Clinical Analysis of Recurrence Rate and Symptom Improvement in Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition, with 50-80% of patients experiencing recurrence within one year following completion of initial treatment. The present study aimed to estimate recurrence rate and treatment response in GERD patients treated with proton pump inhibitor. METHODS: A total of 207 symptomatic GERD patients, which were confirmed by endoscopy from July 2008 till January 2009, were enrolled. They were divided into non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) group and erosive reflux disease (ERD) group by endoscopic findings. Patients were treated with lansoprazole 15 mg (NERD group) or 30 mg (ERD group) once daily for 8 weeks. The presence of symptoms was assessed in each patient at baseline and post-treatment using a questionnaire. Subsequent symptomatic recurrence on the cessation of therapy in each improved patients was checked by telephone survey or outpatient interview. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients and 113 patients were first diagnosed with NERD and ERD, respectively. The mean post-treatment follow-up period was 24.4+/-8.5 weeks. Recurrence rate was 40.0% (NERD, 43.8%; ERD, 37.1% (p=0.224)). Recurrence time was 10.1+/-5.8 weeks (NERD 9.6 weeks; ERD, 10.6 weeks (p=0.444)). Regarding the symptom improvement after 8 week therapy with lansoprazole, 89.4% (NERD, 85.1%; ERD, 92.9% (p=0.056)) of total patients were symptomatically improved. CONCLUSIONS: Forty percentage of GERD patients recurred within 6 months following the completion of 8 week therapy with lansoprazole. Recurrence rate, recurrence time, and rate of symptom improvement were not significantly different between NERD group treated with half dose and ERD group treated with full dose lansoprazole.

Clinical Significance of Incidentally Detected Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Pathologic Review / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by abnormal dense eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal mucosa and results in dysphasia and food impaction. EE is being increasingly recognized in adults. The prevalence is largely unknown. This study was performed to evaluate the detection rate of EE diagnosed based on pathologic criteria and to define the clinical characteristics of EE in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed biopsy specimen of the 1,609 patients who underwent esophageal biopsy from January 2006 till August 2008. The presence of more than 20 eosinophils per high power field in biopsy specimens was considered cases of EE. Clinical information and endoscopic findings were obtained. RESULTS: 7 (0.4%) patients were diagnosed as EE based on pathologic criteria retrospectively. Clinical symptoms were epigastric pain (43%), regurgitation (29%), dyspepsia (14%), and no symptom (14%). Endoscopic findings were whitish exudates or granules (57%), esophageal polyp (29%), and hyperemic change (14%). Two patients received treatment. One patient with bronchial asthma improved after treatment with inhaled corticosteroid, and one patient improved after 8 week proton pump inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic esophagitis was found in 0.4% of the total esophageal biopsied cases. Our results suggest that Korean patients with eosinophilic esophagitis showed symptoms mimicking gastroesophageal reflux disease and atypical endoscopic findings. Therefore, regardless of the gross appearance of the mucosa, meticulous diagnostic approaches are needed for patients with swallowing difficulty and lack of response to proton pump inhibitor.

Clinical spectrum and risk factors of erosive and non-erosive GERD in health check-up subjects / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was prospectively performed to evaluate the clinical spectrum and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in health check-up subjects. METHODS: A prospective survey was performed for 752 subjects, aged 18-79 years, who visited the health promotion center. The subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire, and the risk of GERD was calculated by logistic regression analysis with regard to several variables, including smoking, alcohol, exercise, body mass index, fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG). Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) was defined as the presence of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation for at least once per week. RESULTS: 752 subjects were classified into three groups: 65 erosive reflux disease (ERD) subjects (8.6%), 66 NERD subjects (8.8%) and 621 control group subjects (82.6%). For the 65 ERD subjects, typical reflux symptoms were found in 19 (29.2%), less frequent reflux or atypical symptoms were found in 38 (58.5%) and no symptoms were found in 8 (12.3%). A Los Angeles grade A score was noted in 48 subjects (73.8%), a B score was noted in 11 (17.0%), and a C score was noted in 6 (9.2%). There was no correlation between the grade of reflux esophagitis and the severity of symptoms. The positive rate of H. pylori IgG in the ERD was 36.4%, and this was significantly lower than the rates for the NERD (60%) and control groups (65.3%); this resulted in the odds ratio of ERD in the absence of H. pylori infection to be 5.079 (95% CI: 1.907-13.530). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of GERD in health check-up subjects was 17.4%. There was no correlation between the grade of ERD and the severity of the reflux symptoms. The relative risk of GERD in Koreans was significantly low in the H. pylori IgG positive subjects.

The role of endoscopy, 24 hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitor and bernstein test for gastroesophageal reflux disease and its relationship with symptom / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of endoscopy, 24 hour esophageal pH monitor and Bernstein test for GERD and its relationship with GERD symptom in the presence or absence of reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: This study was performed for 168 patients with GERD. Clinical symptoms and the results of endoscopy, 24 hour esophageal pH monitor, esophageal manometry with Bernstein test were analyzed. RESULTS: 168 (42%) of 403 patients who complained symptoms suggestive of GERD were diagnosed as GERD (65% as RE, 35% as nonerosive reflux disease) using diagnostic tools for GERD. The most chief complaint symptoms were heartburn (18.5%), regurgitation (18.5%), noncardiac chest pain (10.7%), cough (10.7%), laryngeal symptoms (11.3%), non specific dyspepsia (24.4%) and others (6%). When comparison of symptoms depending on RE among GERD patients was performed, laryngeal symptoms were significantly more frequent in patients without RE (p=0.001), and dyspepsia in patients with RE (p<0.001), respectively. Regarding diagnostic efficacy of each test depending on symptom, patients with heartburn showed higher positive rate of Bernstein test (p=0.035) and patients with laryngeal symptoms showed higher positive rate of 24 hour esophageal pH monitor (p=0.015), respectively. In addition, there was no correlation among endoscopy, 24 hour esophageal pH monitor and Bernstein test in the diagnosis of GERD by Kappa index. CONCLUSIONS: Typical reflux symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and regurgitation were found in 37% of GERD patients in Korea, lower than in Western countries. The lack of correlation among the diagnostic tools for GERD suggests that these tools are complementary to each other for the diagnosis of GERD.

Current effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment in primary care setting in Korea / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Since the international guideline of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was introduced into Korea, many reports about eradication outcomes have been documented. These data were published mostly from referred university hospital. However, in Korea, majority of patients has been treated with H.pylori eradication regimen in primary care setting. This study was performed to investigate the eradication rate of H. pylori in primary care office of Seoul, Korea. METHODS: Total 173 patients with H.pylori-positive gastroscopy results received eradication regimen-mainly one week PPI based triple therapy-from January 1998 to March 2003. Four weeks after completion of medication, urea breath test, biopsy and CLO test were performed to detect H.pylori. RESULTS: Total eradication rate was 87.9%. The eradication rate of male and female were 90.3% and 84.3%, respectively (p>0.05). The eradication rate of patients older than younger than 60 was 81.5% vs 89.0%, respectively (p>0.05). There was no statistical significance in annual eradication rate. In eradication rate, there was no significant difference among PPI regimen (omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole). Whether endoscopic diagnosis is gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, there was no statistical difference in eradication rate between them. In the same way, there was also no statistical difference between peptic ulcer and H.pylori associated gastritis. CONCLUSION: The current eradication rate of H. pylori in primary care setting of Korea was 87.9%. H.pylori eradication rate in primary care setting was not much different from that in referred hospital in Korea, but it was lower than that reported by controlled trials of 1995 (initial times of introduction of international guide line into Korea). So far, the results have been acceptable, but there still remains to be investigated in PPI-based triple therapy as H.pylori eradication in primary care setting in the future of Korea.

Lactose intolerance in lactase - deficient subjects and patients with inflammatory bowel disease after drinking common doses of milk / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To define whether lactase-deficient subjects are intolerable to even a pack of milk(200ml) and whether milk intolerance in the patients with IBD is only due to lactose malabsorption, we performed this study. METHODS: We evaluated 32 healthy adults and 12 patients with active stage of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) who had not received antibiotics therapy within the previous 3 weeks. Thirty-two healthy adults underwent H2-breath test with 200, 400, 600 and 800ml of milk at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of study, respectively. We measured their end-expiratory hydrogen concentrations and asked them to record the gastrointestinal symptoms. Twelve patients with IBD were tested only with 200ml of milk. Lactose malabsorption was defined as the increase of 20ppm over basal H2 concentration and lactose intolerance as having two or more of the following symptoms; abdominal pain, diarrhea, borborygmus and flatus. RESULTS: The prevalence of lactase deficiency was 72%(23 of 32 subjects) at 800ml of milk(lactose 40g). Among the lactase-deficient subjects, lactose intolerance at 200ml of milk(lactose 10g) was noticed only in 13%(3 of 23 subjects). In the patients with active stage of IBD, the frequency of milk intolerance at 200ml of milk was 50%(6 of 12 subjects), which was higher than in the healthy adults(9%). But the prevalence of lactose malabsorber in the patients with IBD at 200ml of milk(17%) was not higher than in the healthy adults(16%). CONCLUSION: Most of lactase-deficient subjects(87%) can ingest one pack of milk without lactose intolerance. The increased prevalence of lactose intolerance in the patients with IBD at 200ml of milk is not originated from lactose malabsorption, but probably from incomplete colonic compensation salvage.

A Case of Brunner's Gland Hamartoma with Severe Anemia and Intussusception / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Brunner's gland hamartomas are rare duodenal tumors with characteristic pathologic featmes. The usual clinical presentation is nonspecific symptoms, obstructive symptoms, or intestinal bleeding. The majority of these tumors are less than 3 cm in diameter. In cases of larger size, the manifestations are usually intestinal obstruction or intestinal bleeding. The cases with massive gastrointestinal bleeding and severe anemia, requiring transfusion are rare. The diagnosis is made by radiologic studies and gastroduodenoscopy. The treatment of Brunner's gland hamartomas should be conservative, since they are not premalignant, However, the lesions originate in the submucosa, so the confimative diagnosis usually cannot be made by endoscopie biopey. For definitive diagnosis and relief of symptoms, the lesions must be removed surgically or endoscopically. Endoscopic excision is indicated if the tumar is pedunculated. We recently experienced a case of Brunner's gland hamartoma of about 5.5 cm in diameter with intestinal bleeding, requiring transfusion and intussusception. Preoperative diagnosis was submucosal tumor, such as lymphoma, with duodeno-duodenal intussusception. After surgical removal, the resected specimen showed the histologic features of Bruaner's gland hamartoma.

A Case of TTS Balloon Dilation of Colonic Crohn's Stricture / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Chronic idiopathic inflamatory bowel disease, espcaially Crohn's disease, is frequently complicated with low gastrointestinal stricture. Besides medical treatment of active inflammation, there is no specific, conservative approach to this complication, Repetitive surgery with extensive resections, leading to short bowel syndrome, is often necessary. Balloons have been used for a variety of gastrointestinal stenoses including esophageal, small intestinal, and colonic stricture. Balloon dilation offers many theoretical advantages (safety, and patient comfort) over dilation with bougies. Especially, the availability of large diameter balloon dilators, which pass through the biopsy channel of standard endoscopes (through-the scope balloon or TTS balloon), has promised efficient direct-vision dilatation of strictures without the need of guide wires or fluoroscope. We report a case of colonic Crohn's stricture dilated successfully using TTS balloon catheter.

Endoscopic Alkaline Reflux Gasitritis and Esophagitis in Gastroresected Patients: Clinical significance and difference according to the types of surgery / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The reflux alkaline gastritis and esophagitis are important late complications after gastric surgery. Endoscopy is primary diagnostic tool for them. But, the clinical significance of gastritis and esophagitis diagnosed by endoscopy is not well known. We evaluated the correlation between the alkaline reflux gastritis and esophagitis and their symptoms and we also examined their prevalence according to types of surgery. METHODS: The 111 gastroresected patients who had had upper endoscopy by one endoscopist were evaluated. We reviewed all their medical records, and interviewed 54 patients by telephone to evaluate symptoms. RESULTS: Endoscopic reflux alkaline gastritis was observed in 38 patients(45%) with Billroth-II gastrectomy and in 4 patients(33%) with Bil]roth-I gastrectomy. But, there was no symptomatic difference between group with and without endoscopic reflux gastritis. Moreover, none of them had typical reflux gastritis symptom complex including billous vomiting. In all patients with total gastrectomy and loop esophagojejunostomy, endoscopic reflux esophagitis was observed. But, there was no case af endoscopic reflux esophagitis in the patients with total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis. There was significant symptomatic correlation between group with and without endoscopic reflux esophagitis. T'he incidence of reflux esophagitis had no difference between Billroth-II gastrectomy and Billroth-I gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic alkaline reflux gastritis had poor symptematic correlation. In the case of total gastrectomy, for the prevention of reflux esophagitis, Roux-en-Y anastomosis is better than loop esophagojejunostomy.

A Case of Collagenous Colitis Following the Prolonged Use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) / 대한내과학회지

Collagenous colitis is characterized clinically by chronic watery diarrhea and pathologically by increased subepithelial collagen deposition associated with an inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria. Its etiology is still unclear, although a variety of associated diseases such as rheumatic syndromes, scleroderma, and thyroid diseases have been reported. We report a case of collagenous colitis following the prolonged use of NSAIDs. A 72-year-old woman who has taken NSAIDs for many years due to some dermatologic problems was admitted to the hospital because of chronic watery diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain of 3 months duration. There was no abnormal physical finding except cachectic appearance due to weight loss of 10kg during 3 months. Stool examination for ova and parasites and fat was negative, and stool culture for bacterial pathogens was negative. In complete blood count, there were relative eosinophila and mild anemia. Total serum protein and albumin was low, and thyroid function, RA factor, FANA were all normal. Results of upper and lower gastrointestinal contrast radiographs were normal. Sigmoidoscopy revealed normal colonic mucosa but she had a thick subepithelial collagenous deposit and chronic inflammation in lamina propria on colonic biopsy. Based on the above findings, she was diagnosed as collagenous colitis. Diarrhea improved after withdrawing NSAIDs and the treatment with oral prednisolone. In the post-treatment biopsy, the thickness of the collagen hand was diminished. Collagenous colitis is now recognized as one of the common causes of chronic diarrhea of obscure origin and NSAIDs may play an etiological role in some patient with collagenous colitis.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) as a Curative Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) is proposed by some Japanese investigators as a curative therapy of early gastric cancer(EGC) because of its minimal invasiveness and excellent results. To evaluate the possible role of EMR as a curative treatment modality of EGC, we retrospectively analyzed l9 casea with EGC initially treated by EMR in Seoul National University Hospital from December 1993 and January 1996. 1) The histologic diagnosis prior to EMR was adenocarcinoma in 12 cases(63%) and adenomatous polyp in 7 cases(38%), which were confirmed as adenocarcinoma after EMR. 2) The histologic curative resection was done in 7 cases(37%). Two cases of them showed recurrence of the gastric cancer and were treated by radical surgery. The other five cases have been closely observed by regular endoscopic examination without recurrence for the maximal period of 1~3 months. 3) Histoiogically inadequate resection(positive cancer cell in resection margin, submucosal cancer infiltration, or no cancer tissue in resected specimen) was done in 12 cases(73%). But two surgically resected cimens of them have no residual cancer cells, and there was no cancer cells in the follow-up biopsy of the other two patients. There 4 cases were seemed to he examples of buring effect of EMR 4) After excluding five depressed lesions greater than 1 cm is long diameter, nine lesions were curatively treated by EMR. So successful EMR rate for strictly indicated lesions wsa 64% 5) There was no signifieant complication related to the procedure. We thnnk that endoscopic mucosal resection has a potential role as a curative treatment modality in a highly selected patient with darly gastric cancer