World journal of gastroenterology : WJG
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World J. Gastroenterol. · May 2010
EditorialSedation and analgesia in gastrointestinal endoscopy: what's new?
Various types of sedation and analgesia technique have been used during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. The best methods for analgesia and sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy are still debated. ⋯ Therefore there is an impulse for development of new approaches to endoscopic sedation. This article provides an update on the methods of sedation today available and future directions in endoscopic sedation.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · May 2010
Comment LetterHerbal extracts as hepatoprotectants against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.
Many plant-derived natural products have the potential to be hepatoprotective and therefore can be used to treat acute and chronic liver diseases. The challenge is to identify the most promising compounds and evaluate their protective mechanism. ⋯ The authors concluded that GM is hepatoprotective against acetaminophen-induced liver injury due to its antioxidant properties and anti-apoptotic capacity. We would like to discuss the limitations of this experimental approach and question the conclusion based on the data presented in this manuscript and the published literature.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · May 2010
Case ReportsAcute respiratory distress syndrome associated with severe ulcerative colitis.
Various extraintestinal manifestations including pulmonary abnormalities have been reported in patients with ulcerative colitis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and fatal pulmonary manifestation. We have experienced a 67-year-old male patient with ARDS associated with a severe type of ulcerative colitis (UC). ⋯ However, ARDS symptoms were dramatically improved after surgical colectomy. We believe that severe colonic inflammation from UC was closely associated with the onset of ARDS of the patient. Our case report suggests that a severe type of ulcerative colitis might be taken into consideration as one of the predisposing factors of ARDS.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · May 2010
ReviewAcute lung injury and ARDS in acute pancreatitis: mechanisms and potential intervention.
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in acute pancreatitis still represents a substantial problem, with a mortality rate in the range of 30%-40%. The present review evaluates underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in both ALI and ARDS and potential clinical implications. Several mediators and pathophysiological pathways are involved during the different phases of ALI and ARDS. ⋯ Proteases derived from polymorphonuclear neutrophils, various pro-inflammatory mediators, and phospholipases are all involved, among others. Contributing factors that promote pancreatitis-associated ALI may be found in the gut and mesenteric lymphatics. There is a lack of complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and by improving our knowledge, novel tools for prevention and intervention may be developed, thus contributing to improved outcome.