Endoscopic therapy for peptic ulcer hemorrhage: practice variations in a multi-center U.S. consortium

Real-world prevalence of endoscopic findings in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: a cross-sectional study

Background and study aims  Data regarding endoscopic findings and symptom correlation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are largely limited to single-center experiences. We performed a nationwide study to examine the association between patient-reported GERD symptoms and clinically relevant endoscopic findings. Patients and methods  Using the National Endoscopic Database, we retrospectively identified all esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed for GERD symptoms from 2000 to 2014. Patients were categorized into three symptom groups: 1) typical reflux only (R); 2) airway only (A); and 3) both R and A (R + A). Outcomes were the point prevalence of endoscopic findings in relation to patient-reported GERD symptom groups. Statistical analyses were performed using R. Results  A total of 167,459 EGDs were included: 96.8 % for R symptoms, 1.4 % for A symptoms, and 1.8 % for R + A symptoms. Of the patients, 13.4 % had reflux esophagitis (RE), 9.0 % Barrett's esophagus (BE), and 45.4 % hiatal hernia (HH). The R + A group had a significantly higher point prevalence of RE (21.6 % vs. 13.3 % and 12 %; P  < 0.005) and HH (56.9 % vs. 45.3 % and 38.3 %; P  < 0.005) compared to the R or A groups, respectively. The R group had a significantly higher point prevalence of BE compared to the A or R + A groups, respectively (9.1 % vs. 6.1 % and 6.1 %, P  < 0.005). Conclusions  On a national level, patients experiencing R + A GERD symptoms appear more likely to have RE and HH, while those with only R symptoms appear more likely to have BE. These real-world data may help guide how providers and institutions approach acid-suppression therapy, set thresholds for recommending EGD, and develop management algorithms.

Guidelines for endoscopic management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) has compiled a set of guidelines for endoscopic management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding using evidence-based methods. The major cause of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is peptic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding. As a result, these guidelines mainly focus on peptic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding, although bleeding from other causes is also overviewed. From the epidemiological aspect, in recent years in Japan, bleeding from drug-related ulcers has become predominant in comparison with bleeding from Helicobacter pylori (HP)-related ulcers, owing to an increase in the aging population and coverage of HP eradication therapy by national health insurance. As for treatment, endoscopic hemostasis, in which there are a variety of methods, is considered to be the first-line treatment for bleeding from almost all causes. It is very important to precisely evaluate the severity of the patient's condition and stabilize the patient's vital signs with intensive care for successful endoscopic hemostasis. Additionally, use of antisecretory agents is recommended to prevent rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis, especially for gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding. Eighteen statements with evidence and recommendation levels have been made by the JGES committee of these guidelines according to evidence obtained from clinical research studies. However, some of the statements that are supported by a low level of evidence must be confirmed by further clinical research.

Effect of omeprazole dose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on repair mechanisms in acute peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is a major cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The effect of omeprazole on mucosal repair is unknown.

AIMS

We studied the effect of omeprazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on PUB.

METHODS

There were 43 PUB patients who received regular or high dose of omeprazole for 72 h. Biopsies from antrum and corpus were taken before and after treatment. Biopsy samples from 20 celiac disease patients worked as controls. The expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, COX-2, Hsp27, and Hsp70 was analyzed from patients and controls.

RESULTS

Bcl-2 expression in PUB patients was lower than in controls. However, Bcl-2 increased significantly from 5.0 (SD 4.5) to 9.1 % (SD 6.7), p = 0.0004, in the antrum after omeprazole. In univariate analysis, a high omeprazole dose caused a more profound increase in Ki-67 expression in the corpus: 35.3 % (SD 54.8) than a regular dose: -10.1 % (SD 40.6), p = 0.022. In multivariate analysis, Ki-67 decreased significantly in the corpus between the pre- and posttreatment period (p = 0.011), while a high omeprazole dose (p = 0.0265), the use of NSAIDs (p = 0.0208), and smoking (p = 0.0296) significantly increased Ki-67 expression. Bcl-2 in the corpus increased significantly (p = 0.0003) after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Bcl-2 may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of a peptic ulcer and PUB. In addition, high-dose omeprazole increased the expression of Ki-67, which may enhance the healing process of a peptic ulcer.

Adherence to guidelines: a national audit of the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The REASON registry

OBJECTIVES

To assess process of care in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) using a national cohort, and to identify predictors of adherence to 'best practice' standards.

METHODS

Consecutive charts of patients hospitalized for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding across 21 Canadian hospitals were reviewed. Data regarding initial presentation, endoscopic management and outcomes were collected. Results were compared with 'best practice' using established guidelines on NVUGIB. Adherence was quantified and independent predictors were evaluated using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 2020 patients (89.4% NVUGIB, variceal in 10.6%) were included (mean [± SD] age 66.3±16.4 years; 38.4% female). Endoscopy was performed in 1612 patients: 1533 with NVUGIB had endoscopic lesions (63.1% ulcers; high-risk stigmata in 47.8%). Early endoscopy was performed in 65.6% and an assistant was present in 83.5%. Only 64.5% of patients with high-risk stigmata received endoscopic hemostasis; 9.8% of patients exhibiting low-risk stigmata also did. Intravenous proton pump inhibitor was administered after endoscopic hemostasis in 95.7%. Rebleeding and mortality rates were 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that low American Society of Anesthesiologists score patients had fewer assistants present during endoscopy (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.48 to 0.83), a hemoglobin level <70 g⁄L predicted inappropriate high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitor use in patients with low-risk stigmata, and endoscopies performed during regular hours were associated with longer delays from presentation (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.24 to 0.47]).

CONCLUSION

There was variability between the process of care and 'best practice' in NVUGIB. Certain patient and situational characteristics may influence guideline adherence. Dissemination initiatives must identify and focus on such considerations to improve quality of care.

Endoscopic hemostasis is rarely used for hematochezia: a population-based study from the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative National Endoscopic Database

BACKGROUND

Data on the use of endoscopic hemostasis performed during colonoscopy for hematochezia are primarily derived from expert opinion and case series from tertiary care settings.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize patients with hematochezia who underwent in-patient colonoscopy and compare those who did and did not receive endoscopic hemostasis.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative National Endoscopic Database, 2002 to 2008.

PATIENTS

Adults with hematochezia.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, comorbidities, practice setting, adverse events, and colonoscopy procedural characteristics and findings.

RESULTS

We identified 3151 persons who underwent in-patient colonoscopy for hematochezia. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed in 144 patients (4.6%). Of those who received endoscopic hemostasis, the majority were male (60.3%), white (83.3%), and older (mean age 70.9 ± 12.3 years); had a low-risk American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (53.9%); and underwent colonoscopy in a community setting (67.4%). The hemostasis-receiving cohort was significantly more likely to be white (83.3% vs 71.0%, P = .02), have more comorbidities (classes 3 and 4, 46.2% vs 36.0%, P = .04), and have the cecum reached (95.8% vs 87.7%, P = .003). Those receiving hemostasis were significantly more likely to have an endoscopic diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations (32.6% vs 2.6%, P = .0001) or a solitary ulcer (8.3% vs 2.1%, P < .0001).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective database analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than 5% of persons presenting with hematochezia and undergoing inpatient colonoscopy received endoscopic hemostasis. These findings differ from published tertiary care setting data. These data provide new insights into in-patient colonoscopy performed primarily in a community practice setting for patients with hematochezia.

The role of colonoscopy in evaluating hematochezia: a population-based study in a large consortium of endoscopy practices

BACKGROUND

Data on the role of colonoscopy in hematochezia are almost exclusively derived from clinical experience in tertiary care practice.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the patient population who received colonoscopy for hematochezia in a consortium of diverse gastroenterology practices.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative Database, 2002 to 2008.

PATIENTS

Adults undergoing colonoscopy for the indication of hematochezia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, comorbidity, practice setting, adverse events, and colonoscopy procedure characteristics and findings. Age-stratified analyses and analyses of inpatient- versus outpatient-performed colonoscopies were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 966,536 colonoscopies were performed during the study period, 76,186 (7.9%) were performed for evaluation of hematochezia. The majority of patients were white non-Hispanic men younger than 60 years old who underwent colonoscopy at a community practice site (79.1%) and had a low-risk American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (81.5%), in whom colonoscopy reached the cecum (94.8%), and serious adverse events were rare. Colonoscopy findings were hemorrhoids (64.4%), diverticulosis (38.6%), and polyp or multiple polyps (38.8%). From the overall cohort, 38.3% were 60 years of age and older. The older age cohort had significantly more white non-Hispanic females, high-risk ASA scores, incomplete colonoscopies, and unplanned events. Colonoscopy findings demonstrated significantly higher rates of diverticulosis, polyp or multiple polyps, mucosal abnormality/colitis, tumor, and solitary ulcer (P < .0001). There were 3941 (5.2%) who underwent inpatient-performed colonoscopy. One third of this cohort (32.6%) was defined as having a high ASA score.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective database review.

CONCLUSIONS

These results describe patient populations and characterize colonoscopy findings in individuals presenting with hematochezia primarily in a community practice setting.

A comparison of the results of arterial embolization for bleeding and non-bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers

BACKGROUND

Although some authors have advocated the practice of arterial embolization for angiographically negative acute hemorrhage from gastroduodenal ulcers, this technique remains controversial.

PURPOSE

To compare the results of arterial embolization for bleeding (BU) and non-bleeding (NBU) gastroduodenal ulcers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Transcatheter embolization was performed in 57 patients (39 men, 18 women, mean age 69.8 years) who experienced acute bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers. At the time of embolization active contrast extravasation was seen in 36 of 57 patients, while in the remaining 21 patients embolization was based on endoscopic findings. Patient demographics, clinical success, need for re-intervention secondary to re-bleeding, and 30-day complication and mortality rates were reviewed and compared between the two groups by using statistical analyses.

RESULTS

In the BU group, the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) was embolized in 31 patients (86.1%), the left gastric artery (LGA) in three patients (8.3%), and the left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA) in two patients (5.6%). In the NBU group, the GDA was embolized in 18 patients (85.7%), and the LGA in three patients (14.3%). Clinical success (61.9 vs. 75.0%, P = 0.30), need for re-intervention (38.1 vs. 27.8%, P = 0.42), and 30-day complication (9.5 vs. 5.6%, P = 0.57), and mortality (28.6 vs. 25%, P = 0.77) rates were not statistically different between the two groups. Embolization in patients in NBU group did not have impact on clinical success (OR, 0.54; 95%CI, 0.17-1.72; P = 0.30).

CONCLUSION

Arterial embolization in patients with angiographically NBU is as safe and effective as embolization in patients with BU.

Epidemiology and practice patterns of achalasia in a large multi-centre database

BACKGROUND

Due to its rarity, achalasia remains a difficult disease to study.

AIMS

To describe the epidemiology of achalasia and practice patterns in its endoscopic management, utilising patient records from a large national database of endoscopic procedures.

METHODS

The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative maintains a database of endoscopic procedures in diverse clinical practices. The data from 89 endoscopy practices distributed throughout the US during 2000-2008 were used to analyse the characteristics and therapy of patients with achalasia.

RESULTS

Among 521,497 upper endoscopies during the study period, we identified 896 patients with achalasia. Compared with the entirety of all other endoscopic diagnoses, achalasia was more common in men than in women (OR=1.39, CI 1.22-1.59), but similar among nonwhites and whites (OR=0.87, CI 0.74-1.03). Relatively, more achalasia patients were treated at university than at community practices (OR=1.52, CI 1.30-1.78). Botox injection was most frequently used as first choice of endoscopic therapy in 41%, followed by balloon dilation in 21%, Savary dilation in 20%, Maloney dilation in 10%, Rigiflex in 4% and other modalities in 4% of patients. One quarter of achalasia patients treated endoscopically underwent a repeat therapy about every 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Botox has become the primary choice of initial endoscopic therapy in achalasia. Despite their partial deviation from guidelines and recommendations, these endoscopic patterns reflect the current clinical practice in the United States.