PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Fischbach

Publications and source records attributed to W Fischbach.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Helicobacter pylori eradication is beneficial in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.

AIM: To assess whether the eradication of Helicobacter pylori leads to long-term relief of symptoms in functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Eight hundred patients with functional dyspepsia were randomized to receive double-blind treatment with twice-daily 30 mg lansoprazole, 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin for 7 days (L30AC), twice-daily 15 mg lansoprazole, 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin for 7 days (L15AC), or once-daily 15 mg lansoprazole for 14 days (LP). Dyspepsia and reflux symptoms were monitored for 12 months. RESULTS: In intention-to-treat analysis, the non-ulcer dyspepsia sum score showed a statistically significant benefit in terms of symptom relief in the L30AC group (P = 0.0068) compared with the LP group, but there was no significant difference between the L15AC and LP groups (P = 0.2). When all patients in the two eradication therapy arms were considered together, successful eradication had a significant benefit with regard to the complete absence of symptoms (P < 0.04). H. pylori eradication did not lead to an increase in reflux symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that H. pylori infection causes dyspeptic symptoms in a subset of patients with functional dyspepsia, and that these patients may obtain long-term symptomatic benefit following H. pylori eradication.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

[Helicobacter pylori infection in children and juveniles: an epidemiological study on prevalence, socio-economic factors and symptoms].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In view of numerous sequelae of a Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) infection and sparse epidemiological data on the infectious status of children and juveniles, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in schools of the Aschaffenburg area. Data were recorded on the number of H.p. infections in pupils aged 14-20 years, the possible influence of various socio-economic factors, and a possible association of the infection with upper abdominal symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 540 pupils of grade 2 (aged 7-9 years: primary school, n = 183) grade 7 (aged 11-15: primary and secondary schools, n = 177) and grade 12 (aged 16-20 years: vocational or grammar school: n = 180), the presence of H.p. was elucidated with the 13C-urea breath test. An anonymous questionnaire was used to ascertain socio-economic status and any symptoms. RESULTS: In 51 of the 540 pupils (9.4%) the test for H.p. was positive. The infectious state increased with age, but there was no significant difference between the various age groups. Ethnically German pupils were less often infected (7.1%) than those of foreign origin (28.2%). The number of persons in a household correlated with the H.p. status. Upper abdominal symptoms were more frequently reported by infected children and juveniles and were an independent risk factor for H.p. infection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of socio-economic factors and the possible association of upper abdominal pain with H.p infection.

Abdominal Pain↗

A randomized, blinded, prospective trial to compare the safety and efficacy of three bowel-cleansing solutions for colonoscopy (HSG-01*).

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: There are conflicting data regarding the optimal bowel preparation for colonoscopy. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of three widely used bowel lavage solutions: the standard polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution based on the GoLytely formulation (PEG-EL1; Klean-Prep); a sulphate-free PEG-EL solution based on the NuLytely formulation (PEG-EL2, Endofalk); and a sodium phosphate preparation (NaP, Fleet Phospho-Soda). PATIENT AND METHODS: A total of 185 consecutive patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy were prospectively randomly assigned to undergo pre-colonoscopic bowel cleansing with either 4 l of PEG-EL1 (n=64), 3 l of PEG-EL2 (n=59), or 90 ml of NaP (n=62). The quality of preparatory colonic cleansing for each segment from the rectum to the ascending colon was scored on a five-level rating scale (1, very good to 5, very poor) by endoscopists who were blinded with regard to the type of preparation used. The primary outcome measure for the comparison of treatments was the "worst" score in any of the rated bowel segments. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by means of a symptom questionnaire completed by each patient immediately before the procedure. RESULTS: Of the 185 patients who were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments, 175 underwent colonoscopy and 173 were evaluable with regard to efficacy - 59, 54, and 60 patients treated with PEG-EL1, PEG-EL2, and NaP, respectively. The treatment groups were comparable with regard to the baseline characteristics. PEG-EL1 was statistically significantly superior to the other treatments in relation to the "worst cleansing" score ( P</=0.003). In addition, colonoscopic visualization was markedly better in each of the five bowel segments and general "very good" or "good" ratings were achieved in more than 90 % of patients treated with PEG-EL1. The percentages were consistently lower in the other two groups, particularly in the ascending colon. With the exception of the sigmoid, the differences in all segments of the large bowel were statistically significant (P</=0.04). Patient satisfaction was comparable between the treatment groups. Adverse events (mainly nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain) and deviations in laboratory values occurred more frequently in the NaP group. CONCLUSIONS: Preparatory PEG-EL1 (Klean-Prep) was significantly superior to PEG-EL2 (Endofalk) and NaP (Fleet Phospho-Soda) in achieving effective cleansing of the entire colon prior to colonoscopy. On the basis of these data, PEG-EL1 can be regarded as the "gold standard" for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy.

Adolescent↗

Better acceptance of Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening during hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of illness and death in the Western world. Screening with fecal occult blood test (FOBT) significantly reduces the death rate and the incidence from CRC but these tests are not widely accepted. We investigated the possible contribution of hospitalization to a better acceptance of CRC screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1998 through September 2000, 721 consecutive patients between 45 and 75 years of age admitted for various reasons were asked for participation in the study. They were asked to participate in FOBT-screening. In case of refusal of FOBT they were asked a second time after detailed information. In patients who accepted 3 consecutive FOBT's were performed. In case of positive FOBT results colonoscopy and gastroscopy were performed. RESULTS: 149 (82 male/67 female) patients were included. 94 (63.5%) of them agreed to undergo FOBT primarily and 10 (6.8%) secondarily after detailed information. The total acceptance rate of the FOBT was 69.8% (m/w : 69.1%/71.6%). In one of 5 cases with a positive FOBT result colorectal cancer (CRC) was diagnosed. Information on repetition of FOBT after one year could be obtained from 82 patients (55%). 37 patients (45%) had undergone repeated FOBT. None of the 37 patients was motivated by the FOBT screening during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Staying in a hospital offers a good chance to achieve a higher acceptance of the FOBT. Therefore, hospitalization may contribute to a better colorectal cancer prevention. However, motivation to regularly repeat screening does not last in all patients. Therefore, public campaigns as well as medical counseling need to continuously stress the necessity of CRC screening procedures.

Aged↗

Interrelation between ABH blood group 0, Lewis(B) blood group antigen, Helicobacter pylori infection, and occurrence of peptic ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a human pathogen that causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that individuals who are blood group 0 positive or represent non-secretors of their blood group antigens are more likely to develop peptic ulcers. The Lewis(b) blood group antigen has been reported to mediate the attachment of H. pylori to human gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine the interrelation between Le(a-b+) phenotype, blood group 0, H. pylori infection, and peptic ulcer occurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 330 consecutive patients (185 men, 145 women) referred to endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract for various reasons. AB0(H) blood groups and Lewis(a,b) phenotype were carried out by standard haemagglutination assays. Antibodies (IgG) against H. pylori were determined by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: 49 of the 330 patients (14.8 %) showed duodenal or gastric ulcers with a H. pylori seroprevalence of 87.8 %. The IgG immune response to H. pylori was not dependent on ABH blood group phenotype. There was also no significant association between the secretor status and the presence of H. pylori infection. Secretors, 35/238 (14.7 %), were no more likely to have gastroduodenal ulcer compared with non-secretors, 9/65 (13.8 %). CONCLUSION: Our data show no association between secretor status or specific ABH blood group on the one hand, and H. pylori infection or occurrence of gastroduodenal ulcers on the other. Determination of ABH blood groups or secretor status is, therefore, not a useful tool to characterize the individual risk for gastroduodenal ulcer or to guide any diagnostic procedures.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Incidence of gastric B-cell lymphomas: a population-based study in Germany.

BACKGROUND: While the clinical and experimental knowledge concerning gastric lymphomas is increasing, there is a scarcity of epidemiological data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A population-based sample of patients in Franconia and Saarland in Germany was collected from a clinical trial, hospital archives and a cancer registry. RESULTS: Over a period of 3 years, 94 patients with primary gastric lymphoma were recorded out of a total population of 3.5 million. The standardised incidence rates in Saarland and Franconia were 0.7 and 0.8 cases per 100 000, respectively. Patients were predominantly from higher age groups (mean age 62.1 years) and the incidence in men was slightly more than in women (P <0.03). The distribution of histological subtypes in Franconia was as follows: marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZBL), 58%; diffuse large-cell B-cell lymphoma (DLBL), 33%; and mixed forms, 9%. Helicobacter pylori could be detected histologically in 84% of all cases, 95% of MZBL cases and 68% of DLBL cases. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence rates of gastric lymphoma in Germany were similar to that in other European countries, except England, where rates are lower. The subtype-specific differences of H. pylori infection rates could be due to differences in carcinogenesis or to secondary changes during malignant transformation.

Adult↗

Complete remission of primary high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma after cure of Helicobacter pylori infection.

PURPOSE: Treatment of low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma by eradication of Helicobacter pylori is reported to result in complete lymphoma remission in approximately 75% of cases. The effect that cure of the infection has on the course of a primary high-grade gastric lymphoma is largely uncertain. The aim of this study was to report the effect of cure of H pylori infection exerted in patients with high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients (4 males and 4 females; age range, 26 to 85 years) with H pylori infection and high-grade lymphoma received eradication therapy before planned treatment. The effect of H pylori eradication on the course of high-grade lymphoma was assessed by analysis of surgical specimens (n = 2) or endoscopic biopsies (n = 6). RESULTS: H pylori eradication was successful in all patients and led to complete remission of the lymphoma in seven patients. One patient has experienced partial remission. Two patients were referred to surgery, one of whom (stage II(1E)) had lymph node involvement, and the histologic work-up of the resected stomach revealed residual infiltrates of a low-grade lymphoma, which prompted consolidation chemotherapy. In one patient (initially stage I(1E)), abdominal lymphoma developed 6 months after eradication therapy, which regressed completely after chemotherapy. In four patients, no further treatment was given. Six patients continue in complete remission (range, 6 to 66 months). CONCLUSION: Primary high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma in stages I(E) through II(E1) associated with H pylori may regress completely after successful cure of the infection. Prospective trials are needed to investigate this treatment in larger numbers of patients.

Adult↗

Gastrointestinal lymphomas: the Würzburg study experience.

Appropriate management of primary gastric lymphomas is still controversial. We, therefore, conducted a prospective multicenter study to identify its clinical features, evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic and staging procedures, and assess a treatment strategy based on tumor stage and malignancy. Of 266 patients recruited within three years, 107 had low-grade (40%) and 159 high-grade (60%) lymphoma. A total of 237 patients (89%) presented with localized disease (stages EI/II). Based on the rapid urease test and/or histology the overall Helicobacter pylori positivity was 59% (76%, 51%, 38% in low-grade, high-grade, and secondary high-grade lymphoma, respectively). In 27% of the cases, patients could not be precisely classified and graded on the basis of endoscopic biopsies. In 78 patients, pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound correctly predicted the depth of tumor infiltration in 78% and lymph-node involvement in 75%. Treatment was stratified according to the grade of malignancy and stage: H. pylori eradication in low-grade lymphoma of stage EI, surgical resection in stages EI/II of low- and high-grade lymphoma and, depending on the pathohistological stage and post-operative residual tumor mass radiation and chemotherapy/combined radiochemotherapy in low-grade and high-grade lymphoma, respectively.

Adult↗

Primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: requirements for diagnosis and staging.

Tumor stage and histological grading (low grade vs. high grade) determine the prognostic outcome of primary gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Any diagnostic uncertainty of clinical staging may have potentially important therapeutic implications, especially if a non-surgical approach is favored. Diagnostic procedures for evaluation of gastric lymphoma include gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound of the upper gastrointestinal tract, conventional abdominal and cervical ultrasound, thoracic and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans and bone marrow biopsy. In the present overview, the value of clinical diagnostic procedures is discussed with respect to clinical and endoscopic criteria which may be helpful for evaluation of gastric NHL. Furthermore, clinical staging methods such as endoscopic ultrasound are assessed which may allow pre-operative determination of tumor and lymph-node stage. These novel approaches are compared with the gold standard of pathohistological analysis. In conclusion, the diagnostic procedures presented appear to be helpful for establishing an early diagnosis, however, innovative methods such as endoscopic-bioptic mapping of the stomach and ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy techniques may improve pre-therapeutical work-up.

Gastroscopy↗

Helicobacter pylori in the upper gastrointestinal tract: medical or surgical treatment of gastric lymphoma?

The treatment of primary gastric lymphoma is controversial. The role of surgery has come to be questioned with increasing knowledge about the pathogenesis of gastric lymphoma and with new therapeutic approaches such as eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We review published clinical trials of primary gastric lymphoma, including preliminary results of our own prospective multicenter trial. The results of 7 trials of H. pylori eradication and 12 prospective therapeutic trials trial are discussed. On basis of these data it is concluded that surgery with intention of R0 resection is the treatment of choice in stages EI2 and EII1 of low-grade lymphoma. In high-grade lymphomas it is still unclear whether surgery or its primary combination with radio- or chemotherapy should be preferred. The eradication of H. pylori is a promising therapeutic approach for localized low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. A randomized trial is needed to clarify whether medical or surgical management of localized gastric lymphoma or a combination of two is the best treatment modality.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗