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.

The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Non-responsive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease to Practical Proton Pump Inhibitor Dose in Korea: A Multicenter Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Korea, there are no available multicenter data concerning the prevalence of or diagnostic approaches for non-responsive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which does not respond to practical dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the symptom pattern of non-responsive GERD. METHODS: A total of 12 hospitals who were members of a Korean GERD research group joined this study. We used the composite score (CS) as a reflux symptom scale which is a standardized questionnaire based on the frequency and severity of typical symptoms of GERD. We defined "non-responsive GERD" as follows: a subject with the erosive reflux disease (ERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after standard-dose PPIs for 8 weeks or a subject with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after half-dose PPIs for 4 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 234 subjects were analyzed. Among them, 87 and 147 were confirmed to have ERD and NERD, respectively. The prevalence of non-responsive GERD was 26.9% (63/234). The rates of non-responsive GERD were not different between the ERD and NERD groups (25.3% vs. 27.9%, respectively, p=0.664). There were no differences between the non-responsive GERD and responsive GERD groups for sex (p=0.659), age (p=0.134), or BMI (p=0.209). However, the initial CS for epigastric pain and fullness were higher in the non-responsive GERD group (p=0.044, p=0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this multicenter Korean study showed that the rate of non-responsive GERD was substantially high up to 26%. In addition, the patients with the non-responsive GERD frequently showed dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain and fullness.

Eradication Rate by Duration of Third-line Rescue Therapy with Levofloxacin after Helicobacter pylori Treatment Failure in Clinical Practice / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study evaluated the eradication rate of levofloxacin-containing rescue therapy by treatment duration in patients in whom previous first- and second-line treatment failed. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with persistent Helicobacter pylori infection after first-line therapy and second-line therapy were studied in a single referral academic center. We compared the eradication rates by the treatment duration of third-line therapy. RESULTS: Of 55 patients, 12 (21.8%) received rescue therapy for seven days, 24 (43.6%) received rescue therapy for 10 days, and 19 (34.5%) received rescue therapy for 14 days. The eradication rates of therapy with levofloxacin were 65.5% in the 55 enrolled patients and 73.5% in the 49 patients who underwent follow-up testing. In cases where follow-up testing was performed, the eradication rate of 7-day therapy was 58.3%, of 10-day 68.2%, and of 14-day therapy 93.3%. Eradication rate of 14-day therapy was higher than 7-day (p=0.06) and 10-day (p=0.108), but chance could not be ruled out in the difference among groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed somewhat increasing of H. pylori eradication rate by extending the duration of levofloxacin-containing rescue therapy to 14 days.

Is Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Effective for the Treatment of Spastic Esophageal Disorders Refractory to Medical Therapy?

No abstract available.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Usefulness of Conventional Magnification and Near-focus Methods with Narrow-band Imaging for Gastric Epithelial Tumors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dual-focus two-stage optical lens technology has been introduced recently. In near-focus mode (NFM), endoscopists can easily examine the mucosal tissue and capillary networks. This study compared the magnified images obtained using NFM and the conventional magnification method (CMM) under narrow-band imaging in patients with gastric epithelial tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experienced endoscopist performed endoscopy using NFM and CMM in patients with gastric epithelial tumors. We studied 40 images from 40 endoscopy sessions in 20 selected patients. Ten endoscopists rated the image quality independently on a 5-point Likert scale (from poor=1 to excellent=5) in terms of microsurface structure, microvascular structure, and the demarcation line. RESULTS: The gastric epithelial tumors comprised 10 cases of early gastric cancer, 2 of high-grade dysplasia, and 8 of low-grade dysplasia. The median number of magnified images for each method was 11. The mean observation time (+/-SD) for magnification was 99.9+/-64.1 s in NFM and 91.5+/-64.6 s in CMM (P=0.54). The image quality score for the microsurface structure was higher with NFM than CMM (4.09+/-0.39 vs. 3.73+/-0.40, P=0.015), while that for microvascular structure was lower with NFM than in CMM (3.53+/-0.45 vs. 4.29+/-0.45, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Magnification using NFM provides higher-quality images of the microsurface structure, although its optical zoom is limited compared with CMM. Since NFM can obtain magnified images easily by pushing a button on the scope, it is useful for evaluating gastric epithelial tumors.

Case Series of Gastric Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) is a rare form of gastric cancer that histologically resembles hepatocellular carcinoma and is characterized by large amounts of alpha fetoprotein in the serum. The prognosis of HAS is poor compared to that of primary gastric cancer with five-year survival rates of 9% and 44%, respectively. Here, we report five patients diagnosed with HAS. Our experience suggests that an advanced stage of HAS has an extremely poor prognosis, but early detection and radical surgery can help improve the prognosis of the disease.

Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection of a Leiomyoma Originating from the Muscularis Propria of the Gastric Cardia (with Video) / 대한소화기학회지

While endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used to treat gastrointestinal tumors, it is rarely used for subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating from the muscularis propria of the esophagus and gastric cardia because of the risk of perforation and problems with inadequate space and field of view during procedures. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is a new therapeutic method for treating SETs in specific locations in the esophagus and stomach. This technique is highly skill-dependent, using a mucosal flap that covers a deeper part of the gut wall, but is safe and minimally invasive compared with conventional endoscopic approaches such as ESD in SETs originating from the muscularis propria.We report a patient who underwent STER to remove a SET located at the gastric cardia. The patient recovered without any complications. We believe that our case shows the efficacy and safety of the STER technique for patients with a SET originating from the muscularis propria.

A Case of Localized Amyloid Light-Chain Amyloidosis in the Small Intestine

Amyloidosis is characterized by the abnormal deposition of extracellular amyloid fibrils. Cases involving amyloid light-chain amyloidosis in the small intestine have been reported infrequently in Korea. Here, we report a case of localized light chain protein amyloidosis in the small intestine. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, push enteroscopy, and capsule endoscopy revealed submucosal tumor-like lesions, multiple shallow ulcers, and several erosions in the distal duodenum and jejunum. An endoscopic biopsy established the diagnosis of amyloidosis. In through an immunohistochemical analysis, the presence of lambda light chain protein was detected. The patient had no evidence of an underlying clonal plasma cell disorder or additional organ involvement. Therefore, we concluded that the patient had localized amyloidosis of the small intestine.

Medical and Endoscopic Management of Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder. Because its etiology is uncertain, treatment is focused on palliation of symptoms or for decreasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Treatment options include pharmacological, endoscopic and surgical methods. Various medications including nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and nitric oxide donors (sildenafil) are available, but their effectiveness is inconsistent. Endoscopic options include pneumatic balloon dilation, injection of botulinum toxin, temporary self-expandable metal stent placement, and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Laparoscopic or open myotomy can be a surgical option. We reviewed the treatment options focusing on medical and endoscopic management of achalasia.

Clinical Outcomes of the Endoscopic Treatments for the Early Esophageal Carcinoma and Dysplasia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Esophageal cancer and dysplasia are relatively rare in Korea, compared to other Far Eastern countries. So, the feasibility and safety of endoscopic treatments for these diseases is not well established in Korea. This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, safety and the clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment for esophageal epithelial lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2005 and March 2013, 25 esophageal epithelial lesions from 22 patients were treated with endoscopic treatment such as endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection. RESULTS: Of the 25 lesions, 11 lesions were treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) (ESD group) and 14 lesions with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR group). In the ESD group, the diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 7 patients (64%), high grade dysplasia in 3 patients (27%), and low grade dysplasia in 1 patient (9%). In the EMR group, thediagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 8 patients (57%), high grade dysplasia in 2 patients (14%), and low grade dysplasia in 4 patients (29%). En bloc resection rates were 100% in ESD and 42.9% in EMR, respectively. For the median 12 months follow up period, there was no recurrence in the ESD group. However, there were three recurrences in the EMR group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal epithelial lesions is safe and feasible therapeutic modalities. Especially, ESD can provide higher rate of en bloc and curative resection for early esophageal cancer and dysplasia.

Does Metformin Affect The Incidence of Colonic Polyps and Adenomas in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops from colonic adenomas. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a higher risk of CRC and metformin decreases CRC risk. However, it is not certain if metformin affects the development of colorectal polyps and adenomas. This study aimed to elucidate if metforminaffects the incidence of colonic polyps and adenomas in patients with type 2 DM. METHODS: Of 12,186 patients with type 2 DM, 3,775 underwent colonoscopy between May 2001 and March 2013. This study enrolled 3,105 of these patients, and divided them in two groups: 912 patients with metformin use and 2,193 patients without metformin use. Patient clinical characteristics, polyp and adenoma detection rate in the two groups were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The Colorectal polyp detection rate was lower in the metformin group than in the non-meformin group (39.4% vs. 62.4%, P<0.01). Colorectal adenoma detection rate was significantly lower in the metformin group than in the non-metformin group (15.2% vs. 20.5%, P<0.01). Fewer advanced adenomas were detected in the metformin group than in the non-metformin group (12.2% vs. 22%, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis identified age, sex, Body mass index and metformin use as factors associated with polyp incidence, whereas only metforminwas independently associated with decreased adenoma incidence (Odd ratio=0.738, 95% CI=0.554-0.983, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 DM, metformin reduced the incidence of adenomas that may transform into CRC. Therefore, metformin may be useful for the prevention of CRC in patients with type 2 DM.

Long-Term Efficacy of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Compared with Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and gastrectomy based on the two sets of indications for ESD, namely guideline criteria (GC) and expanded criteria (EC). METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2007, 213 early gastric cancer (EGC) patients were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 142 underwent ESD, and 71 underwent gastrectomy. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of these patients according to the criteria. RESULTS: The complication rates in the ESD and gastrectomy groups were 8.5% and 28.2%, respectively. The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ESD group than the gastrectomy group according to the GC and EC (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no recurrence in the ESD and gastrectomy groups according to the GC, and the recurrence rates in the ESD and gastrectomy groups were 4.7% and 0.0% according to the EC, respectively (p=0.279). The occurrence rates of metachronous cancer in the ESD and gastrectomy groups were 5.7% and 5.0% according to the GC (p=1.000) and 7.5% and 0.0% according to the EC (p=0.055), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on safety, duration of hospital stay, and long-term outcomes, ESD may be an effective and safe first-line treatment for EGC according to the EC and GC.

Specific Movement of Esophagus During Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the main mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of transient lower esophageal sphincter movement in patients with or without gastroesophageal reflux by high-resolution manometry (HRM). METHODS: From June 2010 to July 2010, we enrolled 9 patients with GERD (GERD group) and 9 subjects without GERD (control group), prospectively. The manometry test was performed in a semi-recumbent position for 120 minutes following ingestion of a standardized, mixed liquid and solid meal. HRM was used to identify the frequency and duration of TLESR, esophageal shortening length from incomplete TLESR, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) response, and the related esophageal motor responses during TLESR. RESULTS: TLESR occurred in 33 in the GERD group and 34 in the control group after 120 minutes following food ingestion. Duration of TLESR and length of esophageal shortening did not differ between 2 groups. UES pressure increase during TLESR was mostly detected in patients with GERD, and UES relaxation was observed frequently in the control group during TLESR. TLESR-related motor responses terminating in TLESR were predominantly observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Increased UES pressure was noted frequently in the GERD group, suggesting a mechanism for preventing harmful reflux, which may be composed mainly of fluid on the larynx or pharynx. However, patients with GERD lacked the related motor responses terminating in TLESR to promote esophageal emptying of refluxate.

Therapeutic Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Undifferentiated-type Early Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been accepted as a standard treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). However, the indication of ESD in undifferentiated-type EGC was controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of ESD in undifferentiated-type EGC according to expanded indication. METHODS: At Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, a total of 82 lesions in 81 patients with undifferentiated-type EGC were treated with ESD. The therapeutic outcomes of ESD were evaluated by resection method (en bloc resection; piecemeal resection), histologic curative resection, complications and recurrence rates after ESD. RESULTS: The rate on en bloc resection and complete resection rate were 87.8% (72/82) and 80.5% (66/82), respectively. In signet ring cell carcinoma, the complete resection rate was higher than those in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features, but there was no statistical significance (89.3% vs. 75.0%, 76.7%; p=0.347). The lateral margin positivity rate in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features were 12.5%, 3.6% and 13.3%, respectively (p=0.395). The vertical margin positivity rate were 12.5%, 3.6% and 10.0%, respectively (p=0.485). The overall recurrence rate was 3.0% during a mean follow-up period of 37.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: ESD may be considered as a feasible treatment for undifferentiated-type EGC according to expanded indication. The therapeutic outcome of ESD in undifferentiated-type EGC is likely to be favorable, though further longer follow-up studies are needed.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of a Leiomyoma Originating from the Muscularis Propria of Upper Esophagus / 대한소화기학회지

The technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection is occasionally used for resection of myogenic tumors originating from muscularis mucosa or muscularis propria of stomach and esophagus. However, endoscopic treatments for esophageal myogenic tumors >2 cm have rarely been reported. Herein, we report a case of large leiomyoma originating from muscularis propria in the upper esophagus. A 59-year-old woman presented with dysphagia. Esophagoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an esophageal subepithelial tumor which measured 25x20 mm in size, originated from muscularis propria, and was located at 20 cm from the central incisors. The tumor was successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection and there were no complications after en bloc resection. Pathologic examination was compatible with leiomyoma.

Immune Response to Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori infection leads to immune responses associated with almost all mechanism of innate and acquired immunity. However, clinical manifestation of H. pylori infection varies from asymptomatic gastritis to gastric cancer. The balance between harmful injury in gastric mucosa and protective role of immune mechanisms may be influenced by the variability of bacterial virulence factors, host susceptibility, and environmental factors. In this review, we describe the inflammatory response of H. pylori infection and protective mechanism against H. pylori infection. Better understanding of the mechanism of the immune response to H. pylori infection can be helpful in the development of new therapeutic strategies and prophylactic vaccine.

Immune Response to Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori infection leads to immune responses associated with almost all mechanism of innate and acquired immunity. However, clinical manifestation of H. pylori infection varies from asymptomatic gastritis to gastric cancer. The balance between harmful injury in gastric mucosa and protective role of immune mechanisms may be influenced by the variability of bacterial virulence factors, host susceptibility, and environmental factors. In this review, we describe the inflammatory response of H. pylori infection and protective mechanism against H. pylori infection. Better understanding of the mechanism of the immune response to H. pylori infection can be helpful in the development of new therapeutic strategies and prophylactic vaccine.

The Early Onset of Disease May Be a Risk Factor for Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pathogenesis of bone loss in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, multifactorial, and only partly understood. We aimed to examine the extent and risk factors of bone mass reduction and to analyze the impact of early onset of a disease before attaining peak bone mass in IBD patients. METHODS: We compared the risk factors for osteoporosis and BMD at the lumbar spine and the hip bone in IBD patients. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients with IBD were enrolled. Twenty-one and 23 patients were diagnosed as IBD before and after the age of 30 and designated as group A and group B, respectively. Group A had significant bone mass reduction at the lumbar spine than group B (BMD, 1.01+/-0.10 vs. 1.14+/-0.17, p<0.01; T-score, -1.22+/-0.84 vs. -0.08+/-1.39, p<0.01; Z-score, -1.11+/-0.81 vs. -0.03+/-1.32, p<0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that patients diagnosed as IBD before the age of 30 had possible risk factor of bone mass reduction (hazard ratio, 3.96; p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Bone mass reduction was more severe in patients who were diagnosed with IBD before the age of 30 than in those diagnosed after the age of 30.

Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus

The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus generally is based on the endoscopic examination. The findings include columnar epithelium lining the distal esophagus and the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia in biopsy specimens from that columnar epithelium. However, the diagnostic yield of dysplasia with standard endoscopy is suboptimal. To improve detection of Barrett's esophagus and surveillance for dysplasia and cancer, many new endoscopic techniques including chromoendoscopy, magnification endoscopy, narrow band imaging, autofluorescence endoscopy, optical coherence tomography, and confocal laser endomicroscopy are used. We will review standard endoscopic findings and advanced imaging modalities for Barrett's esophagus.

Symptomatic Improvement of Diffuse Esophageal Spasm after Botulinum Toxin Injection / 대한소화기학회지

Diffuse esophageal spasm, an uncommon esophageal motility disorder, has recently been defined using high-resolution manometry. Patients with distal esophageal spasm usually complain of chest pain or dysphagia. The etiology and pathophysiology of this disorder are poorly known, and treatment options are limited. However, some options to improve symptoms are available, including endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin. Nevertheless, few reports have described the effects of endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin in patients with symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm with clear endoscopic and high-resolution manometry images. Here, we report a case of diffuse esophageal spasm diagnosed with high-resolution manometry and treated by endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin with good results at the 7-month follow-up.