HERACLIS-TAF: a multi-centre prospective cohort study on 2-year safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B with renal and/or bone disorders or risks.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has exhibited a favourable safety profile on estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and bone mineral density (BMD), but has not been extensively studied in patients with renal impairment and/or BMD disorders. AIMS: To assess predictors of eGFR changes and other safety and efficacy outcomes during 24-month TAF therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B with renal and/or BMD disorders/risks. METHODS: Adult patients who started TAF at 13 clinics throughout Greece were prospectively included. Main exclusion criteria were hepatitis D, active malignancy and bisphosphonates recent use. MDRD formula was used for eGFR estimation. RESULTS: TAF was initiated in 176 patients (91% switched from another agent). At 12 and 24 months, HBV DNA was undetectable in 97% and 100%, and ALT was normal in 96% and 95% of patients. Median ALT decreased from baseline to month 12/24 (p < 0.001). Mean eGFR decreased from previous treatment initiation to baseline (p < 0.001), increased at 12 months and remained stable at 24 months (p ≤ 0.001). An increase in eGFR of >3 ml/min at 12 month was observed in 50% of patients and was associated mainly with baseline eGFR 30-60 ml/min. In patients with baseline phosphate <2.5 mg/dl, mean serum phosphate increased at month-12/24 (p < 0.001). Median BMD did not change significantly from baseline to 12 months but improved at 24 months (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In mostly switched patients with renal and/or BMD disorders/risks, eGFR improved after 12-24 months of TAF treatment, especially in patients with baseline eGFR 30-60 ml/min. TAF may also improve low serum phosphate, BMD and ALT, whereas it maintains or induces virological suppression.

The role of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation and treatment of obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding during daily clinical practice: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is most commonly performed to evaluate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). However, at present the role of CE in patients with obscure-overt GIB especially during daily clinical practice is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic yield and the impact of CE on the management of patients with obscure-overt GIB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2011 we prospectively included all patients with obscure-overt GIB who underwent CE after negative bidirectional endoscopy. CE findings revealing the cause of bleeding, type of therapeutic intervention and clinical variables associated with positive CE and recurrence of GIB were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients with a median age of 66 years (range 8-89 years) were enrolled in the final analysis. The overall diagnostic yield of the CE was 66.9%. The most common findings were angiodysplasias (33.1%), followed by ulcer (23.7%), and tumors (6.8%). Age (p = 0.001) and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.007) were significant clinical variables predicting the higher incidence of angiodysplasias. Specific therapeutic interventions were undertaken in 54 patients with positive CE (68.4%). Recurrence of GIB was observed in one patient with negative CE (2.6%) and 16 patients with positive CE (20.3%). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed high age and no therapeutic intervention as significant factors associated with recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: CE represents a promising diagnostic method in the investigation of obscure-overt GIB, with significant impact on its clinical management in daily clinical practice.

Botulinum toxin reduces Dysphagia in patients with nonachalasia primary esophageal motility disorders.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) has shown benefits for patients with diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) and nutcracker esophagus (NE) in small uncontrolled trials. We investigated the effect of BTX on symptoms of patients with DES or NE and assessed manometry findings in a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. METHODS: We assessed 22 patients with dysphagia-predominant, manometry-confirmed DES or NE (6 men; age, 63 ± 2 y) at a tertiary care medical center. Patients were given injections of BTX (8 × 12.5 U) or saline (8 × 0.5 mL) in 4 quadrants, at 2 and 7 cm above the esophagogastric junction. After 1 month, patients crossed over between groups and received endoscopic injections of BTX or saline. When the study began and 4 weeks after each injection, the patients were assessed by esophageal manometry and completed a symptom questionnaire (to determine solid and liquid dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation and heartburn; all scored 0-4). Responders were defined based on modified Vantrappen criteria for achalasia. RESULTS: After BTX injections, patients had significant decreases in total symptom scores (sum of solid and liquid dysphagia and chest pain; from 7.6 ± 0.7 to 4.8 ± 0.8; P = .01); this decrease was not observed in patients who received saline injections. Moreover, BTX injection stabilized unintentional weight loss (weight gain of 0.3 ± 0.3 after BTX injection vs further weight loss of 1.6 ± 0.5 kg after saline injection; P = .01). Fifty percent of patients had a response 1 month after BTX injection, compared with 10% after saline injection (P = .04); 30% still had a response 1 year after BTX injection. BTX injection also caused a significant decrease in the mean esophagogastric junction pressure, compared with baseline (15.8 ± 1.7 vs 24.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective controlled study of patients with DES and NE, injections of BTX reduced symptoms and stabilized unintentional weight loss. TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.targid.eu, ML2669, ML6294.

Diagnostic yield and clinical impact of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain with or without diarrhea: a Greek multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Wireless capsule endoscopy has become the gold standard for the examination of small bowel. However, its role in the evaluation of patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain is not yet clearly defined. We conducted an open-label prospective multi-center study to evaluate the yield and clinical outcome of capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain with/without diarrhea. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with chronic (>3months) abdominal pain with/without diarrhea in whom the underlying pathology could not be diagnosed by conventional modalities, underwent capsule endoscopy in either of the 6 participating centers. Patients were then followed up for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The overall diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy was 44.4%. More specifically, its diagnostic yield was 21.4% in patients with abdominal pain and negative inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), 66.7% in patients with abdominal pain and positive inflammatory markers, 0% in patients with abdominal pain, diarrhea and negative inflammatory markers, and 90.1% in patients with abdominal pain, diarrhea and positive inflammatory markers. Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that abnormal C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significant factors related with positive capsule endoscopy findings. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic abdominal pain with/without diarrhea should be accompanied by elevated inflammatory markers to be regarded as a valid indication for capsule endoscopy. The yield of capsule endoscopy in such patients is reasonably high and clinical outcomes of patients treated with capsule endoscopy findings as a guide are significant.

Virological suppression does not prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis receiving oral antiviral(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy: results of the nationwide HEPNET. Greece cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients of the large HEPNET.Greece cohort study who received long-term oral antivirals starting with lamivudine monotherapy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of HCC incidence in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients from a retrospective-prospective cohort who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy for ≥12 months. SETTING: A nationwide network of liver centres. PATIENTS: 818 patients were included: 517 with chronic hepatitis B only; 160 with compensated cirrhosis; 56 with decompensated cirrhosis; 85 with unclassified disease severity. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of HCC. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 4.7 years, HCC developed in 49 (6.0%) patients. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher in patients with cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis B only (11.5% vs 3.2%, respectively; p<0.001). HCC developed in 0.7%, 6.7% and 11.7% of patients <50, 50-60 and >60 years old, respectively (p<0.001). Virological on-therapy remission did not significantly affect the incidence of HCC in all patients or those with cirrhosis, but it showed a trend for lower HCC incidence in patients with chronic hepatitis B only (p=0.076). In multivariate analysis, age, gender and cirrhosis were independently associated with HCC risk regardless of virological remission. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy does not eliminate HCC risk in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. The risk of HCC is particularly high in patients with cirrhosis, who should remain under HCC surveillance even during effective therapy. Older age and male gender remain independent risk factors for HCC, while virological on-therapy remission does not seem to significantly reduce the overall incidence of HCC.

Endoclipping treatment of life-threatening rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy.

Rectal bleeding is frequently seen in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate, but is usually mild and stops spontaneously. We report what is believed to be the first case of life-threatening rectal bleeding following this procedure, which was successfully treated by endoscopic intervention through placement of three clips on the sites of bleeding. This case emphasizes endoscopic intervention associated with endoclipping as a safe and effective method to achieve hemostasis in massive rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy. Additionally, current data on the complications of the TRUS-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate and the options for treating fulminant rectal bleeding, a consequence of this procedure, are described.

Prevalence, bowel habit subtypes and medical care-seeking behaviour of patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Northern Greece.

AIM: Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prevalence ranges between 10 and 20% in the general population, it appears to be considerably undiagnosed with only 25-50% of patients with IBS seeking medical advice. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBS in Northern Greece and the prevalence by symptom subtype including diarrhoea-predominant IBS, constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS) and mixed type IBS; to identify factors contributing to the development of this syndrome; to assess its effect on health-related quality of life and to evaluate the medical care-seeking behaviour of IBS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2007, 3112 participants were requested to fill out a questionnaire during an interview with a primary health care clinician. Data on participants' demographics, medical history, symptoms and earlier health care-seeking behaviour were also recorded. The Rome II criteria were used to establish the diagnosis of IBS. The impact of IBS on the quality of life was examined using the EuroQol with five domains (EQ-5D) measure of health status. RESULTS: Out of 2397 participants [704 men (29.4%), mean age 46.1+/-15.0 years] included, 373 (15.7%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms compatible with IBS of whom 136 (36.5%) suffered from diarrhoea-predominant IBS, 165 (44.2%) suffered from C-IBS and 72 (19.3%) suffered from mixed type IBS. IBS patients were more likely to be female living in an urban area compared with healthy controls (P=0.03 and 0.0001, respectively). A significant decrease in health-related quality of life (impairment in two or more of measured parameters) was noted in 246 (66%) IBS patients. Female sex, older age and housekeeping were associated with C-IBS (P=0.02, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Female sex and IBS-M were associated with health care-seeking behaviour. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS in Northern Greece is relatively high, mainly affecting female participants living in urban areas.

Pathogenesis of dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disorder. Although recent studies have investigated various pathophysiological mechanisms, the pathogenesis of FD remains obscure. Pathophysiological mechanisms currently proposed to be involved in FD symptom generation include delayed gastric emptying, impaired gastric accommodation to a meal, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, altered duodenal sensitivity to lipids or acid, abnormal duodenojejunal motility, and others. Pathogenetic factors implicated in the occurrence of FD include genetic susceptibility, Helicobacter pylori status, acute gastrointestinal infections and psychosocial factors. The present article provides an overview of pathogenetic factors, pathophysiologic mechanisms and their potential roles in FD.

Successful treatment of intractable bronchobiliary fistula using long-term biliary stenting.

A bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon entity with bilioptysis being a pathognomonic sign. We describe the case of a 41-year-old man who had recurrent BBF, 6 months after resection of the anterior segment of the right lower pulmonary lobe and repair of a BBF due to hepatic hydatid disease. Magnetic resonance cholangiography revealed a communication between the biliary tree and the lower lobe of the right lung. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and repeated insertion of large size biliary plastic stents led to a successful resolution of the symptoms and closure of the fistula.

Endoscopic techniques and management of foreign body ingestion and food bolus impaction in the upper gastrointestinal tract: a retrospective analysis of 139 cases.

BACKGROUND: Ingested foreign bodies and food bolus impaction are frequently seen in endoscopic practice. Successful foreign body and food bolus removal may depend on the method used, the choice of device, and the experience level of the endoscopist, although few papers report experience and outcome of tertiary centers. AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of our protocol designed for removal of ingested foreign bodies and food boluses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a diagnosis of foreign body ingestion and food bolus impaction from 1994 to 2005 identified by computer search. Patients were excluded if medical record was incomplete. RESULTS: The analysis included 171 patients. Foreign bodies and impacted food boluses were found in 77 and 62 patients, respectively. In 32 cases (23%), the foreign bodies passed spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract. The overall success rate for endoscopic management was obtained in 137 patients (98.6%). Surgical removal of a foreign body was required in only 2 cases (1.4%). According to the type and location of the foreign object and food bolus we used Dormia baskets, retrieval forceps, polypectomy snares, and all sizes of Roth net. No complications relating to the endoscopic procedure were observed; 50 patients (35.2%) had an underlying esophageal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic removal of upper gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies and food bolus impaction is efficacious and safe. Especially the Roth net is the best device for safe retrieval of food boluses and button disc batteries.

Severe acute haemorrhagic gastritis controlled by hydrogen peroxide.

A 92-year-old woman presented with severe acute haemorrhagic gastritis due to abuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). She was treated with instillation of 150 ml 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) every 2 h via a nasogastric tube. The copious amount of bright red blood through the nasogastric tube started to decline substantially after the first administration of H2O2 and continued to reveal clear material during the second and third instillation of H2O2. The total amount of H2O2 administered was 600 ml. No rebleeding and only a few flame-shaped intramucosal haemorrhages were observed on the following four consecutive daily endoscopic evaluations. These are promising observations which will have to be confirmed with respect to the safety and efficacy of H2O2 treatment by further controlled studies.

Endoscopic treatment and follow-up of gastrointestinal Dieulafoy's lesions.

AIM: To investigate retrospectively the clinical and endoscopic features of bleeding Dieulafoy's lesions and to assess the short- and long-term effectiveness of endoscopic treatment. METHODS: Twenty-three patients who had gastrointestinal bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions underwent endoscopic therapy. Demographic data, mode of presentation, risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, blood transfusion requirements, endoscopic findings, details of endoscopic therapy, recurrence of bleeding and mortality rates were collected and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Hemostasis was attempted by dextrose 50% plus epinephrine in 10 patients, hemoclipping in 8 patients, heater probe in 2 patients and ethanolamine oleate in 2 patients. Comorbid conditions were present in 17 patients (74%). Overall permanent hemostasis was achieved in 18 patients (78%). Initial hemostasis was successful with no recurrent bleeding in patients treated with hemoclipping, heater probe or ethanolamine injection. In the group of patients who received dextrose 50% plus epinephrine injection treatment, four (40%) had recurrent bleeding and one (10%) had unsuccessful initial hemostasis. Of the four patients who had rebleeding, three had unsuccessful hemostasis with similar treatment. Surgical treatment was required in five patients (22%) owing to uncontrolled bleeding, recurrent bleeding with unsuccessful retreatment and inability to approach the lesion. One patient (4.3%) died of sepsis after operation during hospitalization. There were no side-effects related to endoscopic therapy. None of the patients in whom permanent hemostasis was achieved presented with rebleeding from Dieulafoy's lesion over a mean long-term follow-up of 29.8 mo. CONCLUSION: Bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions can be managed successfully by endoscopic methods, which should be regarded as the first choice. Endoscopic hemoclipping therapy is recommended for bleeding Dieulafoy's lesions.

Long-term results of pneumatic dilation for achalasia: a 15 years' experience.

AIM: Although most patients with achalasia respond to pneumatic dilation, one-third experienced recurrence, and prolonged follow-up studies on parameters associated with various outcomes are scanty. In this retrospective study, we reported a 15-years' experience with pneumatic dilation treatment in patients with primary achalasia, and determined whether previously described predictors of outcome remain significant after endoscopic dilation. METHODS: Between September 1989 and September 2004, 39 consecutive patients with primary symptomatic achalasia (diagnosed by clinical presentation, esophagoscopy, barium esophagogram, and manometry) who received balloon dilation were followed up at regular intervals in person or by phone interview. Remission was assessed by a structured interview and a previous symptoms score. The median dysphagia-free duration was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Symptoms were dysphagia (n = 39, 100%), regurgitation (n = 23, 58.7%), chest pain (n = 4, 10.2%), and weight loss (n = 26, 66.6%). A total of 74 dilations were performed in 39 patients; 13 patients (28%) underwent a single dilation, 17 patients (48.7%) required a second procedure within a median of 26.7 mo (range 5-97 mo), and 9 patients (23.3%) underwent a third procedure within a median of 47.8 mo (range 37-120 mo). Post-dilation lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, assessed in 35 patients, has decreased from a baseline of 35.8+/-10.4 - 10.0+/-7.1 mmHg after the procedure. The median follow-up period was 9.3 years (range 0.5-15 years). The dysphagia-free duration by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 78%, 61% and 58.3% after 5, 10 and 15 years respectively. CONCLUSION: Balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment for primary achalasia. Post-dilation LES pressure estimation may be useful in assessing response.

Endoscopic hemoclip application in the treatment of nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding: short-term and long-term benefits.

We conducted an uncontrolled retrospective study to evaluate endoscopic hemoclip application as the first-choice hemostatic treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding lesions from a wide variety of sources. Clinical data, endoscopic findings, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes were also investigated. A total of 52 patients (men/women, 36/16; age, 65 +/- 11.5 years) were included in the study. Hemoclipping was technically successful in 51 cases (98%). The average number of therapeutic endoscopic sessions needed to achieve permanent hemostasis was 1.42 +/- 1.2 (range, 1-4). The number of hemoclips required for hemostasis depended on the nature of bleeding with the average number of hemoclips used being 3.11 +/- 1.12 (range, 2-8). No complications occurred, although 1 patient presented recurrent bleeding and was operated on. No further hemorrhage occurred during a median follow-up period of 17.32 +/- 5.4 months (range, 2-53). Endoscopic hemoclipping provided an effective and safe modality for achieving hemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding from a wide variety of sources, with long-term benefits.

Endoscopic hemoclip placement for postsphincterotomy bleeding refractory to injection therapy: report of two cases.

Bleeding is a serious complication of patients undergoing endoscopic sphincterotomy and is the most common sphincterotomy-associated cause of death. Two patients presented bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Despite injection treatment with large amounts of epinephrine (1:10,000), the bleeding was uncontrolled. Hemostasis was achieved by placing 2 and 3 hemoclips, respectively at the bleeding site. Our cases suggest that postsphincterotomy bleeding refractory to injection treatment can be safely and effectively controlled by endoscopic hemoclipping, thereby avoiding surgery.

Secondary aortoduodenal fistula with a fatal outcome: report of six cases.

Secondary aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs) are a well-known but uncommon cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. They usually occur secondary to reconstructive surgery of an abdominal aneurysm. We report six cases of secondary aortoduodenal fistulas, involving patients who, despite presenting with classic "herald bleeding," died as a result of delayed operative intervention. We also discuss the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of AEFs, emphasizing the value of clinical suspicion and negative endoscopy in establishing the diagnosis and the need for early operative intervention.

Intravenous N-acetylcysteine does not prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis remains the most common complication of ERCP. Prophylactic administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) probably decreases the incidence and the severity of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of intravenous NAC for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis in humans, who represent an appropriate model to study the potential role of NAC in this setting. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 256 patients who underwent ERCP. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous NAC at a loading dose of 70 mg/kg 2 hours before and 35 mg/kg at 4-hour intervals for a total of 24 hours after the procedure, or to receive normal saline solution as placebo. Patients were clinically evaluated, and serum amylase levels were measured before and 6 hours and 24 hours after the procedure. Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and to grade the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were included in the analysis. The two groups were matched for age, gender, underlying disease and indication for treatment, ERCP findings, and type of treatment. The overall incidence of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis was 10.8%, with 12.1% in the NAC group and 9.6% in the placebo group. There were no statistical differences in the incidence or severity grades between the groups. The mean duration of hospitalization for pancreatitis also was similar in the NAC group and the placebo group (3.6 +/- 0.9 and 3 +/- 1.5 days, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this trial show the absence of any beneficial effect of NAC on the incidence and the severity of ERCP-induced pancreatitis.

Recurrent cholangitis as the first manifestation of an intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas.

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor is a rare pancreatic tumor originating from the epithelium of the pancreatic duct and exhibiting papillary proliferation of tall columnar epithelial cells. The usual clinical presentation is recurrent episodes of pancreatitis due to hypersecretion of mucin and obstruction of a markedly dilated pancreatic duct. We describe a 74-year-old man who presented recurrent attacks of cholangitis, due to a common bile duct obstruction from thick pancreatic mucus reflux, as the first manifestation of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor.

High-dose allopurinol for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that blocks generation of oxygen-derived free radicals, potentially may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. This study assessed the efficacy of high-dose oral allopurinol for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 250 patients undergoing ERCP. Patients were randomized to receive allopurinol (600 mg) or placebo orally at 15 and 3 hours before the procedure. Patients were clinically evaluated, and serum amylase levels were determined before ERCP and at 6 and 24 hours thereafter. Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and to grade the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included in the analysis. The two groups were similar with regard to age; gender; underlying disease; indication for treatment; ERCP findings; and type of treatment, except for biliary sphincterotomy. Only 43 patients in the allopurinol group underwent biliary sphincterotomy vs. 87 in the placebo group ( p < 0.001). The frequency of acute pancreatitis was significantly lower in the allopurinol vs. the placebo group in the final multinomial regression analysis: allopurinol group, 4/125 (3.2%), with all 4 cases graded as mild, vs. placebo group, 21/118 (17.8%), of which 8/118 (6.8%) were graded as mild, 11/118 (9.3%) as moderate, and 2/118 (1.6%) as severe with fatal outcome ( p < 0.001). The protective effect of allopurinol was also apparent in the diagnostic ERCP and the biliary sphincterotomy subgroups when the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was analyzed after stratification by procedure. The mean duration of hospitalization for pancreatitis was significantly shorter in the allopurinol compared with the placebo group (2.5 vs. 5.67 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with high-dose, orally administered allopurinol decreases the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Despite the promising results of this prospective, randomized trial, further studies are needed to verify these observations before allopurinol can be recommended for routine clinical use.

Endoclipping for gastric perforation after endoscopic polypectomy: an alternative treatment to avoid surgery.

A 47-year-old woman underwent endoscopic polypectomy of a villous adenoma in the lesser curvature of the gastric antrum. Shortly after the procedure, she complained of severe abdominal pain. An abdominal x-ray showed air under the diaphragm, suggestive of gastric perforation. On re-endoscopy, the cavity at the site of polypectomy was closed using endoscopically applied metallic clips. She was treated with intravenous hyperalimentation, omeprazole, and antibiotics for 10 days. Ingestion of food was started 10 days after admission, and she was discharged without any complaints. She is free of symptoms on follow-up after 8 months, and endoscopy showed complete healing of the perforation. The procedure is the third described for the stomach in the English literature and emphasizes the use of endoclipping in selected cases of small and well-defined perforations.