Biopsy sites suitable for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and the assessment of the extent of atrophic gastritis

Efficacy of a 2-week therapy with levofloxacin concomitant versus a levofloxacin sequential regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Syrian population: a study protocol for randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treating Helicobacter pylori is becoming increasingly difficult with the development of bacterial resistance to many established treatment regimens. As a result, researchers are constantly looking for novel and effective treatments. This trial aims to establish the efficacy of levofloxacin-based sequential treatment regimen and concomitant levofloxacin-based regimen as empirical first-line therapy in the Syrian population.

METHOD

This is an open-label, prospective, single-center, parallel, active-controlled, superiority, randomized clinical trial. The recruitment will target Helicobacter pylori-positive males and females between the ages of 18 and 65 to evaluate the efficacy of empirical first-line therapy in the Syrian population. We are planning to recruit up to 300 patients which is twice the required sample size. One hundred fifty individuals will be randomly assigned to undergo either a sequential levofloxacin-based treatment regimen or a concomitant levofloxacin-based regimen. High-dose dual therapy (proton-pump inhibitor and amoxicillin) will be the rescue therapy in the event of first-line failure. The first-line eradication rate in both groups is the primary outcome, and one of the secondary outcomes is the overall eradication rate of high-dose dual therapy in the event of first-line treatment protocol failure. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis will be used to evaluate the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori for first-line treatment protocols.

DISCUSSION

For the first time in the Syrian population, this randomized controlled trial will provide objective and accurate evidence about the efficacy of a sequential levofloxacin-based treatment regimen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06065267 . Registered on October 3, 2023. Prospective registered. Enrollment of the first participant has not started yet.

Investigation of risk factors for metachronous recurrence in patients with early gastric adenocarcinoma by miRNA-mRNA integral profiling

The mechanism of metachronous recurrence (MR) after performing endoscopic treatment for early gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is unknown. To elucidate the mechanism and risk factors of MR, we analyzed gene expression at multiple locations of the gastric mucosa. We selected each five patients with MR and without MR (control), after early GAC treatment and eradication of H. pylori. Mucosal tissue was collected from four sites in the stomach of each patient as biopsy specimens for mRNA sequencing, gene set enrichment analysis, and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing. We also performed correlation analysis and target prediction on pathways. As a result, endoscopically, the MR group had more intestinal metaplasia and enlarged folds. A total of 384 mRNAs presented changes in expression and 31 gene sets were enriched in the MR group. Immune-related pathways were enriched in the entire stomach, and the IFN-α response had the highest enrichment score. Additionally, 32 miRNAs revealed changes in their expression. Correlation analysis and target prediction with genes in the gene set of IFN-α response revealed that 10 miRNA-mRNA pairs presented a significant correlation. Immune-related pathways with miRNAs in the gastric mucosa after H. pylori eradication may be a risk factor for MR.

Helicobacter pylori intragastric colonization and migration: Endoscopic manifestations and potential mechanisms

After being ingested and entering the human stomach, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) adopts several effective strategies to adhere to and colonize the gastric mucosa and move to different regions of the stomach to obtain more nutrients and escape from the harsher environments of the stomach, leading to acute infection and chronic gastritis, which is the basis of malignant gastric tumors. The endoscopic manifestations and pathological features of H. pylori infection are diverse and vary with the duration of infection. In this review, we describe the endoscopic manifestations of each stage of H. pylori gastritis and then reveal the potential mechanisms of bacterial intragastric colonization and migration from the perspective of endoscopists to provide direction for future research on the effective therapy and management of H. pylori infection.

Risk assessment of metachronous gastric cancer development using OLGA and OLGIM systems after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: a long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Metachronous gastric cancer (MGC) may develop in patients undergoing curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. As gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are notable precursors to gastric cancer, we assessed MGC risk using the Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA) and Operative Link on Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) systems.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study classified the OLGA and OLGIM stages for 916 patients who had undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer between 2005 and 2015. MGC development was followed up until 2020 and risk factors were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 94 months, MGC developed in 120 subjects. OLGA stages II ~ IV were significantly associated with increased MGC risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-3.19; HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.22-4.38; HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.16-4.78) in multivariable analysis, even after adjusting for the well-known positive predictor of Helicobacter pylori eradication. OLGIM stages II ~ IV also showed significant association (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.29-6.54; HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.34-6.95; HR 3.64, 95% CI 1.60-8.29). 5-year cumulative incidence increased with each stage. Helicobacter pylori-eradicated patients with OLGIM stages 0 ~ II had significantly less MGC than non-eradicated patients (4.5% vs 11.8%, p = 0.022), which was not observed with OLGIM stages III ~ IV.

CONCLUSIONS

High OLGA and OLGIM stages are independent risk factors for metachronous gastric cancer, with the OLGIM staging system being a better predictor. Patients with OLGIM stages 0 ~ II are a subgroup that may benefit more from Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report

Helicobacter pyloriInfection is formally recognised as an infectious disease, an entity that is now included in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. This in principle leads to the recommendation that all infected patients should receive treatment. In the context of the wide clinical spectrum associated with Helicobacter pylori gastritis, specific issues persist and require regular updates for optimised management.The identification of distinct clinical scenarios, proper testing and adoption of effective strategies for prevention of gastric cancer and other complications are addressed. H. pylori treatment is challenged by the continuously rising antibiotic resistance and demands for susceptibility testing with consideration of novel molecular technologies and careful selection of first line and rescue therapies. The role of H. pylori and antibiotic therapies and their impact on the gut microbiota are also considered.Progress made in the management of H. pylori infection is covered in the present sixth edition of the Maastricht/Florence 2021 Consensus Report, key aspects related to the clinical role of H. pylori infection were re-evaluated and updated. Forty-one experts from 29 countries representing a global community, examined the new data related to H. pylori infection in five working groups: (1) indications/associations, (2) diagnosis, (3) treatment, (4) prevention/gastric cancer and (5) H. pylori and the gut microbiota. The results of the individual working groups were presented for a final consensus voting that included all participants. Recommendations are provided on the basis of the best available evidence and relevance to the management of H. pylori infection in various clinical fields.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the updated Sydney system and single biopsy

BACKGROUND

Updated Sydney system (USS) recommends taking biopsies from certain areas of the stomach for the diagnosis of precancerous lesions associated with Helicobacter pylori. Our aim was to evaluate the contribution of each of the biopsy sites to the diagnosis.

METHODS

This prospective study included 97 patients aged 40 and over with dyspeptic complaints. Biopsies were taken from five regions: the lesser curvature of the antrum (LCA), the lesser curvature of the corpus (LCC), incisura angularis (IA), the greater curvature of the antrum (GCA), and the greater curvature of the corpus (GCC). Biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain, periodic acid Schiff-alcian blue, and Giemsa histochemical stain and evaluated according to the Sydney classification.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (38%) patients were positive for H. pylori in at least one biopsy site. Atrophic gastritis without intestinal metaplasia (IM) was found in 17 (17.5%) of the patients (6.2% in IA, 5.2% in each of LCA, GCA, and LCC, and 2% in GCC). The prevalence of atrophic gastritis with IM was 42.3% (21.6% in LCA, 20.6% in GCA, 20.6% in IA, 14.4% in LCC, and 5.2% in GCC). Endoscopic follow-up was planned in 21 (22%) patients due to the presence of extensive atrophy or incomplete IM. If a single biopsy of the LCA or a biopsy of both LCA and GCA was taken, endoscopic follow-up would have been missed in 12 (57%) or 6 (29%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Taking biopsies in accordance with the USS had higher sensitivity in detecting atrophic gastritis with or without IM compared to single biopsy. One or two biopsies is not sufficient to identify patients for whom endoscopic follow-up is recommended.

Development and Validation of Multiplex Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Helicobacter pylori and Mutations Conferring Resistance to Clarithromycin and Levofloxacin in Gastric Biopsy

Aims and Objectives

More than half of the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, which can cause chronic gastritis. WHO has regarded clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori as a high priority pathogen. Hence, accurate diagnosis and detection of clarithromycin- and levofloxacin-resistant H. pylori strains is essential for proper management of infection. The objective of this study was to develop and optimize multiplex quantitative PCR assay for detection of mutations associated with clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance in H. pylori directly from the gastric biopsies.

Materials and Methods

Specific primers and probes were designed to amplify ureA and mutations in 23S rRNA and gyrA genes. Singleplex and triplex qPCR assays were optimized and the assay's sensitivities and specificities were determined. The optimized multiplex qPCR assay was performed on 571 gastric biopsies.

Results

In this study, 14.7% (84/571) of the gastric biopsies were positive for H. pylori by conventional methods and 23.8% (136/571) were positive by the ureA-qPCR with 96.4% sensitivity and 88.5% specificity, while the +LR and -LR were 8.72 and 0.04, respectively. The ureA-positive samples (n=136) were subjected to multiplex qPCR which detected A2142G and A2143G mutations in the 23S rRNA gene (20.6%, 28/136) conferring clarithromycin resistance and gyrA mutations N87K, N87I, D91N, and D91Y (11.8%, 16/136) leading to levofloxacin resistance. The sensitivity and specificity of qPCR of 23S rRNA gene were 100% and 98.7%, respectively, while 100% and 99.8% for qPCR of gyrA, respectively.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of this qPCR is that it is sensitive in detecting low bacterial load and will help in timely detection of clarithromycin- and levofloxacin-resistant strains, especially in case of mixed infections. Since it is culture independent, it can inform clinicians about antibiotics to be included in the first-line therapy, thereby improving the management of H. pylori infection at a much greater pace.

Gastritis: The clinico-pathological spectrum

The inflammatory spectrum of gastric diseases includes different clinico-pathological entities, the etiology of which was recently established in the international Kyoto classification. A diagnosis of gastritis combines the information resulting form the gross examination (endoscopy) and histology (microscopy). It is important to consider the anatomical/functional heterogeneity of the gastric mucosa when obtaining representative mucosal biopsy samples. Gastritis includes self-limiting and non-self-limiting (long-standing) inflammatory diseases, and the latter are epidemiologically, biologically and clinically linked to the onset of gastric cancer (i.e. "inflammation-associated cancer"). Different biological models of inflammation-associated gastric oncogenesis have been proposed. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis is the most prevalent worldwide, and H. pylori is classified as a first-class carcinogen. On these bases, eradicating H. pylori is mandatory for the primary prevention of gastric cancer. Non-self-limiting gastritis may also be triggered by the immune-mediated destruction of gastric parietal cells, resulting in autoimmune gastritis. In both H. pylori-related and autoimmune gastritis, the non-self-limiting inflammation results in atrophy of the gastric mucosa, which is the main factor promoting gastric cancer. Long-term follow-up studies consistently demonstrate the prognostic impact of the histological staging of gastritis in gastric cancer secondary prevention strategies.

Pilot study: Comparing efficacy of 14-day triple therapy Clarithromycin versus levofloxacin on eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in Syrian population single-center experience

Context:

Goals: To compare the efficacy of standard triple therapy with clarithromycin versus triple therapy with levofloxacin for treatment of Helicobacter pylori-positive infection in a referral hospital in Damascus, Syria.

Design:

pilot prospective open-label randomized controlled trial.

Subjects and Methods:

Eighty treatment-naive patients who tested positive for H. pylori gastric infection were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups with randomization ratio of 50/50. Group (A) was treated with clarithromycin (500 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg), and esomeprazole (20 mg), each twice/day for 14 days, while Group (B) was treated with levofloxacin (500 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg), and esomeprazole (20 mg), each twice/day for 14 days.[1] After 6 weeks of treatment, all patients underwent endoscopy and biopsy to evaluate H. pylori infection eradication.

Results:

Forty patients were allocated in each group; 37 patients completed the follow-up in each group. Thirteen patients in Group (A) were cured, with an eradication rate of 35.1% according to per-protocol analysis (PPA) and 32.5% according to intention-to-treat analysis (ITT), while in Group (B), 11 patients were cured, with an eradication rate of 29.7% according to PPA and 27.5% according to ITT with P = 0.80. No serious adverse events reported in both the groups.

Conclusions:

Clarithromycin is slightly better than levofloxacin in treatment of H. pylori gastric infection, but both regimens show low effectiveness with suboptimal eradication rates in our selected population.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: The Bhubaneswar Consensus Report of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) felt the need to organize a consensus on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and to update the current management of H. pylori infection; hence, ISG constituted the ISG's Task Force on Helicobacter pylori. The Task Force on H. pylori undertook an exercise to produce consensus statements on H. pylori infection. Twenty-five experts from different parts of India, including gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, epidemiologists, pediatricians, and microbiologists participated in the meeting. The participants were allocated to one of following sections for the meeting: Epidemiology of H. pylori infection in India and H. pylori associated conditions; diagnosis; treatment and retreatment; H. pylori and gastric cancer, and H. pylori prevention/public health. Each group reviewed all published literature on H. pylori infection with special reference to the Indian scenario and prepared appropriate statements on different aspects for voting and consensus development. This consensus, which was produced through a modified Delphi process including two rounds of face-to-face meetings, reflects our current understanding and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection. These consensus should serve as a reference for not only guiding treatment of H. pylori infection but also to guide future research on the subject.

Efficacy of two-week therapy with doxycycline-based quadruple regimen versus levofloxacin concomitant regimen for helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic-resistance reduces the efficacy of conventional triple therapy for Helicobacter Pylori infections worldwide, which necessitates using various treatment protocols. We used two protocols, doxycycline-based quadruple regimen and concomitant levofloxacin regimen. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of doxycycline-based quadruple regimen for treating Helicobacter Pylori infections compared with levofloxacin concomitant regimen as empirical first-line therapy based on intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PPA) in Syrian population.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

An open-label, randomised, parallel, superiority clinical trial.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 78 naïve patients who tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori gastric infection, with a 1:1 ratio to (D-group) which received (bismuth subsalicylate 524 mg four times daily, doxycycline 100 mg, tinidazole 500 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg, each twice per day for 2 weeks), or (L-group) which received (levofloxacin 500 mg daily, tinidazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg each twice per day for two weeks). We confirmed Helicobacter Pylori eradication by stool antigen test 8 weeks after completing the treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were allocated in each group. In the D-group, 38 patients completed the follow-up, 30 patients were cured. While in the L-group, 39 completed the follow-up, 32patients were cured. According to ITT, the eradication rates were 76.92%, and 82.05%, for the D-group and L-group respectively. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was 1.371 [0.454-4.146]. According to PPA, the eradication rates were 78.9%, and 82.05% for the D-group and L-group respectively. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was 1.219 [0.394-3.774]. We didn't report serious adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Levofloxacin concomitant therapy wasn't superior to doxycycline based quadruple therapy. Further researches are required to identify the optimal first-line treatment for Helicobacter-Pylori Infection in the Syrian population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

We registered this study as a standard randomized clinical trial ( Clinicaltrial.gov , identifier- NCT04348786 , date:29-January-2020).

The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Quaternary Hospital in Canada

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence in Canada has been estimated to be around 20% to 30%. However, H. pylori prevalence is declining in industrialized countries. We conducted a retrospective study on a population of patients referred for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a Canadian quaternary hospital to see the current prevalence of H. pylori infection and identify its main risk factors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study from the Electronic Medical Records of 500 patients who visited our endoscopy clinic and who had biopsies to search for H. pylori infection. In addition to the outcome of the biopsies, we collected demographic characteristics of patients, EGD indication and endoscopic findings.

Results

The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 13.0% (65/500) among our population. We found no association with age, sex, tobacco or alcohol consumption. However, we noticed a significantly higher prevalence of H. pylori among African (25.0%; 8/32), Asian (30.8%; 4/13) and South American (34.9%; 15/43) born subjects when compared to the Caucasian group (8.0%; 28/350) (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of H. pylori in Canada is declining, particularly among its Caucasian population. The race seems to be the strongest risk factor associated with this infection.

Where to Biopsy to Detect Helicobacter pylori and How Many Biopsies Are Needed to Detect Antibiotic Resistance in a Human Stomach

This study aims to determine the gastric distribution, density, and diversity of Helicobacter pylori infection. Subtotal resection of the stomachs of three H. pylori-infected and asymptomatic obese patients were collected after a sleeve gastrectomy. Distribution and density of H. pylori were determined using culture and RT-PCR on multiple gastric sites (88, 176, and 101 biopsies per patient). Diversity of H. pylori strains was studied using antibiotic susceptibility testing, random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) typing and cagA gene detection on single-colony isolates (44, 96, and 49 isolates per patient). H. pylori was detected in nearly all analyzed sites (354/365 biopsies, 97%). Antral density was higher in one patient only. The three stomachs were almost exclusively infected by an antibiotic-susceptible strain. One clarithromycin-resistant isolate in one biopsy was detected in two stomachs (1/44 and 1/49 isolates), while in the third one, eight (8/96 isolates) metronidazole-resistant isolates were detected. DNA typing showed infection with cagA-negative strains for one patient, cagA-positive strains for a second patient and the third patient was infected with two different strains of distinct cagA genotypes. Infection with H. pylori is shown to spread to the whole surface of the stomach, but a possibility of minor sub-population of antibiotic-resistant clones, undetectable in routine practice.

Droplet Digital PCR Detects Low-Density Infection in a Significant Proportion of Helicobacter Pylori-Negative Gastric Biopsies of Dyspeptic Patients

INTRODUCTION

Helicobacter pylori-infected individuals may present low-density infection, undetectable by conventional tests such as histology, rapid urease test, or urea breath test. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is more sensitive than other polymerase chain reaction methods. We aimed to evaluate the ability of ddPCR to detect H. pylori infection in patients diagnosed as negative by conventional tests.

METHODS

Dyspeptic patients (n = 236) were tested for H. pylori by histology, urea breath test, and rapid urease test. Patients were classified as having 3 positive (n = 25, control group), 2 positive (n = 12), one positive (n = 41), or zero positive (n = 158) diagnostic tests. DNA was extracted from gastric biopsies. Triplicate ddPCR testing for each of the 16S rDNA, ureA, and vacA(s) genes was performed using a QX200 ddPCR system (Bio-Rad). A gene was considered positive when detected by at least 2 of 3 repeated ddPCRs. H. pylori positivity was defined as having 2 or more positive genes.

RESULTS

All the biopsies of the control patients were positive for all 3 16S rDNA, ureA, and vacA(s) genes. H. pylori infection was detected in 57 (36%), 22 (54%), and 9 (75%) patients with zero, 1, and 2 positive diagnostic tests, respectively. The density of infection was 5, 121, 599, and 3,133 copies of H. pylori genome equivalents for patients with zero, 1, and 2 of 3 positive test results and for the control group, respectively.

DISCUSSION

ddPCR detected low-density "occult" H. pylori infection in a significant proportion (36%) of patients diagnosed as negative by conventional methods. The number of conventional positive tests was related to the density of infection.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Diagnostic Methods in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Background and Objectives:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide and may cause gastroduodenal complications, including cancer. In this review, we examine the prevalence and distribution of various H. pylori genotypes and the risk factors for H. pylori infection, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We also introduce different global screening methods and guidelines and compare them to those currently in use in the MENA region. Materials and Methods: We searched the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Saudi Digital Library (SDL) databases for clinical trials and articles published in English. The data collection was mainly focused on MENA countries. However, for H. pylori genotypes and diagnostic methods, studies conducted in other regions or reporting global practices and guidelines were also included to allow a comparison with those in the MENA region. We also included studies examining the prevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy participants. Results:H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in the MENA region, mainly because of the accumulation of risk factors in developing countries. Herein, we highlight a lack of good quality studies on the prevalence of various H. pylori genotypes in the MENA region as well as a need for standard diagnostic methods and screening guidelines. Due to the complications associated with H. pylori, we recommend routine screening for H. pylori infection in all gastroenterology patients admitted in the MENA region. Conclusion: Concerted effort will first be required to validate affordable, non-invasive, and accurate diagnostic methods and to establish local guidelines with adapted cut-off values for the interpretation of the test results.

Guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan: 2016 Revised Edition

BACKGROUND

Since "Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection" was set as the indication in the Japanese Society for Helicobacter Research (JSHR) Guidelines 2009, eradication treatment for H. pylori gastritis is covered under insurance since 2013 in Japan, and the number of H. pylori eradication has rapidly increased. Under such circumstances, JSHR has made the third revision to the "Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection" for the first time in 7 years.

METHODS

The Guideline Committee held 10 meetings. Articles published between the establishment of the 2009 Guidelines and March 2016 were reviewed and classified according to the evidence level; the statements were revised on the basis of this review. After inviting public comments, the revised statements were finalized using the Delphi method.

RESULTS

There was no change in the basic policy that H. pylori infectious disease is an indication for eradication. Other diseases presumed to be associated with H. pylori infection were added as indications. Serum pepsinogen level, endoscopic examination, and X-ray examination were added to the diagnostic methods. The effects of 1-week triple therapy consisting of potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), amoxicillin, and clarithromycin have improved, and high eradication rates can also be expected with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or P-CAB combined with amoxicillin and metronidazole. If the susceptibility test is not performed, the triple PPI or P-CAB/amoxicillin/metronidazole therapy should be chosen, because the PPI/amoxicillin/metronidazole combination demonstrated a significantly higher eradication rate than PPI/amoxicillin/clarithromycin. In the proposal for gastric cancer prevention, we divided gastric cancer prevention measures by age from adolescent to elderly, who are at an increased gastric cancer risk, and presented measures for gastric cancer prevention primarily based on H. pylori eradication.

CONCLUSION

We expect the revised guidelines to facilitate appropriate interventions for patients with H. pylori infection and accomplish its eradication and prevention of gastric cancer.

Gastric juice-based PCR assay: An alternative testing method to aid in the management of previously treated Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Culture of Helicobacter pylori with previous eradication failure has been emphasized in clinical guidelines. The current unmet need to manage previously treated H pylori is one tool with diagnostic accuracy and ability for antibiotics susceptibility. Gastric juice PCR can provide diagnosis and antibiotics susceptibility; however, whether treatment failure affects its accuracy remains uninvestigated. Our study aimed to investigate diagnostic accuracy and antibiotics susceptibility of juice PCR in previously treated H pylori and to compare with the current standard of culture.

METHODS

We categorized all 547 patients into treatment-naïve, post-1st treatment, post-2nd treatment, and post-3rd treatment. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed using gold standards. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under ROC curve (AUC) of juice PCR and culture were calculated. Intra-gastric H pylori density was evaluated. Lastly, the antibiotics susceptibility results of gastric juice and culture were compared.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated AUC was higher in juice PCR than culture in all patients (96.7% vs 91.3%, P < 0.0001). The superiority of juice PCR was statistically significant in previously treated patients (P < 0.0001) but not in treatment-naïve patients (P = 0.13). Antral H pylori density was less marked in previously treated patients (P = 0.014). The comparisons of PCR-RFLP and E-test for Clarithromycin resistance showed reliable AUC = 89.8%.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the current standard of culture, the gastric juice PCR contains the strengths of performing the antibiotics susceptibility and overcomes the shortcomings of low accuracy. Consequently, gastric juice PCR suits the unmet need to manage previously treated H pylori.

[Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection]

Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is mandatory for the effective management of many gastroduodenal diseases. Currently, various diagnostic methods are available for detecting these infections, and the choice of method should take into account the clinical condition, accessibility, advantage, disadvantage, as well as cost-effectiveness. The diagnostic methods are divided into invasive (endoscopic-based) and non-invasive methods. Non-invasive methods included urea breath test, stool antigen test, serology, and molecular methods. Invasive methods included endoscopic imaging, rapid urease test, histology, culture, and molecular methods. In this article, we provide a review of the currently available options and recent advances of various diagnostic methods.

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection : A short review

Helicobacter pylori infections represent an important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, MALT lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma. The recently published Maastricht V/Florence consensus report indicated that the urea breath test using 13 C urea still remains the best non-invasive test to diagnose H. pylori infections with high sensitivity and specificity. Among the stool antigen tests, the ELISA monoclonal antibody test is a rational option. Effective therapy should be based only on susceptibility testing in regions with documented high clarithromycin resistance (>15%). Advanced high-resolution endoscopic technologies enable increased diagnostic accuracy for detection of H. pylori infections.

Effect of biopsy site on detection of gastric cancer high-risk groups by OLGA and OLGIM stages

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) staging systems are recommended to assess the severity of gastritis, but the optimal biopsy sites have not been clearly defined. We aimed to investigate whether the scoring of the OLGA and OLGIM stages was affected by the use of different biopsy sites.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2015, to determine OLGA and OLGIM stages, seven biopsy samples were obtained from the antrum (lesser and greater curvatures [LG] of the antrum and lesser curvature of the angle) and corpus (LG and anterior and posterior walls [AP]) in 247 patients diagnosed with gastritis, gastric adenoma, or adenocarcinoma. The OLGA and OLGIM stages were scored using four different protocols: antrum + angle + corpus LG, antrum + angle + corpus AP, antrum + corpus LG, and antrum + corpus AP. High-risk group included patients who had OLGA or OLGIM stages III and IV.

RESULTS

For the OLGA stage, the angle + antrum + corpus LG protocol placed more patients in the high-risk group (64.4%) than the angle + antrum + corpus AP (55.5%, P < .001), antrum+corpus LG (59.5%, P = .031), and antrum + corpus AP (47.8%, P < .001) protocols. Likewise, for the OLGIM stage, the angle + antrum + corpus LG protocol placed more patients in the high-risk group (48.6%) than the angle + antrum + corpus AP (46.2%, P = .134), antrum + corpus LG (36.8%, P < .001), and antrum + corpus AP (37.2%, P < .001) protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent underestimation of OLGA and OLGIM stages, it is necessary to include an angle biopsy, and to obtain corpus biopsy specimens from lesser and greater curvature sites rather than from anterior and posterior wall sites.

Helicobacter pylori-Induced Changes in Gastric Acid Secretion and Upper Gastrointestinal Disease

Appropriate management of Helicobacter pylori infection of the human stomach is evolving and remains a significant clinical challenge. Acute infection results in hypochlorhydria, whereas chronic infection results in either hypo- or hyperchlorhydria, depending upon the anatomic site of infection. Acute hypochlorhydria facilitates survival of the bacterium and its infection of the stomach. Interestingly, most patients chronically infected with H. pylori manifest a pangastritis with reduced acid secretion due to bacterial virulence factors, inflammatory cytokines, and various degrees of gastric atrophy. While these patients are predisposed to develop gastric adenocarcinoma (~1%), there is increasing evidence from population studies that they are also protected from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Eradication of H. pylori, in these patients, may provoke GERD in predisposed individuals and may be a contributory factor for the rising incidence of refractory GERD, BE, and EAC observed in Westernized societies. Only ~10% of chronically infected patients, mainly the young, manifest an antral predominant gastritis with increased acid secretion due to a decrease in somatostatin and increase in gastrin secretion; these patients are predisposed to develop peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori-induced changes in acid secretion, in particular hypochlorhydria, may allow ingested microorganisms to survive transit through the stomach and colonize the distal intestine and colon. Such perturbation of gut microbiota, i.e. dysbiosis, may influence human health and disease.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection-the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report

Important progress has been made in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection and in this fifth edition of the Maastricht Consensus Report, key aspects related to the clinical role of H. pylori were re-evaluated in 2015. In the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Conference, 43 experts from 24 countries examined new data related to H. pylori in five subdivided workshops: (1) Indications/Associations, (2) Diagnosis, (3) Treatment, (4) Prevention/Public Health, (5) H. pylori and the Gastric Microbiota. The results of the individual workshops were presented to a final consensus voting that included all participants. Recommendations are provided on the basis of the best available evidence and relevance to the management of H. pylori infection in the various clinical scenarios.

Effectiveness of systematic alphanumeric coded endoscopy for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia in a low socioeconomic population

Background and study aims: In the Western world, gastric cancer (GC) usually presents at an advanced stage, carrying a high mortality rate. Studies have reported that 14 % to 26 % of GCs are missed at endoscopy up to 3 years before diagnosis. Systematic Alphanumeric Coded Endoscopy (SACE) has been proposed to improve quality of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) by facilitating a complete examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This prospective cross-sectional study was designed to determine the frequency of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) by using the SACE approach in cohort of patients from low socioeconomic level. It also used non-targeted biopsies to evaluate the frequency of premalignant conditions. Patients and methods: A total of 601 consecutive asymptomatic or dyspeptic patients were enrolled between January 2013 and November 2014 at the Huacho regional hospital in Peru. The SACE method proposed by Emura et al, which divides the stomach into 5 regions and 21 areas, was routinely used for diagnosis. Biopsy samples were obtained from any endoscopically detected focal lesion. To evaluate gastric premalignant conditions, 4 non-targeted biopsies were taken. Results: A total of 573 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 57 years, and the female:male ratio was 1.9 : 1. In all cases, complete photo-documentation of the 21 gastric areas was achieved. The overall rate of detection of GIN was 2.8 %. Low-grade displasia, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma were found in 13 (2.3 %), 2 (0.3 %), and 1 (0.2 %) of the patients, respectively. The prevalence of at least 1 premalignant condition was 31 %, and helicobacter pylori infection was found in 57 % of patients. Conclusions: Using the SACE approach and with proper training, we have reported herein a high frequency of GIN in patients from a low socioeconomic status. Gastric cancer detection can be improved in a Western endoscopy setting when SACE, as a screening method, is performed by a trained endoscopist.

Diagnostic Methods of Helicobacter pylori Infection for Epidemiological Studies: Critical Importance of Indirect Test Validation

Among the methods developed to detect H. pylori infection, determining the gold standard remains debatable, especially for epidemiological studies. Due to the decreasing sensitivity of direct diagnostic tests (histopathology and/or immunohistochemistry [IHC], rapid urease test [RUT], and culture), several indirect tests, including antibody-based tests (serology and urine test), urea breath test (UBT), and stool antigen test (SAT) have been developed to diagnose H. pylori infection. Among the indirect tests, UBT and SAT became the best methods to determine active infection. While antibody-based tests, especially serology, are widely available and relatively sensitive, their specificity is low. Guidelines indicated that no single test can be considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and that one should consider the method's advantages and disadvantages. Based on four epidemiological studies, culture and RUT present a sensitivity of 74.2–90.8% and 83.3–86.9% and a specificity of 97.7–98.8% and 95.1–97.2%, respectively, when using IHC as a gold standard. The sensitivity of serology is quite high, but that of the urine test was lower compared with that of the other methods. Thus, indirect test validation is important although some commercial kits propose universal cut-off values.

Antisecretory medication is associated with decreased Helicobacter pylori detection in gastric marginal zone lymphoma

Helicobacter pylori status influences the prognosis and management of gastric extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma), so accurate determination of H pylori status is of clinical importance. The low rate of histologic H pylori positivity among gastric MALT lymphoma cases at our institution prompted investigation for possible causes. A case series of 24 patients as having gastric MALT lymphoma (with no diffuse large B-cell component) in a tertiary care setting between 1997 and 2010 was identified, and clinical records were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining for H pylori and BCL10 was performed. This study received institutional review board approval (protocol number M13-033). Thirty-nine percent of cases (9/23) were H pylori positive by histology, and 4 additional patients had positive serologic results; overall, 57% of cases (13/23) were positive for H pylori. Treatment with antisecretory medications was associated with a lower likelihood of histologic positivity (13% among treated patients vs 75% among untreated; P = .04). Nuclear localization of BCL10 was seen in 2 cases and was not associated with H pylori status. Antisecretory medications decrease the likelihood of histologic detection of H pylori in gastric MALT lymphoma cases. Incorporation of results of serologic or other testing is needed to ensure correct classification with respect to H pylori status.

Kyoto global consensus report on Helicobacter pylori gastritis

OBJECTIVE

To present results of the Kyoto Global Consensus Meeting, which was convened to develop global consensus on (1) classification of chronic gastritis and duodenitis, (2) clinical distinction of dyspepsia caused by Helicobacter pylori from functional dyspepsia, (3) appropriate diagnostic assessment of gastritis and (4) when, whom and how to treat H. pylori gastritis.

DESIGN

Twenty-three clinical questions addressing the above-mentioned four domains were drafted for which expert panels were asked to formulate relevant statements. A Delphi method using an anonymous electronic system was adopted to develop the consensus, the level of which was predefined as ≥80%. Final modifications of clinical questions and consensus were achieved at the face-to-face meeting in Kyoto.

RESULTS

All 24 statements for 22 clinical questions after extensive modifications and omission of one clinical question were achieved with a consensus level of >80%. To better organise classification of gastritis and duodenitis based on aetiology, a new classification of gastritis and duodenitis is recommended for the 11th international classification. A new category of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia together with a diagnostic algorithm was proposed. The adoption of grading systems for gastric cancer risk stratification, and modern image-enhancing endoscopy for the diagnosis of gastritis, were recommended. Treatment to eradicate H. pylori infection before preneoplastic changes develop, if feasible, was recommended to minimise the risk of more serious complications of the infection.

CONCLUSIONS

A global consensus for gastritis was developed for the first time, which will be the basis for an international classification system and for further research on the subject.

Evaluation of methods for H. pylori detection in PPI consumption using culture, rapid urease test and smear examination

BACKGROUND

Culture, rapid urease test (RUT) and smear examination have been used as reliable methods for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Accurate performance of these tests requires good quality biopsies with considerable number of bacterial cells. However, consumption of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) affects growth and urease activity of H. pylori, leading to false negative results. In this study the efficacy of culture, RUT and smear examination was assessed and the effect of PPI consumption was evaluated.

METHODS

Two antral biopsies from 530 dyspeptic patients with and without PPI consumption were used for RUT, culture and smear examination. Statistical analysis was used to determine the association between results of culture, RUT or smear examination and PPI consumption. Sensitivity and specificity of three tests were calculated by standard methods.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection was detected in 40% of patients by culture, 48.3% by RUT and 21.1% by smear examination and the overall detection rate was 54%. A strong correlation was found between PPI consumption and negative results of culture and RUT (P<0.05) but not smear examination. The sensitivity of RUT was reduced as a result of PPI consumption. This reduction was more profound in 1-hr RUT (92.2% to 74.4%) compared with 24-hr RUT (93.9% to 81.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of H. pylori was declined, compared with previous studies. This decrement could be due to false negative results of H. pylori diagnostic tests, among which culture and RUT are mostly affected by PPI. Accordingly, PPI consumption should be stopped before performance of endoscopy.

[Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea, 2013 revised edition]

Since the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has first developed the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in 1998, the revised guideline was proposed in 2009 by the same group. Although the revised guideline was made by comprehensive review of previous articles and consensus of authoritative expert opinions, the evidence-based developmental process was not applied in the revision of the guideline. This new guideline has been revised especially in terms of changes in the indication and treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea, and developed by the adaptation process as evidence-based method; 6 guidelines were retrieved by systematic review and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II process, 21 statements were made with grading system and revised by modified Delphi method. After revision, 11 statements for the indication of test and treatment, 4 statements for the diagnosis and 4 statements for the treatment have been developed, respectively. The revised guideline has been reviewed by external experts before the official endorsement, and will be disseminated for usual clinical practice in Korea. Also, the scheduled update and revision of the guideline will be made periodically.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea, 2013 revised edition

The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research first developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in 1998, and revised guidelines were proposed in 2009 by the same group. Although the revised guidelines were based on a comprehensive review of published articles and the consensus of expert opinions, the revised guidelines were not developed using an evidence-based process. The new guidelines presented in this study include specific changes regarding indication and treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea, and were developed through the adaptation process using an evidence-based approach. After systematic review of the literature, six guidelines were selected using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II process. A total of 21 statements were proposed with the grading system and revised using the modified Delphi method. After the guideline revisions, 11 statements about indication of test and treatment, four statements about diagnosis, and four statements about treatment of H. pylori infection were developed. The revised guidelines were reviewed by external experts before receiving official endorsement from the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research, and disseminated to physicians and other medical professionals for use in clinical practice in Korea. The guidelines will continue to be updated and revised periodically.

A review of Helicobacter pylori diagnosis, treatment, and methods to detect eradication

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) affects nearly half of the world’s population and, thus, is one of the most frequent and persistent bacterial infections worldwide. H. pylori is associated with peptic ulcer disease, gastric ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Various diagnostic methods exist to detect infection, and the choice of one method or another depends on several factors, such as accessibility, advantages and disadvantages of each method, cost, and the age of patients. Once H. pylori infection is diagnosed, the clinician decides whether treatment is necessity, according to the patient’s clinical condition. Typically, eradication of H. pylori is recommended for treatment and prevention of the infection. Cure rates with the standard triple therapy are acceptable, and effective quadruple therapies, sequential therapies, and concomitant therapies have been introduced as key alternatives to treat H. pylori infection. In this work, we review the main diagnostic methods used to identify H. pylori infection and to confirm eradication of infection. In addition, key factors related to treatment are reviewed.

Performance of Routine Helicobacter pylori Invasive Tests in Patients with Dyspepsia

Background. This study was designed to compare the accuracy of three different invasive methods for the detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with dyspepsia. These tests included culture, histology, and the rapid urease test (CLO test). Methods. H. pylori infection was diagnosed prospectively in 246 untreated dyspeptic patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The gold standard for H. pylori infection was based on a positive culture or both a positive histological examination and a CLO test. Results. H. pylori was diagnosed in 33.3% of the patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were as follows: histology from the antrum (95.12; 95.12; 90.7; 97.5; 95.12%); histology from the antrum and corpus (95.12; 95.12; 90.7; 97.5; 95.12%); histology from the corpus (76.83; 96.95; 92.65; 89.33; 90.24%); culture (91.46; 100; 100; 95.91; 97.15%); a CLO test from the antrum and corpus (85.59; 100; 100; 93.71; 95.52%); a CLO test from the antrum (64.63; 100; 100; 84.97; 88.21%); a CLO test from the corpus (69.51; 100; 100; 96.77; 89.83%), respectively. Conclusions. Antral biopsy histology and culture are the best methods for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in our cohort of patients with dyspepsia.

Staging of intestinal- and diffuse-type gastric cancers with the OLGA and OLGIM staging systems

BACKGROUND

Operative link on gastritis assessment (OLGA) and Operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) staging systems have been proposed for gastric cancer (GC) risk estimation.

AIM

To validate the OLGA and OLGIM staging systems in a region with high risk of GC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 474 GC patients and age- and sex-matched health screening control persons in a cancer centre hospital. We classified gastritis patterns according to the OLGA and OLGIM systems using the histological database that a pathologist prospectively evaluated using the updated Sydney system. GC risk according to the OLGA and OLGIM stages was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

More GC patients had OLGA stages III-IV (46.2%) than controls (26.6%, P < 0.001), particularly among patients with intestinal-type GCs (62.2%) compared with diffuse-type GCs (30.9%). OLGA stages III and IV were significantly associated with increased risk of GC [odds ratios (ORs), 2.09; P = 0.008 and 2.04; P = 0.014 respectively] in multivariate analysis. The association was more significant for intestinal-type (ORs, 4.76; P = 0.001 and 4.19; P = 0.002 respectively), but not diffuse-type GC. OLGIM stages from I to IV were significantly associated with increased risk of both intestinal-type (ORs, 3.64, 5.15, 7.89 and 13.20 respectively) and diffuse-type GC (ORs, 1.84, 2.59, 5.08 and 6.32 respectively) with a significantly increasing trend.

CONCLUSION

As high OLGA and OLGIM stages are independent risk factors for gastric cancer, the staging systems may be useful for risk assessment in high-risk regions, especially for intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Surveillance of gastric intestinal metaplasia for the prevention of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the world. Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a recognised premalignant condition of the stomach. It has been described as occurring in up to one in five patients in western countries. Although there is a definite risk of progression from GIM to cancer, published guidelines and statements differ as to the utility and structure of surveillance programs for this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To see whether or not endoscopic or biochemical surveillance of patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) could result in increased detection of dysplasia and early gastric cancer to decrease gastric cancer mortality.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a search of the following electronic databases from inception to October 2012: CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and LILACS. We handsearched for abstracts from relevant conferences.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials only were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No studies met the inclusion criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies met the inclusion criteria.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of randomised data on the utility of surveillance of GIM. The observational data from non-randomised studies are discussed and would suggest that although a randomised trial would be a desirable undertaking to attain the highest grade of clinical evidence, given the ethical and acceptability issues involved, further non-randomised clinical studies focussing on surveillance protocols and the role of Helicobacter pylori eradication may be a more pragmatic means of addressing the core clinical question.

Prevalence and risk factors of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia: a nationwide multicenter prospective study in Korea

Background/Aims

Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are premalignant gastric lesions. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of endoscopic AG and IM and to document the risk factors for these lesions.

Methods

In total, 4,023 subjects were enrolled at eight hospitals in Korea. AG and IM were diagnosed by endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies were measured.

Results

The prevalences of endoscopic AG and IM were 40.7% and 12.5%. In a multivariate analysis, the risk factors for AG were age groups of 40 to 59 years and >60 years, male sex, positive H. pylori serology, IM, and education below the college level (odds ratio [OR], 2.55, 5.00, 1.38, 1.41, 4.29, and 1.35, respectively). The risk factors for IM were age groups of 40 to 59 years and >60 years, male sex, positive H. pylori serology, AG, having relatives with gastric cancer, education below the college level and consumption of dairy products (OR, 3.16, 3.25, 1.88, 2.17, 3.68, 1.48, 1.47, and 1.40, respectively).

Conclusions

A nationwide survey regarding the prevalence of endoscopic AG and IM and their risk factors in Korea supports the hypothesis that endoscopic diagnosis of these premalignant lesions could be helpful to describe a group at high risk for gastric cancer.

Gastric parietal cell antibodies, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic atrophic gastritis: evidence from a large population-based study in Germany

BACKGROUND

Striking similarities between autoimmune gastritis and Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastritis have suggested a potential link between these two pathologic conditions in the progression of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG); however, evidence has remained conflicting.

METHODS

Serum pepsinogen I and II, and antibodies against H. pylori in general, the cytotoxin-associated gene A protein (CagA) and parietal cells were measured by ELISA in 9,684 subjects aged 50 to 74 years. Antigastric parietal cell antibody (APCA) prevalence was examined in the overall population and according to sex, age, and H. pylori serostatus. The association between APCA prevalence and CAG was assessed by logistic regression, overall and according to H. pylori status, controlling for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Overall APCA prevalence was 19.5%. APCA prevalence was strongly associated with CAG, and the association was increasing with increasing severity of CAG. Furthermore, the association between APCA and CAG was even stronger among H. pylori-negative subjects [odds ratio (OR) = 11.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.5-17.1)] than among H. pylori-positive subjects (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.1-3.3).

CONCLUSIONS

APCA may play a role on the development of gastric atrophy, irrespective of H. pylori infection.

IMPACT

Assessment of APCA might be a useful complement to established markers (such as pepsinogens and H. pylori antibodies) in screening for CAG.

Additional corpus biopsy enhances the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in a background of gastritis with atrophy

Background

The best sites for biopsy-based tests to evaluate H. pylori infection in gastritis with atrophy are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the site and sensitivity of biopsy-based tests in terms of degree of gastritis with atrophy.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-four (164) uninvestigated dyspepsia patients were enrolled. Biopsy-based tests (i.e., culture, histology Giemsa stain and rapid urease test) and non-invasive tests (anti-H. pylori IgG) were performed. The gold standard of H. pylori infection was defined according to previous criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive rate and negative predictive rate of biopsy-based tests at the gastric antrum and body were calculated in terms of degree of gastritis with atrophy.

Results

The prevalence rate of H. pylori infection in the 164 patients was 63.4%. Gastritis with atrophy was significantly higher at the antrum than at the body (76% vs. 31%; p<0.001). The sensitivity of biopsy-based test decreased when the degree of gastritis with atrophy increased regardless of biopsy site (for normal, mild, moderate, and severe gastritis with atrophy, the sensitivity of histology Giemsa stain was 100%, 100%, 88%, and 66%, respectively, and 100%, 97%, 91%, and 66%, respectively, for rapid urease test). In moderate to severe antrum or body gastritis with atrophy, additional corpus biopsy resulted in increased sensitivity to 16.67% compare to single antrum biopsy.

Conclusions

In moderate to severe gastritis with atrophy, biopsy-based test should include the corpus for avoiding false negative results.

First-degree relatives of patients with early-onset gastric carcinoma show even at young ages a high prevalence of advanced OLGA/OLGIM stages and dysplasia

BACKGROUND

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of early-onset gastric carcinoma (EOGC) patients are at increased risk of cancer development. OLGA/OLGIM (Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) classifications have been proposed for the identification of individuals at high risk of gastric cancer development.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence and severity of premalignant conditions and lesions in FDRs of EOGC patients.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted encompassing 103 FDRs of EOGC patients (cases) and 101 age- and gender-matched controls, all submitted to upper GI endoscopy and OLGA and OLGIM used for staging as well as modified versions with exclusion of the biopsies from incisura angularis in the analysis.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection was present in 82% of cases (P = 0.001). Atrophy was present in 70% of cases (OLGA stages I-IV). High-risk stages (III-IV) were identified only in cases (19%) (P < 0.001). Dysplasia was diagnosed only in cases (n = 7, P = 0.007). The application of OLGIM, modified OLGA and modified OLGIM classifications led to downgrade of stages in comparison with the original OLGA classification (27%, 15% and 30% respectively). In all classification systems, dysplastic lesions clustered (86%) in high-risk stages.

CONCLUSIONS

FDRs of EOGC patients have, even at young ages, a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, high-risk OLGA and OLGIM stages and dysplasia. These patients should undergo accurate endoscopic observation with at least four biopsies in antrum and corpus to allow adequate staging and follow-up of premalignant conditions and lesions scored in high-risk stages, in accordance with international guidelines recently proposed.

Effect of annual endoscopic screening on clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment modality of gastric cancer in a high-incidence region of Korea

We investigated risk factors for gastric cancer (GC) and effect of annual endoscopic screening on detection and treatment modality of GC. Asymptomatic adults who underwent upper endoscopy during health checkups at Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center were enrolled. We compared clinicopathologic characteristics of GC according to screening interval (repeated vs. infrequent, annual vs. biennial). After age- and sex-matching, relative risk was computed by hazard ratio (HR) using Cox proportional regression with multivariate adjustment. Of the 58,849 subjects who received screening endoscopy, 277 (0.47%) were found to have GC. Intestinal type comprised 55.4% (102/184) followed by diffuse type (n = 65, 35.3%). Age ≥ 50 years, family history and smoking independently increased the risk of GC for both types, whereas male gender [HR = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.72-8.03] and intestinal metaplasia (IM) (HR = 10.87, 95% CI: 3.36-22.30) were significant predictors for intestinal type only. Proportion of early gastric cancer (EGC) was 98.6% (71/72) in annual screening group and 80.7% (46/57) in biennial screening group (p < 0.01). In the former, tumor size was smaller (1.7 ± 1.3 vs. 2.3 ± 1.8 cm; p < 0.01] and proportion of intramucosal cancer was larger (75.0 vs. 56.1%; p = 0.04). Endoscopic resection was performed more frequently in annual screening group (56.9 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.02). IM along with male gender and older age was a strong risk factor for intestinal type GC. Annual screening group improved detection of early-stage and endoscopically treatable GC suggesting that intensive screening and surveillance may be useful for high-risk subpopulations with epidemiologic risk factors or premalignant lesions such as IM.

Serum pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori infection--a Japanese population study

The decreased ratio of serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II has good correlation with the presence of atrophic gastritis. A total of 1,540 residents aged 30-89 years were enrolled into this study to investigate which serum PG level of residents with Helicobacter pylori infection would represent an adjunct to the diagnosis and progression of atrophic gastritis. All participants received esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Serum antibody to H. pylori (anti-H. pylori) was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serological atrophic gastritis was defined as serum PG I isozyme level ≤70 ng/ml and a PG I/II ratio of ≤3.0. Of the 1,540 participants, 923 (59.9%) were positive for anti-H. pylori. Serological atrophic gastritis was found significantly more often in anti-H. pylori-positive participants (40.8%) than in anti-H. pylori-negative participants (7.9%) (p ≤ 0.0001). The endoscopic findings of anti-H. pylori-positive participants with serological atrophic gastritis were significantly more frequent by 4.06 times for atrophic gastritis (p ≤ 0.0001) than anti-H. pylori-negative participants without serological atrophic gastritis. Eight anti-H. pylori-positive participants were diagnosed with gastric cancer, but no cancer was found in anti-H. pylori-negative participants without serological atrophic gastritis. Serum PG testing is clinically useful for the prediction of gastric lesions in H. pylori-infected persons.

Predictability of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia by Mottled Patchy Erythema Seen on Endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is regarded as a premalignant lesion. However, endoscopic diagnosis of IM has been considered difficult. Using endoscopy, we found a unique pattern of erythema, "Mottled Patchy Erythema (MPE)," which includes severe IM. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection itself can cause erythema, which reflects histologic changes in the gastric mucosa. Therefore we enrolled Hp eradication patients to validate the relation between MPE and pathologic findings.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with chronic gastritis who underwent successful Hp eradication at least 6 months before the study. We defined MPE as multiple flat or depressed erythematous lesions. When encountering MPE on endoscopy, we performed biopsy on both the MPE site and non-MPE site. The non-MPE site was defined as an adjacent mucosa located within 3 cm of the MPE site. All biopsy specimens were evaluated immunohistochemically for IM subtype using MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, CD10, and CDX2 stains. The degree of IM was defined according to the Updated Sydney System. The diagnostic accuracy of the MPE findings for pathologic IM was calculated. The relation between MPE and IM subtype was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were selected for the study. Of these, 55 (54%) patients had MPE. Biopsy specimens were taken from the MPE sites and non-MPE sites from these 55 patients. The IM percentages and median scores of IM were both significantly higher at the MPE sites (P < 0.001) than at the non-MPE sites. The sensitivity and specificity for MPE in the detection of histologic IM were 72.7% and 84.1%, respectively. No significant associations were observed in the expression of MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, CD10, and CDX2 between the MPE sites and non-MPE sites. There were no significant differences in the ratios (complete/incomplete) of IM subtypes between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MPE is a useful endoscopic finding to detect histologic IM without the use of chromoendoscopy and magnifying endoscopy. However, the IM subtype is difficult to identify. In the era of Hp eradication, MPE has the potential to become a predictive finding for the risk of gastric cancer.

Low serum levels of pepsinogen and gastrin 17 are predictive of extensive gastric atrophy with high-risk of early gastric cancer

Atrophic gastritis (AG) is a well-recognized high-risk condition for developing gastric cancer (GC). Gastrin 17 (G17), a hormone secreted from antral G cells, regulates gastric acid secretion, and its serum level is a possible indicator of antral atrophy. Serum pepsinogen is well established as the indicator of AG involving the corpus. Here we investigated whether serum PG and G17 levels would be useful for determining the topographic pattern of AG and estimating the risk of GC. Enrolled were 122 Japanese patients with early GC (114 well- to moderate-differentiated cancers and 8 poorly-differentiated cancers). In addition, 178 subjects without GC were recruited as control from those undergoing endoscopic examination (non-GC group). All subjects were histologically assigned to the following four groups: non-AG, antrum-predominant AG, corpus-predominant AG, and multifocal AG, affecting the antrum and corpus. Serum concentrations of pepsinogen and G17 were determined using ELISA. Multifocal AG was more frequent in the GC group than in the adjusted non-GC group, and had the highest risk of GC (OR 25.1). Serum G17 was significantly decreased with the exacerbation of antral atrophy in the coexistence of corpus atrophy. Serum biomarker profiles showed that the low levels of pepsinogen and G17 could discriminate between multifocal AG and other types of AG, but not with pepsinogen level alone. Serologically defined multifocal AG had the highest cancer risk among other serologically defined AG groups (OR 26.9). In conclusion, the low serum levels of pepsinogen and G17 are predictive of extensive gastric atrophy with high-risk of early GC.

Plasma pepsinogens, antibodies against Helicobacter pylori, and risk of gastric cancer in the Shanghai Women's Health Study Cohort

Background:

Circulating pepsinogens can indicate atrophic gastritis, a precursor of gastric cancer. We tested the association between gastric cancer and plasma pepsinogens and antibodies against Helicobacter pylori in a case–control study nested in a prospective cohort.

Methods:

We selected 141 gastric cancer cases and 282 incidence-density sampled controls. Plasma concentrations of pepsinogens 1 and 2 were measured using ELISA kits, and anti-H. pylori antibodies were measured using a kit specific to Chinese strains. Associations were estimated using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:

Gastric cancer subjects were more likely to be anti-H. pylori positive than controls, 97 vs 92%. A plasma pepsinogen 1 (PG1) concentration <50 ng ml^–1 (15% of cases) was associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (OR 4.23; (95% CI: 1.86–9.63), whereas a plasma pepsinogen 2 (PG2) concentration >6.6 ng ml^–1 (75% of cases) was also associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (OR 3.62; (95% CI: 1.85–7.09). We also found that the PG1 : 2 ratio had a nearly linear association with gastric cancer risk.

Conclusion:

Lower plasma PG1 : 2 ratios are associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, it appears that circulating pepsinogens 1 and 2 may be independently associated with the risk of gastric cancer.

Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) genetic polymorphism, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic atrophic gastritis among older adults from Germany

Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and transformation. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs3805246) in the Gab1 gene has been suggested to be related to the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in a study from Japan. We aimed to assess the associations in a population-based study from Germany. In the baseline examination of ESTHER, a population-based study conducted in Saarland, serum pepsinogen I and II and H. pylori serostatus were measured by ELISA. The Gab1 SNP (rs3805246) was genotyped in 351 serologically defined CAG cases and 351 age- and sex-matched non-CAG controls. A nonsignificant association was observed between the Gab1 SNP and CAG, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.15 (0.85-1.55) for AA/AG carriers compared to GG carriers. The magnitude of the association did not change when the analysis was restricted to H. pylori seropositive subjects. Furthermore, no significant relation was found between the SNP and H. pylori seropositivity among non-CAG controls. We could not confirm a major association between Gab1 SNP (rs3805246) and the predisposition to H. pylori infection and CAG in this study population from Germany. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to clarify a potential modest effect of Gab1 genetic polymorphisms.

Biopsy strategies for endoscopic surveillance of pre-malignant gastric lesions

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic surveillance of pre-malignant gastric lesions may add to gastric cancer prevention. However, the appropriate biopsy regimen for optimal detection of the most advanced lesions remains to be determined. Therefore, we evaluated the yield of endoscopic surveillance by standardized and targeted biopsy protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective, multi-center study, patients with intestinal metaplasia (IM) or dysplasia (DYS) underwent a surveillance gastroscopy. Both targeted biopsies from macroscopic lesions and 12 non-targeted biopsies according to a standardized protocol (antrum, angulus, corpus, cardia) were obtained. Appropriate biopsy locations and the yield of targeted versus non-targeted biopsies were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 112 patients with IM (n = 101), or low-grade (n = 5) and high-grade DYS (n = 6) were included. Diagnosis at surveillance endoscopy was atrophic gastritis (AG) in one, IM in 77, low-grade DYS in two, high-grade DYS in three, and gastric cancer in one patient. The angulus (40%), antrum (35%) and lesser curvature of the corpus (33%) showed the highest prevalence of pre-malignant conditions. Non-targeted biopsies from the lesser curvature had a significantly higher yield as compared to the greater curvature of the corpus in diagnosing AG and IM (p = .05 and p = .03). Patients with extensive intragastric IM, which was also present at the cardia were at high risk of a concurrent diagnosis of dysplasia or gastric cancer. High-grade DYS was detected in targeted biopsies only.

CONCLUSIONS

At surveillance endoscopies, both targeted and non-targeted biopsies are required for an appropriate diagnosis of (pre-)malignant gastric lesions. Non-targeted biopsies should be obtained in particular from the antrum, angulus and lesser curvature of the corpus.

Incidence and risk factor of fundic gland polyp and hyperplastic polyp in long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy: a prospective study in Japan

GOAL

To investigate the development of fundic gland polyp (FGP) and gastric hyperplastic polyp (HPP) during long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and risk factors of each polyp via patient status in a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND

The risk of developing FGP may increase during long-term PPI therapy. However, the association with PPI-induced hypergastrinemia is unclear. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection (which there is a high rate of in Japan) may influence the development of HPP.

METHODS

Reflux esophagitis patients on PPI maintenance therapy were enrolled. At baseline, the presence of protruding lesion (gastric polyps) and mucosal atrophy was examined endoscopically. The serum gastrin level (SGL) and Hp infection status were noted. The patients took rabeprazole 10 mg/day for 104 weeks and endoscopy was performed at weeks 24, 52, 76, and 104 to check for newly developed FGPs and HPPs. The hazard ratios (HRs) of risk factors were calculated.

RESULTS

191 patients were analyzed. The distribution of patients with baseline SGLs (pg/mL) of <200, >or=200 to <400, and >or=400 was 118 (61.8%), 51 (26.7%), and 22 (11.5%), respectively. 78 (40.8%) patients were Hp-positive, and gastric polyps were found in 70 (36.6%) patients. By the end of rabeprazole therapy, 26 (13.6%) and 17 (8.9%) patients had developed new FGPs and HPPs. In terms of risk factors, Hp-positive was significantly lower (HR=0.288; 95% CI, 0.108-0.764) for FGP while SGL>or=400 pg/mL was significantly higher (HR=4.923; 95% CI, 1.486-16.31) for HPP.

CONCLUSION

During long-term PPI therapy, FGP development was associated with absence of Hp infection. Meanwhile, Hp infection and high SGL may influence HPP development.