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“Serrated polyps” is the term used for epithelial lesions of the colon and rectum that have a “sawtooth” pattern on the polyp's surface and crypt epithelium. The so-called serrated pathway describes the progression of sessile serrated adenomas and traditional serrated adenomas to colorectal cancer. Said pathway is well recognized as an alternative mechanism of carcinogenesis and accounts for 15-30% of the cases of colorectal cancer. It also explains a large number of the cases of interval colorectal cancer. Thus, due to their usually aggressive and uncertain behavior, serrated polyps are of the utmost importance in colorectal cancer screening. Our aim was to review the history, current nomenclature, pathophysiology, morphology, treatment, and surveillance of serrated polyps. Resumen: «Pólipos serrados» es el término utilizado para describir lesiones epiteliales del colon y recto que demuestran un patrón de «dientes de sierra» de la superficie y epitelio de las criptas. La llamada vía serrada describe la progresión de adenomas serrados sésiles y adenomas serrados tradicionales a cáncer colorrectal. Esta vía está bien reconocida como un mecanismo de carcinogénesis alternativo, el cual representa el 15-30% de los casos de cáncer colorrectal, explicando además una proporción significativa de los casos de cáncer colorrectal de intervalo. Por tal motivo, debido a su comportamiento incierto y usualmente agresivo, los pólipos serrados son un tema de suma relevancia en el cribado de cáncer colorrectal. Nuestro objetivo fue revisar la historia, nomenclatura actual, fisiopatología, características morfológicas, tratamiento y vigilancia de los pólipos serrados.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions requiring hospitalization. Even though its presentation during pregnancy is uncommon, it is a medical challenge. Currently, no studies compare the clinical outcomes between pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis and nonpregnant patients with acute pancreatitis. Our aim was to compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of pregnant and nonpregnant women with acute pancreatitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included all patients admitted to our hospital with acute pancreatitis over a 10-year period. Demographics, general characteristics, and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between pregnant and nonpregnant women with acute pancreatitis, at a ratio of 1:5. Results: Over 10 years, 27 pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis were treated. Etiology was biliary in 96% and hypertriglyceridemia was the cause in 3.4% (1 patient). The mean patient age was 26.2 years (range 15-36 years). The main cause of acute pancreatitis was biliary disease (96%). Patients in the study group were in their first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy, at 7.4%, 33.3%, and 59.3%, respectively. In the comparison of pregnant versus nonpregnant patients with acute pancreatitis, there were no differences in age, hospital stay (7.37 vs. 10.8, p = 0.814), severity (severe 3.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.79), local complications (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476), or mortality (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476). Conclusions: The clinical evolution of both groups with biliary acute pancreatitis was similar, with low morbidity and mortality. Resumen: Antecedentes y objetivo: La pancreatitis aguda es una de las condiciones gastrointestinales más comunes que requieren hospitalización. Aunque su aparición durante el embarazo es poco común, representa un reto médico. Actualmente no existen estudios que comparen los desenlaces clínicos entre mujeres embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda y pacientes no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar las características y desenlaces clínicos de las mujeres embarazadas y no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todas las pacientes admitidas en nuestro hospital con pancreatitis aguda durante un periodo de 10 años. Se evaluaron y compararon los datos demográficos, las características generales y los desenlaces clínicos entre las mujeres embarazadas y las mujeres no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda, con una razón de 1:5. Resultados: Se trató a 27 pacientes embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda en un periodo de 10 años. La etiología fue biliar en 96% de los casos y en 3.4% de los casos la causa fue hipertrigliceridemia (1 paciente). La edad media de las pacientes fue de 26.2 años (rango de 15-36 años). La causa principal de la pancreatitis aguda fue la enfermedad biliar (96%). Las pacientes en el grupo de estudio cursaban su primer, segundo o tercer trimestre del embarazo, con una distribución del 7.4%, 33.3% y 59.3% respectivamente. En la comparación entre pacientes embarazadas y no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda no existieron diferencias en edad, tiempo de hospitalización (7.37 vs. 10.8, p = 0.814), gravedad (grave, 3.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.79), complicaciones locales (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476), o mortalidad (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476). Conclusiones: La evolución clínica de ambos grupos con pancreatitis biliar aguda fue similar, con baja morbilidad y mortalidad.

Resumen: Antecedentes y objetivo: La pancreatitis aguda es una de las condiciones gastrointestinales más comunes que requieren hospitalización. Aunque su aparición durante el embarazo es poco común, representa un reto médico. Actualmente, no existen estudios que comparen los desenlaces clínicos entre mujeres embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda y pacientes no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar las características y desenlaces clínicos de las mujeres embarazadas y no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todas las pacientes admitidas en nuestro hospital con pancreatitis aguda durante un periodo de 10 años. Se evaluaron y compararon los datos demográficos, las características generales y los desenlaces clínicos entre las mujeres embarazadas y las mujeres no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda, con una razón de 1:5. Resultados: Se trató a 27 pacientes embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda en un periodo de 10 años. La etiología fue biliar en el 96% de los casos y en el 3.4% de los casos la causa fue hipertrigliceridemia (un paciente). La edad media de las pacientes fue de 26.2 años (rango de 15-36 años). La causa principal de la pancreatitis aguda fue la enfermedad biliar (96%). Las pacientes en el grupo de estudio cursaban su primer, segundo o tercer trimestre del embarazo, con una distribución del 7.4, el 33.3 y el 59.3%, respectivamente. En la comparación entre pacientes embarazadas y no embarazadas con pancreatitis aguda, no existieron diferencias en edad, tiempo de hospitalización (7.37 vs. 10.8, p = 0.814), gravedad (grave, 3.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.79), complicaciones locales (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476) o mortalidad (0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.476). Conclusiones: La evolución clínica de ambos grupos con pancreatitis biliar aguda fue similar, con baja morbimortalidad. Abstract: Background and objective: Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions requiring hospitalization. Even though its presentation during pregnancy is uncommon, it is a medical challenge. Currently, no studies compare the clinical outcomes between pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis and nonpregnant patients with acute pancreatitis. Our aim was to compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of pregnant and nonpregnant women with acute pancreatitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included all patients admitted to our hospital with acute pancreatitis over a 10-year period. Demographics, general characteristics, and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between pregnant and nonpregnant women with acute pancreatitis, at a ratio of 1:5. Results: Over 10 years, 27 pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis were treated. Etiology was biliary in 96% and hypertriglyceridemia was the cause in 3.4% (1 patient). The mean patient age was 26.2 years (range 15-36 years). The main cause of acute pancreatitis was biliary disease (96%). Patients in the study group were in their first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy, at 7.4%, 33.3%, and 59.3%, respectively. In the comparison of pregnant versus nonpregnant patients with acute pancreatitis, there were no differences in age, hospital stay (7.37 vs. 10.8, P=.814), severity (severe 3.7% vs. 16.7%, P=.79), local complications (0% vs. 1.9%, P=.476), or mortality (0% vs. 1.9%, P=.476). Conclusions: The clinical evolution of both groups with biliary acute pancreatitis was similar, with low morbidity and mortality.

Objectives We investigated the role of novel intra-abdominal parameters measured by computed tomography (CT) in the prediction of clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Patients with AP underwent an abdominal CT scan on admission to define different intra-abdominal parameters (abdominal circumference, peritoneal cavity circumference, intraabdominal visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area) at the L2-L3 level using the open-source image analysis software Osirix Lite v.11.0.4 to predict clinical outcomes. Results Eighty patients with AP were analyzed. Peritoneal cavity circumference (PCC) was the only variable independently associated with outcomes. PCC showed an area under ROC for prediction of severity in AP of 0.830. A PCC ≥ 85 cm increased the risk of severity of AP (RR 15.7), persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (RR 9.3), acute peripancreatic fluid collection (RR 6.4), necrotizing pancreatitis (RR 21.50), and mortality (RR 2.4). We found a 4.7-fold increase in the risk of developing severe AP for each 10 cm increase in PCC. Conclusions PCC measurement at the L2-L3 level using a non-enhanced abdominal CT scan on admission in patients with AP is useful in the early prediction of severity, persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome, local complications, and mortality.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare a "nonaggressive" hydration versus an "aggressive" hydration using Hartmann's solution in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) with more than 24 hours from disease onset. METHODS We included 88 patients with AP with more than 24 hours from disease onset, and were randomized into 2 groups. Group I (n = 45) received a nonaggressive hydration (Hartmann's solution at 1.5 mL kg h for the first 24 hours and 30 mL kg during the next 24 hours), and group II (n = 43) received an aggressive hydration (bolus of Hartmann's solution 20 mL kg, followed by an infusion of 3 mL kg h for the first 24 hours and then 30 mL kg for the next 24 hours). RESULTS The mean volume of fluid administered was greater in group II (P < 0.001). We did not find differences when comparing both groups in reference to persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (P = 0.528), pancreatic necrosis (P = 0.710), respiratory complications (P = 0.999), acute kidney injury (P = 0.714), or length of hospital stay (P = 0.892). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the clinical evolution of patients with AP with more than 24 hours from disease onset is similar using an aggressive or nonaggressive hydration.

Resumen: El objetivo del Consenso Mexicano para el Tratamiento de la Hepatitis C fue el de desarrollar un documento como guía en la práctica clínica con aplicabilidad en México. Se tomó en cuenta la opinión de expertos en el tema con especialidad en: gastroenterología, infectología y hepatología. Se realizó una revisión de la bibliografía en MEDLINE, EMBASE y CENTRAL mediante palabras claves referentes al tratamiento de la hepatitis C. Posteriormente se evaluó la calidad de la evidencia mediante el sistema GRADE y se redactaron enunciados, los cuales fueron sometidos a voto mediante un sistema modificado Delphi, y posteriormente se realizó revisión y corrección de los enunciados por un panel de 34 votantes. Finalmente se clasificó el nivel de acuerdo para cada oración. Esta guía busca dar recomendaciones con énfasis en los nuevos antivirales de acción directa y de esta manera facilitar su uso en la práctica clínica. Cada caso debe ser individualizado según sus comorbilidades y el manejo de estos pacientes siempre debe ser multidisciplinario. Abstract: The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of Hepatitis C was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitis C treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary. Palabras clave: Consenso, Agentes antivirales de acción directa, Regímenes libres de interferón, Ribavirina, Keywords: Consensus, Direct-acting antiviral agents, Interferon-free regimens, Ribavirin

The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of Hepatitis C was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, IFNectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitis C treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary.

Chronic hyperglycemia is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal motility disorders extending from the esophagus to the anorectum. Even though little attention has been paid to esophageal disorders in the context of DM, its prevalence is higher compared to gastroparesis. Heartburn, as a typical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the most prevalent symptom and has been found in 25 to 41% of patients with DM. Furthermore, DM has recently been established as possible independent factor for the development of Barrett's esophagus. The pathophysiology of esophageal disorders in patients with DM is complex and multifactorial, and the mechanisms described include the following: hyperglycemia, autonomic neuropathy, biomechanical and sensory alterations of the esophagus, presbyesophagus, and psychiatric comorbidity. Opportune detection, together with adequate glycemic control, can delay the onset of esophageal dysfunction and slow its progression in diabetic patients. There is limited evidence on patients with DM and esophageal dysfunction, with respect to medical treatment. Lifestyle modifications, prokinetics, and proton pump inhibitors should be indicated on an individual basis in patients that present with DM and esophageal disorders. A greater number of improved studies are needed to develop new therapeutic strategies. This chapter will review esophageal disorders associated with DM and the currently available treatment options.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors in elderly patients (aged 75 years and elder) with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). METHODS Consecutive patients admitted with acute nonvariceal UGIB who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were prospectively recruited and subdivided into two age-based groups, elderly (aged ≥75 years) and younger patients (

We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) due to jejunal cavernous hemangioma diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy (VCE), contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and CT angiography, who was successfully treated with surgical resection. Small bowel cavernous hemangioma is a rare cause of OGIB, most commonly presenting as an iron-deficiency anemia. Two decades ago, the preoperative diagnosis was quite difficult. Currently, the use of VCE and device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) allow detection of the lesion. Biopsy is not recommended due to the risks of uncontrolled bleeding. The use of CECT and CT angiography may be useful for demonstrate the vascular nature of the lesion, and define localization, number and extension of the lesion preoperatively in order to improve surgical results as was observed in our patient. Surgery is the most frequent treatment, notwithstanding, endoscopic resection of lesions has been recently reported. However, the experience is small and there are serious limitations of this technique.

Introduction and aim The role of serum albumin level in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGB) has not been extensively studied. Our aim was to evaluate the role of serum albumin on admission in terms of in-hospital mortality in patients with NVUGB. Materials and methods Patients admitted with NVUGB during a 4-year period were prospectively included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff value for serum albumin on admission that made a distinction between deceased patients and survivors with respect to serum albumin on admission, as well as its overall performance compared with the Rockall score. Results 185 patients with NVUGB were evaluated. Men predominated (56.7%) and a mean age of 59.1 ± 19.9 years was found. Mean serum albumin on admission was 2.9 ± 0.9 g/dl with hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 g/dl) detected on admission in 71.4% of cases. The ROC curve found that the best value for predicting hospital mortality was an albumin level of 3.1 g/dl (AUROC 0.738). Mortality in patients with albumin ≥ 3.2 g/dl was 1.2% compared with 11.2% in patients with albumin

Introduction: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with an acute inflammatory response and melatonin has a variety of immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects studied experimentally in pancreatobiliary pathology. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of peri-procedural administration of melatonin on the inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation associated with ERCP. Methods: In this proof-of-concept clinical trial, 37 patients with a high probability of choledocholithiasis were randomized to receive peri-procedure (ERCP) melatonin or placebo. We measured the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipid peroxidation, amylase, and liver function tests 24 h before and after the procedure. Results: We found no pre-procedure or post-procedure differences between the melatonin group or the placebo group (P>.05) in the serum concentrations of TNF-alpha (melatonin: 153.8 vs. 149.4 ng/m; placebo: 103.5 vs. 107.3 ng/ml), IL-6 (melatonin: 131.8 vs. 133.3 ng/ml; placebo: 177.8 vs. 197.8 ng/ml), or VEGF (melatonin: 157.3 vs. 157.8 pg/ml; placebo: 97.3 vs. 97.8 pg/ml), or in relation to lipid peroxidation (melatonin: 39.2 vs. 72.3 μg/ml; placebo: 66.4 vs. 90.5 μg/ml). After ERCP, a significant decrease in the AST, ALT, and total bilirubin levels was found only in the melatonin group (P

Background Current guidelines do not differentiate in the utilization of vasoactive drugs in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding (AVB) depending on liver disease severity. Material and methods In this retrospective study, clinical outcomes in 100 patients receiving octreotide plus endoscopic therapy (ET) and 216 patients with ET alone were compared in terms of failure to control bleeding, in-hospital mortality, and transfusion requirements stratifying the results according to liver disease severity by Child-Pugh (CP) score and MELD. Results In patients with CP-A or those with MELD l 10 octreotide was not associated with a better outcome compared to ET alone in terms of hospital mortality (CP-A: 0.0 vs. 0.0%; MELD l 10: 0.0 vs. 2.9%, p = 1.00), failure to control bleeding (CP-A: 8.7 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.58; MELD l 10: 5.3 vs. 4.3%, p = 1.00) and need for transfusion (CP-A: 39.1 vs. 61.1%, p = 0.09; MELD l 10: 63.2 vs. 62.9%, p = 1.00). Those with severe liver dysfunction in the octreotide group showed better outcomes compared to the non-octreotide group in terms of hospital mortality (CP-B/C: 3.9 vs. 13.0%, p = 0.04; MELD ≥ 10: 3.9 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.03) and need for transfusion (CP-B/C: 58.4 vs. 71.6%, p = 0.05; MELD ≥ 10: 50.6 vs. 72.7%, p l 0.01). In multivariate analysis, octreotide was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.028) and need for transfusion (p = 0.008) only in patients with severe liver dysfunction (CP-B/C or MELD ≥ 10). Conclusion Patients with cirrhosis and AVB categorized as CP-A or MELD l 10 had similar clinical outcomes during hospitalization whether or not they received octreotide.

To analyze the clinical characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors in elderly patients (aged 75 years and elder) with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).Consecutive patients admitted with acute nonvariceal UGIB who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were prospectively recruited and subdivided into two age-based groups, elderly (aged ≥75 years) and younger patients (75 years). The patients' characteristics and outcomes were recorded.Altogether 1136 patients were included in the study, 276 (24.3%) aged ≥75 years. Peptic ulcers, gastroduodenal erosions and esophagitis represented the three most common endoscopic lesions found in 87.7% of the elderly patients compared with 80.8% in younger patients ( P = 0.008). Overall, the rebleeding rate (4.0% vs 3.3%, P = 0.568), need for blood transfusion (66.3% vs 61.0%, P = 0.122), surgery rate (1.2% vs 1.4%, P = 0.947) and in-hospital mortality (13.0% vs 10.0%, P = 0.157) were not different between the two groups. In elderly patients, serum albumin was the only predictive variable independently associated with mortality in the overall analysis (OR 5.867, 95% CI 2.206-15.604, P 0.001) and in the subgroup patients with peptic ulcers (OR 5.230, 95% CI 2.099-13.029, P = 0.001). Elderly patients with serum albumin23.5 g/L at admission presented a low mortality (negative predictive value 97.3%).Clinical evolution and mortality do not differ between the elderly and younger patients with acute nonvariceal UGIB. Serum albumin level at admission is a prognostic marker for mortality in elder patients.

Migraine is a recurrent and commonly disabling primary headache disorder that affects over 17% of women and 5%-8% of men. Migraine susceptibility is multifactorial with genetic, hormonal and environmental factors all playing an important role. The physiopathology of migraine is complex and still not fully understood. Many different neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and brain pathways have been implicated. In connection with the myriad mechanisms and pathways implicated in migraine, a variety of multisystemic comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular, psychiatric and other neurological conditions) have been found to be closely associated with migraine. Recent reports demonstrate an increased frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in patients with migraine compared with the general population. Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, hepatobiliary disorders, celiac disease and alterations in the microbiota have been linked to the occurrence of migraine. Several mechanisms involving the gut-brain axis, such as a chronic inflammatory response with inflammatory and vasoactive mediators passing to the circulatory system, intestinal microbiota modulation of the enteric immunological milieu and dysfunction of the autonomic and enteric nervous system, have been postulated to explain these associations. However, the precise mechanisms and pathways related to the gut-brain axis in migraine need to be fully elucidated. In this review, we survey the available literature linking migraine with GI disorders. We discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms, and clinical implications as well as several future areas of interest for research.

Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. In the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis, massive hemoptysis can result from a number of different causes, with an artery aneurysm being rarely reported. Here we present a case of recurrent massive hemoptysis in a 28-year-old man suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis due to an aneurysmatic lesion of the second intercostal artery. In patients presented with recurrent massive hemoptysis the non-bronchial systemic arterial blood supply should be assessed.

Objective and background There is little information regarding the serologic status of umbilical cord blood (UCB) donors. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent agent transmitted by blood products and studies have reported that CMV can inhibit myelopoiesis, however, its effects on the cellular content of UCB have not been documented. Study design and methods We investigated, retrospectively, the prevalence of serological evidence of infection in 857 women donating their UCB at a public university hospital and studied the influence of acute CMV exposure on UCB content of CD34+ cells. The biological characteristics of UCB from serology positive-donors were compared with those of women with negative tests. Results We found that 51 of 857 (6%) UCB units were positive for infectious disease markers; anti-CMV IgM was the most prevalent marker, 43 of 51 (86%) of cases with infectious markers. UCB collected from anti‐CMV IgM-positive donors more frequently met rejection criteria for use as a transplanation product. The CD34+ cell count was the most often affected, 2.48 × 10 6 in anti‐CMV IgM-positive donors compared to 1.48 × 10 6 in unaffecetd donors( p = 0.006). The probability of a UCB meeting a CD34+ cell content ≥ 2 × 10 6 was significantly lower in units from IgM anti-CMV+ women compared to unaffecetd donors [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.428 (95% CI 0.182–0.632; p = 0.015]; the total nucleated cell count (TNC) was lower but not statistically significant [p = 0.068]. Conclusion UCB donated by anti-CMV IgM-positive women has a high probability of not meeting the criteria required for cryopreservation for future use as a transplantation product, because of the low number of CD34+ cells.

Background Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents an alternative source of stem cells for transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and genetic disorders. There is scarce information detailing cord blood bank (CBB) collection and transplantation activities from developing countries. We documented our experience at a public university hospital in northeast Mexico. Study design and methods We carried out a retrospective and descriptive analysis of our CBB activity during an 8-year period from May 2002 to September 2010. Collection, processing, and cryopreservation of CB were carried out following standard operating procedures. The minimum volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) content for cryopreservation were 80 mL and 8.0 × 10(8) , respectively. Results A total of 1256 UCB units were collected; 428 (34%) were banked and 828 (66%) were discarded. The main reason for exclusion was biologic: low volume and/or low number of TNC accounted for 84% of the total discarded units. Cryopreserved cord blood units (CBUs) had a median volume of 113.8 mL (range, 80-213.2 mL) and 13.0 × 10(8) (range, 8 × 10(8) -36.6 × 10(8) ) TNCs. Cell viability was 99.3% (88-100%). The median CD34+ cell content was 4.0 × 10(6) (0.46 × 10(6) -19.38 × 10(6) ). Sixteen units have been released for transplantation, leading to a utilization rate of 3.7%. Conclusion CBB demands considerable human and financial resources; it is then essential for centers at developing countries to share their experience, results, and databases to increase the probability of finding matching units for their patients. Efforts to create and maintain CBBs allow to offer this therapeutic option at an affordable cost.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the current standard practice of using volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) count for the selection of cord blood (CB) units for cryopreservation and further transplantation. Data on 794 CB units whose CD34+ cell content was determined by flow cytometry were analyzed by using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model to validate the performance of volume and TNC count for the selection of CB units with grafting purposes. The TNC count was the best parameter to identify CB units having 2 × 10(6) or more CD34+ cells, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.828 (95% confidence interval, 0.800-0.856; P < .01) and an efficiency of 75.4%. Combination of parameters (TNC/mononuclear cells [MNCs], efficiency 74.7%; TNC/volume, efficiency 68.9%; and volume/MNCs, efficiency 68.3%) did not lead to improvement in CB selection. All CB units having a TNC count of 8 × 10(8) or more had the required CD34+ cell dose for patients weighing 10 kg or less.

Background/aims: Few studies have validated the performance of guidelines for the prediction of choledocholithiasis (CL). Our objective was to prospectively assess the accuracy of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines for the identification of CL. Methods: A two-year prospective evaluation of patients with suspected CL was performed. We evaluated the ASGE guidelines and its component variables in predicting CL. Results: A total of 256 patients with suspected CL were analyzed. Of the 208 patients with high-probability criteria for CL, 124 (59.6%) were found to have a stone/sludge at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among 48 patients with intermediate-probability criteria, 21 (43.8%) had a stone/ sludge. The performance of ASGE high- and intermediate-probability criteria in our population had an accuracy of 59.0% (85.5% sensitivity, 24.3% specificity) and 41.0% (14.4% sensitivity, 75.6% specificity), respectively. The mean ERCP delay time was 6.1 days in the CL group and 6.4 days in the group without CL, p = 0.638. The presence of a common bile duct (CBD) > 6 mm (OR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.20-4.10), ascending cholangitis (OR 2.37; 95% CI, 1.01-5.55) and a CBD stone visualized on transabdominal US (OR 3.33; 95% CI, 1.48-7.52) were stronger predictors of CL. The occurrence of biliary pancreatitis was a strong protective factor for the presence of a retained CBD stone (OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.55). Conclusions: Irrespective of a patient’s ASGE probability for CL, the application of current guidelines in our population led to unnecessary performance of ERCPs in nearly half of cases.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic condition caused by antibodies against the heparin-PF4 complex. This disorder is even more problematic in patients undergoing hemodialysis since they are repeatedly exposed to heparin. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach is particularly challenging in this population. We report the case of a woman with chronic kidney disease and a high pretest probability for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who was acutely treated with apixaban, an oral selective factor Xa inhibitor.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents an alternative source of stem cells for transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and genetic disorders. There is scarce information detailing cord blood bank (CBB) collection and transplantation activities from developing countries. We documented our experience at a public university hospital in northeast Mexico.We carried out a retrospective and descriptive analysis of our CBB activity during an 8-year period from May 2002 to September 2010. Collection, processing, and cryopreservation of CB were carried out following standard operating procedures. The minimum volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) content for cryopreservation were 80 mL and 8.0 × 10(8) , respectively.A total of 1256 UCB units were collected; 428 (34%) were banked and 828 (66%) were discarded. The main reason for exclusion was biologic: low volume and/or low number of TNC accounted for 84% of the total discarded units. Cryopreserved cord blood units (CBUs) had a median volume of 113.8 mL (range, 80-213.2 mL) and 13.0 × 10(8) (range, 8 × 10(8) -36.6 × 10(8) ) TNCs. Cell viability was 99.3% (88-100%). The median CD34+ cell content was 4.0 × 10(6) (0.46 × 10(6) -19.38 × 10(6) ). Sixteen units have been released for transplantation, leading to a utilization rate of 3.7%.CBB demands considerable human and financial resources; it is then essential for centers at developing countries to share their experience, results, and databases to increase the probability of finding matching units for their patients. Efforts to create and maintain CBBs allow to offer this therapeutic option at an affordable cost.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the current standard practice of using volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) count for the selection of cord blood (CB) units for cryopreservation and further transplantation. Data on 794 CB units whose CD34+ cell content was determined by flow cytometry were analyzed by using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model to validate the performance of volume and TNC count for the selection of CB units with grafting purposes. The TNC count was the best parameter to identify CB units having 2 × 10(6) or more CD34+ cells, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.828 (95% confidence interval, 0.800-0.856; P.01) and an efficiency of 75.4%. Combination of parameters (TNC/mononuclear cells [MNCs], efficiency 74.7%; TNC/volume, efficiency 68.9%; and volume/MNCs, efficiency 68.3%) did not lead to improvement in CB selection. All CB units having a TNC count of 8 × 10(8) or more had the required CD34+ cell dose for patients weighing 10 kg or less.

ResumenIntroducción y objetivoEl papel de los niveles séricos de albúmina en pacientes con sangrado de tubo digestivo alto no variceal (SDA-NV) no ha sido estudiado ampliamente. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el papel de los niveles de albúmina en la mortalidad de pacientes con SDA-NV.Material y métodosSe incluyó a pacientes con SDA-NV de forma prospectiva durante un periodo de 4 años. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio. Se usó análisis ROC para determinar el mejor punto de corte para la albúmina sérica al momento de admisión que discrimine entre aquellos que sobrevivieron y aquellos que fallecieron, así como para comparar el desempeño global con la escala de Rockall.ResultadosCiento ochenta y cinco pacientes con SDA-NV fueron analizados. El sexo masculino predominó (56.7%) y la edad media fue de 59.1±19.9 años. La media de albúmina al momento de admisión fue de 2.9±0.9g/dl, detectando hipoalbuminemia (< 3.5g/dl) en el 71.4% de los casos. La curva ROC encontró un nivel de albúmina de 3.1g/dl (AUROC 0.738) como el mejor punto de corte que predice mortalidad hospitalaria. La mortalidad en pacientes con albúmina ≥ 3.2g/dl fue del 1.2% comparado con el 11.2% en el grupo con un valor

Background Toluene is one of the most widely abused inhaled drugs due to its acute neurologic effects including euphoria and subsequent depression. However, dangerous metabolic abnormalities are associated to acute toluene intoxication. It has been previously reported that rhabdomyolysis and acute hepatorenal injury could be hallmarks of the condition, and could constitute risk factors for poor outcomes. The objective was to describe the clinical presentation, to characterize the renal and liver abnormalities, the management and prognosis associated to acute toluene intoxication. Methods We prospectively assessed 20 patients that were admitted to a single center’s emergency department from September 2012 to June 2014 with clinical and metabolic alterations due to acute toluene intoxication. Results The main clinical presentation consisted of weakness associated to severe hypokalemia and acidosis. Renal glomerular injury (proteinuria) is ubiquitous. Biliary tract injury (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase elevations) disproportional to hepatocellular injury is common. Rhabdomyolysis occurred in 80 % of patients, probably due to hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. There were three deaths, all female, and all associated with altered mental status, severe acidosis, hypokalemia and acute oliguric renal failure. The cause of death was in all cases due to cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Conclusion The hallmarks of acute toluene intoxication are hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis. Liver injury and rhabdomyolysis are common. On admission, altered mental status, renal failure, severe acidemia and female gender (not significant in our study, but present in all three deaths) could be associated with a poor outcome, and patients with these characteristics should be considered to be treated in an intensive care unit.

We thank Dr. Dib for his interest in our prospective study, in which we assessed the accuracy of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines for the prediction of choledocholithiasis (CL). The guidelines suggest the option of using a less-invasive initial test including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in patients with intermediate probability of CL. However, there is a paucity of published literature supporting this recommendation. Furthermore, in the study by Adams et al. (3) such a recommendation is not supported by their data. Additionally, because the prevalence of CL varies among ethnic groups, we did not consider performing pre-ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) imaging studies in our study.