Intravenous iron supplementation may be superior to observation in acute isovolemic anemia after gastrectomy for cancer

AIM:To determine whether the application of postoperative intravenous(IV)-iron for acute isovolemic anemia after gastrectomy for cancer may be effective.METHODS:Among 2078 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery between February 2007 and August2009 at the National Cancer Center Korea,368 patients developed post-operative anemia[hemoglobin-(Hb)-level<9 g/dL]within the first postoperative week.Patients requiring transfusions were excluded.IV-iron was administered to 63 patients(iron group).Sixty patients were observed without treatment(observation group).The clinical outcomes of the groups were compared concerning clinicopathologic data,morbidity,and changes in Hb levels using Fisher’s exact test,Student’s t-test and the Z-test.RESULTS:The initial Hb level was higher in the iron group than in the observation group(7.3±1.0 g/dL vs8.4±0.5 g/dL,P<0.001).The slope of the changes in the Hb level was significantly higher in the iron group than in the observation group(0.648±0.054 vs 0.349±0.038,P<0.001).The Hb level 1 and 3 mo postoperatively increased from 10.7±1.3 to 11.9±1.3g/dL in the iron group(P=0.033)and from 10.1±1.0to 10.8±1.4 g/dL in the observation group(P<0.001).The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the iron group than in the observation group(10.5±6.8 d vs 7.6±5.5 d,P=0.011).There were no significant differences in the major and surgical complications between the groups(6.3%vs 13.3%,P=0.192;9.5%vs 3.3%,P=0.164).CONCLUSION:IV-iron supplementation may be an effective treatment for post-operative isovolemic postgastrectomy anemia and may be a better alternative than observation.     

Anemia after gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: Long-term follow-up observational study

AIM: To identify the incidence and etiology of anemia after gastrectomy in patients with long-term follow-up after gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.METHODS: The medical records of those patients with early gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative gastrectomy between January 2006 and October 2007 were reviewed. Patients with anemia in the preoperative workup, cancer recurrence, undergoing systemic chemotherapy, with other medical conditions that can cause anemia, or treated during follow up with red cell transfusions or supplements for anemia were excluded. Anemia was defined by World Health Organization criteria (Hb < 12 g/dL in women and < 13 g/dL in men). Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin < 20 μg/dL. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was defined as serum vitamin B₁₂ < 200 pg/mL. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as anemia with concomitant iron deficiency. Anemia from vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was defined as megaloblastic anemia (mean cell volume > 100 fL) with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. The profile of anemia over 48 mo of follow-up was analyzed.RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one patients with gastrectomy for early gastric cancer were analyzed. The incidence of anemia was 24.5% at 3 mo after surgery and increased up to 37.1% at 48 mo after surgery. The incidence of iron deficiency anemia increased during the follow up and became the major cause of anemia at 48 mo after surgery. Anemia of chronic disease and megaloblastic anemia were uncommon. The incidence of anemia in female patients was significantly higher than in male patients at 12 (40.0% vs 22.0%, P = 0.033), 24 (45.0% vs 25.0%, P = 0.023), 36 (55.0% vs 28.0%, P = 0.004), and 48 mo (52.0% vs 31.0%, P = 0.022) after surgery. Patients with total gastrectomy showed significantly higher incidence of anemia than patients with subtotal gastrectomy at 48 mo after surgery (60.7% vs 31.3%, P = 0.008). The incidence of iron deficiency was significantly higher in female patients than in male patients at 6 (35.4% vs 13.3%, P = 0.002), 12 (45.8% vs 16.8%, P < 0.001), 18 (52.1% vs 22.3%, P < 0.001), 24 (60.4% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001), 36 (62.5% vs 29.2%, P < 0.001), and 48 mo (66.7% vs 34.7%, P = 0.001) after surgery.CONCLUSION: Anemia was frequent after gastrectomy for early gastric cancer, with iron deficiency being the major cause. Evaluation for anemia including iron status should be performed after gastrectomy and appropriate iron replacement should be considered.     

Endoscopic band ligation for refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia associated with liver cirrhosis

An 84-year-old woman with unknown liver cirrhosis was admitted to our hospital in October 2008 with anemia due to recurrent gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). At 78 years of age, argon plasma coagulation (APC) was performed for GAVE, and between 79 and 83 years of age, APC was carried out five times for recurrent episodes of GAVE presenting as anemia. Upon hospitalization, she was found to have anemic conjunctivae and the laboratory findings were red blood cells 245 × 10⁴/mm³ and hemoglobin 7.7 g/dL. During this period, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) was performed for the recurrent refractory GAVE. EBL was first applied to the most distal antrum, and subsequent EBLs were performed more proximally. Two weeks after initial EBL treatment, endoscopy revealed both ulcers and shrinking of GAVE in the stomach. Fourteen months later, no further recurrence of GAVE was observed by endoscopy. This patient had no episodes of bleeding during the 20 month period since she was treated with EBL, and has a hemoglobin value of 10.1 g/dL. The histologic changes that occur with GAVE exist in the mucosal and submucosal region of the stomach; therefore, EBL may be effective for refractory GAVE because of obliterating submucosal vascular plexus.     

Is it possible to predict the onset of nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin degludec? Potential role of previous day and next morning glucose values

Aims/IntroductionTo determine whether the occurrence of nocturnal asymptomatic, serious, clinically important hypoglycemia (NSH) could be predicted based on glucose values on the previous day and the following morning of the day of onset.Materials and MethodsThis study examined patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent continuous glucose monitoring assessments and received insulin degludec. NSH was defined as glucose level <54 mg/dL detected between 24.00 and 06.00 hours. The participants were evaluated to determine the following: (i) glucose level at bedtime (24.00 hours) on the previous day (BG); (ii) fasting glucose level (FG); and (iii) the range of post‐breakfast glucose elevation. The patients were divided into those with NSH and those without, and compared using t‐tests. Optimal cut‐off values for relevant parameters for predicting NSH were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsThe study included a total of 31 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean glycated hemoglobin value 7.8 ± 0.7%). NSH occurred in eight patients (26%). BG and FG were significantly lower in those with NSH than in those without (P = 0.044, P < 0.001). The range of post‐breakfast glucose elevation was significantly greater in those with NSH than in those without. The cut‐off glucose values for predicting NSH were as follows: BG = 90 mg/dL (sensitivity 0.83/specificity 0.75/area under the curve 0.79, P = 0.017) and FG = 69 mg/dL (0.83/0.75/0.86, P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe results showed that in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin degludec, BG <90 mg/dL and FG <69 mg/dL had an approximately 80% probability of predicting the occurrence of NSH.     

Impact of daily glucose fluctuations on cardiovascular outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing lipid-lowering therapy

Aims/IntroductionGlucose fluctuation (GF) is a residual risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated whether GF influenced clinical outcomes and progression of coronary stenosis in stable CAD patients.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective study, 101 consecutive lipid‐controlled stable CAD patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled, and GF was expressed as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) obtained by continuous glucose monitoring before the procedure was evaluated. At 9 months after enrollment, culprit and non‐culprit (mild‐to‐moderate stenosis without ischemia) lesions were serially assessed by angiography. Cardiovascular events (CVE) consisting of cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction or ischemia‐driven revascularization during 2‐year follow up, rapid progression in non‐culprit lesions (defined as ≥10% luminal narrowing progression in lesions with stenosis ≥50%, ≥30% luminal narrowing progression in non‐culprit lesions with stenosis <50% or normal segment, or progression to total occlusion) were evaluated.ResultsCVE occurred in 25 patients, and MAGE was significantly higher in the CVE group (76.1 ± 24.8 mg/dL vs 59.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that MAGE was an independent predictor of CVE (odds ratio 1.027, 95% confidence interval 1.008–1.047; P = 0.005). The optimal MAGE value to predict CVE was 70.7 mg/dL (area under the curve 0.687, 95% confidence interval 0.572–0.802; P = 0.005). Furthermore, MAGE was independently associated with rapid progression, and with the luminal narrowing progression in all non‐culprit lesions (r = 0.400, P < 0.05).ConclusionsDaily GF might influence future CVE in lipid‐controlled stable CAD patients.     

Clinical efficacy of antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUNDAs a country with a high burden of hepatitis B, China has about 86 million cases of hepatitis B virus infection, ranking the first in the world. Currently, there are about 390000 deaths due to hepatitis B-related complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer every year. Consequently, how to control portal hypertension, improve liver functional reserve, and reduce the incidence of hepatic failure and liver cancer in such patients is the focus of current clinical attention. Previous clinical study in our center suggested that at 24 mo after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), the liver functional reserve of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis was better than that of patients with alcohol-induced and immune cirrhosis, which may be related to the effective etiological treatment.AIMTo investigate the clinical efficacy of three first-line antiviral drugs recommended by the guidelines of prevention and treatment for chronic hepatitis B in China (2019) in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who had received a TIPS.METHODSThe clinical data of 137 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis with portal hypertension after receiving TIPS at our centre between March 2016 and December 2020 were analysed retrospectively. According to different anti-viral drugs, the patients were divided into entecavir (ETV) (n = 70), tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) (n = 32), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (n = 35) groups. The cumulative incidence of hepatic encephalopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma, survival, and changes in hepatic reserve function and glomerular filtration rate in patients treated with different antiviral drugs within 24 mo after surgery were investigated.RESULTSAt 24 mo after surgery, the Child–Pugh score in the TAF group (6.97 ± 0.86) was lower than that in the TDF (7.49 ± 0.82; t = -2.52, P = 0.014) and ETV groups (7.64 ± 1.17; t = -2.92, P = 0.004). The model for end-stage liver disease score in the TAF group at 24 mo after surgery was 9.72 ± 1.5, which was lower than that in the TDF (10.74 ± 2.33; t = -2.09, P = 0.040) and ETV groups (10.97 ± 2.17; t = -2.93, P = 0.004). At 24 mo after surgery, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the TAF group (104.41 ± 12.54) was higher than that in the TDF (93.54 ± 8.97) and ETV groups (89.96 ± 9.86) (F = 21.57, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONAt 24 mo after surgery, compared with TDF and ETV, TAF has significant advantages in the improvement of liver functional reserve and eGFR.     

Phase III,randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise

Aims/IntroductionAlthough the efficacy of teneligliptin, a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, has been amply studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, no clinical trials of teneligliptin have been carried out in China. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy compared with a placebo in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.Materials and MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study, carried out at 42 sites, enrolled type 2 diabetes patients with glycosylated hemoglobin 7.0 to <10.0% and fasting blood glucose <270 mg/dL. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to treatment with 20 mg teneligliptin or a placebo (n = 127, each) administered orally once daily before breakfast for 24 weeks. Change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was the primary efficacy end‐point. Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions.ResultsThe least square mean (LSM) change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was −0.95% with teneligliptin versus −0.14% with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of −0.80% (P < 0.0001). For the secondary end‐point, from baseline to week 24, the LSM change in fasting blood glucose was −21.9 mg/dL with teneligliptin versus −1.4 mg/dL with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of −20.5 mg/dL (P < 0.0001). The adverse event and adverse drug reaction incidence rates, including hypoglycemia, were similar in both groups.ConclusionsAt 24 weeks, teneligliptin was generally well tolerated and effective in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.     

Randomized trial of an intensified,multifactorial intervention in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease: Diabetic Nephropathy Remission and Regression Team Trial in Japan (DNETT-Japan)

Aims/IntroductionWe evaluated the efficacy of multifactorial intensive treatment (IT) on renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced‐stage diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Materials and MethodsThe Diabetic Nephropathy Remission and Regression Team Trial in Japan (DNETT‐Japan) is a multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial with a 5‐year follow‐up period. We randomly assigned 164 patients with advanced‐stage diabetic kidney disease (urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio ≥300 mg/g creatinine, serum creatinine level 1.2–2.5 mg/dL in men and 1.0–2.5 mg/dL in women) to receive either IT or conventional treatment. The primary composite outcome was end‐stage kidney failure, doubling of serum creatinine or death from any cause, which was assessed in the intention‐to‐treat population.ResultsThe IT tended to reduce the risk of primary end‐points as compared with conventional treatment, but the difference between treatment groups did not reach the statistically significant level (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.43–1.11; P = 0.13). Meanwhile, the decrease in serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and the use of statin were significantly associated with the decrease in primary outcome (hazard ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.23, P < 0.001 and hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.998, P < 0.05, respectively). The incidence of adverse events was not different between treatment groups.ConclusionsThe risk of kidney events tended to decrease by IT, although it was not statistically significant. Lipid control using statin was associated with a lower risk of adverse kidney events. Further follow‐up study might show the effect of IT in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease.     

Relationship of B-type natriuretic peptide and anemia in patients with and without heart failure: a substudy from the Breathing Not Properly (BNP) Multinational Study

While anemia is a significant risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), it is not in defined guidelines for HF assessment. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for diagnosis and management of patients with HF. We determined the incidence of anemia in patients with HF and the relationship between BNP and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in patients with and without HF. Results from the Breathing Not Properly Multinational Trial consisted of 1,586 patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea. Because renal insufficiency is a confounding variable for BNP, patients with a creatinine of >or=2.0 mg/dL were excluded. The remaining data were evaluated from 620 non-HF patients (337 M, 283 F) and 547 HF patients (299 M, 248 F). The New York Heart Association (NYHA) HF classification and ejection fraction by echocardiography were assessed for HF patients. Blood was tested for Hgb, BNP, and creatinine. Using World Health Organization criteria for anemia, we observed that HF patients in NYHA class III or IV had lower mean Hgb levels (12.5 g/dL, P < 0.05) and a higher incidence of anemia (48.2%, P < 0.05) than did HF patients in class I or II (13.4 g/dL and 33.9%, respectively). There was no correlation between Hgb and log BNP for females without HF or the aggregate of all HF patients. In contrast, a significant inverse correlation was observed for males without HF (P < 0.001). Although there were differences in the BMI, age, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) versus Hgb observed in this group, the log BNP correlation remained significant after multivariate analysis. A significant inverse correlation for log BNP and Hgb were also observed for diastolic (EF >or= 50) HF (P < 0.05) that was also not accounted for by the BMI, age, or eGFR. The presence of anemia is associated with worsening HF at ED presentation. For males without HF and diastolic HF patients of both genders, a low Hgb may be a confounding variable toward increasing BNP. Among systolic HF patients, the presence of a low hemoglobin concentration is not a factor in the interpretation of BNP results.     

Several factors including ITPA polymorphism influence ribavirin-induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C

AIM:To construct formulae for predicting the likelihood of ribavirin-induced anemia in pegylated interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C.METHODS:Five hundred and sixty-one Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b who had received combination treatment were enrolled and assigned randomly to the derivation and confirmatory groups.Single nucleotide polymorphisms at or nearby ITPA were genotyped by real-time detection polymerase chain reaction.Factors influencing significant anemia(hemoglobin concentration 10.0 g/dL at week 4 of treatment) and significant hemoglobin decline(declining concentrations 3.0 g/dL at week 4) were analyzed using multiple regression analyses.Prediction formulae were constructed by significantly independent factors.RESULTS:Multivariate analysis for the derivation group identified four independent factors associated with significant hemoglobin decline:hemoglobin decline at week 2 [P = 3.29 × 10-17,odds ratio(OR) = 7.54(g/dL)],estimated glomerular filtration rate [P = 2.16 × 10-4,OR = 0.962(mL/min/1.73 m 2)],rs1127354(P = 5.75 × 10-4,OR = 10.94) and baseline hemoglobin [P = 7.86 × 10-4,OR = 1.50(g/dL)].Using the model constructed by these factors,positive and negative predictive values and predictive accuracy were 79.8%,88.8% and 86.2%,respectively.For the confirmatory group,they were 83.3%,91.0% and 88.3%.These factors were closely correlated with significant anemia.However,the model could not be constructed,because no patients with rs1127354 minor genotype CA/AA had significant anemia.CONCLUSION:Reliable formulae for predicting the likelihood of ribavirin-induced anemia were constructed.Such modeling may be useful in developing individual tailoring and optimization of ribavirin dosage.     

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce day-to-day glucose variability in patients with type 1 diabetes

Aims/IntroductionSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are used worldwide because of their multiple benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients with type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsPatients with type 1 diabetes who had been treated with SGLT2i for >12 weeks were included in this retrospective observation study. We recorded the changes in body mass, insulin dose, blood and urine test data, and adverse events. The changes in day‐to‐day glucose variability, as the primary end‐point, was evaluated using the interquartile range (P25/P75) of the ambulatory glucose data obtained using continuous glucose monitoring.ResultsA total of 51 patients (37 women; mean age 52.7 years) were included. Glycated hemoglobin and body mass significantly decreased by 0.4% and 1.6 kg, respectively. The total required insulin dose decreased by 9.4% (42.7 ± 26.6–38.7 ± 24.3 units/day). Continuous glucose monitoring data were obtained from 30 patients. P25/P75 decreased by 17.6 ± 20.7% during SGLT2i treatment (P < 0.001). The percentage of time per day within the target glucose range of 70–180 mg/dL significantly increased (from 42.2 to 55.5%, P < 0.001), without an increase in the percentage of time spent in the hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dL). Urinary ketone bodies were detected in four patients (7.8%), but none developed ketoacidosis.ConclusionsSGLT2i improved day‐to‐day glucose variability and time in the target glucose range, without increasing frequency of hypoglycemia, in patients with type 1 diabetes, and reduced glycated hemoglobin, body mass and the required insulin dose.     

Ursodeoxycholic acid as a means of preventing atherosclerosis,steatosis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUNDAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Weight loss is a key factor for successful NAFLD and CVD therapy. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is one of the first-line therapeutic agents for treatment of NAFLD, is reported to have a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and ASCVD risk because of antioxidant properties.AIMTo evaluate the effects of 6 mo of UDCA treatment on hepatic function tests, lipid profile, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, atherogenesis, and ASCVD risk in men and women with NAFLD, as well as to assess the impact of > 5% weight reduction on these parameters.METHODSAn open-label, multicenter, international noncomparative trial was carried out at primary health care settings and included 174 patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD who received 15 mg/kg/d UDCA for 6 mo and were prescribed lifestyle modification with diet and exercise. The efficacy criteria were liver enzymes, lipid profile, fatty liver index (FLI), noninvasive liver fibrosis tests (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and liver fibrosis index), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and ASCVD risk score. To test statistical hypotheses, the Wilcoxon test, paired t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson''s chi-squared test were used. RESULTSThe alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level changed by -14.1 U/L (-31.0; -5.3) from baseline to 3 mo and by -6.5 U/L (-14.0; 0.1) from 3 to 6 mo. The magnitude of ALT, aspartate transaminase, and glutamyltransferase decrease was greater during the first 3 mo of treatment compared to the subsequent 3 mo (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). At 6 mo, in the total sample, we observed a statistically significant decrease in body weight and levels of FLI: 84.9 ± 10.4 vs 72.3 ± 17.6, P < 0.001, total cholesterol: 6.03 ± 1.36 vs 5.76 ± 1.21, Р < 0.001, low-density lipoprotein: 3.86 ± 1.01 vs 3.66 ± 0.91, Р < 0.001, and triglyceride: 3.18 (2.00; 4.29) vs 2.04 (1.40; 3.16), Р < 0.001. No effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score or liver fibrosis index was found. The CIMT decreased significantly in the total sample (0.985 ± 0.243 vs 0.968 ± 0.237, P = 0.013), whereas the high-density lipoprotein (Р = 0.036) and 10-year ASCVD risk (Р = 0.003) improved significantly only in women. Fifty-four patients (31%) achieved > 5% weight loss. At the end of the study, the FLI decreased significantly in patients with (88.3 ± 10.2 vs 71.4 ± 19.6, P < 0.001) and without > 5% weight loss (83.5 ± 10.3 vs 72.8 ± 16.7, P < 0.001). The changes in ALT, aspartate transaminase, glutamyltransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar between the subgroups.CONCLUSIONUDCA normalizes liver enzymes greatly within the first 3 mo of treatment, improves lipid profile and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss, and has a positive effect on CIMT in the total sample and 10-year ASCVD risk in women after 6 mo of treatment.     

Anemia does not predict mortality in elderly patients with heart failure

Recent studies suggest that anemia is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), but the importance of anemia in elderly HF patients is unclear. To investigate this relationship, the authors quantified the prognostic importance of anemia in elderly vs younger patients with HF was performed. A chart review of 359 patients hospitalized in 1999 with HF was performed. Patients were categorized based on their hemoglobin (Hgb) level (<11.5, 11.5-13.4, >13.4 g/dL), and the authors used time-to-event analyses to test the hypothesis that Hgb predicted mortality over a mean follow-up of 25 months. Lower Hgb predicted worse survival in patients younger than 75 years (n=204; P=.03), but there was no correlation between Hgb level and mortality in patients 75 or older (n=155; P not significant). The authors conclude that anemia is not an important predictor of long-term survival in very elderly patients hospitalized with HF.     

Prevalence and natural history of gastric antral vascular ectasia in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation

GOALS: To describe the prevalence and natural history of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). BACKGROUND: GAVE is a well-recognized cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Although 30% of patients with GAVE have liver disease, the prevalence of GAVE in patients with cirrhosis is not known. STUDY: We reviewed clinical records of patients who underwent OLT at our institution from February 1, 1998 to June 2003. Demographic and clinical details were recorded with attention to findings during upper endoscopy before and after OLT. RESULTS: A total of 597 patients underwent OLT, and 345 were evaluated preoperatively with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Eight (2.3%) were found to have GAVE before OLT. Three of these eight underwent EGD after OLT, and GAVE was absent in all three. None of the patients with GAVE experienced gastrointestinal bleeding postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: GAVE was present in nearly 1 in 40 patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent EGD before OLT at our institution and appears to resolve after transplant. These findings are consistent with a previous report documenting resolution of GAVE after OLT.     

Cardiovascular effects of hemoglobin response in patients receiving epoetin alfa and oral iron in heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction

Background Previous data from a recently conducted prospective, single blind randomized clinical trial among community dwelling older patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction （HFPEF） and anemia randomized to treatment with epoetin alfa （erythro-poiesis-stimulating agents, ESA） vs. placebo did not demonstrate significant benefits of therapy regarding left ventricular （LV） structure, functional capacity, or quality of life （QOL）. However, several patients randomized to the treatment arm were non-responders with a subop-timal increase in hemoglobin. All patients in the trial also received oral ferrous gluconate, which could have contributed to increases in he-moglobin observed in those receiving placebo. Accordingly, we performed an analysis separating patients into responders vs. non-responders in order to determine if measured improvement in anemia would have any effect on clinical endpoints. Methods A total of 56 patients （age 77 ± 11 years, 68%female） were recruited who had anemia defined as a hemoglobin of≤12 g/dL （average, 10.4 ± 1 g/dL） with HFPEF defined as having NHANES-CHF （National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey：Congestive Heart Failure） criteria score of≥3 and an ejection fraction of＆gt;40%（average EF=63%±15%）. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either ESA and ferrous gluconate or ferrous gluconate only. In this analysis, a responder was defined as a patient with an increase of 1 g/dL in the first 4 weeks of the trial. Re-sults Nineteen subjects were classified as responders compared to 33 non-responders. While the average hemoglobin increased signifi-cantly at the end of 6 months for responders （1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2 g/dL, P = 0.004）, 50% of the subjects assigned to ESA were non-responders. Left ventricular function including ejection fraction （P=0.32） and end diastolic volume （P=0.59） was unchanged in res-ponders compared to non-responders. Responders also showed no significant improvements in New York Heart Association （NYHA） class, Six Minute Walk Test （6 MWT） and peak VO2. Though QOL improved significantly within each group, there was no difference between the two. Conclusions A significant hemoglobin response to anemia treatment with ESA and oral iron does not lead to differences in LV re-modeling, functional status, or QOL. Additionally, a significant percent of older adults with HFPEF and anemia do not respond to ESA ther-apy. Given the results of this small trial, it appears as though using objective improvements in anemia as a marker in older adult subjects with HFPEF does not have significant clinical utility.     

血栓通治疗原位肝移植患者肝动脉血流及其阻力指数的变化

目的 探讨应用血栓通粉针治疗原位肝移植患者对肝动脉血流及其阻力指数的影响。方法 良性终末期肝病接受肝移植患者40例,被分为治疗组和对照组各20例。术后给予治疗组血栓通静脉滴注,在对照组给予生理盐水治疗,治疗2 w。使用Acuson Sequoia 512 彩色多普勒超声诊断仪采用连续、动态彩色多普勒血流显像测量左、右肝动脉血流和阻力指数。结果 在术后1个月、6个月和18个月,血栓通组患者肝动脉血流分别为51.22±12.11 cm/s、61.32±11.87 cm/s和65.38±12.76 cm/s,明显快于对照组的47.18±14.25 cm/s、51.33±13.24 cm/s和53.45±11.43 cm/s（P<0.05）,肝动脉阻力指数分别为0.66±0.13、0.62±0.12和0.68±0.11,明显低于对照组的0.72±0.14、0.71±0.11和0.75±0.14,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;术后血清胆红素和谷丙酶水平显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论 血栓通能改善肝移植术后患者肝动脉血流,降低阻力指数,改善肝功能指标。     

Use of epoetin in patients with cancer: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology

Anemia resulting from cancer or its treatment is an important clinical problem increasingly treated with the recombinant hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin. To address uncertainties regarding indications and efficacy, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the use of epoetin in patients with cancer. The guideline panel found good evidence to recommend use of epoetin as a treatment option for patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia with a hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration below 10 g/dL. Use of epoetin for patients with less severe anemia (Hgb level below 12 g/dL but never below 10 g/dL) should be determined by clinical circumstances. Good evidence from clinical trials supports the use of subcutaneous epoetin thrice weekly (150 U/kg) for a minimum of 4 weeks. Less strong evidence supports an alternative weekly (40 000 U/wk) dosing regimen, based on common clinical practice. With either administration schedule, dose escalation should be considered for those not responding to the initial dose. In the absence of response, continuing epoetin beyond 6-8 weeks does not appear to be beneficial. Epoetin should be titrated once the hemoglobin concentration reaches 12 g/dL. Evidence from one randomized controlled trial supports use of epoetin for patients with anemia associated with low-risk myelodysplasia not receiving chemotherapy; however, there are no published high-quality studies to support its use for anemia in other hematologic malignancies in the absence of chemotherapy. Therefore, for anemic patients with hematologic malignancies it is recommended that physicians initiate conventional therapy and observe hematologic response before considering use of epoetin.     

Safety and efficacy of rapid (1,000 mg in 1 hr) intravenous iron dextran for treatment of maternal iron deficient anemia of pregnancy

Maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Oral iron is recommended to reverse anemia, but has gastrointestinal toxicity and frequent non‐adherence. Intravenous (IV) iron is reserved for intolerance of, or unresponsiveness to, oral therapy, malabsorption, and severe anemia (1% with hemoglobin [Hgb] levels <7 g/dL). With rare (<100 per one million) adverse events (AEs) ability to infuse a sufficient dose of low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) over 60 min, LMWID is an attractive option. This study demonstrated safety and efficacy of rapid IV infusion of 1,000 mg LMWID to gravidas with moderate to severe IDA. An observational treatment study of 1,000 mg LMWID administered over 1 hr for IDA in 189 consecutive, unselected second and third trimester gravidas after oral iron failure was conducted. All received a test dose of 25 mg LMWID and were monitored for AEs during the 60‐min infusion. No premedication was administered unless more than one drug allergy or asthma was present in which case IV methylprednisolone was administered. All were followed through pregnancy and delivery. Monitored parameters included Hgb, mean corpuscular volume, serum ferritin, and percent transferrin saturation. About 189 subjects received 1,000 mg LMWID. No serious AEs occurred. About 2% experienced transient infusion reactions. Hgb improved by 1–1.9 g/dL in 82% and ≥2 g/dL in 24%. Second trimester treatment was not associated with greater Hgb improvement than third trimester treatment. Anemia resolved in 95%. Administration of a single large dose of IV LMWID was effective, safe, and convenient. Am. J. Hematol. 91:590–593, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Meaning of upper limit of normal range of post‐load 1‐h plasma glucose level defined by oral glucose tolerance test in Japanese subjects

Aims/Introduction

To identify upper limit post‐load 1‐h plasma glucose (1‐h PG) after 75‐g oral glucose test in a Japanese population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 918 subjects were enrolled. We divided the subjects into two groups: normal 2‐h post‐load plasma glucose (2‐h PG; <140 mg/dL) and impaired 2‐h PG group (≥140 mg/dL).

Results

A total of 417 subjects had normal 2‐h PG and 501 had impaired 2‐h PG. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the optimal cut‐off value of 1‐h PG was 179 mg/dL (area under ROC curve = 0.89), providing that the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were 85, 79, 82 and 83%, respectively. The subjects with 1‐h PG < 179 mg/dL consisted of 0.5% diabetes and 99.5% non‐diabetes, whereas those with 1‐h PG ≥ 179 mg/dL consisted of 26.9% diabetes and 73.1% non‐diabetes (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between 1‐h PG and 2‐h PG (r² = 0.57, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggested that 179 mg/dL is the upper limit of the normal range of post‐load of 1‐h PG in a Japanese population. Thus, the subjects with 1‐h PG ≥ 179 mg/dL might be at risk of developing future diabetes. Therefore, appropriate prospective study should be carried out to test this hypothesis.     

Accuracy of virtual chromoendoscopy in differentiating gastric antral vascular ectasia from portal hypertensive gastropathy: A proof of concept study

BACKGROUNDAccurate detection of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is critical for proper management of cirrhosis-related gastrointestinal bleeding. However, endoscopic diagnosis of GAVE can be challenging when GAVE overlaps with severe portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG).AIMTo determine the added diagnostic value of virtual chromoendoscopy to high definition white light for real-time endoscopic diagnosis of GAVE and PHG.METHODSWe developed an I-scan virtual chromoendoscopy criteria for diagnosis of GAVE and PHG. We tested our criteria in a cross-sectional cohort of cirrhotic adults with GAVE and PHG when high-definition white light endoscopy (HDWLE) diagnosis was in doubt. We then compared the accuracy of I-scan vs HDWLE alone to histology.RESULTSTwenty-three patients were included in this study (65.2% Caucasians and 60.9% males). Chronic hepatitis C was the predominant cause of cirrhosis (43.5%) and seven adults (30.4%) had confirmed GAVE on histology. I-scan had higher sensitivity (100% vs 85.7%) and specificity (75% vs 62.5%) in diagnosing GAVE compared to HDWLE. This translates into a higher, albeit not statistically significant, accuracy of I-scan in detecting GAVE compared to HDWLE alone (82% vs 70%). I-scan was less likely to lead to an accurate diagnosis of GAVE in patients on dialysis (P < 0.05) and in patients with elevated creatinine (P < 0.05). I-scan had similar accuracy to HDWLE in detecting PHG.CONCLUSIONThis pilot work supports that virtual chromoendoscopy may obviate the need for biopsies when the presence of GAVE is in doubt. Larger studies are needed to assess the impact of virtual chromoendoscopy on success of endoscopic therapy for GAVE.