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Miroslava Katicić

Publications and source records attributed to Miroslava Katicić.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The place and role of serologic methods in detecting Helicobacter pylori infection.

The aim of the study was to determine the place and role of serologic methods in detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, on the basis of estimated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT) sensitivity and specificity. A total of 549 patients were included in the study. ELISA and CFT as serologic methods were compared with invasive methods (rapid urease test--CLO test, culture, histology). The sensitivity of serologic methods was above 90%, and their specificity was around 80%. Study results confirmed the value, reliability and usefulness of serologic methods in the detection of H. pylori infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Helicobacter pylori--introduction and review of research].

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori has revolutionized the pathophysiological and clinical approach to gastric and duodenal ulcer. Since the first paper identifying H. pylori was published only 17 years ago, it has been found out that this bacterium causes probably the commonest human infection. Numerous papers published so far have confirmed causal relationship between H. pylori infection and gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. If any recent achievement in the world of medicine is to be called revolutionary, then it is the discovery of the role of a spiral bacterium in the etiopathogenesis of gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The discovery of the role of Helicobacter pylori has entirely changed our views and approach to the treatment of patients with stomach disorders. Not only do these discoveries change our actions, but above all our way of thinking. Almost routine diagnostics and treatment of gastritis, gastric ulcer or cancer has been replaced by studies in epidemiology, isolation and eradication of a single bacterium.

Duodenal Ulcer↗
PubMed2002

[Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection].

About 50% of adults in the developed and 80-90% in the developing countries are estimated to be infected by Helicobacter pylori. Being 68% nationally, this rate is higher in the northern continental parts of Croatia, which also have higher gastric cancer rates. Low socio-economic status, poor living conditions in childhood (the age when Helicobacter pylori is typically acquired), and exposure to the stomach content of an infected person are risk factors for Helicobacter pylori. Most of the infected are symptomless, with 10 to 20% subsequently developing the disease, and this mainly from peptic ulcer, asymptomatic chronic gastritis and chronic dyspepsia. Less than 5/10,000 become affected with adenocarcinoma, MALT lymphoma or primary non-Hodgkin's gastric lymphoma. Helicobacter pylori is under intensive study for possible association with other diseases. As transmission route of the infection is still unclear, any mechanism allowing the bacteria entry into a non-infected individual's stomach is probably a possibility. In addition to improved socio-economic status, eradication or vaccination may be contributors to the reduction in the number of the infected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Helicobacter pylori--bacterial characteristics].

Helicobacter pylori lives in the gastric mucosa of about half of world population. H. pylori is a gram-negative, microaerophilic, facultatively acidophilic rod, very sensitive to drying and usual disinfectants. H. pylori strains show great genetic variability, the main mechanism of this phenomenon being in vivo genetic recombination. The principal virulence factors are: vacuolating cytotoxin, enzyme urease, motility, adhesive molecules on the cell surface, catalase and superoxide-dysmutase, receptor for human lactoferin and factors which promote proinflammatory cytokine secretion. Strains of H. pylori are sensitive to ampicillin and tetracycline; resistance to macrolide antibiotics is 7-15% in different parts of the world, and to metronidazole is 7-50% or even more. Because in vitro sensitivity of H. pylori is the most important factor for successful therapy, it is necessary to monitor this sensitivity continuously in a particular area.

Drug Resistance↗
PubMed2002

[Hormonal regulation of gastric secretion and Helicobacter pylori].

Helicobacter pylori has been recognized as one of the most important factors that lead to chronic changes in the gastric mucosa. These changes have either direct or indirect impact on various intestinal hormones (gastrin, somatostatin, bombensin, cholecystokinin...) which regulate gastric secretion. Gastric secretion enhancement is mostly caused by higher concentration of serum gastrin. The mechanism in which the Helicobacter pylori infection influences the regulation of gastrin and other intestinal hormones is yet to be discovered. It is known that eradication of the Helicobacter pylori infection decreases serum gastrin concentration, thus decreasing gastric secretion and inflammatory changes of the gastric mucosa.

Gastric Acid↗
PubMed2002

[Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

The diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection is now one of the most important aspects of the diagnosis of various gastroduodenal diseases. New data have shown that Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and an important factor in cancer development. Numerous diagnostic tests are now available. They can be divided into two groups: invasive and noninvasive tests. All invasive test methods are based on endoscopic examination during which biopsy specimens are obtained for direct (histological analysis, isolation) or indirect (urease test) diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Noninasive methods reveal the presence of Helicobacter pylori by measuring the activity of urease (urea breath test), then by confirming the presence of antibodies in the serum or saliva of the infected person or by confirming the presence of Helicobacter pylori antigens in the feces.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Helicobacter pylori--bacteriologic diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity tests].

Bacteriological diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori consists of culture from gastric biopsies, gastric juice, faeces and from specimens obtained from oral cavity, antigen stool assay and molecular diagnostic methods. In routine work culture is done from gastric biopsies. Other specimens are usually cultivated for research purposes. Culture constitutes the most specific way to establish the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. One of the major advantages of culture is that it allows sensitivity testing to drugs used in therapy. Culture also allows characterisation of H. pylori. Antigen stoll assay is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, which should be evaluated. Molecular methods have confirmed their potential for epidemiological research and for the detection of resistant H. pylori, especially for macrolides. The clinical settings, local availability and economic considerations should guide use of bacteriological diagnostic methods.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed2002

[Serodiagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

Infection with Helicobacter pylori induces antibodies, but these are not able to eradicate the bacterium from the gastric mucosa. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is the laboratory based method and most commonly used to measure qualitatively and quantitatively anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies of different immunoglobulin classes in almost all infected patients. Quantitative serological tests are useful in the follow-up of eradication therapy. Serology is the method of choice in population studies and in the retrospective analysis of stored serum samples to study the natural course of this chronic infection.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed2002

[The urea breath test].

Helicobacter pylori is infective cause of peptic ulcer and a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. The discovery of the bacterial ed to importance of finding a new reliable and inexpensive diagnostic method for detection of infection before and after eradication therapy. Urea breath test is isotope based test. It has become the most specific and sensitive method in detection of Helicobacter pylori infection, therefore many other isotope based tests become popular in diagnostic of gastrointestinal diseases. Because of its simplicity and no need in using endoscopy in the procedure it is very popular in primary diagnosis and in controlling eradication. It is successfully used in diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori and bacteria eradication success testing, where it is one of most reliable diagnostic methods.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed2002

[The rapid urease test].

Today there are many methods in diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection. They are divided in two major groups based on using of endoscopy (invasive and non-invasive methods). Helicobacter pylori bacteria are specific because of having very big amounts of urease enzyme that divides urea on NH3 and CO2 which enables environment suitable for survival. Rapid ureas test is based on detecting of the enzyme activity. Because of its simplicity and high sensitivity and specificity it belongs to methods that are used in every day practice in endoscopic laboratories.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed2002

[Morphology of gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Helicobacter pylori infection almost invariably results in chronic gastritis. The Sydney System (1990) emphasised the importance of combining topographical, morphological and etiological aspects in attempt to make clinical useful diagnosis of chronic gastritis. The aims of revised Sydney System in Houston (1994), Texas, were to improve terminology of chronic gastritis emphasising distinction between nonatrophic and atrophic gastritis, and in addition to determinate special forms of gastritis. The special forms of gastritis were described and diagnostic criteria were provided. Principles and grading of histological division of Sydney System were only slightly modified, grading being improved by the provision of a visual scale. Endoscopy and histological findings of 1062 patients from University Hospital Merkur were compared to evaluate the value of endoscopic division of Sydney System, and the modified grading proposed by Houston classification. There was no correlation between endoscopic and histological findings. Localisation of inflammatory cells was either 1) superficial or 2) diffuse in the mucosa, respectively. In Helicobacter pylori positive patients the most common finding was chronic active gastritis, and in Helicobacter pylori negative superficial and inactive chronic gastritis.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2002

[Gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are considered to be the two major risk factors implicated in the development of gastric ulcer. Helicobacter pylori infection related chronic gastritis is known to be the underlying condition which may lead to gastric ulcer. Development of gastric ulcer as the consequence of underlying chronic gastritis is caused by many factors. Treating Helicobacter pylori infection entails the healing of gastric ulcer, it concomitantly prevents recurrences and complications of gastric ulcer, primarily bleeding, and changes the natural course of gastric ulcer disease. Continuation of antisecretory maintenance treatment beyond ulcus healing and eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is only indicated in risk groups. Patients with gastric ulcer caused by NSAID use are managed with antisecretory therapy.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection].

The research accomplishment of Australian investigators Marshall and Warren, published in 1983, has entirely changed our understanding of ulcer genesis and proposed a new strategy in diagnostics and therapy of peptic ulcer disease. The key etiopathogenetic role of Helicobacter pylori has been recognised. Marshall confirmed on himself that Helicobacter pylori, as an infectious agent, fulfilled all Koch's postulates. The bacterial infection caused the mucosal inflammatory changes in his stomach which were rapidly resolved by antibiotics. During later clinical and experimental investigations the association of Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer has also been proved. Etiopathogenetic influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on duodenal ulcer development is nowadays very well known. Diagnostic guidelines, the modes of treatment and clinical management of these patients are mostly precisely defined. In this article, besides the general review of modern knowledge about Helicobacter pylori infection concerning epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnostics and duodenal ulcer therapy, we are going to present also our results in the management of the large group of patients with duodenal peptic ulcer or ulcer scars.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common diseases of the upper gastrointestinal system. It is present in the whole world population, especially frequent in the developed countries. It evolves from pathological reflux which exposes the esophagus to the gastric contents which must overcome esophageal defense system. Many factors have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of GERD; the most important one is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Intensity of the disease is proportional to the amount of gastric contents refluxing from the stomach and the duration of esophageal exposure to this contents. GERD is currently in the spotlight because of its special significance in the development of very specific disease in the lower part of the esophagus--Barrett's esophagus, as well as esophageal adenocarcinoma which has lately been increasing in prevalence. Today, unrecognized and inadequately cured GERD is known to be a high risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. In recent years the relation between GERD and Helicobacter pylori infection has been the topic of investigation by many prominent researchers. Therapy of GERD is based on inhibition of acid secretion. There are many different therapeutic agents available, however, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are considered to be the most effective in the treatment of this disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

[Helicobacter pylori and malignant diseases of the stomach].

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric malignancies, cancer and MALT lymphoma, has been suggested through several lines of evidence during the last decade. Although unresolved issues still cast doubts on the real weight of these association, in the sequence of events that leads to gastric cancer or lymphoma, Helicobacter pylori appears to play a prominent role in the very initial steps as causative agent of chronic gastritis. The subsequent events in the sequence--atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and cancer are multifactorial involving environmental agents, host response and characteristics of the bacterial strain itself. Recognition of the causal role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the cancer induction theoretically presents tools for its prevention. The ongoing studies will show in the future whether eradication or prevention of infection are followed by a reduction in risk of cancer. Lymphomas arising from gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) may be a clonal evolution starting from the infection. In low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma cure of the infection induces complete remission in the majority of patients. Longer follow-up investigations are necessary to determine if remissions indicate a cure of the disease.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2002

[Non-ulcer dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection].

In this article we reviewed experiences in approach and procedure with dyspepsia, with special accent on non-ulcer dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection. Dyspepsia makes around 50% of gastroenterology cases. In 20% of cases it is caused by peptic ulcer disease and in 50% of cases non-ulcer dyspepsia. Around 50% of non-ulcer dyspepsia is followed by coexistent Helicobacter pylori positive gastritis. Dyspepsia followed by alarming symptoms in patients who are over 55 years old or in patients who are using NSAID indicated urgent endoscopic procedure--gastroscopy. In other patients non-invasive testing on Helicobacter pylori infection is recommended where eradication therapy should be applied in Helicobacter pylori positive and empirical cure by antisecreting drugs or prokinetics in Helicobacter pylori negative patients. Final gastroscopic evaluation is indicated after unsuccessful therapy. Ceasing of non-ulcer dyspeptic symptoms could be predicted in 20% of patients with cured Helicobacter pylori infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Extra-gastrointestinal tract diseases and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including peptic ulcer and gastric adenocarcinoma na MALT lymphoma. It has also been associated with wide variety of extragastric and non-gastrointestinal conditions. However, the evidence in support of Helicobacter pylori infection as a cause of the non-gastrointestinal tract diseases is not widely understood. We reviewed the medical literature in regard to putative association of Helicobacter pylori infection and non-gastrointestinal tract condition, notably cardiovascular, autoimmune and dermatological diseases. The majority of published papers examining the potential causal relationship were case-control studies, cross-sectional and cohort studies while only a few recent articles that did not confirm the evidence of causal relationship represent well designed population-based prospective studies. The lack of clear evidence for etiopathogenetic associations of Helicobacter pylori infection and non-gastrointestinal tract conditions should focus our attention on appropriate testing and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with conditions that are of proven association such as peptic ulcer disease.

Autoimmune Diseases↗