Chang Heon Yang

Changing prevalence of upper gastrointestinal disease in 28 893 Koreans from 1995 to 2005.

Objectives Changes in the pattern of gastrointestinal diseases in a population tend to be influenced by changes in diet and lifestyle. Shifts in gastrointestinal disease from 1995 to 2005 in Korea were evaluated, retrospectively. Methods Seventeen nationwide medical centers participated in this study. The cross-sectional review of endoscopic findings in 28 893 patients included 8441 patients from 1995, 10 350 patients from 2000, and 10 102 patients from 2005. Results The prevalence of reflux esophagitis increased from 1.8% in 1995 to 5.9% in 2000 and 9.1% in 2005 (P<0.001, the P value was only for the comparison between 1995 and 2005, the followings were as same). The prevalence of peptic ulcer diseases was 18.0% in 1995, 19.1% in 2000, and 20.2% in 2005 (P<0.001). Although no significant differences were noted in duodenal ulcers (8.4, 8.7, and 8.2%, P=0.449), gastric ulcers showed an increasing trend (9.6, 10.5, and 12.0%, P<0.001). The prevalence of gastric cancer increased from 3.4% in 1995 to 4.5% in 2000 (P<0.001), but then decreased to 2.4% in 2005 (P<0.001). The incidence of advanced gastric cancer was 2.5, 3.2, and 1.3%, respectively (P<0.001), and that of early gastric cancer remained constant with rates of 0.8%, 1.3, and 1.1%, respectively (P=0.056). Conclusion The cross-sectional review of data collected in 1995, 2000, and 2005 showed an increase in reflux esophagitis and peptic ulcer diseases. Meanwhile, the prevalence of gastric cancer increased until 2000, but decreased in 2005.

Significant risk and associated factors of active tuberculosis infection in Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease using anti-TNF agents.

AIM To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of Korean tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing anti-TNF treatment. METHODS The data of IBD patients treated with anti-TNFs in 13 tertiary referral hospitals located in the southeastern region of Korea were collected retrospectively. They failed to show response or were intolerant to conventional treatments, including steroids or immunomodulators. Screening measures for latent TB infection (LTBI) and the incidence and risk factors of active TB infection after treatment with anti-TNFs were identified. RESULTS Overall, 376 IBD patients treated with anti-TNF agents were recruited (male 255, mean age of anti-TNF therapy 32.5 ± 13.0 years); 277 had Crohns disease, 99 had ulcerative colitis, 294 used infliximab, and 82 used adalimumab. Before anti-TNF treatment, screening tests for LTBI including an interferon gamma release assay or a tuberculin skin test were performed in 82.2% of patients. Thirty patients (8%) had LTBI. Sixteen cases of active TB infection including one TB-related mortality occurred during 801 person-years (PY) follow-up (1997.4 cases per 100000 PY) after anti-TNF treatment. LTBI (OR = 5.76, 95%CI: 1.57-21.20, P = 0.008) and WBC count < 5000 mm(3) (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 1.51-13.44, P = 0.007) during follow-up were identified as independently associated risk factors. CONCLUSION Anti-TNFs significantly increase the risk of TB infection in Korean patients with IBD. The considerable burden of TB and marked immunosuppression might be attributed to this risk.

Comparison of scoring systems for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicenter prospective cohort study

The Glasgow–Blatchford score (GBS) and Rockall score (RS) are widely used to assess risk in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We compared both scoring systems and evaluated their clinical usefulness.

Conformable covered versus uncovered self-expandable metallic stents for palliation of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: a randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND A conformable self-expandable metallic stent was developed to overcome the limitation of previous self-expandable metallic stents. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after placement of conformable covered and uncovered self-expandable metallic stents for palliation of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODS A single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, prospective study were conducted in 4 medical centres between March 2009 and July 2012. 134 patients with unresectable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction were assigned to a covered double-layered (n=66) or uncovered unfixed-cell braided (n=68) stent placement group. Primary analysis was performed to compare re-intervention rates between two groups. RESULTS 120 patients were analysed (59 in the covered group and 61 in the uncovered group). Overall rates of re-intervention were not significantly different between the two groups: 13/59 (22.0%) in the covered group vs. 13/61 (21.3%) in the uncovered group, p=0.999. Stent migration was more frequent in the covered group than in the uncovered group (p=0.003). The tumour ingrowth rate was higher in the uncovered group than in the covered group (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS The rates of re-intervention did not significantly differ between the two stents. Conformable covered double-layered and uncovered unfixed-cell braided stents were associated with different patterns of stent malfunction.

Development of a Web-based, self-reporting symptom diary for Crohn's Disease, and its correlation with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index

Background and Aims Crohns Disease Activity Index (CDAI) is complex, time-consuming, and impractical. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a newly developed, simple, web-based self-reporting Crohns Disease symptom diary (CDSD) was as effective as CDAI in assessing disease severity. Methods CDSD consisted of 5 clinical parameters based on the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), which could easily be recorded online, by using CDSD website (www.cdsd.or.kr). Images were added to help patients better understand complications. All patients were asked to visit the website and record their symptoms 7 days before their next hospital appointment. CDAI scores were calculated at the subsequent hospital visit. The collected data were analyzed to determine if the CDAI scores correlated with those obtained from CDSD, and to define a cut-off value of CDSD that would be representative of disease remission. Results Analysis of 171 visits showed a positive correlation between scores from CDSD and CDAI (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.720, p < 0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curves showed CDSD score ≤5 points as corresponding with CDAI score ≤150 points (clinical remission). Using a cut-off value of 5 points by CDSD, the positive and negative predictive values for clinical remission were 91.7% and 88.5%, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that CDSD correlated well with CDAI. CDSD score of 5 is the cut-off value for clinical remission (CDAI score ≤150). Use of CDSD might permit a simple, patient-friendly assessment of CD activity, which can provide useful early-phase information on patients with CD as part of their long-term clinical assessment.

Status and Literature Review of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

Use of colorectal stents has increased dramatically over the last decades. Colorectal stents offer an alternative way to relieve fatal intestinal obstruction and can take place of emergency surgery, which associated with significant morbidity and mortality and a high incidence of stoma creation, to elective resection. Although there remain a few concerns regarding the use of stents as a bridge to surgical resection, use of self-expandable metallic stents for palliation in patients with unresectable disease has come to be generally accepted. Advantages of colorectal stents include acute restoration of luminal patency and allowance of time for proper staging and surgical optimization, and the well-known disadvantages are procedure-related complications including perforation, migration, and stent failure. General indications, procedures, and clinical outcomes as well as recent evidences regarding the use of colorectal stents will be discussed in this review.

Evidence-Based Recommendations on Colorectal Stenting: A Report from the Stent Study Group of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Recently, placement of self-expandable metallic stents has been used for the treatment of colorectal obstruction. As domestic awareness of colorectal cancer has increased, the number of colorectal stenting procedures performed has also increased. We aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for colorectal stenting to aid gastroenterologists in making informed decisions regarding the management of patients who present with colorectal obstruction. The working group consisted of eight gastroenterologists who actively practice and conduct research in the field of colorectal stenting and are the members of the Stent Study Group of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, KoreaMed, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant articles published between January 2001 and June 2012. Based on the modified Delphi process, 10 recommendation statements regarding indications, usefulness, methodology and complications of colorectal stenting, and alternative treatments for malignant colorectal obstruction were determined. The contents will be widely distributed, and periodically revised to reflect the latest knowledge. These evidence-based recommendations for colorectal stenting will provide gastroenterologists and patients with appropriate and balanced information, and will improve the quality of care.

Endoscopic Experience Improves Interobserver Agreement in the Grading of Esophagitis by Los Angeles Classification: Conventional Endoscopy and Optimal Band Image System

Background/Aims Interobserver variation by experience was documented for the diagnosis of esophagitis using the Los Angeles classification. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether interobserver agreement can be improved by higher levels of endoscopic experience in the diagnosis of erosive esophagitis. Methods Endoscopic images of 51 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were obtained with conventional endoscopy and optimal band imaging (OBI). Endoscopists were divided into an expert group (16 gastroenterologic endoscopic specialists guaranteed by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) and a trainee group (individuals with fellowships, first year of specialty training in gastroenterology). All endoscopists had no or minimal experience with OBI. GERD was diagnosed using the Los Angeles classification with or without OBI. Results The mean weighted paired κ statistics for interobserver agreement in grading erosive esophagitis by conventional endoscopy in the expert group was better than that in the trainee group (0.51 vs 0.42, p<0.05). The mean weighted paired k statistics in the expert group and in the trainee group based on conventional endoscopy with OBI did not differ (0.42, 0.42). Conclusions Interobserver agreement in the expert group using conventional endoscopy was better than that in the trainee group. Endoscopic experience can improve the interobserver agreement in the grading of esophagitis using the Los Angeles classification.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Comparative Study to Determine the Appropriate Dose of Lansoprazole for Use in the Diagnostic Test for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background/Aims The diagnostic proton pump inhibitor test (PPI test) is a method used in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to determine the appropriate dose of lansoprazole for use in the diagnostic test for GERD. Methods This study was a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area. Patients with typical reflux symptoms such as regurgitation and heartburn for at least three months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, the erosive reflux disease (ERD) group and the non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) group, and randomized to 14 days of treatment with lansoprazole at a dose of 15 mg, 30 mg or 60 mg once daily. The PPI test was considered positive if the patients symptoms improved by more than 50%. Results A total of 218 patients were enrolled, and analysis was performed on the 188 patients who completed the study. The PPI test was positive in 93.2% of the ERD group and 87.2% of the NERD group. A positive PPI test was observed in 91.7%, 89.4%, and 87.2% of the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg groups, respectively. Significant symptom score changes were observed starting on day 8 for the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg groups. Conclusions In this multicenter, randomized study of Korean patients, the standard dose of lansoprazole was as effective as a high dose of lansoprazole in relieving the symptoms of GERD, regardless of the presence of ERD, by day 14 of treatment.

Nonimmunity against hepatitis B virus infection in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease

Background/Aims This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers in Korean patients newly diagnosed with, but not yet treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods We prospectively enrolled 210 patients newly diagnosed with IBD (109 with ulcerative colitis and 101 with Crohns disease). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) levels were measured and compared with those of 1,100 sex- and age-matched controls. Results The prevalence of chronic HBV infection (positive HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and negative anti-HBs results) and past infection (negative HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and positive or negative anti-HBs results) were not significantly different between the patients and controls (chronic HBV infection: IBD, 3.8% vs. control, 4.9%, P=0.596; past infection: IBD, 26.2% vs. control, 28.8%, P=0.625). The patients with IBD aged <20 years were at a higher susceptibility risk (nonimmune) for HBV infection than the controls (IBD, 41.5% vs. control, 22.4%; P=0.018). In the multivariate analysis, an age of <20 years (P=0.024) and symptom duration of ≥12 months before diagnosis (P=0.027) were identified as independent risk factors for nonimmunity against HBV infection. Conclusions The patients newly diagnosed with IBD were susceptible to HBV infection. The frequency of nonimmunity was high, especially in the patients aged <20 years and those with a longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to screen for HBV serologic markers and generate a detailed vaccination plan for patients newly diagnosed with IBD.