Discharge protocol in acute pancreatitis: an international survey and cohort analysis

There are several overlapping clinical practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis (AP), however, none of them contains suggestions on patient discharge. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group (HPSG) has recently developed a laboratory data and symptom-based discharge protocol which needs to be validated. (1) A survey was conducted involving all members of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) to understand the characteristics of international discharge protocols. (2) We investigated the safety and effectiveness of the HPSG-discharge protocol. According to our international survey, 87.5% (49/56) of the centres had no discharge protocol. Patients discharged based on protocols have a significantly shorter median length of hospitalization (LOH) (7 (5;10) days vs. 8 (5;12) days) p < 0.001), and a lower rate of readmission due to recurrent AP episodes (p = 0.005). There was no difference in median discharge CRP level among the international cohorts (p = 0.586). HPSG-protocol resulted in the shortest LOH (6 (5;9) days) and highest median CRP (35.40 (13.78; 68.40) mg/l). Safety was confirmed by the low rate of readmittance (n = 35; 5%). Discharge protocol is necessary in AP. The discharge protocol used in this study is the first clinically proven protocol. Developing and testifying further protocols are needed to better standardize patients' care.

Validation of the Revised Atlanta Criteria in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Determining the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is crucial for patient management. The aim of our study was to assess the accuracy and limitations of the Revised Atlanta Criteria (RAC) in determining the severity of AP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was retrospectively conducted on AP patients admitted to the Gastroenterology Department of Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine. The severity, morphology and local complications of AP were evaluated according to the RAC. Laboratory parameters, clinical scores predicting disease severity and Computer Tomography Severity Index scores were assessed.

RESULTS

The study group included 113 patients. Ninety-eight (86.7%) had interstitial edematous, and 15 (13.3%) had necrotizing pancreatitis. AP pancreatitis was mild in 69 (61.1%), moderate in 33 (29.2%), and severe in 11 (9.7%). Compared to the moderate group, patients in the severe group had a higher hematocrit, creatinine, SIRS and BISAP scores at admission and more length of hospital stay, more ICU requirements, and higher mortality rates ( P  < 0.05). Eleven patients had single or multiple persistent organ failure (POF). The mortality rate of patients who developed early POF (n = 6) was higher compared to the group of patients who developed late POF (n = 2) (83.3% and 40%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Severity assessment using the RAC in patients with AP is consistent with laboratory parameters and scoring systems predicting severity. Severe pancreatitis cases who develop early POF may be classified separately.

Fully Covered Metal Stents Safely Facilitate Extraction of Difficult Bile Duct Stones

BACKGROUND

Ten to 15% of the common bile duct (CBD) stones require advanced endoscopic extraction techniques during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FC-SEMS) for facilitating the extraction of difficult bile duct stones.

METHODS

Patients who received FC-SEMS for the extraction of difficult CBD stones were retrospectively reviewed. Group 1 included patients with extrahepatic stones above a distal CBD stricture, Group 2 included patients with intrahepatic stones above a hilar stricture, and Group 3 included patients with complex stone(s) and no biliary stricture. Complete stone clearance rate and complications of FC-SEMS treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study group included 33 procedures on 32 patients (mean age: 55±17, 56.3% male). FC-SEMS was placed as a primary treatment in 15 (45.5%) procedures. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 84.6% of the procedures in Group 1, 100% in Group 2, and 87.5% in Group 3 ( P =0.23). Overall, complete stone clearance was achieved in 30 of the 33 procedures (90.9%). None of the patients developed pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or cholangitis. Stent migration occurred in 4 procedures (12.1%), and all were clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

FC-SEMS is effective and safe for facilitating treatment of difficult bile duct stones.

Higher Complications During the Waiting Period for Interval Cholecystectomy in Patients With Mild Biliary Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Although current guidelines recommend cholecystectomy during the same admission in patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP), it involves a waiting list most of the time. We aimed to assess the risk of complications and determine predictors during the waiting period for cholecystectomy after the first episode of ABP.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in patients with mild ABP. Follow-ups were done by phone calls or using electronic health records for a maximum of 6 months after discharge or until cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients were included in the study. Although all patients were referred to surgeons, only 81 (41.8%) underwent cholecystectomy within 6 months after discharge. During the observation period, gallstone-related biliary events (GRBEs) developed in 68 (35.1%) patients, which included biliary colic, recurrent ABP, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallbladder perforation, cholangitis, and liver abscess. The overall readmission rate was 25.2%, with 44.8% occurred within 4 weeks after discharge. The odds ratio of any complication was 1.58 (95% CI, 1.42 to 1.76, P =0.028) and 1.59 (95% CI, 1.42 to 1.78, P =0.009) in the patients who did not have surgery within 2 to 7 days and 8 to 15 days, respectively. A 4-fold increased risk of readmission was detected (95% CI, 1.16 to 13.70, P =0.019) if cholecystectomy was not performed within 31 to 90 days. The patients who developed complications had significantly higher C-reactive protein at admission, longer waiting time, and had 3 or more gallstones on imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Interval cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of complications during the waiting period in patients with mild ABP.

Hepatitis B Reactivation in Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C

INTRODUCTION

There is limited research about HBV reactivation (HBVr) due to direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for HCV and most are limited by short duration of follow-up, small sample size, and absence of baseline HBV DNA. We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical course of HBVr in HBsAg and/or anti-HBcIgG positive patients treated with DAA for HCV.

METHODS

Seven centers retrospectively analyzed their database on HCV patients treated with DAA between 2015 and 2019. Patients with HBV coinfection or resolved HBV infection were enrolled. Serum transaminases, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA were followed every 4 weeks during DAA treatment and every 12 weeks 1 year after treatment. Entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was started in case of HBVr. The development of HBVr, HBV flare, liver failure, and mortality were determined.

RESULTS

852 patients received DAA treatment for HCV. Among them, 35 (4.1%) had HBV coinfection and 246 (28.9%) had resolved HBV infection. 257 patients (53.3% male, mean age: 63 ± 9) constituted the study group (29 with coinfection and 228 with resolved infection). Three patients with coinfection were HBV DNA positive. HBVr developed in 10 (34.5%) HBsAg positive patients, either during (n = 3) or 12-48 weeks after finishing DAA treatment. HBV flare and acute liver failure developed in 1 patient (3.4%), each. Two patients with resolved infection developed HBVr (0.87%) and one (0.44%) had HBV flare. Overall, none of the patients died or underwent liver transplantation due to HBVr.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HBV/HCV coinfection have a high risk of HBVr after DAA treatment and should receive antiviral prophylaxis. Patients with resolved infection have a low risk of HBVr and can be monitored by serial ALT measurements.

The Classification of Biliary Strictures in Patients With Right-Lobe Liver Transplant Recipients and Its Relation to Traversing the Stricture With a Guidewire

BACKGROUND

Traversing the stricture with a guidewire is a prerequisite for the endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures after living donor liver transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of variations in the biliary anastomosis and strictures on the success of endoscopic treatment and suggest a cholangiographic classification.

METHODS

The 125 strictures among the 104 patients with right-lobe living donor liver transplantation were reviewed. The strictures were classified by the anastomosis pattern according to the number (1, 2, or >2), location (common bile, hepatic, or cystic duct), the angle between the proximal and distal sites of the anastomosis, and the contrast enhancement pattern. The relationship between the success rate of traversing the anastomosis and the classification was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 125 biliary strictures, 86 (68.8%) could be passed via endoscopically. Thirty-three strictures were managed either percutaneously (n = 13) or by magnetic compression anastomosis (n = 20). Compared with the round, the triangular (odds ratio [OR], 6.5), the intermediate form (OR, 17.7), and the end-to-side anastomosis (OR, 5.1) were associated with an increased chance of traversing. The contrast enhancement pattern of the strictures and the bile ducts was also related to the successful rate of the endoscopic treatment (P < 0.001). The success rate was higher in the patients with the angle between the proximal and distal sites of the anastomosis approximated was small (0°-30° = 74%, 30°-60° = 69%, 60°-90° = 63%, >90° = 41%).

CONCLUSIONS

The type of biliary anastomoses and stricture affect the success rate of endoscopic treatment. These data may play role in making decision about the type of anastomosis during the surgery.

Hepatitis B reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a rectum cancer patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in the setting of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein we present a case of HBV reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a patient with rectum cancer and isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity.

CASE REPORT

A 57-year-old man was consulted from the oncology clinic because of increased serum liver tests after chemotherapy. He underwent surgery for early-stage rectal cancer and received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral capecitabine. After cessation of chemotherapy, his laboratory tests revealed severe liver dysfunction. HBV markers showed positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV DNA level was markedly elevated.

MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME

A review of medical records revealed that, before chemotherapy, the patient was positive for anti-HBc IgG but negative for HBsAg, and serum aminotransferases were within the normal limits. A diagnosis of HBV-related hepatitis due to capecitabine use was made, and the patient was put on tenofovir treatment. Six months later, HBV DNA decreased, and liver function tests were normalized.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing HBV reactivation after chemotherapy with capecitabine for rectal cancer in a patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity. Our case shows that HBV reactivation may develop in a low-risk patient with a low degree of immunosuppression.

Comparison of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Entecavir in the Prophylaxis of HBV Reactivation

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend starting antiviral prophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments (IST). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for prophylaxis.

METHODS

Patients, who were HBsAg and/or anti-HBc IgG positive and scheduled to receive IST for oncologic and hematologic diseases, were enrolled into the study. Those who were already receiving an antiviral treatment for HBV or had an associated HIV, hepatitis C, D were excluded. The remaining patients with a prophylaxis indication according to the AGA guideline were randomized to receive either ETV (0.5 mg/day) or TDF (245 mg/day). Prophylaxis was continued for 6-12 months after completion of IST. Patients were followed up for 1 year after completion of prophylaxis. The HBV reactivation rates and side effects of the drugs were compared.

RESULTS

The study group included 120 patients. There was no significant difference between the demographic data, viral serologic parameters and reactivation risk profiles of the ETV (n = 60) and TDF (n = 60) groups. Forty-one patients in the ETV and 36 in the TDF group completed the antiviral prophylaxis, and no HBV reactivation was observed. HBV reactivation was observed in 4 of 37 patients (10.8%) in the ETV group and 5 of 35 (14.3%) patients in the TDF group (including one with flare) during the follow-up after completion of prophylaxis. Ten patients in the ETV group (16.7%) and 14 patients (23.3%) in the TDF group experienced side effects (p = 0.77). One patient in the TDF group had to switch to ETV due to severe itchy, maculopapular rash-like lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

ETV and TDF had a similar efficacy in the prophylaxis of HBV reactivation in patients undergoing IST, with none of the patients experiencing reactivation.

A Simple Method for Endoscopic Treatment of Large Gastric Phytobezoars: "Hand-Made Bezoaratome"

BACKGROUND

Large gastric phytobezoars are generally resistant to standard chemical or endoscopic treatments. We presented our experience of an alternative endoscopic method using a hand-made tool called a "hand-made bezoaratome" for the treatment of large gastric phytobezoars.

METHODS

Patients who consulted or who were diagnosed with gastric bezoars at an education and research hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were prospectively included in the study. Patients with phytobezoars of 50 mm and larger were included in the study. Patients with trichobezoars, lactobezoars, pharmacobezoars, under 18 years of age, and pregnant women were excluded. A 0.25 mm diameter guidewire and a mechanical lithotripter sheath were used to prepare the "hand-made bezoaratome." After the first procedure, patients were advised to consume 2500 mL of Coca Cola® or the same amount of pineapple juice per day, until the next procedure. Endoscopic procedures were performed at 5-day intervals until complete reabsorption of the bezoar was achieved. Patients were followed up for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The study group included 37 (21 males, mean age: 57.6 ± 12.5 years) patients. The median size of the phytobezoars was 71 mm (50-90). The median endoscopic procedure time was 853 s (380-1940 s). The success rate for endoscopic fragmentation was found to be 100%. No major complications occurred during the endoscopic procedures, but 1 patient (2.7%) required surgery for ileus due to an obstruction at the distal part of the jejunum, 61 h after the second endoscopic session. The overall success rate of the endoscopic treatment was 97.3%.

CONCLUSION

Using a "hand-made bezoaratome" is effective and reliable for the endoscopic treatment of large gastric bezoars.

The Importance of Eosinopenia for Predicting Treatment Response in Patients with Cholangitis

OBJECTIVE

To compare recovery of eosinopenia, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels in predicting the response to treatment in patients with cholangitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive, analytical study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Department of Gastroenterology, Sakarya Training and Research Hospital, Turkey between September 2018 and February 2019.

METHODOLOGY

 Patients with cholangitis, who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), were inducted. Those with choledocholic thiasis alone were considered controls. Eosinophil count above 100.5 cells/µL was the limit value accepted as improvement. ERCP repeat was decided according to eosinophil count below 100.5 and not clinically improving. Relationship between inflammatory markers such as CRP, procalcitonin and eosinopenia values in patients with stone-associated cholangitis was investigated.

RESULTS

The cholangitis group was comprised of 62 patients [mean age 67±14.57 years; 26 (41.9%) female], while control group was comprised  of 57 patients [mean age 57.4±18.10 years; 39 (68.4%) females, p=0.004]. At time of admission, median eosinophils was significantly lower in cholangitis group at 17.50 [9.82-84] ×103/µL compared to control group at 168 [100.11-270] ×103/µL (p=0.001). ERCP were repeated on two patients as their clinical conditions and unremitting eosinophil counts worsened. Eosinophil and CRP markers and clinical improvement were observed after  second ERCP procedure.

CONCLUSION

Eosinopenia may be used as inflammatory marker in  evaluation of response to treatment and for predicting the need to repeat ERCP during clinical follow-up of patients who undergo cholangitis treatment. Key Words: Cholangitis, C-reactive protein, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, Eosinopenia, Procalcitonin.

HBV flare associated with immunosuppressive treatments: it is still dangerous in the third-generation antivirals era

BACKGROUND

There are limited data about the mortality and morbidity of patients with HBV flare related to immunosuppressive treatments (IST) in the third-generation antivirals era. Herein, we performed a multi-centric study in patients treated with entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and evaluated their clinical course.

METHODS

The study group included patients who were referred to gastroenterology or infectious disease specialists at eight different hospitals in Turkey. HBV flare was defined as at least a threefold elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above the upper limit of normal range. The demographic data, IST protocol, virological markers, liver tests, international normalized ratio (INR), HBV DNA, reactivation risk profile according to AGA guideline, MELD and MELD-Na scores were retrospectively evaluated. The primary aim of the study was to determine the liver-related mortality, including transplantation, at 12 weeks and factors predicting it. Secondary aims were to compare ETV and TDF with respect to mortality and time to ALT, bilirubin normalization and HBV DNA undetectability.

RESULTS

The study group included 40 patients (29 males, mean age: 57 ±12 years). Twenty-five patients (62.5%) had a high risk of reactivation. Twenty-six patients received TDF and 14 patients received ETV treatment. Eight (20%) patients developed acute liver failure and one patient (2.5%) underwent living donor liver transplantation. Seven patients died due to liver-related complications, revealing a mortality rate of 17.5%. In multivariate analysis, total bilirubin levels at the onset, ALT levels and delta-MELD score at the first week were the independent risk factors for liver related mortality (HR: 1.222, 1.003, 1.253 and 95% CI: 1.096, 1.362; 1.001, 1.004 and 1.065, 1.470, respectively). There was no significant difference between the TDF and ETV groups with respect to time to normalize ALT and bilirubin levels, HBV DNA undetectability and mortality rates (16% and 21.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HBV flare associated with IST has a high mortality in the third-generation antivirals era. High total bilirubin at the onset and high ALT and delta-MELD score at the first week predict poor prognosis.

Comparison of monopolar hemostatic forceps with soft coagulation versus hemoclip for peptic ulcer bleeding: a randomized trial (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although various methods are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, there is not a standard recommended approach. The choice depends on multiple factors such as location of the ulcer, clinical experience of the endoscopist, and local facilities of the clinic. We aimed to compare the efficacy of monopolar hemostatic forceps soft coagulation (MHFSC) and hemoclips (HCs) in the treatment of peptic ulcer-related upper GI bleeding.

METHODS

The study group included patients who had GI bleeding due to Forrest 1a, 1b, and 2a gastric or duodenal ulcers within 1 year. Patients with bleeding diathesis, history of gastrectomy, pregnancy, or younger than age 18 years were excluded. The remaining were randomized to MHFSC and HC treatment groups and compared in terms of clinical and endoscopic features, initial hemostasis success rates, recurrent bleeding rates within the first 7 days, time to achieve hemostasis, length of hospitalization stay, and adverse events.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve patients were randomized to MHFSC (n = 56) and HC (n = 56) groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to demographic features, medications, underlying chronic diseases, location, and Forrest classification of the ulcers. The initial hemostasis success rate was 98.2% (55/56) in the MHFSC group and 80.4% (45/56) in the HC group (P = .004). Recurrent bleeding was detected in 2 patients in the MHFSC group (3.6%) and 8 patients in the HC group (17.7%; P = .04). The duration of endoscopic procedures (302 ± 87.8 vs 568 ± 140.4 seconds) and the length of hospital stay (3.50 ± 1.03 vs 4.37 ± 1.86 days) were significantly shorter in the MHFSC group. There were no adverse events in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

MHFSC is more effective in achieving initial hemostasis compared with HCs in the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding and provides a shorter procedure time and a lower recurrent bleeding rate.

The efficacy of a computer alert programme for increasing HBV screening rates before starting immunosuppressive therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) screening before starting immunosuppressive treatment is of vital importance in order to prevent HBV reactivation and its associated clinical consequences. Despite all recommendations by international organizations, screening rates are far below desired. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a computer alert programme 'HBVision' for increasing HBV screening rates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

'HBVision' identifies patients at risk of HBV reactivation by specific ICD-10 codes and immunosuppressive medication reports and sends sequential alert messages to screen for HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and consult a specialist if one of them is positive. The demographic variables, treatment protocols, HBV screening and consultation rates of oncology and hematology patients who started immunosuppressive treatments within one year before (control group) and after "HBVision" (study group) were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS

HBsAg and anti-HBc IgG screening rates (68.6% and 13.1%, respectively) were significantly higher in the study group (n=602) compared to control group (n=815) (55% and 4.3%, respectively) (p<0.001, for both). Subgroup analysis revealed significant improvements in the screening rates of HBsAg (65.8%) and anti-HBc IgG (5.1%) in oncology patients (p<0.001), anti-HBc IgG (89.1%) in hematology patients (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The computer alert programme significantly increased HBV screening rates before starting immunosuppressive treatments, however the results were still below ideal. Additional efforts, such as modifying the computer programme according to feedbacks, are probably needed.

Biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy: Techniques and complications

Biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) refers to the cutting of the biliary sphincter and intraduodenal segment of the common bile duct following selective cannulation, using a high frequency current applied with a special knife, sphincterotome, inserted into the papilla. EST is either used solely for the treatment of diseases of the papilla of Vater, such as sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or to facilitate subsequent therapeutic biliary interventions, such as stone extraction, stenting, etc. It is a prerequisite for biliary interventions, thus every practitioner who performs endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography needs to know different techniques and the clinical and anatomic parameters related to the efficacy and safety of the procedure. In this manuscript, we will review the indications, contraindications and techniques of biliary EST and the management of its complications.

Similar subclinical enthesitis in celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases by ultrasound suggests a gut enthesis axis independent of spondyloarthropathy spectrum

Objective

Higher subclinical enthesitis on US has been reported in IBD and celiac disease, separately. The objective of this study was to compare IBD and celiac disease for enthesitis on US. Higher enthesitis scores in IBD compared with celiac disease would support a shared pathogenic mechanism between IBD and spondyloarthritis, whereas similar scores may suggest a general impact of gut inflammation on the enthesis.

Methods

Patients with IBD, celiac disease and healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and 12 entheses were scanned by US, blind to the diagnosis and clinical assessment. Elementary lesions for enthesitis were scored on a scale between 0 and 3, for inflammation, damage and total US scores.

Results

A total of 1260 entheses were scanned in 44 patients with celiac disease, 43 patients with IBD and 18 HCs. The three groups were matched for age and BMI. Patients with celiac disease and IBD had higher inflammation scores than HCs [10.4 (6.5), 9.6 (5.4) and 5.6 (5.2), respectively, P = 0.007) whereas damage scores were similar. Both age and BMI had significant effects on the entheseal scores, mostly for inflammation scores but when controlling for these the US enthesopathy scores were still higher in celiac disease and IBD.

Conclusion

The magnitude of subclinical enthesopathy scores is similar between celiac disease and IBD in comparison with HCs. These findings suggest that the common factor between both diseases and enthesopathy is abnormal gut permeability, which may be modified by the genetic architecture of IBD leading to clinical arthropathy.

Mean platelet volume is an important predictor of hepatitis C but not hepatitis B liver damage

BACKGROUND

The mean platelet volume (MPV) is the most commonly used measure of platelet size and is a potential marker of platelet reactivity. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between hepatic histopathology in viral hepatitis and MPV levels, which are associated with platelet count and activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective case-control study of baseline histological and clinical parameters in chronic hepatitis B and C patients in our tertiary reference center between January 2005 and January 2011. Two hundred and five chronic hepatitis B patients and 133 chronic hepatitis C patients who underwent liver biopsy were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C and were additionally divided into groups of two according to histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis scores obtained by liver biopsy results (according to the Ishak scoring system). The clinical characteristics of chronic viral hepatitis patients, including demographics, laboratory (especially MPV), and liver biopsy findings, were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-three patients were male (69.1%), and the mean age was 41.9 ± 12.75 with an age range of 18-71 years in hepatitis B patients. In the classification made according to HAI, 181 patients were in the low activity group (88.3%) and 24 in the high activity group (11.7%). In the evaluation made according to fibrosis score, 169 patients were found to have early fibrosis (82.4%) and 36 were found to have advanced fibrosis (17.6%). In patients with hepatitis B, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of their MPV values between the two groups, separated according to their degree of activity and fibrosis. Sixty-three patients were male (47.3%), and the mean age was 50.03 ± 12.75 with an age range of 19-75 years. In the classification made according to HAI, 109 patients were in low activity group (81.9%) and 24 in high activity group (18.1%). In the evaluation made according to fibrosis score, 101 patients were found to have early fibrosis (75.9%) and 32 have advanced fibrosis (24.1%). There was a statistically significant difference between the activity and fibrosis groups of the hepatitis C patients (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MPV values are more reliable in hepatitis C patients than hepatitis B for predicting the advanced damage in liver histology. This finding might be useful for the detection of early fibrosis and also starting early treatment, which is important in hepatitis C.

The relation between liver histopathology and GGT levels in viral hepatitis: more important in hepatitis B

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To investigate the relationship between gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels and histopathological status determined by biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with chronic hepatitis B and C who were referred to the Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine Gastroenterology outpatient clinic between January 2005-January 2011 and underwent liver biopsy were included in the study. Overall, 246 patients with hepatitis B and 151 patients with hepatitis C were enrolled. According to the evaluation based on the Ishak score, patients with a histological activity index (HAI) between 0-12 were defined as low activity, and those with an HAI between 13-18 were defined as high activity. In addition, patients with a fibrosis score of 0-2 were defined as low fibrosis, and those with a score between 3-6 were defined as high fibrosis; comparisons were made accordingly.

RESULTS

In patients with hepatitis B, the mean GGT level was 38.86±42.4 (IU/L) in the low activity group and 60.44±44.4 (IU/L) in the high activity group (p<0.05). In hepatitis B patients, the mean GGT level was 26.89±14.83 (IU/L) in the low fibrosis group, whereas it was 65.60±59.7 (IU/L) in the high fibrosis group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between HAI and fibrosis group with regard to GGT levels in the hepatitis C patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is proposed that in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, GGT levels can be taken into consideration to predict advanced histological liver damage, especially in patients with hepatitis B.

Adipo-R1 and adipo-R2 expression in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Human adiponectin (ApN), a 30 kDa glycoprotein of 244-amino acids which is predominantly produced by adipocytes, exerts its effects via two receptors, namely adiponectin receptor-1 (adipo-R1) and adiponectin receptor-2 (adipo-R2) with differential binding affinity to globular adiponectin. Adiponectin receptor expression has been studied in several cancer tissues. However, there are no studies of colorectal adenomas which are considered to be precursors for colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, the expression of adipo-R1 and adipo-R2 was investigated immunohistochemically in colorectal adenomas and colorectal carcinoma tissues in an attempt to determine associations with these tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled 50 CRC patients with tumor resection and 82 patients who were diagnosed with adenomatous polyps, classified as negative for neoplasia, low-grade dysplasia (L-GD) or high- grade dysplasia (H-GD).

RESULTS

Expression of both adipo-R1 and adipo-R2 was found to be significantly lower in the CRCs than in colorectal adenomas (tubular and tubulovillous, p=0.009 and p<0.001, respectively). Adipo-R1 and adipo-R2 expression was also significantly lower in the CRC group when compared with the groups of patients with low grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia or no neoplasia (p=0.012 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, it was observed that adipo-R2 expression was generally positive in the non-neoplastic group irrespective of the adipo-R2 expression. In the L-GD, H-GD and CRC groups, the adipo-R2 result was positive whenever adipo-R1 result was positive but some patients with negative adipo-R1 had positive adipo-R2 (p<0.001, p=0.004, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that ApN may play a role in the progression of colorectal adenomatous polyps to carcinoma through actions on adipo-R1 and adipo-R2 receptors.

Lack of prognostic significance of SOCS-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinomas

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have indicated that down-regulation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) gene results in tumor formation and that SOCS-1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene. SOCS-1 has been also suggested to function as a tumor suppressor with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we aimed to determine the association of SOCS-1 expression in colorectal cancer tissues with clinicopathologic characteristics immunohistochemically and also to identify its prognostic significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SOCS-1 expression was studied immunohistochemically in 67 patients diagnosed with resected colorectal carcinomas and 30 control subjects.

RESULTS

SOCS-1 expression was found in 46.3% of tumor tissues and 46.7% of the control group. Statistical analyses did not establish any significant association between SOCS-1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics. Also, no significant association with SOCS-1 expression was found using progression-free survival and overall survival analyses (p=0.326 and p=0.360, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that SOCS-1 has no prognostic significance in colorectal cancer.

Retrograde dilation of a complex radiation-induced esophageal stricture through percutaneous gastrostomy

Upper esophageal strictures occur in approximately 3-4% of patients who receive radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. The standart initial treatment is dilation by using bougie or through-the-scope balloon dilators. Endoscopic treatment requires the passage of a guidewire through the stricture which cannot be accomplished in some of the patients with complex strictures. Retrograde dilation of esophageal strictures through a mature percutaneous gastrostomy tract have been reported in a limited number of cases and small case series up to date and can be considered as a rescue treatment before considering surgery in such patients. Herein we report retrograde dilatation of a radiation-induced complex esophageal stricture through the percutaneous gastrostomy tract in a patient with operated larynx cancer.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury by Glatiramer Acetate Used for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone) is an approved drug for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Most common side effects observed with GA are local injection site reactions, which can include pain, swelling, or redness. However, systemic adverse event such as hepatotoxicity related to GA is rarely seen. In this report, we present a case of GA-induced toxic hepatitis associated with cholestatic and hepatocellular damage.