Joo Hyun Lim

Do antiplatelets increase the risk of bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric neoplasms

BACKGROUND It is rarely known whether antiplatelets increase the risk of bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of antiplatelets on post-ESD bleeding. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Single, tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS This study involved 1591 gastric neoplasms (815 adenomas and 776 early gastric cancers) in 1503 patients who had ESD between April 2005 and April 2010. INTERVENTION ESD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Overt hematemesis/hematochezia, a drop of hemoglobin >2 g/dL from baseline, or requirement of endoscopic hemostasis, angiographic embolization, and/or transfusion. RESULTS Of 1591 subjects, 274 took antiplatelets, among whom 102 discontinued them for 7 days or more before ESD. Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 94 subjects including 20 from the continuation group, 6 from the withdrawal group, and 68 from the no-antiplatelet group. In univariate analysis, antiplatelets, early gastric cancer (EGC), comorbidity, and specimen diameter were related to post-ESD bleeding. In multivariate analysis, EGC (odds ratio [OR] 1.839; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.168-2.896; P = .009), comorbidity (OR 2.246; 95% CI, 1.280-3.939; P = .005), and specimen diameter (OR 2.315; 95% CI, 1.282-4.180; P = .005) were independent risk factors of post-ESD bleeding, whereas antiplatelet usage was not (OR 1.596; 95% CI, 0.877-2.903; P = .126). In subgroup analysis, continuous antiplatelet usage was not found to be an independent risk factor of post-ESD bleeding in multivariate analysis (OR 2.027; P = .146). Among 102 subjects who discontinued antiplatelets, 1 developed an acute cerebral infarction (1.0%). LIMITATION A retrospective, single-center analysis. CONCLUSION In ESD for antiplatelet users, continuous administration was not found to have an independent significant association with bleeding.

Clinicopathological Features and Surgical Safety of Gastric Cancer in Elderly Patients

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers, especially among the elderly. However little is known about gastric cancer in elderly patients. This study was designed to evaluate the specific features of gastric cancer in elderly patients. Medical records of 1,107 patients who had radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between June 2005 and December 2009 were reviewed. They were divided into young (<65 yr, n=676), young-old (65-74 yr, n=332), and old-old age group (≥75 yr, n=99). Increased CA 19-9 (5.6%, 13.4%, 14.6%, P=0.001), advanced diseases (42.5%, 47.0%, and 57.6, P=0.014), and node metastasis (37.6%, 38.9%, 51.5%, P=0.029) were more common in the young-old and old-old age groups. There were no significant differences in Helicobacter pylori status (63.6%, 56.7%, 61.2%, P=0.324) between the three groups. Surgery-related complication rates were similar in the three groups (5.3%, 5.1%, 8.1%, P=0.497). Microsatellite instability (P<0.001) and p53 overexpression (P<0.001) were more common among the elderly. The elderly group had more synchronous tumors (7.5%, 10.2%, 17.2%; P=0.006). Surgery can be applied to elderly gastric cancer without significant risk of complications. However, considering the more advanced disease and synchronous tumors among the elderly, care should be taken while deciding the extent of surgery for elderly gastric cancer. Graphical Abstract

Inverse Relationship Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Asthma Among Adults Younger than 40 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori could prevent allergic disease, particularly in children. However, whether this is true in adults is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is negative association between H. pylori infection and asthma among adults in an area with a high prevalence of H. pylori.This was a cross-sectional study using 2011 health surveillance data. Blood samples were taken from all participants to measure serum H. pylori IgG status. Information on demographics, socioeconomic status, and medical history, including asthma and other allergic conditions were collected by a questionnaire.Of the 15,032 patients, 9492 (63.1%) had a history of H. pylori infection, 359 (2.4%) had asthma, and 3277 (21.8%) had other allergic conditions. H. pylori infection was positively correlated with age (OR, 1.050; 95% CI, 1.047–1.053, P < 0.001). Asthma history was positively correlated with age (OR, 1.022; 95% CI, 1.013–1.032, P < 0.001). H. pylori and age were shown to have interaction on asthma in the total participants (OR, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.021–1.062, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, H. pylori infection among those < 40 years old was inversely correlated with asthma (OR, 0.503; 95% CI, 0.280–0.904, P = 0.021). Other allergic conditions were not related with H. pylori infection among the total and those <40 years old.The inverse association between H. pylori infection and asthma among young adults suggests that the underlying immune mechanism induced by H. pylori infection may affect allergic reactions associated with asthma in young adults.

Thirty-day mortality after percutaneous gastrostomy by endoscopic versus radiologic placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/Aims A percutaneous gastrostomy can be placed either endoscopically (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, PEG) or radiologically (radiologically-inserted gastrostomy, RIG). However, there is no consistent evidence of the safety and efficacy of PEG compared to RIG. Recently, 30-day mortality has become considered as the most important surrogate index for evaluating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous gastrostomy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the 30-day mortality rates between PEG and RIG. Methods Major electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library) were queried for comparative studies on the two insertion techniques of gastrostomy among adults with swallowing disturbance. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate after gastrostomy insertion. Forest and funnel plots were generated for outcomes using STATA version 14.0. Results Fifteen studies (n=2,183) met the inclusion criteria. PEG was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality after tube placement compared with RIG (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.94; P=0.026). The pooled prevalence of 30-day mortality of PEG was 5.5% (95% CI, 4.0%–6.9%) and that of RIG was 10.5% (95% CI, 6.8%–14.3%). No publication bias was noted. Conclusions The present meta-analysis demonstrated that PEG is associated with a lower probability of 30-day mortality compared to RIG, suggesting that PEG should be considered as the first choice for long-term enteral tube feeding. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to evaluate and compare the safety of these two different methods of gastrostomy.

Clinical outcomes of esophageal stents in patients with malignant esophageal obstruction according to palliative additional treatment

To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of esophageal self‐expanding metal stents (SEMS) insertion for malignant esophageal obstruction (MEO) in patients with or without additional palliative treatment.

Efficacy of Levofloxacin-Based Third-Line Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Background/Aims The resistance rate of Helicobacter pylori is gradually increasing. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease. Methods Between 2002 and 2014, 110 patients in 14 medical centers received levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease. Of these, 88 were included in the study; 21 were excluded because of lack of follow-up and one was excluded for poor compliance. Their eradication rates, treatment regimens and durations, and types of peptic ulcers were analyzed. Results The overall eradiation rate was 71.6%. The adherence rate was 80.0%. All except one received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. One received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin, and the eradication was successful. Thirty-one were administered the therapy for 7 days, 25 for 10 days, and 32 for 14 days. No significant differences were observed in the eradication rates between the three groups (7-days, 80.6% vs 10-days, 64.0% vs 14-days, 68.8%, p=0.353). Additionally, no differences were found in the eradiation rates according to the type of peptic ulcer (gastric ulcer, 73.2% vs duodenal/gastroduodenal ulcer, 68.8%, p=0.655). Conclusions Levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication showed efficacy similar to that of previously reported first/second-line therapies.

Risk Factors for Gastric Tumorigenesis in Underlying Gastric Mucosal Atrophy

Background/Aims Atrophic gastritis is considered a premalignant lesion. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for gastric tumorigenesis in underlying mucosal atrophy. Methods A total of 10,185 subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between 2003 and 2004 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Follow-up endoscopy was performed between 2005 and 2014. Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were assessed by endoscopy using the Kimura-Takemoto classification. Helicobacter pylori infection was evaluated based on serum immunoglobulin G antibody levels, the rapid urease test, or the urea breath test. Results Atrophic gastritis was confirmed in 3,714 patients at baseline; 2,144 patients were followed up for 6.9 years, and 1,138 exhibited increased atrophy. A total of 69 subjects were diagnosed with gastric neoplasm during follow-up (35 adenoma and 34 carcinoma). Age ≥55 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.234), alcohol consumption (HR, 1.001), and H. pylori infection (HR, 1.580) were associated with increased mucosal atrophy. The risk factors for gastric neoplasm in underlying mucosal atrophy were age ≥55 years (HR, 2.582), alcohol consumption (HR, 1.003), extent of mucosal atrophy (HR, 2.285 in C3-O1; HR, 4.187 in O2–O3), and intestinal metaplasia (HR, 2.655). Conclusions Extent of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for gastric neoplasm in underlying mucosal atrophy.

High Salt Intake Is Associated with Atrophic Gastritis with Intestinal Metaplasia

Background: Although several studies have investigated excessive salt intake as a risk factor for gastric precancerous lesions, such as atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, the evidence is insufficient to make a conclusion. We evaluated the association between gastric precancerous lesions and salt intake. Methods: From 2008 to 2015, the medical records of 728 subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and sodium excretion in 24-hour urine tests were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-six subjects were excluded due to diuretics use (n = 55), diagnosis with a gastric neoplasm (n = 4), or the cases of intestinal metaplasia in the absence of atrophy (n = 7), so 662 subjects were included. Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were diagnosed by endoscopic findings. The subjects were grouped into three levels by tertiles of 24-hour urine sodium excretion. Results: A total of 192 (29.0%) had atrophic gastritis without intestinal metaplasia and 112 (16.9%) had atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. A total of 276 subjects (61.5%) were infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In multivariate analyses, H. pylori infection [OR = 14.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.12–28.22) was associated with atrophic gastritis without intestinal metaplasia. Highest levels of sodium excretion (OR = 2.870; 95% CI, 1.34–6.14), heavy smoking (≥20 pack-years) (OR = 2.75; 95% CI, 1.02–7.39), and H. pylori infection (OR = 3.96; 95% CI, 2.02–7.76) were associated with atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. Conclusions: Our endoscopy-based study suggested that high salt intake could be associated with an increased risk of atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. Impact: Low salt diet might be helpful to prevent gastric carcinogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1133–8. ©2017 AACR.

A Case of Common Bile Duct Cancer That Completely Responded to Combination Chemotherapy of Gemcitabine and TS-1

Common bile duct (CBD) cancer is a relatively rare malignancy that arises from the biliary epithelium and is associated with a poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of advanced metastatic CBD cancer successfully treated by chemotherapy with gemcitabine combined with S-1 (tegafur+gimeracil+oteracil). A 65-year-old male presented with pyogenic liver abscess. After antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage, follow-up computed tomography (CT) showed an enhanced nodule in the CBD. Biopsy was performed at the CBD via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, which showed adenocarcinoma. Additional CT and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple small nodules in the right hepatic lobe, which were confirmed as metastatic adenocarcinoma by sono-guided liver biopsy. The patient underwent combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1. After nine courses of chemotherapy, the hepatic lesion disappeared radiologically. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and no residual tumor was found in the resected specimen. Three weeks after the operation, the patient was discharged with no complications. Through 3 months of follow-up, no sign of recurrence was observed on CT scan. Gemcitabine combined with S-1 may be a highly effective treatment for advanced cholangiocarcinoma.

Long-Term Effects of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Metachronous Gastric Cancer Development

Background/Aims Gastric mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia due to Helicobacter pylori infection are the main precursor lesions of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of H. pylori eradication on the progression of precancerous lesions to metachronous cancer after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer (EGC). Methods Patients who underwent endoscopic resection of EGC were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in precancerous lesions and development of metachronous cancer were compared according to H. pylori eradication and final infection status. Results In total, 565 patients were followed for over 5 years after endoscopic resection of EGC. The grade of atrophy on corpus was significantly lower in the H. pylori-eradicated group than in the persistent group during follow-up (p=0.029). In patients <70 years of age, the cumulative incidence rate of metachronous cancer was significantly lower in the H. pylori-eradicated group than in the persistent group (p=0.018). Age was an independent risk factor for metachronous cancer development. Conclusions H. pylori eradication might prevent the development of metachronous cancer in patients <70 years of age by delaying the progression of precancerous lesions after endoscopic resection of EGC.