Risk Factors for Prolonged Hospital Stay after Endoscopy

Background/Aims@#The recovery room used after endoscopy has limited capacity, and an efficient flow of the endoscopy unit is desired. We investigated the duration of hospital stay after endoscopy and the risk factors for prolonged hospital stay among outpatients. @*Methods@#We retrospectively studied consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy at the Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic. We collected data on age, sex, body weight, midazolam and pethidine dosage, respiratory depression during endoscopy, and duration of hospital stay after endoscopy (scope out to check out). Risk factors for prolonged hospital stay (>100 minutes) were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#We enrolled 3,898 patients, including 3,517 (90.2%) patients tested under sedation and 381 (9.8%) patients tested without sedation. Overall, 442 (11.3%) patients had prolonged stay (>100 min). The mean time difference between sedation group and non-sedation group was 44.2 minutes for esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 39.1 minutes for colonoscopy. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.025; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014−1.036), female sex (OR, 1.657; 95% CI, 1.220−2.249), and midazolam dose (OR, 1.019; 95% CI, 1.013−1.026) were independently associated with prolonged hospital stay after esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with similar results for colonoscopy. @*Conclusions@#Old age, female sex, and midazolam dose were independent risk factors for prolonged hospital stay after endoscopy.

Precision Medicine Approaches to Prevent Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide, although the incidence is declining gradually. The primary risk factor for gastric cancer is Helicobacter pylori infection. The Kyoto global consensus report recommends eradication of H. pylori in all infected patients. However, because it is difficult to stratify the risk of carcinogenesis among patients with a history of H. pylori infection, annual endoscopic surveillance is performed for everyone after eradication. This review summarizes the current approaches used to screen for novel molecules that could assist in the diagnosis of gastric cancer and reduce mortality. Most well-studied molecules are tissue protein biomarkers expressed by the gastric epithelium and associated with metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequences. Other strategies focus on the origin of cancer stem cell-related markers, such as CD44, and immune reaction-related markers, such as matrix metallopeptidases. Noninvasive methods such as blood-based approaches are more attractive. Serum pepsinogen levels predict the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy before H. pylori eradication, whereas plasma ghrelin levels are associated with atrophy even after eradication.Cell-free DNAs and RNAs are attractive tools for the early detection of cancer. These ideas could lead to the development of more personalized strategies for cancer prevention based on cuttingedge technologies.

2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. Achalasia is a chronic disease that causes progressive irreversible loss of esophageal motor function. The recent development of high-resolution manometry has facilitated the diagnosis of achalasia, and determining the achalasia subtypes based on high-resolution manometry can be important when deciding on treatment methods. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is less invasive than surgery with comparable efficacy. The present guidelines (the “2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines”) were developed based on evidence-based medicine; the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility served as the operating and development committees, respectively. The development of the guidelines began in June 2018, and a draft consensus based on the Delphi process was achieved in April 2019. The guidelines consist of 18 recommendations: 2 pertaining to the definition and epidemiology of achalasia, 6 pertaining to diagnoses, and 10 pertaining to treatments. The endoscopic treatment section is based on the latest evidence from meta-analyses. Clinicians (including gastroenterologists, upper gastrointestinal tract surgeons, general physicians, nurses, and other hospital workers) and patients could use these guidelines to make an informed decision on the management of achalasia.

Removal Of Accidentally Ingested Large Foreign Object Via The Anus After Watchful Waiting

One of the commonest complaints, for which a patient arrives in hospitals, is the presence of foreign body. It could be due to accidental ingestion or any other cause which leads to presences of a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that foreign objects larger than 5–6 cm in size are unlikely to pass through the duodenum. Here, we describe a case wherein the patient accidentally swallowed a 7-cm-sized mouthguard that could not be removed by emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy but was subsequently removed via the anus after a period of watchful waiting

Second Asian Consensus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been major progress in our understanding of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and novel treatment classes have emerged. The Rome IV guidelines were published in 2016 and together with the growing body of Asian data on IBS, we felt it is timely to update the Asian IBS Consensus. METHODS: Key opinion leaders from Asian countries were organized into 4 teams to review 4 themes: symptoms and epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and investigations, and lifestyle modifications and treatments. The consensus development process was carried out by using a modified Delphi method. RESULTS: Thirty-seven statements were developed. Asian data substantiate the current global viewpoint that IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. Socio-cultural and environmental factors in Asia appear to influence the greater overlap between IBS and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. New classes of treatments comprising low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosacharides, and polyols diet, probiotics, non-absorbable antibiotics, and secretagogues have good evidence base for their efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our consensus is that all patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders should be evaluated comprehensively with a view to holistic management. Physicians should be encouraged to take a positive attitude to the treatment outcomes for IBS patients.

Postoperative Radiographic Early-Onset Adjacent Segment Degeneration after Single-Level L4–L5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients without Preoperative Severe Sagittal Spinal Imbalance

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between preoperative total spinal sagittal alignment and the early onset of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients with normal sagittal spinal alignment. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Postoperative early-onset ASD is one of the complications after L4–L5 PLIF, a common surgical procedure for lumbar degenerative disease in patents without severe sagittal imbalance. A better understanding of the preoperative characteristics of total spinal sagittal alignment associated with early-onset ASD could help prevent the condition. METHODS: The study included 70 consecutive patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent single-level L4–L5 PLIF between 2011 and 2015. They were divided into two groups based on the radiographic progression of L3–L4 degeneration after 1-year follow-up: the ASD and the non-ASD (NASD) group. The following radiographic parameters were preoperatively and postoperatively measured: sagittal vertebral axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence (PI). RESULTS: Eight of the 70 patients (11%) experienced ASD after PLIF (three males and five females; age, 64.4±7.7 years). The NASD group comprised 20 males and 42 females (age, 67.7±9.3 years). Six patients of the ASD group showed decreased L3–L4 disc height, one had L3–L4 local kyphosis, and one showed both changes. Preoperative SVA, PI, and TK were significantly smaller in the ASD group than in the NASD group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative small SVA and TK with small PI were the characteristic alignments for the risk of early-onset ASD in patients without preoperative severe sagittal spinal imbalance undergoing L4–L5 single-level PLIF.

The Application of the Rome IV Criteria to Functional Esophagogastroduodenal Disorders in Asia

The Rome criteria were amended as Rome IV. For functional esophageal disorders, the exclusion criteria have been more specifically revised based on further understanding of other esophageal disorders, including eosinophilic esophagitis and spastic and hypercontractile motor disorders. Another revised point is the more restrictive definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease, indicating that sensitivity to a physiological reflux burden may be placed more firmly within the functional group. For functional dyspepsia (FD), only minor changes were introduced, mainly to improve specificity. Among the major symptoms of FD, not only postprandial fullness, but also epigastric pain, epigastric burning, and early satiation should be “bothersome.” Investigation on the effect of meal ingestion on symptom generation has indicated that not only postprandial fullness and early satiety, but also epigastric pain, epigastric burning sensation and nausea (not vomiting) may increase after meals. Helicobacter pylori infection is considered a possible cause of dyspepsia if successful eradication leads to sustained resolution of symptoms for more than 6 months, and such status can be termed as “H. pylori–associated dyspepsia.” Prompt esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H. pylori testing and treatment would be more beneficial, especially in Asia, which has a high prevalence of gastric cancer. Acotiamide, tandospirone, and rikkunshito are the newly listed as treatment options for FD. For further therapeutic development, clinical studies based on the strict Rome IV criteria should be performed.

Colonic dysmotility and morphological abnormality frequently detected in Japanese patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) are used primarily to exclude organic diseases in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rather than to assess the pathophysiology of IBS. We aimed to evaluate colonic dysmotility and morphology in Japanese patients with IBS. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four patients with IBS and 49 asymptomatic controls who underwent colonoscopy in combination with CT colonography or barium enema were retrospectively reviewed between 2008 and 2012. Water-aided colonoscopy was performed without sedation by a single endoscopist. The duration and pattern of colonic movement and cecal intubation time were recorded. To assess colonic morphology, barium enema or CT colonography were performed immediately after colonoscopy. RESULTS: Colonic dysmotility was more frequent in the IBS group (28.8% vs. 2.0% in controls, P<0.001), especially in cases of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) (IBS with constipation [IBS-C] 28.8% vs. IBS-D 60.0% vs. mixed IBS [IBS-M] 5.1%, P<0.001). Colonic morphological abnormality was more frequent in the IBS group than in the control group (77.7% vs. 24.5%, P<0.001), especially in IBS-M and IBS-C groups (IBS-C 77.5% vs. IBS-D 48.9% vs. IBS-M 100%, P<0.001). Most patients with IBS with colonic dysmotility had experienced stress related to their symptoms. Cecal intubation time was significantly longer in the IBS group than in the control group (12.1±6.9 minutes vs. 4.6±1.9 minutes, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Unsedated colonoscopy, combined with radiographic findings, can detect colonic dysmotility and morphological abnormality. Technical difficulties observed during cecal intubation may partially explain the pathophysiology of IBS.

Gait Analysis in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN: Gait analysis of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by using a sheet-type gait analysis system. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the gait patterns of patients with CSM, evaluated by the Nurick grades, and to determine the threshold values of gait parameters predicting the occurrence of a fall by using a gait recorder. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Gait disorder due to CSM may progress to severe paraplegia, following even a minor trauma such as a fall. The indications for the surgery of CSM without severe paralysis remain controversial. The quantitative gait analysis and the decision for decompressive surgery in patients with CSM are important in order to prevent severe paraplegia from a fall. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two subjects (normal, 34; CSM, 98) underwent gait analysis by using a sensor sheet. Measurements of gait cycle parameters included the step and stride length, step width, foot angle, swing phase, and stance phase. CSM was assessed by Nurick grade. RESULTS: Although the clinical symptoms were lacking, Nurick grade 1 had significant abnormalities in the parameters of velocity, step length, and step angle (p<0.05). Regarding the Nurick grade and walking phase, the length of the stance phase was increased to more than 70% of the entire walking cycle in Nurick grade 4. CONCLUSIONS: Gait analysis was an objective tool for evaluating the gait stability. Our results suggested that when the percentage of the stance phase in the gait cycle increases to above 70%, the CSM patients have an increased fall risk.

The "Two-Sword Fencing" Technique in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

No abstract available.

Characteristics of Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment in Japanese Young Adults

STUDY DESIGN: Radiological analysis of normal patterns of sagittal alignment of the spine. PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of normal sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in Asian people. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: It is known that there are differences in these parameters based on age, gender, and race. In order to properly plan for surgical correction of the spine for Asian patients, it is necessary to understand the normal spino-pelvic alignment parameters for this population. METHODS: This study analyzed 86 Japanese healthy young adult volunteers (48 men and 38 women; age 35.9+/-11.1 (mean+/-standard deviation [SD]). The following parameters were measured on lateral standing radiographs of the entire spine: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), horizontal distance between the C7 plumb line and the posterior superior corner of the superior margin of S1, thoracic kyphotic angle (TK), lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). RESULTS: The values (mean+/-SD) of SVA, TK, LLA, SS, PT, and PI were 8.45+/-25.7 mm, 27.5+/-9.6degrees, 43.4+/-14.6degrees, 34.6+/-7.8degrees, 13.2+/-8.2degrees, and 46.7+/-8.9degrees, respectively. The Japanese young adults evaluated in this study tended to have a smaller PI, LLA, TK, and SVA than most Caucasian people. Regarding gender differences, SVA was significantly longer and TK was significantly smaller in men; however, there was no statistically significant difference in LLA, SS, PA, and PI. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese young adults apparently have smaller PI and LLA values than Caucasian people. When making decisions for optimal sagittal spinal alignment, racial differences should be considered.

Kinematic Analysis of the Cervical Cord and Cervical Canal by Dynamic Neck Motion

STUDY DESIGN: Normal cervical sagittal length patterns were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of sagittal length patterns between the cervical cord and the cervical canal in flexion-extension kinematics. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Cervical dynamic factors sometimes cause a cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly subjects and an overstretching myelopathy in juvenile subjects. Previous studies showed the length changing of the cervical cord in flexion and extension. However, there is no detailed literature about the relationship between cervical vertebral motion and cord distortion yet. METHODS: Sixty-two normal subjects (28 male and 34 female, 42.1+/-8.5 years old) without neck motion disturbances and abnormalities on cervical X-ray and MRI were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The cervical cord length was significantly longer in flexion and significantly shorter in extension in all cervical cord sagittal lines. The cervical canal length pattern was also the same as the cervical cord. The elongation of the cervical cord and canal was the largest at the site of the posterior cervical canal and the shortest at the anterior canal site. The positions of the cerebellar tonsils were verified at each neck position. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior elements of the cervical canal were most affected by neck motion. Movement directions of the upper cervical cord were verified among the various neck positions.

Does Bile Reflux Influence the Progression of Barrett's Esophagus to Adenocarcinoma? (Gastroenterology 2013;145:1300-1311)

No abstract available.

A case of reversible disturbance of consciousness following leptomeningeal metastases

<b>Introduction：</b>Hyponatremia, which is frequently present in patients with end-stage cancer, causes delirium and disturbance of consciousness and is considered a poor prognostic factor. We report a case of hyponatremia with hypopituitarism in association with leptomeningeal metastasis, resulting in reversible disturbance of consciousness. <b>Case report：</b>A 77 year-old female received chemotherapy at our hospital for postoperative recurrence of lung cancer, and best supportive care due to a side effect. After transfer to another hospital, she experienced a sudden disturbance of consciousness and was returned to our hospital. A detailed examination resulted in a diagnosis of hyponatremia from hypopituitarism following leptomeningeal metastasis involving the cerebral ventricles. Hyponatremia was improved by NaCl supplement and hormone replacement, followed by recovery from disturbance of consciousness. <b>Discussion：</b>QOL of patients with end-stage cancer can be improved through the active treatment of reversible causes of disturbance of consciousness.<b> Conclusion：</b>When severe hyponatremia is detected in cancer patients, it is important to consider the possibility of hypopituitarism with brain metastasis or meninges dissemination in the differential diagnosis.

The relationship between tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer carrying EGFR mutations / 癌症

For patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive lung cancer, the relationship between the dose or duration of treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and overall survival remains unclear. Here, we analyzed clinical data of 39 patients who were diagnosed with EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer and treated with TKI, but subsequently died. Several parameters were measured in this study: overall survival; first, second, and overall TKI therapy durations; first TKI intensity (actual dose/normal dose); and TKI rate (overall TKI therapy duration/overall survival). The response rate to TKI therapy was 50%, and the median survival was 553 days. After TKI therapy failed, 38.5% patients were re-challenged with TKI. We observed a moderate relationship [r = 0.534, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 0.263 to 0.727, P < 0.001] between overall TKI therapy duration and overall survival. However, we found no relationship between overall survival and first TKI intensity (r = 0.073, 95% CI = -0.380 to 0.247, P = 0.657) or TKI rate (r = 0.0345, 95% CI = -0.284 to 0.346, P = 0.835). Non-small cell lung cancer patients with mutation-positive tumors remained on TKI therapy for, on average, 33% of the overall survival time. These findings suggest that patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumors should not stick to using TKIs.

Are Solifenacin and Ramosetron Really Ideal to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome?: Author's Reply

No abstract available.

Efficacy of Solifenacin on Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea: Open-label Prospective Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Solifenacin, a muscarinic type 3 receptor antagonist, is used to treat overactive bladder in adults. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of solifenacin on the symptomatic relief of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHODS: A total of 20 patients with IBS-D were enrolled. After a 2-week observation period, all participants received solifenacin for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the administration of solifenacin was discontinued and ramosetron, a serotonin 3 receptor antagonist, was administered for 4 weeks. Overall improvement, the IBS-symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS), and frequency of defecation were assessed. RESULTS: Six weeks after initiation of solifenacin treatment and 4 weeks after initiation of ramosetron treatment, overall improvement was observed in 19 out of 20 (95%) and 17 out of 20 (85%) participants, respectively. At 2 weeks after initiation of solifenacin, overall improvement was observed in 16 out of 20 participants (80%). Total IBS-SSS scores at 2 and 6 weeks after the administration of solifenacin, and at 4 weeks after administration of ramosetron, were significantly lower than those at week 0. Compared to before administration, the participants' quality of life and frequency of defecation were significantly lower in all participants at 2 and 6 weeks after the administration of solifenacin and at 4 weeks after administration of ramosetron. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of solifenacin in the treatment of IBS with diarrhea was not inferior to that of ramosetron. Further placebo-controlled parallel studies are needed.

Overlap Syndrome of Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Are Both Diseases Mutually Exclusive?

Among functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are important to public health around the world and are frequently encountered in general practice. Upper GI symptoms such as heartburn, postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain or burning and lower GI symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea often coexist. Although the prevalence of FD-IBS overlap would be influenced by the selection of the study population, the overlap rate of FD-IBS could be in the range of 11%-27%. Specifically, FD-IBS overlap is associated with more severe symptoms than FD alone or IBS alone. Since clinical overlap, especially FD-IBS overlap, is very common, the 2 syndromes should not be treated in a mutually exclusive fashion.

What Is the Difference Between Helicobacter pylori-Associated Dyspepsia and Functional Dyspepsia?

Advances in basic and clinical research have revealed that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays an important role in the development of gastroduodenal dysmotility and hypersensitivity, as also in dyspepsia symptoms. In addition, recent studies have proposed an inflammation-immunological model for the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Since H. pylori is the major microbe that provokes a gastroduodenal inflammatory response, it should not be overlooked when considering the pathophysiology of dyspepsia symptoms. In fact, population-based studies have demonstrated that H. pylori is detected more frequently in dyspepsia patients. However, although many clinical studies tried to reveal the association of H. pylori infection with gastric motility dysfunction or hypersensitivity, the results have been conflicting. On the other hand, many etiological features were revealed for the development of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia, such as abnormal ghrelin or leptic secretion, altered expression of muscle-specific microRNAs, and duodenal inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, therapeutic strategy for H. pylori-associated dyspepsia would be different from H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. This review focuses the issue of whether H. pylori-associated dyspepsia should be considered as a different disease entity from functional dyspepsia.

Post-infectious Functional Dyspepsia - A Novel Disease Entity among Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders - Relation to Helicobacter pylori Infection? (Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009;21:832-e56)

No abstract available.