Search

Resumen: Introducción: La combinación de sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) es una terapia antiviral de acción directa que está autorizada y disponible en México. Esto hace que la evaluación de la respuesta virológica sostenida (RVS) 12 semanas después del tratamiento, por medio de la realización de una revisión multicentro en el mundo real, sea una tarea relevante. Métodos: Se efectuó una revisión retrospectiva de los registros de 241 casos de pacientes atendidos en 20 hospitales en México para evaluar el tratamiento contra la hepatitis C con la combinación SOF/VEL (n = 231) y sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) (n = 10). El objetivo de eficacia primario fue el porcentaje de pacientes que lograron la RVS 12 semanas posterior a la finalización del tratamiento. Resultados: En general, la RVS fue de 98.8% (IC 95% 97.35 a 100%). Solo tres pacientes no lograron la RVS, de los cuales dos padecían cirrosis y una tenía historia previa de tratamiento con interferón pegilado (peg-IFN). De los subgrupos analizados, todos los casos con infección de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), tres con genotipo 3 y aquellos tratados con la combinación SOF/VEL/RBV, lograron RVS. Los subgrupos con tasas menores de éxito fueron los pacientes que tenían experiencia con tratamiento (96.8%) y pacientes con fibrosis F1 (95.5%). Los eventos adversos más frecuentes fueron fatiga, cefalea e insomnio. No se reportaron eventos adversos graves. Conclusión: Los tratamientos con SOF/VEL y SOF/VEL/RBV fueron altamente seguros y efectivos y los resultados coinciden con los de otros estudios internacionales realizados en el mundo real. Abstract: Introduction: The sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) combination is a direct-acting antiviral therapy that is authorized and available in Mexico, making the performance of a real-world multicenter study that evaluates the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment a relevant undertaking. Methods: A retrospective review of the case records of 241 patients seen at 20 hospitals in Mexico was conducted to assess hepatitis C treatment with the SOF/VEL combination (n = 231) and the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) combination (n = 10). The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients that achieved SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: Overall SVR was 98.8% (95% CI 97.35-100%). Only three patients did not achieve SVR, two of whom had cirrhosis and a history of previous treatment with peg-IFN. Of the subgroups analyzed, all the patients with HIV coinfection, three patients with genotype 3, and the patients treated with the SOF/VEL/RBV combination achieved SVR. The subgroups with the lower success rates were patients that were treatment-experienced (96.8%) and patients with F1 fibrosis (95.5%). The most frequent adverse events were fatigue, headache, and insomnia. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Treatments with SOF/VEL and SOF/VEL/RBV were highly safe and effective, results coinciding with those of other international real-world studies.

Introduction: The sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) combination is a direct-acting antiviral therapy that is authorized and available in Mexico, making the performance of a real-world multicenter study that evaluates the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment a relevant undertaking. Methods: A retrospective review of the case records of 241 patients seen at 20 hospitals in Mexico was conducted to assess hepatitis C treatment with the SOF/VEL combination (n = 231) and the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) combination (n = 10). The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients that achieved SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: Overall SVR was 98.8% (95% CI 97.35–100%). Only three patients did not achieve SVR, two of whom had cirrhosis and a history of previous treatment with peg-IFN. Of the subgroups analyzed, all the patients with HIV coinfection, three patients with genotype 3, and the patients treated with the SOF/VEL/RBV combination achieved SVR. The subgroups with the lower success rates were patients that were treatment-experienced (96.8%) and patients with F1 fibrosis (95.5%). The most frequent adverse events were fatigue, headache, and insomnia. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Treatments with SOF/VEL and SOF/VEL/RBV were highly safe and effective, results coinciding with those of other international real-world studies. Resumen: Introducción: La combinación de sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) es una terapia antiviral de acción directa que está autorizada y disponible en México. Esto hace que la evaluación de la respuesta virológica sostenida (RVS) 12 semanas después del tratamiento, por medio de la realización de una revisión multicentro en el mundo real, sea una tarea relevante. Métodos: Se efectuó una revisión retrospectiva de los registros de 241 casos de pacientes atendidos en 20 hospitales en México para evaluar el tratamiento contra la hepatitis C con la combinación SOF/VEL (n = 231) y sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ribavirin (SOF/VEL/RBV) (n = 10). El objetivo de eficacia primario fue el porcentaje de pacientes que lograron la RVS 12 semanas posterior a la finalización del tratamiento. Resultados: En general, la RVS fue de 98.8% (IC 95% 97.35 a 100%). Solo tres pacientes no lograron la RVS, de los cuales dos padecían cirrosis y una tenía historia previa de tratamiento con interferón pegilado (peg-IFN). De los subgrupos analizados, todos los casos con infección de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), tres con genotipo 3 y aquellos tratados con la combinación SOF/VEL/RBV, lograron RVS. Los subgrupos con tasas menores de éxito fueron los pacientes que tenían experiencia con tratamiento (96.8%) y pacientes con fibrosis F1 (95.5%). Los eventos adversos más frecuentes fueron fatiga, cefalea e insomnio. No se reportaron eventos adversos graves. Conclusión: Los tratamientos con SOF/VEL y SOF/VEL/RBV fueron altamente seguros y efectivos y los resultados coinciden con los de otros estudios internacionales realizados en el mundo real.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem. In Mexico, at least three million adults are estimated to have acquired hepatitis B (total hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]-positive), and of those, 300,000 active carriers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive) could require treatment. Because HBV is preventable through vaccination, its universal application should be emphasized. HBV infection is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Semi-annual liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein testing favor early detection of that cancer and should be carried out in all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Currently, nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that have a high barrier to resistance are the first-line therapies. Resumen: La infección por el virus de hepatitis B (VHB) continúa siendo un problema de salud pública mundial, en México se estima que podría haber por lo menos tres millones de personas adultas que han adquirido hepatitis B (anticuerpo anti-antígeno central del VHB [anti-HBc] positivo), de ellos cerca de 300,000 portadores activos (antígeno de superficie del VHB [HBsAg] positivo) podrían requerir tratamiento. Al ser prevenible por vacunación, debe enfatizarse la vacunación universal. Esta infección es un factor de riesgo mayor para el desarrollo de carcinoma hepatocelular, el estudio semestral con ultrasonido hepático y alfafetoproteína sérica favorece la detección temprana de esta neoplasia y debe realizarse en todo paciente con infección crónica por VHB, independientemente de la presencia de fibrosis avanzada o cirrosis. En la actualidad, la terapia de primera línea, son análogos nucleós(t)idos con alta barrera a la resistencia.

Resumen: La infección por el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) continúa siendo un problema de salud pública mundial, en México se estima que podría haber por lo menos tres millones de personas adultas que han adquirido la hepatitis B (anticuerpo anti-antígeno central del VHB [anti-HBc] positivo), de ellos cerca de 300,000 portadores activos (antígeno de superficie del VHB [HBsAg] positivo) podrían requerir tratamiento. Al ser prevenible por vacunación, debe enfatizarse la vacunación universal. Esta infección es un factor de riesgo mayor para el desarrollo de carcinoma hepatocelular, el estudio semestral con ultrasonido hepático y alfafetoproteína sérica favorece la detección temprana de esta neoplasia y debe realizarse en todo paciente con infección crónica por VHB, independientemente de la presencia de fibrosis avanzada o cirrosis. En la actualidad, la terapia de primera línea, son análogos nucleós(t)idos con alta barrera a la resistencia. Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem. In Mexico, at least three million adults are estimated to have acquired hepatitis B (total hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]-positive), and of those, 300,000 active carriers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive) could require treatment. Because HBV is preventable through vaccination, its universal application should be emphasized. HBV infection is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Semi-annual liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein testing favor early detection of that cancer and should be carried out in all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Currently, nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that have a high barrier to resistance are the first-line therapies.

Background: It is considered that globally, 71 million people have chronic infection caused by the virus of Hepatitis C (HCV). It is estimated that in 2016 approximately 399,000 people died due to it. Among the infected people 70% develop a chronic infection caused by HCV. In Mexico, it was reported that 6% of them is type C, and the most common genotype is 1. Interferon and ribavirin, hardly ever used in developed countries, are still recommended in Mexico for treating this infection. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of direct acting antivirals (DAA) in Mexican population with HC. Methods: In a retrospective, multicenter study in 20 hospitals in Mexico, information of patients with HC and treated with DAA was gathered. Results: A total of 913 patients were included. The gender distribution was 599 women and 314 men, the mean age was 58.88 ± 12.10 years old. The most frequent genotype was genotype 1. It was found that there is 99% of sustained viral response in genotype 1. Presented side effects were slight. Conclusion: We found a very high SVR rate, 99%, which is why applying DAA immediately after a patient is diagnosed with Hepatitis C to avoid further complications is recommended.Core tip: In Mexico, a large sample of patients was documented, where it was concluded that DAA should be used without the fear of adverse events, and to be certain about an SVR to the most frequent genotype in our population. However, the use of pangenomic DAA must be considered.

Resumen: El objetivo del Consenso Mexicano para el Tratamiento de la Hepatitis C fue el de desarrollar un documento como guía en la práctica clínica con aplicabilidad en México. Se tomó en cuenta la opinión de expertos en el tema con especialidad en: gastroenterología, infectología y hepatología. Se realizó una revisión de la bibliografía en MEDLINE, EMBASE y CENTRAL mediante palabras claves referentes al tratamiento de la hepatitis C. Posteriormente se evaluó la calidad de la evidencia mediante el sistema GRADE y se redactaron enunciados, los cuales fueron sometidos a voto mediante un sistema modificado Delphi, y posteriormente se realizó revisión y corrección de los enunciados por un panel de 34 votantes. Finalmente se clasificó el nivel de acuerdo para cada oración. Esta guía busca dar recomendaciones con énfasis en los nuevos antivirales de acción directa y de esta manera facilitar su uso en la práctica clínica. Cada caso debe ser individualizado según sus comorbilidades y el manejo de estos pacientes siempre debe ser multidisciplinario. Abstract: The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of Hepatitis C was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitis C treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary. Palabras clave: Consenso, Agentes antivirales de acción directa, Regímenes libres de interferón, Ribavirina, Keywords: Consensus, Direct-acting antiviral agents, Interferon-free regimens, Ribavirin

The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of Hepatitis C was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, IFNectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitis C treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary.

The IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12979860 is a major predictor of treatment outcomes in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but its distribution widely varies among populations and ethnicities. We undertook this study to investigate the distribution of IL28B SNP rs12979860 in Mexican patients with HCV infection and to assess its usefulness in predicting response to pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin (PegIFN-α/RVB) therapy.Three hundred and fifty patients with chronic HCV infection were studied. The frequency of sustained virologic response (SVR), non-responders and relapses following a course of standard therapy was longitudinally assessed in 295 of these patients. IL28B SNP rs12979860 was genotyped from genomic DNA using real-time RT-PCR. The number needed to treat (NNT) to achieve a SVR was calculated.Seventy six (22%) patients were CC homozygous, 210 (60%) were heterozygous and 64 (18%) showed TT homozygosity for the IL28B SNP rs12979860. After a standard course of PegIFN-α/RVB, 69% of patients with the CC genotype, 46% of the heterozygous group and 38% of those with the TT genotype (p = 0.001) achieved a SVR. Conversely, the percentage of non-responders was 15, 43, and 48% (p 0.0001), respectively. The NNT to achieve a SVR was strongly influenced by the IL28B rs12979860 genotype and ranged from 2-10.The IL-28B rs12979860 CC genotype was found in 22% of Mexican patients chronically infected by HCV. Genotyping IL28B SNP rs12979860 is useful to predict the response to a standard regimen with PegIFN-α/RVB, especially in those infected with HCV genotype 1.

Introduction Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is mainly related to oesophageal disease, and in spite of being a common condition in Mexico, information regarding it is scarce. Aim To assess the clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin. Material and methods Patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin with no previous treatment were included in the study. Associated symptoms were assessed and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring were performed to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease, while oesophageal manometry was used to determine oesophageal motility disorders. The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) questionnaire was completed and its results compared to a control group without oesophageal symptoms. Results The study included 33 patients, of which 61% were women, and the mean age was 46.1 (± 11.6) years. Causes of NCCP were gastroesophageal reflux disease in 48%, achalasia in 34%, and functional chest pain in 18%. The average progression time for chest pain was 24 (2-240) months, with ≤3 events/week in 52% of the patients. The most frequent accompanying symptoms were: regurgitation (81%), dysphagia (72%) and heartburn (66%). Patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL compared to the control group ( P = .01), regardless of chest pain aetiology. The most affected areas were general perception of health, emotional issues, and mental health sub-scale ( P > 0 .05). Conclusions In our population, patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL regardless of the aetiology, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.

ResumenIntroducciónEl dolor torácico no cardiaco (DTNC) se relaciona principalmente con enfermedades del esófago, y aunque se considera una condición común, en México la información aún es escasa.ObjetivoEvaluar las características clínicas y la calidad de vida relacionada con salud en pacientes con DTNC de presunto origen esofágico.Material y métodosSe incluyeron en el estudio pacientes con DTNC de presunto origen esofágico, sin tratamiento previo. Se evaluaron los síntomas asociados, se realizó endoscopia alta y monitorización de pH esofágico de 24h para establecer el diagnóstico de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, y para descartar trastornos en la motilidad esofágica se llevó a cabo manometría esofágica. Se aplicó el cuestionario de calidad de vida SF-36, y los resultados se compararon con un grupo control de sanos.ResultadosSe incluyeron 33 pacientes, el 61% mujeres, y la edad promedio fue 46.1 (±11.6) años. Las causas de DTNC fueron: enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico 48%, acalasia 34% y dolor torácico funcional 18%. El tiempo promedio de progresión del dolor torácico fue 24 (2-240) meses, con≤3 eventos/semana en el 52%. Los síntomas acompañantes más frecuentes fueron: regurgitaciones (81%), disfagia (72%) y pirosis (66%). Los pacientes con DTNC muestran deterioro en su calidad de vida comparado con el grupo control, independientemente de la etiología del dolor torácico. Los dominios más afectados son la percepción general de salud, problemas emocionales y la subescala de salud mental, sin diferencia estadística significativa (P > 0.05).ConclusionesEn nuestra población, los pacientes con DTNC muestran deterioro en su calidad de vida independientemente de la etiología, frecuencia y síntomas que acompañan al dolor torácico.AbstractIntroductionNon-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is mainly related to oesophageal disease, and in spite of being a common condition in Mexico, information regarding it is scarce.AimTo assess the clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin.Material and methodsPatients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin with no previous treatment were included in the study. Associated symptoms were assessed and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring were performed to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease, whereas oesophageal manometry was used to determine oesophageal motility disorders. The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) questionnaire was completed and its results compared with a control group without oesophageal symptoms.ResultsThe study included 33 patients, of which 61% were women, and the mean age was 46.1 (±11.6) years. Causes of NCCP were gastroesophageal reflux disease in 48%, achalasia in 34%, and functional chest pain in 18%. The mean progression time for chest pain was 24 (2-240) months, with≤3events/week in 52% of the patients. The most frequent accompanying symptoms were: regurgitation (81%), dysphagia (72%) and heartburn (66%). Patients with NCCP showed deterioration in HR-QoL compared with the control group (P=0.01), regardless of chest pain aetiology. The most affected areas were general perception of health, emotional issues, and the mental health sub-scale (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn our population, patients with NCCP showed deterioration in HR-QoL regardless of the aetiology, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.

For years our efforts have been focused on vaccination during childhood. Today we know that this is not enough to ensure health in the rest of the life. Childhood is as important as any other stage and, therefore, vaccination must be permanent and differentiated, according to our age, throughout life. Introducing a life course perspective in vaccination programs, with emphasis on adult vaccination, particularly in older adults, offers us the opportunity to review the performance of health programs, actions, and services in the field of immunization, as well as strengthening health promotion actions. In this context, the first Mexican Consensus on Adult Vaccination was carried out in a joint effort of the National Institute of Geriatrics, bringing together a group of specialists who worked on three central objectives: establishing vaccination guidelines throughout the life course, with emphasis on new vaccines; defining priority groups according to their risk factors; and contributing to the effort to promote healthy aging.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the consumption of dietary energy supplements (DES) associated with the parallel advertising against obesity and favoring high physical performance. We present the case and outcome of a young patient who developed acute mixed liver injury (hepatocellular and cholestatic) after ingestion of various “over the counter” products to increase muscle mass and physical performance (NO Xplode®, creatine, L-carnitine, and Growth Factor ATN®). The diagnosis was based on the exclusion of other diseases and liver biopsy findings. The dietary supplement and herbal multivitamins industry is one with the highest growth rates in the market, with annual revenues amounting to billions and constantly lacking scientific or reproducible evidence about the efficacy and/or safety of the offered products. Furthermore, and contrary to popular belief, different forms of injury associated with these natural substances have been documented particularly in the liver, supporting the need of a more strict regulation.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a potential complication of immunosuppression. Crohn's disease (CD) is an immune granulomatous disorder characterized by transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its treatment is based on steroids and immunosuppressants but in non-responders, biologic compounds such as anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) antibodies have been used. Neutralization of TNF causes a decrease in the inflammatory response but increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections such as fungal infections. We report a young male with chronic diarrhea, fever and weight loss who was diagnosed with CD and began conventional treatment with immunosuppressants, but due to lack of response after several weeks, biologic therapy with adalimumab was initiated. Seven weeks later he developed persistent fever and upper respiratory symptoms. After chest CT, bronchoscopy and bronchial lavage, P. jirovecii was identified by silver staining and confirmed by immunofluorescence. To our knowledge this is the second case of pneumocystosis associated with the use of adalimumab in CD and the first reported Mexican case confirmed by microbiological and immunological studies in this setting.

We present two cases of acute liver injury resulting from consumption of wild mushrooms. The first case was a male who developed acute hepatitis after ingestion of diverse mushrooms including Amanita species. His clinical course was favorable with complete recovery of liver function. The second case was a male who developed acute liver failure (ALF) after ingestion of Amanita bisporigera. He required MARS therapy as a bridge to liver transplantation but transplantation was not performed because he succumbed to multiorgan failure. There are few trials demonstrating the efficacy of the different treatments for mushroom poisoning. These cases demonstrate that the consumption of wild mushrooms without proper knowledge of toxic species represents a serious and under recognized health problem.

With only a third of Latinos achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), there is a need for enhanced HCV treatment. Amantadine has been proposed to improve response rates in addition to standard therapy with peginterferon α and ribavirin. Our objective is to evaluate whether triple therapy with amantadine improves SVR rates in this special population. Treatment-naive Latino subjects with HCV genotype 1 infection were randomized to receive peginterferon α-2a plus weight-based ribavirin for 48 weeks (double therapy) or the same regimen plus amantadine 200 mg daily (triple therapy). The primary endpoint was SVR. Predictors of liver fibrosis using APRI and Forns indices were also evaluated. We enrolled 124 patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Sixty-three received conventional therapy and 61 patients had triple therapy with amantadine. SVR at week 72 was achieved in 25 patients (39.7%) vs. 26 patients (42.6%) in the double and triple regimen, respectively (p = 0.561). After multivariate analysis, advanced fibrosis, obesity, and low pretreatment ALT levels were associated with non-response in both groups (p = 0.0234, p = 0.0012, p = 0.0249, respectively). APRI values delimited an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.724 and Forns index with AUROC of 0.733. There was no difference between both indices in predicting significant fibrosis (Knodell index: F3–F4). Our study demonstrates that the addition of amantadine to standard treatment of chronic HCV does not improve SVR rates in Latino patients with genotype 1. Further research to improve response rates in this special population is needed.

Steatorrhea represents the indirect sign of lipid maldigestion in chronic pancreatitis and even when the measurement of fecal fat is considered as a gold standard for the diagnosis of steatorrhea, this test is not commonly used within clinical practice because of the inconvenience related to sample collection. Although the use of breath test using mixted tryglicerides was initally validated as an indirect alternative for the assessment of exocrine pancreas reserve, only recently has used this method as a surrogate for the measurement of fat in feces.To evaluate fat digestion by means of the breath test with 13C labelled mixed triglycerides in patients with chronic pancreatitis.Patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent clinical and biochemical evaluation. The latter included serum amylase, lipase, betacarotenes; fecal fat analysis and breath test using 13C-mixed tryglicerides. Breath test results are expressed as the percentage of 13C recovered in the breath sample.Seventeen patients (age: 45 +/- 5 years) were included, of which 7 had steatorrhea (fecal fat greater than 7 g/day). In patients with steatorrhea, the percentage of recovered 13C from breath was significantly lower (6 +/- 4%) than in patients without it (25 +/- 5%).Results suggest the uselfuness of breath test with 13C-mixed tryglicerides as an alternative for the assessment of lipid digestion in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is defined by recurrent episodes of substernal chest pain non related to ischemic heart disease, it's origin being in many cases the gastrointestinal tract; however, it may be associated to psychosomatic disorder.To investigate the main causes of NCCP and to evaluate associated psychiatric comorbidity.Patients with NCCP referred by a cardiologist were assessed underwent an upper endoscopy, ambulatory pH monitoring and stationary esophageal manometry. NCCP was considered gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) positive when the endoscopy and/or ambulatory pH monitoring were abnormal. When all results were normal, the symptom was considered as a functional chest pain (FCP). Patients were assessed by the Psychiatry service and diagnosed in accordance to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Diseases, fourth edition (DSM-IV). Several other test were applied for the assessment of anxiety and depression.Thirty-four patients were included (25 women and nine men; average age: 46.2 +/- 11.56 years). Three patients were eliminated because of refusal of the psychiatric evaluation. In 21 (68%) patients, NCCP was GERD-positive and in 10 (32%) to FCP. The most common symptoms associated to chest pain were: heartburn in 23 (74%), regurgitation in 21 (68%) and dysphagia in 15 (48%) patients. Upper endoscopy was abnormal in four cases; ambulatory pH monitoring was abnormal in 21 (67.7%) patients. The frequency of psychiatric disorders related to NCCP was 52%, in 10 patients with GERD-positive (48%) and six patients with FCP (60%). Mayor depression was the most common diagnoses identified among both groups.The high frequency of GERD and psychiatric disorders found in NCCP supports the multidisciplinary approach to NCCP.

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA-containing virus with 4 genes, C, S, X and P. The S gene codes for the surface antigen (HBsAg), which contains the "a" determinant, the main region for induction of a protective humoral immune response. To compare the genotype and sequence of the "a" determinant between strains isolated from asymptomatic and symptomatic Mexican HBV carriers. Results 21 asymptomatic (blood donors) and 12 symptomatic (with clinical signs and with >1 year lamivudine treatment) HBV carriers were studied; all patients were positive for the HBsAg in serum. Viral load, genotypes, and subtypes were determined in plasma. A fragment of the S gene including the "a" determinant was PCR amplified and sequenced to determine genotype, subtype and to identify mutations. Mean viral load was 0.7965 × 104 copies/ml in asymptomatic carriers and 2.73 × 106 copies/ml in symptomatic patients. Genotypes H, C, and F were identified in asymptomatic individuals; whereas H was dominant in symptomatic patients. A fragment of 279 bp containing the "a" determinant was amplified from all 33 carriers and sequences aligned with S gene sequences in the GenBank. Mutations identified were Y100N, T126I, Q129H and N146K in the asymptomatic group, and F93I and A128V in the symptomatic group. Conclusion Differences in genotype and in mutations in the "a" determinant were found between strains from asymptomatic and symptomatic HBV Mexican carriers.

Hepatitis B and C virus infections constitute a significant health problem in Latin America. Approximately 400,000 new cases of hepatitis B per year and 10 million people infected with hepatitis C are estimated to occur. HBV and HCV genotype distribution may reflect the different patterns of migration to the Americas: Genotype F and H of HBV correspond to the Amerindian genotype. Overall, Genotype 1 is the most prevalent HCV genotype in the Caribbean and in South and Central America. Hepatitis B and C epidemiology needs to be considered in the context of dissimilar social and economic aspects among the countries of the region. Behaviors, cultural and ethical aspects, as well as environmental and organizational processes affect directly the way these diseases are approached in their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

To determine the epidemiological situation of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) in our country.Chronic Hepatitis C affects 170 million people worldwide, and about 0.7% of Mexican population. There is no enough epidemiological information about CHC in our country, and it is very probable that some cases are not even detected.An investigation poll was performed. Age, gender, birthday, weight, race, residence and birth place, routes of transmission, ALT levels, histological, serological and molecular diagnosis, evidence of complications and previous treatments were recorded. A data recollection sheet was dispatched to different country provinces; they had 6 months to answer it, in order to recollect all information.831 patients were analized (58.6% female and 41.4% male) with the following distribution in our country provinces: Aguascalientes 15, Chihuahua 12, Distrito Federal 495, Durango 10, Jalisco 89, Guanajuato 78, Yucatán 8, Querétaro 11, Sonora 40, Tabasco 15, Baja California 5, Veracruz 13, Tamaulipas 2 and 38 patients of Nuevo León. The highest incidence of CHC was found at fifth and sixth decade of life (28.5% y 26.7% respectively. The weight distribution was 36.2%65kg, 34.6% 65-75 kg and 29.2%75 kg. 86.5% had chronic hepatitis and 13.2% cirrhosis. The risk factors for HCV infection analysis showed that the main route of transmission was via contaminated blood (64.2%); when we excluded the patients that were exposed before 1995, the incidence was lowered to 4.5%. The higher incidence was showed between 1970 and 1990 (68%). The intravenous drug users were predominantly male and on those patients in the provinces near the north border line of our country. The predominant genotype was gen- 1 no matter the province (72.2%), in the intravenous drug users genotype 3 was found in 25%. The viral load was similar in all the provinces. 75% of the patients had have treatment and 22.5% had have two cycles, 50% of cirrhotic patients had have treatment whereas only 28% of the patients with late complications had have it. The most common treatment was pegylated alpha-2a interferon plus ribavirine.1. The main route of transmission was blood transfusion. There is a marked decrease in the incidence of post-transfusional hepatitis since the introduction of anti-VHC antibody screening of blood donors (4.5%). 2. The time between the infection and diagnosis was 23 years for chronic hepatitis and 26 years for cirrhosis. 3. Intravenous drugs use was an important route of transmission in the north of our country. 4. The predominant genotype was gen-1. 5. Almost all the patients with chronic hepatitis received treatment, the most common used was pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin. 6.50% of the patients with CHC have late complications.

Little is known concerning the magnitude of reinfection versus recrudescence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection after eradication treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the magnitude of H. pylori reinfection versus recrudescence, and to identify possible risk factors for reinfection.Children and adults with upper GI symptoms treated at the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, in Mexico City, Mexico) were studied. H. pylori infection was diagnosed with urea breath test (UBT), histology, and culture. Infected patients received triple therapy, and those who became UBT negative 4-6 wk after treatment were considered as eradicated and were included in the study. A cohort of 141 patients in whom the disease was eradicated was monitored for recurrence with UBT at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. H. pylori was isolated from gastric biopsy samples before treatment and at recurrence and isolates compared by genotyping.During this period, 32 (22.7%) cases of recurrence were documented the majority occurring during yr 1. In nine of the 32 (28.1%) cases, recurrence was eradicated spontaneously, suggesting these were transient reinfections. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in the subjects 41-60 yr of age than in younger or older subjects. H. pylori isolates from 12 recurrence cases were genotyped; nine (75%) were classified as true reinfection and three as recrudescence.In our population, recurrence rate is high in adults and transient reinfection is common. In several cases, reinfection occurred by multiple strains, which suggests that soon after eradication, patients are exposed to multiple sources of reinfection.

Treatment with polyethylene glycol-modified interferon alfa-2a (peginterferon) alone produces significantly higher sustained antiviral responses than treatment with interferon alfa-2a alone in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We compared the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin, interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, and peginterferon alfa-2a alone in the initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to treatment, and received at least one dose of medication consisting of 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly plus daily ribavirin (1,000 or 1,200 mg, depending on body weight) (n = 14), weekly peginterferon alfa-2a plus daily placebo (n = 6), or three million units of interferon alfa-2b thrice weekly plus daily ribavirin for 48 weeks (n = 12). More patients who received peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin had a sustained virologic response (defined as the absence of detectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after cessation of therapy) than patients who received interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin (7/14 vs. 4/12) or peginterferon alfa-2a plus placebo (0/6). The overall safety profiles of the three treatment regimens were similar. In conclusion, for patients with chronic hepatitis C, once-weekly peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin was tolerated as well as interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin and produced significant improvements in the rate of sustained viral reduction compared with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin or peginterferon alfa-2a alone.