Adverse effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on tube formation and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Environmental contamination by microplastics (MPs) is an emerging concern in recent years due to associated adverse impacts of MPs on potential human health problems. Endothelial dysfunction is a condition in which the endothelial layer fails to form normally, and is associated with impaired vascular function. Despite the fact that MPs are known to enter the circulation system through intestinal epithelium, little has been known whether MPs impact the normal function of endothelial cells and the formation of vasculature. In the current study, we investigated the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on tube formation and cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our study showed that the treatment of HUVECs with PS-MPs significantly decreased cell viability, with intracellular accumulation occurring in a dose- and size-dependent manner. Moreover, significant dose-dependent inhibition of angiogenic tube formation was observed in HUVECs treated with 0.5 µm PS-MPs; this effect was accompanied by suppression of angiogenic signaling pathways and inhibitory activity against wound healing and cell migration. Regarding the mechanism of decreased viability, we observed increased autophagic and necrotic cell death. These results indicate that 6-h exposure of endothelial cells to PS-MPs represses tube-forming capacity, while 48-h exposure leads to autophagy and necrosis-mediated cytotoxicity.

Development and validation of a scoring system for advanced colorectal neoplasm in young Korean subjects less than age 50 years.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Colorectal cancer incidence among patients aged ≤50 years is increasing. This study aimed to develop and validate an advanced colorectal neoplasm (ACRN) screening model for young adults aged <50 years in Korea. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 59,575 consecutive asymptomatic Koreans who underwent screening colonoscopy between 2003 and 2012 at a single comprehensive health care center. Young Adult Colorectal Screening (YCS) score was developed as an optimized risk stratification model for ACRN using multivariate analysis and was internally validated. The predictive power and diagnostic performance of YCS score was compared with those of Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS) and Korean Colorectal Screening (KCS) scores. RESULTS: 41,702 and 17,873 subjects were randomly allocated into the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, by examination year. ACRN prevalence was 0.9% in both cohorts. YCS score comprised sex, age, alcohol, smoking, obesity, glucose metabolism abnormality, and family history of CRC, with score ranges of 0 to 10. In the validation cohort, ACRN prevalence was 0.6% in the low-risk tier (score, 0-4), 1.5% in the moderate-risk tier (score, 5-7), and 3.4% in the high-risk tier (score, 8-10). ACRN risk increased 2.5-fold (95%CI, 1.8-3.4) in the moderate-risk tier and 5.8-fold (95%CI, 3.4-9.8) in the high-risk tier compared with the low-risk tier. YCS score identified better balanced accuracy (53.9%) than APCS (51.5%) and KCS (50.7%) scores and had relatively good discriminative power (area under the curve=0.660). CONCLUSIONS: YCS score based on clinical and laboratory risk factors was clinically effective and beneficial for predicting ACRN risk and targeting screening colonoscopy in adults aged <50 years.

Prospective analysis of delayed colorectal post-polypectomy bleeding.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Although post-polypectomy bleeding is the most frequent complication after colonoscopic polypectomy, only few studies have investigated the incidence of bleeding prospectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding and its associated risk factors prospectively. METHODS: Patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were prospectively enrolled in this study. Trained nurses contacted patients via telephone 7 and 30 days after polypectomy and completed a standardized questionnaire regarding the development of bleeding. Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding was categorized as minor or major and early or late bleeding. Major delayed bleeding was defined as a > 2-g/dL drop in the hemoglobin level, requiring hospitalization for control of bleeding or blood transfusion; late delayed bleeding was defined as bleeding occurring later than 24 h after polypectomy. RESULTS: A total of 8175 colonoscopic polypectomies were performed in 3887 patients. Overall, 133 (3.4%) patients developed delayed post-polypectomy bleeding. Among them, 90 (2.3%) and 43 (1.1%) patients developed minor and major delayed bleeding, respectively, and 39 (1.0%) patients developed late delayed bleeding. In the polyp-based multivariate analysis, young age (< 50 years; odds ratio [OR] 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.68), aspirin use (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.23-6.31), and polyp size of > 10 mm (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.38-4.36) were significant risk factors for major delayed bleeding, while young age (< 50 years; OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.35-5.12) and immediate bleeding (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.49-7.30) were significant risk factors for late delayed bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Young age, aspirin use, polyp size, and immediate bleeding were found to be independent risk factors for delayed post-polypectomy bleeding.

Is methylation analysis of SFRP2, TFPI2, NDRG4, and BMP3 promoters suitable for colorectal cancer screening in the Korean population?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using stool DNA was recently found to yield good detection rates. A multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard®, Exact Sciences), including methylated genes has been recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this study was to validate these aberrantly methylated genes as stool-based DNA markers for detecting CRC and colorectal advanced adenoma (AA) in the Korean population. METHODS: A single-center study was conducted in 36 patients with AA; 35 patients with CRC; and 40 endoscopically diagnosed healthy controls using CRC screening colonoscopy. The methylation status of the SFRP2, TFPI2, NDRG4, and BMP3 promoters was investigated blindly using bisulfate-modified stool DNA obtained from 111 participants. Methylation status was investigated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Methylated SFRP2, TFPI2, NDRG4, and BMP3 promoters were detected in 60.0%, 31.4%, 68.8%, and 40.0% of CRC samples and in 27.8%, 27.8%, 27.8%, and 33.3% of AA samples, respectively. The sensitivities obtained using 4 markers to detect CRC and AA were 94.3% and 72.2%, respectively. The specificity was 55.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the SFRP2, TFPI2, NDRG4, and BMP3 promoter methylation analysis of stool sample DNA showed high sensitivity but low specificity for detecting CRC and AA. Because of the low specificity, 4 methylated markers might not be sufficient for CRC screening in the Korean population. Further large-scale studies are required to validate the methylation of these markers in the Asian population and to find new markers for the Asian population.

Prospective Analysis of Minor Adverse Events After Colon Polypectomy.

BACKGROUND: The risks of minor adverse events (MAEs) such as abdominal pain and bloating after colon polypectomy (CP) are less clearly documented than major adverse events. However, these complications may cause significant discomfort during the performance of normal activities. We aimed to estimate the incidence of MAE, associated risk factors, and healthcare resource utilization after CP. METHODS: Patients who underwent CP were prospectively enrolled in this study. Trained nurses contacted patients by telephone at 7 and 30 days after the CP and administered a standardized questionnaire to obtain information regarding the development of complications. MAEs were defined as any discomfort the patient experienced after CP excluding major bleeding, perforation, and post-polypectomy coagulation syndrome. RESULTS: Among a total of 2716 patients, 2253 patients completed the interview at 7 and 30 days. MAEs occurred in 263 patients (11.7%) before day 7, among which the most common were abdominal pain (4.5%), rectal bleeding (2.8%), and bloating (2.6%). Cumulative incidence of MAEs was in 267 patients (11.9%) at 30 days. On multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58-3.18) and use of meperidine (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.04-2.27) were risk factors for the occurrence of MAEs. Two patients (0.7%) required hospital admission, 117 patients (43.8%) were treated medically in the outpatient clinic, and the majority at 148 patients (55.4%) experienced resolution of symptoms after observation. CONCLUSIONS: The post-CP MAE rate was as low as 11.8%. The MAEs occurred mainly in the first seven postoperative days and resulted in little use of healthcare resources.

Natural courses of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

PURPOSE: The study was done to elucidate the clinico-radiologic predictive factors for cancerous change detected by disease progression (PD) mainly defined by interval increase in cyst size and change of cyst morphology, for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) patients with relatively long-term follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records and imaging findings were performed on 107 patients with BD-IPMN enrolled from July 2005 to May 2013, in whom the communication between the cystic lesion and pancreatic duct was confirmed by either endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). RESULTS: During the mean ± SD follow-up period of 51.5 ± 24.5 months, PD was noticed in 43 (40.2%) of 107 BD-IPMN patients. Among these 107 patients, 21 (19.6%) displayed cancerous change. By univariate analyses, septated/multilocular cyst morphology, cyst size larger than 30 mm, cyst wall thickening, mural nodules, and the presence of symptoms were significant predictive factors for cancerous changes in BD-IPMN patients. A Cox forward stepwise linear regression model revealed that cyst wall thickening (OR 9.187, 95% CI 1.883~44.820, P < 0.01) and mural nodules (OR 6.224, 95% CI 1.311~29.549, P = 0.021) were significant and independent predictive factors for cancerous change in BD-IPMN patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with BD-IPMN showed PD and cancerous change during the long-term follow-up. Cyst wall thickening and mural nodules were significant and independent predictive factors of cancerous change in patients with BD-IPMN.

External Validation of the Endoscopic Features of Sessile Serrated Adenomas in Expert and Trainee Colonoscopists.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is unclear whether the endoscopic features of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) would be useful to trainee colonoscopists to predict SSA. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify features that expert and trainee colonoscopists can use to independently and reliably predict SSA by using high-resolution white-light endoscopy. METHODS: Endoscopic images of 81 polyps (39 SSAs, 22 hyperplastic polyps, and 20 tubular adenomas) from 43 patients were retrospectively evaluated by 10 colonoscopists (four experts and six trainees). Eight endoscopic features of SSAs were assessed for each polyp. RESULTS: According to multivariable analysis, a mucous cap (odds ratio [OR], 10.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.72 to 19.07), indistinctive borders (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 2.74 to 7.16), dark spots (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.89 to 7.00), and cloud-like surface (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.27 to 4.668) were independent predictors of SSAs. Among these, a mucous cap, indistinctive borders, and cloud-like surface showed moderate interobserver agreement (mean κ >0.40) among experts and trainees. When ≥1 of the three predictors was observed, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing SSAs were 79.0% and 81.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy trainees and experts can use several specific endoscopic features to independently and reliably predict SSAs.

Derivation and validation of a risk scoring model to predict advanced colorectal neoplasm in adults of all ages.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known about how to include adults < 50 years in colonoscopy screening. This study aimed to derive a risk-scoring model incorporating laboratory indicators for metabolic risks to predict advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) in asymptomatic Korean adults both younger and older than 50 years. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 70 812 consecutive adult recipients of a screening colonoscopy in a single health check-up center in Korea between 2003 and 2012 were enrolled. A risk score model was developed using multiple logistic regression model and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of ACN was 1.4% (956/70 812). A 15-point score model was developed to comprise age, sex, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking, body mass index, serum levels of fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and carcinoembryonic antigen. Based on the score, the validation cohort could be categorized into five risk groups (low, borderline, moderate, high, and very high) with an ACN prevalence of 0.7%, 1.3%, 2.7%, 6.6%, and 13.2%, respectively. Compared with the borderline risk group, the low-risk group showed a 50.3% reduced risk of ACN. Meanwhile, the moderate, high, and very high risk groups showed 2, 5, and 10-fold increased risk of ACN. The score showed significantly superior discriminative power than the Asian-Pacific colorectal screening score (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our scoring model based on both clinical and laboratory risk factors is useful for the prediction of ACN. This score may be used to include adults < 50 years in colonoscopy screening.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes between antiviral-naïve patients treated with entecavir and lamivudine-resistant patients receiving adefovir add-on lamivudine combination treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To analyze the effects of preexisting lamivudine (LAM) resistance and applying antiviral treatment (adefovir [ADV] add-on LAM combination treatment) on long-term treatment outcomes, and comparing the clinical outcomes of antiviral-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients receiving entecavir (ETV) monotherapy. METHODS: This study enrolled 73 antiviral-naïve patients who received 0.5-mg ETV as an initial therapy and 54 patients who received ADV add-on LAM combination treatment as a rescue therapy from July 2006 to July 2010. RESULTS: During 24-month treatments, the decreases in serum log10HBV-DNA values (copies/mL) were significantly greater in the antiviral-naïve patients treated with ETV than the patients receiving ADV add-on LAM combination treatment. The biochemical response rates for alanine aminotransferase normalization at 6 months (ETV) and 12 months (ADV add-on LAM) were 90.4% (66/73) and 77.8% (42/54), respectively (P=0.048). A Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the rates of serologic response, viral breakthrough, and emergence of genotypic resistance did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. There were also no significant intergroup differences in the rates of disease progression (PD) and new development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical outcomes of antiviral-naïve patients treated with ETV and LAM-resistant patients receiving ADV add-on LAM combination treatment were comparable in terms of the emergence of HCC and disease progression.

Erratum: Field Cancerization in Sporadic Colon Cancer.

In the version of this article initially published, the first affiliation (affiliation number 1) was incorrectly stated as "Division of Gastroentorology, Department of Internal Medicine." The correct affiliation is "Department of Internal Medicine."

Different risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasm in young adults.

AIM: To compare the risk of developing advanced colorectal neoplasm (ACRN) according to age in Koreans. METHODS: A total of 70428 Koreans from an occupational cohort who underwent a colonoscopy between 2003 and 2012 at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital were retrospectively selected. We evaluated and compared odds ratios (OR) for ACRN between the young-adults (YA < 50 years) and in the older-adults (OA ≥ 50 years). ACRN was defined as an adenoma ≥ 10 mm in diameter, adenoma with any component of villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, or invasive cancer. RESULTS: In the YA group, age (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.06-1.09), male sex (OR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.02-1.55), current smoking (OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.15-1.63), family history of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.01-2.10), diabetes mellitus related factors (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.06-1.54), obesity (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03-1.47), CEA (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.09) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02) were related with an increased risk of ACRN. However, age (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.06-1.09), male sex (OR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.68-2.68), current smoking (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.12-1.71), obesity (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.09-1.65) and CEA (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01-1.09) also increased the risk of ACRN in the OA group. CONCLUSION: The risks of ACRN differed based on age group. Different colonoscopic screening strategies are appropriate for particular subjects with risk factors for ACRN, even in subjects younger than 50 years.

Field Cancerization in Sporadic Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Aberrant DNA methylation has a specific role in field cancerization. Certain molecular markers, including secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2 ), N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 4 (NDRG4) and bone morphogenic protein 3 (BMP3), have previously been shown to be hypermethylated in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aim to examine field cancerization in CRC based on the presence of aberrant DNA methylation in normal-appearing tissue from CRC patients. METHODS: We investigated promoter methylation in 34 CRC patients and five individuals with normal colonoscopy results. CRC patients were divided into three tissue groups: tumor tissue, adjacent and nonadjacent normal-appearing tissue. The methylation status (positive: methylation level >20%) of SFRP2 , TFPI2 , NDRG4 , and BMP3 promoters was investigated using methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: The methylation frequencies of the SFRP2 , TFPI2 , NDRG4 and BMP3 promoters in tumor/adjacent/nonadjacent normal-appearing tissue were 79.4%/63.0%/70.4%, 82.4%/53.6%/60.7%, 76.5%/61.5%/69.2%, 41.2%/35.7%/50.0%, respectively. The methylation levels of the SFRP, TFPI2, NDRG4 and BMP3 promoters in tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in normal-appearing tissue (SFRP2, p=0.013; TFPI2, p<0.001; NDRG4, p=0.003; BMP3, p=0.001). No significant correlation was observed between the methylation levels of the promoters and the clinicopathological variables. CONCLUSIONS: The field effect is present in CRC and affects both the adjacent and nonadjacent normal-appearing mucosa.

Microsatellite Instability Status of Interval Colorectal Cancers in a Korean Population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A subset of patients may develop colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy that is negative for malignancy. These missed or de novo lesions are referred to as interval cancers. The aim of this study was to determine whether interval colon cancers are more likely to result from the loss of function of mismatch repair genes than sporadic cancers and to demonstrate microsatellite instability (MSI). METHODS: Interval cancer was defined as a cancer that was diagnosed within 5 years of a negative colonoscopy. Among the patients who underwent an operation for colorectal cancer from January 2013 to December 2014, archived cancer specimens were evaluated for MSI by sequencing microsatellite loci. RESULTS: Of the 286 colon cancers diagnosed during the study period, 25 (8.7%) represented interval cancer. MSI was found in eight of the 25 patients (32%) that presented interval cancers compared with 22 of the 261 patients (8.4%) that presented sporadic cancers (p=0.002). In the multivariable logistic regression model, MSI was associated with interval cancer (OR, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 11.05). CONCLUSIONS: Interval cancers were approximately four times more likely to show high MSI than sporadic cancers. Our findings indicate that certain interval cancers may occur because of distinct biological features.

Increased Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia Among Korean Men With Metabolic Abnormality and Obesity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Obesity and metabolic abnormality are risk factors for colorectal cancer and adenoma. We evaluated the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm (AN) according to metabolic status and obesity in Koreans. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 70,428 individuals in Korea who underwent colonoscopy and whose metabolic state and body mass index were examined, from 2003 through 2012, at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in Korea. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for AN in people who were metabolically healthy but obese, people with metabolic abnormality who were not obese, and people with metabolic abnormality who were obese. The reference group was metabolically healthy nonobese peoples. AN was defined as adenoma ≥10 mm in diameter, adenoma with any component of villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, or invasive cancer. RESULTS: No increased risk of AN was observed in the metabolically healthy but obese (OR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-1.46; P = .825) and metabolic abnormality who were not obese groups (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.85-1.21; P = .765). In contrast, risk of AN was increased in the metabolic abnormality who were obese group (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.58; P = .006). In men, risk of AN showed a greater increase in the metabolic abnormality who were obese group (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.20-1.83; P = .001). This association was not observed in women (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.84-1.75; P = .476). CONCLUSIONS: Men with 1 or more metabolic abnormality and obesity are at increased risk for AN.

Endosonographer's macroscopic evaluation of EUS-FNAB specimens after interactive cytopathologic training: a single-center prospective validation cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In many centers, rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for the specimens obtained from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) is not available. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of EUS-FNAB in the presence or absence of ROSE. METHODS: Seventy-five patients who underwent EUS-FNAB for the pancreatic, gastric subepithelial, and mesenteric mass lesions at our institution from November 2013 to August 2014 were included. For 20 patients in the pilot cohort, EUS-FNAB was performed with ROSE, and simultaneously, training of the staff endosonographer for tissue adequacy by an on-site cytopathologist was also performed. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of EUS-FNAB in the pilot cohort were 91.7, 100.0, 100.0, 88.9, and 95.0 %, respectively. The 3.2 ± 0.8 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] needle passes were needed in this cohort. Fifty-five patients were enrolled as a validation cohort from April 2014 to August 2014, and tissue adequacies were assessed by an experienced endosonographer without ROSE in this cohort. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of EUS-FNAB in this validation cohort were 92.1, 100.0, 100.0, 85.0, and 94.6 %, respectively. The 4.5 ± 0.6 (mean ± SD) needle passes were needed in this cohort (p < 0.01 compared to pilot cohort). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNAB in which the adequacy of sample was assessed by an attending endosonographer was acceptable. This study suggests that on-site evaluation by a trained endosonographer may be an alternative tool to ROSE where ROSE is not available.

Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Korean Patients with Inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the disease characteristics and socioeconomic factors associated with anxiety and depression in Korean patients with quiescent IBD. METHODS: In total, 142 IBD patients (67 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 75 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) completed self-report questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, the Modified Morisky Adherence Scale-8, the socioeconomic deprivation score, and the Crohn's and Colitis Knowledge Score questionnaires. RESULTS: In the CD group, 30 patients (44%) were anxious, and 10 patients (15%) were depressed; in the UC group, 31 patients (41%) were anxious, and 18 patients (24%) were depressed. Using multivariate analysis, in the CD group, socioeconomic deprivation was associated with anxiety (p=0.03), whereas disease duration (p=0.04) and socioeconomic deprivation (p=0.013) were associated with depression. In the UC group, there was no significant independent predictor of anxiety and/or depression; however, low income tended to be associated with depression (p=0.096). CONCLUSIONS: Despite clinical remission, a significant number of IBD patients present with anxiety and depression. IBD patients in remission, particularly those who are socioeconomically deprived, should be provided with appropriate psychological support.

Clinical usefulness of double balloon enteroscopy in suspected Crohn's disease: the KASID multi-center trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The recently developed double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) may be useful to evaluate small bowel lesions in patients with suspected Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated the findings of DBE, small bowel follow-through and abdominal CT in patients with suspected CD who could not be diagnosed with CD using conventional colonoscopy. METHODOLOGY: Thirty patients (27 males, mean age 32.7±9.27 years) with suspected CD were consecutively enrolled in this study. The main symptoms were abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, obscure bleeding, or anemia. These patients were enrolled from May 2006 to January 2007 at 10 tertiary medical centers participating in the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases. RESULTS: The DBE demonstrated definite CD in 24 patients (80.0%) and suspected findings of CD in six patients. The pathology results obtained by endoscopic biopsies revealed a granuloma in six patients (23.1%). The DBE identified additional findings not detected by radiology studies in 24 patients (80%) although the small bowel followthrough and the abdominal CT revealed the abnormal findings (73.1% and 64%). CONCLUSIONS: DBE may be a promising alternative and useful technique for patients with suspected CD. DBE provides biopsy sampling and more detailed information than radiology studies.

[Efficacy of bisacodyl given as part of a polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy in hospitalized patients: a prospective ramdomized trial].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inpatient status can cause inadequate bowel preparation. The majority of previous studies regarding bowel preparation have focused on comparing the effects of different purgative regimens in outpatients. However, data on bowel preparation for inpatients are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether bisacodyl plus polyethylene glycol (PEG) can improve bowel preparation in hospitalized patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and observer-blind study was performed. A total of 196 hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized to receive 4 L PEG (PEG only group) or 4 L PEG＋bisacodyl 10 mg (bisacodyl added group). The adequacy of bowel preparation was scored using the Ottawa bowel preparation scale. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-three subjects completed the study; 96 in the bisacodyl added group and 87 in the PEG only group. There were no significant differences between the bisacodyl added group and the PEG only group with respect to the score of bowel cleansing (3.59±B1;2.81 vs. 3.82±B1;3.03, p=0.607), quality of bowel cleansing (adequate preparation 89.6% vs. 85.1%, p=0.380), and overall adverse events (66.7% vs. 52.9%, p=0.057). However, a larger proportion of patients in the PEG only group were able to ingest the entire solution as prescribed than in the bisacodyl added group (98.9% vs. 75.0%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients, the quality of bowel preparation did not differ depending on whether bisacodyl is added or not. In addition, patient compliance based on consumption of cleansing agent was better in the PEG only group.

Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent in patients with colorectal cancer obstruction.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a preoperative colonoscopy through a self-expendable metallic stent (SEMS) and to identify the factors that affect complete colonoscopy. METHODS: A total of 48 patients who had SEMS placement because of acute malignant colonic obstruction underwent preoperative colonoscopy. After effective SEMS placement, patients who showed complete resolution of radiological findings and clinical signs of acute colon obstruction underwent a standard bowel preparation. Preoperative colonoscopy was then performed using a standard colonoscope. If the passage of colonoscope was not feasible gastroscope was used. After colonoscopy, cecal intubation time, grade of bowel preparation, tumor location, stent location, presence of synchronous polyps or cancer, damage to colonoscopy and bleeding, and stent migration after colonoscopy were recorded. RESULTS: Complete evaluation with colonoscope was possible in 30 patients (62.5%). In this group, adenoma was detected in 13 patients (43.3%). The factors that affected complete colonoscopy were also analyzed: Tumor location at an angle; stent placement at an angle; and stent expansion diameter, which affected complete colonoscopy significantly. However in multivariate analysis, stent expansion diameter was the only significant factor that affected complete colonoscopy. Complete evaluation using additional gastroscope was feasible in 42 patients (87.5%). CONCLUSION: Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent using only conventional colonoscope was unfavorable. The narrow expansion diameter of the stent may predict unfavorable outcome. In such a case, using small caliber scope should be considered and may expect successful outcome.

Brief education on microvasculature and pit pattern for trainees significantly improves estimation of the invasion depth of colorectal tumors.

Objectives. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of education for trainees on the gross findings identified by conventional white-light endoscopy (CWE), the microvascular patterns identified by magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy (MNE), and the pit patterns identified by magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) in estimation of the invasion depth of colorectal tumors. Methods. A total of 420 endoscopic images of 35 colorectal tumors were used. Five trainees estimated the invasion depth of the tumors by reviewing the CWE images before education. Afterwards, the trainees estimated the invasion depth of the same tumors after brief education on CWE, MNE and MCE images, respectively. Results. The initial diagnostic accuracy for deep submucosal invasion before education and after education on CWE, MNE, and MCE findings was 54.3%, 55.4%, 67.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy increased significantly after MNE education (P = 0.028). The specificity for deep submucosal invasion before education and after education on CWE, MNE, and MCE findings was 47.9%, 45.7%, 65.0%, and 80.7%, respectively. The specificity increased significantly after MNE (P = 0.002) and MCE (P = 0.005) education. Conclusion. Brief education on microvascular pattern identification by MNE and pit pattern identification by MCE significantly improves trainees' estimations of the invasion depth of colorectal tumors.