International Consensus Recommendations for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Nomenclature.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Substantial heterogeneity in terminology used for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs), particularly the catchall term "eosinophilic gastroenteritis," limits clinical and research advances. We aimed to achieve an international consensus for standardized EGID nomenclature. METHODS: This consensus process utilized Delphi methodology. An initial naming framework was proposed and refined in iterative fashion, then assessed in a first round of Delphi voting. Results were discussed in 2 consensus meetings, and the framework was updated and reassessed in a second Delphi vote, with a 70% threshold set for agreement. RESULTS: Of 91 experts participating, 85 (93%) completed the first and 82 (90%) completed the second Delphi surveys. Consensus was reached on all but 2 statements. "EGID" was the preferred umbrella term for disorders of gastrointestinal (GI) tract eosinophilic inflammation in the absence of secondary causes (100% agreement). Involved GI tract segments will be named specifically and use an "Eo" abbreviation convention: eosinophilic gastritis (now abbreviated EoG), eosinophilic enteritis (EoN), and eosinophilic colitis (EoC). The term "eosinophilic gastroenteritis" is no longer preferred as the overall name (96% agreement). When >2 GI tract areas are involved, the name should reflect all of the involved areas. CONCLUSIONS: This international process resulted in consensus for updated EGID nomenclature for both clinical and research use. EGID will be the umbrella term, rather than "eosinophilic gastroenteritis," and specific naming conventions by location of GI tract involvement are recommended. As more data are developed, this framework can be updated to reflect best practices and the underlying science.

Case presentation of 8-year follow up of recurrent malignant duodenal Insulinoma and lymph node metastases and literature review of malignant Insulinoma management.

BACKGROUND: Insulinoma is an uncommon insulin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor that presents with severe recurrent hypoglycemia. Although cases of extrapancreatic insulinomas have been reported, the majority of insulinomas occur in the pancreas. The number of reported cases of ectopic insulinomas with follow-up assessments is limited and they do not report disease recurrence. The current report presents the first documented case of recurrent extrapancreatic insulinoma with 8 years of follow-up, provides relevant literature review, and proposes surveillance and treatment strategies. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe an insulinoma localized in the duodenal wall of a 36-year-old female who presented in 2013 with weight gain and Whipple's triad and was successfully managed with duodenotomy and enucleation. She presented again in 2017 with recurrent Whipple's triad and was found to have metastatic disease localized exclusively to peripancreatic lymph nodes. Primary pancreatic insulinoma was not evident and her hypoglycemia resolved following lymph node dissection. Eight years after initial presentation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) showed a trend for euglycemia, and PET-CT Gallium 68 DOTATATE scan evaluation indicated absence of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: Insulinomas are rare clinical entities and extrapancreatic insulinomas are particularly uncommon. Follow-up evaluation and treatment strategies for ectopic insulinoma recurrence presents a significant clinical challenge as the condition has hitherto remained undescribed in the literature. Available evidence in the literature indicates that lymph node metastases of intrapancreatic insulinomas likely do not change prognosis. Given the absence of long-term data informing the management and monitoring of patients with extrapancreatic insulinoma, we suggest patient education for hypoglycemic symptoms, monitoring for hypoglycemia with CGM, annual imaging, and a discussion with patients regarding treatment with octreotide or alternative somatostatin receptor analog therapies.

Low Rates of Retesting for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection After Treatment in the Veterans Health Administration.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Expert consensus mandates retesting for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection after treatment, but it is not clear how many patients are actually retested. We evaluated factors associated with retesting for H pylori in a large, nationwide cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with H pylori infection (detected by urea breath test, stool antigen, or pathology) who were prescribed an eradication regimen from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2018 within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We collected data on demographic features, smoking history, socioeconomic status, facility poverty level and academic status, and provider specialties and professions. The primary outcome was retesting for eradication. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 27,185 patients prescribed an H pylori eradication regimen, 6486 patients (23.9%) were retested. Among 7623 patients for whom we could identify the provider who ordered the test, 2663 patients (34.9%) received the order from a gastroenterological provider. Female sex (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.38; P = .002) and history of smoking (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15-1.33; P < .001) were patient factors associated with retesting. There was an interaction between method of initial diagnosis of H pylori infection and provider who ordered the initial test (P < .001). There was significant variation in rates of retesting among VHA facilities (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from a VHA cohort of patients with H pylori infection, we found low rates of retesting after eradication treatment. There is significant variation in rates of retesting among VHA facilities. H pylori testing is ordered by nongastroenterology specialists two-thirds of the time. Confirming eradication of H pylori is mandatory and widespread quality assurance protocols are needed.

Risk Factors and Incidence of Gastric Cancer After Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Large Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nearly all studies of gastric adenocarcinoma in the United States have relied on national cancer databases, which do not include data on Helicobacter pylori infection, the most well-known risk factor for gastric cancer. We collected data from a large cohort of patients in the United States to calculate the incidence of and risk factors for nonproximal gastric adenocarcinomas after detection of H pylori. Secondary aims included identifying how treatment and eradication affect cancer risk. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, collecting data from the Veterans Health Administration on 371,813 patients (median age 62 years; 92.3% male) who received a diagnosis of H pylori infection from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 2018. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of distal gastric adenocarcinoma 30 days or more after detection of H pylori infection. We performed a time to event with competing risk analysis (with death before cancer as a competing risk). RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of cancer at 5, 10, and 20 years after detection of H pylori infection was 0.37%, 0.5%, and 0.65%, respectively. Factors associated with cancer included older age at time of detection of H pylori infection (subhazard ratio [SHR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.15; P < .001), black/African American race (SHR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.80-2.22), Asian race (SHR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.64-3.89) (P < .001 for race), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (SHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.34-1.87; P < .001), and history of smoking (SHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.25-1.52; P < .001). Women had decreased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma compared with men (SHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.68; P < .001); patients whose H pylori infection was detected based on serum antibody positivity also had a reduced risk of cancer (SHR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.54-1.04; P = .04). Patients who received treatment for their H pylori infection still had an increased risk of gastric cancer (SHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.74-1.83; P = .51) but confirmed H pylori eradication after treatment reduced risk of gastric cancer (SHR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.15-0.41; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In a study of 371,813 veterans with a diagnosis of H pylori infection, we found significantly higher risks of gastric cancer in racial and ethnic minorities and smokers. Treatment of H pylori infection decreased risk only if eradication was successful. Studies are needed on the effects of screening high-risk persons and to identify quality measures for diagnosis, resistance patterns, and treatment efficacy.

Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors: Reappraisal of Type in Predicting Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Type I gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs) are typically managed either expectantly or endoscopically. In contrast, locoregional surgery has been recommended for patients with type III GNETs because of the risk of metastasis. This study aimed to identify predictors of outcome independent of type in a contemporary cohort of GNET patients. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective cohort study of 121 patients with a pathologic diagnosis of primary GNET between January 2009 and June 2019 was performed. GNETs were designated as type 1 (n = 74) if atrophic gastritis was present, or as type III (n = 47) in the absence of atrophic gastritis. Demographic, clinical, and histopathologic factors were examined using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression to assess the impact of various factors on recurrence and overall survival. RESULTS: Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 62.7 months. While there was no difference in OS in patients with different GNET types (p = 0.10), higher tumor grade (p = 0.02) and presence of nodal or distant metastases (p = 0.02) predicted worse survival on multivariable analysis. Among type III GNET patients, those with small (< 0.5 cm), grade 1 lesions ("low-risk") were less likely to develop metastases (0% versus 33%, p < 0.01) and more likely to survive (100% versus 67%, p < 0.01) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Size and tumor grade predict recurrence and survival in patients with GNETs irrespective of type. Small, low-grade type III GNETs are associated with minimal risk of progression and may be managed accordingly.

Presacral neuroendocrine tumors associated with the Currarino syndrome.

Currarino syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant syndrome caused by mutations in MNX1 and characterized by anorectal abnormalities, partial sacral agenesis, and presacral masses. The presacral masses are typically benign; however, malignant degeneration can occur, and presacral neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been reported in six cases. We report three individuals from two families affected by CS in which multiple individuals developed presacral NETs. The first family, 491, had six members with features of CS, including two siblings who presented with presacral, Grade 2 NETs, one of which had metastasized to bone and lymph nodes. A germline c.874C>T (p.Arg292Trp) mutation was found in a highly conserved region of MNX1 in three affected members who underwent sequencing. A second somatic variant/deletion in MNX1 was not detected in either patient's tumor. In the second family, 342, the proband presented with an incidentally discovered presacral NET. The proband's father had previously undergone resection of a presacral NET, and so genetic testing was performed, which did not reveal an MNX1 mutation or copy number variants. The lack of a second, somatic mutation in the tumors from family 491 argues against MNX1 acting as a tumor suppressor, and the absence of a germline MNX1 mutation in family 342 suggests that other genetic and anatomic factors contribute to the development of presacral NETs. These cases highlight the variable presentation of CS, and the potential for malignancy in these patients.

Unmet needs in the international neuroendocrine tumor (NET) community: Assessment of major gaps from the perspective of patients, patient advocates and NET health care professionals.

Due to the increasing incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), there is a need to assess any gaps in awareness and care. A survey was undertaken in 2017 to identify perceived unmet needs from the perspectives of patients/families, patient advocates and health care professionals (HCPs). The survey consisted of 33-37 questions (depending on type of respondent) across four areas: information, care, treatments and research. In total, 443 participants from 26 countries responded: 338 patients/families, 35 advocates and 70 HCPs. Perceived unmet needs regarding provision of information at diagnosis differed between groups. While 59% of HCPs believed they provided sufficient information, informational needs were mostly/fully met for only 30% of patients and 18% of advocates. Additionally, 91% of patients and 97% of advocates felt that patients had to search for information themselves. Availability of Gallium-68-Dotatate PET/CT scan was limited for the majority of patients (patients: 73%; advocates: 85%; HCP: 86%), as was access to treatments, particularly peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (patients: 42%; advocates: 95%; HCPs: 77%). All groups felt that standards of care, including psychological needs and diagnosis of mental health, were not fully met. Although about two-thirds of patients were managed by a multidisciplinary team, 14% of patients reportedly did not have enough contact. All groups supported more patient involvement in research; patients and advocates prioritized improvement in diagnosis and HCPs focused on clinical trials. This survey revealed significant unmet needs but differing perceptions regarding these among the groups. There is a need for investigation and collaboration to improve standards of care for NET patients.

Abnormal Pretreatment Liver Function Tests Are Associated with Discontinuation of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in a U.S.-Based Neuroendocrine Tumor Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is effective for treating midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); however, incorporation of PRRT into routine practice in the U.S. is not well studied. Herein we analyze the first year of PRRT implementation to determine tolerance of PRRT and factors that increase risk of PRRT discontinuation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and data were abstracted on all patients with NETs scheduled for PRRT during the first year of PRRT implementation at a U.S. NET referral center (August 2018 through July 2019). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PRRT discontinuation. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (56% male) were scheduled for PRRT over the study period. The most common primary NET location was small bowel (47%), followed by pancreas (26%), and 84% of the NETs were World Health Organization grade 1 or 2. The cohort was heavily pretreated with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy (98%), non-SSA systemic therapy (64%), primary tumor resection (73%), and liver-directed therapy (55%). At the time of analysis, 52 patients completed at least one PRRT treatment. Toxicities including bone marrow suppression and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities were comparable to prior publications. Eleven patients (21%) prematurely discontinued PRRT because of toxicity or an adverse event. Pretreatment LFT abnormality was associated with increased risk of PRRT cancellation (odds ratio: 12; 95% confidence interval: 2.59-55.54; p < .001). CONCLUSION: PRRT can be administered to a diverse NET population at a U.S. NET referral center. Baseline liver function test abnormality increases the likelihood of PRRT discontinuation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) can be successfully implemented at a U.S. neuroendocrine tumor (NET) referral center in a NET population that is diverse in tumor location, grade, and prior treatment history. Toxicity and adverse effects of PRRT are comparable to prior reports; however, 21% of individuals prematurely discontinued PRRT. Patients with baseline liver function test abnormalities were more likely to discontinue PRRT than patients with normal liver function tests, which should be taken into consideration when selecting treatment options for NETs.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a National Cohort of Veterans With Noncardia Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

Conventional teaching is that Helicobacter pylori infection is required for the development of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma (NCGC) through a sequence of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and finally, cancer.1-3 However, studies have not demonstrated a 100% rate of H pylori infection in gastric malignancy, hypothesized to be due to false negatives, gastric atrophy leading to apparent loss of infection, and inclusion of cardia, nonintestinal cancers.1-3.

Dexlansoprazole and Esomeprazole Do Not Affect Bone Homeostasis in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epidemiological studies have associated proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy with osteoporotic fractures, but it is not clear if PPIs directly cause osteoporosis. We evaluated the effect of dexlansoprazole and esomeprazole on bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD), true fractional calcium absorption (TFCA), serum and urine levels of minerals, and levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicenter, double-blind study of 115 healthy, postmenopausal women (45 to 75 years of age) from November 4, 2010, through August 7, 2014. Women were randomly assigned to groups given dexlansoprazole (60 mg), esomeprazole (40 mg), or placebo daily for 26 weeks. We measured plasma levels of procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) at 0 (baseline), 13, and 26 weeks. Primary outcomes were percent change in P1NP and CTX between weeks 0 and 26. We also measured changes in serum and urine levels of mineral, BMD, PTH (all subjects), and TFCA (n = 30). RESULTS: Between baseline and week 26, there were no significant within-group differences in markers of bone turnover; there was a nonsignificant increase in CTX levels in the dexlansoprazole group (0.12 ng/mL). The esomeprazole and dexlansoprazole groups had significantly increased levels of P1NP (18.2% and 19.2%, respectively) and CTX (22.0% and 27.4%, respectively) at week 26 compared with the placebo group, although these values remained within normal ranges. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in serum or urine levels of minerals, BMD, or PTH at week 26. PPI therapy did not reduce TFCA. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study of postmenopausal women, we found significant increases in markers of bone turnover in women given PPI therapy compared with women given placebo, but levels remained within the normal reference range. We found no significant differences among groups in changes in BMD, PTH, serum or urine levels of minerals, or TFCA. Our findings indicate that 26 weeks of treatment with a PPI has no clinically meaningful effects on bone homeostasis. Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT01216293.

Low Yield of Cross-Sectional Imaging in Patients With Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is an abnormal finding on high-resolution manometry (HRM) characterized by an elevated median integrated relaxation pressure with some intact peristalsis.1 EGJOO is associated with heterogeneous symptoms, disease course, and response to treatment.1-4 It can be idiopathic or secondary with causes including malignancy, infiltrative disease, or structural etiology.1,3 Therefore, Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility Disorders version 3.0 (CC v3.0) states a finding of EGJOO should prompt further investigation with cross-sectional imaging (CSI): endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or computed tomography (CT) scan. However, there are limited data on the added yield of CSI to conventional modalities, namely esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and barium esophagram (BE). In previous studies, yield was small or unspecified.2,5-8 The aim of this study was to examine the yield of CSI for diagnosing secondary causes of EGJOO.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Is Not Associated With Future Clostridium difficile Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is associated with many gastrointestinal disorders, including gastric cancer, and consensus guidelines recommend eradication after detection. There is a theoretical, yet uninvestigated, concern that HP treatment could increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Using the data from a large cohort of patients with HP, we investigated whether HP eradication is associated with CDI. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study within the Veterans Health Administration on 38,535 patients (median age 61.8 years; 91.8% men) with detected HP between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2018 was conducted. Primary outcome was a positive laboratory test for CDI within 3 months of HP detection. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the following: patient demographics, previous CDI, recent hospitalization, and whether the patient received HP eradication therapy (by antibiotic and regimen, and including proton pump therapy). Secondary analysis of those treated evaluated whether eradication of HP was associated with CDI. RESULTS: Among 38,535 patients, 28,818 (74.8%) were treated for HP and 284 (0.74%) developed CDI. In multivariable analysis, prominent factors included hospital discharge within 12 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-3.77) and 4 weeks (OR 3.46; 95% CI: 2.18-5.48), P < 0.001, and previous CDI (OR 12.5; 95% CI: 9.21-17.0, P < 0.001). Treatment of HP was not associated with future CDI. In secondary analysis of those treated, confirmation of eradication was not associated with future CDI (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 0.67-3.29). DISCUSSION: In a large study of US patients with HP, we demonstrate that neither treatment nor eradication of HP is associated with CDI. Previous C. difficile infection and recent hospital discharge, established risk factors for CDI, are strongly associated. These findings suggest that treatment should be continued to be prescribed when HP is detected (http://links.lww.com/AJG/B507).

Grade is a Dominant Risk Factor for Metastasis in Patients with Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Small (< 2 cm) and diminutive (< 1 cm) rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) are often described as indolent lesions. A large single-center experience was reviewed to determine the incidence of metastasis and the risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: Cases of RNET between 2010 and 2017 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. The rate of metastasis was determined, and outcomes were stratified by tumor size and grade. Uni- and multivariable predictors of metastasis were identified, and a classification and regression tree analysis was used to stratify the risk for distant metastasis. RESULTS: The study identified 98 patients with RNET. The median follow-up period was 28 months. Of the 98 patients, 79 had primary tumors smaller than 1 cm, 8 had tumors 1 to 2 cm in size, and 11 had tumors 2 cm in size or larger. In terms of grade, 86 patients had grade 1 (G1) tumors, 8 patients had grade 2 (G2) tumors, and 4 patients had grade 3 (G3) tumors. Twelve patients developed metastatic disease. Both size and grade were associated with distant metastasis in the uni- and multivariable analyses, but when stratified by grade, size was predictive of metastasis only for G1 tumors (p < 0.001). Among the 12 patients with metastatic disease, 3 (25%) had diminutive primary tumors, and 9 (75%) had primary tumors 2 cm in size or larger. Diminutive tumors that metastasized were all G2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diminutive and small RNETs are at risk for metastatic disease. Tumor grade is a dominant predictor of dissemination. More rigorous staging, closer surveillance, or more aggressive initial management may be warranted for patients with G2 tumors, irrespective of size.

Impact of liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with 177Lu-Dotatate: an analysis of the NETTER-1 study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of baseline liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with 177Lu-Dotatate. METHODS: In the phase 3 NETTER-1 trial, patients with advanced, progressive midgut neuroendocrine tumours (NET) were randomised to 177Lu-Dotatate (every 8 weeks, four cycles) plus octreotide long-acting release (LAR) or to octreotide LAR 60 mg. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Analyses of PFS by baseline factors, including liver tumour burden, ALP elevation, and target lesion size, were performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates; hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were estimated using Cox regression. RESULTS: Significantly prolonged median PFS occurred with 177Lu-Dotatate versus octreotide LAR 60 mg in patients with low (< 25%), moderate (25-50%), and high (> 50%) liver tumour burden (HR 0.187, 0.216, 0.145), and normal or elevated ALP (HR 0.153, 0.177), and in the presence or absence of a large target lesion (diameter > 30 mm; HR, 0.213, 0.063). Within the 177Lu-Dotatate arm, no significant difference in PFS was observed amongst patients with low/moderate/high liver tumour burden (P = 0.7225) or with normal/elevated baseline ALP (P = 0.3532), but absence of a large target lesion was associated with improved PFS (P = 0.0222). Grade 3 and 4 liver function abnormalities were rare and did not appear to be associated with high baseline liver tumour burden. CONCLUSIONS: 177Lu-Dotatate demonstrated significant prolongation in PFS versus high-dose octreotide LAR in patients with advanced, progressive midgut NET, regardless of baseline liver tumour burden, elevated ALP, or the presence of a large target lesion. Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT01578239, EudraCT: 2011-005049-11.

Predictors of Gastrin Elevation Following Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy.

GOALS: The goal of this study was to elucidate the most important predictors for elevation of gastrin in patients on long-term PPI therapy through analysis of data from 2 published studies in Icelandic patients with erosive GERD. BACKGROUND: Gastrin elevation is a known but variable consequence of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Concerns have been raised about the clinical importance of chronic PPI induced gastrin elevation. STUDY: This cross-sectional analysis included patients with endoscopically verified erosive esophagitis receiving long-term PPI therapy. PPI exposure in dosage over weight (mg/kg) and dosage over body surface area (mg/m) was compared with fasting gastrin levels in two separate multiple linear regression models. Data was collected on age, gender, weight, H. pylori infection, smoking, PPI duration and type. RESULTS: Overall data from 157 patients (78 females) were analyzed. Median serum gastrin levels were higher in females than males (92 vs. 60 pg/mL; P=0.001). Simple linear regression showed a correlation between serum gastrin levels and gender (P=0.0008) as well as PPI exposure in mg/kg (P=0.0001) and mg/m (P=0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PPI exposure, both in mg/kg (ß=0.95 [CI=0.4-1.5]; P=0.001) and mg/m (ß=0.02 [CI=0.0-0.0]; P=0.0015) along with female gender (ß=0.2 [CI=0.0-0.4]; P=0.02) predicted higher gastrin values. CONCLUSIONS: Dosage and female gender seem to play an important role in the development of gastrin elevation on PPI therapy. A significant correlation was found between fasting serum gastrin and dosage of PPIs over weight and body surface area.

The impact of surgery for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a contemporary evaluation matching for chromogranin a level.

BACKGROUND: Studies supporting surgical management of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) are limited by selection bias. Chromogranin A (CgA) has been used as a biomarker for PNET and may reflect disease burden or biology. This study aimed to correlate CgA level with overall survival and to use it to match patients selected for different treatment approaches in an analysis of the impact of surgical management. METHODS: 1478 patients diagnosed with PNET in the National Cancer Database (2004-2014) were retrospectively identified, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between the presence of metastatic disease and CgA level. After matching patients by CgA level and other factors predictive of surgical management, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Median CgA level was significantly higher in metastatic versus localized PNET(169 ng/mL versus 66 ng/mL, p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression, CgA level was predictive of metastatic disease(OR 1.002, p < 0.001) and survival in metastatic and non-metastatic patients. After matching for CgA level, surgery was associated with improved overall survival. DISCUSSION: CgA level is predictive of the presence of distant metastatic disease and overall survival in PNET. When matched by CgA and other predictors of treatment approach, patients with metastatic PNET undergoing surgery have improved survival.

Updated International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Proceedings of the AGREE Conference.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Over the last decade, clinical experiences and research studies raised concerns regarding use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as part of the diagnostic strategy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to clarify the use of PPIs in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults with suspected EoE to develop updated international consensus criteria for EoE diagnosis. METHODS: A consensus conference was convened to address the issue of PPI use for esophageal eosinophilia using a process consistent with standards described in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II. Pediatric and adult physicians and researchers from gastroenterology, allergy, and pathology subspecialties representing 14 countries used online communications, teleconferences, and a face-to-face meeting to review the literature and clinical experiences. RESULTS: Substantial evidence documented that PPIs reduce esophageal eosinophilia in children, adolescents, and adults, with several mechanisms potentially explaining the treatment effect. Based on these findings, an updated diagnostic algorithm for EoE was developed, with removal of the PPI trial requirement. CONCLUSIONS: EoE should be diagnosed when there are symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field (or approximately 60 eosinophils per mm2) on esophageal biopsy and after a comprehensive assessment of non-EoE disorders that could cause or potentially contribute to esophageal eosinophilia. The evidence suggests that PPIs are better classified as a treatment for esophageal eosinophilia that may be due to EoE than as a diagnostic criterion, and we have developed updated consensus criteria for EoE that reflect this change.

Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoids).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis of gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is being made with increased frequency likely as a result of more upper endoscopies being done for unrelated reasons. It is therefore vital that gastroenterologists become familiar with the basic work-up and management of patients found to have these tumors. This review describes the classification, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment options of the different gastric NETs. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to the three traditional subtypes of gastric NETs, additional cases associated with achlorhydria and appropriate hypergastrinemia may exist. The management of gastric NETs between 1 and 2 cm in size remains controversial and needs to be individualized. Gastric NETs are uncommon but are now diagnosed more frequently. This review highlights the role of hypergastrinemia in their development and the controversies around their management.

Follow-Up for Resected Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours: A Practice Survey of the Commonwealth Neuroendocrine Tumour Collaboration (CommNETS) and the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS).

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus regarding optimal follow-up in resected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). We aimed to perform a practice survey to ascertain follow-up patterns by health care practitioners and highlight areas of variation that may benefit from further quantitative research. METHODS: A Web-based survey targeted at NET health care providers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA was developed by a steering committee of medical oncologists and a research methodologist. Thirty-seven questions elicited information regarding adherence to guidelines, the influence of risk factors on follow-up, and the frequency and choice of modality in follow-up. RESULTS: There were 163 respondents: 59 from Australia, 25 from New Zealand, 46 from Canada, and 33 from the USA (50% medical oncology, 23% surgery, 13% nuclear medicine, and 15% other). Thirty-eight percent of the respondents were "very familiar" with the NCCN NET guidelines, 33% with the ENETS guidelines, and 17% with the ESMO guidelines; however, only 15, 27, and 10%, respectively, found them "very useful"; 63% reported not using guidelines at their institution. The commonest investigations used were CT scans (66%) and chromogranin A (86%). The US respondents were more likely to follow patients up past 5 years, and the Australian respondents utilized more functional and less cross-sectional imaging. When poor prognostic factors were introduced, the respondents recommended more visits and tests. CONCLUSIONS: This large international survey highlights variation in current follow-up practices not well addressed by the current guidelines. More quantitative research is required to inform the development of evidence-based guidelines tailored to the pattern of recurrence in NETs.