Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines

Evaluation of the Sentinel-FOB gold faecal immunochemical test for the presence of haemoglobin using the automated Roche Cobas 8000 system

Objectives

Design

Results

Conclusion

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The SENTIFIT-FOB Gold assay for the quantitation of haemoglobin in faeces was evaluated on the widely used automated Roche Cobas 8000 system.

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Good analytical and clinical performance were confirmed.

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The diagnostic accuracy was assessed and the optimal cutoff for use in symptomatic patients was determined.

Clinical practice guidelines for endoscopic papillectomy

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endoscopic Papillectomy (EP)" as a fundamental guideline using scientific approach. EP is a recently spreading therapeutic modality for ampullary tumors ranked as high risk endoscopic technique. Because of the paucity of high level of evidence, strength of recommendations had to be determined by a consensus among specialists. These guidelines, shed light on the following five issues: Indications, Preoperative/intraoperative preparations and techniques, Early adverse events, Therapeutic outcomes and remnants/recurrences, and Follow-up and late adverse events, to guide current clinical practice on EP.

GEC ESTRO ACROP consensus recommendations for contact brachytherapy for rectal cancer

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CXB appears to be an efficacious technique for rectal cancer treatment and may allow rectal preservation in selected patients.

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These GEC ESTRO ACROP recommendations recommend dose schemes in for rectal CXB.

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These recommendations advise reporting of tumour depth to enable future refinement of dose prescription and target definition.

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The routine collection and publication of outcome data including patient reported outcomes (PROs) is recommended.

Purpose

To issue consensus recommendations for contact X-Ray brachytherapy (CXB) for rectal cancer covering pre-treatment evaluation, treatment, dosimetric issues and follow-up. These recommendations cover CXB in the definitive and palliative setting.

Methods

Members of GEC ESTRO with expertise in rectal CXB issued consensus-based recommendations for CXB based on literature review and clinical experience. Levels of evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence based medicine guidance are presented where possible.

Results

The GEC ESTRO ACROP consensus recommendations support the use of CXB to increase the chances of clinical complete remission and cure for patients who are elderly with high surgical risk, surgically unfit or refusing surgery. For palliative treatment, the use of CXB is recommended for symptomatic relief and disease control. The use of CXB in an organ-preservation setting in surgically fit patients is recommended within the setting of a clinical trial or registry.

Conclusions

The GEC ESTRO ACROP recommendations for CXB are provided. Recommendations towards standardisation of reporting and prescription are given. Practitioners are encouraged to follow these recommendations and to develop further clinical trials to examine this treatment modality and increase the evidence base for its use. The routine collection of outcomes both clinical and patient-reported is also encouraged.

Safety of cold snare polypectomy with periprocedural antithrombotic agents for colorectal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to study the safety of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for colorectal polyps in patients administered periprocedural antithrombotic agents.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through June 2021. The primary outcomes were the rates of delayed and immediate bleeding (requiring endoscopic hemostasis). Secondary outcomes included thromboembolic events. Meta-analysis using odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was performed to compare the outcomes.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, including five randomized trials, were included. Over 96% of polyps were ⩽1 cm. The pooled rates of delayed and immediate bleeding for patients receiving CSP and periprocedural antithrombotic agents were 1.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Both the delayed (OR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.98-8.17) and immediate bleeding (OR = 5.85, 95% CI = 3.84-8.89) rates were significantly higher in patients using periprocedural antithrombotic agents than in non-users. Although both antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants increased the risk of delayed bleeding, the risks associated with the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; 2.5%) or multiple agents (3.9%) were particularly high. Compared to their counterparts, diminutive polyps and uncomplicated lesions not requiring hemoclipping were associated with lower risks of delayed bleeding (pooled estimates of 0.4% and 0.18%, respectively). Thromboembolic risk was similar among patients using and not using periprocedural antithrombotic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

CSP with periprocedural antiplatelet agents and warfarin may be feasible, especially for diminutive polyps. However, drug discontinuation should be considered with the use of DOACs or multiple agents which entail higher bleeding risk even with hemoclipping.

Rebleeding after hemoclip versus argon plasma coagulation for gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Hemoclips are utilized for treating bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplastic lesions (GIADs); however, the supporting evidence is limited.

AIMS

Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of hemoclips in preventing bleeding secondary to GIADs compared to argon plasma coagulation (APC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with bleeding gastric, small bowel or colonic GIADs that were endoscopically treated between January 2009 and November 2016. Patients that received hemoclips as monotherapy or in combination were compared to a randomly selected similar number of patients treated with APC.

RESULTS

We included 157 patients that underwent APC and 141 who received hemoclips. During a median follow-up of 17 months, those with hemoclips had a 32.6% rebleeding vs. 46.5% in the APC group (P = 0.017). On multivariate regression analysis, use of hemoclips was not a significant predictor of rebleeding when compared to APC; hemoclips monotherapy (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.54-1.59) and hemoclips combination (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.41-1.01). When the multivariate analysis was restricted to subjects that resumed antithrombotics after endoscopy, rebleeding risk was lower when hemoclips were used in combination (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.84) compared to APC. We noted a similar effect in the antithrombotic subgroup even after propensity score matching (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Treatment modality was not a significant predictor of rebleeding when studied for the entire population. However, the risk of rebleeding was lower with hemoclips combination therapy compared to APC in patients that resumed antithrombotic therapy, suggesting a potential role for a combined approach in this subgroup of patients.

Endoscopic mucosal resection of colorectal polyps: results, adverse events and two-year outcome

Background and study aims

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the first-line treatment for large sessile and flat colorectal polyps in Western centres, however recurrence after EMR continues to be a challenge. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy, safety and recurrence rate of EMR in a tertiary centre and to identify risk factors for recurrence at first surveillance endoscopy (SE1).

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective study of 165 sessile and flat colorectal lesions ≥15 mm, treated by EMR between 2017-2019. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for recurrence at SE1.

Results

EMR was performed for 165 colorectal polyps in 142 patients with technical success in 158 cases (95,2%). SE1 data for 117 of 135 eligible cases (86,7%) showed recurrent adenoma in 19 cases (16,2%) after a median time of 6,2 months (IQR 5-9,9). This was primarily treated endoscopically (78,9%). Independent risk factors for recurrence at SE1 were lesion size ≥40 mm (OR 4,03; p=0,018) and presence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) (OR 3,89; p=0,034). Early adverse event occurred in 4 patients (2,4%), with 3 bleeding complications and one perforation. Twelve patients (7,2%) presented with delayed bleeding of which 3 required transfusion, with radiological intervention in one case. All other complications were managed either conservatively (n=8) or endoscopically (n=5).

Conclusions

EMR is a safe and effective treatment for large sessile and flat colorectal lesions with low recurrence rates. Lesion size ≥40 mm and presence of HGD were identified as risk factors for early recurrence, highlighting the importance of compliance to follow-up in these cases.

Risks of post-colonoscopic polypectomy bleeding and thromboembolism with warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

There were limited data on the risk of post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) in patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). We aimed to evaluate the PPB and thromboembolic risks among DOAC and warfarin users in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

We performed a territory-wide retrospective cohort study involving patients in Hong Kong from 2012 to 2020. Patients who received an oral anticoagulant and had undergone colonoscopy with polypectomy were identified. Propensity-score models with inverse probability of treatment weighting were developed for the warfarin-DOAC and between-DOAC comparisons. The primary outcome was clinically significant delayed PPB, defined as repeat colonoscopy requiring haemostasis within 30 days. The secondary outcomes were 30-day blood transfusion requirement and new thromboembolic event.

RESULTS

Apixaban was associated with lower PPB risk than warfarin (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.39, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.63, p<0.001). Dabigatran (aHR 2.23, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.77, adjusted p (ap)=0.035) and rivaroxaban (aHR 2.72, 95% CI 1.35 to 5.48, ap=0.002) were associated with higher PPB risk than apixaban. In subgroup analysis, apixaban was associated with lower PPB risk in patients aged ≥70 years and patients with right-sided colonic polyps.For thromboembolic events, apixaban was associated with lower risk than warfarin (aHR 0.22, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.45, p<0.001). Dabigatran (aHR 2.60, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.41, ap=0.033) and rivaroxaban (aHR 2.96, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.37, ap =0.013) were associated with higher thromboembolic risk than apixaban.

CONCLUSIONS

Apixaban was associated with a significantly lower risk of PPB and thromboembolism than warfarin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, particularly in older patients with right-sided polyps.

Through-the-needle biopsy of pancreatic cystic lesions: current evidence and implications for clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing evidence to support the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB) technique as a means of sampling pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Results provide evidence demonstrating the benefits of this procedure over standard EUS fine-needle aspiration (FNA), thus supporting a push for its widespread implementation in clinical practice. Though this technique has demonstrated advantages, achieving these advantages in clinical practice is contingent upon careful considerations to ensure safety and efficacy.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review is to assess the level of evidence supporting the use of through-the-needle biopsy, revise its main technical and procedural characteristics, and to develop suggested guidelines outlining the safe assimilation of this device in clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

EUS-TTNB enables more definitive and accurate diagnosis of PCLs by providing higher-quality histological samples. However, EUS-TTNB is not appropriate for all PCLs. Selection of suitable patients as well as morphology and risk factors of the cystic lesion is a crucial component of achieving the described benefits of this procedure while minimizing risks of adverse effects. Subjects with weak or absent indications for this procedure are susceptible to a range of complications and may even result in fatality.

Impact of Physicians' and Patients' Compliance on Outcomes of Colonoscopic Polypectomy With Anti-Thrombotic Therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although there are international guidelines on the management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy, whether clinicians and patients follow these recommendations are largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate clinician adherence and patient compliance to periendoscopic management of antithrombotic therapy and their impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients on antithrombotic therapy scheduled for elective colonoscopy in a tertiary referral center were recruited prospectively. Demographic data, indications and periprocedural management of antithrombotic drugs, colonoscopy findings, postpolypectomy bleeding, and serious cardiovascular events were collected systematically. We used Joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology-Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy Practice Guidelines 2018 and assumed clinicians should hold antithrombotics for polypectomy in all colonoscopy patients. Patient compliance was assessed by checking whether discontinuation and resumption of antithrombotic drugs were in accordance with clinician advice.

RESULTS

Between December 2017 and October 2019, there were 602 patients recruited who were on antithrombotic drugs undergoing colonoscopy with polypectomy. A total of 98.4%, 41.2%, and 40.0% of clinicians adhered to the guidelines for aspirin alone, clopidogrel alone, and dual-antiplatelet therapy, respectively. Adherence rates were 8.5% for warfarin and 5.2% for direct oral anticoagulants. Compliance to instructions for aspirin alone, clopidogrel alone, dual-antiplatelet therapy, warfarin, and direct oral anticoagulants were achieved in 74.8%, 41.2%, 0%, 36.2%, and 17.5% of patients, respectively. Clinician nonadherence to guidelines was a risk factor for delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.46-8.58; P = .005), and serious cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 15.63; 95% CI, 1.83-133.80; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

Physician adherence to the guideline and patient compliance, with the exception of aspirin, were poor and contributed to adverse clinical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03363061.

Anticoagulant Reversal in Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Review of Treatment Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving anticoagulant therapies, such as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), commonly experience gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as a complication and may require anticoagulant reversal prior to endoscopic treatment. Anticoagulant reversal agents include prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs; including 3 or 4 coagulation factors), plasma, vitamin K, and target-specific DOAC reversal agents (e.g., idarucizumab and andexanet alfa).

AIM

To review current US, as well as international, guidelines for anticoagulant reversal agents in patients on VKAs or DOACs presenting with GI bleeding prior to endoscopy, guideline-based management of coagulation defects, timing of endoscopy, and recommendations for resumption of anticoagulant therapy following hemostasis. Supporting clinical data were also reviewed.

METHODS

This is a narrative review, based on PubMed and Internet searches reporting GI guidelines and supporting clinical data.

RESULTS

GI-specific guidelines state that use of reversal agents should be considered in patients with life-threatening GI bleeding. For VKA patients presenting with an international normalized ratio > 2.5, guidelines recommend PCCs (specifically 4F-PCC), as they may exhibit greater efficacy/safety compared with fresh frozen plasma in reversal of VKA-associated GI bleeding. For DOAC patients, most guidelines recommend targeted specific reversal agents in the setting of GI bleeding; however, PCCs (primarily 4F-PCC) are often listed as another option. Resumption of anticoagulant therapy following cessation of GI bleeding is also recommended to reduce risks of future thromboembolic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of anticoagulant reversal agents in GI bleeding is recognized in guidelines; however, such agents should be reserved for use in truly life-threatening scenarios.

Troubleshooting Difficult Bile Duct Access: Advanced ERCP Cannulation Techniques, Percutaneous Biliary Drainage, or EUS-Guided Rendezvous Technique?

Despite experienced hands and availability of various well-designed catheters and wires, selective bile duct cannulation may still fail in 10–20% of cases during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In case standard ERCP cannulation technique fails, salvage options include advanced ERCP cannulation techniques such as double-guidewire technique (DGW) with or without pancreatic stenting and precut papillotomy, percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided Rendezvous (EUS-RV) ERCP. If the pancreatic duct is inadvertently entered during cannulation attempts, DGW technique is a reasonable next step, which can be followed by pancreatic stenting to reduce risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Studies suggest that early precut papillotomy is not associated with a higher risk of PEP, while needle-knife fistulotomy is the preferred method. For patients with critical clinical condition who may not be fit for endoscopy, surgically altered anatomy in which endoscopic biliary drainage is not feasible, and non-communicating multisegmental biliary obstruction, PBD has a unique role to provide successful biliary drainage efficiently in this particular population. As endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage techniques advance, EUS-RV ERCP has been increasingly employed to guide bile duct access and cannulation with satisfactory clinical outcomes and is especially valuable for benign pathology at centres where expertise is available. Endoscopists should become familiar with each technique’s advantages and limitations before deciding the most appropriate treatment that is tailored to patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.

Direct oral anticoagulants increase bleeding risk after endoscopic sphincterotomy: a retrospective study

Background

Bleeding can be a serious adverse event of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). However, the risk of EST bleeding between direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users and those who received no antithrombotic agents has not been clarified. This study analyzed the risk factors for bleeding after EST in patients on DOAC and evaluated the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 524 patients treated with EST who received DOAC or no antithrombotic drug from May 2016 to August 2019. We investigated the risk factors for bleeding. DOAC was typically discontinued for ≤ 1-day based on the JGES guideline. Although DOAC therapy recommenced the next morning after EST in principle, the duration of DOAC cessation and heparin replacement were determined by the attending physician based on each patient’s status.

Results

The number of patients on DOAC (DOAC group) and those not on antithrombotic drug (no-drug group) was 42 (8.0%) and 482 (92.0%), respectively. DOAC was discontinued for ≤ 1-day in 17 (40.0%) patients and for > 1-day in 25 (60.0%). Of the 524 patients, 21 (4.0%) had EST bleeding. The bleeding rate was higher in the DOAC group (14.0%) (p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that bleeding occurred more frequently in patients on DOAC (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–11.4, p = 0.011), patients with low platelet counts (< 100,000/µl) (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.1–21.6, p = 0.001), and elderly patients (> 80 years old) (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.17–9.65, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

DOAC treatment, low platelet count, and old age (> 80 years old) are risk factors for EST bleeding. Although the bleeding incidence increased in patients on DOAC who received antithrombotic therapy according to the JGES guidelines, successful hemostasis was achieved with endoscopy in all cases, and no thrombotic events occurred after cessation of DOAC. Thus, the JGES guidelines are acceptable.

Timing of bleeding and thromboembolism associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to reveal the timing of bleeding and thromboembolism associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed  10,320 patients who underwent ESD for EGC during November 2013-October 2016. We evaluated overall bleeding rates and their inter-group differences. Factors associated with early/late (cut-off 5 days) bleeding and thromboembolism frequency and its association with the intake of antithrombotic agents were investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, the post-ESD bleeding rate was 4.7% (489/10 320); the median time to post-ESD bleeding was 4 days. The post-ESD bleeding rates were 3.2%, 8.7%, 15.5%, and 29.9% in those not taking antithrombotic agents, those taking antiplatelet agents, those taking anticoagulants (ACs), and those taking antiplatelet agents and ACs. Warfarin (odds ratio [OR], 9.16), direct oral ACs (OR, 4.16), chronic kidney disease with hemodialysis (OR, 2.93), thienopyridine (OR, 2.25), aspirin (OR, 1.66), tumor size >30 mm (OR, 1.86), multiple tumors' resection (OR, 1.54), and tumor in the lower third of the stomach (OR, 1.40) were independent risk factors for early bleeding. The independent risk factors for late bleeding were direct oral ACs (OR, 7.42), chronic kidney disease with hemodialysis (OR, 4.99), warfarin (OR, 3.90), thienopyridine (OR, 3.09), liver cirrhosis (OR, 2.43), cilostazol (OR, 1.93), aspirin (OR, 1.92), ischemic heart disease (OR, 1.77), and male sex (OR, 1.65). There were three (0.03%) thromboembolic events (cerebral infarction = 2, transient ischemic attack = 1).

CONCLUSION

We revealed the timing of bleeding and risk factors for early/late bleeding and showed the thromboembolism frequency associated with ESD for EGC.

Safety of Inguinal Hernia Repair in the Elderly with Perioperative Continuation of Antithrombotic Therapy

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of an inguinal hernia repair (IHR) under local anesthesia (LA) in the elderly with a perioperative continuation of antithrombotic therapy (AT).

Methods

A total of 120 patients undergoing elective primary IHR between August 2018 and August 2019 at the West China Hospital of China were prospectively studied, among which 60 patients also had coexisting cardiovascular diseases and had a continuation of AT perioperatively (antithrombotic group); the other 60 patients were not on any prior AT (control group). The primary endpoints were intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications, the required interventions for complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, and postoperative thromboembolic complications. The secondary endpoints were nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS).

Results

None of the patients in both groups had significant intraoperative bleeding >10 mL, and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the postoperative hemorrhagic complications: bruising (2 vs. 0%, p = 1.000), serosanguinous soakage (7 vs. 3%, p = 0.679), and no hematoma was observed. Interventions required for encountered complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification grade I (7 vs. 5%, p = 1.000) were assessed. There were no episodes of postoperative thromboembolic complications within 60 days in both groups. There were also no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative LOS (p > 0.05 in all).

Conclusions

The perioperative continuation of AT did not increase the risk of intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications following IHR in the elderly. Thus, IHR under LA seems to be safe and feasible in this setting.

Multicentre randomised controlled trial on virtual chromoendoscopy in the detection of neoplasia during colitis surveillance high-definition colonoscopy (the VIRTUOSO trial)

BACKGROUND

Longstanding colonic IBD increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The utility of chromoendoscopy with standard-definition white light technology has been established. However, the use of high-definition virtual chromoendoscopy (HDV) in colitis surveillance remains undefined.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of HDV (i-scan OE mode 2) with high-definition white light (HDWL) for detection of neoplasia in patients with IBD undergoing surveillance colonoscopy. Additionally, we assessed the utility of protocol-guided quadrantic non-targeted biopsies.

DESIGN

A multioperator randomised controlled trial was carried out in two centres in the UK. Total of 188 patients (101 men, mean age 54) with longstanding ulcerative or Crohn's colitis were randomised, prior to starting the surveillance colonoscopy, to using either HDV (n=94) or HDWL (n=94) on withdrawal. Targeted and quadrantic non-targeted biopsies were taken in both arms per-randomisation protocol. The primary outcome was the difference in neoplasia detection rate (NDR) between HDV and HDWL.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between HDWL and HDV for neoplasia detection. The NDR was not significantly different for HDWL (24.2%) and HDV (14.9%) (p=0.14). All intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) detected contained low-grade dysplasia only. A total of 6751 non-targeted biopsies detected one IEN only. The withdrawal time was similar in both arms of the study; median of 24 min (HDWL) versus 25.5 min (HDV).

CONCLUSION

HDV and HDWL did not differ significantly in the detection of neoplasia. Almost all neoplasia were detected on targeted biopsy or resection. Quadrantic non-targeted biopsies have negligible additional gain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Trial.gov ID NCT02822352.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles, and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

[Clinical and Technical Guideline for Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Tissue Acquisition of Pancreatic Solid Tumor: Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy]

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor requires a strict recommendation for its proper use in clinical practice because of its technical difficulty and invasiveness. The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy appointed a Task Force to draft clinical practice guidelines for EUS-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor. The strength of recommendation and the level of evidence for each statement were graded according to the Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014. The committee, comprising a development panel of 16 endosonographers and an expert on guideline development methodology, developed 12 evidence-based recommendations in eight categories intended to help physicians make evidence- based clinical judgments with regard to the diagnosis of pancreatic solid tumor. This clinical practice guideline discusses EUS-guided sampling in pancreatic solid tumor and makes recommendations on circumstances that warrant its use, technical issues related to maximizing the diagnostic yield (e.g., needle type, needle diameter, adequate number of needle passes, sample obtaining techniques, and methods of specimen processing), adverse events of EUS-guided tissue acquisition, and learning-related issues. This guideline was reviewed by external experts and suggests best practices recommended based on the evidence available at the time of preparation. This guideline may not be applicable for all clinical situations and should be interpreted in light of specific situations and the availability of resources. It will be revised as necessary to cover progress and changes in technology and evidence from clinical practice.

Cold snare polypectomy without submucosal injection: safety and efficacy in 615 large serrated lesions

Background and study aim  Cold resection is becoming the standard of care for the resection of nonpedunculated colon lesions up to 10 mm in diameter. Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps), including those ≥ 10 mm, present various characteristics that make them ideal candidates for cold snare polypectomy (CSP). Patients and methods  A prospectively maintained database was searched retrospectively for consecutive patients with lesions ≥ 10 mm resected between March 2013 and March 2018. During that period, all SSA/P-appearing lesions were resected using CSP without submucosal injection, except for lesions with endoscopic suspicion of dysplasia or submucosal invasion. Patients with a pathological diagnosis of SSA/P were included in the analysis. Adverse events were recorded up to 21 days following colonoscopy. Results  615 SSA/Ps ≥ 10 mm were resected during 452 colonoscopy procedures in 379 patients (mean age 54.1 years; standard deviation [SD] 11.9 years). Mean polyp size was 13.7 (SD 5.2) mm; 122 lesions (19.8 %) were ≥ 20 mm and 479 lesions (77.9 %) underwent piecemeal resection. Immediate adverse events included persistent abdominal pain that resolved spontaneously within 2 hours in three patients (0.8 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.2 %-2.3 %). One patient with persistent intraprocedural bleeding was successfully treated with a hemostatic clip. No late adverse events were detected. Surveillance colonoscopy was performed in 293 patients (77.3 %) at 23.4 (SD 11.6) months following index colonoscopy; residual/recurrent lesions were diagnosed in 23 patients (7.8 %; 95 %CI 5.0 %-11.6 %). Conclusion  CSP without submucosal injection appeared to be safe and effective for the resection of large SSA/Ps.

Risk of stroke and other thromboembolic complications after interruption of DOAC therapy compared with warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort analysis

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become the treatment of choice in thromboembolism prophylaxis for non-valvular atrial fibrillation, surpassing warfarin. While interruption of DOAC therapy for various reasons is a common eventuality, the body of data from real-world clinical practice on the implications of such interruptions in different clinical settings is still limited. We assessed complication rates from DOAC (apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) interruption compared with warfarin in hospitalized patients. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic records of patients hospitalized in Rabin Medical Center between 2010 and 2017. Incidents of anticoagulation interruptions for various reasons (including unintended interruptions) were collected. DOAC-treated patients were excluded if they reported non-compliance, and warfarin-treated patients were excluded if their international normalized ratio measurement on admission was subtherapeutic. Outcomes included ischemic stroke, systemic thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality within 90 days of anticoagulation interruption. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5.0 (IQR 4.0-6.0) in both treatment groups. The associated risk of stroke, thromboembolic complications, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality after interruption of anticoagulation was not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. Selective comparison of patients who were well balanced on warfarin before treatment interruption to DOAC-treated patients did not significantly influence the outcomes. This study did not find a significant difference in the complication rate after interruption of DOAC therapy compared with interruption of warfarin therapy in hospitalized patients with a high risk of thromboembolism.

Incidence and risk factors of colorectal delayed post-polypectomy bleeding in patients taking antithrombotics

OBJECTIVE

In this study we aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) in Chinese patients taking antithrombotics including antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent colorectal polypectomy from January 2017 to May 2020. Their demographic characteristics, features of the polyps including number, size, morphology, and location, and use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants were collected. The incidence and risk factors for DPPB were compared between the patients with and without antithrombotic use.

RESULTS

A total of 5152 polyps from 2267 patients were resected under endoscopy. Of these patients, 35 (1.54%) experienced DPPB. Compared with the control group who did not take antithrombotics (1.18%), the incidence of DPPB was significantly higher in patients treated with heparin bridge (HB) therapy (17.39%; P < 0.001) and clopidogrel (4.88%; P = 0.022), but did not differ in patients taking aspirin (1.28%), dual antiplatelet therapy (3.70%), warfarin alone (0%), or direct oral anticoagulants (3.85%). Using the multivariate analysis, HB therapy (odds ratio [OR] 16.735, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.320-64.834, P < 0.001), male sex (OR 3.825, 95% CI 1.298-11.265, P = 0.015), polyps >1 cm (OR 4.584, 95% CI 1.782-11.794, P = 0.002) and rectal polyps (OR 8.820, 95% CI 3.968-19.602, P < 0.001) were independently associated with a high risk of DPPB.

CONCLUSIONS

HB and clopidogrel therapies significantly increase the incidence of DPPB. HB therapy, male sex, polyp size and polyps located in the rectum are significant risk factors for DPPB.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy in cirrhotic patient: Issues on the table

Patients with liver cirrhosis are fragile and present specific clinical hallmarks. When undergoing to gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, these subjects require an individual pre evaluation, taking into account: Level of haemostasis impairment, the individual risk of infection, the impact of sedation on hepatic encephalopathy and other factors. The overall assessment of liver function, employing common scoring systems, should be also assessed in the preprocedural phase. Beside some common general problems, regarding GI endoscopy in cirrhotic subjects, also specific issues are present for some frequent indications or procedures. For instance, despite an increased incidence of adenomas in cirrhosis, colon cancer screening remains suboptimal in subjects with this disease. Several studies in fact demonstrated liver cirrhosis as a negative factor for an adequate colon cleansing before colonoscopy. On the other hand, also the routine assessment of gastroesophageal varices during upper GI endoscopy presents some concern, since important inter-observer variability or incomplete description of endoscopic findings has been reported in some studies. In this review we discussed in details the most relevant issues that may be considered while performing general GI endoscopic practice, in patient with cirrhosis. For most of these issues there are no guidelines or clear indications. Moreover until now, few studies focused on these aspects. We believe that targeting these issues with corrective measures may be helpful to develop a tailored endoscopic approach for cirrhosis, in the future.

Colonoscopy-Related Mortality in a Fecal Immunochemical Test-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Many countries have introduced colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs with fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), and follow-up colonoscopies for individuals with a positive FIT result. In order to make an informed decision to participate, individuals must be informed about the benefits and harms of FIT-based screening and subsequent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy-related fatal complications in FIT-based screening are understudied. We aimed to estimate the colonoscopy-related mortality in a national FIT-based CRC screening program.

METHODS

Colonoscopy-related mortality within 30 days after colonoscopy was assessed by analysis of data from national endoscopy complication databases in the Netherlands, determining the excess 30-day rate of death in FIT-positive individuals undergoing colonoscopy vs FIT-negative individuals (based on data from the national screening database), and determining the rate of likely colonoscopy-related deaths based on registered causes of death by the Statistics Netherlands.

RESULTS

Between October 2013 and December 2017, 172,797 participants underwent colonoscopy after a positive result from a FIT in the Dutch national CRC screening program; 13,848 participants received a diagnosis of CRC. The reported fatal complication rate was 0.23 per 10,000 FIT-positive participants (or 1 per 43,199; 95% CI, 0.090 - 0.60) undergoing colonoscopy, whereas this was 0.91 per 10,000 FIT-positive participants (or 1 per 10,961; 95% CI, 0.44 - 1.38) according to the excess death rate. Likely colonoscopy-related causes of death were reported in 0.86 per 10,000 FIT-positive participants (or 1 per 11,236; 95% CI, 0.48 - 1.63) who underwent colonoscopy, of which 50% considered cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonoscopy-related mortality within the Dutch FIT-based CRC screening program was estimated to range from 0.23 to 0.91 per 10,000 FIT-positive participants undergoing colonoscopy. These findings indicate underreporting of fatal complications in registries and a noteworthy incidence of fatal cardiovascular adverse events that requires further investigation. Nevertheless, the harm of FIT-based CRC screening is vastly outweighed by the benefits.

Hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured right gastroepiploic artery following non-interventional endoscopic ultrasonography: a case report

Endoscopic ultrasonography has become a routine procedure in clinical practice and is widely accepted as a safe procedure. Previous studies have reported that severe bleeding rarely occurs even when performing fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Severe hemorrhage following non-interventional endoscopic ultrasonography has never been reported. We herein report a case of hemorrhagic shock due to hemoperitoneum caused by a ruptured right gastroepiploic artery consequent to a diagnostic endoscopic ultrasonography. The patient was administered two antithrombotic agents. An extensive diagnostic workup contributed to the correct diagnosis, which led to a successful treatment by transcatheter arterial embolization. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare, but potentially fatal, adverse event of endoscopic ultrasonography.

Endoscopic full thickness resection in the colo-rectum: outcomes from the UK Registry

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) of the colon using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is a novel method for removing lesions involving, or tethered to, deeper layers of the colonic wall. The UK FTRD Registry collected data from multiple centres performing this procedure. We describe the technical feasibility, safety and early outcomes of this technique in the UK.

METHODS

Data were collected and analysed on 68 patients who underwent eFTR at 11 UK centres from April 2015 to June 2019. Outcome measures were technical success, procedural time, specimen size, R0 resection, endoscopic clearance, and adverse events. Reported technical difficulties were collated.

RESULTS

Indications for eFTR included non-lifting polyps (29 cases), T1 tumour resection (13), subepithelial tumour (9), and polyps at the appendix base or diverticulum (17). Target lesion resection was achieved in 60/68 (88.2%). Median specimen size was 21.7 mm (10-35 mm). Histologically confirmed R0 resection was achieved in 43/56 (76.8%) with full-thickness resection in 52/56 (92.9%). Technical difficulties occurred in 17/68 (25%) and complications in 3/68 (5.9%) patients.

CONCLUSION

eFTR is a useful technique with a high success rate in treating lesions not previously amenable to endoscopic therapy. Whilst technical difficulties may arise, complication rates are low and outcomes are acceptable, making eFTR a viable alternative to surgery for some specific lesions.

Optimal procedure-related hospitalization using clinical pathway protocols following gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

The clinical pathway (CP) protocols simplified a systematic process from hospitalization to discharge, and were conducted to achieve standardization of the treatment process as well as improve outcomes. Thus, we investigated the optimal procedure-related hospitalization period following gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) by comparing the rate of delayed bleeding (DB) and perforation according to CP protocols.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 630 patients who underwent ESD for gastric dysplasia or early gastric cancer (EGC); Group A (368 patients) followed Protocol A for a hospital stay of a single night; Group B (262 patients) followed Protocol B for a hospital stay of two nights.

RESULTS

The patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except for pathologic diagnosis (42.1% in Group A vs. 32.1% in Group B for EGC). DB occurred in 21 patients, and there was no significant difference in the overall DB rates between Group A (12/368 = 3.3%) and Group B (9/262 = 3.4%) (P = 0.904). The DB rates were 2.5% (8/315) and 7.5% (4/53) in Group A, and 2.7% (6/223) and 7.7% (3/39) in Group B, without and with the use of antiplatelets, respectively, and 33.3% (1/3) in Group A and 50.0% (1/2) in Group B with the use of dual antiplatelets. DB developed at various intervals post-discharge from 2 to 17 days, and was successfully controlled by endoscopic hemostasis in most cases. There were no deaths or surgeries required as a result of uncontrolled DB and no postoperative delayed perforation occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The CP protocols with a one-night hospitalization following gastric ESD decreased the hospital stay and did not influence postoperative complications compared to those with two-night hospitalizations.

Clinical and Technical Guideline for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Tissue Acquisition of Pancreatic Solid Tumor: Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE)

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor requires a strict recommendation for its proper use in clinical practice because of its technical difficulty and invasiveness. The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE) appointed a task force to draft clinical practice guidelines for EUS-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor. The strength of recommendation and the level of evidence for each statement were graded according to the Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014. The committee, comprising a development panel of 16 endosonographers and an expert on guideline development methodology, developed 12 evidence-based recommendations in eight categories intended to help physicians make evidence-based clinical judgments with regard to the diagnosis of pancreatic solid tumor. This clinical practice guideline discusses EUS-guided sampling in pancreatic solid tumor and makes recommendations on circumstances that warrant its use, technical issues related to maximizing the diagnostic yield (e.g., needle type, needle diameter, adequate number of needle passes, sample obtaining techniques, and methods of specimen processing), adverse events of EUS-guided tissue acquisition, and learning-related issues. This guideline was reviewed by external experts and suggests best practices recommended based on the evidence available at the time of preparation. This guideline may not be applicable for all clinical situations and should be interpreted in light of specific situations and the availability of resources. It will be revised as necessary to cover progress and changes in technology and evidence from clinical practice.

Clinical and Technical Guideline for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Tissue Acquisition of Pancreatic Solid Tumor: Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE)

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor requires a strict recommendation for its proper use in clinical practice because of its technical difficulty and invasiveness. The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE) appointed a task force to draft clinical practice guidelines for EUS-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid tumor. The strength of recommendation and the level of evidence for each statement were graded according to the Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014. The committee, comprising a development panel of 16 endosonographers and an expert on guideline development methodology, developed 12 evidence-based recommendations in eight categories intended to help physicians make evidence-based clinical judgments with regard to the diagnosis of pancreatic solid tumor. This clinical practice guideline discusses EUS-guided sampling in pancreatic solid tumor and makes recommendations on circumstances that warrant its use, technical issues related to maximizing the diagnostic yield (e.g., needle type, needle diameter, adequate number of needle passes, sample obtaining techniques, and methods of specimen processing), adverse events of EUS-guided tissue acquisition, and learning-related issues. This guideline was reviewed by external experts and suggests best practices recommended based on the evidence available at the time of preparation. This guideline may not be applicable for all clinical situations and should be interpreted in light of specific situations and the availability of resources. It will be revised as necessary to cover progress and changes in technology and evidence from clinical practice.

Ticagrelor inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome to protect against inflammatory disease independent of the P2Y12 signaling pathway

Ticagrelor is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist to inhibit platelet activation and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of coronary artery disease. At present, the other pharmacological functions of ticagrelor remain poorly understood. The NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in the innate immune system, but its excessive activation also contributes to the pathogenesis of complex diseases. In this study, we systematically examined the effects of ticagrelor on the NLRP3 inflammasome and found that ticagrelor inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages independent of its classic inhibitory effect on the P2Y12 signaling pathway. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that ticagrelor attenuates the oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) by blocking chloride efflux, an effect achieved through the degradation of chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) and blockade of the translocation of CLICs to the plasma membrane. Moreover, experiments on lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis and alum-induced peritonitis in mice confirmed that ticagrelor mitigates the severity of systemic inflammation independent of P2Y12 receptor antagonism. Importantly, oral administration of ticagrelor rapidly and strongly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute coronary syndrome. Overall, our study reveals a novel pharmacological function of ticagrelor in addition to its classic antiplatelet properties, which suggests that ticagrelor may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for use in NLRP3-associated diseases.

Clinical Practice and Guidelines for Managing Antithrombotics before and after Endoscopy: A National Survey Study

Background/Aims

The proper handling of antithrombotics is critical, and this study aimed to assess guideline adherence in the management of antithrombotics before and after endoscopy.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was developed. The respondents’ demographic information was included, and the questionnaire was divided into the first section for forceps biopsy, the second for polypectomy, and the third for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in which aspirin, clopidogrel, combination therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), warfarin, and direct oral anticoagulants (apixaban) were prescribed to imaginary patients.

Results

A total of 415 endoscopists completed this survey (response rate of 6.2%, 415/6,673). The percentage of respondents who chose to proceed with biopsy for patients taking aspirin, those taking clopidogrel, those under combination therapy, those taking warfarin, and those taking apixaban was 89.4%, 74.2%, 61.0%, 38.6%, and 50.4%, respectively. Most respondents answered that they would discontinue aspirin, clopidogrel, and a combination of both drugs for 5 days before polypectomy or ESD (69.4%/76.9%, 83.6%/83.9%, and 53.3%/65.8%, respectively). The answers indicated that warfarin should be discontinued with heparin bridge therapy in high thromboembolic risk patients (polypectomy 70.1%, ESD 73.5%). Regarding apixaban use in polypectomy and ESD, 63.9% and 58.1% of respondents, respectively, chose answers consistent with the guidelines.

Conclusions

The gap between the guidelines and clinical practice in the management of antithrombotics before and after endoscopy is considerable and should be addressed via educational strategies.

Use of direct oral anticoagulants does not significantly increase delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric neoplasms

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely prescribed for the prevention of stroke in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation and approved indication for DOAC has been expanded. We aimed to evaluate the risk of delayed bleeding in patients who had taken DOAC and underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric neoplasms. We included consecutive patients who underwent ESD between January 2016 and July 2019 in Seoul National University Hospital. Patients were divided into four groups (no med; no medication, DOAC, WFR; warfarin, anti-PLT; anti-platelet agent) according to the medications they had been taken before the procedure. We defined delayed bleeding as obvious post-procedural gastrointestinal bleeding sign including hematemesis or melena combined with hemoglobin drop ≥ 2 g/dL. Among 1634 patients enrolled in this study, 23 (1.4%) patients had taken DOAC and they usually stopped the medication for 2 days before the ESD and resumed within 1 or 2 days. We compared rates of delayed bleeding between groups. Delayed bleeding rates of the groups of no med, DOAC, WFR, and anti-PLT were 2.1% (32/1499) 8.7% (2/23), 14.3% (2/14), 11.2% (11/98), respectively (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference of delayed bleeding rate between no med and DOAC group after propensity score matching (no med vs DOAC, 1.7% vs 10.0%, P = 0.160). Taking DOAC was not associated statistically with post-ESD bleeding when adjusted by age, sex, comorbidities and characteristics of target lesion (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 2.4, 95% Confidence intervals: 0.41-13.73, P = 0.335). Crude rate of bleeding in DOAC users seemed to be higher than no medication group after performing ESD with 2 days of medication cessation. When adjusted by age, sex, and comorbidity, however, this difference seems to be small, which suggests that gastric post-ESD bleeding may be influenced by patients' underlying condition in addition to medication use.

Trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy in patients at high-risk of complications

Background

The surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is the recommended sampling technique when the pathological analysis of the lung is required in the work-up of an interstitial lung disease (ILD) but trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is increasingly recognized as an alternative approach. As TBLCs have lower mortality and morbidity risks than SLB, this study aimed to investigate the safety of TBLCs in patients at higher risk of complications and for whom SLB was not considered as an alternative.

Method

This prospective study was conducted in two hospitals in which TBLCs were performed in patients with body mass index (BMI) > 35, and/or older than 75 years, and/or with severely impaired lung function (FVC < 50% or DLCO < 30%), and/or systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 45 mmHg, and/or a clinically significant cardiac disease. Patients with any of these risk factors constituted the high-risk group. Clinical outcomes were compared with those obtained in patients without these risk factors (low-risk group).

Results

Ninety-six patients were included between April 2015 and April 2020, respectively 38 and 58 in the high-risk or the low-risk group. No statistically significant difference was observed between both groups in terms of severity and rate of bleeding, pneumothorax, or duration of hospital stay (p value ranging from 0.419 to 0.914).

Conclusion

This preliminary study on a limited number of patients suggests that TBLC appears safe in those in whom lung biopsy is at high-risk of complications according to their age, BMI, lung impairment, and cardiac comorbidities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-021-01503-9.

Endoscopy findings in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention

PURPOSE OF STUDY

This study examines the associations between dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), to explore possible predictors of outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 3342 patients who underwent PCI between 1 August 2011 and 31 December 2018 in a single centre was carried out. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) for patients 12 months post-PCI were analysed.

RESULTS

Blood loss occurred in 2% of all (3342) patients post-PCI within 12 months. 128 patients (63% male, mean age (SD) of 69.8 (10) years) who had PCI subsequently underwent an OGD within 12 months of the index PCI procedure. GIB occurred within the first 30 days of DAPT in 36% (n=13/36) of cases. There were no thrombotic events associated with cessation of one antiplatelet agent. Increased age, haemoglobin (Hb) ≤109 g/L and Glasgow-Blatchford score ≥8 were associated with increased 12-month mortality. An Hb drop of ≥30 g/L was a sensitive and specific marker for significant pathology and evidence of bleeding on OGD (sensitivity=0.83, specificity=0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

GIB bleeding occurred infrequently in the patients post-PCI on DAPT. Risk assessment scores (such as Glasgow-Blatchford and Rockall scores) are useful tools to assess the urgency of OGD and need for endoscopic therapy.

Safety and effectiveness of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: an international multicenter case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The risk of bleeding and thromboembolic events in patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) who are receiving antithrombotic therapy is unknown. Our primary aim was to assess the safety of POEM in this patient subset. Secondary outcomes were rates of clinical success, GERD, and procedure-related outcomes.

METHODS

This was an international, 1:1, case-control study performed at 10 centers using prospectively maintained databases. All consecutive patients who underwent POEM before November 2019 were considered for inclusion. Cases were patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. Controls not receiving antithrombotics were matched for age and esophageal motility disorder. Primary outcomes were major bleeding and thromboembolic events on postprocedural day 30.

RESULTS

Of 2895 patients who underwent POEM, 126 cases (103 on antiplatelets, 35 anticoagulants, 12 both) and 126 controls were enrolled. The rate of major bleeding was higher for the antithrombotics users (5.6% vs 0.8%, P = .03). Anticoagulants and clopidogrel were temporarily interrupted in all cases. Aspirin was continued in 40.5% of users without increasing the bleeding risk. One thromboembolic event occurred in each group (0.79%; P = 1.00). No POEM-related deaths were noted. Rates of clinical success (91.7% vs 96% in controls, P = .20), postprocedural GERD, and technical-related outcomes were similar in both groups. Antithrombotic management was heterogeneous, and guidelines were not adhered to in 23.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is safe and effective in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy although it is associated with a greater risk of major bleeding.

Office hysteroscopy safety and feasibility in women receiving anticoagulation and anti-platelet treatment

OBJECTIVES

More than 60,000 hysteroscopies are performed every year in the UK for common reasons such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) or postmenopausal bleeding. A significant number of women requiring hysteroscopy receive oral anticoagulants and there is often a reluctance to perform these procedures due to bleeding concerns.

STUDY DESIGN

We are presenting the first proof of concept cohort of patients undergoing minor hysteroscopic procedures while on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. A variety of minor procedures such as cervical dilatation, targeted endometrial biopsies, Pipelle endometrial biopsies and insertion or removal of intrauterine contraceptive devices were performed alongside hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

Completion of planned procedures was feasible in all women due to minimal bleeding despite the ongoing anticoagulation or anti-platelet treatment.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to establish the safety of performing diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies without bridging or interrupting anticoagulation or antiplatelet treatment.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Plasma Levels Measurement: Clinical Usefulness from Trials and Real-World Data

Measurement of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) activity is not routinely necessary. Indeed, evaluation of DOACs plasmatic concentration is discouraged for the majority of patients, due to the lack of outcome data supporting this approach. Nevertheless, DOAC measurements may be useful in emergency situations such as serious bleeding events, need for urgent invasive procedures, and acute ischemic stroke or in managing anticoagulation in "special populations" not adequately studied in clinical trials, for example the very elderly or those at the extremes of body weight. The aim of this review is to describe and summarize the methods for DOACs activity evaluation and the settings in which their plasma level measurement may be indicated, analyzing indications from scientific societies and evidence from clinical trials, as well as real world data on the usefulness of DOACs plasma levels "monitoring."

Prediction model of bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: BEST-J score

OBJECTIVE

Bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) is a frequent adverse event after ESD. We aimed to develop and externally validate a clinically useful prediction model (BEST-J score: Bleeding after ESD Trend from Japan) for bleeding after ESD for EGC.

DESIGN

This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent ESD for EGC. Patients in the derivation cohort (n=8291) were recruited from 25 institutions, and patients in the external validation cohort (n=2029) were recruited from eight institutions in other areas. In the derivation cohort, weighted points were assigned to predictors of bleeding determined in the multivariate logistic regression analysis and a prediction model was established. External validation of the model was conducted to analyse discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

A prediction model comprised 10 variables (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulant, chronic kidney disease with haemodialysis, P2Y12 receptor antagonist, aspirin, cilostazol, tumour size >30 mm, lower-third in tumour location, presence of multiple tumours and interruption of each kind of antithrombotic agents). The rates of bleeding after ESD at low-risk (0 to 1 points), intermediate-risk (2 points), high-risk (3 to 4 points) and very high-risk (≥5 points) were 2.8%, 6.1%, 11.4% and 29.7%, respectively. In the external validation cohort, the model showed moderately good discrimination, with a c-statistic of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.76), and good calibration (calibration-in-the-large, 0.05; calibration slope, 1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide multicentre study, we derived and externally validated a prediction model for bleeding after ESD. This model may be a good clinical decision-making support tool for ESD in patients with EGC.

Postpolypectomy bleeding of colorectal polyps in patients with continuous warfarin and short-term interruption of direct oral anticoagulants

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) is the most common adverse event after colorectal polypectomy. Use of anticoagulants is an important risk factor for PPB. This study aimed to evaluate PPB in patients receiving treatment with warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

METHODS

Between August 2017 and July 2019, 5449 patients with 12,601 polyps who underwent endoscopic snare resection of colorectal polyps were enrolled. Endoscopic snare resection was performed in patients receiving continuous warfarin (C-warfarin) and in patients who experienced 1 day cessation of (O-) of DOACs in accordance with the Japanese Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines.

RESULTS

The PPB rate in the group receiving anticoagulants was statistically higher than that in the group without anticoagulants (8.5% [33/387] vs 1.2% [63/5,062], respectively; P < .001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, male gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.17; P = .007), warfarin (OR, 4.64; P < .001), DOACs (OR, 6.59; P < .001), and multipolyp removal (OR, 1.77; P = .007) were significant risk factors for PPB. PPB was observed in 9 and 21 patients in the C-warfarin and O-DOACs groups, respectively: C-warfarin (8.0% [9/113]), O-dabigatran (6.1% [2/33]), O-rivaroxaban (14.8% [9/61]), O-apixaban (9.8% [9/92]), and O-edoxaban (1.8% [1/56]). The PPB rate with the O-edoxaban group was significantly lower than that with the O-rivaroxaban group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of anticoagulant therapy was an independent risk factor for PPB. The rates of PPB in patients receiving C-warfarin and O-DOACs were also higher than those in patients not receiving anticoagulants. Edoxaban may be safe through short-term withdrawal in patients undergoing endoscopic snare resection of colorectal polyps.

Influence of anticoagulants on the risk of delayed bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Delayed bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients receiving anticoagulants remains an unpreventable adverse event. Although direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have superior efficacy in preventing thromboembolism, their effects on the occurrence of delayed bleeding remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical effect of DOACs on delayed bleeding after gastric ESD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined 728 patients who received anticoagulants and were treated for gastric neoplasms with ESD in 25 institutions across Japan. Overall, 261 patients received DOACs, including dabigatran (92), rivaroxaban (103), apixaban (45) and edoxaban (21), whereas 467 patients were treated with warfarin.

RESULTS

Delayed bleeding occurred in 14% of patients taking DOACs, which was not considerably different in patients receiving warfarin (18%). Delayed bleeding rate was significantly lower in patients receiving dabigatran than in those receiving warfarin and lower than that observed for other DOACs. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 65, receiving multiple antithrombotic agents, resection of multiple lesions and lesion size ≥ 30 mm were independent risk factors, and that discontinuation of anticoagulants was associated with a decreased risk of bleeding. In multivariate analysis among patients taking DOACs, dabigatran therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of delayed bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of DOACs on delayed bleeding varied between agents, but dabigatran therapy was associated with the lowest risk of delayed bleeding. Switching oral anticoagulants to dabigatran during the perioperative period could be a reasonable option to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding after gastric ESD.

A novel self-assembling peptide for hemostasis during endoscopic submucosal dissection: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

 Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is associated with a risk of bleeding. Bleeding is usually treated with diathermy, although this does carry a risk of mucosal thermal injury. Purastat is a topical hemostat that may be effective in controlling bleeding during ESD, thereby reducing the use of heat therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the reduction in heat therapy used in the interventional group (Purastat) compared with the control group. The secondary aims were to compare the procedure length, time for hemostasis, delayed bleeding rate, adverse events, and wound healing between the groups.

METHODS

 This was a single-center randomized controlled trial of 101 patients undergoing ESD. Participants were randomized to a control group where diathermy was used to control bleeding or an interventional group where Purastat could be used. Follow-up endoscopy was performed at 4 weeks to assess wound healing.

RESULTS

 There was a significant reduction in the use of heat therapy for intraprocedural hemostasis in the interventional group compared with controls (49.3 % vs. 99.6 %, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the procedure length, time for hemostasis, and delayed bleeding rate between the groups. Complete wound healing at 4 weeks was noted in 48.8 % of patients in the interventional group compared with 25.0 % of controls (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

 This study has demonstrated that Purastat is an effective hemostat that can reduce the need for heat therapy for bleeding during ESD. It may also have a role in improving post-resection wound healing.

Early gastric cancer detection in high-risk patients: a multicentre randomised controlled trial on the effect of second-generation narrow band imaging

OBJECTIVE

Early detection of gastric cancer has been the topic of major efforts in high prevalence areas. Whether advanced imaging methods, such as second-generation narrow band imaging (2G-NBI) can improve early detection, is unknown.

DESIGN

This open-label, randomised, controlled tandem trial was conducted in 13 hospitals. Patients at increased risk for gastric cancer were randomly assigned to primary white light imaging (WLI) followed by secondary 2G-NBI (WLI group: n=2258) and primary 2G-NBI followed by secondary WLI (2G-NBI group: n=2265) performed by the same examiner. Suspected early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions in both groups were biopsied. Primary endpoint was the rate of EGC patients in the primary examination. The main secondary endpoint was the positive predictive value (PPV) for EGC in suspicious lesions detected (primary examination).

RESULTS

EGCs were found in 44 (1.9%) and 53 (2.3%; p=0.412) patients in the WLI and 2G-NBI groups, respectively, during primary EGD. In a post hoc analysis, the overall rate of lesions detected at the second examination was 25% (n=36/145), with no significant differences between groups. PPV for EGC in suspicious lesions was 13.5% and 20.9% in the WLI (50/371 target lesions) and 2G-NBI groups (59/282 target lesions), respectively (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

The overall sensitivity of primary endoscopy for the detection of EGC in high-risk patients was only 75% and should be improved. 2G-NBI did not increase EGC detection rate over conventional WLI. The impact of a slightly better PPV of 2G-NBI has to be evaluated further.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000014503.

[Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy]

Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, are increasingly used in South Korea. The management of patients using antithrombotic agents and requiring gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important clinical challenge. Although clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of patients receiving antithrombotic agents and undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy have been developed in the Unites States, Europe, and Asia Pacific region, it is uncertain whether these guidelines can be adopted in South Korea. After reviewing current CPGs, we identified unmet needs and recognized significant discrepancies in the clinical practice among regions. This is the first CPG in Korea providing information that may assist endoscopists in the management of patients on antithrombotic agents who require diagnostic or elective therapeutic endoscopy. This guideline was developed through the adaptation process as an evidence-based method, with four guidelines retrieved by systematic review. Eligible guidelines were evaluated according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II process, and 13 statements were established using a grading system. This guideline was reviewed by external experts before an official. It will be revised as necessary to cover changes in technology, evidence, or other aspects of clinical practice.

Development of an Institutional Periprocedural Management Guideline for Oral Anticoagulants

Patients on oral anticoagulation commonly undergo surgery or other invasive procedures. Periprocedural management of oral anticoagulants involves a careful balance of the thromboembolic risk and bleeding risk. To standardize clinical practice at our institution, we developed a guideline for periprocedural management for patients taking oral anticoagulants that incorporates published data and expert opinion. In this article, we present our clinical practice guideline as a decision support tool to aid clinicians in developing a consistent strategy for managing periprocedural anticoagulation and for safely bridging anticoagulation in patients who require it.

Secondary bleeding following proctological surgery: Rare but potentially severe

PURPOSE

Haemorrhage following proctological surgery is one of the complications with the greatest potential for severity. The aim of this work was to assess the frequency and risk factors of haemorrhage requiring hospitalization during 30-days postoperatively.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort review of all surgeries performed in a Parisian department of medico-surgical proctology between January 2016 and June 2018 was performed. Demographic and surgical data were collected for patients who were hospitalized for postoperative haemorrhage. Their analysis was conducted as a single analysis followed by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 7533 surgeries were performed on 6727 patients. The mean patient age was 42.6 (±14.3) years and 67.2% were males. Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in 111 patients (1.5%) with a total of 123 haemorrhagic episodes (12 relapses) within a mean of 6 (±5.5) days. In therapeutic terms, 28.5% of haemorrhages required transfusion, 37.4% required haemostasis in the operating theatre and 14.6% required haemostasis under local anaesthesia. Using multivariate analysis, haemorrhage was more frequent after haemorrhoid surgery and in the case of anticoagulant treatment, particularly direct oral anticoagulants, and if the ASA score was equal to 3. Active smoking was associated with a decreased risk of haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Haemorrhage requiring hospitalization occurred in 1.5% of cases following proctological surgery, 52.8% were severe and recurred in 10.8% of cases. The study also specified certain risk factors for haemorrhage and demonstrated the protective effect of active smoking.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, are increasingly used in South Korea. The management of patients using antithrombotic agents and requiring gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important clinical challenge. Although clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of patients receiving antithrombotic agents and undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy have been developed in the Unites States, Europe, and Asia Pacific region, it is uncertain whether these guidelines can be adopted in South Korea. After reviewing current CPGs, we identified unmet needs and recognized significant discrepancies in the clinical practice among regions. This is the first CPG in Korea providing information that may assist endoscopists in the management of patients on antithrombotic agents who require diagnostic or elective therapeutic endoscopy. This guideline was developed through the adaptation process as an evidence-based method, with four guidelines retrieved by systematic review. Eligible guidelines were evaluated according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II process, and 13 statements were established using a grading system. This guideline was reviewed by external experts before an official. It will be revised as necessary to cover changes in technology, evidence, or other aspects of clinical practice.

Management of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding in Patients Taking Aspirin or Anticoagulant

Antiplatelet and anticoagulation agents are increasingly prescribed for secondary prophylaxis in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. These drugs are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, including peptic ulcer bleeding. It is difficult to decide when to restart the agents after peptic ulcer bleeding in these patients because the risk of rebleeding and thromboembolism should be balanced. The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research revised the guidelines for drug-induced peptic ulcers as evidence-based guidelines using a de novo process. This paper introduces new recommendations on the resumption of antiplatelet and anticoagulation agents after peptic ulcer bleeding based on the revised guidelines for drug-induced peptic ulcers.

Relationship of early acute complications and insertion site in push method percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), which is frequently used for nutrition management in patients having difficulty with oral intake, is considered a safe procedure. However, serious complications may occur depending on site of the puncture. This study aimed to clarify whether push method PEG construction at the posterior wall (PW) of the greater curvature (GC) had a higher risk of complications. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between puncture site at the PW of the GC and early acute complications in 540 patients receiving PEG. Early acute complications were defined as bleeding or perforation within 30 days after the PEG procedure. PEG-related complications were observed in 80 patients in total, with early acute complications detected in 42 patients. PEG construction at the PW of the GC in 12 cases exhibited a significantly higher occurrence of early acute complications versus PEG at other sites (41.7% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.001). Further, multivariate analysis revealed PW at the GC to be independently associated with early acute complications (OR 9.59, 95% CI 2.82-32.61; p = 0.0003). It may be desirable to avoid PEG at the PW of the GC. If performed, clinicians should pay careful attention to early acute complications.