Systematic review with meta-analysis: fundic gland polyps and proton pump inhibitors

Endoscopic findings and outcomes of gastric mucosal changes relating to potassium-competitive acid blocker and proton pump inhibitor therapy

Gastric mucosal changes associated with long-term potassium-competitive acid blocker and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy may raise concern. In contrast to that for PPIs, the evidence concerning the safety of long-term potassium-competitive acid blocker use is scant. Vonoprazan (VPZ) is a representative potassium-competitive acid blocker released in Japan in 2015. In order to shed some comparative light regarding the outcomes of gastric mucosal lesions associated with a long-term acid blockade, we have reviewed six representative gastric mucosal lesions: fundic gland polyps, gastric hyperplastic polyps, multiple white and flat elevated lesions, cobblestone-like gastric mucosal changes, gastric black spots, and stardust gastric mucosal changes. For these mucosal lesions, we have evaluated the association with the type of acid blockade, patient gender, Helicobacter pylori infection status, the degree of gastric atrophy, and serum gastrin levels. There is no concrete evidence to support a significant relationship between VPZ/PPI use and the development of neuroendocrine tumors. Current data also shows that the risk of gastric mucosal changes is similar for long-term VPZ and PPI use. Serum hypergastrinemia is not correlated with the development of some gastric mucosal lesions. Therefore, serum gastrin level is unhelpful for risk estimation and for decision-making relating to the cessation of these drugs in routine clinical practice. Given the confounding potential neoplastic risk relating to H. pylori infection, this should be eradicated before VPZ/PPI therapy is commenced. The evidence to date does not support the cessation of clinically appropriate VPZ/PPI therapy solely because of the presence of these associated gastric mucosal lesions.

A Novel Characteristic Gastric Mucus Named "Web-like Mucus" Potentially Induced by Vonoprazan

Background: In the absence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, a characteristic gastric mucus adhesion may appear during the use of vonoprazan. We named this novel characteristic mucus "web-like mucus" (WLM). This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for WLM. Methods: Between January 2017 and January 2022, 5665 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-prescribed group (n = 2000), a vonoprazan-prescribed group (n = 268), and a no-PPI/vonoprazan-prescribed (n = 3397) group, and the presence of WLM was examined. After excluding four patients with autoimmune gastritis, the remaining 264 patients in the vonoprazan group were divided into WLM and non-WLM groups, and their clinical features were analyzed. Results: A total of 55 (21%) patients had WLM, all in the vonoprazan-prescribed group. There were no significant differences in factors such as, sex, age, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, HP eradication history, smoking, or alcohol consumption between the WLM and non-WLM groups. The median duration from the start of vonoprazan administration to the endoscopic detection of WLM was 2 (1-24) months. Conclusions: WLM appears to be a characteristic feature in patients treated with vonoprazan.

Proton pump inhibitors are not associated with fundic gland polyps - a systematic review that takes into consideration all known confounders

Sporadic fundic gland polyps (FGPs) progress, albeit rarely, to dysplasia and cancer. Two meta-analyses, including 8 and 11 studies, concluded that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were associated with FGPs. Intervention is considered unnecessary when FGPs have a background of PPIs use. Both meta-analyses, however, disregarded known confounders: age, sex, endoscopy indications, study design (prospective or retrospective), duration of PPI use, and H. pylori infection. Confounders are known to invalidate meta-analyses. We followed PRIXMA guidelines and searched the literature for studies on FGPs in PPI-users and PPI-nonusers. In the 22 studies searched, we compared FGPs in PPI-users (n = 6534) and PPI-nonusers (n = 41 115). Heterogeneity was significant (Cochran Q = 277.8, P < 0.0001; I2 = 92.8%), annulling meta-analysis performed by blanket tallying. To offset the above confounders, we matched PPI-users and PPI-nonusers by (a) age and sex (n = 4300 and 29 307, respectively) and (b) their propensity scores derived from the confounders (n = 2950 and 4729, respectively). After both matching, FGPs were not significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, P = 0.3078; OR = 0.9, P = 0.3258, respectively]. Furthermore, FGP frequency did not correlate with increasing duration of PPI use (Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients = 0.1162, 0.0386, P < 0.6064, 0.8646, respectively); it was not significantly different between any of the duration periods of observation, namely, <10, 10-20, 20-40, >40 months, nor was it significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers within each duration period (P > 0.05). We conclude that PPIs are not associated with FGPs, implying that a background history of PPI use is not a justification for nonintervention in the management of FGPs.

Potassium-competitive acid blocker-associated gastric mucosal lesions

Since the introduction of vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), it has been demonstrated to reversibly inhibit gastric acid secretion by engaging in potassium-competitive ionic binding to H+/K+-ATPase. In contrast, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) achieve H+/K+-ATPase inhibition through covalent binding to cysteine residues of the proton pump. Reported cases have indicated an emerging trend of P-CAB-related gastropathies, similar to those associated with PPIs, as well as unique gastropathies specific to P-CAB use, such as the identification of web-like mucus. Pathologically, parietal cell profusions, which show a positively correlated with hypergastrinemia, have a higher incidence in P-CAB users compared to PPI users. Thus, this review aims to summarize the endoscopic and pathological findings reported to date concerning P-CAB-related gastric mucosal lesions. Additionally, it seeks to discuss the differences between the PPIs and P-CABs in terms of the formation and frequency of associated gastropathies. This review highlights the evident differences in the mechanism of action and potency of acid inhibition between P-CABs and PPIs, notably contributing to differences in the formation and frequency of associated gastropathies. It emphasizes the necessity to distinguish between P-CAB-related and PPI-related gastropathies in the clinical setting.

Gastric Polyps in Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: Identification of Risks and Characteristics

Aim Estimate the prevalence of gastric polyps linked to long-term use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), determine the various risk factors that promote this association, and identify the characteristics associated with these polyps. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on approximately 1000 patients presenting to the Gastroenterology Endoscopic Department for upper GI endoscopy at two hospital centers in Beirut, Lebanon, over a period of 12 months from September 2021 to September 2022. The demographic and clinical data of patients who had been taking PPIs for at least one month were collected via a questionnaire. All patients with a previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, presence of hypergastrinemia, or a personal/family history of gastric polyps were excluded from this study. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20 software. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test; p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of gastric polyps linked to long-term PPI use was 30%. The minimum duration of daily PPI use required for the formation of polyps is around 24 months. The dosage did not play a significant role in increasing this prevalence. A significant correlation was found between chronic PPI use and factors such as sex, age range, duration, and type of PPI used. These polyps were predominantly found in females (with an OR of 2.9), increased with age, were mostly of the fundic gland type, and their size was proportionally linked to both the dosage and duration of daily PPI use. No cases of dysplasia within the fundic gland polyps (FGPs) were demonstrated in our study. Conclusion To date, there is no current data that prove an association between gastric cancer and PPI-induced FGPs. Additionally, the incidence of FGPs has increased with the widespread chronic use of PPIs. Therefore, attention should be drawn to the potential risk of dysplasia. Thus, the present study highlights the importance of limiting the prescription of PPIs to globally well-defined indications and determining the various risk factors that promote the association between gastric polyps and PPI use. This abstract was recently presented as an E-poster at the ESGE Days 2024 Congress on April 25-27, 2024, in Berlin, Germany.

Development of Gastric Polyps: 15 Years of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most common drugs used to treat this acid-related disorder due to their high efficacy and fewer side effects. However, long-term use of these drugs can cause histopathological changes, including cystic dilation of gastric fundic glands. The present report describes a 53-year-old man with chronic GERD and daily use of PPIs 20 mg once a day for over 15 years. This case demonstrates the association between PPI and the development of fundic gland polyps.

Drug-induced mucosal alterations observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Several features of drug-induced mucosal alterations have been observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. These include pill-induced esophagitis, desquamative esophagitis, worsening of gastroesophageal reflux, chemotherapy-induced esophagitis, proton pump inhibitor-induced gastric mucosal changes, medication-induced gastric erosions and ulcers, pseudomelanosis of the stomach, olmesartan-related gastric mucosal inflammation, lanthanum deposition in the stomach, zinc acetate hydrate tablet-induced gastric ulcer, immune-related adverse event gastritis, olmesartan-asso-ciated sprue-like enteropathy, pseudomelanosis of the duodenum, and lanthanum deposition in the duodenum. For endoscopists, acquiring accurate knowledge regarding these diverse drug-induced mucosal alterations is crucial not only for the correct diagnosis of these lesions but also for differential diag-nosis of other conditions. This minireview aims to provide essential information on drug-induced mucosal alterations observed on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, along with representative endoscopic images.

Multidisciplinary Consensus for Rationalizing the Use of Acid Suppressants in Children and Adults: CONFOR

The use of acid suppression therapy (AST) is a common approach for managing a wide spectrum of acid peptic disorders. Histamine type 2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most widely prescribed AST in routine clinical practice. However, an exponential surge in the prescriptions of PPIs, such as Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole in recent years and their associated adverse effects have raised concern about their inappropriate and overuse, both in children and adults. To address these issues, a three-step modified Delphi polling process was employed to establish best practice consensus statements for rationalizing the use of acid suppressants. A multidisciplinary expert panel of 13 health professionals across medical specialties, including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatricians, otolaryngologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, gynecologist and orthopedists actively contributed to this collaborative process of consensus development. The expert panel proposed 21 consensus statements providing best practice points on the general use and safety of acid suppressants based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature and clinical expertise. The panel also collaboratively developed a PPI deprescribing algorithm. Altogether, this consensus paper offers evidence-based recommendations and guidance for the rational use of acid suppressants with a blueprint for deprescribing PPIs. This consensus paper contributes to aiding primary care practitioners in improving patient outcomes and minimizing healthcare costs. Additionally, it enhances patient safety and curtail inappropriate usage.

How to cite this article

Prabhoo RY, Pai UA, Wadhwa A, et al. Multidisciplinary Consensus for Rationalizing the Use of Acid Suppressants in Children and Adults: CONFOR. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2024;14(1):99-119.

Forty years of Helicobacter pylori infection and changes in findings at esophagogastroduodenoscopy

BACKGROUND

It is 40 years since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori infection. Over that time major changes have occurred in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings. The aim of this review is to describe these changes, and the important role H. pylori infection has played in their evolution.

METHODS

References were identified through searches of PubMed using the search terms-endoscopy time trends, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, upper gastrointestinal cancer, gastric polyps, H. pylori, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, and celiac disease, from 1970 through December 2021.

RESULTS

The prevalence of H. pylori infection has fallen and consequently, H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer disease has become rare. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is now the commonest disorder diagnosed at EGD, and Barrett's esophagus has increased in parallel. Cancer of the distal stomach has fallen while esophageal adenocarcinoma and reflux-related cardia cancer have risen. Gastric polyps have changed from hyperplastic and adenomas to sporadic fundic gland polyps. Antimicrobial resistance has made H. pylori infection more difficult to eradicate. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, particularly eosinophilic esophagitis, have emerged as important new allergic disorders. Celiac disease has changed and increased.

CONCLUSIONS

EGD findings appear to have changed from features suggesting a H. pylori-positive "phenotype" 40 years ago to a H. pylori-negative "phenotype" today. These changes have major implications for the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

Two Cases, Too Little, Too Late: Surveillance for Gastric Cancer in Patients with FAP

Familial adenomatous polyposis is an autosomal dominant disease due to a mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. The disease, characterized by the development of adenomas throughout the colon and rectum, is also associated with extracolonic manifestations including gastric fundic polyps and cancer. In this report, we describe two patients with FAP with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma who received systemic chemotherapy. We reviewed the literature published over the past two decades on gastric cancer in FAP patients to assess the clinical course of this disease. Due to its recent increased incidence in Western countries, close endoscopic surveillance to detect early gastric neoplastic lesions is recommended.

Long-term proton pump inhibitors use and its association with premalignant gastric lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Long-term maintenance therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is a common treatment strategy for acid-related gastrointestinal diseases. However, concerns have been raised about the potential increased risk of gastric cancer and related precancerous lesions with long-term PPI use. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate this potential risk. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials published before 1 March 2023, with no language restrictions. The primary endpoint was the occurrence and progression of gastric mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell hyperplasia, gastric polyps, and gastric cancer during the trial and follow-up. Data were analysed using a random effects model. Results: Of the 4,868 identified studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis, comprising 27,283 participants. Compared with other treatments, PPI maintenance therapy for more than 6 months was associated with an increased risk of ECL cell hyperplasia (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.29 to 7.04; p = 0.01). However, no significant increase was found in the risk of gastric mucosal atrophy (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.85; p = 0.97), intestinal metaplasia (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.68; p = 0.76), gastric polyps (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.89; p = 0.64), or gastric cancer (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.43; p = 0.71). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis does not support an increased risk of gastric cancer or related precancerous lesions with long-term PPI maintenance therapy. However, long-term PPI use should be monitored for potential complications such as ECL cell hyperplasia. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the safety of PPI maintenance therapy for acid-related gastrointestinal diseases. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identifier: PROSPERO (CRD42022379692).

Encouraging appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors: existing initiatives and proposals for the future

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have revolutionized the management of acid-related disorders, representing today the mainstay treatment of these conditions. However, despite their large range of indications and usefulness, the remarkable expansion of their use in the last two decades cannot be explained by the increasing prevalence of acid-related diseases only. An inappropriate prescription for clinical conditions in which the pathogenetic role of acid has not been documented has been described, with the natural consequence of increasing the costs and the potential risk of iatrogenic harm due to adverse events and complications recently emerged.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize current indications of PPIs administration, potential adverse events associated with their chronic utilization, and misuse of PPIs. Moreover, we describe existing and possible initiatives for improving the use of PPIs, and some proposals for the future.

EXPERT OPINION

PPI deprescribing is the preferred and most effective approach to reduce the use of PPIs, rather than adopting sharp discontinuation, probably due to fewer withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps still exist in clinical practice regarding the optimal approach of PPI deprescribing in various clinical scenarios. Further prospective well-designed international studies are eagerly warranted to improve our perspectives on controlling global PPI inappropriate use.

Randomised clinical trial: 3-year interim analysis results of the VISION trial to evaluate the long-term safety of vonoprazan as maintenance treatment in patients with erosive oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

VISION is a randomised, phase 4, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre study conducted in 33 centres in Japan. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term safety of vonoprazan for maintenance treatment of healed erosive oesophagitis versus lansoprazole.

METHODS

Patients with endoscopically diagnosed erosive oesophagitis were randomised 2:1 to once-daily vonoprazan 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg, for a 4- to 8-week healing phase. Patients with endoscopically confirmed healing entered a 260-week maintenance phase with a once-daily starting dose of vonoprazan 10 mg or lansoprazole 15 mg. Primary endpoint was change in gastric mucosal histopathology.

RESULTS

Of 208 patients (vonoprazan, n = 139; lansoprazole, n = 69) entering the healing phase, 202 entered the maintenance phase (vonoprazan, n = 135; lansoprazole, n = 67). At 3 years, 109 vonoprazan-treated and 58 lansoprazole-treated patients remained on treatment. Histopathological evaluation of gastric mucosa showed that hyperplasia of parietal, foveolar and G cells was more common with vonoprazan than lansoprazole at week 156 of the maintenance phase. There was no marked increase in the occurrence of parietal, foveolar and G cell hyperplasia among patients in the vonoprazan group from week 48 to week 156. Histopathological evaluation of the gastric mucosa also showed no neoplastic changes in either group. No new safety issues were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In this interim analysis of VISION, no new safety concerns were identified in Japanese patients with healed erosive oesophagitis receiving vonoprazan or lansoprazole as maintenance treatment for 3 years. (CT.gov identifier: NCT02679508; JapicCTI-163153; Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs031180040).

Oxyntic Gland Adenoma in a Patient With Refractory Reflux

A 58-year-old African American male was referred for endoscopic evaluation due to a persistent nine-year history of reflux. Previous endoscopy nine years ago revealed a small hiatal hernia and chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which was treated with triple therapy. During the current endoscopic evaluation, findings consistent with reflux esophagitis were identified, along with the discovery of an incidental 6 mm sessile polyp in the gastric fundus. Pathological examination revealed the presence of an oxyntic gland adenoma (OGA). Otherwise, the stomach was found to be unremarkable endoscopically and histologically. OGA is a rare gastric neoplasm that is primarily observed in Japan, with very few reported cases in North America. Studies have suggested a potential association with antacids, while the role of H. pylori in the development of OGA remains controversial. Our patient's OGA was completely resected during the endoscopy, with no recurrence noted on the three-month follow-up.

Fundic Gland Polyps Lack DNA Content Abnormality Characteristic of Other Adenomatous Precursor Lesions in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Fundic gland polyps (FGPs) develop sporadically (frequently after proton pump inhibitor therapy) or in the setting of a hereditary polyposis syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP-related FGPs often demonstrate low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and are frequently associated with APC mutations, even in the absence of dysplasia. Sporadic FGPs with dysplasia are molecularly similar to FAP-related FGPs and demonstrate frequent mutations in APC gene. Despite having similar molecular alterations with colorectal and other adenomatous precursor lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, FGPs rarely progress to advanced gastric neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia [HGD] or adenocarcinoma), and their role in gastric tumorigenesis remains unclear but likely limited. The clinicopathologic features of 192 patients diagnosed with FGPs, including 86 with FAP-related FGPs (33 with dysplastic FGPs and 53 with nondysplastic FGPs) and 106 with sporadic FGPs (12 with dysplastic FGPs and 94 with nondysplastic FGPs), were analyzed. DNA flow cytometry was performed on 111 FAP-related FGP biopsies, including 32 FGPs with LGD and 79 nondysplastic FGPs, to assess the presence of abnormal DNA content (ie, aneuploidy or elevated 4N fraction). Moreover, 40 sporadic FGP biopsies, including 14 dysplastic (13 LGD and 1 HGD) and 26 nondysplastic FGPs, were examined for DNA content abnormality. Patients with FAP and nondysplastic FGPs were more likely to be younger (mean age, 32 years) and present with multiple FGPs (92%, defined as having ≥2 FGPs) than those with sporadic nondysplastic FGPs (61 years and 65%, respectively; P < .001). They also recorded higher rates of previous or concurrent gastric epithelial dysplasia not occurring in a FGP (8%, P = .016), nongastric GI dysplasia (96%, P < .001), and nongastric GI malignancy (17%, P = .001) compared with those with sporadic nondysplastic FGPs (0%, 52%, and 2%, respectively). The sporadic group was more frequently associated with proton pump inhibitor therapy (78%, P < .001), gastric intestinal metaplasia (24%, P = .004), and a family history of gastric cancer (10%, P = .027) than the FAP group (19%, 6%, and 0%, respectively). Almost all FAP-related FGPs had a polypoid endoscopic appearance (98% vs 84% for sporadic FGPs; P = .009). The mean size of the largest FAP-related FGPs (0.5 cm) was similar to that of sporadic FGPs (0.7 cm) (P = .069). None of the 147 patients with FAP-related or sporadic nondysplastic FGPs were associated with subsequent detection of advanced gastric neoplasia within a mean follow-up time of 54 months (range, <1 to 277 months). However, 2 (4%) of the 45 patients with FAP-related or sporadic dysplastic FGPs developed advanced gastric neoplasia within a mean follow-up time of 59 months (range, <1 to 236 months). One (3%) of the 33 patients with FAP and dysplastic FGPs developed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, whereas 1 (8%) of the 12 patients with sporadic dysplastic FGPs developed HGD (P = .445). However, none of the FAP-related and sporadic FGP biopsies, regardless of the presence or absence of dysplasia, demonstrated DNA content abnormality. In conclusion, FGPs lack large-scale chromosomal changes that are characteristic of the typical adenoma-carcinoma sequence involved in the development of other GI malignancies. Progression to advanced gastric neoplasia is rare in FGPs, which may be partly explained by the apparent lack of the chromosomal instability phenotype in these lesions.

Risk of gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma following discontinuation of long-term proton-pump inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND

There is uncertainty whether long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors can cause gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). This study aimed to determine how discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy influences the risk of GAC and OAC.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study included all long-term users of PPI therapy in Sweden in 2005-2018 was based on Swedish nationwide health registry data. The exposure was discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy, defined as no dispensation of PPI following inclusion and used as a time-varying variable, compared to remaining on PPI. Main outcomes were GAC and OAC, while oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was included as a comparison outcome. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% CI adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, NSAIDs/aspirin, and statins were calculated with Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Among 730,176 long-term PPI users (mean age 65.6 years, 58.4% females) with 4,210,925 person-years at risk (median 5.5 person-years), 439,390 (60.2%) discontinued PPIs. In total, 495 developed GAC, 598 OAC, and 188 developed OSCC. PPI discontinuation was associated with decreased risk of GAC (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.98) and OAC (IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.96), but not OSCC (IRR 1.10, 95% CI 0.82-1.49) compared to continued PPI use. Stratified analyses showed decreased point estimates across most age categories and both sexes for GAC and OAC risk among participants discontinuing PPI therapy.

CONCLUSION

Discontinuation of long-term PPI therapy may decrease the risk of GAC and OAC, suggesting that physicians should consider ceasing prescribing long-term PPI in patients without continued indication for its use.

Population-Based Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Abnormalities at Colon Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The population prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease is unclear and difficult to assess in an asymptomatic population. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of GI lesions in a largely asymptomatic population undergoing colon capsule endoscopy (CCE).

METHODS

Participants aged between 50-75 years were retrieved from the Rotterdam Study, a longitudinal epidemiological study, between 2017-2019. Participants received CCE with bowel preparation. Abnormalities defined as clinically relevant were Barrett segment >3cm, severe ulceration, polyp >10 mm or ≥3 polyps in small bowel (SB) or colon, and cancer.

RESULTS

Of 2800 invited subjects, 462 (16.5%) participants (mean age 66.8 years, female 53.5%) ingested the colon capsule. A total of 451 videos were analyzed, and in 94.7% the capsule reached the descending colon. At least 1 abnormal finding was seen in 448 (99.3%) participants. The prevalence of abnormalities per GI segment, and the most common type of abnormality, were as follows: Esophageal 14.8% (Barrett's esophagus <3 cm in 8.3%), gastric 27.9% (fundic gland polyps in 18.1%), SB abnormalities 33.9% (erosions in 23.8%), colon 93.3% (diverticula in 81.2%). A total of 54 participants (12%) had clinically relevant abnormalities, 3 (0.7%) in esophagus/stomach (reflux esophagitis grade D, Mallory Weiss lesion and severe gastritis), 5 (1.1%) in SB (polyps > 10 mm; n = 4, severe ulcer n = 1,) and 46 (10.2%) in colon (polyp > 10 mm or ≥3 polyps n = 46, colorectal cancer n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

GI lesions are very common in a mostly asymptomatic Western population, and clinically relevant lesions were found in 12% at CCE. These findings provide a frame of reference for the prevalence rates of GI lesions in the general population.

Long term outcomes of sporadic large fundic gland polyps: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Sporadic fundic gland polyps (FGP) are the most common type of gastric polyp, reported in 0.8%-1.9% of patients undergoing Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Data on long-term outcomes of large FGP is limited. We aim to study the natural history of sporadic large (≥ 10 mm) FGPs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All adults who underwent EGD for any indication from April 2014 to December 2019 at a tertiary care center were retrospectively assessed, and patients with FGP (≥10mm) were identified. Data on baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes were recorded. Follow-up data were recorded for patients who underwent repeat endoscopy to evaluate for rates of dysplasia and cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 4,000 patients with a diagnosis of FGP were screened and 132 large, biopsy-proven FGPs were included in the final analysis. The most common indication for EGD was gastroesophageal reflux disease (61%). During a follow-up period of 3.2 years, the rate of dysplasia, was 4.0%. Subgroup analysis based on size (10-19 mm and ≥ 20 mm) showed no significant difference in overall outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Repeat EGDs for surveillance should not be routinely performed since large (≥10 mm) sporadic FGPs are mostly benign without significant malignant potential.

Mucosal microbial microenvironment in early gastric neoplasia and non-neoplastic gastric disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The biological characterization of microbial environment in early gastric cancer (EGC), other than Helicobacter pylori, is limited. This study aimed to explore the microbial microenvironment in chronic gastritis (CG), fundic gland polyps (FGPs), low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and EGC.

METHODS

16S-rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed on 63 individuals with 252 mucosal biopsies or endoscopic submucosal dissection margin samples from endoscopy.

RESULTS

The microbiota in gastric LGIN functions analogously to EGC in terms of functional prediction. Neoplastic lesions showed a significant difference to CG or FGPs in beta diversity of the microbiota. Bacteria genera including Paracoccus, Blautia, Barnesiella, Lactobacillus, Thauera, Collinsella were significantly enriched in gastric neoplastic mucosa (LGIN and EGC) compared with non-neoplastic tissues (CG and FGPs). While Pseudomonas and Kingella were depleted in neoplastic tissues. FGPs showed a distinctive microbial network system that negatively interacted with Helicobacter.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of the mucosal microbial microenvironment, gastric LGIN and EGC showed no significant difference as early neoplastic lesions. We observed a coordinated microbial microenvironment that correlated negatively with Helicobacter.

Proton Pump Inhibitor-Related Gastric Mucosal Changes

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used worldwide to treat of acid-related disorders such as peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease and to prevent gastroduodenal injuries due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. PPIs are the most potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion currently available, and they are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs because of their high efficacy and low toxicity. However, long-term PPI use causes histopathological changes such as parietal cell protrusion into the gland lumen, cystic dilation of gastric fundic glands, and foveolar epithelial hyperplasia. These changes can manifest on endoscopic examination as fundic gland polyps, hyperplastic polyps, multiple white and flat elevated lesions, cobblestone-like mucosa, or black spots. Clinicians must be aware of PPI-induced endoscopic features in patients with chronic long-term PPI use. Conversely, identifying patients with long-term PPI use based on their endoscopic findings is important. Recently, potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), a new class of acid suppressants that inhibit gastric acid secretion more strongly than PPIs, have recently been introduced clinically. Further long-term prospective studies on these gastric mucosal lesions in patients with either PPI or P-CAB use are required to investigate their association with histopathological changes and to establish the clinical significance of these findings. (Gut Liver 2021;15:-652)

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Gastric Cancer

Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as an important risk factor for gastric cancer in clinical practice. PPIs can cause hypergastrinemia at clinical doses, and hypergastrinemia has been reported to induce malignant neoplasms in the stomach in previous animal studies. In humans, the proliferation of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells induced by hypergastrinemia is suspected as a potential mechanism of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, persistent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causes gastric atrophic change, which itself is a major cause of gastric cancer, and it can further increase the risk of gastric cancer by strengthening corpus atrophy through interaction with PPIs. Recent epidemiologic studies have reported an important link between long-term PPI intake and gastric cancer risk even after successful eradication of H. pylori. However, due to the methodological limitations of observational clinical studies, the causal relationship is still not clear, and a recent big data-based study reported that long-term PPI use was not related to gastric cancer incidence. Taken together, despite the potential detrimental effects of PPIs, it is currently difficult to draw a definite conclusion about its association with gastric cancer. To minimize the possibility of gastric cancer in H. pylori-infected patients or precancerous lesions in long-term PPI users, long-term PPI administration should be limited to the minimum effective dose, and antibacterial treatment for H. pylori should be considered.

Changes of Gastric Juice Microenvironment in Patients with Fundic Gland Polyp and Hyperplastic Polyp

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to study the relationship between the formation of gastric fundic gland polyp and gastric hyperplastic polyp (HP) and the changes of gastric juice microenvironment.

METHODS

The proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) applications to patients were recorded. Gastric juices and biopsy polyps were collected for pathological examination, H. pylori tests, biomarkers, and MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC expression measurement.

RESULTS

Among 34,892 patients, the detection rate of gastric fundic gland polyps was significantly higher than that of gastric HPs (p < 0.01). The incidence rate of gastric fundic gland polyp and gastric HP in PPI users (n = 3,886) was higher than that of non-PPI users (p < 0.01). The occurrence of polyp was positively related to the duration of PPI application and the H. pylori-positive rate. The bile reflux rate between fundic gland polys group (17.61%) and HPs (28.67%) was significantly different (p < 0.01). The levels of gastric juice Gastrin-17, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and MUC2 from patients with gastric fundic gland polyps and gastric HPs were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.01). However, patients with gastric fundic gland polyps and HPs had significantly lower gastric juice PGE2 and MUC5AC (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PPI application, H. pylori infection, and bile reflux are the potential risk factors for formation of fundic gland polyps and HPs. The potential mechanism of polyps' formation can be related to the levels of Gastrin-17, EGF, MUC2, PGE2, and MUC5AC in gastric juice.

Sporadic fundic gland polyps with dysplasia or carcinoma: Clinical and endoscopic characteristics

Fundic gland polyps (FGPs) are the most common gastric polyps and have been regarded as benign lesions with little malignant potential, except in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis. However, in recent years, the prevalence of FGPs has been increasing along with the widespread and frequent use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). To date, several cases of FGPs with dysplasia or carcinoma (FGPD/CAs) have been reported. In this review, we evaluated the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of sporadic FGPD/CAs. Majority of the patients with sporadic FGPD/CAs were middle-aged women receiving PPI therapy and without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Majority of the sporadic FGPD/ CAs occurred in the body of the stomach and were sessile and small with a mean size of 5.4 mm. The sporadic FGPs with carcinoma showed redness, irregular surface structure, depression, or erosion during white light observation and irregular microvessels on the lesion surface during magnifying narrow-band imaging. In addition, sporadic FGPs, even with dysplasia, are likely to progress to cancer slowly. Therefore, frequent endoscopy is not required for patients with sporadic FGPs. However, histopathological evaluation is necessary if endoscopic findings different from ordinary FGPs are observed, regardless of their size. In the future, the prevalence of FGPs is expected to further increase along with the widespread and frequent use of PPIs and decreasing infection rate of H. pylori. Currently, it is unclear whether FGPD/CAs will also increase in the same way as FGPs. However, the trends of these lesions warrant further attention in the future.

Umbrella review of 42 systematic reviews with meta-analyses: the safety of proton pump inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to treat and prevent acid-related disorders. Despite high efficacy, PPI safety has been increasingly scrutinised. However, no comprehensive review summarising investigations of various adverse events is available.

AIMS

To perform an umbrella review to comprehensively assess associations between adverse events and PPI use.

METHODS

In accordance with PRISMA, an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses was conducted. PubMed and EMBASE were searched from 2015 to July 2019. AMSTAR 2 and GRADE were used to assess quality and certainty of evidence. Author-reported quality assessments were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-two systematic reviews with meta-analyses, supported predominantly by observational evidence, were included. The most comprehensive studies reported statistically significant associations with PPI use for several outcomes, including: fractures (eg, hip; RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14-1.28; n = 2 103 800), kidney disease (eg, acute kidney injury; RR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.16-2.22; n = 2 396 640), infections (eg, Clostridioides difficile; OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.73-2.30; n = 356 683), gastric cancer (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.74-3.85; n = 943 070) and gastrointestinal events (eg, fundic gland polyps; OR = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.42-4.27; n = 40 218). No associations with non-gastric cancers, or neurological disease were concluded, with conflicting evidence for cardiovascular outcomes. Certainty based on GRADE was very low for most outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified several published associations between PPIs and adverse outcomes, however, further investigation is needed to understand their clinical significance and the likelihood of causal relationship. If higher quality evidence is generated substantiating the potential risks, it may be necessary for clinicians to consider alternative treatment strategies, especially when PPI efficacy is suboptimal.

Gastritis, Gastric Polyps and Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is still an important disease causing many deaths worldwide, although there has been a marked reduction in prevalence during the last few decades. The decline in gastric cancer prevalence is due to a reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection which has occurred for at least 50 years. The most probable mechanism for the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori is hypergastrinemia since H. pylori infected individuals do not have increased risk of gastric cancer before the development of oxyntic atrophy. When atrophy has developed, the carcinogenic process continues independent of H. pylori. Autoimmune gastritis also induces oxyntic atrophy leading to marked hypergastrinemia and development of ECL cell neoplasia as well as adenocarcinoma. Similarly, long-term treatment with efficient inhibitors of acid secretion like the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) predisposes to ECL cell neoplasia of a different degree of malignancy. Contrasting the colon where most cancers develop from polyps, most polyps in the stomach have a low malignant potential. Nevertheless, gastric polyps may also give rise to cancer and have some risk factors and mechanisms in common with gastric cancer. In this overview the most common gastric polyps, i.e., hyperplastic polyps, adenomatous polyps and fundic gland polyps will be discussed with respect to etiology and particularly use of PPIs and relation to gastric carcinogenesis.

Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) - A Helicobacter-opposite point

Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) is a rare familial gastric cancer syndrome with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. It is characterised by fundic gland polyposis of the gastric body and is associated with a significant risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Unlike sporadic gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori is usually absent in patients with GAPPS. This opposite-point finding has so far not been fully clarified. Prophylactic total gastrectomy is indicated in all cases of GAPPS with fundic gland polyposis and the presence of any dysplasia. If no dysplasia is found at histology, prophylactic gastrectomy is suggested at between 30 and 35 years of age, or at five years earlier than the age at which the youngest family member developed gastric cancer. Different phenotypes of GAPPS demand an individual approach to particular family members.

Advances in the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifaceted disorder encompassing a family of syndromes attributable to, or exacerbated by, gastroesophageal reflux that impart morbidity, mainly through troublesome symptoms. Major GERD phenotypes are non-erosive reflux disease, GERD hypersensitivity, low or high grade esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, reflux chest pain, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and regurgitation dominant reflux. GERD is common throughout the world, and its epidemiology is linked to the Western lifestyle, obesity, and the demise of Helicobacter pylori. Because of its prevalence and chronicity, GERD is a substantial economic burden measured in physician visits, diagnostics, cancer surveillance protocols, and therapeutics. An individual with typical symptoms has a fivefold risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, but mortality from GERD is otherwise rare. The principles of management are to provide symptomatic relief and to minimize potential health risks through some combination of lifestyle modifications, diagnostic testing, pharmaceuticals (mainly to suppress or counteract gastric acid secretion), and surgery. However, it is usually a chronic recurring condition and management needs to be personalized to each case. While escalating proton pump inhibitor therapy may be pertinent to healing high grade esophagitis, its applicability to other GERD phenotypes wherein the modulating effects of anxiety, motility, hypersensitivity, and non-esophageal factors may dominate is highly questionable.

Fundic gland polyp prevalence according to Helicobacter pylori infection status

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prevalence of fundic gland polyp (FGP) occurrence has not been clarified in individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection post-eradicated status. This study was performed to examine the relationship between FGP prevalence and H. pylori infection status.

METHODS

We enrolled 3400 subjects (2185 male subjects and 1215 female subjects; mean age 54.7 ± 9.5 years) with known H. pylori infection status and who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination as part of an annual check-up. Subjects without and with H. pylori infection numbered 1617 and 239, respectively, while 1544 had a post-eradication status. The presence of FGP and degree of gastric mucosal atrophy were determined in each subject using an endoscopic method.

RESULTS

Endoscopy findings showed FGPs in 1029 (30.3%) of all subjects. The prevalence ratio of FGP positivity in H. pylori-negative, H. pylori-positive, and post-eradicated subjects was 51.9%, 1.7%, and 12.0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, older age, milder gastric mucosal atrophy, and anti-secretory therapy were significant risk factors for FGP occurrence. As compared with H. pylori-positive subjects, the odds ratios for H. pylori-negative and post-eradication status were 48.3 and 6.6, respectively (P < 0.001). In the post-eradication status subjects, longer duration following bacterial eradication was a significant risk factor for occurrence of FGPs.

CONCLUSION

The risk of FGP occurrence in individuals who have undergone H. pylori eradication treatment is lower as compared with those who have never been infected. However, that risk increases over time following eradication.

Review of pathological findings in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy specimens performed for morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgical procedures are employed when there is a failure of lifestyle modification in arresting obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is quickly becoming the bariatric surgical procedure of choice. LSG results in a gastric remnant that is subject to pathological examination. The objective of this paper is to review the literature in regard to histological findings identified in gastric remnants post-LSG and identify the most pertinent histological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify relevant case series. Data gathered from relevant case series then underwent statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The most common histological findings in an LSG specimen were clinically indolent findings such as no pathological abnormalities identified followed by non-specific gastritis. A minority of cases demonstrated clinically actionable findings for which Helicobacter pylori represented the majority of these findings.

CONCLUSION

There is a broad spectrum of pathological findings in LSG specimens, ranging from clinically indolent to clinically actionable. The most common histological findings are clinically indolent and only a small portion are of clinical significance and, hence, actionable.

The Clinician's Guide to Proton Pump Inhibitor Related Adverse Events

A substantial volume of literature exists linking proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use with a multitude of serious adverse events. There is uncertainty, however, over whether these associations are clinically important. Excessive concern about PPI-related adverse events may leave patients at risk of harm by leaving acid-related upper gastrointestinal disease untreated. Conversely, the risk of treatments may outweigh the benefits if any of the purported adverse events are directly caused by PPI use; this is of particular concern where indications for PPI use are not present. In this paper, we review the studies which have reported associations between adverse events and PPI use, discuss the proposed mechanisms of action, grade the confidence in whether these associations are truly causal, and provide advice regarding balancing the benefits of PPI use against their possible harms.

Histological analysis of fundic gland polyps secondary to PPI therapy

AIMS

The aim of this study was to clarify the histopathological features of fundic gland polyps (FGPs) in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and to investigate the mechanism of enlargement of FGPs after PPI treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 196 biopsy specimens of FGPs, which consisted of 87 FGPs in patients treated with PPIs (PPI group) and 109 FGPs in patients treated without PPIs (non-PPI group) were compared histologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunohistochemical stain with Ki67, MUC5AC and MUC6. The significant histological features of FGPs in the PPI group were: larger size of dilated fundic gland cysts, larger number of foveolar and mixture type fundic gland cysts, foveolar cell hyperplasia, parietal cell protrusion, mononuclear cell infiltration and a higher percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the deeper layers of the glands. Multiplex immunohistochemical stain showed that Ki67-positive cells were also positive for MUC5AC, and the Ki67-positive rate was significantly higher in MUC5AC-positive cells of the PPI group than of the non-PPI group. Gene mutations of β-catenin were found in only 9.7% of FGPs in the PPI group.

CONCLUSIONS

Enlargement of fundic gland cysts due to foveolar cell proliferation and parietal cell protrusion might promote the enlargement of FGPs in patients treated with PPIs. β-catenin gene mutations might not be associated with these histological changes of FGPs after PPI treatment.

Case-control analysis of fundic gland polyps and proton-pump inhibitors. A pathologist's perspective

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Adequately preserved slides and tissue blocks in pathology archives, when re-reviewed and associated with patient charts, are important tools to further assess prevalence changes and associations of certain pathologies. Our aim was to identify whether proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use, dose, and duration of use were associated with gastric polyps and their phenotypes in a case-control study.

METHODS

The slides from patients with a morphologic diagnosis of either hyperplastic polyps or fundic gland polyps were retrieved from the 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2016 surgical pathology files at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City and re-evaluated. Cases were paired by age and sex with patients that underwent endoscopy and gastric mucosa biopsy in the same year, with no evidence of polyps.

RESULTS

A total of 133 (3.8%) patients with gastric polyps were identified from 3,499 gastric biopsies taken in the abovementioned years and compared with 133 paired controls. Dyspepsia was more prevalent in the controls (p=0.002) and abdominal pain was more prevalent in the patients with gastric polyps (p=0.001). PPI use (OR 7.7, 95% confidence interval, 4.4-13.3) and taking more than one PPI medication (OR 4.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-22.3) were significantly associated with the presence of gastric polyps. The fundic gland phenotype in the oxyntic mucosa was more frequently associated with PPI use (p<0.042), with a continuous increase in its prevalence starting in the year 2000 (p=0.017 for trend).

CONCLUSION

PPI administration for at least one year was associated with gastric fundic gland polyps.

Multiple White and Flat Elevated Lesions Observed in the Stomach: A Prospective Study of Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors

Objective Multiple white and flat elevated lesions (MWFLs) observed in the stomach have only been presented in abstracts at academic conferences over the last decade; therefore, relatively little is known about these lesions. Our aim was to prospectively clarify the clinical characteristics of MWFLs, to identify their risk factors and to retrospectively evaluate the clinical progression of these lesions. Methods A prospective analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors was conducted in participants who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopic screening at our hospital. A retrospective analysis of the medical chart of patients identified as having MWFLs was conducted to describe the clinical progression of these lesions. Results The prevalence rate of MWFLs was 10.4% (80/767), with the following risk factors identified on a logistic regression analysis: use of proton pump inhibitors [odds ratio (OR), 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.92-6.43], female sex (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.19-3.12) and a 1-year increase in age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08). Among the 70 cases with MWFLs observed over a mean duration of 2.3 years, no progression of MWFLs was detected in 67 cases (96%). Among the 3 remaining cases, progression was mild, with none of the lesions progressing to malignancy. Conclusion The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), female sex, and age are risk factors for MWFLs. We believe that endoscopists should recognize these lesions.

Proton Pump Inhibitors: Are They a Real Threat to the Patient?

Background

Proton pump inhibitors are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world and are generally considered safe. However, there is growing concern regarding their safety.

Summary

A nonsystematic review of the current literature was performed regarding proton pump inhibitors and their adverse effects. Proton pump inhibitors seem to be associated with fundic gland polyp development (without clinical relevance) and Clostridium difficile infection. Also, in cirrhotic patients, their prescription should be carefully reviewed. Regarding their association with other enteric infections, micronutrient deficiency, dementia, and chronic kidney disease, current evidence is still of low quality, and further studies are needed.

Key Messages

Considering the current evidence, most patients with a clear clinical indication for proton pump inhibitor treatment should probably benefit from the maintenance of their treatment without significant adverse effects. However, higher-quality studies are needed to confirm or dismiss most of the proposed adverse effects.

Benign and malignant gastroduodenal diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori: a narrative review and personal remarks in 2018

The subject of Helicobacter pylori continues to elicit worldwide interest in many research fields. Epidemiological data suggest that the prevalence of the infection is decreasing in Western/developed countries and even in some developing regions, but this is masked by the high prevalence in the most populous regions. Chronic gastritis, caused invariably by the bacterium, was again classified in Kyoto and Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis was included as a distinct entity. The prevalence of peptic ulcers is decreasing, but bleeding ulcers are a challenging problem, with stable mortality levels even in the endoscopic era. With the extended use of endoscopy, gastric polyps (GP) have become more prevalent: some are associated with the infection, some are not. Autoimmune and Helicobacter-induced gastritis can share common pathogenetic mechanisms. Gastric cancer (GC) is ranked highly on mortality lists worldwide. Its surgical treatment has registered some progress though. Little, if any improvement has been achieved in the medical treatment of advanced GC. With proper organization, GC seems a preventable disease. In spite of many guidelines, the Pan-European registry of Helicobacter pylori management shows that eradication rates obtained in many places are suboptimal. A new therapeutic regimen was compiled with promising pilot results. The results obtained with vonaprazan are limited to Asia. New avenues of both antibiotic and non-antibiotic treatments are expected to accelerate the eradication of this ulcerogenic and carcinogenic bacterium.

Proton-pump inhibitors: understanding the complications and risks

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective therapy for the full spectrum of gastric-acid-related diseases. However, in the past decade, a steadily increasing list of complications following long-term use of PPIs has been reported. Their potent acid-suppressive action induces several structural and functional changes within the gastric mucosa, including fundic gland polyps, enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and hypergastrinaemia, which can be exaggerated in the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. As discussed in this Review, most associations of PPIs with severe adverse events are not based on sufficient evidence because of confounding factors and a lack of plausible mechanisms. Thus, a causal relationship remains unproven in most associations, and further studies are needed. Awareness of PPI-associated risks should not lead to anxiety in patients but rather should induce the physician to consider the appropriate dosing and duration of PPI therapy, including long-term monitoring strategies in selected groups of patients because of their individual comorbidities and risk factors.

Physiologic, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic regulation of gastric acid secretion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review summarizes the past year's literature, both clinical and basic science, regarding physiologic and pharmacologic regulation of gastric acid secretion in health and disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gastric acid kills microorganisms, assists digestion, and facilitates absorption of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. The main stimulants of acid secretion are the hormone gastrin, released from antral G cells; paracrine agent histamine, released from oxyntic enterochromaffin-like cells; and neuropeptide acetylcholine, released from antral and oxyntic intramural neurons. Gastrin is also a trophic hormone that participates in carcinogenesis. Helicobacter pylori may increase or decrease acid secretion depending upon the acuity and predominant anatomic focus of infection; most patients manifest hypochlorhydria. Despite the fact that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are amongst the most widely prescribed drugs, they are underutilized in patients at high risk for UGI bleeding. Although generally considered well tolerated, concerns have been raised regarding associations between PPI use and dementia, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, osteoporosis, dysbiosis, small bowel injury, micronutrient deficiency, and fundic gland polyps.

SUMMARY

Our understanding of the physiologic, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic regulation of gastric secretion continues to advance. Such knowledge is crucial for improved and safe management of acid-peptic disorders.

Evaluation and management of gastric epithelial polyps

Gastric polyps include a wide spectrum of lesions with different histology and neoplastic potential. They are found in up to 6% of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and are usually asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed, being in the vast majority epithelial gastric polyps. Hyperplastic, fundic gland and adenomas are the most common types of gastric polyps and, although each type may have typical endoscopic appearances, they all must be sampled at the initial endoscopy for histological assessment. Also, the normal appearing gastric mucosa should be sampled to stage atrophic changes, rule out endoscopically non-visible dysplasia and to diagnose Helicobacter pylori. Polyposis syndromes that affect the stomach are rare but should be taken into account. Hamartomatous polyps can be found in Juvenile polyposis, Cowden syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. On the other hand, multiple fundic gland polyps are present in the majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. In this study we provide a comprehensive review on the evaluation and management of gastric epithelial polyps, in this way helping physicians to properly handle this type of lesions.

Histological and molecular classification of gastrointestinal polyps

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for gastrointestinal polyps became widely available within the last decades. Exact terminology is important for further therapeutic steps, follow up or treatment. Gastroenterologists, Oncologists, Surgeons and Pathologists need to be aware of the most recent terminology to ensure proper risk assessment and subsequent treatment if necessary. This manuscript aims to list the variety of gastrointestinal polyps and the molecular background where appropriate.

Effective and safe proton pump inhibitor therapy in acid-related diseases - A position paper addressing benefits and potential harms of acid suppression

BACKGROUND

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice has revolutionized the management of acid-related diseases. Studies in primary care and emergency settings suggest that PPIs are frequently prescribed for inappropriate indications or for indications where their use offers little benefit. Inappropriate PPI use is a matter of great concern, especially in the elderly, who are often affected by multiple comorbidities and are taking multiple medications, and are thus at an increased risk of long-term PPI-related adverse outcomes as well as drug-to-drug interactions. Herein, we aim to review the current literature on PPI use and develop a position paper addressing the benefits and potential harms of acid suppression with the purpose of providing evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate use of these medications.

METHODS

The topics, identified by a Scientific Committee, were assigned to experts selected by three Italian Scientific Societies, who independently performed a systematic search of the relevant literature using Medline/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Search outputs were distilled, paying more attention to systematic reviews and meta-analyses (where available) representing the best evidence. The draft prepared on each topic was circulated amongst all the members of the Scientific Committee. Each expert then provided her/his input to the writing, suggesting changes and the inclusion of new material and/or additional relevant references. The global recommendations were then thoroughly discussed in a specific meeting, refined with regard to both content and wording, and approved to obtain a summary of current evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-five years after their introduction into clinical practice, PPIs remain the mainstay of the treatment of acid-related diseases, where their use in gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease and bleeding as well as, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is appropriate. Prevention of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions (and symptoms) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antiplatelet therapies and carrying gastrointestinal risk factors also represents an appropriate indication. On the contrary, steroid use does not need any gastroprotection, unless combined with NSAID therapy. In dyspeptic patients with persisting symptoms, despite successful H. pylori eradication, short-term PPI treatment could be attempted. Finally, addition of PPIs to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with refractory steatorrhea may be worthwhile.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, PPIs are irreplaceable drugs in the management of acid-related diseases. However, PPI treatment, as any kind of drug therapy, is not without risk of adverse effects. The overall benefits of therapy and improvement in quality of life significantly outweigh potential harms in most patients, but those without clear clinical indication are only exposed to the risks of PPI prescription. Adhering with evidence-based guidelines represents the only rational approach to effective and safe PPI therapy. Please see related Commentary: doi: 10.1186/s12916-016-0724-1 .