Epidemiological and Paraclinical Aspects of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in the Republic of Congo

Objective: Describe the epidemiological and paraclinical aspects of HP infection in hepatitis B virus carriers. Population and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study running from January 1 to August 30, 2019, a period of 8 months. It took place in the Hospital Centers of the two major cities of Congo (Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire). The target population of our study consists of patients carrying HBV under antiviral treatment or not. Patients aged at least 18 years and consenting with a biological and morphological assessment were included. We did not include in our study patients taking or having taken antibiotics and/or PPIs less than 4 weeks ago. We excluded all patients who did not deposit fresh stools and those in whom stool extraction could not be done manually. The variables studied covered sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical aspects. Data entry was done using Excel 8.0 software. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 20.0 software. Results: During our study, we included 169 patients. The frequency of HPAG in the stools of HBV carriers in our study population was 63.9% (n = 109). Male patients represented 69% (n = 75) and female patients represented 31% (n = 34). The average age of the patients is 43.92 ± 13.51 years with extremes of 18 years and 80 years. Concerning profession, unemployed patients and those working in the private sector were the most represented in respectively 28.4% (n = 31) and 22.9% (n = 25) without statistical link. Households comprising between 4 - 10 people and the use of public latrines were the risk factors most represented in respectively 69% (n = 75) and 88% (n = 96) without statistical link. Clinically, hepatomegaly and signs of portal hypertension were most represented in 53% (n = 58) and 47% (n = 51). Biologically, HBV DNA was detectable in 60.5% of cases (n = 66).

Rare extraintestinal manifestations of ulcerative colitis treated with dual biologic therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an idiopathic,chronic inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)most often located in the rectum,but may involve the entire colon.Extra intestinal manifestations(EIMs)occur with varying frequency depending on the affected organ.The most common ones are musculoskeletal EIMs,affecting up to 33%-40%of IBD patients.These include,among others,inflammatory back pain,tendinitis,plantar fasciitis and arthritis.Only a few case reports in literature discuss Achilles tendinitis.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a patient with UC and Achilles tendinitis in whom after many unsuccessful attempts of treatment with sulfasalazine,mesalazine,glucocorticosteroids,infliximab and tofacitinib,a complete UC remission and resolution of Achilles tendinitis were achieved with the use of dual biologic therapy(DBT)-ustekinumab and adalimumab(ADA).CONCLUSION This case mentions rare EIMs of UC and suggests that DBT may be an alternative for patient with ulcerative colitis and EIMs.

Treatment refractory mast cell leukemia with dominant gastrointestinal manifestation and concomitant skin symptoms:A case report

BACKGROUND Mast cell leukemia(MCL),a subtype of systemic mastocytosis(SM),is an extremely rare clinical entity characterized by a very poor prognosis.Chemotherapy,tyrosine kinase inhibitors,and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are the only treatment options,but they cannot provide the desired outcomes in most cases of MCL.However,other types of SM can be successfully treated.The disease has no specific manifestation,but gastroenterological symptoms are present in most cases.CASE SUMMARY The authors,hereby,report a case of a 46-year-old female patient diagnosed with MCL-the rarest subtype of SM.The patient presented to the gastroenterology clinic with multiple,various,and unspecific gastroenterological symptoms.Concomitance of skin lesions significantly contributed to a relatively prompt diagnosis.The serum tryptase level was extremely high and bone the marrow aspirate showed an infiltration of atypical mast cells.The disease was rapidly progressive and primary refractory to chemotherapy and the patient succumbed to the illness about a month after the initiation of treatment.CONCLUSION Despite its“hematological nature”,MCL,in most cases presents dominantly with unspecific gastroenterological symptoms.Thus,a high disease awareness among physicians other than hematologists is necessary to improve treatment outcomes.Serum tryptase level,due to its non-invasive nature and easy access,may serve as an initial step to estimate the probability of mastocytosis.

Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas

Gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas may be serious and life-threatening. The increasing number of endoscopic procedures with a high risk of perforation and the increasing incidence of leakage associated with bariatric operations call for a minimally invasive treatment for these complications. The therapeutic approach can vary greatly depending on the size,location, and timing of gastrointestinal wall defect recognition. Some asymptomatic patients can be treated conservatively, while patients with septic symptoms or cardio-pulmonary insufficiency may require intensive care and urgent surgical treatment.However, most gastrointestinal wall defects can be satisfactorily treated by endoscopy. Although the initial endoscopic closure rates of chronic fistulas is very high, the long-term results of these treatments remain a clinical problem. The efficacy of endoscopic therapy depends on several factors and the best mode of treatment will depend on a precise localization of the site, the extent of the leak and the endoscopic appearance of the lesion. Many endoscopic tools for effective closure of gastrointestinal wall defects are currently available. In this review, we summarized the basic principles of the management of acute iatrogenic perforations, as well as of postoperative leaks and chronic fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract. We also described the effectiveness of various endoscopic methods based on current research and our experience.

Viewpoints of the target population regarding barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND Public awareness of colorectal cancer(CRC) and uptake of CRC screening remain challenges. The viewpoints of the target population(asymptomatic individuals older than 50) regarding CRC screening information sources and the reasons for and against participation in CRC screening are not well known in the Czech Republic. This study aimed to acquire independent opinions from the target population independently on the health system.AIM To investigate the viewpoints of the target population regarding the source of information for and barriers and facilitators of CRC screening.METHODS A survey among relatives(aged 50 and older) of university students was conducted. Participants answered a questionnaire about sources of awareness regarding CRC screening, reasons for and against participation, and suggestions for improvements in CRC screening. The effect of certain variables on participation in CRC screening was analyzed.RESULTS Of 498 participants, 478(96%) respondents had some information about CRC screening and 375(75.3%) had participated in a CRC screening test. General practitioners(GPs)(n = 319, 64.1%) and traditional media(n = 166, 33.3%) were the most common information sources regarding CRC screening. A lack of interest or time and a fear of colonoscopy or positive results were reported as reasons for non-participation. Individuals aged > 60 years [adjusted odds ratio(aOR) = 2.30, 95% confidence interval(CI)(1.42-3.71), P = 0.001], females(aOR =1.95, 95%CI(1.26-3.01) P = 0.003), and relatives of CRC patients(aOR = 4.17,95%CI(1.82-9.58) P = 0.001) were more likely to participate in screening.Information regarding screening provided by physicians-GPs:(aOR = 8.11,95%CI(4.90-13.41), P < 0.001) and other specialists(aOR = 4.19, 95%CI(1.87-9.38),P = 0.001) increased participation in screening. Respondents suggested that providing better explanations regarding screening procedures and equipment for stool capturing could improve CRC screening uptake.CONCLUSION GPs and other specialists play crucial roles in the successful uptake of CRC screening. Reduction of the fear of colonoscopy and simple equipment for stool sampling might assist in improving the uptake of CRC screening.

Effect of endothelin-1 receptor antagonists on histological and ultrastructural changes in the pancreas and trypsinogen activation in the early course of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM: To assess the effect of non-selective ETA/B (LU 302872)and selective ETA (LU 302146) antagonist on pancreatic histology and ultrastructure of acinar cells in connection with trypsinogen activation in early caerulein-induced AP.METHODS: Male Wistar rats with caerulein-induced AP,lasting 4 h, were treated i.p. with 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.of each antagonist. Edema, inflammatory infiltration,necrosis and vacuolization of acinar cells in the pancreas were scored at 0-3 scale. Free active trypsin (FAT), total potential trypsin (TPT) after activation with enterokinase,and index of trypsinogen activation (%FAT/TPT) were assayed in pancreatic homogenates.RESULTS: In untreated AP, the edema, inflammatory infiltration, necrosis and vacuolization increased as compared to control healthy rats (P＜0.01). None of the treatment exerted any meaningful effect on the edema and inflammatory infiltration. The selective antagonist increased slightly the necrosis score to 0.82±0.06 at higher dose (P＜0.05) vs 0.58±0.06 in untreated AP. The nonselective antagonist increased slightly the vacuolization score to 2.41±0.07 at higher dose (P＜0.01) vs 1.88±0.08in untreated AP. The decrease in the number of zymogen granules, disorganization of endoplasmic reticulum,autophagosomes and cytoplasmic vacuoles were more prominent in treated AP than in untreated AP groups.%FAT/TPT in untreated AP increased about four times (18.4±3.8 vs4.8±1.3 in control group without AP, P＜0.001).Treatment of AP with both antagonists did not affect significantly augmented trypsinogen activation.CONCLUSION: The treatment with endothelin-1 receptors (non-selective ETA/B and selective ETA) antagonists has essential effect neither on the edema and inflammatory infiltration nor on trypsinogen activation observed in the early course of caerulein-induced AP. Nevertheless a slight increase of the necrosis and vacuolization score and some of the ultrastructural data could suggest the possibility of their undesired effects in caerulein-induced AP at investigated doses.

Clinical implications of diabetes in chronic liver disease:Diagnosis,outcomes and management,current and future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is common in liver cirrhosis(LC).The pathophysiological association is bidirectional.DM is a risk factor of LC and LC is a diabetogenic condition.In the recent years,research on different aspects of the association DM and LC has been intensified.Nevertheless,it has been insufficient and still exist many gaps.The aims of this review are:(1)To discuss the latest understandings of the association of DM and LC in order to identify the strategies of early diagnosis;(2)To evaluate the impact of DM on outcomes of LC patients;and(3)To select the most adequate management benefiting the two conditions.Literature searches were conducted using Pub Med,Ovid and Scopus engines for DM and LC,diagnosis,outcomes and management.The authors also provided insight from their own published experience.Based on the published studies,two types of DM associated with LC have emerged:Type 2 DM(T2 DM)and hepatogenous diabetes(HD).High-quality evidences have determined that T2 DM or HD significantly increase complications and death pre and post-liver transplantation.HD has been poorly studied and has not been recognized as a complication of LC.The management of DM in LC patients continues to be difficult and should be based on drug pharmacokinetics and the degree of liver failure.In conclusion,the clinical impact of DM in outcomes of LC patients has been the most studied item recently.Nevertheless many gaps still exist particularly in the management.These most important gaps were highlighted in order to propose future lines for research.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Epidemiological, Clinical and Endoscopic Aspects in Brazzaville

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is a real health problem worldwide. It is the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries. Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection and to study the epidemiological, clinical and endoscopic characteristics associated with this infection in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January to November 2020, i.e. 11 months. This work focused on 100 symptomatic patients over 18 years old referred for upper GI endoscopy. Gastric biopsies for biological study by urease test and molecular study by real time PCR technique were taken. Results: With a mean age of 46.32 ± 15.20 years, the frequency of Hp infection was 91%, with a female predominance of 53%. The sex ratio was 0.92. The average age was 46.32 ± 15.20 years. Carriage of the infection was more important in households with more than 3 persons, in patients consuming public tap water and in those using both types of sanitary facilities. Endoscopy was indicated for epigastralgia in 93.1% of cases. About 56.14% of the infected patients had normal mucosa versus 12.28% with ulcerated lesions and 22.81% with gastritis. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is significant in Congo, justifying early detection in order to improve management.

Pseudotumoral Abdominal Tuberculosis in Immunocompetent Adults: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Purpose: To highlight diagnostic challenges of pseudotumoral abdominal tuberculosis. Materials and methods: Three cases of pseudotumoral abdominal tuberculosis were compiled in our department between 2014 and 2015. They were aged 34 years, 42 years and 61 years respectively. They were immunocompetent and had no personal or family history of tuberculosis. Clinical presentations were non-specific, represented by abdominal pain and weight loss in the three patients and chronic diarrhea in one patient. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography CT were performed in all patients. Abdominal MRI was performed in one case as well as a colonoscopy. Results: Retroperitoneal tuberculosis and colic tuberculosis were noted in the 1st and 2nd case. Macro-nodular and biliary hepatic tuberculosis was retained in the third case. The diagnosis was based upon histopathology in the 3 cases showing tubercular granuloma with caseation. Anti-tuberculosis therapy was prescribed for 6 months. Evolution was favorable in all patients. Conclusion: Tuberculosis continues to present diagnostic difficulties, particularly in its pseudo-tumoral form, even in endemic tuberculosis countries like ours.

Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Viral Hepatitis B and C Screening by General Practitioners in Brazzaville

The involvement of general practitioners in the early detection of viral hepatitis B and C must be paramount. The objectives of this work were to assess GPs’ knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to screening for viral hepatitis B and C. We carried out a cross-sectional analytical study among GPs recruited by simple random sampling from the list of GPs in the city of Brazzaville. The judgement criteria were knowledge and practice of screening for viral hepatitis B and C, assessed according to a Likert scale divided into 3 categories: very good, good and bad. One hundred and twenty-one general practitioners were included, including 48 women and 73 men, with a sex ratio of 1.52;the average age was 33 years;52.89% of them worked in the private sector with an average period of activity of 4 years. The majority of the doctors had a good knowledge (69.42%) and a bad practice (56.20%) of screening for viral hepatitis B and C. The duration of activity was the factor linked to knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C (p = 0.006) while age was the factor linked to the practice of screening for viral hepatitis B and C (p = 0.0366). In conclusion, in Brazzaville, general practitioners’ knowledge of screening for viral hepatitis B and C is good in general, but the practices are poor and require targeted in-service training.

Seroprevalence and Molecular Biodiverisity of Hepatitis C Infection in Congolese Diabetics

Summary: There is no evidence for comorbidity diabetes and hepatitis C virus infection in the Congo. The aim of this work was to determine the seroprevalence and molecular biodiversity of HCV in order to contribute to improving the management of Congolese diabetics. Patients and methods: It was a cross-sectional study that took place from 1 February to 30 September 2018 at the Brazzaville University Hospital, the Diabcare Health Center and the Adolphe Cissé Hospital in Pointe-Noire. It concerned diabetic patients followed in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire agreeing to the study, after obtaining the opinion of the ethics committee of the research in health science. All samples collected were screened for the presence of anti HCV Ab using a rapid ALERE HCV test and the Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab ultra test for confirmation in Congo. Detection of the viral RNA was done by PCR retrotranscription and genotyping was performed according to the reverse hybridization technique in France. Data analysis was done with EpiInfo 6.0 software (2016);the proportions were compared using the Chi-square test or the Fisher test at the significance level of 5%. Results: Of 447 patients with diabetes mellitus, 49 had HCV positive serology and the sex ratio was 0.63. Seroprevalence of AC anti HCV was 11% (49/447);HCV RNA was detectable in 71.4% (n = 35) patients. The average age of the population was 62 ± 10 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 82 years. The circulating genotypes were 4 (97.1%) and 1 (2.8%). Subtyping was defined in 17.64% (n = 6) of genotype 4 patients;undefined in 82.36% (n = 28) of Genotype 4 patients, and in one of genotype 1 patients. The subtypes identified were subtype 4e (60%), subtype 4e (8.8%), subtype 4a/4c/4d (5.8%), and subtype 4h (2.9%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV is high in our study. These are important data for the improvement of the management of diabetics.

Profile of patients with pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus at the University Hospital of Brazzaville

Introduction: pancreatic cancer a poor prognosis disease for which there is no screening. Its association with diabetes is not uncommon and may influence the evolutionary profile. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of diabetic patients who could benefit from pancreatic cancer screening. Methods: we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in the gastroenterology department of the University Hospital of Brazzaville, from January 2010 to December 2019. Epidemiological variables (age, sex, alcoholism, smoking), tumor variables (symptoms, site, size, density, extension) and time of occurrence of both entities were analyzed using Epi info software. Results: A total of 35 patients were hospitalized for pancreatic cancer, of whom 17 were men and 15 women, for a sex ratio of 1.21. The mean age of the patients was 60.3 ± 13 years. Fifteen patients (43.75%) were diabetic, all classified as type 2. Among them, the diagnosis of diabetes of 10 patients (66.7%) preceded pancreatic cancer diagnosis and delay between the two pathologies was on average 3.4 years ± 5.3 months. Diabetes was observed in 11 patients older than 60 years. The difference was significant (OR = 4.8;95% CI [1.1 - 22.8];p = 0.0226). The other epidemiological variables studied were not related to the two pathologies. Conclusion: we propose a screening for pancreatic cancer when diabetes is discovered to patients from 60 years old, whatever their sex, especially during the first 3 years after the discovery of diabetes.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections: What impacts treatment duration?

Background:Peripancreatic fluid collections(PFCs)are complications resulting from acute or chronic pancreatitis and require treatment in certain clinical conditions.The present study aimed to identify the factors influencing the duration of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided drainage of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts(PPCs),walled-off necrosis(WON),and acute necrotic collections(ANCs).Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study of 68 patients with PFCs who underwent EUS-guided drainage.The timing and duration of EUS-guided drainage of various PFCs(ANC,WON,and PPCs)were compared,and the factors influencing the duration of endoscopic treatment were identified.Results:The mean time to first EUS-guided PFC drainage since the acute pancreatitis episode was 372.0,505.0,and 18.7 days for WON,PPC,and ANC,respectively,and the mean duration of treatment was 90,60,and 63 days,respectively.A disconnected pancreatic duct,a history of percutaneous drainage,and an infected PFC were identified as factors influencing the treatment duration.A positive correlation was observed between the treatment duration and patients’age.Patients with a disconnected pancreatic duct had to undergo more procedures.In patients with PPC,clinically successful drainage was more frequently achieved after a single procedure without the need for repeated procedures than in those with WON(90%vs.59%,P=0.01).Conclusions:Patients with a history of percutaneous drainage,disconnected pancreatic duct,or PFC infection may require longer endoscopic treatment.

Midwives’s Knowledge and Practice in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission on Hepatitis B Virus in Brazzaville in 2023

Background: Maternal-fetal transmission is the most frequent mode of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contamination in Africa. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B is still poorly understood, and training of the health workers involved, such as midwives, is rare. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of midwives prevention of HBV’ mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Brazzaville from June 1 to July 31, 2023. Midwives present at the time of the survey in the various Brazzaville health centers visited and who agreed to answer the questionnaire during a face-to-face interview with the investigator were included. Univariate analyses were performed using epi info7.2 software. Pearson’s chi-square and Student’s t-tests were used to compare proportions and means, which were significant at the 0.05 level. Results: At the end of our study, 93 midwives out of 127 agreed to take part in the study, i.e. a participation rate of 73.2%. Their median age was of 41.7 years, a median professional experience of 13.7 years, and they worked mainly in primary health care facilities. Global knowledge of HBV PMTCT was satisfactory in 51 (54.3%) midwives. Knowledge of the HBV vaccine was significantly related to professional experience (p = 0.0167). PMTCT practice was poor in 48 (51.6%) cases. Overall, the practice of PMTCT was statistically associated with the midwives’ place of practice (p = 0.0262). Conclusion: Midwives had good knowledge but insufficient practice of PMTCT in Brazzaville. Training and awareness-raising are needed to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HBV.

Alteration of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in acute pancreatitis

AIM： To evaluate peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with acute pancreatitis （AP）. METHODS： Twenty patients with mild AP （M-AP） and 15 with severe AP （SAP） were included in our study. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined at d 1-3, 5, 10 and 30 by means of flow cytometry. RESULTS： A significant depletion of circulating lymphocytes was found in AP. In the early AP, the magnitude of depletion was similar for T- and B- lymphocytes. In the late course of S-AP, B-lymphocytes were much more depleted than T-lymphocytes. At d 10, strong shift in the CD7＋/CD19＋ ratio implicating predominance of T- over B-lymphocytes in S-AP was found. Among T-lymphocytes, the significant depletion of the CD4＋ population was observed in M-AP and S-AP, while CDS＋ cells were in the normal range. Lymphocytes were found to strongly express activation markers： CD69, CD25, CD28, CD38 and CD122. Serum interleukin-2 （IL-2）, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, interferon-γ （IFN-γ） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） levels were significantly increased in both forms of AP. The magnitude of elevation of cytokines known to be produced by Th2 was much higher than cytokines produced by Th1 cells. CONCLUSION： AP in humans is characterized by significant reduction of peripheral blood T- and B-lymphocytes.

Is rectal indomethacin effective in preventing of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis?

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of rectally administered indomethacin in the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and hyperamylasaemia in a multicentre study.

Helicobacter pylori infection and other bacteria in pancreatic cancer and autoimmune pancreatitis

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is an infectious agent influencing as much as 50%of the world’s population.It is the causative agent for several diseases,most especially gastric and duodenal peptic ulcer,gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the stomach.A number of other,extragastric manifestations also are associated with H.pylori infection.These include neurological disorders,such as Alzheimer’s disease,demyelinating multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.There is also evidence for a relationship between H.pylori infection and such dermatological diseases as psoriasis and rosacea as well as a connection with infection and open-angle glaucoma.Generally little is known about the relationship between H.pylori infection and diseases of the pancreas.Most evidence about H.pylori and its potential role in the development of pancreatic diseases concerns pancreatic adenocarcinoma and autoimmune forms of chronic pancreatitis.There is data(albeit not fully consistent)indicating modestly increased pancreatic cancer risk in H.pylori-positive patients.The pathogenetic mechanism of this increase is not yet fully elucidated,but several theories have been proposed.Reduction of antral Dcells in H.pylori-positive patients causes a suppression of somatostatin secretion that,in turn,stimulates increased secretin secretion.That stimulates pancreatic growth and thus increases the risk of carcinogenesis.Alternatively,H.pylori,as a part of microbiome dysbiosis and the so-called oncobiome,is proven to be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma development via the promotion of cellular proliferation.The role of H.pylori in the inflammation characteristic of autoimmune pancreatitis seems to be explained by a mechanism of molecular mimicry among several proteins(mostly enzymes)of H.pylori and pancreatic tissue.Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis often show positivity for antibodies against H.pylori proteins.H.pylori,as a part of microbiome dysbiosis,also is viewed as a potential trigger of autoimmune inflammation of the pancreas.It is precisely these relationships(and associated equivocal conclusions)that constitute a center of attention among pancreatologists,immunologists and pathologists.In order to obtain clear and valid results,more studies on sufficiently large cohorts of patients are needed.The topic is itself sufficiently significant to draw the interest of clinicians and inspire further systematic research.Next-generation sequencing could play an important role in investigating the microbiome as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.

FibroSURE^(TM) and FibroScan~ in relation to treatment response in chronic hepatitis C virus

AIM:To compare histological endpoint assessment using noninvasive alternatives to biopsy during treatment in a chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)cohort.METHODS:Patients with chronic HCV were randomized to receive interferon-based therapy for 24(genotypes 2/3)or 48(genotype 1)wk.FibroSURE～TM(FS)was assessed at baseline and at week-12 post-treatment follow-up.Baseline biopsy for METAVIR was assessed by a single pathologist.FibroScan～ transient elastogra-phy(TE)was performed during treatment in a patient subset.RESULTS:Two thousand and sixty patients(n = 253 in Asia)were classif ied as METAVIR F0-1(n = 1682)or F2-4(n = 378).For F2-4,FS(n = 2055)had sensitiv-ity and specif icity of 0.87 and 0.61,respectively,with area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.82;corre-sponding values for TE(n = 214)and combined FS/TE(n = 209)were 0.77,0.88 and 0.88,and 0.93,0.68 and 0.88.Overall FS/TE agreement for F2-4 was 71%(κ = 0.41)and higher in Asians vs non-Asians(κ = 0.86 vs 0.35;P < 0.001).Combined FS/TE had 97% accuracy in Asians(n = 33).Baseline FS(0.38 vs 0.51,P < 0.001)and TE(8.0 kPa vs 11.9 kPa,P = 0.006)scores were lower in patients with sustained virological response than in nonresponders,and were maintained through follow-up.CONCLUSION:FS and TE may reliably differentiate mild from moderate-advanced disease,with a potential for high diagnostic accuracy in Asians with chronic HCV.

Non-invasive prediction of persistent villous atrophy in celiac disease

BACKGROUND Celiac disease(CD)is an immune-mediated enteropathy that is primarily treated with a gluten-free diet(GFD).Mucosal healing is the main target of the therapy.Currently,duodenal biopsy is the only way to evaluate mucosal healing,and noninvasive markers are challenging.Persistent elevation of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies(aTTG)is not an ideal predictor of persistent villous atrophy(VA).Data regarding prediction of atrophy using anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies(aDGP)and abdominal ultrasonography are lacking.AIM To evaluate the ability of aTTG,aDGP,small bowel ultrasonography,and clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting persistent VA determined using histology.METHODS Patients with CD at least 1 year on a GFD and available follow-up duodenal biopsy,levels of aTTG and aDGP,and underwent small bowel ultrasonography were included in this retrospective cohort study.We evaluated the sensitivity,specificity,and positive and negative predictive values of aTTG,aDGP,small bowel ultrasonography,laboratory and clinical parameters to predict persistent VA.A receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis of antibody levels was used to calculate cut off values with the highest accuracy for atrophy prediction.RESULTS Complete data were available for 82 patients who were followed up over a period of four years(2014-2018).Among patients included in the analysis,women(67,81.7%)were predominant and the mean age at diagnosis was 33.8 years.Followup biopsy revealed persistent VA in 19 patients(23.2%).The sensitivity and specificity of aTTG using the manufacturer’s diagnostic cutoff value to predict atrophy was 50%and 85.7%,respectively,while the sensitivity and specificity of aDGP(using the diagnostic cutoff value)was 77.8%and 75%,respectively.Calculation of an optimal cutoff value using ROC analysis(13.4 U/mL for aTTG IgA and 22.6 U/mL for aDGP IgA)increased the accuracy and reached 72.2%[95%confidence interval(CI):46.5-90.3]sensitivity and 90%(95%CI:79.5-96.2)specificity for aDGP IgA and 66.7%(95%CI:41.0-86.7)sensitivity and 93.7%(95%CI:84.5-98.2)specificity for aTTG IgA.The sensitivity and specificity of small bowel ultrasonography was 64.7%and 73.5%,respectively.A combination of serology with ultrasound imaging to predict persistent atrophy increased the positive predictive value and specificity to 88.9%and 98%for aTTG IgA and to 90.0%and 97.8%for aDGP IgA.Laboratory and clinical parameters had poor predictive values.CONCLUSION The sensitivity,specificity,and negative predictive value of aTTG and aDGP for predicting persistent VA improved by calculating the best cutoff values.The combination of serology and experienced bowel ultrasound examination may achieve better accuracy for the detection of atrophy.

Histological remission of eosinophilic esophagitis under asthma therapy with IL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody:A case report

BACKGROUND Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-5 receptor used in the treatment of asthma.The use of benralizumab in other conditions is only emerging and could represent a therapeutic option for other eosinophil-associated diseases.Here,we report the case of a patient suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis and asthma who achieved histological remission of eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE)under benralizumab treatment for his asthma.CASE SUMMARY Our patient was a 56-year-old white male with a history of eosinophilic esophagitis and severe asthma.After years of usual treatments,including topical steroids,biological treatment with mepolizumab,and standard asthma treatment,only poor control of both conditions was obtained.A control gastroscopy after the initiation of benralizumab showed complete histological remission of his EoE.CONCLUSION Our case shows the effects of therapy with a novel agent not yet approved for this condition but for other diseases,with histological resolution of EoE after treatment.Complete clinical remission was not observed,which exemplifies the complex nature of EoE,its associated psychosomatic burden,and the chronification of the disease.Nevertheless,monoclonal antibodies targeting the Th2 response and,in our case,an IL5 receptor antagonist,achieved complete histological remission,which was not the case with an antibody against IL-5,which was also initiated to treat asthma.