Addition of castor oil as a booster in colon capsule regimens significantly improves completion rates and polyp detection

BACKGROUND

Incomplete excretion rates are problematic for colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). Widely available booster regimens are suboptimal. Recently published data on one day preparation CCE protocol using castor oil appeared effective.

AIM

To assess the impact of adding castor oil to a standard split-dose (2-d) preparation in an unselected Western patient cohort.

METHODS

All patients aged 18 or more referred to our unit for a CCE over a 5-mo period were prospectively recruited. Controls were retrospectively identified from our CCE database. All patients received split bowel preparation with Moviprep^® [polyethylene glycol (PEG)-3350, sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid for oral solution; Norgine B. V, United States], a PEG-based solution used predominantly in our colonoscopy practice. Control booster regimen included Moviprep^® with 750 mL of water (booster 1) on reaching the small bowel. A further dose of Moviprep^® with 250 mL of water was given 3 h later and a bisacodyl suppository (Dulcolax^®) 10 mg after 8 h, if the capsule was not excreted. In addition to our standard booster regimen, cases received an additional 15 mL of castor oil given at the time of booster 1. A nested case control design with 2:1 ratio (control:case) was employed. Basic demographics, completion rates, image quality, colonic transit time, diagnostic yield and polyp detection were compared between groups, using a student t or chi-square tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-six CCEs [mean age 60 years (18-97), 56% females, n = 104], including 62 cases have been analysed. Indication breakdown included 96 polyp surveillance (51.6%), 42 lower gastrointestinal symptoms (22.6%), 28 due to incomplete colonoscopy (15%), 18 anaemia (9.7%) and 2 inflammatory bowel disease surveillance (1.1%). Overall, CCE completion was 77% (144/186), image quality was adequate/diagnostic in 91% (170/186), mean colonic transit time was 3.5 h (0.25-13), and the polyp detection rate was 57% (106/186). Completion rates were significantly higher with castor oil, 87% cases (54/62) vs 73% controls (90/124), P = 0.01. The number needed to treat with castor oil to result in an additional complete CCE study was 7, absolute risk reduction = 14.52%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06- 25.97. This effect of castor oil on excretion rates was more significant in the over 60 s, P < 0.03, and in females, P < 0.025. Similarly, polyp detection rates were higher in cases 82% (51/62) vs controls 44% (55/124), P = 0.0001, odds ratio 5.8, 95%CI: 2.77-12.21. Colonic transit times were similar, 3.2 h and 3.8 h, respectively. Image quality was similar, reported as adequate/ diagnostic in 90% (56/62) vs 92% (114/124).

CONCLUSION

In our capsule endoscopy centre, castor oil addition as a CCE booster significantly improved completion rates and polyp detection in an unselected Western cohort.

Role of proton pump inhibitors in the management of peptic ulcer bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a serious medical problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic therapy significantly reduces further bleeding, surgery and mortality in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers and is now recommended as the first hemostatic modality for these patients. The efficacy of large-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in reducing re-bleeding after endoscopic therapy has been supported by evidence derived from randomized controlled trials. It may be premature to recommend small-dose intravenous injection PPI after endoscopic hemostasis in patients with bleeding ulcers. An updated systematic review shows that PPI therapy before endoscopy significantly reduces the proportion with major stigmata and requirement for endoscopic therapy at index endoscopy. Some studies show that there is no significant difference between oral and intravenous PPIs in raising intragastric pH. However, clinical data is lacking in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding to date.

Pharmaceutical management of hepatitis B and C in liver and kidney transplant recipients

The combination of hepatitis B immune globulin with entecavir or tenofovir (at least for a certain period of time) seems to be the most reasonable prophylaxis against recurrent hepatitis B after liver transplantation. Entecavir represents an attractive option for treatment of naïve kidney transplant recipients, because of its high efficacy and the low rates of resistance. However antiviral treatment should be individualized in the view of kidney function and the previous resistance. To date, new captivating therapeutic strategies could make interferon-free regimens viable for treatment of hepatitis C virus positive liver transplant recipients. The recent combinations of sofosbuvir with simeprevir or daclatasvir or ledipasvir plus/minus ribavirin have boosted the on treatment and sustained virological response to rates approaching 100% within liver transplant recipients with recurrent chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Preliminary data showed that the second generation direct oral antivirals could result to high treatment rates of recurrent CHC in kidney transplant recipients as well. Ongoing studies will clarify the optimal treatment of recurrent CHC in kidney transplant recipients.

An open-label, randomized, cross-over bioequivalence study of lafutidine 10 mg under fasting condition

AIM: To assess the relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of two formulations (test and reference) of Lafutidine 10 mg.

METHODS: The study was performed as an open label, randomized, two-way, two-period, two-treatment, single dose cross-over bioequivalence study, under non-fed condition to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of the lafutidine formulation manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India using an indigenously developed active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the commercially available Stogra^® formulation, of UCB Japan Co., Ltd., Japan. The two treatments were separated by a wash-out period of 5 d. After an overnight fasting period of 10 h, the subjects were administered either the test or the reference medication as per the randomization schedule. Blood samples were collected at intervals up to 24 h, as per the approved protocol. Concentrations of lafutidine in plasma were analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method, and a non-compartmental model was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. The pharmacokinetic parameters were subjected to a 4-way ANOVA accounting for sequence, subjects, period and treatment. Statistical significance was evaluated at 95% confidence level (P ≥ 0.05).

RESULTS: The mean (± SD) values of the pharmacokinetic parameters (test vs reference) were C_max (265.15 ± 49.84 ng/mL vs 246.79 ± 29.30 ng/mL, P < 0.05), Area under the curve (AUC)_(0-t) (1033.13 ± 298.74 ng.h/mL vs 952.93 ± 244.07 ng.h/mL, P < 0.05), AUC_(0-∞) (1047.61 ± 301.22 ng.h/mL vs 964.21 ± 246.45 ng.h/mL, P < 0.05), and t_½(1.92 ± 0.94 h vs 2.05 ± 1.01 h, P < 0.05). The 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the test/reference ratio of mean C_max, AUC_(0-t), and AUC_(0-∞) were within the acceptable range of 80.00 to 125.00. The mean times (± SD) to attain maximal plasma concentration (t_max) of lafutidine were 0.95 ± 0.24 h vs 1.01 ± 0.29 h (P < 0.05) for the test and the reference formulations respectively. Both the formulations were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: In summary, this study has demonstrated the bioequivalence of the two formulations of lafutidine 10 mg. Hence it can be concluded that the two formulations can be used interchangeably in clinical settings.

Endoscopic ultrasonography: Challenges and opportunities in the developing world

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has become a vital diagnostic modality for the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pancreatic cysts and masses, anorectal pathology, subepithelial gastrointestinal lesions, and for the staging of many gastrointestinal and pulmonary malignancies. Establishing a EUS program in a developing country presents many challenges. Doing so in Pakistan has led to the identification of the following challenges: initial investment, ongoing costs (particularly fine needle aspiration needle costs), awareness and cytopathology. Endoscopic ultrasonography has revolutionized aspects of the practice of gastroenterology and oncology in the West. This technique is becoming increasingly available in the developing world, where it poses unique challenges to its practice. These challenges include those relating to service initiation and maintenance costs, physician awareness, and on-site cytopathology access. If these issues are anticipated and addressed in ways appropriate to local circumstances, obstacles to the institution of EUS programs can be overcome.

Risk factors for recurrence after bowel resection for Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND

Complications of Crohn’s disease such as intestinal obstruction, fistula or perforation often need surgical treatment. Nearly 70%-80% patients with Crohn’s disease would receive surgical treatment during the lifetime. However, surgical treatment is incurable for Crohn’s disease. The challenge of recurrence postoperatively troubles both doctors and patients. Over 50% patients would suffer recurrence postoperatively. Some certain risk factors are associated with recurrence of Crohn’s disease.

AIM

To evaluate the risk factors for endoscopic recurrence and clinical recurrence after bowel resection in Crohn’s disease.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed Crohn’s disease and received intestinal resection between April 2007 and December 2013 were included in this study. Data on the general demographic information, preoperative clinical characteristics, surgical information, postoperative clinical characteristics were collected. Continuous data are expressed as median (inter quartile range), and categorical data as frequencies and percentages. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate the impact of the clinical variables above on the cumulative rate of postoperative endoscopic recurrence and clinical recurrence, then log-rank test was applied to test the homogeneity of those clinical variables. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of postoperative endoscopic recurrence and clinical recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up time for the patients was 17 (9.25-25.75) mo. In this period, 41 patients (64.1%) had endoscopic recurrence or clinical recurrence. Endoscopic recurrence occurred in 34 (59.6%) patients while clinical recurrence occurred in 28 (43.8%) patients, with the interval between the operation and recurrence of 13.0 (8.0-24.5) months and 17.0 (8.0-27.8) mo, respectively. In univariate analysis, diagnosis at younger age (P < 0.001), disease behavior of penetrating (P = 0.044) and preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (P = 0.020) were significantly correlated with endoscopic recurrence, while complication with perianal lesions (P = 0.032) and preoperative use of immunomodulatory (P = 0.031) were significantly correlated with clinical recurrence. As to multivariate analysis, diagnostic age (P = 0.004), disease behavior (P = 0.041) and preoperative use of anti-TNF (P = 0.010) were independent prognostic factors for endoscopic recurrence, while complication with perianal lesions (P = 0.023) was an independent prognostic factor for clinical recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic age, disease behavior, preoperative use of anti-TNF and complication with perianal lesions were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease.

Rhabdomyolysis after midazolam administration in a cirrhotic patient treated with atorvastatin

The administration of statins in patients with liver disease is not an absolute contraindication. Hepatotoxicity is a rare and often dose-related event and in the literature there are only a few described cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis in patients with chronic liver disease after statin administration. During treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, the factors responsible for myopathy may either be related to the patient, or due to interactions with other medications that are metabolic substrates of the same isozymes and therefore able to increase blood statin concentration. The most important side effects consist of increased transaminase levels, abdominal pain or muscle weakness, increased serum levels of creatine kinase and rhabdomyolysis. In this article we report a case of fatal rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure after gastric endoscopy, where midazolam was used as a sedation agent in a patient with chronic liver disease treated with a high dose of atorvastatin. Therefore, we suggest paying particular attention to the potential risks of associating atorvastatin and midazolam in patients with chronic liver disease who need to undergo gastric endoscopy.

Correlation of rapid point-of-care vs send-out fecal calprotectin monitoring in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To assess the correlation between the send-out enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and the point-of-care (POC) calprotectin test in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

METHODS

We prospectively collected stool samples in pediatric IBD patients for concomitant send-out ELISA analysis and POC calprotectin testing using the Quantum Blue^® (QB) Extended immunoassay. Continuous results between 17 to 1000 μg/g were considered for comparison. Agreement between the two tests was measured by a Bland-Altman plot and statistical significance was determined using Pitman’s test.

RESULTS

Forty-nine stool samples were collected from 31 pediatric IBD patients. The overall means for the rapid and ELISA tests were 580.5 and 522.87 μg/g respectively. Among the 49 samples, 18 (37.5%) had POC calprotectin levels of ≤ 250 μg/g and 31 (62.5%) had levels > 250 μg/g. Calprotectin levels ≤ 250 μg/g show good correlation between the two assays. Less correlation was observed at quantitatively higher calprotectin levels.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric IBD patients, there is better correlation of between ELISA and POC calprotectin measurements at clinically meaningful, low-range levels. Future adoption of POC calprotectin testing in the United States may have utility for guiding clinical decision making in real time.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding: Update of current radiologic strategies

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common presentation with significant associated morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of which continues to rise with the ever-increasing aging population. Initial evaluation includes an esophagoduodeonscopy and/or colonoscopy, which may fail to reveal a source. Such cases prove to be a dilemma and require collaboration between gastroenterology and radiology in deciding the most appropriate approach. Recently, there have been a number of radiologic advances in the approach to GIB. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence-based update on the most current radiologic modalities available and an algorithmic approach to GIB.

Flatography: Detection of gastrointestinal diseases by faecal gas analysis

Patients presenting with gastro-intestinal symptoms might suffer from a range of possible underlying diseases. An unmet need exists for novel cost-effective, reproducible, easy-to-perform and non-invasive tests. Hippocrates used body odours to diagnose diseases circa 460 before Christ. The art of diagnostic smelling is making a promising high-tech come-back with portable “electronic diagnostic noses”. Analysis of faecal volatile organic compounds is a novel field in metabolomics with considerable potential to improve the diagnosis, phenotyping and monitoring of gastro-intestinal disease. Challenges will be to mature over the coming years by development of a standardized methodology for stool sample collection, storage, handling and analysis. Furthermore, key volatiles need to be identified to improve test accuracy and sensitivity by development of sensors tailored toward the accurate identification of disease specific volatiles. If these challenges are adequately faced, analysis of faecal volatiles has realistic potential to considerably improve screening, diagnosis and disease monitoring for gastro-intestinal diseases.

Massive duodenal variceal bleed; complication of extra hepatic portal hypertension: Endoscopic management and literature review

Bleeding from duodenal varices is reported to be a catastrophic and often fatal event. Most of the cases in the literature involve patients with underlying cirrhosis. However, approximately one quarter of duodenal variceal bleeds is caused by extrahepatic portal hypertension and they represent a unique population given their lack of liver dysfunction. The authors present a case where a 61-year-old male with history of remote crush injury presented with bright red blood per rectum and was found to have bleeding from massive duodenal varices. Injection sclerotherapy with ethanolamine was performed and the patient experienced a favorable outcome with near resolution of his varices on endoscopic follow-up. The authors conclude that sclerotherapy is a reasonable first line therapy and review the literature surrounding the treatment of duodenal varices secondary to extrahepatic portal hypertension.

Fecal microbiota transplantation against irritable bowel syndrome? Rigorous randomized clinical trials are required

Halkjær et al searched systematically nine articles including 48 patients, and concluded that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can be an ideal treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subjects. Regardless of the few successes in current traditional therapies (change in diet, herbal medicine and antibiotics) in IBS, a sharp increase in interests in the FMT option has been reported in the current century. However, there is a long list of unclear issues concerning the application of FMT for the treatment of IBS. Route of delivery and optimum dosage are the major concerns to consider before using in clinical practice.

Tibetan herbal formula Padma Digestin modulates gastrointestinal motility in vitro

AIM: To examine the effects of Padma Digestin on the smooth muscle motility of different gastrointestinal segments in vitro.

METHODS: The effects of the ethanolic extract of Padma Digestin (at 8.16 mg/mL or 81.6 mg/mL) on the contractility and susceptibility to acetylcholine (ACh) of muscle strips from the cardia, antrum, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon of male Wistar rats were analyzed.

RESULTS: Compared with the control treatment, the Padma Digestin extract had a procontractile effect on the antral smooth muscle strips. Padma Digestin decreased ACh sensitivity in cardia muscle strips and increased it in those from the antrum and pylorus. In the intestinal segments, spontaneous contractility was inhibited in both the duodenal and jejunal strips, whereas reactivity to ACh was inhibited in the jejunal strips only. In the colonic samples, Padma Digestin inhibited spontaneous and ACh-stimulated contractility at a low dose but seems to have increasing effects at a high dose.

CONCLUSION: Padma Digestin extract has region-specific effects on the contractility and excitability of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Our results support the traditional use of Padma Digestin for maldigestion and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Typical and atypical symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease: Does Helicobacter pylori infection matter?

AIM: To analyze whether the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection could affect the quality of symptoms in gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.

METHODS: one hundred and forty-four consecutive patients referred to our Unit for suspected GERD were recruited for the study. All patients underwent esophageal pH-metric recording. For those with a positive test, C₁₃ urea breath test was then performed to assess the H. pylori status. GERD patients were stratified according to the quality of their symptoms and classified as typical, if affected by heartburn and regurgitation, and atypical if complaining of chest pain, respiratory and ears, nose, and throat features. H. pylori-negative patients were also asked whether they had a previous diagnosis of H. pylori infection. If a positive response was given, on the basis of the time period after successful eradication, patients were considered as “eradicated” (E) if H. pylori eradication occurred more than six months earlier or “recently eradicated” if the therapy had been administered within the last six months. Patients without history of infection were identified as “negative” (N). χ² test was performed by combining the clinical aspects with the H. pylori status.

RESULTS: one hundred and twenty-nine of the 144 patients, including 44 H. pylori-positive and 85 H. pylori-negative (41 negative, 21 recently eradicated, 23 eradicated more than 6 mo before), were eligible for the analysis. No difference has been found between H. pylori status and either the number of reflux episodes (138 ± 23 vs 146 ± 36, respectively, P = 0.2, not significant) or the percentage of time with pH values < 4 (6.8 ± 1.2 vs 7.4 ± 2.1, respectively, P = 0.3, not significant). The distribution of symptoms was as follows: 13 typical (30%) and 31 atypical (70%) among the 44 H. pylori-positive cases; 44 typical (52%) and 41 atypical (48%) among the 85 H. pylori-negative cases, (P = 0.017 vs H. pylori+; OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.17-5.55). Furthermore, clinical signs in patients with recent H. pylori eradication were similar to those of H. pylori-positive (P = 0.49; OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 0.49-4.37); on the other hand, patients with ancient H. pylori eradication showed a clinical behavior similar to that of H. pylori-negative subjects (P = 0.13; OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.77-6.51) but different as compared to the H. pylori-positive group (P < 0.05; OR = 3.71, 95%CI: 0.83-16.47).

CONCLUSION: Atypical symptoms of GERD occur more frequently in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative subjects. In addition, atypical symptoms tend to decrease after H. pylori eradication.

Update on management of Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a common condition that develops as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The significance of Barrett's metaplasia is that predisposes to cancer development. This article provides a current evidence-based review for the management of BE and related early neoplasia. Controversial issues that impact the management of patients with BE, including definition, screening, clinical aspects, diagnosis, surveillance, and management of dysplasia and early cancer have been assessed.

Clinical utility of quantitative multi-antibody Polycheck immunoassays in the diagnosis of coeliac disease

AIM: To evaluate the clinical utility of multi-antibody strategies in the diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD), the new quantitative Polycheck immunoassays were analysed.

METHODS: Polycheck Celiac Panels (PCPs) are immunoenzyme screening assays for the quantitative measurement of coeliac-specific immunoglobulin class G (IgG) or class A (IgA) in serum. Lines of relevant antigens are coated together with five IgG or IgA standard lines used for the standard curve as positive control. PCP IgA consists of human recombinant human tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP) as targets to detect IgA antibodies. PCP IgG consists of tTG, DGP and IF (intrinsic factor) antigens to detect antibodies in IgG class. PCPs were performed on 50 CD patients, including 6 cases with selective IgA deficiency, and 50 non-coeliac controls. CD diagnosis was performed according to the ESPGHAN recommendations: The presence of specific anti-tTG-IgA or anti-DGP-IgG (in the case of IgA deficiency) antibodies, typical histopathological changes in duodenal mucosa described in Marsh-Oberhüber classification as at least grade 2. The diagnosis of the majority of the control subjects was functional gastrointestinal disorders. The PCP results were compared with reference EliA Celikey.

RESULTS: The usage of PCPs led to the correct identification of all CD patients. In our study, PCPs showed 100% agreement with the histopathological results. PCP IgA test showed a 98% concordance and correlated positively (R = 0.651, P = 0.0014) with EliA Celikey test. The highest specificity and positive predictive value (both 100%) were observed for the detection of Polycheck anti-tTG-IgA antibodies. The highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (both 100%) were achieved by Polycheck anti-DGP-IgG antibody detection. The best performance (98% sensitivity and negative predictive value, 100% specificity and positive predictive value, diagnostic accuracy - AU ROC 99%) was observed for the strategy of using both PCP IgA and IgG and determining positive outcomes of the test with two or more coeliac-specific antibodies detected. The majority of coeliac patients had multiple antibodies. All four antibodies were detected in 7 (14%) cases, 19 children (38%) were positive for three antibodies and 23 (46%) were positive for two antibodies.

CONCLUSION: The present study showed that detection of coeliac-specific antibodies with multi-antibody PCPs is effective and efficacious in the diagnosis of CD.

Oral tolerance is inducible during active dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

AIM: To investigate whether oral tolerance is inducible during the active phase of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS: Colitis was induced in 6- to 8-wk-old female BALB/c mice by the administration of 2% DSS. To induce oral tolerance, mice that received water with DSS [DSS (+)] and mice that received autoclaved water [DSS (-)] were intragastrically (i.g.) administered ovalbumin (OVA) as a tolerogen before systemic challenge with OVA. Following this, serum levels of OVA-specific IgE antibodies were measured. In mice with active colitis, CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cell and B10 cell frequencies were evaluated using flow cytometry. Cytokine mRNA expression profiles were evaluated by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Regardless of the presence of DSS colitis, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E concentrations were significantly reduced in mice that were i.g. administered OVA compared to mice that were i.g. administered PBS [DSS (+): 4.4 (4.2-9.5) ng/mL vs 83.9 (66.1-123.2) ng/mL, P < 0.01; DSS (-): 27.7 (0.1-54.5) ng/mL vs 116.5 (80.6-213.6) ng/mL, P < 0.01]. These results demonstrated that oral tolerance was induced in both the presence and absence of colitis. In the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), the frequencies of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cells and B10 cells, both of which are associated with oral tolerance, did not significantly change. In the spleen, interferon-γ mRNA expression significantly decreased in mice with colitis [DSS (+): 0.42 (0.31-0.53) vs DSS (-): 1.00 (0.84-1.39), P < 0.01]. The expression levels of other cytokines did not significantly change.

CONCLUSION: Oral tolerance is inducible during active DSS colitis. The stability of regulatory cell populations in the spleen and MLN in colitis might correlate with these results.

Effect of small bowel transit time on accuracy of video capsule endoscopy in evaluating suspected small bowel bleeding

BACKGROUND

Obscure small bowel bleeding is defined as gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) that is unidentifiable with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and a colonoscopy with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) being the next gold standard step for evaluation. Small bowel transit time (SBTT) is a metric of a VCE study that is defined as the time the capsule takes to travel through the small intestine.

AIM

To determine if SBTT within the VCE study, correlates to overall detection of obscure small bowel bleeds. Furthermore, we attempted to identify any existing correlation between SBTT and re-bleeding after a negative VCE study.

METHODS

This is a single center retrospective analysis of VCE studies performed for overt and occult GIB at Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, between 2015 and 2019. Inclusion criteria primarily consisted of patients 18 years or older who had a VCE study done as part of the workup for a GIB. Patients with incomplete VCEs, poor preparation, or with less than 6 mo of follow up were excluded. A re-bleeding event was defined either as overt or occult within a 6-mo timeframe. Overt re-bleeding was defined as Visible melena or hematochezia with > 2 gm/dL drop in hemoglobin defined an overt re-bleeding event; whereas an unexplained > 2 gm/dL drop in hemoglobin with no visible bleeding defined an occult re-bleed.

RESULTS

Results indicated that there was a significant and positive point biserial correlation between SBTT of 220 min and detection of a bleeding focus with a statistically significant p value of 0.008. However, the area under the curve was negligible when trying to identify a threshold time for SBTT to discriminate between risk of re-bleeding events after a negative VCE.

CONCLUSION

In terms of SBTT and association with accuracy of VCE finding a bleeding focus, 220 min was found to be adequate transit time to accurately find a bleeding focus, when present. It was found that no threshold SBTT could be identified to help predict re-bleeding after a negative VCE.

Protein phosphatases and chromatin modifying complexes in the inflammatory cascade in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that may lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and death due to multiple organ failure. Acinar cells, together with leukocytes, trigger the inflammatory cascade in response to local damage of the pancreas. Amplification of the inflammatory cascade requires up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and this process is mediated not only by nuclear factor κB but also by chromatin modifying complexes and chromatin remodeling. Among the different families of histone acetyltransferases, the p300/CBP family seems to be particularly associated with the inflammatory process. cAMP activates gene expression via the cAMP-responsive element (CRE) and the transcription factor CRE-binding protein (CREB). CREB can be phosphorylated and activated by different kinases, such as protein kinase A and MAPK, and then it recruits the histone acetyltransferase co-activator CREB-binding protein (CBP) and its homologue p300. The recruitment of CBP/p300 and changes in the level of histone acetylation are required for transcription activation. Transcriptional repression is also a dynamic and essential mechanism of down-regulation of genes for resolution of inflammation, which seems to be mediated mainly by protein phosphatases (PP1, PP2A and MKP1) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Class II HDACs are key transcriptional regulators whose activities are controlled via phosphorylation-dependent nucleo/cytoplasmic shuttling. PP2A is responsible for dephosphorylation of class II HDACs, triggering nuclear localization and repression of target genes, whereas phosphorylation triggers cytoplasmic localization leading to activation of target genes. The potential benefit from treatment with phosphodiesterase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors is discussed.

Increased colon transit time and faecal load in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a bowel disorder involving abdominal pain or discomfort along with irregularity of stool form and passage frequency. The pathophysiology is poorly understood and seems to be multifactorial. Investigations of possible causes of IBS have included only a few colonic transit studies and no simultaneous determination of the colonic faecal content.

AIM

To compare colon transit time and faecal load between IBS-patients and healthy control subjects.

METHODS

The study included 140 patients with IBS, with a mean age of 50.0 years. The control group comprised 44 healthy persons with a mean age of 43.4 years, who were selected at random from the National Civil Register. Both the patient group and the control group underwent a marker study to measure colon transit time (CTT) and to calculate a faecal loading score. The patient group underwent treatment with a combined prokinetic regime, after which their CTT and faecal loading were reassessed. Analyses were performed to compare measurements between the control group and the patient group before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Compared to healthy controls, IBS-patients exhibited a significantly prolonged mean CTT (45.48 h vs 24.75 h, P = 0.0002) and significantly greater mean faecal loading scores in all colonic segments (P < 0.001). Among IBS patients, we found no significant differences between the 48 h and 96 h radiographs. Among patients exhibiting increased CTT and faecal loading, approximately half exhibited a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa. After intervention with a prokinetic treatment, the mean CTT among IBS patients was reduced from 45.48 h to 34.50 h (P = 0.091), with the post-treatment CTT not significantly differing from the CTT among control subjects (P = 0.095). The faecal loading score among IBS patients did not significantly differ before and after treatment (P = 0.442). The post-treatment faecal loading score in IBS patients remained significantly higher compared to that in controls (5.3 vs 4.3, P = 0.014). After treatment, half of the IBS-patients were relieved of bloating, while the majority no longer experienced abdominal pain and achieved a daily consistent stool.

CONCLUSION

IBS-patients exhibited prolonged CTT and heavier faecal loading. These assessments may aid in diagnosis. Faecal retention may contribute to IBS symptoms, which can be treated using a prokinetic regime.

‘Les liaisons dangereuses’: Hepatitis C, Rituximab and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas

Rituximab has provided a revolutionary contribution to the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). A high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been described in B-cell NHL patients. Cases of liver dysfunction in HCV-positive patients have been reported with Rituximab-containing regimens. In this paper we review the recent data regarding the effects of Rituximab in NHL patients with HCV infection. We also added a section devoted to improving communication between oncohaematologists and hepatologists. Furthermore, we propose a common methodological ground to study hepatic toxicity emerging during chemotherapy.

Digital chromoendoscopy utilization in clinical practice: A survey of gastroenterologists in Connecticut

AIM: To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy (DC) by practicing gastroenterologists.

METHODS: An anonymous, internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists in Connecticut who were members of one of three national gastrointestinal organizations. The survey collected demographic information, frequency of DC use, types of procedures that the respondent performs, setting of practice (academic vs community), years out of training, amount of training in DC, desire to have DC training and perceived barriers to DC use. Responses were collected anonymously. The primary endpoint was the proportion of endoscopists utilizing DC. Associations between the various data collected were analyzed using χ² test.

RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four gastroenterologists (48%) of 261 who received the online survey responded. Seventy-eight percent of surveyed gastroenterologists have used DC during the performance of upper endoscopy and 81% with lower endoscopy. DC was used in more than half of procedures by only 14% of gastroenterologists during upper endoscopy and 12% during lower endoscopy. Twenty-three percent (upper) and 21% (lower) used DC more than one quarter of the time. DC was used for 10% or less of endoscopies by 60% (upper) and 53% (lower) of respondents. Endoscopists reported lack of training as the leading deterrent to DC use with 36% reporting it as their primary deterrent. Eighty-nine percent of endoscopists never received formal training in DC. Lack of time (30% of respondents), lack of evidence (24%) and lack of reimbursement (10%) were additional deterrents. There were no differences in DC use relative to academic vs community practice setting or years out of training.

CONCLUSION: DC is used infrequently by most endoscopists, primarily due to a lack of training. Training opportunities should be expanded to meet the interest expressed by the majority of endoscopists.

Do liver metastases from gastric cancer contraindicate aggressive surgical resection? A 14-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Advanced gastric cancer (GC) with liver metastasis is often characterized by multiple and bilobular metastases and may also be associated with extrahepatic metastatic lesions. Hence, many physicians consider that radical surgeries are contraindicated for liver metastases from GC (LMGC). According to the 2017 Japanese treatment guideline for GC, a smaller number of liver metastases without unresectable factors may be an indication for liver resection (LR) with curability. The actual 5-year overall survival (OS) rate ranges from 0 to 0.37.

AIM

To present the institutional indications for LR for LMGC and identify important factors for prognostic outcomes.

METHODS

In total, 30 patients underwent LR for LMGC during a 14-year period, and we evaluated the clinical, surgical, and oncological findings. In all patients, radical surgery with intentional lymphadenectomy was performed for the primary GC. The median follow-up duration after the initial LR was 33.7 mo, and three patients with no recurrence died of causes unrelated to the LMGC. The OS and recurrence-free survival rates after the initial LR were assessed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had metachronous LMGC. The initial LR achieved curability in 29 patients. Perioperative chemotherapy was introduced in 23 patients. The median greatest LMGC dimension was 30 mm, and the median number of LMGC was two. Twenty-two patients had unilobular LMGC. The 5-year OS and recurrence-free survival rates were 0.48 and 0.28, respectively. The median survival duration and recurrence-free duration after the initial LR were 16.8 and 8.6 mo, respectively. Twenty-one patients developed recurrence after the initial LR. Additional surgeries for recurrence were performed in nine patients, and these surgeries clearly prolonged the patients' survival. Pathological serosal invasion was an independent predictor of a poor prognostic outcome after the initial LR. Aggressive LR may be indicated for carefully selected patients with LMGC.

CONCLUSION

Our results of LR for LMGC seem acceptable. Additional surgeries for recurrence after the initial LR might prolong OS. Pathological serosal invasion is important for poor prognostic outcomes.

Effects of aging on the architecture of the ileocecal junction in rats

AIM

To evaluate the structural organization of the elastic and collagen fibers in the region of the ileocecal transition in 30 young and old male Wistar rats.

METHODS

Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study. The results demonstrated that there was a demarcation of the ileocecal region between the ileum and the cecum in both groups.

RESULTS

The connective tissue fibers had different distribution patterns in the two groups. IHC revealed the presence of nitric oxide synthase, enteric neurons and smooth muscle fibers in the ileocecal junctions (ICJs) of both groups. Compared to the young group, the elderly group exhibited an increase in collagen type I fibers, a decrease in collagen type III fibers, a decreased linear density of oxytalan elastic fibers, and a greater linear density of elaunin and mature elastic fibers.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed changes in the patterns of distribution of collagen and elastic fibers that may lead to a possible decrease in ICJ functionality.

Castor oil as booster for colon capsule endoscopy preparation reduction: A prospective pilot study and patient questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Preparation for colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) requires a large liquid laxative volume for capsule excretion, which compromises the procedure's tolerability.

AIM

To assess the safety and utility of castor oil-boosted bowel preparation.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study including 20 patients (age range, 16-80 years; six men and 14 women) suspected of having colorectal disease was conducted at Kindai University Hospital from September 2017 to August 2019. All patients underwent CCE because of the following inclusion criteria: previous incomplete colonoscopy in other facility (n = 20), history of abdominal surgery (n = 7), or organ abnormalities such as multiple diverticulum (n = 4) and adhesion after surgery (n = 6). The exclusion criteria were as follows: Dysphagia, history of allergic reactions to the drugs used in this study (magnesium citrate, polyethylene glycol, metoclopramide, and castor oil), possibility of pregnancy, possibility of bowel obstruction or stenosis based on symptoms, or scheduled magnetic resonance imaging within 2 wk after CCE. The primary outcome was the capsule excretion rate within the battery life, as evaluated by the total large bowel observation rate, large bowel transit time, and bowel creasing level using a five-grade scale in different colorectal segments. The secondary outcomes were complications, colorectal lesion detection rates, and patients' tolerability.

RESULTS

The castor oil-based regimen was implemented in 17 patients. Three patients cancelled CCE because they could tolerate castor oil, but not liquid laxatives. The capsule excretion rate within the battery life was 88% (15/17). The mean large bowel transit time was 236 min. Approximately 70% of patients had satisfactory colon cleansing levels. CCE detected colon polyps (14/17, 82%) and colonic diverticulum (4/12, 33%). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates for detecting colorectal polyps (size ≥ 6 mm) were 76.9%, 75.0%, and 76.4%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates for detection of diverticulum were 100% each. Twelve patients (71%) rated CCE as more than "good", confirming the new regimen's tolerability. No serious adverse events occurred during this study.

CONCLUSION

The castor oil-based regimen could reduce bowel preparation dose and improve CCE tolerability.