Hye Kyung Jung

The Incidence, Prevalence, and Outcomes of Patients With Gastroparesis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, From 1996 to 2006

BACKGROUND & AIMS The epidemiology of gastroparesis is unknown. We aimed to determine the incidence, prevalence, and outcome of gastroparesis in the community. METHODS Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a medical records linkage system in Olmsted County, Minnesota, we identified county residents with potential gastroparesis. The complete medical records were reviewed by a gastroenterologist. Three diagnostic definitions were used: (1) definite gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying by standard scintigraphy and typical symptoms for more than 3 months; (2) probable gastroparesis, typical symptoms and food retention on endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal study; (3) possible gastroparesis, typical symptoms alone or delayed gastric emptying by scintigraphy without gastrointestinal symptoms. Poisson regression was used to assess the association of incidence rates with age, sex, and calendar period. RESULTS Among 3604 potential cases of gastroparesis, 83 met diagnostic criteria for definite gastroparesis, 127 definite plus probable gastroparesis, and 222 any of the 3 definitions of gastroparesis. The age-adjusted (to the 2000 US white population) incidence per 100,000 person-years of definite gastroparesis for the years 1996-2006 was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.8) for men and 9.8 (95% CI, 7.5-12.1) for women. The age-adjusted prevalence of definite gastroparesis per 100,000 persons on January 1, 2007, was 9.6 (95% CI, 1.8-17.4) for men and 37.8 (95% CI, 23.3-52.4) for women. Overall survival was significantly lower than the age- and sex-specific expected survival computed from the Minnesota white population (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Gastroparesis is an uncommon condition in the community but is associated with a poor outcome.

Epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia: a systematic review.

Ethnic and geographical differences are important factors in studying disease frequencies, because they may highlight the environmental or genetic influences in the etiology. We retrieved the studies which have been published regarding the epidemiologic features of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asia, based on the definitions of GERD, study settings, publication years and geographical regions. From the population-based studies, the prevalence of symptom-based GERD in Eastern Asia was found to be 2.5%-4.8% before 2005 and 5.2%-8.5% from 2005 to 2010. In Southeast and Western Asia, it was 6.3%-18.3% after 2005, which was much higher than those in Eastern Asia. There were robust epidemiologic data of endoscopic reflux esophagitis in medical check-up participants. The prevalence of endoscopic reflux esophagitis in Eastern Asia increased from 3.4%-5.0% before 2000, to 4.3%-15.7% after 2005. Although there were only limited studies, the prevalence of extra-esophageal syndromes in Asia was higher in GERD group than in controls. The prevalence of Barretts esophagus was 0.06%-0.84% in the health check-up participants, whereas it was 0.31%-2.00% in the referral hospital settings. In summary, the prevalence of symptom-based GERD and endoscopic reflux esophagitis has increased in Asian countries. However, the prevalence of Barretts esophagus in Asia has not changed and also still rare.

Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Associated With Diverticular Disease: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES:A subset of patients with colonic diverticular disease have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and some have a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but whether IBS and diverticular disease are linked is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate this association in the community.METHODS:A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted by mailing a valid symptom questionnaire to the eligible residents of Olmsted County, MN, aged 30–95 years. Colonic diverticular disease (diverticulosis and diverticulitis) was ascertained through a review of the complete medical history of all responders. Subjects with at least one relevant test (colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, CT colonography, or barium enema) were included. IBS was defined using Rome II criteria.RESULTS:Among 2,267 eligible respondents, there were 1,712 subjects who had undergone colon testing (76%): 919 women (54%); mean (±s.d.) age 65 (±11 years). Colonic diverticular disease was identified in 44.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 42.1–46.8) of the subject. IBS was reported by 8.8% (95% CI 6.9–11.0) of men and 17.0% (95% CI 14.6–19.6) of women. After adjusting for age and gender, the presence of IBS was associated with an increased odds for diverticulosis (odds ratio (OR) =1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.4) but not diverticulitis (OR=1.7, 95% CI 0.9–3.2). In those 65 years of age or older, the presence of IBS was associated with a ninefold higher odds for diverticulosis (OR=9.4, 95% CI 5.8–15.1). Relative to the non-IBS subgroup, diarrhea-predominant IBS and mixed IBS were significantly associated with an increased odds for diverticular disease (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2; OR=2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.4, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:There is a significantly increased odds for colonic diverticulosis in subjects with IBS (relative to those without IBS). These results suggest that IBS and colonic diverticular disease may be connected.

Overlap of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome: prevalence and risk factors in the general population

Background  Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome may occur more often than expected by chance, but little community data exists and risk factors are unknown.

Overlap of Erosive and Non-erosive Reflux Diseases With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders According to Rome III Criteria

Background/Aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Asian countries. Functional dyspepsia (FD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also prevalent and commonly overlapped with GERD. This study was conducted to compare the proportion and risk factors for overlapping reflux esophagitis (RE) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Methods A total of 2,388 [male, 55.9%; mean age (± SD), 43.2 years (± 8.4)] Korean subjects who underwent the upper endoscopy for health screening were prospectively included. The subjects were asked about demographic, medical and social history by using a structured questionnaire, and FD and IBS were assessed according to the Rome III criteria. Results The subjects with RE were 286 (12.0%, male 88.5%, 42.8 years) and 74 subjects had NERD (3.1%) while the prevalence of FD and IBS were 8.1% and 10.1%, respectively. The proportion of FD and IBS in NERD was higher than that of RE (74.3% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.000; 41.9% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.000, respectively). The epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) was more prevalent than postprandial distress syndrome in NERD. According to multiple regression analysis, high somatization score and the presence of FD increased the odd ratio for NERD. However, male gender and current smoker were significant risk factors for RE. Conclusions Compared to RE, NERD is more frequently overlapped with FD, especially EPS, and also are associated with significantly increased frequency of IBS. Our data draws attention to the possibility of subgrouping FGIDs and GERD to be important in understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea, 2013 revised edition

The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research first developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in 1998, and revised guidelines were proposed in 2009 by the same group. Although the revised guidelines were based on a comprehensive review of published articles and the consensus of expert opinions, the revised guidelines were not developed using an evidence‐based process. The new guidelines presented in this study include specific changes regarding indication and treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea, and were developed through the adaptation process using an evidence‐based approach. After systematic review of the literature, six guidelines were selected using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II process. A total of 21 statements were proposed with the grading system and revised using the modified Delphi method. After the guideline revisions, 11 statements about indication of test and treatment, four statements about diagnosis, and four statements about treatment of H. pylori infection were developed. The revised guidelines were reviewed by external experts before receiving official endorsement from the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research, and disseminated to physicians and other medical professionals for use in clinical practice in Korea. The guidelines will continue to be updated and revised periodically.

Comparison of oral omeprazole and endoscopic ethanol injection therapy for prevention of recurrent bleeding from peptic ulcers with nonbleeding visible vessels or fresh adherent clots

OBJECTIVES:Omeprazole is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Recently it was reported that p.o. omeprazole therapy reduced the rebleeding rate in patients with nonbleeding visible vessels or adherent clots. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether p.o. administration of omeprazole can be an effective alternative to endoscopic injection therapy in peptic ulcers with stigmata of recent hemorrhage.METHODS:A total of 101 patients who had peptic ulcer bleeding based on endoscopic findings of nonbleeding visible vessels or fresh adherent clots were randomly assigned to receive omeprazole (40 mg p.o. every 12 h) or endoscopic ethanol injection therapy.RESULTS:Rebleeding rates were 22.9% (11 of 48) in the omeprazole group and 20.8% (11 of 53) in the endoscopic injection therapy group. The rebleeding rates of clinical significance were 14.6% and 13.2%, respectively. There was no significance difference in the rebleeding rate, requirement for surgery, total units of blood transfused, or mortality between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS:Oral omeprazole administration is comparable to endoscopic ethanol injection therapy for prevention of rebleeding in patients with nonbleeding visible vessels or adherent clots.

Reactive oxygen species activity, mucosal lipoperoxidation and glutathione in Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is considered as the major pathogen in Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastroduodenal disease, but the mechanism of its action has not been fully explained. This study was performed to assess the reactive oxygen species activity and the damage in Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa.

Emerging Need for Vaccination against Hepatitis A Virus in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in Korea

Vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) is recommended for patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), but this has been deemed unnecessary in Korea since the immunity against HAV was almost universal in adults. However, this practice has never been reevaluated with respect to the changing incidence of adult acute hepatitis A. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 278 patients with acute hepatitis A diagnosed from January 1995 to November 2005 and prospectively tested 419 consecutive CLD patients from July to December 2005 for the presence of IgG anti-HAV. The number of patients with acute hepatitis A has markedly increased recently, and the proportion of adult patients older than 30 yr has been growing from 15.2% during 1995-1999, to 28.4% during 2000-2005 (p=0.019). Among 419 CLD patients, the seroprevalences of IgG anti-HAV were 23.1% for those between 26 and 30 yr, 64% between 31 and 35 yr, and 85.0% between 36 and 40 yr. These data demonstrate that immunity against HAV is no more universal in adult and substantial proportion of adult CLD patients are now at risk of HAV infection in Korea. Therefore, further study on seeking proper strategy of active immunization against HAV is warranted in these populations.

Measurement of abdominal symptoms by validated questionnaire: a 3-month recall timeframe as recommended by Rome III is not superior to a 1-year recall timeframe.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1237–1247