Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B virus + hepatitis C virus-co-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis treated with ombitasvir, paritaprevir/r + dasabuvir + ribavirin.

Hepatitis B virus may reactivate in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antivirals. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HBV + hepatitis C virus (HCV)-co-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis treated with paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir, dasabuvir with ribavirin. We reviewed prospectively gathered data from a national cohort of 2070 hepatitis C virus patients with compensated liver cirrhosis who received reimbursed paritaprevir/ombitasvir/r, dasabuvir with ribavirin for 12 weeks from the Romanian National Health Agency during 2015-2016. Twenty-five patients in this cohort were HBs antigen positive (1.2%); 15 untreated with nucleotide analogues agreed to enter the study. These patients were followed up: ALT monthly, serology for HBV and DNA viral load at baseline, EOT and SVR at 12 weeks. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-co-infected patients were all genotype 1b and 52% females, with a median age of 60 years (51 ÷ 74); 76% were pretreated with peginterferon + ribavirin; 72% were with severe necroinflammatory activity on FibroMax assessment; 40% presented comorbidities; and all were HBe antigen negative. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) SVR response rate was 100%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA viral load was undetectable in 7/15 (47%) before therapy, and for the other 8 patients, it varied between below 20 and 867 IU/mL. Five patients (33%) presented virological reactivation (>2 log increase in HBV-DNA levels) during therapy. One patient presented with hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, and two started anti-HBV therapy with entecavir. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) virological reactivation was present in 33% in our patients. Generally, HBV-DNA elevations were mild (<20 000 IU/mL); however, we report one case of hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation.

Adalimumab and Infliximab in Crohn's disease - real life data from a national retrospective cohort study.

AIM: to compare the efficacy and safety of Adalimumab(ADA) and Infliximab(IFX), in a large Romanian population and to identify predictors of response. Methods We performed a national retrospective cohort study including 265 patients (136 ADA, 129 IFX) between 2008-2014. Binary logistic regression was performed with the statistical program Minitab. RESULTS: Patients were half women, with a median age of 36, a median disease duration of 2.5 years, 80% received Azathioprine. Mean therapy duration was 20 months in ADA group and 36 months in IFX group. Complete response to Adalimumab respectively Infliximab was recorded in 77%vs.65%, secondary loss of response in 18%vs.28%, statistically comparable. We failed to identify predictors of response. In 79.2%of patients with secondary loss of response to ADA, the dose was escalated, 12.5% were switched to Infliximab. In 70%of patients that lost response to IFX, the dose was increased, 30% were switched to Adalimumab. CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab and Infliximab have similar efficacy, with a complete response rate of~70%. In case of secondary loss of response to IFX, the best solution is to switch to ADA, with 83% response rate, while in case of secondary loss of response to ADA, increasing the dose leads to 84 % response rate.

Progress in digestive endoscopy: Flexible Spectral Imaging Colour Enhancement (FICE)-technical review.

Background. A substantial advance in digestive endoscopy that has been made during the last decade is represented by digital chromoendoscopy, which was developed as a quicker and sometimes better alternative to the gold standard of dye spraying. Fujifilm developed a virtual coloration technique called Flexible spectral Imaging Color Enhancement (FICE). FICE provides a better detection of lesions of "minimal" esophagitis, of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus and of squamous cell esophageal cancer. The use of FICE resulted in an improvement in the visualization of the early gastric cancer, being less invasive, and time consuming than the classic dye methods. Current evidence does not support FICE for screening purposes in colon cancer but it definitely improves characterization of colonic lesions. Its use in inflammatory bowel disease is still controversial and in video capsule endoscopy is considered a substantial progress. Conclusions. The use of FICE endoscopy in routine clinical practice can increase the diagnostic yield and can provide a better characterization of lesions. Future studies to validate its use, the good choice of channels, and the "perfect indications" and to provide common definitions and classifications are necessary.

Colon capsule endoscopy leading to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) diagnosis after colonoscopy failure.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are a subtype of mesenchymal tumors. In recent years a significant progress was made in their diagnosis and treatment which led to significant improvement of their prognosis. Endoscopy remains one of the main diagnostic methods. In the rare instance of colonoscopy failure, different approaches are available: different endoscope, computed tomography colonography, capsule endoscopy, use of an enteroscope. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian man admitted for abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Two colonoscopy attempts failed in a different center and a decision to use colon capsule endoscopy was made. This exam revealed a submucosal mass located in the sigmoid colon. Surgery was performed and a local invading gastrointestinal stromal tumor was removed. This is the first image of a colonic gastrointestinal stromal tumor seen on capsule endoscopy. CONCLUSION: Colon capsule is a useful diagnostic tool in selected patients after colonoscopy failure or contraindication.

Factors Influencing Complication Rates at Colonic Polypectomy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary-Referral Center.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colon polypectomy decreases the incidence of colorectal cancer and related mortality. Several factors such as the size, location and type of polyp as well as endoscopist experience have been shown to correlate with the risk of ensuing procedure-related complications. This study aims to evaluate the impact of polyp and endoscopist-related factors on the rate of postpolypectomy complication in a real-life setting. METHODS: During the study period all polypectomies performed in our unit were reported on a standard form that included data on polyp type (flat, sessile, pedunculated), size, location in the colon, resection method, endoscopist volume and procedure-related complications arising up to 30 days. The main outcome was the complication rate of polypectomies. The factors that associated with a higher risk of complications were assessed on univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 244 polyp resections from 95 patients were included in the analysis. 199 polyps were resected by low-volume endoscopists (44.7%) and 135 polypectomies were performed by high-volume endoscopists (55.3%). On multivariate analysis only polyp size correlated with the risk of procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Polyp size is the most important risk factor for procedure-related complications. Both high and low-volume endoscopists have a low overall rate of serious complications.

Role of capsule endoscopy Pillcam COLON 2 in patients with known or suspected Crohn's disease who refused colonoscopy or underwent incomplete colonoscopic exam: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Almost 70-80 % of patients with Crohn's disease and virtually all patients with ulcerative colitis have colorectal mucosa involvement. Colon capsule endoscopy is an interesting option for patients unable or unwilling to undergo colonoscopy. We report our experience with the second-generation colon capsule PillCam(®) COLON 2 in the detection of significant lesions in patients with known or suspected Crohn's disease, who refused colonoscopy or underwent incomplete colonoscopic exam. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed the results of capsule endoscopy in 6 patients who refused colonoscopy (n = 3) or underwent incomplete colonoscopic exam (n = 3) between March 2011 and October 2012. In all patients, a CT scan was obtained before capsule endoscopy to rule out significant stenosis. RESULTS: In our series of 6 patients, 4 had both small bowel and colonic involvement. The use of the PillCam(®) COLON 2 capsule allowed a thorough examination and evaluation of the mucosal lesions with high acceptability, the method being perceived as noninvasive by the patients. No adverse events related to the capsule or bowel preparation were recorded. CONCLUSION: In this patient population, PillCam(®) COLON 2 capsule endoscopy was safe. The capsule findings had an important impact on treatment decisions and patient management.

A series of images of digestive cancers using Pill Cam COLON2 video capsule endoscopy.

UNLABELLED: Colon capsule endoscopy is regarded as an option to complement or even replace diagnostic colonoscopy in selected cases. Since capsule lacks the capability of taking biopsies, a diagnosis of colon cancer usually requires a further confirmation by colonoscopy. A series of seven patients who had highly suspicious lesions at capsule endoscopy (five-colon tumors, one gastric tumor and one small bowel tumor) and in whom the clinical decision and treatment was solely based on capsule findings, are presented. The diagnosis of cancer was confirmed in all cases by surgery and histology. CONCLUSION: In selected patients with a high index of clinical suspicion of cancer, PillCam colon 2 capsule endoscopy might be a sufficient tool for diagnosis.

Role of colon capsule Pillcam 2 in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding - case report.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal bleeding have always been a challenge to clinicians. In most patients, the source of bleeding is easily identified during conventional upper and/or lower gastrointestinal endoscopies. A significant progress in the evaluation of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was brought by the advent of capsule endoscopy. Since colonoscopy is not always technically feasible, colon VCE might be useful where the conventional procedure poses substantial risks to patients or it is refused by them. CASE-REPORT: We present the case of a 58-year-old patient, with severe anemia caused by bleeding from a gastrointestinal source. The patient was diabetic, hypertensive and with impaired heart function, aggravated by anemia. We used the Pillcam Colon 2 capsule to investigate the colon and we found 2 tumors in the cecum and transverse colon. CONCLUSION: Pillcam Colon 2 capsule turned out to be an additional patient-friendly method to complement colonoscopy for colon visualization and colorectal cancer screening.

Use of Hemospray in the treatment of patients with acute UGIB - short review.

Gastrointestinal bleeding remains one of the most important emergencies in gastroenterology. It has been widely accepted that the first-line treatment for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially peptic ulcer bleeding, is endoscopic hemostasis. Several techniques are available to achieve hemostasis during endoscopy. However, some 5%-10% of the patients still experience recurrence of bleeding after initial hemostasis with combined endoscopic therapy including injection, thermal coagulation, or mechanical hemostasis. Endotherapy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be challenging. A simple and effective method of endoscopic hemostasis would have a significant impact on the treatment of active gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemospray (Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA) is a novel hemostatic agent for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Its efficacy has been shown in peptic ulcer bleeding, as well as in cancer-related gastrointestinal bleeding and in patients taking antithrombotic therapy. These initial reports are very promising, but they are limited by the small number of patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of Hemospray in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Superior socio-medical alternative to feeding gastrostomy and jejunostomy in advanced esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of esophago gastric junction adenocarcinoma often occurs when the neoplastic process is surprised in advanced stages and blocks the esophageal-gastric junction causing dysphagia, stages in which curative therapy is more likely impossible to be accomplished. In these cases, the treatment goal is mainly to provide feeding capacity as naturally as possible and to start the adjuvant oncological treatment. The use of endoscopic esophageal prostheses provides the patient with the possibility to be fed orally and with a good social integration, but due to the technical incapacity to cross the tumoral stenosis with the endoscope, or due to the endoscopist s concerns regarding the sensitive areas (poles of the esophagus), there are reluctances in respect to this method (on average 20%). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study aimed to determine the optimal therapeutic modality depending on the evolutive stages of the disease and to analyse the justification of the original procedure of laparogastroscopic esophageal stenting through tumoral drilling as a technical alternative to the reluctances or failures of endoscopic prosthesis and as a biological and social solution to the disabling gastrostomy for patients with advanced esophageal-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Staging was disarming, most patients were diagnosed in advanced stages, fact also supported by literature. Regarding esophageal stenting by transtumoral drilling, the results are significant especially in terms of postoperative morbidity CONCLUSIONS: Although our study regarding laparogastroscopic stenting by transtumoral drilling in esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma is limited, this original procedure brought us satisfaction whenever we used this approach.

Is fatty liver always benign and should not consequently be treated?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) consists of a broad spectrum of liver lesions ranging from fatty liver (FL), through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), up to cirrhosis. The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has increased in recent years due to the high rate of obesity in developed countries. Although the dogma "simple steatosis - benign prognosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis - severe evolution" still stands for many hepatologists, plenty of data underline the unsuspected evolution, i.e., that some patients may progress from fatty liver towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In certain metabolic circumstances, isolated hepatic steatosis is not necessarily a benign disorder associating cardiovascular risk and evolution towards severe liver diseases including HCC. We tried to shed some light on this problem, taking into account its major health impact and the variegate and sometimes unpredictable evolution of NAFLD.

Spontaneous esophageal mucosal dissection in a patient with upper digestive bleeding and esophageal varices.

We present a case of mucosal esophageal dissection in a 44-year-old patient with alcoholic cirrhosis admitted for upper digestive bleeding. The endoscopic aspect was of chronic mucosal dissection in the esophagus and 3rd degree esophageal varices with red signs. To our knowledge, it is the only case with spontaneous esophageal mucosal dissection and portal hypertension with esophageal varices.

Evaluation of successful treatment in achalasia with timed barium esophagogram: revisiting an old friend.

Achalasia is a rare idiopathic, primary esophageal motility disorder. Pharmacologic, endoscopic and surgical methods are used in its treatment. The efficiency of the treatment is generally based on clinical "subjective" criteria. Manometry, which is the gold standard in diagnostic and in treatment monitoring is not always available, it is costly and it needs expertise. The role of timed barium esophagogram in the evaluation of the patients before and after endoscopic dilation will be discussed in the article. This method is standardized, less costly, and has a good correlation with clinical and manometrical results.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after a resolutive acute hepatitis leading to a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma.

A case of hepatitis B virus reactivation leading to the diagnosis of a T cell lymphoma is reported. A 66-year-old woman with a past history (10 years before) of spontaneously recovered acute hepatitis B (with disappearance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen and appearance of anti-HBs), has been referred for hepatologic consultation for acute hepatitis. The patient was found positive again for hepatitis B surface antigen as well HBeAg and hepatitis B virus DNA. No other cause of liver disease was identified and a diagnosis of spontaneous hepatitis B virus reactivation was made. Five months later a peripheral T cell lymphoma was diagnosed. This unusual case confirms that natural immunity is not protective against hepatitis B virus reactivation and shows that such hepatitis B virus reactivation may precede the usual clinical manifestations of a peripheral T cell lymphoma.

[Slowly regressing acute pandysautonomia associated with esophageal achalasia: a case report]. / Pandysautonomie aigue lentement regressive associee a une achalasie de l'oesophage: a propos d'un cas.

Acute pandysautonomia is a rare acute autonomic neuropathy that mainly affects young women. We report a case of idiopathic acute pandysautonomia associated with an esophageal achalasia in a 30-year-old woman. The clinical features were inaugural dysphagia followed by signs of parasympathetic failure of the entire digestive tract, bladder and pupils. Twenty-four hours of electrocardiographic recording showed involvement of sympathetic adrenergic nerves. Esophageal achalasia was patent on esophageal manometry. Upper digestive tract motility was first involved and then extended to the entire digestive tract with intestinal obstruction, which required emergency ileostomy. Recovery of autonomic functions was slow. After 16 months, dysphagia and gut paresis improved and digestive continuity was restored. In case of subacute intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with autonomic dysfunction, acute pandysautonomia should be suspected. In our report, the association with esophageal achalasia is uncommon.

Portal hypertensive gastropathy.

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is the term used to describe the endoscopic appearance of gastric mucosa seen in patients with cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic portal hypertension with a characteristic mosaic-like pattern with or without red spots. The prevalence of PHG varies from 50% to 98%, this variation of the prevalence being perhaps related to patient selection, inter- and intra-observer variation and absence of uniform criteria and classification. About 8% of the upper digestive hemorrhages in the cirrhotic patients are secondary to PHG. There is no general consensus on the endoscopic classification of PHG (the most New Italian Endoscopy Club). The exact pathogenesis of PHG is not completely understood, but the portal hypertension is the main factor involved in its development and not the severity of the hepatic disease. Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) is a term used for the typical endoscopic findings of red stripes, separated by normal mucosa, most frequently seen in the gastric antrum or proximal stomach. Current therapy of PHG includes beta blockers, somatostatin and derivates, endoscopic and surgical methods including hepatic transplantation.