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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is traditionally classified as a combined restrictive and malabsorptive operation. This notion of the operation influences its technical variations and revisions for patients who do not achieve significant weight loss after this surgery. There is an increasing body of literature suggesting a role for appetite suppression mediated by neuro-hormonal signals after RYGB. The purpose of this paper was to systematically review published English language scientific literature to determine the role of malabsorption towards weight loss achieved with RYGB. This review finds that there is little or no malabsorption of carbohydrates or protein after RYGB but there is some fat malabsorption. Overall, malabsorption makes a little (approximately 11.0% in the early period) overall contribution to weight loss after RYGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption disorder of the intestine, which leads to an inadequate alimentary supply. A number of therapeutic approaches are already in use, but research advances may provide new options in the future. The purpose of this paper was to provide an overview of the established therapeutic approaches together with a discussion of the future perspectives in the treatment of patients with SBS. We review those studies dealing with the treatment of SBS patients and discuss both surgical and non-surgical approaches together with tissue engineering. Methods: A systemic review of Medline-cited studies dealing with current practice and future perspectives in the treatment of short bowel in children was performed. Results: Surgical approaches, non-surgical approaches, and tissue engineering which was used in the treatment of SBS were analyzed. Among the surgical approaches, the bowel lengthening procedures and small bowel transplantation are prevalent. Stimulants are most important concerning non-surgical approaches. Tissue engineering seems to be more experimental and was also evaluated. Conclusion: The treatment of SBS patients remains very complex. It is eminent to find the best therapeutic option for each patient and to individualize and modify the different possible types of applied techniques frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton pump inhibitors have an excellent safety profile and have become one of the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in primary and specialty care. Long-term, sometimes lifetime, use is becoming increasingly common, often without appropriate indications. This paper is a detailed review of the current evidence on this important topic, focusing on the potential adverse effects of long-term proton pump inhibitor use that have generated the greatest concern: B12 deficiency; iron deficiency; hypomagnesemia; increased susceptibility to pneumonia, enteric infections, and fractures; hypergastrinemia and cancer; drug interactions; and birth defects. We explain the pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie each of these relationships, review the existing evidence, and discuss implications for clinical management. The benefits of proton pump inhibitor use outweigh its risks in most patients. Elderly, malnourished, immune-compromised, chronically ill, and osteoporotic patients theoretically could be at increased risk from long-term therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the diagnostic potential of multislice computed tomography enteroclysis (MSCT–E) to detect and assess different diseases affecting the small bowel, emphasising the increasingly important role assumed by the technique in the study of this anatomical region. After a short summary of the technical aspects, we discuss the different findings that can be observed during an MSCT–E study and that enable detection of small–bowel disease and, if necessary, assessment of the extent and stage of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients are common following the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS), and may become clinically significant if not recognized and treated with supplementation. This paper presents a review of the current literature and evidence of the most commonly deficient vitamins and minerals following weight loss surgery, including protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and other micronutrients. The deficiencies appear to be more substantial following malabsorptive procedures such as BPD, but occur with restrictive procedures as well. The review suggests that further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the nutritional deficiencies, and to determine guidelines for supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether or not purifiedI-triolein produces the same behavior asC-triolein in the intraluminal phase, and to assess whether or not 0.10±0.02 of the Digestion-Absorption Index (DAI) obtained from clinical cases is an adequate value for differentiating maldigestion from malabsorption of fat, dogs, pancreatic juice-deficient, short bowel and biledeficient were prepared. Both the pancreatic juice-deficient and bile-deficient groups indicated a high fecal excretion ofC-andI-radioactivity, and the short bowel group indicated a moderate fecal excretion of fat. Daily fecal fat levels in each group were in parallel to the 3-day fecal excretion of radioactivity. However, the Digestion-Absorption Index of the pancreatic juice-deficient group was 0.602 inC and 0.620 inI, and indicated that a considerable portion of the ingested triolein was excreted into the feces without hydrolysis. DAI in the short bowel group were 0.020 inC and 0.022 inI, and in the bile-deficient group, the indices were 0.031 inC and 0.021 inI. Both latter groups showed a malabsorptive defect. Additionally, the Digestion-Absorption Index of the pancreatic juice-deficient group was higher than 0.10±0.02 of the clinical borderline mentioned in the foregoing paper, and that of the other two groups was lower. Therefore, this borderline may represent adequate values for the differentiation of fat malassmilation. On the other hand, it was confirmed thatC-triolein andI-triolein showed similar behavior in the intraluminal phase, and that theI-triolein test was adequate for clinical testing for fat digestion and absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper evaluates biliopancreatic diversion combined with the duodenal switch, forming a hybrid procedure which is a combination of restriction and malabsorption. Methods: The evaluation is of the first 440 patients undergoing this procedure who had had no previous bariatric surgery. The mean starting weight was 183 kg, with 41% of our patients considered super morbidly obese (BMI > 50). Results: There was an average maximum weight loss of 80% excess weight by 24 months postoperation; this continued at a 70% level for 8 years. Major complications were found in almost 9% of the cases. There were two perioperative deaths, one from pulmonary embolism and one from acute pulmonary obstruction. There were 36 type II diabetics, all of whom have discontinued medication following the surgery. Seventeen revisions were performed to correct excess weight loss and low protein levels. There have been no marginal ulcers, no cases of dumping syndrome, no foreign material used, and the procedure is a pyloric saving procedure which is functionally reversible. Conclusions: This operation has vastly improved the lives of seriously obese patients with many co-morbidities. All type II diabetics have essentially been cured of their disease. The procedure was tolerated well and patients are quite satisfied. There was minimal regain of weight with this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ricerca in Clinica E in Laboratorio is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The underlying mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are poorly researched. This study characterised the nature, frequency, severity and treatable causes for GI symptoms prospectively in patients undergoing chemotherapy for GI malignancy. Methods: Patients receiving chemotherapy for a GI malignancy were assessed pre-chemotherapy, then monthly for 1 year using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, a validated patient-reported outcome measure. Patients with new, troublesome GI symptoms were offered investigations to diagnose the cause(s). Their oncologist was alerted when investigations were abnormal. Results: A total of 241 patients, 60% male, median age 63 years (range 30–88), were enrolled; 122 patients were withdrawn, 93%, because of progressive disease or death. During the study, > 20% patients reported chronic faecal incontinence and > 10% reported moderate or severe problems with taste, dysphagia, belching, heartburn, early satiety, appetite, nausea, abdominal cramps, peri-rectal pain, rectal flatulence, borborygmi, urgency of defecation or tenesmus. Thirty percent reported continuing passage of hard stools and 30% on-going diarrhoea. Moderate or severe fatigue affected 40% participants at its peak and persisted in 15% at 1 year. Toxicity dictated change in chemotherapy for 13–29% patients/month. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events underestimated gastrointestinal morbidity. Pre-chemotherapy screening identified previously undiagnosed pathology: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (9%), vitamin B12 deficiency (12%) and thyroid dysfunction (20%). Patients often refused investigations to diagnose their chemotherapy-induced symptoms; however, for every three investigations performed, one treatable cause was diagnosed: particularly small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (54%), bile acid malabsorption (43%), previously not described after chemotherapy, and unsuspected urinary tract infection (17%). Conclusions: Patients undergoing chemotherapy for GI malignancy commonly have difficult GI symptoms requiring active management which does not occur routinely. The underlying causes for these symptoms are often treatable or curable. Randomised trials are urgently needed to show whether timely investigation and treatment of symptoms improve quality of life and survival. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02121626 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended aganglionosis (TIA) is the presence of some viable aganglionic gut distal to the levelling jejunostomy. Different surgical procedures (including transplantation) have been proposed with inconclusive results. We conceived a new procedure named skipped aganglionic lengthening transposition (SALT) consisting of multiple pedicled isoperistaltic transpositions of aganglionic ileal loops interposed to normoganglionic jejunum. The innovative aspect consists of taking advantage of the propulsive effect of normoganglionated bowel to progress enteric content throughout interposed aganglionic loops down to the stoma. The procedure was adopted in a male patient who was born with 30 cm of normoganglionated jejunum. SALT was performed when the baby was 18 months. Three 5-cm pedicled isoperistaltic aganglionic loops of small bowel were interposed each 10 cm of normoganglionic jejunum with an overall 36% length gain (from 42 to 57 cm). Postoperative course was uneventful. 6 months postoperatively, an upper gastrointestinal series showed normal progression without dilatations. A laparoscopic gastrostomy was performed due to food aversion 6 months postoperatively, demonstrating impressive anatomic and functional postoperative results. The procedure provides promising and unique opportunity for patients with TIA with encouraging outlook for the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is rapidly spreading. Concerns about biliary reflux and malabsorption with consequent nutritional deficits exist, so studies on biliopancreatic limb (BPL) adequate length in OAGB are required to balance excess weight loss in percentage (% EWL), resolution of comorbidities, and nutritional deficit. The purpose was to evaluate, at 2 years after OAGB, the effects of BPL length on weight loss, resolution of comorbidity, and nutritional deficiencies in patients. Methods: From January 2015 to January 2017, 180 patients were collected into three groups based BPL length: group A, 150 cm; group B, 180 cm; and group C, 200 cm. Aims were to compare %EWL, co-morbidity resolution rates, nutritional parameters, and morbidity/mortality in the three groups. Results: The total number of patients was 180: 60 for each group. One hundred seventy-two (95%) patients attended the 1-year follow-up (group A = 58; group B = 58, group C = 56). One hundred fifty-seven (87%) patients attended the 2-year follow-up (group A = 52 (87%); group B = 53 (88%); group C = 52 (87%)). There was no statistically significant difference in %EWL, %TWL, T2DM, and hypertension resolution rates among the groups. About vitamin deficiency, differences were not statistically significant. Iron and ferritin deficiency rate were statistically significant only between A and C groups. Conclusions: According to our evidence, standardization of BPL length shorter than 200 cm is suggested, potentially minimizing malnutrition-related outcomes. Our study seems to show that a BPL of 150–180 cm is safe and effective in terms of EWL and comorbidity improvement with low malnutrition effects even in BMI > 50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In patients with hypothyroidism, levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice, and tablets are the most commonly prescribed formulation. Despite multiple scenarios being reported in the literature with impaired tablet absorption and likely missed TSH targets, it is yet unclear what the implications are for clinical practice and the role of liquid solution (LS) and soft gel (SG) formulations. We have thus conducted a narrative review evaluating the prevalence within the general population of gastrointestinal disorders impacting tablet LT4 absorption. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched until December 2019 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topic. If they could not be retrieved, other types of manuscripts were searched. Results: Lactose malabsorption and Helicobacter pylori infection represented the most common disorders, with a global prevalence of 68% and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of other conditions, including autoimmune gastritis, bariatric surgery, celiac disease, gastroparesis, giardiasis, liver cirrhosis, or ulcerative colitis, was lower than 20%. Data at regional and country levels were found to be heterogeneous, but at least one in five patients was diagnosed with one disorder. Conclusions: The worldwide prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders associated with tablet LT4 malabsorption, including lactose malabsorption and Helicobacter pylori infection, is high. Interactions with drugs or food can further increase this risk. Considering that all studies investigating the impact of switching patients from tablet to LS or SG found an improved thyroid balance, the latter formulations should be considered as first-line therapy for managing hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to provide parenteral support represents a revolutionary change in medical therapy for patients with temporary and inadequate intestinal absorptive capacity or for patients with chronic intestinal failure due to digestive diseases. Nevertheless, due to the rarity of intestinal failure, a de facto policy of "discrimination by organ failure treatment" exists in many countries whereby this problem is under-recognized and under-treated. With the increasing recognition of the pathophysiological consequences of intestinal resection and the occurrence of new pro-adaptive treatments for patients suffering from short bowel syndrome, this review reflects on the history of developments in this area and discusses current practice and future directions of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Persistent elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is common in endocrinology practice in patients undergoing replacement or suppression therapy with levothyroxine sodium (LT4). After examining the causes of this condition, LT4 absorption test is recommended. In this report, we wanted to share our results of LT4 absorption test in patients with elevated TSH levels. Materials–methods: The files of patients who presented to our clinic between 2015 and 2018, whose TSH elevation continued despite high-dose LT4 therapy, and who underwent absorption test were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Levothyroxine sodium absorption test was applied to five patients. Absorption test revealed LT4 malabsorption in two patients and pseudomalabsorption in the other three patients. Discussion: When all published pseudomalabsorption cases were considered, it has been stated that at least 2.5 times increase in basal fT4 level may exclude malabsorption. The formula we used has been implemented by Cleveland Clinic since 2014. Conclusion: In cases where TSH normalization is not achieved despite high doses of LT4 therapy, LT4 absorption test is an easy test for administration and interpretation and prevents unnecessary medical treatments and examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Survival with advanced pancreatic cancer is less than 12 months. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency may contribute to pancreatic cancer-related cachexia, via nutrient malabsorption. We aimed to determine the feasibility of prescribing pancreatic extract (Creon®) for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Methods: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, without frank malabsorption, were randomised in this feasibility study to pancreatic extract 50,000 units with meals and 25,000 units with snacks, or placebo. Standardised dietary advice was given. Anti-cancer and supportive care treatments were permitted. Outcomes included weight, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QLQC30, PAN26), survival and nutritional assessment (PG-SGA).Results: Eighteen patients were randomised before study closure due to slow recruitment. Baseline characteristics were well matched. Weight loss prior to randomisation was numerically greater in the pancreatic extract group (mean 0.7 vs 2.2 kg). Weight loss was numerically greater in the placebo group, however not significantly. No differences in BMI or nutrition score were seen. Quality of life did not differ between study groups. Median overall survival was 17 (95% CI 8.1-48.7) weeks in the control group, and 67.6 (95% CI 14.1-98.4) weeks in the pancreatic extract group (p = 0.1063). Only 17% (18/106) of potentially eligible patients were recruited, related to patient/family reluctance, rapid clinical deterioration and patients already prescribed pancreatic extract. A moderate pill burden was noted.Conclusion: Despite intriguing survival results, this study was not sufficiently feasible to proceed to a fully powered comparative study. A multi-centre study would be required to exclude a significant difference in outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Addressing the problem of proctologic sequelae after Scopinaroʼs classical BPD, we elongated the common limb from 50 to 200 cm at the expense of the alimentary limb and simultaneously, with the aim of avoiding weight regain, reduced the gastric pouch from 500 to 40 ml. After increased experience with the new procedure, we observed a favourable tendency towards further weight loss. Thus, we subsequently extended the indication to the procedure to patients with unsatisfactory weight loss after Scopinaroʼs classical BPD (SBPD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our clinical experience with the new procedure. Results: From March 2008 to December 2014, 38 patients were submitted to the revisional procedure. The indication to surgical revision was proctologic in 26 patients and unsatisfactory weight loss in 12. After the revisional procedure, a significant reduction in bowel movements per day was observed, together with a significant reduction in body weight (from preoperative 87.1 ± 21 to 69.2 ± 13.5 kg at post-operative year 1 and 68.1 ± 11.9 kg at year 5; p < 0.001) and a parallel reduction in BMI (from preoperative 33.03 ± 7.6 to 26.8 ± 4.1 at post-operative year 1 and 26.9 ± 2.8 at year 5; p < 0.001). Mean excess BMI percent loss was 49.5 ± 94.6% at post-operative month 3, 76.51 ± 74.9% at year 1 and 76.2 ± 31.3% at year 5. Nutritional and metabolic parameters remained stable. Similar results were observed, analysing separately both groups of patients. Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest that the proposed procedure could represent a safe and effective revisional tool to treat invalidating proctologic sequelae after SBPD, or when weight loss may be deemed unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is one cause of a poor response to a gluten-free diet (GFD) and persistent symptoms in celiac disease. Rifaximin has been reported to improve symptoms in non-controlled trials.Aims: To determine the effect of rifaximin on gastrointestinal symptoms and lactulose-hydrogen breath tests in patients with poorly responsive celiac disease.Methods: A single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms despite a GFD was conducted. Patients were randomized to placebo (n = 25) or rifaximin (n = 25) 1,200 mg daily for 10 days. They completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and underwent lactulose-hydrogen breath tests at weeks 0, 2, and 12. An abnormal breath test was defined as: (1) a rise in hydrogen of ≥20 parts per million (ppm) within 100 min, or (2) two peaks ≥20 ppm over baseline.Results: GSRS scores were unaffected by treatment with rifaximin, regardless of baseline breath tests. In a multivariable regression model, the duration of patients' gastrointestinal symptoms significantly predicted their overall GSRS scores (estimate 0.029, p < 0.006). According to criteria 1 and 2, respectively, SIBO was present in 55 and 8% of patients at baseline, intermittently present in 28 and 20% given placebo, and 28 and 12% given rifaximin. There was no difference in the prevalence of SIBO between placebo and treatment groups at weeks 2 and 12.Conclusions: Rifaximin does not improve patients' reporting of gastrointestinal symptoms and hydrogen breath tests do not reliably identify who will respond to antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:The fatty acid pattern of membrane phospholipids is suggested to affect membrane fluidity and epithelial barrier function as a result of membrane fatty acid unsaturation. The incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into membrane phospholipids may diminish inflammatory potential in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to improve the fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids after oral supplementation of specific fatty acids in patients with maldigestion and/or malabsorption.Subjects/Methods:We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. A total of 48 patients with gastrointestinal diseases received either fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K (ADEK) or ADEK plus fatty acids α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and medium-chain triglycerides (FA-ADEK) for 12 weeks. The fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, dietary intake, plasma antioxidant vitamins and serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks after supplementation.Results:Supplementation with FA-ADEK increased ALA, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids by 0.040, 1.419 and 0.159%, respectively, compared with ADEK supplementation (−0.007, 0.151 and 0.002%, respectively) after 12 weeks (all P0.001). Serum GGT activity decreased in patients receiving FA-ADEK compared with those receiving ADEK with a significant difference after 8 weeks.Conclusions:The significant change in erythrocyte membrane fatty acid pattern demonstrates the incorporation of orally administered n-3 PUFA in patients with maldigestion and malabsorption. The increase in ALA and DHA, as well as the conversion of ALA to EPA is attributed to the supplementation of sufficient amounts of ALA and DHA, respectively. Serum GGT activity decreased in response to decreased oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin K and D deficiency and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) were highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially Crohn’s disease (CD). Dietary intakes of these vitamins, however, were above the Japanese adequate intakes in IBD patients, suggesting that malabsorption is the basis for hypovitaminosis K and D and decreased BMD. We have studied the possible involvement of vitamin K and D deficiency in the pathogenesis of decreased BMD in IBD. Seventy patients with IBD were evaluated for their BMD; plasma levels of vitamin K; phylloquinone (PK), menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and 25OH-D; serum PTH, protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels; and their food intake. Compared with ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, CD patients had significantly lower plasma vitamin K and 25OH-D concentrations; significantly higher serum levels of PTH, PIVKA-II, and ucOC; and significantly lower BMD scores at almost all measurement sites. More IBD patients were vitamin K deficient in bone than in liver. Multiple regression analyses revealed that low plasma concentrations of vitamin K and 25OH-D were independent risk factors for low BMD and that they were associated with the patients’ fat intake, but not with their intake of these vitamins. IBD patients have high prevalence of decreased BMD and vitamin K and D deficiency probably caused by malabsorption of these vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal barrier function was prospectively examined in the course of a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of lisofylline for reducing cytotoxic therapy-induced intestinal epithelial damage-related infectious morbidity in patients receiving standard remission-induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia. The absorption and permeation of oral D-Xylose, lactulose and mannitol were measured weekly from baseline until marrow recovery in adult recipients of idarubicin plus cytarabine for untreated acute myeloid leukaemia. These studies were correlated with non-haematologic chemotherapy-related toxicities reflecting mucosal damage, including nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and systemic infection. D-xylose absorption decreased and lactulose:mannitol ratio reflecting intestinal permeability increased from baseline until the second and third week after the beginning of the treatment followed by recovery. These measures correlated with infection rates, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and increased blood product utilization. Lisofylline was associated with increased intestinal permeability, nausea, vomiting and infection-related morbidity despite a reduction in the duration of neutropaenia. These surrogates of intestinal barrier function correlated well with clinically important outcomes despite the failure to demonstrate reduced morbidity with lisofylline and represent useful objective outcome measurements for future clinical trials of products for the amelioration of the effects of cytotoxic therapy on the intestinal mucosa.Leukemia (2006) 20, 2087–2092. doi:10.1038/sj.leu.2404440; published online 2 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological and pathophysiological study on the intestinal lymphatics was carried out clinically and experimentally. Jejunal biopsy study revealed marked dilatation of intestinal lymphatics in liver cirrhosis with ascites and BehÇet's disease as well as protein-losing enteropathy. Lymphangiographic study showed also abnormal findings in above-mentioned diseases. In cases of McKee dogs in which mechanism of blockade of lymphatic flow was already clarified, McKee dogs showed marked malabsorption of fat. When lymphatic flow was blocked mechanically at the thoracic duct, fat accumulation was seen in the absorptive cells as well as in dilated intestinal lymphatics. In administration of colchicine to rats, fat accumulation was seen in the matrix of absorptive cells as well as in the endoplasmic reticulums and Golgi apparatus. However, amorphous substances instead of chylomicrons were seen in dilated intestinal lymphatics. These studies suggested that a tract of fat transportation from intestinal cells to the thoracic duct should be considered as a functional unit in fat absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical findings and pathological changes in a 14 year old boy who died from severe malabsorption are presented. Early signs of the illness were attacks of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and intermittent periods of constipation. Later, severe malabsorption together with chronic ileus were apparent but no organic obstruction was found at several laparotomies. X-ray examination revealed extremly distended intestinal loops and a very slow transit time of barium. Malnutrition could not be improved by dietary, medical, or surgical therapy. Microscopic examination of the tissues obtained at autopsy showed changes in the small vessels of the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestine. Increased fibrous tissue combined with atrophy of the muscular coat was observed in the wall of the entire intestine. Although cutaneous changes of scleroderma were not evident the deposition of collagenous material and the vascular changes seem typical of systemic sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dramatic weight loss has been observed following intestinal bypass surgery. Initially, malabsorption was recognized as the major cause for weight loss. Only in recent years have investigators noted that the intestinal bypass could significantly reduce caloric intake, which largely or almost fully explains the weight loss following this procedure. The reduced energy intake as well as malabsorption are probably the major causes of weight loss after intestinal bypass surgery. Increased energy output has been proposed as a factor for weight loss, and more recently, it has been suggested that certain hormonal changes may play a role in regulating satiety and metabolic processes. This article examines these proposed factors that may impact on weight loss following intestinal bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and predictors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among symptomatic children and the effect on growth. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinics of the Gastroenterology Unit of the Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University. A total of 630 children complaining of any symptoms or signs suspicious of H. pylori infection were enrolled. Weight and height were measured for each child, and the standard deviation scores (Z-scores) for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and height-for-age (HAZ) were calculated. H. pylori was diagnosed using a stool antigen test. Results: The overall prevalence of infection was 64.6%. Socio-demographic variables significantly associated with H. pylori were residence in Upper Egypt (P = 0.013) and rural areas (P = 0.004), illiteracy of mothers (P = 0.017), household crowding index ≥ 3 (P = 0.011), absence of pure water supply (P = 0.005), and eating from street vendors (P < 0.001). Values of WAZ [median, interquartile range (IQR) in infected = − 1.3(− 2.7 to − 0.4) and non-infected = − 0.7(− 2.1 to − 0.1), P < 0.001], HAZ (P = 0.036), and WHZ (P = 0.005) were significantly lower in children infected with H. pylori. After performing a backward logistic regression analysis, eating from street vendors (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.346–2.625, P < 0.001), absence of pure water supply (OR = 1.725, 95% CI 1.162–2.561, P = 0.007), and overcrowding (OR = 1.547, 95% CI 1.100–2.177, P = 0.012) remained the significant predictors of H. pylori infection. Conclusion: A high prevalence of H. pylori infection among symptomatic children was detected. The extra-digestive effects of H. pylori were revealed in the form of affection of growth parameters and reduced levels of serum hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A second (challenge) infection of Eimeria nieschulzi in clinically immune rats did not produce weight gain depression but caused a decrease in the absorption of glycine from the ileum. The malabsorption due to challenge was equivalent to that caused by the primary infection which did cause weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]