The Korean journal of gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe chi最新文献

Background/aims: The use of 1-L polyethylene glycol with ascorbate (PEG/Asc) and oral sulfate tablets (OST) as low-volume bowel preparation agents has gradually increased. However, these agents may induce acute gastropathy during bowel preparation, particularly in elderly populations. This study aimed to compare the incidence of acute gastropathy of 1-L PEG/Asc and OST according to age, as well as efficacy and safety.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy for screening on the same day and underwent bowel preparation using OST or 1-L PEG/Asc. We collected EGD findings related to acute gastropathy, bowel-cleansing score using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), polyp or adenoma detection rate (ADR), and laboratory parameters.

Results: Of 4,711 patients, 1,758, 2,241, and 712 were in the younger (18-49 years), middle-aged (50-64 years), and older (≥65 years) groups, respectively. In all age groups, the OST group had higher rates of acute gastropathy than the 1-L PEG/Asc group. The younger-, middle-, and older-aged groups had OST and 1-L PEG/Asc usage rates of 42.9% and 11.6%, 41.2% and 16.0%, and 41.5% and 16.4%, respectively. Notably, in the younger group, the total BBPS and ADR scores were significantly higher in the OST group than in the 1-L PEG/Asc group; however, these did not differ in the other age groups.

Conclusions: Acute gastropathy was more strongly associated with OST than with 1-L PEG/Asc in all age groups. Therefore, physicians should consider acute gastropathy associated with low-volume agents in all age groups when performing bowel preparation.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that requires abundant clinical experience and endoscopic skills, and can lead to various complications, some of which may progress to life-threatening conditions. With expanding indications and technological advancements, ERCP is widely utilized, enhancing procedural accessibility. However, without proper quality management, the procedure can pose significant risks. Quality management in ERCP is essential to ensure safe and successful procedures and meet societal demands for improved healthcare competitiveness. To address these concerns, the Korean Society of Pancreatobiliary Endoscopy has developed a Korean-specific ERCP quality indicator reflecting domestic medical environments and realities. Initially, based on a review of foreign ERCP quality indicators and related literatures, key questions were formulated for five pre-procedural items, three intra-procedural items, and four post-procedural items. Descriptions and recommendations for each item were selected through peer evaluation. The developed Korean-specific ERCP quality indicator was reviewed by external experts based on the latest evidence and consensus in this fields. This Korean-specific indicator is expected to significantly contribute to improving ERCP quality in Korea, as it is tailored to local needs.

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is a rare histological subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma according to the World Health Organization classification of digestive system tumors. This subtype is exceptionally uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of pancreatic malignant tumors. This paper presents a rare case of a 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with UC-OGC. The patient initially presented with symptoms, including epigastric pain and the presence of an abdominal mass, which led to further investigation and the eventual diagnosis of this unusual and challenging form of pancreatic cancer.

Surgical resection of a primary tumor is the only effective curative treatment for patients with localized pancreatic cancer without a distant metastasis. Nevertheless, most patients eventually develop postoperative recurrence caused by micrometastases. The risk increases if a complete resection is not achieved. Three surgical stages have emerged for a preoperative assessment based on resectability: resectable, borderline resectable, and unresectable. Although controversial, considerable research has focused on the role of neoadjuvant therapy in all forms of potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. While upfront surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard of care for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, there is growing evidence that neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves overall survival without increasing the resection rate in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. This review describes the current treatment strategies for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and summarizes the results of the latest clinical trials.

Colonic intussusception is often reported to be related to malignancy in adults. Colonoscopy itself with or without polypectomy is known to be a rare cause of colonic intussusception. We encountered a case in which an individual was diagnosed with intussusception following colonoscopy. The patient was a 44-year-old female who, on the same day, had undergone a colonoscopy including endoscopic mucosal resection for a polyp in the ascending colon. She visited the emergency room with complaints of right-sided abdominal pain. Abdominal examination revealed peritoneal irritation in the right upper quadrant. Abdominal CT revealed colocolic intussusception near the hepatic flexure. This was suspected to have been induced by post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed because conducting a reduction trial through colonoscopy involves a high risk of peritonitis, in addition to a low likelihood of spontaneous reduction of intussusception due to the additional edema and ischemia resulting from the polypectomy. The patient was discharged without complications six days after the surgery. Though some cases have been reported, there is no treatment strategy for intussusception following colonoscopy. Therefore, we report this case of colonic intussusception following colonoscopy, which was found to be caused by Post-polypectomy Electrocoagulation Syndrome, with a literature review.

Colorectal cancer remains a significant health burden in South Korea, being the third most diagnosed cancer in the country. Despite advances in treatment, patients with metastatic colorectal cancer still face limited survival rates, with resection often deemed impossible for the majority. This review discusses the current state of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer treatment, focusing on both adjuvant chemotherapy post-surgery and palliative chemotherapy for metastatic cases. The article highlights recent updates in treatment guidelines, including the use of immunotherapy and the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in personalized medicine. The integration of these novel approaches aims to enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient survival, and reduce recurrence rates, paving the way for more tailored and effective therapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer management.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The introduction of biologics, particularly anti-interleukin (IL) agents, has revolutionized IBD treatment. This review summarizes the role of ILs in IBD pathophysiology and describes the efficacy and positioning of anti-IL therapies. We discuss the functions of key ILs in IBD and their potential as therapeutic targets. The review then discusses anti-IL therapies, focusing primarily on ustekinumab (anti-IL-12/23), risankizumab (anti-IL-23), and mirikizumab (anti-IL-23). Clinical trial data demonstrate their efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The safety profiles of these agents are generally favorable. However, long-term safety data for newer agents are still limited. The review also briefly discusses emerging therapies such as guselkumab and brazikumab. Network meta-analyses suggest that anti-IL therapies perform well compared to other biological agents. These agents may be considered first- or second-line therapies for many patients, especially those with comorbidities or safety concerns. Anti-IL therapies represent a significant advancement in IBD treatment, offering effective and relatively safe options for patients with moderate to severe disease.

Recently, novel biologics or small molecular drugs have been introduced for overcoming the unmet needs associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents for inflammtory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. Among these novel drugs, anti integrin agents block leukocyte trafficking to the intestine by blocking the interaction between integrin and cell adhesion molecules. Vedolizumab (anti-α4β7) is most widely used anti-integrin approved in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease .It has been shown to be effective in both induction and maintenance therapy with a favorable safety profile due to gut selectivity. Several models incorporating clinical, genetic, immune and gut microbial markers to predict response to vedolizumab in IBD have been developed. Etrolizumab (anti-β7) blocks leukocyte trafficking via α4β7 and cell adhesion via αEβ7 integrins. In addition, the introduction of subcutaneous vedolizumab showed similar efficacy and safety with improved patients' convenience. Other investigational anti-integrin therapies include abrilumab (anti-α4β7 IgG2), PN-943 (orally administered and gut-restricted α4β7 antagonist peptide), AJM300 (orally active small molecule inhibitor of α4), and ontamalimab (anti-MAdCAM-1 IgG).

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a chronic condition characterized by relapsing and remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Treatment paradigms have evolved significantly over the past few decades, with the introduction of biologics, particularly anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agents, marking a significant advancement. Anti-TNF therapies, including infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab pegol, have efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission, promoting mucosal healing, and improving the quality of life in moderate to severe IBD patients. The early and appropriate use of these agents can mitigate disease progression and reduce the dependency on corticosteroids, enhancing long-term patient outcomes. Nevertheless, these therapies are expensive and are associated with potential adverse effects, including increased risk of infections and malignancies. This review discusses the mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and therapeutic positioning of anti-TNF agents in IBD management, integrating current Korean treatment guidelines.

Small molecules, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (S1PRMs), are promising new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Small molecules exhibit more predictable pharmacokinetics than biologics, are less likely to induce immune responses, and can be administered orally. JAK inhibitors function by blocking the activity of JAK enzymes, which prevents the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. Tofacitinib and filgotinib are approved for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), while upadacitinib is approved for UC and Crohn's disease. Nevertheless, JAK inhibitors can increase the risk of herpes zoster, cancer, major adverse cardiovascular events, and venous thromboembolism. S1PRMs bind to S1PRs, particularly S1PR1, on lymphocytes. This interaction inhibits lymphocytes from exiting the lymph nodes and migrating to the gut, thereby reducing inflammation and the immune response in the intestinal mucosa. Ozanimod and etrasimod are S1PRMs approved for the treatment of UC, but they can cause side effects such as bradycardia, conduction disorder, and macular edema. Overall, JAK inhibitors and S1PRMs offer significant benefits in managing IBD, although their potential side effects require careful monitoring.