Electrogastrography in patients with gastric motility disorders.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is a novel diagnostic modality for assessing the gastrointestinal tract (GI) that generates spontaneous electrical activity and monitors gastric motility. The aim of this study was to compare patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and diabetic gastroparesis (D-GP) with healthy controls (CT) to use established findings on abnormalities of gastric motility based on EGG characteristics. In this study, 50 patients with FD, 50 D-GP patients, and 50 CT subjects were studied to compare EGG with discrete wavelet transform models (DWT) to extract signal characteristics using a variety of different qualitative and quantitative metrics from pre-prandial and postprandial states. As a result, higher statistically significant (p < 0.05*) were found in the DWT models based on power spectral density (PSD) analysis in both states. We also present that the correlations between EGG metrics and the presence of FD, D-GP, and CT symptoms were inconsistent. This paper represents that EGG assessments of FD and D-GP patients differ from healthy controls in terms of abnormalities of gastric motility. Additionally, we demonstrate that diverse datasets showed adequate gastric motility responses to a meal. We anticipate that our method will provide a comprehensive understanding of gastric motility disorders for better treatment and monitoring in both clinical and research settings. In conclusion, we present potential future opportunities for precise gastrointestinal electrophysiological disorders.

Paradoxical association between dyspepsia and autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis: Insights into mechanisms, pathophysiology, and treatment options.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a progressive, chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of gastric parietal cells leading to hypo/anacidity and loss of intrinsic factor. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia and early satiety are very common, being second in terms of frequency only to anemia, which is the most typical feature of AIG. AIM: To address both well-established and more innovative information and knowledge about this challenging disorder. METHODS: An extensive bibliographical search was performed in PubMed to identify guidelines and primary literature (retrospective and prospective studies, systematic reviews, case series) published in the last 10 years. RESULTS: A total of 125 records were reviewed and 80 were defined as fulfilling the criteria. CONCLUSION: AIG can cause a range of clinical manifestations, including dyspepsia. The pathophysiology of dyspepsia in AIG is complex and involves changes in acid secretion, gastric motility, hormone signaling, and gut microbiota, among other factors. Managing dyspeptic symptoms of AIG is challenging and there are no specific therapies targeting dyspepsia in AIG. While proton pump inhibitors are commonly used to treat dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease, they may not be appropriate for AIG. Prokinetic agents, antidepressant drugs, and non-pharmacological treatments may be of help, even if not adequately evidence-based supported. A multidisciplinary approach for the management of dyspepsia in AIG is recommended, and further research is needed to develop and validate more effective therapies for dyspepsia.

Effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

CONTEXT: Research on the effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms has shown conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was to assess the effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase online databases was performed up to May 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that examined the impact of a gluten-free diet, a low-gluten diet, or a gluten challenge on dyspeptic symptoms, including early satiety, epigastric pain, bloating, and nausea, were selected independently by 2 authors. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results were pooled using a random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95%CIs. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 7641 citations retrieved, 27 articles (18 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Of those, 5 RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that gluten challenge significantly increased the severity of bloating (WMD = 0.67; 95%CI, 0.37-0.97; I2 = 81.8%; n = 6), early satiety (WMD = 0.91; 95%CI, 0.58-1.23; I2 = 27.2%; n = 5), and epigastric pain (WMD = 0.46; 95%CI, 0.17-0.75; I2 = 65.8%; n = 6). However, the effect of gluten challenge on the severity of nausea (WMD = 0.13; 95%CI, -0.17 to 0.43; I2 = 0.0%, n = 5) was nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: Gluten challenge significantly worsened dyspeptic symptoms, including bloating, early satiety, and epigastric pain, but did not affect nausea. These findings suggest that gluten restriction could be efficient in reducing dyspeptic symptoms. Well-designed large RCTs recruiting homogenous groups of patients with functional dyspepsia are needed to clarify the effectiveness of gluten restriction on dyspeptic symptoms.

Prevalence and factors associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection among children with sickle cell anemia attending Mulago hospital, in Uganda.

Background: Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high predisposition to a range of infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Studies of children living in low income countries have shown high levels of infection with Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori), however, there are no reports in Ugandan children with SCA. Objectives: We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with H. pylori infection among children with SCA at Mulago Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 children with SCA aged 5-18 years. Assessments included recurrent abdominal pain(RAP), dyspeptic symptoms, relevant medical and social histories. Stool samples were collected and an antigen test carried out to determine H. pylori infection. H. pylori prevalence and its associated factors were determined. Results: Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 49%(168/340); (95%Confidence interval (CI): 44.1, 54.7) of the study subjects. Having epigastric pain was independently associated with H. pylori infection; (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.1, 3.6; p= 0.048). Pneumococcal vaccination; (aOR=0.425; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9; p=0.019) and appetite loss; (aOR=0.588; 95%CI: 0.3, 0.9; p=0.046) were negatively associated with H. pylori infection. RAP was not associated with H. pylori infection. Conclusions: H. pylori infection was common among children with SCA and independently associated with epigastric pain but not recurrent abdominal pain. Pneumococcal vaccination and appetite loss were protective against the infection. Screening for H. pylori should be carried out in SCA children with epigastric pain.

Association between Dietary Macronutrient Intake and Symptoms in Uninvestigated Dyspepsia: Evidence from a Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Limited evidence from laboratory-based studies suggests that specific dietary macronutrients, particularly fat, can induce dyspeptic symptoms. Through a population-based study, we investigated the relationship between dietary macronutrients and dyspeptic symptoms and sought to determine macronutrient intake thresholds to predict or prevent dyspepsia and reduce symptoms in patients with dyspepsia. (2) Methods: A total of 4763 Iranian people were enrolled in this population-based, cross-sectional study. Uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) and its symptoms, including postprandial fullness, early satiation, and epigastric pain, were evaluated using a modified Persian version of the Rome III criteria. The dietary intakes of participants were evaluated using a validated food−frequency questionnaire. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate threshold intakes of dietary macronutrients to prevent UD in the general population. The analysis was then repeated in those with UD to calculate intake thresholds for reducing UD symptoms. (3) Results: Early satiation occurred in 6.3% (n = 302), postprandial fullness in 8.0% (n = 384) and epigastric pain in 7.8% (n = 371) of participants. The prevalence of UD was 15.2%. Compared with individuals without UD, those with UD had a lower intake of carbohydrates (48.2% vs. 49.1%) and a higher intake of fats (38.3% vs. 37.4%), while protein and energy intakes did not differ. Higher dietary fat and protein intakes were associated with a higher prevalence of postprandial fullness and epigastric pain, respectively. Macronutrient intakes to predict UD in the general population were <49% of energy from carbohydrates, >14.7% from protein, and >37.7% from fats. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes to prevent symptoms among those with UD were calculated to be >48.2%, <14.6%, and <38.6%, respectively. (4) Conclusion: Higher carbohydrate intake and lower fat or protein intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of UD. Prospective studies carefully manipulating dietary macronutrient composition are warranted to investigate the value of dietary changes to improve symptoms in people with UD.

Elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 following Helicobacter suis gastritis and normalisation after eradication: first case report and review of the literature.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a biological marker used to diagnose and monitor the progression of various cancers. Elevated CA 19-9 has also been sporadically observed in Helicobacter pylori infected patients. Similar to H. pylori, animalhosted non-H. pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) species can induce gastroduodenal lesions in humans. We report the first case of CA 19-9 elevation related to H. suis gastritis and its normalisation after eradication. A CA 19-9 screening prescribed as part of a regular check up by the general practitioner was found elevated in a 68-year-old man presenting chronic dyspeptic symptoms. Medical investigations were negative for presence of neoplasia or biliary obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed the presence of chronic gastritis and H. suis was identified in gastric biopsies. The standard treatment for H. pylori successfully eradicated H. suis with normalisation of CA 19-9 levels. In addition to H. pylori, infection with NHPH species should be considered as an additional cause of elevated CA19-9.

The yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients below 60 years and without alarm symptoms presenting with dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is frequently performed in patients with upper abdominal symptoms. Although guidelines recommend withholding an endoscopy in the absence of alarm symptoms, dyspeptic symptoms remain a predominant indication for endoscopy. We aimed to investigate the yield of upper GI endoscopy in patients with low-risk dyspeptic symptoms. METHODS: We conducted an analysis in a prospectively maintained endoscopy reporting database. We collected the results of all upper GI endoscopy procedures between 2015 and 2019 that was performed in adult patients aged <60 years with dyspeptic symptoms. Patients with documented alarm symptoms were excluded. We categorized endoscopic findings into major and minor endoscopic findings. RESULTS: We identified 26,440 patients with dyspeptic symptoms who underwent upper GI endoscopy. A total of 13,978 patients were considered low-risk and included for analysis (median age 46 years, interquartile range (IQR) [36-53], 62% female). In 11,353 patients (81.2%), no endoscopic abnormalities were detected. Major endoscopic findings were seen in 513 patients (3.7%) and minor endoscopic findings in 2178 patients (15.6%). Endoscopic findings indicative of upper GI cancer were reported in 47 patients (0.3%), including 16 (0.1%) oesophageal, 28 (0.2%) gastric and 5 (0.04%) duodenal lesions. Despite an initial unremarkable endoscopy result, 1015 of 11,353 patients (8.9%) underwent a follow-up endoscopy after a median of 428 days [IQR 158-819]. This did not lead to the additional identification of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of upper GI endoscopy in low-risk (<60 years, no alarm symptoms) patients with dyspepsia is very limited. This study further supports a restrictive use of upper GI endoscopy in these patients.

Impaired pain empathic abilities among patients with functional dyspepsia.

INTRODUCTION: Brain structure or functioning abnormality in regions such as insula and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with functional dyspepsia (FD) and pain empathy, but the relationship between FD and pain empathy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the pain empathic abilities of FD patients and healthy controls (HCs) and investigate the association of pain empathy with clinical characteristics and quality of life of FD patients. METHODS: Pain empathic abilities was measured in 30 FD patients and 30 HCs using a validated pain empathy paradigm. Demographic characteristics, Helicobacter pylori status, duration, dyspeptic symptom score and Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI) were obtained from all patients. RESULTS: FD patients scored higher than HCs when rating painful pictures, but the accuracy for painful pictures was significantly lower than HCs. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between NDLQI and pain rating scores for painful pictures. When sex, age, educational level, the number of complaints, duration, H. pylori infection and NDLQI were included in multiple linear regression analysis, NDLQI was independently associated with pain ratings. CONCLUSIONS: FD patients showed abnormally enhanced pain empathic abilities, which may be associated with the severity of symptoms and quality of life.

Influence of sex on the association between body mass index and frequency of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGSs), including reflux and dyspeptic symptoms (postprandial distress syndrome [PDS] and epigastric pain syndrome [EPS]), affect health-related quality of life. However, the influence of sex on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and UGSs remains controversial. This study investigates the influence of sex on this association in healthy subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: We utilized the database of a prospective, multicenter, cohort study of 7112 subjects who underwent upper endoscopy for health screening. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between BMI and UGSs stratified by sex, adjusting for clinical features. The influence of sex on the association between the overlapping of UGSs and BMI in symptomatic subjects was also investigated. Reflux symptoms were significantly associated with high BMI (multivariable odds ratio [OR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.67, P = 0.004). PDS symptoms were significantly associated with low BMI (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.70-3.25; P < 0.0001), but EPS symptoms were not associated with BMI. The association between reflux symptoms and higher BMI was limited to men (men: OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.10-1.77; P = 0.005, women: P = 0.40). sex did not influence the association between the presence of PDS symptoms and lower BMI. The percentage of overlapping of all three symptoms (reflux, PDS, and EPS) was higher in women than in men (19.9% [58/292] vs 10.5% [49/468], P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The influence of BMI on the presence of UGSs was significantly different according to sex in this large-scale cohort.

Impaired decision-making under risk in patients with functional dyspepsia.

INTRODUCTION: The cognitive processing in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) has not been well established. Decision-making is an important component of cognitive function. Most brain regions involved in decision-making are abnormal in FD patients. This study aimed to investigate the decision-making under ambiguity and risk in FD patients. METHODS: We recruited 40 FD patients meeting Rome III criteria and 40 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, marital status, and education level. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) were used to evaluate their anxiety and depression emotions. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Game of Dice Task (GDT) were used to evaluate decision-making under ambiguity and risk, respectively. Helicobacter pylori status, disease duration, dyspeptic symptom score, and the Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI) were obtained from all patients. RESULTS: In IGT, FD patients had a lower total net score, chose more adverse choices, and showed a slower response to change their behavior than HCs. However, there was no significant difference in the net score of the first 2 blocks between the two groups. In GDT, FD patients had a lower total net score, higher risk score, and lower use of negative feedback than HCs. In addition, FD patients showed better GDT performance than those without early satiation. CONCLUSIONS: FD patients showed impaired decision-making under risk. The deficiency might be related to dyspeptic symptoms of FD patients.

Lactobacillus reuteri versus triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The eradication of H. pylori infection using PPI associated with different combinations of two or three antibiotics entails high risks of side effects and non- adherence. Therefore probiotics have been proposed for H. pylori eradication.We tested the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri plus Pantoprazole compared to a triple regimen based on Pantoprazole plus Amoxicillin plus Clarithromycin in patients with H. pylori infection and functional dyspepsia. METHODS: In a prospective design, 46 patients (M: 13, F: 33, mean age 48.80 ± 13.82 years) fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: age at least 18, documented informed consent, positive H. pylori finding by histology, no morphological changes of the gastric mucosa at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and complaints of functional dyspepsia according to the Rome III criteria. Exclusion criteria were: presence of any other chronic organic diseases that required drug treatment, use of antibiotics, PPIs or H2 antagonists in the previous 3 months; pregnancy or lactation. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups (23 patients each group). One group received the standard therapy in our area: Pantoprazole 40 mg bid for 30 days associated with Amoxicillin 2×1000 mg/day and Clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 14 days. The other group received Pantoprazole 40 mg/day plus L. reuteri DSMZ 17648 twice a day for 8 weeks. Post-treatment eradication was tested by H. pylori antigen stool assay at 30 days after therapy. RESULTS: The group on L. reuteri plus Pantoprazole presented 65.22% eradication rate compared to 73.91% cure rate in the group that received the Pantoprazole and Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin therapy, with no statistically significant difference in eradication rate between the two groups (p=0.75). The total adherence was good and eradication of H. pylori was associated with improvement of dyspeptic symptoms for both eradication regimens. CONCLUSION: L. reuteri is a good alternative for patients with chronic dyspepsia for the eradication of H. pylori infection. Its efficacy is similar to the triple therapy.

Teprenone improves gastric mucosal injury and dyspeptic symptoms in long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a major cause of gastric mucosal lesions. In China, teprenone is frequently prescribed as a mucoprotective agent, but the literature regarding their efficacy is limited. Our purpose was to address the effects of teprenone on long-term NSAID-associated gastric mucosal lesions. METHODS: This study examined 369 patients taking NSAIDs for at least 12 weeks. Patients without gastroduodenal ulcer and without Helicobacter pylori infection on endoscopy at baseline were randomized to receive either NSAID plus teprenone (150 mg/day) or NSAID only for 12 weeks. Lanza scores were examined using endoscopy before and after treatment, and dyspeptic symptom scores are also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were randomized to the teprenone group (n = 74) or the control group (n = 84) for 12 weeks. Seventy-one of patients in the teprenone group and 79 of patients in the control group were analyzed finally. After treatment, the Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores decreased significantly in the teprenone group while increased in the control group (P < 0.05). The changes of Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores were higher in the teprenone group than in the control group (P < 0.05). For subgroup analysis, the change in Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores improved significantly in the teprenone group receiving long-term low-dose aspirin treatment, as well as in the teprenone group receiving other NSAIDs treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Teprenone may be an effective treatment choice of gastric mucosal injuries and dyspepsia symptoms in patients who used NSAIDs chronically without H. pylori infection or history of gastroduodenal ulcer.

Association between gastric myoelectric activity disturbances and dyspeptic symptoms in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Dyspeptic symptoms present a severe problem in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients. The aim of the study was to analyze an association between gastric myoelectric activity changes and dyspeptic symptoms in gastrointestinal cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 80 patients (37 men and 43 women, mean age 61.2 ± 7.8 years) diagnosed with GI tract malignancies: colon (group A), rectal (group B) and gastric cancers (group C). Gastric myoelectric activity in a preprandial and postprandial state was determined by means of a 4-channel electrogastrography. Autonomic nervous system was studied based on heart rate variability analysis. The results were compared with the data from healthy asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: In a fasted state, GI cancer patients presented with lesser percentages of normogastria time (A:44.23 vs. B:46.5 vs. C:47.10 vs. Control:78.2%) and average percentage slow wave coupling (ACSWC) (A:47.1 vs. B:50.8 vs. C:47.2 vs. Control:74.9%), and with higher values of dominant power (A:12.8 vs. B:11.7 vs. C:12.3 vs. Control:10.9) than the controls. Patients did not show an improvement in the percentage of normogastria time, dominant power, dominant frequency and ACSWC in response to food. The severity of dyspeptic symptoms correlated with the values of electrogastrography parameters. Patients showed lower values of heart rate variability parameters than the healthy controls, that indicate abnormal autonomic nervous system activity. CONCLUSION: GI cancers affect the gastric myoelectric activity, decreasing normogastria and slow wave coupling. These patients do not show adequate gastric motility response to food. Impaired gastric electric motility may result from cancer-induced autonomic disturbances.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Multienzyme Complex in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent disorder having nonspecific symptoms and varied pathophysiology. Its treatment remains a challenge as therapeutic options are limited, unsatisfactory, and elusive. Thus, safety and efficacy of DigeZyme®, a proprietary multienzyme complex (MEC), was evaluated as a dietary supplement in FD patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 40 patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive either MEC (50 mg, TID; n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 60 days. Reports of adverse or serious adverse events (AEs), abnormal results of vital signs, abnormal findings during physical examination, and abnormal laboratory investigations were monitored closely. Efficacy measures were change in Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ), Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Short Form (NDI-SF), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Clinical Global Impression Severity Rating Scale (CGI-S), and Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score (GDSS) at baseline and follow-up visits on day 15, 30, and 60. Supplementation with MEC was associated with statistically significant differences (P value ranging from .0401 to .0033) in all efficacy parameters compared with placebo. The between-group comparison also revealed that MEC supplement had a significantly greater effect (P < .001) versus placebo. No investigation product-related AEs were reported. There were no clinically significant abnormalities in physical findings and no statistically significant changes in biochemical and hematological parameters, vital signs, body weight, and body mass index observed between the two groups at baseline and follow-up visits. MEC supplementation represents an effective and safe alternative to manage dyspepsia symptoms in FD patients.

Dietary PUFA Increase Apoptosis in Stomach of Patients with Dyspeptic Symptoms and Infected with H. pylori.

Drug-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and poor treatment response are the main reasons for the failure in eradicating it in patients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PUFA in combination with standard triple therapy on apoptosis in H. pylori infected subjects with dyspeptic symptoms. This study was a double-blind clinical trial in which 34 H. pylori infected subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were randomly divided into two groups of 17 patients. The control group received standard triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole) and the experimental group received the standard therapy and PUFA for two weeks. Gene expression levels of caspase-3, BCL-2 and Bad proteins were studied with real-time PCR, while protein levels were quantified in frozen sections and using immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, a significant increase (p < 0.01) was observed in the expression of caspase-3 and Bad genes and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the expression of Bcl-2 gene. The protein level of active caspase-3 and Bad protein was significantly increased and the level of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The results of this study show that oral administration of PUFA in combination with the standard triple therapy increased apoptosis in H. pylori-infected patients with dyspeptic symptoms. This increase in apoptosis may partly reduce drug resistance in these patients. Our results suggest inclusion of a dietary PUFA containing fatty acid supplement may improve treatment of patients that are refractory to the standard triple therapy.

Factors affecting response to proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a multicenter prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, the first-line treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is not always effective. This study aimed to examine the effect of pretreatment patient characteristics on response to PPI therapy. METHODS: Japanese outpatients with symptomatic GERD scheduled to receive endoscopy and PPI therapy were enrolled in this multicenter prospective observational study. The patients' characteristics, including GERD and dyspeptic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and quality of life, were assessed using questionnaires before and 2 and 4 weeks after the start of PPI therapy. Factors affecting therapeutic response were examined by simple and multiple regression analyses using three patient-reported outcome measures as objective variables. RESULTS: Data from 182 patients were analyzed. In multiple regression analysis using the residual symptom rate as an objective variable, lower GERD symptom score (p < 0.05), absence of erosive esophagitis (p < 0.05), higher epigastric pain/burning symptom score (p < 0.05), and higher depression subscale score (p < 0.05) accompanied poorer therapeutic response. In analyses using the patient's impression of therapy, lower GERD symptom score (p < 0.05) and absence of erosive esophagitis (p < 0.05) accompanied poorer therapeutic response. In analyses using the relative GERD symptom intensity evaluated using a numeric rating scale, lower GERD symptom score (p < 0.05), higher epigastric pain/burning symptom score (p < 0.1), and lower body mass index (p < 0.05) accompanied poorer therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who complained of milder GERD symptoms before treatment were likely to have poorer response to PPI therapy. Association of absence of erosive esophagitis, severer epigastric pain/burning symptoms, lower body mass index, and severer depression with poorer therapeutic response was also suggested.

Primary antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with dyspeptic symptoms in Beijing: a prospective serial study.

AIM: To determine the resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from patients in Beijing and monitor the change of antibiotic resistance over time. METHODS: In this prospective, serial and cross-sectional study, H. pylori cultures were successfully obtained from 371 and 950 patients (never receiving eradication) during 2009-2010 and 2013-2014, respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin was determined by Epsilometer test. RESULTS: The resistance rates of isolates obtained during 2009-2010 were 66.8%, 39.9%, 34.5%, 15.4%, 6.7%, and 4.9% to metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, rifampicin, amoxicillin and tetracycline, respectively; and the corresponding rates for isolates during 2013-2014 were 63.4%, 52.6%, 54.8%, 18.2%, 4.4% and 7.3%, respectively. The resistance rates to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were significantly increased after four years. In 2009-2010, 14.6% of H. pylori isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, with mono (33.7%), double (28.3%), triple (16.7%), quadruple (6.2%), quintuple (0.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.3%) also being detected. In 2013-2014, 9.4% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, and mono (27.6%), double (28.4%), triple (24.9%), quadruple (7.3%), quintuple (2.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.1%) was also observed. More multiple resistant H. pylori isolates were found during 2013-2014. Gender (to levofloxacin and metronidazole), age (to levofloxacin) and endoscopic findings (to clarithromycin) were independent factors influencing antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: H. pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Beijing is high with increased multiple antibiotic resistance.

Plasma levels of acylated ghrelin in patients with functional dyspepsia.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between plasma acylated ghrelin levels and the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Twenty-two female patients with functional dyspepsia and twelve healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. The functional dyspepsia patients were each diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria. Eligible patients completed a questionnaire concerning the severity of 10 symptoms. Plasma acylated ghrelin levels before and after a meal were determined in the study participants using a commercial human acylated enzyme immunoassay kit; electrogastrograms were performed for 50 min before and after a standardized 10-min meal containing 265 kcal. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in plasma acylated ghrelin levels between healthy volunteers and patients with functional dyspepsia. However, in patients with functional dyspepsia, there was a negative correlation between fasting plasma acylated ghrelin levels and the sum score of epigastric pain (r = -0.427, P = 0.047) and a positive correlation between the postprandial/fasting plasma acylated ghrelin ratio and the sum score of early satiety (r = 0.428, P =0.047). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between fasting acylated ghrelin plasma levels and fasting normogastria (%) (r = -0.522, P = 0.013). Interestingly, two functional dyspepsia patients showed paradoxically elevated plasma acylated ghrelin levels after the meal. CONCLUSION: Abnormal plasma acylated ghrelin levels before or after a meal may be related to several of the dyspeptic symptoms seen in patients with functional dyspepsia.