Digestive Diseases最新文献

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a widely adopted treatment for early esophageal cancer. However, extensive mucosal defects resulting from ESD pose a significant risk of post-procedural strictures. Despite efforts to prevent strictures through various means, including steroid administration, they remain a challenge, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and healthcare costs. Thus, identifying risk factors for refractory strictures following entire circumferential esophageal ESD (EC-E-ESD) is imperative.

Methods: Between July 2013 and September 2023, 49 patients who underwent EC-E-ESD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified based on the presence of refractory or non-refractory strictures. A refractory stricture was defined as requiring six or more endoscopic balloon dilation procedures before stricture improvement. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Refractory strictures were observed in 51% of patients. A comparison showed that the refractory group had a significantly higher percentage of muscular injury (52% vs. 8%, p = 0.002) and mucosal defect length ≥50 mm (68% vs. 37%, p = 0.047) than the non-refractory group. Multivariate analysis showed that muscular injury (odds ratio 16.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.04-129.1) was an independent risk factor for refractory strictures after EC-E-ESD.

Conclusions: Muscular injury during EC-E-ESD is a risk factor for refractory strictures. Strategies to prevent injury, such as meticulous dissection techniques and effective steroid administration, may mitigate this risk. However, current prophylactic measures are inadequate, highlighting the need for further research into preventive strategies.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors globally. Macrophages, as essential components of the immune system, play crucial roles in immune regulation, inflammation modulation, and antitumor activity. However, it remains unclear whether tumor-associated macrophages can serve as prognostic markers for HCC.

Methods: First, we identified tumor-associated macrophages based on single-cell data from GSE140228. Then, using a machine learning approach with a combination of 101 module genes, we constructed an optimal prognostic model. Subsequently, we compared our constructed model with other published prognostic models for HCC. Finally, we utilized the generated model score to predict the response to chemotherapy and immune therapy.

Results: First, we identified clusters of tumor-associated macrophages using single-cell data. Subsequently, we calculated the tumor-associated macrophage score based on module genes from the previous step. Compared to traditional clinical indicators, tumor-associated macrophage signature (TAMS) exhibits significant advantages. The TAMS C-index not only predicts overall survival, but also recurrence-free survival in HCC patients. Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of TP53 mutations in HCC patients with high TAMS. Furthermore, patients with low TAMS showed greater sensitivity to immunotherapy compared to those with high TAMS. Notably, the number and intensity of interactions between TAM and other T lymphocytes were significantly higher than those involving other cell populations. Interestingly, the high TAMS group exhibited significantly elevated levels of immune checkpoint markers and M2 macrophage markers.

Conclusion: TAMS can serve as a novel and potent tool, offering improved treatment options and prognostic assessment for patients with HCC.

Introduction: Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare and lethal condition that may progress to sepsis and perforations. Most related literature comes from case reports; however, a few small reviews have been published. We conducted a large systematic review of AEN using PubMed, Medline, and Embase to organize data into one consolidated manuscript, find potential prognosticators of illness, and determine possible treatment guidelines for AEN.

Methods: Advanced searches were performed of all English case reports from 1990 to 2021 using medical subject heading terms. Data on patient age, sex, comorbidities, initial presentation, management, progression of illness, and hospital survival were collected.

Results: Our study included 226 articles, encompassing 319 cases. A total of 32.3% of patients had diabetes, 26.6% had hypertension, and 19.7% had alcohol use disorder. Overall, 66.5% presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed and 21.9% developed sepsis or esophageal perforation. In total, 60.9% of patients were reported to have survived their illness, but 16.6% of cases did not have their discharge status documented. Interestingly, patients presenting with pain or ketoacidosis demonstrated improved survival.

Conclusion: AEN becomes more prevalent as patients age and develop cardiovascular disease, which increases the risk of developing a hypoperfusive state and mucosal injury to the distal esophagus. Early fluid resuscitation, acid-reducing agents, and bowel rest may serve as potential lifesaving interventions, and antibiotics should be considered if there is concern for infection. Patients require close follow-up in anticipation of impending stricture.

Introduction: Colorectal non-polypoid lesions (NPLs) are flat, hard-to-detect, and mainly right-sided lesions. We aimed to assess the prevalence and endoscopic features of NPL lesions in a large cohort of screening patients in Northern Italy.

Methods: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-positive subjects between 50 and 69 years old who had undergone at least a screening colonoscopy from March 2005 to December 2017 at the Endoscopy Unit of Ferrara were included. We selected only non-diminutive (>5 mm) and neoplastic polyps (i.e., adenomas, serrated adenomas, and carcinomas). Patients' demographics and polyps' endoscopic-histopathological data were collected. Categorical variables were compared using the Pearson's χ2 test and Fisher's exact test, while odd ratios and confidence intervals were estimated with univariate analysis.

Results: A total of 6,676 FIT-positive subjects underwent 7,616 colonoscopies during the study period. Total lesions were 3,231, of which 133 were NPLs and among these 123 were neoplastic. The prevalence of NPLs among total lesions was 4.1%, while prevalence of neoplastic NPLs among total neoplastic lesions was 4.6%. The prevalence of NPLs and neoplastic NPLs among total colonoscopies was 1.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Neoplastic NPLs were more frequent between 60 and 64 years old (p = 0.03) and associated with other colonic polyps in subjects older than 60 years (p = 0.016). Cancerized NPLs were more likely in younger patients (50-59 years old, p = 0.04).

Conclusions: Prevalence of NPLs is low among the screening population, but NPLs are frequently associated with other colorectal polyps in patients older than 60 years and carry a higher risk of cancer in patients younger than 60 years old.

Introduction: Genetic abnormalities specific to post-Helicobacter pylori eradication gastric cancer (GC), especially those associated with undifferentiated post-eradication GC, are unknown. We conducted next-generation sequencing of GC diagnosed either before or after eradication to investigate the carcinogenesis of post-eradication GC.

Methods: Five cases of post-eradication differentiated GC [HP(-)-D group], five cases of H. pylori-positive differentiated GC [HP(+)-D group], four cases of post-eradication undifferentiated GC [HP(-)-U group], and six cases of H. pylori-positive undifferentiated GC [HP(+)-U group] underwent analysis. DNA was extracted from tumor samples, and non-tumor samples of all subjects. Next-generation target sequencing was conducted using the Ion AmpliSeq Library Kit 2.0 with the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2. Next-generation targeted sequencing results of the cancer part were subtracted from the results of the non-cancer part.

Results: The HP(-)-D group displayed significantly fewer SNPs in hotspot than the other groups (p < 0.01). Definitive DNA mutations were identified by sequencing of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. 5 of 20 patients had specific somatic mutations, with different TP53 mutations in the HP(+)-D and HP(-)-U groups, CTNNB1 mutations in the HP(+)-U group, and ATM mutations in the HP(+)-U group, but no mutations in the HP(-)-D group.

Conclusion: Several definite genetic mutations involved in GC were observed. Mutations were less frequent in post-eradication differentiated GC. However, because of small number of cases analyzed to identify carcinogenic differences, further analysis with a large number of cases and with strictly grading GC samples is needed.

Introduction: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease causing bile duct destruction and inflammation, impacting patient's quality of life (QoL) due to variable symptoms. Digital symptom-tracker apps may improve patient care through enhanced monitoring. This study reassessed symptom burden in PBC patients using a tailored symptom-tracker app, focusing on its usability, effectiveness, and impact on management and QoL.

Methods: Based on Kautz5 gUG "Symptomtracker," our app in REDCap allowed users to log PBC symptoms over 4 weeks, alongside medication use. Ethics approval and data security complied with German regulations. User feedback was incorporated for better usability. Symptom data were standardized, and R software was used for descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

Results: From March 2023 to October 2024, 210 patients (190 female, 20 male) were enrolled, median age 51 years. Among 90 patients who completed the questionnaire, fatigue was most prevalent (87.8%), followed by joint pain (80%), concentration difficulties (74.4%), abdominal discomfort (70%), and sicca symptoms. Other common symptoms were leg cramps (50%) and swollen feet (40%); jaundice was rare (7.8%). Older patients, especially those aged 50-60, reported a higher symptom burden, but Chi-square tests showed no significant differences across age or gender.

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant symptom burden in PBC, particularly fatigue and joint pain. While older patients reported more symptoms, no significant differences were observed by age or gender. The symptom-tracker app enhanced monitoring and patient engagement, showing the potential of digital tools in PBC management. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term impacts.

Introduction: Major hepatectomy is the mainstay of curative-intent resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients. Textbook outcomes in liver surgery (TOLS) are a new composite parameter for evaluating the short-term outcomes of surgery; however, their association with overall survival (OS) is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between TOLS and OS in pCCA patients following major hepatectomy.

Methods: Consecutive pCCA patients who underwent major hepatectomy between 2014 and 2020 at 5 hospitals were included in this analysis. TOLS were defined as no intraoperative grade ≥2 incidents, no postoperative grade B/C bile leakage, no postoperative grade B/C liver failure, no postoperative major morbidity, no readmission within 90 days due to surgery-related major morbidity, no mortality within 90 days after hospital discharge, and R0 resection. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare OS rates between patients who achieved TOLS and those who did not. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for poor OS.

Results: In total, 399 patients were included in this study, 214 (53.6%) of whom achieved TOLS. After excluding patients who died within 90 days, the 5-year OS rate of patients who achieved TOLS was significantly greater than that of patients who did not achieve TOLS (5-year OS rate: 26.2% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.001). TOLS were independently associated with OS for pCCA patients following major hepatectomy.

Conclusions: TOLS were achieved in approximately half of the pCCA patients following major hepatectomy, and the patients who achieved TOLS had better survival.

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD)-related antibody positivity in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may fluctuate and become negative spontaneously. There are uncertainties about the optimal tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) titre and timing of endoscopy in the diagnosis of CD, and this study aimed to contribute to the debate on the tTG-IgA threshold titre for endoscopy decisions in children with T1D.

Methods: The data of 991 children with T1D who had undergone serologic evaluation for CD were analysed retrospectively. The tTG-IgA positivity rate and the upper limit of normal (ULN) tTG-IgA positivity were assessed. Participants were grouped according to the frequency, course, and test results of tTG-IgA tests. Those with and without histopathologic diagnosis of CD by endoscopic biopsy were compared in terms of tTG-IgA screening time and tTG-IgA predictive values.

Results: In 10.2% (n:101) of all cases, tTG-IgA antibody was positive and endoscopic biopsy was performed in 68.3% (n:69) of these cases. Of all cases, 4.3% (n:43) were diagnosed with CD by endoscopic biopsy. A tTG-IgA titre of 7×ULN and above was found to be the best predictive value for the diagnosis of CD with 79.1% sensitivity, 80.8% specificity 87.2% positive predictive value, and 70% negative predictive value.

Conclusions: Approximately 10% of antibody positive cases showed fluctuating and low-titre positivity, and no CD was detected by endoscopic biopsy in the group with fluctuating antibody course. The results of our study suggest that endoscopy in children with tTG-IgA levels 7×ULN or above may prevent both false-positive results and missed cases.

Introduction: Controversy remains regarding transparent cap-assisted technique improves adenoma detection rate (ADR) in colonoscopy. We aimed to investigate the effect of transparent cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) on ADR and other colonoscopy performance.

Methods: We performed subanalysis of an international, multicenter, open-label database containing colonoscopy data from 11 centers in 4 Asian countries/regions on patients who underwent colonoscopy. The patient characteristics, procedure-related characteristics, and pathological findings of all detected lesions were prospectively recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups as receiving colonoscopy with or without transparent cap attachment. The ADR and procedure time were compared between the 2 groups. Other procedural factors related to ADR were also investigated.

Results: Between November 2020 and January 2022, 3,029 who underwent colonoscopy (transparent CAC, n = 1,796; standard colonoscopy, n = 1,233) were enrolled in this study. The transparent CAC group ADR was significantly higher than the conventional colonoscopy (55.1% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.01). Transparent CAC detected a higher proportion of patients with adenoma (odd ratio [OR]: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.13-2.24, p < 0.01) and any polypoid lesion (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.04-2.16, p = 0.03). Transparent CAC also reduced cecal intubation time (mean difference: -0.35 min) and total colonoscopy time (mean difference -3.4 min). In the other procedural factors, using linked-color imaging (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.49-2.06, p < 0.01), patient body rotation (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.12-2.13, p < 0.01), longer withdrawal time (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09-1.15, p < 0.01) were also significantly associated to adenoma detection.

Conclusion: In real-world practice, transparent CAC is a safe and inexpensive technology that could improve adenoma and polyp detection.

Introduction: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive therapy might have an increased risk of developing a severe course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of antibodies in immunosuppressed patients with IBD compared to a healthy control group and to determine the effect of immunomodulators on the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels before and after a third vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: This is a single-center study with a retrospective observational design. Seventy-one IBD patients matched by propensity score to 71 healthy employees (control group) were included. Blood was taken from both groups at predetermined times before and after the third booster vaccination.

Results: All patients with IBD (n = 71, 100%) received immunomodulatory therapy. The mean antibody level before the third vaccination was 1,352.88 U/mL (SD = 1,011.489) in the IBD group and was not lower compared to the control group (p = 0.088). Gender, age, and disease duration had no significant impact on the development of antibody levels. Patients with TNF-alpha blockers had significantly lower antibody titers (p = 0.011) compared to the control group. Patients with integrin inhibitor therapy had significantly higher antibody titers (p = 0.003) than the controls. After the third vaccination, an increase in antibody titers was recorded in all patients in the IBD group.

Conclusion: We recorded an antibody titer in all patients with IBD that was not significantly lower compared to healthy controls despite immunomodulatory therapy. The booster vaccination led to an increase in antibody levels in all patients with IBD.