Helicobacter pylori infection is a protective factor for bleeding gastric ulcers but not for bleeding duodenal ulcers in NSAID users

GastricAITool: A Clinical Decision Support Tool for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is a complex disease representing a significant global health concern. Advanced tools for the early diagnosis and prediction of adverse outcomes are crucial. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a fundamental role. The aim of this work was to develop a diagnostic and prognostic tool for GC, providing support to clinicians in critical decision-making and enabling personalised strategies.

METHODS

Different machine learning and deep learning techniques were explored to build diagnostic and prognostic models, ensuring model interpretability and transparency through explainable AI methods. These models were developed and cross-validated using data from 590 Spanish Caucasian patients with primary GC and 633 cancer-free individuals. Up to 261 variables were analysed, including demographic, environmental, clinical, tumoral, and genetic data. Variables such as Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, family history of GC, TNM staging, metastasis, tumour location, treatment received, gender, age, and genetic factors (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were selected as inputs due to their association with the risk and progression of the disease.

RESULTS

The XGBoost algorithm (version 1.7.4) achieved the best performance for diagnosis, with an AUC value of 0.68 using 5-fold cross-validation. As for prognosis, the Random Survival Forest algorithm achieved a C-index of 0.77. Of interest, the incorporation of genetic data into the clinical-demographics models significantly increased discriminatory ability in both diagnostic and prognostic models.

CONCLUSIONS

This article presents GastricAITool, a simple and intuitive decision support tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.

The global burden of peptic ulcer disease in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common diseases in gastroenterology clinics. However, reported data about the global burden of peptic ulcer disease are still scarce.

METHODS

This was a secondary data analysis on the prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to peptic ulcer disease by sex, age group and socio-demographic index (SDI) at the global level in 21 regions and 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019 using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019.

RESULTS

Globally, the prevalence cases of peptic ulcer disease increased from 6 434 103 (95% uncertainty interval 5 405 963 to 7 627 971) in 1990 to 8 090 476 (6 794 576 to 9 584 000) in 2019. However, the age-standardized prevalence rate decreased from 143.4 (120.5 to 170.2) per 100 000 population in 1990 to 99.4 (83.9 to 117.5) per 100 000 population in 2019. Moreover, the age-standardized mortality rate decreased by 59.4% (55.3 to 63.1) and the DALYs rate fell by 60.6% (56.8 to 63.9) from 1990 to 2019. Across SDI quintiles, low-middle and low SDI quintiles had the highest age-standardized prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates from 1990 to 2019.

CONCLUSION

The age-standardized prevalence, mortality and DALYs estimates of peptic ulcer disease decreased from 1990 to 2019 globally, but more efforts are needed for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease in low SDI and low-middle SDI groups of countries.

Reconsidering the "protective" hypothesis of Helicobacter pylori infection in eosinophilic esophagitis

Since its discovery, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has attracted attention in the biomedical world with its numerous pathophysiologic implications, both gastrointestinal and systemic. Beyond its well-established carcinogenic properties, emerging evidence also supports "harmful" proinflammatory and neurodegenerative roles of H. pylori. On the other hand, H. pylori infection has been proposed to be "protective" against several diseases, such as asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a relatively new, allergen/immune-mediated disease, which has also been linked to these considerations. Main arguments are a postulated shift of immune responses by H. pylori from T helper 2 (T_H 2) to T_H 1 polarization, as well as a potential decline of the H. pylori burden with the dramatic parallel rise of ΕοΕ: a series of observational studies reported an inverse association. In this review, we counter these arguments by providing further epidemiological data, which point out that this generalization might be rather incomplete. We also discuss the limitations of the existing studies evaluating a possible association. Furthermore, we provide current evidence on common pathogenetic components, which share both entities. In summary, the claim that H. pylori is protective against EoE is rather incomplete, and further mechanistic studies are necessary to elucidate a possible association.

<em>Helicobacter pylori</em> infection and the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in low dose aspirin users: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking low dose aspirin (≤ 325 mg/day) is increased in people with Helicobacter pylori infections.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic search for all publications since 1989 (when H. pylori was named) using search term equivalents for "upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage" and "aspirin". Articles were assessed individually for inclusion of data on H. pylori infection, as not all relevant papers were indexed with this term. Data that could be pooled were then subjected to meta-analysis, using a random effects model.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 7599 retrieved publications, reports for seven case-control studies contained data suitable for meta-analysis; four were deemed high quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage was more frequent in aspirin users infected with H. pylori than in those who were not (odds ratio [OR], 2.32; 95% CI, 1.25-4.33; P = 0.008). The heterogeneity of the studies was significant (Q = 19.3, P = 0.004; I² = 68.9%, 95% CI, 31.5-85.9%), but the pooled odds ratio was similar after removing the two studies that contributed most to heterogeneity (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.56-3.53; P < 0.001). The number needed to treat to prevent one bleeding event annually was estimated to be between 100 and more than 1000.

CONCLUSIONS

The odds of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking low dose aspirin is about twice as great in those infected with H. pylori. Testing for and treating the infection should be considered in such patients, especially if their underlying risk of peptic ulcer bleeding is already high.

Bleeding Risk with Long-Term Low-Dose Aspirin: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

Low-dose aspirin has proven effectiveness in secondary and primary prevention of cardiovascular events, but is also associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events. For primary prevention, this absolute risk must be carefully weighed against the benefits of aspirin; such assessments are currently limited by a lack of data from general populations.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Medline and Embase were conducted to identify observational studies published between 1946 and 4 March 2015 that reported the risks of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with long-term, low-dose aspirin (75-325 mg/day). Pooled estimates of the relative risk (RR) for bleeding events with aspirin versus non-use were calculated using random-effects models, based on reported estimates of RR (including odds ratios, hazard ratios, incidence rate ratios and standardized incidence ratios) in 39 articles.

FINDINGS

The incidence of GI bleeding with low-dose aspirin was 0.48-3.64 cases per 1000 person-years, and the overall pooled estimate of the RR with low-dose aspirin was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-1.7). For upper and lower GI bleeding, the RRs with low-dose aspirin were 2.3 (2.0-2.6) and 1.8 (1.1-3.0), respectively. Neither aspirin dose nor duration of use had consistent effects on RRs for upper GI bleeding. The estimated RR for ICH with low-dose aspirin was 1.4 (1.2-1.7) overall. Aspirin was associated with increased bleeding risks when combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, clopidogrel and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors compared with monotherapy. By contrast, concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors decreased upper GI bleeding risks relative to aspirin monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of major bleeding with low-dose aspirin in real-world settings are of a similar magnitude to those reported in randomized trials. These data will help inform clinical judgements regarding the use of low-dose aspirin in prevention of cardiovascular events.

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid use and the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies

BACKGROUND

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LDA, 75 mg/day to 325 mg/day) is recommended for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, but has been linked to an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the magnitude of effect of LDA use on UGIB risk.

METHODS

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting UGIB rates in individuals receiving LDA, and observational studies of LDA use in patients with UGIB. Studies were pooled for analysis of UGIB rates.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included. Seven RCTs reported UGIB rates in individuals randomly assigned to receive LDA (n=22,901) or placebo (n=22,923). Ten case-control studies analyzed LDA use in patients with UGIB (n=10,816) and controls without UGIB (n=30,519); one cohort study reported 207 UGIB cases treated with LDA only. All studies found LDA use to be associated with an increased risk of UGIB. The mean number of extra UGIB cases associated with LDA use in the RCTs was 1.2 per 1000 patients per year (95% CI 0.7 to 1.8). The number needed to harm was 816 (95% CI 560 to 1500) for RCTs and 819 (95% CI 617 to 1119) for observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCT data showed that LDA use was associated with a 50% increase in UGIB risk (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.2 to 1.8]). UGIB risk was most pronounced in observational studies (OR 3.1 [95% CI 2.5 to 3.7]).

CONCLUSIONS

LDA use was associated with an increased risk of UGIB.

Biphasic effects of H. pylori infection on low-dose aspirin-induced gastropathy depending on the gastric acid secretion level

BACKGROUND

The association of Helicobacter pylori infection with aspirin-induced gastropathy is controversial. H. pylori infection exerts diverse effects on gastric acid secretion. In this study, the interaction between H. pylori infection and aspirin was investigated with reference to the individual gastric acid secretion level in H. pylori-positive subjects.

METHODS

Ninety-three (81 men, mean age: 70 years) long-term low-dose aspirin takers were prospectively enrolled. H. pylori infection was evaluated by serum IgG antibody determination, and gastrin-stimulated acid output was assessed with the endoscopic gastrin test. H. pylori-positive aspirin-takers were classified into 2 subgroups (hyposecretors and non-hyposecretors). The grade of gastric mucosal injury was assessed endoscopically according to the modified Lanza score; intensive aspirin-induced gastropathy was defined as a modified Lanza score of ≥4. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

With H. pylori-negative patients taken as the reference, H. pylori infection was found to be positively associated with intensive gastropathy among non-hyposecretors, with an odds ratio (OR) (95 % confidence interval [CI]) of 4.2 (1.1-17.1), while the infection was negatively associated with gastropathy among hyposecretors, with an OR (95 % CI) of 0.3 (0.08-0.9). Aspirin-induced gastropathy occurred preferentially in the antrum among H. pylori-positive non-hyposecretors, while it affected the fundus among H. pylori-positive hyposecretors.

CONCLUSION

The effect of H. pylori infection on the aspirin-induced gastropathy was biphasic depending on the individual gastric acid secretion level. In the presence of sufficient amounts of gastric acid, H. pylori infection and aspirin could synergistically damage gastric mucosal integrity, while in the absence of sufficient amounts of gastric acid, the synergistic effect could be completely counteracted and the infection could even suppress the aspirin-induced gastropathy.

The influence of etiologic factors on clinical outcome in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer bleeding remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use, Helicobacter pylori infection and non-H. pylori-non-NSAIDs causes of peptic ulcer bleeding and to identify the predictive factors influencing the rebleeding rate and in-hospital mortality in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.

METHODS

A total of 1,530 patients with endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcer bleeding were evaluated consecutively between January 2005 and December 2009. The 30-day mortality and clinical outcome were related to patient's demographic data, endoscopic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The age-standardized 1-year cumulative incidence for peptic ulcer bleeding was 40.4 cases/100,000 people. The proportion of patients over 65 years increased from 45.7 % in 2005 to 61.4 % in 2009 (p = 0.007). Overall 30-day mortality rate was 4.6 %, not significantly different for conservatively and surgically treated patients (4.9 vs. 4.1 %, p = 0.87). Mortality was significantly higher in patients over 65 years of age and those with in-hospital bleeding recurrence. Patients with non-H. pylori-non-NSAID idiopathic ulcers had significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than those with H. pylori ulcers and NSAID-H. pylori ulcers (7.1 vs. 0 vs. 0.8 %, p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with NSAID ulcers and non-H. pylori-non-NSAID idiopathic ulcers in terms of 30-day mortality rate (5.3 vs. 7.1 %, p = 0.445).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of peptic ulcer bleeding has not changed over a 5-year observational period. The overall 30-day mortality was positively correlated to older age, underlying comorbid illnesses, in-hospital bleeding recurrence and the absence of H. pylori infection.

Relevance of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms to gastric cancer susceptibility and phenotype

Human glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are phase II metabolizing enzymes that play a key role in protecting against cancer by detoxifying numerous potentially cytotoxic/genotoxic compounds. The genes encoding the human GST isoenzymes GSTM(mu)1, GSTT(theta)1 and GSTP(pi)1 harbour polymorphisms, which have been considered important modifiers of the individual risk for environmentally induced cancers such as gastric cancer (GC). However, results are inconsistent among studies from different geographic areas and ethnic groups. Our goal was to perform a nationwide, case-control study in Spain to evaluate the relevance of several functional GST gene polymorphisms and environmental factors to GC risk and phenotype. DNA from 557 GC patients and 557 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) was typed for two deletions in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and two SNPs in the GSTP1 gene (rs1695 and rs1138272) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Logistic regression analysis identified Helicobacter pylori infection with CagA strains [odds ratio (OR): 2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78-3.15], smoking habit (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.48-2.97) and family history of GC (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.02-5.16) as independent risk factors for GC. No differences in the frequencies of GSTM1 or GSTT1 null genotypes were observed between cases and controls (GSTM1: 50.8% vs. 48%; GSTT1: 21.5% vs. 21%). Moreover, simultaneous carriage of both, the GSTM1 and the GSTT1 null genotypes, was almost identical in both groups (10.7% in GC vs. 10.6% in HC). In addition, no significant differences in GSTP1 Ile105Val (rs1695) and GSTP1 Val114Ala (rs1138272) genotype distribution were observed between GC patients and controls. Subgroup analysis for age, gender, Helicobacter pylori status, smoking habits, family history of GC, anatomic location and histological subtype revealed no significant association between GST variants and GC risk. Our results show that the GST polymorphisms evaluated in this study are not relevant when determining the individual susceptibility to GC or phenotype in a South-European population.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection reduces the incidence of peptic ulcer disease in patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the association between use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and Helicobacter pylori infection, interactive effect of H. pylori infection and NSAID use on the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on PUD development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in EMBASE and PubMed for relevant articles published in English between January 1989 and August 2010, with the following MeSH and/or key words: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, peptic ulcer disease or PUD, and randomized-control study or clinical trial. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager 4.2.2.

RESULTS

In the analysis of five studies, the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 74.5% and 71.1% in NSAID users and non-NSAID users, respectively, (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.35-1.20, p = .170). In the analysis of nine studies, the pooled prevalence of PUD in NSAID users was 31.2% and 17.9% in the presence and absence of H. pylori infection, respectively, (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.26-7.55, p = .010). Moreover, in the analysis of seven studies, PUD developed in 6.4% and 11.8% of NSAID users with and without eradication therapy, respectively (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36-0.74, p < .001). The preventive effect of the eradication therapy was further revealed in NSAID-naive users (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.49, p < .0001) and in the Asian population (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-0.56, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

NSAID use is not associated with H. pylori infection in patients with PUD. PUD is more common in H. pylori positive than in negative NSAID users. Moreover, H. pylori eradication therapy reduces PUD incidence in NSAID users, especially in naive users and in the Asian population.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding associated with low-dose aspirin

Low-dose aspirin use is associated with an increased risk for gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. At-risk low-dose aspirin users are therefore recommended to take proton-pump inhibitors. However, it is poorly understood which aspirin users are at risk to develop such complications. It is assumed that the known risk factors for NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal events also apply to low-dose aspirin users. The conventional risk factors for upper gastrointestinal complications associated with aspirin therapy include: (1) a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding, (2) older age, (3) concomitant use of NSAIDs, including coxibs, (4) concomitant use of anticoagulants or other platelet aggregation inhibitors, (5) the presence of severe co-morbidities, and (6) high aspirin dose. In patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori infection should be assessed and treated. This review focuses on the evidence for upper gastrointestinal risk factors in aspirin users.

Risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding in terms of Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, and antiplatelet agents

OBJECTIVES

The role of the Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiplatelet agents in the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding has not yet been established. This study was performed to identify the risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding compared with non-bleeding peptic ulcer disease (PUD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 475 patients, 265 with bleeding PUD and 210 with non-bleeding PUD were consecutively recruited. H. pylori status was determined by histology, rapid urease test, and culture. Exposure to NSAIDs, aspirin, and antiplatelet agents (clopidogrel and ticlopidine) within 4 weeks was obtained.

RESULTS

Compared with non-bleeding PUD, bleeding PUD had a higher proportion of male gender and current smoking, alcohol drinking, history of aspirin/antiplatelet use, and history of PUD. Whereas the proportion of H. pylori infection and history of H. pylori eradication in bleeding PUD were significantly lower than that in non-bleeding PUD. In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10-2.89), drinking alcohol (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.29-3.14), aspirin/antiplatelet use (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.45-3.82), and history of PUD (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.36-4.46) remained independent risk factors for bleeding PUD. When H. pylori status and aspirin/antiplatelet agent use were combined, highest risk of bleeding peptic ulcers was found among H. pylori-negative patients with a history of aspirin/antiplatelet agent use (OR 3.03 95% CI 1.48-6.18) compared with H. pylori-positive patients with no history of aspirin/antiplatelet agent use.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers who continuously took aspirin or antiplatelet agents had the highest peptic ulcer bleeding risk.

Gastric acid secretion level modulates the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and low-dose aspirin-induced gastropathy

BACKGROUND

The relative contribution of gastric acid secretion and Helicobacter pylori infection to low-dose aspirin-induced gastropathy remains to be clarified. This is partly because the capability of the infection to modify gastric acid secretion complicates the interaction. The aim of this study was to estimate the association of aspirin-induced mucosal injury, as well as H. pylori infection, with gastric acid output.

METHODS

A total of 186 male outpatients, comprising 60 aspirin takers, on 100 mg of enteric-coated aspirin daily and 126 non-aspirin takers were prospectively enrolled in this study. Gastrin-stimulated acid output was estimated by the endoscopic gastrin test. The grade of gastric mucosal injury was assessed endoscopically according to the modified Lanza score. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The gastric acid secretion level, with an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 10.5 (3.0-36.9) and aspirin administration, with an OR (95% CI) of 7.4 (3.0-18.3) were independently associated with gastric mucosal injury, and the co-existence of both factors greatly elevated the risk of mucosal injury, with an OR (95% CI) of 77.0 (13.5-440.0). H. pylori infection, itself, did not show any significant effect on the aspirin-induced mucosal injury after adjusting for gastric acid secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that aspirin-induced gastropathy is directly associated with gastric acid secretion. In addition, it also suggested that the gastric acid secretion level modulates the association between H. pylori infection and aspirin-induced gastropathy.

Has H. pylori prevalence in bleeding peptic ulcer been underestimated? A meta-regression

OBJECTIVES

It has been suggested that prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is lower than that in non-complicated ulcers. As Hp infection is elusive in PUB, we hypothesized that this low prevalence could be related to an insufficiently intensive search for the bacteria. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the prevalence of Hp in PUB depends on the diagnostic methods used in a given study.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed of studies assessing the prevalence of Hp infection in patients with PUB. Data were extracted in duplicate. Univariate and multivariate random-effects meta-regression analyses were performed to determine the factors that explained the differences in Hp prevalence between studies.

RESULTS

The review retrieved 71 articles, including 8,496 patients. The mean prevalence of Hp infection in PUB was 72%. The meta-regression analysis showed that the most significant variables associated with a high prevalence of Hp infection were the use of a diagnostic test delayed until at least 4 weeks after the PUB episode-odds ratio: 2.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-3.93, P=0.024-and a lower mean age of patients-odds ratio: 0.95 per additional year, 95% confidence interval: 0.92-0.99, P=0.008.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies that performed a delayed test and those including younger patients found a higher prevalence of Hp, approaching that recorded in cases of non-bleeding ulcers. These results suggest that the low prevalence of Hp infection described in PUB may be related to the methodology of the studies and to patients' characteristics, and that the true prevalence of Hp in PUB is still to be determined. Our data also support the recent recommendations of the International Consensus on Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding regarding the performance of a delayed diagnostic test when Hp tests carried out during the acute PUB episode are negative.

Systematic review: Helicobacter pylori and the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk in patients taking aspirin

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is widely used to modify the risk of recurrent vascular events. It is, however, associated with increased upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk. The influence of Helicobacter pylori on this risk is uncertain.

AIM

To determine the influence of H. pylori on upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk in patients taking aspirin.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched. All studies providing data regarding H. pylori infection in adults taking aspirin and presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were included.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies that included 1 case-control, 10 cohort studies and 2 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were analysed. The case-control study (n = 245) determined H. pylori to be a significant independent risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The cohort studies were heterogeneous, varying in inclusion criteria, doses and duration of aspirin used, mode of H. pylori testing and causative GI pathology considered. Comprising 5465 patients, H. pylori infection was tested for in 163 (0.03%) aspirin users with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The RCTs yielded no significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data are not sufficient to allow meta-analyses. The widely held belief that H. pylori is a risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in regular aspirin users is not supported by the very limited evidence available.

Non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori in patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer hemorrhage: a cost-effectiveness analysis

PURPOSE

Guidelines recommend routine invasive screening for Helicobacter pylori in patients with peptic ulcer hemorrhage (PUH). However, compliance with screening remains suboptimal. The aim of this study was to determine if a simplified approach based on noninvasive screening is cost effective in PUH.

RESULTS

In the base case, post-endoscopy urea breath test (UBT) dominated the invasive testing with 34 fewer hemorrhages and cost savings of $406,600 in a cohort of 10,000 patients. When compliance with invasive testing decreases to 60%, post-endoscopy UBT leads to 109 fewer hemorrhages and cost savings of $1,089,600. The invasive strategy becomes the preferred choice if the sensitivity of UBT reduces to <75%, such as in patients taking proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) before hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-endoscopy UBT is cost effective in PPI-naïve patients presenting with PUH. This strategy, once prospectively validated, can prove to be a preferred approach in institutions where compliance with invasive testing is suboptimal.

Relevance of IL-1 and TNF gene polymorphisms on interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gastric mucosal production

We aimed to evaluate the influence of Helicobacter pylori infection and IL-1/TNF gene polymorphisms on interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gastric mucosal production. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in homogenized biopsy specimens taken from the antrum and corpus of 81 patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic DNA was typed for the IL1B-511, IL1B+3954, variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) IL1RN, TNFA-308, TNFA-238, LTA NcoI, and LTA Bsi gene polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and TaqMan assays. H. pylori infection and CagA/VacA antibody status were determined by Western blot. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha protein levels were significantly higher in the gastric antrum of patients infected with H. pylori compared with uninfected patients [9.54 (5.07-16.28) vs. 4.55 (3.69-8.28) pg IL-1beta/mg protein, p = 0.004, and 1.5 (0.7-2.71) vs. 0.63 (0.3-1.26) pg TNF-alpha/mg protein, p = 0.001]. Among H. pylori-infected individuals, carriers of the IL1RN*2 allele had significantly higher antrum mucosal IL-1beta levels than noncarriers [15.97 (9.59-26.6) vs. 10.08 (7.72-13.33), p = 0.008]. No association between gastric mucosal TNF-alpha levels and genotypes of the TNFA and LTA gene polymorphisms was reported. Our results indicate that the VNTR polymorphism of the IL1RN gene influences IL-1beta gastric mucosal production in patients infected with H. pylori.

Analysis of the risk factors and their combinations in acute gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ASA for thrombosis prophylaxis (ASA-TP), for pain medication (ASA-P) or non-ASA NSAIDs (NANSAIDs), Helicobacter pylori infection, CagA strains of H. pylori and smoking are reported risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), but the combined and the dose effects of these factors are controversial. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of these risk factors and their combinations in PUB.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PUB patients (n = 94) were compared with an age- (+/- 5 years) and gender-matched control group of non-ulcer patients (n = 94) attending elective endoscopy. A questionnaire on the possible risk factors (previous gastric and duodenal ulcer, use of ASA-TP, ASA-P, NANSAIDs, warfarin, alcohol and smoking) was completed. H. pylori infection was determined as positive if histology and/or urease tests were positive. CagA antibodies of IgG class were determined using an immunoblot method.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) 8.8), the use of ASA-P (OR 3.5), ASA-TP (OR 4.07), NANSAIDs with > or =1 defined daily dose (OR 6.56), smoking > or =20 cigarettes daily (OR 6.43) and previous duodenal ulcer (DU) (OR 8.96) were independent risk factors for PUB. At least two risk factors were present in 65% of PUB patients. CagA strains were detected in 97% of the H. pylori-positive cases and in 96% of the respective controls. ASA, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and smoking were dose-dependent risk factors for PUB.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous DU, H. pylori, the use of any ASA and smoking explained the majority of the PUB episodes. CagA strains of H. pylori were not associated with PUB. Two-thirds of the PUB patients had at least two risk factors, but their combination did not potentiate the risk.

Gastric cancer susceptibility is not linked to pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms in whites: a Nationwide Multicenter Study in Spain

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have reported an association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and GC risk. However, results are inconsistent among studies from different geographic regions and ethnic groups. Our goal was to evaluate the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and host genetic factors on GC susceptibility in a population of Spanish white GC patients.

METHODS

DNA from 404 unrelated patients with GC and 404 sex- and age-matched healthy controls was typed for several functional polymorphisms in pro- (IL-1B, TNFA, LTA, IL-12p40) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-1RN, IL-10, TGFB1) genes by PCR, RFLP, and TaqMan assays. H. pylori infection and CagA/VacA antibody status were also determined by western blot serology.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis identified H. pylori infection with cagA strains (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.77-3.66), smoking habit (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.25-2.93), and positive family history of GC (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.01-6.71) as independent risk factors for GC. None of the cytokine gene polymorphisms analyzed in this study were associated with susceptibility to GC development, whether GC patients were analyzed as a group or categorized according to anatomic location or histological subtype. Some simultaneous combinations of proinflammatory genotypes reportedly associated with greater GC risk yielded no significant differences between patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that, at least in some white populations, the contribution of the cytokine gene polymorphisms evaluated in this study (IL-1B, IL-1RN, IL-12p40, LTA, IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-B1) to GC susceptibility may be less relevant than previously reported.

Does adding misoprostol to standard intravenous proton pump inhibitor protocol improve the outcome of aspirin/NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding?: a randomized prospective study

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal bleeding is recognized as an important health problem. We performed a single-center randomized clinical trial to compare the effect of high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) alone (group 1) with omeprazole in combination with a low-dose prostaglandin analog (misoprostol; group 2) on clinical outcomes in patients with aspirin/NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, we evaluated the contribution of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on the late consequences. Patients were recruited to the study if they had upper gastrointestinal bleeding with history of taking aspirin or other NSAIDs within the week before the onset of bleeding. All were evaluated in terms of probable risk factors. After the standard treatment protocol, patients with histologically proven H pylori infection were prescribed a triple eradication therapy for 14 days. The primary end points were recurrent bleeding, surgery requirement, and death rates before discharge and at the end of follow-up period. This study lasted for 2 years. A total of 249 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were admitted, and 49.7% of these patients were users of aspirin/NSAIDs. There were 67 patients in group 1 and 56 in group 2. The distributions for gender, age, comorbidity, H pylori infection, and high-risk ulcer rate were similar in both groups. Among aspirin/NSAID users, endoscopy revealed duodenal ulcer in 47 (38.2%), gastric ulcer in 10 (8.1%), and erosive gastropathy in 33 (26.8%). The overall rebleeding occurred in 12.2%, death in 2.4% of the patients. The in-hospital death (P=.414), rebleeding (P=.925), and surgery (P=.547) rates were similar in both treatment groups. After the follow-up period of 3 months, overall rebleeding occurred in 4.1%, and death in 4.8% of the patients. The overall mortality rate was highest in those >65 years old, who were chronic low-dose aspirin users with comorbidity. One died of transfusion-related graft-versus-host disease. In this pilot study, we indicated that adding misoprostol (600 microg/day) to standardized proton pump inhibitor treatment did not improve or change the rebleeding or mortality rates of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to aspirin/NSAID use. Other prospective studies on higher doses of misoprostol are needed to establish the coeffect. One should bear in mind that all blood products must be irradiated before transfused to the host.

TGFB1 gene polymorphisms: their relevance in the susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori-related diseases

Recent studies have revealed elevated expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in gastric mucosa of patients with gastric cancer (GC) and those undergoing ulcer repair. As production of TGF-beta1 is genetically regulated, we aimed to assess whether functional polymorphisms of the TGFB1 gene are involved in susceptibility to and clinical characteristics of Helicobacter pylori-related diseases. DNA from 142 unrelated Spanish patients with GC, 200 with peptic ulcer and 342 healthy controls was typed for the MspA1I T+869C, and the Sau96I G+915C polymorphisms of the TGFB1 gene using polymerase chain reaction and RFLP analysis. H. pylori infection and CagA/VacA antibody status were determined by Western blot in patients and controls. H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR): 11.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.45-29.42; P<0.001) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR: 5.07; 95% CI: 2.53-10.16; P<0.001) were identified as independent risks factors for duodenal ulcer (DU), whereas the TGFB1+869(*)C/C genotype was associated with reduced risk of developing the disease (OR: 0.32; 95% CI=0.15-0.68; P=0.003). Our results show that the TGFB1 T+869C gene polymorphism is involved in the susceptibility to DU and provide further evidence that host genetic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-related diseases.

The association of Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in peptic ulcer disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 10% of the world population. Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are the principal factors associated with PUD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a cohort of patients with PUD and determine the association between H pylori infection and NSAID use.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical charts of patients with endoscopic diagnosis of PUD were retrospectively reviewed from September 2002 to August 2003. Patients were divided into three groups according to ulcer etiology: H pylori infection (group 1); NSAID use (group 2); and combined H pylori infection and NSAID use (group 3).

RESULTS

One hundred two patients were evaluated: 36 men (35.3%) and 66 women (64.7%). Forty patients had H pylori infection, 43 had used NSAIDs and 15 had combined H pylori infection and NSAID use; four patients with ulcers secondary to malignancy were excluded. The frequency of women was significantly higher in group 2 (P=0.01). The mean age of patients in group 1 was significantly lower than in the other two groups (P=0.003). PUD developed earlier in group 3 than in group 2 (5.0+/-4.7 months versus 1.4+/-2.1 months, respectively, P=0.018). Thirty-two patients (32.7%) had bleeding peptic ulcer. Group 2 had a higher risk of bleeding peptic ulcer than the other two groups (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of PUD was observed earlier in the combined H pylori and NSAID group than in patients with only NSAID use. This suggests a synergic effect between the two risks factors in the development of PUD.

Case-control study on the association of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Studies in Western populations have shown the association of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in NSAIDs-related UGIB remains to be studied. We conducted a case-control study in Japan to investigate these related topics.

METHODS

Cases of UGIB due to duodenal or gastric ulcer, or gastritis were identified in 14 study hospitals in various areas of Japan. For each case, two controls were identified from population registries in the same district. Information on drugs and other risk factors was obtained from 175 cases and 347 controls by telephone interviews. Anti-H. pylori antibody in the urine was measured in a single laboratory for all the cases and 225 controls.

RESULTS

The odds ratio (OR) of UGIB was 5.5 for aspirin and 6.1 for other NSAIDs (NANSAIDs) (p<0.01). The OR for regular use was higher than for occasional use both for aspirin (7.7 vs 2.0) and NANSAIDs (7.3 vs 4.1). Loxoprofen (5.9), frequently used in Japan as a safe 'prodrug', was significantly associated with UGIB. The odds ratio for H. pylori infection was 4.9 and the relative excess risk due to the interaction between H. pylori and the use of NSAID was 1.2 (95% CI: -5.8-8.1).

CONCLUSION

NSAIDs including loxoprofen increase the risk of UGIB in Japan as in Western countries, with a similar magnitude of association. There was no evidence of biological interaction between NSAIDs and H. pylori infection.

Interaction or relationship between Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in upper gastrointestinal diseases

According to a meta-analysis, H pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) independently and significantly increase the risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and ulcer bleeding. Their coincidence is frequent, demonstration of a possible relationship and consequent attitude is of important implications. But unfortunately, no consensus has been approved in the past years and their interactions are still controversial. H pylori and NSAID are known to share a number of pathogenic mechanisms, but there is no evidence for the significant synergic action between these two risk factors. Their relationship is independent, additive, synergistic or antagonistic without considering the influence of other factors because studies on this subject are different in almost all aspects of their methodology, including the definition of a NSAID user as well as the types, doses, duration and their indications for NSAID use, as well as their end-points, definition of dyspepsia and regimes used for eradication of H pylori. These might contribute to the conflicting results and opinions. H pylori infection in humans does not act synergistically with NSAID on ulcer healing, and there is no need to eradicate it. This notion is supported by the finding that the eradication of H pylori does not affect NSAID-induced gastropathy treated with omeprazole and that H pylori infection induces a strong cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression resulting in excessive biosynthesis of gastroprotective prostaglandin which in turn counteracts NSAID-induced gastropathy and heals the existing ulcer. Other investigators claimed that H pylori infection acts synergistically with NSAID on ulcer development, and H pylori should be eradicated, particularly at the start of long-term NSAID therapy. Eradication of H pylori prior to NSAID treatment does not appear to accelerate ulcer healing or to prevent recurrent ulcers in NSAID users. However, some recommendations can be drawn from the results of clinical trails.

CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with decreased risk of Barrett's esophagus in a population with high H. pylori infection rate

BACKGROUND & AIM

The role that H. pylori infection plays in the development of and Barrett's esophagus (BE) is uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that infection with cagA+ Helicobacter pylori strains protects against the development of BE.

METHODS

We studied 104 consecutive patients, residents in an area with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, with BE and 213 sex- and age-matched controls. H. pylori infection and CagA antibody status were determined by western blot serology.

RESULTS

H. pylori prevalence was higher in patients with BE than in controls (87.5% vs. 74.6%; OR. 2.3; 95% CI: 1.23-4.59). Increasing age was associated with a higher prevalence of H. pylori (p < 0.05). The prevalence of CagA+ H. pylori serology was similar in patients with BE and controls (64.4% vs. 54.5%; NS). Type I H. pylori infection (CagA+ and VacA+) was similar in patients with BE and controls (44.2% vs. 41.3%; NS). Logistic regression analysis identified alcohol (O.R. 7.09; 95% CI 2.23-22.51), and H. pylori infection (OR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.20-4.84) but not CagA+ serology as independent factors.

CONCLUSION

Neither H. pylori infection nor H. pylori infection by CagA+ strains reduce the risk of BE in a population with high prevalence of H. pylori infection.

No allelic variant associations of the IL-1 and TNF gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to duodenal ulcer disease

Recent studies have reported the association of a pro-inflammatory profile of genetic polymorphisms in IL-1B, IL-1RN, TNF-A, and IL-10 genes with an increased risk of non-cardia gastric cancer. Because gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer are mutually exclusive outcomes of Helicobacter pylori infection, we aimed to investigate possible allelic variant associations of several functional polymorphisms in the IL-1B, IL-1RN, TNFA, and LTA genes in the susceptibility to duodenal ulcer. Genomic DNA from 118 patients with duodenal ulcer and 97 healthy controls was typed for the IL-1B polymorphisms at positions -511, -31, and +3954, the VNTR polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL-1RN gene, the TNFA-308, TNFA -238, and the NcoI and BsI LTA polymorphisms by PCR, SSCP and TaqMan assays. H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use was investigated in patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis identified H. pylori infection (OR: 12.86; 95%CI: 3.85-43), NSAID use (OR: 11.95; 95%CI: 4.19-34.05), and family history-ulcer (OR: 3.79; 95%CI: 1.68-8.54) as independent risk factors for duodenal ulcer. When the effect of the combinations of IL-1 and TNF genotypes was studied we found that the distribution of all possible combinations of these eight polymorphisms was similar in duodenal ulcer patients and controls. The simultaneous carriage of alleles IL-1RN*2/IL-1B -31T/IL-1B -511C/IL-IB +3954C/TNF-HaplotypeE negative (termed in some studies as 'low-producing' alleles) was increased in H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer patients compared to H. pylori-infected healthy controls (10.5% vs. 5.9%) although the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 0.57-5.99, P = 0.41). Moreover, no differences were found with respect to H. pylori status, NSAID use, age, gender, smoking habit, type of complication, recurrence of the ulcer, and need for surgical treatment. Our data show no association between allelic variants of IL-1 and TNF gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to and final outcome of duodenal ulcer.

Role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin at any dosage and formulation represent well-established risk factors for the development of uncomplicated and complicated peptic ulcer disease accounting for the majority of such cases. Although the interaction between H pylori and NSAID/aspirin use in the same individuals was questioned in some epidemiological studies, it has now become widely accepted that they are at least independent risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. According to data from randomized intervention trials, naive NSAID users certainly benefit from testing for H pylori infection and, if positive, H pylori eradication therapy prior to the initiation of NSAID. A similar strategy is also suggested for naive aspirin users, although the efficacy of such an approach has not been evaluated yet. Strong data also support that chronic aspirin users with a recent ulcer complication should be tested for H pylori infection and, if positive, receive H pylori eradication therapy after ulcer healing, while they appear to benefit from additional long-term therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). A similar approach is often recommended to chronic aspirin users at a high risk of ulcer complication. H pylori eradication alone does not efficiently protect chronic NSAID users with a recent ulcer complication or those at a high-risk, who certainly should be treated with long-term PPI therapy, but H pylori eradication may be additionally offered even in this setting. In contrast, testing for H pylori or PPI therapy is not recommended for chronic NSAID/aspirin users with no ulcer complications or those at a low risk of complications.

Meta-analysis: role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the prevention of peptic ulcer in NSAID users

AIM

To evaluate whether eradication of Helicobacter pylori prevents peptic ulcer in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users by means of a meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the AGA congress. Randomized trials comparing H. pylori eradication vs. non-eradication or eradication vs. a proton pump inhibitor in patients receiving a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were selected.

RESULTS

Five studies and 939 patients were included in the analysis; 34 of 459 (7.4%) patients developed a peptic ulcer in the eradicated group vs. 64 of 480 (13.3%) in the control group. The odds ratio was 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.93). Sub-analyses showed a significant reduction of risk for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-naive (odds ratio = 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.49) but not for previously treated patients (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.53-1.72). Two studies with a total of 385 patients compared eradication vs. a proton pump inhibitor; five of 196 (2.6%) developed a peptic ulcer in the eradicated group vs. zero of 189 (0%) in the proton pump inhibitor group (odds ratio = 7.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-43.6).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori eradication reduces the incidence of peptic ulcer in the overall population receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It appears to be especially effective when performed in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-naïve patients. Nonetheless, eradication seems less effective than treatment with a maintenance proton pump inhibitor for preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers.

The selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide prevents Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer development in a mouse model

PURPOSE

Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to gastric cancer, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in the stomach during H. pylori infection. Therefore, we investigated whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might protect against this form of cancer. Specifically, we examined the chemopreventive effect of the COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide on H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

C57BL/6 mice were treated with the carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and/or H. pylori. To determine the effect of COX-2 inhibition, nimesulide was mixed with feed pellets and administered for the duration of the experiment. All of the mice were sacrificed 50 weeks after the start of the experiment. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting for COX-2, Bax and Bcl-2 were performed in stomach tissues. In vitro experiments with the human gastric cancer cell line AGS were also performed to identify mechanisms underlying cancer chemoprevention by nimesulide.

RESULTS

Gastric tumors developed in 68.8% of mice that were given both MNU and H. pylori, whereas less than 10% developed gastric tumors when given either MNU or H. pylori alone. These findings indicate that H. pylori promotes carcinogen-induced gastric tumorigenesis. In mice treated with both MNU and H. pylori, nimesulide administration substantially reduced H. pylori-associated gastric tumorigenesis, whereas substantial inductions of apoptosis were observed. In vitro studies demonstrated that nimesulide and H. pylori when combined acted synergistically to induce more apoptosis than either alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that nimesulide prevents H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis, and suggest that COX-2 may be a target for chemoprevention of gastric cancer.

[Epidemiology of digestive complications associated with use of low-dose aspirin]

Low-dose aspirin (< 330 mg/d) is recommended for the prevention of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Six to 12% of the general population is exposed to low-dose aspirin. The most frequently studied digestive complications are bleeding peptic ulcers, whose risk is increased twofold by low-dose aspirin treatment, and non-complicated peptic ulcers. History of bleeding or non-complicated peptic ulcer, alcohol intake, concomitant treatment with NSAID or calcic inhibitors are demonstrated risk factors of bleeding ulcer associated with low-dose aspirin. The role of enteric coating, of low-dose aspirin dose, of delay since low-dose aspirin treatment onset, and of Helicobacter pylori infection, remains controversial. Antisecretory drugs (H2 inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors), and nitroglycerin are associated with a decreased risk of bleeding ulcer. The protective effect of COX-2 inhibitors on the risk of bleeding ulcer is suppressed by concomitant treatment with low-dose aspirin. The risk of no- complicated peptic ulcer was increased by low-dose aspirin intake by a factor 2.9 in one study. Low-dose aspirin dose, infection by Helicobacter pylori, NSAID intake, and absence of enteric coating, are possible risk factors for non-complicated peptic ulcer. No association was retrieved with alcohol intake and peptic ulcer history.

Clinical trends in ulcer diagnosis in a population with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether the incidence of peptic ulcer changes in areas with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIM

To determine trends in peptic ulcer complications in a community with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

New endoscopic diagnoses of peptic ulcers and their complications from 1985 to 2000 were obtained. H. pylori infection in the adult population, the number of prescriptions for anti-secretory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Although the global prevalence of H. pylori infection remains high in this population (>60%), a 41.4 to 25.4% decrease in the incidence of peptic ulcers and ulcer complications was observed. This was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in people under 65 years of age, a 3.5-fold increase in the number of prescriptions of proton-pump inhibitors and an increase in the number of prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially coxibs.

CONCLUSIONS

In an area with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, the incidence of peptic ulcer and associated complications is declining rapidly. This was associated with a reduction of the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the young and a widespread use of proton-pump inhibitors. The increase in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially coxibs, has not changed the tendency.

Lack of association of IL-12 p40 gene polymorphism with peptic ulcer disease

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a proinflammatory cytokine composed by two chains, p40 and p35, that plays a key role in the promotion of a Th1 immune response in the gastrointestinal mucosa. An enhanced expression of IL-12 mRNA in gastric mucosa has been reported in individuals infected by Helicobacter pylori. The aim of our study was to assess whether a functional polymorphism located at position 1188 (A-->C) of the IL-12 p40 (IL12B) gene is associated with the susceptibility and clinical features of peptic ulcer disease. Genotyping of 184 unrelated white Spanish patients with peptic ulcer and 107 healthy controls was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Helicobacter pylori status and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs use were studied in patients and controls. There were no significant differences in carriage, genotype, and allele frequencies of the IL-12 p40 gene polymorphism between patients with peptic ulcer and controls. Moreover, no differences were found with respect to the localization of the ulcer, Helicobacter pylori status, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use, age, sex, bleeding episodes, and family history of peptic ulcer. Our data reveal that the IL12B 1188 (A-->C) gene polymorphism is not involved in defining the genetic basis of the susceptibility to and final outcome of peptic ulcer disease.

Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Injury and Events in Patients Treated With Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/COX-2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 Selective NSAIDs, and Gastroprotective Cotherapy

Numerous studies using varying methodologies and outcome measures have examined the gastrointestinal risks of aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Despite the large volume of literature, clarity regarding the key risk factors and their quantitative importance is lacking. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the incidence of gastrointestinal injury in populations with varying risk characteristics using agents that inhibit both isoforms of cyclooxygenase and those that selectively inhibit only cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).Although risk estimates vary, the risk of serious gastrointestinal complications in NSAID users is approximately 2.5 to 4.5 times that of nonusers. The risk of NSAID-related gastrointestinal bleeding is augmented by concomitant low-dose aspirin and could approach double the risk of NSAID use alone. The preponderance of evidence shows that the risk of NSAID-related gastrointestinal bleeding is reduced approximately 50% with a coxib as compared with traditional NSAID. The relative risk of hospitalization resulting from upper gastrointestinal bleeding for patients treated with a nonselective NSAID was 4.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-8.5) and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.0-3.5) when compared with celecoxib and rofecoxib, respectively. Aspirin increases the risk of NSAID-related gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking COX-2 selective inhibitors, with odds ratios ranging from 5.8 to 7.7; however, it is unknown whether this risk is greater than the risk from aspirin alone. The risks from both traditional NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are increased in the elderly, patients on anticoagulation, and patients with prior gastrointestinal events.Gastroprotective agents have been found to significantly reduce the risk for gastrointestinal injury in patients receiving NSAID therapy, especially those receiving concurrent low-dose cardioprotective doses of aspirin. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and misoprostol both reduce the incidence of gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as recurrence of ulcer complications in patients receiving NSAIDs. The relative risk for gastric ulcers ranged from 0.17 to 0.38, whereas for duodenal ulcers, the range was 0.11 to 0.28. Although misoprostol is slightly more effective in preventing gastric ulcers in these patients, PPIs are better tolerated. Although NSAIDs appear safe in "low-risk" populations, our review suggests that the use of gastroprotective cotherapy should be considered in patients at higher risk of NSAID-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

The prevalence of peptic ulcer not related to Helicobacter pylori or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is negligible in southern Europe

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Helicobacter pylori is the major cause of peptic ulcer disease, but the proportion of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers seems to be increasing in developed countries. We investigated the frequency of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcer without intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a Mediterranean European country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected consecutive patients with an endoscopically verified active peptic ulcer over 6 months from different areas of Spain. Helicobacter pylori infection was assessed by rapid urease test and histologic examination (corpus and antral biopsies). A (13)C-urea breath test was performed if H. pylori was not detected with the invasive test. Patients were considered H. pylori-negative if all three tests were negative. NSAID use was determined by structured data collection.

RESULTS

Of 754 consecutive peptic ulcer patients, 16 (2.1%) were H. pylori-negative and had not used NSAIDs before the diagnosis. Of the 472 patients who had duodenal ulcers, 95.7% (n = 452) were H. pylori-positive and only 1.69% (n = 8) were negative for both H. pylori infection and NSAID use; 193 patients had benign gastric ulcers and 87% (n = 168) of them were infected by H. pylori (p <.001 vs. duodenal ulcers). NSAID intake was more frequent in gastric ulcer patients (52.8%) than in duodenal ulcer patients (25.4%; p <.001). Consequently, the frequency of H. pylori-negative gastric ulcer in patients not using NSAID was 4.1% (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

Peptic ulcer disease is still highly associated with H. pylori infection in southern Europe, and only 1.6% of all duodenal ulcers and 4.1% of all gastric ulcers were not associated with either H. pylori infection or NSAID use.

Effect of helicobacter pylori infection on the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

PURPOSE

We evaluated whether infection with Helicobacter pylori, including specific cytotoxic-associated antigen (CagA)-positive strains, increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

METHODS

Cases with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and recent NSAID use, including aspirin, who were admitted during 2001, were compared with age- and sex-matched outpatient controls who had recent NSAID use. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by serum antibodies or the (13)C-urea breath test; and CagA seropositivity was diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunoassay.

RESULTS

H. pylori was detected significantly more frequently in cases of bleeding than controls (79% [63/80] vs. 56% [45/80], P = 0.004). Cases of bleeding were more likely than controls to have a history of peptic ulcer (34% [n = 27] vs. 13% [n = 10], P = 0.003), previous upper gastrointestinal bleeding (19% [n = 15] vs. 6% [n = 5], P = 0.03), recent dyspepsia (29% [n = 23] vs. 15% [n = 12], P = 0.06), and <3 months of NSAID use (58% [n = 46] vs. 40% [n = 32], P = 0.04). CagA positivity was not associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. In a multivariate analysis, H. pylori infection was the only significant risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 2.5; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection almost doubles the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding among users of NSAIDs.

Impact de l’infection à Helicobacter pylori sur le risque de complications gastro-duodénales des traitements anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens

The interaction of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the development of gastro-duodenal ulcers and their complications is complex and controversial. From a clinical point of view, the question is whether or not H. pylori infection should be tested and eradicated in patients treated or about to be treated by NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin. Contradictory results have been reported in epidemiological studies. Recent data suggest that H. pylori-NSAID interaction may be different depending on the type of treatment, non aspirin NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin, the gastric or duodenal localization of ulcer and the strains of H. pylori. Controlled randomized studies suggest that eradication of H. pylori may be beneficial in NSAID-naïve patients but not in those already on long term NSAID therapy. Recommendations are proposed for different subgroups of patients. In NSAID users presenting with gastro-duodenal ulcer or complications, H. pylori screening and eradication are indicated. In patients treated or about to be treated by NSAIDs, the "test and treat" H. pylori strategy is recommended if there is a history of gastroduodenal ulcer or complications. Whether this strategy should be generalized preventively in patients without ulcer history is still controversial and deserves further studies.

Association of interleukin 1 gene family polymorphisms with duodenal ulcer disease

Cytokine genes taking part in the immunological response to Helicobacter pylori infection are good candidates to study for genetic predisposition to duodenal ulcer disease (DU). Among cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1beta and its natural specific inhibitor, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, are cytokines that play a key role in regulating gastric acid secretion and modulating the immune response in the gastrointestinal mucosa. We aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms in the IL-1B and IL-1RN genes are involved in the susceptibility to duodenal ulcer. DNA from 131 unrelated Spanish Caucasian patients with DU and 105 ethnically matched healthy controls was typed for the IL-1B-511, IL-1B-31, and IL-1B + 3954 gene polymorphisms, and the VNTR polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL-1RN gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods and TaqMan assays. H. pylori status and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use was determined in all patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis identified H. pylori infection (OR: 9.74; 95%CI = 3.53-26.89) and NSAIDs use (OR: 8.82; 95%CI = 3.51-22.17) as independent risk factors for DU. In addition, the simultaneous carriage of IL-1RN*2, IL-1B-511*C, IL-1B-31*T and IL-1B + 3954*C alleles was a genetic risk factor for DU in patients with H. pylori infection (OR: 3.22; 95%CI = 1.09-9.47). No significant differences in IL-1RN and IL-1B genotypes were found when patients were categorized according to gender, age of onset, smoking habit, NSAIDs use, type of complication and positive family history. Our results provide further evidence that host genetic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer.

Lansoprazole reduces ulcer relapse after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users--a randomized trial

AIM

To study whether prophylaxis with lansoprazole could prevent relapse of ulcers after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with NSAID-related peptic ulcers.

METHODS

Patients who presented with peptic ulcers and were found to be infected with H. pylori while receiving NSAIDs were recruited into the study. They received, twice daily, lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g and clarithromycin 500 mg for 1 week, followed by lansoprazole 30 mg daily for 4 weeks. Patients with healed ulcers and H. pylori eradicated were given naproxen 750 mg daily, and randomly assigned to receive lansoprazole 30 mg daily or no treatment for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the cumulative recurrence of symptomatic and complicated ulcers.

RESULTS

At the end of the 8-week treatment period, significantly fewer patients (1/22, 4.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0-23) in the lansoprazole group compared with the group that received H. pylori eradication alone (9/21, 42.9%, 95% CI 22-66) developed recurrence of symptomatic and complicated ulcers (log rank test P=0.0025).

CONCLUSIONS

Lansoprazole significantly reduced the cumulative relapse of symptomatic and complicated ulcers in patients requiring NSAIDs after eradication of H. pylori.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori improves the healing rate and reduces the relapse rate of nonbleeding ulcers in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer

OBJECTIVE

A causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and peptic ulcer complications remains obscure. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of H. pylori and other risk factors for healing rate, ulcer recurrence, and rebleeding in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.

METHOD

A total of 223 patients with H. pylori positive bleeding peptic ulcer were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: 1) quadruple therapy (QT) (88 patients); 2) dual therapy (DT) (88 patients); and 3) omeprazole and placebo therapy (OPl) (47 patients). Endoscopic assessment was performed initially and at 8 and 52 wk. Ulcer healing and eradication rates were assessed; endpoints were ulcer relapse and ulcer rebleeding during 52 wk.

RESULTS

Results after 8 and 52 wk were available for 211 and 179 patients, respectively. Eradication rate was 100% (95% CI = 96-100%) in the QT, 84% (95% CI = 74-91%) in the DT, and 4% (95% CI = 1-15%) in the OPl group. Ulcer healing rate was 95% (95% CI = 91-98%) in H. pylori negative and 8% (95% CI = 70-91%) in H. pylori positive patients. Ulcer relapses occurred in 2% (95% CI = 0.5-6%) of H. pylori negative and in 38% (95% CI = 24-54%) of H. pylori positive patients, and rebleeding occurred in five patients (three H. pylori positive and two negative).

CONCLUSIONS

Eradication of H. pylori infection enhances healing of bleeding peptic ulcers after endoscopic therapy. H. pylori infection is an important independent risk factor for relapsing of nonbleeding ulcers in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.

Effect of treatment of Helicobacter pylori on the prevention of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients receiving long-term NSAIDs: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is controversy as to whether Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interact to cause peptic ulcers.

AIM

To study whether the eradication of H. pylori in patients on long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy prevents the development of ulcers.

METHODS

Patients infected with H. pylori whilst receiving long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy, but with no ulcers at baseline endoscopy, were randomized to receive either triple antibiotic therapy (metronidazole 300 mg, clarithromycin 250 mg and amoxicillin 500 mg, given four times daily; n = 70) or placebo (n = 70) for 2 weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were continued throughout the study period. Endoscopy was repeated 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The development of ulcers was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Endoscopy at 12 weeks revealed peptic ulcer development in five [7%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2-16] of the patients who received triple therapy and in six (9%; 95% CI, 3-18) of those who received placebo (P = 1.00). No significant difference in the development of ulcers was found between patients with persistent H. pylori infection (7/80; 9%; 95% CI, 4-17) and those with the eradication of H. pylori (4/52; 8%; 95% CI, 2-19) (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

The eradication of H. pylori in patients receiving long-term treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not prevent ulcer development. However, because the rate of ulcer development was low, a study with a larger sample size is required to confirm this finding.

Treatment and prevention of aspirin-induced gastroduodenal ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding

Aspirin use is associated with gastroduodenal mucosal damage and increased risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Many aspirin users should receive prophylactic treatment since they often have several risk factors for upper GI complications. The best therapeutic approach for reducing GI toxicity in low-dose aspirin users is still ill-defined as only a few studies have focused on this problem. Omeprazole appears to be very effective in reducing both acute gastroduodenal mucosal damage and upper GI bleeding in the high-risk patient taking low-dose aspirin, but data with other anti-ulcer agents are lacking (misoprostol) or inconsistent (ranitidine) at present. The role of Helicobacter pylori is controversial in NSAID users, but there is now wide agreement that H. pylori infection increases mucosal damage and the risk of upper GI bleeding in low-dose aspirin users.

The cost-effectiveness of competing strategies for the prevention of recurrent peptic ulcer hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Several strategies exist for the prevention of recurrent ulcer-related hemorrhage, yet the cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated and remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of competing management strategies considering both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs status and the accuracy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) testing.

METHODS

Decision analysis was used to compare the cost-per-recurrent hemorrhage prevented for 11 strategies over 1 yr. Clinical and costs estimates were derived from a systematic review of the medical literature and the Medicare Fee Schedule and Drug Topics Redbook. Sensitivity analyses were performed for important variables.

RESULTS

The test/retest eradication strategy with maintenance proton pump inhibitor therapy for H. pylori-negative patients was most effective (prevention of recurrence in 96.0%). The test/retest eradication strategy with maintenance histamine-2 receptor antagonist therapy for H. pylori-negative patients was least costly ($1070). The test/retest strategies were dominant with average cost-effectiveness ratios of $1118-1310/recurrent hemorrhage prevented with maintenance antisecretory therapy. The average cost-effectiveness ratios for "selective" H. pylori eradication strategies with maintenance antisecretory therapy were $1263-1673. The model was robust to varying estimates over prespecified ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Test/retest strategies for H. pylori are cost-effective for the prevention of recurrent ulcer-related hemorrhage because they maximize H. pylori detection and eradication, resulting in fewer recurrent hemorrhages and fewer patients requiring antisecretory therapy.

The potential risk factors leading to peptic ulcer formation in autoimmune disease patients receiving corticosteroid treatment

AIM

To study the potential risk factors leading to peptic ulcer disease among autoimmune disease patients on corticosteroid treatment.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-eight corticosteroid-treated autoimmune disease patients were enrolled; their demographic data were recorded and laboratory data were measured. Endoscopy was performed to assess the occurrence of peptic ulcer disease. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed on the basis of rapid urease test and histological examination.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (20%) of 138 autoimmune disease patients had peptic ulcer disease, including 17 with gastric ulcer, eight with duodenal ulcer and three with gastric ulcer plus duodenal ulcer. Eighty five (62%) had used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 46 (33%) had H. pylori infection. The majority of peptic ulcer disease subjects showed the following characteristics: age >or= 60 years; male; smokers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users, particularly the non-specific cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors; presence of hyperpepsinogenaemia I; low H. pylori colonization (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that an age >or= 60 years [odds ratio (OR), 6.80; P = 0.001], smoking (OR, 7.94; P = 0.004) and the use of non-specific cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (OR, 4.71; P = 0.030) were the predominant risk factors for the development of peptic ulcer disease among these patients, whereas H. pylori infection showed a protective role (OR, 0.20; P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Old age, smoking and the use of non-specific cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors are risk factors for peptic ulcer disease in autoimmune disease patients on corticosteroid treatment. H. pylori infection appears to protect against peptic ulcer disease in these patients.

Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking low-dose aspirin

AIM

To evaluate the role of Helicobacter pylori infection and other clinical factors in the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking low-dose aspirin.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case-control study was carried out of consecutive current users of low-dose aspirin admitted because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Within a cohort of 695 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 98 patients had taken low-dose aspirin and no other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Controls were 147 low-dose aspirin users without upper gastrointestinal bleeding of similar age, sex and extent of aspirin use as cases. H. pylori infection was determined by CagA/VacA serology and 13C-urea breath test in all cases and controls. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) are provided.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection was identified as an independent risk factor of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in this population (OR, 4.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.0-10.9), but the presence of CagA-positive serology was not. Other risk factors identified were a previous ulcer history (OR, 15.2; 95% CI, 3.8-60.1), alcohol use (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.7-10.4) and use of calcium channel blockers (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.25-5.14). Antisecretory therapy (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02-0.3) and nitrovasodilators (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6) decreased the risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection is a risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in low-dose aspirin users, which might have therapeutic implications in high-risk patients.

Review article: Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer haemorrhage

In this overview, medical advice for routine clinical practice regarding peptic ulcer haemorrhage (PUH) is given, based on the extensive literature about Helicobacter pylori and the controversial results about the interaction of H. pylori infection and nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. PUH remains an important emergency situation with an incidence between 32 and 51/100 000 persons per year. There is a high association between H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease. The association between H. pylori infection and PUH is less clear, but a strong argument for the aetiological role is the fact that eradication of H. pylori decreases recurrence of bleeding. NSAID use is another important risk factor for PUH. H. pylori infection and NSAID use seem to act independently, although some studies show a synergistic interaction while other studies report that H. pylori is protective against the development of PUH in NSAID users. All patients with PUH should be tested for H. pylori infection, regardless of the use of NSAIDs. Because invasive tests are less sensitive in PUH patients, negative tests in patients with no other risk factors should be confirmed by serology or urea breath test (UBT). Eradication therapy with a proton pump inhibitor or ranitidine bismuth citrate-based triple therapy should be given to all H. pylori-positive patients. Only for nonaspirin-NSAID users does the effect of eradication therapy on the healing of gastric ulcers remain controversial, but currently we also advise eradication of H. pylori in this subgroup. After eradication therapy, acid-suppressant therapy is advised to heal the ulcer. The success of eradication should always be confirmed because of the risk of recurrence of peptic ulcer disease and bleeding in H. pylori-infected patients.

Review article: the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced upper gastrointestinal tract injury

Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the two major causes of peptic ulcers. This article reviews the interaction of H. pylori and NSAIDs on the development of gastric mucosal histological changes, endoscopically confirmed ulcers, and ulcer complications, and assesses whether underlying H. pylori infection potentiates (or mitigates) the development of NSAID-induced ulcer disease. The weight of evidence does not suggest that H. pylori infection potentiates the risk of ulcer formation or ulcer complications in NSAID users. If such an effect occurs, it is likely to be relatively small. Some data even suggest that H. pylori may be protective against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. Limited data raise the possibility that H. pylori infection, however, may potentiate the effect of low-dose aspirin with respect to ulcer bleeding. Both NSAIDs and H. pylori are independent risk factors for ulcer disease. Therefore, in an individual patient with an ulcer, one cannot be certain which factor is responsible for the ulcer, and both risks should be removed if possible.