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Background: Coronavirus-19 disease (Covid-19) is an infection with high morbidity and mortality. Obesity and low body mass index (BMI) have both been linked to severe Covid-19, but recent studies have failed to confirm these associations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BMI and disease progression in hospitalised patients with Covid-19. Methods: We performed a monocentric, retrospective observational study at the Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli in Rome. We enrolled 1544 (977 men) patients who presented to the emergency department with a positive Covid-19 test between January and December 2021. We divided patients into five classes based on BMI. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected for all patients. Results: Of the 1544 patients, 1297 recovered after hospitalization, whereas 247 (16%) died. Of those who died, 16/247 (6.5%) had a BMI below18.5 kg/m2, 72/247 (29%) had a BMI between 18.5 and 24.99 kg/m2, 103/247 (42%) had a BMI between 25 and 29.99 kg/m2, 36/247 (15%) had a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m2, and 20/247 (8%) had a BMI above 35 kg/m2. After adjusting the results for age, sex, and concomitant diseases using multivariate logistic regression, we found a significantly increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission in severely obese patients (BMI > 35) compared to normal weight patients (BMI: 18.5-24.99) (p > 0.001). Mortality was not associated with BMI. Conclusion: We confirm that severe obesity is a risk factor for ICU admission in patients with Covid-19. No association was found between BMI and mortality.

Ventilatory support is vital for the management of severe forms of COVID-19. Non-invasive ventilation is often used in patients who do not meet criteria for intubation or when invasive ventilation is not available, especially in a pandemic when resources are limited. Despite non-invasive ventilation providing effective respiratory support for some forms of acute respiratory failure, data about its effectiveness in patients with viral-related pneumonia are inconclusive. Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infection causes life-threatening respiratory failure, weakening the lung parenchyma and increasing the risk of barotrauma. Pulmonary barotrauma results from positive pressure ventilation leading to elevated transalveolar pressure, and in turn to alveolar rupture and leakage of air into the extra-alveolar tissue. This article reviews the literature regarding the use of non-invasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 and other epidemic or pandemic viral infections and the related risk of barotrauma.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several scoring systems have been specifically developed for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients. DESIGN: We compared, in a cohort of confirmed COVID-19 older patients, three specifically developed scores with a previously established early warning score. Main endpoint was all causes in-hospital death. SETTING: This is a single-center, retrospective observational study, conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) of an urban teaching hospital, referral center for COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed the clinical records of the confirmed COVID-19 patients aged 60 years or more consecutively admitted to our ED over a 6-week period (March 1st to April 15th, 2020). A total of 210 patients, aged between 60 and 98 years were included in the study cohort. MEASUREMENTS: International Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Consortium Clinical Characterization Protocol-Coronavirus Clinical Characterization Consortium (ISARIC-4C) score, COVID-GRAM Critical Illness Risk Score (COVID-GRAM), quick COVID-19 Severity Index (qCSI), National Early Warning Score (NEWS). RESULTS: Median age was 74 (67-82) and 133 (63.3%) were males. Globally, 42 patients (20.0%) deceased. All the score evaluated showed a fairly good predictive value with respect to in-hospital death. The ISARIC-4C score had the highest area under ROC curve (AUROC) 0.799 (0.738-0.851), followed by the COVID-GRAM 0.785 (0.723-0.838), NEWS 0.764 (0.700-0.819), and qCSI 0.749 (0.685-0.806). However, these differences were not statistical significant. CONCLUSION: Among the evaluated scores, the ISARIC-4C and the COVID-GRAM, calculated at ED admission, had the best performance, although the qCSI had similar efficacy by evaluating only three items. However, the NEWS, already widely validated in clinical practice, had a similar performance and could be appropriate for older patients with COVID-19.

High incidence of thrombotic complications was observed in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [1]. The pathophysiology seems related to systemic thrombophilia by hyper-immune reaction, inducing a “cytokine storm” [1].

International guidelines define as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) all supraventricular tachyarrhythmias other than atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Associate symptoms, such as chest pain and dyspnea, and possible ECG changes during arrhythmia, such as ST depression, may suggest to the emergency physician a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and thus lead to a request for troponin (cTn) level. Here we provide a comprehensive synthesis covering published literature on the diagnostic and prognostic role of cTn in patients admitted to Emergency Department (ED) for an episode of PSVT. We performed an extensive evaluation article written in English and available in PubMed and Web of Science by using the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): "paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia" AND/OR "supraventricular tachycardia" AND "Troponin" AND "Emergency Department" AND/OR "coronary artery disease". We also performed hand searching of reference lists of selected articles. A total of 17 articles were finally included. There was great variability about study design, setting and criteria for the definition of PSVT and/or type of troponin. Troponin levels were measured frequently (up to 79%) in patients admitted to ED for PSVT. About 30% of them showed cTn elevation. This elevation appears not to be associated with the presence of CAD. However, c-Tn measurements could retain utility in stratifying those with poorer prognosis among PSVT patients with an elevated cardiovascular risk profile.

Introduction Evidence is emerging about an extra-pulmonary involvement of SARS-CoV-2, including the nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction in patients recovering from acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recently described. Dysautonomic symptoms have been reported in the acute phase of the disease, but clear evidence is lacking, especially in the non-critical forms of the infection. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of dysautonomia in acute, non-critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods In this observational, cross-sectional study, we compared 38 non-critically ill patients with acute COVID-19 (COVID + group) to 38 healthy volunteers (COVID − group) in order to assess the prevalence of signs and symptoms of dysautonomia through the administration of the composite autonomic symptom score 31 (COMPASS-31) and an active standing test. Comparisons between groups were performed by means of both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension was significantly higher in the COVID + group. Higher total scores of COMPASS-31 were observed in the COVID + group than controls. Significant differences between groups emerged in the secretomotor, orthostatic intolerance, and gastrointestinal COMPASS-31 domains. All these results maintained the statistical significance after the adjustment for concomitant drugs with a known effect on the autonomic nervous system assumed by the study participants, except for the differences in the gastrointestinal domain of COMPASS-31. Conclusion Our results suggest that an autonomic dysfunction could be an early manifestation of COVID-19, even in the contest of mild forms of the infection.

Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on older adults worldwide [...]

Celiac disease (CD) is a common gluten-related enteropathy that presents several extra-intestinal manifestations. Migraine is globally recognized as one of the most diffuse primary headaches. The present paper aims to review the current evidence on the possible association between CD and migraine. Both adults and children having CD exhibit a high prevalence of migraine. However, screening for CD in an unselected population of migraineurs demonstrated contrasting results. Brain imaging may reveal cerebral calcifications and/or white matter abnormalities in a small number of patients having migraine with underlying CD. Limited data are available on the effects of gluten-free diet (GDF) on migraine in the patients affected by CD, suggesting the efficacy of such intervention on the migraine symptoms in both adults and children. Nonetheless, this inference requires verification with high-quality trials conducted with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

Background and aims The COVID‐19 pandemic represents a source of stress and potential burnout for many physicians. This single‐site survey aimed at assessing perceived stress and risk to develop burnout syndrome among physicians operating in COVID wards. Methods This longitudinal survey evaluated stress and burnout in 51 physicians operating in the COVID team of Gemelli Hospital, Italy. Participants were asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire on a short run (PSQs) (referring to the past 7 days) at baseline (T0) and then for four weeks (T1‐T4). Perceived Stress Questionnaire on a long run (PSQl) (referring to the past 2 years) was completed only at T0. Results Compared with physicians board‐certified in internal medicine, those board‐certified in other disciplines showed higher scores for the Emotional Exhaustion (EE) score of the MBI scale (P

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a predominantly respiratory syndrome. Growing reports about a SARS-CoV-2 neurological involvement, including autonomic dysfunction (AD), have been reported, mostly in critically-ill patients, or in the long-COVID syndrome. In this observational, cross-sectional study, we investigated the prevalence of AD in 20 non-critically-ill COVID-19 patients (COVID+ group) in the acute phase of the disease through a composite instrumental evaluation consisting of Sudoscan, automated pupillometry, heart rate variability (HRV), and pulse transit time (PTT). All the parameters were compared to a control group of 20 healthy volunteers (COVID− group). COVID+ group presented higher values of pupillary dilatation velocities, and baseline pupil diameter than COVID− subjects. Moreover, COVID+ patients presented a higher incidence of feet sudomotor dysfunction than COVID− group. No significant differences emerged in HRV and PTT parameters between groups. In this study we observed the occurrence of autonomic dysfunction in the early stage of the disease.

Importance Interleukin-6 signal blockade has shown preliminary beneficial effects in treating aberrant host inflammatory response against SARS-CoV-2 leading to severe respiratory distress. Objective to describe the effect of off-label intravenous use of Sarilumab in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. Design Observational clinical cohort study. Setting Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS as Italian Covid reference center. Participants Patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory distress with PaO2/FiO2 ratio Main outcomes and measures We describe the clinical outcomes of 53 patients with SARS-CoV-2 severe pneumonia treated with intravenous Sarilumab in terms of pulmonary function improvement or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission rate in medical wards setting and of live discharge rate in ICU treated patients as well as in terms of safety. Each patient received Sarilumab 400 mg administered intravenously on day 1, with eventual additional infusion based on clinical judgement, and was followed for at least 14 days, unless previously discharged or dead. No gluco-corticosteroids were used at baseline. Results Of the 53 SARS-CoV-2pos patients receiving Sarilumab, 39 (73.6%) were treated in medical wards (66.7% with a single infusion) while 14 (26.4%) in ICU (92.6% with a second infusion). The median PaO2/FiO2 of patients in the Medical Ward was 146(IQR:120-212) while the median PaO2/FiO2 of patients in ICU was 112(IQR:100-141.5), respectively. Within the medical wards, 7(17.9%) required ICU admission, 4 of whom were re-admitted to the ward within 5-8 days. At 19 days median follow-up, 89.7% of medical inpatients significantly improved (46.1% after 24 hours, 61.5% after 3 days), 70.6% were discharged from the hospital and 85.7% no longer needed oxygen therapy. Within patients receiving Sarilumab in ICU, 64.2% were discharged from ICU to the ward and 35.8% were still alive at the last follow-up. Overall mortality rate was 5.7% after Sarilumab administration: 1(2.5%) patient died in the Medical Ward whilst 2(14.2%) patients died in ICU, respectively. Conclusions and relevance IL-6R inhibition appears to be a potential treatment strategy for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and intravenous Sarilumab seems a promising treatment approach showing, in the short term, an important clinical benefit and good safety. Key points Question SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a disease with many unknown aspects for which there are no therapies with proven efficacy. To date, it is recognized that COVID-19 disease may lead to the development of a cytokine storm for which drugs as IL-6R inhibitors may have beneficial effect. Findings In this observational clinical study, we reported the efficacy and safety of intravenous Sarilumab use in SARS-CoV-2 severe pneumonia with a global resolution rate of 83.0% (89.7% in medical wards and 64.3% in ICU) and an overall mortality rate of 5.7%. Meaning IL-6R-inhibition is an effective approach for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and intravenous Sarilumab is a promising treatment approach leading to an important clinical benefit and good safety in the short term.

Aims Although oral anticoagulants (OACs) are effective in preventing stroke in older people with atrial fibrillation (AF), they are often underused in this particularly high-risk population. The aim of the present study was to assess the appropriateness of OAC prescription and its associated factors in hospitalized patients aged 65 years or older. Methods Data were obtained from the retrospective phase of Simulation-based Technologies to Improve the Appropriate Use of Oral Anticoagulants in Hospitalized Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (SIM-AF) study, held in 32 Italian internal medicine and geriatric wards. The appropriateness of OAC prescription was assessed, grouping patients in those who were and were not prescribed OACs at hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish factors independently associated with the appropriateness of OAC prescription. Results A total of 328 patients were included in the retrospective phase of the study. Of these, almost 44% (N = 143) were inappropriately prescribed OACs, being mainly underprescribed or prescribed an inappropriate antithrombotic drug (N = 88). Among the patients prescribed OACs (N = 221), errors in the prescribed doses were the most frequent cause of inappropriate use (N = 55). Factors associated with a higher degree of patient frailty were inversely associated with the appropriateness of OAC prescription. Conclusions In hospitalized older patients with AF, there is still a high prevalence of inappropriate OAC prescribing. Characteristics usually related to frailty are associated with the inappropriate prescribing. These findings point to the need for targeted interventions designed for internists and geriatricians, aimed at improving the appropriate prescribing of OACs in this complex and high-risk population.

LINKED CONTENT This article is linked to Tian et al and Tian and Rong papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15731 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15986

Background Previous studies showed that troponin blood levels may increase after exercise. In this study we assessed whether, among patients admitted with suspected unstable angina, the increase in high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) levels after exercise stress test (EST) might help identify those with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and predict symptom recurrence during short term follow-up. Methods Maximal treadmill EST was performed in 69 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency room with a suspicion of unstable angina (acute chest pain but confirmed normal serum levels of cardiac troponins) was measured before and 4 hours after EST. Coronary angiography was performed in 22 patients (32.8%). Results hs-TnT increased after EST compared to baseline in the whole population (from 0.84±0.65 to 1.17±0.87 ng/dL, p

Aims To assess the appropriateness of oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription and its associated factors in acutely hospitalized elderly patients. Methods Data were obtained from the prospective phase of SIM-AF (SIMulation-based technologies to improve the appropriate use of oral anticoagulants in hospitalized elderly patients with Atrial Fibrillation) randomized controlled trial, aimed to test whether an educational intervention improved OAC prescription, compared to current clinical practice, in internal medicine wards. In this secondary analysis, appropriateness of OAC prescription was assessed at hospital admission and discharge. Results For 246 patients, no significant differences were found between arms (odds ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-2.28) in terms of appropriateness of OAC prescription. Globally, 92 patients (37.4%, 95% CI = 31.6-43.6%) were inappropriately prescribed or not prescribed at hospital discharge. Among 51 patients inappropriately prescribed, 82% showed errors on dosage, being mainly under-dosed (n = 29, 56.9%), and among 41 inappropriately not prescribed, 98% were taking an antiplatelet drug. Factors independently associated with a lower probability of appropriateness at discharge were those related to a higher risk of bleeding (older age, higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, history of falls, alcohol consumption) and antiplatelet prescription at admission. The prescription of OACs at admission was the strongest predictor of appropriateness at discharge (odds ratio = 7.43, 95% CI = 4.04-13.73). Conclusions A high proportion of hospitalized older patients with AF remains inappropriately prescribed or nonprescribed with OACs. The management of these patients at hospital admission is the strongest predictor of prescription appropriateness at discharge.

Background & aims Diverticular Disease (DD) is a common clinical condition with a dramatic increasing of the prevalence among industrialized countries. Based on the most used classification, DD may be divided into asymptomatic diverticulosis, symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and complicated diverticular disease. Since recent studies pointed out the role of GUT microbiota imbalance in promoting diverticular formation and inflammation, we have designed a systematic review focusing on the possible role of probiotics in the management of this condition. Methods According to PRISMA, we identified studies on DD patients treated with probiotics, by searching on Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and ResearchGate. Results 13 studies were included in this review based on our selection criteria: 3 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled, 6 open randomized, and 4 non-randomized open studies. Conclusion This is the first systematic review providing an updated measure of evidence on the efficacy of probiotics in a different phase of DD. Even though the majority of studies are still preliminary, current data show a possible clinical application of certain probiotic strains in all stages of DD. Further investigation is then required to better understand when and how probiotics can be used in different phases of DD.

Background: Studies assessing the association between coeliac disease (CD) and psoriasis show conflicting results. Objective: To assess in the primary care setting the prevalence of CD in patients with psoriasis and the response to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in subjects with psoriasis and CD. Methods: We enrolled 218 patients with psoriasis and 264 controls. Coeliac screening was carried out in all subjects (Eurospital, Trieste, Italy). In subjects with a positive serology, the diagnosis of CD was confirmed histologically. Results: Nine (4.1%) psoriatic patients had positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies compared to only 1 among controls (0.4%, p < 0.05; OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.42-90.11). The diagnosis of CD was confirmed histologically in all 10 subjects. At 6 months GFD was associated with a great improvement of skin lesions in 7 out of 8 patients with psoriasis. Conclusion: Our multicentre primary care study showed an high prevalence of CD in psoriasis and an improvement of skin lesions in CD under GFD.

Parkinson's disease is associated with gastrointestinal motility abnormalities favoring the occurrence of local infections. The aim of this study was to investigate whether small intestinal bacterial overgrowth contributes to the pathophysiology of motor fluctuations. Thirty-three patients and 30 controls underwent glucose, lactulose, and urea breath tests to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients also underwent ultrasonography to evaluate gastric emptying. The clinical status and plasma concentration of levodopa were assessed after an acute drug challenge with a standard dose of levodopa, and motor complications were assessed by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-IV and by 1-week diaries of motor conditions. Patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth were treated with rifaximin and were clinically and instrumentally reevaluated 1 and 6 months later. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was significantly higher in patients than in controls (54.5% vs. 20.0%; P = .01), whereas the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was not (33.3% vs. 26.7%). Compared with patients without any infection, the prevalence of unpredictable fluctuations was significantly higher in patients with both infections (8.3% vs. 87.5%; P = .008). Gastric half-emptying time was significantly longer in patients than in healthy controls but did not differ in patients based on their infective status. Compared with patients without isolated small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, patients with isolated small intestinal bacterial overgrowth had longer off time daily and more episodes of delayed-on and no-on. The eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth resulted in improvement in motor fluctuations without affecting the pharmacokinetics of levodopa. The relapse rate of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth at 6 months was 43%. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with gastrointestinal motility abnormalities that could favor the occurrence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in PD patients. Methods: Consecutive PD patients were enrolled. The controls were subjects without PD. All patients and controls underwent the glucose breath test to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Results: Forty-eight PD patients and 36 controls were enrolled. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was significantly higher in PD patients than in controls (54.17% vs 8.33%; P < .0001; OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 3.50–48.24). Multivariate analysis showed Hoehn and Yahr stage (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.14–8.27) and Unified PD Rating score (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02–1.23) were significantly associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in PD patients. Conclusions: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is highly prevalent in PD. Gastrointestinal motility abnormalities might explain this association. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society

To assess the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in children affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Consecutive children affected by IBS according to Rome II criteria (n = 43) were enrolled at the Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome. The control population (n = 56) consisted of healthy subjects without IBS symptoms, similar to patients for age, sex, and social background. All subjects underwent lactulose/methane breath test (LBT) to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.The prevalence of abnormal LBT result was significantly higher in patients with IBS (65%, 28/43) with respect to control subjects (7%, 4/56; OR 3.9, 95% CI 7.3-80.1, P.00001). Patients with abnormal LBT showed a trend toward a worse visual analog scale score with respect to children with IBS without SIBO, but a significant statistical difference was observed only for bloating.Results from this study suggest a significant epidemiologic association between SIBO and IBS in childhood. Placebo-controlled interventional studies with antibiotics used to treat bacterial overgrowth are warranted to clarify the real impact of the disease on IBS symptoms.

The best therapeutic approach for patients with small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a combination of the removal of all predisposing conditions and the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the case of non-modifiable predisposing factors, patients with bacterial overgrowth need a strict follow-up after successful decontamination with antibiotics, in order to promptly assess and treat disease recurrence. Up to now, the choice of antibiotics has been primarily empiric because of the presence of several different bacterial species in the contaminating flora and the impossibility of applying in vitro susceptibility tests. Several systemic and non-absorbable antibiotic agents have been shown to be effective for decontamination of small bowel bacterial overgrowth. The best antibiotic scheme in terms of drug, dosage and duration of therapy remains, however, to be assessed. The non-absorbable agents seem to be associated with better safety and tolerability than systemic drugs. In the present paper, all available therapeutic approaches to small bowel bacterial overgrowth are reviewed.

Background: Previous studies suggested an association between CagA-positive H. pylori strains and ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and CagA status in patients with atherosclerotic stroke in the primary care setting. Materials and methods: A total of 106 consecutive patients (age 76.6 ± 8 years; males 52%) with well-documented history of atherosclerotic stroke and 106 sex–age- (age 76.5 ± 9 years; males 52%) and social background-matched controls without relevant vascular diseases. Risk factors for ischemic stroke were recorded in all subjects. H. pylori infection was assessed by[13]C-urea breath test. A serologic assay for specific IgG against CagA was performed in infected subjects. Results: A trend toward a higher prevalence of H. pylori was observed in cases (63%) with respect to controls (54%) without reaching a statistical significance. CagA positivity was associated to a higher risk of atherosclerotic stroke (adjusted odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.37–5.30). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CagA-positive strains of H. pylori are significantly associated to atherosclerotic stroke. This is not a merely confirmative study since it has been performed for the first time in the primary care setting and included only subjects with an active infection.

Introduction Short-chain fatty acids affect enterocyte metabolism and differentiation. Butyric acid in particular is already used in ulcerative rectal colitis, pouchitis and antibiotic-induced diarrhoea. Aims To assess the efficacy of butyrate in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients Fifty patients with IBS were treated using enteric-coated sodium butyrate tablets at a dosage of 1 g/day for 30 days. Methods The patients were divided into two subgroups: constipation-predominant IBS and diarrhoea-predominant IBS. The IBS variant and symptom scores of patients were recorded before and after treatment. Results Treatment with butyric acid reduced in normalisation of status in 68% and 71% of patients in the diarrhoea-predominant IBS group vs. 14% and 16% of patients in the constipation-predominant IBS group (respectively for the intent-to-treat and per-protocol analyses) (p Conclusions Oral administration of butyrate may be effective in regulating status and improving gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with the diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

ummary Background Rifaximin is a broad spectrum non-absorbable antibiotic used for treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Doses of 1200 mg/day showed a decontamination rate of 60% with low side-effects incidence. Aims To assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of rifaximin 1600 mg with respect to 1200 mg/day for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth treatment. Methods Eighty consecutive small intestinal bacterial overgrowth patients were enrolled. Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth based the clinical history and positivity to H2/CH4 glucose breath test. Patients were randomized in two 7-day treatment groups: rifaximin 1600 mg (group 1); rifaximin 1200 mg (group 2). Glucose breath test was reassessed 1 month after. Compliance and side-effect incidence were also evaluated. Results One drop-out was observed in group 1 and two in group 2. Glucose breath test normalization rate was significantly higher in group 1 with respect to group 2 both in intention-to-treat (80% vs. 58%; P

Somatic pain is one of the most frequent symptoms reported by patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), but, in spite of this, it is very often underestimated and under-treated. Moreover, pain-killers prescriptions are usually related to the medical examination, leading to a delay in its administration, thus worsening the patient's quality of life. With our study, we want to define and validate a systematic and homogeneous approach to analgesic drugs administration, testing a new therapeutic algorithm in terms of earliness, safety, and efficacy. 442 consecutive patients who accessed our ED for any kind of somatic pain were enrolled, and then randomly divided into two groups: group A follow the normal process of access to pain-control drugs, and group B follow our SUPER algorithm for early administration of drugs to relieve pain directly from triage. We excluded from the study, patients with abdominal pain referred to the surgeon, patients with headache, recent history of trauma, history of drug allergies, and life-threatening conditions or lack of cooperation. Drugs used in the study were those available in our ED, such as paracetamol, paracetamol/codeine, ketorolac-tromethamine, and tramadol-hydrochloride. Pain level, risk factors, indication, and contraindication of each drug were taken into account in our SUPER algorithm for a rapid and safe administration of it. The Verbal Numeric Scale (VNS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to verify the patient's health and perception of it. Only 59 patient from group A (27.1 %) received analgesic therapy (at the time of the medical examination) compared to 181 patients (100 %) of group B (p < 0.001). Group B patients, received analgesic therapy 76 min before group A subjects (p < 0.01), resulting in a significant lower VNS (7.31 ± 1.68 vs 4.75 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), and a superior VAS after discharge (54.43 ± 22.16 vs 61.30 ± 19.13; p < 0.001) compared to group A subjects. No significant differences concerning side effects were observed between group A and group B patients. Early administration of a pain-control therapy directly from triage is safe and effective, and significantly improves patients perceptions of their own health.

Background: Triple therapy is the treatment of choice for Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with an eradication rate ranging from 70 to 85%. Poor compliance and antibiotic resistance are the main causes of treatment failure. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of rifaximin, a poorly absorbed antibiotic, for H. pylori eradication. Methods: We enrolled 48 consecutive H. pylori-positive patients affected. They were randomized to receive two 7-day rifaximin-based triple therapies: rifaximin tablets 400 mg t.i.d., esomeprazole 40 mg o.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (CRE) or levofloxacin 500 mg o.d. (LRE). H. pylori eradication was assessed using a 13C-urea breath test 4 weeks after the end of therapy. Treatment compliance and the incidence of side effects were also evaluated. Results: No dropouts were observed. The eradication rate both on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis did not show significant differences between groups: 58% (14/24 patients) in group 1 and 42% (10/24 patients) in group 2 (p = 0.24, OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.62–6.18). No significant differences in patients’ compliance and incidence of side effects were found between groups. Conclusions: Rifaximin-based therapy showed optimal compliance but a limited eradication rate compared to standard first-line treatment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate different dosages and combinations.

The involvement of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of extragastric diseases continues to be an interesting topic in the field of Helicobacter-related pathology. Although conflicting findings have been reported for most of the disorders, a role of H. pylori seems to be important especially for the development of cardiovascular and hematologic disorders. Previously isolated human and animal Helicobacter sp. flexispira and "Helicobacter heilmannii" strains have been validated using polyphasic taxonomy. A novel enterohepatic Helicobacter has been isolated from mastomys and mice, adding to the list of helicobacters that colonize the liver. Genetic targets that may aid the classification of novel Helicobacter species have emerged. Animal models of Helicobacter-induced gastric and hepatobiliary diseases have offered insights to the mechanisms associated with premalignant transformation.

SUMMARY Background: Few controlled studies assessing choice and duration of antibiotic therapy for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are available. Aim: To assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of different doses of rifaximin, a broad spectrum non-absorbable antibiotic, for intestinal bacterial overgrowth eradication. Methods: We enrolled 90 consecutive patients affected by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was based on the occurrence of a rise of H2 values >12 p.p.m. above the basal value after 50 g glucose ingestion. Patients were randomized in three 7-day treatment groups: rifaximin 600 mg/day (group 1); rifaximin 800 mg/day (group 2) and rifaximin 1200 mg/day (group 3). Glucose breath test was reassessed 1 month after the end of therapy. Compliance to the treatment and incidence of side-effects were also evaluated. Results: No drop-outs were observed in the three groups. Glucose breath test normalization rate was significantly higher in group 3 (60%) with respect to group 1 (17%; P < 0.001) and group 2 (27%, P < 0.01). No significant differences in patient compliance and incidence of side-effects were found among groups. Conclusions: Higher doses of rifaximin lead to a significant gain in terms of therapeutic efficacy in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth eradication without increasing the incidence of side-effects.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and sugar malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sorbitol) may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome. The lactulose breath test is a reliable and non-invasive test for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The lactose, fructose and sorbitol hydrogen breath tests are widely used to detect specific sugar malabsorption.To assess the extent to which small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may influence the results of hydrogen sugar breath tests in irritable bowel syndrome patients.We enrolled 98 consecutive irritable bowel syndrome patients. All subjects underwent hydrogen lactulose, lactose, fructose and sorbitol hydrogen breath tests. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth patients were treated with 1-week course of antibiotics. All tests were repeated 1 month after the end of therapy.A positive lactulose breath test was found in 64 of 98 (65%) subjects; these small intestinal bacterial overgrowth patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of positivity to the lactose breath test (P0.05), fructose breath test (P0.01) and sorbitol breath test (P0.01) when compared with the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth-negatives. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth eradication, as confirmed by negative lactulose breath test, caused a significant reduction in lactose, fructose and sorbitol breath tests positivity (17% vs. 100%, 3% vs. 62%, and 10% vs. 71% respectively: P0.0001).In irritable bowel syndrome patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, sugar breath tests may be falsely abnormal. Eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth normalizes sugar breath tests in the majority of patients. Testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth should be performed before other sugar breath tests tests to avoid sugar malabsorption misdiagnosis.

Background/Aims: Acquired lactase deficiency is a common cause of gastrointestinal symptoms but its etiology remains unclear. Celiac disease could lead to lactase deficiency and is much more common than previously suspected. Several studies have highlighted the prevalence of lactose intolerance in celiac disease, but studies assessing the prevalence of celiac disease in lactose intolerance are lacking. We evaluated the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with a positive H2-lactose breath test compared to a control group. Methods: This retrospective study included 54 patients (15 males/39 females; mean age 37.8 ± 7 years) from southern Italy, referred to the Gastroenterology Unit for bloating and diarrhea after the introduction of milk or dietary lactose. They had a positive H2-lactose breath test and a negative H2-glucose breath test. 50 blood donors were drawn from a similar population, matched for sex and age, and enrolled as a control group. All patients were screened for possible celiac disease by measuring the serum level of IgA antibodies to endomysium, anti-transglutaminase and total IgA. Patients positive for at least one of these markers were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: None of the patients had a IgA deficiency. 24% of the patients showed positivity of celiac disease antibodies compared to 2% in the control group (p < 0.001). Histologic samples of these patients showed villous atrophy (53.8% Marsh type IIIa, 38.4% Marsh IIIb, and 7.6% with Marsh type IIIc) confirming the celiac disease, while in the control subjects duodenal biopsies were normal. Conclusions: A high prevalence of celiac disease was observed in patients with a positive H2-lactose breath test compared to healthy controls. In these subjects lactase deficiency seems to be the only manifestation of celiac disease. We suggest serologic screening for celiac disease in all patients with a positive H2-lactose breath test before beginning a milk-exclusion diet.

Aims: There is contrasting evidence on the relevance of chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) as a risk factor for stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of case-control studies to assess association of H. pylori infection and more virulent H. pylori strains, bearing the cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA) antigen, with different types of stroke. Methods: Outcome measures were: H. pylori and CagA seroprevalence in (1) patients with stroke versus controls, and (2) patients with stroke due to large vessel stroke versus patients with other types of stroke and controls. Results: Seven cross-sectional, case-control studies were included. Odds ratio for individual case-control studies and pooled OR for the association between H. pylori seropositivity and stroke was 1.49 (95% CI 1.24–1.81), for the association between stroke and anti-CagA positivity was 2.23 (95% CI 1.49–3.36). Patients with large vessel stroke had higher odds for H. pylori infection than patients with other types of stroke (odds ratio 1.65; 95% CI 1.12–2.45), and than controls (odds ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.13–2.32). Conclusions: Association between H. pylori positivity, anti-CagA positivity and stroke is modest and seems higher with stroke due to large vessel disease. This meta-analysis suggests that the role of CagA positive H. pylori strains in different stroke etiologic subclasses should be the target of future prospective investigation.

Summary Background : Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. It is often related to low levels of vitamin B12 and/or folate, enzymatic co-factors of methionine metabolism. Atrophic gastritis, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, may impair vitamin absorption. Aim : To assess whether the presence of atrophic gastritis is associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia via deficiency of its vitamin co-factors. Methods : Thirty-one patients with atrophic gastritis were recruited. The control group consisted of 28 patients with non-atrophic gastritis, matched with patients for sex, age and body mass index. The presence and degree of gastric atrophy were assessed by histology. H. pylori infection was assessed by histology/serology. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folates. Results : Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that atrophic gastritis (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–25.26; χ2 = 5.2; P = 0.01) and low vitamin B12 (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–22.08; χ2 = 3.6; P