BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with positive breath-test results and to assess the relationship between hydrogen and methane production in patients with suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).METHODS: The demographic and clinical factors of 268 patients with suspected IBS, who had undergone a lactulose breath test, were analyzed.RESULTS: Of 268 patients included in this study, 143 (53.4%) were females. The median age and BMI of the patients was 58.0 years (range, 18.0–80.0 years) and 22.5 kg/m² (range, 14.4–34.3 kg/m²), respectively. A weak positive correlation was observed between the BMI and baseline hydrogen level (rho=0.134, p=0.031). Women were significantly more likely to show a ≥20 ppm increase in hydrogen within 90 min (early hydrogen increase, p=0.049), a ≥10 ppm increase in methane within 90 min (early methane increase, p=0.001), and a ≥10 ppm increase in methane between 90 min and 180 min (late methane increase, p=0.002) compared to men. The baseline hydrogen level was related to the baseline methane level (rho=0.592, p<0.001) and the maximal hydrogen level within 90 min was related to maximal methane level within 90 min (rho=0.721, p<0.001). Patients with an early hydrogen increase (43.8%) were more likely to show a positive result for an early methane increase compared to patients without an early increase in hydrogen (0%, p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Women were associated with high rates of positive lactulose breath-test results. In addition, methane production was correlated with hydrogen production.
Breath Tests ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; Lactulose ; Male ; Methane ; Sex Characteristics

Background/Aims: Distinguishing gastric ectopic pancreas (GEP) from malignant tumors is relatively difficult. This study evaluated the endosonography findings of pathologically proven GEP. Methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with GEP based on a histopathological analysis from January 2004 to July 2018 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent EUS and an endoscopic resection. Results: Seventeen patients were female, and the median age was 41.1 years (range, 14-74). The lesions were localized most commonly in the antrum. The mean size of the GEP was 10.6 mm (range, 7-15). Superficial type lesions, lesions with heterogeneous echogenicity, mixed pattern lesions, and lesions with indistinct borders were commonly observed on EUS. Calcification, anechoic duct-like structures, and thickening of the muscularis propria were observed in some patients. Endoscopic mucosal resection (41.9%) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (58.1%) were performed. The mean procedure time was 22.5 minutes. Complete resection was achieved for 71% of patients. No statistically significant results between the endosonography findings and complete resection rates were obtained. The mean follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy duration was 4.5 months. None of the patients presented with residual lesions on subsequent endoscopy. Conclusions EUS can help identify the features of GEP. Careful observations of the EUS findings can avoid unnecessary removal of GEP.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Delayed gastric emptying (GE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in subjects with diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between GE time and the major cardiovascular events (coronary heart diseases and ischemic stroke) in diabetic subjects with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms. METHODS: Among 259 subjects with chronic UGI symptoms who underwent gastric emptying study (GES) over 13 years, 122 diabetic subjects without gastric surgery and/or rapid GE were enrolled in this study. We also gathered data about baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, estimated GE half-time (GE T(1/2)) and incidence of cardiovascular events following GES. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 64.0 ± 17.4 years. There were 86 women and 104 subjects with type 2 diabetes. There were 52 (42.6%) subjects with normal GE, 50 (41.0.%) subjects with mild delayed GE, and 20 (16.4%) subjects with marked delayed GE. During follow-up (median, 207 weeks), cardiovascular events occurred in 7 (13.5%) subjects with normal GE, 4 (8.0%) subjects with mild delayed GE and 7 (35.0%) subjects with marked GE (P = 0.015). Univariate analysis showed that GE T(1/2) was significantly associated with incidence of cardiovascular events (crude OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.12–2.69; P = 0.014). In a multivariate model, association between GE T(1/2) and incidence of cardiovascular events remained statistically significant after adjustment for baseline characteristics and comorbidities (adjusted OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.21–3.12; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A delay of GE was associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in diabetic subjects with chronic UGI symptoms.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Comorbidity ; Coronary Disease ; Demography ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastric Emptying ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Stroke

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The success rate of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is about 85–94%. There is only a few studies attempting to determine the cause of EVL failure, and to date, on-site rescue treatments remains unestablished. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for EVL failure and the effectiveness of on-site rescue treatment. METHODS: Data of 454 patients who underwent emergency EVL at Chonnam National University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the EVL success and EVL failure groups. EVL failures were defined as inability to ligate the varices due to poor endoscopic visual field, or failure of hemostasis after band ligation for the culprit lesion. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients experienced EVL failure. In the multivariate analysis, male patients, initial hypovolemic shock, active bleeding on endoscopy, and history of previous EVL were independent risk factors for EVL failure. During endoscopic procedure, we came across the common causes of EVL failure, including unsuctioned varix due to previous EVL-induced scars followed by insufficient ligation of the stigmata and inability to ligate the varix due to poor endoscopic visual field. Endoscopic variceal obturation using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (48.9%) was the most commonly used on-site rescue treatment method, followed by insertion of Sangstaken Blakemore tube (14.9%), and EVL retrial (12.8%). The rescue treatments successfully achieved hemostasis in 91.7% of those in the EVL failure group. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors of EVL failure should be considered before performing EVL, and in case of such scenario, on-site rescue treatment is needed.
Christianity ; Cicatrix ; Emergencies ; Enbucrilate ; Endoscopy ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; Hemorrhage ; Hemostasis ; Humans ; Jeollanam-do ; Ligation* ; Male ; Methods ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Salvage Therapy ; Shock ; Treatment Failure ; Varicose Veins ; Visual Fields

Anorectal variceal bleeding is a rare occurrence; however, in such event, it could be fatal due to large size and high blood flow rate of varices. However, to date, there is no standardized treatment modality. Although endoscopic treatment can be provided, in cases of recurrent anorectal variceal bleeding, other therapeutic modalities for hemostasis are necessary. Here, we present a case of 58-year-old female patient with liver cirrhosis, who suffered from massive bleeding of anorectal varices. Endoscopic variceal band ligation was performed for primary hemostasis. Additionally, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with embolization was performed to reduce the risk of rebleeding. Following the procedure, she had no further bleeding episodes, and the size of anorectal varices decreased, as seen on an abdomino-pelvic computed tomography. Our case illustrates the effectiveness of combined radiological intervention of TIPS with embolization after endoscopic hemostasis, for variceal obliteration and prevention of rebleeding.
Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; Female ; Hemorrhage* ; Hemostasis ; Hemostasis, Endoscopic ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; Ligation* ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Middle Aged ; Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical* ; Varicose Veins*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in Asian functional dyspepsia (FD) patients has not been well established as in Western countries. DA-9701, a novel prokinetic agent, stimulates gastric emptying and modulates visceral hypersensitivity in vivo and in human studies. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of DA-9701 with a conventional PPI in mono or combination therapy in patients with FD. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 389 patients diagnosed with FD using Rome III criteria were allocated among 3 groups: 30-mg DA-9701 t.i.d (means 3 times a day), 40-mg pantoprazole, and 30-mg DA-9701 t.i.d + 40-mg pantoprazole. The primary efficacy end-point was a global assessment of the patient binary response or response on a 5-Likert scale after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The global symptomatic improvement was 60.5% in the DA-9701 group, 65.6% in the pantoprazole group, and 63.5% in the DA-9701 + pantoprazole group using a 5-Likert scale at week 4 with no significant difference among 3 groups (P = 0.685). Symptom improvement measured by binary outcome was significantly achieved in each of the 3 groups, but not different among groups. Patients in all treatment groups reported significant improvement in the response rate and symptoms according to FD subtypes and dyspepsia-related quality of life (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: DA-9701 improves global and individual symptoms and increases dyspepsia-specific quality of life in patients with FD. The efficacy of DA-9701 monotherapy is comparable with pantoprazole and there is no additive effect with combination of DA-9701 and pantoprazole in patients with FD.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Dyspepsia* ; Gastric Emptying ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Quality of Life

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often performed therapeutically, and antithrombotic treatment is required for at least 12 months after stent implantation. However, the development of post-PCI upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for UGIB in Korean patients within 1 year after PCI. METHODS: The medical records of 3,541 patients who had undergone PCI between January 2006 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. We identified 40 cases of UGIB. We analyzed the incidence and clinical risk factors associated with UGIB occurring within 1 year after PCI by comparing the results for each case to matched controls. The propensity score matching method using age and sex was utilized. RESULTS: UGIB occurred in 40 patients (1.1%). Two independent risk factors for UGIB were a history of peptic ulcer disease (odds ratio [OR], 12.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.70 to 59.66; p=0.001) and the use of anticoagulants (OR, 7.76; 95% CI, 2.10 to 28.66; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: UGIB after PCI occurred at a rate of 1.1% in the study population. Clinicians must remain vigilant for the possibility of UGIB after PCI and should consider performing timely endoscopy in patients who have undergone PCI and are suspected of having an UGIB.
Aged ; Anticoagulants/adverse effects ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/epidemiology/*etiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptic Ulcer/complications ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/*adverse effects ; *Postoperative Complications ; Propensity Score ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has become a standard procedure in patients with a biliary obstruction. Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) has emerged as a new tool for managing extrahepatic biliary diseases. IDUS-directed ERBD can be performed without conventional cholangiography (CC). The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of IDUS-directed ERBD compared to CC-directed ERBD in patients with an extrahepatic biliary obstruction. METHODS: A total of 210 patients who had undergone IDUS-directed ERBD (IDUS-ERBD, n = 105) and CC-directed ERBD (CC-ERBD, n = 105) between October 2013 and April 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was the procedural success rate. Secondary outcome measures included clinical outcomes, total procedure time, radiation exposure time, and overall complication rates. RESULTS: The total technical success rate of ERBD was 100% (105/105) in the IDUS-ERBD and CC-ERBD groups. Mean procedure time was slightly prolonged in the IDUS-ERBD group than that in the CC-ERBD group (32.1 ± 9.9 minutes vs. 28.4 ± 11.6 minutes, p = 0.023). Mean radiation exposure time was one-third less in the IDUS-ERBD group than that in the CC-ERBD group (28.0 ± 49.3 seconds vs. 94.2 ± 57.3 seconds, p < 0.001). No significant differences in complication rates were detected between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: IDUS-ERBD was equally effective and safe as CC-ERBD in patients with an extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Although IDUS-ERBD increased total procedure time, it significantly decreased radiation exposure.
Cholangiography ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Drainage* ; Humans ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Radiation Exposure ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver. They are generally asymptomatic, but giant hemangiomas can lead to abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or obstructive symptoms. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare but life-threatening complication of hemangioma, characterized by consumptive coagulopathy with large vascular tumors. More than 80% of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome cases occur within the first year of life. However, there are few reports of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with giant hepatic hemangioma in adults and, as far as we know, no reports of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with hepatic hemangioma treated with first line medical treatment only. The most important treatment for this syndrome is removal of the large vascular tumor. However, surgical treatment entails risk of bleeding, and the patient's condition can mitigate against surgery. We herein present a case of unresectable giant hepatic hemangioma with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. The patient was a 60-year-old woman who complained of hematochezia, ecchymosis, and abdominal distension. She refused all surgical management and was therefore treated with systemic glucocorticoids and beta-blockers. After two weeks of steroid therapy, she responded partially to the treatment. Her laboratory findings and hematochezia improved. She was discharged on hospital day 33 and observed without signs of bleeding for three months.
Abdomen/diagnostic imaging ; Ecchymosis/etiology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology ; Hemangioma/complications/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome/complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; Middle Aged ; Prednisone/therapeutic use ; Propranolol/therapeutic use ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Therapies of functional dyspepsia (FD) are limited. DA-9701 is a novel prokinetic agent formulated with Pharbitis semen and Corydalis Tuber. We aimed to assess the efficacy of DA-9701 compared with itopride in FD patients. METHODS: Patients with FD randomly received either itopride 50 mg or DA-9701 30 mg t.i.d after a 2-week baseline period. After 4 weeks of treatment, 2 primary efficacy endpoints were analyzed: the change from baseline in composite score of the 8 dyspeptic symptoms and the overall treatment effect. Impact on patients' quality of life was assessed using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) questionnaire. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 464 patients with 455 having outcome data. The difference of the composite score change of the 8 symptoms between the 2 groups was 0.62, indicating that DA-9701 was not inferior to itopride. The overall treatment effect response rate was not different between the groups. When responder was defined as > or = 5 of the 7 Likert scale, responder rates were 37% of DA-9701 and 36% of itopride group. Patients receiving DA-9701 experienced similar mean percentage of days with adequate relief during the 4-week treatment period compared with those receiving itopride (56.8% vs 59.1%). Both drugs increased the NDI score of 5 domains without any difference in change of the NDI score between the groups. The safety profile of both drugs was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: DA-9701 significantly improves symptoms in patients with FD. DA-9701 showed non-inferior efficacy to itopride with comparable safety.
Corydalis ; Dyspepsia* ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Semen