Comparative Genotype Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus: Two One-Year Studies in South Korea in 2002 and 2011

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) positive stool samples were collected from acute hepatitis A patients during the two study periods of 2002 and 2011 in Seoul, South Korea, and their genetic variability was determined. From a total of 79 specimens, the nucleotide sequences of the VP1 and 2A junction were successfully amplified in 27 (34.2%) samples and subjected to sequence analysis. Genetically, there was a dramatic change in HAV subgenotypes from IA to IIIA during the past ten years. Sequence analysis identified that most strains belonged to genotype I, which is the main genotype globally. The subgenotype IA (93.3%, n=13/14) was the major subgenotype in 2002, whereas the subgenotype IIIA (69.2%, n=9/13) was predominant in 2011. Interestingly, a IIIA strain was identified from a patient who had a history of travel to India in 2002. The finding presented provides new insight into the genetic shift of circulating HAVs in South Korea.

Peptic Ulcer Diseases in Korea

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the most commonly encountered gastroenterologic diseases in Korea. The trend in diagnosis and treatment of PUD in Korea has changed in the past decade with the introduction of endoscopy and potent acid suppressants such as proton pump inhibitors. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori has opened a new era for the understanding of pathogenesis and management of PUD. In this review, we tried to look back at the history of PUD in Korea and the changes of epidemiologic features and treatment of PUD in Korea.

Enhancement of Protein Productivity of Recombinant Hepatitis A Virus VP1 in Stably Transfected Drosophila melanogaster S2 Cells

The effect of DMSO and sodium butyrate on the production of recombinant hepatitis A virus (HAV) capsid protein VP1 was evaluated and optimized in the culture of stably transfected Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells using culture plates and spinner flasks. The effect of DMSO and sodium butyrate was also evaluated to improve the recombinant VP1 production in stably transfected Drosophila S2 cells. A production level of 0.88 mg of recombinant VP1/liter was obtained in the culture-plate culture of stably transfected S2 cells at 6 days after induction with 0.5 mM CuSO4. The supplements of 2% DMSO and 10 mM sodium butyrate at 4 days post-inoculation increased recombinant VP1 accumulation by 141 and 104%, respectively, resulting in 2.17 and 1.7 mg/liter of recombinant VP1 production. In spinner flasks, recombinant VP1 production reached maximum level at 9 days after induction with 0.5 mM CuSO4, with approximately 4.96 mg/liter of recombinant VP1 production level. When 2% DMSO or 10 mM sodium butyrate was added at 5 days post-inoculation, the recombinant VP1 production was increased to 8.35 and 5.85 mg/liter, respectively. However, the synergistic effects of DMSO and sodium butyrate were not observed. These results indicate that DMSO and/or sodium butyrate can be successfully used to improve the recombinant HAV VP1 production in culture plates and spinner flasks.

Presacral Abscess with Bilateral Sciatica in a Patient with Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease can cause intestinal strictures, perforations, fistulas, or abscesses. Although fistulas and abscesses are common complications of Crohn's disease, a presacral abscess with neuromuscular complications is very unusual. A delayed diagnosis and treatment may increase morbidity. The diagnosis is frequently delayed, because the clinical features of presacral abscess are variable and nonspecific. We experienced a case of a presacral abscess with bilateral sciatica in a 25-year-old male patient. He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum 2 months previously and has been managed with mesalazine. He visited our hospital due to pain in the buttocks and severe neuralgia in both thighs. We confirmed enteric fistulas, resulting in a presacral abscess, which extended symmetrically through both sciatic notches and the gluteus medius muscles. He was managed with antibiotics after a small bowel segmentectomy, right hemicolectomy, fistulectomy, and surgical drainage. The bilateral radicular pain resolved completely within 2 weeks of surgery. The patient has remained in remission and asymptomatic 1 year after surgery.

Expression of MUC5AC and Trefoil Peptide 1 (TFF1) in the Subtypes of Intestinal Metaplasia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Alterations of the expression pattern of mucins and trefoil peptides have been described in gastric adenocarcinomas and in their precursor lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the progression patterns of intestinal metaplasia (IM) subtypes by analyzing the expression patterns of TFF1 and MUC5AC in different subtypes of IM of the stomach. METHODS: Endoscopic gastric biopsies of the antrum and body were obtained from patients with dyspepsia and endoscopic IM. Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff staining and the high iron diamine technique were used to classify the subtypes of IM. Immunoreactivity for MUC5AC and TFF1 was estimated in different types of IM. RESULTS: IM was detected in 128 samples from 80 patients; type I was found in 48 samples, type II was found in 37 samples, and type III was found in 43 samples. There was a gradual decrease in MUC5AC and TFF1 expression during the progression of IM from type I to type III via the type II intermediate. CONCLUSIONS: This downregulation of MUC5AC and TFF1 expression may challenge the sequential progression of IM from type I to type III via the type II intermediate, and it might be associated with gastric carcinogenesis.

Performance and Cost of Disposable Biopsy Forceps in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Comparison with Reusable Biopsy Forceps

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is believed that disposable biopsy forceps are more costly than reusable biopsy forceps. In this study, we evaluated performance and cost of disposable forceps versus reusable forceps in esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy. METHODS: Between October 2009 and July 2010, we enrolled 200 patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Biopsies were performed with 100 disposable or 5 reusable forceps by random assignment. Seventy-five additional patients were studied to estimate durability of reusable forceps. The assisting nurses estimated the performance of the forceps. The evaluation of costs included purchase prices and reprocessing costs. The adequacy of the sample was estimated according to the diameter of the obtained tissue. RESULTS: Performance of disposable forceps was estimated as excellent in 97.0%, good in 2.0% and adequate in 1.0%. Reusable forceps were estimated as excellent in 36.0%, good in 36.0%, adequate in 25.1% and inadequate in 2.9%. The performance of reusable forceps declined with the number of uses. The reprocessing cost of reusable forceps for one biopsy session was calculated as 8,021won. The adequacy of the sample was excellent for both forceps. CONCLUSIONS: Disposable forceps showed excellent performance. Considering the reprocessing costs of reusable forceps, usage of disposable forceps with a low price should be considered.

Usefulness of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Evaluation of Gastric Cancer Stage / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The usefulness of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET in detecting primary cancer, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were studied in the gastric cancer patients. METHODS: The subjects were 392 gastric cancer patients who received FDG-PET and an abdominal CT test prior to surgery. The results of FDG-PET and CT were compared with the surgical and pathologic results. RESULTS: The primary site detection rate of FDG-PET was 74.4%, 50.3% in early gastric cancer and 92.0% in advanced gastric cancer. Detection rate was higher when tumors were larger than 3.5 cm, had deeper depth of invasion, and at a later stage (p or =T2), and lymph node metastasis were statistically significant factors in primary site detection rate. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of FDG-PET to lymph node metastasis were 59.6%, 88.8%, and 81.1% respectively, sensitivity being lower compared to CT while specificity and positive predictive value were higher. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value to distant metastasis were, respectively, 66.7%, 99.2%, and 88.0%, similar to CT. In 21 of the 392 patients (5.4%), synchronous double primary cancers were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In gastric cancer, usefullness of FDG-PET is limited to the advanced stage. Diagnostic value of this test was not superior to CT. However, FDG-PET may be useful in detecting synchronous double primary cancers.

The Clinical Significance of Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Nationwide Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Expression of Human beta-defensin 2 in Helicobacter pylori Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Induction of human beta-defensin-2 (hBD2), an innate antimicrobial peptide in the intestinal mucosa, occurs after bacterial infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the expression of hBD2 and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the gastric epithelia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric mucosa was sampled from the patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers before and after H. pylori eradication and the expression of hBD2 was assessed with immunohistochemistry. The antimicrobial effect was assayed as the number of colony forming units of H. pylori incubated with the various concentrations of hBD2. RESULTS: Thirty six patients were included in this study and 30 patients (83%) revealed expression of the hBD2 in their gastric epithelia. The hBD2 was not expressed in 22 patients after successful H. pylori eradication, but did expressed in 8 patients after H. pylori eradication failure. The expression of hBD2 was well correlated with the density of H. pylori, acute and chronic inflammation, and the degree of atrophy of gastric mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The hBD2 is induced in the gastric epithelia in response to the H. pylori infection, and its expression is well correlated with the severity of gastric inflammation.

Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There have been few Asian studies regarding anxiety and depression associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and importance of anxiety and depression in Korean patients with IBS. METHODS: A total of 124 IBS patients and 91 healthy subjects were enrolled consecutively. All participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires: one addressing symptom severity, the Short Form 36, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The patients were also asked to complete the IBS-specifi c quality of life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire. RESULTS: Anxiety and depression were observed in 38.6% and 38.6% of IBS patients, respectively, and in 24.2% and 16.5% of healthy subjects, respectively (p<0.05 for both). The mean HADS scores for anxiety and depression in IBS patients were 6.8+/-4.5 and 7.1+/-4.4, respectively. Both anxiety and depression were associated with self-reported symptom severity (p<0.012 and p<0.001, respectively). As determined by multivariate analysis, symptom severity was the most important factor in the prediction of anxiety and depression. Self-reported symptom severity and depression were clearly and independently associated with the overall IBS-QOL score. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression were frequently observed in Korean IBS patients and were related to the severity of their symptoms and the impairment of the patient's QOL. Our data suggest that assessing anxiety and depression is important when evaluating IBS patients.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Diagnosed by Rome III Questionnaire in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Rome criteria classifying functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) were updated. The aims of this study were to assess the spectra of FGID and to evaluate the applicability of Rome III criteria in Korea. METHODS: New patients who visited 2 primary clinics and 2 tertiary care hospitals were consecutively invited to complete questionnaires. These consisted of questionnaires for FGID based on Rome III criteria and symptom checklist-90-revised for somatization, depression and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 786 patients was participated. Among them, FGID was observed in 49.7%. In the patients with FGID, functional dyspepsia was most common (46.0%) followed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, 40.2%). Functional dyspepsia was most common both in the primary care clinics and tertiary care hospitals. Postprandial distress syndrome was the most common subtype and the frequency of epigastric pain syndrome was low. There were few responders for constipation as Bristol types 1 and 2 and for diarrhea as types 6 and 7 in subtype classification using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Thereby, unspecified IBS defined by stool form was unexpectedly common in 43.9% of IBS, whereas unspedified IBS defined by Rome III definition was 5.1%. Patients with overlap FGIDs had higher score of anxiety, depression or somatization. CONCLUSIONS: FGIDs were common both in primary care clinics and tertiary care hospitals of Korea. Overlap FGIDs is still common by Rome III criteria, which may limits its wide application.

Steroid Responsive Pancreatic Mass-Forming Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis / 대한소화기학회지

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has two distinct subsets. Type 1 AIP or lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis is systemic disease with the elevation in serum levels of the IgG4. Type 2 AIP, also called duct-centric pancreatitis, features granulocyte epithelial lesions with duct obstruction in the pancreas without systemic involvement. Here, we report a case of type 2 AIP diagnosed by pathology, which is the first report in Korea. The case is a 56-year-old woman who presented with anorexia and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed mass-like lesion in the pancreatic head and the compression of the distal common bile duct and the head portion of the main pancreatic duct. Serum levels of the IgG4 were normal. Histologic examination revealed a dense neutrophil infiltration in the pancreatic parenchyme associated with extensive fibrosis, thereby confirming the diagnosis of type 2 AIP. The abnormalities in the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings improved after oral steroid treatment.

Gastric Fundic Gland Polyps and Their Relationship to Colorectal Neoplasia in Koreans: A 16-year Retrospective Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an ongoing debate on the relationship between gastric fundic gland polyps and increased incidence of colorectal neoplasia in Caucasians. However, there was no report on the relationship between gastric fundic gland polyp and colorectal neoplasia in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of gastric fundic gland polyps and whether a relationship exists between fundic gland polyps and colorectal neoplasia in Korean population. METHODS: Persons who underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy from 1992 to 2007 at the Health Promotion Center of Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea were reviewed retrospectively. The relationship between gastric fundic gland polyps and colorectal neoplasia were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 22,451 subjects, fundic gland polyps were found in 328 subjects (1.5%). Fundic gland polyps were more common in women than in men (odds ratio of 6.25; 95% CI of 4.68-8.34). The odds ratios for colorectal neoplasia in all subjects with gastric fundic gland polyps were 0.56 (95% CI of 0.33-0.95) and men who were 50 years of age or older had an odds ratio of 2.81 (95% CI of 1.03-7.66) as compared to the control group. However, age and sex-adjusted odds ratios for all gastric fundic gland polyps were 0.73 (95% CI of 0.42-1.26), for men 1.78 (95% CI of 0.80-3.98), and for women 0.37 (95% CI of 0.16-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance colonoscopy in patients with fundic gland polyps can be performed in the same manner as general population in Korea.

Clinical Outcome of Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement in the Management of Malignant Proximal Colon Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are limited data regarding the clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of proximal colon obstruction. We compared the clinical outcomes of stent placement in patients with malignant proximal to distal colon obstructions. METHODS: We reviewed medical records from 37 consecutive patients from three institutions (19 men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement at a malignant obstruction of the proximal colon. We also examined the records from 99 patients (50 men; mean age, 65 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement for a distal colon obstruction. Technical success, clinical improvements, complications and stent patency were compared between treatments. RESULTS: The technical success rate tended to be lower in stents inserted to treat proximal colon obstructions than in those used to treat distal colon obstructions (86% vs 97%, p=0.06). Clinical improvement was achieved in 78% of patients (29/37) with proximal colonic stenting and in 91% of patients (90/99) with distal colonic stenting (p=0.08). Complications (24% vs 27%), stent migration (8% vs 8%) and stent reocclusion rates (11% vs 17%) did not differ significantly between groups. Two cases of bowel perforation related to stenting (5%) occurred in patients with proximal colonic stenting. CONCLUSIONS: The technical success and clinical improvement associated with self-expandable metal stents used to treat proximal colon obstruction tend to be lower than cases of distal colon obstruction. Technical failure is an important cause of poor clinical improvement in patients with proximal colon stenting. Complication rates and stent patency appear to be similar in both groups.

The Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Cell Proliferation and the Expressions of p27 and Skp2 in Helicobacter pylori Infected Human Gastric Epithelial Cells / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), a member of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily, exhibit anti-tumoral effects and are associated with de novo synthesis of proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle and cell survival/death. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an etiologic agent for gastric adenocarcinoma, and raises the cell turnover of gastric epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPAR gamma ligand rosiglitazone on the cell proliferation and the expressions of p27 and Skp2 protein in H. pylori infected gastric epithelial cells. METHODS: We examined the expression of PPAR gamma by Western blot in H. pylori infected AGS human gastric epithelial cells. The effect of rosiglitazone on the survival of H. pylori infected AGS cells was assessed by cell viability assay. After the treatment of rosiglitazone in H. pylori infected AGS cells, the expressions of p27 and Skp2 were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of PPAR gamma protein was increased in H. pylori infected AGS cells. Cell growth was inhibited and decreased in dose- and time- dependent manner in H. pylori infected AGS cells treated with rosiglitazone. A decrease in Skp2 expression and a reciprocal increase in p27 expression were found in dose- and time-dependent manner in H. pylori infected AGS cells treated with rosiglitazone. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone inhibited the growth of H. pylori infected AGS cells. Rosiglitazone attenuated Skp2 expression, thereby promoting p27 accumulation in H. pylori infected human gastric epithelial cells. Further studies will be needed to find the effects of accumulation on cell turnover in H. pylori infection and the role in the H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis.

Usefulness of the Rendezvous Technique for Biliary Stricture after Adult Right-Lobe Living-Donor Liver Transplantation with Duct-To-Duct Anastomosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Replacement of a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) catheter with inside stents using endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is difficult in patients with angulated or twisted biliary anastomotic stricture after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We evaluated the usefulness and safety of the rendezvous technique for the management of biliary stricture after LDLT. METHODS: Twenty patients with PTBD because of biliary stricture after LDLT with duct-to-duct anastomosis underwent the placement of inside stents using the rendezvous technique. RESULTS: Inside stents were successfully placed in the 20 patients using the rendezvous technique. The median procedure time was 29.6 (range, 7.5-71.8) minutes. The number of inside stents placed was one in 12 patients and two in eight patients. One mild acute pancreatitis and one acute cholangitis occurred, which improved within a few days. Inside stent related sludge or stone was identified in 12 patients during follow-up. Thirteen patients achieved stent-free status for a median of 281 (range, 70-1,351) days after removal of the inside stents. CONCLUSIONS: The rendezvous technique is a useful and safe method for the replacement of PTBD catheter with inside stent in patients with biliary stricture after LDLT with duct-to-duct anastomosis. The rendezvous technique could be recommended to patients with angulated or twisted strictures.

Change of Clostridium difficile Colitis during Recent 10 Years in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our clinical experience and recent published literatures suggest that Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) has become more common and potentially more pathogenic in recent years. The aim of study was to evaluate changes in the epidemiological features of CDC in hospitalized patients in Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients of CDC diagnosed at Kangnam St. Mary Hospital from 1998 to 2007. CDC was defined as having a positive C. difficile cytotoxicity assay, or endoscopic or pathologic evidence of CDC. RESULTS: A total of 189 cases (male 73, female 116, mean age 63.3 years) of CDC were diagnosed during the study period. The prevalence of CDC increased from 1.9/10,000 patient admissions in 1998-1999 to 8.82/10,000 patient admissions in 2006-2007. One hundred sixty three indication for cases (86.2%) of patients identified a prior use of antibiotics in the 2 months preceding diagnosis. The most common antibiotic use was prophylactic use during perioperational period (33.3%) followed by pneumonia (23.3%). The overall response rate to initial antibiotics was 82.7%. One hundred seventy two (91%) patients were initially treated with metronidazole. The response rate was 84.3%. All patients with initial failure to metronidazole were successfully treated by vancomycin. The response rate of vancomycin as first treatment was 80%. Three deaths were associated with CDC despite the use of combination of metronidazole and vancomycin. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CDC in hospitalized patients in Korea significantly increased from 1998 to 2007.

Biliary Stricture after Adult Right-Lobe Living-Donor Liver Transplantation with Duct-to-Duct Anastomosis: Long-Term Outcome and Its Related Factors after Endoscopic Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biliary stricture is the most common and important complication after right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT) with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. This study evaluated the efficacy and long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture after LDLT, with the aim of identifying the factors that influence the outcome. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-nine adults received RL-LDLTs with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis between January 2000 and May 2008 at Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed in 113 patients who had biliary stricture after LDLT. We evaluated the incidence of post-LDLT biliary stricture and the long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture. The factors related to the outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Biliary strictures developed in 121 (35.7%) patients, 95 (78.5%) of them within 1 year of surgery. The mean number of ERCs performed per patient was 3.2 (range, 1 to 11). The serum biochemical markers decreased significantly after ERC (p<0.001). Stent insertion or stricture dilatation during ERC was successful in 90 (79.6%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 33 months from the first successful treatment with ERC, 48 (42.5%) patients achieved treatment success and 12 (10.6%) patients remained under treatment. The factors related to the outcome of endoscopic treatment were nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment is efficacious and has an acceptable long-term outcome in the management of biliary strictures related to RL-LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. Nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery are correlated with a worse outcome of endoscopic treatment.