Assessment of delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection of early-stage gastrointestinal tumors in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants

Delayed bleeding is a major and serious adverse event of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for early-stage gastrointestinal tumors.The rate of post-ESD bleeding for gastric cancer is higher(around 5%-8%)than that for esophagus,duodenum and colon cancer(around 2%-4%).Although investigations into the risk factors for post-ESD bleeding have identified several procedure-,lesion-,physician-and patient-related factors,use of antithrombotic drugs,especially anticoagulants[direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)and warfarin],is thought to be the biggest risk factor for post-ESD bleeding.In fact,the post-ESD bleeding rate in patients receiving DOACs is 8.7%-20.8%,which is higher than that in patients not receiving anticoagulants.However,because clinical guidelines for management of ESD in patients receiving DOACs differ among countries,it is necessary for endoscopists to identify ways to prevent post-ESD delayed bleeding in clinical practice.Given that the pharmacokinetics(e.g.,plasma DOAC level at both trough and T_(max))and pharmacodynamics(e.g.,anti-factor Xa activity)of DOACs are related to risk of major bleeding,plasma DOAC level and anti-FXa activity may be useful parameters for monitoring the anti-coagulate effect and identifying DOAC patients at higher risk of post-ESD bleeding.

Influence of interleukin polymorphisms on development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced in the gastric mucosa by inflammatory cells activated by chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Polymorphisms of these cytokine genes are associated with individual differences in gastric mucosal cytokine mRNA level, which result in differences in gastric mucosal inflammation, acid inhibition and gastroduodenal disease risk in response to H. pylori infection. Although polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A have been reported to relate well with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer risk, those of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 genes are unclear. In combined analyses using data from previous studies, we found that the risk of gastric non-cardia cancer development was significantly associated with IL-4-168 C allele (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-1.00) and IL-4-590 T allele carrier status (0.61, 0.53-0.73), and IL-6-174 G/G genotype (2<Abstract>Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced in the gastric mucosa by inflammatory cells activated by chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Polymorphisms of these cytokine genes are associated with individual differences in gastric mucosal cytokine mRNA level, which result in differences in gastric mucosal inflammation, acid inhibition and gastroduodenal disease risk in response to H. pylori infection. Although polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A have been reported to relate well with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer risk, those of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 genes are unclear. In combined analyses using data from previous stud- ies, we found that the risk of gastric non-cardia cancer development was significantly associated with IL-4-168 C allele (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-1.00) and IL-4-590 T allele carrier status (0.61, 0.53-0.73), and IL-6-174 G/G genotype (2.02, 1.31-3.10). In peptic ulcer development, IL-2-330 G and IL-4-590 T allele carriers had a significantly decreased risk (0.37, 0.27-0.50 and 0.58, 0.34-0.99, respectively). Moreover, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 gene genotypes prevalence differs among popula- tions. The inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms (e.g. IL-4 -590 and IL-6 -572 for gastric cancer, and IL-4-590, IL-6-572 and IL-8-251 for peptic ulcer) have a more potent influence on development of gastroduo- denal diseases in Western than East Asian populations. These cytokine gene polymorphisms, as well as those of IL-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A, may be used to identify groups at higher risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer, and those suitable for their prevention by H. pylori eradication therapy in Western populations..02, 1.31-3.10). In peptic ulcer development, IL-2-330 G and IL-4-590 T allele carriers had a significantly decreased risk (0.37, 0.27-0.50 and 0.58, 0.34-0.99, respectively). Moreover, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 gene genotypes prevalence differs among populations. The inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms (e.g. IL-4 -590 and IL-6 -572 for gastric cancer, and IL-4-590, IL-6-572 and IL-8-251 for peptic ulcer) have a more potent influence on development of gastroduo-denal diseases in Western than East Asian populations. These cytokine gene polymorphisms, as well as those of IL-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A, may be used to identify groups at higher risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer, and those suitable for their prevention by H. pylori eradication therapy in Western populations.

Efficacy of tailored Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility and CYP2C19 genotype

The cure rates of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy using a proton pump inhibitor(PPI)and antimicrobial agents such as amoxicillin,clarithromycin,and metronidazole are mainly influenced by bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and the magnitude of the inhibition of acid secretion.Annual cure rates have gradually decreased because of the increased prevalence of H.pylori strains resistant to antimicrobial agents,especially to clarithromycin.Alternative regimens have therefore been developed incorporating different antimicrobial agents.Further,standard PPI therapy(twice-daily dosing)often fails to induce a long-term increase in intragastric pH>4.0.Increasing the eradication rate requires more frequent and higher doses of PPIs.Therapeutic efficacy related to acid secretion is influenced by genetic factors such as variants of the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes(e.g.,cytochrome P450 2C19,CYP2C19),drug transporters(e.g.,multidrug resistance protein-1;ABCB1),and inflammatory cytokines(e.g.,interleukin-1β).For example,quadruple daily administration of PPI therapy potently inhibits acid secretion within 24 h,irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype.Therefore,tailored H.pylori eradication regimens that address acid secretion and employ optimal antimicrobial agents based on results of antimicrobial agent-susceptibility testing may prove effective in attaining higher eradication rates.

Characteristics of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy

AIM:To investigate whether potent acid inhibition is effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) refractory to standard rabeprazole (RPZ) treatment. METHODS:We treated 10 Japanese patients with NERD resistant to standard dosages of RPZ:10 mg or 20 mg od,20 mg bid,or 10 mg qid for 14 d. All patients completed a frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG); and underwent 24 h pH monitoring on day 14. RESULTS:With increased dosages and frequency of administration of RPZ,median intragastric pH significantly increased,and FSSG scores significantly decreased. With RPZ 10 mg qid,potent acid inhibition was attained throughout 24 h. However,five subjects were refractory to RPZ 10 mg qid,although the median intragastric pH in these subjects (6.6,range:6.2-7.1) was similar to that in the remaining five responsive subjects (6.5,range:5.3-7.3). With baseline RPZ 10 mg od,FSSG scores in responsive patients improved by > 30%,whereas there was no significant decrease in the resistant group. CONCLUSION:NERD patients whose FSSG score fails to decrease by > 30% after treatment with RPZ 10 mg od for 14 d are refractory to higher dosage.

Chemoprevention of gastric cancer development after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in an East Asian population:Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a risk factor for gastric cancer(GC),especially in East Asian populations.Most East Asian populations infected with H.pylori are at higher risk for GC than H.pylori-positive European and United States populations.H.pylori eradication therapy reduces gastric cancer risk in patients after endoscopic and operative resection for GC,as well as in non-GC patients with atrophic gastritis.AIM To clarify the chemopreventive effects of H.pylori eradication therapy in an East Asian population with a high incidence of GC.METHODS PubMed and the Cochrane library were searched for randomized control trials(RCTs)and cohort studies published in English up to March 2019.Subgroup analyses were conducted with regard to study designs(i.e.,RCTs or cohort studies),country where the study was conducted(i.e.,Japan,China,and South Korea),and observation periods(i.e.,≤5 years and>5 years).The heterogeneity and publication bias were also measured.RESULTS For non-GC patients with atrophic gastritis and patients after resection for GC,4 and 4 RCTs and 12 and 18 cohort studies were included,respectively.In RCTs,the median incidence of GC for the untreated control groups and the treatment groups was 272.7(180.4–322.4)and 162.3(72.5–588.2)per 100000 person-years in non-GC cases with atrophic gastritis and 1790.7(406.5–2941.2)and 1126.2(678.7–1223.1)per 100000 person-years in cases of after resection for GC.Compared with non-treated H.pylori-positive controls,the eradication groups had a significantly reduced risk of GC,with a relative risk of 0.67[95%confidence interval(CI):0.47–0.96]for non-GC patients with atrophic gastritis and 0.51(0.36–0.73)for patients after resection for GC in the RCTs,and 0.39(0.30–0.51)for patients with gastritis and 0.54(0.44–0.67)for patients after resection in cohort studies.CONCLUSION In the East Asian population with a high risk of GC,H.pylori eradication effectively reduced the risk of GC,irrespective of past history of previous cancer.

Nutrition status and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients receiving hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease(CKD) patients receiving hemodialysis(HD) often develop gastrointestinal abnormalities over their long treatment period. In general, prognosis in such patients is poor due to the development of protein-energy wasting(PEW). Therefore, it is important to clarify the etiology of PEW and to establish better strategies to deal with this condition. Chronic Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in the gastric mucosa has a close association with not only the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, but is also associated with abnormal plasma and gastric mucosal ghrelin levels that are seen in malnutrition. It is unclear whether H. pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is directly associated with prognosis in HD patients by affecting ghrelin levels. Recent studies show that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in HD patients is significantly lower than in subjects with normal renal function. In the natural history of H. pylori infection in HD patients, the prevalence of infection decreases as the length of time on HD increases. The severity of gastric mucosal atrophy has been suggested as the major determinant of ghrelin levels in these patients, and eradication therapy of H. pylori improves nutritional status by increasing serum cholinesterase and cholesterol levels, especially in patients with mildto-moderate gastric mucosal atrophy. Prompt H. pylori eradication to inhibit the progress of gastric atrophy may be required to prevent this decrease in ghrelin levels and subsequent PEW and improve the prognosis of HD patients by improving their nutritional status.

Lymphomatoidgastropathy mimicking extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma,nasal type:A case report

Extranodal natural killer(NK)/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type,exhibits aggressive tumor behavior and carries a poor prognosis.Recently,lymphomatoid gastropathy with NK/T cell infiltration into gastric mucosa has been recognized as a pseudo-malignant disease which regresses without treatment.Because the conventional immunohistochemical criteria of lymphomatoid gastropathy is similar to that of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type,it is difficult to distinguish between the two conditions by histopathological evaluation only.Here,we report a rare case of lymphomatoid gastropathy in a 57-year-old female.Gastroendoscopy on routine check-up revealed elevated reddish lesions < 1 cm in diameter in the gastric fornix and body.Although repeat endoscopies at 1 and 6 mo later revealed no gastric lesions at any locations without any treatments,at 12 mo later gastric lymphomatoid lesions recurred at gastric fornix and body.Histological examination of endoscopic biopsy specimens at 12 mo showed atypical NK cell infiltration with CD3+,CD4-,CD5-,CD7+,CD8-,CD20-,CD30-,CD56+,CD79a-and T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen-1+ into gastric mucosa.After treatment for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) eradication,the lesions disappeared in all locations of the gastric fornix and body over the subsequent 12 mo.Here,we report a case of H.pylori-positive lymphomatoid gastropathy with massive NK-cell proliferation,and also review the literature concerning newly identified lymphomatoid gastropathy based on comparison of extra nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type.In any case,these lesions are evaluated with biopsy specimens,the possibility of this benign entity should be considered,and excessive treatment should be carefully avoided.Close follow-up for this case of lymphomatoid gastropathy is necessary to exclude any underlying malignancy.

Usefulness of the clip-flap method of endoscopic submucosal dissection: A randomized controlled trial

AIM To prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of clipflap assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for gastric tumors.METHODS From May 2015 to October 2016, we enrolled 104 patients with gastric cancer or adenoma scheduled for ESD at Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital. We randomized patients into two subgroups using the minimization method based on location of the tumor(upper, middle or lower third of the stomach), tumor size(< 20 mm or > 20 mm) and ulcer status: ESD using an endoclip(the clip-flap group) and ESD without an endoclip(the conventional group). Therapeutic efficacy(procedure time) and safety(complication: Gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation) were assessed. RESULTS En bloc resection was performed in all patients. Four patients had delayed bleeding(3.8%) and two had perforation(1.9%). No significant differences in en bloc resection rate(conventional group: 100%, clip flap group: 100%), curative endoscopic resection rate(conventional group: 90.9%, clip flap group: 89.8%, P = 0.85), procedure time(conventional group: 70.8 ± 46.2 min, clip flap group: 74.7 ± 53.3 min, P = 0.69), area of resected specimen(conventional group: 884.6 ± 792.1 mm^2, clip flap group: 1006.4 ± 1004.8 mm^2, P = 0.49), delayed bleeding rate(conventional group: 5.5%, clip flap group: 2.0%, P = 0.49), or perforation rate(conventional group: 1.8%, clip flap group: 2.0%, P = 0.93) were found between the two groups. Lessexperienced endoscopists did not show any differences in procedure time between the two groups.CONCLUSION For patients with early-stage gastric tumors, the clipflap method has no advantage in efficacy or safety compared with the conventional method.

Cap polyposis refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection

Cap polyposis is a rare intestinal disorder. Characteristic endoscopic findings are multiple inflammatory polypoid lesions covered by caps of fibrous purulent exudate. Although a specific treatment has not been established, some studies have suggested that eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is effective. We report a case of a 20-year-old man with cap polyposis presenting with hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed the erythematous polyps with white caps from the sigmoid colon to rectum. Histopathological findings revealed elongated, tortuous, branched crypts lined by hyperplastic epithelium with a mild degree of fibromusculosis in the lamina propria. Although H. pylori eradication was instituted, there was no improvement over six months. We then performed en bloc excision of the polyps by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD), which resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. ESD may be a treatment option for cap polyposis refractory to conservative treatments. We review the literature concerning treatment for cap polyposis and clinical outcomes.

Efficacy of additional treatment with azathioprine in a patient with prednisolone-dependent gastric sarcoidosis

Gastric sarcoidosis with noncaseating granuloma is rare. Although corticosteroid produces a dramatic clinical response, it is unknown whether azathioprine show efficacy in prednisolone-dependent cases. Here, we report a case of gastric sarcoidosis in a 25-year-old man with severe epigastlargia. Gastroendoscopy revealed multiple map-like ulcerations. Histological examination showed multiple noncaseating granulomatous lesions in gastric mucosa, which were incompatible with diagnoses of Crohn's disease or tuberculosis. He was started on prednisolone at 30 mg/d, and his symptoms improved within 7-d. The prednisolone was gradually tapered by 5 mg every 2-wk, but oral azathioprine at 50 mg was added after symptoms recurred at tapered dose of 10 mg. Endoscopy 4-wk later showed healing ulcers, and, lymphocytic infiltration was absent. The efficacy of additional azathioprine in gastric sarcoidosis is not well defined. Here, we report a case of prednisolone-dependent gastric sarcoidosis that improved after additional azathioprine, and also review the literature concerning the treatment, especially for prednisolone-dependent cases.

Application of novel magnified single balloon enteroscopy for a patient with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome

We present a case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome(CCS) in which the entire intestine was observed using a prototype of magnifying single-balloon enteroscope(SIF Y-0007, Olympus). CCS is a rare, non-familial gastrointestinal polyposis with ectodermal abnormalities. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing magnified intestinal lesions of CCS. A 73-year-old female visited our hospital with complaints of diarrhea and dysgeusia. The blood test showed mild anemia and hypoalbuminemia. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy revealed diffuse and reddened sessile to semi-pedunculated polyps, resulting in the diagnosis of CCS. In addition to the findings of conventional balloon-assisted enteroscopy or capsule endoscopy, magnifying observation revealed tiny granular structures, non-uniformity of the villus, irregular caliber of the loop-like capillaries, scattered white spots in the villous tip, and patchy redness of the villus. Histologically, the scattered white spots and patchy redness of the villus reflect lymphangiectasia and bleeding to interstitium, respectively.

Severity of gastric mucosal atrophy affects the healing speed of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection ulcers

AIM To investigate factors associated with the healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)-induced ulcers.METHODS We enrolled 132 patients with gastric tumors scheduled for ESD. Following ESD, patients were treated with daily lansoprazole 30 mg or vonoprazan 20 mg. Ulcer size was endoscopically measured on the day after ESD and at 4 and 8 wk. The gastric mucosa was endoscopically graded according to the Kyoto gastritis scoring system. We assessed the number of patients with and without a 90% reduction in ulcer area at 4 wk post-ESD and scar formation at 8 wk, and looked for risk factors for slower healing.RESULTS The mean size of gastric tumors and post-ESD ulcers was 17.4 ± 12.1 mm and 32.9 ± 13.0 mm. The meanreduction rates in ulcer area were 90.4% ± 0.8% at 4 wk and 99.8% ± 0.1% at 8 wk. The reduction rate was associated with the Kyoto grade of gastric atrophy at 4 wk(A0: 97.9% ± 0.6%, A1: 93.4% ± 4.1%, and A2: 89.7% ± 1.0%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the factor predicting 90% reduction at 4 wk was gastric atrophy(Odds ratio: 5.678, 95%CI: 1.190-27.085, P = 0.029).CONCLUSION The healing speed of post-ESD ulcers was associated with the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy, and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is required to perform at younger age.

Relationship between ghrelin, Helicobacter pylori and gastric mucosal atrophy in hemodialysis patients

AIM To investigate the relationship between plasma ghrelin level, Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection status and the severity of atrophy in hemodialysis patients.METHODS One hundred eights patients who received hemodialysis and 13 non-hemodialysis H. pylori-negative controlsunderwent gastroduodenoscopy to evaluate the severity of gastric atrophy. Serum levels of pepsinogen(PG) were measured as serum markers of gastric atrophy. H. pylori infection was evaluated by anti-H. pylori IgG antibody, rapid urease test and culture test. We classified H. pylori infection status as non-infection, present infection and past infection. In addition, plasma acyl-ghrelin and desacyl-ghrelin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Infection rate of H. pylori was 45.4%(49/108). Acylghrelin level in the non-infection group(39.4 ± 23.0 fmol/ml) was significantly higher than in the past(23.4 ± 19.9 fmol/ml, P = 0.005) and present infection groups(19.5 ± 14.0 fmol/ml, P < 0.001). Furthermore, desacyl-ghrelin level in the non-infection group(353.2 ± 190.2 fmol/ml) was significantly higher than those in the past(234.9 ± 137.5 fmol/ml, P = 0.008) and present infection groups(211.8 ± 124.2 fmol/ml, P < 0.001). Acyl-ghrelin was positively correlated with the PG Ⅰ level and PG Ⅰ/Ⅱ ratio(|R| = 0.484, P < 0.001 and |R| = 0.403, P < 0.001, respectively). Both ghrelins were significantly decreased in accordance with the progress of endoscopic atrophy(both P < 0.001) and acyl-ghrelin was significantly lower in patients with mild, moderate and severe atrophy(24.5 ± 23.1 fmol/ml, 20.2 ± 14.9 fmol/ml and 18.3 ± 11.8 fmol/ml) than in those with non-atrophy(39.4 ± 22.2 fmol/ml, P = 0.039, P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION In hemodialysis patients, plasma ghrelin level was associated with the endoscopic and serological severity of atrophy related to H. pylori infection.

Cecal vanishing tumor associated with cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent elderly adult

Gastrointestinal involvement in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is well documented among immunocompromised patients and is also observed in immunocompetent individuals. The presentation of this infection can sometimes mimic those of other diseases, thus making accurate diagnosis difficult. We herein report a rare case of an immunocompetent elderly adult with gastrointestinal CMV infection that presented as a vanishing tumor at the cecum. A 76-year old man initially presented with lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a tumorous lesion with irregular ulceration observed at the ileocecal valve. Histological findings of a biopsy specimen revealed intranuclear inclusions which were positive for CMV on immunohistochemical staining. However, this tumorous lesion disappeared within 7 wk from the initialhospital visit without any further treatment. Inflammatory pseudotumors associated with CMV infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis of tumorous lesions in the colon, even in immunocompetent adults.

Maintenance time of sedative effects after an intravenous infusion of diazepam: A guide for endoscopy using diazepam

AIM: To examine whether the sedative effects assessed by psychomotor tests would depend on the cytochrome P450 (CYP ) 2C19 genotypes after an infusion regimen of diazepam commonly used forgastrointestinal endoscopy in Japan. METHODS: Fifteen healthy Japanese volunteers consisting of three different CYP2C19 genotype groups underwent a critical ? icker fusion test, an eye movement analysis and a postural sway test as a test for physical sedative effects, and a visual analog scale (VAS) symptom assessment method as a test for mental sedative effects during the 336 h period after the intravenous infusion of diazepam (5 mg). RESULTS: The physical sedative effects assessed by the critical flicker test continued for 1 h (t values of 5 min, 30 min and 60 min later: 4.35, 5.00 and 3.19, respectively) and those by the moving radial area of a postural sway test continued for 3 h (t values of 5 h, 30 h, 60 min and 3 h later: -4.05, -3.42, -2.17 and -2.58, respectively), which changed significantly compared with the baseline level before infusion (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the mental sedative effects by the VAS method improved within 1 h. The CYP2C19 genotype-dependent differences in the postinfusion sedative effects were not observed in any of the four psychomotor function tests. CONCLUSION: With the psychomotor tests, the objective sedative effects of diazepam continued for 1 h to 3 h irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype status and the subjective sedative symptoms improved within 1 h. Up to 3 h of clinical care appears to be required after the infusion of diazepam, although patients feel subjectively improved.