated by db-cAMP (10-100 microM). The effect was manifested as a decrease (p less than 0.01) in net collagen production. The extent of degradation directly co-related with the intracellular cAMP levels, only up to a threshold concentration (16.2 +/- 1.3 p moles/10(6) cells) elicited by 100 microM of db-cAMP. Higher concentrations induced no further increment. Forskolin adenylate cyclase activator (10-50 microM), produced similar effects demonstrating cAMP dependence of the phenomenon. Both db-cAMP as well as Forskolin stimulated collagen degradation (p less than 0.05) in hepatocytes from rats administered CCL4. However, the extent of stimulation was significantly (p less than 0.01) less compared to that observed in normal hepatocytes. Our data demonstrates that elevated cAMP levels regulate net collagen content by signalling intracellular collagen degradation and not synthesis.

Animals

Pseudosclerosing cholangitis in extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.

Biliary changes secondary to portal hypertension have rarely been described in published reports. Twenty consecutive patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction, all of whom showed a variable degree of abnormalities in the biliary tract suggestive of sclerosing cholangitis, are described. These biliary abnormalities were: focal narrowing, dilatations, and cholangitic changes affecting the main bile ducts and hepatic ducts. The left hepatic duct and its branches were affected in all patients. Only one patient had clinical or biochemical evidence of cholestasis. The mechanism of these abnormalities in the biliary tract of these patients is perhaps the development of portal collaterals.

Adolescent