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Authors = Daniel Vasile Balaban ORCID = 0000-0003-3436-8041

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42 pages, 891 KiB  
Review
Targeting Oxidative Stress in Acute Pancreatitis: A Critical Review of Antioxidant Strategies
by Laura Ioana Coman, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Bogdan Florin Dumbravă, Horia Păunescu, Ruxandra-Cristina Marin, Mihnea Costescu, Lorena Dima, Mariana Jinga and Oana Andreia Coman
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152390 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is among the most frequent gastroenterology emergencies, with hospital admission rates on the rise in recent decades. However, a specific treatment for this condition is still lacking. Mitochondrial damage induced by oxidative stress is regarded as the key event in [...] Read more.
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is among the most frequent gastroenterology emergencies, with hospital admission rates on the rise in recent decades. However, a specific treatment for this condition is still lacking. Mitochondrial damage induced by oxidative stress is regarded as the key event in the pathophysiology and initiation of cellular damage in AP. In the early stages of AP, the oxidant–antioxidant balance changes rapidly, and there are significant data regarding the reduced serum levels of antioxidants, with this event being correlated with the clinical severity of pancreatitis. Therefore, addressing oxidative stress could represent a potential therapeutic target in AP. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to provide an update on current evidence regarding clinical and experimental data on antioxidant use in AP, focusing on human studies investigating the effects of single and combined antioxidant supplementation. Although a multitude of animal studies demonstrated that antioxidant therapy has beneficial effects in experimental AP by reducing oxidative injury, inflammatory markers, and ameliorating histological outcomes, human trials showed predominantly conflicting results, with some studies suggesting benefit while others showed no effect, or even potential harm, when antioxidants were administered in high doses or in combination. Moreover, some antioxidants with beneficial results in experimental settings did not show the same efficacy when translated to human studies, which may be a consequence of either inappropriate dosage, route of administration and duration of therapy, or altered pharmacodynamics in vivo. In conclusion, oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AP by enhancing acinar cell injury, inflammation, and systemic complications. Future studies should be centered on optimized dosing strategies, early administration protocols, targeted patient selection, and delivery methods of proper pharmaceutical forms. Full article
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27 pages, 2740 KiB  
Review
Outcomes in Adults with Celiac Disease Following a Gluten-Free Diet
by Daniel Vasile Balaban, Iulia Enache, Marina Balaban, Răzvan Andrei David, Andreea-Diana Vasile, Alina Popp and Mariana Jinga
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5144; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145144 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Histological follow-up still lacks consensus in the long-term management of adult patients with celiac disease (CD) adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Despite clinical and serological improvement, a significant proportion of patients continue to have persistent villous atrophy. We aimed to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Histological follow-up still lacks consensus in the long-term management of adult patients with celiac disease (CD) adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Despite clinical and serological improvement, a significant proportion of patients continue to have persistent villous atrophy. We aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding histological outcomes after GFD treatment in adult CD, focusing on mucosal healing rates, assessment methods, and remission criteria. Methods: We conducted a literature search with extraction and analysis of published cohort studies that included adult patients with CD on GFD with follow-up biopsy data. Extracted parameters included demographic details, baseline histology, GFD duration and adherence, serologic status, and histologic recovery rates with corresponding remission criteria. Results: Data from 46 studies comprising 15,530 patients were analyzed. The overall mean age was 41 years, and 73.3% were female. Mean histologic remission across cohorts was 58.8%, with considerable interstudy variation. Remission criteria also varied widely, ranging from strict Marsh 0 control histology to more inclusive definitions that considered Marsh 1 or even non-atrophic mucosa (Marsh < 3) as indicative of recovery, while some studies relied on quantitative villous height-to-crypt depth ratio thresholds, substantially influencing reported remission rates. Longer GFD duration and rigorous diet adherence assessment using validated questionnaires and accurate laboratory tools were associated with higher remission rates. Conclusions: Histologic remission in GFD-treated adult patients with CD is highly variable and strongly influenced by remission definitions and adherence assessment methods. Standardized reporting using validated metrics for histologic outcome and dietary compliance is essential for harmonizing follow-up strategies in adult CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease)
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17 pages, 1830 KiB  
Article
From Inflammation to Dysfunction: The Impact of a First Acute Pancreatitis Episode on Pancreatic Function
by Marina Balaban, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Iulia Enache, Ioan Cristian Nedelcu, Mariana Jinga and Cristian Gheorghe
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 4932; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14144932 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The complexity of acute pancreatitis (AP) extends beyond its immediate complications. This study aimed to evaluate both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic dysfunctions following a first episode of AP, assessed at diagnosis and during a 6-month follow-up period. Methods: A prospective [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The complexity of acute pancreatitis (AP) extends beyond its immediate complications. This study aimed to evaluate both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic dysfunctions following a first episode of AP, assessed at diagnosis and during a 6-month follow-up period. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients with a first episode of AP. Pancreatic endocrine function was evaluated using fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, while pancreatic exocrine function was assessed through fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) testing and the novel Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Questionnaire (PEI-Q). Results: Altogether, data from 112 time-point observations were analyzed with respect to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency after a first episode of AP, with 60 patients enrolled at baseline, 33 (55%) completing the first follow-up, and 19 (31.67%) completing the second follow-up. Based on PEI-Q scores, 75% of patients showed pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) at baseline. This rate decreased significantly to 33.3% at 2 months, with a further slight decline to 26.3% at 6 months. In contrast, FE-1 testing identified PEI in only 23% of patients at baseline, with a similar progressive improvement in time. Regarding the endocrine function, hyperglycemia was noted at baseline (mean serum glucose 120.75 ± 49.89 mg/dL), with a decreasing trend and normalization observed at follow-up. Conclusions: The pancreas has a remarkable recovery potential, with both exocrine and endocrine dysfunctions seen during the hospitalization for AP being transient. However, follow-up after AP is essential, as pancreatic insufficiency can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Pancreatitis: Clinical Management and Treatment)
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22 pages, 333 KiB  
Review
Diagnostic Challenges in Enteropathies: A Histopathological Review
by Iulia Enache, Ioan-Cristian Nedelcu, Marina Balaban, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Alina Popp and Mariana Jinga
Diagnostics 2025, 15(12), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15121511 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 803
Abstract
Various enteropathies, including immune-mediated (IME) and infection-related conditions, can lead to small intestinal mucosal injury and malabsorption. While immune dysregulation plays a central role in diseases like celiac disease and autoimmune enteropathy, other conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and tropical [...] Read more.
Various enteropathies, including immune-mediated (IME) and infection-related conditions, can lead to small intestinal mucosal injury and malabsorption. While immune dysregulation plays a central role in diseases like celiac disease and autoimmune enteropathy, other conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and tropical sprue (TS) involve infectious or microbial pathogenesis. Common clinical manifestations include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies. While celiac disease (CD) remains the most prevalent IME in adults, an expanding spectrum of non-celiac enteropathies has been recognized, including autoimmune enteropathy (AIE), common variable immunodeficiency disease (CVID), olmesartan-induced enteropathy, tropical sprue, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. These conditions often present with overlapping clinical, serological, and histological features, complicating their differentiation from CD. Accurate diagnosis is critical for the timely initiation of effective treatment to prevent disease progression and associated complications such as severe malabsorption and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). The small intestine plays a dual role in nutrient absorption and immune regulation, making it uniquely vulnerable to immune dysregulation. In IMEs, hyperactive immune responses disrupt intestinal homeostasis, leading to mucosal damage and impaired nutrient absorption. Although CD is the prototypical IME, increasing the recognition of non-celiac IMEs, it highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to small bowel biopsy interpretation. This review explores the histopathological and clinical features of common IMEs, with a focus on distinguishing non-celiac disorders that mimic CD. By enhancing the understanding of these conditions, this review aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, facilitate appropriate therapeutic interventions, and mitigate complications associated with delayed or misdiagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists and pathologists is emphasized to optimize outcomes for patients with IMEs. Immune-mediated enteropathies result from an abnormal immune response of the small intestinal mucosa to non-pathogenic molecules, often leading to malabsorption syndrome. The most common symptoms include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies. While celiac disease (CD) is the most well-known immune-mediated enteropathy (IME) in adults, other related disorders have been identified in recent years. These conditions share many clinical and histopathological features, therefore making differentiations between them challenging. This study aims to review the most common immune-mediated enteropathies, with a focus on non-celiac disorders that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of celiac disease in small bowel biopsies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
13 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced and Alcohol-Induced Acute Pancreatitis—A Severity Comparative Study
by Monica Grigore, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Mariana Jinga, Florentina Ioniță-Radu, Raluca Simona Costache, Andrada Loredana Dumitru, Ionela Maniu, Mihaela Badea, Laura Gaman and Săndica Bucurică
Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070882 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1295
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use and hypertriglyceridemia are the second and third common causes of acute pancreatitis after choledocholithiasis. Still, few studies directly compare the severity and outcomes of these two groups, which share pathophysiology pathways. Methods: In our study, we compared the biologic profile, [...] Read more.
Background: Alcohol use and hypertriglyceridemia are the second and third common causes of acute pancreatitis after choledocholithiasis. Still, few studies directly compare the severity and outcomes of these two groups, which share pathophysiology pathways. Methods: In our study, we compared the biologic profile, severity according to the Atlanta classification and Balthazar index, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality between patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) and alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis (AAP). A total of 78 patients were included in this study, 37.17% of which had HTGP, and 62.82% had AAP. Results: HTGP was more severe in terms of the Atlanta revised classification severity assessment (82.76% vs. 46%, p = 0.014), led to more extended hospitalizations (p = 0.024), and resulted in similar serum CRP levels among patients, with a significant difference regarding median serum fibrinogen values (739 vs. 563 mg/dL, p = 0.030) and necrotizing forms (24.13% vs. 10.20%). Hyponatremia was more significant in HTGP patients compared with AAP patients (130 vs. 137 mmol/L, p < 0.000). No differences were found in other inflammation indexes such as NLR (neutrophil count/lymphocyte count), PLR (platelet count/lymphocyte count), MLR (monocyte/lymphocyte count), SII (systemic immune-inflammation index), or SIRI (systemic inflammation response index). Conclusions: The pattern of acute pancreatitis is related to its etiology and may have different grades of severity. In our study, we found that hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis required twice as many admissions to the intensive care unit and was associated with lower serum sodium levels, and almost twice as many patients with HTGP had moderate or severe forms of acute pancreatitis compared to alcohol-induced pancreatitis cases. Full article
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17 pages, 5469 KiB  
Article
Groove Pancreatitis in Focus: Tumor-Mimicking Phenotype, Diagnosis, and Management Insights
by Marina Balaban, Daniel Vasile Balaban, George Mănucu, Săndica Nicoleta Bucurică, Raluca Simona Costache, Florentina Ioniță-Radu, Mariana Jinga and Cristian Gheorghe
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051627 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 717
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Groove pancreatitis (GP) is an uncommon pancreatic condition implying a challenging differential diagnosis. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the main risk factors, clinical presentation, imaging and endoscopic characteristics of patients with GP, providing insights into an effective diagnostic approach and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Groove pancreatitis (GP) is an uncommon pancreatic condition implying a challenging differential diagnosis. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the main risk factors, clinical presentation, imaging and endoscopic characteristics of patients with GP, providing insights into an effective diagnostic approach and therapeutic strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with GP, with demographic and clinical data collected. The diagnostic route was followed by an upper endoscopy and was finally confirmed by cross-sectional imaging. In patients with high malignancy suspicion or with an uncertain diagnosis, a pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was further performed. According to imaging features, we divided patients into two categories: with and without tumor-like appearance. Results: Altogether, 23 patients were included, 11 in the tumor-like category, and 12 in the non-tumor-like group; 95.6% were men, 78.2% alcohol consumers, and 73.9% smokers. In both groups, the main symptom was abdominal pain, followed by nausea and vomiting. The most frequent finding at upper endoscopy was edematous duodenal mucosa (16 patients, 80%), followed by mucosal hyperemia (8 patients, 40%). The main finding at cross-sectional imaging was duodenal wall thickening (14 patients, 60.9%), followed by pancreatic head enlargement and duodenal wall cysts (both seen in 12 patients, 52.2%). The EUS predominantly showed duodenal wall thickening (13 patients, 68.4%), and intramural and paraduodenal cysts (10 patients, 52.6%). Conclusions: GP predominantly affects men with a history of chronic alcohol and tobacco use. Its primary diagnostic challenge lies in distinguishing it from pancreatic carcinoma, with an accurate diagnostic workup being crucial in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pancreatitis: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis and Management)
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16 pages, 1815 KiB  
Review
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis
by Cristian George Tieranu, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Daniela Tabacelia, Artsiom Klimko, Cristian Gheorghe, Stephen P. Pereira, Mariana Jinga and Adrian Saftoiu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040437 - 11 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1319
Abstract
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has recently been proposed as an alternative treatment option for patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (uPDAC) or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). This review aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in treating [...] Read more.
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has recently been proposed as an alternative treatment option for patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (uPDAC) or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). This review aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in treating PDAC, based on the available literature. Methods: Following the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, was conducted, focusing on studies reporting on EUS-RFA for PDAC. Articles involving human subjects diagnosed with PDAC and treated with EUS-RFA, written in English, and published up to 30 June 2024, were included. Key outcome measures such as technical success rate, adverse events, tumor response, and patient survival were extracted and analyzed. The review process involved title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review. A meta-analysis was performed for adverse event rates using a random-effects model. Results: We identified 11 studies according to our inclusion criteria, with a total of 137 patients with PDAC. Except for the initial experience with a lower technical success rate due to tumor-related stiffness, all subsequent studies reported a pooled success rate of 100%. Most studies referred to locally advanced or metastatic PDAC, while one reported EUS-RFA in resectable PDAC. A meta-analysis for adverse events was performed, indicating a pooled adverse event rate of 22.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.16–0.30), with the most common adverse event being mild abdominal pain. Severe complications were rare. One study reported a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.3 months. Overall survival and PFS were scarcely reported, with median overall survival ranging from 12 to 24 months, inferior to that of the standard approach for uPDAC consisting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. Conclusions: EUS-RFA is a technically feasible and safe procedure for treating uPDAC or mPDAC and is under investigation for use in resectable PDAC. Even though the short-term outcomes are encouraging, larger cohort studies are necessary to understand long-term efficacy and survival benefits, including progression-free survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cancer)
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17 pages, 2832 KiB  
Systematic Review
Digestive Amyloidosis Trends: Clinical, Pathological, and Imaging Characteristics
by Sandica Bucurica, Andreea-Simona Nancoff, Miruna Valeria Moraru, Ana Bucurica, Calin Socol, Daniel-Vasile Balaban, Mihaela Raluca Mititelu, Ionela Maniu, Florentina Ionita-Radu and Mariana Jinga
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2630; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112630 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2119
Abstract
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of abnormally folded, insoluble proteins that lead to organ dysfunction. While it commonly affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement is undetermined. Recent research has focused on understanding the pathophysiology, diagnostic [...] Read more.
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of abnormally folded, insoluble proteins that lead to organ dysfunction. While it commonly affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement is undetermined. Recent research has focused on understanding the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches to GI amyloidosis, particularly in systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) and amyloid A (AA) forms. GI manifestations can include motility disorders, bleeding, and, in severe cases, bowel obstruction. This review highlights the importance of the early recognition of digestive symptoms and associated imagistic findings in GI amyloidosis by analyzing the research that included clinical, pathological, and endoscopic approaches to amyloidosis. A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases identified 19 relevant studies. Our findings showed that amyloid deposits commonly affect the entire GI tract, with AL amyloidosis being the most predominant form. Endoscopic evaluations and biopsy remain key diagnostic tools, with Congo Red staining and mass spectrometry being used to confirm amyloid type. Although progress has been made in diagnosis, the absence of targeted therapies and the indistinct nature of GI symptoms continue to be challenging. Full article
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14 pages, 2262 KiB  
Article
Impact of Serum Glucose Levels on Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Analysis
by Marina Balaban, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Iulia Enache, Ioan Cristian Nedelcu, Mariana Jinga and Cristian Gheorghe
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060856 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2690
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The risk of developing glycemic dysregulation up to overt diabetes mellitus (DM) after an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasingly being analyzed. We aimed to assess the changes in serum glucose levels associated with the first episode of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The risk of developing glycemic dysregulation up to overt diabetes mellitus (DM) after an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasingly being analyzed. We aimed to assess the changes in serum glucose levels associated with the first episode of AP, as well as the impact of dysglycemia on outcomes such as the severity of inflammation, the length of hospitalization, mortality, and the persistence of hyperglycemia at follow-up. Materials and Methods: All patients experiencing their first episode of AP, who presented to the Emergency Room (ER) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023, were retrospectively included. On-admission serum glucose and peak serum glucose during hospitalization were the biological markers used to assess glucose metabolism impairment, and they were correlated with outcomes of AP. Results: Our study included 240 patients, 46.67% (112 patients) having a biliary etiology for an AP flare. Patients with COVID-19-associated AP exhibited the highest on-admission and peak serum glucose levels (244.25 mg/dL and 305.5 mg/dL, respectively). A longer hospital stay was noted in patients with peak serum glucose levels of ≥100 mg/dL (9.49 days) compared to normoglycemic patients (6.53 days). Both on-admission and peak glucose levels were associated with elevated CRP levels during hospitalization. A total of 83.78% of patients who received antibiotics exhibited on-admission hyperglycemia, and 72.07% had peak serum glucose levels of ≥100 mg/dL. The presence of hyperglycemia at follow-up was associated with both on-admission and peak serum glucose levels of ≥100 mg/dL, as well as with a longer stay, higher CRP levels, and antibiotic use during index admission. Conclusions: On-admission hyperglycemia predicts a higher inflammatory response in patients at the first episode of AP, while the presence of hyperglycemia during hospitalization is associated with imaging and biological severity and longer hospitalizations, indicating a more severe disease course. Both on-admission and peak in-hospital hyperglycemia were identified as risk factors for sustained hyperglycemia at follow-up. Full article
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19 pages, 1652 KiB  
Review
Novel Insights into Postoperative Surveillance in Resected Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms—A Review
by Daniel Vasile Balaban, Laura-Ioana Coman, Marina Balaban, Raluca Simona Costache and Mariana Jinga
Diagnostics 2024, 14(10), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14101056 - 19 May 2024
Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and some are referred to surgery due to their neoplastic risk or malignant transformation. The management of PCL involves complex decision-making, with postoperative surveillance being a key component for long-term outcomes, due to [...] Read more.
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and some are referred to surgery due to their neoplastic risk or malignant transformation. The management of PCL involves complex decision-making, with postoperative surveillance being a key component for long-term outcomes, due to the potential for recurrence and postoperative morbidity. Unfortunately, the follow-up of resected patients is far from being optimal and there is a lack of consensus on recommendations with regard to timing and methods of surveillance. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the postoperative surveillance of neoplastic pancreatic cysts, focusing on the mechanisms and risk factors for recurrence, the recurrence rates according to the initial indication for surgery, the final result of the surgical specimen and neoplastic risk in the remaining pancreas, as well as the postsurgical morbidity comprising pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes after resection, according to the type of surgery performed. We analyze postsurgical recurrence rates and morbidity profiles, as influenced by different surgical techniques, to better delineate at-risk patients, and highlight the need for tailored surveillance strategies adapted to preoperative and operative factors with an impact on outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pancreas Diseases: Diagnosis and Management)
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16 pages, 1142 KiB  
Review
Intersecting Pathways: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Psoriasis Duet—A Comprehensive Review
by Daniel Octavian Costache, Horia Blejan, Damian Lucian Cojocaru, Georgiana Alexandra Ioniță, Marcela Poenaru, Maria Magdalena Constantin, Andrei Cătălin Costache, Constantin Căruntu, Daniel Vasile Balaban and Raluca Simona Costache
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052660 - 24 Feb 2024
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3880
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease that has a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Common psoriasis-associated comorbidities include cardiovascular diseases, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndromes, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is affecting a substantial portion [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease that has a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Common psoriasis-associated comorbidities include cardiovascular diseases, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndromes, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is affecting a substantial portion of the population and is closely linked with psoriasis. The interplay involves low-grade chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetic factors. The review presents the pathophysiological connections between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, emphasizing the role of cytokines, adipokines, and inflammatory cascades. The “hepato-dermal axis” is introduced, highlighting how psoriatic inflammation potentiates hepatic inflammation and vice versa. According to the new guidelines, the preliminary examination for individuals with psoriasis should encompass evaluations of transaminase levels and ultrasound scans as part of the initial assessment for this cohort. Considering the interplay, recent guidelines recommend screening for NAFLD in moderate-to-severe psoriasis cases. Treatment implications arise, particularly with medications impacting liver function. Understanding the intricate relationship between psoriasis and NAFLD provides valuable insights into shared pathogenetic mechanisms. This knowledge has significant clinical implications, guiding screening practices, treatment decisions, and the development of future therapeutic approaches for these chronic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Treating Psoriasis)
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15 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Ferritin and Ferritin-to-Hemoglobin Ratio as Promising Prognostic Biomarkers of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis—A Cohort Study
by Mihaela Cristina Pavalean, Florentina Ionita-Radu, Mariana Jinga, Raluca Simona Costache, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Mihaita Patrasescu, Mirela Chirvase, Ionela Maniu, Laura Gaman and Sandica Bucurica
Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010106 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4006
Abstract
Background: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas with variable outcomes depending on its severity. Multiple systems of prediction have been proposed, each with variable specificity and sensitivity and with uneven clinical use. Ferritin is a versatile protein associated with various acute [...] Read more.
Background: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas with variable outcomes depending on its severity. Multiple systems of prediction have been proposed, each with variable specificity and sensitivity and with uneven clinical use. Ferritin is a versatile protein associated with various acute and chronic conditions. Aims: In our study, we aimed to assess the association of serum ferritin and the ferritin-to-hemoglobin ratio (FHR) with the severity of acute pancreatitis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in our hospital from January 2020 to September 2022 and included 116 patients with acute pancreatitis (graded according to the revised Atlanta classification). Serum ferritin and FHR were determined next to established laboratory parameters in the first 24 h following admission (hematological parameters, amylase, lipase, C-reactive protein, D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase). We performed a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for potential predictors. Also, we made correlations and conducted univariate and multivariate analyses for all potential severity biomarkers. Results: The median values of serum ferritin and FHR differed significantly between patients with severe acute pancreatitis and mild cases (serum ferritin: 352.40 vs. 197.35 ng/mL, p = 0.011; FHR: 23.73 vs. 13.74, p = 0.002) and between patients with organ failure and those without organ failure (serum ferritin: 613.45 vs. 279.65 ng/mL, p = 0.000; FHR: 48.12 vs. 18.64, p = 0.000). The medians of the serum ferritin and FHR levels were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (serum ferritin: 717.71 vs. 305.67 ng/mL, p = 0.013; FHR: 52.73 vs. 19.58, p = 0.016). Serum ferritin and FHR were good predictors for organ failure and mortality, next to D-dimers and procalcitonin (AUC > 0.753 for organ failure and AUC > 0.794 for mortality). In univariate regression analysis, serum ferritin and FHR were independent variables for moderate–severe forms of acute pancreatitis. Still, adjusting the multivariate analysis, only FHR remained a significant predictor. The cut-offs for serum ferritin and FHR for predicting organ failure were 437.81 ng/mL (sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 75%) and 45.63 (sensitivity, 61%; specificity, 88%), and those for mortality during hospitalization were 516 ng/mL (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 74%) and 51.58 (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 86%). Conclusions: Serum ferritin and the ferritin-to-hemoglobin ratio stood out in this study as valuable and accessible predictors of disease severity in the early assessment of acute pancreatitis, next to established severity serum markers (CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimers). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pancreatitis: Etiology, Pathology, and Treatment)
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12 pages, 1552 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Coagulopathy in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Case-Control Study
by Daniel Vasile Balaban, Laura Ioana Coman, Iulia Cristina Enache, Cristian Mihail Mardan, Alina Dima, Ciprian Jurcuț, Marina Balaban, Raluca Simona Costache, Florentina Ioniță-Radu, Alina Popp and Mariana Jinga
Gastroenterol. Insights 2023, 14(4), 463-474; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent14040034 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2940
Abstract
Introduction: Despite being one of the most frequent chronic digestive diseases worldwide, with a prevalence of 1%, celiac disease (CD) remains severely underdiagnosed. Among the instruments used to improve its diagnostic rate, hematologic parameters have been proposed as screening tests to select patients [...] Read more.
Introduction: Despite being one of the most frequent chronic digestive diseases worldwide, with a prevalence of 1%, celiac disease (CD) remains severely underdiagnosed. Among the instruments used to improve its diagnostic rate, hematologic parameters have been proposed as screening tests to select patients with an increased probability of having CD. Assessment of coagulation is included in routine check-ups, and CD has been reported to be associated with coagulopathy. We aimed to assess if subtle changes in coagulation tests could be used in clinical practice to prompt testing for CD. Methods: We retrospectively recruited all patients with clinical suspicion for CD during a study period of 7 years (between 2015 and 2022), who were tested using IgA tissue transglutaminase (tTG) serology and serum total IgA (IgG tTG in case of IgA deficiency) and who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with multiple biopsy sampling of the duodenal bulb and distal duodenum. We stratified patients into three groups: newly diagnosed CD, gluten-free diet-treated CD, and non-CD controls. Results: Altogether, there were 133 CD patients (71 newly diagnosed, 62 GFD-treated) and 57 non-CD controls. Mean age and gender distribution were similar among the three groups: 43.3 years for newly diagnosed CD, 41.6 years for non-CD controls, and 44 years for GFD-treated CD patients, with a male gender distribution of 21.1%, 28%, and 24.1%, respectively. Among the included newly diagnosed CD patients, 14% had a prolonged INR. The mean INR was slightly higher in newly diagnosed CD patients, compared to GFD-treated CD patients and non-CD controls: 1.12 ± 0.30, 1.02 ± 0.83, and 1.00 ± 0.08, respectively (p = 0.009). Consequently, prothrombin activity was slightly lower in newly diagnosed CD patients, compared to GFD-treated CD and non-CD controls: 94.9 ± 19.3%, 102.3 ± 12.8%, and 101.9 ± 15.15, respectively. Interestingly, after GFD, the mean INR and prothrombin activity of CD individuals reached a value similar to that of non-CD controls. Conclusions: Subtle changes in INR, defined as a value within the normal range, but closer to the upper limit, could be an indicator of probability for CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastrointestinal Disease)
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13 pages, 5457 KiB  
Article
Computer-Based Diagnosis of Celiac Disease by Quantitative Processing of Duodenal Endoscopy Images
by Adriana Molder, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Cristian-Constantin Molder, Mariana Jinga and Antonin Robin
Diagnostics 2023, 13(17), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13172780 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3985
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong chronic autoimmune systemic disease that primarily affects the small bowel of genetically susceptible individuals. The diagnostics of adult CD currently rely on specific serology and the histological assessment of duodenal mucosa on samples taken by upper digestive [...] Read more.
Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong chronic autoimmune systemic disease that primarily affects the small bowel of genetically susceptible individuals. The diagnostics of adult CD currently rely on specific serology and the histological assessment of duodenal mucosa on samples taken by upper digestive endoscopy. Because of several pitfalls associated with duodenal biopsy sampling and histopathology, and considering the pediatric no-biopsy diagnostic criteria, a biopsy-avoiding strategy has been proposed for adult CD diagnosis also. Several endoscopic changes have been reported in the duodenum of CD patients, as markers of villous atrophy (VA), with good correlation with serology. In this setting, an opportunity lies in the automated detection of these endoscopic markers, during routine endoscopy examinations, as potential case-finding of unsuspected CD. We collected duodenal endoscopy images from 18 CD newly diagnosed CD patients and 16 non-CD controls and applied machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms on image patches for the detection of VA. Using histology as standard, high diagnostic accuracy was seen for all algorithms tested, with the layered convolutional neural network (CNN) having the best performance, with 99.67% sensitivity and 98.07% positive predictive value. In this pilot study, we provide an accurate algorithm for automated detection of mucosal changes associated with VA in CD patients, compared to normally appearing non-atrophic mucosa in non-CD controls, using histology as a reference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Medical Imaging Analysis)
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13 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
Glycemic Abnormalities in Pancreatic Cystic Lesions—A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
by Daniel Vasile Balaban, Laura Coman, Marina Balaban, Andreea Zoican, Danusia Adriana Pușcașu, Simin Ayatollahi, Emanuela Mihălțeanu, Raluca Simona Costache, Florentina Ioniță-Radu and Mariana Jinga
Gastroenterol. Insights 2023, 14(2), 191-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent14020015 - 4 May 2023
Viewed by 4179
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Glucose metabolism alterations are very common in solid pancreatic lesions, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Similarly, diabetes and especially new-onset diabetes (NOD) have been associated with the malignant transformation of pancreatic cysts. We aimed to assess the prevalence and relevant associations [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Glucose metabolism alterations are very common in solid pancreatic lesions, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Similarly, diabetes and especially new-onset diabetes (NOD) have been associated with the malignant transformation of pancreatic cysts. We aimed to assess the prevalence and relevant associations of glycemic abnormalities in pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) in a retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively recruited all patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound for a PCL over a period of 36 months (January 2018 to December 2021). Final diagnosis was set by means of tissue acquisition, surgery, follow-up, or board decision. Demographic and clinical data, laboratory workup, and imaging features were extracted from the patients’ charts according to a predefined protocol. We considered fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c values and stratified the patients as nondiabetic (FBG ≤ 99 mg/dL, HbA1c ≤ 5.6%, no history of glycemic abnormalities), prediabetic (FBG 100–125 mg/dL, HbA1c 5.7–6.4%), or diabetic (long-lasting diabetes or NOD). Results: Altogether, 81 patients were included, with a median age of 66 years, and 54.3% of them were male. The overall prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia was 54.3%, comprising 34.6% prediabetes and 22.2% diabetes, of which 16.7% had NOD. The mean FBG and HbA1c levels were higher in malignant and premalignant PCLs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), cystadenocarcinoma, and cystic neuroendocrine tumor) compared to the benign lesions (pseudocysts, walled-off necrosis, and serous cystadenoma): 117.0 mg/dL vs. 108.3 mg/dL and 6.1% vs. 5.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia and diabetes are common in PCLs, with a high prevalence in premalignant and malignant cysts. Screening and follow-up for glycemic abnormalities should be routinely conducted for PCLs, as they can contribute to a tailored risk assessment of cysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pancreas)
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