Modified PAGE-B score predicts the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Asians with chronic hepatitis B on antiviral therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Recently, the PAGE-B score and Toronto HCC risk index (THRI) have been developed to predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to validate PAGE-B scores and THRI in Asian patients with CHB and suggested modified PAGE-B scores to improve the predictive performance.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2017, we examined 3,001 Asian patients with CHB receiving entecavir/tenofovir therapy. We assessed the performances of PAGE-B, THRI, CU-HCC, GAG-HCC, and REACH-B for HCC development. A modified PAGE-B score (mPAGE-B) was developed (derivation set, n = 2,001) based on multivariable Cox models. Bootstrap for internal validation and external validation (validation set, n = 1,000) were performed.

RESULTS

The five-year cumulative HCC incidence rates were 6.6% and 7.2% in the derivation and validation datasets after entecavir/tenofovir onset. In the derivation dataset, age, gender, serum albumin levels, and platelet counts were independently associated with HCC. The mPAGE-B score was developed based on age, gender, platelet counts, and serum albumin levels (time-dependent area under receiver operating characteristic curves [AUROC] = 0.82). In the validation set, the PAGE-B and THRI showed similar AUROCs to CU-HCC, GAG-HCC, and REACH-B at five years (0.72 and 0.73 vs. 0.70, 0.71, and 0.61 respectively; all p >0.05 except REACH-B), whereas the AUROC of mPAGE-B at five years was 0.82, significantly higher than the five other models (all p <0.01). HCC incidence rates after initiation of entecavir/tenofovir therapy in patients with CHB were significantly decreased in all risk groups in long-term follow-up periods.

CONCLUSION

Although PAGE-B and THRI are applicable in Asian patients with CHB receiving entecavir/tenofovir therapy, mPAGE-B scores including additional serum albumin levels showed better predictive performance than the PAGE-B score.

LAY SUMMARY

PAGE-B scores and Toronto HCC risk index were developed to predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Caucasian patients with CHB under potent antiviral therapy. This study validated these two scores in Asian patients with CHB and suggested that modified PAGE-B scores could improve the predictive performance. A modified PAGE-B score, which is based only on a patient's age, gender, baseline platelet counts, and serum albumin levels at treatment initiation, represents a reliable and easily available risk score to predict HCC development during the first five years of antiviral treatment in Asian patients with CHB. With a scoring range from 0 to 21 points, a modified PAGE-B score differentiates the HCC risk. A modified PAGE-B score significantly differentiates the five-year HCC risk: low ≤8 points and high ≥13 points.

Clinical significance of radiation-induced liver disease after stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate parameters that predict radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify the clinical significance of RILD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 HCC patients who were treated by SBRT from March 2011 to February 2015. RILD was defined as elevated liver transaminases more than five times the upper normal limit or a worsening of Child-Pugh (CP) score by 2 within 3 months after SBRT. All patients were assessed at 1 month and every 3 months after SBRT.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 22.5 months (range, 3 to 56) after SBRT. RILD was developed in 29 of the 117 patients (24.7%). On univariate analysis, significant predictive factors of RILD were pretreatment CP score (p < 0.001) and normal liver volume (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that CP score was a significant predictor of RILD (p < 0.001). The incidence of RILD increased above a CP score of 6 remarkably. The rate of recovery from RILD decreased significantly above a CP score of 8. Survival analysis showed that CP score was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CP score is a significant factor to predict RILD in patients with chronic liver disease. RILD can be tolerated by patients with a CP score ≤ 7. However, careful monitoring of liver function is needed for patients with a CP score 7 after SBRT.

Combined therapy of transarterial chemoembolization and stereotactic body radiation therapy versus transarterial chemoembolization for ≤5cm hepatocellular carcinoma: Propensity score matching analysis

Patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often ineligible for resection or local ablation therapy due to poor liver function and/or difficult location. The aim of this study is to evaluate therapeutic outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) compared with TACE alone for HCC measuring less than 5 cm. From March 2011 to December 2016, 85 patients underwent SBRT with TACE (SBRT-TACE group) and 114 underwent TACE (TACE group) at 4 tertiary hospitals. Local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared after propensity-score matching (1:1 ratio). The SBRT-TACE group showed significantly higher 1- and 3-year LCR than the TACE group (91.1% and 89.9%, respectively vs 69.9% and 44.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). The SBRT-TACE group showed better 1- and 3-year PFS than the TACE group (56.5% and 32.3%, respectively vs 42.2% and 21.6%, respectively; P = 0.022). However, 1-, 3- and 5-year OS was not different between the SBRT-TACE and TACE groups (98.8%, 89.1% and 80.7%, respectively vs 99.7%, 83.3% and 71.0%, respectively; P = 0.206). In multivariate analysis, the overall SBRT added to TACE did not contribute to extend PFS. However, in patients with less than 2 tumors, the combined therapy was effective (HR 0.590, 95% CI 0.392-0.889, P = 0.012). SBRT-TACE is superior to TACE in terms of LCR. Particularly, SBRT-TACE may be an effective alternative in patients with HCC number (≤2), which is not indicated for resection or local ablation.

Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Is Significantly Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Population-based, Matched Case-control Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between HBV and CKD is not clear. This study investigated the association between chronic HBV infection and CKD in a nationwide multicenter study.

METHODS

A total of 265,086 subjects who underwent health-check examinations in 33 hospitals from January 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive cases (n = 10,048), and age- and gender-matched HBsAg negative controls (n = 40,192) were identified. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or proteinuria as at least grade 2+ of urine protein.

RESULTS

HBsAg positive cases showed a significantly higher prevalence of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (3.3%), and proteinuria (18.9%) than that of the controls (2.6%, P < 0.001, and 14.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, HBsAg positivity was an independent factor associated with GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² along with age, blood levels of albumin, bilirubin, anemia, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Likewise, HBsAg positivity was an independent factor for proteinuria along with age, male, blood levels of bilirubin, protein, albumin, and HbA1c. A subgroup analysis showed that HBsAg positive men but not women had a significantly increased risk for GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m².

CONCLUSION

Chronic HBV infection was significantly associated with a GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and proteinuria (≥ 2+). Therefore, clinical concern about CKD in chronic HBV infected patients, especially in male, is warranted.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and efficacy of antiviral treatment: A multicenter study

Convincing data that support routine use of preventive therapy against hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in radiotherapy (RT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, clinical significance, and risk factors of HBV reactivation after RT. Medical records of 133 HBsAg (+) HCC patients who received radiotherapy from March 2009 to February 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) non-antiviral group, those who did not receive antiviral therapy before RT (n = 27); and antiviral group (those who underwent antiviral therapy before RT) (n = 106). Factors related to HBV reactivation in HCC patients were evaluated. 17 (12.7%) of 133 patients developed HBV reactivation after RT. Patients in the antiviral group had significantly lower rates of HBV reactivation than those in the non-antiviral group (7.5% vs. 33.3%, p<0.001). HBV related hepatitis was also lower in the antiviral group (3.8% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.031). In multivariate analysis, absence of antiviral treatment (OR: 8.339, 95% CI: 2.532-27.470, p<0.001) and combined treatment of RT with transarterial chemoembolizatoin (TACE) (OR: 5.313, 95% CI: 1.548-18.232, p = 0.008) were risk factors for HBV reactivation. HBV reactivation can occur after radiotherapy. Combination treatment of RT with TACE and non-antiviral treatment are major risk factors for HBV reactivation during or after RT. Therefore, preventive antiviral therapy should be recommended for patients with HCC who are scheduled to receive RT.

Follow-up Creatinine Level Is an Important Predictive Factor of In-hospital Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the severe complications of liver cirrhosis. Early detection of high-risk patients is essential for prognostic improvement. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive factors related to in-hospital mortality in patients with SBP.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 233 SBP patients (181 males, 52 females) who were admitted to four tertiary referral hospitals between August 2002 and February 2013. The patients' laboratory and radiologic data were obtained from medical records. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and model for end-stage liver disease sodium model (MELD-Na) scores were calculated using the laboratory data recorded at the time of the SBP episode.

RESULTS

The causes of liver cirrhosis were hepatitis B (44.6%), alcohol (43.8%), hepatitis C (6.0%), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (5.6%). The mean MELD-Na and CTP scores were 27.1 and 10.7, respectively. Thirty-one of the patients (13.3%) died from SBP in hospital. Multivariate analysis revealed that maximum creatinine level during treatment was a statistically significant factor for in-hospital mortality (P = 0.005). The prognostic accuracy of the maximum creatinine level during treatment was 78.0% (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff point for the maximum serum creatinine was 2 mg/dL (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The follow-up creatinine level during treatment is an important predictive factor of in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. Patients with SBP and a serum creatinine level during treatment of ≥ 2.0 mg/dL might have a high risk of in-hospital mortality.

Randomized clinical trial comparing fixed-time split dosing and split dosing of oral Picosulfate regimen for bowel preparation

AIM

To compare the efficacy of fixed-time split dose and split dose of an oral sodium picosulfate for bowel preparation.

METHODS

This is study was prospective, randomized controlled study performed at a single Institution (2013-058). A total of 204 subjects were assigned to receive one of two sodium picosulfate regimens (i.e., fixed-time split or split) prior to colonoscopy. Main outcome measurements were bowel preparation quality and subject tolerability.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference between the fixed-time split dose regimen group and the split dose regimen group (Ottawa score mean 2.57 ± 1.91 vs 2.80 ± 2.51, P = 0.457). Cecal intubation time and physician’s satisfaction of inspection were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.428, P = 0.489). On subgroup analysis, for afternoon procedures, the fixed-time split dose regimen was equally effective as compared with the split dose regimen (Ottawa score mean 2.56 ± 1.78 vs 2.59 ± 2.27, P = 0.932). There was no difference in tolerability or compliance between the two groups. Nausea was 21.2% in the fixed-time split dose group and 14.3% in the split dose group (P = 0.136). Vomiting was 7.1% and 2.9% (P = 0.164), abdominal discomfort 7.1% and 4.8% (P = 0.484), dizziness 1% and 4.8% (P = 0.113), cold sweating 1% and 0% (P = 0.302) and palpitation 0% and 1% (P = 0.330), respectively. Sleep disturbance was two (2%) patients in the fixed-time split dose group and zero (0%) patient in the split dose preparation (P = 0.143) group.

CONCLUSION

A fixed-time split dose regimen with sodium picosulfate is not inferior to a split dose regimen for bowel preparation and equally effective for afternoon colonoscopy.

Catheter probe endoscopic ultrasonography by using cold lubricating jelly-filled method for esophageal subepithelial tumors

Catheter probe endoscopic ultrasonography (C-EUS) by ultrasonographic jelly-filled method has been used to evaluate esophageal subepithelial tumors (SETs). Ultrasonographic jelly is safe on the skin, but its internal safety has not been demonstrated. The jelly stored at room temperature is easily injected into the esophagus through the instrument channel of the endoscope. However, using jelly stored at room temperature remains problematic because the jelly is drained rapidly. We used cold lubricating jelly and an intravenous extension tube to resolve these problems. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of cold lubricating jelly-filled method. The medical records of patients who underwent C-EUS by using water or cold lubricating jelly-filled method for esophageal SETs from March 2013 to September 2016 in Gangneung Asan hospital were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and EUS findings were evaluated retrospectively. Image quality and procedure time between water and cold lubricating jelly-filled method were compared retrospectively. This study included 138 patients (74 males, 64 females) with esophageal SET with a mean age of 57.1 ± 11.1 years. Thirty-four patients had lesions in the upper esophagus, 58 patients had lesions in the middle esophagus, and 46 patients had lesions in the lower esophagus. The EUS diagnoses were leiomyoma (82.6%), hemangioma (4.3%), extrinsic compressive lesion (3.6%), granulosa cell tumor (2.9%), ectopic calcification (1.4%), cyst (1.4%), lipoma (0.7%), varix (0.7%), and inconclusive lesion (2.2%). The mean image score in the cold lubricating jelly filled-method group was higher than that in the water-filled method group (3.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.7, P = 0.002). The procedure time in the cold lubricating jelly filled-method group was shorter than that in the water-filled method group (10 minutes 27 seconds ± 4 minutes 22 seconds versus 13 minutes 20 seconds ± 6 minutes 20 seconds, P = 0.045). No procedure-related complication was observed. C-EUS using the cold lubricating jelly-filled method seems to provide better image quality and shorter procedure time compared with C-EUS using the water-filled method.

Relationship between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Liver Fibrosis as Assessed by Transient Elastography in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Background/Aims

Deficiencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of CLD prognosis. The present study was performed to evaluate the correlation between 25(OH)D levels and liver fibrosis as assessed by transient elastography (TE) in patients with compensated CLD.

Methods

Serum 25(OH)D levels and liver stiffness were determined in a total of 207 patients who were subjected to the following exclusion criteria: patients with decompensated CLD; patients who had malignancies; patients who were taking medications; and patients who were pregnant.

Results

The most common etiology was chronic hepatitis B (53.1%). Advanced liver fibrosis (defined by TE [≥9.5 kPa]) was present in 75 patients (36.2%). There was a significant correlation between 25(OH)D deficiency and liver stiffness. Based on the multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis: 25(OH)D deficiency (odds ratio [OR], 3.46; p=0.004), diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.04; p=0.041), and fibrosis-4 index (OR, 2.01; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with compensated CLD exhibit a close correlation between vitamin D level and liver stiffness as assessed by TE. Vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis.

[Efficacy of tenofovir-based rescue therapy for patients with drug-resistant chronic hepatitis B]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plays a pivotal role in the management of drug-resistant chronic hepatitis B. However, it remains unclear whether TDF-nucleoside analogue combination therapy provides better outcomes than TDF monotherapy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of TDF monotherapy with that of TDF-nucleoside analogue combination therapy in patients with drug-resistant chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 76 patients receiving TDF-based rescue therapy for more than 12 months. Suboptimal response was defined as serum HBV-DNA level of > 60 IU/mL during prior rescue therapy. Multi-drug resistance was defined as the presence of two or more drug resistance-related mutations confirmed by mutation detection assay. The relationship between baseline characteristics and virologic response (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL) at 12 months were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (72.4%) were suboptimal responders to prior rescue therapy, and 26 (34.2%) had multi-drug resistance. Forty-two patients (55.3%) received combination therapy with nucleoside analogues. Virologic response at 12 months was not significantly different between the TDF monotherapy group and TDF-nucleoside analogue combination therapy group (p = 0.098). The serum HBV DNA level was reduced to -4.49 ± 1.67 log10 IU/mL in the TDF monotherapy group and to -3.97 ± 1.69 log10 IU/mL in the TDF-nucleoside analogue combination therapy group at 12 months (p = 0.18). In multivariate analysis, female sex (p = 0.032), low baseline HBV-DNA level (p = 0.013), and TDF monotherapy (p = 0.046) were predictive factors for virologic response at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

TDF monotherapy showed similar efficacy to that of TDF-nucleoside analogue combination therapy in patients with drug-resistant chronic hepatitis B.

Predictive Factors for Sustained Remission after Discontinuation of Antiviral Therapy in Patients with HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The optimal timing for discontinuing oral antiviral therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate sustained remission after stopping antiviral therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB.

METHODS

We analyzed the medical records of 58 patients who were HBeAg-positive and had discontinued antiviral therapy. Antiviral therapy was discontinued after HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA negativity for 6-12 months with consolidation therapy. Virologic relapse was defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA >2,000 IU/mL.

RESULTS

No difference was observed between the virologic non-relapse and virologic relapse groups in baseline HBV DNA level (p=0.441) or duration of seroconversion (p=0.070). Time-to-undetectable HBV DNA during treatment was shorter in the virologic non-relapse group (29 patients) compared to the relapse group (29 patients) (4.9±2.6 vs. 13.2±12.7 months; p<0.01). Cumulative relapse rates were 12.7 in month 3, 32.7 in month 6, 47.3 in month 12, and 52.7% in month 18. We determined by multivariate analysis that the consolidation period (≥18 months, p=0.020) and early virologic response (HBV DNA <20 IU/mL) at six months during antiviral therapy (p=0.017) were significant predictors for sustained remission.

CONCLUSIONS

A consolidation period of at least 18 months and early virological response at six months during antiviral therapy were associated with sustained remission in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB after treatment.

Predisposing Factors of Ischemic Colitis: Data from 14 Years of Experience in a Single Center

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

While several case reports on ischemic colitis (IC) suggest the presence of predisposing causative factors, a few studies have investigated the predisposing factors in IC. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with IC, particularly focusing on the predisposing factors.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of 159 patients with IC. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, endoscopic findings, and medical records were reviewed. Data were compared between groups of patients defined according to the predisposing factors. The predisposing factors are defined as temporary states or episodic events occurring within a week before the development of IC such as colonoscopy, enema, use of laxatives, heavy drinking, pancreatitis, shock, and burn.

RESULTS

Compared to the group of patients without predisposing factors of IC, the group of patients with predisposing factors was characterized by a relatively higher prevalence of male sex (56.9% versus 33.3%, p = 0.005), younger age (60.9 ± 15.4 versus 67.2 ± 13.4 years, p = 0.010), lower incidence of hypertension (43.1% versus 60.2%, p = 0.044), and fewer risk factors (1.24 ± 1.18 versus 1.82 ± 1.22, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Among men with predisposing factors, IC may develop even at a relatively younger age and in the absence of multiple risk factors, suggesting that predisposing factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of IC.

[A Case of Cecal Endometriosis Presenting as Subepithelial Tumor]

Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic disease, characterized by the presence and growth of functional endometrial-like tissue outside uterus. This ectopic endometrial tissue is most commonly found in the peritoneum, ovaries and uterosacral ligaments, but extremely rarely there is involvement of the appendix or cecum. Here we report a case of cecal endometriosis presenting as a subepithelial tumor diagnosed by surgical excision.

Slow-Growing Early Adenocarcinoma Arising from Traditional Serrated Adenoma in the Duodenum

Serrated polyps are classified into 3 distinct types: hyperplastic polyp, sessile serrated adenoma, or transitional serrated adenoma. A serrated adenoma is a precursor lesion for colorectal carcinoma. Serrated polyps are commonly found in the colorectum but have rarely been described in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Serrated adenomas in the small intestine may represent aggressive lesions with high malignant potential, according to some reports. A 66-year-old man with no significant medical history underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for general examination. He had a 1-cm sized, Yamada type IV polyp, with focal white patch in the second portion of the duodenum. The biopsy result revealed gastric metaplasia and chronic inflammation. He wanted regular follow -up examinations. The follow-up EGDs were done every year. There were no changes in the shape and size of the polyp. The pathologic findings were unchanged. Then, he underwent EGD for general medical check-up again 5 years after the first detection. The size of the polyp was slightly increased. The biopsy result revealed serrated polyp, unclassified. Endoscopic mucosal resection was done. The pathologic result revealed a 0.8 × 0.5-cm sized, well differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Carcinomas are multifocally spread on the traditional serrated adenoma, and the proportion of the adenocarcinoma component is approximately 50%. The tumor had invaded the lamina propria but confined to the mucosa. The resection margins were negative, and no lymphovascular invasion or perineural invasion was seen. Abdominal pelvic computed tomography and positron emission tomography showed no other solid organ involvement or metastasis. Surveillance follow-up EGDs were done after 3 months and 1 year. There was no evidence of recurrence.

Synergistic effect of curcumin on epigallocatechin gallate-induced anticancer action in PC3 prostate cancer cells

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin are well known to naturally-occurring anticancer agents. The aim of this study was to verify the combined beneficial anticancer effects of curcumin and EGCG on PC3 prostate cancer cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy drugs and apoptosis inducers. EGCG showed weaker inhibitory effect on PC3 cell proliferation than two other prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145. Co-treatment of curcumin improved antiproliferative effect of EGCG on PC3 cells. The protein expressions of p21 were significantly increased by the co-treatment of EGCG and curcumin, whereas it was not changed by the treatment with each individual compound. Moreover, treatments of EGCG and curcumin arrested both S and G2/M phases of PC3 cells. These results suggest that the enhanced inhibitory effect of EGCG on PC3 cell proliferation by curcumin was mediated by the synergic up-regulation of p21-induced growth arrest and followed cell growth arrest. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(8): 461-466]

Synchronous multicentric small hepatocellular carcinomas: defining the capsule on high-frequency intraoperative ultrasonography with pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to define the capsules of synchronous multicentric small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with use of high-frequency intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS).

METHODS

Among the 131 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection and high-frequency IOUS for HCC, 16 synchronous multicentric small HCCs in 13 patients were histologically diagnosed in the resected specimens. High-frequency IOUS and pathologic findings of these lesions were compared, with particular focus on the presence and appearance of the capsule in or around each lesion.

RESULTS

Synchronous multicentric small HCCs were pathologically classified into distinctly nodular (n=12) or vaguely nodular (n=4) types. All 12 distinctly nodular HCCs including six subcentimeter lesions showed detectable capsules on high-frequency IOUS and pathology. The capsules appeared as a hypoechoic rim containing hyperechoic foci (n=6), hypoechoic rim (n=5), or hyperechoic rim (n=1) with varying degrees of coverage around each lesion. Histologically, the capsules were composed of a combination of one to four layers consisting of a fibrous capsule, peritumoral fibrosis, prominent small vessels, and entrapped hepatic parenchyma.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous multicentric small HCCs with distinctly nodular type, even at subcentimeter size, can show capsules with varying coverage and diverse echogenicity on high-frequency IOUS.

Two cases of electrocautery incision therapy using an insulated-tip knife for treatment of symptomatic benign short-segment colonic stenosis following colonic resection

Anastomotic stenosis of the colon is not an uncommon finding; however, its frequency varies from one study to another. Traditionally, postoperative colonic stenosis is managed surgically. However, endoscopic therapy has recently become the preferred treatment modality over traditional surgery. Good short-term success has been achieved with use of endoscopic balloon dilation; however, restenosis may occur over time in 14% to 25% of patients. The current report showed the effectiveness and usefulness of an insulated-tip knife (IT-knife) for electrocautery therapy of a patient with symptomatic anastomotic colonic stenosis.

Mucosal Incision and Forceps Biopsy for Reliable Tissue Sampling of Gastric Subepithelial Tumors

Background/Aims

The diagnostic efficacy of current tissue sampling techniques for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) is limited. Better tissue sampling techniques are needed to improve pathological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique, mucosal incision and forceps biopsy, for reliable tissue sampling of gastric SETs.

Methods

This study enrolled 12 consecutive patients who underwent mucosal incision and forceps biopsy of gastric SETs between November 2011 and September 2014 at Gangneung Asan Hospital. The medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. The safety and diagnostic yield of this method were evaluated.

Results

By performing mucosal incision and forceps biopsy, we were able to provide a definitive histological diagnosis for 11 out of 12 cases. The pathological diagnoses were leiomyoma (3/11), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST; 2/11), lipoma (2/11), schwannoma (1/11), and ectopic pancreas (3/11). In cases of leiomyoma (n=3) and GIST (n=2), tissue samples were of sufficient size to allow immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the mitotic index was evaluated in two cases of GIST. There were no procedure-related complications.

Conclusions

Mucosal incision and forceps biopsy can be used as one of several methods to obtain adequate tissue samples from gastric SETs.

Recurrence and Its Impact on the Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Follow-up Analysis

Background/Aims

Limited data exist on the outcome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Asian population. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes, to investigate the factors associated with recurrence, and to evaluate the impact of the treatment outcome on the HRQoL in a Korean GERD population.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter study involving a total of 824 GERD patients. The response to treatment was assessed at week 4 (or week 8 for the patients who did not achieve complete resolution [CR] at week 4). The EQ-5D questionnaire was used at baseline, end of treatment, and first recurrence to assess the HRQoL. To assess GERD symptoms, contact of patients by phone at 1, 6, and 12 months following treatment was carried out.

Results

CR was achieved in 65.6% and recurrence was observed in 47.8% following treatment. CR and recurrence rates did not differ by the presence of esophagitis. Multivariate analysis revealed that acid regurgitation (odds ratio 2.249; 95% confidence interval 1.293–3.912; P = 0.004) and both acid regurgitation and heartburn (odds ratio 2.330; 95% confidence interval 1.392–3.901; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for GERD recurrence. EQ-5D scores were more improved in patients with CR than in those without CR, and worsened more during follow-up in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence.

Conclusions

We should achieve complete symptom relief and attempt to prevent recurrence in GERD patients to improve their HRQoL.

Efficacy and safety of human placental extract for alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: an open-label, randomized, comparative study

Human placental extract (HPE) is a traditional medicine that has been used for the symptomatic treatment of liver disease without any verifying clinical evidence. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HPE in patients with alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH or NASH). We designed this clinical trial as a multicenter, open-label, randomized, comparative noninferiority study to improve the reliability of analyses. The enrollment criteria were limited to ASH or NASH patients with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1.5-fold higher than the normal level. Patients in the control group were treated with a commercially available mixture of liver extract and flavin adenine dinucleotide (LE–FAD). Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was applied to 194 patients, and per-protocol (PP) analysis was available for 154 patients. The rate of primary goal achievement of treatment efficacy was arbitrarily defined as 20% or greater improvement in ALT level compared with the pretreatment level and did not differ significantly between the HPE and control groups [62.9% (44/70) vs. 48.8% (41/84); p=0.0772]. ITT and modified ITT analysis showed results similar to those of PP analysis. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of minimal to moderate degree occurred in 3.1% of patients. The ADR and treatment compliance rates were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the clinical value of HPE in the treatment of ASH and NASH is equivalent to that of LE–FAD.

Correlation of Asymmetry Indices Measured by Arterial Spin-Labeling MR Imaging and SPECT in Patients with Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis, not only a secondary result of supratentorial infarction but also an indicator of clinical outcomes, has frequently been reported on PET and SPECT but has been rarely described with arterial spin-labeling MR imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging to evaluate crossed cerebellar diaschisis compared with that of SPECT. To our knowledge, this is the first study to validate arterial spin-labeling in crossed cerebellar diaschisis by using SPECT as a reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 16 patients in whom crossed cerebellar diaschisis was shown on SPECT and 10 control subjects in whom crossed cerebellar diaschisis was not shown on SPECT. During the qualitative analysis, asymmetric cerebellar perfusion on arterial spin-labeling was divided into 1 of the following 3 grades by 2 blinded observers: the affected cerebellum was isointense compared with the unaffected cerebellum (grade I), it was slightly hypointense (grade II), or it was markedly hypointense (grade III). In the quantitative analysis, asymmetry indices were calculated by using SPECT and arterial spin-labeling images. For statistical analysis, κ statistics, the interobserver correlation coefficient, the independent t test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

Almost all the diagnoses of crossed cerebellar diaschisis on SPECT were noted on arterial spin-labeling in both qualitative and quantitative analyses with good interobserver agreement (κ = 0.961; interobserver correlation coefficient, 0.806). The mean asymmetry index of arterial spin-labeling (26.06 ± 9.00) was significantly larger than that for SPECT (15.28 ± 5.34; P < .001). There was a significant positive correlation between the asymmetry indices obtained for SPECT and those for arterial spin-labeling (r = 0.77 [95% CI, 0.443-0.916]; P < .001). The relationship of asymmetry indices between SPECT and arterial spin-labeling (x, y) was calculated as y = 6.2131 + 1.2986x (R(2) = 0.592; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial spin-labeling can be a noninvasive alternative to SPECT for evaluating crossed cerebellar diaschisis.

Liver Metastasis of Early Gastric Cancer with Mixed Histology after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

The Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma histologically classifies endoscopically resected gastric cancer into differentiated and undifferentiated types according to the presence or absence of tubular structures on histology. The former includes papillary adenocarcinoma and tubular types, and the latter includes poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma. However, gastric cancer sometimes contains a mixture of differentiated and undifferentiated components, and the clinical outcomes of the histological mixture are unknown, especially following endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer (EGC). This case was within the guideline indications for endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD), although it contained a partly signet ring cell carcinoma component; it recurred after 19 months with multiple lymph node and liver metastases. This case shows that additional surgical resection after ESD should be performed for patients with any mixed signet ring cell component, even in mild or moderately differentiated EGC.

[Comparison on the efficacy and safety of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate and ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with abnormal alanine aminotransferase: multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Chronic hepatocellular damage is closely associated with hepatic fibrosis and fatal complication in most liver diseases. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with abnormal ALT.

METHODS

One-hundred thirty-five patients with elevated ALT were randomized to receive either 750 mg/day of DDB or 300 mg/day of UDCA for 24 weeks in 4 referral hospitals. Ninety-three (69%) patients had non-alcoholic steatohepatitits, 27 (20%) had alcoholic hepatitis, and 15 (11%) had chronic hepatitis. The primary end point was the rate of ALT normalization at week 24. The secondary endpoints were changes in AST, liver stiffness, and the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients completed 24 weeks of therapy. ALT normalization at week 24 was observed in 44 (80.0%) patients in DDB group and 16 (34.8%) in UDCA group (p<0.001). Higher mean reduction of ALT levels from baseline to 24 weeks was seen in DDB group compared with UDCA group (-70.0% vs. -35.9%, p<0.001). Normalization of AST level (p=0.53) and change in the liver stiffness (p=0.703) were not significantly different between the two groups. Severe adverse drug reaction occurred in 1 patient in DDB group but the subject continued therapy during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

DDB was not inferior to UDCA for normalizing ALT level. Furthermore it was safe and well tolerated by patients with abnormal ALT.

[A case of spontaneous bleeding of multiple lumbar arteries in a patient with liver cirrhosis]

Esophageal and gastric varix, portal hypertensive gastropathy, Mallory-Weiss tear and gastric ulcer are common causes of bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, spontaneous arterial bleeding without a history of trauma is a rare cause of bleeding which can be fatal. We report a case of a 55-year-old woman with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who developed spontaneous bleeding of multiple right lumbar arteries and died in spite of repetitive transfusion and embolization.