bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Nondiabetic Obese Patients
Authors: Zamin Idilio , de Mattos Angelo Alves , Zettler Cláudio Galeano
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major disorder in patients with persistent changes in aminotransferase activity who test negative for viral markers and autoantibodies. Although NASH has been correlated with obesity, no study has been carried out exclusively with nondiabetic obese patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of NASH in obese patients without diabetes mellitus and to assess the severity of histological involvement of the liver.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum aminotransferase levels were evaluated in 912 obese patients seen at an outpatient clinic in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 1997 to 1999. Sixty-eight patients were found to have altered aminotransferase levels in more than one test. Thirty-five patients were excluded due to the presence of diabetes mellitus (n=12), the presence of viral markers (n=11), alcohol consumption (n=8) and the use of hepatotoxic drugs (n=4). NASH was diagnosed when histological findings revealed macrovesicular steatosis associated with lobular inflammatory infiltrate and hepatocellular injury.

RESULTS: Of the 912 obese patients studied, 33 patients with altered aminotransferase levels underwent liver biopsy. Four patients were excluded because they had steatosis only; the remaining 29 patients (3.18%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria established for NASH. The mean age of the 29 patients was 42.2±11.9 years; 65.52% of the patients were women. Grading of histological findings revealed mild disease in 58.6% of cases; important proliferation of fibrous tissue was absent in most cases.

CONCLUSIONS: NASH is a common disease among nondiabetic obese patients with altered aminotransferase levels, and it usually manifests as a mild clinical condition, although more severe lesions may be observed.
Helicobacter pyloriAnti-CagA Antibodies: Prevalence in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects in Turkey
Authors: Abasiyanik M Fatih , Sander Ersan , Salih Barik A
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Several reports have shown the prevalence of anti-CagA antibodies to be associated with the development of peptic ulcer diseases, while others have indicated that there is no such association.

AIM: To examine the prevalence of antibodies to CagA and otherHelicobacter pyloriantigens in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects in Turkey.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six symptomatic subjects, 16 to 74 years of age, were examined forH pyloriby biopsy-based tests and ELISA. One hundred nineteen asymptomatic subjects, 20 to 65 years of age, were also tested serologically for the presence ofH pylori. Samples from both groups that were found to be positive forH pyloriby ELISA were then tested by immunoblotting.

RESULTS: Fifty-four (82%) symptomatic subjects and 76 (64%) asymptomatic subjects were found to beH pylori-positive by ELISA. Samples from 30 symptomatic subjects who were found to beH pylori-positive by ELISA were analyzed by immunoblotting. Antibodies to CagA (116 kDa) antigen were detected in immunoblots of 11 of 14 (79%) with chronic gastritis, 12 of 13 (92%) with duodenal ulcer and three of three (100%) with gastric cancer. Antigens of the following molecular weights were also detected in these 30 subjects: 89 kDa (VacA) in 21 (70%), 37 kDa in 21 (70%), 35 kDa in 19 (63%), 30 kDa in 27 (90%) and 19.5 kDa in 19 (63%). Immunoblots of 40 ELISA-positive asymptomatic subjects showed that 33 (83%) had antibodies to CagA antigen, 26 (65%) to VacA antigen, 30 (75%) to a 37 kDa antigen, 30 (75%) to a 35 kDa antigen, 39 (98%) to a 30 kDa antigen and 36 (90%) to a 19.5 kDa antigen.

CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies to CagA antigen were prevalent in both groups, regardless of the presence of gastroduodenal disease.
Motion – All Patients with NASH Need to Have a Liver Biopsy: Arguments against the Motion
Authors: Laurin Jacqueline
Published: March 2016

Most cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are suspected on the basis of the exclusion of viral, autoimmune, metabolic and genetic causes of chronic liver disease in patients with chronic elevation of aminotransferase enzymes. However, the definitive diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy. Valuable blood tests include hepatitis B and C serology, iron profile, alpha 1-antitrypsin phenotype, ceruloplasmin, antinuclear antibody and antismooth muscle antibody, and serum protein electrophoresis. If these tests are negative or normal, and if there are no symptoms or signs of chronic liver disease, it is unlikely that a specifically treatable liver disease would be discovered at biopsy. The prevalence of NAFLD in the general population appears to be approximately 20%, and 2% to 3% of people have NASH. There is no proven specific therapy for the spectrum of nonalcoholic liver disease; therefore, the management of the patient with NASH is not likely to be changed after histological assessment. Bleeding, sometimes fatal, and other complications requiring hospitalization can occur, and liver biopsies should not be undertaken without clear clinical indications. The high cost of undertaking histological assessment of all persons with asymptomatic elevations of liver enzymes cannot be justified in view of the risks and limited clinical benefits.
Complementary Practitioners’ View of Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Verhoef Marja J , Rapchuk Ivan , Liew Trina , Weir Vanessa , Hilsden Robert J
Published: March 2016

A substantial number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease use complementary therapies to manage their disease, including chiropractic and herbal therapies. The objective of this study was to explore whether providers of these therapies see patients with inflammatory bowel disease and recommend therapies, and to determine their opinions about the treatments that they recommend. The study sample comprised 66 chiropractors, 19 pharmacists, 16 herbalists and 15 health food store employees in Calgary, Alberta. A structured questionnaire containing two patient scenarios (a patient with active ulcerative colitis and a patient with inactive Crohn’s disease) was completed either by an in-person interview or by a mailed questionnaire. Most respondents had seen patients with ulcerative colitis, and at least 80% of each group except pharmacists (only 10%) would treat these patients or recommend treatment. Almost all chiropractors used spinal manipulation, whereas herbalists and health food store employees suggested a wide range of different treatments. Chiropractors rated their treatment as moderately effective; herbalists and health food store employees viewed their recommendations as very effective. The results with respect to the second scenario were very similar. The wide range of treatment recommendations by practitioners, who differ greatly in terms of skills, knowledge and experience, has important implications for physician-patient communication, information provision and education regarding complementary and alternative therapies.
Motion – All Patients with NASH Need to Have a Liver Biopsy: Arguments for the Motion
Authors: Talwalkar Jayant A
Published: March 2016

Previously regarded as an obscure disorder, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has recently emerged as an important chronic liver disease. NASH is within a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, including simple hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), inflammation and necrosis (steatohepatitis), and fibrosis. Collectively, the disorders are called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Estimates of the prevalence of these individual conditions are suspect because liver biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis and is not generally performed. Although these conditions have traditionally been thought of as diseases of obese women, and are frequently associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia, they have also been identified in lean men. Insulin resistance appears to be a common factor. These conditions are difficult to distinguish from each other clinically, and no biochemical or radiological test reliably establishes the diagnosis. A ratio of serum aspartate to alanine aminotransferase levels of less than one can distinguish NAFLD from alcoholic liver disease, but this is a nonspecific finding. Fatty infiltration imparts a diffuse echogenicity to the liver at ultrasonography, but this test cannot easily distinguish fat from fibrous tissue or identify cases of NASH. Only histological examination can establish the diagnosis of NASH, grade its severity, determine the prognosis and guide treatment.
Curative Treatment for Esophageal Cancer: Vancouver Island Cancer Centre Experience from 1993 to 1998
Authors: Wilson Kenneth S , Wilson Amanda G , Dewar Gary J
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: To review outcomes after curative treatment for esophageal cancer in the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre from 1993 to 1998. Curative treatments included esophagectomy alone, and chemoradiotherapy with ‘selective surgery’ for patients with post-treatment-positive endoscopic biopsy or less than 75% regression on computed axial tomography scan, or with resectable local recurrence.

METHODS: Patients undergoing esophagectomy alone, or primary chemoradiotherapy and ‘selective surgery’ were reviewed. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, institutional experience. Surgical complication, relief of dysphagia, disease-specific survival rates and prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent esophagectomy alone. A total of 56 patients underwent primary chemoradiotherapy, of whom 16 had ‘selective surgery’. Relief of dysphagia was similar in both groups of esophagectomy patients. Exploration for ‘selective surgery’ was performed in 12 patients after their first postchemo-radiotherapy endoscopy (two patients had unresectable disease), and in seven for relapse, one of whom died intraoperatively. Overall, the mortality rate due to surgery was 3%. Chemoradiotherapy was not associated with more frequent serious surgical complications. For patients who underwent esophagectomy alone and those who underwent chemoradiotherapy plus selective surgery, the median survival times were 12.9 and 16.4 months, respectively, and the three-year survival rates were 21% and 37%, respectively. Seventeen of 25 patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy and who survived more than two years have not required selective surgery. For the two groups of patients combined, no single prognostic factor for survival was significant in multivariate analysis, but for patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy plus selective surgery, negative endoscopic biopsy was highly significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complication and disease-specific survival rates after primary chemoradiotherapy with selective surgery compare favourably with esophagectomy alone in the curative treatment of esophageal cancer. A prospective, randomized trial is necessary for the definitive evaluation of the strategy of chemoradiotherapy and selective surgery.
Cholestasis: The ABCs of Cellular Mechanisms for Impaired Bile Secretion – Transporters and Genes
Authors: Shaffer Eldon A
Published: March 2016

The transport of bile salts, organic anions and cations, bilirubin and other substances from the portal blood into the biliary system is accomplished through the action of an array of transporter proteins in the hepatocyte. Transporters on the basolateral membrane, which faces the space of Disse, are responsible for the uptake of bile salts and organic anions. Once translocated through the hepatocyte to the canalicular membrane, other ATP pumps provide the energy to export bile salts, phospholipids and organic ions into the bile. Canalicular transport is rate limiting. Defects in specific canalicular transporters are responsible for many of the intrahepatic cholestatic syndromes that occur in children and adults. Moreover, cholestasis provokes changes in several transport mechanisms, many of which appear to be compensatory and serve to protect the liver from the toxic effects of accumulated materials. The identification and characterization of the major transporters responsible for bile formation have yielded a more precise classification of the cholestatic syndromes of infancy and childhood, and are unlocking the molecular mechanism of acquired cholestasis in adults. This review identifies the basic physiology of bile production and the actions of the key transporters, indicates the clinical relevance and possible treatments of transport disorders, and provides an illustrative case.
Funding the New Biologics – CCOHTA Report on the Cost Effectiveness of Infliximab for Crohn’s Disease: Pearls and Pitfalls
Authors: Marshall John K
Published: March 2016

The Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA) published an economic analysis, using a Markov model, of infliximab therapy for Crohn’s disease that is refractory to other treatments. This was the first fully published economic analysis that addresses this treatment option. Health state transitions were based on data from Olmsted County, Minnesota, health state resource profiles were created using expert opinion and a number of assumptions were made when designing the model. The analysis was rigorous, the best available efficacy and safety data were used, state-of-the art sensitivity analyses were undertaken and an ‘acceptability curve‘ was constructed. The model found that infliximab was effective in increasing quality-adjusted life years when offered in a variety of protocols, but it was associated with high incremental cost utility ratios compared with usual care. The results should be interpreted, however, in view of a number of limitations. The time horizon for the analysis was short (one year), because of a lack of longer-term efficacy data, and might have led to an underestimation of the benefits from averting surgery. Because the analysis was performed from the perspective of a Canadian provincial ministry of health, only direct medical costs were considered. Patients with active Crohn’s disease are likely to incur significant indirect costs, which could be mitigated by this medication. The analysis should be updated as new data become available. Moreover, small changes in the cost of the medication could make the treatment cost effective, according to this model. Economic analyses, such as the one undertaken by the CCOHTA, cannot by themselves solve dilemmas in the allocation of limited health care resources, and other considerations must be included when formulating policy. This is especially important for patients with severe Crohn’s disease, who have significant disability and for whom few therapeutic options exist.
Photodynamic Therapy: Esophagus
Authors: Gossner L
Published: March 2016

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, organ-preserving therapeutic modality, involving three separate components - light, oxygen and a photosensitizing drug. The principles of PDT are described, and the indications for its use are reviewed. Although a widespread clinical application for PDT has not yet emerged, PDT may establish itself as an endoscopic procedure with few or no side effects in the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus (high-grade dysplasia and early carcinoma) and, in selected cases, for the treatment of early squamous cell carcinoma.
Training the Gastroenterologist of the Future: A Different Mix of Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes in Needed
Authors: Roy Claude C
Published: March 2016

In the United States, the declining interest of residents in gastroenterology is thought to be the result of the specialty being too procedure driven and not intellectually challenging. It is clear that the growth of technology and excessive demands for procedures have forced the curtailing of clinic time, erosion of clinical skills, distraction from scholarly pursuits and a decrease in the intellectual content of our training programs. In order to attract the ’best and the brightest’ and to better prepare gastroenterologists for the future, trainees will require more knowledge and experience in nutrition, genetics and the evaluative sciences. Furthermore, they need to realize that the main responsibility of clinicians is problem solving. This can be learned only through personal clinical experience and teaching by clinicians with good analytical and intuitive skills. Quality care requires the integration of the needs, means and preferences of patients with evidence-based medical practice. Finally, new physicians should be imbued with the concept that an empathic relationship with patients is crucial for the accurate collection of information and plays an important therapeutic role.
High Dose Consensus Interferon in Nonresponders to Interferon Alpha-2B and Ribavirin with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Moskovitz David N , Manoharan Pooma , Heathcote E Jenny
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with a combination of interferon (IFN) alpha-2b and ribavirin are nonresponders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with high dose consensus IFN (CIFN) (15 µg/day) in nonresponders.

METHODS: Patients were administered 15 µg CIFN/day. Treatment was stopped in those whose serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA remained detectable at 12 weeks. Those with undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks continued on 15 µg three times per week for a further 36 weeks.

RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were recruited; six (25%) withdrew before 12 weeks because of side effects. Of the 18 patients who completed 12 weeks of therapy, nine (38%) had undetectable HCV RNA. Seven of nine patients who were HCV RNA-negative at week 12 completed 48 weeks of treatment and two withdrew because of intolerable side effects. At 48 weeks, HCV RNA remained undetectable in three patients. After six months of follow-up off treatment, two patients (8%) continued with no detectable HCV RNA in their sera.

CONCLUSIONS: High dose induction therapy with CIFN 15 µg/day in prior nonresponders to IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin led to loss of detectable HCV RNA in 50% of patients, but this response was only sustained in 8% of patients on completion of therapy.
Motion - Colonoscopic Surveillance is more Cost Effective than Colectomy in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Arguments Against the Motion
Authors: Ekbom Anders
Published: March 2016

There are insufficient data upon which to base recommendations about surveillance colonoscopy and prophylactic colectomy for the prevention of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis. Case series, analyses of intermediate results and extrapolations from other patient groups do not constitute reliable evidence. Available studies are susceptible to several biases: the ’healthy worker’ effect, surveillance bias and selection bias. Patients who are enrolled in surveillance programs are more likely to be thoroughly evaluated beforehand, are more likely to be given a diagnosis of dysplasia or neoplasm even when asymptomatic and are more likely to comply with medical treatment, including maintenance anti-inflammatory medication. Comparisons of the rates of neoplasia or death between surveyed and nonsurveyed patients are, therefore, of questionable validity. Prophylactic colectomy, unlike surveillance colonoscopy, prevents death from colorectal cancer. Moreover, it is difficult to keep patients in surveillance programs, and those who withdraw from programs appear to be at high risk of developing cancer. Prophylactic colectomy should be strongly considered for patients with dysplasia, sclerosing cholangitis, longstanding pancolitis (especially if it began early in life) or a positive family history of colorectal cancer. This procedure is underused in clinical practice and is a good alternative to colonoscopic surveillance in high risk patients.
Motion - Computerized Tomographic Colography is a Better Method for Screening for Polyps: Arguments Against the Motion
Authors: Simon Jerome B
Published: March 2016

Computerized tomographic (CT) colography is an exciting technique whereby images of the colonic wall and lumen can be obtained without colonoscopy. It is not as good as conventional colonoscopy, however, because of both inherent and performance limitations. Among the former is the inability to visualize subtle mucosal lesions, such as alterations in colour or pliability. More importantly, CT colography is strictly a diagnostic technique, and does not allow biopsy or removal of polyps. The vigorous bowel preparation required for this procedure can be very unpleasant for the patient, and includes purgatives followed by distension of the colon with air. Unlike with colonoscopy, adherent stool can be difficult to distinguish radiologically from polyps or cancers; as a result, many patients require colonoscopy anyway. The major performance limitations of CT colography are poor sensitivity and specificity compared with conventional colonoscopy. Rectal lesions, flat adenomas and diminutive adenomas are especially difficult to detect, and false-positive results are also common. In addition, the procedure is expensive and less cost effective than colonoscopy. CT colography takes relatively little patient time, but a substantial amount of time is needed for the radiologist to interpret the images. Interobserver variability is high. For all of these reasons, CT colography cannot be recommended as a screening test for colorectal neoplasia.
Management of Anticoagulants before and after Endoscopy
Authors: Hittelet Axel , Devière Jacques
Published: March 2016

The risk of procedure-related bleeding while taking anticoagulants needs to be weighed against the risk of thromboembolism from discontinuing these drugs. It is not necessary to adjust anticoagulation for low-risk procedures, such as upper endoscopy with biopsy, colonoscopy with biopsy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent insertion (but without sphincterotomy). Procedures that incur a high risk of bleeding include polypectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy, laser therapy, mucosal ablation and treatment of varices. For these procedures, warfarin should be discontinued four to five days beforehand. Depending on the risk of thromboembolism, that is based on the nature of the underlying condition, the patient may require vitamin K and/or fresh frozen plasma (to ensure that coagulation parameters are within the normal range) or heparin infusions (to ensure that some degree of anticoagulation is maintained). Low molecular weight heparin is an alternative to unfractionated heparin for select cases with a high risk of thromboembolism. Warfarin therapy may generally be resumed on the night of the procedure and may be supplemented by heparin in patients with a high risk of thromboembolism. It is not necessary to discontinue acetylsalicylic acid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, when used in standard doses, for endoscopic procedures. There are insufficient data to make recommendations regarding newer antiplatelet drugs, such as ticlopidine or clopidogrel, but it is prudent to discontinue these medications seven to 10 days before a high-risk procedure.
The Role of the Enterohepatic Circulation of Bile Salts and Nuclear Hormone Receptors in the Regulation of Cholesterol Homeostasis: Bile Salts as Ligands for Nuclear Hormone Receptors
Authors: Redinger Richard N
Published: March 2016

The coordinated effect of lipid activated nuclear hormone receptors; liver X receptor (LXR), bound by oxysterol ligands and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), bound by bile acid ligands, act as genetic transcription factors to cause feed-forward cholesterol catabolism to bile acids and feedback repression of bile acid synthesis, respectively. It is the coordinated action of LXR and FXR, each dimerized to retinoid X receptor, that signal nuclear DNA response elements to encode proteins that prevent excessive cholesterol accumulation and bile salt toxicity, respectively. LXR helps prevent hypercholesterolemia by enhancing transporters for cholesterol efflux that enhance reverse cholesterol transport, while FXR enhances intestinal reabsorption and preservation of bile salts by increasing the ileal bile acid binding protein. FXR also targets sodium taurocholate cotransport peptide and bile salt export pump (protein) genes to limit bile salt uptake and enhance export, respectively, which prevents bile salt toxicity. Other nuclear hormone receptors such as pregnan X receptor, which share the obligate partner, retinoid X receptor, and vitamin D receptor also function as bile acid sensors to signal detoxification by hydroxylation of toxic bile acids. Pharmacologically targeted receptor agonists (or antagonists) may be developed that alter cholesterol and bile salt concentrations by modulating nuclear hormone receptors and/or their coactivators or corepressors to positively affect cholesterol homeostasis and bile salt metabolism. It is the coordinated transcription factor action of LXR, which responds to ligand binding of circulating oxysterols in both liver and peripheral tissues, and FXR responding to bile salts within the enterohepatic circulation that make possible the regulation of cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis.
Gastrocolic Fistulae as a Consequence of Benign Gastric Ulcer Disease
Authors: Marschall Jeff , Bigsby Richard , Nechala Patrik
Published: March 2016

Gastrocolic fistulae are a rare entity, occurring most commonly in the context of a malignant process or less frequently as a complication of a benign gastric ulcer. Presenting symptoms tend to be nonspecific, but the diagnosis can be confirmed with near certainty by barium enema examination or an upper gastrointestinal series. Although the management of gastrocolic fistulae has historically been surgical, medical management has recently been recommended as the first line of treatment when an underlying malignancy can be excluded.
Early Prediction of Nonresponders to Treatment with Interferon Alpha-2B and Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Liu Louis WC , Tomlinson George , Mazzulli Tony , Murray Alison , Heathcote Jenny
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin is costly in terms of side effects, medical resources and drug costs. Furthermore, less than 50% of patients overall have a sustained virological response (SVR).

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the log fall in HCV RNA between baseline and week 1 (b-wk1) and between baseline and week 4 (b-wk4) after starting treatment could identify the nonresponders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients who had completed a full course of therapy were identified. Quantitative measurements of HCV RNA were analyzed from stored sera, collected prospectively.

RESULTS: SVR was achieved in 47.1% and 47.3% of patients in the b-wk1 and b-wk4 groups, respectively. No patients had an SVR with a fall in HCV RNA of less than 0.35 log10and 1.05 log10at week 1 and week 4, respectively. This accounted for 44.4% and 51.7% of the nonresponders in the b-wk1 and b-wk4 groups, respectively. Once the decline in viral load was known, genotype, age, sex and baseline viral load did not provide additional power in predicting treatment responses.

CONCLUSION: A fall of 1.05 log10in HCV RNA at week 4 predicts those patients who will not respond, identifying one-half of all nonresponders; this allows therapy to be stopped early, without depriving any patient who would have an SVR from treatment.
Crohn’s Disease and Cheilitis
Authors: Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman A , Machida Helen M , Butzner J Decker
Published: March 2016

A five-year-old boy presented to his family physician with painless swelling of both lips. One year later he developed abdominal pain, nonbloody diarrhea, weight loss and joint pains. Colonoscopic examination demonstrated patchy erythema, friability and multiple aph-thous ulcers consistent with the appearance of Crohn’s colitis, and treatment with prednisone was initiated. Colonic biopsies displayed a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, focal cryptitis and fissure formation. The patient’s lip swelling relapsed on multiple occasions when steroids were tapered, despite minimal intestinal symptoms of Crohn’s disease. The objective of the present report is to alert physicians to this unusual presentation of Crohn’s disease and that cheilitis may run a protracted course.
The 1993 Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Strategic Plan: Excellence in Achievement
Authors: Fedorak Richard , Sherman Philip
Published: March 2016

By the summer of 1990, the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) had been in existence as Canada’s premier gastroenterology society for nearly thirty years. The specialty of gastroenterology was in an exponential growth phase and many changes were on the horizon, including discussions as to whether the CAG should continue to conduct its annual meeting in conjunction with the Royal College meeting. In 1990, the CAG Governing Board and then president Dr Eldon Shaffer initiated a membership needs analysis (with technical assistance provided through the Strategic Planning Group at Searle Canada Inc) to provide a foundation for a strategic planning process that was to carry forward over the next several years and ultimately produce the CAG’s first strategic planning document. After substantial review and assessment, the 1991/1992 and 1992/1993 CAG Governing Boards approved the 1993 CAG Strategic Plan. This strategic plan served the organization well over the past decade and has provided the cornerstone upon which the CAG advanced many progressive initiatives.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Seven-Day Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate and Clarithromycin Dual Therapy to Seven-Day Omeprazole, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin Triple Therapy for the Eradication ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: van Zanten Sander Veldhuyzen , Chiba Naoki , Barkun Alan , Fallone Carlo , Farley Alain , Cockeram Alan , Dallaire Chrystian , Simms Lorinda , Nicholls Barbara
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To assessHelicobacter pylorieradication after one week dual ranitidine bismuth citrate-clarithromycin (RBC-C) or triple omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin (OCA) therapy.

METHODS: In this multicentre Canadian trial,H pylori-positive patients with functional dyspepsia or inactive peptic ulcer disease were randomized to open-label treatment with RBC-C (ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg plus clarithromycin 500 mg) or OCA (omezaprole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg), given twice a day for seven days. Treatment allocation was randomly assigned.H pyloriinfection was confirmed by positive13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT).H pyloristatus was reassessed by UBT at least four and 12 weeks after treatment (negative: δ13CO2below 3.5 per mil). Intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were determined for all patients with confirmedH pyloriinfection. Per protocol (PP) rate was determined for all patients treated with at least two evaluable follow-up visits.

RESULTS: Three hundred five patients were included in the ITT and 222 in the PP analysis. The ITT eradication rates were 66% for RBC-C and 78% for OCA. The PP success rates were 84% for RBC-C and 96% for OCA. The difference for both ITT 12% (95% CI 2 to 22) and PP 12% (95% CI 4 to 19) were statistically significant, P=0.030 and P=0.007, respectively. Treatment was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: The eradication rate for the seven-day dual RBC-C regimen was lower than that for OCA.
Comparison of Endoscopy-Based and Serum-Based Methods for the Diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Garza-González Elvira , Bosques-Padilla Francisco J , Tijerina-Menchaca Rolando , Flores-Gutiérrez Juan P , Maldonado-Garza Héctor J , Pérez-Pérez Guillermo I
Published: March 2016

Available commercial tests for the diagnosis ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection are based on different types of antigen preparations and hence the diagnostic utility differs substantially.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of the determination of Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG antibodies toH pyloriwhole cell (WC) and IgG antibodies to cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) using an in-house ELISA in relation to the results obtained with different invasive methods.

METHODS: The study population consisted of 251 Mexican adults, mean age 53 years, age range 15 to 92 years and female to male ratio of 1.5. Peptic ulcer disease was present in 10.8% of these patients, 5.2% had gastric cancer, 11.2% had esophagitis and 72.9% had nonulcer dyspepsia. Biopsy specimens from the body and the antrum of the stomach were obtained for culture, histology and rapid urease test. ELISAs to detect IgA and IgG WC andCagAantibodies were performed using serum.

RESULTS:H pyloristatus was established by the results of the invasive tests. Eighty (31.9%) patients positive to the three tests and 38 (15.1%) negative to all the tests were identified. Based on this result, the sensitivity and specificity of the serology assays were 97.5% and 78.9% for the IgG WC and 70% and 73.7% for the IgA WC, respectively. However, ifH pyloristatus was defined by the positive result of at least one or two invasive diagnostic tests, the sensitivity for the IgG WC decreased to 87.3% and 66.7% respectively, but the specificity was essentially the same. Similar results were obtained for the sensitivity and specificity of IgA using the same criteria. A lowCagAprevalence was observed (39%).

CONCLUSIONS: Testing for serological IgG antibodies toH pyloriWC was the best to assess whether infection byH pyloriwas present. Neither the IgA WC nor the IgGCagAELISAs add significant value in the diagnosis ofH pylori.
Infliximab Salvage Therapy after Cyclosporine in an Acute Flare of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Lam ECS , Bailey RJ
Published: March 2016

Although infliximab (Remicade, Schering Canada Inc, Quebec) therapy has been well studied in steroid refractory Crohn’s disease, its use remains controversial in chronic ulcerative colitis. A 24-year-old woman with a 14-year history of well controlled left sided ulcerative colitis presented with an acute flare. Clinical, endoscopic and biopsy evidence of an acute flare of ulcerative pancolitis were present. There was no response to intravenous steroids but improvement was seen after receiving 14 days of intravenous cyclosporine (4 mg/kg/day continuous infusion). The patient was discharged from hospital with azathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day) and low dose oral cyclosporine (4 mg/kg/day). She presented with worsening symptoms seven days after discharge. Because of the patient’s unwillingness for surgery, she instead received two injections of infliximab 5 mg/kg at week 0 and week 2. An initial response occurred, but her clinical improvement was not durable. Colectomy was performed four weeks later. This is the first report of infliximab as a salvage therapy in an acute flare of chronic ulcerative colitis following failure of cyclosporine.
Indications for Interferon/Ribavirin Therapy in Hepatitis C Patients: Findings from a Survey of Canadian Hepatologists
Authors: Wang Peter , Yi Qilong , Scully Linda , Heathcote Jenny , Krahn Murray
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To survey practising hepatologists about their attitudes and practices regarding interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C (HCV) patients in Canada.

METHODS: Anonymous fax and mail survey in Canada. The questionnaire consisted of two sets of questions: the likelihood (in percentage) of treating a patient with certain clinical characteristics; and opinions (Yes/No) regarding how his/her treatment decision is influenced by other factors (ie, patient age, genotype). Thirty-eight of 44 eligible participants responded to the survey with a response rate of 86.4%.

RESULTS: Most participants indicated that they were likely to treat patients with "moderate/severe hepatitis with fibrosis" (median 80.0%), and compensated cirrhosis (median 75%). However, the participants were less willing to treat patients with coexisting conditions (median 25.0%) or mild hepatitis (median 13.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study indicate that there is a substantial variation in opinion among Canadian hepatologists towards treating HCV patients. The present study, however, suggests that the survey respondents appear, in general, to adhere to the HCV treatment guidelines by the Canadian Association for Study of the Liver.
Validation of the GSFQ, a Self-Administered Symptom Frequency Questionnaire for Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Paré Pierre , Meyer François , Armstrong David , Pyzyk Myron , Pericak Dan , Ron Goeree
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Although the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based primarily on symptoms experienced by a patient, relatively little attention has been paid to the development and validation of self-administered questionnaires specific to GERD symptoms. The present article presents the validation of the short, self-administered GERD Symptom Frequency Questionnaire (GSFQ).

METHODS: Patients with GERD participating in a randomized clinical trial comparing pantoprazole and nizatidine were asked to complete the GSFQ together with validated instruments for measurement of health-related quality of life (Medical Outcome Study Short Form 12) and gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale). Completion of the GSFQ, Medical Outcome Study Short Form 12 and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale took place upon entry into the trial (baseline) and during the trial (days 7 and 28). Endoscopy was performed at baseline and after 28 days. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. The test-retest reliability of the GSFQ was examined by the intraclass correlation coefficient among the 36 patients with stable GERD symptoms between day 7 and day 28. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the GSFQ with previously validated instruments. Known group validity was determined by comparing GSFQ scores across groups of patients known to differ clinically. Responsiveness to change was assessed by the Guyatt’s statistic.

RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one patients formed the study baseline group. The analysis demonstrated that the GSFQ questionnaire had excellent psychometric properties shown by the high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.84); that the test-retest reliability was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.64); that there was good evidence that the GSFQ indeed measured what it was intended to measure (validity); and that the GSFQ was highly responsive to change (Guyatt’s statistic 1.48).

DISCUSSION: The GSFQ is a short, self-administered, easy to use, GERD-specific questionnaire which should be considered as a useful assessment tool in the evaluation of patients with GERD and in the assessment of treatment outcomes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Primary Care: The Patients’ and Doctors’ Views on Symptoms, Etiology and Management
Authors: Bijkerk Cornelis J , Wit Niek J de , Stalman Wim AB , Knottnerus J André , Hoes Arno W , Muris Jean WM
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the development of clinical guidelines and to direct future irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) research, insight into the perceptions of patients and general practitioners (GPs) regarding IBS is required.

OBJECTIVES : To compare patients’ and GPs’ views on the symptomatology, etiology and treatment of IBS. METHODS: One hundred forty-two IBS patients and 100 GPs were requested to complete a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: The response rates of the patients and GPs were 80% and 47%, respectively. Abdominal pain and bloating were considered to be the most bothersome symptoms in IBS, by both patients and GPs. Although all patients were diagnosed by their GP as having IBS, and 62% met the Manning criteria, only 18% fulfilled the Rome II criteria for IBS. Patients consider food intolerance and GPs regard lack of fibre as the main etiologic dietary factor. Many IBS patients expect a diagnostic work-up, but GPs generally restrict this to elderly patients. GPs start IBS management with dietary advice (94%), counselling (77%) and drug therapy (55%). Patients expect reassurance (47%) and drug treatment (37%), but dietary interventions are less appreciated (9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients and GPs have different perceptions of the efficacy of diagnostic and dietary interventions in IBS. GPs should explore the patients expectations and incorporate these in their approach to IBS patients.
Hepatic Regeneration: If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it
Authors: Minuk GY
Published: March 2016

The capacity for the liver to regenerate after injury or resection has long been recognized, as implied by the legend of Prometheus. Resections of up to 70% of the liver are followed by a sequence of events that generally result in complete restitution of hepatic mass and function. Hypertrophy of hepatocytes begins within hours, with accumulation of amino acids and triglycerides and activation of enzymes that are associated with proliferative activity. Increased DNA synthesis is associated initially with hyperplasia of hepatocytes, and then other cells, which begins in the periportal region and spreads in a wave-like fashion to the pericentral region of the lobule. Quiescent hepatocytes are primed to enter the cell cycle and then proceed through the G1/S and G2/M restriction points, under the influence of a variety of proteins, growth factors (especially hepatocyte growth factor) and cycle dependent kinases. At each stage there is interplay between growth promoters and inhibitors, including transforming growth factor-beta and GABA. Factors that initiate hepatic regeneration are unknown, and might include hepatic depolarization, increases in blood flow, destruction of liver matrix (with release of growth factors), and increased production or expression of growth promoters compared to inhibitors. Regenerative activity increases with the amount of resection to a point, and then relatively declines. Uncontrolled proliferation of liver tissue after resection or injury is not necessarily beneficial, because it could lead to a diversion of resources from the maintenance of hepatic function and to an increased risk of neoplasia. Therefore, it is unclear whether clinicians should attempt to enhance hepatocyte regeneration. Since both hepatic regeneration and metabolic function require energy from high-energy nucleotide triphosphates, especially adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a reasonable strategy might be to augment energy delivery and ATP production. Mortality rates after limited (fewer than 70%) resections and mild or moderate injuries of previously normal livers are low, and supportive care is often sufficient. The prognosis is unclear; however, in cases of more massive resection, resections in the setting of underlying liver disease or cirrhosis, and fulminant hepatic failure, and liver transplantation is still an important option.
Biliary Pancreatitis
Authors: Carr-Locke David L
Published: March 2016

Gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis is a prevalent condition that is associated with an unacceptably high mortality rate. Early endoscopic intervention, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy within 24 to 72 h of hospital admission, can be used to remove stones in the common bile duct (CBD) and establish biliary drainage. Anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness led to formal testing in randomized clinical trials. Although the design and results of the four published studies have varied, the overall conclusion is that early endoscopic therapy reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. Benefits are especially apparent in patients who satisfy generally accepted criteria for severe pancreatitis. The author’s practice is to undertake endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with severe or worsening pancreatitis, or in patients with jaundice, cholangitis or dilation of the CBD. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is performed in patients with CBD stones or in patients with biliary pancreatitis and cholelithiasis who are not candidates for cholecystectomy. The roles of newer diagnostic modalities, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography, are not yet clear.
Motion - Colonoscopic Surveillance is More Cost Effective than Colectomy in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Arguments for the Motion
Authors: Lashner Bret A
Published: March 2016

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), especially those with longstanding disease, pancolitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. The incidence of colitis- associated cancer is increasing, and the mortality rates from CRC are higher in UC patients than in the general population. Case control studies have demonstrated that surveillance colonoscopy reduces the risk of dying from CRC. A well conducted decision analysis found that surveillance colonoscopy decreases cancer-related mortality and increases life expectancy. The results with surveillance programs were almost as good as with prophylactic colectomy. A subsequent cost effectiveness analysis using the same model found that, compared with a policy of no surveillance, colonoscopic surveillance was more effective at preventing death from CRC and was less costly. The best strategy appears to be to perform colonoscopies every three years. The analysis also showed that colectomy should be recommended in patients with low-grade dysplasia. Patients at very high risk for CRC should undergo yearly colonoscopy, and patients who are concerned about the limitations of this technique should be offered prophylactic colectomy.
Biopsy-Defined Adult Celiac Disease in Asian-Canadians
Authors: Freeman Hugh James
Published: March 2016

Celiac disease is thought to be a genetically based disorder reported mainly from European countries as well as countries to which Europeans have emigrated, including North America. This report documents a clinical experience of biopsy-defined celiac disease in 14 Asians diagnosed since 1988 in a single Canadian teaching hospital. Eleven were Indo-Canadians, including 10 of Punjabi descent. Other ethnic groups were also represented, including two Japanese and one Chinese patient. Abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom. Anemia, particularly associated with a deficiency of iron was common, along with diarrhea and weight loss. Endoscopic studies documented lymphocytic gastric and colonic mucosal changes in over one-third of the cases while antibodies for tissue transglutaminase were positive in all patients tested. Dermatitis herpetiformis, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune liver disease were also documented. These findings indicate for the first time that adult celiac disease occurs in Asian populations living in North America, particularly in those of Punjabi descent.
Recent Advances inHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Children: From the Petri Dish to the Playgound
Authors: Zheng Peng-Yuan , Jones Nicola L
Published: March 2016

Helicobacter pyloriinfection is acquired in childhood, plays a causative role in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and is associated with the development of gastric cancer. The present review focuses on recent advances in the scientific knowledge ofH pyloriinfection in children, including clinical sequelae, diagnosis and treatment. In addition, recent insights regarding both bacterial and host factors that mediate human diseases associated withH pyloriinfection are discussed.