Electronic Alert System Significantly Increases HBV Screening Rates Before Immunosuppressive Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) screening rates before starting immunosuppressive treatments are suboptimal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new electronic alert system in increasing HBV screening rates. METHODS: The electronic alert system, HBVision2, identifies patients at risk of HBV reactivation when a pre-determined International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code is entered into the hospital's database or immunosuppressive treatment is prescribed. The system evaluates the prior Hepatitis B Surfage Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-Hepatitis B Core Immunglobulin G (HBc IgG) results and sends an alert code to the clinician for screening if serology is not completely available or consult a specialist in case of positive serology. The HBV screening and consultation rates of patients before (control group) and after HBVision2 were retrospectively compared. The clinical course of unscreened and/or unconsulted patients was determined, and the clinical efficacy of HBVision2 in preventing HBVr was predicted. RESULTS: Control group included 815 patients (52.6% male, mean age: 60 ± 12, 82.5% with oncologic malignancy) and study group included 504 patients (56% male, mean age: 60 ± 13, 91.4% with oncologic malignancy). Groups were similar with respect to gender, mean age, and HBVr risk profile of the immunosuppressive treatment protocols. Overall, both HBsAg (from 55.1% to 93.1%) and anti- HBc IgG screening rates significantly increased (from 4.3% to 79.4%) after the electronic alert system (P < .001, for both). Consultation rates of anti-HBc IgG-positive patients significantly increased from 40% to 72.7% (P = .012). HBVr developed in 2 patients (2.6%) who were not screened and/or consulted after the alert system. Alert program prevented the development of HBVr in 10 patients (1.9%) of the study group and decreased the development of HBVr by 80%. CONCLUSION: Electronic alert system significantly improved HBsAg and anti-HBc IgG screening rates before starting immunosuppressive treatment and prevented the development of HBVr to a great extent. However, screening rates are still below optimal and need to be improved.

Higher Complications During the Waiting Period for Interval Cholecystectomy in Patients With Mild Biliary Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines recommend cholecystectomy during the same admission in patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP), it involves a waiting list most of the time. We aimed to assess the risk of complications and determine predictors during the waiting period for cholecystectomy after the first episode of ABP. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in patients with mild ABP. Follow-ups were done by phone calls or using electronic health records for a maximum of 6 months after discharge or until cholecystectomy. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were included in the study. Although all patients were referred to surgeons, only 81 (41.8%) underwent cholecystectomy within 6 months after discharge. During the observation period, gallstone-related biliary events (GRBEs) developed in 68 (35.1%) patients, which included biliary colic, recurrent ABP, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallbladder perforation, cholangitis, and liver abscess. The overall readmission rate was 25.2%, with 44.8% occurred within 4 weeks after discharge. The odds ratio of any complication was 1.58 (95% CI, 1.42 to 1.76, P =0.028) and 1.59 (95% CI, 1.42 to 1.78, P =0.009) in the patients who did not have surgery within 2 to 7 days and 8 to 15 days, respectively. A 4-fold increased risk of readmission was detected (95% CI, 1.16 to 13.70, P =0.019) if cholecystectomy was not performed within 31 to 90 days. The patients who developed complications had significantly higher C-reactive protein at admission, longer waiting time, and had 3 or more gallstones on imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Interval cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of complications during the waiting period in patients with mild ABP.

Can neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predict mortality in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

BACKGROUND: Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is one of the common gastrointestinal problems and has a high mortality, especially in patients with poor hemodynamics. Therefore, treatment and follow-up should be managed dy-namically. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are fast workable, cheap, and easy to calculate he-matological parameters. We need easily accessible parameters as well as routine classifications such as Rockall score in the treatment and follow-up of NVUGIB patients, whose hemodynamics are unstable and progress with high mortality. In this study, we planned to evaluate NLR and PLR levels in patients with NVUGIB in the treatment follow-up with other scoring systems and their relationship with mortality in these patients. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-nine patients who were admitted to our clinic between January 2015 and January 2017 diag-nosed with NVUGIB, and who underwent necessary examinations and follow-ups, were included in the study. The patients' Glasgow Blacthford, Rockall Score, NLR, and PLR levels were calculated at the first admission. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six of the patients were male (70.6%) and the mean age of all patients was 64.5±18.0 years. After follow-up and treatment, 28 (11.2%) patients died due to bleeding. High NLR and tachycardia at the time of admission and high patient age were found to be independent risk factors affecting the long of hospital stay. High Rockall score, high NLR at admission, and hy-potension at admission were shown to be independent risk factors affecting mortality. CONCLUSION: Besides the use of various scoring systems in patients with NVUGIB, we think that the use of simple hematological parameters may be appropriate and the use of these hematological parameters may be useful in the management of patients with unstable hemodynamics.

Hepatitis B reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a rectum cancer patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in the setting of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein we present a case of HBV reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a patient with rectum cancer and isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man was consulted from the oncology clinic because of increased serum liver tests after chemotherapy. He underwent surgery for early-stage rectal cancer and received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral capecitabine. After cessation of chemotherapy, his laboratory tests revealed severe liver dysfunction. HBV markers showed positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV DNA level was markedly elevated. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: A review of medical records revealed that, before chemotherapy, the patient was positive for anti-HBc IgG but negative for HBsAg, and serum aminotransferases were within the normal limits. A diagnosis of HBV-related hepatitis due to capecitabine use was made, and the patient was put on tenofovir treatment. Six months later, HBV DNA decreased, and liver function tests were normalized. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing HBV reactivation after chemotherapy with capecitabine for rectal cancer in a patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity. Our case shows that HBV reactivation may develop in a low-risk patient with a low degree of immunosuppression.

A Simple Method for Endoscopic Treatment of Large Gastric Phytobezoars: "Hand-Made Bezoaratome".

BACKGROUND: Large gastric phytobezoars are generally resistant to standard chemical or endoscopic treatments. We presented our experience of an alternative endoscopic method using a hand-made tool called a "hand-made bezoaratome" for the treatment of large gastric phytobezoars. METHODS: Patients who consulted or who were diagnosed with gastric bezoars at an education and research hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were prospectively included in the study. Patients with phytobezoars of 50 mm and larger were included in the study. Patients with trichobezoars, lactobezoars, pharmacobezoars, under 18 years of age, and pregnant women were excluded. A 0.25 mm diameter guidewire and a mechanical lithotripter sheath were used to prepare the "hand-made bezoaratome." After the first procedure, patients were advised to consume 2500 mL of Coca Cola® or the same amount of pineapple juice per day, until the next procedure. Endoscopic procedures were performed at 5-day intervals until complete reabsorption of the bezoar was achieved. Patients were followed up for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The study group included 37 (21 males, mean age: 57.6 ± 12.5 years) patients. The median size of the phytobezoars was 71 mm (50-90). The median endoscopic procedure time was 853 s (380-1940 s). The success rate for endoscopic fragmentation was found to be 100%. No major complications occurred during the endoscopic procedures, but 1 patient (2.7%) required surgery for ileus due to an obstruction at the distal part of the jejunum, 61 h after the second endoscopic session. The overall success rate of the endoscopic treatment was 97.3%. CONCLUSION: Using a "hand-made bezoaratome" is effective and reliable for the endoscopic treatment of large gastric bezoars.

Comparison of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Entecavir in the Prophylaxis of HBV Reactivation.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend starting antiviral prophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments (IST). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for prophylaxis. METHODS: Patients, who were HBsAg and/or anti-HBc IgG positive and scheduled to receive IST for oncologic and hematologic diseases, were enrolled into the study. Those who were already receiving an antiviral treatment for HBV or had an associated HIV, hepatitis C, D were excluded. The remaining patients with a prophylaxis indication according to the AGA guideline were randomized to receive either ETV (0.5 mg/day) or TDF (245 mg/day). Prophylaxis was continued for 6-12 months after completion of IST. Patients were followed up for 1 year after completion of prophylaxis. The HBV reactivation rates and side effects of the drugs were compared. RESULTS: The study group included 120 patients. There was no significant difference between the demographic data, viral serologic parameters and reactivation risk profiles of the ETV (n = 60) and TDF (n = 60) groups. Forty-one patients in the ETV and 36 in the TDF group completed the antiviral prophylaxis, and no HBV reactivation was observed. HBV reactivation was observed in 4 of 37 patients (10.8%) in the ETV group and 5 of 35 (14.3%) patients in the TDF group (including one with flare) during the follow-up after completion of prophylaxis. Ten patients in the ETV group (16.7%) and 14 patients (23.3%) in the TDF group experienced side effects (p = 0.77). One patient in the TDF group had to switch to ETV due to severe itchy, maculopapular rash-like lesions. CONCLUSIONS: ETV and TDF had a similar efficacy in the prophylaxis of HBV reactivation in patients undergoing IST, with none of the patients experiencing reactivation.

Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stens eliminate surgical repair requirement in both endoscopic sphincterotomy and precut sphincterotomy-related perforation (with video).

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforations occur in 0.3-0.6% of patients. The treatment of retroperitoneal paravaterian perforations (type II), which develop during endoscopic sphincterotomy or precut sphincterotomy, remains a matter of debate. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fully covered self expandable metal stent (Fc-SEMS) placement in the treatment of type II perforations. METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary ERCP reference center of Turkey between December 2013 and June 2016. Patients with type II ERCP-related perforation constituted the study group. Type II perforations were treated by insertion of an Fc-SEMS (10 mm × 60 mm) during the ERCP procedure or intraoperatively by surgery-endoscopy rendezvous technique, if biliary cannulation could not be achieved. RESULTS: A total of 2689 ERCPs were performed. ERCP-related perforation was observed in 12 procedures (0.4%). Eight patients had Stapfer type II perforations, which developed during endoscopic sphincterotomy in seven patients and precut sphincterotomy in one patient. Fc-SEMSs were inserted during the ERCP procedure in seven patients and intraoperatively by surgery-endoscopy rendezvous technique in one patient. None of the patients developed fever, hemodynamic instability, or peritoneal signs. Stents were removed after a median duration of 9 (3-14) days. All of the patients were uneventfully discharged after an average hospital length of stay of median 5 (1-9) days. CONCLUSION: Fc-SEMSs are highly effective in the nonoperative treatment of type II perforations and their intraoperative insertion in patients with unsuccessful cannulation may facilitate surgery by eliminating the need for duodenum repair surgery.

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with less risk of complications after the removal of common bile duct stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several studies recommend prompt laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. However, histopathological alterations in the gallbladder during this time interval and the role played by ERCP in causing these changes have not been sufficiently elucidated. To compare early period LCs with delayed LCs following common bile duct stone extraction via ERCP with regard to operation time, hospitalization period, conversion to open cholecystectomy rate, morbidity, mortality, and histopathological alterations in the gallbladder wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 patients were retrospectively divided into three groups: early period LC group (48-72 h; n=30), moderate period LC group (72 h-6 weeks; n=25), and delayed period LC group (6-8 weeks; n=30). RESULTS: The operation time was significantly shorter, and the total number of complication rates and hospital readmission was significantly less frequent in the early period LC group (p<0.05). Ultrasound showed a significantly thicker gallbladder wall (>3 mm) in the moderate and late period LC groups than in the early period LC group (p<0.001). Culture growth was significantly higher, and fibrosis/collagen deposition in the gallbladder wall with injury to the mucosal epithelium was significantly more frequently detected by histopathological examination in the moderate and late period LC groups than in the early period LC group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Early period LC following stone extraction by ERCP is associated with shorter operation time, fewer fibrotic changes in the gallbladder, and lower risk for the development of complications. Therefore, LC can be performed safely in the early period after ERCP.

Comparison of monopolar hemostatic forceps with soft coagulation versus hemoclip for peptic ulcer bleeding: a randomized trial (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although various methods are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, there is not a standard recommended approach. The choice depends on multiple factors such as location of the ulcer, clinical experience of the endoscopist, and local facilities of the clinic. We aimed to compare the efficacy of monopolar hemostatic forceps soft coagulation (MHFSC) and hemoclips (HCs) in the treatment of peptic ulcer-related upper GI bleeding. METHODS: The study group included patients who had GI bleeding due to Forrest 1a, 1b, and 2a gastric or duodenal ulcers within 1 year. Patients with bleeding diathesis, history of gastrectomy, pregnancy, or younger than age 18 years were excluded. The remaining were randomized to MHFSC and HC treatment groups and compared in terms of clinical and endoscopic features, initial hemostasis success rates, recurrent bleeding rates within the first 7 days, time to achieve hemostasis, length of hospitalization stay, and adverse events. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients were randomized to MHFSC (n = 56) and HC (n = 56) groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to demographic features, medications, underlying chronic diseases, location, and Forrest classification of the ulcers. The initial hemostasis success rate was 98.2% (55/56) in the MHFSC group and 80.4% (45/56) in the HC group (P = .004). Recurrent bleeding was detected in 2 patients in the MHFSC group (3.6%) and 8 patients in the HC group (17.7%; P = .04). The duration of endoscopic procedures (302 ± 87.8 vs 568 ± 140.4 seconds) and the length of hospital stay (3.50 ± 1.03 vs 4.37 ± 1.86 days) were significantly shorter in the MHFSC group. There were no adverse events in either group. CONCLUSIONS: MHFSC is more effective in achieving initial hemostasis compared with HCs in the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding and provides a shorter procedure time and a lower recurrent bleeding rate.

Risk factors for morbidity in walled-off pancreatic necrosis and performance of continuous postoperative lavage: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for morbidity in cases of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) and the performance of continuous postoperative lavage (CPL) for patients who demonstrated resistance to a minimally invasive approach. METHODS: The study enrolled 19 of 28 consecutive patients with WOPN who underwent surgical treatment or an endoscopic necrosectomy at Sakarya University Education and Research Hospital. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the length of time from the first diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) (Group 1, n=19) to preoperation or endoscopic necrosectomy (Group 2) (n=19). All of the cases were retrospectively evaluated and compared in terms of demographic features, operative features, and complications. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the number of complications or the duration of hospital stay in terms of age, body mass index, size of the walled-off pancreatic necrosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Ranson's criteria, operation time, and duration from AP to endoscopic necrosectomy or operation (p>0.05). Performance of an endoscopic necrosectomy was determined to be correlated with a decrease in the number of complications (B=-0.626, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.956 to -0.296; p<0.001), and when a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was detected at first admission, the number of complications was greater (B=0.032, 95% CI: 0.009-0.055; p=0.01). Reproduction in a culture and male gender were found to be risk factors for a prolonged hospital stay (B=0.669, 95% CI: 0.365-0.973; p<0.001), (B=0.484, 95% CI: 0.190-0.778; p=0.003), respectively. CONCLUSION: CPL is a safe and effective surgical treatment approach for WOPN. Reproduction in a culture, male gender, and a high NLR on first admission and a negative or not-available endoscopic necrosectomy were determined to be risk factors for a poor prognosis.

A novel technique for the endoscopic treatment of complete biliary anastomosis obstructions after liver transplantation: through-the-scope magnetic compression anastomosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Magnetic compression anastomosis is a rescue technique for recanalization of complete biliary strictures. Here, we present magnetic compression anastomosis with novel through-the-scope magnets in patients with complete duct-to-duct anastomosis obstruction after liver transplantation. METHODS: The magnets were 2 and 2.4 mm in diameter, with a hole at the center for inserting a guidewire. One of the magnets was advanced through the scope up to the distal site of the stricture by using a 7F pusher. The other magnet was pushed percutaneously through the 10F sheath. The procedure was terminated when the magnets were approximated or properly aligned. Recanalization was followed by percutaneous cholangiography. Patients underwent multiple plastic stenting after recanalization was achieved. RESULTS: Nine patients with a stricture length of less than 1 cm, a stump in the donor bile ducts close to the stricture, and proper positioning of the bile duct stumps, underwent magnetic compression anastomosis. Seven patients had a live donor-related liver transplantation. The mean stricture time was 24.1 ± 17.1 months. The mean stricture length was 4.0 ± 1.2 mm. Recanalization was achieved in 7 patients (77%) after a mean recanalization time of 8.1 ± 4.7 days. There was no recurrence after 4.8 ± 3.8 months of stent-free follow-up. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The through-the-scope magnet procedure was effective in the recanalization of complete anastomotic biliary obstructions after liver transplantation in a selected group of patients with a short stricture length and an appropriate anatomy.

Acute myocardial infarction caused by filgrastim: a case report.

Common uses of the granulocyte-colony stimulating factors in the clinical practice raise the concern about side effects of these agents. We presented a case report about an acute myocardial infarction with non-ST segment elevation during filgrastim administration. A 73-year-old man had squamous cell carcinoma of larynx with lung metastasis treated with the chemotherapy. Second day after the filgrastim, patient had a chest discomfort. An ECG was performed and showed an ST segment depression and negative T waves on inferior derivations. A coronary angiography had showed a critical lesion in right coronary arteria. This is the first study thats revealed that G-CSF can cause acute myocardial infarction in cancer patients without history of cardiac disease. Patients with chest discomfort and pain who are on treatment with G-CSF or GM-CSF must alert the physicians for acute coronary events.