Immune signature and therapeutic approach of natural killer cell in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the key members of innate immunity that predominantly reside in the liver, potentiating immune responses against viral infections or malignant tumors. It has been reported that changes in cell numbers and function of NK cells are associated with the development and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and chronic viral hepatitis. Also, it is known that the crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In particular, the impaired functions of NK cells observed in CLDs consequently contribute to occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic infections by hepatitis B or C viruses counteract the anti-tumor immunity of the host by producing the sheddases. Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA), released from the cell surfaces by sheddases, disrupts the interaction and affects the function of NK cells. Recently, the MICA/B-NK stimulatory receptor NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) axis has been extensively studied in HCC. HCC patients with low membrane-bound MICA or high sMICA concentration have been associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, reversing the sMICA-mediated downregulation of NKG2D has been proposed as an attractive strategy to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses against HCC. This review aims to summarize recent studies on NK cell immune signatures and its roles in CLD and hepatocellular carcinogenesis and discusses the therapeutic approaches of MICA/B-NKG2D-based or NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC.

Triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index is an effective biomarker to identify severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is important to reduce morbidity and mortality. We investigated the association between the triglyceride and glucose index (TyG index) and the prognosis of severe AP (SAP). METHODS: The TyG index was calculated as: ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) x fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)]/2. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the independent association between the TyG index and the severity of AP. RESULTS: In this study, 373 patients with AP were recruited from three hospitals. The TyG index was higher in the SAP group than in the non-SAP group. Further, the TyG index was higher than in patients admitted to an intensive care unit and those who died of AP. The TyG index was an independent predictive factor for SAP (odds ratio 7.14, 95% confidence interval 2.80-18.19). The area under the curve increased significantly, from 0.738 to 0.830, after adding the TyG index to a predictive SAP model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the TyG index is an independent prognostic factor in patients with AP and could be used as a simple prognostic indicator for SAP.

Effect of ilaprazole on the healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced gastric ulcer: randomized-controlled, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment regimen or the duration of treatment for an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced gastric ulcer has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of novel proton-pump inhibitor, ilaprazole, for the treatment of ESD-induced gastric ulcer. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, randomized multicenter study. Between June 2015 and March 2018, a total of 176 patients (178 lesions) who underwent ESD for a gastric neoplasm were randomly allocated to receive the oral proton-pump inhibitor ilaprazole 20 mg or rabeprazole 20 mg daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the ulcer healing rate at 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 155 (157 lesions) and 154 patients (156 lesions) were included in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol analyses, respectively. There was no significant difference in the ulcer healing rate (ilaprazole vs. rabeprazole, 97.4% vs. 97.0 p = 0.78 at 4 weeks, 100% vs. 100%, p = 0.95 at 8 weeks in the mITT analysis) or stage of ulcer (scar stage, 25.6% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.25 at 4 weeks, 92.3% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.59 at 8 weeks in the mITT analysis) between the treatment groups. The quality of ulcer healing was not significantly different between the two groups. No independent predictive factor for higher-quality ulcer healing was found in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: According to this trial, ilaprazole and rabeprazole showed no significant difference in the healing of artificial gastric ulcers. Most of the ulcers achieved complete healing within 4-8 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02638584.

Forward-viewing endoscope for ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The forward-viewing endoscope has been increasingly used to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who underwent Billroth II gastrectomy. This study intended to assess efficacy and safety of the forward-viewing endoscope for ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients compared with conventional side-viewing endoscope using a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted for studies that evaluated the outcomes of ERCP for patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. Random-effect model meta-analyses with subgroup analyses were conducted. The methodological quality of the included publications was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool for non-randomized studies. The publication bias was assessed. RESULTS: In total, 25 studies (1 randomized, 18 retrospective, 1 prospective, and 5 case series studies) with 2446 patients (499 forward-viewing and 1947 side-viewing endoscopes) were analyzed. The pooled afferent loop intubation rate was higher with the forward-viewing endoscope (90.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 85.6-93.6 vs. 86.8%, 95% CI 82.8-89.9%). The pooled selective cannulation rate was higher with the side-viewing endoscope (92.3%, 95% CI 88.0-95.2 vs. 91.1%, 95% CI 87.2-93.9%). The pooled bowel perforation rate was higher with the side-viewing endoscope (3.6%, 95% CI 2.3-5.7 vs. 3.0%, 95% CI 1.7-5.3%). The pooled pancreatitis rate was higher with the forward-viewing endoscope (5.4%, 95% CI 3.6-8.0 vs. 2.5%, 95% CI 2.3-5.7%). The pooled bleeding rate was higher with the forward-viewing endoscope (3.0%, 95% CI 1.6-5.5 vs. 2.0%, 95% CI 1.4-3.0%). The heterogeneity among the studies was not significant. The publication bias was minimal. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that the forward-viewing endoscope is as safe and effective as conventional side-viewing endoscope for ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy.

A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial that breast milk derived-Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 mitigated diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome.

The exact pathogenesis of diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not known, but the abnormal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract is considered to be one of the important contributing factors as in other gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and colorectal cancer as well as systemic diseases. Though diverse trials of probiotics had been continued in the treatment of diarrhea-IBS, only a few proved by randomized clinical trial. To prove the efficacy of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 isolated from breast milk in patients with diarrhea-IBS, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial was done including health related-quality of life analysis, colon transit time, and the changes of fecal microbiota. BNR17 significantly improved the symptoms of diarrhea compared to control group. Health related-QOL analysis showed significant improvement of abdominal pain, distension, disturbed daily life, and mean defecation frequency with BNR17. On comparative CTT before and after BNR17, 6 out of 24 subjects showed significant correction of rapid colon transit pattern, while only 2 out of 24 in placebo (p<0.01). Upon fecal microbiota analysis, BNR17 significantly increased B. fecalis, E. rectale, C. aerofaciens, F. prausnitzil and B. steroris. Conclusively, Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 can be a potential probiotics to ameliorate diarrhea-IBS.

Prokinetics for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: Bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Controversies persist regarding the effect of prokinetics for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). This study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of prokinetic agents for the treatment of FD. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prokinetics for the treatment of FD were identified from core databases. Symptom response rates were extracted and analyzed using odds ratios (ORs). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method in WinBUGS and NetMetaXL. RESULTS: In total, 25 RCTs, which included 4473 patients with FD who were treated with 6 different prokinetics or placebo, were identified and analyzed. Metoclopramide showed the best surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability (92.5%), followed by trimebutine (74.5%) and mosapride (63.3%). However, the therapeutic efficacy of metoclopramide was not significantly different from that of trimebutine (OR:1.32, 95% credible interval: 0.27-6.06), mosapride (OR: 1.99, 95% credible interval: 0.87-4.72), or domperidone (OR: 2.04, 95% credible interval: 0.92-4.60). Metoclopramide showed better efficacy than itopride (OR: 2.79, 95% credible interval: 1.29-6.21) and acotiamide (OR: 3.07, 95% credible interval: 1.43-6.75). Domperidone (SUCRA probability 62.9%) showed better efficacy than itopride (OR: 1.37, 95% credible interval: 1.07-1.77) and acotiamide (OR: 1.51, 95% credible interval: 1.04-2.18). CONCLUSIONS: Metoclopramide, trimebutine, mosapride, and domperidone showed better efficacy for the treatment of FD than itopride or acotiamide. Considering the adverse events related to metoclopramide or domperidone, the short-term use of these agents or the alternative use of trimebutine or mosapride could be recommended for the symptomatic relief of FD.

Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia on Cholangiocarcinoma.

Sarcopenia is considered an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. Only complete surgical resection confers the chance of curing cholangiocarcinoma with sarcopenia. However, the prognosis is poor, even for patients who undergo surgical resection. Data from 13 trials of patients with sarcopenia and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) were collected and reviewed. During all trials, sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle or total skeletal muscle at the L3 level on cross-sectional images. The data showed heterogeneity among the subjects and treatment options and discrepancies in methods of measuring muscle mass and setting the cut-off level. Despite conflicting results regarding morbidity, mortality, and recurrence, sarcopenia may be associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for ICC patients. The impact of sarcopenia on the morbidity of ICC patients remains unclear. The impact of PHC on morbidity, mortality, and RFS is also unclear. Further well-designed studies are needed to elucidate the effects of sarcopenia on ICC and PHC.

Fermented-Rhus verniciflua extract ameliorate Helicobacter pylori eradication rate and gastritis.

An antibacterial effect of fermented-Rhus verniciflua extract (FRVE), an urushiol-free extract fermented by Fomitella fraxinea, on Helicobacter pylori was evaluated in mice. Minimal inhibitory concentration of FRVE against H. pylori eradication was checked with serial dilution method in vitro. H. pylori infection-induced mice were utilized to determine the effect of oral administration of FRVE with/without standard triple therapy (STT: metronidazole, omeprazole, and clarithromycin) on H. pylori colonization and gastric inflammation. H. pylori was clearly eradicated by FRVE at a concentration of ≥2 mg/ml in vitro. In animal study, FRVE at a concentration of ≥6 mg/ml significantly reduced colonized H. pylori grading (0.2 vs. 2.2, p < .01) and improved gastric inflammation (0.4 vs. 1.6, p < .01) compared to control. STT with FRVE (3 mg/ml) exerted synergistic effect on both H. pylori colonization grade (STT, 0.6 ± 0.9; FRVE, 1.4 ± 0.5; STT + FRVE, 0.8 ± 0.4) and gastric inflammation (STT, 0.4 ± 0.5; FRVE, 1.4 ± 0.5; STT + FRVE,1.0 ± 0.1) compared with single therapy (p < .01). H. pylori eradication rate of FRVE (6 mg/ml) was higher than that of STT (60% vs. 20%). FRVE has potential antibacterial activity against H. pylori infection and can be used as an additional therapy on STT.

Outcomes of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus primary LCBDE for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) versus primary LCBDE for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 59 patients who underwent LCBDE during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis from January 2013 to August 2019. The patients underwent either primary LCBDE plus LC (Group I) or LCBDE plus LC after failed ERCP (Group II). The demographics, reason for ERCP failure, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: CBD stone removal using preoperative ERCP failed in 31 patients (Group II) because of remaining stones after ERCP (n = 9), failed cannulation (n = 6), failed sedation (n = 6), a periampullary diverticulum (n = 5), previous Billroth II gastrectomy (n = 3), a huge stone (n = 1), and an impacted stone (n = 1). The CBD stone clearance rate was >96% in both groups. The mean operative time, hospital stay, overall complication rate, and open conversion rate were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: When extraction of CBD stones by ERCP is likely to be difficult or fail, primary LCBDE is an acceptable alternative treatment for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

Immunological measurement of aspartate/alanine aminotransferase in predicting liver fibrosis and inflammation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Enzymatic analysis of aspartate/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) does not exactly represent the progression of liver fibrosis or inflammation. Immunoassay for AST (cytoplasmic [c] AST/mitochondrial [m] AST) and ALT (ALT1/ALT2) has been suggested as one alternatives for enzymatic analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of immunoassay in predicting liver fibrosis and inflammation. METHODS: A total of 219 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver biopsy before antiviral therapy were recruited. Serum samples were prepared from blood during HVPG. Results of biochemical parameters including enzymatic AST/ALT and immunological assays of cAST, mAST, ALT1, and ALT2 through sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunoassay with fluorescence labeled monoclonal antibodies were compared with the results of METAVIR stage of live fibrosis and the Knodell grade of inflammation. RESULTS: METAVIR fibrosis stages were as follows: F0, six (3%); F1, 52 (24%); F2, 88 (40%); F3, 45 (20%); and F4, 28 patients (13%). Mean levels of AST and ALT were 121 ± 157 and 210 ± 279 IU/L, respectively. Mean HVPG score of all patients was 4.7 ± 2.5 mmHg. According to the stage of liver fibrosis, HVPG score (p < 0.001, r = 0.439) and ALT1 level (p < 0.001, r = 0.283) were significantly increased in all samples from patients with CHB. ALT (p < 0.001, r = 0.310), ALT1 (p < 0.001, r = 0.369), and AST (p < 0.001, r = 0.374) levels were positively correlated with Knodell grade of inflammation. CONCLUSION: ALT1 measurement by utilizing sandwich ELISA immunoassay can be useful method for predicting inf lammation grade and fibrosis stage in patients with CHB.

Amoxicillin or tetracycline in bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety between modified quadruple- and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as first-line eradication regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, randomized-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Subjects endoscopically diagnosed with H. pylori infection were randomly allocated to receive modified quadruple- (rabeprazole 20 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid [elemental bismuth 480 mg]; PAMB) or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg bid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, tetracycline 500 mg qid; PBMT) for 14 days. Rates of eradication success and adverse events were investigated. Antibiotic resistance was determined using the agar dilution and DNA sequencing of the clarithromycin resistance point mutations in the 23 S rRNA gene of H. pylori. RESULTS: In total, 233 participants were randomized, 27 were lost to follow-up, and four violated the protocol. Both regimens showed an acceptable eradication rate in the intention-to-treat (PAMB: 87.2% vs. PBMT: 82.8%, P = .37), modified intention-to-treat (96.2% vs. 96%, P > .99), and per-protocol (96.2% vs. 96.9%, P > .99) analyses. Non-inferiority in the eradication success between PAMB and PBMT was confirmed. The amoxicillin-, metronidazole-, tetracycline-, clarithromycin-, and levofloxacin-resistance rates were 8.3, 40, 9.4, 23.5, and 42.2%, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance did not significantly affect the efficacy of either therapy. Overall compliance was 98.1%. Adverse events were not significantly different between the two therapies. CONCLUSION: Modified quadruple therapy comprising rabeprazole, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and bismuth is an effective first-line treatment for the H. pylori infection in regions with high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Aims: Insufficient systematic reviews were conducted in the previous meta-analyses about the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with CKD. Methods: A systematic review of studies that evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with CKD compared to a control group was performed. Only studies with adult patients were included, and studies with renal transplant recipients or diabetic nephropathy patients were excluded. Random-effects model meta-analyses with sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of the main result. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore the influence of potential heterogeneity on the outcomes. The methodological quality of the included publications was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Nonrandomized Studies. Publication bias was also assessed. Results: In total, 47 studies were identified and analyzed. The total prevalence of H. pylori infection was 48.2% (1,968/4,084) in patients with CKD and 59.3% (4,097/6,908) in the control group. Pooled analysis showed a significantly lower prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with CKD (vs control group: odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.52 to 0.79). Sensitivity analyses revealed consistent results, and meta-regression analysis showed no significant confounders. No publication bias was detected. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with CKD.

Alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of developing colorectal neoplasia: Propensity score matching analysis.

Although alcohol intake is known to be associated with the development of colorectal cancer, the effect of alcohol consumption on the development of colorectal neoplasm (CRN) is unclear. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis with 1 to 1 propensity score matching in a single center of Korea. Among 1,448 patients who underwent index and surveillance colonoscopy, 210 matched pairs were analyzed. The 5-year cumulative occurrence of overall CRN after index colonoscopy was higher in the significant alcohol consumption group (defined as alcohol consumption more than 30 g/day in men and 20 g/day in women) (vs. without significant alcohol consumption group) (40% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.004). Significant alcohol consumption increased the development of overall CRN (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-2.70, p = 0.001) at surveillance colonoscopy. However, this effect was not valid on the development of advanced CRN. In subgroup analysis considering the risk classification of index colonoscopy, significant alcohol consumption increased the overall CRN development at surveillance colonoscopy in the normal group (patients with no detected adenoma in the index colonoscopy) (aHR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.16-3.13, p = 0.01). Alcohol consumption habits should be considered in optimizing time intervals of surveillance colonoscopy.

Candidemia after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and literature review.

Candidemia is a rare adverse event of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). To date, several case reports of post-ERCP candidemia have been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of disseminated candidemia caused by Candida albicans with secondary complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and hematogenous candidal endophthalmitis following ERCP in a young healthy patient without well-recognized risk factors for candidemia. After intravenous and intravitreal antifungal therapy and intensive care, the candidemia resolved, and the patient was discharged without further sequela. The present case alerted us to consider candidemia as a rare but potentially fatal adverse event of ERCP, even in an immunocompetent host.

Modified quadruple therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea; rationale and design of an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin-containing triple regimen for eradication of Helicobacter pylori is no longer acceptable in Korea due to high clarithromycin resistance. Concomitant therapy or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is recommended as an alternative regimen. A recent study in Korea has shown that modified quadruple therapy has comparable efficacy and safety to concomitant therapy as a first-line regimen. However, there has been no comparative study of modified quadruple therapy with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of modified quadruple therapy with those of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as a first-line regimen and to present the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profile of H pylori. METHODS: This study is an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. We are recruiting subjects endoscopically diagnosed with H pylori infection from 2 hospitals in Korea. Subjects will be randomly allocated either to modified quadruple therapy (proton-pump inhibitor bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid daily) or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (proton-pump inhibitor bid, tetracycline 500 mg qid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid daily) for 14 days. The rate of eradication success and adverse events will be checked at least 4 weeks after the treatment. Antibiotic resistance will be established using both a bacterial culture with agar dilutions and DNA sequencing of the clarithromycin resistance point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene of H pylori. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide solid evidence for determining the optimal treatment regimen for first-line H pylori eradication in Korea.

Clinical impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the occurrence of colorectal neoplasm: Propensity score matching analysis.

The effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the occurrences of colorectal neoplasm (CRN) at surveillance colonoscopy is rarely evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 1,023 patients who had both index and surveillance colonoscopy at a single institution. The cumulative occurrence rates of overall and advanced CRN at the time of surveillance colonoscopy were compared between patients with and without NAFLD using propensity score matching analysis. In an analysis of matched cohort of 441 patients, the cumulative rates of overall CRN occurrence at 3 and 5 years after index colonoscopy were higher in subjects with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (9.1% vs. 5.0% & 35.2% vs. 25.3%, P = 0.01). Cox regression analysis showed that NAFLD independently increased the risk of overall CRN occurrence with marginal significance (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.31 95% CI: 1.01-1.71, P = 0.05). Additionally, NAFLD was associated with the development of 3 or more adenomas at the time of surveillance colonoscopy (aHR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20-5.20, P = 0.02). In subgroup analysis based on index colonoscopy risk categories, the effect of NAFLD on the overall CRN occurrence at the time of surveillance colonoscopy was confined to the normal group (aHR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05-2.06, P = 0.02). Regarding advanced CRN occurrences at the time of surveillance colonoscopy, age was the only significant risk factor (aHR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, P = 0.001). NAFLD was associated with overall CRN occurrence, especially in patients with no adenoma at the index colonoscopy. NAFLD may be considered for the determination of the time-interval for surveillance colonoscopy, especially the patients with negative index colonoscopy findings.

Clinical characteristics of peptic ulcer perforation in Korea.

AIM: To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who were diagnosed with benign PPU from 2010 through 2015 at 6 Hallym university-affiliated hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 396 patients were identified with postoperative complication rate of 9.1% and mortality rate of 0.8%. Among 174 (43.9%) patients who were examined for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, 78 (44.8%) patients were positive for H. pylori infection, 21 (12.1%) were on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) therapy, and 80 (46%) patients were neither infected of H. pylori nor treated by any kinds of NSAIDs. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04-1.16) and comorbidity (OR = 4.11, 95%CI: 1.03-16.48) were risk factors for NSAID-associated PPU compared with non-H. pylori, non-NSAID associated PPU and older age (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02-1.07) and alcohol consumption (OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.05-4.13) were risk factors for non-H. pylori, non-NSAID associated PPU compared with solely H. pylori positive PPU. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with comorbidities are associated with NSAIDs-associated PPU. Non-H. pylori, non-NSAID peptic ulcer is important etiology of PPU and alcohol consumption is associated risk factor.

The efficacy and safety of the left lateral position for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is typically performed in prone position. In cases of difficulty in prone position, ERCP can be performed in left lateral position. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of left lateral position for ERCP compared with those of prone position. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2015 and March 2016, a total of 62 patients with native papilla who underwent ERCP were randomly assigned to undergo the procedure in left lateral position (n = 31) or prone position (n = 31). The outcomes of procedures were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the demographic data, indications for ERCP, comorbidities, anticoagulation agents, the types and doses of sedative agents, and procedural durations. The rates of technical success and adverse events were similar (96.8 and 40%, respectively, in left lateral group and 100 and 32.3%, respectively, in prone group). The rates of unintentional pancreatic duct (PD) cannulation and the acquisition of pancreatograms in left lateral group were significantly greater than those in prone group (9/30, 30.0% vs. 3/31, 9.7%, P = 0.046; 7/30, 23.3% vs. 1/31, 3.2%, P = 0.020, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (6/30, 20% vs. 5/31, 16.1%, P = 0.694). CONCLUSION: The left lateral position for ERCP can be as effective and safe as prone position. Due to increased rates of unintended PD cannulation and contrast injection, the initial use of left lateral position may be limited to cases that exhibit difficulty in prone position.

Communicating Tubular Esophageal Duplication Combined with Bronchoesophageal Fistula.

Esophageal duplication (ED) is rarely diagnosed in adults and is usually asymptomatic. Especially, ED that is connected to the esophagus through a tubular communication and combined with bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) is extremely rare and has never been reported in the English literature. This condition is very difficult to diagnose. Although some combinations of several modalities, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophagography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasonography, can be used for the diagnosis, the results might be inconclusive. Here, we report on a patient with communicating tubular ED that was incidentally diagnosed on the basis of endoscopy and esophagography during the postoperational evaluation of BEF.

Recent Update on Microbiological Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes after High-Level Disinfection.

Endoscopy-related infections are important contributors to nosocomial infections. Endoscope reprocessing according to standard guidelines ensures high-level disinfection and prevents endoscopy-related infections. Microbiological surveillance may help in monitoring the effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection. The process involves microbial cultures and non-culture methods such as bioburden assays, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Surveillance culturing to monitor endoscopes after reprocessing has been recommended by a majority of organizations. Bioburden assays, ATP bioluminescence, and quantitative PCRs provide rapid and reliable measures. Each institution will have to try to establish its own surveillance guidelines.