Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Correlation between genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of patients with scrub typhus in Guangzhou,China

Objective:To explore the correlation between genotypes of Orientia(O.)tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients with scrub typhus admitted to different types of medical institutions in Guangzhou from September 2012 to December 2016 were collected using medical records.Demographic data,clinical manifestations,as well as hematological and biochemical indicators of patients infected with different genotypes were analyzed and compared.Results:A total of 192 patients were included in this study,including 121 patients with Karp genotype of O.tsutsugamushi infection(63.0%),36 patients with Gilliam genotype(19.0%),23 patients with Kato genotype(12.0%),and 12 patients with TA763 genotype(6.0%)infection.The median value of albumin in patients with Karp genotype infection was significantly lower than that of Gilliam-infected patients(P=0.032).Patients with Karp genotype infection had a significantly longer hospital stay(9 days)than those with Gilliam genotype(7 days)(P=0.009)and Kato genotype infection(6 days)(P=0.005).Karp-infected patients also represented for the largest number of patients with complicated organ involvement(88/133,66.2%).Furthermore,Karp-infected patients had higher risk of developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(18.2%)and requiring intensive care unit treatment(15.9%).Besides,patients with Gilliam genotype(8 days)and TA763 genotype infection(7.5 days)had shorter fever duration than those with Karp genotype(9 days)and Kato genotype(9 days)infection,respectively.Conclusions:Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi were associated with varying clinical manifestations,organ involvement,and treatment outcomes,suggesting that genotypes ranged in virulence.

Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in North Sichuan Region, China, 2018-2023: A Descriptive Study

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) remains an important public health problem in China. Many studies on the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD have been reported, but studies in North Sichuan region have been neglected. Methods: HFMD-related enterovirus infected cases were clinically confirmed and underwent real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) from May 2018 to October 2023 in Guangyuan Central Hospital. Results: During 2018-2023, other EV (437 cases, 81.08%) was the most predominant serotype followed by CV-A16 (94 cases, 17.44%), EV-A71 (8 cases, 1.48%) was the least predominant serotype. Peak infections occurred in July and October. There were no significant differences in gender, age and serotypes. HFMD was concentrated in children under 47 months of age, with the highest incidence in children aged 12 - 23 months and the highest proportion of other EV infections in the whole age group. COVID-19 did not cause significant changes in gender, age and serotype. Overall, there was a significant increase in the proportion of children aged 12 - 23 months infected with CV-A16, and an increase in the proportion of children aged over 36 months infected with other EVs. Conclusions: The incidence of HFMD caused by EV-A71 has decreased significantly, and other EVs have become the main pathogens of HFMD in North Sichuan region in recent years. In the prevention and control of CV-A16, more attention should be paid to children aged 12 - 23 months and the dominant serotype should be closely monitored. Our study highlights the importance of developing of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines for the prevention and control of enterovirus infection. This study for the first time provides insights into district interventions to local conditions.

Severe liver injury and clinical characteristics of occupational exposure to 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide: A case series

Background:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide is a key intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.However,no literature currently exists on 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning in humans.This study aimed to reveal the health hazard of this chemical for humans and summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with occupational 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.Methods:This observational study included four patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning from June 2022 to July 2022.The entire course of the incidents was described in detail.Blood 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide concentrations were detected by a mass spectrometer.Hema-toxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess liver injury,and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate hepatic mitophagy.Results:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide powder(99%purity)entered the human body mainly via the skin and respiratory tract due to poor personal protective measures.The typical course of 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning was divided into latency,rash,fever,organic dam-age,and recovery phases in accordance with the clinical evolution.Rash and fever may be the important premonitory symptoms for further organ injuries.The chemical was detected in the blood of all patients and caused multiple organ injuries,predominantly liver injury,including kidney,myocardium,and micro-circulation.Three patients recovered smoothly after comprehensive treatments,including artificial liver therapy,continuous renal replacement therapy,glucocorticoids,and other symptomatic and supportive treatments.One patient survived by liver transplantation.The postoperative pathological findings of the removed liver showed acute liver failure,and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the abundance of mitophagy in residual hepatocytes.Conclusions:This study is the first to elaborate the clinical characteristics of patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.The chemical enters the body through the respiratory tract and skin during industrial production.The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning causes multiple-organ dysfunction with a predominance of liver injury.Liver transplantation may be an effective option for patients with severe liver failure.The mechanisms of liver injury induced by 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide might involve abnormal mitochondrial function and mitophagy.

Clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric prematurity cancer and analysis of complications by endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer,a prevalent malignancy,poses a severe threat to the health of residents in China.Timely intervention in early stages can extend patients’survival.AIM To analyze clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric cancer and efficacy and risk of complications associated with endoscopic resection.METHODS This study included 175 patients with early gastric cancer treated at our hospital,with no restrictions on sex or age.General data,pathological information,and endoscopic biopsy results were obtained.The clinical characteristics of early gastric cancer were analyzed,and endoscopic resection was performed.Postoperative efficacy and incidence of complications were monitored.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 software.RESULTS A total of 175 patients with early gastric cancer were included,with 75.43%(n=132)males and 24.57%(n=43)females.38.29%(n=67)and 35.43%(n=62)of patients had a history of smoking and alcohol consumption,respectively.Comorbidities included diabetes(8.57%,n=15),coronary heart disease(10.29%,n=18),and hypertension(43.43%,n=76),which was highly prevalent.A history of abdominal surgery and family history of digestive system cancer accounted for 21.14%and 17.14%,respectively.The most common lesion location was the antral part of the stomach(52.00%,n=91),followed by the gastric angle,body,and fundus.The pathological types were predominantly high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(28.00%,n=49)and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma(26.86%,n=47),followed by moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma,high-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma,and moderate-lowly differentiated adenocarcinoma.89.14%of the patients had intestinal metaplasia and 85.14%had atrophy.After endoscopic resection,re-examination revealed that 13 patients had cancer cells at the tissue margin,with a positive margin rate of 7.43%.Postoperative complications included no cases of gastrointestinal obstruction,but incisional infection(2.86%,n=5),gastric perforation(1.14%,n=2),and gastric bleeding(4%,n=7)were present,with an overall incidence of 8.00%.CONCLUSION Analysis of the clinical characteristics indicated that early gastric cancer is more prevalent in males with a history of hypertension,with lesions most commonly occurring in the antral region of the stomach.The pathological types are often high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma,with over 85%of patients having comorbid intestinal metaplasia and atrophy.Despite endoscopic resection,a positive margin rate persisted,indicating a probability of residual cancer at the margins.Postoperative complications,such as gastrointestinal obstruction,incisional infection,gastric perforation,and gastric bleeding can occur and require timely symptomatic treatment.

Proposal for a new classification of anorectal abscesses based on clinical characteristics and postoperative recurrence

BACKGROUND Current surgical procedures for anorectal abscesses,including incision and drainage alone or combined concurrent fistulotomy,remain controversial primarily due to the unpredictability of postoperative recurrence or the progression to anal fistula.AIM To evaluate factors that predict postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses and propose a new classification to guide surgical procedures.METHODS In this retrospective study,525 patients with anorectal abscesses treated by incision and drainage alone,at a tertiary general hospital from August 2012 to July 2022,were included.A new classification for anorectal abscesses based on their propensity to develop into fistulas,considering 18 other potential risk factors,was established.These factors,from electronic medical records,were screened for significance using theχ^(2)test and subsequently analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to evaluate their relationship with postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses.RESULTSOne year post-follow-up,the overall recurrence rate was 39%:81.0%and 23.5%for fistula-prone and non-fistulaproneabscesses,respectively.Univariateχ^(2)analysis showed significant differences in recurrence rates based onanatomical classifications and pus culture results(P<0.05).Fistula-prone abscess,≥7 days between symptomonset and surgery,chronic diarrhea,preoperative antibiotic use,and local anesthesia were risk factors for recurrence,while diabetes mellitus was protective(P<0.05).Moreover,fistula-prone abscess[odds ratio(OR)=7.651,95%CI:4.049–14.458,P<0.001],≥7 days from symptom onset to surgery(OR=2.137,95%CI:1.090–4.190,P=0.027),chronic diarrhea(OR=2.508,95%CI:1.216–5.173,P=0.013),and local anesthesia(OR=2.308,95%CI:1.313–4.059,P=0.004)were independent risk factors for postoperative anorectal abscess recurrence using multivariatelogistic regression.Body mass index≥28(OR=2.935,95%CI:1.203–7.165,P=0.018)was an independentrisk factor for postoperative recurrence of non-fistula-prone abscess.CONCLUSIONThe choice of surgical procedure for treating anorectal abscesses should follow this new classification.Prompt andthorough incision and drainage can significantly reduce postoperative recurrence.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of post-operative intestinal flora disorder following laparoscopic colonic surgery:A propensityscore-matching analysis

BACKGROUND Intestinal flora disorder(IFD)poses a significant challenge after laparoscopic colonic surgery,and no standard criteria exists for its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of IFD.METHODS Patients with colon cancer receiving laparoscopic surgery were included using propensity-score-matching(PSM)methods.Based on the occurrence of IFD,patients were categorized into IFD and non-IFD groups.The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with IFD were analyzed.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of IFD.RESULTS The IFD incidence after laparoscopic surgery was 9.0%(97 of 1073 patients).After PSM,97 and 194 patients were identified in the IFD and non-IFD groups,respectively.The most common symptoms of IFD were diarrhea and abdominal,typically occurring on post-operative days 3 and 4.All patients were managed conservatively,including modulation of the intestinal flora(90.7%),oral/intravenous application of vancomycin(74.2%),and insertion of a gastric/ileus tube for decompression(23.7%).Multivariate regression analysis identified that preoperative intestinal obstruction[odds ratio(OR)=2.79,95%CI:1.04–7.47,P=0.041]and post-operative antibiotics(OR=8.57,95%CI:3.31–23.49,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for IFD,whereas pre-operative parenteral nutrition(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.06–0.26,P<0.001)emerged as a protective factor.CONCLUSION A stepwise approach of probiotics,vancomycin,and decompression could be an alternative treatment for IFD.Special attention is warranted post-operatively for patients with pre-operative obstruction or early use of antibiotics.

Clinical characteristics and north-south differences of inflammatory bowel disease in China: A cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

Objective:This study aimed to estimate the incidence rate and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in the Chinese population,specially comparing the North and South regions.Methods:We designed a questionnaire survey for patients diagnosed with IBD and conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed,China National Knowledge Internet,and Wanfang digital database,covering studies published between 2012 and 2022.Meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall incidence rate and prevalence of clinical manifestations of Crohn's disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)in China's Mainland.Clinical phenotypes and demographic characteristics were calculated with 95%confidence intervals(CI).A comparison between the northern and southern regions was also conducted.Results:The questionnaire survey included 440 patients,and 64 publications were included for Meta-analysis.The overall incidence rates of IBD,CD,and UC were 1.36(95%CI:0.79-2.33)per 100,000 person-years,0.23(95%CI:0.09-0.58)per 100,000 person-years,and 1.12(95%CI:0.69-1.80)per 100,000 person-years,respectively.The incidence rates of IBD,CD,and UC were all higher in southern China compared to the North.Clinical characteristics of 440 IBD patients from the questionnaire and 2,821 CD patients and 12,809 UC patients from the literature were analyzed.There were more male patients compared to female patients.CD cases in the North exhibited earlier disease diagnosis(P<0.01),more upper gastrointestinal lesions(P<0.01),and higher hospitalizations rates(P<0.01)compared to the South.UC cases in the North had higher severity(P<0.01),anemia rates(P<0.01),and weight loss(P<0.01)compared to the South.Conclusions:The incidence rates of IBD,CD,and UC were higher in southern China than in the North.Northern patients exhibited more severe symptoms compared to their southern counterparts.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of autoimmune pancreatitis based on serum immunoglobulin G4 level:A single-center,retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)has been linked with elevated immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels.The characteristics and outcomes of AIP based on serum markers have not been fully evaluated.AIM To compare clinical features,treatment efficacy,and outcome of AIP based on serum IgG4 levels and analyze predictors of relapse.METHODS A total of 213 patients with AIP were consecutively reviewed in our hospital from 2006 to 2021.According to the serum IgG4 level,all patients were divided into two groups,the abnormal group(n=148)with a high level of IgG4[>2×upper limit of normal(ULN)]and the normal group(n=65).The t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables.Categorical parameters were compared by theχ^(2) test or Fisher’s exact test.Kaplan-Meier curves Zhou GZ et al.Clinical characteristics and outcome of AIP WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 5126 September 21,2023 Volume 29 Issue 35 and log-rank tests were established to assess the cumulative relapse rates.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate potential risk factors of AIP relapse.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the abnormal group had a higher average male age(60.3±10.4 vs 56.5±12.9 years,P=0.047);higher level of serum total protein(72.5±7.9 g/L vs 67.2±7.5 g/L,P<0.001),IgG4(1420.5±1110.9 mg/dL vs 252.7±106.6 mg/dL,P<0.001),and IgE(635.6±958.1 IU/mL vs 231.7±352.5 IU/mL,P=0.002);and a lower level of serum complement C3(100.6±36.2 mg/dL vs 119.0±45.7 mg/dL,P=0.050).In addition,a lower number of cases with abnormal pancreatic duct and pancreatic atrophy(23.6%vs 37.9%,P=0.045;1.6%vs 8.6%,P=0.020,respectively)and a higher rate of relapse(17.6%vs 6.2%,P=0.030)were seen in the abnormal group.Multivariate analyses revealed that serum IgG4[(>2×ULN),hazard ratio(HR):3.583;95%confidence interval(CI):1.218–10.545;P=0.020]and IgA(>1×ULN;HR:5.908;95%CI:1.199–29.120;P=0.029)and age>55 years(HR:2.383;95%CI:1.056–5.378;P=0.036)were independent risk factors of relapse.CONCLUSION AIP patients with high IgG4 levels have clinical features including a more active immune system and higher relapse rate.Several factors,such as IgG4 and IgA,are associated with relapse.

Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency:a cross-sectional study on correlations among clinical characteristics,orexin,its receptors,and the bloodbrain barrier

Previous studies have shown that reduced sleep duration,sleep fragmentation,and decreased sleep quality in patients with Alzheimer's disease are related to dysfunction in orexin signaling.At the same time,blood-brain barrier disruption is considered an early biomarker of Alzheimer's disease.However,currently no report has examined how changes in orexin signaling relate to changes in the blood-brain barrier of patients who have Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency.This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received treatment in 2019 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.Patients were divided into two groups:those with insufficient sleep(sleep duration≤6 hours,n=19,age 61.58±8.54 years,10 men)and those with normal sleep durations(sleep duration>6 hours,n=31,age 63.19±10.09 years,18 men).Demographic variables were collected to evaluate cognitive function,neuropsychiatric symptoms,and activities of daily living.The levels of orexin,its receptor proteins,and several blood-brain barrier factors were measured in cerebrospinal fluid.Sleep insufficiency was associated with impaired overall cognitive function that spanned multiple cognitive domains.Furthermore,levels of orexin and its receptors were upregulated in the cerebrospinal fluid,and the blood–brain barrier was destroyed.Both these events precipitated each other and accelerated the progression of Alzheimer's disease.These findings describe the clinical characteristics and potential mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease accompanied by sleep deprivation.Inhibiting the upregulation of elements within the orexin system or preventing the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier could thus be targets for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Development and application of hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver related indexes

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is difficult to diagnose with poor therapeutic effect,high recurrence rate and has a low survival rate.The survival of patients with HCC is closely related to the stage of diagnosis.At present,no specific serolo-gical indicator or method to predict HCC,early diagnosis of HCC remains a challenge,especially in China,where the situation is more severe.AIM To identify risk factors associated with HCC and establish a risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver-related indicators.METHODS The clinical data of patients in the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from 2016 to 2020 were collected,using a retrospective study method.The results of needle biopsy or surgical pathology were used as the grouping criteria for the experimental group and the control group in this study.Based on the time of admission,the cases were divided into training cohort(n=1739)and validation cohort(n=467).Using HCC as a dependent variable,the research indicators were incorporated into logistic univariate and multivariate analysis.An HCC risk prediction model,which was called NSMC-HCC model,was then established in training cohort and verified in validation cohort.RESULTS Logistic univariate analysis showed that,gender,age,alpha-fetoprotein,and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II,gamma-glutamyl transferase,aspartate aminotransferase and hepatitis B surface antigen were risk factors for HCC,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin and total bile acid were protective factors for HCC.When the cut-off value of the NSMC-HCC model joint prediction was 0.22,the area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of NSMC-HCC model in HCC diagnosis was 0.960,with sensitivity 94.40%and specificity 95.35%in training cohort,and AUC was 0.966,with sensitivity 90.00%and specificity 94.20%in validation cohort.In early-stage HCC diagnosis,the AUC of NSMC-HCC model was 0.946,with sensitivity 85.93%and specificity 93.62%in training cohort,and AUC was 0.947,with sensitivity 89.10%and specificity 98.49%in validation cohort.CONCLUSION The newly NSMC-HCC model was an effective risk prediction model in HCC and early-stage HCC diagnosis.

Microvascular structural changes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pathology according to intrapapillary capillary loop types under magnifying endoscopy

BACKGROUND The intrapapillary capillary loop(IPCL)characteristics,visualized using magnifying endoscopy,are commonly assessed for preoperative evaluation of the infiltration depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Japan Esophageal Society(JES)classification is the most widely used classification.Microvascular structural changes are evaluated by magnifying endoscopy for the presence or absence of each morphological factor:tortuosity,dilatation,irregular caliber,and different shapes.However,the pathological characteristics of IPCLs have not been thoroughly investigated,especially the microvascular structures corresponding to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.AIM To investigate differences in pathological microvascular structures of ESCC,which correspond to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.METHODS Patients with ESCC and precancerous lesions diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and April 2023.Patients first underwent magnified endoscopic examination,followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment.Pathological images were scanned using a threedimensional slice scanner,and the pathological structural differences in different types,according to the JES classification,were analyzed using nonparametric tests and t-tests.RESULTS The 35 lesions were divided into four groups according to the JES classification:A,B1,B2,and B3.Statistical analyses revealed significant differences(aP<0.05)in the short and long calibers,area,location,and density between types A and B.Notably,there were no significant differences in these parameters between types B1 and B2 and between types B2 and B3(P>0.05).However,significant differences in the short calibers,long calibers,and area of IPCL were observed between types B1 and B3(aP<0.05);no significant differences were found in the density or location(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Pathological structures of IPCLs in the deepest infiltrating regions differ among various IPCL types classified by the JES classification under magnifying endoscopy,especially between the types A and B.

Risk factors and clinical characteristics of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND:Portal vein thrombosis(PVT) is a potential lethal complication and may have negative influence on the prognosis after splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis.Prevention and timely detection of PVT are quite significant.There is a lack of knowledge about the clinical features and risk factors of PVT.Our study aimed to investigate the risk factors and clinical characteristics of PVT in order to figure out the high-risk individuals.METHODS:We collected the clinical data of 472 consecutive patients with non-neoplastic liver cirrhosis who had undergone splenectomy from January 2008 to December 2010 in our institution.Clinical and surgical characteristics of patients who developed PVT postoperatively and those who did not develop PVT were compared.Univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors of PVT were performed.The mortality and rebleeding rate of the patients were also evaluated.RESULTS:Of the 472 patients,52 were excluded from the study.PVT developed in 71(71/420,16.9%) patients.Multivariate analysis revealed that wider preoperative portal vein diameter,postoperative thrombocytosis,prolonged prothrombin time and periesophagogastric devascularization were significantly correlated with PVT development [odds ratio(OR):5.701,2.807,1.850 and 2.090,respectively].The incidence of PVT in patients who took antiplatelet drugs was not lower than that in those who did not.Follow-up showed that patients in the PVT group had a tendency towards reduced overall survival but it was not statistically significant.Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred more often in the PVT group than that in the non-PVT group(P=0.044).CONCLUSIONS:Wider preoperative portal vein diameter,postoperative thrombocytosis,prolonged prothrombin time and periesophagogastric devascularization are independent risk factors of PVT.PVT is related with higher risk of postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage but has no significant impact on the overall survival.

Admission clinical characteristics and early clinical outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between admission clinical characteristics and outcomes at discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients in the Chinese population. A total of 2,673 patients with acute ischemic stroke were included in the present study. The clinical characteristics at admission and other study variables were collected for all patients. The study outcome was defined as neurological deficiency （National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥ 10） at discharge or in-hospital death. Compared with the subjects without neurological deficiency at discharge or in-hospital death, the subjects with neurological deficiency at discharge or in-hospital death had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperglycemia or history of atrial fibrillation at admission. Age ≥ 80 years, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and history of atrial fibrillation were significantly associated with neurological deficiency at discharge or in-hospital death after adjustment for other variables. It is concluded that old age （ ≥ 80 years）, hyperglycemia, hypertension and history of atrial fibrillation are significantly associated with neurological deficiency at discharge or in-hospital death among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Clinical characteristics and current management of hepatitis B and C in China

AIM: To describe a population of outpatients in China infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), and assess their current management status. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study of HBV- and/or HCV-infected patients was conducted from August to November, 2011 in western China. Patients >= 18 years of age with HBV and/or HCV infections who visited outpatient departments at 10 hospitals were evaluated, whether treated or not. Data were collected on the day of visit from medical records and patient interviews. RESULTS: A total 4010 outpatients were analyzed, including 2562 HBV- infected and 1406 HCV-infected and 42 HBV/HCV co-infected patients. The median duration of documented infection was 7.5 years in HBV- infected and 1.8 years in HCV-infected patients. Cirrhosis was the most frequent hepatic complication (12.2%), appearing in one-third of patients within 3 years prior to or at diagnosis. The HCV genotype was determined in only 10% of HCV-infected patients. Biopsy data were only available for 54 patients (1.3%). Antiviral medications had been received by 58.2% of patients with HBV infection and 66.6% with HCV infection. Nucleos(t) ide analogs were the major antiviral medications prescribed for HBV- infected patients (most commonly adefovir dipivoxil and lamivudine). Ribavirin + pegylated interferon was prescribed for two-thirds of HCV-infected patients. In the previous 12 mo, around one-fifth patients had been hospitalized due to HBV or HCV infection. CONCLUSION: This observational, real-life study has identified some gaps between clinical practice and guideline recommendations in China. To achieve better health outcomes, several improvements, such as disease monitoring and optimizing antiviral regimens, should be made to improve disease management. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A comparison of Eastern and Western perspectives

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic, relapsing intestinal inflammatory disorder with unidentified causes. Both environmental factors and genetic aspects are believed to be crucial to the pathogenesis of IBD. The incidence and prevalence of IBD have recently been increasing throughout Asia, presumably secondary to environmental changes. This increasing trend in IBD epidemiology necessitates specific health care planning and education in Asia. To this end, we must gain a precise understanding of the distinctive clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Asian patients with IBD. The phenotypes of IBD reportedly differ considerably between Asians and Caucasians. Thus, use of the same management strategies for these different populations may not be appropriate. Moreover, investigation of the Asian-specific clinical aspects of IBD offers the possibility of identifying causative factors in the pathogenesis of IBD in this geographical area. Accordingly, this review summarizes current knowledge of the phenotypic manifestations and management practices of patients with IBD, with a special focus on a comparisonof Eastern and Western perspectives.

Clinical characteristics of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy

AIM： To investigate the clinical characteristics of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy. METHODS： We compared and analyzed the etiology, clinical characteristics, and laboratory examinations of 25 cases of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy and 30 cases of fulminant hepatitis not in pregnancy. RESULTS： HBV infection and chronic fulminant hepatitis were most common both in the pregnant and in the non-pregnant groups. Jaundice, digestive tract symptoms, increase of bilirubin and thrombinogen activity were the main manifestations. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy （HE） and hepato-renal syndrome （HRS） was significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of preterm labor, dead fetus and neonatal asphyxia was high. CONCLUSION： Fulminant hepatitis is likely to occur in late pregnancy wibh more severe complications, which significantly influences maternity, perinatal fetus, and newborn.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and survival between Uyghur patients with hepatitis virus-related and non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma in Xinjiang, China

Objective： To compare the clinical characteristics and prognosis between hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma（viral HCC） and non-B, non-C HCC（NBC-HCC） among Uyghur patients in Xinjiang province, China. Methods： Between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/2012, 319 Uyghur HCC patients were treated at the Cancer Centre of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The data for the patients were obtained from a retrospective review of the patients＇ medical records. A total of 18 patients were excluded from the study because of incomplete information. The patients were classified into two groups： viral HCC and NBC-HCC. The clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were statistically analysed.Results： For all 301 patients, gender（P=0.000）, area of residence（P=0.002）, diabetes mellitus（P=0.009）, BMI（P=0.000）, cirrhosis（P=0.000）, tumour stage（P=0.004）, Child-Pugh class（P=0.000）, the TBIL level（P=0.000）, and the alpha-fetoprotein（AFP） level（P=0.000） were significantly different between the NBC-HCC and viral HCC groups. The NBC-HCC patients tended to be diagnosed at advanced stages; however, the NBC-HCC patients exhibited lower Child-Pugh scores than the viral HCC patients. In all patients examined, the 0.5-, 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival（OS） rates were 35.6%, 20.3%, 12.6% and 4.5%, respectively. No significant difference in OS was observed between the two groups（P=0.124）. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that age（RR =1.539, P=0.001）, TNM stage（RR =12.708, P=0.000）, portal vein tumour thrombus（PVTT）（RR =2.003, P=0.000）, Child-Pugh class（RR =1.715, P=0.000）, and TACE ＋ radiotherapy/RFA（RR =0.567, P=0.000） were significant independent prognostic factors for HCC patients. Conclusions： The clinical characteristics differ between Uyghur patients with NBC-HCC and viral HCC. HCC in the Xinjiang region displays specific regional characteristics. Age, TNM stage, PVTT, Child-Pugh class and TACE ＋ radiotherapy/RFA are significant risk factors that influence patient survival.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has become a worldwide pandemic.We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan by retrospectively analyzing the epidemiological,clinical,and laboratory data for 218 COVID-19 patients and identifying the risk factors for liver injury by multivariate analysis.AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan.METHODS The 218 patients included 94 males(43.1%),aged 22 to 94(50.1±18.4)years.Elevated aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)were present in 42(53.2%)and 36(45.6%)cases,respectively,and 79(36.2%)patients had abnormally elevated transaminase levels at admission.Patients with liver injury were older than those with normal liver function by a median of 12 years,with a significantly higher frequency of males(68.4%vs 28.8%,P<0.001)and more coexisting illnesses(48.1%vs 27.3%,P=0.002).Significantly more patients had fever and shortness of breath(87.3%vs 69.8%and 29.1%vs 14.4%,respectively)in the liver injury group.Only 12(15.2%)patients had elevated total bilirubin.ALT and AST levels were mildly elevated[1-3×upper limit of normal(ULN)]in 86.1%and 92.9%of cases,respectively.Only two(2.5%)patients had an ALT or AST level>5×ULN.Elevatedγ-glutamyl transpeptidase was present in 45(57.0%)patients,and 86.7%of these had aγ-glutamyl-transpeptidase level<135 U/L(3×ULN).Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were almost normal in all patients.Patients with severe liver injury had a significantly higher frequency of abnormal transaminases than non-severe patients,but only one case had very high levels of aminotransferases.RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex,high D-dimer level,and high neutrophil percentage were linked to a higher risk of liver injury.The early stage of COVID-19 may be associated with mildly elevated aminotransferase levels in patients in Wuhan.Male sex and high D-dimer level and neutrophil percentage may be important predictors of liver injury in patients with COVID-19.CONCLUSION Male sex and high D-dimer level and neutrophil percentage may be important predictors of liver injury in patients with COVID-19.

Prevalence,histologic and clinical characteristics of heterotopic gastric mucosa in Chinese patients

AIM: To determine the prevalence, demographic, clinical and histopathologic features of heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in Chinese patients.