Background When patients with advanced gastric cancer experience active bleeding, gastroenterologists normally choose between two treatment modalities, endoscopic hemostasis and transarterial embolization (TAE). In patients with advanced gastric cancer with bleeding, the predictive factors for endoscopic hemostatic failure are still unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for endoscopic hemostasis failure and to differentiate which hemostasis procedure is more effective for advanced gastric cancer with bleeding. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer and acute non-variceal gastric bleeding from January 2006 to August 2011. Forty-five patients were enrolled in this study and they were divided into a group of 14 patients who had experienced successful endoscopic hemostasis and a group of 31 patients who had had unsuccessful hemostasis with the first endoscopy and then underwent TAE. Results Lesion size and bleeding condition of Forrest class 1a or 1b were statistically significant predictive factors for endoscopic hemostatic failure (P = 0.023 and P = 0.017, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, size (lesion [2 cm) was a significant predictive factor for endoscopic hemostatic failure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.056; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.329-48.846].Conclusions We determined that small bleeding lesions (\2 cm) and exposed vessels in the bleeding site with gastric cancer indicated that endoscopic hemostasis would be an effective hemostatic modality to choose. Particularly, in the opposite condition, the presence of large bleeding lesions ([2 cm) and non-exposed vessel bleeding with a tumor, endoscopic hemostasis failure is predicted and TAE could be recommended.

Background/AimsResearches on the potential risk factors for the development of erosive esophagitis have been conducted extensively, however, the results are conflicting. The aim of this multicenter study was to identify the prevalence rate and risk factors of erosive esophagitis and their interactions with residency status.MethodsA total of 4,023 eligible subjects at 8 tertiary health care centers were evaluated using questionnaires, laboratory tests and endoscopy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for erosive esophagitis.ResultsThe prevalence rate of reflux esophagitis was 8.8%. Los Angeles grade A was common type of erosive esophagitis. Residence in a large urban areas was negatively associated with the development of erosive esophagitis (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40-0.90). The high body mass index (≥ 25 kg/m2) was more frequent in residents of small and medium-sized cities than those in big cities (38.8% and 26.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Seronegativity of Helicobacter pylori was associated with increased erosive esophagitis (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.48-2.46). Triglyceride ≥ 150 mg/dL (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.08-2.07), fasting glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06-2.81), and hiatal hernia (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.87-5.16) were also associated with erosive esophagitis.ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of erosive esophagitis and its risk factors in this study were similar to the result of 8.0% of nationwide study in 2006. Residency and obesity are more important independent risk factors than H. pylori infection status for development of erosive esophagitis in Korea. These results suggest that the prevalence rate of erosive esophagitis in Korea might not increase as in the Western countries.

Background/AimsSmall core biopsy samples can occasionally be obtained with conventional endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Although most studies have focused on the cytological analysis of specimens, data regarding histological assessment is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine whether core biopsies by conventional EUS-FNA could increase the accuracy of EUS-guided sampling when combined with cytology in the absence of an on-site cytopathologist.MethodsIn the 95 consecutive patients (98 lesions) undergoing EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic masses and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy, tissue coils from the needle were harvested for histology, and residual tissue was examined by cytology.ResultsAdequate samples were obtained by EUS-FNA cytology, histology, and combined cytology-histology in 91.8%, 65.3%, and 94.8% of patients, respectively. From the pancreas (n=67), adequate samples for histology were obtained by EUS-FNA in 68.7% of cases, compared with 58.0% from non-pancreatic cases (n=31), respectively (p>0.05). The overall sensitivity and accuracy of EUS-FNA was 78.0% and 81.6% for cytology alone, 63.4% and 69.4% for histology alone, and 84.1% and 86.7% for combined cytology-histology, respectively.ConclusionsCombined cytology and histology analysis for diagnosing pancreatic masses and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy may increase the diagnostic yield of conventional EUS-FNA without on-site cytology.

Background/AimsClevudine (CLV) has potent antiviral activity against chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection. The long-term efficacy and safety of CLV therapy in naïve patients with CHB were investigated.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 152 naïve Korean patients with CHB who received 30 mg of CLV once daily for at least 12 months were investigated.ResultsThe cumulative rates at months 12, 24, and 36, respectively, were 65.8%, 74.7%, and 74.7% for undetectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (<12 IU/mL); 77.6%, 86.2%, and 86.2% for normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase (<40 IU/L); 17.6%, 23.5%, and 23.5% for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss or seroconversion; and 6.6%, 22.5%, and 30.0% for viral breakthrough. HBeAg positivity (p=0.010), baseline serum HBV DNA level ≥6 log10 IU/mL (p=0.032) and detectable serum HBV DNA (≥12 IU/mL) at week 24 (p=0.023) were independently associated with the development of viral breakthrough. During follow-up, CLV-induced myopathy developed in 5.9% of patients.ConclusionsThe results of long-term CLV therapy for the treatment of naïve patients with CHB showed a high frequency of antiviral resistance and substantial associated myopathy. Therefore, we advise that CLV should not be used as a first-line treatment for naïve patients given the availability of other more potent, safer antiviral agents.

Metallic stent insertion through the intact sphincter of Oddi might have a risk of developing pancreatitis. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism of pancreatitis and the way of prevention.