European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility Consensus on Gastroparesis: What Issues Remain Unresolved?

Aim: to analyse the document of the European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility consensus on gastroparesis, held in 2020.Key findings. The evaluation of the voting results on the submitted statements of the consensus meeting shows that there is a high level of agreement among the experts regarding the definition of gastroparesis, the main diseases in which it occurs, and the existing diagnostic methods. At the same time, there is a divergence of views regarding the role of individual pathogenetic factors of gastroparesis and their relationship with clinical symptoms, as well as the effectiveness of drugs of various groups and other treatment methods.Conclusion. The pathophysiological mechanisms of gastroparesis and the effectiveness of various treatment methods need further research

Efficacy of Topical Corticosteroid Monotherapy in Inducing and Maintaining Clinical and Histologic Remission in Adolescent and Adult Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the second most common cause of esophagitis. Topical steroids represent a promising group of drugs for inducing and maintaining clinical and histological remission in these patients.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of topical steroids in inducing and maintaining clinical and histological remission in adolescent and adult patients with EoE.Methods. A systematic literature search using defined keywords was performed up to March 20, 2021 in the MEDLINE / PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrial.gov databases.Results. 390 patients from 5 studies were included in this systematic review with meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that topical steroids, compared with placebo, was more effective in inducing (odds ratio (OR) 75.77; 95 % confidence interval (CI): (21.8; 263.41), p < 0.001) and maintaining complete histological remission (OR 103.65; 95 % CI: (36.05; 298.01), p < 0.001) in patients with EoE. Also, topical steroids significantly relieved disease symptoms compared with placebo in inducing and maintaining clinical remission (OR 4.86; 95 % CI: (1.4; 16.86), p = 0.01) and (OR 11.06; 95 % CI: (4.62; 26.45), p < 0.001) respectively.Conclusions. Topical steroids represent an effective group of drugs for inducing and maintaining histologic and clinical remission in adolescent and adult patients with EoE

European Guideline on Achalasia - UEG and ESNM recommendations

Altres ajuts: These guidelines have been developed and funded within the United European Gastroenterology.Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the oesophagus characterised by absence of peristalsis and insufficient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. With new advances and developments in achalasia management, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians in achalasia patient care. Guidelines were established by a working group of representatives from United European Gastroenterology, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A systematic review of the literature was performed and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Recommendations were voted upon using a nominal group technique. These guidelines focus on the definition of achalasia, treatment aims, diagnostic tests, medical, endoscopic and surgical therapy, management of treatment failure, follow-up and oesophageal cancer risk. These multidisciplinary guidelines provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework with recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of adult achalasia patients

Inflammation, impaired motor function and visceral hypersensitivity: the main mechanisms of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (materials of the Expert Council and literature review)

Aim. To review the main mechanisms of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and to present the materials of an Expert Council, which was held on 10 December 2021 in Moscow.Key points. The pathogenesis of the most common functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract — functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is multifactorial and includes motor disorders of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, visceral hypersensitivity, changes in the intestinal microbiome, impairment of the permeability of the protective barrier, low-grade inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, etc. This often leads to the prescription of a complex of various medications to such patients, which increases the risk of undesirable drug interactions and side effects. Multitargeted therapy involves the use of drugs that simultaneously affect different pathogenetic links. One of these drugs is Iberogast®, which normalizes gastrointestinal motility and visceral sensitivity, has an anti-inflammatory action and is highly effective in treatment of FD and IBS.Conclusion. In the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis, preference should be given to multi-targeted therapy with the use of drugs that have an effect on its various links

Macrophage phenotype after human refluxate exposure, esophageal dysmotility and their correlation with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Aim of the study. To investigate the esophageal dysmotility, changes in the esophageal mucosa and the immune response depending on the type of refluxate in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.Material and methods. 68 patients with GERD were recruited: 28 (14 men; mean age, 45.74 ± 2.23 years) nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), 22 (15 men; mean age, 45.0 ± 3.24 years) erosive reflux disease (EE), 18 (13 men; mean age, 47.22 ± 2.95) Barrett’s Esophagus (BE). GERD patients underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) with a 22-channel water-perfused catheter and Solar GI system (Medical Measurements Systems, Enschede, the Netherlands), 24-hour impedance and pH monitoring using the Ohmega Ambulatory Impedance pH Recorder (Medical Measurements Systems). We analyzed receptor characteristics of monocyte-derived macrophages in all groups of patients.Results. On HRM examination, we showed that DCI (distal contractile integral) in NERD patients was higher than in EE (p = 0.088) and BE (p = 0.076), also LES RP (lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure) in NERD patients was higher than in EE (p = 0.039) and BE (p = 0.012). The analysis of reflux characteristics showed that the total reflux time with pH < 4 for BE patients was longer than that for NERD and EE patients. An analysis of receptor characteristics of monocyte-derived macrophages showed the prevalence of CD25 and CD80 expression in all groups of patients.Conclusion. An analysis of the phenotype of macrophages derived from blood monocytes of GERD patients revealed a prevalence of М1 macrophages that was typical for the Th1 type of immune response. The degree of esophageal dysmotility was correlated with GERD severity and type

Clinical Recommendations of the Russian Scientific Liver Society and Russian Gastroenterological Association on Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Fibrosis, Cirrhosis and Their Complications

Aim. Current clinical recommendations are intended to supply gastroenterologists, physicians and general practitioners with modern methods for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis and fibrosis.Key points. Liver fibrosis develops with connective tissue accumulation in liver in the outcome of various chronic diseases, including alcohol misuse, viral hepatitises, autoimmune and more rare hereditary liver diseases. Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of most chronic diffuse liver diseases. The recommendations present current opinions on pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of their main complications: hepatic encephalopathy, oesophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, acute kidney injury/hepatorenal syndrome, infectious complications (i.a. spontaneous bacterial peritonitis), hyponatraemia, pulmonary complications, etc.Conclusion. Timely diagnosis and adequate therapy in cirrhosis can prevent life-threatening complications and improve the patients’ prognosis and quality of life

New Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) and Digestive System

Aim. The study reviews current evidence on digestive system lesions provoked by the new COVID-19 coronavirus infection.Key points. Alongside the destructive impact on respiratory system, COVID-19 manifests itself in gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) that may precede respiratory signs and prevail in the clinical picture of infection. Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at elevated risk of severe COVID-19 progression. The new coronavirus infection may induce liver damage with increased transaminase activity.Conclusion. Association of digestive system lesions with COVID-19 remains understudied and requires further research

Clinical Guidelines of the Russian Gastroenterological Association on the Diagnostics and Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Aim. This paper presents guidelines on the diagnostics and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis, which can be used by practitioners in their everyday practice.Summary. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the esophagus characterized by the symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and a pronounced eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. The EoE diagnostics is based on the clinical manifestations of the disease (dysphagia, food impaction, chest pain regardless of swallowing), as well as on the combination of endoscopic and histological signs. The diagnostic criterion is the eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa with an eosinophil density of ≥ 15 per high power field (×400) in at least one of the biopsy specimens (about 60 eosinophils in 1 mm2). Total IgE levels, peripheral blood eosinophilia and skin allergy tests are considered to be additional diagnostic means. Several approaches are used for the treatment of EoE, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and topical glucocorticosteroids (GCS), as well as elimination diets. The choice of therapy should be individualized, with the mandatory assessment of the treatment efficacy after 6–12 weeks using esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy sampling. Endoscopic dilatation should be considered in patients suffering from severe dysphagia due to esophagus stricture.Conclusion. Increased incidence of EoE predominantly among children and young people, as well as its chronic character requiring long-term maintenance therapy, make EoE a significant issue to the practice of gastroenterology

High resolution manometry and new classification of esophageal motility disorders

Purpose of the review. To present application of Chicago classification criteria of esophageal motility disorders defined in high resolution manometry in clinical practice. Basic provisions. High-resolution manometry is the most exact hi-tech diagnostic method for esophageal motor function disorders according to Chicago classification v3.0. Uniqueness of the method consists in capacity to define integrated quantitative and qualitative metrics of esophageal contractile function and to establish their specific disorders e.g.: change of intrabolus pressure at disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGj) outflow, hypercontractile esophagus, fragmented contractions and weak or failed peristalsis, distal esophageal spasm. Assessment of the type of achalasia subtypes has significant impact on the patients’ treatment choice. According to anatomical location of the lower esophageal sphincter and crural diaphragm several morphological types of gastro-esophageal junction are defined that determine severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Multiple rapid swallow responses during esophageal high-resolution manometry reflect esophageal body peristaltic reserve and is a predictor of postoperative complications. Differential diagnosis of belching type became possible at combined application of high-resolution manometry and impedance measurement. Conclusion. High-resolution manometry is a fundamental diagnostic test of esophageal motor function disorders. Clinical application of this method significantly expands diagnostic potential and allows to carry out personalized treatment that increases treatment quality

Modern Approaches to the Diagnosis and treatment of <i>Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)</i>-associated Disease in Adults (literature Review and Expert Council Resolution)

Aim: to review the modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of C. difficile-associated disease in adults and present the resolution of the Expert Council held on March 25, 2023 in Moscow.General provisions. C. difficile is the most important nosocomial pathogen which spores are also commonly found in the environment. Microbiota impairment, primarily due to the use of antibacterial drugs, is a key stage in the development of C. difficile-associated disease. A search for an infection should be carried out only in patients with diarrhea, and it is advisable to use at least 2 laboratory methods. The drug of choice for first-line treatment is vancomycin. If drug treatment is ineffective or the patient has recurrent clostridial infection, fecal microbiota transplantation should be considered. The probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 has a direct inhibitory effect on C. difficile toxin A, promotes normalization of the intestinal microbiota composition, and decreases the inflammatory reaction in colonic mucosa colonized with a toxigenic strain of C. difficile.Conclusions. Addition of the probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 to antibacterial therapy promotes both primary and secondary prevention of C. difficile-associated disease