1.Effectiveness of Rectal Diclofenac in preventing Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP): A meta-analysis
Nicole Allyson A. Chua ; Sergie Paul Christoffer C. Fernandez ; Ismael A. Lapus Jr.
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2024;28(3):20-27
BACKGROUND
Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) remains the most common complication following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Rectal indomethacin is one of the recommended medications given to prevent pancreatitis in high-risk patients undergoing ERCP.
OBJECTIVESThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of diclofenac in preventing PEP, to compare its different routes of administration, and to determine the severity of pancreatitis in patients who develop PEP.
METHODOLOGYDatabases from PubMed, ScienceDirect and COCHRANE Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing diclofenac with placebo in the prevention of PEPup to August 2020. Risk ratio at 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the incidence of the interested outcomes.
RESULTSEleven RCTs with a total population of 2,012 were reviewed in this study. Diclofenac was associated with a significant reduction in overall risk of PEP compared with patients with placebo (RR = 0.59; 95%, 0.47 0.74; P < 0.000001), with a mild heterogeneity (P = 0.05; I2 = 41%). Subgroup analyses showed that rectal diclofenac was the superior choice to significantly reduce the overall incidence of PEP(RR = 0.34; 95%, 0.23-0.51; P < 0.000001).
CONCLUSIONRectal diclofenac significantly reduces the risk of PEPand therefore, should be recommended as routine for clinical use in adult patients who will undergo ERCP.
Anti-inflammatory Agents, Non-steroidal ; Diclofenac ; Pancreatitis
2.Case report: Metastatic mucinous carcinoma of the appendix in a 33-year-old female.
Elvie Zeril Dr. ANTIOQUIA ; Nicole Allyson A. CHUA ; Regina Socorro L. BAGSIC
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;63(2):161-166
BACKGROUND
Primary cancers of the appendix are rare, with an incidence of approximately 1.2 cases per 100,000 people per year and this tumor is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. The purpose of this paper is to present a rare case of metastatic mucinous carcinoma of the appendix and to provide a high index of suspicion to patients presenting with the same history, signs, and symptoms.
CASE SUMMARYWe present a case of a 33-year-old Filipina who reported abdominal pain and right lower quadrant mass. Following several preoperative diagnostic tests, a colonoscopy revealed synchronous tumors in various locations, prompting the need for an exploratory laparotomy to evaluate the abdomen. Histopathological examination was performed to confirm the final diagnosis which revealed primary mucinous carcinoma of the appendix. The tumor had extended into adjacent structures, including the cecal colon, ileum, and right ureter. Metastatic lesions were also identified in the descending and sigmoid colon. The disease was classified as stage IVC (T4b, N1c, M1c), indicating advanced progression with both extensive local invasion and distant metastasis.
CONCLUSIONHistopathology remains the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. Given the rarity and complexity of appendiceal mucinous carcinoma, a multidisciplinary approach is also essential. This collaborative strategy from various specialties is vital not only for achieving an accurate diagnosis but also for developing and implementing an effective, individualized treatment plan that addresses the distinct challenges of this uncommon malignancy.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous