Comparison between endoscopic sclerotherapy and band ligation for hemostasis of acute variceal bleeding

AIM:To compare band ligation(BL) with endoscopic sclerotherapy(SCL) in patients admitted to an emergency unit for esophageal variceal rupture. METHODS:A prospective,randomized,single-center study without crossover was conducted.After endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal variceal rupture,patients were randomized into groups for SCL or BL treatment.Sclerotherapy was performed by ethanolamine oleate intravascular injection both above and below the rupture point,with a maximum volume of 20 mL.For BL patients,banding at the rupture point was attempted,followed by ligation of all variceal tissue of the distal esophagus.Primary outcomes for both groups were initial failure of bleeding control(5 d) ,early re-bleeding(5 d to 6 wk),and complications,including mortality.From May 2005 to May 2007,100 patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled in thestudy:50 SCL and 50 BL patients.No differences between groups were observed across gender,age,ChildPugh status,presence of shock at admission,mean hemoglobin levels,and variceal size. RESULTS:No differences were found between groups for bleeding control,early re-bleeding rates,complications,or mortality.After 6 wk,36(80%) SCL and 33(77 %) EBL patients were alive and free of bleeding.A statistically significant association between Child-Pugh status and mortality was found,with 16%mortality in Child A and B patients and 84%mortality in Child C patients(P<0.001) . CONCLUSION:Despite the limited number of patients included,our results suggest that SCL and BL are equally efficient for the control of acute variceal bleeding.     

Bleeding gastric varices： Results of endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gastric varices injection with cyanoacrylate in patients with gastric variceal bleeding. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (15 males, 9 females) with gastric variceal bleeding underwent endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate injection. Successful hemostasis, rebleeding rate, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Followed up endoscopy was performed and repeat cyanoacrylate injection was given until gastric varices were obliterated. RESULTS: Seventeen patients achieved definite hemostasis. Of these, 14 patients had primary success after initial endoscopic therapy. Ten patients developed recurrent bleeding. Repeated cyanoacrylate injection stopped rebleeding in three patients. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was performed to control rebleeding in one patient which occured after repeat endoscopic therapy. Six patients died (three from uncontrolled bleeding, two from sepsis, and one from mesenteric vein thrombosis). Minor complications occurred in 11 patients (six epigastric discomfort and five post injection ulcers). Cyanoacrylate embolism developed in two patients. One of these patients died from mesenteric vein thrombosis. The other had pulmonary embolism which resolved spontaneously. Advanced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were major risk factors for uncontrolled bleeding. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment for bleeding gastric varices with cyanoacrylate injection is effective for immediate hemostasis. Repeat cyanoacrylate injection has a lower success rate than the initial injection. Cyanoacrylate embolism is not a common serious complication.     

Successful endoscopic sclerotherapy for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol

Two patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hyper-tension related to hepatitis infection were admitted to Shanghai Ruijin Hospital due to recurrent melena and hematemesis. Isolated gastric varices were observed in the gastric fundus during the retroflexion of gastroscope. We carried out endoscopic sclerotherapy successfully for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol, which disappeared dramatically several months after two courses of sclerotherapy for each patient. No complication and clinical signs of gastrointestinal re-bleeding were observed during the 6-mo endoscopic follow-up. CT portal angiography （CTPA） has been widely used in the assessment of variceal treatment and improves the results of endoscopic injection therapy.     

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate,iso-amyl-2-cyanoacrylate and hypertonic glucose with 72% chromated glycerin in gastric varices

AIM: To compare n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, iso-amyl-2-cyanoacrylate and a mixture of 72% chromated glycerin with hypertonic glucose solution in management of gastric varices. METHODS: Ninety patients with gastric varices presented to Endoscopy Unit of Ain Shams University Hospital were included. They were randomly allocated into three groups; each group included 30 patients treated with intravariceal sclerosant injections in biweekly sessions till complete obturation of gastric varices; Group I(n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate; Histoacryl), Group II(iso-amyl-2-cyanoacrylate; Amcrylate) and Group III(mixture of 72% chromated glycerin; Scleremo with glucose solution 25%). All the procedures were performed electively without active bleeding. Recruited patients were followed up for 3 mo. RESULTS: 26% of Scleremo group had bleeding during puncture vs 3.3% in each of the other two groups with significant difference,(P 0.05). None of Scleremo group had needle obstruction vs 13.3% in each of the other two groups with no significant difference,(P 0.05). Rebleeding occurred in 13.3% of Histoacryl and Amcrylate groups vs 0% in Scleremo group with no significant difference. The in hospital mortality was 6.6% in both Histoacryl and Amcrylate groups, while it was 0% in Scleremo group with no significant difference. In the first and second sessions, the amount of Scleremo needed for obturation was significantly high, while the amount of Histoacryl was significantly low. Scleremo was the less costly of the two treatments. CONCLUSION: All used sclerosant substances showed efficacy and success in management of gastric varices with no significant differences except in total amount, cost and bleeding during puncture.     

Endoscopic variceal ligation compared with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for treatment of esophageal variceal hemorrhage:A meta-analysis

AIM:To compare the effect of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)with that of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS)in the treatment of patients withesophageal variceal bleeding.METHODS:We performed a systematic literature search of multiple online electronic databases.Metaanalysis was conducted to evaluate risk ratio(RR)and95%confidence interval(CI)of combined studies for the treatment of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding between EVL and EIS.RESULTS:Fourteen studies comprising 1236 patients were included in the meta-analysis.The rebleeding rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.68,95%CI:0.57-0.81).The variceal eradication rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly higher than that in the EIS group(RR=1.06,95%CI:1.01-1.12).There was no significant difference about mortality rate between the EVL group and EIS group(RR=0.95,95%CI:0.77-1.17).The rate of complications in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.28,95%CI:0.13-0.58).CONCLUSION:Our meta-analysis has found that EVL is better than EIS in terms of the lower rates of rebleeding,complications,and the higher rate of variceal eradication.Therefore,EVL is the first choice for esophageal variceal bleeding.     

Comparison of postpolypectomy bleeding between epinephrine and saline submucosal injection for large colon polyps by conventional polypectomy： A prospective randomized, multicenter study

AIM:To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of prophylactic submucosal saline-epinephrine injection and saline injection alone for large colon polyps by conventional polypectomy. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted from July 2003 to July 2004 at 11 tertiary endoscopic centers. Large colon polyps (> 10 mm in diameter) wererandomized to undergo endoscopic polypectomy with submucosal saline-epinephrine injection (epinephrine group) or normal saline injection (saline group). Endoscopic polypectomy was performed by the conventional snare method,and early (< 12 h) and late bleeding complications (12 h-30 d) were observed. RESULTS:A total of 561 polyps in 486 patients were resected by endoscopic polypectomy. Overall,bleeding complications occurred in 7.6% (37/486) of the patients,including 4.9% (12/244) in the epinephrine group,and 10.3% (25/242) in the saline group. Early and late postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) occurred in 6.6% (32/486) and 1% (5/486) of the patients,respectively,including 4.5% (11/244),0.4% (1/244) in the epinephrine group,and 8.7% (21/242),1.7% (4/242) in the saline group. No significant differences in the rates of overall,early and late PPB were observed between the 2 groups. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that large size (> 2 cm) and neoplastic polyps were independently and significantly associated with the presence of PPB. CONCLUSION:The prophylactic submucosal injection of diluted epinephrine does not appear to provide an additional advantage over the saline injection alone for the prevention of PPB.     

Re-bleeding events in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative capsule endoscopy

AIM: To investigate long-term re-bleeding events after a negative capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) and the risk factors associated with the procedure.METHODS: Patients referred to Hospital Egas Moniz(Lisboa, Portugal) between January 2006 and October 2012 with OGIB and a negative capsule endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. The following study variables were included: demographic data, comorbidities, bleeding-related drug use, hemoglobin level, indication for capsule endoscopy, post procedure details, work-up and follow-up. Re-bleeding rates and associated factors were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of re-bleeding at 1, 3 and 5 years, and the differences between factors were evaluated.RESULTS: The study population consisted of 640 patients referred for OGIB investigation. Wireless capsule endoscopy was deemed negative in 113 patients(17.7%). A total of 64.6% of the population was female, and the median age was 69 years. The median follow-up was forty-eight months(interquartile range 24-60). Re-bleeding occurred in 27.4% of the cases. The median time to re-bleeding was fifteen months(interquartile range 2-33). In 22.6%(n = 7) of the population, small-bowel angiodysplasia was identified as the culprit lesion. A univariate analysis showed that age > 65 years old, chronic kidney disease, aortic stenosis, anticoagulant use and overt OGIB were risk factors for re-bleeding; however, on a multivariate analysis, there were no risk factors for re-bleeding. The cumulative risk of re-bleeding at 1, 3 and 5 years of follow-up was 12.9%, 25.6% and 31.5%, respectively.Patients who presented with overt OGIB tended to rebleed sooner(median time for re-bleeding: 8.5 mo vs 22 mo).CONCLUSION: Patients with OGIB despite a negative capsule endoscopy have a significant re-bleeding risk; therefore, these patients require an extended follow-up strategy.     

Effectiveness of therapeutic barium enema for diverticular hemorrhage

AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of barium impaction therapy for patients with colonic diverticular bleeding.METHODS:We reviewed the clinical charts of patients in whom therapeutic barium enema was performed for the control of diverticular bleeding between August2010 and March 2012 at Yokohama Rosai Hospital.Twenty patients were included in the review,consisting of 14 men and 6 women.The median age of the patients was 73.5 years.The duration of the followup period ranged from 1 to 19 mo(median:9.8 mo).Among the 20 patients were 11 patients who required the procedure for re-bleeding during hospitalization,6patients who required it for re-bleeding that developed after the patient left the hospital,and 3 patients who required the procedure for the prevention of rebleeding.Barium(concentration:150 w%/v%)was administered per the rectum,and the leading edge of the contrast medium was followed up to the cecum by fluoroscopy.After confirmation that the ascending colon and cecum were filled with barium,the enema tube was withdrawn,and the patient’s position was changed every 20 min for 3 h.RESULTS:Twelve patients remained free of rebleeding during the follow-up period(range:1-19mo)after the therapeutic barium enema,including 9men and 3 women with a median age of 72.0 years.Re-bleeding occurred in 8 patients including 5 men and 3 women with a median age of 68.5 years:4developed early re-bleeding,defined as re-bleeding that occurs within one week after the procedure,and the remaining 4 developed late re-bleeding.The DFI(disease-free interval)decreased 0.4 for 12 mo.Only one patient developed a complication from therapeutic barium enema(colonic perforation).CONCLUSION:Therapeutic barium enema is effective for the control of diverticular hemorrhage in cases where the active bleeding site cannot be identified by colonoscopy.     

内镜治疗食管胃静脉曲张前后门体侧支循环的变化

Objective To investigate the hemodynamic changes of protosystemic collaterals before and after endoscopic treatment in patients with gastroesophageal varices using 64-row multidetector computed tomograghy portal venography (MDCTPV) so as to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in patients with or without para-esoghageal varices and with or without nonvarices portosystemic collaterals before treatment. Methods Twenty-six patients with gastroesophageal varices, who underwent endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) for esophageal varices and endoscopic N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection (EBC) for gastric varices between Jan.2007 and Dec. 2009, were enrolled. Sixty four-row MDCT was used to examine the changes of portosystemic collaterals 1 week before and 12 months after endoscopic treatment. The reconstructed images of portosystemic collaterals before and after endoscopic treatment were evaluated. Results Excellent quality of portosystemic collateral vessels on CTPV were obtained in all patients. The mean diameter of left gastric vein decreased from (6.7±1.9) mm to (5.0±1.9) mm after endoscopic treatment,with significant difference (P＜ 0.05). There was no significant difference in outcomes between patients with or without para-esoghageal varices (80% vs 72.7%, P＞0.05) and patients with or without non-varices portosystemic collaterals (82.4% vs 66.7% ,P＞0.05). Conclusions Sixty fourrow MDCTPV may provide important information for option of endoscopic treatment and prognosis.     

Digestive Tract

9.1 Esophagus2007219 A comparative study on the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices between multislice spiral CT portography and endoscopy. Jin Yong(靳勇), et al. Dept Radiol, Ruijin Hosp, Shanghai Jiaotong Univ, Shanghai 200025. Chin J Dig 2007;27(2):78-82. Objectives To investigate the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices between multi-slice spiral (MS) CT portography and endoscopy. Methods Fifty-seven patients clinically diagnosed with portal hypertension were underwent MSCT portography by LightSpeed 16 CT scanner. The endoscopic examinations were also carried out in those patients within 3 days. Results The CT portography revealed that 51 patients with esophageal or gastric varices, including 39 patients with both gastric fundal varices and esophagus varix, 9 patients with only esophageal varices, 3 patients with gastric body and gastric fundal varices. While 46 patients were found by endoscopy to have esophageal or gastric varices, including 24 patients with both esophageal and gastric varices, 5 patients with only gastric varices and 17 patients with only esophageal varices. Conclusion The MSCT portography can clearly demonstrate the esophageal and gastric fundal varices, as well as major collateral vessels in portal hypertension patients. There was a certain false positivity in MSCT portography, and they can be used as supplement tests to endoscopy in the diagnosis of esophageal varices. The MSCT portography was more sensitive than endoscopy in diagnosis of gastric varices, and could visualize the para esophageal and para-gastric varices that were not visible to the endoscopy.     

Impact of being overweight on the surgical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the effect of being overweight on the surgical results of patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: Comprehensive electronic searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted. Studies were identified that included patients with surgical complications from gastric cancer who were classified as normal weight [body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m 2 ] or overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ). The operative time, retrieved lymph nodes, blood loss, and long-term survival were analyzed. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on whether patients received laparoscopic or open gastrectomy procedures. All statistical tests were performed using ReviewerManager 5.1.2 software. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 23 studies with 20678 patients (15781 with BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ; 4897 with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ). Overweight patients had significantly increased operation times [MD: -29.14; 95%CI: -38.14-(-20.21); P < 0.00001], blood loss [MD: -194.58; 95%CI: -314.21-(-74.95); P = 0.001], complications (RR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.66-0.85; P < 0.00001), anastomosis leakages (RR: 0.59; 95%CI: 0.42-0.82; P = 0.002), and pancreatic fistulas (RR: 0.486; 95%CI: 0.34-0.63; P < 0.00001), whereas lymph node retrieval was decreased significantly in the overweight group (MD: 1.69; 95%CI: 0.75-2.62; P < 0.0001). In addition, overweight patients had poorer long-term survival (RR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.07-1.20; P < 0.0001). No significant difference was detected for the mortality and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that a high BMI not only increases the surgical difficulty and complications but also impairs the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer.     

Acid suppressive drugs and gastric cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies

AIM: To evaluate the association between acid suppressive drug use and the development of gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of relevant studies that were published through June 2012 was conducted using the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The search included observational studies on the use of histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H 2 RAs) or proton pump inhibitors and the associated risk of gastric cancer, which was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (OR) or the relative risk and 95%CI. An independent extraction was performed by two of the authors, and a consensus was reached. RESULTS: Of 4595 screened articles, 11 observational studies (n = 94558) with 5980 gastric cancer patients were included in the final analyses. When all the studies were pooled, acid suppressive drug use was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer risk (adjusted OR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.29-1.56, I2 = 48.9%, P = 0.034). The overall risk of gastric cancer increased among H 2 RA users (adjusted OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.59, I2 = 59.5%, P = 0.008) and PPI users (adjusted OR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.19-1.64, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.377). CONCLUSION: Acid suppressive drugs are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Further studies are needed to test the effect of acid suppressive drugs on gastric cancer.     

Lower incidence of complications in endoscopic nasobiliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To identify the most effective endoscopic biliary drainage technique for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: In total, 118 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent endoscopic management [endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) or endoscopic biliary stenting] as a temporary drainage in our institution between 2009 and 2014. We retrospectively evaluated all complications from initial endoscopic drainage to surgery or palliative treatment. The risk factors for biliary reintervention, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis, and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) were also analyzed using patient- and procedure-related characteristics. The risk factors for bilateral drainage were examined in a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial unilateral drainage. RESULTS: In total, 137 complications were observed in 92 (78%) patients. Biliary reintervention was required in 83 (70%) patients. ENBD was significantly associated with a low risk of biliary reintervention [odds ratio (OR) = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.08-0.76, P = 0.012]. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 19 (16%) patients. An absence of endoscopic sphincterotomy was significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR = 3.46, 95%CI: 1.19-10.87, P = 0.023). PTBD was required in 16 (14%) patients, and Bismuth type III or IV cholangiocarcinoma was a significant risk factor (OR = 7.88, 95%CI: 1.33-155.0, P = 0.010). Of 102 patients with initial unilateral drainage, 49 (48%) required bilateral drainage. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (OR = 3.24, 95%CI: 1.27-8.78, P = 0.004) and Bismuth II, III, or IV cholangiocarcinoma (OR = 34.69, 95%CI: 4.88-736.7, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for bilateral drainage. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is challenging. ENBD should be selected as a temporary drainage method because of its low risk of complications.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic kidney disease

AIM: To investigate outcomes of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Four hundred and forty patients referred between 2000 and 2002 for management of HCCs were categorized according to their CKD stage, i.e. , estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 90 (stage 1), 60-90 (stage 2), 30-60 (stage 3), 15-30 (stage 4), and < 15 (stage 5) mL/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and mortality rates and cause of mortality were analyzed. The mortality data were examined with Kaplan-meier method and the significance was tested using a log-rank test. An initial univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to compare the frequency of possible risk factors associated with mortality. To control for possible confounding factors, a multivariate Cox regression analysis (stepwise backward approach) was performed to analyze those factors that were significant in univariate models (P < 0.05) and met the assumptions of a proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Most HCC patients with CKD were elderly, with mean age of diagnosis of 60.6 ± 11.9 years, and mostly male (74.8%). Hepatitis B, C and B and C coinfection virus were positive in 61.6%, 45.7% and 14.1% of the patients, respectively. It was found that patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD were not only older (P = 0.001), but also had higher hepatitis C virus carrier rate (P = 0.001), lower serum albumin level (P = 0.001), lower platelet count (P = 0.037), longer prothrombin time (P = 0.001) as well as higher proportions of advanced cirrhosis (P = 0.002) and HCCs (P = 0.001) than patients with stages 1 and 2 CKD. At the end of analysis, 162 (36.9%) patients had died. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD suffered lower cumulative survival than stages 1 and 2 CKD (log-rank test, χ 2 = 11.764, P = 0.003). In a multivariate Cox-regression model, it was confirmed that CKD stage [odds ratio (OR) = 1.988, 95%CI: 1.012-3.906, P = 0.046)], liver     

Computed tomography findings for predicting severe acute hepatitis with prolonged cholestasis

AIM: To evaluate the significance of computed tomography (CT) findings in relation to liver chemistry and the clinical course of acute hepatitis. METHODS: Four hundred and twelve patients with acute hepatitis who underwent enhanced CT scanning were enrolled retrospectively. Imaging findings were analyzed for the following variables: gallbladder wall thickness (GWT), arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, number and maximum size of lymph nodes, presence of ascites, and size of spleen. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time were measured on the day of admission and CT scan, and laboratory data were evaluated every 2-4 d for all subjects during hospitalization. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 34.4 years, and the most common cause of hepatitis was hepatitis A virus (77.4%). The mean GWT was 5.2 mm. The number of patients who had findings of arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, lymph node enlargement > 7 mm, and ascites was 294 (80.1%), 348 (84.7%), 346 (84.5%), and 56 (13.6%), respectively. On multivariate logistic regression, male gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.569, 95%CI: 1.477-4.469, P = 0.001], toxic hepatitis (OR = 3.531, 95%CI: 1.444-8.635, P = 0.006), level of albumin (OR = 2.154, 95%CI: 1.279-3.629, P = 0.004), and GWT (OR = 1.061, 95%CI: 1.015-1.110, P = 0.009) were independent predictive factors for severe hepatitis. The level of bilirubin (OR = 1.628, 95%CI: 1.331-1.991, P < 0.001) and GWT (OR = 1.172, 95%CI: 1.024-1.342,P = 0.021) were independent factors for prolonged cholestasis in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute hepatitis, GWT on CT scan was an independent predictor of severe hepatitis and prolonged cholestasis.     

Interactions between traffic air pollution and glutathione S-transferase genes on childhood asthma

AIM: To evaluate the role of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genetic polymorphisms potentially modifying the association between NO₂ and asthma/wheeze in Taiwanese children. METHODS: We investigated 3714 schoolchildren in Taiwan Children Health Study from 14 communities. Children’s information was measured from questionnaire by parents. The traffic air pollutant was available from Environmental Protection Administration monitoring stations. RESULTS: A two-stage hierarchical model and a multiple logistic regression model were fitted to estimate the effects of NO₂ exposures and GSTs polymorphisms on the prevalence of asthma and wheeze. Among children with GSTP1 Ile/Val or Val/Val genotypes, those residing in high-NO₂ communities had significantly increased risks of asthma (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.15-2.70), late-onset asthma (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.24-5.41), active asthma (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.05-3.57), asthma under medication (OR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.37-6.32) and wheeze (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.09-2.18) when compared with children in low-NO₂ communities. Significant interactions were noted between ambient NO₂ and GSTP1 on asthma, late-onset asthma, asthma under medication and wheeze (P for interaction < 0.05). However, we did not find any association with polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1. CONCLUSION: Children under high traffic air pollution exposure are more susceptible to asthma, especially among those with GSTP1 Val allele.     

Endoscopic papillary balloon intermittent dilatation and endoscopic sphincterotomy for bile duct stones

AIM: To compare the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon intermittent dilatation (EPBID) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of common bile duct stones. METHODS: From March 2011 to May 2012, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 560 patients, 262 with common bile duct stones. A total of 206 patients with common bile duct stones were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive either EPBID with a 10-12 mm dilated balloon or EST (103 patients in each group). For both groups a conventional reticular basket or balloon was used to remove the stones. After the procedure, routine endoscopic nasobiliary drainage was performed. RESULTS: First-time stone removal was successfully performed in 94 patients in the EPBID group (91.3%) and 75 patients in the EST group (72.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of operation time between the two groups. The overall incidence of early complications in the EPBID and EST groups was 2.9% and 13.6%, respectively, with no deaths reported during the course of the study and follow-up. Multiple regression analysis showed that the success rate of stone removal was associated with stone removal method [odds ratio (OR): 5.35; 95%CI: 2.24-12.77; P=0.00], the transverse diameter of the stone (OR: 2.63; 95%CI: 1.19-5.80; P=0.02) and the presence or absence of diverticulum (OR: 2.35; 95%CI: 1.03-5.37; P=0.04). Postoperative pancreatitis was associated with the EST method of stone removal (OR: 5.00; 95%CI: 1.23-20.28; P=0.02) and whether or not pancreatography was performed (OR: 0.10; 95%CI: 0.03-0.35; P=0.00). CONCLUSION: The EPBID group had a higher success rate of stone removal with a lower incidence of pancreatitis compared with the EST group.     

Serum Helicobacter pylori Kat A and Ahp C antibodies as novel biomarkers for gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate catalase(Kat A) and alkyl hydroperoxide reductase(Ahp C) antibodies of Helicobacter pylori as biomarkers for gastric cancer(GC).METHODS: This study included 232 cases and 264 controls. Recombinant Kat A and Ahp C proteins were constructed and the levels of antibodies were tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationships between Kat A, Ahp C and GC. The χ2 trend test was used to evaluate the dose-response relationships between serum Kat A and Ahp C antibody levels and GC. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to evaluate the screening accuracy of Kat A and Ahp C as biomarkers. Combined analysis was used to observe screening accuracy of predictors for GC.RESULTS: In all subjects, the association between Kat A and Ahp C and GC risk was significant(P 0.001) with odds ratio(OR) = 12.84(95%CI: 7.79-21.15)and OR = 2.4(95%CI: 1.55-3.73), respectively. Kat A and Ahp C antibody levels were strongly related to GC risk with a dose-dependent effect(P for trend 0.001). The area under the ROC(AUC) for Kat A was 0.806, providing a sensitivity of 66.81% and specificity of 86.36%; and the AUC for Ahp C was 0.615, with a sensitivity of 75.65% and specificity of 45.49%. The AUC was 0.906 for Kat A and flagella protein A(Fla A) combined analysis.CONCLUSION: Serum Kat A and Ahp C antibodies are associated with GC risk and Kat A may serve as a biomarker for GC. Kat A/Fla A combined analysis improved screening accuracy.     

Extended antimicrobial prophylaxis after gastric cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of extended antimicrobial prophylaxis (EAP) after gastrectomy by systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched systematically from January 1980 to October 2012. Strict literature retrieval and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers and meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.0.2 with statistics tools risk ratios (RRs) and intention-to-treat analyses to evaluate the items of total complications, surgical site infection, incision infection, organ (or space) infection, remote site infection, anastomotic leakage (or dehiscence) and mortality. Fixed model or random model was selected accordingly and forest plot was conducted to display RR. Likewise, Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1095 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in four RCTs. No statistically significant differences were detected between EAP and intraoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) in total complications (RR of 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63-1.16, P = 0.32), surgical site infection (RR of 1.97, 95%CI: 0.86-4.48, P = 0.11), incision infection (RR of 4.92, 95%CI: 0.58-41.66, P = 0.14), organ or space infection (RR of 1.55, 95%CI: 0.61-3.89, P = 0.36), anastomotic leakage or dehiscence (RR of 3.85, 95%CI: 0.64-23.17, P = 0.14) and mortality (RR of 1.14, 95%CI: 0.10-13.12; P = 0.92). Likewise, multiple-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis showed no difference compared with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgical site infection (RR of 1.10, 95%CI: 0.62-1.93, P = 0.75). Nevertheless, EAP showed a decreased remote site infection rate compared with IAP alone (RR of 0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.86, P = 0.01), which is the only significant finding. Unfortunately, EAP did not decrease     

耐多药肺结核患者化学治疗疗效及其影响因素分析

目的 分析耐多药肺结核(MDR-PTB)患者化学治疗疗效及其影响因素。方法 收集2012年1月至2013年12月湖南省胸科医院符合中国全球基金结核病项目纳入要求确诊的267例MDR-PTB患者。分别采用耐多药肺结核标准化化疗方案(6Z-Km(Am,Cm)-Lfx(Mfx)-Cs(PAS,E)-Pto/18-Z-Lfx(Mfx)-Cs(PAS,E)-Pto)和个体化化疗方案治疗。对267例患者的治疗效果(包括治愈、完成疗程、死亡、失败、丢失和其他)及其影响因素(包括性别、年龄、职业、登记分类、耐药情况、既往抗结核药物治疗史、治疗方案、并发其他疾病、药物不良反应以及服药是否规律等可能相关因素)进行分析。用χ ²检验进行单因素分析;用二分类logistic回归分析法进行多因素分析,均以P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果 267例MDR-PTB患者的治疗效果为:治愈138例(51.7%),完成疗程13例(4.9%),死亡10例(3.7%),失败23例(8.6%),丢失78例(29.2%),其他5例(1.9%)。影响治愈率的单因素分析显示:治疗方案[个体化方案:38.0%(27/71);标准化疗方案:56.6%(111/196)]、并发症[有:39.7%(27/68);无:55.8%(111/199)]、药物不良反应[有:31.1%(32/103);无:64.6%(106/164)]、服药是否规律[是:94.9%(129/136);否:6.9%(9/131)]4个因素是影响治疗效果的相关因素(χ ²=7.224,P=0.007;χ ²=5.243,P=0.022;χ ²=28.545,P=0.000;χ ²=206.846,P=0.000)。logistic多因素回归分析显示:规律服药[Wald χ ²=84.656,P=0.000;OR(95%CI)=229.019(71.974~728.737)]是耐多药肺结核患者成功治疗的保护因素;而有并发其他疾病[Wald χ ²=9.652,P=0.002;OR(95%CI)=0.138(0.040~0.482)]、有药物不良反应[Wald χ ²=5.317,P=0.021;OR(95.0%CI)=0.313(0.117~0.840)]是耐多药肺结核患者成功治疗的危险因素。 结论 耐多药肺结核患者化学治疗疗效不够理想,其影响因素较多。坚持规律服药、积极治疗其他疾病和减少药物不良反应的发生,可提高耐多药肺结核患者的化疗效果。