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Biomedical subjects

K Gottlieb

Publications and source records attributed to K Gottlieb.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspected pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: In many institutions, computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has become the procedure of choice for biopsies of pancreatic mass lesions. This method of biopsy and others, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cytology, are problematic because of a substantial false-negative rate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the yield of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsies in patients who had negative results on CT-guided biopsy or negative cytologic findings on ERCP sampling. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care university medical center. PATIENTS: 102 patients (median age, 65 years; 58 men and 44 women) with suspected pancreatic cancer who fulfilled the above criteria were prospectively identified and underwent endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy. MEASUREMENTS: The operating characteristics of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA for diagnosing pancreatic masses were determined. Surgical pathology or long-term follow-up (median, 24 months) was used to identify false-positive or false-negative results. RESULTS: Median mass size was 3.5 cm x 2.7 cm. A median of 3.4 passes were performed. Cytologic results on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy were positive in 57 patients, negative in 37, and inconclusive or nondiagnostic in 8. No false-positive results were observed. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was subsequently confirmed in 3 patients who had tested negative (false-negative results) and 1 of the 8 patients with nondiagnostic results. Of these 4 patients, 3 had cytologic evidence of chronic pancreatitis on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy. The 95% CI for the likelihood ratio for a positive test result contained all values greater than or equal to 9.7. The likelihood ratio for a negative test result was 0.05 (CI, 0.02 to 0.15). The posterior probability of pancreatic cancer after a definitely positive result was at least 93.5% by a conservative lower 95% confidence limit; after a definitely negative test result, it was 6.9%. The prevalence of pancreatic cancer was 59.8% (61 of 102 patients). Self-limited complications occurred in 3 of the 102 patients (2.9% [CI, 0.6% to 8.4%]). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy may play a valuable role in the evaluation of a pancreatic mass when results on other biopsy methods are negative but pancreatic cancer is suspected.

Aged↗

A prospective evaluation of the incidence of bacteremia associated with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)--guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is frequently performed for diagnostic evaluation of lesions in or near the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Little data exist concerning possible infectious complications associated with EUS-guided FNA. This prospective evaluation was undertaken to determine the frequency of bacteremia and infectious complications associated with EUS-guided FNA. METHODS: All patients undergoing EUS-guided FNA for any indication were enrolled in this study. Patients who required antibiotic prophylaxis as per the American Heart Association or American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines were excluded from the study as were patients with cystic lesions, patients with advanced liver disease/ascites and those with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Blood cultures were obtained 30 and 60 minutes after the EUS-FNA. Patients were monitored for evidence of infection after procedure including telephone follow-up of each subject 1 week after procedure. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent EUS-FNA of 108 lesions. All blood cultures were negative except in 6 patients in whom 1 of 2 bottles were positive for coagulase negative Staphylococcus, which was considered a contaminant. There were no complications of acute febrile illness, abscess or other infections. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided FNA was not associated with bacteremia or infectious complications.

Adult↗

The distribution and kinetics of polyomavirus in lungs of intranasally infected newborn mice.

The primary cell types that sustain polyomavirus (Py) replication following intranasal infection as well as the nature of the host cellular response to Py were unknown. As this is an essential and specific site for virus entry, it seems likely that viral gene function must be adapted to these mucosal tissues. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we determined the cell types in the lung that support Py gene expression and replication following intranasal inoculation of newborn mice within 24 h of birth. Lungs were collected daily from days 1 to 10 postinfection for Py DNA and early T antigen analysis and for histological examination by H&E staining, using methods that preserve the delicate newborn lung architecture. Viral DNA was present in increasing quantities from 2 to 6 dpi in a subset of the Clara cells lining the inner lumen of the bronchi and bronchioles, while T antigen expression was present in a majority of the cells in the bronchi and bronchiole lumen. A distinct and transient pattern of hyperplasia was observed among the cells expressing T antigen and was present from 3 through 6 dpi. Py DNA-containing cells exfoliated into the bronchiole lumen and alveolar ducts, but Py T antigen was not detected in these cells. Py DNA was first detected at 2 dpi, increased through 6 dpi, and abruptly declined through 9 dpi at which time there was no sign of viral DNA in the lungs by in situ hybridization. An unusual infiltration of neutrophils began before the presence of exfoliated cells or Py replication and continued for 2-3 days and was followed by a lymphocytic infiltration at 8-10 dpi lasting 2-3 days. Neither the hyperplasia nor the neutrophil infiltration occurred following infection with the MOP1033 MT-Ag or RB1 LT-Ag mutants of Py. In addition, both the neutrophil infiltration and the transient hyperplasia are in stark contrast to the heavy macrophage infiltration that follows infection of lungs with mouse adenovirus. Thus it appears that Py elicits a distinct host response pattern not seen with other DNA viral infections.

Adenoviridae Infections↗

Triple-tissue sampling at ERCP in malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Procurement of cytologic samples by brushing is common practice at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) but has low sensitivity for cancer detection. Limited data are available on other techniques, including endoluminal fine-needle aspiration and forceps biopsy. This series reviews the yield of these three stricture sampling methods. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with biliary obstruction with a clinical suspicion of malignancy underwent triple-tissue sampling at one ERCP session. Final cancer diagnosis was based on all sampling methods plus surgery, autopsy, and clinical follow-up. Tissue specimens were reported as normal, atypia, or malignant. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were evaluated: 104 had cancer and 29 had benign strictures. Tissue sampling sensitivity varied according to the type of cancer; the highest yield was seen in ampullary cancers (62% to 85%). The cumulative sensitivity of triple-tissue sampling in the cancer patients was as follows: sensitivity was 52% if atypia was considered benign and 77% if it was considered malignant. The addition of a second or third technique increased sensitivity rates in most instances. No serious complications occurred from the tissue sampling methods. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue sampling sensitivity varied according to the type of cancer. Combining a second or third method increased sensitivity; general use of at least two sampling methods is therefore recommended.

Adult↗

Endoscopic ultrasound characteristics of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVE: Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas have a more favorable prognosis than ductal adenocarcinoma. Management of a subgroup, intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms, is controversial. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration biopsy may emerge as the imaging modality of choice. There are few studies describing the EUS features of these tumors. METHODS: A total of 35 consecutive cases of cystic tumors of the pancreas with an established pathological diagnosis were analyzed for characteristic EUS features. RESULTS: Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas (n = 14) were more likely to be characterized by hypoechoic cystic/solid mass or complex cyst and were frequently associated with a dilated main pancreatic duct. Benign mucinous duct ectasia (n = 6) were characterized by a dilated main pancreatic duct in conjunction with hyperechoic thickening of the duct wall. The two cases of intraductal mucinous hyperplasia additionally showed a hypoechoic mass. Intraductal papillary carcinoma (n = 11) had features in common with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma but also had echogenic foci in the mass and intraductal hyperechoic lesions. The two cases of microcystic cystadenoma showed either a mixed hypoechoic solid/cystic mass or a complex cyst without the additional features seen in mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: EUS features seem to exist that may help to differentiate cystic neoplasms from adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and, thus, to establish the preoperative diagnosis of cystic tumors of the pancreas.

Adult↗

Amylase normal, lipase elevated: is it pancreatitis? A case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to identify clinical scenarios in which the lipase is significantly elevated (three times above the upper limit of normal) but the amylase is normal, and to examine whether or not pancreatitis is the likely cause for this seemingly unusual constellation of laboratory results. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were retrospectively identified over a 2-yr period, which fulfilled the above criteria. A thorough review of their charts was conducted. In addition, a critical review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: It appears that isolated elevation of lipase in this case series was either related to renal insufficiency (two patients), to nonpancreatic sources of lipolytic enzymes due to malignant tumors (two), to acute cholecystitis (two) or esophagitis (one), to delayed blood withdrawal (at least five patients), to hypertriglyceridemia (two), or to subclinical pancreatitis in patients without abdominal pain (three). CONCLUSIONS: 1. An elevated lipase should not be equated with evidence for pancreatitis if the amylase is normal. 2. A simultaneous determination of both amylase and lipase is recommended for the evaluation of patients with abdominal pain.

Abdominal Pain↗

ERCP and biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy-induced pancreatitis.

The magnitude of post-ERCP pancreatitis as a clinical and economic problem has increased, and with it the need to find ways of decreasing its incidence and severity. Furthermore, the study of post-ERCP pancreatitis is interesting as a unique model for acute pancreatitis in general. Current thinking and results of recent promising studies are reviewed.

Acute Disease↗

Is telemedicine justifiable?

A three-year experience in urban telemedicine is presented. The digital technology linking a community teaching hospital to a nearby clinic is described, as is the typical protocol for the consultations. The medical advantages and disadvantages, the security implications, and the cost-effectiveness of this project are analyzed.

Connecticut↗

Effects of meperidine on the pancreatic and biliary sphincter.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are traditionally avoided during sphincter of Oddi manometry because of indirect evidence suggesting that these agents cause sphincter of Oddi spasm. This study was undertaken to determine the direct effects of meperidine on the biliary and pancreatic sphincter. METHODS: Forty-seven patients were prospectively evaluated by sphincter of Oddi manometry in the conventional retrograde fashion. Manometry was initially performed with intravenous diazepam sedation alone. The manometry was repeated 3 to 5 minutes after meperidine was administered. RESULTS: The basal sphincter pressure of the biliary sphincter, pancreatic sphincter, and the combined sphincter group were not significantly altered by meperidine. Concordance (normal versus abnormal) between the basal sphincter pressure before and after meperidine was seen in 44 of 47 patients (94%). Meperidine produced a significant increase in the pancreatic, biliary, and combined sphincter phasic frequency and a significant decrease in the phasic duration. The pancreatic and combined sphincter phasic pressures were significantly reduced following meperidine administration. Seventeen manometry tracings (36%) were believed to be qualitatively better after meperidine, while only four (8.5%; p < .001) were qualitatively better with diazepam alone. CONCLUSION: Meperidine can be used for additional analgesia during sphincter of Oddi manometry if the basal sphincter pressure is the parameter used to determine therapy.

Humans↗

Early recognition of post-ERCP pancreatitis by clinical assessment and serum pancreatic enzymes.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the relative value of clinical assessment and serum pancreatic enzymes in the discharge management of outpatients undergoing ERCP. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-one patients who underwent ERCP had a detailed clinical assessment performed 2 h after the procedure and blood drawn for amylase and lipase. RESULTS: One-third of the patients who later developed pancreatitis had no pain 2 h after the end of the procedure, whereas an equal number who had no pancreatitis did complain of pain. Values below 276 U/L for amylase and 1000 U/L for lipase were useful in ruling out pancreatitis with negative predictive values of 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. Based on the data of this study a discharge algorithm for outpatients undergoing ERCP is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to clinical assessment, which is unreliable, it is possible to stratify patients according to their risk of developing pancreatitis according to their 2-h serum amylase and lipase values. This helps to rationalize the discharge management of outpatients undergoing ERCP at a time when careful utilization of resources, especially the avoidance of unnecessary hospital admissions, becomes increasingly more important.

Abdominal Pain↗

Rare causes of acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding episodes: results of endoscopic therapy.

In this study the frequency of rare causes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding was studied retrospectively using the case load of a large teaching hospital. Nine hundred and eighty patients with a clinical diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were endoscoped between November 1987 and February 1993. Of these, 156 patients were found to be actively bleeding or had a visible vessel. Rare causes of bleeding were identified in 11 patients (7%). A Dieulafoy ulcer was found in five cases, and a mesenchymal tumor of the stomach in three patients. In the three remaining patients a bleeding gastric polyp, hemobilia and ischemic necrosis of the small bowel were identified as the source of bleeding. In three of these 11 patients the diagnosis was delayed and only made on repeat endoscopy the following day. Therapeutic endoscopy with circumlesional injection of epinephrine was successful in the majority of patients, and only three patients underwent emergency surgery. Two patients died during the acute bleeding episode, one of them had a Dieulafoy ulcer, the other suffered from ischemic bowel necrosis. Diagnosis of rare causes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding may be delayed, morbidity and mortality increased. Familiarity with these conditions may improve the outcome.

Adult↗

Nutrition aspects of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a review.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an increasingly popular alternative to hemodialysis. Nutrition practitioners in the in- and outpatient setting must be knowledgeable about specific nutritional considerations in these patients. In this paper, we briefly review factors which play a role in the malnutrition often encountered in end-stage renal disease, and focus on metabolic abnormalities, nutritional requirements, and nutritional assessment of patients undergoing CAPD. Urea kinetic modeling as an adjunct to nutritional assessment is explained in detail.

Humans↗

Review: microbiology of the gastrostomy tube.

This review summarizes what is presently known about microbial colonization of silicone gastrostomy feeding tubes and their deterioration. Feeding tubes are frequently colonized by fungal and bacterial organisms. Candida organisms seem to originate from the oral cavity from where they colonize the stomach and the gastrostomy tubes. It appears that many microorganisms are able to metabolize certain polymer additives, and although this is well described for polyvinyl chloride, it is not for silicone elastomers. However, clinical evidence for a role of microorganisms in the deterioration of silicone feeding tubes is very strong. The clinical significance of gastrointestinal tract seeding from gastrostomy tubes, which act as incubators, is not fully understood and deserves further study. Likewise, deterioration of feeding tubes must be investigated systematically to address the safety and economical issues it presents.

Bacteria↗

Beta-carotene decreases markers of lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers.

We previously showed that daily intake of beta-carotene, a nontoxic antioxidant, reduces lipid peroxidation as assessed by serum lipid peroxide levels. An alternative method to detect lipid peroxidation is the measurement of pentane in breath. Pentane is a five-carbon hydrocarbon that is released when an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid undergoes peroxidation. The aim of this study was to see whether graded doses of beta-carotene would affect breath pentane excretion in normal subjects placed on a carotenoid-free liquid diet for two weeks. The subjects were then repleted with either 15 (n = 7) or 120 mg (n = 8) of beta-carotene daily for four weeks while continuing the same diet. Serum beta-carotene and breath pentane were measured before and after beta-carotene refeeding. Lipid peroxidation, as assessed by gas-chromatographic measurement of breath pentane, was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by daily supplements of 120 mg beta-carotene (from 3.7 +/- 0.9 to 2.2 +/- 1.4 nmol/l). However, the decline in pentane exhalation observed with the 15-mg beta-carotene dose did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.13).

Adult↗