Volume 63 - 2000 - Fasc.4 - Original articles
Evaluation of the 13C-aminopyrine breath test using nondispersive infrared spectrometry
Objective : the aim of the study was to assess the value of the 13C Aminopyrine Breath Test (ABT) when performed using the NonDispersive InfraRed Spectrometry (NDIRS), which is a simple and cheap alternative to the mass spectrometry. Methods : The results obtained by using the NDIRS method for performing the ABT were compared to the results obtained by a reference method, the 14C Aminopyrine Breath Test. For this purpose, in 32 patients admitted for various liver problems, an ABT was performed by using the 2 methods simultaneously. The repeatability of the results obtained at 120 minutes by the NIDRS method as compared to the 14C test was; assessed by the method of Bland and Altman. Results : The mean of difference between the results obtained by both methods at 120 minutes was 0.06 ± 0.46. The coefficient of repeatability between the two tests was 0.92 for a confidence interval of 95%. A good correlation (r = 0.93) was found between all individual results obtained in breath samples at different times of collection (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes), and between the results obtained at 120 minutes for both 13C and 14C tests (r = 0.94). Conclusion: The 13C ABT performed using NDIRS is a valid alternative to the 14C technique in routine clinical practice.
oesophageal self expanding metal stents. Preliminary report about covered and non-covered types
Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and complications rate of covered and non-covered self expanding metal stents in the palliative treatment of oesophageal dysphagia. Design : In this retrospective non-randomized study, we evaluated 11 non-covered and 17 covered stents of different types. Results : Grade of dysphagia and improvement after treatment were similar in both groups, all the seven fistulas were sealed by covered stents. Covered stents seem to be safer regarding the rate of life-threatening complications and reinterventions. In contrast to published studies, bleeding was our major complication with death related in half of these patients. Aortooesophageal fistula was proved by autopsy in two of them. Conclusions : Covered stents lead to less drawbacks than noncovered ones and seem to be recommended in the palliation of oesophageal dysphagia even in the absence of fistula.
