Vahit Yukselen

Oral Versus Intramuscular Cobalamin Treatment in Megaloblastic Anemia: A Single-Center, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study

BACKGROUND Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, the most common cause of megaloblastic anemia, is treated with intramuscular (IM) cobalamin. It has been suggested by some investigators that oral (p.o.) cobalamin treatment may be as effective in the treatment of this condition, with the advantages of ease of administration and lower cost. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effects and cost of p.o. versus i.m. cobalamin treatment in patients with megaloblastic anemia due to cobalamin deficiency. METHODS This was a 90-day, prospective, randomized, open-label study conducted at the Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Adnan Menderes University Research and Practice Hospital (Aydin, Turkey). Patients aged > or =16 years with megaloblastic anemia due to cobalamin deficiency were randomized to receive 1000-microg cobalamin p.o. once daily for 10 days (p.o. group) or 1000-microg cobalamin i.m. once daily for 10 days (i.m. group). After 10 days, both treatments were administered once a week for 4 weeks, and after that, once a month for life. Patients were assessed for the presence of reticulocytosis between treatment days 5 and 10 until it was detected. Therapeutic effectiveness was assessed by measuring hematologic parameters on days 0, 10, 30, and 90 and serum vitamin B12 concentration on days 0 and 90. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used before and after the B12 therapy for cognitive function assessment and 125-Hz diapozone was used for vibration threshold testing. Neurologic sensory assessment, including soft-touch and pinprick examinations, was used to identify neuropathy at baseline and study end. Tolerability was assessed using laboratory tests and patient interview. Cost was assessed using the cost of the study drug and of the injection. RESULTS Sixty patients completed the study 26 in the p.o. group (16 men, 10 women; mean [SD] age, 60 [15] years) and 34 in the i.m. group (17 men, 17 women; mean [SD] age, 64 [10] years). Reticulocytosis was observed in all patients. In the p.o. group, at days 30 and 90, all hematologic parameters changed significantly versus day 0 (mean hemoglobin levels increased [both P<0.001]; mean corpuscular volume decreased [both P<0.001]; mean white blood cell count increased [day 30, P<0.01; day 90, P<0.001]; and mean platelet count increased [both P<0.001]). The mean serum vitamin B12 concentration increased significantly from day 0 to 90 (P<0.001). These hematologic parameters and the recovery patterns were similar between the 2 groups. Neurologic findings included sensitive peripheral neuropathy in 9 patients (15.0%), alteration of cognitive function (loss of memory, impaired concentration) in 7 patients (11.7%), and loss of sense of vibration in 5 patients (8.3%). Neurologic improvement was detected in 7 of 9 patients (77.8%) in the p.o. group and 9 of 12 patients (75.0%) in the i.m. group at day 30. CONCLUSIONS In this study of patients with megaloblastic anemia due to cobalamin deficiency, p.o. cobalamin treatment was as effective as i.m. cobalamin treatment. P.o. treatment also was better tolerated and less expensive compared with IM treatment. However, because of the small sample size and the short term of this study, further long-term studies are needed to determine the efficacy of p.o. cobalamin treatment.

Emergent therapy with therapeutic plasma exchange in acute recurrent pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Hypertriglyceridemia causes acute pancreatitis in 1.3-3.8% of patients. We report here on two cases with severe (triglyceride level >1000 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute recurrent pancreatitis. Both patients had uncontrolled hypertriglyceridemia and suffered from acute pancreatitis. No cause of secondary hypertriglyceridemia was detected. While stage E pancreatitis (Ransons score: 2) was diagnosed in the first case, stage D pancreatitis with a null Ransons score was detected in the second case. Both patients were treated with classical treatment with fluid replacement, analgesic, antibiotics and discontinuation of oral intake. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with fresh frozen plasma was performed consecutively and with two procedures on the 2nd and 3rd day in the first case. After TPE, while the triglyceride levels decreased from 4408 to 302 mg/dL, the amylase levels dropped from 4234 to 171 IU/L. In the second case, TPE was performed once daily. After TPE, the levels of triglyceride and amylase decreased from 2210 mg/dL and 1618 IU/L to 154 mg/dL and 110 IU/L, respectively. Local and systemic complications due to acute pancreatitis were not observed. Clinical signs and laboratory values improved. At the two-year follow-up of both patients, acute pancreatitis had not recurred with regular fenofibrate treatment. Hypertriglyceridemia should be considered in patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis. Although there is no definitive evidence for early application of TPE in severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis yet, therapy with TPE may be of benefit, improving the clinical course.

DNA analysis and DNA ploidy in gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions

Gastric cancer (GCa) is still a common cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, despite improved diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Hence, early diagnosis has critical importance. Flow cytometry reveals rapid and reproducible quantification of nuclear DNA content of disaggregated tissues and assessment of its significance in various malignant and precancerous lesions. A total of 121 patients with GCa, chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), gastric polyps, intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric dysplasia and 36 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Flow cytometric measurements of DNA ploidy, total S‐phase, G2M‐phase and proliferative indexes (PIs) were analysedon fresh gastric biopsy specimens obtained by gastroscopy. DNA aneuploidy was present in 43.75% of the GCas (p < 0.05). We found a DNA aneuploidy rate of 15.38% in CAG, 15.38% in IM and 25% in epithelial dysplasia. One of nine polyps had aneuploidy. None of the normal gastric mucosa samples showed aneuploidy. The controls had lower rates of total S‐phase and PIs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, DNA flow cytometry may be offered as an objective diagnostic tool for early detection of malignant transformation in gastric lesions.

Expression of NF-κB in Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa in humans and causes chronic gastritis. NF-κB has a key role as a mediator in mucosal inflammation. In this study, we examined the expression of NF-κB in the antral epithelial cells of H. pylori-infected and H. pylori-uninfected biopsies and examined these processes in relationship with grade and activity of gastritis, density of H. pylori, presence of the intestinal metaplasia, and atrophy.Fifty biopsies (35 H. pylori-positive patients and 15 H. pylori-negative controls) were studied. NF-κB immunohistochemical stain was performed. NF-κB activity in H. pylori-infected biopsies were markedly enhanced compared with uninflamed biopsies (P = 0.001). We also found positive correlation NF-κB expression with severity of gastritis (according to Sydney score) (P = 0.001), activity of gastritis (P = 0.046) and H. pylori load (P < 0.001), and atrophy (P = 0.004). We did not find a significant relationship between NF-κB and the presence of intestinal metaplasia (P = 0.355). These findings suggested that expression of NF-κB has an important role in H. pylori gastritis.

Hemostatic Effects of Atorvastatin versus Simvastatin

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of simvastatin and atorvastatin on hemostatic parameters. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with primary hypercholesterolemia without coronary heart disease were treated with atorvastatin 10–20 mg/d or simvastatin 10–20 mg/d. At baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks, lipid levels such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and hemostatic parameters such as platelet counts, partial thromboplastin time (PTT) prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen levels were measured. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, the doses of the statins were increased to 20 mg/d in 10 of 35 (28.5%) patients treated with atorvastatin and 18 of 26 (69.2%) patients treated with simvastatin when the target level of LDL-C (130 mg/dL) was not reached. Mean doses were atorvastatin 12.8 mg/d and simvastatin 16.9 mg/d. After 24 weeks, 5 patients (14.3%) in the atorvastatin group and 4 patients (15.3%) in the simvastatin group had not reached the goal. In patients with diabetes, target level (LDL-C <100 mg/dL) was not reached in 35.7% of patients in the atorvastatin group and 44.4% of patients in the simvastatin group. Both simvastatin and atorvastatin were effective in lowering TC and LDL-C levels (p < 0.001). Atorvastatin lowered TGs significantly (p < 0.01). Neither atorvastatin nor simvastatin significantly reduced VLDL-C levels. HDL-C levels increased with atorvastatin, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Platelet counts decreased with both statins nonsignificantly. Moreover, fibrinogen levels decreased with simvastatin and atorvastatin, but these reductions were significant only for simvastatin (p < 0.05). We detected prolongation of the PT with both drugs (p < 0.05); however, prolongation of the PTT was significant only with simvastatin (p < 0.001). Effectiveness of both statins on lipid and hemostatic parameters was dose related. Adverse effects were seen in 5 patients (14.2%) treated with atorvastatin and 3 patients (11.5%) treated with simvastatin. Elevations in serum transaminase levels >3 times the upper limit of normal and in creatine phosphokinase >5 times the upper limit of normal were not observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin was more effective than simvastatin on lipid parameters, although statistically insignificantly, while simvastatin produced more significant changes than atorvastatin on hemostatic parameters. The mean dose of simvastatin was greater than that of atorvastatin. Both statins had increased effects on lipid and hemostatic parameters when doses were increased. Atorvastatin and simvastatin were well tolerated. Different effects of statins on lipid levels and on coagulation parameters should be considered in patients with hypercholesterolemia and tendency to coagulation, especially in preventing thrombotic events. Further studies in larger trials are needed to confirm these observations.

Diagnostic accuracy and tolerability of contrast enhanced CT colonoscopy in symptomatic patients with increased risk for colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE We compared the accuracy and tolerability of intravenous contrast enhanced spiral computed tomography colonography (CTC) and optical colonoscopy (OC) for the detection of colorectal neoplasia in symptomatic patients for colorectal neoplasia. METHODS A prospective study was performed in 48 patients with symptomatic patients with increased risk for colorectal cancer. Spiral CTC was performed in supine and prone positions after colonic cleansing. The axial, 2D MPR and virtual endoluminal views were analyzed. Results of spiral CTC were compared with OC which was done within 15 days. The psychometric tolerance test was asked to be performed for both CTC and colonoscopy after the procedure. RESULTS Ten lesions in 9 of 48 patients were found in CTC and confirmed with OC. Two masses and eight polyps, consisted of 1 tubulovillous, 1 tubular, 2 villous adenoma, 4 adenomatous polyp, 4 adenocarcinoma, were identified. Lesion prevalence was 21%. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were found 100%, 87%, 89%, 67% and 100%, respectively. Psychometric tolerance test showed that CTC significantly more comfortable comparing with OC (p=0.00). CTC was the preferred method in 37% while OC was preferred in 6% of patients. In both techniques, the most unpleasant part was bowel cleansing. CONCLUSION Contrast enhanced CTC is a highly accurate method in detecting colorectal lesions. Since the technique was found to be more comfortable and less time consuming compare to OE, it may be preferable in management of symptomatic patients with increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Obstructing Crohn's disease of the duodenum: Is surgery always mandatory?

Crohns disease may involve any part of the alimentary tract. But, Crohns disease of the duodenum is a very rare condition. Systemic steroid therapy had been shown to be effective in patients with Crohns disease, and the most common indication for surgical intervention is duodenal obstruction. We report a case with Crohns disease of the duodenum presenting with duodenal obstruction. Medical treatment option was successful as a first line of therapy because of young age and new diagnosis. The patient was administered mesalazine as a treatment, and the obstruction was resolved. The patient is still in remission for the last 2 years.

The single center registry for therapeutic apheresis in Turkey: 11-year activity.

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is used as primary and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of several diseases and syndromes. We retrospectively evaluated the results of therapeutic apheresis (TA) including therapeutic plasma-exchange (TPE), double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), therapeutic thrombocytapheresis and leukocytapheresis as 11-year activity during 2000-2011. A total of 845 TA procedures were performed in 114 patients (67 male and 47 female, with mean age 51±17 years). Adverse events (AE) were seen in 8.6% of procedures. None of the patients died from any complication. TA is safely carried out in our center in several diseases which are similar to previous reports.

Cetirizine-induced hepatotoxicity: case series and review of the literature

Abstract Drug-induced liver damage is a frequently encountered clinical table caused by many drugs. Cetirizine is a widely preferred and prescribed antihistaminic agent for allergic disorders due to its non-sedative properties. In view of the literature, we present four cases of hepatotoxicity due to cetirizine use. We conclude that in patients with high levels of liver enzymes of unknown origin, cetirizine as well as other hepatotoxic drugs should be reconsidered.

Esophageal Leiomyoma in Patients with Megaloblastic Anemia

ABSTRACT Esophageal leiomyoma is the most common benign intramural tumor of esophagus. Although its incidence is not exactly known, it is very rare (0.006%-0.1% in autopsy series). It is generally asymptomatic and detected incidentally. Here, we present a rare case report describing coexistence of megaloblastic anemia and esophageal leiomyoma. How to cite this article: Coskun A, Unubol M, Yukselen O, Yukselen V, Aydin A, Şen S, Karaoglu AO. Esophageal Leiomyoma in Patients with Megaloblastic Anemia. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2014;4(2):98-100.