Reviews
Vaccinations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently requires administration of immunosuppressive therapies, which increases susceptibility to a number of infectious pathogens. However, many infections can be prevented by correct and appropriate utilization of vaccinations. While several guidelines have been published on vaccination schedules in patients with IBD, vaccination rates remain suboptimal and even lower than those in the general population. This is due to many factors including poor awareness of the importance of vaccines by gastroenterologists and general practitioners as well as potential prejudices of patients regarding the safety and benefits of vaccines.Quality of life in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and the impact of treatment: A narrative review
As a chronic inflammatory disease, ulcerative colitis has significant negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Since the disease affects many aspects of QoL, comprising multiple domains, treatments that induce and maintain remission can provide benefits beyond hard clinical endpoints. Effective treatment of ulcerative colitis can restore QoL and return it to normal or near normal levels. Biological therapies have shown consistent improvement in the QoL of patients with ulcerative colitis during the induction phase, with benefits that are generally maintained in the long-term.Enhancing treatment success in inflammatory bowel disease: Optimising the use of anti-TNF agents and utilising their biosimilars in clinical practice
Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents such as infliximab and adalimumab have greatly altered the treatment landscape in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there are remaining unmet needs and opportunities to optimise their use. Recent data suggest that proactive therapeutic drug monitoring may lead to more efficient usage of these agents, with potential for higher rates of corticosteroid-free clinical remission than with reactive monitoring. Expanded application of faecal calprotectin measurements may also be valuable, given the ease of use of the assay and its proven effectiveness as a diagnostic tool and predictor of relapse risk.Current and forthcoming perspectives in linkage to care of hepatitis C virus infection: Assessment of an Italian focus group
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health problem and is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. In recent years many new tools to facilitate widespread HCV screening and new therapeutic options with excellent efficacy and tolerability profiles and cost lowering policies have become available. To fully utilise these new tools, the link between local and specialist centres for the management of HCV infection must be reinforced. In order to GAIN further insight into these aspects, with a particular focus on the Italian scenario, a group of experts met to discuss relevant aspects and open issues on chronic HCV.Non-specific gastrointestinal features: Could it be Fabry disease?
Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, including pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, can be the first symptoms of Fabry disease. They may suggest more common disorders, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. The confounding clinical presentation and rarity of Fabry disease often cause long diagnostic delays and multiple misdiagnoses. Therefore, specialists involved in the clinical evaluation of non-specific upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms should recognize Fabry disease as a possible cause of the symptoms, and should consider Fabry disease as a possible differential diagnosis.Primary Biliary Cholangitis: advances in management and treatment of the disease
Primary Biliary Cholangitis, previously known as Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, is a rare disease, which mainly affects women in their fifth to seventh decades of life. It is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive damage of interlobular bile ducts leading to ductopenia, chronic cholestasis and bile acids retention. Even if the disease usually presents a long asymptomatic phase and a slow progression, in many patients it may progress faster toward cirrhosis and its complications.Prognostic and predictive markers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is characterized by a poor prognosis and a low median survival, despite improvements observed for many other solid tumours. Intensive research efforts have been undertaken during the last decades to discover new prognostic and treatment predictive biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The mainstay of medical treatment for the disease has been the well-tolerated nucleoside analogue, gemcitabine. The only targeted agent currently used in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients is the epithelial growth factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine.Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus by viral eradication in chronic hepatitis C: Myth or reality?
Chronic hepatitis C is a systemic disease inducing metabolic alterations leading to extrahepatic consequences. In particular, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection seems to increase the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in predisposed individuals, independently of liver disease stage. The mechanisms through which hepatitis C induces T2DM involve direct viral effects, insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory cytokines and other immune-mediated processes. Many studies have reported the clinical consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus on hepatitis C outcome, but very few studies have addressed the issue of microangiopathic complications among patients with hepatitis C only, who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus.Diagnosis and treatment of nutritional deficiencies in alcoholic liver disease: Overview of available evidence and open issues
Malnutrition is common in alcoholic liver disease and is associated with high rates of complications and mortality. In this article, the current literature was reviewed to highlight the relevance of proper nutritional management providing levels of evidence, when available. A PubMed search was performed for English-language publications from 1980 through 2014 with the keywords: alcoholic liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, nutritional support, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and protein–energy malnutrition.Yes-associated protein in the liver: Regulation of hepatic development, repair, cell fate determination and tumorigenesis
The liver is a vital organ that plays a major role in many bodily functions from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose and iron metabolism and nutrition storage. Maintenance of liver homeostasis is critical for these essential bodily functions and disruption of liver homeostasis causes various kinds of liver diseases, some of which have high mortality rate. Recent research advances of the Hippo signalling pathway have revealed its nuclear effector, Yes-associated protein, as an important regulator of liver development, repair, cell fate determination and tumorigenesis.Interferon-free therapy for hepatitis C: The hurdles amid a golden era
The long awaited all-oral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection has officially been inaugurated by the registration of the hepatitis C nucleotide inhibitor sofosbuvir in a combination regimen with ribavirin. More recently, the oral array to treat hepatitis C has been enriched by the arrival of the NS5A inhibitors ledipasvir (also in a single formulation with sofosbuvir, Harvoni®) and daclatasvir; the protease inhibitor simeprevir, and the Viekirax® + Exviera™ regimen based on the ritonavir boosted protease inhibitor paritaprevir; the NS5A inhibitor ombitasvir, and the non-nucleoside inhibitor dasabuvir.Role of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in gastrointestinal cancers
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has become a routine imaging modality for many malignancies and its use is currently increasing. In the present review article, we will summarize the evidence for FDG-PET/CT use in digestive cancers (excluding neuroendocrine tumours), and review the existing recommendations. While PET/CT is nowadays considered to be an important tool in the initial workup of oesophageal and anal cancers, new data are emerging regarding its use in assessing therapeutic efficacy, radiotherapy treatment planning, and detection of recurrence in case of isolated tumour marker elevation.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A precursor of the metabolic syndrome
The conventional paradigm of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease representing the “hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome” is outdated. We identified and summarized longitudinal studies that, supporting the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with either type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome, suggest that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease precedes the development of both conditions. Online Medical databases were searched, relevant articles were identified, their references were further assessed and tabulated data were checked.Sessile serrated adenoma: From identification to resection
Until the past two decades, almost all colorectal polyps were divided into two main groups: hyperplastic polyps and adenomas. Sessile serrated adenomas presented endoscopic, pathological and molecular profiles distinct from others polyps. Previously under-diagnosed, physicians now identified sessile serrated adenomas. The serrated neoplastic pathway is accounting for up to one-third of all sporadic colorectal cancers and sessile serrated adenomas have been identified as the main precursor lesions in serrated carcinogenesis.The efficacy and safety of statins for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an emerging liver disease in Western countries and the most frequent cause of incidental elevation of serum liver enzymes. Dyslipidaemia is frequently observed in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and treatment of dyslipidaemia plays a critical role in the overall management of these patients. Moreover, coronary artery disease remains the most common cause of death. Statins are effective lipid-lowering agents, associated with a lowering the risk of cardiovascular events in several interventional randomized clinical trials.Digestive system dysfunction in cystic fibrosis: Challenges for nutrition therapy
Cystic fibrosis can affect food digestion and nutrient absorption. The underlying mutation of the cystic fibrosis trans-membrane regulator gene depletes functional cystic fibrosis trans-membrane regulator on the surface of epithelial cells lining the digestive tract and associated organs, where Cl− secretion and subsequently secretion of water and other ions are impaired. This alters pH and dehydrates secretions that precipitate and obstruct the lumen, causing inflammation and the eventual degradation of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and intestine.Endoscopic haemostasis: An overview of procedures and clinical scenarios
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is among the most urgent situations in daily gastroenterological practise. Endoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of such cases. Endoscopic haemostasis is probably the most important technical challenge that must be mastered by gastroenterologists. It is essential for both the management of acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage and the prevention of bleeding during high-risk endoscopic procedures. During the last decade, endoscopic haemostasis techniques and tools have grown in parallel with the number of devices available for endotherapy.Molecular mechanisms of stem cell therapy in alcoholic liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease affects a great number of people worldwide. With limited therapeutic options, stem cell therapy offers significant potential for these patients. To date, a limited number of clinical trials have produced transient clinical responses to cell therapy in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Stem cell therapy to reorganize the postnatal liver is an important theme and mission for patients with chronic liver disorders including alcoholic liver injury. We therefore should redevelop the evidence of cell-based liver regeneration therapy, focusing on targets (disease, patient's status and hepatic function), materials (cells, cytokines and genes), and methodology (stem cell types and their derived microparticles, transplantation route, implantation technology and tissue engineering).The bile acid TGR5 membrane receptor: From basic research to clinical application
The TGR5 receptor (or GP-BAR1, or M-BAR) was characterized ten years ago as the first identified G-coupled protein receptor specific for bile acids. TGR5 gene expression is widely distributed, including endocrine glands, adipocytes, muscles, immune organs, spinal cord, and the enteric nervous system. The effect of TGR5 activation depends on the tissue where it is expressed and the signalling cascade that it induces. Animal studies suggest that TGR5 activation influences energy production and thereby may be involved in obesity and diabetes.Management of adults with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease: Strategic issues for transition care
Advances in the management of children with chronic liver disease have enabled many to survive into adulthood with or without their native livers, so that the most common of these conditions are becoming increasingly common in adult hepatology practice. Because the aetiologies of chronic liver disease in children may vary significantly from those in adulthood, adults with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease may often present with clinical manifestations unfamiliar to their adulthood physician.Triple therapy with first-generation Protease Inhibitors for patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C: Recommendations of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)
The first-generation Protease Inhibitors Boceprevir and Telaprevir administered in triple therapy regimens with Peg-interferon alpha and Ribavirin have been proven effective in increasing the rate of Sustained Virological Response in both naive and treatment-experienced patients with chronic genotype-1 hepatitis C. However, at the individual level, the therapeutic advantage of triple therapy is highly variable and results from the combination of multiple factors related to the characteristics of patient, viral status and liver disease.Options for metastatic colorectal cancer beyond the second line of treatment
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, with recent advances in the management of unresectable metastatic lesions. The aim of this review is to discuss the remaining options for heavily pretreated patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. Beyond second-line treatment, two epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, cetuximab and panitumumab, have a demonstrated clinical interest in patients with KRAS wild-type tumours. However, few data exist in patients pretreated with an anti-EFGR and who are being rechallenged with anti-EGFR drugs.Small bowel adenocarcinoma: Epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
Small bowel adenocarcinomas are rare tumours, but their incidence is increasing. Their most common primary location is the duodenum. The few studies that have collected data regarding small bowel adenocarcinoma are not homogeneous and are widely spread over time. Even though these tumours are most often sporadic, some predisposing diseases have been identified, among which Crohn's disease and genetic syndromes. Early diagnosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma remains difficult despite significant radiological and endoscopic progress.Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms: Think mitochondrial disease
Defects in mitochondrial function are increasingly recognised as central to the pathogenesis of many diseases, both inherited and acquired. Many of these mitochondrial defects arise from abnormalities in mitochondrial DNA and can result in multisystem disease, with gastrointestinal involvement common. Moreover, mitochondrial disease may present with a range of non-specific symptoms, and thus can be easily misdiagnosed, or even considered to be non-organic. We describe the clinical, histopathological and genetic findings of six patients from three families with gastrointestinal manifestations of mitochondrial disease.Diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopy in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms have substantially increased over the last decades. Because of the indolent clinical course of the disease even in advance stages and the rise in the incidental diagnosis of small asymptomatic lesions, the prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms is higher than that of pancreatic, gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinomas, making them the second most prevalent cancer type of the gastrointestinal tract. This increase in the overall prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms has been paralleled by a growth in the importance of the endoscopist in the care of these patients, who usually require a multidisciplinary approach.
