Safety and Pharmacokinetic Study of Fidaxomicin in Children With Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: A Phase 2a Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Background: Fidaxomicin is an approved therapy for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in adults. The safety of fidaxomicin in children has not been reported.

Methods: In this study (ClinicalTrials.

Congenital Chylous Ascites and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type VI.

We report the first observation of a patient with contgenital chylous ascites (CCA) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI due to primary lymphatic defect with additional vascular anomaly. CCA is a rare condition, and there is limited understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment options. We also review the patient's treatment course mitigated with octreotide and total parenteral nutritional support, as there are no current established guidelines for CCA.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in adults is associated with IgG4 and not mediated by IgE.

Background & Aims: Eosinophilic esophagitis is usually triggered by foods, by unclear mechanisms. We evaluated the roles of IgE and IgG4 in the development of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis given an antibody against IgE (omalizumab, n = 16) or placebo (n = 14) every 2-4 weeks for 16 weeks, based on weight and serum level of IgE.

Reslizumab in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic allergic disease with insufficient treatment options. Results from animal studies suggest that IL-5 induces eosinophil trafficking in the esophagus.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of reslizumab, a neutralizing antibody against IL-5, in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis.

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, pharmacokinetics and safety study of pantoprazole tablets in children and adolescents aged 6 through 16 years with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may benefit from gastric acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole. Effective treatment with pantoprazole requires correct dosing and understanding of the drug's kinetic profile in children. The aim of these studies was to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of single and multiple doses of pantoprazole delayed-release tablets in pediatric patients with GERD aged 6 to 11 years (study 1) and 12 to 16 years (study 2).

Clinical variables as prognostic tools in pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Clinical variables may identify a subset of patients with pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) (≤18 years at diagnosis) at risk for adverse outcomes. We postulated that routinely measured clinical variables measured at diagnosis would predict colectomy in patients with pediatric-onset UC.

Methods: We conducted a chart review of patients with pediatric-onset UC at a single center over a 10-year period.

Correlation of duodenal histology with tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibody levels in pediatric celiac disease.

Background & Aims: IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (TTGA) and endomysium (EMA) are sensitive and specific markers for celiac disease (CD). Data correlating TTGA and EMA levels with degree of villous atrophy are limited. We compared duodenal histopathology in pediatric CD patients with TTGA and EMA serologies, symptoms, height, and weight.

Percutaneous cholecysto-cholangiography in the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in infants.

Background: Once it is established that a jaundiced infant has an elevated direct bilirubin level, the principal diagnostic concern is the differentiation of hepatocellular from obstructive cholestasis, of disorders of physiology from disorders of anatomy, and of disease that is managed medically from disease that is managed surgically. Traditional tests such as ultrasonography, liver biopsy, and technotium 99m HIDA scan are often not sufficiently discriminating. General anesthesia is required for invasive imaging with endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) or operative cholangiogram.

Decreased oxidative DNA damage and accelerated cell turnover in woodchuck hepatitis virus infected liver.

Infection of newborn woodchucks with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) results in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since oxidative damage may be carcinogenic, we investigated the relationship between WHV infection and oxidative damage to hepatic lipids and DNA. Eastern woodchucks were infected with WHV.

High-dose steroids, ursodeoxycholic acid, and chronic intravenous antibiotics improve bile flow after Kasai procedure in infants with biliary atresia.

Background/purpose: Early reports suggest that the use of steroids after Kasai portoenterostomy may improve bile flow and outcome in infants with biliary atresia.

Methods: Of 28 infants with biliary atresia, half received adjuvant high-dose steroids, and half received standard therapy. Infants in the steroid group (n = 14) received intravenous solumedrol (taper of 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 mg/kg/d), followed by 8 to 12 weeks of prednisone (2 mg/kg/d).