Randomized Trial Comparing Left Colon Mucus Production Using Water vs Saline During Water Exchange Colonoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Water-assisted colonoscopy increases left colon mucus production; however, the effect of saline on mucus production is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that saline infusion may reduce mucus production in a dose-related manner. METHODS: In a randomized trial, patients were assigned to colonoscopy with CO 2 insufflation, water exchange (WE) with warm water, 25% saline, or 50% saline. The primary outcome was the Left Colon Mucus Scale (LCMS) score (5-point scale). Blood electrolytes were measured before and after saline infusion. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients with similar baseline demographics were included. The mean LCMS score for WE with water was significantly higher than that for WE with saline and CO 2 (1.4 ± 0.8 [WE water] vs 0.7 ± 0.6 [WE 25% saline] vs 0.5 ± 0.5 [WE 50% saline] vs 0.2 ± 0.4 [CO 2 ]; overall P < 0.0001), with no significant difference between the 25% and 50% saline groups. The left colon adenoma detection rate (ADR) was highest in the 50% saline group, followed by the 25% saline and the water groups (25.0% vs 18.7% vs 13.3%), but the difference was not significant. Logistic regression showed water infusion as the only predictor of moderate mucus production (odds ratio 33.3, 95% confidence interval 7.2-153.2). No acute electrolyte abnormalities were documented indicating a safe modification. DISCUSSION: The use of 25% and 50% saline significantly inhibited mucus production and numerically increased ADR in the left colon. Evaluation of the impact of mucus inhibition by saline on ADR may refine the outcomes of WE.

Risk of Metachronous Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia After Removal of Diminutive Versus Small Nonadvanced Adenomas: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Current postpolypectomy guidelines treat 1-9 mm nonadvanced adenomas (NAAs) as carrying the same level of risk for metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN). AIMS: To evaluate whether small (6-9 mm) NAAs are associated with a greater risk of metachronous ACRN than diminutive (1-5 mm) NAAs. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 10,060 index colonoscopies performed from July 2011 to June 2019. A total of 1369 patients aged ≥ 40 years with index NAAs and having follow-up examinations were categorized into 5 groups based on size and number of index findings: Group 1, ≤ 2 diminutive NAAs (n = 655); Group 2, ≤ 2 small NAAs (n = 529); Group 3, 3-4 diminutive NAAs (n = 78); Group 4, 3-4 small NAAs (n = 65); and Group 5, 5-10 NAAs (n = 42). Size was classified based on the largest NAA. ACRN was defined as finding an advanced adenoma or colorectal cancer at follow-up. RESULTS: The absolute risk of metachronous ACRN increased from 7.2% in patients with all diminutive NAAs to 12.2% in patients with at least 1 small NAA (P = 0.002). Patients in Group 2 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.95), Group 3 (AOR 2.40; 95% CI 1.78-4.90), Group 4 (AOR 2.77; 95% CI 1.35-5.66), and Group 5 (AOR 3.71; 95% CI 1.65-8.37) were associated with an increased risk of metachronous ACRN compared with Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with small NAAs have an increased risk of metachronous ACRN. Postpolypectomy guidelines should consider including risk stratification between small and diminutive adenomas.

Comparison of Right Colon Adenoma Miss Rates Between Water Exchange and Carbon Dioxide Insufflation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

GOALS: To test the hypothesis that water exchange (WE), when compared with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation, significantly reduces the right colon adenoma miss rate (rAMR) in a blinded randomized controlled trial with cap-assisted colonoscopy. BACKGROUND: The unblinded consecutive group observational data showed that WE significantly decreased rAMR. The unblinded data are limited by potential bias. STUDY: Consecutive patients aged 45 years or more were randomized to undergo insertion with WE or CO2. Withdrawal and polypectomy were performed with CO2 in both groups to the hepatic flexure. The colonoscope was reinserted to the cecum. A second colonoscopist re-examined the right colon. The second colonoscopist was unaware, but made a guess, of the initial insertion method. The number of additional adenomas divided by the total number detected in both examinations equaled rAMR. RESULTS: Among 262 patients (131/group), demographic variables were similar. The body mass index was significantly higher in the WE group. Compared with CO2, WE significantly decreased rAMR [18.0% (33/183) vs. 34.6% (62/179), P=0.0025] and right colon serrated polyp miss rate [17.4% (27/155) vs. 39.3% (33/84), P=0.002]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that WE was an independent predictor of rAMR (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.86), and so was ≥2 adenomas in the right colon (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.76). Whether the second colonoscopist guessed the insertion method correctly or not, and demographic and procedure variables were not associated with rAMR. CONCLUSIONS: The randomized controlled trial validated unblinded observational data showing that WE significantly decreased rAMR and right colon serrated polyp miss rate (clinical trial registration number: NCT03845933).

Water exchange colonoscopy decreased adenoma miss rates compared with literature data and local data with CO2 insufflation: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Reports showed adenoma miss rates (AMRs) of 22.5-27% in the right colon and 23.4-33.3% in the proximal colon. Missed lesions could contribute to postcolonoscopy cancers. Water exchange (WE) with near-complete removal of infused water during insertion increased adenoma detection rate but the impact on AMR had not been reported. We hypothesized that WE could reduce AMRs. Study 1 compared the AMRs of WE with literature data. Study 2 developed local AMR data with CO2 insufflation. METHODS: The lead author attended a research seminar in 2017 on WE colonoscopy. For performance improvement, study 1 was undertaken. When data in study 1 confirmed WE produced a considerably lower AMRs in the right and proximal colon, study 2 with CO2 insufflation was performed. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients completed each study. In study 1, WE removed 89% of infused water upon arrival to the cecum. The AMRs of right colon (17.5%) and proximal colon (15.5%) were considerably lower than those in the literature. Upon completion of study 2, compared with local data of CO2 insufflation, WE showed a significantly lower AMR in the right (17.5% vs. 33.8%, P = 0.034) and proximal (15.5% vs. 30.4%, P = 0.018) colon, respectively. The major limitation was that the investigation consisted of two consecutive observational studies, not a randomized controlled trial (RCT). CONCLUSIONS: WE with near-complete (89%) removal of infused water during insertion significantly decreased AMRs in the right and proximal colon compared with literature data and those of CO2 insufflation in our hands. The provocative data warrant confirmation in a RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03832322 (Retrospectively registered on February 2, 2019).

Comparison of polyp detection during both insertion and withdrawal versus only withdrawal of colonoscopy: A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Polyps seen and not removed during colonoscope insertion are sometimes unable to be found during withdrawal. We aimed to evaluate whether additional inspection and polypectomy during insertion increases adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 421 patients aged ≥ 45 years and undergoing colonoscopy were prospectively randomized to receive inspection and polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal (study group) or inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal (control group). The primary outcome was the ADR. Secondary outcomes included other adenoma-related parameters and procedure-related measures. RESULTS: Baseline demographics, procedure indications, preparation quality, total procedure time, sedative doses, colonoscopy difficulty, and patient discomfort were similar between the groups. The insertion time was significantly longer in the study group (11.1 ± 4.8 vs 6.2 ± 4.7 min, P < 0.0001). The withdrawal time was significantly longer in the control group (29.2 ± 9.8 vs 23.1 ± 7.9 min, P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the ADR (63.5% [study group] vs 68.1% [control group]), the mean adenoma per procedure (1.6 ± 2.0 vs 1.9 ± 2.4), or the mean adenoma per positive procedure (2.5 ± 2.0 vs 2.7 ± 2.5) between groups. The proximal colon ADR was significantly higher in the control group compared with the study group (56.2% vs 46.0%, P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Additional inspection and polypectomy during colonoscope insertion did not improve ADR compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal. These results do not support an additional role for routine inspection during insertion (clinical trial registration number: NCT03444090).

Risk of Renal Injury After the Use of Polyethylene Glycol for Outpatient Colonoscopy: A Prospective Observational Study.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to estimate the risk of renal injury after the use of 3-L polyethylene glycol (PEG) before outpatient colonoscopy. BACKGROUND: Population-based studies showed that the use of PEG was associated with renal injury, but this association has not been confirmed by prospective study. STUDY: Patients ≥40 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min were screened for enrollment. Laboratory data were collected before, during, and after the colonoscopies. Patients with a ≥30% increase in baseline serum creatinine levels were followed until a peak level was detected. Renal injury included acute renal dysfunction (ARD) and acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as a 30% to 49% increase and ≥50% increase in creatinine levels compared with the baseline, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1163 patients (mean age, 55.7 y) completed the study. Baseline and first postcolonoscopy laboratory data were obtained an average of 17.0 days before and 17.3 days after the colonoscopies were performed, respectively. Renal injury was identified in 32 patients; 26 patients (2.2%) had ARD, and 6 patients (0.5%) had AKI. All patients with renal injury recovered fully during follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before colonoscopy was statistically associated with the development of AKI (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-35.5; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study showed that the use of PEG was associated with a small risk of renal injury. NSAIDs use was statistically associated with AKI in the context of colonoscopy for which PEG was used for bowel preparation.

Optimal procedural sequence for same-day bidirectional endoscopy with moderate sedation: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Same-day bidirectional endoscopy (BDE) is a commonly performed procedure, but the optimal sequence for the procedure with moderate conscious sedation is not well established. This study investigated the optimal sequence for same-day BDE under moderate conscious sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation in terms of sedation doses, patient discomfort, and colonoscopy performance. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study of 120 patients who were scheduled for BDE examination was performed. Colonoscopy followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) examination was performed in 60 patients (colonoscopy-EGD group), and EGD followed by colonoscopy examination was performed in another 60 patients (EGD-colonoscopy group). Endoscopists and patients completed a questionnaire to assess objective and subjective discomfort. RESULTS: Baseline demographics, procedure indications, bowel preparation quality, cecal intubation rate/time, colonoscopy withdrawal time, endoscopic interventions, BDE procedure time, colon polyp/adenoma detection rates, patient discomfort, and adverse events were similar between the two study groups. The total doses of fentanyl and midazolam were significantly higher for the colonoscopy-EGD group than for the EGD-colonoscopy group (83.4 ± 17.7 vs 68.7 ± 18.6 µg and 6.3 ± 1.4 vs 5.2 ± 1.3 mg, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The recovery time to discharge was significantly longer for the colonoscopy-EGD group than for the EGD-colonoscopy group (43.5 ± 16.2 vs 34.5 ± 8.9 min, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy followed by colonoscopy is the optimal sequence for same-day BDE under moderate conscious sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation. Following this order allows for a reduction of sedation doses and for shorter recovery times.

Predictors of Suboptimal Bowel Preparation Using 3-l of Polyethylene Glycol for an Outpatient Colonoscopy: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: A 3-l polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution provided better bowel cleansing quality than a 2-l solution for outpatient colonoscopy. Predictors of suboptimal preparation using a 3-l PEG have not been previously reported. AIMS: To investigate the possible predictors of suboptimal bowel preparation using 3-l of PEG. METHODS: We analyzed a database of 1404 consecutive colonoscopies during a 27-month period at a community hospital. A split-dose PEG regimen was provided for morning colonoscopies, and a same-day PEG regimen was provided for afternoon colonoscopies. The level of bowel cleansing was prospectively scored according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Possible predictors of suboptimal colon preparation, defined as a BBPS score <7, were analyzed using univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population (46.7 % men) was 52.5 years (range 20-80 years, SD 11.1 years), and the majority of patients (77.6 %) underwent morning colonoscopies. A suboptimal bowel preparation was reported in 17.2 % of the observed colonoscopies. In the multivariate regression analysis, constipation (odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.22), male gender (OR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.25-2.25), obesity (OR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.29-2.41), and inadequate (<80 %) PEG consumption (OR 5.4, 95 % CI 2.67-10.89) were independent predictors of a suboptimal colon preparation. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study identified that constipation, male gender, obesity, and inadequate intake of PEG were significant risk factors for suboptimal bowel preparation using a 3-l PEG solution for outpatient colonoscopy. Interventions of optimized colonoscopy preparation should be targeted at these patient populations.

Residual Gastric Volume After Bowel Preparation With Polyethylene Glycol for Elective Colonoscopy: A Prospective Observational Study.

GOAL: To examine the residual gastric volume (RGV) in colonoscopy after bowel preparations with 3-L polyethylene glycol (PEG). BACKGROUND: Obstacles to high-volume bowel preparation by anesthesia providers resulting from concerns over aspiration risk are common during colonoscopy. STUDY: Prospective measurements of RGV were performed in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and morning colonoscopy with split-dose PEG preparation, patients undergoing EGD and afternoon colonoscopy with same-day PEG preparation, and patients undergoing EGD alone under moderate conscious sedation. Colonoscopy patients were allowed to ingest clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure. Patients undergoing EGD alone were instructed to eat/drink nothing after midnight. RESULTS: There were 860 evaluated patients, including 330 in the split-dose preparation group, 100 in the same-day preparation group, and 430 in the EGD-only group. Baseline demographics and disease/medication factors were similar. The mean RGV in patients receiving the same-day preparation (35.4 mL or 0.56 mL/kg) was significantly higher than that in patients receiving the split-dose preparation (28.5 mL or 0.45 mL/kg) and in patients undergoing EGD alone (22.8 mL or 0.36 mL/kg) (P=0.023 and P<0.0001, respectively). Within the bowel-preparation groups, patients with fasting times of 2 to 3 hours had similar RGV compared with patients who had fasting times >3 hours. The shape of the distribution and the range of RGV among the 3 study groups were similar. No aspiration occurred in any group. CONCLUSIONS: PEG bowel preparations increase RGV mildly, but seem to have no clinical significance. These results support the current fasting guidelines for colonoscopy.

Paired comparison of procedural sequence in same-day bidirectional endoscopy with moderate sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Same-day bidirectional endoscopy (BDE) is a commonly performed procedure, but the optimal sequence of the procedure with carbon dioxide insufflation is not well established. In this study, we investigated the optimal sequence for same-day BDE without polypectomy under moderate sedation and carbon dioxide insufflation in terms of sedation doses and colonoscopy performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 63 asymptomatic patients who were admitted for physical check-ups. A colonoscopy-esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) examination was performed first and then an EGD-colonoscopy examination was performed within 1.5 years. RESULTS: The total procedure time, procedure complexity, bowel preparation quality, cecal intubation time, colon polyp detection rate, and adverse events were similar between the two study groups. The total doses of fentanyl and midazolam were significantly higher for the colonoscopy-EGD group than that for the EGD-colonoscopy group (70.8 ± 9.6 µg vs. 56.6 ± 9.2 µg and 6.1 ± 1.3 mg vs. 4.6 ± 1.1 mg, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The recovery time to discharge was significantly longer for the colonoscopy-EGD group compared to the EGD-colonoscopy group (38.5 ± 3.9 min vs. 31.9 ± 3.2 min, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: EGD-colonoscopy is the optimal sequence for same-day BDE. In this order, the procedures are better tolerated, the sedation doses are reduced, and the recovery time is shorter.

Application of Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy to Minimal-Invasively Diagnose Supraclavicular Fossa Tumors and Minimize the Requirement of Invasive Diagnostic Surgery.

Tumors of the supraclavicular fossa (SC) is clinically challenging because of anatomical complexity and tumor pathological diversity. Because of varied diseases entities and treatment choices of SC tumors, making the accurate decision among numerous differential diagnoses is imperative. Sampling by open biopsy (OB) remains the standard procedure for pathological confirmation. However, complicated anatomical structures of SC always render surgical intervention difficult to perform. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) is a minimally invasive and office-based procedure for tissue sampling widely applied in many diseases of head and neck. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and utility of using USCB as the sampling method of SC tumors. From 2009 to 2014, consecutive patients who presented clinical symptoms and signs of supraclavicular tumors and were scheduled to receive sampling procedures for diagnostic confirmation were recruited. The patients received USCB or OB respectively in the initial tissue sampling. The accurate diagnostic rate based on pathological results was 90.2% for USCB, and 93.6% for OB. No significant difference was noted between USCB and OB groups in terms of diagnostic accuracy and the percentage of inadequate specimens. All cases in the USCB group had the sampling procedure completed within 10  minutes, but not in the OB group. No scars larger than 1  cm were found in USCB. Only patients in the OB groups had the need to receive general anesthesia and hospitalization and had scars postoperatively. Accordingly, USCB can serve as the first-line sampling tool for SC tumors with high diagnostic accuracy, minimal invasiveness, and low medical cost.

Impact of Bowel Preparation with Low-Volume (2-Liter) and Intermediate-Volume (3-Liter) Polyethylene Glycol on Colonoscopy Quality: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Two-liter polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most commonly used bowel-cleansing regimen in Taiwan, but its efficacy is unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to compare 2-liter and 3-liter PEG in terms of their impact on colonoscopy quality among an average-risk population. METHODS: Two-liter PEG was provided between August 2012 and May 2013, while 3-liter PEG was provided between June 2013 and March 2014. A split-dose regimen was provided for morning colonoscopy and a same-day regimen was provided for afternoon colonoscopy. The level of bowel cleansing was prospectively scored. RESULTS: A total of 407 consecutive subjects completed the 2-liter regimen, and another 407 consecutive subjects completed the 3-liter regimen. The 3-liter group had a significantly higher rate of excellent or good preparations, equivalent to a Boston bowel preparation scale of ≥7, than the 2-liter group (90 vs. 73%, p < 0.0001). More subjects in the 3-liter preparation group compared with the 2-liter group had overall adenoma (70 vs. 54%, p < 0.0001), proximal adenoma (47 vs. 35%, p = 0.0006), sessile serrated adenoma (28 vs. 6%, p < 0.0001), and advanced adenoma (21 vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Three-liter PEG provided better cleansing quality and higher adenoma detection rate than 2-liter PEG.

Blood pressure after surgery among obese and nonobese children with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Treating obstructive sleep apnea in children is found to be associated with blood pressure decreases. However, exactly how adenotonsillectomy (T&A) affects blood pressure in obese and nonobese children remains unclear. This study assesses how obesity affects blood pressure in children with sleep apnea after T&A. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2012, a total of 78 children were included. Based on propensity score methods (age, sex, and preoperative apnea-hypopnea index matched), children were assigned to either the obese group (n = 39) or the nonobese group (n = 39). All children received adenotonsillectomy. We recorded clinical symptoms, preoperative overnight polysomnography (PSG), and subsequent PSG within 3 months after T&A. We measured blood pressure 3 times before PSG (nocturnal blood pressure) and after PSG (morning blood pressure) in a sleep laboratory. RESULTS: Following surgery, the nonobese group had a significantly decreased nocturnal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) index (-12.0 to -18.8, P = .018), morning systolic blood pressure (SBP; 111.1 to 105.8 mm Hg, P = .014), SBP index (-5.4 to -10.9, P = .008), and DBP (-12.0 to -18.7, P = .023). Nevertheless, all blood pressure parameters in the obese group were not significantly changed postoperatively. The nonobese group improved more than obese group in nocturnal and morning DBP and DBP index by 2-way analysis of variance. CONCLUSION: Among the children receiving T&A as treatment for OSA, nonobese children improved more than obese children did in terms of blood pressure, allowing us to infer that obese children with OSA may benefit less from T&A in cardiovascular morbidities.

Psychotic disorder induced by a combination of sorafenib and BAY86-9766.

The Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)-ERK cascade is important in the intra-cellular transduction of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate. Sorafenib (Nexavar), a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting Raf kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor, has shown promising results in the treatment of malignancies. BAY86-9766, a novel selective MEK 1/2 inhibitor, is being evaluated in clinical trials as an anticancer drug. We describe herein a hepatocellular carcinoma patient presenting with recurrent psychotic symptoms in the course of the BASIL trial (assessing BAY86-9766 plus sorafenib for the treatment of liver cancer). In this case, VEGFR inhibition caused by sorafenib alone may have contributed to the development of psychosis. A change in ERK activity might also have been involved. However, whether single or combination use of the two drugs is responsible for inducing the psychotic symptoms remains unclear. In summary, the role of the ERK pathway in psychosis is still vague. Further investigation of the ERK activity in patients with psychotic disorders may disclose its role in the pathophysiology of psychosis.

Endoscopic diagnosis of cervical esophageal heterotopic gastric mucosa with conventional and narrow-band images.

AIM: To compare the diagnostic yield of heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in the cervical esophagus with conventional imaging (CI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). METHODS: A prospective study with a total of 760 patients receiving a CI examination (mean age 51.6 years; 47.8% male) and 760 patients undergoing NBI examination (mean age 51.2 years; 45.9% male). The size of HGM was classified as small (1-5 mm), medium (6-10 mm), or large (> 1 cm). A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain demographic characteristics, social habits, and symptoms likely to be related to cervical esophageal HGM, including throat symptoms (globus sensation, hoarseness, sore throat, and cough) and upper esophageal symptoms (dysphagia and odynophagia) at least 3 mo in duration. The clinicopathological classification of cervical esophageal HGM was performed using the proposal by von Rahden et al. RESULTS: Cervical esophageal HGM was found in 36 of 760 (4.7%) and 63 of 760 (8.3%) patients in the CI and NBI groups, respectively (P = 0.007). The NBI mode discovered significantly more small-sized HGM than CI (55% vs 17%; P < 0.0001). For the 99 patients with cervical esophageal HGM, biopsies were performed in 56 patients; 37 (66%) had fundic-type gastric mucosa, and 19 had antral-type mucosa. For the clinicopathological classification, 77 patients (78%) were classified as HGM I (asymptomatic carriers); 21 as HGM II (symptomatic without morphologic changes); and one as HGM III (symptomatic with morphologic change). No intraepithelial neoplasia or adenocarcinoma was found. CONCLUSION: NBI endoscopy detects more cervical esophageal HGM than CI does. Fundic-type gastric mucosa constitutes the most common histology. One-fifth of patients have throat or dysphagic symptoms.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with the initial presentation of psychotic mania.

We report a 16-year-old girl with suspected psychotic mania, who subsequently developed amnesia, catatonia, oro-lingual dyskinesia, consciousness disturbance, seizure and respiratory failure. Repeated studies of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), viral culture and serology, brain MRI, single photon emission CT scan, and autoimmune profiles were all normal. She was finally diagnosed with anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis based on the positive finding of NMDAR antibodies in CSF. Her abdominal CT scan showed no detectable malignancy and pulse steroid therapy failed to have any effect. After administration of intravenous immunoglobulin her consciousness improved gradually. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis, with a characteristic neuropsychiatric syndrome, predominantly affects females with an ovarian tumor and is frequently misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. Immunotherapy and eradication of associated malignancy are the main treatment strategies. Early recognition and early intervention of the disease should improve the outcome.

Predictors of changes in hemoglobin levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with ribavirin plus pegylated interferon-α.

BACKGROUND: Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (pegIFN)-α and ribavirin (RBV) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and frequency of change in Hb and determine the predictive risk factors for Hb decrease during this therapy. METHODS: We enrolled 308 patients with chronic HCV infection who were receiving weekly subcutaneous pegIFN injection in combination with body weight-based oral RBV for 24 weeks. Clinical and virological characteristics were used for studying the predictors of decrease in Hb. RESULTS: The majority (95%) of patients showed reduction in Hb concentration of at least 1 g/dL during pegIFN and RBV combination therapy. The mean and median maximal decrease in Hb level of the study patients was 3.9 g/dL (range -0.3 to 8.2 g/dL; interquartile range 2.8-5.0 g/dL). Of all patients, 49.4% showed a reduction in Hb level of more than 4 g/dL; a higher number of male patients than female patients showed an Hb decrease of >4 g/dL. Multivariate analysis of our data showed that older age, high baseline Hb concentration, high HCV RNA viral load, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and low platelet count were independent predictors of significant decline in Hb levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low eGFR before antiviral therapy may have an increased risk of RBV-related anemia and should be closely monitored. Clinician should consider the potential risk of significant reduction in Hb level according to eGFR while deciding the RBV dose.

Hearing outcome of recurrent sudden deafness: ipsilateral versus contralateral types.

CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent sudden deafness demonstrating normal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in the lesion ear of the second episode may indicate a good hearing outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study retrospectively reviewed our experience of patients with recurrent sudden deafness during the past 20 years. METHODS: Sixteen (1.4 %) of 1156 patients with sudden deafness were diagnosed as having a recurrent episode, including ipsilateral type in 7 and contralateral type in 9. All patients underwent an audiovestibular test battery and blood and MRI examinations. After 2000, nine patients underwent the VEMP test. RESULTS: In the ipsilateral type, the mean interval between two episodes was 2 ± 2 years, which did not differ significantly from 3 ± 3 years in the contralateral type. There were no significant differences in relation to age at onset of the second episode, inter-episode interval, gender, presence of vertigo, and abnormal caloric results. However, abnormal rate of VEMP test in the contralateral type (five of five patients) was significantly higher than that in the ipsilateral type (none of four patients). At the second episode, all four patients with normal VEMPs on the lesion ear had improved hearing, while four of five patients with absent or delayed VEMPs showed unchanged hearing. Altogether, the hearing improvement rate in both types of recurrent sudden deafness was 50%.