Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a standard procedure for the evaluation of the small bowel, and in several studies has been shown to be superior to other diagnostic methods [1 ± 5].In spite of its great diagnostic accuracy, the yield of capsule en− doscopy can be somewhat limited by two types of problem: first− ly, the presence of dark intestinal contents in the distal small bowel, which may impair the visualization of the mucosa; and secondly slow gastric emptying and/or small bowel transit, which lead to the exhaustion of capsule batteries before the ileo− cecal valve is reached, thus causing incomplete small−bowel imaging in 17 ± 25 % of cases [6,7].
Current Data on CE ApplicationsIn this review, the following definitions will be used: ± Bowel preparations: medications given with the primary aim of cleansing the small bowel. ± Prokinetics: medications given with the aim of accelerating gastric emptying and/or small−bowel transit times, thus im− proving the proportion of cases in which the colon is reached. ± Postural tricks: attempts to accelerate gastric emptying by having the patient keep a predefined posture for part of the procedure.The issue of bowel preparation and prokinetics has been addres− sed in 38 studies (including duplicate publications), of which five have been published as full papers, while 33 are still in abstract form. In these studies, various types of small−bowel preparation, prokinetic medications, and postural tricks have been used, with the aim of improving small−bowel cleanliness and the complete− ness of small−bowel imaging. The different types of study con− cerned (excluding duplicate publication) are listed in Table 1.
SummaryAimsIn exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), the quantity and/or activity of pancreatic digestive enzymes are below the levels required for normal digestion, leading to maldigestion and malabsorption. Diagnosis of EPI is often challenging because the characteristic signs and symptoms overlap with those of other gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, there is no single convenient, or specific diagnostic test for EPI. The aim of this review is to provide a framework for differential diagnosis of EPI vs other malabsorptive conditions.MethodsThis is a non‐systematic narrative review summarising information pertaining to the aetiology, diagnosis and management of EPI.ResultsExocrine pancreatic insufficiency may be caused by pancreatic disorders, including chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic resection and pancreatic cancer. EPI may also result from extra‐pancreatic conditions, including coeliac disease, Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome and gastric surgery. Timely and accurate diagnosis of EPI is important, as delays in treatment prolong maldigestion and malabsorption, with potentially serious consequences for malnutrition, overall health and quality of life. Symptoms of EPI are non‐specific; therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is required to make a correct diagnosis.
Cannabis is a possible risk factor for AP and recurrent AP, occurring primarily in young patients under the age of 35 years. Toxicology screens should be considered in all patients with idiopathic AP.
CD-positive patients with presence of imidazole-resistant genes from stool DNA extract was a common phenomenon, while vancomycin resistance was uncommon. Similar to treatment of other infections, antimicrobial resistance testing should play a role in CDI clinical decision-making algorithms to enable more expedited and cost-effective delivery of patient care.
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