Complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcers in a Danish county 1993-2002: a population-based cohort study

Complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease: altered symptom response to a nutrient challenge linked to gastric motor dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Bleeding peptic ulcer (BPU) frequently occurs in the absence of preceding dyspeptic symptoms. We have observed that patients with BPU had a diminished symptom response to nutrient challenge test compared to uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (uPUD). We postulated that more symptoms are manifest in patients with uPUD than BPU because there are greater derangements in gastric motor function.

AIM

To assess gastric emptying in patients with BPU, uPUD and healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

We studied 17 patients with BPU, 10 with uPUD, and 15 HC. After an 8-hour fast, subjects ingested 200 ml of an enteral feeding solution, containing 5 MBq (99m)Tc-rhenium sulphide colloid, every 5 min up to a cumulative volume of 800 ml. Gastric emptying was measured by scintigraphy for the total, proximal and distal stomach.

RESULTS

Patients with uPUD had significantly higher gastric retention in the proximal and total stomach at 100 min than HC and BPU, while BPU had similar percent retention to HC. Patients with uPUD had significantly higher cumulative symptom response to the nutrient challenge than did HC and BPU, while BPU had similar symptom responses to HC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with uPUD have significantly delayed gastric emptying compared to HC and BPU. Data suggest that in addition to alterations of visceral sensory function, altered gastric motor function occurs during a nutrient challenge in uPUD but not BPU. Gastric motor function may contribute to the manifestation of dyspeptic symptoms in PUD.

Risk of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease in a cohort of new users of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse the risk of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in a cohort of new users of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in a UK primary care setting.

METHODS

New users of low-dose ASA for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, aged 50-84 years in 2000-2007, were identified from The Health Improvement Network. Among those 38,975 individuals, 309 patients were considered to be incident cases of uncomplicated PUD. Incidence of uncomplicated PUD was calculated and a nested case-control analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for the association of potential risk factors with uncomplicated PUD.

RESULTS

The crude incidence of uncomplicated PUD was 1.41 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.58). Individuals with a history of PUD were more likely to develop uncomplicated PUD than those without such a history (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22, 95% CI, 1.60-3.09). In nested case-control analyses, the risk of uncomplicated PUD was associated with current use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids or acid suppressants. Other risk factors for developing uncomplicated PUD included smoking, stress, depression, anaemia and social deprivation.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that several risk factors significantly increase the risk of development of uncomplicated PUD in new users of low-dose ASA. Therefore, physicians should monitor ASA users for gastrointestinal symptoms and signs of ulcer, particularly if they have additional risk factors.

Effect of omeprazole dose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on repair mechanisms in acute peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is a major cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The effect of omeprazole on mucosal repair is unknown.

AIMS

We studied the effect of omeprazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on PUB.

METHODS

There were 43 PUB patients who received regular or high dose of omeprazole for 72 h. Biopsies from antrum and corpus were taken before and after treatment. Biopsy samples from 20 celiac disease patients worked as controls. The expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, COX-2, Hsp27, and Hsp70 was analyzed from patients and controls.

RESULTS

Bcl-2 expression in PUB patients was lower than in controls. However, Bcl-2 increased significantly from 5.0 (SD 4.5) to 9.1 % (SD 6.7), p = 0.0004, in the antrum after omeprazole. In univariate analysis, a high omeprazole dose caused a more profound increase in Ki-67 expression in the corpus: 35.3 % (SD 54.8) than a regular dose: -10.1 % (SD 40.6), p = 0.022. In multivariate analysis, Ki-67 decreased significantly in the corpus between the pre- and posttreatment period (p = 0.011), while a high omeprazole dose (p = 0.0265), the use of NSAIDs (p = 0.0208), and smoking (p = 0.0296) significantly increased Ki-67 expression. Bcl-2 in the corpus increased significantly (p = 0.0003) after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Bcl-2 may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of a peptic ulcer and PUB. In addition, high-dose omeprazole increased the expression of Ki-67, which may enhance the healing process of a peptic ulcer.

Statin use and venous thromboembolism recurrence: a combined nationwide cohort and nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Data on statins' effect on venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence are conflicting.

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether statin use was associated with reduced risk of recurrent VTE in a nationwide population-based setting.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Using the Danish National Patient Registry, we identified first-time and recurrent VTEs between 1 July 2004 and 31 December 2012 (n = 27,862). VTE diagnoses were validated by medical record review of a subsample of patients. We ascertained nationwide prescription data and categorized statin use as current (further divided into new and long-term use), former and no use. We identified statin use at baseline (mimicking an intention-to-treat analysis) and in a time-varying manner during follow-up (mimicking per-protocol analysis) and computed hazard ratios (HRs) for recurrent VTE using Cox regression. In a supplementary nested case-control study, we identified statin use at time of VTE recurrence and computed odds ratios as unbiased estimates of the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using conditional logistic regression. We adjusted for age, sex, year of diagnosis, provoking factors, co-morbidities and co-medications, including time-varying use of aspirin and anticoagulant drugs.

RESULTS

The adjusted HR comparing current use with no use was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.88) for recurrent VTE, with a stronger effect of high (0.40; 95% CI, 0.21-0.78) vs. low potency statins (0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.94). Consistently, the recurrence rate was reduced in both the time-varying analysis (HR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.54-0.77) and nested case-control analysis (IRR=0.55; 95% CI, 0.45-0.67). The effect was largest for recurrent deep venous thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Statin use was associated with reduced VTE recurrence.

Increased gastric mucus secretion alleviates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced abdominal pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause dyspeptic symptoms, including abdominal pain. Gastric mucus is important as the first line of defense against luminal irritants. In the present study, we investigated whether gastric mucus secretion could influence the severity of gastric mucosal injuries or NSAID-induced dyspeptic symptoms. Fifteen Helicobacter pylori-negative, healthy males were administered two types of NSAIDs, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, naproxen (300 mg, twice a day), or a cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitor, etodolac (200 mg, twice a day), for 1 week in a crossover study, with an interval of ≥ 4 weeks. Study participants underwent endoscopic examinations before and after treatment. Pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretions were collected for 10 min during endoscopic examinations, and were analyzed for gastric acid levels (mEq/10 min) and mucus output (mg hexose/10 min). The grade of gastric mucosal injury was assessed endoscopically. Among 29 subjects who completed the crossover study, 11 individuals reported abdominal pain following the administration of naproxen or etodolac for 1 week, as judged by elevated pain scores, while 18 individuals did not report abdominal pain. The occurrence of symptoms was not associated with the type of NSAIDs administered or the occurrence of erosive injury visualized by endoscopy. Gastric mucus secretion was significantly increased in subjects without drug-induced abdominal pain (P < 0.05), whereas it was significantly reduced in those with drug-induced abdominal pain (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the occurrence of NSAID-induced abdominal pain is associated with reduced levels of gastric mucus secretion rather than the occurrence of endoscopic mucosal injury.

Risk factors associated with uncomplicated peptic ulcer and changes in medication use after diagnosis

Background

Few epidemiologic studies have investigated predictors of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) separately from predictors of complicated PUD.

Objective

To analyze risk factors associated with uncomplicated PUD and medication use after diagnosis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with uncomplicated PUD (n = 3,914) were identified from The Health Improvement Network database among individuals aged 40–84 years during 1997–2005, with no previous history of PUD. Prescription records for the year after the date of diagnosis were reviewed and a nested case–control analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios for the association of potential risk factors with PUD.

Results

Medications associated with developing uncomplicated PUD included current use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, antihypertensives or acid suppressants. Uncomplicated PUD was significantly associated with being a current or former smoker and having had a score of at least 3 on the Townsend deprivation index. Approximately 50% of patients who were users of ASA (19% of patients) or chronic users of NSAIDs (7% of patients) at diagnosis did not receive another prescription of the medication in the 60 days after diagnosis, and 30% were not represcribed therapy within a year. Among patients who were current users of ASA or chronic NSAIDs at the time of the PUD diagnosis and received a subsequent prescription for their ASA or NSAID during the following year, the vast majority (80–90%) also received a proton pump inhibitor coprescription.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that several risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding are also predictors of uncomplicated PUD, and that some patients do not restart therapy with ASA or NSAIDs after a diagnosis of uncomplicated PUD. Further investigation is needed regarding the consequences for these patients in terms of increased cardiovascular burden due to discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: risk scores and clinical judgment in predicting outcomes of UGIB

Predicting outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is important for identifying patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality who would benefit from early intervention. Various scoring systems have been developed to this end, but could clinical judgment replace or complement these risk stratification scores?

Comorbidity in cirrhosis

Cirrhosis patients’ comorbidities are their other diseases than cirrhosis. Comorbidities are neither causes nor consequences of cirrhosis, but they can increase mortality and are therefore clinically important. They are also an important source of confounding in epidemiologic studies. Comorbidity scoring systems have been developed as tools to measure the cirrhosis patient’s total burden of comorbidity, and they are useful in the clinic and for epidemiologic studies. The recently developed CirCom score is the only comorbidity scoring system developed specifically for cirrhosis patients, and it may be preferred over the older, generic, and more complex Charlson comorbidity index. Studies of individual comorbid diseases can provide insight into the interactions between cirrhosis and other diseases and thus into the pathophysiology of cirrhosis. This article reviews the literature on comorbidity in cirrhosis.

Measures of 'exposure needed for one additional patient to be harmed' in population-based case-control studies

PURPOSE

The magnitude of risk for adverse drug reactions may be communicated by a measure of 'exposure needed for one additional patient to be harmed' (ENH). We present four ENH measures, based on four different counterfactual contrasts, as illustrated by the known effects of NSAID use on peptic ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

The four measures were basic ENH (estimating the excess risk when treating the entire source population versus treating no one), age-restricted ENH (the entire source population above, e.g. 50 years old treated versus no one above 50 years old treated), standardised ENH (a population of similar age and gender distribution as those actually treated versus same subjects not treated) and naturalistic ENH (those actually treated versus same subjects not treated). Data were derived from a case-control dataset on NSAIDs and severe peptic ulcer bleeding, collected in Funen County in 1995-2006. We incorporated prescription and census data to account for the source population's drug use.

RESULTS

Estimates of basic, age-restricted, standardised and naturalistic ENH were 619 person-years (py) (95% confidence interval (CI): 558-684), 223 py (CI: 201-246), 131 py (CI: 118-144) and 162 py (CI: 151-173). The age-restricted ENH showed strong dependence on the chosen age limit.

CONCLUSION

The differing counterfactual contrasts underlying the ENH result in widely different estimates. These differences reflect the clinical and epidemiological aspects of NSAID-related peptic ulcer bleeding. The ultimate choice of ENH measure will depend on epidemiological or clinical considerations and on availability of data.

Existing data sources for clinical epidemiology: Aarhus University Clinical Trial Candidate Database, Denmark

Denmark is facing a reduction in clinical trial activity as the pharmaceutical industry has moved trials to low-cost emerging economies. Competitiveness in industry-sponsored clinical research depends on speed, quality, and cost. Because Denmark is widely recognized as a region that generates high quality data, an enhanced ability to attract future trials could be achieved if speed can be improved by taking advantage of the comprehensive national and regional registries. A “single point-of-entry” system has been established to support collaboration between hospitals and industry. When assisting industry in early-stage feasibility assessments, potential trial participants are identified by use of registries to shorten the clinical trial startup times. The Aarhus University Clinical Trial Candidate Database consists of encrypted data from the Danish National Registry of Patients allowing an immediate estimation of the number of patients with a specific discharge diagnosis in each hospital department or outpatient specialist clinic in the Central Denmark Region. The free access to health care, thorough monitoring of patients who are in contact with the health service, completeness of registration at the hospital level, and ability to link all databases are competitive advantages in an increasingly complex clinical trial environment.

Incidence and complications of peptic ulcer disease requiring hospitalisation have markedly decreased in Finland

BACKGROUND

The characteristics of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are changing.

AIM

To evaluate time trends in the incidence of PUD and its complications in hospitalised patients at the beginning of the 21st century, drug therapies in out-patient care as a risk factor for recurrent PUD, and medication used by PUD patients compared with the background population.

METHODS

In this retrospective epidemiologic cohort study, data from the years 2000-2008 came from The Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, and the Finnish Care Register. All hospitalised adult patients with PUD in the capital region of Finland were included. The data were linked with nationwide Prescription Register of the Finnish Social Insurance Institution allowing detailed individual medicine purchase data.

RESULTS

A total of 9951 peptic ulcers were detected among 8146 individual patients during the study period. The mean annual incidence of all peptic ulcers decreased from 121/100,000 (95% CI: 117-125) in 2000-2002, to 79 (95% CI: 76-82) in 2006-2008 [Incidence rate ratio = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.58-0.64), P < 0.001 after age and sex adjustment]. Decrease in incidence was seen in all age groups and in both sexes. The overall rate of severe complications of PUD was reduced. One-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ulcers was 13%. Use of several drugs was associated with increased risk for recurrence. The purchases of various drugs were more common among PUD patients compared with background population.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the incidence and complication rates have markedly decreased during the study period. Recurrent peptic ulcer disease was associated with polypharmacy.

Helicobacter pylori-negative, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug: Negative idiopathic ulcers in Asia

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach, the bacteria infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use had been considered to be the 2 main causes of peptic ulcers. However, there have been recent reports of an increase in the proportion of peptic ulcers without these known risk factors; these are termed idiopathic peptic ulcers. Such trend was firstly indicated in 1990s from some reports in North America. In Asia, numerous studies reported that idiopathic ulcers accounted for a small percentage of all ulcers in the 1990s, but in the 2000s, multiple studies reported that the proportion of idiopathic ulcers had reached 10%-30%, indicating that the incidence of idiopathic ulcers in Asia has also been rising in recent years. While a decline in H. pylori infection rates of general population in Asia is seen as the main reason for the increased incidence of idiopathic ulcers, it is also possible that the absolute number of idiopathic ulcer cases has increased. Advanced age, serious systemic complication, and psychological stress are considered to be the potential risk factors for idiopathic ulcers. Management of idiopathic ulcers is challenging, at present, because there is no effective preventative measure against recurrence in contrast with cases of H. pylori-positive ulcers and NSAIDs-induced ulcers. As it is expected that H. pylori infection rates in Asia will decline further in the future, measures to treat idiopathic ulcers will also likely become more important.

Treatment for perforated gastric ulcer: a multi-institutional retrospective review

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for patients with perforated gastric ulcer (PGU) remains controversial. This study therefore investigated the treatment status for this disease in clinical practice.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 183 patients with PGU from 1998 to 2007 across 15 institutions, and analyzed patient characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes according to treatments received.

RESULTS

Of the 183 patients, 57 who were treated conservatively had less abdominal tenderness, lower levels of serum C-reactive protein, and shorter time to presentation than the 126 patients who underwent emergency surgery. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the 41 successful patients and 16 failed patients in the conservative treatment group; however, the latter had a longer average hospital stay. Eighty-three of the emergency surgery patients who underwent gastrectomy had longer surgical times, greater blood loss, and shorter time to resumption of diet than the 57 patients undergoing stomach-preserving surgery; however, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications and hospital stay between these groups. Of 91 patients who received stomach-preserving treatment, only three had treatment failure in the long-term follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Strictly selected patients should be initially considered for conservative treatment. The short-term outcomes of stomach-preserving surgery are comparable to gastrectomy; however, further evaluation of the long-term outcomes of stomach-preserving treatment is required.

Strategies to improve the outcome of emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common surgical emergency that carries high mortality and morbidity rates. Globally, one-quarter of a million people die from peptic ulcer disease each year. Strategies to improve outcomes are needed.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for evidence related to the surgical treatment of patients with PPU. The clinical registries of trials were examined for other available or ongoing studies. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses were preferred.

RESULTS

Deaths from peptic ulcer disease eclipse those of several other common emergencies. The reported incidence of PPU is 3.8-14 per 100,000 and the mortality rate is 10-25 per cent. The possibility of non-operative management has been assessed in one small RCT of 83 patients, with success in 29 (73 per cent) of 40, and only in patients aged less than 70 years. Adherence to a perioperative sepsis protocol decreased mortality in a cohort study, with a relative risk (RR) reduction of 0.63 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.41 to 0.97). Based on meta-analysis of three RCTs (315 patients), laparoscopic and open surgery for PPU are equivalent, but patient selection remains a challenge. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori after surgical repair of PPI reduces both the short-term (RR 2.97, 95 per cent c.i. 1.06 to 8.29) and 1-year (RR 1.49, 1.10 to 2.03) risk of ulcer recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Mortality and morbidity from PPU can be reduced by adherence to perioperative strategies.

Improving quality of care in peptic ulcer bleeding: nationwide cohort study of 13,498 consecutive patients in the Danish Clinical Register of Emergency Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is complex, and mortality remains high. We present results from a nationwide initiative to monitor and improve the quality of care (QOC) in PUB.

METHODS

All Danish hospitals treating PUB patients between 2004 and 2011 prospectively registered demographic, clinical, and prognostic data. QOC was evaluated using eight process and outcome indicators, including time to initial endoscopy, hemostasis obtainment, proportion undergoing surgery, rebleeding risks, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 13,498 PUB patients (median age 74 years) were included, of which one-quarter were in-hospital bleeders. Preadmission use of anticoagulants, multiple coexisting diseases, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists scores increased between 2004 and 2011. Considerable improvements were observed for most QOC indicators over time. Endoscopic treatment was successful with primary hemostasis achieved in more patients (94% in 2010-2011 vs. 89% in 2004-2006, relative risk (RR) 1.06 (95% confidence intervals 1.04-1.08)), endoscopy delay for hemodynamically unstable patients decreased during this period (43% vs. 34% had endoscopy within 6 h, RR 1.33 (1.10-1.61)), and fewer patients underwent open surgery (4% vs. 6%, RR 0.72 (0.59-0.87)). After controlling for time changes in prognostic factors, rebleeding rates improved (13% vs. 18%, adjusted RR 0.77 (0.66-0.91)). Crude 30-day mortality was unchanged (11% vs. 11%), whereas adjusted mortality decreased nonsignificantly over time (adjusted RR 0.89 (0.78-1.00)).

CONCLUSIONS

QOC in PUB has improved substantially in Denmark, but the 30-day mortality remains high. Future initiatives to improve outcomes may include earlier endoscopy, having fully trained endoscopists on call, and increased focus on managing coexisting disease.

Mortality and readmission rates after hospitalization for upper and lower gastrointestinal events in Quebec, Canada

GOALS

We determined yearly rates of upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) hospitalizations in Quebec, Canada and compared the 1-year readmission and mortality risks among those discharged from lower versus upper GI hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND

The burden of serious upper and lower GI events is substantial.

STUDY

Demographic, medical, pharmaceutical, and hospital records were used in a retrospective cohort study to assess risks of mortality and hospital readmission for upper and lower GI events among patients 50 years and older during 1998 to 2006.

RESULTS

Among included 39,771 GI hospitalizations, 5238 were from 1998 to 1999, and 5050 from 2005 to 2006. Rates of upper GI hospitalizations decreased in the study period, whereas that of lower GI events did not change. The risk of in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with small bowel versus upper GI events [odds ratio 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.81-2.47] and lower in patients with colon/rectal events 0.30 (0.25-0.36). One-year mortality risk after discharge was lower in patients with lower versus upper GI events (small bowel hazard ratio 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.93; and colon/rectal: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.83). Compared to upper GI events, the risk of hospital readmission was higher in those with small bowel 1.53 (1.19-1.97) and similar in those with colon/rectal events 1.12 (0.96-1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of upper GI events may be decreasing, but remains over 3 times as high as that of lower GI events and among those admitted for GI events, about 80% of in-hospital mortality occurred in those with upper GI problems. Although GI events in the small bowel are less frequent than those in upper or lower GI tract, they are the most severe and are associated with higher risks of mortality and hospital readmissions.

Rebamipide helps defend against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induced gastroenteropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been perplexing most clinicians and users of NSAIDs. Rebamipide is increasingly advocated as a candidate option for the prevention of NSAIDs induced gastrointestinal mucosal injury.

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and the safety of rebamipide for the prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Japan Science and Technology Information Aggregator, and China Biology Medicine Disc were searched up to December 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting subjects with co-prescriptions of NSAIDs and rebamipide were eligible. Efficacy and safety of rebamipide were reevaluated, and dichotomous data were pooled to obtain relative risk (RR) with a 95 % confidence interval. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by the inconsistency index statistic and funnel plot analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

The search identified 338 citations, and 15 RCTs including 965 individuals were eligible. In general, rebamipide acted better than placebo against short-term NSAID-induced gastroduodenal injury. Separate studies showed rebamipide was equal to or not superior to traditional strategies (including PPIs, H2RA and misoprostol treatment). Especially, rebamipide showed a beneficial effect against the small bowel damage (total RR = 2.70, 95 % confidence interval = 1.02-7.16, P = 0.045) when compared with placebo group. The average incidence of adverse events was about 36.1 % (0-70.0 %) but no serious event was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidences show rebamipide is effective and safe for defending against NSAID-induced gastroduodenal and lower-gastrointestinal injuries. However, more well-designed trials should be conducted to fully confirm the practical value of rebamipide.

Comparison of different regimens of proton pump inhibitors for acute peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) improves clinical outcomes in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. However, the optimal dose and route of administration of PPIs remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of different regimens of PPIs in the management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding using evidence from direct comparison randomized controlled trials (RCTs).We specifically intended to assess the differential effect of the dose and route of administration of PPI on mortality, rebleeding, surgical intervention, further endoscopic haemostatic treatment (EHT), length of hospital stay, transfusion requirements and adverse events.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (in The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3), MEDLINE and EMBASE (from inception to September 2010) and proceedings of major gastroenterology meetings (January 2000 to September 2010), without language restrictions. Original investigators were contacted to request missing data.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs that compared at least two different regimens of the same or a different PPI in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding, diagnosed endoscopically.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We synthesized data using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects method and performed multivariate meta-regression with random permutations based on Monte Carlo simulation. We measured heterogeneity with the I² statistic and Cochrane Q test and assessed publication bias with funnel plots and Egger's test. We graded the overall quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty two RCTs were included; risk of bias was high in 17 and unclear in 5. The main analysis included 13 studies (1716 patients) comparing "high" dose regimens (72-hour cumulative dose > 600 mg of intravenous PPI) to other doses; there was no significant heterogeneity for any clinical outcome. We found low quality evidence that did not exclude a potential reduction or increase in mortality, rebleeding, surgical interventions or endoscopic haemostatic treatment (EHT) with "high" dose regimens. For mortality, pooled risk ratio (RR) was 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.54); pooled risk difference (RD) was 0 more deaths per 100 patients treated with "high" dose (95% CI from 1 fewer to 2 more deaths per 100 treated). For rebleeding, pooled RR was 1.27 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.67); pooled RD was 2 more rebleeding events per 100 patients treated with "high" dose (95% CI from 0 fewer to 5 more rebleeding events per 100 treated). For surgical interventions, pooled RR was 1.33 (95% CI 0.63 to 2.77); pooled RD was 1 more surgical intervention per 100 patients treated with "high" dose (95% CI from 1 fewer to 2 more surgical interventions per 100 treated). For further EHT, pooled RR was 1.39 (95% CI 0.88 to 2.18), pooled RD was 2 more events per 100 patients treated with "high" dose PPI (95% CI from 1 fewer to 5 more events per 100 treated). We found moderate quality evidence suggesting no important difference between the two regimens with regards to length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD) 0.26 days; 95% CI -0.08 to 0.6 days) or blood transfusion requirements (MD 0.05 units; 95% CI -0.21 to 0.3 units). There was visual and statistical evidence of "inverse" publication bias for mortality (missing small studies with favourable outcomes for "high" dose), but not for any other outcome. The results were similar for all subgroup analyses (according to risk of bias, geographical location, route of administration for non-"high" dose regimens, continuous infusion vs. bolus administration for intravenous non-"high" regimens group), sensitivity analyses (restriction to patients who had EHT for high risk stigmata, use of different dose thresholds for comparative regimens) and post hoc analyses (inclusion of all studies (N = 22) that compared at least two PPI regimens with different cumulative 72 hour doses; restriction of the previous analysis to patients who had EHT for high risk stigmata). Meta-regression analysis did not show any statistically significant associations between treatment effect (for the outcomes of mortality, rebleeding and surgical intervention) and the three study-level factors that were assessed (geographical location (Asia versus not Asia), route of PPI administration (intravenous versus oral), within-study ratio among the 72-hour cumulative doses of the two PPI regimens).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence for concluding superiority, inferiority or equivalence of high dose PPI treatment over lower doses in peptic ulcer bleeding.

Prospective, multicenter validation of prediction scores for major bleeding in elderly patients with venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

The Outpatient Bleeding Risk Index (OBRI) and the Kuijer, RIETE and Kearon scores are clinical prognostic scores for bleeding in patients receiving oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We prospectively compared the performance of these scores in elderly patients with VTE.

METHODS

In a prospective multicenter Swiss cohort study, we studied 663 patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute VTE. The outcome was a first major bleeding at 90 days. We classified patients into three categories of bleeding risk (low, intermediate and high) according to each score and dichotomized patients as high vs. low or intermediate risk. We calculated the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, positive predictive values and likelihood ratios for each score.

RESULTS

Overall, 28 out of 663 patients (4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-6.0%) had a first major bleeding within 90 days. According to different scores, the rate of major bleeding varied from 1.9% to 2.1% in low-risk, from 4.2% to 5.0% in intermediate-risk and from 3.1% to 6.6% in high-risk patients. The discriminative power of the scores was poor to moderate, with areas under the ROC curve ranging from 0.49 to 0.60 (P = 0.21). The positive predictive values and positive likelihood ratios were low and varied from 3.1% to 6.6% and from 0.72 to 1.59, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients with VTE, existing bleeding risk scores do not have sufficient accuracy and power to discriminate between patients with VTE who are at a high risk of short-term major bleeding and those who are not.

Effect of comorbidity on mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

By systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to assess the impact of comorbidity on short-term mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

METHODS

We conducted systematic searches in PubMed and Embase (January 1989-January 2010). Relative risks (RRs) were pooled across selected studies and an analysis of diagnostic test accuracy was performed to validate the results further.

RESULTS

Of 1,572 identified studies, 16 were eligible for inclusion. Only three had a low risk of bias and the overall quality of evidence was low. The risk of death (30-day or in-hospital mortality) was significantly greater in PUB patients with comorbidity than in those without (RR: 4.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-8.04). The pooled sensitivity for comorbidity predicting death in patients with PUB was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-0.95) and the pooled specificity was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.40-0.65). PUB patients with three or more comorbidities had a greater risk of dying than those with one or two (RR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.34-8.89). All individual comorbidities that we assessed significantly increased the risk of death associated with PUB. However, RRs were higher for hepatic, renal, and malignant disease (range: 4.04-6.33; no significant heterogeneity) than for cardiovascular and respiratory disease and diabetes (2.39, 2.45, and 1.63, respectively; no significant heterogeneity).

CONCLUSIONS

Underlying comorbidity is consistently associated with increased mortality in patients with PUB. The number and type of comorbidities in patients with PUB should be carefully evaluated and factored into initial management strategies.

In-hospital mortality risk estimation in patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a major cause of clinical bleeding among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to investigate the association between mortality and UGIB in patients with uremia.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2010, a tertiary hospital-based retrospective cohort comprising 322 patients undergoing hemodialysis was investigated. All the patients were diagnosed with UGIB according to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) that included peptic ulcer bleeding, duodenal ulcer bleeding, and other symptoms. UGIB was required to be one of the first three discharge diagnoses. Rehospitalization within 3 days after discharge was regarded as the same course. Exclusion criteria were age <20 years, previous gastric resection or vagotomy, esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, or gastric cancer within the first 2 years of the index hospitalization.

RESULTS

The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate of patients with UGIB undergoing hemodialysis was high, with the first-month mortality rate of 13.7%, sixth-month mortality rate of 26.7%, and first-year mortality rate of 27.0%. Using Cox regression models, we found that the high mortality rate of the UGIB group was significantly correlated with older age [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.04], female sex (adjusted HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.05-2.51), infection during hospitalization (adjusted HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.13-3.03), single episodic UGIB (adjusted HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.08-3.70), abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count (adjusted HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.03-2.45), and albumin level ≤3 g/dL (adjusted HR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.51-4.72).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, patients with ESRD who are admitted with primary UGIB have a profoundly increased risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality during the follow-up period.

Discontinuation of low-dose aspirin therapy after peptic ulcer bleeding increases risk of death and acute cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Little is known about how discontinuation of low-dose aspirin therapy after peptic ulcer bleeding affects patient mortality or acute cardiovascular events.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study by using data from patients who received low-dose aspirin therapy and were treated for bleeding peptic ulcers between 2007 and 2010 at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. We used a multivariable Cox regression model to adjust for potential confounders and analyze associations between discontinuation of low-dose aspirin therapy at discharge, death, and acute cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

Of the 118 patients who received low-dose aspirin therapy, the therapy was discontinued for 47 (40%). During a median follow-up period of 2 years after hospital discharge, 44 of the 118 patients (37%) either died or developed acute cardiovascular events. Adjusting for confounders, patients with cardiovascular comorbidities who discontinued low-dose aspirin therapy had an almost 7-fold increase in risk for death or acute cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-34.8) compared with patients who continued this therapy during the first 6 months of the follow-up period. A corresponding association was not observed among patients without cardiovascular comorbidities when the study began.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cardiovascular disease, discontinuation of low-dose aspirin therapy after peptic ulcer bleeding increases risk of death and acute cardiovascular events almost 7-fold.

Variability in the management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Europe: an observational study

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advances in endoscopic and pharmacological management, nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is still associated with considerable mortality and morbidity that vary between countries. The European Survey of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (ENERGiB) reported clinical outcomes across Europe (Belgium, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey) and evaluated management strategies in a "real-world" European setting. This article presents the differences in clinical management strategies among countries participating in ENERGiB.

METHODS

Adult patients consecutively presenting with overt NVUGIB at 123 participating hospitals over a 2-month period were included. Data relevant to the initial NVUGIB episode and for up to 30 days afterwards were collected retrospectively from patient medical records.

RESULTS

The number of evaluable patients was 2,660; patient demographics and clinical characteristics were similar across countries. There was wide between-country variability in the area and speciality of the NVUGIB management team and unit transfer rates after the initial hospital assessment. The mean time from admission to endoscopy was <1 day only in Italy and Spain. Wide variation in the use of preendoscopy (35.0-88.7%) and relatively consistent (86.5-96.0%) postendoscopic pharmacological therapy rates were observed. There was substantial by-country variability in the rate of therapeutic procedures performed during endoscopy (24.9-47.6%). NVUGIB-related healthcare resource consumption was high and variable (days hospitalized, mean 5.4-8.7 days; number of endoscopies during hospitalization, mean 1.1-1.7).

CONCLUSIONS

ENERGiB demonstrates that there are substantial differences in the management of patients with acute NVUGIB episodes across Europe, and that in many cases the guideline recommendations for the management of NVUGIB are not being followed.

Why do mortality rates for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding differ around the world? A systematic review of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Discrepancies exist in reported mortality rates of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review assessing possible reasons for these disparate findings and to more reliably compare them.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were searched for studies reporting mortality rates in NVUGIB involving adults and published in English. To ensure robust and contemporary estimates, studies spanning 1996 to January 2011 that included more than 1000 patients were selected.

RESULTS

Eighteen of 3077 studies were selected. Ten studies used administrative databases and the remaining eight used registries. The mortality rates reported in these studies ranged from 1.1% in Japan to 11% in Denmark. There were variations in reported mortality rates among countries and also within countries. Reasons for these disparities included a spectrum of quality in reporting as well as heterogeneous definitions of case ascertainment, differing patient populations with regard to severity of presentation and associated comorbidities, varying durations of follow-up and different health care system-related practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide differences in reported NVUGIB mortality rates are attributable to differences in adopted methodologies and populations studied. More uniform standards in reporting are needed; only then can true observed variations enable a better understanding of causes of death and pave the way to improved patient outcomes.

Clinically relevant pain relief with an ibuprofen-releasing foam dressing: results from a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial in exuding, painful venous leg ulcers

The objective of this 6-week, 120-patient, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was to investigate if a foam dressing with ibuprofen provided clinically relevant pain relief (PAR) for exuding, painful venous leg ulcers in comparison with a similar foam dressing without ibuprofen. Primary outcome parameter was PAR compared with baseline pain during the first 5 days of the investigation. PAR was registered by the patient morning and evening. Main end point was proportion of patients reporting a summed PAR score of at least 50% of the total maximum PAR (i.e., responders) and the corresponding number needed to treat (NNT). Wound-related parameters such as ulcer healing, ulcer area reduction, and peri-ulcer skin condition as well as adverse events were recorded during all 6 weeks of the investigation. PAR was significantly greater in the ibuprofen foam group than the comparator group (p = 0.0438). There were 34% responders in the ibuprofen foam group vs. 19% in the comparator group (NNT = 6.8). When evening data were analyzed separately to evaluate PAR over daytime, NNT was 5.3. Wound healing parameters and adverse events were comparable. In conclusion, in this study, the ibuprofen foam dressing provided clinically relevant PAR for patients with exuding, painful venous ulcers.

Trends in Peptic Ulcer Disease and the Identification of Helicobacter Pylori as a Causative Organism: Population-based Estimates from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Background:

Peptic ulcer disease can lead to serious complications including massive hemorrhage or bowel perforation. The modern treatment of peptic ulcer disease has transitioned from the control of gastric acid secretion to include antibiotic therapy in light of the identification of Helicobacter pylori as a causative infectious organism. We sought to determine trends related to this discovery by using a national database.

Materials and Methods:

Patient discharges with peptic ulcer disease and associated sequelae were queried from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1993 to 2007, under the auspices of a data user agreement. To account for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample weighting schema, design-adjusted analyses were used. Standard error was calculated using SUDAAN software (Research Triangle International, NC, USA).

Results:

Decreases in the incidences of gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and surgical procedures most specific to peptic ulcer disease were statistically significant over the study period [range of P value (two tailed) = 0.000 – 0.00353; significant at P < 0.001 to < 0.01]. The incidence of H. pylori rose dramatically, peaking at an estimated 97,823 cases in 1998 [SE = 3155; 95% CI = 6,184]. Since that time it has decreased and then stabilized.

Conclusions:

The identification of H. pylori as the causative agent in the majority of peptic ulcer disease has revolutionized the understanding and management of the disease. Medical conditions and surgical procedures associated with end-stage peptic ulcer disease have significantly decreased according to analysis of selected index categories. Resident physician education objectives may need to be modified in light of these trends.

Review Criteria:

We reviewed patients with peptic ulcer disease. The database used was the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1993 to 2007.

Message for the Clinic:

Medical therapy has resulted in decreased morbidity from H. pylori infection as it is the causative agent in the majority of peptic ulcer disease. Aggressive screening and treatment of this infection will lead to further reduction in morbidity.

Changes in the clinical outcomes of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients: a 10-year experience in gangwon province, South Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Variceal rupture is one of the main causes of mortality in cirrhotic patients. However, there are limited data on the long-term outcomes of variceal bleeding.

METHODS

We investigated the incidence and mortality of variceal bleeding at three endoscopic centers in Gangwon province during 3 periods (August 1996 to July 1997, August 2001 to July 2002, and August 2006 to July 2007).

RESULTS

A total of 1,704 upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleedings occurred during the study periods. Peptic ulcers were found in 825 patients (48.5%), and variceal ruptures were found in 607 patients (35.6%). The variceal bleeding rate did not decrease in each period (26.0% vs 43.7% vs 33.9%, respectively). In the variceal bleeding group, the 6-week mortality rate steadily and significantly decreased (15.5% vs 10.8% vs 6.4%, respectively, p=0.027). In addition, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the variceal bleeding group than in the non-variceal bleeding group (10.4% vs 2.0%, p<0.001; odds ratio, 5.659; 95% confidence interval, 3.445 to 9.295).

CONCLUSIONS

Variceal bleeding was still the major cause of upper GI bleedings and did not decrease in prevalence over the 10-year period in Gangwon province, South Korea. However, the mortality rate of variceal bleeding decreased significantly.

National audit of the use of surgery and radiological embolization after failed endoscopic haemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Following non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), 10-15 per cent of patients experience further bleeding. Although surgery has been the traditional salvage therapy, there is renewed interest in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). This study examined the use, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving salvage surgery or TAE after failed endoscopic haemostasis for NVUGIB.

METHODS

A UK national audit of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was undertaken in May and June 2007. A logistic regression model was used to identify clinical predictors of endoscopic failure.

RESULTS

Data were analysed from 4478 patients involving 212 UK centres. Some 533 (11·9 per cent) experienced further bleeding, of whom 163 (30·6 per cent) proceeded to salvage therapy with surgery (97), TAE (60) or both (6). Among surgical patients (mean age 71 years), 66·0 per cent (68 of 103) had a Rockall score of at least 3 and emergency surgery was carried out between midnight and 08.00 hours in 21 per cent, with a consultant surgeon present in 89 per cent of operations. Some 9 per cent of patients had further bleeding after TAE, resulting in later surgery. The mortality rate was 29 per cent after surgery, 10 per cent after TAE and 23·2 per cent among those with further bleeding after the index endoscopy that was managed by endoscopy alone. The strongest predictors of endoscopic failure were coagulopathy (odds ratio 3·27, 95 per cent confidence interval 2·37 to 4·53) and a haemoglobin level of 10 g/dl or less (odds ratio 2·22, 1·71 to 2·87, for haemoglobin 8-10 g/dl).

CONCLUSION

Salvage surgery and embolization are required in fewer than 4 per cent of patients with NVUGIB. The high postoperative mortality rate, reflecting age, co-morbidity and severity of bleeding, warrants a prospective study to establish the effectiveness and safety of TAE as an alternative to surgery in the management of bleeding after failure of endoscopic therapy.

Incidence and short-term mortality from perforated peptic ulcer in Korea: a population-based study

Background

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is associated with serious health and economic outcomes. However, few studies have estimated the incidence and health outcomes of PPU using a nationally representative sample in Asia. We estimated age- and sex-specific incidence and short-term mortality from PPU among Koreans and investigated the risk factors for mortality associated with PPU development.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study was conducted from 2006 through 2007 using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. A diagnostic algorithm was derived and validated to identify PPU patients, and PPU incidence rates and 30-day mortality rates were determined.

Results

From 2006 through 2007, the PPU incidence rate per 100 000 population was 4.4; incidence among men (7.53) was approximately 6 times that among women (1.24). Incidence significantly increased with advanced age, especially among women older than 50 years. Among 4258 PPU patients, 135 (3.15%) died within 30 days of the PPU event. The 30-day mortality rate increased with advanced age and reached almost 20% for patients older than 80 years. The 30-day mortality rate was 10% for women and 2% for men. Older age, being female, and higher comorbidity were independently associated with 30-day mortality rate among PPU patients in Korea.

Conclusions

Special attention should be paid to elderly women with high comorbidity who develop PPU.

Management of the difficult duodenal stump in penetrating duodenal ulcer disease: a comparative analysis of duodenojejunostomy with "classical" stump closure (Nissen-Bsteh)

BACKGROUND

Duodenal stump insufficiency after surgery for penetrating gastroduodenal ulcer is associated with substantial mortality. "Classical" technique of closing a difficult duodenal stump (Nissen-Bsteh) has, up to now, not been compared with duodenojejunostomy (DJ) in larger patient sets. This also refers to the potential benefit of a gastric and biliary diversion under such conditions. The aim of the present study was to compare classical duodenal closure (CC) with DJ and to evaluate the impact of gastric and biliary diversion on postoperative outcome after surgery for penetrating, high-risk duodenal ulcer in a matched control study.

METHODS

Out of 321 patients, treated for penetrating duodenal ulcer disease, the perioperative outcome of 62 DJ patients was compared with 62 patients undergoing CC matched for age, gender, biliary diversion, and the operating surgeon collective. A total of 70 patients, equally distributed between DJ and CC subsets, received temporary biliary diversion.

RESULTS

Overall perioperative mortality was 10.5%. However, DJ significantly reduced the mortality rate (4.8%) associated with penetrating duodenal ulcer compared to CC (16.1%, P < 0.04). The overall morbidity in DJ patients nearly equalled that in the CC group (P = 0.4). Differences in the prevalence of duodenal leakage rate between DJ (14.5%) and CC (29%) patients were of borderline significance (P = 0.05). Temporary biliary diversion was identified as a prognostic factor for closure consistency with lower duodenal leakage rates in both DJ (odds ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.005-0.42) and CC patients (odds ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.6). In contrast, gastric diversion performed in a subset of 35 DJ patients had no protective effect.

CONCLUSION

Duodenojejunostomy combined with temporary biliary diversion substantially improves perioperative outcome in management of penetrating duodenal ulcer.

Minilaparotomy for perforated duodenal ulcer

The usefulness of the minilaparotomy approach for perforated duodenal ulcer repair was retrospectively evaluated in 37 patients (26 men; mean age, 56.5 years). Simple closure with an omental patch by minilaparotomy (skin incision, < or = 7 cm) was successful in 86.5% of the cases, with an operative mortality of 2.7%. Compared with the results in historic control patients who underwent conventional open surgery (n = 27), a shorter operative time (P < 0.01), lower frequency of analgesic use (P = 0.03), earlier passage of flatus (P < 0.01), and shorter hospital stay (P = 0.04) were obtained in the patients undergoing minilapartomoy. The postoperative morbidity was identical between the two groups (16.2% versus 33.3%, P = 0.40). On multivariate analysis, a large amount of intraabdominal fluid was the only significant risk factor for extension of the minilaparotomy wound (P = 0.012). The minilaparotomy approach appears to be a feasible, safe, and less invasive approach compared with the conventional open approach and could be a useful alternative to the laparoscopic approach in selected patients with perforated duodenal ulcer.

Pantoprazole for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding and prevention of rebleeding

Adding proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to endoscopic therapy has become the mainstay of treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding, with current consensus guidelines recommending high-dose intravenous (IV) PPI therapy (IV bolus followed by continuous therapy). However, whether or not high-dose PPI therapy is more effective than low-dose PPI therapy is still debated. Furthermore, maintaining pH ≥ 4 appears to prevent mucosal bleeding in patients with acute stress ulcers; thus, stress ulcer prophylaxis with acid-suppressing therapy has been increasingly recommended in intensive care units (ICUs). This review evaluates the evidence for the efficacy of IV pantoprazole, a PPI, in preventing ulcer rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis, and in controlling gastric pH and protecting against upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in high-risk ICU patients. The review concludes that IV pantoprazole provides an effective option in the treatment of upper GI bleeding, the prevention of rebleeding, and for the prophylaxis of acute bleeding stress ulcers.

Historical impact to drive research in peptic ulcer disease

The story of gastric acid secretion began with early ideas on gastric secretion (Spallanzani and de Réaumur, 17th century) and with first descriptions of food digestion (Dupuytren and Bichat, Beaumont, early 18th century), followed by proof that gastric juice contained acid (Prout, early 18th century). The research continued with first descriptions of gastric glands as the source of gastric acid and its changes upon digestive stimulus (Purkinje and Golgi, mid and late 19th century). The theory of 'nervism' - the neuro-reflex stimulation of gastric secretion by vagal nerve (Pavlov, early 20th century) was contrasted by a histamine-mediated concept of gastric secretion (Popielski and Code, mid 20th century). Thus, gastric acid and pepsin (Schwann, early 19th century) were found to be essential for food digestion and studies also pointed to histamine, being the most potent final common chemostimulator of oxyntic cells. The discoveries in etiopathogenesis of mucosal injury were marked by the famous dictum: 'No acid, no ulcer' ('Ohne saueren Magensaft kein peptisches Geschwür', Schwarz, 1910) that later induced the term of 'mucosal defense' and the notion that the breaking of 'gastric mucosal barrier' represents the initial step in the process of mucosal injury (Davenport, Code and Scholer, mid 20th century). The prostaglandins were shown to influence all major components of gastric mucosal barrier, described with the term 'cytoprotection' (Vane, Robert and Jacobson, 1970s). Beginning in the latter half of 19th century, the studies on gastric bacteriology that followed enabled the discovery of association between Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori and peptic ulcers (Warren and Marshall, 1980s) that led to worldwide major interventions in treating peptic ulcer disease. The surgical approach to peptic ulcer had been outlined by resection procedures (Billroth, Pean, Moynihan, late 19 century) and vagotomy, with or without drainage procedures (Jaboulay, Latarjet, Dragstedt, mid 20th century). Antacids, protective agents, anticholinergics, and later gastrin antagonists and prostaglandins were used for decades in the treatment of peptic ulcer, with differing effects. The advent of the concept of H(2)-receptor antagonists (Black, 1970s) and the discovery of acid (proton) pumps in parietal cells (Ganser, Forte and Sachs, late 1970s) paved the way for potent (H(2) antagonists) and profound acid inhibition (proton pump inhibitors) that revolutionized the treatment of acid-related disorders, including peptic ulcer disease. Worldwide, peptic ulcer and its complications remain the cause of significant morbidity, especially in older age groups, representing a major burden for ambulatory and hospital healthcare resources.

Therapeutic and interventional endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding remains a common clinical problem encountered by every emergency room and trauma physician. Endoscopy remains the main approach to the diagnosis and therapy of GI bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

To present the modern endoscopic approach for GI bleeding.

METHODS

Narrative review based on our expertise and inclusion of classic articles dealing with interventional and therapeutic GI endoscopy.

RESULTS

GI hemorrhage is now classified as upper, middle, and lower GI bleeding. Upper GI bleeding is defined as hemorrhage originating from the oropharynx to the ligament of Treitz (or papilla of Vater), middle GI bleeding occurs distal to the papilla of Vater to the terminal ileum, and lower GI bleeding is defined as bleeding distal to the ileocecal valve, including the entire colon and anorectum. Endoscopic methods used to diagnosed and treat GI bleeding include esophagogastroduodenoscopy, duodenoscopy, capsule endoscopy, double- and single-balloon enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy, and colonosocopy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review paper dedicated to endoscopic therapy for bleeding involving any part of the luminal GI tract (i.e., esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon). Modern endoscopy permits the investigation and treatment of the majority of conditions affecting the entire hollow GI tract.

Changes in the localization of perforated peptic ulcer and its relation to gender and age of the patients throughout the last 45 years

Background

Throughout recent decades there has been noticeable change in the incidence of peptic ulcer disease and its complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the character of changes over the last 45 years in the localization of perforation, in patient age, and in patient gender.

Methods

A group of 881 patients admitted to the Second Department of General Surgery in Krakow, Poland, from 1962 to 2006 were included in the study and constituted the material for the analysis. The study was divided into three time periods (1962–1976, 1977–1991, and 1992–2006) to allow statistical analysis of trends.

Results

The general incidence of perforations of peptic ulcer did not show changes; however, the percentage of women with perforated duodenal ulcer markedly increased. Patients with perforated stomach ulcer—regardless of gender—and females suffering from perforated duodenal ulcer were, on the average, about 10 years older than males with perforated duodenal ulcers. The mean age of male and female patients with perforated duodenal ulcer over the last 45 years showed an insignificant upward trend.

Conclusions

(1) The percentage of women with perforated duodenal ulcer continuously and statistically significantly rose. (2) Men with perforated duodenal ulcer were significantly younger than other patients. (3) The mean ages of male and female patients with perforated duodenal ulcer over the last 45 years showed an insignificant upward trend.

Systematic review of peptic ulcer disease incidence rates: do studies without validation provide reliable estimates?

PURPOSE

Incidence rate (IR) estimates for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) vary widely among studies. We conducted a systematic review to quantify and examine the discrepancies.

METHODS

Of 4780 articles identified from PubMed and EMBASE databases, 31 published in the last three decades that had reported IRs of PUD in the general population were included. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to calculate pooled estimates and to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The pooled IR estimate per 1000 person-years was 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.78-1.04) for uncomplicated PUD, 0.57 (0.49-0.65) for peptic ulcer bleeding, 0.10 (0.08-0.13) for gastrointestinal perforations, and 3.18 (2.05-4.92) for nonspecific PUD. Within specific outcomes definitions, IR estimates were significantly lower in studies with restriction to hospitalized cases, case validation, and case ascertainment directly from hospital or clinical sources versus computerized health care databases. Younger age, female sex, and later calendar time were also associated with lower PUD incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the IR of uncomplicated PUD was in the order of one case per 1000 person-years in the general population, and that the IR of peptic ulcer complications was around 0.7 cases per 1000 person-years. Comparisons of IR estimates among studies need to take into account disease definition and other study characteristics, particularly whether outcome validation was performed in computerized claims. The use of claims to identify PUD cases might overestimate the IR by around 45%.

Trends in gastrointestinal bleeding in the Region of Valencia (2000-2005). Relationship to sales of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acid suppression medication

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2000-2005 time trends of prescription for NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and hospital admissions for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

METHODS

Time series analysis of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding admission and drugs' Defined Daily Dose per 1000 people per day (DDD/1000/day) in the Region of Valencia, Spain, from January 2000 to December 2005.

RESULTS

Dispensation of NSAIDs went from 42.7 DDD/1000 people/day in 2000 to 58.3 DDD/1000 people/day in 2005. During the same period, dispensation of PPIs went from 26.3 DDD/1000 people/day to 68.5 DDD/1000 people/day (both are statistically significant). The rate of hospitalisations for gastrointestinal bleeding during this period oscillated between 142 and 126 admission per 100 000 inhabitants/year. No year showed significant differences compared to 2000.

CONCLUSION

A substantial increase in the NSAID use from 2000 to 2005 was not accompanied by changes in GI bleeding hospitalisation rates in Valencia, but GI bleeding rates continued to be high, suggesting a need to improve NSAIDs use.

Hospitalisation of and mortality from bleeding peptic ulcer in Sweden: a nationwide time-trend analysis

BACKGROUND

Time-trend analyses of incidence and mortality in bleeding peptic ulcer show divergent results.

AIM

To conduct a detailed national analysis of hospitalisation of and mortality from bleeding peptic ulcer in Sweden.

METHOD

Data from all hospitalisations at departments with primary responsibility for patients with bleeding ulcer in Sweden, with main diagnosis or co-diagnosis of bleeding ulcer from 1987 to 2005 were retrieved from the Hospital Discharge Register. A validation study was performed due to an uncertainty in diagnostic setting after the introduction of ICD-10 in 1997. Annual hospitalisation rates per 100 000 inhabitants in relation to gender, age and ulcer location were calculated as well as age-standardised 30-day mortality rates.

RESULTS

Hospitalisations for bleeding ulcer decreased from 63.9 to 35.3 per 100 000 inhabitants per year during the study period. The decrease was greater among men (men: from 80.4 to 40.9; women: from 47.7 to 29.7) and in younger age groups. Bleeding gastric ulcer decreased in both genders, and bleeding duodenal ulcer decreased most among men, but was stable in a subgroup of elderly women. Median age increased from 70 to 76 years. Standardised 30-day mortality increased from 5.3% to 6.2%. The increased mortality was found in those aged more than 65 years and with duodenal ulcer disease, whereas mortality remained unchanged in those with bleeding gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalisation rates for bleeding peptic ulcer have markedly decreased in Sweden in all age groups. The 30-day mortality is low compared with other nationwide studies in the western world, but has increased among patients with duodenal ulcer disease.

Safety and tolerability of high-dose intravenous esomeprazole for prevention of peptic ulcer rebleeding

INTRODUCTION

Efficacy of a continuous high-dose intravenous infusion of esomeprazole, followed by an oral regimen after successful endoscopic therapy for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) was established in the PUB study (ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT00251979). Mortality rates and detailed safety and tolerability results from this study are reported here.

METHODS

This was a double-blind, randomized study in patients ≥18 years with overt signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, following endoscopic diagnosis of a single gastric or duodenal ulcer (≥5 mm) with stigmata indicating current/ recent bleeding (Forrest class Ia, Ib, IIa, or IIb). Postendoscopic hemostasis, patients received intravenous esomeprazole (80 mg/30 minutes, then 8 mg/hour for 71.5 hours) or placebo. Postinfusion, all patients received open-label oral esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for 27 days. Mortality rates were analyzed using Fisher's exact test; other safety variables were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

A total of 767 patients were randomized; 764 comprised the safety analysis set (375 patients received esomeprazole, 389 placebo). Baseline characteristics were similar across the two treatment groups. Three deaths from the esomeprazole treatment group and eight from the placebo group occurred during the trial (0.8% versus 2.1%; P=0.22). From these 11 all-cause deaths, one (esomeprazole group; rebleeding from duodenal ulcer) occurred during the 72-hour intravenous treatment phase. Adverse event (AE) frequency was similar for the two groups over the intravenous treatment phase (esomeprazole, 39.2%; placebo, 41.9%), with gastrointestinal disorders being most commonly reported (12.3% and 19.8%, respectively). Serious AEs were mostly related to bleeding events. Infusion-site reactions (mild, transient) were reported in 4.3% of esomeprazole-treated patients versus 0.5% of placebo patients. These did not lead to treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Esomeprazole, given as a continuous high-dose intravenous infusion followed by an oral regimen after successful endoscopic therapy for PUB, was well tolerated, with no apparent safety concerns from either the high-dose intravenous treatment or oral phases.

Esomeprazole for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of acute bleeding in the upper GI tract. The incidence of peptic ulcer bleeding has slowly decreased and endoscopic treatment options have improved; nevertheless, it remains a very common condition with a 7-15% mortality. Acidic environments have a negative effect on hemostasis. Therefore, acid inhibitors have been applied in the adjuvant treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, both in preventing rebleeding and in treating the underlying cause. This requires profound acid suppressive therapy aiming for a rapid onset of effect and a persistent intragastric pH above 6. This can only be achieved by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, and the first PPI to consist of only the active isomer. A number of studies have compared esomeprazole with other PPIs, demonstrating a faster and more persistent increase in intragastric pH with the use of esomeprazole than with other agents. Continuous high-dose intravenous treatment with esomeprazole decreases rebleeding, surgery, transfusion rates and hospital days in peptic ulcer bleeding.

Mortality from peptic ulcer bleeding: the impact of comorbidity and the use of drugs that promote bleeding

BACKGROUND

Use of drugs promoting peptic ulcer bleed has increased several folds.

AIM

To make a time-trend analysis of peptic ulcer bleed patients and evaluate the impact of age, gender, comorbidity and use of drugs promoting peptic ulcer bleed on outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective review of hospitalizations for peptic ulcer bleed at Lund University Hospital during 1984, 1994 and 2004. Univariate analyses between years and multivariable logistic regression for risk factors of fatal outcome.

RESULTS

Incidence decreased from 62.0 to 32.1 per 100 000 inhabitants between 1984 and 2004. Mortality rates were stable. Median age (70–77 years; P = 0.001), number of comorbidities (mean +/- s.d.: 0.88 +/- 0.96 to 1.16 +/- 0.77; P = 0.021), use of aspirin (16–57%; P < 0.001) and warfarin (5–17%; P = 0.02) increased. Pharmacological and endoscopic therapy improved. Age above 65 years (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23) and number of comorbidities (OR: 6.00, 95% CI: 2.56–17.4) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Bleeding promoting drugs did not influence outcome negatively. Aspirin decreased the risk of fatal outcome (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.012–0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of peptic ulcer bleed decreased despite higher prescription rates of bleeding promoting drugs. The in-hospital mortality remained unchanged. The effect of improved therapy against peptic ulcer bleed is probably outweighed by older and more comorbid patients. The decreased risk of fatal outcome in aspirin users warrants further investigations.

Helicobacter pylori infection and nonmalignant diseases

Several interesting studies have been published on nonmalignant Helicobacter pylori-related conditions over the past year, which are reviewed in this article. A revival of interest in the histologic classification of gastritis has led to grading of gastritis into stages correlating with risk of neoplastic progression, new data to improve this concept have been published. Unselected prescription of proton-pump inhibitors in patients with dyspepsia has been questioned by the finding that withdrawal of proton-pump inhibitors induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers, probably by the mechanism of rebound gastric acid hypersecretion. Additional data on the rationale of tapering proton-pump inhibitor therapy are therefore awaited. Moreover, new data on peptic ulcer disease and its complications provide clear recommendations for daily clinical practice. Testing and eradication of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding is essential. However, in H. pylori-negative peptic ulcer disease, high overall patient mortality should be acknowledged, and this should guide considering continuation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is still unclear. An association has been described by several studies; however, it cannot be translated to individual risks for development of gastroesophageal reflux disease after H. pylori eradication. Possibly, additional data on subgroups, such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer patients, and associated gastric mucosal changes, will solve this issue.

Trends in acute non-variceal bleeding in Israel in 1996-2007: a significant decrease in the rates of bleeding peptic ulcers

BACKGROUND

A decrease in the incidence of hospital admissions for acute non-variceal upper GI bleeding (AUGIB) has been reported in regions with a low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection.

AIM

To investigate trends in hospital admissions for AUGIB in Israel, where the prevalence of HP infection is intermediate.

METHODS

We have searched the National Hospital Discharge Database of the Israeli Ministry of Health, where all admissions to acute care hospitals for the period January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2007 are compiled. Using a validated strategy, we identified all admissions for AUGIB according to ICD-9-CM codes. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to reflect the age and gender distribution of the Israeli population.

RESULTS

The overall rates of hospital admissions for AUGIB decreased significantly from 29.3 to 16.8 cases/10(5)population/year (p<0.0001). The decreases were similar in both genders. This decrease was due to decreased rates of bleeding from duodenal ulcers (from 13.6 to 5 cases/10(5)population/year) and gastric ulcers (from 4.3 to 2.4 cases/10(5)population/year). The rates of bleeding from other causes remained unchanged. The rates of surgical interventions bleeding control decreased significantly (overall from 11 to 4%). The in-hospital mortality rate varied between 7.6 and 7%, did not change significantly in both genders but increased significantly with age during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

A decline in the overall incidence of AUGIB during the study period was due to a significant decrease in the rate of bleeding peptic ulcers.

Association between clinical manifestations of complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcer and visceral sensory dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) usually manifests as either dyspepsia or less commonly with complications such as bleeding. Patients with bleeding ulcers are often asymptomatic until the bleeding occurs. A lack of dyspeptic symptoms might be explained by impaired visceral sensory function. The aim of this study was to assess symptom profiles and compare visceral sensory thresholds in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer (BPU) and uncomplicated PUD.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients with BPU, 25 with uncomplicated PUD and 32 healthy controls (HC) without dyspeptic symptoms were recruited. In ulcer patients after at least 8 weeks of ulcer treatment and an 8-hr fast, visceral sensitivity was tested using a standardized nutrient challenge with an enteral feeding solution. Five key symptoms (fullness, abdominal pain, retrosternal/abdominal burning, nausea, and regurgitation) were assessed using visual analog scales (0-100).

RESULTS

Twenty-five of the 30 (83%, 95% confidence interval 65-94%) patients with BPU had no dyspeptic symptoms compared with none of the 25 uncomplicated PUD patients. Patients with BPU and HC had significantly lower symptom responses (BPU 127.6 +/- 24.6, HC 89.8 +/- 13.9) to the nutrient challenge than uncomplicated PUD patients (338.4 +/- 56.2, P < 0.0001). Patients with dyspeptic symptoms (30/55) had significantly higher symptom responses (327.3 +/- 47.8) than the 25/55 patients without symptoms (98.9 +/- 23.4, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with BPU present without dyspeptic symptoms. Even after healing of the ulcer, patients with uncomplicated PUD have a significantly augmented symptom response to a standardized nutrient challenge compared to patients with complicated ulcers and HC. Differences in the processing of upper gastrointestinal visceral afferents may play a major role in the clinical presentation (complicated vs uncomplicated) of PUD.

Preadmission use of systemic glucocorticoids and 30-day mortality following bleeding peptic ulcer: a population-based cohort study

Systemic glucocorticoid use is associated with an increased risk for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB); however, little is known about whether glucocorticoid use is associated with PUB outcome. We conducted a population-based cohort study to examine the association between preadmission use of systemic glucocorticoids and 30-day mortality following PUB. We identified all patients (n = 7,486) hospitalized with a first-time diagnosis of PUB in Western Denmark between 1991 and 2004. Data on PUB; systemic glucocorticoid use (n = 574; 7.7%), including cumulative dose; use of other ulcer-related drugs; previous uncomplicated ulcer; comorbidities; and complete follow-up for mortality were obtained from population-based medical databases. We computed 30-day mortality and mortality rate ratios (MRRs) comparing glucocorticoid users and nonusers, controlling for potential confounding factors. Thirty-day mortality was 14.0% among users of systemic glucocorticoids and no other ulcer-related drugs and 8.7% among nonusers of glucocorticoids, corresponding to an adjusted MRR of 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-2.08). Among users of systemic glucocorticoids in combination with other ulcer-related drugs, 30-day mortality was 18.9%, corresponding to an adjusted MRR of 1.54 (95% CI, 1.20-1.99). Among both short-term and long-term users, high-dose glucocorticoid use was associated with a greater increase in mortality than low-dose use. Former use of systemic glucocorticoids was not associated with increased mortality. Thus, preadmission use of systemic glucocorticoids was associated with increased 30-day mortality following PUB. Increased mortality was most pronounced when glucocorticoids were used in high doses or were combined with other ulcer-related drugs.

Preadmission use of SSRIs alone or in combination with NSAIDs and 30-day mortality after peptic ulcer bleeding

OBJECTIVE. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and this risk is amplified by concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The aim of the study was to examine the impact of SSRI use alone or in combination with NSAIDs on 30-day mortality after peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). MATERIAL AND METHODS. A population-based cohort study of patients with a first hospitalization with PUB in three Danish counties was carried out between 1991 and 2005 using medical databases. We calculated 30-day mortality rate ratios (MRRs) associated with the use of SSRIs, alone or in combination with NSAIDs, adjusted for important covariates. RESULTS. Of 7415 patients admitted with PUB, 5.9% used SSRIs only, and 3.8% used SSRIs in combination with NSAIDs, with a 30-day mortality of 11.8% and 11.3%, respectively. Compared with patients who used neither SSRIs nor NSAIDs, the adjusted 30-day MRR was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.76-1.36) for current users of SSRIs and 0.89 (0.62-1.28) for the combined use of SSRIs with NSAIDs. There was a 2.11-fold (95% CI 1.35-3.30) increased risk of death associated with SSRI use starting within 60 days of admission; for those younger than 80 years, the adjusted MRR was 1.54 (0.72-3.29), and 2.57 (1.47-4.49) for those older than 80 years. CONCLUSIONS. Use of SSRIs, alone or in combination with NSAIDs, was not associated with increased 30-day mortality following PUB. However, increased mortality was found in patients who started SSRI therapy, particularly among those older than 80 years. We can only speculate on whether this finding is due to pharmacological action or confounding factors.

[Guidelines of treatment for bleeding peptic ulcer disease]

Peptic ulcer (PU) bleeding is the main cause of non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding. Negative outcomes include re-bleeding and death, and many of the deaths are associated with decompensation of coexisting medical conditions precipitated by acute bleeding event. Accurate analysis of risk for clinical features can help physician to decide treatment modality. Endoscopy can detect bleeding stigmata and perform therapeutic hemostasis. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) compared with placebo or H2RA reduces mortality following PU bleeding among patients with high-risk endoscopic findings, and reduces re-bleeding rates and surgical intervention. PPI treatment initiated prior to endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding significantly reduces the proportion of patients with stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) at index endoscopy but does not reduce mortality, re-bleeding or the need for surgery. The strategy of giving oral PPI before and after endoscopy, with endoscopic hemostasis for those with major SRH, is likely to be the most cost-effective. The treatment of H. pylori infection was found to be more effective than anti-secretory therapy in preventing recurrent bleeding from PU. H. pylori eradication alone and eradication followed by misoprostol (with switch to PPI, if misoprostol is not tolerated) are the two most cost-effective strategies to prevent ulcer bleeding among H. pylori-infected NSAID users, although the data cannot exclude PPIs also being cost-effective treatment. This review focuses specifically on the current treatment of patients with acute bleeding from a peptic ulcer.