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Biomedical subjects

U Peitz

Publications and source records attributed to U Peitz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Sonographic diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by an enterohepatic fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease].

Liver abscesses in patients with Crohn's disease are rare. We report on a patient with Crohn's disease and a liver abscess of the left lobe caused by an enterohepatic fistula. With treatment of antibiotics and Infliximab the abscess showed complete regression. Percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess was not performed because the abscess was shown not to be completely liquefied at echo-enhanced ultrasound. This case report demonstrates the usefulness of percutaneous conventional and echo-enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of liver abscesses. Furthermore, this case also shows that enterohepatic fistulas can be diagnosed precisely with percutaneous ultrasound.

Adult↗

Missing gastric cancer in dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is common in gastric cancer, but also in many benign conditions. European Helicobacter pylori Study Group and American Gastroenterological Association guidelines recommend endoscopy in dyspepsia for patients with alarm symptoms or at age >45 years. However, recommendations are controversial. AIM: To investigate whether criteria for endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia are adequate to detect gastric cancer. METHODS: In 215 patients at initial diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma, symptoms were classified as alarm and non-alarm. Cases were staged according to the TNM system. Stages T(1)-T(3)N(x)M(0) were defined as potentially curable. RESULTS: Dyspepsia was present in 128 patients. Among patients with dyspepsia, 15 were < or =45 years and 41 denied alarm symptoms. The combination of both criteria excluded only three (2.3%) patients from endoscopy, but increasing the threshold to >50 and >55 years would have raised the rate of excluded patients to seven (5.5%) and 11 (8.6%). Only 53 potentially curable stages and 18 early gastric cancers occurred, but the tumour stage was not associated with dyspepsia duration, age threshold of 45 years, or alarm symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support current European Helicobacter Study Group and American Gastroenterological Association criteria for endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia to detect gastric cancer. Regardless, most cancers are advanced at detection.

Adult↗

The interplay between Helicobacter pylori, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and intestinal metaplasia.

Helicobacter pylori infection and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) account for most upper gastrointestinal pathologies with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. The interplay of both conditions is complex, in part intriguing, and has become a matter of debate because of conflicting results. The cardia is an area where both H pylori and abnormal GERD exert their damaging potential, inducing inflammation and its consequences, such as intestinal metaplasia. While the role of intestinal metaplasia within columnar lined epithelium (Barrett's oesophagus) in the context of GERD is well established as a risk for neoplasia development, the role of intestinal metaplasia at the cardia in the context of H pylori infection is unclear. A particular challenge is the distinction of intestinal metaplasia as a consequence of GERD or H pylori if both conditions are concomitant. Available data on this issue, including follow up of a small patient series, are presented, but more studies are required to shed light on this issue because they will help to identify those patients that need surveillance.

Barrett Esophagus↗

[Long-term course of reflux symptoms following Helicobacter pylori eradication].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conflicting data regarding new onset or deterioration of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) following eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection have been reported. Successful eradication therapy may influence gastric acid output. The study aimed to to investigate whether patients with pre-existing GORD or peptic ulcer disease may experience deterioration of GORD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 75 consecutive patients of a prospective longitudinal study (median age 66 years, n = 45 males) had received successful H. pylori eradication therapy because of the following main diagnosis: peptic ulcer (n = 37), GORD (n = 16), functional dyspepsia (n = 22). Two to three years later, they had an interview regarding the course of their dyspeptic and reflux symptoms. Negative H. pylori status at present was confirmed by (13)C-urea breath test in all patients. Ten patients were excluded because of proton pump inhibitor treatment. RESULTS: Patients with deterioration of GORD (new onset or increasing reflux symptoms) were found significantly more frequently in the group with functional dyspepsia (36 %) compared to pre-existing GORD (16 %) or peptic ulcer disease (5 %). Improvement of pre-existing reflux complaints were reported mostly by patients with peptic ulcer disease. There was no significant impact of initial reflux manifestations like reflux symptoms or reflux oesophagitis on the course. CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up after H. pylori eradication, patients experience improvement as frequently as deterioration of reflux symptoms. There is a tendency towards improvement of reflux symptoms if peptic ulcer disease had been the indication for eradication, but towards deterioration in patients with initial functional dyspepsia. A clinical relevant prediction, however, is not feasible.

Adult↗

Diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding.

BACKGROUND: In peptic ulcer bleeding, the sensitivity of H. pylori tests, in particular of the rapid urease test (RUT), has been reported to be insufficient. AIM: To validate the RUT, serology and the urea breath test were carried out in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers, and to study the influence of H. pylori suppressive treatment (HpSuT), i. e., antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 123 consecutive patients (mean age 65.5 years) with a relevant bleeding from gastric or duodenal ulcers were prospectively tested for H. pylori infection by directs tests (RUT, histology, culture, urea breath test) and by IgG serology as an indirect test. Positive H. pylori status was defined by positive histology or culture. RESULTS: In patients without HpSuT during the preceding four weeks (N = 83), the sensitivity and specificity of RUT was 94 and 84 %, that of serology 83 and 68 % respectively. The sensitivity of urea breath test decreased from 82 to 60 % after even one day of HpSuT. In the overall group, the duration of HpSuT and preceding hospitalization were independent factors linked with negative results of all direct tests. CONCLUSIONS: In peptic ulcer bleeding, RUT combined with histology is an adequate diagnostic approach. However, false negative results have to be considered following even short-term HpSuT or hospitalization. Non-invasive diagnosis based on serology alone is inaccurate and should be complemented by the urea breath test prior to starting HpSuT.

Adult↗

The magnified endoscopic view of cardia-type mucosa.

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of magnification endoscopy regarding metaplasia of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is still controversial. Histology of areas endoscopically suspected of Barrett's esophagus often reveals only cardia-type mucosa (CTM). The aim of this study was to characterize the surface structure of CTM by magnification endoscopy, in comparison with specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) and gastric corpus mucosa. METHODS: Magnification endoscopy was performed in 52 patients with normal EGJ and 36 patients with columnar lined lower esophagus (CLE) on endoscopic examination. Biopsies for histology were obtained from EGJ and CLE segments. In cases with CLE, biopsies were targeted after methylene blue staining. RESULTS: A gyriform or oval pattern was observed in all patients at the normal EGJ, histologically representing CTM. These patterns of CTM were easily discernible from the small pits of corpus mucosa. A gyriform or villous pattern was dominant in CLE, both in areas with CTM and those with SIM. Methylene blue staining was more frequent in SIM than in CTM, but was of insufficient specificity for SIM. CONCLUSIONS: Although magnification endoscopy allows one to differentiate CTM from gastric corpus mucosa, a clear distinction from SIM is not possible. Auxiliary methods that complement magnification endoscopy, like methylene blue staining and acetic acid contrast enhancement, should be evaluated regarding the differentiation between CTM and SIM.

Adult↗

Carditis at the interface between GERD and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Inflammation of the gastric cardia ('carditis') is a histological diagnosis. It seems reasonable to transfer histological criteria of the updated Sydney classification from the distal stomach to the cardia as long as a special classification of inflammation of the esophagogastric junction is lacking. The two best characterized causes of carditis are Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the causal contribution and interference of these two factors are highly controversial, as is the clinical relevance of carditis in terms of eliciting symptoms or conferring an increased cancer risk. Variability of studies on carditis is based on conflicting concepts of the normal anatomy of the esophagogastric junction. Cardia-type mucosa (CM) apparently exists at birth as a tiny circular area, and extends to a larger area in adulthood. This implies that cardia-type mucosa is largely metaplastic. Metaplastic CM may evolve in the lower esophagus as a consequence of GERD. It is a general phenomenon that H. pylori-induced gastritis also involves the gastric cardia, irrespective whether the cardia is lined by fundus-type mucosa or CM. The contribution of GERD to inflammation of CM in H. pylori-negative individuals is, however, highly controversial. Prevalence of carditis in GERD patients fluctuates between 10 and 97%. Hence, because of its high frequency and low specificity, carditis can currently not be considered as a clinical entity. The role of carditis for the increasing incidence of cancer of the esophagogastric junction requires careful studies that include accurate description of the area with adequate biopsy protocols.

Cardia↗

Ablative procedures for prevention and treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Ablation of Barrett's mucosa by endoscopic resection, photodynamic therapy or thermoablative methods in combination with adequate acid suppression leads to mucosal replacement largely by squamous epithelium. In appropriately selected cases, these methods have the potential to cure superficial Barrett's neoplasia. Endoscopic resection is an alternative to surgical resection of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or early esophageal adenocarcinoma, if the tumor is less than 20 mm in size, is not ulcerated, and does not exhibit differentiation grade 3 or lymph vessel infiltration on histological examination. In the presence of submucosal infiltration, the likelihood of lymph node infiltration is related to the infiltration depth. The risk of a noncurative endoscopic ablative approach has to be weighted against the general risk of surgery. With photodynamic or thermoablative treatment, the completeness of destruction of neoplastic tissue can only be judged at follow-up. These methods are therefore restricted to cases that have an increased surgical risk. Ablation of non-neoplastic Barrett's mucosa is currently not indicated.

Adenocarcinoma↗

What parameters are relevant for the histological diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease without Barrett's mucosa?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are still ongoing controversies as to which histological parameters allow the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of the present analysis was to relate histological changes of the esophageal squamous epithelium to different severities of GERD. METHODS: Data were obtained from patients participating in the ProGERD study, who had either erosive reflux disease (ERD, n = 3,245) or non-erosive reflux disease (NERD, n = 2,970). 1,475 patients fulfilled our requirement of having complete biopsy data from two sites (2 cm above the z-line and at the z-line). Changes in the squamous epithelium were assessed by measuring the thickness of the basal cell layer and elongation of the papillae as a percentage of the whole epithelial thickness and counting interepithelial inflammatory cells. RESULTS: The most useful parameters for histological assessment of GERD (given as means, 2 cm above the z-line and at the z-line, respectively) were elongation of the papillae: NERD 40.7 and 48.9%; ERD 46.1 and 54.9% and basal cell hyperplasia: NERD 12.7 and 17.9%; ERD 15.7 and 23.0%. The occurrence of intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrates, however, is dependent on the severity of GERD, and they are more common than neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes. CONCLUSION: This study shows that both NERD and ERD can be diagnosed histologically if biopsies are obtained from the distal esophagus or from the z-line. Intraepithelial inflammatory cells are rare and show a high specificity, but very low sensitivity.

Adult↗

Helicobacter pylori eradication and gastric ulcer healing--comparison of three pantoprazole-based triple therapies.

AIM: To study the efficacy of three pantoprazole-based triple therapy regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric ulcer healing. METHODS: In an open, multi-centre, randomized study, 519 H. pylori-positive patients with active gastric ulcer were randomized to receive pantoprazole (40 mg) (P) and two of three antibiotics: clarithromycin (500 mg) (C), metronidazole (500 mg) (M) or amoxicillin (1000 mg) (A). Triple therapy (PAC, PCM, PAM) was administered twice daily for 7 days, followed by pantoprazole until the ulcer had healed. Antrum and corpus biopsies were taken to determine the pattern of gastritis, to assess the H. pylori status and to determine the strain susceptibility to antibiotics, and from the ulcer margins and base to exclude malignancy. Scores based on the Sydney system were used to categorize the gastritis phenotypically. RESULTS: The H. pylori eradication rates for the per protocol (intention-to-treat) analysis were 89% (67%) for PAC, 83% (68%) for PCM and 76% (60%) for PAM, with a significant difference between PAC and PAM. Healing rates after 4 weeks were 91% for PAM, 90% for PCM and 88% for PAC (per protocol analysis). The eradication rates were lower in patients in whom strains resistant to any antibiotic used in the triple therapies were detected. Successful eradication [odds ratio, 5.2 (3.3; 8.3)] and the ulcer size (< 15 mm) were significant predictors for healing after 4 weeks. The regimens showed a comparable safety profile and compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Pantoprazole-based triple therapies are effective in the eradication of H. pylori infection in gastric ulcer patients, as reported in previous similar sized studies in duodenal ulcer patients. Successful eradication and an ulcer size of < 15 mm are the best predictors of gastric ulcer healing after 4 weeks.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Antigen stool test for assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Re-bleeding of Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease is reduced by H. pylori eradication. AIM: To validate a non-invasive test, the Premium Platinum HpSA stool test, in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: Stool samples of consecutive patients with relevant bleeding from gastric or duodenal ulcers or erosions were collected at initial endoscopy and during the following week. Samples were assessed using the HpSA test. H. pylori status was defined by three biopsy-based reference methods: culture, rapid urease test and histology. It was positive if culture was positive or if rapid urease test and histology were positive. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients (mean age, 66 years) were included. In accordance with the definition, 56 (49%) were H. pylori positive. The sensitivity and specificity of the first stool sample were 84% and 90%, respectively. The respective values for two samples from consecutive days were 91% and 86%. In comparison with a serum immunoglobulin G antibody enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, the HpSA test showed superior specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy, in particular the sensitivity, of the HpSA stool test is reduced by upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The positive predictive value of 89%, however, justifies the initiation of eradication therapy on the basis of a positive stool test. A negative test result should be confirmed by a further diagnostic method.

Adolescent↗

Helicobacter pylori genotypes and expression of gastritis in erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest a negative association between Helicobacter pylori and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Moreover, cagA-positive strains are reported to protect from complications of GORD. The aim of this study was to determine virulence factors (cagA, vacA and iceA) of H. pylori strains and the pattern of gastritis in patients with GORD in comparison with patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) or functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies of 105 consecutive patients with mild to moderate erosive GORD (n = 35, LA grade A-B), and from sex- and age-matched patients with DU (n = 35) or FD (n = 35 without reflux symptoms) were investigated. CagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes were determined by PCR analysis of the isolates. Gastritis was classified in accordance with the updated Sydney classification. RESULTS: The prevalence of all three H. pylori virulence factors was higher in patients with GORD (cagA+ 80%, vacA s1 77%, iceA1 71%) and DU (cagA+ 83%, vacA s1 80%, iceA1 74%) than in patients with FD (cagA+ 40%, vacA s1 49%, iceA1 46%). Gastritis activity in the antrum and corpus did not differ between the three groups. However, lymphocytic infiltration of the gastric antral mucosa was more pronounced in DU patients than in those with GORD or FD. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori strains obtained from patients with mild to moderate erosive GORD show a virulence pattern similar to that found in DU patients. The presence of these virulence factors does not appear to protect against erosive lesions in the oesophagus.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

What constitutes failure for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy?

Apart from patients with peptic ulcer disease, the use of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection has been extended to patients with H pylori-positive dyspepsia and conditions at risk for gastric cancer. Standard treatments comprise a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics for at least one week. The main factors leading to treatment failure are noncompliance and antibiotic resistance. Provided the patient is sufficiently informed about possible side effects, discontinuation of the newer triple therapies has become rare. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance varies considerably among different geographic regions, reflecting the habits of prescription of these antibiotics for other indications. Largely, it ranges from 1% to 15% for macrolides, and from 7% to 60% for nitroimidazoles. With nitroimidazole resistance, treatment failure occurs in only less than 50%; with macrolide resistance, by contrast, in more than 50% of the cases. Furthermore, bacterial and host-related factors (Cag A virulence factor, grade of inflammation) contribute to eradication success. In case of treatment failure, post-therapeutic resistance is frequent. Important principles for the choice of second-line treatment are: not to repeat an antibiotic with potential post-therapeutic resistance, and to ensure sufficient acid suppression.

Algorithms↗

Chromoendoscopy: from a research tool to clinical progress.

Chromoendoscopy, the intravital staining of gastrointestinal epithelia, provides additional diagnostic information with respect to the epithelial morphology and pathophysiology. Based on experience gathered mainly in Japan, chromoendoscopy is now in more widespread use, in particular to identify preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. The most promising techniques are the depiction of squamous epithelium neoplasia of the esophagus with Lugol's solution, staining of Barrett's mucosa by methylene blue, including the potential to identify neoplasia, and the demarcation of neoplasia with indigo carmine in stomach and colon for local endoscopic resection. However, the optimal methodology is still to be defined as well as diverging results of diagnostic accuracy to be clarified. High-resolution and magnifying endoscopy have breathed new life into chromoendoscopy. Innovative applications and refinement of the existing ones are soon to be expected.

Barrett Esophagus↗

[Insufficient validity of a rapid blood test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rapid blood tests for diagnosis of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection enable to detect antibodies against H. pylori instantly without laboratory equipment. Primary aim: to validate the Helisal Rapid Whole Blood Test (HRBT) with endoscopic bioptic methods as reference. Secondary aim: to compare the HRBT with ELISA IgG serology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The HRBT was performed in 145 consecutive dyspeptic patients (median age 59 years) before undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy including biopsies from gastric antrum and corpus. A positive H. pylori status was defined by a positive culture or the combination of a positive rapid urease test and a positive histology. Serum for ELISA IgG testing was available from 92 patients. RESULTS: The H. pylori status was positive in 66% of the patients. The sensitivity of the HRBT resulted at 80%, the specificity at 82%. The sensitivity of the HRBT for a positive ELISA test amounted to 87%, the specificity to 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic validity of the HRBT is insufficient for clinical application. False test results add up by the general discrepancy between serological and bioptic methods and by diminished sensitivity compared to ELISA serology.

Adult↗