Biological Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Screening Prior to Initiating and How to Proceed When Surgery Is Necessary

Biological therapy has revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the last 30 years. However, these drugs have side effects and adverse events. Before starting this therapy, screening is necessary for specific infection diseases and monitoring protocols. Screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections must be included. In addition, vaccination should be checked and updated, if necessary. Despite the advent of biological therapy, a significant number of patients with IBD will need surgery in their lifetime due to either clinical intractability or disease complications. Many of them will be on biological therapy, and there is a considerable controversy about adverse effects of biologics on surgical outcomes. In this chapter, we will approach the screening required to start this therapy and how to proceed when surgery is necessary in these patients

Variation Of The Anal Resting Pressure Induced By Postexpiratory Apnea Effort In Patients With Constipation.

Intestinal constipation--a common symptom among the general population--is more frequent in women. It may be secondary to an improper diet or organic or functional disturbances, such as dyskinesia of the pelvic floor. This is basically characterized by the absence of relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter during evacuation. To analyze, by manometric data, the anal pressure variation at rest, during evacuation effort by using the Valsalva maneuver and forced post-expiratory apnea in subjects with secondary constipation. Twenty-one patients (19 females--90.4%) with a mean age of 47.5 years old (23-72) were studied. The diagnosis was performed using anorectal manometry, with a catheter containing eight channels disposed at the axial axis, measuring the proximal (1) and distal (2) portions of the anal orifice. The elevation of the pressure values in relation to the resting with the evacuation effort was present in all patients. The Agachan score was used for clinical evaluation of constipation. The variables studied were: mean anal pressure of the anal orifice for 20 seconds at rest, the effort of evacuation using Valsalva maneuver and the effort of evacuation during apnea after forced expiration, as well as the area under the curve of the manometric tracing at moments Valsalva and apnea. The analysis of the mean values of the anal pressure variation at rest evidenced difference between proximal and distal channels (P = 0.007), independent of the moment and tendency to differ during moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.06). The mean of values of the area under the manometric tracing curve showed differences between moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.0008), either at the proximal portion or at the distal portion of the anal orifice. The effort of evacuation associated with postexpiratory apnea, when compared with the effort associated with the Valsalva maneuver, provides lower elevation of anal pressure at rest by the parameter area under the curve.4830-

Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e resistência mecânica das anastomoses cólicas em ratos com peritonite

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on the mechanical resistance of anastomosis performed in rats' distal colon presenting peritonitis induced by ligature and cecal punction using the Total Energy Rupture biomechanical test (ETR). METHODS: It was used 45 rats divided into three groups of 15 animals each. In Control Group (CG), it was performed anastomosis in distal colon without peritonitis. In Peritonitis Group (PG), it was performed anastomosis six hours after the induction of peritonitis by ligature and cecal punction. In Hyperbaric Chamber Group (HCG), it was performed six hours after the induction of peritonitis by ligature and cecal punction. The animals on CG and PG were kept at place air while the animals on HCG were placed on an experimental hyperbaric chamber in order to inhale oxygen at 100%, two absolute atmospheres, for 120 minutes, for four consecutive days. Euthanasia took place on the fifth day of the experiment. All the animals underwent to Total Energy Rupture Biomechanical Resistance test (ETR). Total Energy Rupture was defined as the necessary internal energy stored up to promote the colon rupture after an external traction force imposition. RESULTS: The Peritonitis Group presents smaller average ETR than Control Group. There was no statistical difference between Peritonitis Group and Hyberbaric Chamber Group. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy did not alter the mechanical resistance of anastomosis performed in distal colon of rats under the presence of peritonitis induced by ligature and cecal puncture.OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (HBO) sobre a resistência mecânica de anastomoses realizadas em cólon distal de ratos na presença de peritonite induzida por ligadura e punção cecal utilizando o teste biomecânico de Energia Total de Ruptura (ETR). MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 45 ratos distribuídos em três grupos de 15 animais. No Grupo Controle (GC), realizou-se anastomose no cólon distal sem peritonite. No Grupo Peritonite (GP), realizou-se anastomose seis horas após a indução da peritonite por ligadura e punção cecal. No Grupo Câmara Hiperbárica (GCH), realizou-se anastomose seis horas após a indução da peritonite por ligadura e punção cecal. Os animais dos GC e GP foram mantidos em ar ambiente. Os animais do GCH foram colocados em uma câmara hiperbárica experimental para inalarem oxigênio a 100%, a duas atmosferas absolutas, durante 120 minutos, por quatro dias consecutivos. A eutanásia ocorreu no quinto dia do experimento. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao Teste de Resistência Biomecânico Energia Total de Ruptura (ETR). A Energia Total de Ruptura foi definida como a energia interna acumulada necessária para promover o rompimento do cólon após a imposição de uma força externa de tração. RESULTADOS: O Grupo Peritonite apresentou menor média de ETR que o Grupo Controle. Não houve diferença estatística entre o Grupo Peritonite e o Grupo Câmara Hiperbárica. CONCLUSÃO: A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica não alterou a resistência mecânica de anastomoses realizadas no cólon distal de ratos na presença de peritonite induzida por ligadura e punção cecal.36837

Rectoanal reflex parameters with radial catheter in the high pressure zone in multípara

PURPOSE: Rectoanal reflex parameters were analyzed in multiparous. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with 4 to 6 (Group 1) and 10 patients with 1 to 3 (Group2) vaginal deliveries were submitted to anal manometry with four channel radial catheter. Various parameters of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex were analyzed in each quadrant at the anal canal highest pressure zone. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the anal pressures at the point of maximum relaxation curve among quadrants in Group 1 as well as with the anal resting pressure in Group 2. The comparision between Groups showed differences in anal resting pressure in posterior right lateral and left lateral quadrants as well as in posterior and left lateral at the maximum relaxation point. CONCLUSION: Radial differences in the anal pressure before relaxation and in rectoanal inhibitory reflex parameters are present; however there is not an obvious relevance under the clinical point of view.OBJETIVO: analisar os parâmetros do reflexo inibitório retoanal (RIRA) em multíparas. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: 36 pacientes (40,7 anos), com quatro a seis partos normais (grupo 1) e 10 pacientes (38,5 anos) com três ou menos partos normais (grupo 2), foram submetidas à manometria com utilização do cateter radial, para pesquisar o RIRA na zona de mais alta pressão. RESULTADOS: houve diferença significante da pressão de repouso pré-relaxamento entre os quadrantes no grupo 2 (p = 0,02) e da pressão no ponto de máximo relaxamento entre os quadrantes do grupo 1 (p = 0,007). Comparando os grupos, não houve diferença significante entre as pressões médias de repouso (p = 0,053), porém esta diferença apareceu nos quadrantes posterior, lateral direito e esquerdo, quando testados separadamente, assim como entre os quadrantes posterior e lateral esquerdo no ponto de máximo relaxamento. CONCLUSÃO: diferenças radiais obtidas em alguns parâmetros do RIRA devem ser consideradas em seu estudo.29329

Desmoid Tumor In Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

Desmoid tumors constitute one of the most important extraintestinal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. The development of desmoids is responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality rates in cases of familial adenomatous polyposis. To evaluate the occurrence of desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis cases following prophylactic colectomy and to present patient outcome. Between 1984 and 2008, 68 patients underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis at the School of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil. Desmoid tumors were found in nine (13.2%) of these patients, who were studied retrospectively by consulting their medical charts with respect to clinical and surgical data. Of nine patients, seven (77.8%) were submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection. Median age at the time of surgery was 33.9 years (range 22-51 years). Desmoid tumors were found in the abdominal wall in 3/9 cases (33.3%) and in an intra-abdominal site in the remaining six cases (66.7%). Median time elapsed between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of desmoid tumor was 37.5 months (range 14-60 months), while the median time between colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and diagnosis was 63.7 months (range 25-116 months). In 6/9 (66.7%) patients with desmoid tumors, the disease was either under control or there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a follow-up visit made a mean of 63.1 months later (range 12-240 months). Desmoid tumors were found in 13.2% of cases of familial adenomatous polyposis following colectomy; therefore, familial adenomatous polyposis patients should be followed-up and surveillance should include abdominal examination to detect signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery and clinical management with antiestrogens, antiinflammatory drugs or chemotherapy.47373-

Adenocarcinoma of the right colon in a patient with bloom syndrome

Bloom syndrome (BS) is an inherited disorder due to mutation in BLM gene. The diagnosis of BS should be considered in patients with growth retardation of prenatal onset, a photosensitive rash in a butterfly distribution over the cheeks, and an increased risk of cancer at an early age. Clinical manifestations also include short stature, dolichocephaly, prominent ears, micrognathia, malar hypoplasia and a high-pitched voice, immunodeficiency, type II diabetes, and hypogonadism associated with male infertility and female subfertility. The aim of this report is to describe case of patient with BS who developed adenocarcinoma of the cecum, successfully treated by right colectomy. Case Report. A 40-year-old man underwent colonoscopy to investigate the cause of his diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. The patient knew that he was a carrier of BS diagnosed at young age. The colonoscopy showed an expansive and vegetating mass with 5.5 cm in diameter, located within the ascending colon. Histopathological analysis of tissue fragments collected during colonoscopy confirmed the presence of tubular adenocarcinoma, and he was referred for an oncological right colectomy. The procedure was performed without complications, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the presence of a grade II tubular adenocarcinoma (stage IIA). The patient is currently well five years after surgery, without clinical or endoscopic signs of relapse in a multidisciplinary approach for the monitoring of comorbidities related to BS. Conclusion. Despite the development of colorectal cancer to be, a possibility rarely described the present case shows the need for early screening for colorectal cancer in all patients affected by B

INFLUENCE OF NEOADJUVANT THERAPY ON THE RATIO OF LYMPH NODES

ABSTRACT Background: To evaluate the relationship between the ratio of affected lymph nodes (LNR) and clinical and anatomopathological variables in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma submitted or not to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Methods: The LNR was determined by dividing the number of compromised LNR by the total number of LNR dissected in the surgical specimen. Patients were divided into two groups: with QRT and without QRT. In each group, the relationship between LNR and the following variables was evaluated: degree of cell differentiation, depth of invasion in the rectal wall, angiolymphatic /perineural invasion, degree of tumor regression and occurrence of metastases. The LNR was evaluated in patients with more than 1, LNR (LNR >12) or less (LNRT2; P12 with DFS and OS (17.984; 95%CI5.931-54.351; P<0.001 and 10.286; 95%CI 2.654-39.854; P=0.007, respectively). Conclusion: LNR was associated with histological aspects of poor prognosis, regardless of the use of QRT. In the occurrence of less than 12 evaluated LNR, the LNR was associated only with the DFS

Effect of conducted adhesions on ischemic colic anastomoses in rats

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effect of conducted adhesions on the mechanical resistance of anastomoses performed in ischemic colon through the Bursting Strength Test and Breaking Strength Test. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was composed of 20 rats in which the anastomoses were covered with P.V.C. (Polyvinyl Chloride) to prevent the occurrence of adhesions over the anastomotic line. Group 2 was composed of 20 rats in which anastomotic line was covered with epididimal fat besides P.V.C. to prevent formation of other adhesions. RESULTS: The mean Bursting Strength of the anastomoses in the group without adhesion was 10 mmHg and this value was 55.2 mmHg in the group with adhesion (p < 0.05). The mean Breaking Strength of the anastomoses was 142.5 gf in the group without adhesion and 262 gf in the group with adhesion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on those mechanical tests, adhesions were benefic to ischemic anastomoses, rising their intrinsic resistance both on Bursting and Breaking Strength.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito das aderências dirigidas sobre a resistência mecânica de anastomoses realizadas em cólon isquêmico através da aplicação dos testes Resistência à Pressão de Explosão e Resistência à Força de Tração. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos foram distribuídos igualmente em dois grupos. O Grupo 1 era constituído de vinte animais em que as anastomoses cólicas isquêmicas foram recobertas por uma película de polivinilcloreto (P.V.C.) para impedir a formação de aderências sobre as linhas de sutura e o Grupo 2 era constituído por 20 animais em que as anastomoses cólicas isquêmicas foram recobertas pela gordura epididimal, de forma a constituir uma aderência dirigida sobre a linha de sutura, sendo ainda recobertas por uma película de P.V.C. para impedir a formação de outras aderências. RESULTADOS: A média da Pressão de Ruptura à Distensão por Líquidos da anastomose foi de 10 mmHg no grupo sem aderência e de 55,2 mmHg no grupo com aderência (p < 0,05). A média da Força de Ruptura à Tração das anastomoses foi de 142,5 gf no grupo sem aderências e de 262 gf no grupo com aderência (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: As aderências mostraram ser benéficas, elevando a resistência intrínseca das anastomoses tanto na Resistência à Distensão por Líquido quanto na Resistência à Força de Tração.24725

Defective Apoptosis In Intestinal And Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Of Crohn's Disease Patients.

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with complex pathogenic pathways involving defects in apoptosis mechanisms. Recently, mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) has been associated with CD ethiopathology, since adipose thickening is detected close to the affected intestinal area. However, the potential role of altered apoptosis in MAT of CD has not been addressed. To evaluate apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa and MAT of patients with CD. Samples of intestinal mucosa and MAT from patients with ileocecal CD and from non-inflammatory bowel diseases patients (controls) were studied. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay and correlated with the adipocytes histological morphometric analysis. The transcriptional and protein analysis of selected genes and proteins related to apoptosis were determined. TUNEL assay showed fewer apoptotic cells in CD, when compared to the control groups, both in the intestinal mucosa and in MAT. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) correlated significantly with the area and perimeter of the adipose cells in MAT. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveal a significantly lower transcript and protein levels of Bax in the intestinal mucosa of CD, compared to the controls; low protein levels of Bax were found localized in the lamina propria and not in the epithelium of this tissue. Furthermore, higher level of Bcl-2 and low level of Caspase 3 were seen in the MAT of CD patients. The defective apoptosis in MAT may explain the singular morphological characteristics of this tissue in CD, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease.9e9854