Cryotherapy versus radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus with or without early esophageal neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the first-line therapy for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). Therefore, cryotherapy has emerged as an alternative treatment option. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of these two techniques based on the rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) and dysplasia (CE-D). Adverse events and recurrence have also been reported. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases until December 2022. Studies were included comparing cryotherapy and RFA for treating dysplastic BE with or without early esophageal neoplasia. This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Three retrospective cohort studies involving 627 patients were included. Of these, 399 patients underwent RFA, and 228 were treated with cryotherapy. There was no difference in CE-IM (risk difference [RD], -0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.25 to 0.19; p=0.78; I2=86%) as well as in CE-D (RD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.09; p=0.64; I2=70%) between the groups. The absolute number of adverse events was low, and there was no difference in the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy and RFA were equally effective in treating dysplastic BE, with or without early esophageal neoplasia.

Endoscopic Imaging for the Diagnosis of Neoplastic and Pre-Neoplastic Conditions of the Stomach.

Gastric cancer is an aggressive disease with low long-term survival rates. An early diagnosis is essential to offer a better prognosis and curative treatment. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the main tool for the screening and diagnosis of patients with gastric pre-neoplastic conditions and early lesions. Image-enhanced techniques such as conventional chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy, magnifying imaging, and artificial intelligence improve the diagnosis and the characterization of early neoplastic lesions. In this review, we provide a summary of the currently available recommendations for the screening, surveillance, and diagnosis of gastric cancer, focusing on novel endoscopy imaging technologies.

EFFICACY OF ENDOSCOPIC TOPICAL MITOMYCIN C APPLICATION IN CAUSTIC ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

BACKGROUND: Caustic ingestion and development of esophageal strictures are recognized major public health problems in childhood. Different therapeutic methods have been proposed in the management of such strictures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and risk of endoscopic topical application of mitomycin C in the treatment of caustic esophageal strictures. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, and LILACS databases. The outcomes evaluated were dysphagia resolution rate, number of dilations performed in resolved cases, and the number of dilations performed in all patients. RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials were included for final analysis with a total of 190 patients. Topical mitomycin C application group showed a significant increase in dysphagia resolution rate, corresponding to a 42% higher dysphagia resolution as compared to endoscopic dilation alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (RD: 0.42 - [CI: 0.29-0.56]; P-value <0.00001). The mean number of dilations performed in resolved cases were significantly less in the topical mitomycin C application group, compared to endoscopic dilations alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (MD: 2.84 [CI: 1.98-3.69]; P-value <0.00001). When comparing the number of dilations in all patients, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (MD: 1.46 [CI: -1.53-4.44]; P-value =0.34). CONCLUSION: Application of topical mitomycin C with endoscopic dilations in caustic esophageal strictures was more effective in dysphagia resolution than endoscopic therapy alone in the pediatric population. Moreover, topical mitomycin C application also reduced the number of dilation sessions needed to alleviate dysphagia without rising morbidity.

Eficácia da aplicação endoscópica tópica de mitomicina C em estenoses esofágicas cáusticas na população pediátrica: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados / Efficacy of endoscopic topical mitomycin c application in caustic esophageal strictures in the pediatric population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Caustic ingestion and development of esophageal strictures are recognized major public health problems in childhood. Different therapeutic methods have been proposed in the management of such strictures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and risk of endoscopic topical application of mitomycin C in the treatment of caustic esophageal strictures. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, and LILACS databases. The outcomes evaluated were dysphagia resolution rate, number of dilations performed in resolved cases, and the number of dilations performed in all patients. RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials were included for final analysis with a total of 190 patients. Topical mitomycin C application group showed a significant increase in dysphagia resolution rate, corresponding to a 42% higher dysphagia resolution as compared to endoscopic dilation alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (RD: 0.42 - [CI: 0.29-0.56]; P-value <0.00001). The mean number of dilations performed in resolved cases were significantly less in the topical mitomycin C application group, compared to endoscopic dilations alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (MD: 2.84 [CI: 1.98-3.69]; P-value <0.00001). When comparing the number of dilations in all patients, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (MD: 1.46 [CI: -1.53-4.44]; P-value =0.34). CONCLUSION: Application of topical mitomycin C with endoscopic dilations in caustic esophageal strictures was more effective in dysphagia resolution than endoscopic therapy alone in the pediatric population. Moreover, topical mitomycin C application also reduced the number of dilation sessions needed to alleviate dysphagia without rising morbidity.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A ingestão de soda cáustica e o desenvolvimento de estenoses esofágicas são reconhecidos como importantes problemas de saúde pública na infância. Diferentes métodos terapêuticos têm sido propostos no manejo dessas estenoses. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e o risco da aplicação endoscópica tópica de mitomicina C no tratamento de estenoses esofágicas cáusticas. MÉTODOS: Buscamos as bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane e LILACS. Os desfechos avaliados foram taxa de resolução da disfagia, número de dilatações realizadas nos casos resolvidos e número de dilatações realizadas em todos os pacientes. RESULTADOS: Três ensaios clínicos randomizados foram incluídos para análise final com um total de 190 pacientes. O grupo de aplicação de mitomicina C tópica apresentou aumento significativo na taxa de resolução da disfagia, correspondendo a uma resolução da disfagia 42% maior em comparação à dilatação endoscópica isolada, com significância estatística entre os dois grupos (RD: 0,42 - [IC: 0,29-0,56]; P-valor <0,00001). O número médio de dilatações realizadas em casos resolvidos foi significativamente menor no grupo de aplicação tópica de mitomicina C, em comparação com as dilatações endoscópicas isoladas, com significância estatística entre os dois grupos (MD: 2,84 [IC: 1,98-3,69]; P-valor <0,00001). Ao comparar o número de dilatações em todos os pacientes, não houve diferença estatística entre os dois grupos (MD: 1,46 [IC: -1,53-4,44]; valor de P=0,34). CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação de mitomicina C tópica com dilatações endoscópicas em estenoses esofágicas cáusticas foi mais eficaz na resolução da disfagia do que a terapia endoscópica isolada na população pediátrica. Além disso, a aplicação tópica de mitomicina C também reduziu o número de sessões de dilatação necessárias para aliviar a disfagia sem aumentar a morbidade.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF ONE SAMPLE OR TWO SAMPLES QUANTITATIVE FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TESTS FOR INTESTINAL NEOPLASIA DETECTION.

BACKGROUND: Rectal bleeding is the most important symptom of intestinal neoplasia; thus, tests of occult blood detection in stools are widely used for pre neoplastic lesions and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the accuracy of OC-Sensor quantitative test (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan) at cut-off 10 µg Hb/g feces (50 ng/mL) in a cohort of subjects that had to undergo diagnostic colonoscopy, and if more than one sample collected in consecutive days would improve the diagnostic accuracy of the test. METHODS: Patients (mean age 56.3±9.7 years) that underwent colonoscopy prospectively randomly received one (1-sample FIT, FIT 1) or two (2-sample FIT, FIT 2) collection tubes. They collected the stool sample before starting colonoscopy preparation. Samples were analyzed by the OC-Auto Micro 80 (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan). The performance of FIT 1 and FIT 2 were compared to the colonoscopy findings. RESULTS: Among 289 patients, CRC was diagnosed in 14 (4.8%), advanced adenoma in 37 (12.8%), early adenoma in 71 (24.6%) and no abnormalities in 141 (48.8%). For FIT 1, the sensitivity for CRC was 83.3% (95%CI 36.5-99.1%), for advanced adenoma was 24% (95%CI 10.1-45.5%), with specificity of 86.9% (95%CI 77.3-92.9%). For FIT 2, the sensitivity for CRC was 75% (95%CI 35.6-95.5%), for advanced adenoma was 50% (95%CI 22.3-77.7%), with specificity of 92.9% (95%CI 82.2-97.7%). The positive likelihood ratios were 1.8 (95%CI 0.7-4.4 for FIT 1) and 7.1 (95%CI 2.4-21.4 for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 6.4 (95%CI 3.3-12.3, for FIT 1) and 10.7 (95%CI 3.8-29.8, for FIT 2) for CRC. The negative likelihood ratio were 0.9 (95%CI 0.7-1, for FIT 1) and 0.5 (95%CI 0.3-0.9, for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 0.2 (0.03-1.1, for FIT 1) and 0.3 (0.08-0.9, for FIT 2) for CRC. The differences between FIT 1 and FIT 2 performances were not significant. However, the comparison of the levels of hemoglobin in feces of patients of FIT 1 and FIT 2 showed that the differences between no polyp group and advanced adenoma and CRC were significant. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of OCR Sensor with 10 µg Hb/g feces cut-off was comparable to other reports and two-sample collection improved the detection rate of advanced adenoma, a pre neoplastic condition to prevent CRC incidence.

Acurácia diagnóstica de teste quantitativo imunoquímico fecal com uma amostra ou com duas amostras para detectar neoplasia intestinal / Diagnostic accuracy of one sample or two samples quantitative fecal immunochemical tests for intestinal neoplasia detection

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Rectal bleeding is the most important symptom of intestinal neoplasia; thus, tests of occult blood detection in stools are widely used for pre neoplastic lesions and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the accuracy of OC-Sensor quantitative test (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan) at cut-off 10 µg Hb/g feces (50 ng/mL) in a cohort of subjects that had to undergo diagnostic colonoscopy, and if more than one sample collected in consecutive days would improve the diagnostic accuracy of the test. METHODS: Patients (mean age 56.3±9.7 years) that underwent colonoscopy prospectively randomly received one (1-sample FIT, FIT 1) or two (2-sample FIT, FIT 2) collection tubes. They collected the stool sample before starting colonoscopy preparation. Samples were analyzed by the OC-Auto Micro 80 (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan). The performance of FIT 1 and FIT 2 were compared to the colonoscopy findings. RESULTS: Among 289 patients, CRC was diagnosed in 14 (4.8%), advanced adenoma in 37 (12.8%), early adenoma in 71 (24.6%) and no abnormalities in 141 (48.8%). For FIT 1, the sensitivity for CRC was 83.3% (95%CI 36.5-99.1%), for advanced adenoma was 24% (95%CI 10.1-45.5%), with specificity of 86.9% (95%CI 77.3-92.9%). For FIT 2, the sensitivity for CRC was 75% (95%CI 35.6-95.5%), for advanced adenoma was 50% (95%CI 22.3-77.7%), with specificity of 92.9% (95%CI 82.2-97.7%). The positive likelihood ratios were 1.8 (95%CI 0.7-4.4 for FIT 1) and 7.1 (95%CI 2.4-21.4 for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 6.4 (95%CI 3.3-12.3, for FIT 1) and 10.7 (95%CI 3.8-29.8, for FIT 2) for CRC. The negative likelihood ratio were 0.9 (95%CI 0.7-1, for FIT 1) and 0.5 (95%CI 0.3-0.9, for FIT 2) for advanced adenoma, and 0.2 (0.03-1.1, for FIT 1) and 0.3 (0.08-0.9, for FIT 2) for CRC. The differences between FIT 1 and FIT 2 performances were not significant. However, the comparison of the levels of hemoglobin in feces of patients of FIT 1 and FIT 2 showed that the differences between no polyp group and advanced adenoma and CRC were significant. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of OCR Sensor with 10 µg Hb/g feces cut-off was comparable to other reports and two-sample collection improved the detection rate of advanced adenoma, a pre neoplastic condition to prevent CRC incidence.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Sangramento retal é o sintoma mais importante de neoplasia intestinal; portanto, testes para detecção de sangue oculto nas fezes são amplamente usados para rastreamento de lesões pré-neoplásicas e de câncer colorretal (CCR). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a acurácia do teste quantitativo OC-Sensor (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan) com o valor de corte de 10 µg Hb/g fezes (50 ng/mL) numa coorte de indivíduos que se submeteram à colonoscopia diagnóstica, e se mais de uma amostra coletada em dias consecutivos melhoraria a acurácia diagnóstica do teste. MÉTODOS: Pacientes (idade média 56,3±9,7 anos) que se submeteram à colonoscopia prospectivamente, randomicamente, receberam tubos de coleta: um (1-amostra FIT, FIT 1), ou dois (2-amostra FIT, FIT 2). Eles coletaram as amostras de fezes antes de iniciar o preparo da colonoscopia. As amostras foram analisadas pelo OC-Auto Micro 80 (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan). As performances do FIT 1 e do FIT 2 foram comparadas com os achados da colonoscopia. RESULTADOS: Entre 289 pacientes, CCR foi diagnosticado em 14 (4,8%), adenoma avançado em 37 (12,8%), adenoma precoce em 71 (24,6%) e sem anormalidades em 141 (48,8%). Para FIT 1, a sensibilidade para CCR foi 83,3% (95%IC 36,5-99,1%), para adenoma avançado foi 24% (95%IC 10,1-45,5%), com especificidade de 86,9% (95%IC 77,3-92,9%). Para FIT 2, a sensibilidade para CCR foi 75% (95%IC 35,6-95,5%), para adenoma avançado foi 50% (95%IC 22,3-77,7%), com especificidade de 92,9% (95%IC 82,2-97,7%). A razão de verossimilhança positiva foi 1,8 (95%IC 0,7-4,4 para FIT 1) e 7,1 (95%IC 2,4-21,4 para FIT 2) para adenoma avançado, e 6,4 (95%IC 3,3-12,3, para FIT 1) e 10,7 (95%IC 3,8-29,8, para FIT 2) para CCR. A razão de verossimilhança negativa foi 0,9 (95%IC 0,7-1, para FIT 1) e 0,5 (95%IC 0,3-0,9, para FIT 2) para adenoma avançado, e 0,2 (0,03-1,1, para FIT 1) e 0,3 (0,08-0,9, para FIT 2) para CCR. As diferenças de performance entre FIT 1 e FIT 2 não foram significantes. Entretanto, a comparação dos níveis de hemoglobina nas fezes dos pacientes de FIT 1 e FIT 2 mostraram que as diferenças entre sem pólipo e adenoma avançado e CCR foram significantes. CONCLUSÃO: A acurácia do OCR Sensor com valor de corte de 10 µg Hb/g de fezes foi comparável a outras publicações e a coleta de duas amostras melhorou a taxa de detecção de adenoma avançado, lesão pré-neoplásica, para prevenir CCR.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF GASTROPANEL® FOR ATROPHIC GASTRITIS IN BRAZILIAN SUBJECTS AND THE EFFECT OF PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that the combination of gastrin-17 (G-17), pepsinogens I and II (PGI and PGII), and anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibodies (GastroPanel®, BIOHIT HealthCare, Helsinki, Finland) could serve as biomarkers of atrophic gastritis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to ensure the diagnostic accuracy of GastroPanel® and evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on these biomarkers. METHODS: Dyspeptic patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in the present study. Histological findings, which were the gold standard to stratify groups, were as follows: no atrophy (controls); antrum atrophy; corpus atrophy; multifocal atrophy; and neoplasia. G-17, PGI, PGII, and anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies were assayed using commercially available kits. The ratio of PGI/PGII was calculated. RESULTS: Among 308 patients, 159 (51.6%) were PPI users. The overall prevalence of atrophy was 43.8% (n=135). Ninety-two (29.9%) patients were H. pylori positive according to anti-H. pylori IgG levels. G-17 levels were not low in those with antrum atrophy but were high in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies. PGI levels were significantly lower in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies. The sensitivity of PGI <30 µg/L to detect corpus atrophy was 50% (95% CI 27.8-72.1%), with a specificity of 93.2% (95% CI 84.3-97.5%), a positive likelihood ratio of 7.4 (95% CI 2.9-19.2), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.5 (95% CI 0.3-0.8). A small number of subjects (n=6) exhibited moderate to intense atrophy (4%), among whom 66.7% exhibited decreased PGI levels. PPI significantly increased the levels of G-17 and PGI, except in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies, in whom PGI levels were not increased by PPIs. CONCLUSION: GastroPanel® (Gastrin-17, PGI, and PGI/PGII ratio) did not demonstrate high sensitivity for detecting gastric atrophy.

Acurácia diagnóstica do painel gástrico para gastrite atrófica em brasileiros e o efeito dos inibidores de bomba de prótons / Diagnostic accuracy of gastropanel® for atrophic gastritis in brazilian subjects and the effect of proton pump inhibitors

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that the combination of gastrin-17 (G-17), pepsinogens I and II (PGI and PGII), and anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibodies (GastroPanel®, BIOHIT HealthCare, Helsinki, Finland) could serve as biomarkers of atrophic gastritis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to ensure the diagnostic accuracy of GastroPanel® and evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on these biomarkers. METHODS: Dyspeptic patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in the present study. Histological findings, which were the gold standard to stratify groups, were as follows: no atrophy (controls); antrum atrophy; corpus atrophy; multifocal atrophy; and neoplasia. G-17, PGI, PGII, and anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies were assayed using commercially available kits. The ratio of PGI/PGII was calculated. RESULTS: Among 308 patients, 159 (51.6%) were PPI users. The overall prevalence of atrophy was 43.8% (n=135). Ninety-two (29.9%) patients were H. pylori positive according to anti-H. pylori IgG levels. G-17 levels were not low in those with antrum atrophy but were high in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies. PGI levels were significantly lower in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies. The sensitivity of PGI <30 µg/L to detect corpus atrophy was 50% (95% CI 27.8-72.1%), with a specificity of 93.2% (95% CI 84.3-97.5%), a positive likelihood ratio of 7.4 (95% CI 2.9-19.2), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.5 (95% CI 0.3-0.8). A small number of subjects (n=6) exhibited moderate to intense atrophy (4%), among whom 66.7% exhibited decreased PGI levels. PPI significantly increased the levels of G-17 and PGI, except in those with corpus and multifocal atrophies, in whom PGI levels were not increased by PPIs. CONCLUSION: GastroPanel® (Gastrin-17, PGI, and PGI/PGII ratio) did not demonstrate high sensitivity for detecting gastric atrophy.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Foi proposto que a combinação de gastrina 17 (G-17), pepsinogênios I e II (PGI e PGII), e anticorpos anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) (GastroPanel®, BIOHIT HealthCare), poderiam indicar gastrite atrófica. OBJETIVO: Portanto, o objetivo foi averiguar a acurácia diagnóstica do painel gástrico e avaliar o efeito dos inibidores de bomba de prótons (IBP) nesses marcadores. MÉTODOS: Pacientes dispépticos que se submeteram à endoscopia gastrointestinal entraram no estudo. Os achados histológicos foram o padrão ouro para estratificar os grupos: sem atrofia (controles), atrofia de antro, atrofia de corpo, atrofia multifocal e neoplasia. G-17, PGI, PGII, e anticorpos IgG anti-H. pylori foram determinados por kits comerciais. A razão PGI/PGII foi calculada. RESULTADOS: Entre 308 pacientes que foram incluídos, 159 estavam usando IBP (51,6%). A prevalência de atrofia foi de 43,8% (135 pacientes). H. pylori foi positivo em 92 (29,9%) pacientes por IgG anti-H. pylori. G-17 não estava diminuída na atrofia do antro, mas estava elevada nas atrofias do corpo e multifocal. PGI estava significantemente menor nas atrofias de corpo e multifocal. A sensibilidade da PGI <30 µg/L de indicar atrofia do corpo foi 50% (95%IC 27,8-72,1%) com especificidade de 93,2% (95%IC 84,3-97,5%), razão de verossimilhança positiva de 7,4 (95%IC 2,9-19,2) e razão de verossimilhança negativa de 0,5 (95%IC 0,3-0,8). O número de indivíduos com atrofia moderada para intensa foi pequeno (n=6;4%), dos quais 66,7% tinham diminuição dos níveis de PGI. IBP significantemente aumentou os níveis de G-17 e PGI, exceto nas atrofias de corpo e multifocal que não apresentaram aumento de PGI. CONCLUSÃO: O painel gástrico não teve alta sensibilidade de indicar gastrite atrófica.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography in Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Endoscopic imaging of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with advanced technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE), allows targeted biopsies and may reduce the number of random biopsies to detect esophageal neoplasia in the early stages during endoscopic BE surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of OCT and VLE in diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in BE. Patients and methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy of OCT and VLE, in comparison with the gold standard. In the meta-analysis, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for both methods. We performed analyses by patient and by lesion. Results We evaluated 14 studies involving a collective total of 721 patients and 1565 lesions. In the analysis by lesion, VLE showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, DOR, and SROC AUC of 85 %, 73 %, 3.2, 0.21, 15.0, and 0.87, respectively, for detection of HGD/IMC. In the analysis by lesion for detection of HGD/EAC, OCT showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, DOR, and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 89 %, 91 %, 9.6, 0.12, 81.0, and 0.95, respectively. The accuracy of OCT in identifying intestinal metaplasia showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR of 92 %, 81 %, 5.06, 0.091, and 55.58, respectively. Conclusion OCT- and VLE-guided targeted biopsies could improve detection of dysplasia and neoplasia. Further studies could determine whether the use of such biopsies might replace the current protocol.

Revisão sistemática e meta-análise sobre técnicas de polipectomia de pólipos colorretais pequenos e diminutos / Best polypectomy technique for small and diminutive colorectal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Polypectomy of colorectal polyps is the mainstay of colorectal cancer prevention. Identification of the best polypectomy technique is imperative. OBJECTIVE: This review aims at comparing efficacy of nine different resection methods for small colorectal polyps (<10 mm). METHODS: We searched and selected only randomized controlled trials. Primary outcome was complete resection rates of small polyps by histological eradication. Secondary outcomes were: adverse events, retrieval tissue failures rates and duration of procedure. RESULTS: Eighteen trials including 3215 patients and 5223 polyps were analysed. Overall, cold polypectomy had a significantly shorter time of procedure than hot polypectomy (RD -5.92, 95%CI -9.90 to -1.94, P<0.05), with no statistical difference on complete histological eradication (RD 0.08, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.19, P>0.05). Regarding cold polypectomy techniques, cold snare was found superior to cold forceps on complete and en-bloc resection rates and less time consuming. When comparing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with hot-snare and cold-snare, the latter showed no-inferiority on histological eradication, adverse events or retrieval tissue failure rates. CONCLUSION: Cold polypectomy is the best technique for resection of small colorectal polyps. Among cold methods, dedicated cold snare was found superior on histological eradication. Cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection might be considered an option for polyps from 5 to 9 mm.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A polipectomia de pólipos colorretais é a base da prevenção do câncer colorretal. A identificação da melhor técnica de polipectomia é imperativa. OBJETIVO: Esta revisão tem como objetivo comparar a eficácia de nove diferentes métodos de ressecção para pólipos colorretais pequenos (<10 mm). MÉTODOS: Pesquisamos e selecionamos apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados. O desfecho primário foi taxas de ressecção completa de pólipos pequenos por confirmação histológica. Os desfechos secundários foram: eventos adversos, taxas de falha de recuperação do espécime e duração do procedimento. RESULTADOS: Dezoito estudos, incluindo 3215 pacientes e 5223 pólipos foram analisados. No geral, a polipectomia a frio teve um tempo de procedimento significativamente menor do que a polipectomia a quente (RD -5,92; IC 95% -9,90 a -1,94; P<0,05), sem diferença estatística na erradicação histológica (RD 0,08; IC 95% -0,03 a 0,19; P>0,05). Em relação às técnicas de polipectomia a frio, a alça fria foi considerada superior ao uso de pinça fria nas taxas de ressecção completa e em bloco, além de um menor tempo de procedimento. Ao comparar a ressecção endoscópica da mucosa utilizando alça quente ou alça fria, esta última mostrou não-inferioridade na erradicação histológica, eventos adversos ou taxas de falha do tecido de recuperação. CONCLUSÃO: A polipectomia a frio mostrou ser a melhor técnica para ressecção de pequenos pólipos colorretais. Entre os métodos frios, a alça fria dedicada foi considerada superior na erradicação histológica. ressecção endoscópica da mucosa com alça fria pode ser considerado uma opção para pólipos de 5 a 9 mm.

BEST POLYPECTOMY TECHNIQUE FOR SMALL AND DIMINUTIVE COLORECTAL POLYPS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Polypectomy of colorectal polyps is the mainstay of colorectal cancer prevention. Identification of the best polypectomy technique is imperative. OBJECTIVE: This review aims at comparing efficacy of nine different resection methods for small colorectal polyps (<10 mm). METHODS: We searched and selected only randomized controlled trials. Primary outcome was complete resection rates of small polyps by histological eradication. Secondary outcomes were: adverse events, retrieval tissue failures rates and duration of procedure. RESULTS: Eighteen trials including 3215 patients and 5223 polyps were analysed. Overall, cold polypectomy had a significantly shorter time of procedure than hot polypectomy (RD -5.92, 95%CI -9.90 to -1.94, P<0.05), with no statistical difference on complete histological eradication (RD 0.08, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.19, P>0.05). Regarding cold polypectomy techniques, cold snare was found superior to cold forceps on complete and en-bloc resection rates and less time consuming. When comparing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with hot-snare and cold-snare, the latter showed no-inferiority on histological eradication, adverse events or retrieval tissue failure rates. CONCLUSION: Cold polypectomy is the best technique for resection of small colorectal polyps. Among cold methods, dedicated cold snare was found superior on histological eradication. Cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection might be considered an option for polyps from 5 to 9 mm.

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of two rapid stool antigen tests using an immunochromatographic assay to detect Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVES: The stool antigen assay for H. pylori infection diagnosis with monoclonal antibodies is a simple and recommended technique by the Maastricht V/Florence consensus report. Recently, Pylori K-Set K-1219 (Coris Bioconcept Sprl, Belgium) and HP-F23 (Symbiosys, Brazil) have been made commercially available in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of these two rapid stool antigen tests by immunochromatographic assays (index tests) for the clinical practice. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 13C-urea breath test entered the study. H. pylori infection status was defined by the combination of the rapid urease test and the 13C-urea breath test (reference standard). Two observers who were aware of H. pylori status performed the reading of index tests. Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value with 95% confidence intervals, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and kappa index measure of agreement) were determined. RESULTS: The index tests where in perfect agreement with the H. pylori status with kappa values of 0.87 for Pylori K-Set K-1219 and 0.92 for HP-F23. The sensitivity of HP-F23 was 97.9% (IC95%: 87.5-100) and specificity was 93.8% (IC95%; 84-97.2).The positive likelihood ratio was 15.8, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.02. The Pylori K-Set K-1219 had a sensitivity of 87.7% (IC95%: 74.5-94.9) and a specificity of 100% (IC95%: 91.6-100); the positive likelihood ratio was ∞, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.1. The test line on the cassette device of HP-F23 was stronger than of the Pylori K-Set K-1219. CONCLUSION: The HP-F23 test performed better in clinical practice. Nonetheless, the 13C-urea breath test is more reliable technique. Moreover, caution must be paid to the trace or clear pale test line readings that were observed in false positive and false negative results, leading to incorrect management of the patient.

Morphological alterations of upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with new onset-dermatomyositis: correlation with demographic, clinical and laboratory features / Alterações morfológicas do trato intestinal superior em portadores de dermatomiosite de instalação recente: correlações com características demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais

OBJECTIVE: To endoscopically assess the upper digestive tract of adult patients with newly diagnosed dermatomyositis; to correlate possible changes in the gastrointestinal tract with demographic, clinical and laboratory features in this population. METHOD: A cross-sectional study evaluating 65 newly diagnosed dermatomyositis cases from 2004 to 2015 was carried out. We excluded patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, overlap dermatomyositis, polymyositis, liver diseases, prior gastric surgery, upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms (except for upper dysphagia), systemic infections, alcohol consumption and smoking. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 44.9 years, with disease duration of four months. Endoscopic findings were observed in 70.8% of patients. (1) Esophageal disease/gastric distress was documented in 18.5% of patients: erosive distal esophagitis (16.9%) and non-erosive distal esophagitis distal (1.5%); (2) gastric distress in 63.1% of cases: antral gastritis (42.3%) and pangastritis (27.8%); (3) duodenal involvement in 15.4% of patients: bulbar duodenitis (10.9%) and duodenal ulcers (7.7%). There were no neoplasic lesions. On multivariate analysis, erosive distal esophagitis was less associated with older patients. Males had a higher prevalence of erosive gastritis. Enanthematous pangastritis was less associated with lesions with "V-neck" sign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first estimates of the prevalence of high endoscopic findings in adult patients with newly diagnosed dermatomyositis. The results may be relevant to guide conduct in digestive disorders with upper digestive endoscopy, and point to the need for pharmacological prevention of digestive tract lesions in these patients. Further studies are needed to validate this data and evaluate patients with dyspeptic symptoms.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os exames de endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) de pacientes adultos com DM (dermatomiosite) recém-diagnosticados; correlacionar eventuais alterações do trato gastrintestinal com dados demográficos, clínicos, e medicamentosos desta população. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, em que foram avaliados 65 casos de DM recém-diagnosticados, no período entre 2004 a 2015. Foram excluídos casos de DM clinicamente amiopática, sobreposição com DM, hepatopatias, cirurgia gástrica prévia, sintomas do trato gastrointestinal (exceto disfagia alta), quadros infecciosos sistêmicos, etilismo e tabagismo. RESULTADOS: A média idade dos pacientes foi de 44,9 anos, com um tempo de sintomas atribuídos a DM de quatro meses. Alterações endoscópicas foram encontradas em 70,8% dos pacientes. O acometimento esofágico/gástrico foi documentado em 18,5% dos pacientes: esofagite distal erosiva (16,9%) e esofagite distal não-erosiva (1,5%); alterações gástricas em 63,1% dos casos: gastrite antral (42,3%) e pangastrite (27,8%); o acometimento duodenal em 15,4% dos pacientes: bulboduodenite (10,9%) e úlcera duodenal (7,7%). Não foram detectadas lesões malignas. Em análise multivariada, a esofagite distal erosiva esteve menos associada a indivíduos de idade maior. Sexo masculino apresentava mais diagnóstico de gastrite erosiva. A pangastrite enantemática esteve menos associada a lesões em "V" do decote. CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo estima, pela primeira vez, a prevalência de alterações endoscópicas altas em pacientes adultos com DM recém-diagnosticada. Os resultados podem ser relevantes para guiar potenciais alterações digestivas com exame de EDA, bem como apontar para necessidade de prevenção medicamentosa de lesões do trato digestivo nestes pacientes.

Narrow band imaging versus lugol chromoendoscopy to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the early stage esophageal cancer, changes in the mucosa are subtle and pass unnoticed in endoscopic examinations using white light. To increase sensitivity, chromoscopy with Lugol's solution has been used. Technological advancements have led to the emergence of virtual methods of endoscopic chromoscopy, including narrow band imaging (NBI). NBI enhances the relief of the mucosa and the underlying vascular pattern, providing greater convenience without the risks inherent to the use of vital dye. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the ability of NBI to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and to compare it to chromoscopy with Lugol's solution. METHODS: This systematic review included all studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of NBI and Lugol chromoendoscopy performed to identify high-grade dysplasia and/or squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus. In the meta-analysis, we calculated and demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values in forest plots. We also determined summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves and estimates of the areas under the curves for both per-patient and per-lesion analysis. RESULTS: The initial search identified 7079 articles. Of these, 18 studies were included in the systematic review and 12 were used in the meta-analysis, for a total of 1911 patients. In per-patient and per-lesion analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values for Lugol chromoendoscopy were 92% and 98, 82 and 37%, 5.42 and 1.4, and 0.13 and 0.39, respectively, and for NBI were 88 and 94%, 88 and 65%, 8.32 and 2.62, and 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in only specificity values, in which case NBI was superior to Lugol chromoendoscopy in both analyses. In the per-patient analysis, the area under the sROC curve for Lugol chromoendoscopy was 0.9559. In the case of NBI, this value was 0.9611; in the per-lesion analysis, this number was 0.9685 and 0.9587, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NBI was adequate in evaluating the esophagus in order to diagnose high-grade dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. In the differentiation of those disorders from other esophageal mucosa alterations, the NBI was shown to be superior than Lugol.

A possible role of IL-1RN gene polymorphism in the outcome of gastrointestinal diseases associated with H. pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the IL-1RN gene that encodes the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) plays a role in the outcome of gastrointestinal diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. METHODS: Patients with normal endoscopy (n = 71), inflammation of the upper gastrointestinal tract only (n = 196), gastric ulcer (n = 28), duodenal ulcer (n = 76), and gastric cancer (n = 19) were studied. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by the urease test, histological examination, and polymerase chain reaction. The IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN intron 2 VNTR) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Gastritis was scored according to the updated Sydney system of classification. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was an independent risk factor for mild (odds ratio [OR] = 5.53 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.63-11.64; P < 0.05]), moderate (OR = 83.93 [95% CI = 29.7-237.18; P < 0.05]) and marked (OR = 47.47 [95% CI = 5.39-418.05; P < 0.05]) gastritis. The carriage of IL-1RN*2/*2 had a significant protective effect of H. pylori infection (OR = 0.31 [95% CI = 0.17-0.57; P < 0.05]). H. pylori infection was identified as an independent risk of inflammation, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer. The carriage of IL-1RN*2/*2 was an independent risk factor for gastric cancer (OR = 5.81 [95% CI = 1.06-31.98; P < 0.05]); nonetheless, the carriage of allele 2 (IL-1RN*2/*2 plus IL-1RN*L/*2) had an independent protective effect on duodenal ulcer (OR = 0.45 [95% CI = 0.22-0.91; P < 0.05]). CONCLUSIONS: Allele 2 of the VNTR IL-1RN polymorphism had a protective effect against duodenal ulcer and H. pylori infection; however, it increased the risk of gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island genes: clinical relevance for peptic ulcer disease development in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to verify whether the presence of any of the Helicobacter pylori cagPAI genes or segments--cagA, cagA promoter, cagE, cagM, tnpB, tnpA, cagT and the left end of the cag II (LEC) region--would be a useful marker for the risk of peptic ulcer disease development. H. pylori DNA extracted from positive urease tests of 150 peptic ulcer patients and 65 dyspeptic controls was analysed by PCR. Duodenal ulcers were present in 110, gastric ulcers in 23 and both gastric and duodenal ulcers in 17 patients. A significant association (P <0.001) was found between a conserved cagPAI and peptic ulcer disease (34 %). The positivity of the cagA gene varied according to the region of the gene that was amplified. The region near to the promoter was present in almost all of the H. pylori isolates (97.2 %). The segment from nt 1764 to 2083 and the extreme right end were frequently deleted in the isolates from the controls (P <0.01). The positivity of the promoter region of cagA and cagT, cagE, cagM and LEC showed a significant difference between the isolates from peptic ulcer patients and from the controls (P <0.01). Patients usually had moderate gastritis; however, the intensity of the active inflammation was higher in the peptic ulcer group (P <0.001). cagT, cagM, LEC and the right end terminus of the cagA-positive H. pylori isolates were associated with a 27-fold, 8-fold, 4-fold and 4-fold risk of peptic ulcer disease, respectively, and may be useful markers to identify individuals at higher risk of peptic ulcer disease development in Brazil.

Achados endoscópicos em pacientes com esofagie: análise dos fatores preditores / Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in patients with esophagitis: predactive factors

Introdução: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico é uma condição clínica freqüente, com alto custo diagnóstico e terapêutico. Os achados endoscópicos incluem a esofagite erosiva e não erosiva. Objetivo: Determinar os fatores associados às formas erosivas e não erosivas de esofagite. Método: Realizou-se análise retrospectiva de dados de exames endoscópicos do Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba da FMUSP, no período de janeiro a junho de 2005, com diagnóstico endoscópico de esofagites erosiva e não erosiva. Pacientes com exame endoscópico normal foram incluídos como controle. Avaliaram-se sexo, faixa etária, incidência de infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori, presença de hérnia hiatal e patologias gastroduodenais associadas. Resultados: No período foram realizados 1.834 exames endoscópicos, com diagnóstico endoscópico de esofagite em 408 (22%) e exame normal em 190 (10,3%). Nos pacientes com esofagite, 57% eram do sexo feminino e 43% do masculino. No entanto, a proporção de pacientes do sexo masculino com esofagite erosiva foi maior quando comparada com a do feminino (p < 0,05). Hérnia hiatal esteve presente na minoria dos casos (26%), porém, demonstrou-se correlação positiva entre hérnia hiatal e gravidade de esofagite (p < 0,05). A pesquisa de Helicobacter pylori pelo método da urease foi realizada em 75% dos casos, obtendo-se positividade em cerca de 53% dos pacientes-controle e em 51 % dos pacientes com esofagite (p = 0,84). A maior parte dos pacientes com esofagite apresentou, concomitantemente, afecções gástricas e/ou duodenais (73%). Endoscopicamente, gastrites estavam presentes em 53% dos casos, úlceras gástricas em 7%, duodenites em 18% e úlceras duodenais em 16%. As formas erosivas de esofagite tiveram relação direta com a intensidade das patologias gastroduodenais. Conclusão: No presente estudo, identificaram-se fatores relacionados à esofagite como idade mais avançada, sexo masculino, hérnia hiatal, e patologias gastroduodenais. Não houve correlação entre esofag