Volume 81 - 2018 - Fasc.1 - Original articles
The frequency of celiac disease in children with autoimmune thyroiditis
Backgrounds/Aims : Although the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) in celiac disease (CD) has been well documented among adults, CD in AT has been less reported in children. We aimed to investigate the frequency of CD in children with AT.
Safety assessment in Child A cirrhotic patients treated with Ombitasvir-Paritaprevir-Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with Ribavirin
Background : In our country, the national program for hepatitis C virus treatment with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir was approved for patients with stage four of liver fibrosis and stage three associated with specific comorbidities. Our aim was to analyze the characteristics associated with the presence of adverse events in patients receiving this antiviral regimen, with ribavirin in cirrhotic patients.
Methods : We prospectively studied a cohort of adults with hepatitis C virus infection with Child A cirrhosis, treated for 12 weeks with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir and ribavirin, which have been followed in an infectious diseases tertiary-care hospital.
Results : We included 137 adult patients diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis, hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infected, 82 (60%) previously treated. We recorded 201 adverse events in 98 (71.5%) patients, with a median number of events per patient of one. The intensity of adverse events was classified as mild, moderate and severe in 50%, 36% and 14% of cases, respectively. Forty-five (22%) episodes required medical intervention. The most frequently reported adverse events were pruritus 34(35%), asthenia 22(22%) and insomnia 15(15%). The presence of severe adverse events was associated with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.01, OR : 9.5, 95% CI : 1.2-74.3) and with the presence of associated medication (p = 0.02, OR : 3.9, 95% CI : 1.08- 14.2). At the end of current treatment, 136 (99.2%) patients had undetectable viral load.
Conclusion : We found a high number of adverse events, but most of them were mild or moderate and only one quarter of them required medical intervention. Only severe adverse events were associated with comorbidities and associated medication. (Acta Gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 9-13).
Efficacy of switching to infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease with loss of response to adalimumab
Background and study aims : Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies are a cornerstone in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Prospective data on switching from the subcutaneous and human adalimumab (ADM) to the intravenous and chimeric infliximab (IFX) are scarce.
Patients and methods : In this prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study we included 21 patients with loss of response to ADM despite at least 4 consecutive weekly injections. Clinical response (CDAI drop=70 points) and remission (CDAI=150) were assessed after switching from ADM to IFX after 10 weeks, 6 and 12 months. Predictive factors of response/ remission, the need for therapy intensification, discontinuation and safety were investigated.
Results : Short-term response and remission (10 weeks) were seen in 57% and 48% respectively. Mid- and long-term clinical response and remission were achieved in 40% and 25% after 6 months and in 45% and 20% after 12 months respectively. At 12 months, 81% still were on IFX. IFX therapy intensification was needed in half of the patients at 6 months and three quarter of patients at 12 months. Undetectable ADM trough levels (despite weekly injections) were a predictive factor for short-term response and remission to IFX. About half of the patients with response at week 10 maintained response at 6 and 12 months.
Conclusions : Switching from ADM to IFX can be efficacious in patients with loss of response, in particular in case of undetectable ADM trough levels. The majority of patients however will need IFX therapy intensification during their first year of treatment. (Acta Gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 15-21).
Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for locally advanced colorectal cancer : feasibility, short-term and oncologic outcomes
Background and study aims : Data about single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in locally advanced colorectal cancers are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative and short- term oncologic outcomes of SILS in pT3-T4 colorectal cancer.
Patients and methods : From 2011 to 2015 data from 249 SILS performed in our Colorectal Unit were entered into a prospective database. Data regarding patients with a pT3-T4 colorectal adenocarcinoma were compared to those with pTis-pT2. Factors influencing conversion were assessed by multivariate analysis.
Results : There were 100 consecutive patients (T3-T4 = 70, Tis- T2 = 30). Demographics were similar. Tumor size was significantly larger in the T3-T4 group [3.9cm vs 2cm; p<0.001]. In T3-T4 patients we found a significant higher number of lymph nodes harvested [20 vs 13 ; p<0.001]. Early (<30 days) severe (Clavien- Dindo classification>2) postoperative complication rate was similar between groups (8.6% vs 10% ; p = 0.999), as well as conversion rate (18.6% vs 6.7% ; p = 0.220). Finally, there were no differences in terms of hospital stay and mortality rate. On multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.012-1.113 ; p = 0.015] and stage IV (OR = 5.372, 95%CI: 1.320-21.862, p = 0.019) were independently associated with conversion.
Conclusions : SILS for locally advanced colorectal cancer did not affect the short-term outcomes in this series and oncological clearance remained satisfactory. Age and stage IV disease are independent risk factors for conversion. (Acta Gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 23-28).
Parameters influencing the quality of colonoscopy in Belgium : a critical evaluation
Background and study aims : In relation to recent implementation of colorectal cancer screening programs at the regional level, quality assessment of colonoscopy gains more interest in Belgium. In order to evaluate quality indicators of colonoscopies in Belgium, we retrospectively analysed data about colonoscopies performed between 2002-2010.
Patients and methods : Coded data concerning number of medical procedures and polypectomy were provided by the Intermutualistic Agency (IMA). This database was used to calculate different quality indicators such as polyp detection rate (PDR), use of sedation, amount of procedures and time interval according to physician and center type.
Results : Considerable differences in polyp detection rate (PDR) exist between different physicians and centers. Mean PDR significantly correlated with the number of colonoscopies performed each year. A minimum of 106 colonoscopies per year was identified to maintain competence. Recuperation rate for polyps was low, and time intervals between colonoscopies were generally too short in comparison to European and international guidelines.
Conclusion : In absence of a central colonoscopy registry in Belgium, our results were based on reimbursement data. Other quality parameters, although accuracy is questionable (eg. bowel cleansing and withdrawal time) are not systematically registered. Despite these difficulties, we were able to demonstrate that a minimum amount of 106 colonoscopies per year is necessary to maintain competence. The results from this large database can be used as a foundation to work out a quality colonoscopy bundle. (Acta Gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 29-38).
