Biomedical subjects
J Vilaseca
Publications and source records attributed to J Vilaseca.
Selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 ameliorates chronic colitis and prevents intestinal fibrosis.
The phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors may be an important target in the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory effect of PDE4 inhibitors bears similarities with that of steroids, without interfering with the hypophysary-adrenal-axis. We compared the effect of rolipram, a selective PDE4 inhibitor, with steroids on the clinical course of experimental colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Three groups of rats (n = 20) received TNBS. One group received methylprednisolone from day 7, another group received rolipram from the same day, and control group received no further treatment. On days 14 and 21 after TNBS instillation, sets of 10 rats underwent colonic dialysis to measure eicosanoid release. Colonic lesions were blindly scored, and colons were homogenized for quantification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content. Concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in colonic tissue was also measured. Both treatments reduced significantly the eicosanoid release and MPO activity. On day 14, both rolipram and methylprednisolone significantly reduced TNF-alpha content, but TGF-beta1 was only inhibited by rolipram. On day 21, lesion scores and collagen content were significantly reduced only in rolipram-treated group. In conclusion, PDE4 inhibition by rolipram markedly ameliorates the course of chronic colitis and it is superior to methylprednisolone in preventing late collagen deposition.
[Lipid control in secondary prevention: multicenter observational study in primary care].
OBJECTIVE: To assess the implementation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment in coronary patients followed in primary care. DESIGN: Observational prospective study of 6 months of follow-up. SETTING: Primary care centers all over Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women, between 18 and 75 years old, diagnosed in the last 3 years of myocardial infarction, stable angina, and unstable angina, with cholesterol levels higher than the lipid therapeutical goal recommended by the Guía de Prevención Cardiovascular del Programa de Actividades y de Promoción de la Salud de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria. Patients were recruited between february of 1998 and july of 1999, and were followed for 6 months. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, weight, height, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). RESULTS: 4464 patients were included, mean age of 59 years (range, 20-96), 60% men. At 6 months, 66% of the patients had a cholesterol level higher than 200 mg/dL, 55% had LDL-C higher than 130 mg/dL, and 11% had triglycerides higher than 190 mg/dL. At 6 months a reduction of 70 mg/dL of total cholesterol, of 52 mg/dL of triglycerides, and of 51 mg/dL of LDL-C, and an increase of 4 mg/dL of HDL-Cholesterol was observed. Also, SBP and DBP were reduced 5 mm Hg and 3 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Although a clear improved was observed in the control of lipids and other risk factors, there is still a considerable potential to raise standards in secondary prevention of coronary patients followed in primary care concerning control of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly total cholesterol and lipid fractions.
[Therapeutic guide to primary care based on the evidence, 2nd edition: an honest and practical work].
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Response of first attack of inflammatory bowel disease requiring hospital admission to steroid therapy.
INTRODUCTION: Corticoid administration is the usual treatment of Crohńs disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) attacks. However, information available on response rates and their predictive factors is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To establish response to steroidal treatment in an homogeneous group of patients with CD or UC during their first admission to hospital. METHODS: Restrospective analysis of 86 patients who received systemic steroidal treatment for a severe flare-up during their first hospital admission between 1995 and 2000. Patients were treated per protocol with fluid therapy, absolute diet, IV 6-methyl-prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day, and enoxaparin at prophylactic doses. Clinical response at 30 days was considered good in case of complete remission, and poor in case of partial or absent remission. Univariate and multivariate analyses according to non-parametric statistics were performed for sociodemographic and biologic variables. RESULTS: 45 patients with CD and 41 with UC were included. Good response rates were 64.4% for CD and 60.9% for UC. The univariate analysis showed that patients with good response have shorter evolution times and fewer previous flare-ups (p < 0.05) regarding CD. However, the multivariate analysis showed that none of the analyzed variables had predictive value. CONCLUSION: The response rate of severe inflammatory bowel disease attacks to corticoids is around 60% in CD and UC. Data resulting from the current study cannot predict which patients will ultimately respond to therapy.
[Congenital absence of the inferior vena cava as a risk factor for pulmonar thromboembolism].
The absence of the inferior vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly. Currently its diagnosis is based on non-invasive imaging techniques (computerised axial tomagraphy and nuclear magnetic resonance). In most cases, it constitutes a casual finding upon practising these image tests unrelated to this congenital anomaly. In the symptomatic patients, the complaints associated are secondary to venous insufficiency and/or deep vein thrombosis. Recently the congenital absence of inferior vena cava has been described as a risk factor of deep vein thrombosis in young patients. We present a case of congenital absence of inferior vena cava that was admitted in our hospital because of pulmonary thromboembolism.
[Coronary spasm during anesthesia induction].
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Role of microecology in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic conditions of unknown etiology. Current therapy mitigates the severity of acute bouts of mucosal inflammation but an eradication therapy is lacking. Growing incidence of IBD is associated with social development. Epidemiology suggests a relationship between the establishment of the individual gut flora and the risk of developing IBD. Patients show an impaired tolerance towards commensal bacteria of the resident flora. Unrestrained activation of the intestinal immune system against some commensal bacteria appears to be responsible for the characteristic relapsing course of these diseases. Wide-spectrum antibiotic therapy reduces bacterial load and mitigates intestinal inflammation in human IBD and in animal models. Current research aims at the identification of probiotics for bacterial antagonism therapies. Probiotics are living microorganisms which upon ingestion in certain numbers exert health benefits beyond inherent basic nutrition. Colonization with a Lactobacillus reuteri strain can prevent the development of colitis in genetically susceptible mice. Other studies have used a bacterium genetically engineered to secrete the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 and demonstrated a therapeutic effect in animal models of colitis. Moreover, some probiotics may naturally exhibit antiinflammatory properties when interacting with the human gut mucosa. Prebiotics such as inulin have also been shown to prevent colonic inflammation in animal models. Preliminary clinical trials with probiotics in IBD are encouraging. Probiotics offer a valuable tool for the prevention and control of inflammatory bowel diseases.
[Recurrent episodes of acidosis with encephalopathy in a hemodialysis program patient with short bowel syndrome].
We present a case of a patient with short bowel syndrome in a hemodialysis program, with recurrent episodes of serious acidosis. The presence of a D-lactic acidosis peak secondary to bacterial overgrowth in the intestine was discovered during an acute episode of acidosis, with neurological affection. The detection of acidosis in predialysis measurements and the acute episodes of acidosis, made it necessary to administer bicarbonate to the patient and give him additional hemodialysis sessions.
Giant cell arteritis presenting as transient vertebrobasilar ischemic attacks.
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[Autoimmune cholangitis with good response to corticoids].
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Therapeutic effect of phenantroline in two rat models of inflammatory bowel disease.
BACKGROUND: Phenantroline is a zinc-chelator that inhibits biological activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Over-expression of MMPs can accelerate tissue destruction and disrupt subsequent tissue repair. The effects of phenantroline in two rat models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are evaluated: transmural colitis induced by trinitrobenzensulphonic acid (TNBS) and distal colitis caused by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). METHODS: Transmural colitis was induced by TNBS in two groups of 15 rats each, and distal colitis was induced by DSS in two other groups of 15 rats each. Phenantroline was administered by oral gavage at 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) to the test groups, whereas matched control groups received oral vehicle. On the last day of dosing, rats were subjected to intracolonic dialysis under anaesthesia for assessment of luminal eicosanoid release (PGE2, TXB2 and LTB4) and euthanized. Colons were removed and lesions were blindly scored according to macroscopic and histological scales. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured in homogenates of colonic tissue. RESULTS: In the TNBS model, phenantroline treatment significantly reduced colonic strictures; in the DSS model, phenantroline significantly decreased scores of epithelial injury. In both models, the levels of PGE2, TXB2 and LTB4 and tissue MPO were not significantly altered. CONCLUSIONS: Although phenantroline did not modify the activity of inflammatory mediators, this compound substantially reduced intestinal injury associated with tissue remodelling.
Influence of inflammatory bowel disease on different dimensions of quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: To establish the impairment of different dimensions of quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: 289 patients [160 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 129 with Crohn's disease (CD)]. MEASURES: Health-related quality of life was assessed by means of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI). RESULTS: In active IBD, all dimensions of the quality of life scored significantly lower than in inactive IBD, indicating a poor quality of life. Social impairment was the least impaired dimension of the IBDQ in active UC and CD, compared with digestive and systemic symptoms. In inactive IBD, the systemic symptoms domain received the lowest score (P < 0.01). In a subgroup of 22 patients studied before and after remission, emotional function was the most impaired dimension after achieving remission. The Psychological General Well Being Index was significantly impaired in active UC [78.5 (range 64-89)] and CD [76.5 (range 69-97)] relative inactive IBD [104 (range 93-111)] vs 106 (95-113), respectively; P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life is impaired in IBD. During relapse, clinicians should pay attention to digestive symptoms and psychological distress. In remission, they should be sensitive to systemic symptoms.
Pancreatitis and haemobilia due to arterioportal fistula after percutaneous liver biopsy resolved by selective arterial embolization.
Haemobilia and arterioportal fistula are uncommon complications secondary to percutaneous liver biopsy. We report the case of a patient who developed haemobilia and subsequently acute pancreatitis as a result of a liver biopsy. Selective hepatic angiogram showed an arterioportal fistula. Transcatheter arterial embolization successfully occluded the fistula. The patient remained asymptomatic 4 months later. We review the published literature concerning acute pancreatitis associated with haemobilia and draw conclusions for management of similar cases in the future.
Dietary inulin improves distal colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in the rat.
OBJECTIVES: Inulin stimulates intracolonic generation of butyrate and growth of lactic acid bacteria. This study investigated whether inulin protects against colitis. METHODS: Rats with dextran sodium sulfate colitis received inulin either orally (1% in drinking water, or 400 mg/day) or by enema. Matched groups received vehicle. In addition, fecal water obtained from inulin-fed rats was administered by enema to rats with colitis and compared with fecal water from control rats. Finally, rats with colitis received daily enemas of either butyrate (at 40 or 80 mmol/L) or vehicle. Inflammation was assessed by eicosanoid asssay in rectal dialysates and MPO activity in colonic tissue. Mucosal lesions were blindly scored by microscopic examination. Luminal pH was measured from cecum to rectum by a surface microelectrode. RESULTS: Oral inulin prevented inflammation, as evidenced by lower lesion scores (p < 0.05), decreased release of mediators (p < 0.05), and lower tissue MPO (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. Inulin induced acidic environment (pH <7.0) from cecum to left colon and increased counts of lactobacilli. Fecal water from inulin-fed rats also reduced scores (p < 0.05) and inflammation (p < 0.05). However, inulin or butyrate enemas had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Oral inulin reduces the severity of dextran sodium sulfate colitis. The effect seems to be mediated by modification of the intracolonic milieu.
Impact of surgery for Crohn's disease on health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: When patients with Crohn's disease (CD) express concerns about their disease, they emphasize worries about surgery. However, most studies about the impact of surgery in CD on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have compared postsurgical changes on HRQOL relative to HRQOL before surgery, not taking into account the influence of CD activity on HRQOL. Our aim was to assess whether surgical treatment of CD modifies HRQOL, compared with inactive CD, active CD, or healthy controls. METHODS: Outcomes of 29 CD patients in remission with a previous bowel resection were compared with those from 42 clinically active CD patients and 48 patients with medically induced remission. A reference control group of 63 healthy individuals was also studied. HRQOL was measured by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI), and the EuroQol. RESULTS: Active CD patients scored the lowest on the IBDQ. Both operated and nonoperated inactive CD patients had lower HRQOL scores than controls in overall IBDQ and in all five domains. However, neither global score, digestive, systemic, emotional, social, or functional dimensions differed significantly between operated and nonoperated inactive CD patients. PGWBI and the visual analog scale of the EuroQol were also similar in both groups of inactive CD patients (103 [range, 94-107] vs. 103 [97-106] and 90 [73-87] vs. 82 [76-84]), but significantly higher than in active CD. CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL is impaired in active CD, and improves during remission irrespective of whether it had been achieved medically or surgically. Our results suggest that to improve HRQOL it is more important to achieve remission than the approach, drugs or surgery, chosen.
Does cyclosporin A worsen liver function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and total parenteral nutrition?
OBJECTIVE: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) are well known factors in hepatobiliary disorders. Their association, however, has been little studied. METHOD: we retrospectively analyzed the results of liver function tests (transaminases, AST. ALT), total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in a consecutive series of 50 patients (29 men, 21 women, mean age 32 years, range 16-78 years) hospitalized for a severe attack of IBD between January 1992 and July 1997. Basal laboratory values in all patients were normal. Thirty-eight patients had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 12 had Crohn's disease (CD), which debuted in 28% of the patients. All patients were treated with methylprednisolone (MP) (0.75-1.0 mg/kg daily i.v., and received TPN. 42% (21/50) required additional treatment with CsA (5 mg/kg daily i.v.) at the beginning or during the first week of TPN and during 7-24 days, because on nonresponse to steroid treatment. Two study groups were defined according to treatment: Group I consisted of 29 patients given MP + TPN, and group II comprised 21 patients who received MP + TPN + CsA. The groups were otherwise similar in all other variables analyzed. Liver function tests were done weekly until the end of the study period. RESULTS: 62% of the patients (31/50) showed hepatobiliary dysfunction, defined previously as a 2-fold or greater elevation of two or more parameters. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of dysfunction (15/29 vs 16/21, n.s.). The parameters that showed the greatest alterations were GGT and ALT; the greatest elevation appeared during the third week of immunosuppressive treatment, and did not exceed 6-fold the normal value. The alterations disappeared once TPN and immunosuppressive treatment were discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: the hepatobiliary dysfunction in patients treated with both TPN and CsA was no more severe than associated with TPN alone.
Validation of the spanish version of the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
The objective of this study is to validate the Spanish translation of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by assessing its convergence validity, discriminatory power, reliability and sensitivity to change. For that purpose, 211 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (116 with ulcerative colitis and 95 with Crohn's disease) completed the SIBDQ, the Psychological General Well-Being Index and the EuroQol. SIBDQ was repeated in those patients who remained in stable remission and in those with changes in clinical activity. Clinical activity was assessed by the Rachmilewitz and Harvey-Bradshaw indices. Correlations among scores of SIBDQ, EuroQol, Psychological General Well-Being Index and clinical indices of activity were all positive and comparable for both diseases (r = -0. 50 to r = -0.70, p < 0.01). Analysis of variance showed that SIBDQ discriminates between different clinical degrees of activity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. SIBDQ was also highly reliable when it was repeated in clinically stable patients with ulcerative colitis (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82) and Crohn's disease (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86). SIBDQ was sensitive to clinical changes in ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's disease, whether patients entered remission (effect size -1.88 and -1.81, respectively) or relapsed (effect size 1.70 and 8.04, respectively). In conclusion, the Spanish version of the IBDQ has proven to be a valid, reliable and sensitive instrument to detect clinical changes in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.