Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia: Real Culprit or Innocent Bystander as a Precancerous Condition for Gastric Cancer?

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), which denotes conversion of gastric mucosa into an intestinal phenotype, can occur in all regions of the stomach, including cardiac, fundic, and pyloric mucosa. Since the earliest description of GIM, its association with gastric cancer of the differentiated (intestinal) type has been a well-recognized concern. Many epidemiologic studies have confirmed GIM to be significantly associated with subsequent gastric cancer development. Helicobacter pylori, the principal etiologic factor for gastric cancer, plays the most important role in predisposing to GIM. Although the role of GIM in the stepwise progression model of gastric carcinogenesis (the so-called "Correa cascade") has come into question recently, we review the scientific evidence that strongly supports this long-standing model and propose a new progression model that builds on the Correa cascade. Eradication of H pylori is the most important method for preventing gastric cancer globally, but the effect of eradication on established GIM, is limited, if any. Endoscopic surveillance for GIM may, therefore, be necessary, especially when there is extensive corpus GIM. Recent advances in image-enhanced endoscopy with integrated artificial intelligence have facilitated the identification of GIM and neoplastic lesions, which will impact preventive strategies in the near future.

Recent Progress of Image-Enhanced Endoscopy for Upper Gastrointestinal Neoplasia and Associated Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The main therapeutic modality of early upper gastrointestinal neoplasms has shifted from surgery to endoscopic therapy. The role of endoscopy has also expanded not only for more accurate diagnosis of neoplasms but also for the determination of extent and depth of neoplasms with a combination of multiple electronically modified images acquired with image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for assessing the feasibility of endoscopic treatment. SUMMARY: These IEE with or without magnifying endoscopy including narrow-band imaging, blue laser imaging, and linked color imaging (LCI) using narrow-band light have greatly changed the diagnosis for upper gastrointestinal neoplasms. These modalities produce high color contrast between cancer and surrounding mucosa at distant views and clear visualization of surface and vessels at close-up observations. LCI shows purple color of intestinal metaplasia (IM) distinct from other inflammatory gastric mucosae and facilitates the recognition of early gastric cancers often surrounded by IM. Recently, ultrathin endoscopy has provided high-resolution images similar to standard-caliber endoscopy. In addition, these advanced IEEs that integrate computer-assisted artificial intelligence systems are marked and will improve our diagnostic performance for neoplasia in the future. KEY MESSAGE: New IEE with sufficient brightness and color contrast has increasingly been used based on accumulated evidence for early and accurate detection of neoplastic lesions. We provide recent articles relevant to endoscopic diagnosis with IEE on esophageal, gastric, and duodenal neoplasms. Endoscopic equipment that integrates artificial intelligence support system is now being introduced into routine clinical use and is expected to enhance early detection of neoplastic lesions.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the costs of gastric cancer screening systems between serological risk-based upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the existing barium photofluorography: gastric cancer screening labeled by serum examination in place of aged gastric cancer organized screening systems (GALAPAGOS study).

BACKGROUND: Although the risk of gastric cancer can be stratified according to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) IgG antibody titer and pepsinogen levels (ABC classification), a population-based gastric cancer screening system combining serological tests and endoscopy has not been introduced. This study aimed to compare the total testing cost per participant between the ABC classification method and the existing protocol. METHODS: Using the minimization method with sex and age as allocation factors, 1206 participants were randomly assigned to the following two methods for a 5-year intervention: barium photofluorography as primary examination followed by detailed examination with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Ba-Endo) and risk-based upper gastrointestinal endoscopy by ABC classification (ABC-Endo). The primary endpoint was the total testing cost per participant over a 5-year period. The secondary endpoint was the expense required to detect one gastric cancer. RESULTS: The total testing cost per participant was 39,711 yen in Ba-Endo (604 participants) and 45,227 yen in ABC-Endo (602 participants), with the latter being significantly higher (p < 0.001). During the intervention period, gastric cancer was found in 11 and eight participants in Ba-Endo and ABC-Endo, respectively. The expenses required to detect one gastric cancer were 2,240,931 yen in Ba-Endo and 3,486,662 yen in ABC-Endo. CONCLUSIONS: The testing cost per participant turned out to be higher in the ABC-Endo group than in the Ba-Endo group. This superiority trial, based on the hypothesis that the cost of testing is lower for ABC-Endo than for Ba-Endo, was rejected.

Asia-Pacific guidelines for managing functional dyspepsia overlapping with other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Contemporary systems for the diagnosis and management gastrointestinal symptoms not attributable to organic diseases (Functional GI Disorders, FGID, now renamed Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction, DGBI) seek to categorize patients into narrowly defined symptom-based sub-classes to enable targeted treatment of patient cohorts with similar underlying putative pathophysiology. However, an overlap of symptom categories frequently occurs and has a negative impact on treatment outcomes. There is a lack of guidance on their management. An Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) working group was set up to develop clinical practice guidelines for management of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who have an overlap with another functional gastrointestinal disorder: FD with gastroesophageal reflux (FD-GERD), epigastric pain syndrome with irritable bowel syndrome (EPS-IBS), postprandial distress syndrome with IBS (PDS-IBS), and FD-Constipation. We identified putative pathophysiology to provide a basis for treatment recommendations. A management algorithm is presented to guide primary and secondary care clinicians.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report.

Helicobacter pyloriInfection is formally recognised as an infectious disease, an entity that is now included in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. This in principle leads to the recommendation that all infected patients should receive treatment. In the context of the wide clinical spectrum associated with Helicobacter pylori gastritis, specific issues persist and require regular updates for optimised management.The identification of distinct clinical scenarios, proper testing and adoption of effective strategies for prevention of gastric cancer and other complications are addressed. H. pylori treatment is challenged by the continuously rising antibiotic resistance and demands for susceptibility testing with consideration of novel molecular technologies and careful selection of first line and rescue therapies. The role of H. pylori and antibiotic therapies and their impact on the gut microbiota are also considered.Progress made in the management of H. pylori infection is covered in the present sixth edition of the Maastricht/Florence 2021 Consensus Report, key aspects related to the clinical role of H. pylori infection were re-evaluated and updated. Forty-one experts from 29 countries representing a global community, examined the new data related to H. pylori infection in five working groups: (1) indications/associations, (2) diagnosis, (3) treatment, (4) prevention/gastric cancer and (5) H. pylori and the gut microbiota. The results of the individual working groups were presented for a final consensus voting that included all participants. Recommendations are provided on the basis of the best available evidence and relevance to the management of H. pylori infection in various clinical fields.

Kyoto international consensus report on anatomy, pathophysiology and clinical significance of the gastro-oesophageal junction.

OBJECTIVE: An international meeting was organised to develop consensus on (1) the landmarks to define the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ), (2) the occurrence and pathophysiological significance of the cardiac gland, (3) the definition of the gastro-oesophageal junctional zone (GOJZ) and (4) the causes of inflammation, metaplasia and neoplasia occurring in the GOJZ. DESIGN: Clinical questions relevant to the afore-mentioned major issues were drafted for which expert panels formulated relevant statements and textural explanations.A Delphi method using an anonymous system was employed to develop the consensus, the level of which was predefined as ≥80% of agreement. Two rounds of voting and amendments were completed before the meeting at which clinical questions and consensus were finalised. RESULTS: Twenty eight clinical questions and statements were finalised after extensive amendments. Critical consensus was achieved: (1) definition for the GOJ, (2) definition of the GOJZ spanning 1 cm proximal and distal to the GOJ as defined by the end of palisade vessels was accepted based on the anatomical distribution of cardiac type gland, (3) chemical and bacterial (Helicobacter pylori) factors as the primary causes of inflammation, metaplasia and neoplasia occurring in the GOJZ, (4) a new definition of Barrett's oesophagus (BO). CONCLUSIONS: This international consensus on the new definitions of BO, GOJ and the GOJZ will be instrumental in future studies aiming to resolve many issues on this important anatomic area and hopefully will lead to better classification and management of the diseases surrounding the GOJ.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular, renal or gastrointestinal comorbidities: joint APAGE/APLAR/APSDE/APSH/APSN/PoA recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly prescribed medications, but they are associated with a number of serious adverse effects, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney injury and GI complications. OBJECTIVE: To develop a set of multidisciplinary recommendations for the safe prescription of NSAIDs. METHODS: Randomised control trials and observational studies published before January 2018 were reviewed, with 329 papers included for the synthesis of evidence-based recommendations. RESULTS: Whenever possible, a NSAID should be avoided in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, high risk of cardiovascular disease and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Before treatment with a NSAID is started, blood pressure should be measured, unrecognised CKD should be screened in high risk cases, and unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia should be investigated. For patients with high cardiovascular risk, and if NSAID treatment cannot be avoided, naproxen or celecoxib are preferred. For patients with a moderate risk of peptic ulcer disease, monotherapy with a non-selective NSAID plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), or a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor should be used; for those with a high risk of peptic ulcer disease, a selective COX-2 inhibitor plus PPI are needed. For patients with pre-existing hypertension receiving renin-angiotensin system blockers, empirical addition (or increase in the dose) of an antihypertensive agent of a different class should be considered. Blood pressure and renal function should be monitored in most cases. CONCLUSION: NSAIDs are a valuable armamentarium in clinical medicine, but appropriate recognition of high-risk cases, selection of a specific agent, choice of ulcer prophylaxis and monitoring after therapy are necessary to minimise the risk of adverse events.

Scientific frontiers in faecal microbiota transplantation: joint document of Asia-Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and Asia-Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE).

OBJECTIVE: The underlying microbial basis, predictors of therapeutic outcome and active constituent(s) of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) mediating benefit remain unknown. An international panel of experts presented key elements that will shape forthcoming FMT research and practice. DESIGN: Systematic search was performed, FMT literature was critically appraised and a 1-day round-table discussion was conducted to derive expert consensus on key issues in FMT research. RESULTS: 16 experts convened and discussed five questions regarding (1) the role of donor and recipient microbial (bacteria, viruses, fungi) parameters in FMT; (2) methods to assess microbiota alterations; (3) concept of keystone species and microbial predictors of FMT, (4) influence of recipient profile and antibiotics pretreatment on FMT engraftment and maintenance and (5) new developments in FMT formulations and delivery. The panel considered that variable outcomes of FMT relate to compositional and functional differences in recipient's microbiota, and likely donor-associated and recipient-associated physiological and genetic factors. Taxonomic composition of donor intestinal microbiota may influence the efficacy of FMT in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections and UC. FMT not only alters bacteria composition but also establishes trans-kingdom equilibrium between gut fungi, viruses and bacteria to promote the recovery of microbial homeostasis. FMT is not a one size fits all and studies are required to identify microbial components that have specific effects in patients with different diseases. CONCLUSION: FMT requires optimisation before their therapeutic promise can be evaluated for different diseases. This summary will guide future directions and priorities in advancement of the science and practice of FMT.

Screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori for gastric cancer prevention: the Taipei global consensus.

OBJECTIVE: A global consensus meeting was held to review current evidence and knowledge gaps and propose collaborative studies on population-wide screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori for prevention of gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: 28 experts from 11 countries reviewed the evidence and modified the statements using the Delphi method, with consensus level predefined as ≥80% of agreement on each statement. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was followed. RESULTS: Consensus was reached in 26 statements. At an individual level, eradication of H. pylori reduces the risk of GC in asymptomatic subjects and is recommended unless there are competing considerations. In cohorts of vulnerable subjects (eg, first-degree relatives of patients with GC), a screen-and-treat strategy is also beneficial. H. pylori eradication in patients with early GC after curative endoscopic resection reduces the risk of metachronous cancer and calls for a re-examination on the hypothesis of 'the point of no return'. At the general population level, the strategy of screen-and-treat for H. pylori infection is most cost-effective in young adults in regions with a high incidence of GC and is recommended preferably before the development of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. However, such a strategy may still be effective in people aged over 50, and may be integrated or included into national healthcare priorities, such as colorectal cancer screening programmes, to optimise the resources. Reliable locally effective regimens based on the principles of antibiotic stewardship are recommended. Subjects at higher risk of GC, such as those with advanced gastric atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, should receive surveillance endoscopy after eradication of H. pylori. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports the proposal that eradication therapy should be offered to all individuals infected with H. pylori. Vulnerable subjects should be tested, and treated if the test is positive. Mass screening and eradication of H. pylori should be considered in populations at higher risk of GC.

"It ain't over till it's over!" Risk-mitigation strategies for patients with gastrointestinal diseases in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The available COVID-19 literature has focused on specific disease manifestations, infection control, and delivery or prioritization of services for specific patient groups in the setting of the acute COVID-19 pandemic. Local health systems aim to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and hospitals and health-care providers rush to provide the capacity for a surge of COVID-19 patients. However, the short, medium-term, and long-term outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases without COVID-19 will be affected by the ability to develop locally adapted strategies to meet their service needs in the COVID-19 setting. To mitigate risks for patients with GI diseases, it is useful to differentiate three phases: (i) the acute phase, (ii) the adaptation phase, and (iii) the consolidation phase. During the acute phase, service delivery for patients with GI disease will be curtailed to meet competing health-care needs of COVID-19 patients. During the adaptation phase, GI services are calibrated towards a "new normal," and the consolidation phase is characterized by rapid introduction and ongoing refinement of services. Proactive planning with engagement of relevant stakeholders including consumer representatives is required to be prepared for a variety of scenarios that are dictated by thus far undefined long-term economic and societal impacts of the pandemic. Because substantial changes to the delivery of services are likely to occur, it is important that these changes are embedded into quality and research frameworks to ensure that data are generated that support evidence-based decision-making during the adaptation and consolidation phases.

Major cardiovascular and bleeding events with long-term use of aspirin in patients with prior cardiovascular diseases: 1-year follow-up results from the Management of Aspirin-induced Gastrointestinal Complications (MAGIC) study.

Aspirin should be used for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events by the risk-benefit balance. This study was conducted to clarify CV and bleeding events in Japanese aspirin users with a history of CV diseases. This study was a prospective, nationwide, multicenter cooperative registry of Japanese patients with CV diseases at risk of thromboembolism who were taking aspirin (75-325 mg) for at least 1 year. We observed major CV and bleeding events during follow-up. Patients with history of ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA), coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were included and analyzed in this sutdy. CV events included IS, TIA, CAD, CV death, angioplasty or stenting, and hospitalization because of CV disease. Bleeding events included major bleeding requiring hospitalization and/or blood transfusion. A total of 1506 patients were categorized into IS/TIA (N = 540), CAD (N = 632), and AF/VTE (N = 232). Among them, 101 patients had two or more categories. CV and bleeding events occurred in 61 (3.82%/year) and 15 patients (0.93%/year), respectively. The annual rates of CV and bleeding events were 2.81% and 0.93% in IS/TIA, 5.32% and 0.75% in CAD, 1.15% and 1.15% in AF/VTE, and 6.44% and 0.91% in two or more disease categories, respectively. The Management of Aspirin-induced Gastrointestinal Complications (MAGIC) study clarified the rates of major CV and bleeding events with long-term use of aspirin in patients with prior CV diseases in real-world clinical practice. The risk-benefit balance of aspirin was acceptable in patients with IS/TIA, CAD, and multiple CV diseases but not in those with AF/VTE.Trial Registration: The MAGIC Study is registered at UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm), number UMIN000000750.

Gastric cancer prevention targeted on risk assessment: Gastritis OLGA staging.

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks among the most lethal epithelial malignancies, and its striking mortality rate prompts a global prevention strategy. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis is the main GC promoter, and the 2014 Global Kyoto conference recognized H. pylori gastritis as a (treatable) infectious disease. It is therefore plausible that any large-scale intervention for H. pylori eradication would result in cleansing the world of the fifth cause of cancer-related death. Atrophic gastritis is the cancerization field in which GCs (both intestinal and diffuse histotypes) mainly develop. Discontinuing the inflammatory cascade triggered by H. pylori is tantamount to preventing GC. For patients (still infected or eradicated) who have already developed gastric atrophy, the severity/topography of the atrophic changes correlates with their cancer risk. Gastritis OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) staging consistently ranks the atrophy-associated cancer risk, providing a solid clinical/biological rationale for establishing patient-specific surveillance programs. By combining primary and secondary prevention strategies, gastric cancer is a preventable disease.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the incidence of gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered to be the most important risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). The International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that H. pylori eradication could reduce the risk of developing GC. Several clinical studies have investigated this relationship as well; however, their results are inconsistent owing to the varied inclusion criteria. To address the effect of H. pylori eradication on GC incidence, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis with several subgroup analyses to resolve these inconsistencies. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and Ichushi-Web to identify randomized control trial and cohort study articles (English or Japanese) through December 2016. Manual searches were also conducted to identify unlisted references in these databases. Eligible studies reported GC incidence as an outcome, with comparisons between H. pylori eradication and control groups. Subgroup analyses were conducted by country, conditions at baseline, and follow-up periods. RESULTS: We selected 28 studies among 1583 references in the databases and 4 studies by manual searches. The H. pylori eradication group showed significantly lower risk of GC [odds ratio (OR) 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.55]. The subgroup analyses indicated that the beneficial effect of eradication was greater in Japan (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.31-0.49), particularly among those with benign conditions (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.54), although none of them was statistically significant. However, reduction of gastric cancer after eradication was significantly greater (p = 0.01) in the groups with long-term (5 years or longer) follow-up (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.24-0.43) as compared to those with shorter follow-up (less than 5 years) (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41-0.72). CONCLUSION: Real world data showed that large-scale eradication therapy has been performed mostly for benign conditions in Japan. Since eradication effects in preventing gastric cancer are conceivably greater there, GC incidence may decline faster in Japan than expected from the previous meta-analyses data which were based on multi-national, mixed populations with differing screening quality and disease progression.

Vonoprazan prevents low-dose aspirin-associated ulcer recurrence: randomised phase 3 study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and lansoprazole for secondary prevention of low-dose aspirin (LDA)-associated peptic ulcers in a 24-week study and long-term extension therapy in separate study. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomised, non-inferiority study; single-blind extension study at 104 Japanese sites, including 621 patients (439 in extension) with a history of peptic ulcers who required long-term LDA therapy. Randomised (1:1:1, computer generated) patients received lansoprazole 15 mg (n=217), vonoprazan 10 mg (n=202) or vonoprazan 20 mg (n=202) once daily for 24 weeks (double blind) and ≤2 years (extension). The following measurements were made: 24-week (primary outcome; double blind) and 12-week peptic ulcer recurrence rate, 24-week GI bleeding rate, cumulative incidences of peptic ulcer recurrence and GI bleeding, treatment-emergent adverse events, laboratory results, serum gastrin and pepsinogen I/II concentrations. RESULTS: The 24-week peptic ulcer recurrence rate was 2.8%, 0.5% and 1.5% in the lansoprazole 15 mg, vonoprazan 10 mg and vonoprazan 20 mg groups, respectively. Vonoprazan was non-inferior (Farrington and Manning test: margin 8.7%, significance level 2.5%) to lansoprazole. In the post hoc analyses of the extension study, peptic ulcer recurrence rates were significantly lower with vonoprazan 10 mg (log-rank test, P=0.039), but not vonoprazan 20 mg (P=0.260), compared with lansoprazole 15 mg. GI bleeding rates were higher with lansoprazole compared with two doses of vonoprazan in both 24-week study and extension study. CONCLUSION: Vonoprazan (10 and 20 mg) was as effective as lansoprazole (15 mg) in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence during LDA therapy, had a similar long-term safety profile and was well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01452763; NCT01456247.

Vonoprazan prevents ulcer recurrence during long-term NSAID therapy: randomised, lansoprazole-controlled non-inferiority and single-blind extension study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the non-inferiority of vonoprazan to lansoprazole for secondary prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic ulcer (PU) and the safety of vonoprazan during extended use. DESIGN: A phase 3, 24-week, multicenter, randomised, double-blind (DB), active-controlled study, followed by a phase 3, ≥28 week, multicenter, single-blind, parallel-group extension study (EXT) in outpatients (n=642) receiving long-term NSAID therapy who are at risk of PU recurrence. The patients received vonoprazan (10 mg or 20 mg) or lansoprazole 15 mg once daily. For DB, non-inferiority of the proportion of patients with recurrent PU within 24 weeks was analysed by Farrington and Manning test (significance level 2.5%, non-inferiority margin 8.3%; primary endpoint), recurrent PU within 12 weeks, bleeding and time-to-event of PU (secondary endpoint) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). For EXT, TEAEs (primary endpoint), recurrent PU and safety (secondary) were assessed up to 104 weeks for patients in the extension study. RESULTS: The non-inferiority of vonoprazan 10 mg and 20 mg to lansoprazole 15 mg was verified (percentage difference -2.2%,95% CI -6.2% to 1.8%, p<0.001; -2.1%,95% CI -6.1% to 2.0%, p<0.001, respectively). The proportion of patients with endoscopically confirmed recurrent PU within 24 weeks was 3.3%, 3.4% and 5.5%, for vonoprazan 10 mg, 20 mg and lansoprazole 15 mg, respectively. No significant safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSION: The non-inferiority of vonoprazan (10 and 20 mg) was verified in patients receiving long-term NSAIDs in DB; it was effective and well tolerated in EXT for longer than 1 year, with a safety profile similar to lansoprazole (15 mg). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01452750, NCT01456260; Results.

Management of patients on antithrombotic agents undergoing emergency and elective endoscopy: joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) practice guidelines.

This Guideline is a joint official statement of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and the Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE). It was developed in response to the increasing use of antithrombotic agents (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in Asia. After reviewing current practice guidelines in Europe and the USA, the joint committee identified unmet needs, noticed inconsistencies, raised doubts about certain recommendations and recognised significant discrepancies in clinical practice between different regions. We developed this joint official statement based on a systematic review of the literature, critical appraisal of existing guidelines and expert consensus using a two-stage modified Delphi process. This joint APAGE-APSDE Practice Guideline is intended to be an educational tool that assists clinicians in improving care for patients on antithrombotics who require emergency or elective GI endoscopy in the Asian Pacific region.

Asia-Pacific working group consensus on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: an update 2018.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains an important emergency condition, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. As endoscopic therapy is the 'gold standard' of management, treatment of these patients can be considered in three stages: pre-endoscopic treatment, endoscopic haemostasis and post-endoscopic management. Since publication of the Asia-Pacific consensus on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) 7 years ago, there have been significant advancements in the clinical management of patients in all three stages. These include pre-endoscopy risk stratification scores, blood and platelet transfusion, use of proton pump inhibitors; during endoscopy new haemostasis techniques (haemostatic powder spray and over-the-scope clips); and post-endoscopy management by second-look endoscopy and medication strategies. Emerging techniques, including capsule endoscopy and Doppler endoscopic probe in assessing adequacy of endoscopic therapy, and the pre-emptive use of angiographic embolisation, are attracting new attention. An emerging problem is the increasing use of dual antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases. Guidelines on the discontinuation and then resumption of these agents in patients presenting with NVUGIB are very much needed. The Asia-Pacific Working Group examined recent evidence and recommends practical management guidelines in this updated consensus statement.

The role of the microbiome and the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in adults in the Asia-Pacific region - background and recommendations of a regional consensus meeting.

The Asia-Pacific region is diverse, with regard to ethnicity, culture, and economic development incorporating some of the world's least and most developed nations. Gastrointestinal diseases are common in the Asia-Pacific region, and their prevalence, presentation, and management vary considerably within the region. There is growing evidence for an important role for the human gut microbiota in gastrointestinal health. As a consequence, geographic variations in the composition of the gut microbiota may contribute to variations in both the prevalence and response to therapy of specific diseases. Probiotics have been proposed as a valuable option in the prevention and treatment of a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, but the quality of available evidence to support their efficacy is variable. A meeting of international experts in adult and pediatric gastroenterology was held at the Sorbonne University, Paris, France, on April 11 and 12, 2016, to discuss current evidence supporting the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in the Asia-Pacific region. This article provides an overview of the discussions held at this meeting and recommends the formation of an Asia-Pacific Consortium on Gut Microbiota similar to those established in Europe and North America.

Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology consensus on tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment. Part 1: Risk assessment.

Because anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become increasingly popular in many Asian countries, the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) among anti-TNF users may raise serious health problems in this region. Thus, the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology have developed a set of consensus statements about risk assessment, detection, and prevention of latent TB infection and management of active TB infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving anti-TNF treatment. Twenty-three consensus statements were initially drafted and then discussed by the committee members. The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Web-based consensus voting was performed by 211 IBD specialists from nine Asian countries concerning each statement. A consensus statement was accepted if at least 75% of the participants agreed. Part 1 of the statements comprised two parts: (i) risk of TB infection during anti-TNF therapy and (ii) screening for TB infection prior to commencing anti-TNF therapy. These consensus statements will help clinicians optimize patient outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to TB infections in patients with IBD receiving anti-TNF treatment.

Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology consensus on tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment. Part 2: Management.

Because anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become increasingly popular in many Asian countries, the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) among anti-TNF users may raise serious health problems in this region. Thus, the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology have developed a set of consensus statements about risk assessment, detection and prevention of latent TB infection, and management of active TB infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving anti-TNF treatment. Twenty-three consensus statements were initially drafted and then discussed by the committee members. The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Web-based consensus voting was performed by 211 IBD specialists from nine Asian countries concerning each statement. A consensus statement was accepted if at least 75% of the participants agreed. Part 2 of the statements comprised three parts: (3) management of latent TB in preparation for anti-TNF therapy, (4) monitoring during anti-TNF therapy, and (5) management of an active TB infection after anti-TNF therapy. These consensus statements will help clinicians optimize patient outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to TB infections in patients with IBD receiving anti-TNF treatment.