Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

New perspectives in the treatment of pediatric Crohn's disease

Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in the treatment of Crohn's disease in children

Objectives: to describe the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in inducing clinical remission and reducing inflammation of intestinal mucosa in children with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: we carried out a descriptive, observational study with all patients diagnosed with CD and treated with ADA between January 2007 and March 2013. Disease activity was determined using the Pdiatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), and the degree of mucosa inflammation by fecal calprotectin (FC). Results: sixteen patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 ± 2.5 years, with a mean age at start of ADA treatment of 12.4 ± 1.8 years, and a median of 1.4 years (IQR 0.5-3) duration from CD diagnosis to start of treatment. Twelve patients were naïve to anti-TNF-α. The PCDAI score at start of ADA treatment was significantly reduced at 12 weeks of follow-up (31.25 IQR 26.8-37.5 vs. 1.2 IQR 0.0-5.0; p = 0.001). Similarly, the FC level decreased at 12 weeks (749 µg/g IQR 514-898 vs. 126 µg/g IQR 67.7-239.2; p = 0.02). Surgery was performed in 4 patients. Adverse events were reported in 4 patients. One patient developed lymphoma at 4 years of ADA treatment in monotherapy. Conclusions: ADA has been shown to be effective in children with moderate-to-severe CD. Treatment benefits should be weighed against side effects. Multicenter longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods are required to determine the true efficacy and safety of long-term ADA treatment.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Celiac Disease Quality of Life (CD-QOL) survey, a specific questionnaire to measure quality of life in patients with celiac disease

Introduction: celiac disease is a chronic condition that requires continued treatment, with the resultant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people who suffer it. Most studies in this field have used generic questionnaires to measure HRQOL in celiac patients. It was therefore decided to conduct a study to translate into Spanish and validate a specific questionnaire for celiac disease, the Celiac Disease Quality Of Life Survey (CD-QOL). Objectives: to translate and validate in Spanish the specific celiac disease questionnaire CD-QOL. Methods: a multicenter, prospective, observational study was designed consisting of two phases: In the first phase, the questionnaire was translated and adapted into Spanish using the translation/back translation procedure and an understandability study. In the second phase, internal consistency of the translated questionnaire was analyzed. For this, results of the CD-QOL were compared to those of EuroQol and the Daily Fatigue Impact Scale (D-FIS). Understandability of the translated and adapted questionnaire was tested in six patients, and the validation study was done in 298 celiac patients (201 treated with a gluten-free diet and 97 at diagnosis). Results: in both celiac groups, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was high (0.90), feasibility was excellent (99.2 % of patients completed all questions), and there were no ceiling and floor effects. Spearman correlation to EuroQol and D-FIS was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CD-QOL score was different depending on whether state of health was good, fair, or poor based on the EuroQol score. Conclusion: the Spanish version of the CD-QOL is a valid tool for measuring HRQOL in celiac patients.

Introducción: la enfermedad celiaca es una enfermedad crónica que requiere de un tratamiento continuado, lo que conlleva un impacto sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de las personas que la padecen. La mayoría de estudios en nuestro medio han utilizado cuestionarios genéricos para medir la CVRS en los pacientes celiacos, lo que ha motivado el presente estudio para traducir y validar al castellano un cuestionario específico para la enfermedad celiaca, el "Celiac Disease Quality Of Life Survey" (CD-QOL). Objetivos: traducir y validar al castellano el cuestionario específico para la enfermedad celiaca CD-QOL. Métodos: se ha diseñado un estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y observacional desarrollado en dos fases: la primera de traducción/adaptación al idioma castellano mediante el procedimiento de traducción/retrotraducción y estudio de comprensibilidad. A continuación se desarrolló la segunda fase de análisis de la consistencia interna del cuestionario traducido. Para ello se han comparado los resultados del CD-QOL con los del EuroQol y la escala de impacto diario de la fatiga (EIDF). El estudio de comprensibilidad del cuestionario traducido y adaptado se realizó en 6 pacientes, y el estudio de validación en 298 celiacos (201 tratados con dieta sin gluten y 97 al momento del diagnóstico). Resultados: en ambos grupos de celiacos el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue elevado (0,90), la factibilidad fue excelente (99,2 % de pacientes completaron todas las preguntas) y el efecto techo y suelo fue nulo. La correlación de Spearman con el EuroQol y el EIDF fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05). El CD-QOL puntuó diferente según el estado de salud fuera bueno, regular o malo en función de la puntuación del EuroQol. Conclusión: la versión en castellano del CD-QOL es un instrumento válido de medida de la CVRS de los pacientes celiacos.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in the management of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a retrospective cohort multicenter study

Background and objective: Little is known about the clinical impact of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of DBE in the management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients. Patients and methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective cohort study, which included all consecutive patients diagnosed with PJS who underwent DBE for polypectomy between January 2006 and August 2012. In all cases, previous videocapsule enteroscopy had shown at least one polyp ≥ 10 mm in size. Results: Twenty-five patients (13 men; median age 36 years; 14 with prior laparotomy) underwent 46 DBE procedures (1 to 5 per patient, 44 via oral route). Polypectomy was performed in 39/46 DBEs. A total of 214 polyps were removed (median-size 30 mm), with a median number of polypectomies per procedure of 5.0 (range 1-18). The estimated maximum-sizes of resected polyps significantly decreased at each session: 30.0, 25.0, 20.0, 15.0, and 17.5 mm (p = 0.02). In 7 DBEs no polypectomy was performed (4-only minor polyps detected; 3-endoscopic irresecability). Complications occurred in 3/39 of therapeutic procedures (2-minor delayed bleeding; 1-mucosal tear), all of them dealt with conservative or endoscopic therapy. Six patients underwent elective surgery post DBE due to polyps not amenable for endoscopic resection. There were no small-bowel polyp related complications during a median follow-up of 56.5 months. Conclusion: DBE showed to be a safe and effective technique in the management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients, allowing a presymptomatic and non-surgical approach.

Evaluation of the implementation of Galician Health Service indications and priority levels for colonoscopy in symptomatic patients: prospective, cross-sectional study

Background: the Galician Health Service established indications and priority levels (I = fast track, II = preferential, III = normal) for colonoscopy, according to the risk of colorectal cancer and significant colonic lesions detection with access from primary health care. Our aim is to show the results of the implementation. Methods: we included colonoscopies requested in symptomatic patients from June to October 2012 in a prospective observational cross sectional study. We collected health care level (primary, secondary), priority, appropriateness to the established criteria, wait times (from colonoscopy application and initial consultation) and diagnostic yield for colorectal cancer and/or significant colonic lesion. We compared health care levels in priorities I and II. Results: 425 colonoscopies were included (I = 221, II = 141, III = 63). The appropriateness rate to the protocol was 67.5 %. Priority levels were significantly associated to wait times (days) from application (I = 8.7 ± 8.9, II = 50 ± 20.3, III = 80.2 ± 32.2; p < 0.001) and initial consultation (I = 32.2 ± 38, II = 74.5 ± 44.2, III = 128.5 ± 47.4; p < 0.001), and with colorectal cancer (I = 20.1 %, II = 19.1 %, III = 4.8 %, p < 0.001) and significant colonic lesion (I = 35.3 %, II = 34 %, III = 19 %, p = 0.002) detection rates. In priority I and II, 21.8 % of colonoscopies were requested from primary health care. Referral form primary health care reduced wait times from initial consultation to colonoscopy (primary = 29.3 ± 26, secondary = 55.2 ± 48.6, p < 0.001). Instead, colorectal cancer (OR 2.41, 95 % CI 1.31-4.42) and significant colonic lesion (OR 1.88, 95 % CI 1.13-3.15) detection rate was increased. Conclusions: Galician Health Service priority levels are significantly associated with colorectal cancer and significant colonic lesion detection. Referrals to colonoscopy from primary health care reduce waiting times and increase diagnostic yield.

Introducción: el Servizo Galego de Saúde estableció indicaciones y niveles de prioridad de la colonoscopia (I-vía rápida, II-preferente, III-normal) acorde al riesgo de detectar cáncer colorrectal y lesiones colónicas significativas con acceso desde atención primaria. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los resultados de la implantación. Métodos: estudio prospectivo transversal y observacional. Se incluyeron las colonoscopias solicitadas entre julio y octubre de 2012 en pacientes sintomáticos. Se recogió el nivel asistencial solicitante (especializada o primaria), nivel de prioridad, adecuación a los criterios establecidos, tiempos de demora (solicitud y consulta inicial) y rendimiento diagnóstico para cáncer colorrectal y/o lesión colónica significativa. Se compararon los niveles asistenciales en las prioridades I y II. Resultados: se incluyeron 425 colonoscopias (I = 221, II = 141, III = 63) con una adecuación al protocolo del 67.5 %. Los niveles de prioridad se relacionaron significativamente con los tiempos de demora (días) desde la solicitud (I = 8,7 ± 8,9, II = 50 ± 20,3, III = 80,2 ± 32,2; p < 0,001) y la consulta inicial (I = 32,2 ± 38, II = 74,5 ± 44,2, III = 128,5 ± 47,4; p > 0,001); y con la tasa detección de cáncer colorrectal (I = 20,1 %, II = 19,1 %, III = 4,8 %; p < 0,001) y lesión colónica significativa (I = 35,3 %, II = 34 %, III = 19 %; p = 0,002). En las colonoscopias solicitadas con prioridad I y II desde primaria (21,8 %), la demora desde la consulta inicial fue inferior (primaria = 29,3 ± 26, especializada = 55,2 ± 48,6; p < 0,001) y se detectó más cáncer colorrectal (OR 2,41, IC 95 % 1,31-4,42) y lesión colónica significativa (OR 1,88, IC 95 % 1,13-3,15). Conclusiones: los niveles de prioridad se asocian significativamente con la detección de cáncer colorrectal y lesión colónica significativa. El acceso a la colonoscopia desde primaria reduce los tiempos de demora e incrementa el rendimiento diagnóstico.

Alcoholic liver disease and changes in bone mineral density

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are alterations in bone mineral density (BMD) that frequently occur in the context of chronic liver disease (CLD). These alterations have been studied predominantly in chronic cholestatic disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor for the onset of osteoporosis, whose estimated prevalence in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) ranges between 5 % and 40 %. The loss of BMD in ALD is the result of an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and includes the toxic effects of alcohol on bone and endocrine and nutritional disorders secondary to alcoholism and a deficiency of osteocalcin, vitamin D and insulin growth factor-1. The diagnosis of BMD alterations in ALD is based on its measurement using bone densitometry. Treatment includes smoking and alcohol cessation and general measures such as changes in nutrition and exercise. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are recommended in all patients with ALD and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the specific treatment of this condition. Alternatives include raloxifene, hormone replacement therapy and calcitonin. This review will address the most important aspects involved in the clinical management of abnormal BMD in the context of ALD, including its prevalence, pathogenesis and diagnosis. We will also review the treatment of osteoporosis in CLD in general, focusing on specific aspects related to bone loss in ALD.

La osteoporosis y la osteopenia son alteraciones de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) que se desarrollan frecuentemente en la enfermedad hepática crónica (EHC). Dichas alteraciones han sido estudiadas predominantemente en la enfermedad colestásica crónica y en la cirrosis hepática. El consumo de alcohol es un factor de riesgo independiente para la aparición de osteoporosis, cuya prevalencia estimada en pacientes con enfermedad hepática por alcohol (EHA) varía entre un 5 % y un 40 %. La pérdida de DMO en la EHA se produce por un disbalance entre formación y resorción ósea. Su etiopatogenia es multifactorial y comprende la toxicidad del alcohol sobre el hueso, las alteraciones endocrinológicas y nutricionales secundarias al alcoholismo y el déficit de osteocalcina, vitamina D e IGF-1, entre otras. El diagnóstico de las alteraciones de la DMO en la EHA se basa en su medición mediante densitometría ósea. El tratamiento incluye el abandono del alcohol y medidas generales de tipo nutricional, abandono del tabaco y ejercicio físico. La suplementación con calcio y vitamina D se recomienda en todos los pacientes con EHA y osteoporosis. Los bisfosfonatos son los principales fármacos para el tratamiento específico de esta entidad. Otras alternativas son el raloxifeno, el tratamiento hormonal sustitutivo y la calcitonina. La presente revisión abordará los aspectos más relevantes para el manejo clínico de las alteraciones de la DMO en el contexto de la EHA, incluyendo su prevalencia, etiopatogenia y diagnóstico. Por otra parte, se efectuará una revisión del tratamiento de la osteoporosis en la EHC en general, incidiendo en los aspectos específicos relacionados con la pérdida de masa ósea en la EHA.

Colour-Doppler features of hepatic involvement in Rendu-Osler-Weber disease

Skin metastases as initial manifestation of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

Acute pancreatitis and superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) has been proposed as a rare cause of proximal bowel obstruction resulting from compression of the third portion of the duodenum secondary to narrowing of the space between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. The main risk factors associated with SMAS are significant weight loss, corrective spinal surgery and congenital or acquired anatomic abnormalities. Its association with acute pancreatitis has been reported in very few cases. We present a critical review of this topic, with the report of a patient allegedly diagnosed of SMAS and acute pancreatitis.

El síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (SAMS) se ha propuesto como una causa rara de obstrucción intestinal alta, resultado de la compresión de la tercera porción del duodeno por la disminución del espacio existente entre la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior. Los principales factores de riesgo asociados son la pérdida de peso importante, las cirugías de corrección de la columna y anormalidades anatómicas congénitas o adquiridas. Su asociación a pancreatitis aguda ha sido descrita en muy pocos casos. Se presenta una revisión crítica de este tema, a propósito de un caso, presuntamente diagnosticado de SAMS y pancreatitis aguda.

Endoscopic treatment of duodenal varices with cyanoacrylate

Background: the duodenum is the most common location for ectopic varices. Bleeding is rare, but when it appears, it is massive and difficult to control. Material and methods: retrospective description of five clinical cases of digestive bleeding secondary to duodenal varices that we observed between the years 2011 and 2012, together with their clinical characteristics, endoscopic diagnosis, endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate injection and the posterior follow-up and assessment of new bleeding. Results: all five patients were treated with an endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and two of the patients experienced a digestive rebleeding. Three of the patients died during the follow-up period, only one due to cause digestive bleeding. Conclusion: in conclusion we can state that endoscopic treatment of duodenal varices with cyanoacrylate is technically possible, and it permits us to control the first bleeding before doing other definitive treatments, if the patient condition allows it.

Introducción: el duodeno es la localización más frecuente de varices ectópicas. Su sangrado es poco frecuente, pero cuando ocurre, es masivo y de difícil control. Material y métodos: descripción retrospectiva de cinco casos clínicos de hemorragia digestiva secundaria a varices duodenales en los años 2011 y 2012, sus características clínicas, diagnóstico endoscópico, tratamiento endoscópico con inyección de cianoacrilato y posterior seguimiento y valoración de resangrado. Resultados: los cinco pacientes fueron tratados con inyección endoscópica de cianoacrilato de los cuales, dos pacientes experimentaron resangrado. Tres de nuestros pacientes fallecieron durante el seguimiento, uno de ellos por hemorragia digestiva. Conclusión: podemos afirmar que el tratamiento endoscópico de las varices duodenales con cianoacrilato es técnicamente factible, y puede ser de ayuda para controlar el episodio inicial de sangrado y de este modo ganar tiempo de cara a otros tratamientos definitivos, siempre y cuando el estado del paciente lo permita.

Triple therapy in the treatment of hepatitis C

Venous intestinal ischemia due to G20210A mutation of prothrombin gene

Gastric carcinoid tumors: an analysis of 24 cases

Adult hepatoblastoma: case report with adrenal recurrence

Malignant melanoma in a patient with Crohn's disease and treated with anti-TNF alpha

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome