Ideal strategy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over 300 000 hospital admissions in the United States each year are due to patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (UGIB). Common etiologies of nonvariceal UGIB include peptic ulcers, mucosal erosions of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, Mallory-Weiss tears, Dieulafoy lesions, upper GI tract malignancy, or other etiology. RECENT FINDINGS: Peptic ulcers classified as Forrest Ia, Ib, or IIa require endoscopic hemostasis, while IIb ulcers may be considered for endoscopic clot removal with endoscopic treatment of any underlying major stigmata. Endoscopic hemostasis for ulcers classified as Forrest IIc or III is not advised due to the low risk of recurrent bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis in ulcer bleeding can be achieved using injection, thermal, and/or mechanical modalities. SUMMARY: This review focuses on the currently recommended endoscopic therapies of patients presenting with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by aberrant peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients most commonly present with dysphagia to solids and liquids, regurgitation, and occasional chest pain with or without weight loss. High-resolution manometry has identified 3 subtypes of achalasia distinguished by pressurization and contraction patterns. Endoscopic findings of retained saliva with puckering of the gastroesophageal junction or esophagram findings of a dilated esophagus with bird beaking are important diagnostic clues. In this American College of Gastroenterology guideline, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process to provide clinical guidance on how best to diagnose and treat patients with achalasia.

Patient-provider communications about pharmacogenomic results increase patient recall of medication changes.

Effective doctor-patient communication is critical for disease management, especially when considering genetic information. We studied patient-provider communications after implementing a point-of-care pharmacogenomic results delivery system to understand whether pharmacogenomic results are discussed and whether medication recall is impacted. Outpatients undergoing preemptive pharmacogenomic testing (cases), non-genotyped controls, and study providers were surveyed from October 2012-May 2017. Patient responses were compared between visits where pharmacogenomic results guided prescribing versus visits where pharmacogenomics did not guide prescribing. Provider knowledge of pharmacogenomics, before and during study participation, was also analyzed. Both providers and case patients frequently reported discussions of genetic results after visits where pharmacogenomic information guided prescribing. Importantly, medication changes from visits where pharmacogenomics influenced prescribing were more often recalled than non-pharmacogenomic guided medication changes (OR = 3.3 [1.6-6.7], p = 0.001). Case patients who had separate visits where pharmacogenomics did and did not, respectively, influence prescribing more often remembered medication changes from visits where genomic-based guidance was used (OR = 3.4 [1.2-9.3], p = 0.02). Providers also displayed dramatic increases in personal genomic understanding through program participation (94% felt at least somewhat informed about pharmacogenomics post-participation, compared to 61% at baseline, p = 0.04). Using genomic information during prescribing increases patient-provider communications, patient medication recall, and provider understanding of genomics, important ancillary benefits to clinical use of pharmacogenomics.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Peptic ulcer disease continues to be a source of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of patients found to have peptic ulcer disease are asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom of peptic ulcer disease is epigastric pain, which may be associated with dyspepsia, bloating, abdominal fullness, nausea, or early satiety. Most cases of peptic ulcer disease are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or both. In this review, we discuss the role of proton pump inhibitors in the management of peptic ulcer disease, highlight the latest guidelines about the diagnosis and management of H. pylori, and discuss the latest evidence in the management of complications related to peptic ulcer disease, including endoscopic intervention for peptic ulcer-related bleeding. Timely diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and its sequelae are crucial in order to minimize associated morbidity and mortality, as is prevention of peptic ulcer disease among patients at high risk, including those infected with H. pylori and users of NSAIDs.

Assessment of provider-perceived barriers to clinical use of pharmacogenomics during participation in an institutional implementation study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study provider attitudes of and perceived barriers to the clinical use of pharmacogenomics before and during participation in an implementation program. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: From 2012 to 2017, providers were recruited. After completing semistructured interviews (SSIs) about pharmacogenomics, providers received training on and access to a clinical decision support tool housing patient-specific pharmacogenomic results. Thematic analysis of SSI was conducted (inter-rater reliability κ≥0.75). Providers also completed surveys before and during study participation, and provider-perceived barriers to pharmacogenomic implementation were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the SSI (listed from most frequent to least): decision-making, concerns with pharmacogenomic adoption, outcome expectancy, provider knowledge of pharmacogenomics, patient attitudes, individualized treatment, and provider interest in pharmacogenomics. Although there was prestudy enthusiasm among all providers, concerns with clinical utility, time, results accession, and knowledge of pharmacogenomics were frequently stated at baseline. Despite this, adoption of pharmacogenomics was robust, as patient-specific results were accessed at 64% of visits, and medication changes were influenced by provided pharmacogenomic information 42% of the time. Providers reported they had enough time to evaluate the information and the results were easily understood on 74 and 98% of surveys, respectively. Nevertheless, providers consistently felt there was insufficient pharmacogenomic information for most drugs they prescribed and clear guidelines for using pharmacogenomic information were lacking. CONCLUSION: Despite initial concerns about adequate time and knowledge for adoption, providers frequently utilized pharmacogenomic results. Provider-perceived barriers to wider use included lack of clear guidelines and evidence for most drugs, highlighting important considerations for the field of pharmacogenomics.

The Role of Allergy Testing in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is defined as a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated esophageal disease that can lead to symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. This disease is seen in both children and adults. Approximately 70% of patients with EoE have food antigen sensitization or other atopic conditions, suggesting an allergic etiology in the pathogenesis of the disease. The role of allergy testing to identify foods that lead to EoE is unclear. Three types of allergy tests currently exist: skin prick testing, atopy patch testing, and immunoassays for serum food-specific immunoglobulin E. It is important for gastroenterologists to work in conjunction with allergist colleagues in the care of patients with EoE, particularly in the management of comorbid atopic conditions.

Efficacy of Pharmacologic Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

GOALS: In order to provide a comparative evaluation of available pharmacologic treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we conducted a network meta-analysis. BACKGROUND: A variety of pharmacologic treatments for EoE have been reported, however there exists a paucity of direct comparisons. STUDY: We searched randomized controlled trials using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database through December 2014. Studies were analyzed using a random-effects network meta-analysis to identify the most effective therapy. Subgroup analysis was performed among studies that excluded gastroesophageal reflux disease or proton-pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia, and also among pediatric and adult populations. The ranking probability for the efficacy of each treatment was analyzed. Consistency of the included randomized controlled trials was checked by applying inconsistency and node-splitting models. RESULTS: Eleven studies of a total of 456 patients were identified. Six pharmacologic treatments (budesonide suspension and viscous, fluticasone, prednisone, esomeprazole, and mepolizumab) and placebo were included in our analysis. Meta-analysis showed superiority of budesonide viscous, budesonide suspension, and fluticasone over placebo. Network meta-analysis demonstrated the rank order of efficacy as budesonide viscous, esomeprazole, prednisone, budesonide suspension, fluticasone, mepolizumab, and placebo. The results were consistent from the inconsistency model analysis and node-splitting analysis. Subgroup analysis demonstrated prednisone, budesonide suspension, and esomeprazole were the most effective when network meta-analyses were performed among studies that excluded gastroesophageal reflux disease or proton-pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia, and among pediatric and adult populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this network meta-analysis, viscous budesonide was shown to be the most effective pharmacologic therapy for EoE among the reported pharmacologic treatments.

Demographic Features of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly prevalent chronic condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium accompanied by esophageal symptoms. The number of new diagnoses is growing worldwide in both pediatric and adult populations. Differences in disease distribution and presentation have been found, varying by gender, race, and other characteristics. This review examines the existing literature and provides insight into the demographic features of EoE.

Current Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus diagnosed by the presence of esophageal symptoms accompanied by an esophageal eosinophilic infiltrate. EoE has an increasing worldwide prevalence and can be a cause of dysphagia and food impactions. There is an important role for the use of proton pump inhibitors in the diagnostic pathway of EoE. Treatment paradigms for EoE aim to minimize esophageal inflammation and improve symptom control. Dietary therapy targets dietary allergens and encompasses the elemental diet, the allergy testing-directed elimination diet, and the empiric elimination diet. Pharmacologic options include topical corticosteroids as the standard first-line treatment. Multiple other pharmacologic interventions are currently under investigation and are not recommended in the most recent guidelines. Endoscopic dilation is usually reserved for patients who relapse on pharmacologic or dietary regimens or who have symptomatic stricturing disease. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of existing diagnostic and management strategies for EoE.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Esophageal Achalasia: A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of achalasia is palliative. Pneumatic dilatation (PD) or laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) just eliminates the outflow obstruction allowing easier emptying of the esophagus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a multidisciplinary approach to esophageal achalasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with achalasia treated by a multidisciplinary esophageal team consisting of radiologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons in a quaternary care center between May 2008 and April 2015 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients with achalasia underwent LHM and partial fundoplication. Sixty-two patients (42%) had been treated preoperatively with PD and/or botulinum toxin (BT). The preoperative Eckardt score (ES) was 6.4 ± 2. At a median follow-up of 22 months, 128 patients (87%) did well and required no further treatment (ES 0.1). The remaining 19 patients (13%) had recurrence of symptoms and required further treatment: 12 were treated with PD and improved (ES 0.7); 4 were treated with PD and BT and improved (ES 1.3); 3 failed PD. These 3 patients had been treated with multiple sessions of PD and BT before the myotomy. Overall, 144 patients (98%) did well with laparoscopic (87%) or laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment (11%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that (a) LHM is an effective treatment modality, (b) PD improved symptoms in the majority of patients with recurrent dysphagia after myotomy and (c) multiple preoperative endoscopic treatments seem to affect outcomes of LHM. Patients with achalasia should be treated in a quaternary care center by a multidisciplinary team.

Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery: Importance of Patient's Selection and Preoperative Workup.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) is an excellent option for patients with symptoms refractory to medical treatment, for patients who have complications secondary to the use of proton pump inhibitors, and for those who do not want to take medications for a long period of time. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that (1) LARS has excellent outcomes if a complete preoperative workup and proper patient selection are performed and (2) recurrent symptoms often are not due to failure of the fundoplication to control the pathologic reflux. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Every patient referred for antireflux surgery underwent a detailed symptomatic evaluation, barium swallow, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), high-resolution manometry (HRM), and pH monitoring. A fundoplication was performed in all of them. Data were analyzed to determine outcomes across 8 years. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2016, 176 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent LARS. One hundred and thirty-four patients (76.1%) had a total fundoplication, 31 (17.6%) had an anterior partial fundoplication, and 11 (6.3%) had a posterior partial fundoplication. Thirty-nine patients (22.2%) referred persistent or recurrent symptoms after the procedure and underwent EGD, HRM, and pH monitoring. Abnormal reflux was documented in 5 patients (2.8%). Among these failures, 3 patients had a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and 2 had ≥35. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that (1) laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective procedure for GERD; (2) patient's BMI can affect the outcome of a fundoplication; and (3) pH monitoring is important to establish if recurrent symptoms are secondary to failure of the operation.

Esophageal Mucosal Impedance Pattern is Distinct in Patients With Extraesophageal Reflux Symptoms and Pathologic Acid Reflux.

OBJECTIVES/STUDY DESIGN: Current diagnostic tests for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not consistently measure chronicity of reflux. Mucosal impedance (MI) is a minimally invasive measurement to assess esophageal conductivity changes due to GERD. We aimed to investigate MI pattern in patients with symptoms of extraesophageal reflux (EER) in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Patients with potential symptoms of EER undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with wireless pH monitoring were studied. Participants included those with erosive esophagitis (E+), normal EGD/abnormal pH (E-/pH+), and normal EGD/normal pH (E-/pH-). MI was measured from the site of injury in patients with E+, as well as at 2, 5, and 10 cm above the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) in all participants. RESULTS: Forty-one patients with symptoms of EER were studied. MI measurements at 2 cm above the SCJ were significantly (P = 0.04) different among the three groups, with MI lowest for E+ and greatest for E-/pH- patients. Although not statistically significant, there is a graded increase in median (interquartile range) MI axially along the esophagus at 5 cm (P = 0.20) and at 10 cm (P = 0.27) above the SCJ, with those with reflux (E+ and E-/pH+) having a lower MI than those without. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptoms of EER and evidence of acid reflux have an MI lower than those without at 2 cm above the SCJ, with a trend at 5 cm and 10 cm as well. MI may be a tool to assess presence of GERD in patients presenting with EER symptoms.

Achalasia and Respiratory Symptoms: Effect of Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia and regurgitation are considered typical symptoms of achalasia. However, there is mounting evidence that some achalasia patients may also experience respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and hoarseness. AIMS: The aims of this study were to determine: (1) what percentage of achalasia patients experience respiratory symptoms and (2) the effect of a laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication on the typical and respiratory symptoms of achalasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2008 and December 2015, 165 patients with achalasia were referred for treatment to the Center for Esophageal Diseases of the University of Chicago. Patients had preoperatively a barium swallow, endoscopy, and esophageal manometry. All patients underwent a Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. RESULTS: Based on the presence of respiratory symptoms, patients were divided into two groups: group A, 98 patients (59%) without respiratory symptoms and group B, 67 patients (41%) with respiratory symptoms. The preoperative Eckardt score was similar in the two groups (6.5 ± 2.1 versus 6.4 ± 2.0). The mean esophageal diameter was 27.7 ± 10.8 mm in group A and 42.6 ± 20.1 mm in group B (P < .05). The operation consisted of a myotomy that extended for 5 cm on the esophagus and 2.5 cm onto the gastric wall. At a median postoperative follow-up of 17 months, the Eckardt score improved significantly and similarly in the two groups (0.3 ± 0.8 versus 0.3 ± 1.0). Respiratory symptoms improved or resolved in 62 patients (92.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that: (1) respiratory symptoms were present in 41% of patients; (2) patients with respiratory symptoms had a more dilated esophagus; and (3) surgical treatment resolved or improved respiratory symptoms in 92.5% of patients. This study underlines the importance of investigating the presence of respiratory symptoms along with the more common symptoms of achalasia and of early treatment before lung damage occurs.

Mediastinal granuloma: a rare cause of dysphagia.

Dysphagia is commonly attributed to disorders arising from dysfunction of the oesophageal mucosa or oesophageal motility. Mediastinal structures causing compression of the oesophagus remain a rare presenting cause of dysphagia. We report a case of a woman presenting with dysphagia to solid foods and associated symptoms of weight loss. Traditional evaluation for dysphagia was unrevealing until cross-sectional imaging suggested a mediastinal obstructive process. The finding of a mediastinal granuloma, distinct from mediastinal fibrosis, as the aetiology of dysphagia is a rare finding, with specific treatment implications. The patient was treated with itraconazole antifungal therapy with an improvement in her symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a relatively recently discovered disease of increasing incidence and prevalence and is a common cause of dysphagia and food bolus impaction. The definition of eosinophilic esophagitis continues to evolve, most recently with the characterization of proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia. The number of high-quality prospective, controlled trials guiding therapeutic decisions in eosinophilic esophagitis has increased steadily over the past several years. Treatment options at present focus on dietary therapy, particularly implementation of a 6-food elimination diet, and medical therapy, primarily the use of swallowed, topical corticosteroids. Proton pump inhibitors play an important role in current management. Conservative esophageal dilation is effective at ameliorating dysphagia in symptomatic patients with esophageal strictures. We conducted an evidence-based review of the diagnosis and treatment options in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis. The understanding of eosinophilic esophagitis continues to be refined. Continued validation of appropriate endpoints, however, is essential to establish the efficacy of existing and novel therapeutic approaches.