Risk Stratification in Cancer Patients with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Comparison of Glasgow-Blatchford, Rockall and AIMS65, and Development of a New Scoring System.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Few studies have measured the accuracy of prognostic scores for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) among cancer patients. Thereby, we compared the prognostic scores for predicting major outcomes in cancer patients with UGIB. Secondarily, we developed a new model to detect patients who might require hemostatic care. METHODS: A prospective research was performed in a tertiary hospital by enrolling cancer patients admitted with UGIB. Clinical and endoscopic findings were obtained through a prospective database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to gauge the power of each score. RESULTS: From April 2015 to May 2016, 243 patients met the inclusion criteria. The AIMS65 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.85) best predicted intensive care unit admission, while the Glasgow-Blatchford score best predicted blood transfusion (AUC 0.82) and the low-risk group (AUC 0.92). All scores failed to predict hemostatic therapy and rebleeding. The new score was superior (AUC 0.74) in predicting hemostatic therapy. The AIMS65 (AUC 0.84) best predicted in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The scoring systems for prognostication were validated in the group of cancer patients with UGIB. A new score was developed to predict hemostatic therapy. Following this result, future prospective research should be performed to validate the new score.

Self-expandable metal stent for malignant esophagorespiratory fistula: predictive factors associated with clinical failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Malignant esophagorespiratory fistulas (MERFs) usually are managed by the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) but with conflicting results. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with clinical failure after SEMS placement for the treatment of MERFs. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database used at a tertiary-care cancer hospital, with patients treated with SEMS placement for MERFs between January 2009 and February 2016. Logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for clinical outcomes and to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and comparisons were made by using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients (55 male, mean age 59 years) were included in the study, and 70 were considered for the final analysis (1 failed stent insertion). Clinical failure occurred in 44% of patients. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 3 or 4 and fistula development during esophageal cancer treatment were associated with an increased risk of clinical failure. ECOG status of 3 or 4, pulmonary infection at the time of SEMS placement, and prior radiation therapy were predictive factors associated with lower overall survival. Dysphagia scores improved significantly 15 days after stent insertion. The overall stent-related adverse event rate was 30%. Stent migration and occlusion caused by tumor overgrowth were the most common adverse events. CONCLUSION: SEMS placement is a reasonable treatment option for MERFs; however, ECOG status of 3 or 4 and fistula development during esophageal cancer treatment may be independent predictors of clinical failure after stent placement.

Modified technique for percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy placement. / Técnica modificada para realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea.

The placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) provides diet delivery beyond the angle of Treitz, and it is associated with decrease of complications related to gastroparesis, such as aspiration pneumonia. There are many different techniques to perform a PEG-J described in the literature, with variable degrees of technical success. In this article, we suggest modifications to the technique of PEG-J placement in order to reduce time of procedure and minimize the risk of technical failure.

A realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea (PEG-J) proporciona nutrição além do ângulo de Treitz, e está associada à diminuição das complicações relacionadas à gastroparesia, como a pneumonia por aspiração. Existem diversas técnicas para realização da PEG-J descritas na literatura, com graus variáveis de sucesso técnico. Neste artigo propomos modificações na técnica de realização da PEG-J, a fim de reduzir o tempo do procedimento e minimizar o risco de insucesso.

Técnica modificada para realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea / Modified technique for percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy placement

RESUMO A realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea (PEG-J) proporciona nutrição além do ângulo de Treitz, e está associada à diminuição das complicações relacionadas à gastroparesia, como a pneumonia por aspiração. Existem diversas técnicas para realização da PEG-J descritas na literatura, com graus variáveis de sucesso técnico. Neste artigo propomos modificações na técnica de realização da PEG-J, a fim de reduzir o tempo do procedimento e minimizar o risco de insucesso.

ABSTRACT The placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) provides diet delivery beyond the angle of Treitz, and it is associated with decrease of complications related to gastroparesis, such as aspiration pneumonia. There are many different techniques to perform a PEG-J described in the literature, with variable degrees of technical success. In this article, we suggest modifications to the technique of PEG-J placement in order to reduce time of procedure and minimize the risk of technical failure.

Predictive features for histology of gastric subepithelial lesions / Fatores preditivos da histologia nas lesões subepiteliais gástricas

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Gastric subepithelial lesion is a relatively common diagnosis after routine upper endoscopy. The diagnostic workup of an undetermined gastric subepithelial lesion should take into consideration clinical and endoscopic features. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the association between patients' characteristics, endoscopic and echographic features with the histologic diagnosis of the gastric subepithelial lesions. METHODS This is a retrospective study with 55 patients, who were consecutively diagnosed with gastric subepithelial lesions, from October 2008 to August 2011. Patients' characteristics, endoscopic and echografic features of each gastric subepithelial lesion were analysed. Histologic diagnosis provided by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration or endoscopic/surgical resection was used as gold standard. RESULTS The probability of gastrointestinal stromal tumors to be located in the cardia was low (4.5%), while for leiomyoma it was high (>95%). In addition, there was a higher risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in patients older than 57 years (OR 8.9; 95% CI), with lesions ≥21 mm (OR 7.15; 95% CI), located at 4th layer (OR 18.8; 95% CI), with positive Doppler sign (OR 9; 95% CI), and irregular outer border (OR 7.75; 95% CI). CONCLUSION The location of gastric subepithelial lesions in the gastric cardia lowers the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. While gastric subepithelial lesions occurring in elderly patients, located in the gastric body, with positive Doppler signal and irregular outer border increase the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

RESUMO CONTEXTO O diagnóstico das lesões subepiteliais gástricas é relativamente comum após a endoscopia digestiva alta de rotina. A posterior investigação diagnóstica de uma lesão subepitelial gástrica indeterminada deve levar em consideração os aspectos clínicos e endoscópicos. OBJETIVO O objetivo foi avaliar a associação entre as características particulares dos pacientes, endoscópicas e ecográficas dos casos de lesões subepiteliais gástricas com os seus diagnósticos histológicos finais. MÉTODOS Estudo retrospectivo com 55 pacientes, consecutivamente diagnosticados com lesão subepitelial gástrica de outubro de 2008 a agosto de 2011. As características do paciente, endoscópica e ecográfica de cada caso com lesão subepitelial gástrica foram analisadas. O diagnóstico histológico fornecido pela punção aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ecoendoscopia e/ou a ressecção endoscópica/cirúrgica foram utilizadas como padrão-ouro. RESULTADOS A probabilidade de tumor estromal gastrintestinal ser localizado na cárdia foi baixa (4,5%), enquanto que para o leiomioma foi elevada (>95%). Além disso, houve um maior risco de tumor estromal gastrintestinal em pacientes acima de 57 anos (OR 8,9; IC 95%), com lesão ≥21 mm (OR 7,15; IC 95%), localizada na 4ª camada (OR 18,8; IC 95%), com sinal positivo no Doppler (OR 9; IC 95%), e borda externa irregular (OR 7,75; IC 95%). CONCLUSÃO A localização de uma lesão subepitelial gástrica na cárdia reduz o risco de tumor estromal gastrintestinal. Enquanto que lesões subepiteliais gástricas que ocorrem em pacientes idosos, localizadas no corpo gástrico, com sinal positivo no Doppler e com borda externa irregular aumentam significativamente o risco de tumor estromal gastrintestinal.

Predictive features for histology of gastric subepithelial lesions.

BACKGROUND: - Gastric subepithelial lesion is a relatively common diagnosis after routine upper endoscopy. The diagnostic workup of an undetermined gastric subepithelial lesion should take into consideration clinical and endoscopic features. OBJECTIVE: - We aimed to investigate the association between patients' characteristics, endoscopic and echographic features with the histologic diagnosis of the gastric subepithelial lesions. METHODS: - This is a retrospective study with 55 patients, who were consecutively diagnosed with gastric subepithelial lesions, from October 2008 to August 2011. Patients' characteristics, endoscopic and echografic features of each gastric subepithelial lesion were analysed. Histologic diagnosis provided by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration or endoscopic/surgical resection was used as gold standard. RESULTS: - The probability of gastrointestinal stromal tumors to be located in the cardia was low (4.5%), while for leiomyoma it was high (>95%). In addition, there was a higher risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in patients older than 57 years (OR 8.9; 95% CI), with lesions ≥21 mm (OR 7.15; 95% CI), located at 4th layer (OR 18.8; 95% CI), with positive Doppler sign (OR 9; 95% CI), and irregular outer border (OR 7.75; 95% CI). CONCLUSION: - The location of gastric subepithelial lesions in the gastric cardia lowers the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. While gastric subepithelial lesions occurring in elderly patients, located in the gastric body, with positive Doppler signal and irregular outer border increase the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Opinion: How to manage subepithelial lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract?

Subepithelial lesions (SELs) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract are relatively frequent findings in patients undergoing an upper GI endoscopy. These tumors, which are located below the epithelium and out of reach of conventional biopsy forceps, may pose a diagnostic challenge for the gastroenterologist, especially when SELs are indeterminate after endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The decision to proceed with further investigation should take into consideration the size, location in the GI tract, and EUS features of SELs. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an example of an SEL that has a well-recognized malignant potential. Unfortunately, EUS is not able to absolutely differentiate GISTs from other benign hypoechoic lesions from the fourth layer, such as leiomyomas. Therefore, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an important tool for correct diagnosis of SELs. However, small lesions (size < 2 cm) have a poor diagnostic yield with EUS-FNA. Moreover, studies with EUS-core biopsy needles did not report higher rates of histologic and diagnostic yields when compared with EUS-FNA. The limited diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA and EUS-core biopsies of SELs has led to the development of more invasive endoscopic techniques for tissue acquisition. There are initial studies showing good results for tissue biopsy or resection of SELs with endoscopic submucosal dissection, suck-ligate-unroof-biopsy, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.

PROPOSAL OF A CLINICAL CARE PATHWAY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING

Background - Upper gastrointestinal bleeding implies significant clinical and economic repercussions. The correct establishment of the latest therapies for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. The use of clinical pathways for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with shorter hospital stay and lower hospital costs. Objective - The primary objective is the development of a clinical care pathway for the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, to be used in tertiary hospital. Methods - It was conducted an extensive literature review on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, contained in the primary and secondary information sources. Results - The result is a clinical care pathway for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with evidence of recent bleeding, diagnosed by melena or hematemesis in the last 12 hours, who are admitted in the emergency rooms and intensive care units of tertiary hospitals. In this compact and understandable pathway, it is well demonstrated the management since the admission, with definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, passing through the initial clinical treatment, posterior guidance for endoscopic therapy, and referral to rescue therapies in cases of persistent or rebleeding. It was also included the care that must be taken before hospital discharge for all patients who recover from an episode of bleeding. Conclusion - The introduction of a clinical care pathway for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding may contribute to standardization of medical practices, decrease in waiting time for medications and services, length of hospital stay and costs.

Contexto - A hemorragia digestiva alta implica em significativas repercussões clínicas e econômicas. O estabelecimento correto das mais recentes terapêuticas para a hemorragia digestiva alta está associado à redução na mortalidade intra-hospitalar. O uso de algoritmos para atendimento da hemorragia digestiva alta está associado com menor tempo de internação e menores custos hospitalares. Objetivos - O objetivo primário é a criação de um protocolo de atendimento da hemorragia digestiva alta, para ser utilizado em hospital terciário. Métodos - Realizada extensa revisão da literatura sobre as condutas na hemorragia digestiva alta, contidas nas bases de dados primária e secundária. Resultados - O resultado é um modelo de atendimento para os pacientes com hemorragia digestiva alta e com evidência de sangramento recente, dado por melena ou hematêmese nas ultimas 24h, que são atendidos nas salas de emergência e unidades de terapia intensiva de hospitais terciários. Neste protocolo de atendimento, desenhado de forma compacta e compreensível, fica bem evidenciado o manejo dos pacientes desde a admissão, com definição dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, passando considerações acerca do atendimento clínico inicial, posterior direcionamento para a terapêutica endoscópica, e encaminhamento às terapias de resgate em casos de sangramento persistente ou recorrente. Destacam-se também os cuidados que devem ser tomados antes da alta hospitalar para todos os pacientes que se recuperam de um episódio de sangramento. Conclusão - A introdução de um protocolo para atendimento e tratamento de pacientes com hemorragia digestiva alta pode contribuir para uniformização de condutas médicas, diminuição no tempo de espera por medicações e serviços, no tempo de internação e nos custos hospitalares.

Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection: an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease that may progress to a disseminated form, called hyperinfection syndrome, in patients with immunosuppression. The hyperinfection syndrome is caused by the wide multiplication and migration of infective larvae, with characteristic gastrointestinal and/or pulmonary involvement. This disease may pose a diagnostic challenge, as it presents with nonspecific findings on endoscopy.

Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection: an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding / Hiperinfecção por Strongyloides stercoralis: uma causa incomum de hemorragia digestiva

SummaryStrongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease that may progress to a disseminated form, called hyperinfection syndrome, in patients with immunosuppression. The hyperinfection syndrome is caused by the wide multiplication and migration of infective larvae, with characteristic gastrointestinal and/or pulmonary involvement. This disease may pose a diagnostic challenge, as it presents with nonspecific findings on endoscopy.

ResumoHiperinfecção por Strongyloides stercoralis: uma causa incomum de hemorragia digestiva A estrongiloidíase é uma parasitose que pode evoluir para uma forma disseminada, denominada síndrome de hiperinfecção, nos pacientes em estados de imunossupressão. A síndrome de hiperinfecção é ocasionada pela grande multiplicação e migração de larvas infectantes, com envolvimento gastrointestinal e/ou pulmonar característico. Essa doença pode representar um desafio diagnóstico, pois apresenta- se em achados inespecíficos à endoscopia.

Comparison of electrical current and ultrasonic device for incision of the septum of the pharyngoesophageal diverticulum in a pig model.

BACKGROUND: Complications of endoscopic treatment of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (PED) such as bleeding and perforation occur in up to 15 % of cases. Our objective was to compare incision of the PED septum using the ultrasonic device (group H) with incision using electrical current (group M) in a pig model. METHODS: Twenty domestic pigs were divided into groups H and M. The incision of the PED septum was performed using the ultrasonic device or using electrical current, respectively. The procedural time, complication rate, length of the border of the incised septum, and thermal tissue damage were compared between groups. RESULTS: Mean time to divide the septum and total procedure time were significantly shorter in group H. Mean length of the border of the incised septum was significantly higher in group H. The lateral thermal spread caused by electrical current (group M) was more intense. Hemorrhage was exclusively observed in group M. CONCLUSION: Experimental endoscopic diverticulotomy using ultrasonic device was faster and caused less tissue damage when compared to electrical current.

PROPOSAL OF A CLINICAL CARE PATHWAY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding implies significant clinical and economic repercussions. The correct establishment of the latest therapies for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. The use of clinical pathways for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with shorter hospital stay and lower hospital costs. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is the development of a clinical care pathway for the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, to be used in tertiary hospital. METHODS: It was conducted an extensive literature review on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, contained in the primary and secondary information sources. RESULTS: The result is a clinical care pathway for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with evidence of recent bleeding, diagnosed by melena or hematemesis in the last 12 hours, who are admitted in the emergency rooms and intensive care units of tertiary hospitals. In this compact and understandable pathway, it is well demonstrated the management since the admission, with definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, passing through the initial clinical treatment, posterior guidance for endoscopic therapy, and referral to rescue therapies in cases of persistent or rebleeding. It was also included the care that must be taken before hospital discharge for all patients who recover from an episode of bleeding. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a clinical care pathway for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding may contribute to standardization of medical practices, decrease in waiting time for medications and services, length of hospital stay and costs.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic prophylactic treatment with undiluted cyanoacrylate for gastric varices.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of undiluted N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate plus methacryloxysulfolane (NBCM) as a prophylactic treatment for gastric varices (GV) bleeding. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a single tertiary-care teaching hospital between October 2009 and March 2013. Patients with portal hypertension (PH) and GV, with no active gastrointestinal bleeding, were enrolled in primary prophylactic treatment with NBCM injection without lipiodol dilution. Initial diagnosis of GV was based on endoscopy and confirmed with endosonography (EUS); the same procedure was used after treatment to confirm eradication of GV. After puncturing the GV with a regular injection needle, 1 mL of undiluted NBCM was injected intranasally into GV. The injection was repeated as necessary to achieve eradication or until a maximum total volume of 3 mL of NBCM had been injected. Patients were followed clinically and evaluated with endoscopy at 3, 6 and 12 mo. Later follow-ups were performed yearly. The main outcome measures were efficacy (GV eradication), safety (adverse events related to cyanoacrylate injection), recurrence, bleeding from GV and mortality related to GV treatment. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (15 male) with PH and GV were enrolled in the study and treated with undiluted NBCM injection. Only 2 (10%) patients had no esophageal varices (EV); 18 (90%) patients were treated with endoscopic band ligation to eradicate EV before inclusion in the study. The patients were followed clinically and endoscopically for a median of 31 mo (range: 6-40 mo). Eradication of GV was observed in all patients (13 patients were treated with 1 session and 7 patients with 2 sessions), with a maximum injected volume of 2 mL NBCM. One patient had GV recurrence, confirmed by EUS, at 6-mo follow-up, and another had late recurrence with GV bleeding after 35 mo of follow-up; overall, GV recurrence was observed in 2 patients (10%), after 6 and 35 mo of follow-up, and GV bleeding rate was 5% (1 patient). Mild epigastric pain was reported by 3 patients (15%). No mortality or major complications, including embolism, or damage to equipment were observed. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic injection with NBCM, without lipiodol, may be a safe and effective treatment for primary prophylaxis of gastric variceal bleeding.