A novel smartphone application for the tracking of procedural numbers and trainee experience in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The tracking and documentation of procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy including therapeutic interventions is an essential but challenging process. The University of Alberta has developed a smartphone app to help facilitate this task. This study evaluated the functionality, usefulness, and user satisfaction of this app. METHODS: Four Gastroenterology (GI) residents and two therapeutic endoscopy fellows participated in the study. The trainees submitted all their data into the app from the procedures in which they participated hands-on for one year, data was collected and analyzed on the app and the website associated with it. RESULTS: Trainees were able to register the procedures immediately after each procedure without difficulty, this data was available to be reviewed at anytime in the app and associated website. Furthermore, the data collected was able to be transformed into tables and graphs on the app website. The total number of procedures and therapeutic interventions performed were easily accessed in the app and website at anytime. The app facilitated the calculation of the cecal intubation rate in colonoscopy and the cannulation rate in ERCP for the therapeutic endoscopy trainee. Trainees reported excellent experience with the app capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: A novel smartphone app was useful in collecting meaningful data submitted by gastrointestinal endoscopy trainees, furthermore, through an associated website, it was capable to create graphs and tables to show and facilitate the calculation of meaningful data such as key performance indicators.

National survey regarding the timing of endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several questions have arisen about which endoscopic procedures (EPs) must be performed and which ones can be postponed. The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey regarding the appropriate timing of EPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This prospective study was performed through a nationwide electronic survey. The survey consisted of 15 questions divided into three sections. The first evaluated the agreement for EPs classified as "time sensitive" and "not time sensitive". Two other sections assessed "high-priority" and "low-priority" scenarios. Agreement was considered when > 75% of respondents answered a question in the same direction. RESULTS: The response rate was 27.2% (214/784). Among the respondents, agreement for the need to perform EP in < 72 h was only reached for variceal bleeding (93.4%). Dysphagia with alarm symptoms was the scenario in which the highest percentage of physicians (95.9%) agreed that an EP needed to be performed within a month. Less than 30% of endoscopists would perform an EP within the first 72 h for patients with mild cholangitis, non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding without hemodynamic instability, or severe anaemia without overt bleeding. In time-sensitive clinical scenarios suggestive of benign disease, none of the scenarios reached agreement in any sense. Among the time-sensitive clinical scenarios suggestive of malignancy, > 90% of the surveyed respondents considered that EP could not be postponed for > 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: There was no consensus among endoscopists about the timing of EPs in patients with pathologies considered time sensitive or in those with high-priority pathologies. Agreement was only reached in five (17%) of the evaluated clinical scenarios.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows a diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, the procedure in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy represents a technical challenge. OBJECTIVE: to report the diagnostic and therapeutic outcome of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) ERCP in patients with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. METHODS: a prospective cohort of patients with a history of surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy undergoing DAE-ERCP in a referral center was used. A double-balloon enteroscope was used to reach the papillary area or the bilio-enteric anastomosis. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics, and technical, diagnostic and therapeutic success were described. Clinical and endoscopic differences were evaluated according to diagnostic success, as well as the biochemical response in those patients with therapeutic success. RESULTS: ninety-six procedures were included in the study in 75 patients. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) was the main surgical anatomy (82.3%) and cholangitis was the main indication for ERCP (49%). Diagnostic success was obtained in 69.8% of the participants. Of these, therapeutic success was obtained in 83.6% (overall success 58.3%). Cases with a diagnostic success had a higher frequency of cholangiography compared to those without diagnostic success (94% vs 0%, p < 0.001), as well as a lower probability of a failed cannulation (1.5% vs 100%, p < 0.001). A significant improvement was observed in patients with a therapeutic success in bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERCP by means of double-balloon enteroscopy is a useful technique in patients with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy, in whom access to the bile duct is required. However, these procedures are very challenging and diagnostic and therapeutic success where achieved in up to 60% of cases.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia: a prospective study of treatment with endoscopic band ligation.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by red, angiomatous lesions in the antrum organized either in stripes or in a diffuse pattern that can be associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has been reported as an effective alternative therapy for patients with GAVE. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GAVE were prospectively followed while undergoing EBL every 2 months. Hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels were frequently recorded, and clinical follow-up was performed. A total of 21 patients with GAVE were enrolled, and 17 of these patients (81 %) had associated co-morbidities, most frequently cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. A clinical response was achieved in 19 patients (91 %). A significant improvement in the mean hemoglobin level was noted after EBL (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease in blood transfusion requirements per month (P = 0.001). No major complications were observed during the study period. The mean follow-up was 10 months. EBL is an effective and safe treatment for GAVE. Randomized, controlled trials comparing EBL with other endoscopic therapies are warranted.

Optimising the indications for biliary stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a quality improvement initiative to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare resource utilisation.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective chart audit was performed to review biliary stent utilisation from January 2020 to January 2021. Non-guideline-based stent insertion was identified in 16% of patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones presenting for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). To improve this knowledge-practice gap, a quality improvement (QI) intervention was devised and trialled. AIM: To synchronise clinical indications for biliary stent insertion in patients with CBD stones in accordance with published guidelines. METHODS: Using a QI pre-post study design, chart audits were completed and shared with the ERCP team (n=6). Indication for biliary stent insertion was compared to published guidelines assessed by two reviewers independently (kappa statistic calculated). The QI intervention included an education session and quarterly practice audits. An interrupted time series with segmented regression was completed. RESULTS: A total of 661 patients (337 F), mean age 59±19 years (range 12-98 years), underwent 885 ERCPs during this postintervention period. Of 661 patients, 384 (58%) were referred for CBD stones. A total of 192 biliary stents (105 plastic, 85 metal) were placed during the first ERCP (192/661, 29%), as compared with the preintervention year (223/598, 37%, p=0.2). Furthermore, 13/192 stents (7%) were placed not in accordance with published guidelines (kappa=0.53), compared with 63/223 (28%) in the preintervention year (p<0.0001). A 75% reduction in overall avoidable stent placement was achieved with a direct cost avoidance of $C97 500. For the CBD stone subgroup, there was an 88% reduction in avoidable biliary stent placement compared with the preintervention year (8/384, 2% vs 61/375, 16%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Education with audit and feedback supported the closing of a knowledge-to-practice gap for biliary stent insertion during ERCP, especially in patients with CBD stones. This has resulted in a notable reduction of avoidable stent placements and additional follow-up ERCPs and an overall saving of healthcare resources.

Stricture dilation via balloon-assisted endoscopy in Crohn's disease: approach and intraprocedural outcomes with the single-balloon and double-balloon systems.

Background: Despite recent emerging literature involving the utility of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) of strictures via balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE), specifically regarding the management of Crohn's disease (CD), the optimal clinical approach with balloon systems has been largely neglected in academic literature. Objectives: This study assesses the intra-procedural success and safety of EBD via BAE for small bowel CD strictures while detailing our clinical approach and technique. Secondarily, we compare the single-balloon endoscope (SBE) and double-balloon endoscope (DBE) systems for EBD-related outcomes. Design: Retrospective consecutive patient cohort analysis. Methods: We retrospectively assessed a consecutive small bowel CD patient cohort undergoing BAE at the University of Alberta Hospital endoscopy unit from 2013 to 2020. The primary endpoint discerned the safety and immediate success rate of EBD during endoscopy, and comparisons of the dilation parameters and efficacy of SBE versus DBE were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: During the study period, 87 patients (44 male) with a mean age of 56 ± 14.7 years underwent 179 endoscopic procedures (92 DBE and 87 SBE). Of 358 strictures encountered, 320 (89.4%) were successfully dilated and traversed. The mean maximum dilation diameter was 15.76 ± 2.10 mm. There were no perforations or major adverse events. Conclusion: EBD via BAE is a safe procedure in small bowel CD with a high intraprocedural success rate. Overall, SBE had a higher success rate in traversing strictures before and after dilation using our technique. This analysis is limited by the retrospective nature of our study and must be balanced against the inherent benefits of the DBE system.

Outcome and approach of small-bowel stricture dilation using balloon-assisted endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease This study investigated the safety and success of using balloon-assisted endoscopy as a method to dilate small bowel strictures in patients with Crohn's disease. As a secondary outcome, we compared the overall safety and success between two different types of endoscopic systems: the single- and double-balloon systems.

Managing the post-liver transplantation anastomotic biliary stricture: multiple plastic versus metal stents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABSs) are common after liver transplantation, especially with living donors. The strategy of balloon dilation and multiple plastic stents (MPSs) is effective in treating ABSs, but requires multiple ERCPs with the associated risks, cost, and patient burden. Covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) have been increasingly used in this setting. However, it is not clear whether there are definite advantages of using SEMSs over MPSs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of MPSs and SEMSs in ABS after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). DESIGN: Systematic review by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. PATIENTS: OLT and LDLT patients. INTERVENTIONS: MPSs versus SEMSs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stricture resolution and adverse event rates. RESULTS: Eight studies (446 patients) using MPSs in OLT, 3 studies (120 patients) using MPSs in LDLT, and 10 studies (200 patients) using SEMSs fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The stricture resolution rates were highest (94%-100%) when MPS duration was 12 months or longer. The stricture resolution rates with SEMSs in OLT patients were also high when stent duration was 3 months or longer (80%-95%) compared with a duration less than 3 months (53%-88%). Although the overall adverse event rates were low, the overall SEMS migration rate was significant at 16%. LIMITATIONS: No randomized, controlled trials were identified; only small case series using either MPSs or SEMSs were included. CONCLUSIONS: Although SEMSs appeared to be a promising option in the endoscopic management of ABSs after liver transplantation, current evidence does not suggest a clear advantage of SEMS use over MPSs for this indication.

Primary Esophageal Tuberculosis Without Dysphagia or Odynophagia in a Patient Without HIV.

We report a case of primary esophageal tuberculosis in a 35-year-old woman without HIV who presented with a month's history of epigastric and chest pain without dysphagia or odynophagia and was found to have histologic evidence of multiple caseating granulomata on esophageal biopsy, which was confirmed positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA and cultures.

KODA score: an updated and validated bowel preparation scale for patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy.

Background and study aims A reliable outcome measure is needed for bowel preparation quality during capsule endoscopy. Currently, no scales are adequately validated. Our objective was to update an existing small bowel preparation score, create a standardized training module, then determine its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Patients and methods Modification to produce standardized scoring of an existing small bowel preparation score was performed followed by development of a training module and validation to create the new Korea-Canada (KODA) score. Twenty readers from a range of backgrounds, including capsule endoscopists, gastroenterology fellows, residents, medical students, and nurses rated bowel cleanliness in 25 capsule videos consisting of 1,233 images, in duplicate 4 weeks apart, after completing the training module. Sequential images selected in 5-minute intervals during small bowel transit were rated on a scale between 0-3 based on the amount of visualized mucosa and the degree of obstruction. Reliability was assessed using estimates of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for inter-rater (ICC 0.81, 95 % CI 0.70-0.87) and intra-rater (ICC 0.92, 95 % CI 0.87-0.94) reliability were almost perfect among the 20 readers. Inter-rater reliability ranged between 0.72 (95 % CI 0.57-0.81) and 0.89 (95 % CI 0.79-0.93) for nurses and residents, respectively. Intra-rater reliability was greater than 0.90 for all groups except for nurses, which was still almost perfect (ICC 0.86, 95 % CI 0.79-0.90). Conclusions Almost perfect inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was observed for the KODA score. This simple score could be used for future clinical trials after completion of the training module.

HLA-DR allele frequencies in Mexican mestizos with autoimmune liver diseases including overlap syndromes.

Autoimmune liver diseases are sometimes difficult to differentiate from hepatic overlap syndromes (OS). The objective of this study was to use polymorphic genetic markers to better distinguish clinical heterogeneity in autoimmune liver disease. Since autoimmunity is the result of autoantibody production we studied HLA-DR alleles in 20 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 16 with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 10 with OS, and in 99 ethnically matched healthy individuals. Patients with OS had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels than patients with AIH. OS patients had a higher prevalence of positive antinuclear antibodies and a higher AIH score than patients with PBC. Patients with OS also had higher total immunoglobulin levels (IgG isotype) as compared to patients with PBC. We found in PBC patients a higher gene frequency of HLA-DR4 and DR1 as compared to healthy controls (p = 0.03, OR = 2.2 and p = 0.004, OR = 4.3, respectively) and to OS patients (p = 0.01, OR = 6.8, and p = 0.004, OR = 10.0, respectively). On the other hand, the gene frequency of HLADR5 was significantly decreased in the total group of patients as compared to healthy controls suggesting a protective role of this allele for developing autoimmune liver disease.

Long-term follow-up in patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) after treatment with endoscopic band ligation (EBL).

Background and study aims Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a capillary-type vascular malformation of the gastric antrum, usually diagnosed endoscopically in patients presenting with iron deficiency anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding. While there is established evidence for treatment with thermal modalities, such as argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy, more recent studies have shown endoscopic band ligation (EBL) to be safe and effective in achieving remission. Our study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients with GAVE who underwent EBL at our institution. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed data from 33 patients with GAVE who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and EBL between September 2012 and July 2017 within our institution, looking primarily at clinical response, recurrence, and blood transfusion requirements. Results Clinical response was achieved in 27 patients (81.8%). Among responders, recurrence-free survival decreased with time from 88 % at 1 year to 44 % at 2 years. Thirteen patients (48.1 %) had recurrence of GAVE at a mean time of 18.2 months (range 4.7 - 51.8). The only predictor of recurrence was greater number of pre-procedure blood transfusions. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate long-term response and recurrence in patients with GAVE after treatment with EBL and predictors of clinical response after initial endoscopic therapy have been identified. While we were able to demonstrate excellent remission achievement rates in our GAVE patients who had undergone EBL, close clinical follow-up is clearly required as almost 50 % will have recurrence at around 18 months.

Oral challenge with a methionine load in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a better test to identify hyperhomocysteinemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of thrombosis. Hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the factors that have been related to thromboembolic complications. Patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and normal fasting homocysteine levels can be identified with an oral methionine load. We studied homocysteine levels in patients with IBD during fasting and after methionine load to determine the true prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and its relation with thrombotic events. METHODS: Prospective analysis of homocysteine levels in consecutive patients with IBD during fasting and 6-8 hours after an oral methionine load. Levels of folate and vitamin B12 were also determined. History of thrombotic events were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with IBD, 56 with UC and 26 with CD were included. Eighteen patients (22%) had hyperhomocysteinemia during fasting. Mean levels of homocysteine after methionine load were 20.4 +/- 18.1 micromol/l (range, 1-79.7 micromol/l), and 43 patients (52%) had hyperhomocysteinemia (> or =20 micromol/l) after methionine load. Six patients (7.3%) had history of thrombosis. The homocysteine levels during fasting and after methionine load were significantly higher in patients with thrombotic events than in patients without thrombosis (15.5 +/- 3.7 micromol/l vs. 6.6 +/- 6.5 micromol/l; P = 0.002; 44.5 +/- 20.9 micromol/l vs. 18.4 +/- 16.5 micromol/l; P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in IBD patients than previously thought, this can be identified with an oral challenge of a methionine load. Hyperhomocysteinemia increases the risk of thromboembolic complications in patients with IBD.

Gastric infiltration of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: endoscopic diagnosis and improvement of lesions after chemotherapy.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) accounting for about 40% of all NHLs. This is a case report about the endoscopic appearance of a DLBCL with infiltration to the stomach in a 39-year-old female. She had a 6-mo history of lumbar and left upper quadrant pain with intermittent episodes of melena. A computer tomograghy (CT) scan showed mural thickening of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple gastric ulcers. Definite diagnosis could be made by endoscopic biopsies and the patient had a good response to chemotherapy. This response correlated well with a further endoscopic follow-up. A follow-up endoscopic examination could be considered to evaluate a good response to chemotherapy in DLBCL patients with secondary gastric dissemination.

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of fine-needle aspiration biopsies guided by endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The correct approach and treatment in a patient with a pancreatic lesion detected by imaging is not easy. Recently, the endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy is becoming a useful tool. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with focal pancreatic lesions underwent EUS-FNA from March 2005 to March 2006. The final diagnosis was confirmed by the histological analysis from the surgical specimen and/or clinical follow-up for at least 6 months. RESULTS: . Fifty-two patients were evaluated. Forty-seven useful samples for histological evaluation were obtained. Adequate samples were obtained in 83.3% (5/6) for lesions < 20 mm, 100% (19/19) for lesions from 20 to < 40 mm and 85.1% (23/ 27) for those > or = 40 mm. To differentiate between benign/malignant disease the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA were 97.3% (95% CI: 84.9-99.1), 100% (95% CI: 66-100), 100% (95% CI: 88-100), 90% (95% CI: 57-96) and 97.8%, respectively. There was a change in the initial diagnosis in seven patients (14.8%). No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is a useful and safe method with high predictive values to differentiate between malignant and benign pancreatic lesions.

Endoscopic diagnosis of a goblet cell carcinoid tumour of the appendix.

Primary malignancies of the appendix are rare. Of these, less than 5% are goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) tumours. The majority of GCC present with findings of acute appendicitis or advanced peritoneal spread. We describe a rare presentation of GCC as subtle mucosal abnormality of the appendiceal orifice seen on colonoscopy performed for iron-deficiency anaemia. Biopsies were interpreted as adenocarcinoma; however, final surgical pathology confirmed GCC of the appendix with caecal involvement. The patient recovered well from surgery, anaemia resolved and follow-up did not show metastatic disease.

Endoscopic Treatment for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: Current Options.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a capillary-type vascular malformation located primarily in the gastric antrum. Patients can present with iron-deficiency anemia, overt gastrointestinal bleeding, or both. Diagnosis and characterization is made at endoscopic examination, and the preferred management of patients with GAVE is endoscopic therapy. Herein, we present a review of the evidence about the efficacy, complications, and outcomes of the most frequently used endoscopic therapies for GAVE.

A ectasia vascular do antro gástrico (GAVE) é uma malformação vascular do tipo capilar formada no antro e que se organiza sob a forma de estrias ou de forma difusa. A GAVE pode causar uma anemia ferropénica com ou sem hemorragia gastrointestinal evidente. O tratamento da GAVE inclui abordagens cirúrgicas e farmacológicas, contudo, a terapêutica endoscópica provou ser a mais eficaz e segura. Várias terapêuticas endoscópicas foram descritas. A coagulação com árgon plasma (APC) tem sido a terapêutica endoscópica mais descrita e utilizada, no entanto, estudos recentes mostram que a laqueação por banda elástica e a ablação por radiofrequência são terapêuticas promissoras com uma eficácia a curto prazo que pode ser superior à APC. O objectivo deste artigo é rever a evidência sobre a eficácia, complicações e resultados a longo prazo das terapêuticas endoscópicas mais frequentemente utilizadas para o tratamento da GAVE.

Risk factors associated with complications in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is useful for the management of biliary tract diseases; in patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension may increase the risk for complications from ERCP. We evaluated the outcome and risk factors related to ERCP in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 37 patients (71 procedures) with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (group 1) and 37 controls (group 2) undergoing ERCP were included. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to predict the risk factors. RESULTS: Mean Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were 9±2.1 and 17.8±6, respectively. Ascites was present in 46% of the patients, esophageal varices in 63% (large esophageal varices 43.7%), and hepatic encephalopathy in 16%. The main indication for ERCP in both groups was choledocholithiasis. Successful cannulation rate was 97% in both groups. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed more frequently in group 2 than in group 1 (60 vs. 35%, P=0.036); there was no difference in the frequency of complications related to ERCP between cirrhotics and noncirrhotics (10 vs. 8%, P=0.677). Complications in patients with cirrhosis were related to lower alkaline phosphatase and sphincterotomy rate; in the multivariable analysis only sphincterotomy was independently associated with complications [odds ratio 9.8 (1.7-56.3)]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a MELD score of more than 16 to best predict complications after ERCP in cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: Outcomes after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis are similar to those of noncirrhotics despite the alteration in coagulation parameters and the presence of disease-specific complications; however, a more cautious approach in patients with cirrhosis undergoing sphincterotomy and MELD of more than 16 is needed.

The association of Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in peptic ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 10% of the world population. Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are the principal factors associated with PUD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a cohort of patients with PUD and determine the association between H pylori infection and NSAID use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical charts of patients with endoscopic diagnosis of PUD were retrospectively reviewed from September 2002 to August 2003. Patients were divided into three groups according to ulcer etiology: H pylori infection (group 1); NSAID use (group 2); and combined H pylori infection and NSAID use (group 3). RESULTS: One hundred two patients were evaluated: 36 men (35.3%) and 66 women (64.7%). Forty patients had H pylori infection, 43 had used NSAIDs and 15 had combined H pylori infection and NSAID use; four patients with ulcers secondary to malignancy were excluded. The frequency of women was significantly higher in group 2 (P=0.01). The mean age of patients in group 1 was significantly lower than in the other two groups (P=0.003). PUD developed earlier in group 3 than in group 2 (5.0+/-4.7 months versus 1.4+/-2.1 months, respectively, P=0.018). Thirty-two patients (32.7%) had bleeding peptic ulcer. Group 2 had a higher risk of bleeding peptic ulcer than the other two groups (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The development of PUD was observed earlier in the combined H pylori and NSAID group than in patients with only NSAID use. This suggests a synergic effect between the two risks factors in the development of PUD.

Maximum tolerated volume in drinking tests with water and a nutritional beverage for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia.

AIM: Recently, drinking load tests with water or nutritional beverages have been proposed as diagnostic tools for functional dyspepsia (FD), therefore we sought to reproduce if these tests can discriminate between FD patients and controls in a Mexican population. METHODS: Twenty FD-Rome II patients were matched by age and gender with 20 healthy controls. All underwent both drinking tests at a 15 mL/min rate, randomly, 7 d apart. Every 5 min within each test, four symptoms were evaluated (satiety, bloating, nausea and pain) by Likert scales. Maximum tolerated volume (MTV) was defined as the ingested volume when a score of 5 was reached for any symptom or when the test had to be stopped because the patients could not tolerate more volume. Sensitivity and specificity were analyzed. RESULTS: FD patients had higher symptom scores for both tests compared to controls (water: t = 4.1, P = 0.001<0.01; Nutren: t = 5.2, P = 0.001<0.01). The MTV for water and Nutren were significantly lower in FD (water: 1 014+/-288 vs 1 749+/-275 mL; t = 7.9, P = 0.001<0.01; Nutren: 652+/-168 vs 1 278+/-286 mL; t = 6.7, P = 0.001<0.01). With the volume tolerated by the controls, the percentile 10 was determined as the lower limit for tolerance. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.90, 0.95 for water and 0.95, 0.95 for Nutren tests. CONCLUSION: A drinking test with water or a nutritional beverage can discriminate between FD patients and healthy subjects in Mexico, with high sensitivity and specificity. These tests could be used as objective, noninvasive, and safe diagnostic approaches for FD patients.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a widely used technique for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To know the complication rate of ERCP in the elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patient files who underwent ERCP were reviewed and were divided into two groups: aged 65 and older (group 1) and less than 65 years (group 2). Socio-demographic variables, prophylactic antibiotic use, indications for ERCP and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age in group 1 was 72.9 years and 41.7 years in group 2. Group 1 had more comorbidity (p < 0.001). The most frequent indication for the procedure was obstructive jaundice in both groups (63% versus 44%; p = 0.002). Malignancy was more frequent as a cause of biliary obstruction in group 1 (45% versus 21%; p < 0.001). ERCP was performed once in 76% in group 1 and 93% in group 2 (p = 0.001). Prophylactic antibiotics were used more frequently in group 1 (84% versus 60%; p < 0.001). There were no differences between groups regarding infectious complications (p = 0.700). There was no difference in mortality rates between groups. CONCLUSION: ERCP is a safe procedure in elderly patients. The elderly frequently have more comorbidity. Nevertheless, the complication and mortality rates did not differ in this study. It is noteworthy that elderly patients received prophylactic antibiotics more frequently than younger patients but infectious complications were not different. The patients should not be excluded from ERCP based on their age.