Implementing narrow banding imaging with dual focus magnification for histological prediction of small rectosigmoid polyps in Vietnamese setting.

Background and Aim: Small rectosigmoid colorectal polyps (<10 mm) are prevalent, with a low prevalence of advanced neoplastic lesions. The "diagnose-and-leave" strategy, employing narrow band imaging (NBI), is gaining popularity for its safety and cost-effectiveness by reducing polypectomy complications and minimizing histopathology expenses. This study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of NBI with dual focus (DF) magnification for real-time neoplastic prediction of rectosigmoid polyps and explored the feasibility of implementing this strategy in Vietnam. Methods: In a prospective single-center study, 307 rectosigmoid polyps from 245 patients were analyzed using three consecutive endoscopic modes: white light endoscopy (WLE), NBI, and NBI-DF. Endoscopists assessed polyps for size, location, macroscopic shape, optical diagnosis, and confidence levels before histopathological evaluation. High confidence was assigned when the polyp exhibited all features of a single histology type. Predictions were compared with final histopathology results. Results: Of the total, 237 (77.2%) were diminutive (≤5 mm) polyps, and 18 (5.8%) were advanced neoplastic lesions. WLE + NBI and WLE + NBI + NBI-DF exhibited significantly higher accuracy compared to WLE (88.6% and 90.2% vs 74.2%, P < 0.01). For diminutive polyps, the DF mode significantly increased the rate of high-confidence optical diagnoses (89.1% vs 94.9%, P < 0.001). WLE + NBI + NBI-DF demonstrated high sensitivity (90.1%), specificity (95.5%), and negative predictive value (93.4%) in high-confidence predictions, enabling the implementation of the "diagnose-and-leave" strategy. This approach would have reduced 58.2% of unnecessary polypectomies without missing any advanced neoplastic lesions. Conclusion: NBI and DF modes provide accurate neoplastic predictions for rectosigmoid polyps. For diminutive polyps, DF magnification improves the confidence level of the optical diagnosis, allowing the safe implementation of the "diagnose-and-leave" strategy.

Performance of the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score in stratifying the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the performance of the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS) score and its incorporation with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in stratifying the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN). METHODS: We systematically searched for relevant articles in 12 electronic databases and registers on October 20, 2021, and updated the search to September 1, 2023. Random-effect models were used to obtain the pooled performance statistics of the APCS score for ACN risk. RESULTS: From the 101 records screened, 13 eligible studies in the Asia-Pacific region involving 69 762 subjects who had undergone colonoscopy were enrolled. The pooled prevalences of ACN in the average-risk (AR) tier (APCS 0-1), moderate-risk (MR) tier (APCS 2-3), and high-risk (HR) tier (APCS ≥ 4) groups were 0.9%, 3.1%, and 8.1%, respectively. Compared with the combined AR-MR group, the HR group was significantly associated with a higher ACN risk (pooled diagnostic odds ratio: 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-3.45, P < 0.001). The APCS score showed a sensitivity of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.40-0.44) and a specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.85-0.86) for predicting the ACN risk, with a weighted area under the curve of 0.642 (95% CI: 0.610-0.657). The combination of the APCS score and FIT substantially improved ACN risk identification, demonstrating pooled diagnostic odds ratios of 4.02 (95% CI: 2.50-6.49) in the AR-MR groups and 5.44 (95% CI: 1.89-15.63) in the MR-HR groups. CONCLUSIONS: The APCS score could effectively stratify the ACN risk in the Asia-Pacific population. Incorporating FIT further improves its performance in identifying high-risk subjects who should be prioritized for colonoscopy screenings.

Prevalence, risk factors, and BRAF mutation of colorectal sessile serrated lesions among Vietnamese patients.

BACKGROUND: Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are considered precancerous colorectal lesions that should be detected and removed to prevent colorectal cancer. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly investigated the adenoma pathway, with limited data on the serrated pathway. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and BRAF mutations of SSLs in the Vietnamese population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. SSLs were diagnosed on histopathology according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification. BRAF mutation analysis was performed using the Sanger DNA sequencing method. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine SSL-associated factors. RESULTS: There were 2489 patients, with a mean age of 52.1 ± 13.1 and a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.1. The prevalence of SSLs was 4.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-5.1]. In the multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with SSLs were age ≥ 40 [odds ratio (OR): 3.303; 95%CI: 1.607-6.790], male sex (OR: 2.032; 95%CI: 1.204-3.429), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.721; 95%CI: 1.551-4.772), and hypertension (OR: 1.650, 95%CI: 1.045-2.605). The rate of BRAF mutations in SSLs was 35.5%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SSLs was 4.2%. BRAF mutations were present in one-third of SSLs. Significant risk factors for SSLs included age ≥ 40, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Population-based X-ray gastric cancer screening in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan.

BACKGROUND: X-ray gastric cancer (GC) screening has been shown to decrease mortality. Population-based X-ray GC screening has been performed in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, since 1983 but time trends and the efficacy of the method over 39 years have not been assessed. AIM: To evaluate time trends and efficacy of population-based X-ray GC screening and identify challenges and suggested solutions for the future. METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective study. The data were derived from aggregated data of the Hiroshima Regional Health Medical Promotion Organization, including the number and rate of participants and those requiring esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), the number and rate of participants diagnosed as having GC, and the positive predictive value of the abnormal findings detected by X-ray and confirmed by EGDs. The number and rate of esophageal cancers were also collected. Further, the cost of detecting one GC was evaluated. RESULTS: The number of participants has decreased during the last four decades, from 39925 in 1983 to 12923 in 2021. The rate of those requiring EGDs decreased significantly in recent years (P < 0.001). The number of participants diagnosed as having GC has also declined, from 76 to 10 cases. However, the rate of cases diagnosed as GC among the participants remained around 0.1%. The positive predictive value increased significantly in recent years except during 1983-1991. The number and rate of accidentally detected esophageal cancers have risen recently, from 0% in 2008 to 0.02% in 2021, one-fifth of the diagnosis rate of GC. One GC diagnosis costs approximately 4200000 Japanese Yen (30000 United States Dollars) for the X-ray screenings and EGDs. CONCLUSION: X-ray GC screening in Hiroshima has been efficient, but one challenge is the cost. Esophageal cancers may also need to be considered because they have gradually increased in recent years.

Prevalence and associated factors of chronic constipation among Japanese university students.

Background: Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most frequently reported gastrointestinal disorders in the general population and a prominent problem among university students. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the associated factors of CC among Japanese university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among university students at Hiroshima University, Japan. Students answered the web questionnaire when making a web reservation for the health checkup (April 1 to May 31, 2023). The web questionnaire consisted of four sections, including baseline characteristics, lifestyle factors, family history of CC, and three scales to assess depression and eating disorders: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 and Bulimic Investigatory Test (BITE). CC was diagnosed using Rome IV criteria. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine CC-related factors. Results: Out of 10,500 individuals who participated in the annual health checkup, 7,496 participants answered the web questionnaire, of whom 5,386 answered all the survey questions. The mean age of the students was 21.1 ± 4.1 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.17. The prevalence of CC was 13.7%. Factors significantly associated with CC in the multivariate model were first-degree family members with CC [Odd ratio (OR): 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.31-3.31], severe depression according to BDI scale (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.96-3.43), female sex (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.69-2.36), and short sleep duration of 6 hours or less per day (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09-1.50). Lack of physical exercise tended to be associated with CC (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00-1.40). Conclusions: CC is prevalent among Japanese university students. Significant risk factors for CC included the first-degree family history of CC, severe depression, female sex, and short sleep duration. Lack of physical exercise tended to be associated with CC. This may contribute to implementing suitable education health programs, health care professionals, and public health policies to identify individuals at risk for CC to prevent and treat CC effectively.

Clinical factors associated with stable treatment of chronic constipation in Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the general population. Although there are many treatment options, achieving a stable treatment for CC remains one of the challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical factors associated with stable treatment for CC in Japanese patients. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, and multicenter study was carried out. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they fulfilled the Rome IV criteria for diagnosing CC and had been treated for at least one and a half years. Patients with up to two prescription modifications for CC in one year were defined as the stable treatment group, whereas those with three or more prescription changes were defined as the unstable treatment group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with CC. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients have been recruited. There were 82 patients (77.0%) in the stable treatment group and 32 patients (23.0%) in the unstable treatment group. Based on multivariate likelihood analysis, only using acid-suppressive drugs contributed to stability treatment in CC patients (odds ratio: 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-7.08, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Administration of acid-suppressive drugs was the only factor related to the stability of CC treatment. Further studies are needed to validate the results as well as clarify the causes.

Endoscopic Kyoto and Kimura-Takemoto Classifications Are Comparable in Predicting High-Risk Gastric Precancerous Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Severe and extensive gastric atrophy, extensive or incomplete gastric intestinal metaplasia, and gastric dysplasia are considered high-risk gastric precancerous lesions (HGPLs). Endoscopic findings based on the endoscopic Kyoto classification (EKC) and the Kimura-Takemoto classification (KTC) have been reported to be significantly associated with HGPLs. This study aimed to compare these two classifications in predicting active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and HGPLs. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on naïve dyspeptic patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a tertiary hospital. Endoscopic findings were scored according to the EKC and KTC. Mapping biopsies were taken, and H. pylori infection was determined using a locally validated rapid urease test and histology. The performance of EKC was compared with that of KTC using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in predicting active H. pylori infection and HGPLs. RESULTS: There were 292 patients with a median age of 46 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The rates of active H. pylori infection and HGPLs were 61.3% and 14.0%, respectively. The EKC was better than the KTC in predicting active H. pylori infection (AUC: 0.771 vs. 0.658, respectively; p < 0.001). However, these two classifications had comparable performance in predicting HGPLs (AUC: 0.792 vs. 0.791, respectively; p = 0.956). CONCLUSION: Compared to EKC, KTC is inferior in predicting active H. pylori infection but has comparable performance in predicting HGPLs.

Dietary and lifestyle factors associated with troublesome gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in Vietnamese adults.

Background: Dietary and lifestyle habits related to troublesome gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (tGERS) differ significantly across populations. There have yet to be studies on the Vietnamese population. Aims: To identify dietary and lifestyle habits associated with tGERS in Vietnamese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Vietnamese adults aged 18 years and older from March 2023 to May 2023. Participants were recruited online through a widely read national newspaper and Facebook, one of Vietnam's most popular social media platforms. The survey questionnaire comprised 27 questions covering participants' basic demographic information, dietary and lifestyle habits, the presence and characteristics of tGERS, and inquiries about specific dietary and lifestyle patterns, foods, and beverages associated with tGERS. Results: A total of 4,400 valid responses were collected, including 2050 participants without tGERS and 2,350 participants with tGERS. Multivariate analysis showed several factors associated with tGERS, including eating beyond fullness (OR 1.383, CI95% 1.127-1.698), tight clothing (OR 1.627, CI95% 1.256-2.107), stress (OR 1.566, CI95% 1.363-1.800), and insomnia (OR 1.321, CI95% 1.129-1.546). Among habits associated with tGERS, eating beyond fullness was the most frequently reported (64.6%). Interestingly, although a short meal-to-bed time and staying up late after midnight were not risk factors for tGERS, they were two common factors associated with tGERS in symptomatic participants, particularly those with nocturnal reflux symptoms. For food triggers, the three most common ones were greasy foods (71.9%), sour/spicy soups (64.7%), and citrus fruits (36.0%). In terms of beverages, carbonated soft drinks were at the top of triggering tGERS (40.3%), and beer and orange juice were the second and third most common triggers, accounting for 35.7 and 30.6%, respectively. Conclusion: We reported the dietary and lifestyle habits associated with tGERS in Vietnamese adults for the first time. These findings will serve as a basis for future studies on the primary prevention and nondrug management of tGERS in Vietnam.

Knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam, thereby providing insights for implementing appropriate medical educational interventions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among new-entry health science students at Hiroshima University, Japan, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A printed predesigned questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was distributed to the participants during the freshmen health screening at the beginning of the academic year to assess their knowledge of cancer. RESULTS: A total of 2,748 new-entry health science students participated in the study, including 394 (14.3%) Japanese students and 2,354 (85.7%) Vietnamese students. Most cancer knowledge levels in Japanese students were significantly higher than those in Vietnamese students (p < 0.001), except for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection awareness. For this understanding, only 14.8% of Japanese students selected the correct answer, which was significantly lower than the 22.4% of Vietnamese students (p = 0.001). Both the Japanese and Vietnamese students had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the link between estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer. Additionally, female students had better knowledge about breast, skin, and endometrial cancers than male students. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese students generally exhibited higher levels of cancer knowledge than Vietnamese students, except for HPV infection recognition. Both groups had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the relationship between estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer.

Clinical presentation, management and outcomes of bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a 15-year single-center experience in Vietnam.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of bile duct injuries (BDIs) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: This is a case series of 28 patients with BDIs after LC treated at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam during the 2006-2021 period. The BDI's clinical presentations, Strasberg classification types, management methods, and outcomes were reported. Results: BDIs were diagnosed intraoperatively in 3 (10.7%) patients and postoperatively in 25 (89.3%). The BDI types included Strasberg A (13, 46.4%), D (1, 3.6%), E1 (1, 3.6%), E2 (4, 14.3%), E3 (5, 17.9%), D + E2 (2, 7.1%), and nonclassified (2, 7.1%). Of the postoperative BDIs, the injury manifested as biliary obstruction (18, 72.0%), bile leak (5, 20.0%), and mixed scenarios (2, 8.0%). Regarding diagnostic methods, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was more useful in bile leak scenarios, while multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were more useful in biliary obstruction scenarios. All 28 BDIs were successfully treated. ERCP with stenting was very effective in the majority of Strasberg A BDIs. For more complex BDI types, hepaticocutaneous jejunostomy was a safe and effective approach. The in-hospital morbidities included postoperative pneumonia (2, 10.7%) and biliary-enteric anastomosis leakage (1, 5.4%). There was no cholangitis or anastomotic stenosis during the follow-up after discharge (median 18 months). Conclusions: The majority of BDIs are type A and diagnosed postoperatively. ERCP is effective for the majority of Strasberg A BDIs. For major and complex BDIs, hepaticocutaneous jejunostomy is a safe and effective approach.

Real-world practice of Helicobacter pylori management: A survey among physicians in Southeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains are emerging in Southeast Asia. This study evaluates the region's real-world practice in H. pylori management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physicians who managed H. pylori eradication in daily practice across 10 Southeast Asian countries were invited to participate in an online questionnaire, which included questions about the local availability of antimicrobial susceptibility tests (ASTs) and their preferred eradication regimens in real-world practice. An empiric regimen was considered inappropriate if it did not follow the local guidelines/consensus, particularly if it contained antibiotics with a high reported resistance rate or was recommended not to be empirically used worldwide. RESULTS: There were 564 valid responses, including 314 (55.7%) from gastroenterologists (GIs) and 250 (44.3%) from non-GI physicians. ASTs were unavailable in 41.7%. In countries with low and intermediate clarithromycin resistance, the most common first-line regimen was PAC (proton pump inhibitor [PPI], amoxicillin, clarithromycin) (72.7% and 73.2%, respectively). Regarding second-line therapy, the most common regimen was bismuth-based quadruple therapy, PBMT (PPI, bismuth, metronidazole, tetracycline) (50.0% and 59.8%, respectively), if other regimens were used as first-line treatment. Concomitant therapy (PPI, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole) (30.5% and 25.9%, respectively) and PAL (PPI, amoxicillin, levofloxacin) (22.7% and 27.7%, respectively) were favored if PBMT had been used as first-line treatment. In countries with high clarithromycin resistance, the most common first-line regimen was PBMT, but the utilization rate was only 57.7%. Alarmingly, PAC was prescribed in 27.8% of patients, ranking as the second most common regimen, and its prescription rate was higher in non-GI physicians than GI physicians (40.1% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Choosing inappropriate regimens containing antibiotics with high resistance rates is not uncommon in Southeast Asia, especially among non-GI physicians. In countries with high clarithromycin resistance, the PBMT regimen is underutilized.

Association of mental health conditions and functional gastrointestinal disorders among Vietnamese new-entry medical students.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), also known as disorders of gut-brain interaction, occur not only in the elderly but also in young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the association between mental health conditions and FGIDs among Vietnamese new-entry medical students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2022 among new-entry medical students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A printed questionnaire was distributed to all students on the day of freshmen health screening. Their urine samples were collected to screen for Helicobacter pylori infection using rapid urinary test. FGIDs were diagnosed using ROME IV criteria. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was defined as the presence of typical reflux symptoms at least twice a week. Mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), were identified using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively. RESULTS: Among 400 new-entry medical students who participated in the study, the overall prevalence of FGIDs was 10.3% (functional dyspepsia 6.5%, irritable bowel disease 5.5%). The overlap syndrome (OS) of GERD-FGIDs or different FGIDs was present in 3.0% of participants. The prevalences of GAD and MDD were 6.8% and 10.2%, respectively. The urinary test was positive in 180 (45.0%) participants. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, MDD was significantly associated with not only the risk of FGIDs (OR = 5.599, 95%CI: 2.173-14.430, p<0.001) but also the risk of OS (OR = 10.076, 95CI%: 2.243-45.266, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: MDD is associated with FGIDs and OS among new-entry medical students.

Utility of narrow-band imaging with or without dual focus magnification in neoplastic prediction of small colorectal polyps: a Vietnamese experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Accurate neoplastic prediction can significantly decrease costs associated with pathology and unnecessary colorectal polypectomies. Narrow band imaging (NBI) and dual-focus (DF) mode are promising emerging optical technologies for recognizing neoplastic features of colorectal polyps digitally. This study aimed to clarify the clinical usefulness of NBI with and without DF assistance in the neoplastic prediction of small colorectal polyps (<10 mm). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 530 small colorectal polyps from 343 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy at the University Medical Center from September 2020 to May 2021. Each polyp was endoscopically diagnosed in three successive steps using white-light endoscopy (WLE), NBI, and NBI-DF and retrieved for histopathological assessment. The diagnostic accuracy of each modality was evaluated with reference to histopathology. RESULTS: There were 295 neoplastic polyps and 235 non-neoplastic polyps. The overall accuracies of WLE, WLE+NBI, and WLE+NBI+NBI-DF in the neoplastic prediction of colorectal polyps were 70.8%, 87.4%, and 90.8%, respectively (p<0.001). The accuracy of WLE+NBI+NBI-DF was significantly higher than that of WLE+NBI in the polyp size ≤5 mm subgroup (87.3% vs. 90.1%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: NBI improved the real-time neoplastic prediction of small colorectal polyps. The DF mode was especially useful in polyps ≤5 mm in size.

A Long Duration of Reflux Symptoms is the Predominant Risk Factor for Depression in Vietnamese Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Purpose: Depression is more prevalent in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than in controls. The disorder can worsen the quality of life of GERD patients and is also associated with poor treatment response. However, there are limited data on its prevalence and risk factors in GERD patients in Southeast Asia. We aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of depression and its associated factors in Vietnamese patients with GERD. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on GERD patients. GERD was defined as troublesome typical reflux symptoms at least twice a week or having endoscopic erosive reflux disease. The revised Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-IA), which has been locally validated, was used to evaluate depression (BDI-IA < 10: none, 10-18: mild to moderate, 19-29: moderate to severe, and ≥ 30: severe depression). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with depression. Results: A total of 194 patients were recruited. The mean age was 44.1 ± 12.0 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.2. The depression rate was 47.9% (mild to moderate: 30.9%, moderate to severe: 16.0%, and severe: 1.0%). In multivariate analysis, sex and duration of reflux symptoms were the only two risk factors for depression. Compared to males, females were more likely to suffer from depression: odds ratio (OR) = 3.941 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.386-11.205), p = 0.010. Compared to patients with a duration of reflux symptoms < 1 year, those with a duration of 1-10 years and > 10 years were more likely to suffer from depression with a dose‒response: OR = 3.520 (95% CI, 1.057-11.717), p = 0.040; and OR = 5.605 (1.046-30.019), p = 0.044, respectively. Conclusion: Depression was prevalent, and a long duration of reflux symptoms was its predominant risk factor in Vietnamese patients with GERD.

Ischemic Colitis Presented as Pseudomembranous Colitis: An Untypical Case from Vietnam.

Ischemic colitis (IC) is an underreported chronic disease characterized by the hypoperfusion of the bowel mucosa. The diagnosis and treatment may be challenging because its clinical course resembles other colitis or even colorectal malignancies. This paper reports an untypical case to underline the diversity of IC manifestation. A 68-year-old man with several comorbidities was admitted because of abdominal pain with a 6-month duration and a mass in the left lower quadrant. Colonoscopy revealed erosive pseudomembranous colitis narrowed colon segments with ulcerated mucosa mimicking colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The stool cultures and Clostridium difficile toxin tests were negative. After the failure of conservative therapy, the Hartmann procedure with temporary ileostomy was performed uneventfully. The histological results of the surgical specimens revealed IC with focal pseudomembranous areas.

Overlap of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Dyspepsia and Yield of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Patients Clinically Fulfilling the Rome IV Criteria for Functional Dyspepsia.

Aim: To assess (1) the overlap rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) and (2) the yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in patients clinically presenting with FD. Materials and Methods: Outpatients aged ≥18 years with typical reflux symptoms ≥2 times a week or clinically fulfilling the Rome IV criteria for FD were recruited and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. GERD was classified into non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive reflux disease (ERD), and FD was classified into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome. The endoscopic findings that could explain patients' symptoms were considered clinically significant endoscopic findings. After esophagogastroduodenoscopy, patients were categorized into three groups: GERD-only, FD-only, and GERD-FD overlap. Results: There were 439 patients with a mean age of 42.3 ± 11.6 years. Ninety-one (20.7%) patients had clinically significant endoscopic findings: 73 (16.6%) reflux esophagitis, 6 (1.4%) Barrett's esophagus and 14 (3.2%) gastroduodenal ulcers. After excluding gastroduodenal ulcers, the numbers of patients with GERD-only, FD-only, and GERD-FD overlap were 69 (16.2%), 138 (32.5%), and 218 (51.3%), respectively. Postprandial distress syndrome was more prevalent in GERD-FD overlap than in FD-only (72.9 vs. 44.2%, p < 0.001). The rates of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients clinically fulfilling the criteria for FD with and without reflux symptoms were 0.6 and 4.7%, respectively (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The GERD-FD overlap was more common than each disorder alone, of which postprandial distress syndrome was significantly prominent. Organic dyspepsia was uncommon in patients clinically fulfilling the Rome IV criteria for FD.

Performance of chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging in the diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging (NBI) have been reported to aid in the diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic validity of chromoendoscopy combined with NBI in the diagnosis of GIM in Vietnamese. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients with dyspeptic symptoms who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at the University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City. We compared the detection rates of GIM in the group of patients examined with white-light endoscopy (WLE) alone and those examined with WLE in combination with chromoendoscopy and NBI. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients have been recruited. The additional GIM detection rate after chromoendoscopy combined with NBI was 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.3 - 12.8), p < .005. The rate of GIM within the group of patients biopsied under the guidance of chromoendoscopy combined with NBI was statistically significantly higher than in the group with WLE alone with a distinct rate of 14.4% (95% CI: 6.3 - 2.6), p = .001. CONCLUSIONS: Chromoendoscopy combined with NBI helped to detect the GIM lesions missed by WLE and was a more reliable endoscopic method for the diagnosis of GIM.

Emergence of amoxicillin resistance and identification of novel mutations of the pbp1A gene in Helicobacter pylori in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Amoxicillin-resistant Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains seem to have increased over time in Vietnam. This threatens the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapies with this antibiotic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of primary resistance of H. pylori to amoxicillin and to assess its association with pbp1A point mutations in Vietnamese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Naive patients who presented with dyspepsia undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were recruited. Rapid urease tests and PCR assays were used to diagnose H. pylori infection. Amoxicillin susceptibility was examined by E-tests. Molecular detection of the mutant pbp1A gene conferring amoxicillin resistance was carried out by real-time PCR followed by direct sequencing of the PCR products. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the Tamura-Nei genetic distance model and the neighbor-joining tree building method. RESULTS: There were 308 patients (46.1% men and 53.9% women, p = 0.190) with H. pylori infection. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 ± 11.4 years, ranging from 18 to 74 years old. The E-test was used to determine the susceptibility to amoxicillin (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 0.125 µg/ml) in 101 isolates, among which the rate of primarily resistant strains to amoxicillin was 25.7%. Then, 270 sequences of pbp1A gene fragments were analysed. There were 77 amino acid substitution positions investigated, spanning amino acids 310-596, with the proportion varying from 0.4 to 100%. Seven amino acid changes were significantly different between amoxicillin-sensitive (AmoxS) and amoxicillin-resistant (AmoxR) samples, including Phe366 to Leu (p <  0.001), Ser414 to Arg (p <  0.001), Glu/Asn464-465 (p = 0.009), Val469 to Met (p = 0.021), Phe473 to Val (p <  0.001), Asp479 to Glu (p = 0.044), and Ser/Ala/Gly595-596 (p = 0.001). Phylogenetic analyses suggested that other molecular mechanisms might contribute to amoxicillin resistance in H. pylori in addition to the alterations in PBP1A. CONCLUSIONS: We reported the emergence of amoxicillin-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains in Vietnam and new mutations statistically associated with this antimicrobial resistance. Additional studies are necessary to identify the mechanisms contributing to this resistance in Vietnam.

Efficacy of international web-based educational intervention in the detection of high-risk flat and depressed colorectal lesions higher (CATCH project) with a video: Randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Three subcategories of high-risk flat and depressed lesions (FDLs), laterally spreading tumors non-granular type (LST-NG), depressed lesions, and large sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), are highly attributable to post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (CRC). Efficient and organized educational programs on detecting high-risk FDLs are lacking. We aimed to explore whether a web-based educational intervention with training on FIND clues (fold deformation, intensive stool/mucus attachment, no vessel visibility, and demarcated reddish area) may improve the ability to detect high-risk FDLs. METHODS: This was an international web-based randomized control trial that enrolled non-expert endoscopists in 13 Asian countries. The participants were randomized into either education or non-education group. All participants took the pre-test and post-test to read 60 endoscopic images (40 high-risk FDLs, five polypoid, 15 no lesions) and answered whether there was a lesion. Only the education group received a self-education program (video and training questions and answers) between the tests. The primary outcome was a detection rate of high-risk FDLs. RESULTS: In total, 284 participants were randomized. After excluding non-responders, the final data analyses were based on 139 participants in the education group and 130 in the non-education group. The detection rate of high-risk FDLs in the education group significantly improved by 14.7% (66.6-81.3%) compared with -0.8% (70.8-70.0%) in the non-education group. Similarly, the detection rate of LST-NG, depressed lesions, and large SSLs significantly increased only in the education group by 12.7%, 12.0%, and 21.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Short self-education focusing on detecting high-risk FDLs was effective for Asian non-expert endoscopists. (UMIN000042348).

Screening and surveillance for gastric cancer: Does family history play an important role in shaping our strategy?

Family history is an important risk factor of gastric cancer. No guidelines have been developed that target gastric cancer with a family history; only hereditary familial gastric cancer is targeted. We review the available evidence regarding the familial aggregation mechanisms of gastric cancer and a strategy of screening and surveillance for gastric cancer in individuals with a positive family history of the disease. As there is a synergic effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and family history on the increased risk of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori eradication should be considered in all infected individuals with a family history of gastric cancer. Currently, there is weak evidence indicating that suitable timing to initiate eradication therapy is at the age of 20, when precancerous lesions, including significant gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, have not been established. Reasonable timing to initiate screening for gastric cancer in individuals with a family history of gastric cancer is 10 years prior to the age of onset of gastric cancer in affected relatives. A 2-year surveillance interval, instead of the 3-year interval recommended in the present guidelines, may be better to detect early gastric cancer in those individuals who have already developed precancerous gastric lesions.