Ampullary stenosis and choledocholithiasis post Roux-En-Y gastric bypass: challenges of biliary access and intervention

BACKGROUND

Ampullary stenosis following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasingly encountered. We describe cases of biliary obstruction from ampullary stenosis and choledocholithiasis to illustrate the associated diagnostic and interventional challenges with this condition.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of patients with prior RYGB who underwent a biliary access procedure or surgery for non-malignant disease from January 2012-December 2018.

RESULTS

We identified 15 patients (4 male, 11 female; mean age 53.7 years) who had RYGB on average 11.7 years (range 1-32) years before diagnosis of biliary obstruction. Fourteen patients reported abdominal pain, 5 had nausea/emesis, 12 had elevated liver function tests, and 6 had ascending cholangitis. Mean common bile duct (CBD) diameter at presentation was 16.9 mm (range 4.0-25.0 mm). Operations included 3 transduodenal ampullectomies (2 with biliary bypass), 2 CBD explorations with stone extraction, 1 laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone, 1 Whipple procedure, 1 balloon enteroscopy with sphincterotomy, and 7 transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All ampulla pathology was benign in patients who underwent resection. At follow-up (mean 15.4 months; range 0.23-44.5 months), 12/15 (80%) reported symptom resolution or improvement.

DISCUSSION

Ampullary stenosis after RYGB presents challenges for diagnostic evaluation and intervention, often requiring multi-disciplinary expertise. The underlying pathology remains to be elucidated.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in an Academic General Surgical Program: Implications for Acute Care Surgeons

Background. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an important tool in the evolving specialty of acute care surgery (ACS). Understanding the types of nonelective EGDs performed by ACS groups is important for the development of ACS programs and the training of future general surgeons. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of all EGDs performed by ACS surgeons at a single urban academic center over a 5-year period (January 2013-December 2018). Results. A total of 495 EGDs were performed, of which 129 (26%) were urgent, nonelective procedures. Patients who underwent urgent EGD were younger than those who underwent elective procedures (median 55 vs 60 years, P = .03), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes (median ASA 3 vs 2, P = .0002), and longer hospital stays (median 5 days vs 0 days, P < .0001). The most common indications for urgent endoscopies were the management of leak, dysphagia, or stenosis in patients with a history of foregut surgery, followed by the management of esophageal perforation. The success rate of endoscopic therapy was high (median 88%, interquartile range (IQR) 78-89%). However, some patients required multiple interventions (median 1, IQR 1-3), and patients treated for leaks were less likely to be successfully treated with endoscopic therapy alone than patients treated for other indications (success rate 65% vs 88%, P = .003). Conclusions. Our experience suggests that EGD has an important role in current ACS practice and that endoscopic management is safe and effective in a range of urgent surgical scenarios. Future ACS surgeons should be facile with endoscopic techniques.

Intraoperative lidocaine infusion and 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. Opioid-sparing anesthesia and multimodal analgesia such as lidocaine infusion have been recommended in these patients to reduce opioid-related complications. However, evidence supporting its use for bariatric surgery population is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether intraoperative lidocaine infusion is associated with decreasing opioid consumption in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

SETTING

A university hospital, California, USA.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, outcomes among consecutive obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated to determine the impact of adjunctive intraoperative lidocaine infusion on 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes, including opioid consumption during hospitalization, length of stay, and postoperative complications were determined. Post hoc analyses were performed exploring possible dose effects and drug-drug interactions. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with opioid consumption.

RESULTS

Among 345 patients, 54 (15.7%) received intraoperative lidocaine infusion (L+) whereas 291 (84.3%) did not receive intraoperative lidocaine infusion (L-). Both L+ and L- groups shared similar demographic characteristics. The 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption was 17.6% lower in L+ (95% confidence interval -28.4 to -5.2, P = .007), but nonsignificantly lower in the multivariate model (12.8%, 95% confidence interval -24.4 to .5, P = .06). Opioid consumption during hospitalization, length of stay, and other clinically significant outcomes did not differ. However, subgroup analysis restricted to opioid-naïve patients indicated significantly reduced opioid consumption in the L+ group. Post hoc analysis suggested interaction between lidocaine and ketamine in decreasing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative lidocaine infusion was not significantly associated with decreasing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary access versus precut papillotomy in patients with failed biliary cannulation: a retrospective study

Background and aims Precut papillotomy is widely used after failed biliary cannulation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary access techniques are newer methods to facilitate access and therapy in failed cannulation. We evaluated the impact of EUS-guided biliary access on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) success and compared these techniques to precut papillotomy. Patients and methods We retrospectively compared two ERCP cohorts. One cohort consisted of biliary ERCPs (n = 1053) attempted in patients with native papillae and surgically unaltered anatomy in whom precut papillotomy and/or EUS-guided biliary access were routinely performed immediately after failed cannulation. This cohort was compared with a similar ERCP cohort (n = 1062) in which only precut papillotomy was available for failed cannulation. The following outcomes were compared: conventional cannulation success, rates of attempted advanced access techniques (precut or EUS), precut success, EUS-guided biliary access success, and ERCP failure rates. Results Although conventional cannulation success, rates of attempted advanced access technique (precut or EUS), and precut success were similar, the ERCP failure rate was lower when both EUS-guided biliary access and precut were available (1.0 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.4 - 1.6]), compared with when only precut was possible for failed access (3.6 % [95 %CI 2.5 - 4.7]; P < 0.001). Success for EUS-guided biliary access (95.1 % [95 %CI 89.7 - 100]) was significantly higher than for precut (75.3 % [95 %CI 68.2 - 82.4]; P < 0.001), and mainly due to superiority in malignant obstruction (93.5 % vs. 64 %; P < 0.001). Conclusions EUS-guided biliary access decreases the rate of therapeutic biliary ERCP failure. Our results support the use of EUS-guided biliary access to optimize single-session ERCP success. In experienced hands, these techniques appear as effective, if not more so, than precut papillotomy.

Prevalence of gastric cancer versus colorectal cancer in Asians with a positive fecal occult blood test

AIM

Prior studies have reported conflicting results on the yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients with a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Our aim was to compare the yield between EGD and colonoscopy performed in a racially diverse population with a positive FOBT.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of FOBT positive patients who underwent EGD and colonoscopy from January 1, 1999 to November 1, 2008. Endoscopic lesions deemed responsible for GI bleeding were identified.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-seven patients met entry criteria, among which, 63% were Asian and 81% were immigrants to the U.S. Forty-four patients had EGD findings deemed responsible for a positive FOBT, the most common being esophagitis (25.0%) and gastric ulceration (15.9%). Forty-two patients had colonoscopic findings likely responsible for a positive FOBT with the most frequent lesion being colonic polyps ≥9 mm in diameter (76.2%). Prevalence of lower and upper GI tract lesions responsible for positive FOBT was similar (14.6% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.2). There was no association between a patient reporting upper GI symptoms, or the presence of anemia and the detection of upper GI tract lesions on endoscopy. Gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 3) was as prevalent as colorectal adenocarcinoma (n = 4). All three patients with gastric adenocarcinomas were Asian (prevalence 1.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our racially diverse population evaluated for a positive FOBT, gastric adenocarcinoma was as prevalent as colorectal adenocarcinoma; however, gastric adenocarcinoma was limited to Asian patients. EGD and colonoscopy should be considered in the evaluation of patient populations similar to ours, particularly Asian immigrants.

Cost-effective treatment of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and possible common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Clinicians must choose a treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis without knowing whether common bile duct (CBD) stones are present. The purpose of this study was to determine the most cost-effective treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and possible CBD stones.

STUDY DESIGN

Our decision model included 5 treatment strategies: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) alone followed by expectant management; preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by LC; LC with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) ± common bile duct exploration (CBDE); LC followed by postoperative ERCP; and LC with IOC ± postoperative ERCP. The rates of successful completion of diagnostic testing and therapeutic intervention, test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity), morbidity, and mortality for all procedures are from current literature. Hospitalization costs and lengths of stay are from the 2006 National Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. The probability of CBD stones was varied from 0% to 100% and the most cost-effective strategy was determined at each probability.

RESULTS

Across the CBD stone probability range of 4% to 100%, LC with IOC ± ERCP was the most cost-effective. If the probability was 0%, LC alone was the most cost-effective. Our model was sensitive to 1 health input: specificity of IOC, and 3 costs: cost of hospitalization for LC with CBDE, cost of hospitalization for LC without CBDE, and cost of LC with IOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The most cost-effective treatment strategy for the majority of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis is LC with routine IOC. If stones are detected, CBDE should be forgone and the patient referred for ERCP.

Prospective randomized trial of LC+LCBDE vs ERCP/S+LC for common bile duct stone disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcome parameters for good-risk patients with classic signs, symptoms, and laboratory and abdominal imaging features of cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis randomized to either laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LC+LCBDE) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sphincterotomy plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP/S+LC).

DESIGN

Our study was a prospective trial conducted following written informed consent, with randomization by the serially numbered, opaque envelope technique.

SETTING

Our institution is an academic teaching hospital and the central receiving and trauma center for the City and County of San Francisco, California.

PATIENTS

We randomized 122 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1 or 2) meeting entry criteria. Ten of these patients, excluded from outcome analysis, were protocol violators having signed out of the hospital against medical advice before 1 or both procedures were completed.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment was preoperative ERCP/S followed by LC, or LC+LCBDE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was efficacy of stone clearance from the common bile duct. Secondary end points were length of hospital stay, cost of index hospitalization, professional fees, hospital charges, morbidity and mortality, and patient acceptance and quality of life scores.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the 2 randomized groups were similar. Efficacy of stone clearance was likewise equivalent for both groups. The time from first procedure to discharge was significantly shorter for LC+LCBDE (mean [SD], 55 [45] hours vs 98 [83] hours; P < .001). Hospital service and total charges for index hospitalization were likewise lower for LC+LCBDE, but the differences were not statistically significant. The professional fee charges for LC+LCBDE were significantly lower than those for ERCP/S+LC (median [SD], $4820 [1637] vs $6139 [1583]; P < .001). Patient acceptance and quality of life scores were equivalent for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ERCP/S+LC and LC+LCBDE were highly effective in detecting and removing common bile duct stones and were equivalent in overall cost and patient acceptance. However, the overall duration of hospitalization was shorter and physician fees lower for LC+LCBDE.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00807729.

Idiopathic AIDS enteropathy and treatment of gastrointestinal opportunistic pathogens

Diarrhea in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has proven to be both a diagnostic and treatment challenge since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus more than 30 years ago. Among the main etiologies of diarrhea in this group of patients are infectious agents that span the array of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, parasites, and fungal organisms. In many instances, highly active antiretroviral therapy remains the cornerstone of therapy for both AIDS and AIDS-related diarrhea, but other targeted therapies have been developed as new pathogens are identified; however, some infections remain treatment challenges. Once identifiable infections as well as other causes of diarrhea are investigated and excluded, a unique entity known as AIDS enteropathy can be diagnosed. Known as an idiopathic, pathogen-negative diarrhea, this disease has been investigated extensively. Atypical viral pathogens, including HIV itself, as well as inflammatory and immunologic responses are potential leading causes of it. Although AIDS enteropathy can pose a diagnostic challenge so too does the treatment of it. Highly active antiretroviral therapy, nutritional supplementation, electrolyte replacements, targeted therapy for infection if indicated, and medications for symptom control all are key elements in the treatment regimen. Importantly, a multidisciplinary approach among the gastroenterologist, infectious disease physician, HIV specialists, oncology, and surgery is necessary for many patients.

Colonoscopic treatment of acute diverticular hemorrhage using endoclips

Although colonoscopy is used in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with diverticular hemorrhage, data on colonoscopic treatment outcomes are limited. We reviewed records of inpatients undergoing colonoscopy to identify patients that were colonoscopically diagnosed and treated for acute diverticular hemorrhage. Eleven patients with acute diverticular hemorrhage had active bleeding (n = 7) or non-bleeding visible vessel (n = 4) at colonoscopy. Endoclip treatment (preceded by epinephrine injection in 64%) achieved hemostasis in all patients without procedural complications. Patients were discharged within three days without evidence of early rebleeding. During a median follow-up of 15 months, late recurrent bleeding occurred in two patients (18.2%). Colonoscopic treatment of patients with acute diverticular hemorrhage using endoclips appears to be effective and safe, with high rates of immediate and long-term success. Colonoscopy should be considered in patients with suspected acute diverticular hemorrhage, as it may enable definitive therapy without the need for more invasive treatment.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery improves candidacy in morbidly obese patients awaiting transplantation

BACKGROUND

To evaluate, at a university tertiary referral center, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage lung disease (ESLD); and to determine whether these procedures help patients become better candidates for transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of selected patients with end-stage organ failure who were not eligible for transplantation because of morbid obesity who underwent LRYGB or LSG. The prospectively collected data included demographics, operative details, complications, percentage of excess weight loss, postoperative laboratory data, and status of transplant candidacy.

RESULTS

Of the 15 patients, 7 with ESRD underwent LRYGB and 6 with cirrhosis and 2 with ESLD underwent LSG. Complications developed in 2 patients (both with cirrhosis); no patient died. The mean follow-up was 12.4 months, and the mean percentage of excess weight loss at > or =9 months was 61% (ESRD), 33% (cirrhosis), and 61.5% (ESLD). Obesity-associated co-morbidities improved or resolved in all patients. Serum albumin and other nutritional parameters at > or =9 months after surgery were similar to the preoperative levels in all 3 groups. At the most recent follow-up visit, 14 (93%) of 15 patients had reached our institution's body mass index limit for transplantation and were awaiting transplantation; 1 patient with ESLD underwent successful lung transplant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this pilot study have provided preliminary evidence that LRYGB in patients with ESRD and LSG in patients with cirrhosis or ESLD is safe, well-tolerated, and improves their candidacy for transplantation.

Predictors, treatment, and outcomes of gastrojejunostomy stricture after gastric bypass for morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to determine the rate of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), the independent predictors of stricture, and clinical outcomes with and without a stricture.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate analysis of peri-operative and outcomes data were prospectively collected from 379 morbidly obese patients who underwent consecutive open or laparoscopic RYGBP from January 2003 to August 2006. Predictors studied were age, gender, BMI, co-morbidities, surgical technique (hand-sewn vs linear stapler vs 21-mm vs 25-mm circular stapler; open vs laparoscopic; retrocolic retrogastric vs antecolic antegastric Roux limb course, and Roux limb length), and surgeon experience. Outcomes studied consisted of occurrence of GJ strictures, technical details and outcomes after endoscopic therapy, and excess weight loss (EWL) at 12 months.

RESULTS

15 patients (4.1%) developed a GJ stricture. The use of a 21-mm circular stapler was identified as the only independent predictor of a GJ stricture (odds ratio 11.3; 95% CI 2.2-57.4, P = 0.004). Endoscopic dilation relieved stricture symptoms in all patients (60% one dilation only). There was no significant difference in %EWL at 12 months between the patients with a stricture (median EWL 54%, IQR 49-63) vs. those without a stricture (median EWL 61%, ent predictor of GJ stricture. Endoscopic dilation relieved symptoms in all patients. Weight loss is independent of the anastomotic technique used and occurrence of a GJ stricture.

Spectrum and risk factors of complications after gastric bypass

OBJECTIVE

To study the spectrum of and risk factors for complications after gastric bypass (GBP).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

All morbidly obese patients who underwent open or laparoscopic GBP between January 2003 and December 2006.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications were stratified by grade: grade I, only bedside procedure; grade II, therapeutic intervention but without lasting disability; grade III, irreversible deficits; and grade IV, death. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify independent risk factors of complications after GBP. Predictors investigated were age, race, sex, marital and insurance status, body mass index, obesity-associated comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class, operating room time, open or laparoscopic approach, and surgeon experience.

RESULTS

Of the 404 morbidly obese patients who underwent consecutive open (n = 72) or laparoscopic (n = 332) GBP, 74 (18.3%) experienced 107 complications. Grade I and II complications were more frequent after open GBP (grade I, 19.4% after open vs 3.9% after laparoscopic operations, P < .001; grade II, 20.8% after open vs 8.4% after laparoscopic operations, P < .001), and 55% were wound related. Grades III and IV complications occurred in only 4 patients (1%), and frequency was similar for open and laparoscopic cases. Three factors were independently predictive of complications: diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.3; P = .02), early surgeon experience (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.2; P = .001), and open approach (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.1-7.3; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complications occurred in 18.3% of patients, but 95% were treated without leading to lasting disability. Presence of diabetes, early surgeon experience, and an open approach are risk factors of complications.

Routine upper GI series after gastric bypass does not reliably identify anastomotic leaks or predict stricture formation

BACKGROUND

Many surgeons who perform Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity routinely obtain an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series in the early postoperative period to search for anastomotic leaks and signs of stricture formation at the gastrojejunostomy. We hypothesized that this practice is unreliable.

METHODS

We analyzed 654 consecutive RYGBs, of which 63% were completed laparoscopically. An upper GI series was obtained in 634 (97%) patients. The radiographic findings (leak or delayed emptying) were compared with clinical outcomes (leak or stricture formation) to calculate the sensitivity and specificity. Univariate analysis identified risk factors for leaks or stricture formation; events were too few for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 634 routine upper GI series, anastomotic leaks at the gastrojejunostomy were diagnosed in 5 (0.8%); 2 of these 5 were later reinterpreted as artifacts. Four leaks were not seen on the initial upper GI series, yielding an overall sensitivity of 43% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%. Univariate analysis showed that cases done early (odds ratio [OR] 5.4 for the first 100 cases, p = 0.02) and prolonged operating time (OR 7.8 for cases >or= 300 min, p = 0.01) were associated with leaks. Emptying into the Roux-en-Y limb was delayed in 127 (20%) of the upper GI series. Strictures requiring dilatation developed in 16 (2.4%) patients. The PPV of delayed emptying for stricture formation was 6%. Risk factors for stricture formation included stapled anastomosis (OR 7.8, p = 0.002), surgeon inexperience (OR 2.9 for first 50 cases, p = 0.04), and delayed emptying (OR 3.3; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Because the incidence of anastomotic complications and the sensitivity of upper GI series were both low, routine upper GI series did not reliably identify leaks or predict stricture formation. A selective approach, whereby imaging is reserved for patients with clinical evidence of a leak or stricture, may be more appropriate.

CT imaging of colitis

Computed tomography (CT) is widely used to assess patients with nonspecific abdominal pain or who are suspected of having colitis. The authors recommend multidetector CT with oral, rectal, and intravenous contrast material and thin sections, which can accurately demonstrate inflammatory changes in the colonic wall and help assess the extent of disease. In most cases, the final diagnosis of the type of colitis is based on clinical and laboratory data and colonoscopic and biopsy findings, but specific CT features help narrow the differential diagnosis. Ulcerative colitis is distinguished from granulomatous colitis (Crohn disease) in terms of location of involvement, extent and appearance of colonic wall thickening, and type of complications. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease (granulomatous colitis) are rarely associated with ascites, which is often seen in infectious, ischemic, and pseudomembranous colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis also demonstrates marked wall thickening and, occasionally, skip areas but is associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy. Neutropenic colitis is characterized by right-sided colonic and ileal involvement, whereas ischemic colitis is characterized by vascular distribution pattern and history. Diverticulitis is a focal asymmetric process with fascial thickening and inflamed diverticula. Dilatation of a thick-walled appendix with increased enhancement and adjacent stranding suggests appendicitis, but inflammatory changes may extend to the cecum and terminal ileum. Epiploic appendagitis is a focal rim-enhancing area next to the colon, usually without any substantial colonic wall thickening.

Unsedated ultrathin EGD is well accepted when compared with conventional sedated EGD: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In the United States, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually performed using intravenous sedation. Sedation increases the rate of both complications and costs of endoscopy. Unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) using conventional 8-11-mm endoscopes is an alternative to sedated endoscopy but is generally perceived as unacceptable to many American patients. Unsedated EGD using ultrathin 5-6-mm endoscopes is better tolerated. A randomized trial comparing unsedated ultrathin EGD (UT-EGD) with sedated conventional EGD (C-EGD) in a diverse American population is needed.

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, 80 patients scheduled to undergo elective outpatient EGD were randomized to unsedated UT-EGD or sedated C-EGD. The study was carried out at San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Liver and Digestive Health Medical Clinic, San Jose.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of patients randomized to unsedated UT-EGD and sedated C-EGD were similar. Moreover, there were no significant differences in overall patient satisfaction and willingness to repeat endoscopy in the same manner among the 2 study groups. There was, however, a significant difference in median total procedure time between the 2 study groups of 1.5 hours (P < 0.0001). The mean (+/- SD) total procedure cost was 512.4 US dollars (+/- 100.8 US dollars) for sedated C-EGD and 328.6 US dollars (+/- 70.3 US dollars) for unsedated UT-EGD (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing unsedated UT-EGD are as satisfied as patients undergoing sedated C-EGD and are just as willing to repeat an unsedated UT-EGD. Unsedated UT-EGD was also faster, less costly, and may allow greater accessibility to this procedure.

Prognostic factors for the survival of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy

OBJECTIVES

AIDS cholangiopathy, once considered to have extremely poor prognosis, is now rarely fatal. This study was designed to assess the survival of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy and investigate prognostic variables, especially in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

Ninety-four patients with AIDS cholangiopathy were diagnosed at the San Francisco General Hospital from 1983 to 2001. The mortality status, demographic and clinical variables, and ERCP results were collected through death certificates, chart review, and endoscopic reports.

RESULTS

The median survival time from the diagnosis of AIDS and AIDS cholangiopathy was 23 and 9 months, respectively. HAART significantly improved the mortality of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02-0.35). The presence or history of any opportunistic infection involving the digestive tract, lung, eye, nervous system, skin, or systemic involvement at the time when AIDS cholangiopathy was diagnosed was an indicator of poor prognosis (HR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.45-7.26); this was especially true for cryptosporidial infection (HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.24-3.38). Patients with high serum ALP levels, especially greater than 1000 IU/L or eight times the normal value (HR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.10-6.60), tended to have a shorter life expectancy than those with normal or slightly elevated serum ALP levels. CD4 lymphocyte counts, type of cholangiopathy, and the performance of sphincterotomy were not correlated with the survival of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

HAART administration most likely accounts for the recent dramatic improvement in survival of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy. Underlying immunosuppressive status, reflected by the presence or history of any opportunistic infections, is associated with a worse outcome. Serum ALP levels might be a good clinical indicator for the prognosis of patients with AIDS cholangiopathy.

Comparison of patients' experiences during imaging tests of the colon

BACKGROUND

Physical discomfort, anxiety, embarrassment, and other aspects of patient experience impact on future compliance for colonic imaging tests. Therefore, a prospective study was performed comparing patient experiences during air contrast barium enema (ACBE), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.

METHODS

Immediately after each procedure, patients completed a questionnaire assessing pretest anxiety, difficulty with preparation, pain, cramping, bloating, overall discomfort, loss of dignity, willingness to repeat the test, and overall satisfaction. A follow-up questionnaire was administered within 48 hours. Nurses and physicians also completed questionnaires to assess the provider impression of patient experience.

RESULTS

Four hundred ten patients (80 ACBE, 202 sigmoidoscopy, 128 colonoscopy) were prospectively enrolled. Sigmoidoscopy caused more pain than ACBE (Odds ratio [OR] 2.64: 95% CI [1.63, 4.27]) or colonoscopy (OR 1.83: 95% CI [1.21, 2.77]). ACBE and colonoscopy did not differ in the degree of pain. Although overall satisfaction appeared to be similar for all tests, patients were less willing to repeat ACBE than sigmoidoscopy (OR 1.85: 95% CI [1.13, 3.02]) or colonoscopy (OR 1.82: 95% CI [1.07, 3.09]). Initial and follow-up pain ratings by patients were highly correlated (Spearman correlation 0.81); however, correlation of pain assessments between staff and patients was poor (Spearman correlation 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Sigmoidoscopy was more painful than other colonic imaging modalities. Although ACBE and colonoscopy caused similar pain, patients were less willing to repeat ACBE. In aggregate, the data suggest that patients perceive colonoscopy as the most acceptable colonic imaging procedure. Better methods are required to allow staff to adequately assess discomfort experienced by patients during these procedures.

Octreotide for acute esophageal variceal bleeding: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Studies of octreotide have not demonstrated a consistent benefit in efficacy or safety compared with conventional therapies. This study statistically pooled existing trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of octreotide for esophageal variceal hemorrhage.

METHODS

We identified randomized trials of octreotide for variceal hemorrhage from computerized databases, scientific meeting abstracts, and the manufacturer of octreotide. Blinded reviewers abstracted the data, and a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Octreotide improved control of esophageal variceal hemorrhage compared with all alternative therapies combined (relative risk [RR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.77); vasopressin/terlipressin (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81); or no additional intervention/placebo (among patients that received initial sclerotherapy/banding before randomization) (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.67). Octreotide had comparable efficacy to immediate sclerotherapy for control of bleeding (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.55-1.62), fewer major complications than vasopressin/terlipessin (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11-0.87), and a complication profile comparable to no intervention/placebo (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.72-1.55). No specific alternative therapy demonstrated a mortality benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

These results favor octreotide over vasopressin/terlipressin in the control of esophageal variceal bleeding and suggest it is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy after variceal obliteration techniques. Trials are needed to determine the optimal dose, route, and duration of octreotide treatment.

Prospective comparison of catheter-based endoscopic sonography versus standard endoscopic sonography: evaluation of gastrointestinal-wall abnormalities and staging of gastrointestinal malignancies

PURPOSE

Endoscopic sonography (EUS) is an important imaging modality for evaluating benign and malignant luminal gastrointestinal-tract abnormalities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of catheter-based EUS (C-EUS) during standard upper and lower endoscopy in patients with malignancies and other abnormalities of the gastrointestinal-tract lumen, to assess the image quality obtained with the 12.5-MHz catheter-based ultrasound transducer, and to prospectively compare the interpretations of C-EUS images with those of the standard EUS (S-EUS) images.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven consecutive patients referred for EUS were evaluated with C-EUS followed by S-EUS. The patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group A, patients with intramural masses or intestinal wall thickening, with biopsies negative for malignancy; and group B, patients with esophageal, gastric, duodenal, or rectal cancer referred for staging. The results of C-EUS and S-EUS were compared for each group.

RESULTS

C-EUS was completed in 134 patients: 81 patients with 83 lesions in group A and 53 patients in group B. For group A, C-EUS image interpretation concurred with that of S-EUS in 74 (89%) of 83 lesions. For group B, C-EUS concurred with S-EUS for tumor depth (T) and nodal (N) classifications in 19 cases (36%) and 26 cases (49%), respectively. The depth of invasion was underestimated by C-EUS in all 34 cases in which the T classifications by C-EUS and S-EUS were discordant. In 1 of 6 patients with stenotic cancer that was nontraversable by S-EUS, C-EUS identified lymphadenopathy (incorrectly classified as N0 by S-EUS).

CONCLUSIONS

C-EUS was easily performed, and the C-EUS images were comparable to the S-EUS images in assessing mucosal and intramural lesions. The limited depth of penetration of the catheter-based transducer resulted in understaging the extent of tumor invasion and underestimating the nodal spread.

The laparoscopic evaluation of ascites

Laparoscopy is an invaluable technique for the evaluation of ascites in subgroups of patients with ascites. Indications for laparoscopic examination include determination of the causes of ascites when routine tests fail to disclose the source, evaluation for the presence of multiple causes of ascites formation, or histopathologic verification of malignancy within the peritoneal cavity. Several reported series have illustrated the efficacy of laparoscopy for the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculous peritonitis, or unsuspected cirrhosis, securing its role in the management of selected patients with ascites.

Accuracy of endoscopic databases for assessing patient symptoms: comparison with self-reported questionnaires in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic databases are increasingly used for clinical research, but their validity as research instruments has not been assessed. We compared the accuracy of endoscopic indications recorded in an endoscopic database with patient symptom questionnaires.

METHODS

All patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus referred to the outpatient gastroenterology practice were prospectively evaluated using recognized symptom questionnaires. For patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the procedure indications recorded in the endoscopic database and the patient's self-reported symptom scores were compared.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were evaluated. The symptoms of nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia were highly predictive for the presence of these symptoms on the patient questionnaires. The symptoms of dyspepsia/abdominal pain did not predict well the presence of these symptoms on the questionnaire. Patients reported frequent and severe symptoms that were not recorded as indications for the procedures. The overall agreement (kappa statistic) was highly variable, from slight (kappa = 0.07 for anorexia) to moderate (kappa = 0.44 for diarrhea).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic indications are variably associated with self-reported symptom scores. These findings raise concerns about using some endoscopic database indications as accurate representations of patients' symptoms. Until performance characteristics of a given database are known, symptom-oriented research should use validated questionnaires whenever possible.

Relationship of low-dose aspirin to GI injury and occult bleeding: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Low-dose aspirin is commonly used in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the effect of aspirin on occult blood loss caused by gastrointestinal injury. Therefore, we studied endoscopic injury and fecal occult blood loss in patients ingesting different quantities of low-dose aspirin.

METHODS

Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, prospective, pilot endoscopic study. Each volunteer underwent 30 days of treatment with daily aspirin 30 mg, 81 mg, 325 mg, or placebo. Subjects completed fecal occult blood test cards before and at the end of treatment of two types: guaiac impregnated (Hemoccult and Hemoccult SENSA) and immunochemical (HemeSelect and FlexSure OBT). Each volunteer underwent upper endoscopy at baseline and after completing 30 days of study medication.

RESULTS

Aspirin did not induce significant injury as determined by endoscopy when compared with placebo. Six of 30 volunteers taking aspirin developed erosions, whereas 1 of 10 subjects on placebo developed a new erosion (p = 0.66). Aspirin (325 mg) was associated with a higher mean symptom score than the lower aspirin dosages and the placebo group (p = 0.12). Only one subject taking aspirin (325 mg) had fecal occult blood on a single HemeSelect card. No subject had a positive fecal occult blood test with Hemoccult II, Hemoccult II SENSA, or FlexSure OBT cards.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin in dosages commonly used for cardiovascular prophylaxis does not generally cause significant gastric or duodenal mucosal endoscopic lesions. In the absence of frank ulceration, low-dose aspirin does not result in positive fecal occult blood tests. Low-dose aspirin should not interfere with fecal occult blood testing and probably should not be stopped during stool collection.

Lack of effect of treatment for Helicobacter pylori on symptoms of nonulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have yielded conflicting results on whether or not Helicobacter pylori causes nonulcer dyspepsia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 100 consecutive patients with nonulcer dyspepsia into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, hepatobiliary disease, irritable bowel disease, or predominantly reflux-related symptoms were excluded by history and upper endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by biopsy and histologic examination. Serum H. pylori IgG antibodies and CagA status were determined by Western blot. Enrolled patients were randomized to a 14-day regimen of omeprazole (20 mg twice daily) and clarithromycin (500 mg three times daily) or placebo. Dyspeptic symptoms were assessed by use of a visual analog scale at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Follow-up upper endoscopy with biopsy was performed 4 weeks after treatment. Compliance was measured by tablet counts.

RESULTS

At 1 year, the change in dyspeptic symptoms was -24.0 (95% confidence interval, -69.0 to 21.0) in the omeprazole and clarithromycin group and -24.2 in the placebo group (95% confidence interval, -70.0 to 21.6). Furthermore, patients with persistent H. pylori infection demonstrated a greater, but not significant, improvement in symptoms (-40 +/- 144 [mean +/- SD], -65 +/- 142, -45 +/- 138, and -39 +/- 163) than those with successful eradication (-26 +/- 126, -26 +/- 148, -12 +/- 126, and -25 +/- 151) at months 1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with nonulcer dyspepsia should not routinely be treated for H. pylori, since it is not a cause of this condition in most patients.

Evaluation of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms in patients infected with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) symptoms are frequent in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but little published information exists about their characteristics or methods of evaluation. We evaluated the prevalence of nonesophageal UGI symptoms in a referral population, the utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for diagnosis, and clinical predictors of abnormal endoscopic findings in patients infected with HIV.

METHODS

All HIV-infected patients referred to.the outpatient gastroenterology clinics were prospectively evaluated using recognized symptom questionnaires. EGD indications, results, and the patients' self-reported symptom scores were compared. HIV-infected patients undergoing EGD were compared with HIV-infected patients not receiving an EGD and with symptomatic non-HIV-infected patients undergoing EGD.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients completed 280 questionnaires. Among 93 patients who underwent endoscopy, severe symptoms occurring at least several times per week included: anorexia (70%), upper abdominal pain (34%), vomiting (32%), or a recent weight loss of approximately 15 lb (31%). Patients undergoing EGD had more frequent/severe symptoms, but did not have differences in overall well-being or mean GI symptom score. The frequency of substantial and treatable endoscopic findings among patients infected with HIV was comparable to that found in the non-HIV-infected control group. There were no independent symptoms predicting substantial or treatable disease on EGD.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that: 1) upper gastrointestinal symptoms are common in HIV-infected patients referred for GI consultation; 2) symptomatic HIV patients have a high prevalence of both treatable and untreatable upper GI pathologies; 3) and physicians use symptom frequency and severity to select patients for EGD, but these factors correlate poorly with abnormalities on EGD. Given this discrepancy, longitudinal study is needed to determine whether treating endoscopic abnormalities improves UGI symptoms.

A prospective study of endoscopy in HIV-associated diarrhea

OBJECTIVE

Diarrhea commonly occurs in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The optimal use of endoscopic procedures remains poorly studied for patients with HIV-related diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic yield of a complete endoscopic work-up including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy to a more limited approach of biopsies obtainable by flexible sigmoidoscopy.

METHODS

A prospective study of 79 patients with HIV-related diarrhea. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were performed with tissue biopsies labelled according to location within the colon or small intestine.

RESULTS

A new infection was diagnosed in 22 of 79 patients (28%). Biopsy of the left colon yielded an enteric pathogen in 17 of 22 patients (sensitivity: 77%) and in 15 of 15 patients with cytomegalovirus colitis (sensitivity: 100%). Combined left and right colonic biopsies had a sensitivity of 82%. Combined colonic and terminal ileum biopsies missed no pathogens. Duodenal biopsies yielded no additional pathogens beyond those identified by colonoscopy and terminal ileal biopsy. Patients with a new pathogen diagnosed had significantly lower CD4 lymphocyte counts as compared to patients without a new pathogen (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with CD4 counts < 100/mm3 and unexplained AIDS-related diarrhea, flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy is a sufficiently thorough endoscopic evaluation.

AIDS-Related biliary tract disease

Increasingly, specialists caring for patients with AIDS have reported relatively small numbers of patients with biliary tract disease. These conditions fall into three general categories: (1) non-HIV-associated conditions of the bile duct, (2) acalculous cholecystitis, and (3) AIDS cholangiopathy. Whatever the cause, a sizable percentage of patients with AIDS are found to have abnormal biliary tract morphology. It is essential for the clinician first to exclude biliary tract conditions such as gallstone disease and then to clearly investigate those patients with clinical, biochemical, or radiographic features suggestive of papillary stenosis. Patients with AIDS-associated papillary stenosis do respond symptomatically to ERCP sphincterotomy.

Discrepancy between sex- and water-associated risk behaviors for cryptosporidiosis among HIV-infected patients in San Francisco

OBJECTIVE

Potential transmission of cryptosporidiosis through drinking water supplies has been highly publicized; however, it is unknown whether this reporting has increased patient awareness or reduced other risk behaviors for exposure to this organism, such as high-risk sexual behavior.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting for initial evaluation to the Gastroenterology AIDS Clinic completed a questionnaire that assessed knowledge about cryptosporidiosis, perceived risk of infectious diarrhea, drinking water sources, and high-risk sexual behavior.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients completed the questionnaire (82% male; 86% homosexual; mean age, 38 years; median CD4 count, 136 x 10(6) cells/L). Most respondents (31 of 44; 70%) believed they were at risk for infectious diarrhea. Awareness of cryptosporidiosis was high (31 of 45; 69%) as was avoidance of tap water (26 of 51; 51%) and exclusive or frequent use of bottled or boiled water (40 of 51; 78%). Respondents who used bottled water reported spending an average of $331.76 U.S. annually. However, high-risk sexual behavior remained common: 21 (41%) of the 51 subjects reported unprotected anal intercourse or oral-anal sexual contact. High-risk sexual behavior was prevalent even among subjects who drank exclusively boiled or bottled water.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of risk for infectious diarrhea and cryptosporidiosis is high among patients infected with HIV in San Francisco. Patients perceive drinking water to be a substantial risk factor for infectious diarrhea and incur significant expense to avoid tap water. However, high-risk sexual behaviors remain prevalent in this population and should be the focus of future education efforts.

Relative frequency of upper gastrointestinal and colonic lesions in patients with positive fecal occult-blood tests

BACKGROUND

Although bleeding lesions anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract can cause a positive reaction on guaiac-based fecal occult-blood tests, the relative frequency of upper gastrointestinal and colonic lesions is unknown.

METHODS

During a period of 30 months, we prospectively studied all patients with at least one stool specimen containing fecal occult blood who were referred for further evaluation. Fecal occult blood was detected by standard guaiac-based tests of stool specimens obtained as part of routine screening or of stool obtained by digital rectal examination. Patients with documented iron-deficiency anemia or active gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded from the study. All participants had a detailed history taken and underwent colonoscopy, followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 409 patients with fecal occult blood who were referred, 310 were potentially eligible to participate, and 248 (mean age, 61 years; range, 40 to 89) were studied; 40 percent were women. We identified lesions consistent with occult bleeding in 119 patients (48 percent); in 71 bleeding lesions were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and in 54 they were identified in the colon. Six patients had abnormalities in both areas. The most common upper gastrointestinal lesions were esophagitis (23 patients), gastric ulcer (14), gastritis (12), and duodenal ulcer (10). Thirty patients with lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract were long-term users of aspirin, ethanol, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or a combination of these substances. The most common colonic lesions were adenomas more than 1.0 cm in diameter (29 patients), carcinoma (13), colitis (5), and vascular ectasia (5). Although the overall sensitivity of symptoms for the detection of gastrointestinal lesions was low, logistic-regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of symptoms in the upper gastrointestinal tract was associated with the detection of lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract (odds ratio, 2.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4 to 4.7). In both patients with symptoms and those without symptoms, the prevalence of lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract was greater than or equal to that of colonic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

In a group of patients with positive fecal occult-blood tests who were referred for further evaluation, from which those with iron-deficiency anemia and active bleeding had been excluded, upper gastrointestinal lesions were identified more frequently than colonic lesions.

De novo lipogenesis predicts short-term body-composition response by bioelectrical impedance analysis to oral nutritional supplements in HIV-associated wasting

We studied the effects of enteral supplements on protein and energy intakes, body composition, energy expenditure, and gastrointestinal histology in 49 subjects with human immunodeficiency virus-associated weight loss (12.7 +/- 0.9% of body wt). We also determined whether a stable-isotope mass spectrometric measurement at baseline might predict the short-term response of fat-free mass (FFM) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Thirty-nine subjects completed the study after being randomly assigned to receive either a whole-protein-based (n = 22) or a peptide-based (n = 17) formula. A nonsupplemented, nonrandomly assigned group (n = 13) was followed concurrently. Both formulas were well tolerated. Voluntary intakes of energy and protein from nonsupplement sources decreased significantly during supplementation [by 819-1638 kJ (196-382 kcal)/d and 5.6-14.4 g protein/d, respectively; P < 0.01] but to a lesser extent than the intake from the supplement [2300-2510 kJ(550-600 kcal)/d and 19-28 g protein/d, respectively], so that net increases in intakes of protein and energy (P < 0.03), as well as of several vitamins and trace elements were increased. Nevertheless, the mean FFM did not increase for the group as a whole, although there was considerable interindividual heterogeneity. Changes in FFM at 6 wk were significantly inversely correlated (r = 0.65, P < 0.01) with baseline synthesis of fat (de novo hepatic lipogenesis), but not with other potential measures of energy intake (insulin-like growth factor 1 or its binding protein) or inflammation (soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I or II). The prospective identification of FFM response by measurement of de novo hepatic lipogenesis supported the hypothesis that the subset of wasting patients whose FFM is unresponsive to nutrient supplementation have altered nutrient metabolism.

The outpatient evaluation of hematochezia

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether specific clinical symptoms associated with hematochezia are predictive of important GI pathology and whether full colonoscopic examination is necessary.

METHODS

A total of 103 outpatients (> or = 45 yr) with hematochezia, defined as the passage of bright red blood per rectum, underwent anoscopy and colonoscopy. Before endoscopy, patients completed a detailed interview, quantitating the amount and frequency of bleeding, weight loss, use of aspirin/NSAIDs, change in bowel habits, family history, and prior GI illnesses. Based on this information, physicians were asked to predict whether the bleeding was from a perianal or more proximal site. At colonoscopy, pathology was stratified as either proximal or distal to the sigmoid/descending junction. Substantial pathology was defined as one or more adenomas > 8 mm, carcinoma, or colitis.

RESULTS

Anoscopy demonstrated internal and external hemorrhoids in 78 and 29 patients, respectively. On colonoscopy, 36 patients had 43 substantial lesions. Thirty-seven of these lesions were distal to the junction of the descending and sigmoid colons and six were proximal lesions. Four patients had cancer; all were distal lesions. Patients with substantial lesions were more likely to give a history of blood mixed within their stool (p = 0.03), to have more episodes of hematochezia per month (p = 0.008), and to have a significantly shorter duration of bleeding before medical evaluation (p = 0.02) than did patients without such lesions. However, the physician's clinical assessment did not predict reliably which patients were likely to have substantial pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hematochezia, clinicians were unable to distinguish between those patients with and those without significant colonic lesions by history alone. Flexible sigmoidoscopy would have demonstrated most (95%) substantial lesions. The lesions that flexible sigmoidoscopy missed were an unlikely cause of bleeding in this small group of patients.

Endoscopic management of esophageal variceal hemorrhage: injection, banding, glue, octreotide, or a combination?

Bleeding from esophageal varices presents a considerable challenge to clinicians. Adequate fluid resuscitation must be undertaken before urgent endoscopy. Pharmacotherapy of acute variceal hemorrhage consists of either vasopressin plus nitroglycerin or intravenous octreotide. Vasopressin should not be used alone because of a high incidence of side effects such as cardiac and/or visceral ischemia. Band ligation appears superior to sclerotherapy primarily because of decreased rebleeding from varices and decreased esophageal stricture formation among patients undergoing band ligation. Future trials with newer sclerosant agents, such as cyanoacrylate, are anxiously awaited.

Endoscopic sclerotherapy compared with percutaneous transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt after initial sclerotherapy in patients with acute variceal hemorrhage. A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage from esophageal varices remains a substantial management problem. Endoscopic sclerotherapy was preferred for more than a decade, but fluoroscopically placed intrahepatic portosystemic stents have recently been used with increasing frequency.

OBJECTIVE

To compare sclerotherapy with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with bleeding from esophageal varices.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Three teaching hospitals.

PATIENTS

49 adults hospitalized with acute variceal hemorrhage from November 1991 to December 1995: 25 assigned to sclerotherapy and 24 assigned to TIPS.

INTERVENTION

Patients assigned to repeated sclerotherapy had the procedure weekly. In those assigned to TIPS, an expandable mesh stent was fluoroscopically placed between an intrahepatic portal vein and an adjacent hepatic vein.

MEASUREMENTS

Pretreatment measures included demographic and laboratory data. Postrandomization data included index hospitalization survival, duration of follow-up, successful obliteration of varices, rebleeding from varices, number of variceal rebleeding events, total days of hospitalization for variceal bleeding, blood transfusion requirements after randomization, prevalence of encephalopathy, and total health care costs.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up (+/-SE) was 567 +/- 104 days in the sclerotherapy group and 575 +/- 109 days in the TIPS group. Varices were obliterated more reliably by TIPS than by sclerotherapy (P < 0.001). Patients having TIPS were significantly less likely to rebleed from esophageal varices than patients receiving sclerotherapy (3 of 24 compared with 12 of 25; P = 0.012). No other follow-up measures differed significantly between groups. A trend toward improved survival, which was not statistically significant, was noted in the TIPS group (hazard ratio, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.18 to 1.5]).

CONCLUSIONS

In obliterating varices and reducing rebleeding events from esophageal varies, TIPS was more effective than sclerotherapy. However, TIPS did not decrease morbidity after randomization or improve health care costs. It seemed to produce better survival, but the increase in survival was not statistically significant.

Gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric outlet obstruction from Peutz-Jeghers polyposis. Diagnosis and treatment

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Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis in Asian immigrants to the United States: natural history and role of therapeutic ERCP

We reviewed the clinical presentation, cholangiographic features, and long-term outcomes in 41 patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC, "Oriental" cholangiohepatitis) who underwent ERCP at our institution, comparing patients who were initially managed with therapeutic ERCP, immediate hepatobiliary surgery, and no intervention. Patients undergoing only diagnostic ERCP had recurrent symptoms in 62% of cases, twice as often as patients managed initially by therapeutic ERCP or immediate surgery. These former patients required subsequent surgery more often than patients in the latter two groups. Outcomes for patients with diffuse biliary calculi were no different between patients managed by therapeutic ERCP or by immediate hepatobiliary surgery. In the 15 patients with only extrahepatic stones, 7/9 (71%) managed by therapeutic endoscopy and 7/8 (87.5%) managed by immediate hepatobiliary surgery were asymptomatic at almost two years mean follow-up (P > 0.05). Patients having undergone at least one definitive hepatobiliary surgery had fewer recurrences when managed by repeat surgery, although the difference was not statistically significant. Four of six (67%) patients with dominant strictures managed endoscopically are asymptomatic at mean follow-up of 15 months. Our study emphasizes the recurrent nature of symptoms in RPC and supports the primary role of therapeutic ERCP in managing these patients, especially those with extrahepatic stone disease alone.

Hemorrhage in the upper gastrointestinal tract in the older patient

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the natural history of bleeding in the upper GI tract in the older age patient.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 200 patients admitted with the diagnosis of upper GI bleeding (100 consecutive patients less than 60 yr of age and 100 consecutive patients more than 60 yr of age). Information collected included historical features of presentation, physical examination findings, laboratory data, endoscopic findings, and length of hospital stay. Results were analyzed using X2 and Student's tests.

RESULTS

Upon presentation, fewer patients over 60 had a history of alcohol consumption (29 vs 65 patients, p < 0.05). They also had significantly less dyspepsia (49 vs 64 patients, p < 0.05). Findings at endoscopy included more ulcer disease in the older patients (duodenal or gastric ulcer in 73 vs 48 patients, p < 0.05) and more acid peptic disease as well (duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenitis, gastritis, or esophagitis in 91 vs 70 patients, p < 0.05). Younger patients had more Mallory-Weiss tears (14 vs three patients, p < 0.05) and a trend toward more variceal bleeds (19 vs 11 patients; p = 0.39). The hospital course in the two groups was not different with regard to the need for intensive care (61 patients under 60 vs 54 patients over 60), number of patients rebleeding (13 patients under 60 vs 15 patients over 60), mean number of blood units transfused (4 units in each group), mean duration of hospital stay (5.6 days in patients under 60 vs 6.0 days in patients over 60), or mortality (six patients in each group).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with younger patients, patients 60 yr of age and older admitted to the hospital for upper GI bleeding are less likely to have a history of alcohol consumption or dyspepsia. They do have a greater likelihood of peptic disease, which accounts for their bleeding. Patients aged 60 yr and older do not have a significantly different hospital course from that of patients less than 60 yr old with regard to need for intensive care, transfusion requirements, duration of hospital stay, or mortality.

Treatment of severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum with oral bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in patients with AIDS

We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of colostrum-derived bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in patients with AIDS. A total of 24 patients with severe chronic diarrhea and AIDS were stratified to one of three cohorts: (1) C. parvum infection alone (n = 16), (2) C. parvum and a second opportunistic infection (n = 4), and (3) idiopathic AIDS enteropathy with no identified source of infection (n = 3) or an untreatable opportunistic infection other than C. parvum (n = 1). All patients were treated with bovine immunoglobulin concentrate for 21 consecutive days. Patients in cohort 1 were randomized to receive the medication in powder or capsule forms, whereas all patients in cohorts 2 and 3 received the powder form. The primary end point was change in mean daily stool weight. Secondary end points included change in stool frequency and body weight, as well as clearance of C. parvum oocytes as analyzed on stool microscopy. Patients with C. parvum who were treated with bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in powder form experienced a significant decrease in mean stool weight, from 1,158 +/- 114 g/day at baseline, to 595 +/- 63 g/day (p = 0.04) at the end of treatment, and 749 +/- 123 g/day (p = 0.03) 1 month after completing treatment. Stool frequency decreased from 6.6 +/- 0.6 bowel movements per day at study entry, to 5.4 +/- 0.7 during treatment (p = 0.04), and 5.4 +/- 0.9 during observation (p = 0.12). Patients who received bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in capsule form and patients without C. parvum (cohort 3) showed no improvement. No serious side effects were observed, and the medication was well tolerated. Thus, bovine colostrum immunoglobulin concentrate, in powder form, appears promising in the treatment of severe diarrhea caused by C. parvum. The optimal dosage, duration of therapy, and overall efficacy need to be determined in placebo-controlled trials.

Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium parvum in patients with severe diarrhea and AIDS

The sensitivity of noninvasive stool microscopy and endoscopic biopsies from the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract in the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium parvum in patients with AIDS is not known. We evaluated 30 severely immunocompromised patients with AIDS and diarrhea caused by C. parvum. C. parvum was diagnosed by either stool microscopy, endoscopic biopsy, or both. Patients submitted a mean (+/-SEM) of 3.3 +/- 0.3 stool samples, each microscopically evaluated for ova and parasites. Upper and lower endoscopy were performed in all patients and endoscopic biopsies were taken throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea had been present for a mean of 13.5 +/- 2.3 months and mean daily stool weight was 1224 +/- 127 g. Overall, individual stool samples were insensitive, as only 53% demonstrated C. parvum. When multiple stool samples were considered for each patient, 73% of subjects demonstrated C. parvum in at least one stool sample. The sensitivity of endoscopy with mucosal biopsy varied by anatomical location: stomach (11%), duodenum (53%), terminal ileum (91%), and colon (60%). The terminal ileum was significantly more likely than the duodenum to demonstrate C. parvum (P = 0.03). Thus, duodenal biopsies are much less sensitive than those from the terminal ileum in the diagnosis of C. parvum. In AIDS patients with diarrhea undergoing colonoscopy, intubation of the terminal ileum should be performed when feasible. Although individual stool samples are insensitive in detecting C. parvum, the diagnostic yield is improved by the collection of multiple samples.

Ultrasonographic determination of ascitic volume

The purpose of this study was to develop a method by which ascitic volume can be calculated using transcorporeal ultrasonography, and to determine the accuracy of this method by comparison with the volume of distribution of a radiolabeled tracer (indicator dilution technique [IDT]). Subjects with ascites confirmed by ultrasonography were recruited from the San Francisco General Hospital Gastroenterology and Liver Clinics. With subjects in the prone position on their hands and knees, ultrasonographic measurements were obtained along the ventral surface of the abdomen. The greatest vertical depth of ascitic fluid was recorded, and the abdominal circumference was measured from this point. The ascitic fluid volume was modeled as a segment of a sphere. IDT was performed as the reference method by injecting 99mTc-labeled macroalbumin into the peritoneal cavity and determining the volume of distribution of the indicator. Nine patients were evaluated. The median volume of ascites measured by the IDT was 11.2 L (range, 1.5-17.0 L). The median volume calculated by the ultrasonographic method was 10.3 L (range, 1.2-18.0 L). The correlation coefficient between the ultrasonographic and IDT was 0.96 (P < .001). Our technique accurately determines the volume of ascites using simple ultrasonographic measurements.

Zinc levels and infections in hospitalized patients with AIDS

Impaired cellular and humoral immunity and phagocytic function have been attributed to zinc deficiency. This study examined the association between low serum zinc concentration and opportunistic infections in hospitalized patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We examined the records from all 505 inpatient consultations performed by our Nutrition Service from May 1992 through June 1994. The medical records from all 228 patients with AIDS with known serum zinc levels (determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry) were reviewed. The length of HIV seropositivity, most recent CD4 count, presence of diarrhea, and degree of malnutrition were noted. The principal diagnosis accounting for the admission was grouped according to the type of infection: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), viral, fungal, bacterial, and other. Sixty-seven patients (29%) had abnormally low serum zinc levels (LSZ < 55 micrograms/dL), 49 patients (21%) had borderline low serum zinc (BSZ > or = 55 and < or = 65 microgram/dL), and 112 (49%) patients had normal serum zinc levels (NSZ > 65 micrograms/dL). There was no significant difference among the groups in CD4 count, length of HIV seropositivity, presence of diarrhea, or severity of malnutrition. Patients with zinc deficiency (LSZ) had a significantly higher incidence of bacterial infection than did patients with normal zinc. Patients with borderline zinc levels had an intermediate incidence of bacterial infection. There were no significant differences among the three groups in the incidence of PCP, viral, or fungal infections. Severe zinc deficiency was noted in 29% and borderline levels in an additional 21% of hospitalized AIDS patients. A low zinc level was not associated with the length of HIV seropositivity, CD4 count, or degree of malnutrition. Hypozincemia was associated with an increased incidence of concomitant systemic bacterial infections.

Serum zinc and protein levels: lack of a correlation in hospitalized patients with AIDS

Abnormally low serum zinc levels are associated with advanced states of malnutrition. Zinc levels are thought to parallel serum albumin, and repletion of zinc has reportedly led to increased albumin. We examined the correlation between zinc deficiency and serum proteins in hospitalized patients with AIDS. Over 500 inpatient consultations were performed by our Gastroenterology-Nutrition Consult Service from May 1992 to June 1994. We reviewed the medical records from all 228 AIDS patients in whom a serum zinc level was measured (by atomic absorption spectrophotometry). The correlation between serum zinc, albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin drawn on the same hospital day was analyzed by linear regression. The patients were stratified by the level of albumin, group A albumin < 2.0 g/dL, group B albumin 2.0-2.9 g/dL, and group C albumin > 3.0 g/dL, to allow comparison of the incidence of diarrhea and mean zinc level by chi square. Thirty-four patients had more than one serum zinc and albumin determination; the change over time was compared by linear regression. Serum zinc and albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin levels did not correlate strongly (r2 < or = 0.01). Furthermore, changes in zinc over time did not correlate with parallel changes in serum albumin (r2 < or = 0.01). In patients grouped by albumin, the proportion of patients with diarrhea did not differ significantly. The mean zinc levels were also not statistically significantly different. Serum zinc levels do not strongly correlate with serum proteins in hospitalized patients with AIDS. Serial measures of zinc over time also do not correlate strongly with changes in albumin. The incidence of diarrhea was not significantly different in patients with hypoalbuminemia or hypozincemia when compared with patients with near normal albumin or zinc. The relationship between zinc and serum proteins in AIDS patients is not linear. Zinc deficiency should be assessed in patients independent of the serum albumin.

Steatorrhea: a common manifestation in patients with HIV/AIDS

Multiple infectious causes of diarrhea are known in patients with HIV/AIDS. Maldigestion and malabsorption have been reported in patients with HIV/AIDS and may be independent of infectious etiologies. Among ambulatory patients with HIV/AIDS, we examined the prevalence of fat malabsorption (steatorrhea). Sixty-one patients with unexplained diarrhea (defined as > 2 stools/d) and/or weight loss despite adequate caloric intake (and without clinical evidence of chronic pancreatitis) were evaluated in our outpatient Gastroenterology-Nutrition Clinic between March 1, 1993, and July 1994. Patients were instructed by a dietitian to follow a > or = 100 g/d fat diet for 24 h before submitting a stool sample for qualitative (or quantitative) fecal fat determination. Forty-five patients, 32 with ongoing diarrhea and 13 without diarrhea, submitted stool samples. Twenty-two of 45 patients (49%) had qualitative or quantitative steatorrhea, 16/32 with diarrhea (50%) and 6/13 patients without diarrhea (46%). Thirty of 32 patients with diarrhea had had extensive microbiologic and/or endoscopic evaluations. Only 9 patients had a detectable intestinal pathogen, 5 patients had cytomegalovirus (4 treated), 4 patients had cryptosporidia (3 treated), and 1 patient had microsporidia. Steatorrhea, as determined by abnormal qualitative fecal fat, is detectable in nearly 50% of patients with HIV/AIDS. Fat malabsorption appears to be a primary defect in these patients independent of detectable pathogens. Assessment of fat malabsorption should be considered in patients with unexplained weight loss or diarrhea before extensive evaluation for opportunistic infections.

Asymptomatic chronic gastrointestinal blood loss in patients taking aspirin or warfarin for cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether low-dose aspirin or warfarin induces fecal occult blood loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, cross-over study, of 100 participants over 40 years of age in 1 of 3 groups, taking: (1) no aspirin or warfarin, (2) daily aspirin (either 81 or 325 mg), or (3) warfarin, but no aspirin. Stool samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of occult blood using HemoQuant and Hemoccult II. After collection of baseline samples, patients initially taking no aspirin (group 1) were asked to take regular aspirin (325 mg daily) for 2 months. Patients initially taking aspirin 81 mg daily (group 2) were switched to 325 mg daily for 2 months, and vice versa.

RESULTS

Patients taking no aspirin had mean fecal blood of 0.68 +/- 0.05 mg hemoglobin/g stool, which increased to 1.41 +/- 0.36 mg/g after taking 325 mg of aspirin daily (P = 0.02). In contrast, patients in group 2, taking 81 mg and 325 mg of aspirin, had mean fecal blood of 0.82 +/- 0.08 mg/g (P = 0.57) and 1.04 +/- 0.23 mg/g (P = 0.13), respectively (comparisons with patients taking no aspirin). The mean blood loss in patients taking warfarin was 0.51 +/- 0.04 mg/g (P = 0.55), and fecal blood was not related to the degree of anticoagulation. There was no increase over normal in the rate of Hemoccult II-positive stool tests with aspirin or warfarin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin, but not warfarin, caused a small but clinically insignificant increase in occult fecal blood. The small blood loss in patients taking aspirin or warfarin is unlikely to interfere with fecal occult blood test. Therefore, positive fecal occult blood tests, in patients taking either low-dose aspirin or warfarin, should be managed in the same fashion as patients not taking these medications.

Clinical utility and cost effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori testing for patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers

OBJECTIVE

current consensus guidelines recommend that all patients demonstrating either a gastric or duodenal ulcer be tested for Helicobacter pylori, the most common cause of ulcers. We determined the clinical utility and cost effectiveness of H. pylori testing in patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis of 565 consecutive patients with endoscopically demonstrated gastric or duodenal ulcers over a 4-yr period in a large, urban general hospital. The main outcome variables are the percentage of patients who had a gastric biopsy, the prevalence of H. pylori, and the cost effectiveness of testing (antral biopsy, CLO test, serum antibody, and urea breath test) for H. pylori.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients with endoscopically documented duodenal ulcers had an antral biopsy performed in 1993 and 1994 when compared with patients from 1991 and 1992 (p < 0.00001). For patients with gastric ulcers, biopsies were performed at a similar rate throughout this study. Overall, patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers demonstrated H. pylori 75% and 69% of the time, respectively. The total charges for biopsy documentation and treatment of H. pylori in all duodenal ulcer patients in this cohort was estimated at $25,135. If a biopsy for H. pylori had been performed in all patients the actual charges would have been $77,443. Conversely, charges would have been only $8085 had all patients been empirically treated for H. pylori based on the high pretest probability of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine testing for H. pylori is very expensive, regardless of the diagnostic method used. Biopsy results do not provide clinically useful information in most patients with duodenal ulcers and may be misleading if falsely negative.

Long-term follow-up of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sphincterotomy for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome papillary stenosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term effects on biliary-type pain and changes in biochemical parameters in patients with AIDS-associated papillary stenosis who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sphincterotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive patients were diagnosed by cholangiography with AIDS-associated papillary stenosis using standard criteria. Patients underwent ERCP sphincterotomy and were followed prospectively in the Gastrointestinal or Liver Clinics, San Francisco General Hospital, and by their primary physicians. Post-procedure data was prospectively collected by chart review or in-person or telephone interview, and analyzed using statistical software.

RESULTS

All patients presented with severe right upper quadrant and/or mid-epigastric abdominal pain and had marked elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase. Following ERCP sphincterotomy, pain scores decreased significantly for at least 9 months of follow-up. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels, however, remained essentially unchanged. Overall quality of life was difficult to assess, as patients suffered from other AIDS-associated debilitating diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP sphincterotomy, while not without risks, provided significant reduction in pain in patients with AIDS-associated papillary stenosis.

Long-term follow-up of endoscopic treatment for bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcers

OBJECTIVE

To examine the long-term consequences of endoscopic therapy for bleeding peptic ulcers.

METHODS

Eighty-seven consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for bleeding gastric ulcer (GU) and/or duodenal ulcer (DU) over a 42-month period were identified. Long-term follow-up was available for 76 (mean, 495 days; SEM, 45 days). Therapy consisted of epinephrine injection, heater probe use, or both. Recurrent hemorrhage only at the primary treatment site was considered.

RESULTS

The sites of hemorrhage were GU (40 patients), DU (34 patients), and both (2 patients). Emergent surgery was required in two GU patients for whom endoscopic treatment was ineffective. Recurrent hemorrhage ultimately occurred in 33% of patients--40% of GU and 25% of DU patients. Surgical therapy was eventually required in 26% of patients after endoscopic hemostasis and was more frequent in patients with recurrent hemorrhage from DU than GU (78% vs 56%). For those patients who re-bled within 8 days of the index endoscopy, 82% required surgery, compared with 33% of patients who re-bled more than 8 days after the index endoscopy (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of recurrent hemorrhage after endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding GU and DU was 33% in our long-term follow-up. After endoscopic hemostasis, surgery was eventually required in 24% of all patients and in 64% of patients who had recurrent hemorrhage. Patients who had recurrent hemorrhage more than 1 wk after initial endoscopic hemostasis were effectively treated by repeated endoscopic therapy and were significantly less likely to require surgery than patients who re-bled within 1 wk.