Oral Sulfate Solution Is as Effective as Polyethylene Glycol with Ascorbic Acid in a Split Method for Bowel Preparation in Patients with Inactive Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Multicenter, and Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background/Aims: Low-volume preparations for colonoscopy are gaining attention for their higher acceptability. However, the efficacy and safety of oral sulfate solution (OSS) preparations in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been well known. Therefore, we aimed to compare OSS and 2-L polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG+Asc) for bowel preparation in inactive UC. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind study was conducted at six tertiary referral hospitals in Korea. Outpatients with UC who had stable disease activity were randomly allocated to the OSS group or the 2-L PEG+Asc group for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. The study outcomes included treatment efficacy, safety, tolerability, and acceptability. Bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale and rated as successful cleansing if the score was ≥6. Patient acceptance and tolerability were assessed using a 4-point ordinal scale. Additionally, disease activity and laboratory data before and after colonoscopy were evaluated to check for safety. Results: The OSS and 2-L PEG+Asc groups included 92 and 93 participants, respectively. No significant between-group difference was noted in successful cleansing (OSS [96.7%] vs 2-L PEG+Asc [97.8%], p=0.64). Moreover, the safety, acceptance, and tolerability were not significantly different (all p>0.05). Furthermore, no significant changes were found in serum electrolytes or disease activity in either group. Conclusions: OSS is effective for colonoscopy cleansing, has acceptable tolerability, and does not affect disease activity; thus, it can be used safely for bowel preparation in patients with inactive UC.

The Effect of Necrosis Inhibitor on Dextran Sulfate Sodium Induced Chronic Colitis Model in Mice.

Uncontrolled chronic inflammation and necrosis is characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of necrosis inhibitor (NI, NecroX-7) on a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced chronic colitis model of mice. DSS was administered on days 1-5, and the NI was administered intraperitoneally (3 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) on days 1, 3, and 5 as well as every other day during the first five days of a three-week cycle. Three cycles of administration were performed. Colitis was evaluated based on the disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, and histological score. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing, the Western blot assay, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine inflammatory cytokine levels. The NI reduced body weight change and the DAI score. Colon length and the histological score were longer and lower in the NI-treated groups, respectively. The NI decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB). Immunohistochemical staining revealed decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels. Overall, the NI improved DSS induced chronic colitis by attenuating the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Therefore, NI use is a potential, novel treatment approach for IBD.

Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics of CT-P13 Between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare trough infliximab levels and the development of antidrug antibody (ADA) for 1 year between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who were biologic-naive, and to evaluate their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Biologic-naive patients with moderate to severe CD or UC who started CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar, therapy were enrolled. Trough drug and ADA levels were measured periodically for 1 year after CT-P13 initiation. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients who received CT-P13 treatment were included (CD 168, UC 99). The rates of clinical remission (72% vs. 32.3%, P <0.001) at week 54 were significantly higher in CD than in UC. The median trough drug level (µg/mL) was significantly higher in CD than in UC up to week 14 (week 2, 18.7 vs. 14.7, P <0.001; week 6, 12.5 vs. 8.6, P <0.001; week 14, 3.4 vs. 2.5, P =0.001). The median ADA level (AU/mL) was significantly lower in CD than in UC at week 2 (6.3 vs. 6.5, P =0.046), week 30 (7.9 vs. 11.8, P =0.007), and week 54 (9.3 vs. 12.3, P =0.032). Development of ADA at week 2 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.15, P =0.026], initial C-reactive protein level (aOR=0.87, P =0.032), and CD over UC (aOR=1.92, P <0.001) were independent predictors of clinical remission at week 54. CONCLUSION: Infliximab shows more favorable pharmacokinetics, including high drug trough and low ADA levels, in CD than in UC, which might result in better clinical outcomes for 1-year infliximab treatment in CD patients.

Clinical Features and Long-term Prognosis of Crohn's Disease in Korea: Results from the Prospective CONNECT Study.

Background/Aims: The prospective Crohn's Disease Clinical Network and Cohort Study is a nationwide multicenter cohort study of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in Korea, aiming to prospectively investigate the clinical features and long-term prognosis associated with CD. Methods: Patients diagnosed with CD between January 2009 and September 2019 were prospectively enrolled. They were divided into two cohorts according to the year of diagnosis: cohort 1 (diagnosed between 2009 and 2011) versus cohort 2 (between 2012 and 2019). Results: A total of 1,175 patients were included, and the median follow-up duration was 68 months (interquartile range, 39.0 to 91.0 months). The treatment-free durations for thiopurines (p<0.001) and anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (p=0.018) of cohort 2 were shorter than those of cohort 1. Among 887 patients with B1 behavior at diagnosis, 149 patients (16.8%) progressed to either B2 or B3 behavior during follow-up. Early use of thiopurine was associated with a reduced risk of behavioral progression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50 to 0.90), and family history of inflammatory bowel disease was associated with an increased risk of behavioral progression (aHR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.16 to 4.50). One hundred forty-one patients (12.0%) underwent intestinal resection, and the intestinal resection-free survival time was significantly longer in cohort 2 than in cohort 1 (p=0.003). The early use of thiopurines (aHR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.51) was independently associated with a reduced risk of intestinal resection. Conclusions: The prognosis of CD in Korea appears to have improved over time, as evidenced by the decreasing intestinal resection rate. Early use of thiopurines was associated with an improved prognosis represented by a reduced risk of intestinal resection.

Ten-year trends of utilizing palliative care and palliative procedures in patients with gastric Cancer in the United States from 2009 to 2018 - a nationwide database study.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the current status and the changing trends of hospitalization and palliative care consultation of patients with gastric cancer in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changing trend in the number of hospitalization, palliative care consultation, and palliative procedures in the US during a recent 10-year period using a nationwide database. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of 2009-2018. Patients aged more than 18 years who were diagnosed with a gastric cancer using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and 10 codes were included. Palliative care consultation included palliative care (ICD-9, V66.7; ICD-10, Z51.5) and advanced care planning (ICD-9, V69.89; ICD-10, Z71.89). Palliative procedures included percutaneous or endoscopic bypass, gastrostomy or enterostomy, dilation, drainage, nutrition, and irrigation for palliative purpose. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 86,430 patients were selected and analyzed in this study. Using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) approach, the annual number of hospitalizations of gastric cancer patients was found to be decreased during 2009-2018 (CAGR: -0.8%, P = 0.0084), while utilization rates of palliative care and palliative procedures increased (CAGR: 9.3 and 1.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that palliative care consultation was associated with reduced total hospital charges (-$34,188, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Utilization of palliative care consultation to patients with gastric cancer may reduce use of medical resources and hospital costs.

Efficacy and Safety of TJP-008 Compared to 2 L PEG with Ascorbate in Colon Cleansing: A Randomized Phase 3 Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based bowel preparations are effective cleansing agents for colonoscopy. However, they require relatively large volumes to be used even with agents such as 2 L PEG with ascorbate (2LPEG). This phase 3, randomized, single-blinded, multicenter, parallel-group study compared the efficacy of 1 L PEG with high-dose ascorbate, TJP-008, to 2LPEG. METHODS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized (1:1:1) to receive TJP-008 as 1-day split dose (TJP-008-1) or 2-day split dose (TJP-008-2) regimen or to receive 2LPEG as a 2-day split dose regimen. Cleansing efficacy was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale. The primary endpoint was overall bowel cleansing success. Full analysis set (FAS) and per protocol set (PPS) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 314 screened patients, efficacy was assessed in the following patient numbers (FAS/PPS): total (293/285), TJP-008-1 (98/94), TJP-008-2 (97/95), and 2LPEG (98/96). FAS revealed noninferiority between TJP-008 and 2LPEG with regard to overall success (TJP-008-2, 99.0%; TJP-008-1, 95.9%; 2LPEG, 94.9%; p=0.100 and p=0.733, respectively). PPS also showed noninferiority (p=0.721 and p=0.211, respectively). However, the PPS analyses showed a higher bowel cleansing score for TJP-008-2 for high-quality cleansing in the right colon (TJP-008-2 83.2% vs 2LPEG 62.5%; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: TJP-008 is a new low-volume cleansing agent with a colon cleansing efficacy comparable to that of standard 2LPEG that exhibits significant safety and tolerability.

Palliative Care and Life-Sustaining/Local Procedures in Colorectal Cancer in the United States Hospitals: A Ten-Year Perspective.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, palliative care utilization has been increasing while life-sustaining/local procedures have been declining at the end of life. Palliative care utilization widely varies based on tumor type. Limited information is available on inpatient palliative care in colorectal cancer. AIMS: This study investigated inpatient palliative care utilization and its association with patient demographics, hospital charges, and procedures among colorectal cancer patients admitted to US hospitals between 2008 and 2017. Receipt of life-sustaining and local procedures and surgeries were also investigated during the ten years. METHODS: Data were extracted from the National inpatient sample (NIS) database containing de-identified information from each hospitalization. Codes V66.7 for ICD-9-CM or Z51.5 for ICD-10-CM were used to find palliative care utilization. Data were analyzed using generalized regression with adjustment for variations in predictors. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was calculated for palliative care and procedures over time. RESULTS: Of the 487,027 colorectal cancer hospitalizations, only 6.04% utilized palliative care. This percentage significantly increased over time from 2.3% in 2008 to 9.3% in 2017 (P<0.0001). Palliative care utilization sizably decreased hospital charges by $18,010 per hospitalization (P<0.0001) and was positively associated with female gender, severe disease, and age over 80 years (P≤ 0.05). Palliative care utilization was inversely associated with using life-sustaining and local procedures and surgeries (P<0.0001). Life-sustaining procedures (intubation, infusion of concentrate nutrients, dialysis, and blood transfusion) and surgeries were decreased over time (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care utilization increased over time and was inversely associated with hospital charges and performing procedures among colorectal cancer patients. Our findings warrant further research and interventions to increase palliative care utilization in colorectal cancer.

A case report of a patient presented with skin ulcer after treatment of lenvatinib.

A 60-year-old man diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presented to the hospital with pain in the perineal region. He had been taking lenvatinib every day for 2 months after he was diagnosed with HCC with metastases to the lymph node, small bowel mesentery, and retroperitoneal space. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed mild elevation in intensity in the perineal subcutaneous tissue with subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was diagnosed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3, skin ulceration of stage IV with full-thickness skin loss and tissue necrosis in the muscular layer. The patient was taken off the medication with prescription of antibiotics, and after 3 weeks, the skin has fully recovered. This is the first report of an HCC patient who presented with a skin ulceration of stage IV after lenvatinib treatment. We recommend stopping the medication immediately and changing to alternative treatments with appropriate supportive care.

Enteroscopy in Crohn's Disease: Are There Any Changes in Role or Outcomes Over Time? A KASID Multicenter Study.

Background/Aims: Although balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) enables endoscopic visualization of small bowel (SB) involvement in Crohn's disease (CD), there is no data on the changes in outcomes over time. We therefore investigated the changes in BAE use on CD patients over different time periods in terms of its role and clinical outcomes. Methods: We used a multicenter enteroscopy database to identify CD patients with SB involvement who underwent BAE (131 procedures, 116 patients). We compared BAE-related factors and outcomes between the first period (70 procedures, 60 patients) and the second period (61 procedures, 56 patients). The specific cutoff point for dividing the two periods was 2007, when BAE guidelines were introduced. Results: Initial diagnosis of SB involvement in CD was the most common indication for BAE during each period (50.0% vs 31.1%, p=0.034). The largest change was in the number of BAE uses for stricture evaluation and/or treatment, which increased significantly in the latter period (2.9% vs 21.3%, p=0.002). The diagnostic yield in patients with suspected CD was 90.7% in the first period and 95.0% in the second (p=0.695). More endoscopic interventions were performed in the second period than in the first (5.1% vs 17.6%, p=0.041). Enteroscopic success rates were high throughout (100% in the first period vs 80.0% in the second period, p>0.999). In the first and second periods, therapeutic plans were adjusted in 62.7% and 61.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: The overall clinical indications, outcomes, and effectiveness of BAE were constant over time in CD patients with SB involvement, with the exception that the frequency of enteroscopic intervention increased remarkably.

High-Definition Chromoendoscopy Versus High-Definition White Light Colonoscopy for Neoplasia Surveillance in Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Although chromoendoscopy is currently the recommended mode of surveillance in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis, it is technically challenging and requires a long procedure time. The aim of this study was to compare the dysplasia detection rate of high-definition white light endoscopy with random biopsy (HDWL-R) vs high-definition chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsy (HDCE-T). METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial involving 9 tertiary teaching hospitals in South Korea. A total of 210 patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis were randomized to undergo either the HDWL-R group (n = 102) or HDCE-T group (n = 108). The detection rates of colitis-associated dysplasia (CAD) or all colorectal neoplasia from each trial arm were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the CAD detection rate between HDCE-T and HDWL-R groups (4/102, 3.9% vs 6/108, 5.6%, P = 0.749). However, HDCE-T showed a trend toward improved colorectal neoplasia detection compared with HDWL-R (21/102, 20.6% vs 13/108, 12.0%, P = 0.093). The median (range) time for colonoscopy withdrawal between the 2 groups was similar (17.6 [7.0-43.3] minutes vs 16.5 [6.3-38.1] minutes; P=0.212; for HDWL-R and HDCE-T, respectively). The total number of biopsies was significantly larger in the HDWL-R group (34 [12-72]) compared with the HDCE-T group (9 [1-20]; P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: On the basis of our prospective randomized controlled trial, HDCE-T was not superior to HDWL-R for detecting CADs.

Prognostic assessment using a new substaging system for Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide study.

AIM & BACKGROUND: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona clinic liver cancer [BCLC] stage C) needs subclassification to more accurately predict survival. This study aims to establish a substaging system of BCLC stage C HCC patients for accurate prognosis. METHODS: Data from 564 patients with newly diagnosed BCLC stage C HCC from three tertiary-care hospitals affiliated with the Korea University (training set) were assessed retrospectively. Variables affecting overall survival (OS) were analysed, and patients were substaged according to the number of prognostic factors they fulfilled. The substaging system was validated using a nationwide database from the Korean Liver Cancer Association (validation set; n = 742). RESULTS: In the training set, tumour factors such as tumour burden ≥10 cm, major portal vein invasion and distant metastasis, as well as underlying liver function, were independently associated with OS. BCLC stage C was classified into four substages (C1-4) according to the number of prognostic factors. Substages C1, C2, C3 and C4 showed a median OS of 17.50 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.57-26.43), 10.13 months (95% CI, 8.17-12.09), 4.20 months (95% CI, 3.42-4.98), and 2.90 months (95% CI, 2.34-3.46) respectively (P < 0.05). This substaging system also had good discriminative ability in predicting survival in the validation set. In addition, it was considered that the BCLC substaging is better than Hong Kong liver cancer substaging in predicting the OS for patients with advanced HCC. CONCLUSION: Our substaging for BCLC stage C might help predict patients' prognosis better.

Two-year delay in ulcerative colitis diagnosis is associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha use.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an uncommon inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, its incidence has recently increased in South Korea. Moreover, UC diagnoses are frequently delayed, and the relationship between diagnostic delay and UC prognosis has not been extensively studied in South Korean patients. AIM: To identify meaningful diagnostic delay affecting UC prognosis and to evaluate risk factors associated with diagnostic delay in South Korean patients. METHODS: Medical records of 718 patients with UC who visited the outpatient clinic of six university hospitals in South Korea were reviewed; 167 cases were excluded because the first symptom date was unknown. We evaluated the relationship between the prognosis and a diagnostic delay of 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo by comparing the prognostic factors [anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α use, admission history due to acute flare-ups, frequent admission due to flare-ups, surgery associated with UC, and the clinical remission state at the latest follow-up] at each diagnostic interval. RESULTS: The mean diagnostic interval was 223.3 ± 483.2 d (median, 69 d; 75th percentile, 195 d). Among the prognostic factors, anti-TNFα use was significantly increased after a diagnostic delay of 24 mo. Clinical risk factors predictive of a 24-mo diagnostic delay were age < 60 years at diagnosis [odd ratio (OR) = 14.778, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.731-126.121], smoking history (OR = 2.688, 95%CI: 1.239-5.747, P = 0.012), and misdiagnosis of hemorrhoids (OR = 11.066, 95%CI: 3.596-34.053). Anti-TNFα use was associated with extensive UC at diagnosis (OR = 3.768, 95%CI: 1.860-7.632) and 24-mo diagnostic delay (OR = 2.599, 95%CI: 1.006-4.916). CONCLUSION: A diagnostic delay > 24 mo was associated with increased anti-TNFα use. Age < 60 years at diagnosis, smoking history, and misdiagnosis of hemorrhoids were risk factors for delayed diagnosis.

[Acute Suppurative Appendicitis Diagnosed by Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage].

A 49-year-old man visited the emergency room of Korea University Ansan Hospital with hematochezia starting the day before the visit. Recently, he was on anti-platelet medication due to hypertension. The patient had no definite symptoms other than hematochezia. Digital rectal exam was positive and laboratory tests showed severe anemia. Sigmoidoscopy was initiated and almost no fecal material was observed in the intestinal tract, allowing insertion into the cecum. Active bleeding from the appendiceal opening was noted. On abdominal CT, contrast enhancement was observed at the tip of the appendix. Under suspicion of acute appendicitis, we consulted with a surgeon. The patient underwent appendectomy with partial cecal resection. Pathologic examination revealed a diagnosis of appendix bleeding due to acute suppurative appendicitis. The patient had no further bleeding after surgery and was discharged in a stable state. Careful observation by the endoscopist is necessary for accurate diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Appendiceal hemorrhage is very rarely reported, but it has various pathophysiologies. CT scan is useful when appendiceal hemorrhage is confirmed by endoscopic findings. Surgical treatment was needed in almost all cases reported worldwide. If bleeding from the appendix is confirmed, surgical treatment should be considered for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Comparison on the Efficacy between Partially Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent with Funnel-Shaped Enlarged Head versus Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Palliation of Gastric Outlet Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Shape modification has been one of the methods adopted to improve stent patency but has not always translated into positive outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of shape-modified partially covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) that has enlarged head versus uncovered SEMS for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). METHODS: A total of 48 patients underwent insertion of either enlarged-head SEMS (n = 24) or uncovered SEMS (uSEMS) (n = 24) for palliation of GOO from July 2009 to July 2016. Patients with inoperable or advanced malignancy were included. Technical feasibility and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100% (24/24) and 95.8% (23/24) for enlarged-head SEMS group and uSEMS group, respectively. Clinical success rate was 87.5% (21/24) and 87.0% (20/23) for enlarged-head SEMS group and uSEMS group, respectively. The gastric outlet obstruction scoring system score significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001 for both). Mean survival was similar between the groups: enlarged-head SEMS group, 99.3 days (range, 19-358 days) versus uSEMS group, 82.1 days (range, 11-231 days) (p = 0.418). The mean stent patency also showed no difference between the groups: enlarged-head SEMS group, 87.1 days (range, 8-358 days) versus uSEMS group, 60.4 days (range, 2-231 days) (p = 0.204). With enlarged-head SEMS, distal migration did not occur, but proximal migration was observed in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Distal migration was prevented by shaping the SEMS to have an enlarged head, but improvement in stent patency could not be observed.

[The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Recurrence of Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp after Endoscopic Removal].

Background/Aims: Several previous studies suggest that eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) leads to the disappearance of gastric hyperplastic polyps. However, little is known about the effect of H. pylori status and eradication on the recurrence of gastric polyps after endoscopic removal. Here, we investigated the recurrence of gastric polyps according to the final H. pylori status in patients who underwent endoscopic removal of gastric hyperplastic polyps. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2016, patients who underwent endoscopic removal of gastric hyperplastic polyps and were followed-up for more than two months were enrolled. The success of H. pylori eradication was assessed by histology and rapid urease test or urea breath test, at least 4 weeks after the completion of eradication treatment. At follow-up, the recurrence of gastric polyp was evaluated via esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results: Seventy-nine patients were enrolled. During the mean follow-up period of 16.4 months, the recurrence rate of gastric polyp was 25.3%. Among those who received H. pylori eradication therapy, the H. pylori persistent group showed a higher recurrence of polyp than the H. pylori eradicated group; but there was no statistical significance (42.9% vs. 21.7%, p=0.269). Regarding the final H. pylori infection status, the recurrence rate of gastric polyps was significantly higher in the H. pylori positive group than in the H. pylori negative group (42.9% vs. 18.9%, p=0.031). In multivariate analysis, the final H. pylori infection status was a significant risk factor for gastric polyp recurrence after endoscopic removal. Conclusions: The final positive H. pylori infection status is significantly associated with higher recurrence of gastric hyperplastic polyps after endoscopic removal.

Role of IL-1ra and Granzyme B as biomarkers in active Crohn's disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Altered gene expression in intestinal mucosa is thought to contribute to inflammatory process in Crohn's disease (CD). The present study investigated changes in the expression of genes associated with gut inflammation in CD patients by RNA microarray to identify disease biomarkers. METHODS: Microarray analysis was carried out in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded intestinal tissue specimens from six CD patients who underwent surgery without prior treatment and from two healthy control subjects. Transcripts overexpressed in CD patients were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using specimens from 46 CD patients and 60 healthy controls. RESULTS: Among the genes over-expressed with statistical significance, five genes including decay-accelerating factor, interleukin-1 receptor (IL1R) A, tumour necrosis factor receptor 2, (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 1, and granzyme (GZM) B proposed to have functional association with CD were selected to validate the expressed transcripts in serum. Serum concentration of IL1RA, CXCL1, and GZMB measured by ELISA were significantly higher in CD patients. CONCLUSIONS: We identified that IL1RA, CXCL1, and GZMB are overexpressed in CD patients. Serum IL1RA and GZMB levels were markedly increased in CD patients, suggesting that these markers can serve as biomarkers to identify gut inflammation. Further studies will be required to evaluate this possibility.

Diagnostic delay in inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of intestinal surgery.

AIM: To investigate the factors affecting diagnostic delay and outcomes of diagnostic delay in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 165 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 130 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who were diagnosed and had follow up durations > 6 mo at Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2000 to December 2015. A diagnostic delay was defined as the time interval between the first symptom onset and IBD diagnosis in which the 76th to 100th percentiles of patients were diagnosed. RESULTS: The median diagnostic time interval was 6.2 and 2.4 mo in the patients with CD and UC, respectively. Among the initial symptoms, perianal discomfort before di-agnosis (OR = 10.2, 95%CI: 1.93-54.3, P = 0.006) was associated with diagnostic delays in patients with CD; however, no clinical factor was associated with diagnostic delays in patients with UC. Diagnostic delays, stricturing type, and penetrating type were associated with increased intestinal surgery risks in CD (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.06-6.09; OR = 4.44, 95%CI: 1.67-11.8; OR = 3.79, 95%CI: 1.14-12.6, respectively). In UC, a diagnostic delay was the only factor associated increased intestinal surgery risks (OR = 6.81, 95%CI: 1.12-41.4). CONCLUSION: A diagnostic delay was associated with poor outcomes, such as increased intestinal surgery risks in patients with CD and UC.

Endoscopic Treatment of Jejunal Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa that Caused Recurrent Intussusception.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) is a rare anomaly in the small bowel and may be the cause of intussusception when it gets a lead point in the jejunum. All cases of intussusception due to intestinal HGM have been treated with surgical resection. A 5-year-old girl presented with chief complaints of vomiting and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed intussusception at the proximal jejunal loops. Three air reductions and one saline reduction were attempted without success. She continued to be symptomatic, and endoscopic evaluation was performed. Enteroscopy revealed some variable-sized polypoid mucosal lesions with erosions on the proximal jejunum. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed using a snare. The resected tissues histologically showed a hyperplastic polyp arising from the HGM. Her symptoms did not recur within 1 year after the treatment. Our case showed that enteroscopy could be useful for the diagnosis and management of jejunal intussusception caused by HGM.

Is the AIMS 65 Score Useful in Prepdicting Clinical Outcomes in Korean Patients with Variceal and Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Various clinical scoring systems, including the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall risk score (RS), and AIMS65 score (AIMS65), have been validated to predict the clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We compared the performance of these three scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with UGIB in Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 286 patients with UGIB who visited emergency department. The primary outcome was the need for clinical intervention (endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical) and blood transfusion. RESULTS: The causes of UGIB were esophageal/gastric varices in 64 patients, peptic ulcer in 168, Mallory-Weiss tear in 32, malignancy of UGI tract in eight, and unknown in 14. One hundred seventy-four (61%) patients required blood transfusion, 166 (58%) required endoscopic intervention, and 10 (3.5%) required surgical intervention. The GBS outperformed the RS and AIMS65 in predicting the need for endoscopic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The GBS and RS were more accurate than AIMS65 in predicting the need for clinical interventions and transfusion patients with UGIB, regardless of variceal or nonvariceal bleeding. The AIMS65 may not be optimal for predicting clinical outcomes of UGIB in Korea.

Endoscopic biliary stent insertion through specialized duodenal stent for combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction facilitated by stent or PTBD guidance.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic stenting for combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction is technically demanding. However, this procedure can be facilitated when there is guidance from previously inserted stent or PTBD tube. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical success rate of endoscopic placement of biliary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) through duodenal SEMS in patients with combined biliary and duodenal obstruction due to inoperable or metastatic periampullary malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients with combined malignant biliary and duodenal stricture underwent insertion of biliary SEMS through the mesh of specialized duodenal SEMS from July 2012 to October 2016. Technical and clinical success rate, adverse events and survival after completion of SEMS insertion were evaluated. RESULTS: The duodenal strictures were located in the first portion of the duodenum in four patients (Type I), in the second portion in three patients (Type II), and in the third portion in five patients (Type III). Technical success rate of combined metallic stenting was 91.7%. Insertion of biliary SEMS was guided by previously inserted biliary SEMS in nine patients, plastic stent in one patient, and PTBD in two patients. Clinical success rate was 90.9%. There were no early adverse events after the procedure. Mean survival period after combined metallic stenting was 91.9 days (range: 15-245 days). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic placement of biliary SEMS through duodenal SEMS is feasible with high success rates and relatively easy when there is guidance. This method can be a good alternative for palliation in patients with combined biliary and duodenal obstruction.