Effective Management of Posthemorrhoidectomy Secondary Hemorrhage Using Rectal Irrigation

PURPOSE: How to manage posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage, a rare but serious complication, effectively remains controversial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using rectal irrigation as an initial treatment for posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage. METHODS: Among 4,880 patients on whom elective closed hemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease was performed, 45 (0.9 percent) developed posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage. The 45 patients were divided into two groups based on the initial treatment in the stoma therapy room (n = 25) or in the operating room (n = 20). Patients in the stoma therapy room group were treated with rectal irrigation, whereas those in the operating room group were examined under anesthesia and the bleeding point (if any) was under-run using a suture. The two groups were then compared with respect to the cost-effectiveness of treatment, rehospitalization stay, and satisfaction with treatment. RESULTS: The two groups (stoma therapy room vs. operating room groups) were comparable with respect to the mean age of patients (44 vs. 38 years), interval of hemorrhage (9.4 vs. 7.8 days), and estimated amount of blood loss (560 vs. 520 ml). Bleeding effectively stopped in 22 (88 percent) patients in the stoma therapy room group but only in 12 (60 percent) patients in the operating room group (P = 0.010). The rehospitalization stay was three days in the stoma therapy room and 4.9 days in the operating room group (P = 0.016). In addition, the stoma therapy room group had a greater satisfaction rate than the operating room group did (80 vs. 10 percent, P < 0.001). Moreover, the average cost of treatment in the operating room group was six-fold higher than that in the stoma therapy room group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that rectal irrigation is an effective initial treatment for posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage and offers a high rate of patient satisfaction with a reduced hospital cost.     

Is delayed normalization of alanine aminotransferase a poor prognostic predictor in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with a combined interferon and ribavirin therapy?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is the accepted basic indicator of an interferon (IFN) therapeutic effect in chronic hepatitis C. This study assessed whether delayed normalization of ALT predicts a poor response to a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: Patients were treated with IFN-alpha 2b three times weekly and oral ribavirin for 24 weeks. The ALT values were assessed monthly and patterns of changes in ALT activity were analyzed. Serum HCV-RNA was checked at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 48. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients completed therapy and 69 (67%) of them achieved a sustained viral response (SVR). There was no significant difference in the SVR between patients with or without early normalization (week 12) of ALT level (69 vs 56%). Of the sustained responders, nine patients (13%) with delayed ALT normalization had a SVR. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) with abnormal ALT and negative HCV-RNA at week 12 had a SVR compared with none of four patients who had positive HCV-RNA at week 12 (P = 0.0192). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of normalization of the ALT level at week 12 does not preclude successful virological outcome in hepatitis C patients receiving a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin. Hepatitis C virus RNA at week 12 may be a useful predictor of treatment outcome in patients without early biochemical response.     

Thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving a combined therapy of interferon and ribavirin: Incidence, associated factors and prognosis

Abstract Background and Aims: Interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection has been associated with thyroid dysfunction. The goal of our current study was to elucidate predictive factors of: (i) thyroid dysfunction associated with combination therapy; and (ii) long‐term reversibility of thyroid dysfunction. Methods: In total, 461 patients with CHC and normal baseline thyroid functions were enrolled. All patients received IFN‐α‐2b, 3 or 5 million units thrice weekly, or pegylated (PEG)‐IFN‐α‐2b 80 or 100 µg weekly combined with ribavirin 1–1.2 g daily for 24–48 weeks. Assays for serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine were performed. Results: By the end of the treatment, thyroid dysfunction (TSH <0.1 or >5 mU/L) had developed in 58 patients (12.6%). Female gender was significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction (P < 0.001 odds ratio (OR) = 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6–5.1). The incidence of thyroid dysfunction was similar for standard IFN and PEG‐IFN‐treated patients (49/391 vs 9/70; P = 1.00). Under a nested case‐control design, detailed laboratory assessment was carried out on frozen serum samples from patients and age‐ (± 5 years) and sex‐matched controls (n = 58). Multivariate analysis revealed significant association between higher positive rates of pretreatment TMA and patients who developed thyroid dysfunction (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.2–27.9). Ten patients (～2%) remained thyroid dysfunctional at the end of follow up (median, 26.5 months). For these patients, no risk factor can predict the reversibility of thyroid function. Conclusions: Female gender and pretreatment TMA positivity are associated with thyroid dysfunction. Long‐term thyroid dysfunction may persist in a small group of patients (～2%).     

Anemia associated with antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C: incidence, risk factors, and impact on treatment response.

BACKGROUND: One major side effect of combination antiviral therapy is the development of anemia, which is more severe among the Asian population. We conducted this large-scaled study to explore the incidence, risk factors, and impact on treatment response of anemia in chronic hepatitis C patients receiving combination antiviral therapy. METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-six chronic hepatitis C patients were treated with interferon-alpha-2b (IFN-alpha-2b) three or five million units thrice weekly, or pegylated-IFN-alpha-2b 1-1.5 microg/kg weekly plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/day) for 24 weeks. Severe anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration <10 g/dl. RESULTS: The mean decrease of hemoglobin was 3.9+/-1.3 g/dl. Thirty-nine percent of patients had developed severe anemia during therapy. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that old age (> or =50 years) (odds ratio [OR]=1.935, P=0.001) and baseline hemoglobin level (> or =14 g/dl) (OR=2.975, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with maximal decreases in hemoglobin. Using Cox's regression analysis, pretreatment platelet counts (<150 000/mm(3)) (OR=1.821, P<0.001), old age (> or =50 years) (OR=1.789, P=0.001), female gender (OR=1.739, P<0.001), and low body weight (<65 kg) (OR=1.493, P=0.027) were independent factors contributing to severe anemia. There was a significant linear correlation between the sustained virological response (SVR) rate and the time of severe anemia during therapy (r=0.774, P=0.003), especially among genotype 1 patients (r=0.960, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Careful monitoring of hemoglobin level is necessary in patients who are old, female and have low body weight and platelet counts. Development of severe anemia was significantly correlated with the SVR.     

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: 10 Years Experience

Eight patients (five men, three women), mean age 36.9 ± 13.5 (17-60) yr, were diagnosed to have eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The condition was proved in five patients by biopsies through endoscope, and in three, by operation. All had hypereosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count of 1,337-21,787/cm³). According to Klein classification, two had mucosal disease, three had muscle layer disease, and three, subserosal disease. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), diarrhea (62.5%), vomiting (62.5%). and nausea (50%). Four patients (50%) had symptoms for more than 1 yr before diagnosis. Barium studies revealed mucosal edema and/or thickening of the small intestinal wall in three eases (including one case with ulceration), partial gastric outlet obstruction in one case, and narrowing of lumen of the terminal ileum in one case. Hypotonic duodenogram revealed double contour in one case. Ultrasound examination revealed thickening of the intestinal wall in two cases; computer tomography revealed thickening of the intestinal wall in one case. All patients were treated with steroid (40 mg/day for initial dose and relapse; 5–10 mg/day for maintenance). The symptoms subsided and the eosinophil counts returned to normal within 2 wk in seven patients and 1 month in one. Of six patients being followed up for 2–10 yr, one had remission, four needed small maintenance dose of steroid, and one suffered from relapse with intestinal perforation.     

Clinical significance and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV genotype B and C: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate whether the clinical outcome and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations were different during hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B and C in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The core promoter and precore sequences were determined from serial sera of 156 HBeAg-positive patients with chronic HBV infection. RESULTS: In HBV genotype C, the T1762/A1764 mutant was detected earlier than the A1896 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in HBV genotype Ba over the entire follow-up period. In HBV genotype Ba, A1896 was found earlier than the T1762/A1764 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in genotype C only before HBeAg seroconversion, and the A1896 mutant played an important role in HBeAg seroconversion in HBV genotype Ba. In addition, the T1846 variant was an independent factor associated with HBeAg seroconversion. Furthermore, HBV genotype C was associated with the development of G or C1753 and T1766/A1768 mutations, and the reactivation of hepatitis after HBeAg seroconversion. Based on Cox's regression analysis, the significant risk factors of liver cirrhosis were older age at entry [hazard ratio (HR)=1.085, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.036-1.136, P=0.001], alanine transaminase (ALT) >80 U/l (HR=3.48, 95% CI=1.37-8.86, P=0.009), and the T1762/A1764 mutant (HR=5.54, 95% CI=2.18-14.08, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that different HBV genotypes were associated with various mutations in the core promoter and precore regions during HBeAg seroconversion. T1762/A1764 mutation could be useful in predicting clinical outcomes in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV infection.     

Secular trends and geographic variations of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan

Etiological variations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exist across different geographic areas. To gain better control of HCC, we retrospectively studied the secular trends and geographic variations in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCCs in Taiwan. A total of 18,423 HCC cases enrolled in 8 medical centers from 1981 to 2001 were reviewed. Overall, 67% of male HCC in Taiwan was related to HBV infection whereas 55.2% of female HCC in Taiwan was related to HCV infection. The mean age of patients with HBV-related HCC was 53.2 +/- 13.6 years, while the mean age of patients with HCV-related HCC was 65.1 +/- 9.1 years (p < 0.001). The male/female ratio was 6.4 for HBV-related HCC, while it was 1.7 for the HCV-related HCC (p < 0.001). The percentage of HBV-related HCC progressively decreased from 81.5 to 66.2% in males, and from 66.7 to 41.4% in females over the study period. Our study demonstrates that the percentage of HBV-related HCC has progressively decreased over the last 20 years. The relative decrease in HBV-related HCC was not due to a decrease in HBV-related HCC death. Instead, it was caused by an increase in HCV-related HCC. Prevention of new HCV infection and the treatment of chronic hepatitis C should be the primary goals, which will result in better control of HCC in the future, even in an HBV-endemic area like Taiwan.     

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in southern Taiwan: prevalence and clinical implications

The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. To determine the distribution and clinical implications of HCV genotypes in southern Taiwan, we analysed 418 patients with chronic HCV infections. HCV genotypes were determined using an HCV Line Probe Assay. The predominant HCV genotype was 1b (45.5%), followed by 2a/2c (30.9%) and 2b (6.9%). The prevalence of genotype 1b in HCC patients (60.3%) was significantly higher than in those with liver cirrhosis (38.7%) and chronic hepatitis (38.7%) (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). Patients with chronic HCV 2a/2c infection had higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels than those with chronic HCV 1b infection (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that disease severity was significantly correlated with older age, genotype 1b, lower ALT levels and lower viral load. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age and serum HCV RNA levels, HCV 1b infection was still a significant risk factor for HCC. In conclusion, the predominant genotypes in southern Taiwan were 1b and 2a/2c, and disease severity was associated with genotype 1b.     

Long-term effect of interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy on incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

We assessed the efficacy of interferon (IFN) alpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, and elucidated the risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to determine whether these therapies might reduce the incidence of HCC. One hundred and thirty-two HCV-cirrhotic patients receiving IFN alpha-2b (3 or 5 MU thrice weekly) and oral ribavirin (1,000-1,200 mg/day) for 24 or 48 weeks were analysed. Cumulative incidence of HCC was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic relevance of clinical variables and HCC occurrence was evaluated by univariate analysis with the log-rank test and by multivariate Cox's regression analysis. A total of 116 patients completed the treatment and 73 (55%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that nongenotype 1b (P < 0.001) and low viral load (P = 0.018) were independent variables of SVR. During a median follow-up period of 37 (12-63) months, HCC developed in 11 patients with non-SVR and five with SVR (P = 0.0178), whereas there was no difference between those with transient biochemical response and nonresponse (P = 0.5970). The Kaplan-Meier method also showed that old age (>or=60 years) (P = 0.0034) and genotype 1b (P = 0.0104) were associated with HCC occurrence. Using Cox's regression analysis, non-SVR (odds ratio = 3.521, P = 0.036), male (odds ratio = 6.269, P = 0.011) and old age (odds ratio = 3.076, P = 0.049) were independent significant risk factors contributing to HCC development. Our results suggest that achieving SVR by IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy may decrease the incidence of HCC in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.     

Geographic variations of predominantly hepatitis C virus associated male hepatocellular carcinoma townships in Taiwan: identification of potential high HCV endemic areas

Purpose

The proportion of B-HCC cases in Taiwan has progressively decreased over the last 20 years. It was not really due to an overall decrease in B-HCC but due to an increase in HCV-related HCC. The identification of potential HCV endemic areas in Taiwan has consequently become important.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from eight Taiwan medical centers from 1981 to 2001, the geographical variations of male C-HCC townships in Taiwan were illustrated on maps. Goodness of fit was used to compare the anti-HCV prevalence in townships and cities, with the mean anti-HCV prevalence for Taiwan as a whole. Township-, city-, and county-specific prevalence of anti-HCV was presented as the median, ranges, and SMRs.

Results

Geographic variation can be analyzed in only 263 townships and cities. The maps were designed on the basis of different SMRs. The mean anti-HCV prevalence for male HCC patients in Taiwan was 31.9% (95% confidence interval: 30.7–33.0). Twenty-five townships distributed throughout central-western and south-western Taiwan have significantly higher prevalence (P < 0.05) (12 townships SMR ≥ 2; 13 townships 1.5 ≤ SMR < 2). Twenty-two townships have significantly lower prevalence (P < 0.05) (6 townships 0.5 ≤ SMR<1; 16 townships SMR < 0.5). Four different patterns of geographic variation in different counties were also noted and demonstrated.

Conclusion

We successfully highlighted some potential high HCV endemic townships in Taiwan.