2.Dietary Triggers in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Is There a Role for Gluten?.
Umberto VOLTA ; Maria Ines PINTO-SANCHEZ ; Elisa BOSCHETTI ; Giacomo CAIO ; Roberto DE GIORGIO ; Elena F VERDU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2016;22(4):547-557
A tight link exists between dietary factors and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one of the most common functional syndromes, characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating and alternating bowel habits. Amongst the variety of foods potentially evoking "food sensitivity", gluten and other wheat proteins including amylase trypsin inhibitors represent the culprits that recently have drawn the attention of the scientific community. Therefore, a newly emerging condition termed non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is now well established in the clinical practice. Notably, patients with NCGS/NCWS have symptoms that mimic those present in IBS. The mechanisms by which gluten or other wheat proteins trigger symptoms are poorly understood and the lack of specific biomarkers hampers diagnosis of this condition. The present review aimed at providing an update to physicians and scientists regarding the following main topics: the experimental and clinical evidence on the role of gluten/wheat in IBS; how to diagnose patients with functional symptoms attributable to gluten/wheat sensitivity; the importance of double-blind placebo controlled cross-over trials as confirmatory assays of gluten/wheat sensitivity; and finally, dietary measures for gluten/wheat sensitive patients. The analysis of current evidence proposes that gluten/wheat sensitivity can indeed represent a subset of the broad spectrum of patients with a clinical presentation of IBS.
Amylases
;
Biomarkers
;
Cross-Over Studies
;
Diagnosis
;
Glutens*
;
Humans
;
Irritable Bowel Syndrome*
;
Triticum
;
Trypsin Inhibitors
3.The Immune System in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Giovanni BARBARA ; Cesare CREMON ; Giovanni CARINI ; Lara BELLACOSA ; Lisa ZECCHI ; Roberto DE GIORGIO ; Roberto CORINALDESI ; Vincenzo STANGHELLINI
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2011;17(4):349-359
The potential relevance of systemic and gastrointestinal immune activation in the pathophysiology and symptom generation in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is supported by a number of observations. Infectious gastroenteritis is the strongest risk factor for the development of IBS and increased rates of IBS-like symptoms have been detected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission or in celiac disease patients on a gluten free diet. The number of T cells and mast cells in the small and large intestine of patients with IBS is increased in a large proportion of patients with IBS over healthy controls. Mediators released by immune cells and likely from other non-immune competent cells impact on the function of enteric and sensory afferent nerves as well as on epithelial tight junctions controlling mucosal barrier of recipient animals, isolated human gut tissues or cell culture systems. Antibodies against microbiota antigens (bacterial flagellin), and increased levels of cytokines have been detected systemically in the peripheral blood advocating the existence of abnormal host-microbial interactions and systemic immune responses. Nonetheless, there is wide overlap of data obtained in healthy controls; in addition, the subsets of patients showing immune activation have yet to be clearly identified. Gender, age, geographic differences, genetic predisposition, diet and differences in the intestinal microbiota likely play a role and further research has to be done to clarify their relevance as potential mechanisms in the described immune system dysregulation. Immune activation has stimulated interest for the potential identification of biomarkers useful for clinical and research purposes and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Abdominal Pain
;
Animals
;
Antibodies
;
Biomarkers
;
Celiac Disease
;
Cell Culture Techniques
;
Cytokines
;
Diet
;
Diet, Gluten-Free
;
Gastroenteritis
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Humans
;
Immune System
;
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
;
Intestine, Large
;
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
;
Mast Cells
;
Metagenome
;
Risk Factors
;
T-Lymphocytes
;
Tight Junctions
4.Pyridostigmine in Pediatric Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: Case Report of a 2-year Old Girl and Literature Review
Giovanni DI NARDO ; Federica VISCOGLIOSI ; Francesco ESPOSITO ; Vincenzo STANGHELLINI ; Maria Pia VILLA ; Pasquale PARISI ; Alessia MORLANDO ; Girolamo CALÒ ; Roberto DE GIORGIO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2019;25(4):508-514
Pediatric chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare disorder characterized by a severe impairment of gastrointestinal motility leading to intestinal obstruction symptoms in the absence of mechanical causes. The diagnosis is usually clinical and diagnostic work is usually aimed to rule out mechanical obstruction and to identify any underlying diseases. Treatment is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary effort. In this manuscript we describe the youngest child successfully treated with the orally administrable, long-acting, reversible anti-cholinesterase drug, pyridostigmine. Like other drugs belonging to cholinesterase inhibitors, pyridostigmine enhances gut motility by increasing acetylcholine availability in the enteric nervous system and neuro-muscular junctions. Based on the direct evidence from the reported case, we reviewed the current literature on the use of pyridostigmine in severe pediatric dysmotility focusing on intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The overall data emerged from the few published studies suggest that pyridostigmine is an effective and usually well tolerated therapeutic options for patients with intestinal pseudo-obstruction. More specifically, the main results obtained by pyridostigmine included marked reduction of abdominal distension, reduced need of parenteral nutrition, and improvement of oral feeding. The present case and review on pyridostigmine pave the way for eagerly awaited future randomized controlled studies testing the efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in pediatric severe gut dysmotility.
Acetylcholine
;
Child
;
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
;
Diagnosis
;
Enteric Nervous System
;
Female
;
Gastrointestinal Motility
;
Humans
;
Intestinal Obstruction
;
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
;
Parenteral Nutrition
;
Pyridostigmine Bromide
5.Feasibility and Accuracy of Transduodenal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Solid Lesions Using a 19-Gauge Flexible Needle: A Multicenter Study
Germana DE NUCCI ; Maria Chiara PETRONE ; Nicola IMPERATORE ; Edoardo FORTI ; Roberto GRASSIA ; Silvia GIOVANELLI ; Laura OTTAVIANI ; Vincenzo MIRANTE ; Giuseppe SABATINO ; Carlo FABBRI ; Mauro MANNO ; Paolo Giorgio ARCIDIACONO ; Gianpiero MANES
Clinical Endoscopy 2021;54(2):229-235
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the go-to method for obtaining samples from gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic lesions. When the transduodenal approach is utilized, the use of a more flexible needle, such as a nitinol 19-gauge (G) needle, has been recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 19-G flexible aspiration needles in obtaining samples from solid lesions through a transduodenal approach.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from eight Italian endoscopy centers. Consecutive patients with solid lesions who underwent transduodenal EUS-FNA with a 19-G flexible needle were included.
Results:
A total of 201 patients were enrolled. According to histology, EUS, radiology and 12 months of follow-up, 151 patients had malignant lesions and 50 patients had benign lesions. EUS-FNA was feasible in all cases. An adequate histologic sample was obtained in all except eight cases (96.1%). The sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.8%–95.7%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 90.5%–100%). The positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 93.4%–100%), and the negative predictive value was 74% (95% CI, 62.8%–82.7%). The diagnostic accuracy was 93.5% (95% CI, 89.2%–96.5%).
Conclusions
The transduodenal approach for obtaining samples from solid lesions using a 19-G flexible needle seems feasible and accurate.
6.Feasibility and Accuracy of Transduodenal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Solid Lesions Using a 19-Gauge Flexible Needle: A Multicenter Study
Germana DE NUCCI ; Maria Chiara PETRONE ; Nicola IMPERATORE ; Edoardo FORTI ; Roberto GRASSIA ; Silvia GIOVANELLI ; Laura OTTAVIANI ; Vincenzo MIRANTE ; Giuseppe SABATINO ; Carlo FABBRI ; Mauro MANNO ; Paolo Giorgio ARCIDIACONO ; Gianpiero MANES
Clinical Endoscopy 2021;54(2):229-235
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the go-to method for obtaining samples from gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic lesions. When the transduodenal approach is utilized, the use of a more flexible needle, such as a nitinol 19-gauge (G) needle, has been recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 19-G flexible aspiration needles in obtaining samples from solid lesions through a transduodenal approach.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from eight Italian endoscopy centers. Consecutive patients with solid lesions who underwent transduodenal EUS-FNA with a 19-G flexible needle were included.
Results:
A total of 201 patients were enrolled. According to histology, EUS, radiology and 12 months of follow-up, 151 patients had malignant lesions and 50 patients had benign lesions. EUS-FNA was feasible in all cases. An adequate histologic sample was obtained in all except eight cases (96.1%). The sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.8%–95.7%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 90.5%–100%). The positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 93.4%–100%), and the negative predictive value was 74% (95% CI, 62.8%–82.7%). The diagnostic accuracy was 93.5% (95% CI, 89.2%–96.5%).
Conclusions
The transduodenal approach for obtaining samples from solid lesions using a 19-G flexible needle seems feasible and accurate.
7.Characteristics and patterns of care of endometrial cancer before and during COVID-19 pandemic
Giorgio BOGANI ; Giovanni SCAMBIA ; Chiara CIMMINO ; Francesco FANFANI ; Barbara COSTANTINI ; Matteo LOVERRO ; Gabriella FERRANDINA ; Fabio LANDONI ; Luca BAZZURINI ; Tommaso GRASSI ; Domenico VITOBELLO ; Gabriele SIESTO ; Anna Myriam PERRONE ; Vanna ZANAGNOLO ; Pierandrea DE IACO ; Francesco MULTINU ; Fabio GHEZZI ; Jvan CASARIN ; Roberto BERRETTA ; Vito A CAPOZZI ; Errico ZUPI ; Gabriele CENTINI ; Antonio PELLEGRINO ; Silvia CORSO ; Guido STEVENAZZI ; Serena MONTOLI ; Anna Chiara BOSCHI ; Giuseppe COMERCI ; Pantaleo GRECO ; Ruby MARTINELLO ; Francesco SOPRACORDEVOLE ; Giorgio GIORDA ; Tommaso SIMONCINI ; Marta CARETTO ; Enrico SARTORI ; Federico FERRARI ; Antonio CIANCI ; Giuseppe SARPIETRO ; Maria Grazia MATARAZZO ; Fulvio ZULLO ; Giuseppe BIFULCO ; Michele MORELLI ; Annamaria FERRERO ; Nicoletta BIGLIA ; Fabio BARRA ; Simone FERRERO ; Umberto Leone Roberti MAGGIORE ; Stefano CIANCI ; Vito CHIANTERA ; Alfredo ERCOLI ; Giulio SOZZI ; Angela MARTOCCIA ; Sergio SCHETTINI ; Teresa ORLANDO ; Francesco G CANNONE ; Giuseppe ETTORE ; Andrea PUPPO ; Martina BORGHESE ; Canio MARTINELLI ; Ludovico MUZII ; Violante Di DONATO ; Lorenza DRIUL ; Stefano RESTAINO ; Alice BERGAMINI ; Giorgio CANDOTTI ; Luca BOCCIOLONE ; Francesco PLOTTI ; Roberto ANGIOLI ; Giulia MANTOVANI ; Marcello CECCARONI ; Chiara CASSANI ; Mattia DOMINONI ; Laura GIAMBANCO ; Silvia AMODEO ; Livio LEO ; Raphael THOMASSET ; Diego RAIMONDO ; Renato SERACCHIOLI ; Mario MALZONI ; Franco GORLERO ; Martina Di LUCA ; Enrico BUSATO ; Sami KILZIE ; Andrea DELL'ACQUA ; Giovanna SCARFONE ; Paolo VERCELLINI ; Marco PETRILLO ; Salvatore DESSOLE ; Giampiero CAPOBIANCO ; Andrea CIAVATTINI ; Giovanni Delli CARPINI
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2022;33(1):e10-
Objective:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has correlated with the disruption of screening activities and diagnostic assessments. Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies and it is often detected at an early stage, because it frequently produces symptoms. Here, we aim to investigate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study involving 54 centers in Italy. We evaluated patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients before (period 1: March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and during (period 2: April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) the COVID-19 outbreak.
Results:
Medical records of 5,164 EC patients have been retrieved: 2,718 and 2,446 women treated in period 1 and period 2, respectively. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment in both periods (p=0.356). Nodal assessment was omitted in 689 (27.3%) and 484 (21.2%) patients treated in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). While, the prevalence of patients undergoing sentinel node mapping (with or without backup lymphadenectomy) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (46.7% in period 1 vs. 52.8% in period 2; p<0.001). Overall, 1,280 (50.4%) and 1,021 (44.7%) patients had no adjuvant therapy in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). Adjuvant therapy use has increased during COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Our data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the characteristics and patterns of care of EC patients. These findings highlight the need to implement healthcare services during the pandemic.