Computed tomography findings for predicting severe acute hepatitis with prolonged cholestasis

AIM: To evaluate the significance of computed tomography (CT) findings in relation to liver chemistry and the clinical course of acute hepatitis. METHODS: Four hundred and twelve patients with acute hepatitis who underwent enhanced CT scanning were enrolled retrospectively. Imaging findings were analyzed for the following variables: gallbladder wall thickness (GWT), arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, number and maximum size of lymph nodes, presence of ascites, and size of spleen. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time were measured on the day of admission and CT scan, and laboratory data were evaluated every 2-4 d for all subjects during hospitalization. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 34.4 years, and the most common cause of hepatitis was hepatitis A virus (77.4%). The mean GWT was 5.2 mm. The number of patients who had findings of arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, lymph node enlargement > 7 mm, and ascites was 294 (80.1%), 348 (84.7%), 346 (84.5%), and 56 (13.6%), respectively. On multivariate logistic regression, male gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.569, 95%CI: 1.477-4.469, P = 0.001], toxic hepatitis (OR = 3.531, 95%CI: 1.444-8.635, P = 0.006), level of albumin (OR = 2.154, 95%CI: 1.279-3.629, P = 0.004), and GWT (OR = 1.061, 95%CI: 1.015-1.110, P = 0.009) were independent predictive factors for severe hepatitis. The level of bilirubin (OR = 1.628, 95%CI: 1.331-1.991, P < 0.001) and GWT (OR = 1.172, 95%CI: 1.024-1.342,P = 0.021) were independent factors for prolonged cholestasis in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute hepatitis, GWT on CT scan was an independent predictor of severe hepatitis and prolonged cholestasis.

Treatment strategies using adefovir dipivoxil for individuals with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To investigate retrospectively the long-term efficacy of various treatment strategies using adefovir dipivoxil(adefovir) in patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:We included 154 consecutive patients in two treatment groups:the "add-on" group(n = 79),in which adefovir was added to ongoing lamivudine treatment due to lamivudine resistance,and the "switch/combination" group(n = 75),in which lamivudine was first switched to adefovir and then re-added later as needed.The "switch/combination" group was then divided into two subgroups depending on whether participants followed(group A,n = 30) or violated(group B,n = 45) a proposed treatment strategy that determined whether to add lamivudine based on the serum hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA levels(< 60 IU/mL or not) after 6 mo of treatment(roadmap concept).RESULTS:The cumulative probability of virologic response(HBV DNA < 60 IU/mL) was higher in group A than in the "add-on" group and in group B(P < 0.001).In contrast,the cumulative probability of virologic breakthrough was lower in the "add-on" group than in group B(P = 0.002).Furthermore,the risk of virologic breakthrough in the multivariate analysis was significantly lower in the "add-on" group than in group A(hazard ratio = 0.096;95%CI,0.015-0.629;P = 0.015).CONCLUSION:The selective combination of adefovir with lamivudine based upon early treatment responses increased the odds of virologic breakthrough relative to the use of uniform combination therapy from the beginning of treatment.

Current management of hepatocellular carcinoma:An Eastern perspective

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death, especially in Eastern areas. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment modalities for HCC, the survival and prognosis of HCC patients are improving. However, treatment patterns are not uniform between areas despite efforts to promote a common protocol. Although many hepatologists in Asian countries may adopt the principles of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, they are also independently making an effort to expand the indications of each treatment and to combine therapies for better outcomes. Several expanded criteria for liver transplantation in HCC have been developed in Asian countries. Living donor liver transplantation is much more commonly performed in these countries than deceased donor liver transplantation, and it may be preceded by other treatments such as the down-staging of tumors. Local ablation therapies are often combined with transarterial chemoembolization( TACE) and the outcome is comparable to that of surgical resection. The indications of TACE are expanding, and there are new types of transarterial therapies. Although data on drug-eluting beads, TACE, and radioembolization in Asian countries are still relatively sparse compared with Western countries, these methods are gradually gaining popularity because of better tolerability and the possibility of improved response rates. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not included in Western guidelines, but are currently being used actively in several Asian countries. For more advanced HCCs, appropriate combinations of TACE, radiotherapy, and sorafenib can be considered, and emerging data indicate improved outcomes of combination therapies compared with single therapies. To include these paradigm shifts into newer treatment guidelines, more studies may be needed, but they are certainly in progress.

Prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in patients with pancreatic cancer administered gemcitabine and erlotinib

AIM: To evaluate the value of systemic inflammationbased markers as prognostic factors for advanced pancreatic cancer(PC). METHODS: Data from 82 patients who underwent combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and erlotinib for PC from 2011 to 2014 were collected retrospectively. Data that included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein(CRP)-to-albumin(CRP/Alb) ratio were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify the prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS). RESULTS: The univariate analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of the NLR(P = 0.049) and the CRP/Alb ratio(P = 0.047) in relation to PFS, and a positiverelationship between an increase in inflammation-based markers and a poor prognosis in relation to OS. The multivariate analysis determined that an increased NLR(hazard ratio = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.33-5.75, P = 0.007) is an independent prognostic factor for poor OS. There was no association between the PLR and the patients' prognoses in those who had received chemotherapy that comprised gemcitabine and erlotinib in combination. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test determined significantly worse outcomes in relation to PFS and OS in patients with an NLR > 5 or a CRP/Alb ratio > 5.CONCLUSION: Systemic inflammation-based markers, including increases in the NLR and the CRP/Alb ratio, may be useful for predicting PC prognoses.

Comparison of sequential and 7-,10-,14-d triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

AIM:To compare the effectiveness of sequential therapy for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection with that of triple therapy of varying durations.METHODS:The 460 patients enrolled in this study had H.pylori-associated gastritis or a gastric or duodenal ulcer.After screening,H.pylori-infected patients were randomly assigned to receive either conventional triple therapy for 7,10 or 14 d,or a new 10-d sequential therapy.Each of the 4 treatment groups included 115 patients.The outcomes of eradication therapy were assessed 4 wk after treatment by the urea breath test and histology.RESULTS:The overall eradication rate was 81.0%,and eradication rates were 75.7% for 7-d conventional triple therapy,81.9% for 10-d conventional triple therapy,84.4% for 14-d conventional triple therapy,and 82.0% for 10-d sequential therapy.Neither intention-to-treat analysis nor per protocol analysis showed significant differences in eradication rates using sequential therapy or the standard triple therapy(P = 0.416 and P = 0.405,respectively).CONCLUSION:There are no significant differences between 10-d sequential eradication therapy for H.pylori and any duration of standard triple treatment in Korean patients.

Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique for ulcerative early gastric cancer

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an effective treatment modality for early gastric cancer(EGC), though the submucosal fibrosis found in ulcerative EGC is an obstacle for successful treatment. This report presents two cases of ulcerative EGC in two males, 73- and 80-year-old, with severe fibrosis. As endoscopic ultrasonography suggested that the EGCs had invaded the submucosal layer, the endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique was utilized for complete resection of the lesions. Although surgical gastrectomy was originally scheduled, the two patients had severe coronary heart disease, and surgeries were refused because of the risks associated with their heart conditions. The endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique procedures described in these cases were performed under conscious sedation, and were completed within 30 min. The complete en bloc resection of EGC using endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique was possible with a free resection margin, and no other complications were noted during the procedure. This is the first known report concerning the use of the endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique salvage technique for treatment of ulcerative EGC. We demonstrate that endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique it is a feasible method showing several advantages over endoscopic submucosal dissection for cases of EGC with fibrosis.

Radiotherapy for 65 patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 65 patients were treated with RT in the Korea University Medical Center. The median age of the patients was 60 years, and 86.2% were men. 18.5% and 81.5% of the patients were diagnosed as TNM stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ-A, respectively. Treatment response was assessed 4 mo after initiation of RT. Tumor regression rate 1 mo after initiation of RT (TRR1m) was also assessed. Duration of survival was calculated from the initiation of RT. RESULTS: The objective treatment response was 56.9%. The 12 mo survival rate was 34.7%. Predictive factors for survival were Child-Pugh grade, α-fetoprotein level and treatment response. An objective response was achieved more frequently in patients with TRR1m ≥ 20% than in those with TRR1m < 20% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RT is effective in treating advanced HCC with a tumor response rate of 56.9%.

Self-expandable metal stents in patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy

AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic stent insertion in patients with delayed gastric emptying after gastrectomy.METHODS In this study, we prospectively collected data from patients who underwent stent placement for delayed gastric emptying(DGE) after distal gastrectomy between June 2010 and April 2017, at a tertiary referral academic center. Clinical improvement, complications, and consequences after stent insertion were analyzed.RESULTS Technical success was achieved in all patients(100%). Early symptom improvement was observed in 15 of 20 patients(75%) and clinical success was achieved in all patients. Mean follow-up period was 1178.3 ± 844.1 d and median stent maintenance period was 51 d(range 6-2114 d). During the follow-up period, inserted stents were passed spontaneously per rectum without any complications in 14 of 20 patients(70%). Symptom improvement was maintained after stent placement without the requirement of any additional intervention in 19 of 20 patients(95%).CONCLUSION Endoscopic stent placement provides prompt relief of obstructive symptoms. Thus, it can be considered an effective and safe salvage technique for post-operative DGE.

A novel cleansing score system for capsule endoscopy

AIM:To suggest a new cleansing score system for small bowel preparation and to evaluate its clinical efficacy.METHODS:Twenty capsule endoscopy cases were reviewed and small bowel preparation was assessed with the new scoring system.For the assessment,two visual parameters were used:proportion of visualized mucosa and degree of obscuration.Representative frames from small bowel images were serially selected and scored at 5-min intervals.Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was obtained to assess the reliability of the new scoring system.For efficacy evaluation and validation,scores of our new scoring system were compared with another previously reported cleansing grading system.RESULTS:Concordance with the previous system,inter-observer agreement,and intra-patient agreement were excellent with ICC values of 0.82,0.80,and 0.76,respectively.The intra-observer agreements at four-week intervals were also excellent.The cutoff value of adequate image quality was found to be 2.25.CONCLUSION:Our new scoring system is simple,efficient,and can be considered to be applicable in clinical practice and research.

Sensitivity of the suspected blood indicator:An experimental study

AIM:To investigate whether suspected blood indicator(SBI) in capsule endoscopy(CE) is affected by background color and capsule passage velocity.METHODS:Experimental models of the small intestine constructed from paper in a variety of colors were used to simulate the background colors observed in CE images.The background colors studied included very pale yellow,yellow,very pale magenta,light grayish pink,burnt sienna,and deep and dark brown,and red spots were attached inside them.An endoscopic capsule was manually passed through the models.The rate of detection of the red spots by the SBI was evaluated based on the colors of the models and the capsule passage velocities(0.5 cm/s,1 cm/s,and 2 cm/s).RESULTS:The rate of detection of the red spots by the SBI differed significantly according to the background color of the model(P < 0.001).Detection rates were highest for backgrounds of very pale magenta,burnt sienna,and yellow,in that order.They were lowest for backgrounds of dark brown and very pale yellow.The rate of detection of red spots by the SBI tended to decrease at rapid capsule passage velocities(1-2 cm/s) compared to slow velocities(0.5 cm/s) for backgrounds of very pale yellow(P = 0.042),yellow(P = 0.001),very pale magenta(P = 0.002),and burnt sienna(P = 0.001).No significant differences in the rate of detection were observed according to velocity for light grayish pink(P = 0.643) or dark brown(P = 0.396).CONCLUSION:SBI sensitivity was affected by background color and capsule passage velocity in the models.These findings may facilitate the rapid detection of bleeding lesions by CE.

Predictors of the patency of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the predictive factors of selfexpandable metallic stent patency after stent placement in patients with inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODS:A total of 116 patients underwent stent placements for inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction at a tertiary academic center. Clinical success was defined as acceptable decompression of the obstructive lesion within the malignant gastroduodenal neoplasm. We evaluated patient comorbidities and clinical statuses using the World Health Organization's scoring system and categorized patient responses to chemotherapy using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. We analyzed the relationships between possible predictive factors and stent patency. RESULTS:Self-expandable metallic stent placement was technically successful in all patients(100%),and the clinical success rate was 84.2%. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model,carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) levels were correlated with a reduction in stent patency [P = 0.006; adjusted hazard ratio(a HR)= 2.92,95%CI:1.36-6.25]. Palliative chemotherapy was statistically associated with an increase in stent patency(P = 0.009; a HR = 0.27,95%CI:0.10-0.72).CONCLUSION:CEA levels can easily be measured at the time of stent placement and may help clinicians to predict stent patency and determine the appropriate stent procedure.