Large-scale, national, family-based epidemiological study on Helicobacter pylori infection in China: the time to change practice for related disease prevention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current practice on Helicobacter pylori infection mostly focuses on individual-based care in the community, but family-based H. pylori management has recently been suggested as a better strategy for infection control. However, the family-based H. pylori infection status, risk factors and transmission pattern remain to be elucidated. METHODS: From September 2021 to December 2021, 10 735 families (31 098 individuals) were enrolled from 29 of 31 provinces in mainland China to examine family-based H. pylori infection, related factors and transmission pattern. All family members were required to answer questionnaires and test for H. pylori infection. RESULTS: Among all participants, the average individual-based H. pylori infection rate was 40.66%, with 43.45% for adults and 20.55% for children and adolescents. Family-based infection rates ranged from 50.27% to 85.06% among the 29 provinces, with an average rate of 71.21%. In 28.87% (3099/10 735) of enrolled families, there were no infections; the remaining 71.13% (7636/10 735) of families had 1-7 infected members, and in 19.70% (1504/7636), all members were infected. Among 7961 enrolled couples, 33.21% had no infection, but in 22.99%, both were infected. Childhood infection was significantly associated with parental infection. Independent risk factors for household infection were infected family members (eg, five infected members: OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.86 to 4.00), living in highly infected areas (eg, northwest China: OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.13), and large families in a household (eg, family of three: OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.76 to 2.21). However, family members with higher education and income levels (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.91), using serving spoons or chopsticks, more generations in a household (eg, three generations: OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92), and who were younger (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.70) had lower infection rates (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Familial H. pylori infection rate is high in general household in China. Exposure to infected family members is likely the major source of its spread. These results provide supporting evidence for the strategic changes from H. pylori individual-based treatment to family-based management, and the notion has important clinical and public health implications for infection control and related disease prevention.

Chemodivergent Photocatalyzed Heterocyclization of Hydrazones and Isothiocyanates for the Selectivity Synthesis of 2-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thiones.

A photocatalytic chemodivergent reaction for the selectivity formation of C-S and C-N bonds in a controlled manner was proposed. The reaction medium, either neutral or acidic, is critical to dictate the formation of 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones from isothiocyanates and hydrazones. This is a practical protocol to achieve the chemoselectivity under mild and metal-free conditions.

Bismuth, esomeprazole, metronidazole and amoxicillin or tetracycline as a first-line regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Due to general unavailability and common side effects of tetracycline, the clinical application of bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is greatly limited. Whether amoxicillin can replace tetracycline in BQT remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the eradication rate, safety and compliance between amoxicillin-containing and tetracycline-containing BQT as a first-line regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication. METHODS: This randomized trial was conducted on 404 naïve patients for H. pylori eradication. The participants were randomly assigned to 14-day amoxicillin-containing (bismuth potassium citrate 110 mg four times/day, esomeprazole 20 mg twice daily, metronidazole 400 mg four times/day and amoxicillin 500 mg four times/day) and tetracycline-containing (tetracycline 500 mg four times/day and the other three drugs used as above) BQT. Safety and compliance were assessed within 3 days after eradication. Urea breath test was performed 4-8 weeks after eradication to evaluate outcome. RESULTS: As for the eradication rates of amoxicillin-containing and tetracycline-containing BQT, the results of both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed that the difference rate of the lower limit of 95% confidence interval was above -10.0% (intention-to-treat analysis: 81.7% vs. 83.2%, with a rate difference of -1.5% [-6.3% to 9.3%]; per-protocol analysis: 89.0% vs. 91.6%, -2.6% [-4.1% to 9.3%]). The incidence of adverse events in amoxicillin-containing BQT was significantly lower than tetracycline-containing BQT (29.5% vs. 39.7%). Both groups achieved relatively good compliance (92.0% vs. 89.9%). CONCLUSION: The eradication efficacy of amoxicillin-containing BQT was non-inferior to tetracycline-containing BQT as a first-line regimen for H. pylori eradication with better safety and similar compliance.

[Comparison of Epsilometer test and agar dilution method in detecting the sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori to metronidazole].

OBJECTIVE: Agar dilution method (ADM) was used as the golden standard to evaluate the consistency of Epsilometer test (E-test) in detecting the sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to metronidazole. METHODS: From August 2018 to July 2020, patients with H. pylori infection treated for the first time in Peking University Third Hospital for gastroscopy due to dyspepsia were included in this study. Gastric mucosas were taken from the patients with H. pylori infection. H. pylori culture was performed. Both the ADM and E-test were applied to the antibiotic susceptibility of H. pylori to metro-nidazole, and the consistency and correlation between the two methods were validated. RESULTS: In the study, 105 clinical isolates of H. pylori were successfully cultured, and the minimum inhibitory concentration ≥ 8 mg/L was defined as drug resistance. Both ADM and the E-test showed high resistance rates to metronidazole, 64.8% and 62.9%, respectively. Among them, 66 drug-resistant strains were detected by ADM and E-test, and 37 were sensitive strains, so the consistency rate was 98.1%. Two strains were evaluated as drug resistance by ADM, but sensitive by the E-test, with a very major error rate of 1.9%. There was zero strain sensitive according to ADM but assessed as resistant by the E-test, so the major error rate was 0%. Taking ADM as the gold standard, the sensitivity of E-test in the detection of metronidazole susceptibility was 97.1% (95%CI: 0.888-0.995), and the specificity was 100% (95%CI: 0.883-1.000). Cohen's kappa analysis showed substantial agreement, and kappa coefficient was 0.959 (95%CI: 0.902-1.016, P < 0.001). Spearmans correlation analysis confirmed this correlation was significant (r=0.807, P < 0.001). The consistency evaluation of Bland-Altman method indicated that it was good, and there was no measured value outside the consistency interval. In this study, cost analysis, including materials and labor, showed a 32.2% higher cost per analyte for ADM as compared with the E-test (356.6 yuan vs. 269.8 yuan). CONCLUSION: The susceptibility test of H. pylori to metronidazole by E-test presents better agreement with ADM. Because it is less expensive, less labor intensive, and more rapid, it is an easy and reliable method for H. pylori susceptibility testing.

Fifth Chinese National Consensus Report on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Since the 'Fourth Chinese National Consensus Report on the management of H. pylori infection' was published in 2012, three important consensuses (Kyoto global consensus report on H. pylori gastritis, The Toronto Consensus for the Treatment of H. pylori Infection in Adults and Management of H. pylori infection-the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report) have been published regarding the management of H. pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Delphi method was adopted to develop the consensus of relevant 'statements'. First, the established 'statements' were sent to experts via email. Second, after undergoing two rounds of consultation, the initial statements were discussed face to face and revised in the conference item by item on 16 December 2016. Finally, 21 core members of conferees participated in the final vote of statements. Voting for each statement was performed using an electronic system with levels of agreements shown on the screen in real time. RESULTS: Consensus contents contained a total of 48 "statements" and related 6 parts, including indications for H. pylori eradication, diagnosis, treatment, H. pylori and gastric cancer, H. pylori infection in special populations, H. pylori and gastrointestinal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations are provided on the basis of the best available evidence.

Therapeutic effect of esophageal foreign body extraction management: flexible versus rigid endoscopy in 216 adults of Beijing.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and complications of rigid endoscopy (RE) and flexible endoscopy (FE) for the extraction of esophageal foreign bodies (FB) in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 216 adult patients with esophageal FB impaction treated at Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2008 and December 2012. RESULTS: The success rate of FB extraction was 100% (142/142) in patients treated with RE compared to 97.3% (72/74) in those treated with FE (P=0.045). The total incidence of complications in RE-treated patients was lower than that in FE-treated patients (28.2% vs. 45.9%, P=0.009), but the perforation rate was higher (5.6% vs. 1.4%, P=0.135). The incidences of total complications and perforation were associated with the duration of FB impaction in patients who underwent RE (both P<0.05) but not in patients who underwent FE. RE was more frequently used in extraction of FBs located in the upper esophagus (88.7%, 126/142) compared to FE (60.8%, 45/74) (P<0.05). The size of extracted FB was significantly larger in patients treated with FE compared to those treated with RE (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both RE and FE were effective in the extraction of esophageal FB. However, the perforation rate and the need for general anesthesia were higher in RE-associated extraction. FE may be the preferred endoscopic treatment for the extraction of esophageal FB, except possibly for those impacted in the upper esophagus. FB extraction may produce better outcomes if endoscopy is employed early.

[Analysis for 171 cases of esophageal foreign bodies impacted in upper esophagus with endoscopic treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and complications of rigid endoscopy (RE) and flexible endoscopy (FE) for the extraction of esophageal foreign bodies (FBs) in adults. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 171 adult patients with the upper esophageal FB impaction treated at Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2008 and December 2012. RESULTS: In the study, 126 patients with the upper esophageal foreign body impaction were treated with RE, while 45 patients received FE. (1)The size of FBs in FE group was the same as RE group(P = 0.495, P = 0.125). (2)The period impacted in the esophagus of RE group (25.8 ± 28.6) h was longer than that of FE group (13.9 ± 14.5) h (P = 0.009). (3)71.4% of the patients in RE and 88.9% in FE group went to hospital for treatment within 24 hours from being impacted, while 15.1% in RE group and 8.9% in FE group were between 24 and 48 hours.13.5% in RE and 2.2% in FE group went to hospital beyond 48 hours.(4)The proportion of FBs puncturing into one or two esophageal walls in RE group (67.5%) was higher than that in FE group (35.6%).(5) The positive rates with the upper gastrointestinal barium contrast and chest X-ray or abdominal plain film were 98.3%,23.6% and 100%,14.3% for diagnosing esophageal FBs in RE and FE groups.(6)The successful rate, complication rate and perforation rate were 100%,38.1% and 6.3%and 95.6%,48.9%,and 2.2% in RE and FE groups, respectively with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both RE and FE were effective in the extraction of upper esophageal FBs with no difference in the complication and perforation rates. But FE was cheaper and no need for general anesthesia.

[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and histopathological features of nodular gastritis in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and histopathological features of nodular gastritis (NG) in children. METHODS: A total of 213 children who had undergone gastroscopy due to upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled and were divided into NG and non-NG groups according to endoscopic appearance. The histopathological features of gastric mucosa were evaluated using the updated Sydney System. The rates of Hp infection, moderate to severe inflammation and lymphoid follicles formation of gastric mucosa were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (17.8%) of the subjects were diagnosed with NG. The NG group had significantly increased rates of Hp infection (86.8% vs 14.3%; P<0.01), moderate to severe inflammation (81.6% vs 15.4%; P<0.01) and lymphoid follicles formation of gastric mucosa (52.6% vs 10.3%; P<0.01) compared with the non-NG group. NG had a high specificity (96.8%) and a positive predictive value (86.8%) for the diagnosis of Hp infection. NG was observed in 33 (56.9%) of 58 Hp-positive children and in 5 (3.2%) of 155 Hp-negative children (P<0.01). Hp-positive children had higher rates of moderate to severe inflammation (86.2% vs 5.2%, P<0.01) and lymphoid follicles formation of gastric mucosa (84.2% vs 14.9% P<0.01) compared with Hp-negative children. There were significant differences in Hp colonization, degree of inflammation and inflammation activity in gastric tissues between the NG and non-NG groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: NG is a special sign of Hp infection in children, which mostly shows moderate to severe inflammation of gastric mucosa, and can be used as an endoscopic indicator of Hp infection. Hp eradication therapy should be considered in the treatment of NG.

Tailored therapy guided by genotypic resistance of clarithromycin and levofloxacin detected by polymerase chain reaction in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of tailored therapy guided by genotypic resistance in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in treatment-naive patients. METHODS: Gastric mucosal specimens were taken during gastroscopy, and main mutations of clarithromycin- and levofloxacin-resistant genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sensitive antibiotics were selected individually for treating H. pylori infection with tailored bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) consisting of esomeprazole 20 mg twice daily, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, or levofloxacin 500 mg once daily, or metronidazole 400 mg four times daily. Safety and patient compliance were assessed 1-3 days after eradication. Treatment outcome was evaluated by urea breath test 4-8 weeks after eradication. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two treatment-naive patients with H. pylori infection were included. PCR results suggested resistance rates of 47.7% and 34.9% for clarithromycin and levofloxacin, respectively, and a dual resistance rate of 18.2%. Eradication rates of tailored BQT were 87.1% and 95.8% by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and per-protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of 7-day clarithromycin-containing, 7-day levofloxacin-containing, and 14-day full-dose metronidazole-containing BQT (ITT analysis: P = 0.488; PP analysis: P = 0.833). The incidence of adverse events was 19.7%, and patient compliance was 97.7%. CONCLUSION: Tailored BQT guided by genotypic resistance can achieve satisfactory efficacy, safety, and patient compliance in the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Minocycline in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Difficulty in obtaining tetracycline, increased adverse reactions, and relatively complicated medication methods have limited the clinical application of the classic bismuth quadruple therapy. Therefore, the search for new alternative drugs has become one of the research hotspots. In recent years, minocycline, as a semisynthetic tetracycline, has demonstrated good potential for eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, but the systematic evaluation of its role remains lacking. AIM: To explore the efficacy, safety, and compliance of minocycline in eradicating H. pylori infection. METHODS: We comprehensively retrieved the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, and Wanfang database as of October 30, 2023, and finally included 22 research reports on H. pylori eradication with minocycline-containing regimens as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The eradication rates of H. pylori were calculated using a fixed or a random effect model, and the heterogeneity and publication bias of the studies were measured. RESULTS: The single-arm meta-analysis revealed that the minocycline-containing regimens achieved good overall H. pylori eradication rates, reaching 82.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 79.7%-85.1%] in the intention-to-treat analysis and 90.0% (95%CI: 87.7%-92.4%) in the per-protocol analysis. The overall safety and compliance of the minocycline-containing regimens were good, demonstrating an overall incidence of adverse reactions of 36.5% (95%CI: 31.5%-42.2%). Further by traditional meta-analysis, the results showed that the minocycline-containing regimens were not statistically different from other commonly used eradication regimens in eradication rate and incidence of adverse effects. Most of the adverse reactions were mild to moderate and well-tolerated, and dizziness was relatively prominent in the minocycline-containing regimens (16%). CONCLUSION: The minocycline-containing regimens demonstrated good efficacy, safety, and compliance in H. pylori eradication. Minocycline has good potential to replace tetracycline for eradicating H. pylori infection.

[Complication related factors and efficacy with flexible endoscopy of 101 esophageal foreign bodies].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the related factors of complications and treatment efficacy with flexible endoscopy for esophageal foreign body (FB). METHODS: In a retrospective study with consecutive data, 101 adults including 52 males and 49 females with esophageal FB impaction between January 2005 and December 2012 admitted into Department of Gastroenterology's Endoscopic Unit at Peking University Third Hospital were included, aged (49 ± 21) years. RESULTS: (1) FB impaction in upper and middle esophagus accounted for 87.1% (n = 88) of all esophageal FBs. No significant difference existed in interval time from impaction to removal of FB impacted between upper, middle and lower esophagus (P > 0.05) . (2) Patients with esophageal FB seeking hospital treatment accounted for 82.2% (n = 83) within 24 h and 99.0% (n = 100) within 48 h. Food lump, fish bone, chicken bone and fruit seeds accounted for 76.2% (n = 77). (3) Positive rates were 91.3% (21/23) and 24.1% (7/29) with upper gastrointestinal barium contrast and chest or abdominal plain film. The success rate was 94.1% (n = 95) with flexible endoscopy for removal of FB. (4) Denture was the most difficult FB for removal. Four patients in all 11 patients with denture impacted were not removed successfully with flexible endoscopy. (5) The complication (except for mild scratch) rate was 48.5% (n = 49) and the perforation rate 3.0% (n = 3) . Whether complications took place or not was independent of age, location of impaction, time from impaction to removal and size of FB (all P > 0.05) , but dependent on piercing into esophageal wall, concomitant with esophageal stricture and types of FB (all P < 0.01) . Whether perforation or not was independent of any above factor. CONCLUSION: Esophageal FB should be removed as soon as possible within 24 h especially for those with sharp edges and piercing into esophageal wall.

[Clinical value of endoscopic hemostasis in acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of endoscopic hemostasis in acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 223 patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding and receiving endoscopic treatment who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2009. Endoscopic diagnosis, lesion location, lesion size and stigmata of recent hemorrhage were recorded. Stigmata of recent hemorrhage was evaluated by Forrest classification. All the patients were scored by Rockall for rehemorrhage and death risk. Endoscopic treatment comprised medicine aspersing, injection, thermocoagulation, clips and combination therapy. RESULTS: Hemorrhagic lesions of Forrest Ia-IIb were selected for endoscopic treatment, in which 214 patients(96.0%,214/223) underwent first endoscopic hemostasis successfully, while rehemorrhage occurred in 34 patients(15.2%,34/223). The first hemostatic achievement rate was 80.7%(180/223). And 17 patients received surgery or died because of endoscopic treatment failure. Total effective rate of endoscopic treatment was 92.4%(206/223). The total effective rates of Rockall high-risk group, moderate-risk group and low-risk group were 80%(40/50),95.7%(156/163) and 100%(10/10) respectively. The effective rates of epinephrine injection and combination therapy were 92.6%(137/148) and 77.6%(38/49) respectively. The rehemorrgagic rates of epinephrine injection and combination therapy were 14.2%(21/148) and 18.4%(9/49) respectively. The proportion of combination therapy in the second attempt at endoscopic therapy was 65.0%(13/20), and the achievement rate was 61.5%(8/13). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic hemostatic therapy is the preferred emergency treatment in acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic treatment should be used for emorrhagic lesions of Forrest Ia-IIb. Endoscopic therapy could be completely hemostatic in Rockall low-risk group. Rockall score directly influences endoscopic treatment effectiveness.

[The effects of pronase on drugs concentrations for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pronase on amoxicillin and metronidazole concentrations in gastric tissue. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 70) and control group (n = 70). Amoxicillin (28.6 mg/kg), metronidazole (22.5 mg/kg) and omeprazole (138.2 mg/kg) were administered orally to C57BL/6 mice, combined with pronase (110 mg/kg) or same amount of sterile PBS. Gastric tissue and blood plasma samples were taken at 10 point-in-time (7 mice/time) from 15 min up to 360 min after administration. Concentrations of amoxicillin and metronidazole were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. Gastritis index of gastric mucosa (hematoxylin-eosin staining) and the gastric tissue expressions of mucin 5AC (Western blot) were detected at 120 min and 360 min after administration. RESULTS: The time to peak concentration of amoxicillin and metronidazole in gastric tissue appeared earlier than that in blood plasma (15 min vs 60 min). Tissue concentrations of amoxicillin and metronidazole of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control, and they were mainly at 15 min to 90 min (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of amoxicillin and metronidazole of experimental group at 15 min and 30 min were higher than those of control (P < 0.05). There was no difference in gastritis index between experimental group and control at 120 min and 360 min after administration (0.28 ± 0.18 vs 0.14 ± 0.14, P > 0.05; 0.43 ± 0.20 vs 0.28 ± 0.18, P > 0.05). The expressions of mucin 5AC in experimental group were lower than those of control (0.036 ± 0.006 vs 0.197 ± 0.058; P < 0.05; 0.039 ± 0.008 vs 0.208 ± 0.072, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pronase can significantly enhance the drugs penetration from mucus into gastric tissue. Concentrations of amoxicillin and metronidazole of experimental group in local gastric tissue and plasma are higher than those of control, especially in improving concentrations of gastric tissue and prolongation of exposed time.

[The endoscopic and clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesions of colonic mucosa].

OBJECTIVE: By analysing the clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesion of colon mucosa to improve the precautionary and therapeutic level of the disease. METHODS: Thirteen patients diagnosed as Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesion of colon mucosa in Peking University Third Hospital from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed. The endoscopic and clinical features were analysed. RESULTS: The 13 patients with an average age of (60.6 ± 14.1) years old were prescribed Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis for psoriasis or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The ratio of males to females was 1:1.6. The typical manifestations were abdominal pain and bloody stool with watering diarrhea before bloody stool in 61.5% patients. Endoscopic and pathological characteristics were coincident with ischemic lesion and more like a chronic index. Vasodilatic medicine was effective and the average hemostatic time was (1.7 ± 0.8) days. The prognosis was well and no recurrence was found during 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients having psoriasis or ITP treated with Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis have an inclination to colon mucosa lesions, even ischemic lesion. Careful assessment and observation before prescribing are necessary in these patients.

[Analysis of etiological and related factors responsible for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, related factors and endoscopic characteristics of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. METHODS: The data including age, gender, medical and medication history, and endoscopic characteristics of patients receiving emergency treatment for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage between February 2006 and February 2010 were collected to analyze the etiological profiles of this disorder. RESULTS: (1) A total of 1415 patients with a 2: 1 male-to-female ratio visited our hospital for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the past 4 years. There was a higher mean age of disease onset in men than in women [(51 +/- 20) years old vs (61 +/- 17) years old, P = 0.000]. The numbers of patients were 399, 361, 242 and 413 for 4 respective quarters in order of sequence. (2) And 1030 patients received endoscopy. Among them, there were 897 (87.1%) with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 133 (12.9%) with lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Significant differences existed in the mean age of two groups [(51 +/- 20) years old vs (57 +/- 18) years old, P = 0.000]. The male-to-female ratio was 656: 241 and 65:68 for these 2 groups respectively (P = 0.000). The percentage of patient with a history of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) treatment was 22.1% (n = 198) and 12.0% (n = 16) for these 2 groups respectively (P < 0.01). (3) The most common causative diseases of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage were peptic ulcer (n = 546, 60.8%), esophageal & gastric varices hemorrhage (n = 130, 14.5%) and gastric cancer (n = 40, 4.6%). When the patients were divided into 5 groups of < 12 h, 12-24 h, 24-48 h, 48-72 h and > or = 72 h per time window of gastroscopy, their percentages with endoscopically active hemorrhage were 24.1% (20/83), 14.9% (24/161), 9.6% (16/166), 7.5% (8/106) and 7.6% (29/381) for these groups respectively with statistically significant differences. When peptic ulcer was examined by the Forrest classification, the ratio of grade I a- II c decreased gradually while the ratio of grade III increased gradually among 5 groups (chi2 = 80.414, P = 0.040). (4) The most common causative diseases of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage were ischemic colitis (n = 44, 33.1%), small intestinal hemorrhage (n = 26, 19.5%) and colonic polyps (n = 18, 13.5%). (5) When the patients were divided into > 65 years old group (n = 277) and < or = 65 years old group (n = 620), the ratio of gastric ulcer and cancer in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was higher in the former than in the latter [23.5% (n = 65) vs 8.9% (n = 55) & 9.7% (n = 27) vs 2.1% (n = 13), P < 0.01)]. While the ratio of duodenal ulcer was lower in the former than in the latter [22.4% (n = 62) vs 49.7% (n = 308), P < 0.01]. The ratio of small intestinal hemorrhage in lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage was higher in the former than in the latter (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: At the lowest in the third quarter, the incidence rate of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage is higher in males than that in females at a lower age of onset. More common than lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has a lower mean age of onset. Peptic ulcer is the most common disorder in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Ischemic colitis is the most common disorder in lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The rate of gastric ulcer and gastric cancer in the old age group is higher than that in the young group. Emergency gastroscopy is recommended.

[A clinical analysis of six cases of portal hypertension secondary to primary myelofibrosis and review of literatures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of the patients with portal hypertension secondary to primary myelofibrosis (PH-PMF). METHODS: The clinical data of patients with PH-PMF retrieved from Peking University Third Hospital were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients [M:F 3:3, average age (52.8 ± 11.7) years] were included in this study. The median duration from illness onset to definite diagnosis was 24 months. The symptoms related to portal hypertension included bloating, abdominal mass, hematemesis and melena. The signs related to portal hypertension included splenomegaly (moderate or severe in all patients), hepatomegaly (mild or moderate in most of patients), shifting dullness positive and varices in abdominal wall. Only a small portion of patients had jaundice, liver palms and spider angioma. The indexes related to liver functions were normal or only mild abnormal in most cases. The average diameters of portal vein and splenic vein were (16.0 ± 3.2) mm and (11.0 ± 3.4) mm, respectively. Thrombosis of portal vein or splenic vein was found in 2 cases. Liver biopsy revealed extramedullary hemopoiesis in one patient. In addition to medicine therapy related to portal hypertension in 5 patients with PH-PMF, 1 patient received splenectomy and another received endoscopic variceal ligation. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with PH-PMF were clinically rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. The main keys to differentiate PH-PMF from cirrhosis included marked splenomegaly, mild or moderate hepatomegaly, good liver functions, lack of liver palms or spider angioma and extramedullary hemopoiesis showed in liver biopsy samples.

[Characteristics and risk factors of lymphatic metastasis in early gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the characteristics of regional lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer and analyze the risk factors for lymphatic metastasis. METHODS: 103 cases surgically treated for early gastric cancer in the Third Hospital of Peking University between March, 1988 and March, 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Several clinical pathologic variables including patients' age, gender, size of tumor, tumor location, macroscopic type, histological type, invasion depth were investigated by using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis for the possible relationship to lymphatic metastasis. RESULTS: The rate of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer was 17.5% (18/103), which in mucosal cancer was 4.1% (2/49). Submucosal cancer had a lymph node metastatic rate of 29.6% (16/54). Logistic regression indicated that invasion to submucosa and tumor size > 2 cm were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of early gastric cancer. Metastatic cases of mucosal cancer were all signet ring cell cancer with diameters more than 2 cm. Lymph node metastatic rate in submucosal cancers within 2 cm was 16.1%(5/31), that in > 2 cm submucosal cancers was 47.8% (11/23) (P = 0.012). Rate of lymph node metastasis in well-differentiated cancers was 0(0/13), that in moderately-differentiated, poorly differentiated and signet ring cell cancers were 18.2% (4/22), 16.7% (5/30) and 23.7% (9/38) respectively (P = 0.294). Patients' age, gender, tumor location and macroscopic type showed no relationship with lymph node state. CONCLUSION: The tumor size and invasion depth are related with lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer, considering these factors and assessing lymph node state is essential to appropriate therapeutic options for early gastric cancer.

[Evaluation of the effect of ilaprazole on intragastric pH in patients with duodenal ulcer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ilaprazole enteric tablets on intragastric pH in duodenal ulcer patients. METHODS: A randomized, double blind, positive controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of forty-two patients with duodenal ulcer were randomized into low dose ilaprazole group (5 mg/d), medium dose ilaprazole group (10 mg/d), high dose ilaprazole group (20 mg/d) and omeprazole group (20 mg/d). An ambulatory 24 hour intragastric pH study was performed at the fifth treatment day. Fraction time pH above 3, 4 or 5, median values of 24 hour diurnal pH and 12 hour nocturnal pH, the percentage of patients with total time pH above 3, 4 or 5 at least for 18 hours were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of fraction time pH above 3 or 4, median values of 24 hour diurnal pH and 12 hour nocturnal pH and the percentage of patients with total time pH above 3, 4 or 5 at least for 18 hours among all the groups with different doses of ilaprazole and the omeprazole group. The fraction time pH above 5 in medium and high dose ilaprazole groups were (87.96 + or - 12.29)% and (89.86 + or - 15.18)% respectively, which was higher than that in low dose ilaprazole group [(67.17 + or - 30.16)%] and omeprazole group [(76.14 + or - 16.75)%], P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Ilaprazole has a strong effect on intragastric acid control with a dose dependent trend.

[Risk factors associated with failure from endoscopic therapy in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding].

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors associated with failure of endoscopic therapy in acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB ). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 223 patients admitted to Peking University Third Hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2009, with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Data on clinical presentation, laboratory test, endoscopic findings, and treatment outcomes were collected. Risk factors for treatment failure were identified using multivariable Logistic regression with backward selection. RESULTS: Therapeutic failure rate was 19.3%(43/223). In univariate analysis, the two groups had significant difference in age, history of gastrointestinal bleeding, ASA, shock, haemoglobin level, Hct, PLT, time of endoscopic treatment, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, lesion size and active spurting of blood. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that shock [odds ratio (OR) 3.058, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.295-7.221], history of gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 2.809, 95% CI 1.207-6.539), PLT>100×109/L (OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.009-0.497), active spurting of blood (OR 10.390, 95% CI 2.835-38.080) and lesion size≥2.0 cm (OR 7.111, 95% CI 1.628-31.069) were risk factors associated with failure of endoscopic therapy. The number of comorbidities>1 (OR 9.580,95%CI 1.383-66.390) and active spurting of blood (OR 9.971, 95% CI 1.820-54.621) were factors related with need for surgical intervention or death. CONCLUSION: Patients with shock, history of gastrointestinal bleeding, PLT<100×109/L, active spurting of blood and large lesion size, have high risks for continued bleeding or rebleeding after endoscopic treatment. These patients may be more likely to benefit from aggressive post-hemostasis care.

[Evaluation of capsule endoscopy on the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal diseases of unknown causes (especially with small intestinal diseases). METHODS: The clinical data and images from M2A capsule endoscopy of 100 consecutive patients from 2004 to 2009 in Peking University Third Hospital were analyzed. These patients were followed up by telephone. RESULTS: The patients with metoclopramide (10 mg, intramuscular injection) had a significantly shorter gastric transit time in capsule endoscopy than those without metoclopramide (15.0 min vs 30.5 min, P=0.019). Among the patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n=40), abdominal pain or discomfort (n=35) and diarrhea (n=18), the rate of definitive diagnosis was 60.0%, 80.0% and 72.2%, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy was 67.6%, 42.9% and 44.4%. The accuracy of capsule endoscopy was 75.0%, 92.9% and 84.6%. The sensitivity of capsule endoscopy for small intestinal diseases was 77.3%, 87.5% and 66.7%. The specificity was 50.0%, 95.0% and 90.0%. The positive predictive value was 94.4%, 87.5% and 66.7%. The negative predictive value was 16.7%, 95.0% and 90.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: M2A capsule endoscopy with its high diagnostic value was a good method in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, especially in the patients with small intestinal diseases. There were differences in aspect of the diagnostic value among patients with different indications. Metoclopramide was helpful to reduce the gastric transit time of patients referred for capsule endoscopy.