Diagnosis of pancreatic problems is often difficult and treatments are therefore delayed because the organ is relatively inaccessible. Pancreas an elongated gland of 7-8 inches positioned horizontally located in the abdomen and behind the lower portion of the stomach. The pancreas adds its own digestive juices called enzymes to the food. The pancreas also produces the hormone insulin, which helps to control the amount of sugar in the blood.
Some of the symptoms of pancreas diseased
Pain in the upper abdomen and back
Loss of appetite and Digestive upsets
Yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice
Bloating, Nausea and Vomiting
Passing foul-smelling
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas that effects the entire body. Beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing the hormone insulin which allows sugar to be used for energy and for storage, unlocking cells throughout the body to allow glucose to enter as fuel. In diabetes, either the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or cells in the body are resistant to the insulin produced. Because of this, sugar remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. This sugar builds up and the excess is responsible for complications including diseases of the heart, eye, kidney, nerves and other organs. Diabetes can be inherited.
Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is caused by the destruction of the body's insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although this type of diabetes is more prevalent among children and adolescents, it cans strike at any age and accounts for 10 percent of all diabetic cases. Daily injections must be taken to metabolize the glucose digested. Because of the attack, the pancreas is unable to produce or does not produce insulin at all, which is needed by the body for the energy. The result is an increase of glucose amount in the blood, which consequently spills to the urine. The increased level may result to too many complications associated to diabetes so patients are undergoing regular medical treatment, plus they need to watch their diet.
Those who only know one or two facts about pancreas diseases can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.
Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is caused by the destruction of the body's insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although this type of diabetes is more prevalent among children and adolescents, it cans strike at any age and accounts for 10 percent of all diabetic cases. Daily injections must be taken to metabolize the glucose digested. Because of the attack, the pancreas is unable to produce or does not produce insulin at all, which is needed by the body for the energy. The result is an increase of glucose amount in the blood, which consequently spills to the urine. The increased level may result to too many complications associated to diabetes so patients are undergoing regular medical treatment, plus they need to watch their diet.
Those who only know one or two facts about pancreas diseases can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Right nutrition diet decrease the stress on the pancreas
On the nutritional side, the treatment for people with Mature Onset Diabetes is to decrease the stress on the pancreas by making changes in their diet -- decrease starches and sugars and decrease calories. Eat less, eat right. What kind of a diet would be best for preventing Mature Onset Diabetes? Vegetables, vegetables, and vegetables combined with lean proteins such as fish, chicken, water, a little fruit and a little fat. In a hypoglycemic situation, it is wise not to eat grain or sugar, but sprouted grain bread, and other substitutes can be healthy and satisfying.
Because hormones are chemicals, diabetes and hypoglycemia are both hormonal-based problems. What we know about the hormone system is that it works as a balanced interdependent system. Diabetes is an endocrine-related, systemic problem. With a systemic problem like diabetes, you have a body system problem--you do not just have a condition by itself. It is known that the pancreas is related, through hormone interaction, to the adrenals, and the adrenals are in turn related to the reproductive system. It is known that these glands are related through hormone interactions to the pituitary and the pituitary is related to the thyroid gland, the thyroid is related to the thymus, and the thymus is related to the immune system.
Because hormones are chemicals, diabetes and hypoglycemia are both hormonal-based problems. What we know about the hormone system is that it works as a balanced interdependent system. Diabetes is an endocrine-related, systemic problem. With a systemic problem like diabetes, you have a body system problem--you do not just have a condition by itself. It is known that the pancreas is related, through hormone interaction, to the adrenals, and the adrenals are in turn related to the reproductive system. It is known that these glands are related through hormone interactions to the pituitary and the pituitary is related to the thyroid gland, the thyroid is related to the thymus, and the thymus is related to the immune system.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Pancreatic cancer affects men more then women
Pancreatic cancer affects men twice as frequently as women and is more likely to develop after the age of 40. Pancreatic cancer risks increase with chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, genetic factors. When early diagnosis and early treatment are possible, however, survival chances increase often goes undetected until it is too late to treat effectively.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is blockage of the pancreatic duct by a gallstone.
Chronic pancreatitis, associated most often with gall bladder disease and alcoholism, can cause painful attacks over a number of years and lead to other problems, such as pancreatic insufficiency , bacterial infections, and type 2 diabetes.
When eating food that has been cooked or processed, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal. This is vital for diabetics as your our pancreas is already unable to keep up with demands placed upon it. When enzyme-free, undigested food enters the small intestine, everything falls upon the poor overworked pancreas. The pancreas is forced to draw reserves from the entire body in order to provide enough enzymes for digestion.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is blockage of the pancreatic duct by a gallstone.
Chronic pancreatitis, associated most often with gall bladder disease and alcoholism, can cause painful attacks over a number of years and lead to other problems, such as pancreatic insufficiency , bacterial infections, and type 2 diabetes.
When eating food that has been cooked or processed, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal. This is vital for diabetics as your our pancreas is already unable to keep up with demands placed upon it. When enzyme-free, undigested food enters the small intestine, everything falls upon the poor overworked pancreas. The pancreas is forced to draw reserves from the entire body in order to provide enough enzymes for digestion.
Monday, September 18, 2006
pancreas diseases
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that may occur as an acute, painful attack, or may be a chronic condition developing gradually over time. It is caused when pancreatic enzyme secretions build up and begin to digest the organ itself. Another term for this condition is auto digestion, which occurs when, for some unknown reason, the pancreas' powerful enzymes are activated in the pancreas itself rather than in the duodenum. It is believed that trypsin sets off a domino effect, activating other enzymes to speed the auto digestive process. There are a variety of tests that physicians use to determine if pancreatic disorders are present, what kinds and how advanced they are, and what may be causing the problem.
Abdominal Ultrasound The technologist who performs the exam, called a sonographer, spreads a gel on the skin's surface and then passes a hand-held instrument called a transducer around the surface of the abdomen. The gel enables smooth manipulation of the transducer and helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. MRI is another non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly prescribed at the Pancreas Center. MRI combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves to create body images. The hydrogen atoms in a patient's body react to the magnetic field, a computer reads the resulting data and organizes the results into images that can be read by the radiologist.
Abdominal Ultrasound The technologist who performs the exam, called a sonographer, spreads a gel on the skin's surface and then passes a hand-held instrument called a transducer around the surface of the abdomen. The gel enables smooth manipulation of the transducer and helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. MRI is another non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly prescribed at the Pancreas Center. MRI combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves to create body images. The hydrogen atoms in a patient's body react to the magnetic field, a computer reads the resulting data and organizes the results into images that can be read by the radiologist.
Monday, September 11, 2006
pancreas diseases : Development of a blood test for pancreatic cancer pt2
Final Report
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human diseases. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. The average five-year survival rate is less than 5%. In 1999, the expected death rate includes 2,700 California residents and 28,600 individuals in the United States of America.
Numerous scientific studies designed to reveal the causes of pancreatic cancer have consistently identified cigarette smoking as a significant risk factor. In fact, cigarette smoking remains the only well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The risk of pancreatic cancer appears to correlate with the amount of cigarette smoking. These findings have been supported by experiments in the laboratory. When laboratory rats are fed chemicals derived from tobacco, cancers of the lung and pancreas result. Thus cigarette smoking can cause pancreatic cancers.
At this time, the only therapy for pancreatic cancer is surgical removal early in the course of the disease. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is usually discovered when symptoms appear and the disease is far advanced. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer currently requires sophisticated medical technology. A simple blood test that is able to indicate whether pancreatic cancer is present would represent a major step toward the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer followed by surgery is currently the only hope for patient survival.
Studies supported by the TRDRP enabled our laboratory to develop a blood test for a protein, GP2, which is made only in the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream with pancreatic disease. Our previous success with laboratory animal models of pancreatic diseases led to the efforts toward developing a similar blood test for humans with pancreatic cancer. The development of the antibodies for this project required the cloning of the human GP2 gene, which was used to produce the protein in cultured cell lines. The protein was then used to immunize mice, from which the subsequent antibodies were derived. With the availability of the necessary reagents, we were successful in developing a sensitive test for GP2. Normal GP2 blood levels were established using human subjects without a history of pancreatic disease.
Our initial result with 20 patients with pancreatic disease showed that the average GP2 level was significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic diseases. The sensitivity of the test in our small sample of patients was 60%, which was approximately equivalent to CA19-9, the most commonly used marker for pancreatic disease at this time. The sensitivity is less than the desired 80% level needed to be used as a screening tool. The assay was correct 70% of the time when used to detect any type of pancreatic disease. Whether the GP2 assay will be useful in pancreatic cancer or other pancreatic diseases will be determined as more patients are enrolled in the future.
by Anson Lowe , M.D. -
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human diseases. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. The average five-year survival rate is less than 5%. In 1999, the expected death rate includes 2,700 California residents and 28,600 individuals in the United States of America.
Numerous scientific studies designed to reveal the causes of pancreatic cancer have consistently identified cigarette smoking as a significant risk factor. In fact, cigarette smoking remains the only well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The risk of pancreatic cancer appears to correlate with the amount of cigarette smoking. These findings have been supported by experiments in the laboratory. When laboratory rats are fed chemicals derived from tobacco, cancers of the lung and pancreas result. Thus cigarette smoking can cause pancreatic cancers.
At this time, the only therapy for pancreatic cancer is surgical removal early in the course of the disease. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is usually discovered when symptoms appear and the disease is far advanced. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer currently requires sophisticated medical technology. A simple blood test that is able to indicate whether pancreatic cancer is present would represent a major step toward the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer followed by surgery is currently the only hope for patient survival.
Studies supported by the TRDRP enabled our laboratory to develop a blood test for a protein, GP2, which is made only in the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream with pancreatic disease. Our previous success with laboratory animal models of pancreatic diseases led to the efforts toward developing a similar blood test for humans with pancreatic cancer. The development of the antibodies for this project required the cloning of the human GP2 gene, which was used to produce the protein in cultured cell lines. The protein was then used to immunize mice, from which the subsequent antibodies were derived. With the availability of the necessary reagents, we were successful in developing a sensitive test for GP2. Normal GP2 blood levels were established using human subjects without a history of pancreatic disease.
Our initial result with 20 patients with pancreatic disease showed that the average GP2 level was significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic diseases. The sensitivity of the test in our small sample of patients was 60%, which was approximately equivalent to CA19-9, the most commonly used marker for pancreatic disease at this time. The sensitivity is less than the desired 80% level needed to be used as a screening tool. The assay was correct 70% of the time when used to detect any type of pancreatic disease. Whether the GP2 assay will be useful in pancreatic cancer or other pancreatic diseases will be determined as more patients are enrolled in the future.
by Anson Lowe , M.D. -
pancreas diseases : Development of a blood test for pancreatic cancer pt1
Initial Award Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human diseases. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. Death normally occurs within a few months after the cancer is discovered.
Numerous scientific studies designed to reveal the causes of pancreatic cancer have consistently identified cigarette smoking as a significant risk factor. In fact, cigarette smoking remains the only well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The risk of pancreatic cancer appears to correlate with the amount of cigarette smoking. These findings have been supported by experiments using laboratory animals, thus showing that cigarette smoking can cause pancreatic cancers.
At this time, the only therapy for pancreatic cancer is surgical removal of the tumor early in the course of the disease. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is usually discovered after the disease is far advanced. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer currently requires sophisticated medical technology. A simple blood test that is able to indicate whether pancreatic cancer is present would represent a major step toward the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer followed by surgery is currently the only hope for patient survival.
A blood test for pancreatic cancer may also help physicians follow the course of the disease. As new therapies are developed to treat pancreatic cancer, a blood test that can monitor cancer growth or regression would be very useful to monitor the progress of the patient. A similar test that measures the blood levels of a protein named prostate specific antigen has already been developed for prostate cancer. This test has proven to be invaluable for the detection and monitoring of prostate cancer.
Initial studies in our laboratory focused on the development a blood test for a protein, GP2, which is made only in the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream with pancreatic disease. In view of our previous successes, our efforts will now be devoted toward developing a similar blood test for humans with pancreatic diseases. If successful, the test will result in the early detection of pancreatic cancer and improve the chances of a cure for these patients. The test will also provide a means to measure the progress of the cancer as new therapies are developed in the future.
Anson Lowe , M.D
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal of human diseases. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. Death normally occurs within a few months after the cancer is discovered.
Numerous scientific studies designed to reveal the causes of pancreatic cancer have consistently identified cigarette smoking as a significant risk factor. In fact, cigarette smoking remains the only well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The risk of pancreatic cancer appears to correlate with the amount of cigarette smoking. These findings have been supported by experiments using laboratory animals, thus showing that cigarette smoking can cause pancreatic cancers.
At this time, the only therapy for pancreatic cancer is surgical removal of the tumor early in the course of the disease. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is usually discovered after the disease is far advanced. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer currently requires sophisticated medical technology. A simple blood test that is able to indicate whether pancreatic cancer is present would represent a major step toward the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer followed by surgery is currently the only hope for patient survival.
A blood test for pancreatic cancer may also help physicians follow the course of the disease. As new therapies are developed to treat pancreatic cancer, a blood test that can monitor cancer growth or regression would be very useful to monitor the progress of the patient. A similar test that measures the blood levels of a protein named prostate specific antigen has already been developed for prostate cancer. This test has proven to be invaluable for the detection and monitoring of prostate cancer.
Initial studies in our laboratory focused on the development a blood test for a protein, GP2, which is made only in the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream with pancreatic disease. In view of our previous successes, our efforts will now be devoted toward developing a similar blood test for humans with pancreatic diseases. If successful, the test will result in the early detection of pancreatic cancer and improve the chances of a cure for these patients. The test will also provide a means to measure the progress of the cancer as new therapies are developed in the future.
Anson Lowe , M.D
Monday, September 04, 2006
pancreas diseases : Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
SOD is a common cause of unexplained pancreatitis in patients seen in referral centres.[9] Endoscopic manometry can demonstrate separate biliary and pancreatic sphincters and there can be a discordance between the basal pressures in the two sphincters, with one normal and the other elevated. Silverman et al[10] reviewed the results of manometry in 111 patients with pancreaticobiliary pain, most of whom had normal liver and pancreatic chemistries. Manometry was possible in both sphincters in 88 (79%) patients; 28 (32%) patients had elevated pressure in both sphincters; and 15 (17%) patients demonstrated a discordance, with elevated pressure in one of the two sphincters. The clinical implication is that dual-sphincter manometry may be required when evaluating for unexplained pancreatitis and pancreatic sphincterotomy rather than biliary sphincterotomy may be required in some patients to relieve the pain.
A classification of pancreatitis-associated SOD has been proposed that is analogous to biliary SOD[11] : type I patients have recurrent attacks of pancreatitis (confirmed clinically and biochemically) with a dilated pancreatic duct and slow drainage. These patients appear to have stenotic lesions, do not require sphincter of Oddi manometry for diagnosis, and have the best results from sphincterotomy. Type II patients have acute relapsing pancreatitis and no evidence for stenosis other than tonic sphincter of Oddi pressures more than 40 mm Hg on manometric testing. Type III patients have pancreatic type of pain and no evidence of pancreatitis but an abnormal sphincter of Oddi manometry. Type III patients are least likely to respond to sphincterotomy. Pancreatic sphincterotomy should not be undertaken lightly because it is associated with a postprocedural pancreatitis in 11% of patients and a 14% restenosis rate.
by R BAIJAL
A classification of pancreatitis-associated SOD has been proposed that is analogous to biliary SOD[11] : type I patients have recurrent attacks of pancreatitis (confirmed clinically and biochemically) with a dilated pancreatic duct and slow drainage. These patients appear to have stenotic lesions, do not require sphincter of Oddi manometry for diagnosis, and have the best results from sphincterotomy. Type II patients have acute relapsing pancreatitis and no evidence for stenosis other than tonic sphincter of Oddi pressures more than 40 mm Hg on manometric testing. Type III patients have pancreatic type of pain and no evidence of pancreatitis but an abnormal sphincter of Oddi manometry. Type III patients are least likely to respond to sphincterotomy. Pancreatic sphincterotomy should not be undertaken lightly because it is associated with a postprocedural pancreatitis in 11% of patients and a 14% restenosis rate.
by R BAIJAL
pancreas diseases : Occult Biliary Stone Disease or Crystals
Biliary microlithiasis is a significant cause of unexplained acute pancreatitis. In two prospective studies,[5,6] microscopic evaluation of bile was performed in patients convalescing from idiopathic pancreatitis who had no evidence of cholelithiasis. Two thirds of patients had microscopic evidence of cholesterol or calcium bilirubinate crystals; patients with bilirubinate crystals demonstrated sludge on transcutaneous sonography. Importantly patients with microlithiasis had significantly fewer recurrent attacks of pancreatitis when treated with cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy, or ursodeoxycholic acid.
Idiopathic Pancreatitis
Gallstone disease and alcohol abuse cause 75% to 80% of all cases of pancreatitis. Including metabolic causes, drug-induced disease, trauma, and viral illness, only approximately 10% of cases of acute pancreatitis remain idiopathic or unexplained.[7] ERCP has an important role in the evaluation of patients with idiopathic disease. Because ERCP is an invasive procedure with well-defined complications, the following question arises: In which patients is ERCP indicated? Most authorities agree that ERCP is indicated:
After two or more mild attacks of acute pancreatitis.
After the first attack of severe acute pancreatitis.
After the first attack of pancreatitis if a patient is more than 45 years of age because the risk for neoplasm increases with age.
Acute, unexplained pancreatitis is the initial presentation in an estimated 3% of patients with pancreatic cancer.[8]
A wide variety of abnormalities may be found on ERCP as causes of pancreatitis and include:
Choledochocoele
Chronic pancreatitis
Intraductal papillary mucinous tumour (IPMT)
Occult stone disease
Pancreas divisum (PD)
Pancreatic cancer
Periampullary tumour
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD)
A complete ERCP study in the setting of idiopathic pancreatitis includes:
1.Careful endoscopic examination of the papilla to rule out an ampullary neoplasm or a choledochocoele
2. Complete cholangiography and pancreatography to rule out occult biliary stone disease, chronic pancreatitis, aberrant biliary pancreatic junction, PD and malignant obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
3. Sphincter of Oddi manometry of the biliary and pancreatic sphincters.
In the largest endoscopic series of patients evaluated for idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis,[9] 44 of the 116 (38%) patients had an abnormality that could explain the pancreatitis:
72 (62%) No abnormality
17 (14.7%) SOD
11 (9.5%) PD
8 (6.9%) Cholelithiasis
4 (3.4%) Choledochocoele
3 (2.6%) Ampullary tumour
1 (0.8%) Pancreatic duct stricture
by R BAIJAL
Idiopathic Pancreatitis
Gallstone disease and alcohol abuse cause 75% to 80% of all cases of pancreatitis. Including metabolic causes, drug-induced disease, trauma, and viral illness, only approximately 10% of cases of acute pancreatitis remain idiopathic or unexplained.[7] ERCP has an important role in the evaluation of patients with idiopathic disease. Because ERCP is an invasive procedure with well-defined complications, the following question arises: In which patients is ERCP indicated? Most authorities agree that ERCP is indicated:
After two or more mild attacks of acute pancreatitis.
After the first attack of severe acute pancreatitis.
After the first attack of pancreatitis if a patient is more than 45 years of age because the risk for neoplasm increases with age.
Acute, unexplained pancreatitis is the initial presentation in an estimated 3% of patients with pancreatic cancer.[8]
A wide variety of abnormalities may be found on ERCP as causes of pancreatitis and include:
Choledochocoele
Chronic pancreatitis
Intraductal papillary mucinous tumour (IPMT)
Occult stone disease
Pancreas divisum (PD)
Pancreatic cancer
Periampullary tumour
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD)
A complete ERCP study in the setting of idiopathic pancreatitis includes:
1.Careful endoscopic examination of the papilla to rule out an ampullary neoplasm or a choledochocoele
2. Complete cholangiography and pancreatography to rule out occult biliary stone disease, chronic pancreatitis, aberrant biliary pancreatic junction, PD and malignant obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
3. Sphincter of Oddi manometry of the biliary and pancreatic sphincters.
In the largest endoscopic series of patients evaluated for idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis,[9] 44 of the 116 (38%) patients had an abnormality that could explain the pancreatitis:
72 (62%) No abnormality
17 (14.7%) SOD
11 (9.5%) PD
8 (6.9%) Cholelithiasis
4 (3.4%) Choledochocoele
3 (2.6%) Ampullary tumour
1 (0.8%) Pancreatic duct stricture
by R BAIJAL
pancreas diseases : ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT
Endoscopic techniques are used increasingly in the management of acute and chronic pancreatitis. In many instances surgery can be avoided by endoscopic intervention as in endoscopic drainage of pseudocysts. Other conditions that can be managed by endoscopy include biliary calculi in acute biliary pancreatitis, pancreatic duct disruptions, strictures or stones and treatment of potential causes of pancreatitis such as sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and pancreas divisum. Despite widespread use of these endoscopic techniques, there are few controlled studies comparing pancreatic endotherapy with either surgical intervention or medical treatment.
Management of patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis is hampered by our incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatic inflammation and mechanism of pancreatic pain. The short term assessment of therapies is made more difficult due to the relapsing and remitting nature of pain in pancreatic disease. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the natural history of pancreatitis is required prior to undertaking endoscopic treatment of pancreatic diseases.
BILIARY PANCREATITIS
Gallstone disease is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Although most episodes are mild and resolve spontaneously, in some patients, severe pancreatitis with local and systemic complications develop and may lead to death in 10% to 15% patients.
A pathbreaking, randomized, controlled study by Neoptolemos and Carr-Locke[1] showed significantly lower complication (24% vs 61%) and mortality (4% vs 18%) rates and a shorter mean length of hospital stay (LOS; 9.5 vs 17 days) in patients with predicted severe pancreatitis who underwent ERCP with sphincterotomy and stone extraction within 72 hours compared with patients who received supportive medical management. Early ERCP had no beneficial effect on patients with mild pancreatitis. The mechanism by which patients with severe pancreatitis benefit from ERCP is unclear as ERCP cannot reverse the damage already done to the pancreas. It has been suggested that patients with severe pancreatitis have a high prevalence of residual common bile duct (CBD) stones which may lead to superimposed cholangitis or continue to irritate the pancreas. Endoscopic removal of these residual stones should benefit these patients.
Several other studies have shown different results. Fan et al[2] in a similar randomized trial from Hong Kong reported no significant difference in complication or mortality rate with respect to pancreatitis, but early ERCP did protect against cholangitis, which occurs in 9% to 10% of patients. In a German multicentre study[3] patients with biliary pancreatitis, excluding those with biliary obstruction or cholangitis, were randomized to ERCP within 72 hours or to noninvasive therapy. There was no significant difference in mortality or overall complication rate, but the ERCP group had more severe complications, especially respiratory failure. This study has been criticized because it excluded the patients most likely to benefit from endoscopic therapy, and because it was a multicentre study, not all hospitals had a high degree of experience in performing ERCP in acute settings.
Despite conflicting data, there is a strong consensus that patients who have predicted severe pancreatitis with evidence of a CBD stone or biliary obstruction benefit from urgent ERCP when performed by experienced operators. A meta-analysis[4] with pooled data showed a 34.6% relative risk reduction for complications and a 42.9% relative risk reduction for death in patients treated with urgent ERCP, sphincterotomy and stone extraction.
by R BAIJAL
Management of patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis is hampered by our incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatic inflammation and mechanism of pancreatic pain. The short term assessment of therapies is made more difficult due to the relapsing and remitting nature of pain in pancreatic disease. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the natural history of pancreatitis is required prior to undertaking endoscopic treatment of pancreatic diseases.
BILIARY PANCREATITIS
Gallstone disease is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Although most episodes are mild and resolve spontaneously, in some patients, severe pancreatitis with local and systemic complications develop and may lead to death in 10% to 15% patients.
A pathbreaking, randomized, controlled study by Neoptolemos and Carr-Locke[1] showed significantly lower complication (24% vs 61%) and mortality (4% vs 18%) rates and a shorter mean length of hospital stay (LOS; 9.5 vs 17 days) in patients with predicted severe pancreatitis who underwent ERCP with sphincterotomy and stone extraction within 72 hours compared with patients who received supportive medical management. Early ERCP had no beneficial effect on patients with mild pancreatitis. The mechanism by which patients with severe pancreatitis benefit from ERCP is unclear as ERCP cannot reverse the damage already done to the pancreas. It has been suggested that patients with severe pancreatitis have a high prevalence of residual common bile duct (CBD) stones which may lead to superimposed cholangitis or continue to irritate the pancreas. Endoscopic removal of these residual stones should benefit these patients.
Several other studies have shown different results. Fan et al[2] in a similar randomized trial from Hong Kong reported no significant difference in complication or mortality rate with respect to pancreatitis, but early ERCP did protect against cholangitis, which occurs in 9% to 10% of patients. In a German multicentre study[3] patients with biliary pancreatitis, excluding those with biliary obstruction or cholangitis, were randomized to ERCP within 72 hours or to noninvasive therapy. There was no significant difference in mortality or overall complication rate, but the ERCP group had more severe complications, especially respiratory failure. This study has been criticized because it excluded the patients most likely to benefit from endoscopic therapy, and because it was a multicentre study, not all hospitals had a high degree of experience in performing ERCP in acute settings.
Despite conflicting data, there is a strong consensus that patients who have predicted severe pancreatitis with evidence of a CBD stone or biliary obstruction benefit from urgent ERCP when performed by experienced operators. A meta-analysis[4] with pooled data showed a 34.6% relative risk reduction for complications and a 42.9% relative risk reduction for death in patients treated with urgent ERCP, sphincterotomy and stone extraction.
by R BAIJAL
Friday, August 25, 2006
pancreas diseases : Alcohol Detoxification
Alcohol is a drink that is often taken socially, recreationally and at mealtimes. It is consumed for the pleasant feelings that it generates in the body. In fact, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It acts as a biochemical inhibitor of activity in the central nervous system, and thus induces sedation and lessening of anxiety.
However, alcohol dependence or alcoholism is a chronic pattern of alcohol abuse resulting in physiological, physical, behavioral and cognitive effects. Consuming alcohol for a long period of time results in alcohol dependence.
If you become alcohol dependent you have a strong craving for alcohol all the time. The body becomes used to plenty of alcohol and starts showing withdrawal symptoms 3 to 4 hours after the last drink. Hence, a person who wants to stop drinking finds it difficult because of the withdrawal symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of withdrawal are the opposite of that of alcohol. In the central nervous system, excitory processes are increased and inhibitory processes are slowed. The withdrawal symptoms are the main barriers in treatment for alcoholism. Normally, withdrawal symptoms appear within hours of the patient’s drink and generally peak 24 to 36 hours after stopping.
Some withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, headache, auditory disturbances, trembling, sweating, and craving for alcohol. Delirium and tremors are a more severe reaction to withdrawal, occurring in five percent of people who have withdrawal symptoms 2 to 3 days after their last drink. Alcohol dependency also causes inflammation of the pancreas, coronary heart disease, neuropathy, brain degeneration, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and other health problems in the long run.
In the de-addiction programs for alcoholics, the first step is detoxification. Detoxification in alcohol treatment refers to a short course of medication to free the body of withdrawal symptoms while trying to quit drinking. The most commonly used medication in detoxification is chlordiazepoxide, which is a benzodiazepine medicine.
Alcohol detoxification has basically four goals:
1) to provide the patient a safe withdrawal from alcohol dependence
2) to provide a treatment that is humane and protects the patient’s dignity
3) to provide for recovery of affective and cognitive faculties, and
4) to prepare patient for continued treatment in his new life.
Alcohol detoxification is a long, drawn-out and difficult process involving rehabilitatory medicine, in-patient treatment in a de-addiction facility, and support from doctors, nurses, family, and the community. Ultimately, it also depends on the determination of the patient.
By Eddie Tobey
However, alcohol dependence or alcoholism is a chronic pattern of alcohol abuse resulting in physiological, physical, behavioral and cognitive effects. Consuming alcohol for a long period of time results in alcohol dependence.
If you become alcohol dependent you have a strong craving for alcohol all the time. The body becomes used to plenty of alcohol and starts showing withdrawal symptoms 3 to 4 hours after the last drink. Hence, a person who wants to stop drinking finds it difficult because of the withdrawal symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of withdrawal are the opposite of that of alcohol. In the central nervous system, excitory processes are increased and inhibitory processes are slowed. The withdrawal symptoms are the main barriers in treatment for alcoholism. Normally, withdrawal symptoms appear within hours of the patient’s drink and generally peak 24 to 36 hours after stopping.
Some withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, headache, auditory disturbances, trembling, sweating, and craving for alcohol. Delirium and tremors are a more severe reaction to withdrawal, occurring in five percent of people who have withdrawal symptoms 2 to 3 days after their last drink. Alcohol dependency also causes inflammation of the pancreas, coronary heart disease, neuropathy, brain degeneration, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and other health problems in the long run.
In the de-addiction programs for alcoholics, the first step is detoxification. Detoxification in alcohol treatment refers to a short course of medication to free the body of withdrawal symptoms while trying to quit drinking. The most commonly used medication in detoxification is chlordiazepoxide, which is a benzodiazepine medicine.
Alcohol detoxification has basically four goals:
1) to provide the patient a safe withdrawal from alcohol dependence
2) to provide a treatment that is humane and protects the patient’s dignity
3) to provide for recovery of affective and cognitive faculties, and
4) to prepare patient for continued treatment in his new life.
Alcohol detoxification is a long, drawn-out and difficult process involving rehabilitatory medicine, in-patient treatment in a de-addiction facility, and support from doctors, nurses, family, and the community. Ultimately, it also depends on the determination of the patient.
By Eddie Tobey
pancreas diseases : The "Identity Crisis"
Enzymes
“I am convinced digestion is the great secret to life.” -Sydney Smith
Enzymes are proteins. Your body can do almost nothing without enzymes. The pancreas and other glands produce digestive enzymes. They are also present in raw foods. Even though the body can manufacture digestive enzymes, it is strained to produce enough if we are not getting them from our food sources, supplements, and by chewing our food properly, which allows enzyme-rich saliva to be incorporated into the food. Unfortunately, cooking and processing foods destroys enzymes and most people only chew their food about 25% of the amount that is needed. Stomach acid, in other words hydrochloric acid (HCL), is ineffective at breaking down food that hasn’t been chewed properly. To add to the problem, 50% of people with autoimmunity don’t have enough HCL in their stomachs in the first place.
When enzyme-free, undigested food enters the small intestine, everything falls upon the poor overworked pancreas. The pancreas is forced to draw reserves from the entire body in order to provide enough enzymes for digestion. This problem is so significant that studies show virtually all Americans have an enlarged pancreas by age 40. With this kind of strain on the insulin-producing pancreas, it is amazing we all don’t have diabetes.
If you are eating food that has been cooked or processed in any way, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal. This is vital for diabetics. Your pancreas is already unable to keep up with demands placed upon it.
By Heidi Whitaker
“I am convinced digestion is the great secret to life.” -Sydney Smith
Enzymes are proteins. Your body can do almost nothing without enzymes. The pancreas and other glands produce digestive enzymes. They are also present in raw foods. Even though the body can manufacture digestive enzymes, it is strained to produce enough if we are not getting them from our food sources, supplements, and by chewing our food properly, which allows enzyme-rich saliva to be incorporated into the food. Unfortunately, cooking and processing foods destroys enzymes and most people only chew their food about 25% of the amount that is needed. Stomach acid, in other words hydrochloric acid (HCL), is ineffective at breaking down food that hasn’t been chewed properly. To add to the problem, 50% of people with autoimmunity don’t have enough HCL in their stomachs in the first place.
When enzyme-free, undigested food enters the small intestine, everything falls upon the poor overworked pancreas. The pancreas is forced to draw reserves from the entire body in order to provide enough enzymes for digestion. This problem is so significant that studies show virtually all Americans have an enlarged pancreas by age 40. With this kind of strain on the insulin-producing pancreas, it is amazing we all don’t have diabetes.
If you are eating food that has been cooked or processed in any way, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal. This is vital for diabetics. Your pancreas is already unable to keep up with demands placed upon it.
By Heidi Whitaker
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
pancreas diseases : PancreasWeb
As of February 2006, Pancreatology is also the official journal of the Belgian Pancreatic Club (BPC), increasing the number of affiliated societies to 14.
The BPC has arisen from a common interest of several Belgian physicians in pancreatology. The aims of the BPC are:
1) To facilitate contact and collaboration between Belgian physicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases such as inflammatory pancreatic diseases, cystic lesions of the pancreas and pancreatic neoplasms
2) To offer a place for integration of basic and clinical research in pancreatic diseases
3) To initiate multicenter studies focussing on rare diseases such as intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and autoimmune pancreatitis
First of all, the epidemiology of pancreatic diseases in Belgium has been assessed by the initiation of a register of all patients hospitalized for a pancreatic disease in the medicosurgical department of gastroenterology in the Erasme Hospital in Brussels. From October 1999 to November 2005, 2000 patients have been included, of which about 50% suffered from chronic pancreatitis, 20% from acute pancreatitis and 20% from neoplasms.
Multicenter studies will allow the prospective collection of several cases of rare pancreatic diseases in order to investigate their pathogenesis, their natural history and to initiate some therapeutic trials.
Support is offered from the Laboratorium Solvay by providing the information technology to encode the database. Moreover, they also sponsor the triple membership fee for the BPC members, so that they can join the European Pancreatic Club (EPC), the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) and the BPC simultaneously.
The BPC has presently 25 registered members distributed among 6 university hospitals: Erasme University Hospital, Brussels; Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels; University Hospital of Brussels, VUB; University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven; University Hospital of Antwerp; University Hospital of Li鑗e.
For the second consecutive year, a BPC meeting has been included in the program of the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology which was held this year in Oostende from 9th to 11th of February. Two invited lectures, 5 free communications and 3 clinical case discussions made up the program of this session. The abstracts of the free communications have been published in Pancreatology (2006;6:175-179) and are available online http://www.pancreasweb.com/abstracts/abstracts.asp
The success of this year's BPC meeting encourages us to think that the number of members will increase during the following months and that the BPC could have a significant impact on a national and even international level.
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2795
The BPC has arisen from a common interest of several Belgian physicians in pancreatology. The aims of the BPC are:
1) To facilitate contact and collaboration between Belgian physicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases such as inflammatory pancreatic diseases, cystic lesions of the pancreas and pancreatic neoplasms
2) To offer a place for integration of basic and clinical research in pancreatic diseases
3) To initiate multicenter studies focussing on rare diseases such as intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and autoimmune pancreatitis
First of all, the epidemiology of pancreatic diseases in Belgium has been assessed by the initiation of a register of all patients hospitalized for a pancreatic disease in the medicosurgical department of gastroenterology in the Erasme Hospital in Brussels. From October 1999 to November 2005, 2000 patients have been included, of which about 50% suffered from chronic pancreatitis, 20% from acute pancreatitis and 20% from neoplasms.
Multicenter studies will allow the prospective collection of several cases of rare pancreatic diseases in order to investigate their pathogenesis, their natural history and to initiate some therapeutic trials.
Support is offered from the Laboratorium Solvay by providing the information technology to encode the database. Moreover, they also sponsor the triple membership fee for the BPC members, so that they can join the European Pancreatic Club (EPC), the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) and the BPC simultaneously.
The BPC has presently 25 registered members distributed among 6 university hospitals: Erasme University Hospital, Brussels; Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels; University Hospital of Brussels, VUB; University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven; University Hospital of Antwerp; University Hospital of Li鑗e.
For the second consecutive year, a BPC meeting has been included in the program of the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology which was held this year in Oostende from 9th to 11th of February. Two invited lectures, 5 free communications and 3 clinical case discussions made up the program of this session. The abstracts of the free communications have been published in Pancreatology (2006;6:175-179) and are available online http://www.pancreasweb.com/abstracts/abstracts.asp
The success of this year's BPC meeting encourages us to think that the number of members will increase during the following months and that the BPC could have a significant impact on a national and even international level.
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2795
pancreas diseases : PancreasWeb
As of February 2006, Pancreatology is also the official journal of the Belgian Pancreatic Club (BPC), increasing the number of affiliated societies to 14.
The BPC has arisen from a common interest of several Belgian physicians in pancreatology. The aims of the BPC are:
1) To facilitate contact and collaboration between Belgian physicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases such as inflammatory pancreatic diseases, cystic lesions of the pancreas and pancreatic neoplasms
2) To offer a place for integration of basic and clinical research in pancreatic diseases
3) To initiate multicenter studies focussing on rare diseases such as intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and autoimmune pancreatitis
First of all, the epidemiology of pancreatic diseases in Belgium has been assessed by the initiation of a register of all patients hospitalized for a pancreatic disease in the medicosurgical department of gastroenterology in the Erasme Hospital in Brussels. From October 1999 to November 2005, 2000 patients have been included, of which about 50% suffered from chronic pancreatitis, 20% from acute pancreatitis and 20% from neoplasms.
Multicenter studies will allow the prospective collection of several cases of rare pancreatic diseases in order to investigate their pathogenesis, their natural history and to initiate some therapeutic trials.
Support is offered from the Laboratorium Solvay by providing the information technology to encode the database. Moreover, they also sponsor the triple membership fee for the BPC members, so that they can join the European Pancreatic Club (EPC), the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) and the BPC simultaneously.
The BPC has presently 25 registered members distributed among 6 university hospitals: Erasme University Hospital, Brussels; Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels; University Hospital of Brussels, VUB; University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven; University Hospital of Antwerp; University Hospital of Li鑗e.
For the second consecutive year, a BPC meeting has been included in the program of the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology which was held this year in Oostende from 9th to 11th of February. Two invited lectures, 5 free communications and 3 clinical case discussions made up the program of this session. The abstracts of the free communications have been published in Pancreatology (2006;6:175-179) and are available online http://www.pancreasweb.com/abstracts/abstracts.asp
The success of this year's BPC meeting encourages us to think that the number of members will increase during the following months and that the BPC could have a significant impact on a national and even international level.
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2795
The BPC has arisen from a common interest of several Belgian physicians in pancreatology. The aims of the BPC are:
1) To facilitate contact and collaboration between Belgian physicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases such as inflammatory pancreatic diseases, cystic lesions of the pancreas and pancreatic neoplasms
2) To offer a place for integration of basic and clinical research in pancreatic diseases
3) To initiate multicenter studies focussing on rare diseases such as intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and autoimmune pancreatitis
First of all, the epidemiology of pancreatic diseases in Belgium has been assessed by the initiation of a register of all patients hospitalized for a pancreatic disease in the medicosurgical department of gastroenterology in the Erasme Hospital in Brussels. From October 1999 to November 2005, 2000 patients have been included, of which about 50% suffered from chronic pancreatitis, 20% from acute pancreatitis and 20% from neoplasms.
Multicenter studies will allow the prospective collection of several cases of rare pancreatic diseases in order to investigate their pathogenesis, their natural history and to initiate some therapeutic trials.
Support is offered from the Laboratorium Solvay by providing the information technology to encode the database. Moreover, they also sponsor the triple membership fee for the BPC members, so that they can join the European Pancreatic Club (EPC), the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) and the BPC simultaneously.
The BPC has presently 25 registered members distributed among 6 university hospitals: Erasme University Hospital, Brussels; Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels; University Hospital of Brussels, VUB; University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven; University Hospital of Antwerp; University Hospital of Li鑗e.
For the second consecutive year, a BPC meeting has been included in the program of the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology which was held this year in Oostende from 9th to 11th of February. Two invited lectures, 5 free communications and 3 clinical case discussions made up the program of this session. The abstracts of the free communications have been published in Pancreatology (2006;6:175-179) and are available online http://www.pancreasweb.com/abstracts/abstracts.asp
The success of this year's BPC meeting encourages us to think that the number of members will increase during the following months and that the BPC could have a significant impact on a national and even international level.
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2795
pancreas diseases : Endoscopic management
Endoscopic management has recently been used for a variety of chronic pancreatic diseases. We used this approach in five patients with pancreatic diseases (calcific pancreatitis 2, pancreatic pseudocyst 3). Nasocystic drain was placed in a patient with pancreatic pseudocyst at the tail end of the pancreas; a 5 Fr stent was placed over 0.021"/0.035" guide wire in the main pancreatic duct in the others. All patients had relief of pain. Nasocystic drain led to resolution of pseudocyst, perisplenic collection and pleural effusion. Endoscopic treatment is safe and effective in various pancreatic disorders.
© 2004 Indian Journal of Gastroenterology
© 2004 Indian Journal of Gastroenterology
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
pancreas diseases : Diseases of the pancreas
The pancreas is a small gland with its head lying in the curve of the duodenum. Its main duct joins the common bile duct (of the liver and gallbladder) to form what is known as the ampulla of the bile duct. The ampulla enters the duodenum at its midpoint. Apart from secreting the hormones insulin and glucagon, the pancreas produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes that digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats. When acid stomach contents enter the duodenum, they are mixed with pancreatic juice and bile. This creates the proper acid/alkali balance (pH value) at which the pancreatic enzymes are most effective (both bile and pancreatic juice are alkaline).
Gallstones in the liver or gallbladder cut down bile secretion from the normal amount of about one quart per day, to as little as one cup per day. This severely disrupts the digestive process, particularly if fats or fat-containing foods are consumed. Subsequently, the pH remains too low, which inhibits the action of pancreatic enzymes, as well as those secreted by the small intestine. The end result is that food is only partially digested. Improperly digested food that is saturated with the stomach's hydrochloric acid can have a very irritating, toxic effect on the entire intestinal tract.
If a gallstone has moved from the gallbladder into the ampulla, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic ducts meet,the release of pancreatic juice becomes obstructed and bile moves into the pancreas. This causes protein-splitting pancreatic enzymes that are normally activated only in the duodenum to be activated while in the pancreas. These enzymes begin to digest parts of the pancreatic tissue, which can lead to infection, suppuration and local thrombosis. This condition is known as pancreatitis.
Gallstones obstructing the ampulla release bacteria, viruses and toxins into the pancreas, which can cause further damage to pancreatic cells, and eventually lead to malignant tumors. The tumors occur mostly in the head of the pancreas, where they inhibit the flow of bile and pancreatic juice. This condition is often accompanied by jaundice.
Gallstones in the liver, gallbladder and ampulla may also be responsible for both types of diabetes - insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. All patients of mine with diagnosed diabetes, including children, have had large quantities of stones in their liver. Each liver cleanse further improved their condition, provided they followed a healthy regimen and diet void of animal products
http://www.ener-chi.com/d_pan.htm
Gallstones in the liver or gallbladder cut down bile secretion from the normal amount of about one quart per day, to as little as one cup per day. This severely disrupts the digestive process, particularly if fats or fat-containing foods are consumed. Subsequently, the pH remains too low, which inhibits the action of pancreatic enzymes, as well as those secreted by the small intestine. The end result is that food is only partially digested. Improperly digested food that is saturated with the stomach's hydrochloric acid can have a very irritating, toxic effect on the entire intestinal tract.
If a gallstone has moved from the gallbladder into the ampulla, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic ducts meet,the release of pancreatic juice becomes obstructed and bile moves into the pancreas. This causes protein-splitting pancreatic enzymes that are normally activated only in the duodenum to be activated while in the pancreas. These enzymes begin to digest parts of the pancreatic tissue, which can lead to infection, suppuration and local thrombosis. This condition is known as pancreatitis.
Gallstones obstructing the ampulla release bacteria, viruses and toxins into the pancreas, which can cause further damage to pancreatic cells, and eventually lead to malignant tumors. The tumors occur mostly in the head of the pancreas, where they inhibit the flow of bile and pancreatic juice. This condition is often accompanied by jaundice.
Gallstones in the liver, gallbladder and ampulla may also be responsible for both types of diabetes - insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. All patients of mine with diagnosed diabetes, including children, have had large quantities of stones in their liver. Each liver cleanse further improved their condition, provided they followed a healthy regimen and diet void of animal products
http://www.ener-chi.com/d_pan.htm
pancreas diseases : Can Help Those Over 80
Age doesn't necessarily have to be the deciding factor for cancer surgery, Jefferson Medical College surgeons have found.
Pancreatic cancer surgeon Charles J. Yeo, M.D., Samuel D. Gross Professor and chair of surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center, and his colleagues studied records of pancreatic surgery during the last 35 years at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and found that contrary to what many both in and out of medicine may believe, major pancreatic cancer surgery can successfully be performed on patients in their 80s, 90s and even older.
In the study, reported recently in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Dr. Yeo and co-workers examined records of nearly 2,700 cases of the standard Whipple operation for pancreatic disease, including cancer. Of these, about 1,000 operations were performed in the last four years. The Whipple procedure entails the surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (part of the small intestine), part of the common bile duct, the gallbladder and sometimes a portion of the stomach.
Of this group, 207 patients were 80 years old or older. Those who were 80 to 89 years of age had a mortality rate of 4.1 percent (8 of 197), and a complication rate of 52.8 percent. Those younger than 80 years old had a mortality rate of 1.7 percent, with a complication rate of 41.6 percent. Of 10 patients 90 or older, the researchers reported no deaths after surgery, though half had complications. Of those 80 to 89 years old, 59.1 percent lived for at least one year, while 60 percent of patients 90 years and older lived that long after surgery.
Such complication rates for individuals at least 80 years old are what would be expected, Dr. Yeo says, and involve conditions that afflict many that age, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. "The general aging population isn't dying from pancreas disease," he notes. "They are dying from other causes."
"If there is a mass that is resectable in the pancreas, chances are that we can take it out safely and the patient will do well," Dr. Yeo says. "As the population ages, more individuals may be eligible for such surgery."
The five-year survival of those who were operated on for cancer is comparable to the general population, he says. "In the general population, five-year survival in healthy individuals at age 80 is 69 percent. In our study, it was 55 percent, which isn't that much different."
For various reasons, many of those older than 80 have been told they are not candidates for pancreatic cancer surgery. "Whether it was because of other health issues, poor scans or just a mindset that operating on the pancreas after age 80 doesn't make much sense, there have been reasons not to operate on these individuals.
"The take home message is, if an experienced group of surgeons safely perform the right operation, the patient likely will do fine," Dr. Yeo says. "Patients usually can leave the hospital in a week and can be on a survival curve that approaches the normal curve of the general population."
According to Dr. Yeo, new imaging techniques, improved early detection and screening of high-risk groups, and new therapies on the horizon have begun to change the way pancreatic cancer is viewed. "We're actually making great progress when it comes to pancreatic cancer," he says.
Pancreatic cancer, the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in this country, takes some 30,000 lives a year. The disease is difficult to treat, particularly because it is frequently detected after it has spread to other areas on the body. Only 4 percent of all individuals with pancreatic cancer live for five years after diagnosis, and approximately 25 percent of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who undergo successful surgical removal of their disease live at least that long.
But recent figures give new hope: of those who live for five years after surgical resection, some 55 percent will be alive at least another five years.
Pancreatic cancer surgeon Charles J. Yeo, M.D., Samuel D. Gross Professor and chair of surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center, and his colleagues studied records of pancreatic surgery during the last 35 years at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and found that contrary to what many both in and out of medicine may believe, major pancreatic cancer surgery can successfully be performed on patients in their 80s, 90s and even older.
In the study, reported recently in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Dr. Yeo and co-workers examined records of nearly 2,700 cases of the standard Whipple operation for pancreatic disease, including cancer. Of these, about 1,000 operations were performed in the last four years. The Whipple procedure entails the surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (part of the small intestine), part of the common bile duct, the gallbladder and sometimes a portion of the stomach.
Of this group, 207 patients were 80 years old or older. Those who were 80 to 89 years of age had a mortality rate of 4.1 percent (8 of 197), and a complication rate of 52.8 percent. Those younger than 80 years old had a mortality rate of 1.7 percent, with a complication rate of 41.6 percent. Of 10 patients 90 or older, the researchers reported no deaths after surgery, though half had complications. Of those 80 to 89 years old, 59.1 percent lived for at least one year, while 60 percent of patients 90 years and older lived that long after surgery.
Such complication rates for individuals at least 80 years old are what would be expected, Dr. Yeo says, and involve conditions that afflict many that age, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. "The general aging population isn't dying from pancreas disease," he notes. "They are dying from other causes."
"If there is a mass that is resectable in the pancreas, chances are that we can take it out safely and the patient will do well," Dr. Yeo says. "As the population ages, more individuals may be eligible for such surgery."
The five-year survival of those who were operated on for cancer is comparable to the general population, he says. "In the general population, five-year survival in healthy individuals at age 80 is 69 percent. In our study, it was 55 percent, which isn't that much different."
For various reasons, many of those older than 80 have been told they are not candidates for pancreatic cancer surgery. "Whether it was because of other health issues, poor scans or just a mindset that operating on the pancreas after age 80 doesn't make much sense, there have been reasons not to operate on these individuals.
"The take home message is, if an experienced group of surgeons safely perform the right operation, the patient likely will do fine," Dr. Yeo says. "Patients usually can leave the hospital in a week and can be on a survival curve that approaches the normal curve of the general population."
According to Dr. Yeo, new imaging techniques, improved early detection and screening of high-risk groups, and new therapies on the horizon have begun to change the way pancreatic cancer is viewed. "We're actually making great progress when it comes to pancreatic cancer," he says.
Pancreatic cancer, the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in this country, takes some 30,000 lives a year. The disease is difficult to treat, particularly because it is frequently detected after it has spread to other areas on the body. Only 4 percent of all individuals with pancreatic cancer live for five years after diagnosis, and approximately 25 percent of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who undergo successful surgical removal of their disease live at least that long.
But recent figures give new hope: of those who live for five years after surgical resection, some 55 percent will be alive at least another five years.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
pancreas diseases :Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease that needs to have medical attention as soon as some symptoms begin to surface. The reason why diabetes is serious is because it will cause the body to shut down and you will go into sugar shock. After sugar, shock the body will go into a coma and a person may never come out of the comatose state. Diabetes, in general, can cause the body to stop circulating the blood flow properly and that’s why many diabetics have to have parts of their body amputated. Diabetics also have a higher change of developing kidney, pancreas diseases, and other organ diseases.
Type two diabetes will usually affect people much older than that of type one. It is the most common type of diabetes and effects thousands of people each day. It is also referred to as adult onset diabetes.
Typically, it is due to being overweight, but there are exceptions to the rule. Type one is where your body lacks insulin and type one is where you body will begin to resist insulin. This type is developed by usually genetics and often is passed down through generations. The insulin levels with type two diabetics are sometimes normal, but the body won’t respond to it. This will create higher blood levels because the body is not using the glucose up. When you have type one you are considered to have symptoms of hyperglycemia, however you will have the opposite reaction with type two and have hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is where you have low blood sugar. It is from the fact that your body cannot provide enough energy for the activities of the body. It will cause you to be hungry much like type one. It will also make you very nervous or shaky. You will perspire more than the average person and you will become dizzy or light headed. You will become over anxious or weak which will cause you to have difficulty speaking or feeling restless. You will also become confused and possibly hallucinate. Because of your anxiety, you may have nightmares or perspire so much during sleep that your entire bed becomes wet or damp. You will often wake up tired, irritable, and confused.
Type two is the most common type of diabetes and exists in all cultures. It is often the result from obesity and it is doesn’t discriminate ethnically or racially. Obesity has become a problem for today’s world and has been found as a tendency to promote diabetes rather it’s genetically enhanced or not.
The causes of the disease have many factors to blame, but genetics seem to be the strongest factor. Obesity is also found to be genetically enhanced and the two could be related somehow. Treatment is simple, it is taken orally to lower the blood sugar which can cause hypoglycemia and at some point insulin injections may be needed.
by Kenneth Langlet
Type two diabetes will usually affect people much older than that of type one. It is the most common type of diabetes and effects thousands of people each day. It is also referred to as adult onset diabetes.
Typically, it is due to being overweight, but there are exceptions to the rule. Type one is where your body lacks insulin and type one is where you body will begin to resist insulin. This type is developed by usually genetics and often is passed down through generations. The insulin levels with type two diabetics are sometimes normal, but the body won’t respond to it. This will create higher blood levels because the body is not using the glucose up. When you have type one you are considered to have symptoms of hyperglycemia, however you will have the opposite reaction with type two and have hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is where you have low blood sugar. It is from the fact that your body cannot provide enough energy for the activities of the body. It will cause you to be hungry much like type one. It will also make you very nervous or shaky. You will perspire more than the average person and you will become dizzy or light headed. You will become over anxious or weak which will cause you to have difficulty speaking or feeling restless. You will also become confused and possibly hallucinate. Because of your anxiety, you may have nightmares or perspire so much during sleep that your entire bed becomes wet or damp. You will often wake up tired, irritable, and confused.
Type two is the most common type of diabetes and exists in all cultures. It is often the result from obesity and it is doesn’t discriminate ethnically or racially. Obesity has become a problem for today’s world and has been found as a tendency to promote diabetes rather it’s genetically enhanced or not.
The causes of the disease have many factors to blame, but genetics seem to be the strongest factor. Obesity is also found to be genetically enhanced and the two could be related somehow. Treatment is simple, it is taken orally to lower the blood sugar which can cause hypoglycemia and at some point insulin injections may be needed.
by Kenneth Langlet
pancreas diseases : If You Have An Autoimmune Disease
If you have an Autoimmune Disease (Like Fibromyalgia, MS, or Chrohn’s, etc.), then I know a secret about you. You most likely have an enzyme shortage. You may be thinking to yourself that an enzyme can’t be as bad as being short on cash or short on time. The fact is that an enzyme shortage does make you short on time!
Every single chemical action that takes place in the body REQUIRES enzymes. According to experts, a person's life span is directly related to your enzymes. In other words, your enzyme deficiency is shortening your time on Earth.
You need enzymes to be healthy. The pancreas produces enzymes. If you suffer from autoimmunity, then your poor pancreas is overworked and underpaid. The pancreas of a person with autoimmunity is not able to keep up with the job.
Besides the pancreas, where else are we supposed to get these enzymes? From fresh, raw food. When was the last time you ate fresh, raw food? If you are cooking or processing any of your food, you should take enzymes with that food. (Enzymes are available in supplement form.) Some enzymes include: Papain, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, and Bromelain.
by Heidi Whitaker
Every single chemical action that takes place in the body REQUIRES enzymes. According to experts, a person's life span is directly related to your enzymes. In other words, your enzyme deficiency is shortening your time on Earth.
You need enzymes to be healthy. The pancreas produces enzymes. If you suffer from autoimmunity, then your poor pancreas is overworked and underpaid. The pancreas of a person with autoimmunity is not able to keep up with the job.
Besides the pancreas, where else are we supposed to get these enzymes? From fresh, raw food. When was the last time you ate fresh, raw food? If you are cooking or processing any of your food, you should take enzymes with that food. (Enzymes are available in supplement form.) Some enzymes include: Papain, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, and Bromelain.
by Heidi Whitaker
Monday, July 31, 2006
pancreas diseases : What on Earth is an Enzyme?
Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything function, by enabling chemical reactions. All living cells contain enzymes. They are hard to visualize, since they are not something tangible, but they are essential to our bodies and our lives depend on them.
There are many kinds of enzymes, and they do everything from helping us breath to helping begin life at conception. Eighty percent of our DNA code relates to enzymes. But the kind of enzymes discussed here relate to our digestion and the food we eat.
In the process of digestion, the digestive enzymes in our bodies break down food into tiny microscopic parts that the body can use for fuel, growth and repair. One food may take hundreds of different types of enzymes for the body to digest.
Food is naturally filled with enzymes, called ?food enzymes?, that help us to digest that food. The problem is that when we cook or process it, we kill those enzymes. Temperatures over 118 degrees will destroy the enzymes. A good example of this is pineapple, which has some very powerful digestive enzymes in it. These enzymes work so well that when added to gelatin (like Jello), the enzymes won't allow the gelatin to thicken. So they only kind of pineapple you can add to gelatin is canned pineapple, which has been cooked and processed so that all the enzymes have been destroyed. It is now safe to add to gelatin, but not as good for your body.
Our body can manufacture enzymes, called digestive enzymes, in the pancreas. But when we eat a diet that is filled with mostly cooked and processed foods, depleted of enzymes, the pancreas is forced to work much harder than it was meant to, manufacturing the enzymes the body needs to digest these foods.
So the pancreas ends up overworking, and the body spends much needed energy and resources on digestion instead of important things like boosting the immune system, growth, repairs in the body and fighting disease. Even worse, if the pancreas becomes so overworked that it shuts down, then bits of undigested food start floating around the body in the bloodstream, causing all kinds of trouble.
The pancreas can be healed in time, with a diet of raw foods filled with enzymes. This same kind of diet, filled with raw fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, will keep the pancreas from getting that bad to begin with, and will enable the body to spend it?s energy on more important processes like boosting the immune system and fighting pancreas disease.
This is why it is so vital that we eat a diet containing lots of fresh enzyme filled raw foods. Especially in the world we live in today, where we are surrounded by poisons and things that cause cancer. We need these wholesome foods now more than humans ever have in the past, to help our bodies stay disease free and functioning properly.
About The Author
By Dianne Ronnow, © 2006 Mohave Publishing. All rights reserved. This article can be found at the Enzyme Health web site at http://Enzyme-Health.com. Dianne Ronnow’s best selling book reveals how thousands of people are losing weight and getting healthier adding coconut oil to their diets. To find out what the secrets of coconut oil are, check out her site at http://Coconut-Oil-Diet.com and start losing weight today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Ronnow
There are many kinds of enzymes, and they do everything from helping us breath to helping begin life at conception. Eighty percent of our DNA code relates to enzymes. But the kind of enzymes discussed here relate to our digestion and the food we eat.
In the process of digestion, the digestive enzymes in our bodies break down food into tiny microscopic parts that the body can use for fuel, growth and repair. One food may take hundreds of different types of enzymes for the body to digest.
Food is naturally filled with enzymes, called ?food enzymes?, that help us to digest that food. The problem is that when we cook or process it, we kill those enzymes. Temperatures over 118 degrees will destroy the enzymes. A good example of this is pineapple, which has some very powerful digestive enzymes in it. These enzymes work so well that when added to gelatin (like Jello), the enzymes won't allow the gelatin to thicken. So they only kind of pineapple you can add to gelatin is canned pineapple, which has been cooked and processed so that all the enzymes have been destroyed. It is now safe to add to gelatin, but not as good for your body.
Our body can manufacture enzymes, called digestive enzymes, in the pancreas. But when we eat a diet that is filled with mostly cooked and processed foods, depleted of enzymes, the pancreas is forced to work much harder than it was meant to, manufacturing the enzymes the body needs to digest these foods.
So the pancreas ends up overworking, and the body spends much needed energy and resources on digestion instead of important things like boosting the immune system, growth, repairs in the body and fighting disease. Even worse, if the pancreas becomes so overworked that it shuts down, then bits of undigested food start floating around the body in the bloodstream, causing all kinds of trouble.
The pancreas can be healed in time, with a diet of raw foods filled with enzymes. This same kind of diet, filled with raw fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, will keep the pancreas from getting that bad to begin with, and will enable the body to spend it?s energy on more important processes like boosting the immune system and fighting pancreas disease.
This is why it is so vital that we eat a diet containing lots of fresh enzyme filled raw foods. Especially in the world we live in today, where we are surrounded by poisons and things that cause cancer. We need these wholesome foods now more than humans ever have in the past, to help our bodies stay disease free and functioning properly.
About The Author
By Dianne Ronnow, © 2006 Mohave Publishing. All rights reserved. This article can be found at the Enzyme Health web site at http://Enzyme-Health.com. Dianne Ronnow’s best selling book reveals how thousands of people are losing weight and getting healthier adding coconut oil to their diets. To find out what the secrets of coconut oil are, check out her site at http://Coconut-Oil-Diet.com and start losing weight today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Ronnow
pancreas diseases : Ferret Diseases and Illness
Ferrets are fun and lively pets, but there are many ferret diseases that can strike quickly so you need to be sure to monitor your pets health carefully.
Ferrets can get sick just like any other pet and can even catch a cold or flu from you. Just like other pets, it might be difficult to tell when your ferret is sick. Since ferrets are often bundles of energy, you might notice that your ferret is a bit less energetic or simply just laying around, much like you do when you don’t feel well. This could indicate a simple cold or may mean something more serious.
A ferret that has caught a cold might have a runny nose, coughing and might even start sneezing. He may have other symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, and he may not want to eat much either. To determine for sure if your ferret has a common cold or one of the more serious ferret diseases, you should take him to your vet at the first sign of illness.
If it is determined that your ferret has a simple common cold, you can help him get over his illness by giving him lots of fluids. You will want to prevent him from becoming dehydrated and may want to try giving him some rehydrating drinks made for children.
If your ferret has symptoms that last longer then a few days or stops eating or drinking, this can indicate serious illness or disease and you should get him to the vet right away. Ferrets have a very high metabolism and if the animal dehydrates himself, he can slip away rather quickly if he does not get the help that he needs.
One of the common ferret diseases is adrenal disease which is a cancer of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of this disease include hair loss and possibly the animal becoming more aggressive than usual. This condition can be fatal if it is not taken care of right away.
Insulinoma is another common ferret type of disease. This cancer affects the pancreas and causes the production of insulin to increase causing the ferrets blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level. Symptoms of this condition include lethargy, seizures, and foaming at the mouth.
There are also a number of viral diseases that can also cause illness in your ferret. He could have any number of conditions including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is necessary for you to contact your vet as many of the conditions can be a signal of something that is threatening to the life of your pet.
In order to keep your pet healthy and happy, you should be sure he sees the vet yearly and watch his behavior closely for signs of change. With proper care, your ferret can live a healthy life of 8 years or even more.
Lee Dobbins writes for ferrets.pet-breeds.com where you can find out more about how to care for your pet ferret.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
Ferrets can get sick just like any other pet and can even catch a cold or flu from you. Just like other pets, it might be difficult to tell when your ferret is sick. Since ferrets are often bundles of energy, you might notice that your ferret is a bit less energetic or simply just laying around, much like you do when you don’t feel well. This could indicate a simple cold or may mean something more serious.
A ferret that has caught a cold might have a runny nose, coughing and might even start sneezing. He may have other symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, and he may not want to eat much either. To determine for sure if your ferret has a common cold or one of the more serious ferret diseases, you should take him to your vet at the first sign of illness.
If it is determined that your ferret has a simple common cold, you can help him get over his illness by giving him lots of fluids. You will want to prevent him from becoming dehydrated and may want to try giving him some rehydrating drinks made for children.
If your ferret has symptoms that last longer then a few days or stops eating or drinking, this can indicate serious illness or disease and you should get him to the vet right away. Ferrets have a very high metabolism and if the animal dehydrates himself, he can slip away rather quickly if he does not get the help that he needs.
One of the common ferret diseases is adrenal disease which is a cancer of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of this disease include hair loss and possibly the animal becoming more aggressive than usual. This condition can be fatal if it is not taken care of right away.
Insulinoma is another common ferret type of disease. This cancer affects the pancreas and causes the production of insulin to increase causing the ferrets blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level. Symptoms of this condition include lethargy, seizures, and foaming at the mouth.
There are also a number of viral diseases that can also cause illness in your ferret. He could have any number of conditions including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is necessary for you to contact your vet as many of the conditions can be a signal of something that is threatening to the life of your pet.
In order to keep your pet healthy and happy, you should be sure he sees the vet yearly and watch his behavior closely for signs of change. With proper care, your ferret can live a healthy life of 8 years or even more.
Lee Dobbins writes for ferrets.pet-breeds.com where you can find out more about how to care for your pet ferret.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
Thursday, July 27, 2006
pancreas diseases : Gastric Bypass Patients Should Include Tomatoes in Their Diet
After weight loss surgery it is important to include as many healthy foods in our diet as possible while still respecting the the restrictive nature gastric bypass system. One of the foods that many patients report having a high tolerance for is tomatoes. It's well known that a high intake of tomato products is associated with lowered risk of colon and prostate cancers, a beneficial effect thought to be due to tomatoes high content of the carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene.
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family of phytochemicals and is the natural pigment responsible for the deep red color of several fruits, most notably tomatoes. Recently scientists have found evidence that supports the role of lycopene in human health, specifically in the prevention of cancers of the prostate, pancreas, stomach, breast, cervix and lung, as well as in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Lycopene is also believed to play a role in the prevention of heart disease by inhibiting free radical damage to LDL cholesterol. Before cholesterol can be deposited in the plaques that harden and narrow arteries, it must be oxidized by free radicals. With its powerful antioxidant activity, lycopene can prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized.
Lycopene is a fat-soluble substance, and as such requires the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. To facilitate proper absorption tomatoes can be prepared with minimal healthy fat such as olive oil, canola oil or even dairy fat found in cheese. These "healthy fats" are generally well tolerated by gastric bypass patients.
Shopping for Tomatoes:
Choose tomatoes that have a deep rich color. Not only is this one of the signs of a delicious tasting tomato, but the deep color indicates that it has a greater supply of the health-promoting phytochemical red pigment, lycopene. Tomatoes should be well shaped and smooth skinned with no wrinkles, cracks, bruises or soft spots. They should not have a puffy appearance since this indicates that they will be of inferior flavor and will cause excess waste during preparation. Ripe tomatoes will yield to slight pressure and will have a noticeably sweet fragrance.
Tips for Preparing Tomatoes:
Before serving, wash tomatoes under cool running water and pat dry. If your recipe requires seeded tomatoes, cut the fruit in half horizontally and gently squeeze out the seeds and the juice.
Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved
An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com, a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.
The LivingAfterWLS.com site is complimented with daily blog. The blog, http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com offers readers the chance to comment or leave feedback about fresh content added daily. This site contains success stories and recipes, general information and WLS inspired topics. Complementing the site is a monthly newsletter titled “You Have Arrived” available exclusively to people who subscribe through the website or the blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Bailey
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family of phytochemicals and is the natural pigment responsible for the deep red color of several fruits, most notably tomatoes. Recently scientists have found evidence that supports the role of lycopene in human health, specifically in the prevention of cancers of the prostate, pancreas, stomach, breast, cervix and lung, as well as in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Lycopene is also believed to play a role in the prevention of heart disease by inhibiting free radical damage to LDL cholesterol. Before cholesterol can be deposited in the plaques that harden and narrow arteries, it must be oxidized by free radicals. With its powerful antioxidant activity, lycopene can prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized.
Lycopene is a fat-soluble substance, and as such requires the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. To facilitate proper absorption tomatoes can be prepared with minimal healthy fat such as olive oil, canola oil or even dairy fat found in cheese. These "healthy fats" are generally well tolerated by gastric bypass patients.
Shopping for Tomatoes:
Choose tomatoes that have a deep rich color. Not only is this one of the signs of a delicious tasting tomato, but the deep color indicates that it has a greater supply of the health-promoting phytochemical red pigment, lycopene. Tomatoes should be well shaped and smooth skinned with no wrinkles, cracks, bruises or soft spots. They should not have a puffy appearance since this indicates that they will be of inferior flavor and will cause excess waste during preparation. Ripe tomatoes will yield to slight pressure and will have a noticeably sweet fragrance.
Tips for Preparing Tomatoes:
Before serving, wash tomatoes under cool running water and pat dry. If your recipe requires seeded tomatoes, cut the fruit in half horizontally and gently squeeze out the seeds and the juice.
Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved
An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com, a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.
The LivingAfterWLS.com site is complimented with daily blog. The blog, http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com offers readers the chance to comment or leave feedback about fresh content added daily. This site contains success stories and recipes, general information and WLS inspired topics. Complementing the site is a monthly newsletter titled “You Have Arrived” available exclusively to people who subscribe through the website or the blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Bailey
pancreas diseases : Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being
Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being
by Georgianna Donadio D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Do you ever wonder why, in spite of all your good intentions, you just cannot seem to take control over your health and wellness the way you really want to? The answer to that question can be found in the words of Albert Einstein, who reminded us "you cannot correct a problem with the same thinking that created it”. In other words, you cannot change old behaviors without new information.
The Institute of Medicine recently published a study that indicates ninety million Americans are "health illiterate", which means we do not know how to interpret or use health information to control or improve our health, or prevent chronic disease. Data compiled previously identified, "lack of information as the number one root cause of death". Understanding that there exists a cause and effect relationship between what we know and how we behave, we need a model of integrating this important information to change the behaviors that lead to chronic disease. According to a 7-year, 1996, Harvard Medical School study, approximately 70% of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes. Furthermore, our diseases and conditions are primarily a result of stress, food, environment, attitude, emotions or beliefs that keep us in behaviors that lead to illness. Which invites the question, are we consciously choosing to be unhealthy, or do we just not understand sufficiently the relationship between what we think, how we behave, what we put into our bodies and how we keep ourselves well or make ourselves sick?
In a world exploding with health information, especially on the internet, we are caught in the dilemma of having abundant amounts of information, without a context through which we can understand and utilize this information in a way that is appropriate for our own unique personal health needs. There is, however, good news - making its way into the mainstream of health care is an integrated model of health information and education that provides a "whole picture of health" perspective, allowing each of us to discern and create our own unique approach to taking charge of our health and well-being. Whole Health Education, developed over the past 28 years, in cooperation with Boston physicians, nurses and educators, is an approach to understanding the cause and effect our behaviors and choices have on our state of health. Demystifying the five major factors that influence how sick or well we become, Whole Health Education provides a perspective on human anatomy and physiology, bio-chemistry, psycho-social, environmental and spiritual aspects which allows for an authentic understanding of what we need know to resolve chronic health problems or to stay healthy. Integrating evidence-based information with the wisdom of various spiritual teachings and a whole-person overview of behavioral options, Whole Health Education offers each of us a tool for personal health management by providing personalized health information that explains the physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental and spiritual aspects of a health concern.
For example, Mature Onset Diabetes affects approximately 18.2 million Americans and is the leading health concern in our culture today. As all chronic conditions are, Mature Onset Diabetes is a multi-dimensional disease state and the unique Whole Health perspective, can facilitate the restoration of health for those with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Physical/Structural
What happens on a physical and structural level with Mature Onset Diabetes? The specialized beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin, become incapable of producing adequate amounts of the critically necessary secretion. This happens over a period of years and can begin in our bodies, over time, by eating large amounts of insulin-provoking foods. These insulin provocateurs, which are sugars and starches in the form of complex carbohydrates, require the pancreas to produce more insulin so that the sugars can be carried over the cell membranes to all parts of the body. Serious disturbances occur when we do not have enough insulin to carry the sugar over the cell membranes. Insulin hooks onto the sugar molecule and acts like a lock and key mechanism to bring that sugar into the cell which is then used in the energy cycle of cell metabolism. The nervous system, brain and the lungs cannot function without the proper metabolism of sugars.
Emotional/Social
Just as diabetes is a lack of nourishment on a chemical/nutritional level, so is it a lack of emotional nourishment on an emotional/mental level. It relates to the “feel good” nourishment component of your body. What do we know about carbohydrates and serotonin? Carbohydrates provoke the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neuro-transmitter that produces a feeling of well-being. There is a direct relationship between what our body is doing chemically and how we feel emotionally. When we crave or build our diet around carbohydrates, this can be a way of “self-medicating” our emotional needs by eating carbohydrates to provoke insulin production.
Sugar problems can affect us emotionally. Let's say you have a pancreas that is not working properly. What can happen somatic/psychically from the pancreas to the brain? If we are feeling the ups and downs of hypoglycemia, and its biochemical/neurological symptoms, it may undermine our sense of security, self esteem, and produce anxiety and fear.
What is the emotional component of diabetes and the pancreas? Often, it can be a poor sense of self-esteem and a fear of not being “good enough” or not belonging. These feelings, medicated by the serotonin foods, can lead us to not look deeply enough into what is causing our health concerns and allow the feeling/feeding cycle to continue.
Chemical/Nutritional
On the nutritional side, the treatment for people with Mature Onset Diabetes is to decrease the stress on the pancreas by making changes in their diet -- decrease starches and sugars and decrease calories. Eat less, eat right. What kind of a diet would be best for preventing Mature Onset Diabetes? Vegetables, vegetables, and vegetables combined with lean proteins such as fish, chicken, water, a little fruit and a little fat. In a hypoglycemic situation, it is wise not to eat grain or sugar, but sprouted grain bread, and other substitutes can be healthy and satisfying.
Because hormones are chemicals, diabetes and hypoglycemia are both hormonal-based problems. What we know about the hormone system is that it works as a balanced interdependent system. Diabetes is an endocrine-related, systemic problem. With a systemic problem like diabetes, you have a body system problem--you do not just have a condition by itself. It is known that the pancreas is related, through hormone interaction, to the adrenals, and the adrenals are in turn related to the reproductive system. It is known that these glands are related through hormone interactions to the pituitary and the pituitary is related to the thyroid gland, the thyroid is related to the thymus, and the thymus is related to the immune system.
Environmental/Internal & External
The environment that we work in, live in, walk through, live near -- how does that environment have an impact on the way that we feel and the way we feel about ourselves?
How do we learn to trust in the order of the universe? By behaviors that come from trusting the order inside ourselves. We do this by setting boundaries -- codes of conduct of how we are going to behave, eat, work exercise and live. If we don't violate our own boundaries, we are less likely to let anybody else violate our boundaries. We have to start with ourselves. Our experience of victimization can begin with our own self-victimizing behavior.
Spiritual/World View
A Hindu Vendata truth is that “the whole world is one family”. It is said that there is only one disease, the disease of separateness, separating oneself from the awareness that we are one living organism. Competition creates isolation. The spiritual challenge presented by hypoglycemia and diabetes appears to be involved with over- or under-valuing the self: judgment of self and then others. Where are we in the process of getting to the truth that we are all equally important? The drama created by a one-up or one-down dynamic that we may allow to be part of our experience can lead to psychophysiology and the behavioral issues which can contribute to and create Mature Onset Diabetes.
Whole Health Education can transform our experience of taking care of ourselves. It can provide an understanding of our health concerns and conditions from this multi-dimensional perspective that makes sense in a way we can utilize the information directly and in a meaningful way. In addition, having the information provided in a mindful, respectful way that invites each of us to discern what we know about our health and condition, how to choose to resolve the problem and what kind of care we choose to have, allows each of us to experience whole-person health care through whole health information. Then, WE become the center of our health and healing process, rather than the doctors or practitioners we go to for guidance.
Georgianna Donadio D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D., has conducted a private practice in Whole Person Care since 1976. She is the Founder and Director of The New England School of Whole Health Education, the pioneer of Whole Health Education and a provider of patient and healthcare professional education since 1977. For more information, visit www.wholehealtheducation.org or call 1-888-354-HEAL (4325).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgianna_Donadio,_D.C.,_M.Sc.,_Ph.D.
by Georgianna Donadio D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Do you ever wonder why, in spite of all your good intentions, you just cannot seem to take control over your health and wellness the way you really want to? The answer to that question can be found in the words of Albert Einstein, who reminded us "you cannot correct a problem with the same thinking that created it”. In other words, you cannot change old behaviors without new information.
The Institute of Medicine recently published a study that indicates ninety million Americans are "health illiterate", which means we do not know how to interpret or use health information to control or improve our health, or prevent chronic disease. Data compiled previously identified, "lack of information as the number one root cause of death". Understanding that there exists a cause and effect relationship between what we know and how we behave, we need a model of integrating this important information to change the behaviors that lead to chronic disease. According to a 7-year, 1996, Harvard Medical School study, approximately 70% of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes. Furthermore, our diseases and conditions are primarily a result of stress, food, environment, attitude, emotions or beliefs that keep us in behaviors that lead to illness. Which invites the question, are we consciously choosing to be unhealthy, or do we just not understand sufficiently the relationship between what we think, how we behave, what we put into our bodies and how we keep ourselves well or make ourselves sick?
In a world exploding with health information, especially on the internet, we are caught in the dilemma of having abundant amounts of information, without a context through which we can understand and utilize this information in a way that is appropriate for our own unique personal health needs. There is, however, good news - making its way into the mainstream of health care is an integrated model of health information and education that provides a "whole picture of health" perspective, allowing each of us to discern and create our own unique approach to taking charge of our health and well-being. Whole Health Education, developed over the past 28 years, in cooperation with Boston physicians, nurses and educators, is an approach to understanding the cause and effect our behaviors and choices have on our state of health. Demystifying the five major factors that influence how sick or well we become, Whole Health Education provides a perspective on human anatomy and physiology, bio-chemistry, psycho-social, environmental and spiritual aspects which allows for an authentic understanding of what we need know to resolve chronic health problems or to stay healthy. Integrating evidence-based information with the wisdom of various spiritual teachings and a whole-person overview of behavioral options, Whole Health Education offers each of us a tool for personal health management by providing personalized health information that explains the physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental and spiritual aspects of a health concern.
For example, Mature Onset Diabetes affects approximately 18.2 million Americans and is the leading health concern in our culture today. As all chronic conditions are, Mature Onset Diabetes is a multi-dimensional disease state and the unique Whole Health perspective, can facilitate the restoration of health for those with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Physical/Structural
What happens on a physical and structural level with Mature Onset Diabetes? The specialized beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin, become incapable of producing adequate amounts of the critically necessary secretion. This happens over a period of years and can begin in our bodies, over time, by eating large amounts of insulin-provoking foods. These insulin provocateurs, which are sugars and starches in the form of complex carbohydrates, require the pancreas to produce more insulin so that the sugars can be carried over the cell membranes to all parts of the body. Serious disturbances occur when we do not have enough insulin to carry the sugar over the cell membranes. Insulin hooks onto the sugar molecule and acts like a lock and key mechanism to bring that sugar into the cell which is then used in the energy cycle of cell metabolism. The nervous system, brain and the lungs cannot function without the proper metabolism of sugars.
Emotional/Social
Just as diabetes is a lack of nourishment on a chemical/nutritional level, so is it a lack of emotional nourishment on an emotional/mental level. It relates to the “feel good” nourishment component of your body. What do we know about carbohydrates and serotonin? Carbohydrates provoke the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neuro-transmitter that produces a feeling of well-being. There is a direct relationship between what our body is doing chemically and how we feel emotionally. When we crave or build our diet around carbohydrates, this can be a way of “self-medicating” our emotional needs by eating carbohydrates to provoke insulin production.
Sugar problems can affect us emotionally. Let's say you have a pancreas that is not working properly. What can happen somatic/psychically from the pancreas to the brain? If we are feeling the ups and downs of hypoglycemia, and its biochemical/neurological symptoms, it may undermine our sense of security, self esteem, and produce anxiety and fear.
What is the emotional component of diabetes and the pancreas? Often, it can be a poor sense of self-esteem and a fear of not being “good enough” or not belonging. These feelings, medicated by the serotonin foods, can lead us to not look deeply enough into what is causing our health concerns and allow the feeling/feeding cycle to continue.
Chemical/Nutritional
On the nutritional side, the treatment for people with Mature Onset Diabetes is to decrease the stress on the pancreas by making changes in their diet -- decrease starches and sugars and decrease calories. Eat less, eat right. What kind of a diet would be best for preventing Mature Onset Diabetes? Vegetables, vegetables, and vegetables combined with lean proteins such as fish, chicken, water, a little fruit and a little fat. In a hypoglycemic situation, it is wise not to eat grain or sugar, but sprouted grain bread, and other substitutes can be healthy and satisfying.
Because hormones are chemicals, diabetes and hypoglycemia are both hormonal-based problems. What we know about the hormone system is that it works as a balanced interdependent system. Diabetes is an endocrine-related, systemic problem. With a systemic problem like diabetes, you have a body system problem--you do not just have a condition by itself. It is known that the pancreas is related, through hormone interaction, to the adrenals, and the adrenals are in turn related to the reproductive system. It is known that these glands are related through hormone interactions to the pituitary and the pituitary is related to the thyroid gland, the thyroid is related to the thymus, and the thymus is related to the immune system.
Environmental/Internal & External
The environment that we work in, live in, walk through, live near -- how does that environment have an impact on the way that we feel and the way we feel about ourselves?
How do we learn to trust in the order of the universe? By behaviors that come from trusting the order inside ourselves. We do this by setting boundaries -- codes of conduct of how we are going to behave, eat, work exercise and live. If we don't violate our own boundaries, we are less likely to let anybody else violate our boundaries. We have to start with ourselves. Our experience of victimization can begin with our own self-victimizing behavior.
Spiritual/World View
A Hindu Vendata truth is that “the whole world is one family”. It is said that there is only one disease, the disease of separateness, separating oneself from the awareness that we are one living organism. Competition creates isolation. The spiritual challenge presented by hypoglycemia and diabetes appears to be involved with over- or under-valuing the self: judgment of self and then others. Where are we in the process of getting to the truth that we are all equally important? The drama created by a one-up or one-down dynamic that we may allow to be part of our experience can lead to psychophysiology and the behavioral issues which can contribute to and create Mature Onset Diabetes.
Whole Health Education can transform our experience of taking care of ourselves. It can provide an understanding of our health concerns and conditions from this multi-dimensional perspective that makes sense in a way we can utilize the information directly and in a meaningful way. In addition, having the information provided in a mindful, respectful way that invites each of us to discern what we know about our health and condition, how to choose to resolve the problem and what kind of care we choose to have, allows each of us to experience whole-person health care through whole health information. Then, WE become the center of our health and healing process, rather than the doctors or practitioners we go to for guidance.
Georgianna Donadio D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D., has conducted a private practice in Whole Person Care since 1976. She is the Founder and Director of The New England School of Whole Health Education, the pioneer of Whole Health Education and a provider of patient and healthcare professional education since 1977. For more information, visit www.wholehealtheducation.org or call 1-888-354-HEAL (4325).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgianna_Donadio,_D.C.,_M.Sc.,_Ph.D.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
pancreas diseases : Causes/Basic Definitons of Diabetes
Before studying the causes of diabetes you must understand what is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease caused by hormonal imbalance. Insulin is helpful in supply of sugar to various parts of the body. When the beta cells in either produce low quantities of insulin or does not produce insulin in the pancreas, such a stage is called diabetes. In other cases the insulin is produced in the pancreas but the blood cells do not respond to the insulin. This factor of insulin imbalance leads to diabetes.
Diabetes is classified in different categories based on the above factors. They are commonly known as Type-1 & Type-2 Diabetes.
In Type-1 Diabetes the insulin is not produced in the pancreas. This happens because beta cells producing insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s cells. Researches are yet to confirm why this happens. This system of attacking and destroying insulin producing cells has a name called “autoimmune reaction”. There are no proven results available to establish the cause of this destruction of cells. However certain results are indicative why this happens. They are as follows:
a) It may be result of specific bacterial or viral infection.
b) It may be the result of toxins which are consumed through food.
c) According to some scientists it is the result of cow milk feeding at a very young infant stage.
The above causes are only hypothesis and exact cause is yet to be established.
The other form of diabetes – Type-2 Diabetes develops under the following circumstances:
a) Insulin Resistance. In this stage though the insulin is produced in the pancreas but the blood cells do not respond to the insulin. This leads to excess production of insulin. This over production of insulin results in getting insulin-producing cells exhausted.
b) As a result of insulin producing cells getting exhausted, there may not be sufficient insulin available or the available insulin may not be normal for your body system.
Here are some other factors which may increase the risk of occurrence of Type-2 diabetes. These factors are Increasing Age, Overweight and Physical Inactivity.
There are some other causes which may increase the risk of diabetes occurrence. But these are not so common and may be found in rare cases.
Continued prolonged consumption of certain drugs/steroids/medicines may elevate the blood sugar leading to diabetes.
Women may suffer from Gestational diabetes during pregnancy period. However, this type of diabetes is temporary but chances of it converting into Type-2 diabetes can not be ruled out.
Some diseases affect the pancreas. The pancreas may be damaged as a result of these diseases. This results in the malfunction of the pancreas and non-production of insulin. This can lead to diabetes.
What doesn’t cause diabetes?
You know that obesity – which is the cause of diabetes - is the result of eating sweets or the wrong kind of food. But eating sweets or the wrong type of food does not itself result in the occurrence of diabetes.
Stress may worsen the condition of diabetes but stress can not cause diabetes.
Diabetes is not contagious. It cannot spread from one person to another.
Above are the common and known causes of all types of diabetes. The best way to overcome this disease is to follow a life style which suits your body. If you follow certain tips like eating nutritious food, regular daily exercise, and avoid the use of steroids.
Ray Lunaburg
rlunaburg@thenextsolution.com
diabetic-recipes.blogspot.com
Causes of Diabetes 5/2006
IT Consultant looking for diabetic recipes to improve my health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Lunaburg
Diabetes is classified in different categories based on the above factors. They are commonly known as Type-1 & Type-2 Diabetes.
In Type-1 Diabetes the insulin is not produced in the pancreas. This happens because beta cells producing insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s cells. Researches are yet to confirm why this happens. This system of attacking and destroying insulin producing cells has a name called “autoimmune reaction”. There are no proven results available to establish the cause of this destruction of cells. However certain results are indicative why this happens. They are as follows:
a) It may be result of specific bacterial or viral infection.
b) It may be the result of toxins which are consumed through food.
c) According to some scientists it is the result of cow milk feeding at a very young infant stage.
The above causes are only hypothesis and exact cause is yet to be established.
The other form of diabetes – Type-2 Diabetes develops under the following circumstances:
a) Insulin Resistance. In this stage though the insulin is produced in the pancreas but the blood cells do not respond to the insulin. This leads to excess production of insulin. This over production of insulin results in getting insulin-producing cells exhausted.
b) As a result of insulin producing cells getting exhausted, there may not be sufficient insulin available or the available insulin may not be normal for your body system.
Here are some other factors which may increase the risk of occurrence of Type-2 diabetes. These factors are Increasing Age, Overweight and Physical Inactivity.
There are some other causes which may increase the risk of diabetes occurrence. But these are not so common and may be found in rare cases.
Continued prolonged consumption of certain drugs/steroids/medicines may elevate the blood sugar leading to diabetes.
Women may suffer from Gestational diabetes during pregnancy period. However, this type of diabetes is temporary but chances of it converting into Type-2 diabetes can not be ruled out.
Some diseases affect the pancreas. The pancreas may be damaged as a result of these diseases. This results in the malfunction of the pancreas and non-production of insulin. This can lead to diabetes.
What doesn’t cause diabetes?
You know that obesity – which is the cause of diabetes - is the result of eating sweets or the wrong kind of food. But eating sweets or the wrong type of food does not itself result in the occurrence of diabetes.
Stress may worsen the condition of diabetes but stress can not cause diabetes.
Diabetes is not contagious. It cannot spread from one person to another.
Above are the common and known causes of all types of diabetes. The best way to overcome this disease is to follow a life style which suits your body. If you follow certain tips like eating nutritious food, regular daily exercise, and avoid the use of steroids.
Ray Lunaburg
rlunaburg@thenextsolution.com
diabetic-recipes.blogspot.com
Causes of Diabetes 5/2006
IT Consultant looking for diabetic recipes to improve my health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Lunaburg
pancreas diseases : Learn Why Digestive Enzymes are Crucial for Optimal Health
Your body produces over 20 separate digestive enzymes that are actually proteins; they break down food so that your body can convert it to energy, relieve certain ailments and discomforts and bolster your immune system. Your digestive enzymes work hard from the moment that food enters your mouth. Yes! Once you take a bite of food, your digestive enzymes set out to break down the meal. The more efficient that your body is at breaking down your meals, the better your body works. Therefore, investing in and using a digestive enzyme supplement is one way to improve your overall well being.
Papain is the name of one digestive enzyme used in the manufacture of a quality digestive enzyme supplement. It is made from an unripened tropical fruit that you are probably familiar with: the papaya. The unripened fruit is crushed and the juice of the green papaya is used to make Papain. This digestive enzyme supplement ingredient helps proteins create oligopeptides and amino acids. Papain is thought to have properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation. Papain is used to assist with digestion and is also used to make meat tenderizers.
Lipase is another digestive enzyme that is produced in your body. Lipase works on the fat that you eat; it breaks it down so that your body can use it. When your body doesn't create enough Lipase to breakdown the fat, your stools will be greasy looking and very pale in color. Your body makes Lipase in the pancreas and as with all digestive enzymes, it also exists in saliva. The pancreas makes pancreatin which is essentially three digestive enzymes: lipase, amylase and proteases.
Lipase as a digestive enzyme supplement has been used to successfully aid in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The benefits have been documented and it is regularly prescribed by medical doctors for this ailment. Lipase is also being used to see if it will provide benefits to patients with indigestion because of pancreas diseases or the inability of the pancreas to work efficiently.
Perhaps the most beneficial use of Lipase and Papain are for their tumor fighting effects. Many oncologists prescribe digestive supplement therapy in addition to standard medical treatment including chemo therapy for cancer patients. Chemo therapy upsets the stomach partly because it is so hard on the body and partly because chemo is a toxin. The body tries to rid itself of the additional toxin, so it expels any food from the stomach as well. However digestive supplement therapy increases the body's ability to breakdown nutrients. Further digestive enzyme supplement therapy is said to have cancer fighting benefits. Whether this is because it boosts the immune system's ability to fight tumors or whether the enzymes breakdown the tumors so that the body can expel them needs to be studied further, but there is documented success in adding digestive supplement therapy to oncology patient's treatment regimes.
As with most things in our industrialized world, food is processed and preserved to the point that many nutrients are lost before the food is consumed. Once prepared, more nutrients are leeched from your food, so you have to consider whether or not you are getting the full benefit of any nutrient. If your meals are lacking in essential nutrients, like digestive enzyme bolsters, you may have a depletion of the essential enzymes that are necessary to your health. That is why you should consider adding a digestive enzyme supplement to your diet.
If you are a frequent flier or have a lot of stress in your life, your body is being robbed of its supply of digestive enzymes. Thus, when you are standing in line at the ticket counter after sleeping through your alarm and getting stuck in traffic, your natural supply of digestive enzymes is suffering. You can add a digestive enzyme supplement to your daily routine and increase the efficiency of your body and your immune system.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your family physician before you take any dietary supplement, including digestive enzyme supplements.
Dan Ho is chief editor of Nutritional Supplement Info Spotlight, and an avid enthusiast of alternative and holistic health. Get unconventional and unique solutions for common health issues, and keep abreast of the latest benefits and dangers of nutritional supplements with our free newsletter. Claim your subscription now at: Our Nutritional Supplements and Herbal Supplements Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Ho
Papain is the name of one digestive enzyme used in the manufacture of a quality digestive enzyme supplement. It is made from an unripened tropical fruit that you are probably familiar with: the papaya. The unripened fruit is crushed and the juice of the green papaya is used to make Papain. This digestive enzyme supplement ingredient helps proteins create oligopeptides and amino acids. Papain is thought to have properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation. Papain is used to assist with digestion and is also used to make meat tenderizers.
Lipase is another digestive enzyme that is produced in your body. Lipase works on the fat that you eat; it breaks it down so that your body can use it. When your body doesn't create enough Lipase to breakdown the fat, your stools will be greasy looking and very pale in color. Your body makes Lipase in the pancreas and as with all digestive enzymes, it also exists in saliva. The pancreas makes pancreatin which is essentially three digestive enzymes: lipase, amylase and proteases.
Lipase as a digestive enzyme supplement has been used to successfully aid in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The benefits have been documented and it is regularly prescribed by medical doctors for this ailment. Lipase is also being used to see if it will provide benefits to patients with indigestion because of pancreas diseases or the inability of the pancreas to work efficiently.
Perhaps the most beneficial use of Lipase and Papain are for their tumor fighting effects. Many oncologists prescribe digestive supplement therapy in addition to standard medical treatment including chemo therapy for cancer patients. Chemo therapy upsets the stomach partly because it is so hard on the body and partly because chemo is a toxin. The body tries to rid itself of the additional toxin, so it expels any food from the stomach as well. However digestive supplement therapy increases the body's ability to breakdown nutrients. Further digestive enzyme supplement therapy is said to have cancer fighting benefits. Whether this is because it boosts the immune system's ability to fight tumors or whether the enzymes breakdown the tumors so that the body can expel them needs to be studied further, but there is documented success in adding digestive supplement therapy to oncology patient's treatment regimes.
As with most things in our industrialized world, food is processed and preserved to the point that many nutrients are lost before the food is consumed. Once prepared, more nutrients are leeched from your food, so you have to consider whether or not you are getting the full benefit of any nutrient. If your meals are lacking in essential nutrients, like digestive enzyme bolsters, you may have a depletion of the essential enzymes that are necessary to your health. That is why you should consider adding a digestive enzyme supplement to your diet.
If you are a frequent flier or have a lot of stress in your life, your body is being robbed of its supply of digestive enzymes. Thus, when you are standing in line at the ticket counter after sleeping through your alarm and getting stuck in traffic, your natural supply of digestive enzymes is suffering. You can add a digestive enzyme supplement to your daily routine and increase the efficiency of your body and your immune system.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your family physician before you take any dietary supplement, including digestive enzyme supplements.
Dan Ho is chief editor of Nutritional Supplement Info Spotlight, and an avid enthusiast of alternative and holistic health. Get unconventional and unique solutions for common health issues, and keep abreast of the latest benefits and dangers of nutritional supplements with our free newsletter. Claim your subscription now at: Our Nutritional Supplements and Herbal Supplements Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Ho
Friday, July 21, 2006
pancreas diseases : Pancreatic insufficiency
What can you tell me about pancreatic insufficiency?
Answer
The pancreas makes and secretes digestive juices and enzymes, which help break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas doesn't make enough enzymes for proper digestion to take place. Pancreatic insufficiency isn't a disease but a sign of an underlying problem. It typically results from damage to the pancreas, such as due to chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or cystic fibrosis.
Severe pancreatic insufficiency impairs absorption of nutrients by the intestines (malabsorption), leading to deficiencies of essential nutrients. Decreased absorption of fat leads to increased fat in stools (steatorrhea). This results in weight loss, diarrhea and pale, bulky, foul-smelling stools.
When possible, treatment is directed at the underlying cause of pancreatic damage. Treatment may also include supplemental pancreatic enzymes to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. In addition, your doctor may recommend a low-fat diet to help control steatorrhea.
by - John / Missouri
Answer
The pancreas makes and secretes digestive juices and enzymes, which help break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas doesn't make enough enzymes for proper digestion to take place. Pancreatic insufficiency isn't a disease but a sign of an underlying problem. It typically results from damage to the pancreas, such as due to chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or cystic fibrosis.
Severe pancreatic insufficiency impairs absorption of nutrients by the intestines (malabsorption), leading to deficiencies of essential nutrients. Decreased absorption of fat leads to increased fat in stools (steatorrhea). This results in weight loss, diarrhea and pale, bulky, foul-smelling stools.
When possible, treatment is directed at the underlying cause of pancreatic damage. Treatment may also include supplemental pancreatic enzymes to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. In addition, your doctor may recommend a low-fat diet to help control steatorrhea.
by - John / Missouri
pancreas diseases : Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes?
Hyperinsulinemia means you have too much insulin in your blood. It isn't diabetes. But hyperinsulinemia is often associated with type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is produced by your pancreas and helps regulate blood sugar. Hyperinsulinemia is a sign of an underlying problem that is causing your pancreas to secrete excessive amounts of insulin.
The most common cause of hyperinsulinemia is insulin resistance, a condition in which your body is resistant to the effects of insulin and your pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin.
Rarely, hyperinsulinemia is caused by:
A tumor of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (insulinoma)
Excessive numbers of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (nesidioblastosis)
Hyperinsulinemia causes no signs or symptoms unless it causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Treatment of hyperinsulinemia is directed at the underlying problem.
by Melanie / Pennsylvania
Insulin is produced by your pancreas and helps regulate blood sugar. Hyperinsulinemia is a sign of an underlying problem that is causing your pancreas to secrete excessive amounts of insulin.
The most common cause of hyperinsulinemia is insulin resistance, a condition in which your body is resistant to the effects of insulin and your pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin.
Rarely, hyperinsulinemia is caused by:
A tumor of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (insulinoma)
Excessive numbers of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (nesidioblastosis)
Hyperinsulinemia causes no signs or symptoms unless it causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Treatment of hyperinsulinemia is directed at the underlying problem.
by Melanie / Pennsylvania
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
pancreas diseases : Pancreas Function Tests
Secretin stimulation test
The secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to the hormone secretin. The small intestines produce secretin in the presence of partially digested food. Normally, secretin stimulates the pancreas to secrete a fluid with a high concentration of bicarbonate. This fluid neutralizes stomach acid and is necessary for a number of enzymes to function in the breakdown and absorption of food. People with diseases involving the pancreas (for example, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic cancer) might have abnormal pancreatic function.
In performing a secretin stimulation test, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the duodenum (upper section of small intestine). Secretin is administered and the contents of the duodenal secretions are aspirated (removed with suction) and analyzed over a period of about two hours.
Fecal elastase test
The fecal elastase test measures elastase, an enzyme found in fluids produced by the pancreas. Elastase digests and degrades various kinds of proteins. During this test, a patient’s stool sample is analyzed for the presence of elastase.
Computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast dye
This scan can help rule out other causes of abdominal pain and also can determine whether tissue is dying (pancreatic necrosis). CT can identify complications such as fluid around the pancreas, a collection of pus (abscess), or a collection of tissue, fluid, and pancreatic enzymes (pseudocyst).
Abdominal ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound can detect gallstones and fluid from inflammation in the abdomen (ascites). It also can show an enlarged common bile duct, an abscess, or a pseudocyst.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
During an ERCP, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the small intestine. Dye is used to help the doctor see the structure of the common bile duct, other bile ducts, and the pancreatic duct on an X-ray.
Endoscopic ultrasound
During this test, a probe attached to a lighted scope is placed down the throat and into the stomach. Sound waves show images of organs in the abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasound might reveal gallstones and can be helpful in diagnosing severe pancreatitis when an invasive test such as ERCP might make the condition worse.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
This kind of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to look at the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct.
© Copyright 1995-2006 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
The secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to the hormone secretin. The small intestines produce secretin in the presence of partially digested food. Normally, secretin stimulates the pancreas to secrete a fluid with a high concentration of bicarbonate. This fluid neutralizes stomach acid and is necessary for a number of enzymes to function in the breakdown and absorption of food. People with diseases involving the pancreas (for example, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic cancer) might have abnormal pancreatic function.
In performing a secretin stimulation test, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the duodenum (upper section of small intestine). Secretin is administered and the contents of the duodenal secretions are aspirated (removed with suction) and analyzed over a period of about two hours.
Fecal elastase test
The fecal elastase test measures elastase, an enzyme found in fluids produced by the pancreas. Elastase digests and degrades various kinds of proteins. During this test, a patient’s stool sample is analyzed for the presence of elastase.
Computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast dye
This scan can help rule out other causes of abdominal pain and also can determine whether tissue is dying (pancreatic necrosis). CT can identify complications such as fluid around the pancreas, a collection of pus (abscess), or a collection of tissue, fluid, and pancreatic enzymes (pseudocyst).
Abdominal ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound can detect gallstones and fluid from inflammation in the abdomen (ascites). It also can show an enlarged common bile duct, an abscess, or a pseudocyst.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
During an ERCP, a health care professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the small intestine. Dye is used to help the doctor see the structure of the common bile duct, other bile ducts, and the pancreatic duct on an X-ray.
Endoscopic ultrasound
During this test, a probe attached to a lighted scope is placed down the throat and into the stomach. Sound waves show images of organs in the abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasound might reveal gallstones and can be helpful in diagnosing severe pancreatitis when an invasive test such as ERCP might make the condition worse.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
This kind of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to look at the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct.
© Copyright 1995-2006 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
Friday, July 14, 2006
pancreas diseases : Lipase -Common Questions
1. What are the treatment options for pancreatitis?
Treatment depends upon the symptoms. If they are absent or mild, there may be no treatment. If they are more severe, your doctor may suggest "resting the pancreas" by a spectrum of options ranging from not eating solid foods to fasting combined with IV (intravenous) fluid replacement for several days to a few weeks (usually requiring hospitalization). Medication and possible surgery may also be considered for patients with severe symptoms. Sometimes pain management medications are required. Nutritional support, such as low-fat diets and frequent small meals, may help relieve symptoms. Oral pancreatic enzyme replacement is another possible choice.
2. What are the long-term consequences of pancreatitis?
With acute pancreatitis there is usually no long term damage, and often no further problems develop. Chronic pancreatitis, which may present as a series of acute attacks or as an ongoing upset can cause permanent damage. As the pancreas becomes more scarred, some people develop diabetes and/or the inability to digest foods, especially fats. The lack of normal pancreatic enzymes may lead to adverse effects on food digestion and waste production, causing abdominal pain, greasy stools, and formation of stones in the pancreas. Even if the disease is controlled, the damage done is often irreversible. If the disease progresses, it could lead to death.
3. Do elevated lipase levels always mean I have a pancreatic condition?
In pancreatitis, the lipase rises quickly, but begins to drop in about 4 days. In other conditions, the rise is usually not as great, and the level is maintained for a longer period. Your doctor is the best one to determine if you have a pancreatic disorder. She will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and test result.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
Treatment depends upon the symptoms. If they are absent or mild, there may be no treatment. If they are more severe, your doctor may suggest "resting the pancreas" by a spectrum of options ranging from not eating solid foods to fasting combined with IV (intravenous) fluid replacement for several days to a few weeks (usually requiring hospitalization). Medication and possible surgery may also be considered for patients with severe symptoms. Sometimes pain management medications are required. Nutritional support, such as low-fat diets and frequent small meals, may help relieve symptoms. Oral pancreatic enzyme replacement is another possible choice.
2. What are the long-term consequences of pancreatitis?
With acute pancreatitis there is usually no long term damage, and often no further problems develop. Chronic pancreatitis, which may present as a series of acute attacks or as an ongoing upset can cause permanent damage. As the pancreas becomes more scarred, some people develop diabetes and/or the inability to digest foods, especially fats. The lack of normal pancreatic enzymes may lead to adverse effects on food digestion and waste production, causing abdominal pain, greasy stools, and formation of stones in the pancreas. Even if the disease is controlled, the damage done is often irreversible. If the disease progresses, it could lead to death.
3. Do elevated lipase levels always mean I have a pancreatic condition?
In pancreatitis, the lipase rises quickly, but begins to drop in about 4 days. In other conditions, the rise is usually not as great, and the level is maintained for a longer period. Your doctor is the best one to determine if you have a pancreatic disorder. She will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and test result.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
pancreas diseases Lipase
How is it used?
The blood test for lipase is used to help diagnose pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) and other pancreatic disease. It is also used to a lesser extent in the diagnosis and follow-up of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
When is it ordered?
A lipase test may be ordered if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.
What does the test result mean?
NOTE: A standard reference range is not available for this test. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online strongly recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor. For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.
Normal values for lipase depend on the test used to measure it. In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are very high, often 2 to 5 times the normal amount. Slightly high lipase values may occur in other conditions such as kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, or peptic ulcer disease. Occasionally lipase is high due to a tumor (cancer). The rapid and sharp rise of lipase in the blood within hours after the beginning of an attack, and the decline after about 4 days, usually indicates acute pancreatitis.
Is there anything else I should know?
In acute pancreatitis, elevated lipase levels usually parallel levels of another enzyme called amylase, and remains elevated longer (for 5 to 7 days).
Both lipase and amylase are usually ordered together to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Both may also be used to monitor chronic pancreatitis. Both may be moderately elevated in chronic pancreatic disease and/or levels may fall if the cells that produce amylase and lipase in the pancreas become damaged or destroyed.
Low lipase levels are often associated with diabetes. (If your body is unable to digest fat, this condition interferes with insulin metabolism and with insulin's transport of glucose into the cells.)
Lipase-deficient people may also have high cholesterol and/or high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, difficulty losing weight, and varicose veins. Drugs that may interfere with maintaining proper lipase levels include codeine, indomethacin, morphine, and drugs with a hydrochloric acid base.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
The blood test for lipase is used to help diagnose pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) and other pancreatic disease. It is also used to a lesser extent in the diagnosis and follow-up of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
When is it ordered?
A lipase test may be ordered if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, or nausea.
What does the test result mean?
NOTE: A standard reference range is not available for this test. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online strongly recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor. For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.
Normal values for lipase depend on the test used to measure it. In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are very high, often 2 to 5 times the normal amount. Slightly high lipase values may occur in other conditions such as kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, or peptic ulcer disease. Occasionally lipase is high due to a tumor (cancer). The rapid and sharp rise of lipase in the blood within hours after the beginning of an attack, and the decline after about 4 days, usually indicates acute pancreatitis.
Is there anything else I should know?
In acute pancreatitis, elevated lipase levels usually parallel levels of another enzyme called amylase, and remains elevated longer (for 5 to 7 days).
Both lipase and amylase are usually ordered together to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Both may also be used to monitor chronic pancreatitis. Both may be moderately elevated in chronic pancreatic disease and/or levels may fall if the cells that produce amylase and lipase in the pancreas become damaged or destroyed.
Low lipase levels are often associated with diabetes. (If your body is unable to digest fat, this condition interferes with insulin metabolism and with insulin's transport of glucose into the cells.)
Lipase-deficient people may also have high cholesterol and/or high blood triglycerides, high blood pressure, difficulty losing weight, and varicose veins. Drugs that may interfere with maintaining proper lipase levels include codeine, indomethacin, morphine, and drugs with a hydrochloric acid base.
©2001-2006 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
pancreas diseases : New Study of Gemcitabine, Cisplatin and Bevacizumab Yields Promising Results
According to results reported by Andrew Ko, MD (University of California, San Francisco), an experimental protocol including gemcitabine, cisplatin and the molecular targeting agent bevacizumab (Avastin) yielded astonishing results in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. In this single institution phase II study, patients were given gemcitabine 1000mg/m2, cisplatin 20 mg/m2 and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. CT scans were performed every two cycles. Of the 35 patients enrolled, 66.7% achieved disease control (complete response > one year: 1; partial response: 6; stable disease: 15). Median survival, evaluated after 28 days, was 8 months for the cohort as a whole, the estimated 1-year survival being 39%. Dr. Ko drew attention to the fact that all patients in the study had either been diagnosed when the disease was already metastatic or had cancer recurrence after a Whipple procedure. ’The combination of fixed-dose rate gemcitabine, low-dose cisplatin and bevacizumab appears to be very active in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer’, Dr. Ko said. ‘However’, he cautioned, ‘the potential benefits of this regimen need to be carefully weighed against the considerable toxicity observed on the study.’ Indeed, the complications were considerable: About 25% of patients developed grade 3 or worse liver toxicity; 11% developed hypertension, and major bleeding events occurred in 8.6% of patients. Two patients had bowel perforation, and 1 person suffered a stroke-like event. Better patient selection, such as excluding those with tumors that were protruding through organ walls, might reduce some of these complications, Dr. Ko said. These results were presented during the 3rd Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GI) held in San Francisco, CA, January 20 - 30, 2006.
PancreasWeb 03/02/06
PancreasWeb 03/02/06
pancreas diseases : New Drug Combination Found to Be Effective
New Drug Combination Found to Be Effective in Gemcitabine-Resistant Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
PancreasWeb 18/04/06
According to the findings of Italian researchers, a combination treatment of raltitrexed and oxaliplatin seems to be effective in gemcitabine-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer. Michele Reni, MD, and his team investigated 41 patients (>18 years, performance status =50) who had stopped responding to gemcitabine. They received raltitrexed 3mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 130mg/m2 every 3 weeks until progression, toxicity, or a maximum of 6 cycles. A total of 137 cycles were administered, with a dose intensity of 92% of the intended dose for both drugs. Main grade >2 toxicity was found in 10 patients, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting and fatigue. Clinical benefit was seen in 21 patients (51%): 10 subjects showed a partial response, and 11 had stable disease. At 6 months, progression-free survival was 14.6%, with a median survival of 5.2 months. The researchers also found that a longer previous progression-free survival positively influenced survival in this study. Michele Reni concluded that a clinically relevant improvement of quality of life was observed in numerous domains. The data has been presented in an article published in the British Journal of Cancer (2006;94:785-791).
PancreasWeb 18/04/06
PancreasWeb 18/04/06
According to the findings of Italian researchers, a combination treatment of raltitrexed and oxaliplatin seems to be effective in gemcitabine-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer. Michele Reni, MD, and his team investigated 41 patients (>18 years, performance status =50) who had stopped responding to gemcitabine. They received raltitrexed 3mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 130mg/m2 every 3 weeks until progression, toxicity, or a maximum of 6 cycles. A total of 137 cycles were administered, with a dose intensity of 92% of the intended dose for both drugs. Main grade >2 toxicity was found in 10 patients, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, vomiting and fatigue. Clinical benefit was seen in 21 patients (51%): 10 subjects showed a partial response, and 11 had stable disease. At 6 months, progression-free survival was 14.6%, with a median survival of 5.2 months. The researchers also found that a longer previous progression-free survival positively influenced survival in this study. Michele Reni concluded that a clinically relevant improvement of quality of life was observed in numerous domains. The data has been presented in an article published in the British Journal of Cancer (2006;94:785-791).
PancreasWeb 18/04/06
Sunday, July 09, 2006
pancreas diseases : Are the Tumors Associated With MEN1 Cancerous?
The overactive endocrine glands associated with MEN1 may contain benign tumors, but usually they do not have any signs of cancer. Benign tumors can disrupt normal function by releasing hormones or by crowding nearby tissue. For example, a prolactinoma may become quite large in someone with MEN1. As it grows, the tumor can press against and damage the normal part of the pituitary gland or the nerves that carry vision from the eyes. Sometimes impaired vision is the first sign of a pituitary tumor in MEN1.
Another type of benign tumor often seen in people with MEN1 is a plum-sized, fatty tumor called a lipoma, which grows under the skin. Lipomas cause no health problems and can be removed by simple cosmetic surgery if desired. These tumors are also fairly common in the general population.
Benign tumors do not spread to or invade other parts of the body. Cancer cells, by contrast, break away from the primary tumor and spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
The pancreatic islet cell tumors associated with MEN1 tend to be numerous and small, but most are benign and do not release active hormones into the blood. Eventually, about half of MEN1 cases will develop a cancerous pancreatic tumor.
Copyright © 2000-2006 Adviware Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Another type of benign tumor often seen in people with MEN1 is a plum-sized, fatty tumor called a lipoma, which grows under the skin. Lipomas cause no health problems and can be removed by simple cosmetic surgery if desired. These tumors are also fairly common in the general population.
Benign tumors do not spread to or invade other parts of the body. Cancer cells, by contrast, break away from the primary tumor and spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
The pancreatic islet cell tumors associated with MEN1 tend to be numerous and small, but most are benign and do not release active hormones into the blood. Eventually, about half of MEN1 cases will develop a cancerous pancreatic tumor.
Copyright © 2000-2006 Adviware Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
pancreas diseases : Rare Complications of MEN1
Occasionally, a person who has MEN1 develops islet tumors of the pancreas that secrete high levels of pancreatic hormones other than gastrin. Insulinomas, for example, produce too much insulin, causing serious low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Pancreatic tumors that secrete too much glucagon or somatostatin can cause diabetes, and too much vasoactive intestinal peptide can cause diarrhea.
Other rare complications arise from pituitary tumors that release high amounts of ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone cause excessive bone growth or disfigurement.
Another rare complication is an endocrine tumor inside the chest or in the stomach, known as a carcinoid. In general, surgery is the mainstay of treatment for all of these rare types of tumors, except for gastric carcinoids which usually require no treatment.
Copyright © 2000-2006 Adviware Pty Ltd. All rights reserved
Other rare complications arise from pituitary tumors that release high amounts of ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone cause excessive bone growth or disfigurement.
Another rare complication is an endocrine tumor inside the chest or in the stomach, known as a carcinoid. In general, surgery is the mainstay of treatment for all of these rare types of tumors, except for gastric carcinoids which usually require no treatment.
Copyright © 2000-2006 Adviware Pty Ltd. All rights reserved
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
pancreas diseases : Implications and Cost of Pancreatic Leak Following Distal Pancreatic Resection
Objectives: Pancreatic stump leak (PL) after elective distal pancreatic resection significantly impacts cost and increases subsequent health care resource utilization. We sought to provide an economic framework for potential interventions aimed at reducing its occurrence.
Design: Retrospective case series and economic evaluation.
Setting: University-affiliated, tertiary care referral center.
Patients: Sixty-six patients undergoing elective distal pancreatectomy.
Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative complications; hospital and professional costs.
Results: Overall postoperative morbidity occurred in 34 patients (52%) with no deaths. The total number of patients with complications directly related to PL was 22 (33%). The mean ± SD number of total hospital days for the no-PL group was 5.2 ± 1.7 days (range, 3-12 days) vs 16.6 ± 14.6 days (range, 4-49 days) for the PL group (P = .001). The average patient with PL-related problems incurred a total cost that was 2.01 times greater than the average patient in the no-PL group. A decision analytic model developed to evaluate threshold costs showed that a hypothetical intervention designed to reduce the complication rate of distal pancreatectomy by one third would be financially justifiable up to a cost of $1418 per patient.
Conclusions: Complications derived from PL following distal pancreatectomy double the cost and dramatically increase health care resource utilization. There is an urgent need to develop strategies that reduce the incidence of this common complication. Interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of PL should take into account this cost differential. We provide an economic model to serve as a guide for developing these technologies.
J. Ruben Rodriguez, Santos Soto Germes, Pari V. Pandharipande, G. Scott Gazelle, Sarah P. Thayer, Andrew L. Warshaw, Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo
Design: Retrospective case series and economic evaluation.
Setting: University-affiliated, tertiary care referral center.
Patients: Sixty-six patients undergoing elective distal pancreatectomy.
Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative complications; hospital and professional costs.
Results: Overall postoperative morbidity occurred in 34 patients (52%) with no deaths. The total number of patients with complications directly related to PL was 22 (33%). The mean ± SD number of total hospital days for the no-PL group was 5.2 ± 1.7 days (range, 3-12 days) vs 16.6 ± 14.6 days (range, 4-49 days) for the PL group (P = .001). The average patient with PL-related problems incurred a total cost that was 2.01 times greater than the average patient in the no-PL group. A decision analytic model developed to evaluate threshold costs showed that a hypothetical intervention designed to reduce the complication rate of distal pancreatectomy by one third would be financially justifiable up to a cost of $1418 per patient.
Conclusions: Complications derived from PL following distal pancreatectomy double the cost and dramatically increase health care resource utilization. There is an urgent need to develop strategies that reduce the incidence of this common complication. Interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of PL should take into account this cost differential. We provide an economic model to serve as a guide for developing these technologies.
J. Ruben Rodriguez, Santos Soto Germes, Pari V. Pandharipande, G. Scott Gazelle, Sarah P. Thayer, Andrew L. Warshaw, Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo
pancreas diseases : PancreasWeb 28/06/06
Ever since surgical resection has been part of the armamentarium against pancreatic disease, pancreatic leak has been its foremost complication in terms of frequency and associated morbidity. The rate of pancreatic leak is more common, albeit less dramatic, after distal pancreatectomy than after pancreatoduodenectomy. Occurrence of a pancreatic leak is associated with fistula, sterile or infected collections, or peritonitis, which may lead to patient re-operation or even death. This increase in morbidity has significant financial implications, doubling the overall cost of the procedure, as shown in the economic assessment recently published by Dr. Rubén Rodríguez et al.. The money that could be saved by reducing the occurrence rate of this complication has warranted a wealth of trials aiming at controlling pancreatic leak thanks to pharmacological, technical or technological means. The suppressive effect on exocrine secretion from the pancreas of the hormone somatostatin and its synthetic analogues has been used in a number of prospective randomized trials in an attempt to prevent pancreatic leaks after pancreatic resection. Although this pharmacological strategy has been found beneficial in a recent meta-analysis, its efficiency is still a matter of debate and was not observed in several studies [1,2]. From a technical/technological point of view, there does not seem to be an advantage in using stapling rather than a hand-sewn suture for the closure of the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy [3]. Several other strategies, such as fibrin-glue sealing of the stump or anastomosis, sealing of the parenchyma of the pancreatic stump with a radio-frequency device, patching the pancreatic stump with an omental plug or a patch taken from the falciform ligament, the use of an ultrasonic or harmonic scalpel for tissue dissection, have been described as successful, but still remain anecdotic [4]. Some authors have even advocated the preoperative endoscopic placement of a stent inside the pancreatic duct or performance of a sphincterotomy to prevent the occurence of a leak thanks to pancreatic decompression. This strategy was successful in a small series of patients, but triggered acute pancreatitis in some [5]. Finally, it is ironic that the most sophisticated approaches may not necessarily be the most effective, since a recent article showed that identification and suture ligation of the pancreatic duct after distal pancreatectomy decreased the rate of occurrence of a pancreatic leak from 34% to 9.6% [6], which equals a saving of 3,400 US$ per patient according to the study of Dr. Rubén Rodríguez.
by Thierry Berney, MD, MSc,
by Thierry Berney, MD, MSc,
Sunday, July 02, 2006
pancreas diseases : FAQ for Nutrition
What is the best thing to do nutritionally if you have abdominal pain?
Sometimes it is best to rest the pancreas and limit your food intake. If you are experiencing a flare, your doctor may even recommend no food for a day or two. If you can tolerate food, low fat, low protein foods may be better tolerated as they tend to stimulate the pancreas the least. Avoid high fat and heavily spiced foods. If you notice a particular food causes pain, avoid it. A diet of only clear liquids can be followed when pain is severe. Clear liquids include apple, cranberry and grape juice, gelatin and broth. The clear liquid diet, however, is not nutritionally complete and the diet should be advanced as soon as additional food is tolerated.
What can be done for nutrition when there is nausea and vomiting?
The following suggestions may help you maintain or increase your intake while minimizing nausea and vomiting:
Avoid foods with high fat content (such as greasy or fried foods).
Avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. Cool, clear liquids are often better tolerated. Try broth, flavored gelatin, carbonated beverages, popsicles, or apple juice. Drink small amounts every hour, especially if you are vomiting.
Eat smaller portions more often during the day. Eating small amounts every 1-2 hours may be helpful.
Don't drink liquids with your meals. It is best to drink fluids 45-60 minutes before or after meals.
Avoid spicy foods. Bland foods may be better tolerated.
Foods that are cold or warm may be easier to tolerate than hot foods.
Let someone else do the cooking. The odor of foods may make you feel worse.
How can someone with pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases go out to a restaurant?
Most restaurants are more than willing to accomodate special requests. When ordering in a restaurant, request a very low fat meal and explain to the server that there is a medical reason for the request. Most restaurants will steam fish and vegetables or grill a piece of chicken. Many restaurants are happy to take on the challenge and will produce a truly delicious meal for you.
©1999-2004 National Pancreas Foundation
Sometimes it is best to rest the pancreas and limit your food intake. If you are experiencing a flare, your doctor may even recommend no food for a day or two. If you can tolerate food, low fat, low protein foods may be better tolerated as they tend to stimulate the pancreas the least. Avoid high fat and heavily spiced foods. If you notice a particular food causes pain, avoid it. A diet of only clear liquids can be followed when pain is severe. Clear liquids include apple, cranberry and grape juice, gelatin and broth. The clear liquid diet, however, is not nutritionally complete and the diet should be advanced as soon as additional food is tolerated.
What can be done for nutrition when there is nausea and vomiting?
The following suggestions may help you maintain or increase your intake while minimizing nausea and vomiting:
Avoid foods with high fat content (such as greasy or fried foods).
Avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. Cool, clear liquids are often better tolerated. Try broth, flavored gelatin, carbonated beverages, popsicles, or apple juice. Drink small amounts every hour, especially if you are vomiting.
Eat smaller portions more often during the day. Eating small amounts every 1-2 hours may be helpful.
Don't drink liquids with your meals. It is best to drink fluids 45-60 minutes before or after meals.
Avoid spicy foods. Bland foods may be better tolerated.
Foods that are cold or warm may be easier to tolerate than hot foods.
Let someone else do the cooking. The odor of foods may make you feel worse.
How can someone with pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases go out to a restaurant?
Most restaurants are more than willing to accomodate special requests. When ordering in a restaurant, request a very low fat meal and explain to the server that there is a medical reason for the request. Most restaurants will steam fish and vegetables or grill a piece of chicken. Many restaurants are happy to take on the challenge and will produce a truly delicious meal for you.
©1999-2004 National Pancreas Foundation
pancreas diseases : Hydration and Chronic Pancreatitis
Proper hydration is important in the health of all people, but especially for people with chronic pancreatitis. While many people with chronic pancreatitis are aware of the need for fat restriction, few are aware of the need for adequate hydration. Many of our patients at The Pancreas Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, MA have flares (increased pain) when they are dehydrated. While the exact reason is not known at this time, it is assumed that the lack of fluid assists in the accumulation of pancreatic sludge. This sludge can then lead to blockages which can irritate the pancreas. Dehydration often occurs due to warm temperatures and excess water losses, air travel, increased activity level, and inadequate intake. It is important to understand that thirst is a sign of dehydration and therefore not a timely indicator of our fluid needs.
Fluid needs can be met with any beverage that does not have caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol should be limited as they are diuretics and promote fluid loss and can also stimulate the pancreas. Foods with a high water content such as fruits, vegetables, and soups are also helpful in meeting fluid needs. Remember that thirst is an indicator that you are already dehydrated. Be sure to drink BEFORE you feel thirsty. Your best bet? Carry a water bottle with you!
Use the formula below to calculate your fluid needs:
Remember that on hot days or days of increased activity, your fluid needs may be higher.
Body weight X 16 = number of 8oz. cups of fluid needed per day
240
for example:
125 pounds X 16 = 2000 mL
2000mL = 8 cups (8oz. Each) of fluid needed per day
240 mL/cup
Kathianne Sellers, R.D.
Fluid needs can be met with any beverage that does not have caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol should be limited as they are diuretics and promote fluid loss and can also stimulate the pancreas. Foods with a high water content such as fruits, vegetables, and soups are also helpful in meeting fluid needs. Remember that thirst is an indicator that you are already dehydrated. Be sure to drink BEFORE you feel thirsty. Your best bet? Carry a water bottle with you!
Use the formula below to calculate your fluid needs:
Remember that on hot days or days of increased activity, your fluid needs may be higher.
Body weight X 16 = number of 8oz. cups of fluid needed per day
240
for example:
125 pounds X 16 = 2000 mL
2000mL = 8 cups (8oz. Each) of fluid needed per day
240 mL/cup
Kathianne Sellers, R.D.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
pancreas diseases : Insulin Levels and Resistance Linked to Increased Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Md., found a connection between an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and increased insulin levels and resistance.
Previous studies have reported type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance to be risk factors for pancreatic cancer; However, it has been unresolved whether diabetes mellitus is involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis or the result of subclinical malignancy. Experimental studies show that insulin has growth-promoting effects on pancreatic cancer cells, and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are known to exhibit hyperinsulinemia during the early stages of their disease.
Rachael Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, Ph.D., and her team evaluated male smokers who participated in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study to determine whether fasting serum insulin and glucose concentrations were associated with risk for incident pancreatic cancer. Of the 29’133 male Finnish smokers (ages 50-69 years) of the ATCB study, 400 randomly sampled subcohort control participants and 169 incident pancreatic cancer cases occurring after the 5th year of follow-up were included in the National Cancer Institute study.
Results showed that after adjustment for age, years smoked and BMI, higher concentrations of glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance tended to show positive dose-response associations with pancreatic cancer: Diabetes mellitus and insulin concentration in the highest quartile demonstrated a 2-fold increased risk. Moreover, risks were greater among the cases that occurred with longer follow-up time.
The researchers concluded that ‘our results support the hypothesis that higher insulin concentrations and insulin resistance may be a mechanism that explains the associations between diabetes mellitus, higher glucose concentration, and pancreatic cancer observed in previous studies. Although based solely on male smokers, our findings for glucose and biochemical-defined diabetes mellitus are consistent with previous studies conducted in diverse populations that have included women and nonsmokers.’
The study has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294:2872-2878).
Previous studies have reported type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance to be risk factors for pancreatic cancer; However, it has been unresolved whether diabetes mellitus is involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis or the result of subclinical malignancy. Experimental studies show that insulin has growth-promoting effects on pancreatic cancer cells, and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are known to exhibit hyperinsulinemia during the early stages of their disease.
Rachael Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, Ph.D., and her team evaluated male smokers who participated in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study to determine whether fasting serum insulin and glucose concentrations were associated with risk for incident pancreatic cancer. Of the 29’133 male Finnish smokers (ages 50-69 years) of the ATCB study, 400 randomly sampled subcohort control participants and 169 incident pancreatic cancer cases occurring after the 5th year of follow-up were included in the National Cancer Institute study.
Results showed that after adjustment for age, years smoked and BMI, higher concentrations of glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance tended to show positive dose-response associations with pancreatic cancer: Diabetes mellitus and insulin concentration in the highest quartile demonstrated a 2-fold increased risk. Moreover, risks were greater among the cases that occurred with longer follow-up time.
The researchers concluded that ‘our results support the hypothesis that higher insulin concentrations and insulin resistance may be a mechanism that explains the associations between diabetes mellitus, higher glucose concentration, and pancreatic cancer observed in previous studies. Although based solely on male smokers, our findings for glucose and biochemical-defined diabetes mellitus are consistent with previous studies conducted in diverse populations that have included women and nonsmokers.’
The study has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294:2872-2878).
pancreas diseases : How Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Pancreatitis
How Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Pancreatitis
That coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis has been know for some time, but scientists have so far been unable to determine the processes involved. Professor Ole Peterson and Professor Robert Sutton from the University of Liverpool have now succeeded to shed some light on this question.
In a recent study, they have found that pancreatic acinar cells can be damaged by non-oxidative alcohol metabolites eliciting abnormal cytosolic Ca2+ signals, resulting in necrosis. Necrosis results from excessive loss of Ca2+ from the endoplasmatic reticulum - which is mediated by Ca2+ release through specific channels - and inhibition of Ca2+ pumps in intracellular stores, followed by entry of extracellular Ca2+. The researchers found that these abnormal Ca2+ signals are inhibited by caffeine which can at least partially close these channels, reducing the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. However, Professor Petersen cautions that ‘The caffeine effect, however, is weak, and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers.’
On the basis of these findings, Professor Peterson, Professor Sutton and their team hope to be able to identify specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells. This would be a major step towards the development of a pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis.
The findings are published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (2006;27:113-120) and Gastroenterology (2006;130:781-793).
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2899
That coffee can reduce the risk of alcohol-induced pancreatitis has been know for some time, but scientists have so far been unable to determine the processes involved. Professor Ole Peterson and Professor Robert Sutton from the University of Liverpool have now succeeded to shed some light on this question.
In a recent study, they have found that pancreatic acinar cells can be damaged by non-oxidative alcohol metabolites eliciting abnormal cytosolic Ca2+ signals, resulting in necrosis. Necrosis results from excessive loss of Ca2+ from the endoplasmatic reticulum - which is mediated by Ca2+ release through specific channels - and inhibition of Ca2+ pumps in intracellular stores, followed by entry of extracellular Ca2+. The researchers found that these abnormal Ca2+ signals are inhibited by caffeine which can at least partially close these channels, reducing the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis. However, Professor Petersen cautions that ‘The caffeine effect, however, is weak, and excessive coffee intake has its own dangers.’
On the basis of these findings, Professor Peterson, Professor Sutton and their team hope to be able to identify specific chemical agents that target the channels causing the excessive liberation of calcium ions inside the cells. This would be a major step towards the development of a pharmacological treatment for pancreatitis.
The findings are published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (2006;27:113-120) and Gastroenterology (2006;130:781-793).
http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=2899
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