Expert Recommendations on Optimizing the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Associated with Comorbidities in the Indian Population

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is among the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. It is known to often coexist with other chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension. Upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and impedance-pH monitoring are a few invasive diagnostic options that are reserved for selected GERD patients. Symptom assessment by using questionnaires, such as the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG), is simple, convenient, noninvasive, and inexpensive. These questionnaires are widely used to facilitate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis of GERD and timely management may improve clinical outcomes in patients. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the preferred therapy for GERD. However, evidence indicates that excessive and extended use of PPIs is linked to adverse events. An overview of the diagnosis and management of GERD, as well as an evidence-based overview of the relationship between GERD and asthma, COPD, obesity, DM, and hypertension, is presented in this review. Expert opinions and recommendations for diagnosing GERD using invasive tests and validated questionnaires have also been mentioned.

Face-to-face interviews versus Internet surveys: Comparison of two data collection methods in the Rome foundation global epidemiology study: Implications for population-based research

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) assessed the prevalence, burden, and associated factors of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries around the world. Achieving worldwide sampling necessitated use of two different surveying methods: In-person household interviews (9 countries) and Internet surveys (26 countries). Two countries, China and Turkey, were surveyed with both methods. This paper examines the differences in the survey results with the two methods, as well as likely reasons for those differences.

METHODS

The two RFGES survey methods are described in detail, and differences in DGBI findings summarized for household versus Internet surveys globally, and in more detail for China and Turkey. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate factors contributing to these differences.

RESULTS

Overall, DGBI were only half as prevalent when assessed with household vs Internet surveys. Similar patterns of methodology-related DGBI differences were seen within both China and Turkey, but prevalence differences between the survey methods were dramatically larger in Turkey. No clear reasons for outcome differences by survey method were identified, although greater relative reduction in bowel and anorectal versus upper gastrointestinal disorders when household versus Internet surveying was used suggests an inhibiting influence of social sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings strongly indicate that besides affecting data quality, manpower needs and data collection time and costs, the choice of survey method is a substantial determinant of symptom reporting and DGBI prevalence outcomes. This has important implications for future DGBI research and epidemiological research more broadly.

Comparisons of the Rome III and Rome IV criteria for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in Indian and Bangladeshi communities and internal shifts in the diagnostic categories of bowel disorders of gut-brain interactions

BACKGROUND

Although the Rome IV criteria are the most recent criteria to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), their sensitivity has been shown to be low in Chinese and Western populations. There are scanty data comparing the Rome III and Rome IV criteria in diagnosis of IBS in the Indian and Bangladeshi populations where abdominal pain, an essential component of diagnosis of IBS by the Rome IV criteria, is less in frequency and of lower severity.

METHODS

We analyzed the Indian and Bangladeshi data from the Rome Global Epidemiology Study to compare diagnostic sensitivity of the Rome III and Rome IV criteria for IBS, internal shifts in diagnostic categories of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), the severity of IBS diagnosed by the Rome III and Rome IV criteria, and consultation patterns in these populations.

KEY RESULTS

The Rome IV criteria were less sensitive than the Rome III criteria to diagnose IBS in these populations, and the subjects with Rome III IBS shifted internally to other DGBI when the Rome IV criteria were applied. Moreover, Rome IV IBS subjects had greater symptom severity than the Rome III IBS. A third of people fulfilling diagnostic criteria for IBS consulted doctors, and those diagnosed using Rome IV criteria, those with higher anxiety and depression symptom score, lower global physical health score, and greater IBS symptom severity score had greater correlation coefficients with doctors' consultation.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS are less sensitive than the Rome III criteria in Indian and Bangladesh communities. Application of the Rome IV criteria to people who meet the Rome III IBS criteria selects a subgroup of people with greater severity of symptoms, and hence, Rome IV IBS is more strongly associated with physician consultation. These findings may have important bearing in future iterations of the Rome criteria for a broader global applicability.

Indian consensus statements on irritable bowel syndrome in adults: A guideline by the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and jointly supported by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

The Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (INMA), earlier named the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association developed this evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A modified Delphi process was used to develop this consensus containing 28 statements, which were concerning diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and comorbidities, investigations, lifestyle modifications and treatments. Owing to the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, lockdowns and mobility restrictions, web-based meetings and electronic voting were the major tools used to develop this consensus. A statement was regarded as accepted when the sum of "completely accepted" and "accepted with minor reservation" voted responses were 80% or higher. Finally, the consensus was achieved on all 28 statements. The consensus team members are of the view that this work may find use in teaching, patient care, and research on IBS in India and other nations.

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.

Asian-Pacific consensus on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in gastrointestinal disorders: An initiative of the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association

In the clinical setting, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a frequent, but under-diagnosed entity. SIBO is linked to various gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI disorders with potentially significant morbidity. The optimal management of SIBO is undefined while there is a lack of published consensus guidelines. Against this background, under the auspices of the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (INMA), formerly known as the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association (IMFDA), experts from the Asian-Pacific region with extensive research and clinical experience in the field of gut dysbiosis including SIBO developed this evidence-based practice guideline for the management of SIBO utilizing a modified Delphi process based upon 37 consensus statements, involving an electronic voting process as well as face-to-face meetings and review of relevant supporting literature. These statements include 6 statements on definition and epidemiology; 11 on etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology; 5 on clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and predictors; and 15 on investigations and treatment. When the proportion of those who voted either to accept completely or with minor reservations was 80% or higher, the statement was regarded as accepted. The members of the consensus team consider that this guideline would be valuable to inform clinical practice, teaching, and research on SIBO in the Asian-Pacific region as well as in other countries.

Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), now called disorders of gut-brain interaction, have major economic effects on health care systems and adversely affect quality of life, little is known about their global prevalence and distribution. We investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with 22 FGIDs, in 33 countries on 6 continents.

METHODS

Data were collected via the Internet in 24 countries, personal interviews in 7 countries, and both in 2 countries, using the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire, Rome III irritable bowel syndrome questions, and 80 items to identify variables associated with FGIDs. Data collection methods differed for Internet and household groups, so data analyses were conducted and reported separately.

RESULTS

Among the 73,076 adult respondents (49.5% women), diagnostic criteria were met for at least 1 FGID by 40.3% persons who completed the Internet surveys (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.9-40.7) and 20.7% of persons who completed the household surveys (95% CI, 20.2-21.3). FGIDs were more prevalent among women than men, based on responses to the Internet survey (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.6-1.7) and household survey (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.3-1.4). FGIDs were associated with lower quality of life and more frequent doctor visits. Proportions of subjects with irritable bowel syndrome were lower when the Rome IV criteria were used, compared with the Rome III criteria, in the Internet survey (4.1% vs 10.1%) and household survey (1.5% vs 3.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large-scale multinational study, we found that more than 40% of persons worldwide have FGIDs, which affect quality of life and health care use. Although the absolute prevalence was higher among Internet respondents, similar trends and relative distributions were found in people who completed Internet vs personal interviews.

Retrospective study on symptoms and treatment modalities used and short-term follow up of achalasia cardia in Indian setting

Background

Achalasia cardia is a rare esophageal motor disorder that is frequently diagnosed late.

Aim

The aim of this study was to study the symptoms, treatment given, and response to treatment in patients with achalasia cardia in an Indian setting.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with achalasia cardia on high‐resolution esophageal manometry, using Chicago Classification v 3.0. On follow up, patients were contacted by telephone, and details of the treatment given and response were recorded in a predesigned pro forma. We excluded overseas patients, postoperative cases of achalasia, and those in whom the manometry catheter could not be passed across the gastroesophageal junction.

Results

A total of 452 patients (260 males, median age 44.5 years) were included in the study cohort. The major symptoms included dysphagia for solids and liquids (428, 94.7%), regurgitation (360, 79.6%), naso‐oral regurgitation (182, 40.3%), weight loss (322, 71.3%), and chest pain (158, 35%). Type 2 achalasia (229, 50.6%) was the most common subtype, followed by type 3 (154, 34.1%). Chest pain was more common in type 3, and weight loss and naso‐oral regurgitation were more common in type 2 achalasia. A majority of patients underwent Heller's myotomy and pneumatic dilatation. Of 280 patients for whom treatment details were available, 98% reported good response to endoscopic/surgical management.

Conclusion

The predominant symptoms of achalasia cardia vary per the manometric subtype. Heller's myotomy and pneumatic dilatation are the most commonly used treatment options. Response to treatment is good. The choice of treatment modality was likely influenced by financial reasons and availability of local expertise.

Rome Foundation-Asian working team report: Asian functional gastrointestinal disorder symptom clusters

OBJECTIVE

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are diagnosed by the presence of a characteristic set of symptoms. However, the current criteria-based diagnostic approach is to some extent subjective and largely derived from observations in English-speaking Western patients. We aimed to identify latent symptom clusters in Asian patients with FGID.

DESIGN

1805 consecutive unselected patients with FGID who presented for primary or secondary care to 11 centres across Asia completed a cultural and linguistic adaptation of the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire that was translated to the local languages. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify symptom clusters.

RESULTS

Nine symptom clusters were identified, consisting of two oesophageal factors (F6: globus, odynophagia and dysphagia; F9: chest pain and heartburn), two gastroduodenal factors (F5: bloating, fullness, belching and flatulence; F8 regurgitation, nausea and vomiting), three bowel factors (F2: abdominal pain and diarrhoea; F3: meal-related bowel symptoms; F7: upper abdominal pain and constipation) and two anorectal factors (F1: anorectal pain and constipation; F4: diarrhoea, urgency and incontinence).

CONCLUSION

We found that the broad categorisation used both in clinical practice and in the Rome system, that is, broad anatomical divisions, and certain diagnoses with long historical records, that is, IBS with diarrhoea, and chronic constipation, are still valid in our Asian societies. In addition, we found a bowel symptom cluster with meal trigger and a gas cluster that suggests a different emphasis in our populations. Future studies to compare a non-Asian cohort and to match to putative pathophysiology will help to verify our findings.

Indian consensus on chronic constipation in adults: A joint position statement of the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

The Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology developed this evidence-based practice guideline for management of chronic constipation. A modified Delphi process was used to develop this consensus containing 29 statements, which were generated by electronic voting iteration as well as face to face meeting and review of the supporting literature primarily from India. These statements include 9 on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria; 8 on pathophysiology; and the remaining 12 on investigations and treatment. When the proportion of those who voted either to accept completely or with minor reservation was 80% or higher, the statement was regarded as accepted. The members of the consensus team believe that this would be useful for teaching, clinical practice, and research on chronic constipation in India and in other countries with similar spectrum of the disorders.

Rome foundation Asian working team report: Real world treatment experience of Asian patients with functional bowel disorders

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Information on real world treatment experiences of patients with functional bowel disorders is lacking from Asia. This study aimed to describe the medication exposure and treatment satisfaction of patients presenting to gastroenterology clinics across a sampling of Asian cities.

METHODS

From March 2011 to October 2013, adult patients presenting to hospital-based gastroenterology outpatient clinics in 11 cities across Asia, who fulfilled screening criteria for any functional gastrointestinal disorder, were asked to complete a validated culturally adapted translation of the Rome III diagnostic questionnaire, a checklist of medications received in the preceding 3 months and questions on treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 1376 patients (female 755, male 621, 41.36 ± 13.25 years) comprising irritable bowel (621, 45.1%), unspecified functional bowel disorder (372, 27.8%), functional constipation (202, 14.7%), functional bloating (144, 10.5%), and functional diarrhea (56, 4.1%) completed the study. Of 1105 patients with a previous consultation, 509 (46.1%) were dissatisfied with their treatment, with ineffective treatment being the commonest reason. Satisfaction with previous consultation was lowest by diagnosis for functional constipation (29.2%), and the most bothersome symptom was straining (37.5%). Of 1046 patients who had taken medications for their gastrointestinal symptoms in the last 3 months, 793 (75.8%) had received two or more drugs. For irritable bowel syndrome patients, treatment with proton pump inhibitors and antispasmodics was recorded in 57% and 31%, with overlapping epigastric pain and heartburn predicting proton pump inhibitors use.

CONCLUSIONS

More attention should be given to treatment gaps with regards to possible under-treatment with antispasmodics in irritable bowel syndrome and to critically evaluating the efficacy of constipation management.

Development, Translation and Validation of Enhanced Asian Rome III Questionnaires for Diagnosis of Functional Bowel Diseases in Major Asian Languages: A Rome Foundation-Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association Working Team Report

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The development-processes by regional socio-cultural adaptation of an Enhanced Asian Rome III questionnaire (EAR3Q), a cultural adaptation of the Rome III diagnostic questionnaire (R3DQ), and its translation-validation in Asian languages are presented. As English is not the first language for most Asians, translation-validation of EAR3Q is essential. Hence, we aimed to culturally adapt the R3DQ to develop EAR3Q and linguistically validate it to show that the EAR3Q is able to allocate diagnosis according to Rome III criteria.

METHODS

After EAR3Q was developed by Asian experts by consensus, it was translated into Chinese, Hindi-Telugu, Indonesian, Korean and Thai, following Rome Foundation guidelines; these were then validated on native subjects (healthy [n = 60], and patients with irritable bowel syndrome [n = 59], functional dyspepsia [n = 53] and functional constipation [n = 61]) diagnosed by clinicians using Rome III criteria, negative alarm features and investigations.

RESULTS

Experts noted words for constipation, bloating, fullness and heartburn, posed difficulty. The English back-translated questionnaires demonstrated concordance with the original EAR3Q. Sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaires were high enough to diagnose respective functional gastrointestinal disorders (gold standard: clinical diagnoses) in most except Korean and Indonesian languages. Questionnaires often uncovered overlapping functional gastrointestinal disorders. Test-retest agreement (kappa) values of the translated questionnaires were high (0.700-1.000) except in Korean (0.300-0.500) and Indonesian (0.100-0.400) languages at the initial and 2-week follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Though Chinese, Hindi and Telugu translations were performed well, Korean and Indonesian versions were not. Questionnaires often uncovered overlapping FGIDs, which were quite common.

ERCP in the management of pancreatic diseases in children

BACKGROUND

ERCP experience in pancreatic disorders in children is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the utility and efficacy of ERCP in children with pancreatic diseases at a tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS AND SETTINGS

Consecutive patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent ERCP for pancreatic diseases from January 2010 to June 2011 were identified. Indications, findings, interventions, adverse events, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 221 ERCPs were performed in 172 children (102 boys, mean ± standard deviation age 13.8 ± 3.2 years, 157 therapeutic). A total of 143 children (83.1%) had chronic pancreatitis (CP), 19 (11%) had recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), and 10 (5.8%) had acute pancreatitis (AP). Indications included pain (153, 89.4%), pancreatic fistula (11, 6.3%), symptomatic pseudocyst (4, 2.3%), and jaundice (3, 1.7%). In chronic pancreatitis patients, findings included a dilated and irregular main pancreatic duct (92, 64.3%), pancreatic duct (PD) calculi (76, 53%), dominant PD stricture (23, 16%), PD leak (7, 4.9%), pancreas divisum (35, 24.5%), and common bile duct (CBD) stricture (3, 2%). Therapeutic procedures included major papilla sphincterotomy (93, 65%), minor papilla sphincterotomy (32, 22.3%), PD stenting (77, 53.8%), and CBD stenting (3, 2.2%). PD stones larger than 5 mm were retrieved endoscopically after 57 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy sessions in 50 patients (34.9%). In patients with RAP, 6 (31.5%) had complete and 1 partial pancreas divisum. All underwent minor papillotomy. In patients with AP, 4 (40%) had stenting for PD leak, 2 (20%) underwent CBD clearance for biliary pancreatitis, and 4 (40%) had transpapillary pseudocyst drainage. During 13 ± 4.7 months (range 6-22 months) of follow-up, improvement of symptoms was seen in 143 of 172 (83%) patients. Procedure-related adverse events were seen in 8 (4.7%) patients.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSION

ERCP is a safe therapeutic option for pancreatic disorders in children.

Effect of electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter using endoscopically implanted temporary stimulation leads in patients with reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has been shown to increase lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in animals; however, data on the effect of EST on LES pressure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of EST on LES pressure and esophageal function in patients with GERD.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of GERD responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), increased esophageal acid on 24-h pH monitoring off GERD medications, basal LES pressure >5 mmHg, hernia <2 cm and esophagitis <LA grade B were included. A temporary pacemaker lead was placed endoscopically in the LES by creating a 3 cm submucosal tunnel, secured to the esophagus using endoscopic clips along the body of the lead and exteriorized nasally. EST was delivered 6-12 h post-implant per protocol using (i) short-pulse 200 μs, 20 Hz, and (ii) intermediate-pulse 3 ms, 20 Hz, each for 20 min at varying amplitudes. High-resolution manometry was performed pre-, during and post-EST. Symptoms of heartburn, chest or abdominal pain and dysphagia pre-, during and post-stimulation and 7 days post-procedure were recorded. Continuous cardiac monitoring was performed during and after the EST to evaluate any effect of EST on cardiac rhythm.

RESULTS

Six male patients (mean age 34.6 years) underwent successful endoscopic lead implantation; the first patient had premature lead dislodgement and did not undergo EST. The remaining five patients underwent successful EST. All patients had a significant increase in LES pressure with all sessions of EST. There was no effect on swallow-induced LES relaxation, And there were no EST-related adverse symptoms or any cardiac rhythm abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with GERD, short-term EST delivered using electrodes endoscopically implanted in the LES results in a significant increase in LES pressure without affecting patients' swallow function or causing any adverse symptoms or cardiac rhythm disturbances. EST may offer a novel therapy to patients with GERD.

Primary Care Management of Chronic Constipation in Asia: The ANMA Chronic Constipation Tool

Chronic constipation (CC) may impact on quality of life. There is substantial patient dissatisfaction; possible reasons are failure to recognize underlying constipation, inappropriate dietary advice and inadequate treatment. The aim of these practical guidelines intended for primary care physicians, and which are based on Asian perspectives, is to provide an approach to CC that is relevant to the existing health-care infrastructure. Physicians should not rely on infrequent bowel movements to diagnose CC as many patients have one or more bowel movement a day. More commonly, patients present with hard stool, straining, incomplete feeling, bloating and other dyspeptic symptoms. Physicians should consider CC in these situations and when patients are found to use laxative containing supplements. In the absence of alarm features physicians may start with a 2-4 week therapeutic trial of available pharmacological agents including osmotic, stimulant and enterokinetic agents. Where safe to do so, physicians should consider regular (as opposed to on demand dosing), combination treatment and continuous treatment for at least 4 weeks. If patients do not achieve satisfactory response, they should be referred to tertiary centers for physiological evaluation of colonic transit and pelvic floor function. Surgical referral is a last resort, which should be considered only after a thorough physiological and psychological evaluation.

Achalasia cardia with esophageal varix managed with endoscopic ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection

Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Nitrates and calcium channel blockers, pneumatic dilatation, botulinum toxin injection and surgical myotomy have been described in literature as possible management options. We present a patient who presented with achalasia and was co-incidentally diagnosed to have cryptogenic cirrhosis with portal hypertension and had esophageal varices. This clinical combination precluded the use of pneumatic dilatation and surgical myotomy. We injected botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter using a celiac plexus neurolysis needle under endoscopic ultrasound guidance; the clinical response was good.

A case-control study on nutritional risk factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Indian population

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered an integral part of metabolic syndrome (MS). We aimed to explore the inter-relations of MS and dietary composition in subjects with and without hepatic steatosis and to identify the nutritional risk factors contributing to NAFLD.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In all 98 subjects with steatosis and 102 controls were selected for the study after screening 260 consecutive healthy individuals. Anthropometric and nutritional information, biochemical data and clinical profile were analyzed. Prevalence of MS was determined based on the consensus statement for diagnosis of MS for Asian Indians. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to predict the dietary risk factors in NAFLD.

RESULTS

Prevalence of MS was 44.9% among NAFLD cases and 25.5% among controls (P=0.003). Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher values of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percent body fat, total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure than controls. The total calorie intake, percent of carbohydrate and fat intake of NAFLD cases was significantly higher than controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed BMI (odds ratio 6.03 (95% confidence interval 3.26-11.14)), WC (5.49 (2.59-11.57)) and percent dietary fat intake (2.51 (1.99-3.31)) as independent nutritional risk factors in NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, there is a high prevalence of MS among subjects with steatosis and metabolic disorders were closely related to NAFLD. BMI, WC and percent fat intake are independent dietary risk factors in NAFLD. Decreased nutritional intake with restricted fat may constitute an important therapy in subjects with NAFLD.

Achalasia cardia subtyping by high-resolution manometry predicts the therapeutic outcome of pneumatic balloon dilatation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

High-resolution manometry (HRM) with pressure topography is used to subtype achalasia cardia, which has therapeutic implications. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, manometric variables and treatment outcomes among the achalasia subtypes based on the HRM findings.

METHODS

The patients who underwent HRM at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad between January 2008 and January 2009 were enrolled. The patients with achalasia were categorized into 3 subtypes: type I - achalasia with minimum esophageal pressurization, type II - achalasia with esophageal compression and type III - achalasia with spasm. The clinical and manometric variables and treatment outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine out of the 900 patients who underwent HRM were diagnosed as achalasia cardia. Fifty-one patients with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included. Types I and II achalasia were diagnosed in 24 patients each and 3 patients were diagnosed as type III achalasia. Dysphagia and regurgitation were the main presenting symptoms in patients with types I and II achalasia. Patients with type III achalasia had high basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and maximal esophageal pressurization when compared to types I and II. Most patients underwent pneumatic dilatation (type I, 22/24; type II, 20/24; type III, 3/3). Patients with type II had the best response to pneumatic dilatation (18/20, 90.0%) compared to types I (14/22, 63.3%) and III (1/3, 33.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The type II achalasia cardia showed the best response to pneumatic dilatation.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endotherapy for pancreatic calculi-a large single center experience

AIM

Large pancreatic ductal calculi and pain are a feature of chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP) in the tropics. This large single center study evaluates the role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in fragmentation of large pancreatic stones and relief of pain in patients with CCP.

METHODS

Patients with CCP presenting with pain and large pancreatic duct (PD) calculi (>5 mm diameter) not amenable to extraction at routine endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) were taken up for ESWL using a 3rd generation lithotripter. Stones in the head and body of pancreas were targeted at ESWL; 5,000 shocks were given per session. The calculi were fragmented to <3 mm size and then cleared by endotherapy. Pancreatic duct stents were deployed when indicated. A total of 1,006 patients underwent ESWL. Complete clearance was achieved in 762 (76%), partial clearance in 173 (17%) and unsuccessful in the rest. More than 962 (90%) of patients needed less than three sessions of ESWL. At 6 months, 711 (84%) of 846 patients who returned for follow up had significant relief of pain with a decrease in analgesic use. Complications were mild and minimal.

CONCLUSION

ESWL is an effective and safe modality for fragmentation of large PD calculi in patients with CCP.