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The optimal diagnostic approach and yield for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD) are unknown. We explored the etiology of bleeding and yield of upper and lower endoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, and video capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of GIB in patients with VADs.Methods. All VAD patients with overt gastrointestinal bleeding and drop in hematocrit from April 1, 2000 to July 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The endoscopic evaluation of each episode was recorded. Overall yield of EGD, colonoscopy, balloon-assisted, and video capsule endoscopy were evaluated.Results. Thirty-six bleeding episodes occurred involving 20 patients. The site of GIB was identified in 32/36 episodes (88.9%), and the etiology of bleeding was determined in 30/36 cases (83.3%). Five VAD patients underwent VCE. The VCE exams demonstrated a high yield with 80% of exams identifying the etiology of GIB. Endoscopic intervention was successful in 8/9 attempts. No adverse events were recorded. Two patients required surgical intervention for GIB.Conclusion. Upper, lower, video capsule, and balloon-assisted enteroscopies are safe and demonstrate a high yield in the investigation of gastrointestinal bleeding in VAD patients. Medical centers caring for VAD patients should employ a standardized protocol to optimize endoscopic evaluation and intervention.

Background: We aimed to assess Vitamin D levels in patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and to investigate the correlation between vitamin D and metabolic imbalance. Material and Methods: For our study, we selected thirty-one patients with T1D without complications and fifty-seven healthy controls. Diabetic patients were diagnosed using the criteria of the World Health Organization/American Diabetes Association. Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), insulin and C peptide assay were performed using chimilunescence. Glucose level, lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and ionogram were also analysed. Results: Vitamin D, HbA1c and Gly levels were found to be significant in T1D patients than in controls (P<0.5). However, for PTH, no significant difference was observed (P > 0. 05) and the results show a non-significant difference of total cholesterol potassium, sodium, phosphor and calcium concentration averages. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the deficiency of VD is associated with an increased risk of T1DM in Algerian population.