Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma and cancer: a study in a White population using the harmonized criteria.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with colorectal adenomas and cancer. However, MetS definitions have changed over time, leading to a heterogeneity of patients included in previous studies and a substantial inextensibility of observations across time or eastern and western populations. Our aim was to evaluate the association of 'harmonized' criteria-defined MetS and its individual components with colorectal neoplasia and cancer in a western population. METHODS: In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, we prospectively evaluated consecutive outpatients who underwent open-access colonoscopy over a 3-month period. MetS was diagnosed according to the 2009 'harmonized' criteria. RESULTS: Out of 5707 patients enrolled, we found 213 cancers (3.7%), 1614 polyps (28.3%), 240 nonpolypoid lesions (4.2%), 95 laterally spreading tumors (1.6%). Polyps presented histological low-grade dysplasia in 72.9% of samples, while in 9.8%, high-grade dysplasia or in situ carcinoma was present; dysplasia rates for nonpolypoid lesions were 66.2% (low-grade) and 2.9% (high-grade/in situ carcinoma), while for laterally spreading tumors, 29.6% and 37%, respectively. Overall, MetS prevalence was 41.6%. MetS correlated with both adenomas [odds ratio (OR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-2.00] and cancer (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.42-2.58). MetS was the only risk factor for such colonic lesions in subjects younger than 50 years. For all colonic neoplasia, we found MetS and not its individual components to be significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS: MetS is risk factor for cancer and adenoma in Whites, especially when younger than 50 years. MetS patients might be considered as a high-risk population also in colorectal cancer screening programs.

Evaluation of Clensia®, a new low-volume PEG bowel preparation in colonoscopy: Multicentre randomized controlled trial versus 4L PEG.

BACKGROUND: Success of colonoscopy is linked to the adequacy of bowel cleansing. Polyethylene glycol 4L (PEG 4L) solutions are widely used for colonic cleansing but with limitations concerning tolerability and acceptability. AIM: To demonstrate the equivalence of a new low-volume PEG containing citrates and simeticone (Clensia) versus a standard PEG 4L. METHODS: In this, multicentre, randomised, observer-blind trial, patients received either Clensia 2L or PEG 4L solution. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with colon cleansing evaluated as excellent or good. RESULTS: 422 patients received Clensia (n=213) or PEG 4L (n=209). Rate of excellent/good bowel cleansing was 73.6% and 72.3% in Clensia and PEG 4L group respectively. Clensia was demonstrated to be equivalent to PEG 4L. No SAEs were observed. Clensia showed better gastrointestinal tolerability (37.0% vs 25.4%). The acceptability was significantly better with Clensia in terms of proportion of subjects who felt no distress (Clensia 72.8% vs PEG 4L 63%, P=0.0314) and willingness-to-repeat (93.9% vs 82.2%, P=0.0002). The rate of optimal compliance was similar with both formulations (91.1% for Clensia vs 90.9% for PEG 4L, P=0.9388). CONCLUSIONS: The low-volume Clensia is equally effective and safe in bowel cleansing compared to the standard PEG 4L, with better gastrointestinal tolerability and acceptability.

Clinical utility of the SMSA grading tool for the management of colonic neoplastic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Whilst polyp size has been traditionally used as a predictor of the complexity of endoscopic resection, the influence of other factors is increasingly recognised. The SMSA grading system takes into account polyp Site, Morphology, Size and Access, with higher scores correlating with increased technical difficulty. AIMS: To evaluate whether the SMSA grading tool correlates with endoscopic and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at two high volume centres in the United Kingdom and Italy. All polyps identified at colonoscopy were included in this study and classified as per the SMSA grading system. RESULTS: A total of 1668 lesions were resected in 1016 patients. There was a positive correlation between increasing SMSA level and the inability to resect lesions "en bloc" (p<0.001). Histologically complete clearance was higher in the lower SMSA groups (p<0.0001). Additional endoscopic therapies, were more commonly required with the higher SMSA groups to achieve histological clearance (p<0.0001). Moreover, advanced histology in resection specimens and procedural complications were significantly less common in SMSA level 1 lesions compared to level 3 or 4 lesions (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The SMSA grading tool is a useful predictor of outcome following the resection of colonic neoplastic lesions.

Predictive value of the Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) endoscopic classification on the outcome of diverticular disease of the colon: An international study.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) endoscopic classification has been recently developed for patients suffering from diverticulosis and diverticular disease. AIMS: We assessed retrospectively the predictive value of DICA in patients for whom endoscopic data and clinical follow-up were available. METHODS: For each patient, we recorded: age, severity of DICA, presence of abdominal pain, C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin test (if available) at the time of diagnosis; months of follow-up; therapy taken during the follow-up to maintain remission (if any); occurrence/recurrence of diverticulitis; need of surgery. RESULTS: We enrolled 1651 patients (793 M, 858 F, mean age 66.6 ± 11.1 years): 939 (56.9%) patients were classified as DICA 1, 501 (30.3%) patients as DICA 2 and 211 (12.8%) patients as DICA 3. The median follow-up was 24 (9-38) months. Acute diverticulitis (AD) occurred/recurred in 263 (15.9%) patients; surgery was necessary in 57 (21.7%) cases. DICA was the only factor significantly associated to the occurrence/recurrence of diverticulitis and surgery either at univariate (χ(2 )= 405.029; p < 0.0001) or multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 4.319, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.639-5.126; p < 0.0001). Only in DICA 2 patients was therapy effective for prevention of AD occurrence/recurrence with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.598 (0.391-0.914) (p = 0.006, log rank test). Mesalazine-based therapies reduced the risk of AD occurrence/recurrence and needs of surgery with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.2103 (0.122-0.364) and 0.459 (0.258-0.818), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DICA classification is a valid parameter to predict the risk of diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence in patients suffering from diverticular disease of the colon.

Surgery has a key role for quality assurance of colorectal cancer screening programs: impact of the third level multidisciplinary team on lymph nodal staging.

PURPOSE: From 2011 to 2013 in the area of the Naples 3 public health district (ASL-NA3), a colorectal cancer screening program (CCSP) was developed. In order to stress the need of quality assurance procedures for surgery and pathology, a third level oncologic pathway was added and set up at a referral colorectal cancer center (RC). Lymph nodal (LN) harvesting, as a process indicator, and nodal positivity were adopted for an interim analysis. METHODS: The program was implemented by a series of audit meetings and a double type of multidisciplinary team (MDT): "horizontal" and "vertical." Three hundred and forty colorectal cancer (CRC) patients underwent surgery: 119 chose to be operated at the RC (Gr In), 65 were operated at 22 district hospitals (DH) (Gr Out), and 156 symptomatic not screened patients were operated at the RC (Gr Sym). RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed differences between Gr In and Gr Out colon groups both for LN harvesting (median of 26 and 11, respectively, P = 0.0001), and for nodal positivity after the first screening round (34.78 and 19.45%, respectively, P = 0.0169). Results were all the more significant in a subset analysis on early T stage colon subgroups (In vs Out) both for LN harvesting (P < 0.0001) and nodal positivity (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: xSignificant differences between RC and DHs were found, particularly for early-stage CRC patients. LN harvesting should be considered as a surrogate marker of quality assurance for at least screening hospitals for "minimum best" standard of care. This should lead to set up a third level in any CCSP.

Diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

This Guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). It addresses the diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH). Main Recommendations MR1. ESGE recommends immediate assessment of hemodynamic status in patients who present with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH), with prompt intravascular volume replacement initially using crystalloid fluids if hemodynamic instability exists (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR2. ESGE recommends a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy that aims for a target hemoglobin between 7 g/dL and 9 g/dL. A higher target hemoglobin should be considered in patients with significant co-morbidity (e. g., ischemic cardiovascular disease) (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR3. ESGE recommends the use of the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Outpatients determined to be at very low risk, based upon a GBS score of 0 - 1, do not require early endoscopy nor hospital admission. Discharged patients should be informed of the risk of recurrent bleeding and be advised to maintain contact with the discharging hospital (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR4. ESGE recommends initiating high dose intravenous proton pump inhibitors (PPI), intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (80 mg then 8 mg/hour), in patients presenting with acute UGIH awaiting upper endoscopy. However, PPI infusion should not delay the performance of early endoscopy (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR5. ESGE does not recommend the routine use of nasogastric or orogastric aspiration/lavage in patients presenting with acute UGIH (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR6. ESGE recommends intravenous erythromycin (single dose, 250 mg given 30 - 120 minutes prior to upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy) in patients with clinically severe or ongoing active UGIH. In selected patients, pre-endoscopic infusion of erythromycin significantly improves endoscopic visualization, reduces the need for second-look endoscopy, decreases the number of units of blood transfused, and reduces duration of hospital stay (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR7. Following hemodynamic resuscitation, ESGE recommends early (≤ 24 hours) upper GI endoscopy. Very early (< 12 hours) upper GI endoscopy may be considered in patients with high risk clinical features, namely: hemodynamic instability (tachycardia, hypotension) that persists despite ongoing attempts at volume resuscitation; in-hospital bloody emesis/nasogastric aspirate; or contraindication to the interruption of anticoagulation (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR8. ESGE recommends that peptic ulcers with spurting or oozing bleeding (Forrest classification Ia and Ib, respectively) or with a nonbleeding visible vessel (Forrest classification IIa) receive endoscopic hemostasis because these lesions are at high risk for persistent bleeding or rebleeding (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR9. ESGE recommends that peptic ulcers with an adherent clot (Forrest classification IIb) be considered for endoscopic clot removal. Once the clot is removed, any identified underlying active bleeding (Forrest classification Ia or Ib) or nonbleeding visible vessel (Forrest classification IIa) should receive endoscopic hemostasis (weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR10. In patients with peptic ulcers having a flat pigmented spot (Forrest classification IIc) or clean base (Forrest classification III), ESGE does not recommend endoscopic hemostasis as these stigmata present a low risk of recurrent bleeding. In selected clinical settings, these patients may be discharged to home on standard PPI therapy, e. g., oral PPI once-daily (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR11. ESGE recommends that epinephrine injection therapy not be used as endoscopic monotherapy. If used, it should be combined with a second endoscopic hemostasis modality (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR12. ESGE recommends PPI therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with adherent clot not receiving endoscopic hemostasis. PPI therapy should be high dose and administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR13. ESGE does not recommend routine second-look endoscopy as part of the management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH). However, in patients with clinical evidence of rebleeding following successful initial endoscopic hemostasis, ESGE recommends repeat upper endoscopy with hemostasis if indicated. In the case of failure of this second attempt at hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) or surgery should be considered (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR14. In patients with NVUGIH secondary to peptic ulcer, ESGE recommends investigating for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the acute setting with initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy when H. pylori is detected. Re-testing for H. pylori should be performed in those patients with a negative test in the acute setting. Documentation of successful H. pylori eradication is recommended (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR15. In patients receiving low dose aspirin for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis who develop peptic ulcer bleeding, ESGE recommends aspirin be resumed immediately following index endoscopy if the risk of rebleeding is low (e. g., FIIc, FIII). In patients with high risk peptic ulcer (FIa, FIb, FIIa, FIIb), early reintroduction of aspirin by day 3 after index endoscopy is recommended, provided that adequate hemostasis has been established (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence).

Injection and Cautery Methods for Nonvariceal Bleeding Control.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains one of the most common challenges faced by gastroenterologists and endoscopists in daily clinical practice. Endoscopic management of nonvariceal bleeding has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, with significant reduction of recurrent bleeding, need for surgery, and mortality. Early upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended in all patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding within 24 hours of presentation, although appropriate resuscitation, stabilization of hemodynamic parameters, and optimization of comorbidity before endoscopy are essential.

Quality of bowel cleansing in hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy: A multicentre prospective regional study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of bowel cleansing in hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy is often unsatisfactory. No study has investigated the inpatient or outpatient setting as cause of inadequate cleansing. AIMS: To assess degree of bowel cleansing in inpatients and outpatients and to identify possible predictors of poor bowel preparation in the two populations. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study on consecutive colonoscopies in 25 regional endoscopy units. Univariate and multivariate analysis with odds ratio estimation were performed. RESULTS: Data from 3276 colonoscopies were analyzed (2178 outpatients, 1098 inpatients). Incomplete colonoscopy due to inadequate cleansing was recorded in 369 patients (11.2%). There was no significant difference in bowel cleansing rates between in- and outpatients in both colonic segments. In the overall population, independent predictors of inadequate cleansing both at the level of right and left colon were: male gender (odds ratio, 1.20 [1.02-1.43] and 1.27 [1.05-1.53]), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.35 [1.68-3.29] and 2.12 [1.47-3.05]), chronic constipation (odds ratio, 1.60 [1.30-1.97] and 1.55 [1.23-1.94]), incomplete purge intake (odds ratio, 2.36 [1.90-2.94] and 2.11 [1.68-2.65]) and a runway time >12h (odds ratio, 3.36 [2.40-4.72] and 2.53 [1.74-3.67]). CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in the rate of inadequate bowel preparation between hospitalized patients and outpatients.

Prevalence and characteristics of serrated lesions of the colorectum in Italy: A multicentre prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Serrated lesions are recognized as important contributors to colorectal cancer incidence. We aimed to prospectively assess the prevalence of serrated lesions and identify potential predictors of these lesions during colonoscopy in an Italian population. METHODS: Prospective cross sectional study involving 8 endoscopy units from February 1st to July 31st 2012. RESULTS: Out of 2468 colonoscopies, 886 precancerous lesions were detected in 567 patients. Of these, 173 SELs were diagnosed in 148 patients (140 serrated/hyperplastic polyps and 33 serrated adenomas). Prevalence was 7% (173/2468). Serrated lesions accounted for 19.5% of all precancerous lesions. Serrated polyps were prevalent in the left colon (42.1%) and serrated adenomas in the proximal colon (54.5%). Independent clinical predictors of serrated lesions were patient age (OR 0.98 [0.97-1.00]) and post-polypectomy surveillance (OR 1.87 [1.24-2.82]). Endoscopic predictors were right colon location (OR 2.65 [1.63-4.30] vs. rectum; and 1.53 [1.03-2.26] vs. left colon), polypoid shape (OR 0.41 [027-0.64]) and size <6 mm (OR 0.49 [0.33-0.72] vs. 6-10 mm; and 0.14 [0.07-0.28] vs. >10 mm). There was no independent predictor of serrated adenoma. CONCLUSION: In our Italian study population, the prevalence of colorectal serrated lesions was 7%. Their diagnosis is associated with younger age and surveillance colonoscopy, right-sided colorectal location, non-polypoid shape and size <6 mm.

Epidemiology and diagnosis of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common gastroenterological emergency. A vast majority of these bleeds have nonvariceal causes, in particular gastroduodenal peptic ulcers. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, low-dose aspirin use, and Helicobacter pylori infection are the main risk factors for UGIB. Current epidemiologic data suggest that patients most affected are older with medical comorbidit. Widespread use of potentially gastroerosive medications underscores the importance of adopting gastroprotective pharamacologic strategies. Endoscopy is the mainstay for diagnosis and treatment of acute UGIB. It should be performed within 24 hours of presentation by skilled operators in adequately equipped settings, using a multidisciplinary team approach.

Optimal bowel cleansing for colonoscopy: split the dose! A series of meta-analyses of controlled studies.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is considered the criterion standard for detecting colorectal cancer; adequate preparation is crucial for an effective colonoscopy, but definitive data on the optimal preparation are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the efficacy of split-dose versus non-split-dose preparations, the rate of adequate preparation according to type and dose of laxatives, the role of "runway time" (the interval time between the last drink of purgative and the beginning of colonoscopy), and to evaluate compliance as an additive risk factor for colon cleansing. DESIGN: A series of meta-analyses of controlled studies. SETTING: Randomized clinical trial of split dose regimen versus entire dose taken on the day preceding colonoscopy. PATIENTS: Published trials (1960-2013) comparing split-dose versus non-split-dose preparations in adults undergoing colonoscopy were selected by using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrial.gov, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus. INTERVENTIONS: Colonoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rate difference of the degree of colon cleansing between split dose and whole dose was the primary measure of treatment effect. RESULTS: We included 29 studies. Overall, an adequate preparation was obtained in 85% of patients in the split-dose group and in 63% of the non-split-dose group (rate difference 22%). The heterogeneity was caused by 5 factors: the runway time (the longer, the worse the cleansing), type of diet, male sex, use of polyethylene glycol 4 L, and the Jadad score. Compliance was significantly higher in the split-dose group. LIMITATIONS: Average quality of the included studies and publication bias. CONCLUSION: We provided further evidence of the superiority of a split-dose regimen over a non-split-dose regimen and showed that, regardless of type and dose, the superiority of split-dose regimens remains valid if the "golden 5 hours" rule is preserved.

Predicting mortality in patients with in-hospital nonvariceal upper GI bleeding: a prospective, multicenter database study.

BACKGROUND: Nonvariceal upper GI bleeding (NVUGIB) that occurs in patients already hospitalized for another condition is associated with increased mortality, but outcome predictors have not been consistently identified. OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes of NVUGIB and identify predictors of mortality from NVUGIB in patients with in-hospital bleeding compared with outpatients. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from 2 nationwide multicenter databases. Descriptive, inferential, and multivariate logistic regression models were carried out in 338 inpatients (68.6 ± 16.4 years of age, 68% male patients) and 1979 outpatients (67.8 ± 17 years of age, 66% male patients). A predictive model was constructed using the risk factors identified at multivariate analysis, weighted according to the contribution of each factor. SETTINGS: A total of 23 Italian community and tertiary care centers. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients admitted for acute NVUGIB. INTERVENTIONS: Early endoscopy, medical and endoscopic treatment as appropriate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Recurrent bleeding, surgery, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: The mortality rate in patients with in-hospital bleeding was significantly higher than that in outpatients (8.9% vs 3.8%; odds ratio [OR] 2.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-3.79; P < .0001). Hemodynamic instability on presentation (OR 7.31; 95% CI, 2.71-19.65) and the presence of severe comorbidity (OR 6.72; 95% CI, 1.87-24.0) were the strongest predictors of death for in-hospital bleeders. Other independent predictors of mortality were a history of peptic ulcer disease and failed endoscopic treatment. Rebleeding was a strong predictor of death only for outpatients (OR 5.22; 95% CI, 2.45-11.10). Risk factors had a different prognostic impact on the 2 populations, resulting in a significantly different prognostic accuracy of the model (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0-93 vs 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68-0.80; P < .02). LIMITATIONS: Study design not experimental, no data on ward specialty, potential referral bias. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital bleeders have a significantly higher risk of death because they are sicker and more often hemodynamically unstable than outpatients. Predictors of death have a different impact in the 2 populations.

Endoscopic resection for superficial colorectal neoplasia in Italy: a prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Since there are few prospective studies on colorectal endoscopic resection to date, we aimed to prospectively assess safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection in a cohort of Italian patients. METHODS: Prospective multicentre assessment of resection of sessile polyps or non-polypoid lesions ≥10mm in size or smaller (if depressed). Outcome measures included complete excision, morbidity, mortality, and residual/recurrence at 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, 1012 resections in 928 patients were analysed (62.4% sessile polyps, 28.8% laterally spreading tumours, 8.7% depressed non-polypoid lesions). Lesions were prevalent in the proximal colon. En bloc resection was possible in 715/1012 cases (70.7%), whereas piecemeal resection was required in 297 (29.3%). Endoscopically complete excision was achieved in 866 cases (85.6%). Adverse events occurred in 83 (8.2%), and no deaths occurred. Independent predictors of 12-month residual/recurrence were the location of the lesion in the proximal colon (OR 2.22 [95% CI 1.16-4.26]; p=0.015) and piecemeal endoscopic resection (OR 2.76 [95% CI 1.56-4.87]; p=0.0005). Limitations of the study were: potential expertise bias, no data on eligible and potentially resectable excluded lesions, high percentage of lesions<20mm, follow-up limited to 1 year. CONCLUSION: In this registry study the endoscopic resection of colorectal lesions was safe and achieved high rates of long-term endoscopic clearance.

Predictors of favourable outcome in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: implications for early discharge?

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of validated predictors on which to decide the timing of discharge in patients already hospitalized for upper nonvariceal bleeding. AIMS: Identify factors that appear to protect nonvariceal bleeders from the development of negative outcome (rebleeding, surgery, death). METHODS: Secondary analysis of two prospective multicenter studies. Multivariate analyses for each investigated outcome were performed; a single model was developed including all factors that were statistically significant in each sub-model. A final score was developed to predict favourable outcomes. Prognostic accuracy was tested with ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Out of 2398 patients, 211 (8.8%) developed one or more adverse outcomes: 87 (3.63%) had rebleeding, 46 (1.92%) needed surgery and 107 (4.46%) died. Predictors of favourable prognosis were: ASA score 1 or 2, absence of neoplasia, outpatient bleeding, use of low-dose aspirin, no need for transfusions, clean-based ulcer, age <70 years, no haemodynamic instability successful endoscopic diagnosis/therapy, no Dieulafoy's lesion at endoscopy, no hematemesis on presentation and no need for endoscopic treatment. Overall prognostic accuracy of the model was 83%. The final score accurately identified 20-30% of patients that eventually do not develop any negative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The "good luck score" may be a useful tool in deciding when to discharge a patient already hospitalized for acute non-variceal bleeding.

The "Prometeo" study: online collection of clinical data and outcome of Italian patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

GOALS: To implement an online, prospective collection of clinical data and outcome of patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in Italy ("Prometeo" study). BACKGROUND: Epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes of nonvariceal UGIB are mainly known by retrospective studies and are probably changing. STUDY: Data were collected by 13 Gastrointestinal Units in Italy from June 2006 to June 2007 (phase 1) and from December 2008 to December 2009 (phase 2): an interim analysis of data was performed between the 2 phases to optimize the online database. All the patients consecutively admitted for acute nonvariceal UGIB were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected, a diagnostic endoscopy performed, with endoscopic hemostasis if indicated. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred thirteen patients (M=932, mean age±SD=66.5±15.8; F=481, mean age±SD=74.2±14.6) were enrolled. Comorbidities were present in 83%. 52.4% were treated with acetyl salicylic acid or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): only 13.9% had an effective gastroprotection. Previous episodes of UGIB were present in 13.3%. Transfusion were needed in 43.9%. Shock was present in 9.3%. Endoscopic diagnosis was made in 93.2%: peptic lesions were the main cause of bleeding (duodenal ulcer 36.2%, gastric ulcer 29.6%, gastric/duodenal erosions 10.9%). At endoscopy, Helicobacter pylori was searched in 37.2%, and found positive in 51.3% of tested cases. Early rebleeding was observed in 5.4%: surgery was required in 14.3% of them. Bleeding-related death occurred in 4.0%: at multivariate analysis, the risk of death was correlated with female sex [odds ratio (OR=2.19, P=0.0089)], presence of neoplasia (OR=2.70, P=0.0057) or multiple comorbidities (OR=5.04, P=0.0280), shock at admission (OR=4.55, P=0.0001), and early rebleeding (OR=1.47, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Prometeo database has provided an up-to-date picture of acute nonvariceal UGIB in Italy: patients are elderly, predominantly males, and with important comorbidities. Gastroprotection is underutilized during NSAIDs treatment. With respect to previous studies, Prometeo shows a higher incidence of low-dose acetyl salicylic acid use and comorbidities, whereas no significant difference were found in other items (etiology of bleeding, NSAIDs use, need for endoscopic hemostasis, incidence of rebleeding, and overall mortality).

Reducing complications in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

This article reviews the principal aspects related to sedation in endoscopy and to the prevention of adverse events in some of the most frequently performed therapeutic upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures (esophageal dilation and stenting, endoscopic resection of upper GI early neoplasia, hemostasis of upper GI bleeding and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion). These procedures have an inherent risk of negative outcomes that cannot be entirely avoided. Endoscopic procedures are best performed by well-trained, competent and thoughtful endoscopists in facilities suited to provide for patient safety. Attention to clinical risk management may effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of adverse events, enhance recognition and early detection, and improve responsiveness.

Trimodal endoscopic imaging for the detection and differentiation of colorectal adenomas: a prospective single-centre clinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate an endoscopic trimodal imaging (ETMI) system (high resolution, autofluorescence, and NBI) in the detection and differentiation of colorectal adenomas. METHODS: A prospective randomised trial of tandem colonoscopies was carried out using the Olympus XCF-FH260AZI system. Each colonic segment was examined twice for lesions, once with HRE and once with AFI, in random order per patient. All detected lesions were assessed with NBI for pit pattern and with AFI for colour. All lesions were removed and sent for histology. Any lesion identified on the second examination was considered as missed by the first examination. Outcome measures are adenoma miss rates of AFI and HRE, and diagnostic accuracy of NBI and AFI for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent colonoscopy with ETMI (47 in each group). Among 47 patients examined with AFI first, 31 adenomas in 15 patients were detected initially [detection rate 0.66 (0.52-0.75)]. Subsequent HRE inspection identified six additional adenomas. Among 47 patients examined with HRE first, 29 adenomas in 14 patients were detected initially [detection rate 0.62 (0.53-0.79)]. Successive AFI yielded seven additional adenomas. Adenoma miss rates of AFI and HRE were 14% and 16.2%, respectively (p = 0.29). Accuracy of AFI alone for differentiation was lower than NBI (63% vs. 80%, p < 0.001). Combined use of AFI and NBI achieved improved accuracy for differentiation (84%), showing a trend for superiority compared with NBI alone (p = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: AFI did not significantly reduce the adenoma miss rate compared with HRE. AFI alone had a disappointing accuracy for adenoma differentiation, which could be improved by combination of AFI and NBI.

Mortality from nonulcer bleeding is similar to that of ulcer bleeding in high-risk patients with nonvariceal hemorrhage: a prospective database study in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Nonulcer causes of bleeding are often regarded as minor, ie, associated with a lower risk of mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of death from nonulcer causes of upper GI bleeding (UGIB). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from 3 national databases. SETTINGS: Community and teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients admitted for acute nonvariceal UGIB. INTERVENTIONS: Early endoscopy, medical and endoscopic treatment as appropriate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Thirty-day mortality, recurrent bleeding, and need for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 3207 patients (65.8% male), mean (standard deviation) age 68.3 (16.4) years, were analyzed. Overall mortality was 4.45% (143 patients). According to the source of bleeding, mortality was 9.8% for neoplasia, 4.8% for Mallory-Weiss tears, 4.8% for vascular lesions, 4.4% for gastroduodenal erosions, 4.4% for duodenal ulcer, and 3.1% for gastric ulcer. Frequency of death was not different among benign endoscopic diagnoses (overall P = .567). Risk of death was significantly higher in patients with neoplasia compared with benign conditions (odds ratio 2.50; 95% CI, 1.32-4.46; P < .0001). Gastric or duodenal ulcer significantly increased the risk of death, but this was not related to the presence of high-risk stigmata (P = .368). The strongest predictor of mortality for all causes of nonvariceal UGIB was the overall physical status of the patient measured with the American Society of Anesthesiologists score (1-2 vs 3-4, P < .001). LIMITATIONS: No data on the American Society of Anesthesiologists class score in the Prometeo study. CONCLUSIONS: Nonulcer causes of nonvariceal UGIB have a risk of death, similar to bleeding peptic ulcers in the clinical context of a high-risk patient.