Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

On the centenary of The Spanish Journal of Gastroenterology (REED)

Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in functional dyspepsia: is it really important?

New psychometric data from the Spanish versions of the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score and the Dyspepsia-Related Health Scale measures

ABSTRACT Background and objective: There are no structural abnormalities in functional dyspepsia, therefore it is essential to have a viable questionnaire to measure treatment outcome according to patient perception. The aim of the study was to extensively document psychometric characteristics of the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score and the Dyspepsia-Related Health Scale that are currently available in Spanish. Methods: Patients with functional dyspepsia (n = 158) were recruited from a randomized trial that assessed standard vs. standard and psychological treatment. Participants had completed the validation questionnaires and the Medical Outcome Study Short-form 36. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha), validity (Confirmatory Factor Analysis, convergent and known group validity) and responsiveness (minimal clinically important difference) were analyzed. Results: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score showed a one-factor solution model, but a low Cronbach's alpha (0.61). With regard to the Dyspepsia-Related Health Scale, the Cronbach's alpha (0.80-0.97) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported a model with four inter-correlated dimensions and suggested a need to improve the "Satisfaction with dyspepsia-related health" dimension (Cronbach's alpha < 20). Finally, the global scores for both the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score and the Dyspepsia-Related Health Scale were responsive at six months post-treatment, with a minimal clinically important difference of 4 and 6, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings support the continued application of the Dyspepsia-Related Health Scale and the need to improve the "Satisfaction with dyspepsia-related health" dimension. Although the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score is a promising questionnaire, further review of the content is required to eliminate and add items in order to provide greater consistency to the evaluated construct.

Serum thymosin beta4 as a noninvasive biomarker in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether serum thymosin beta4 (Tβ4) can be a useful noninvasive biomarker to differentiate between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Methods: The study included 24 NAFL patients and 21 NASH patients. The levels of Tβ4, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine acid (8-OhdG), liver function parameters, blood lipid, and glucose were detected in the venous blood of all patients. The NAFLD histological activity score (NAS) was examined in biopsy specimens from all patients. Statistical analysis was performed in order to find differences between the two abovementioned groups. In addition, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Tβ4 levels were performed in NAFL and NASH patients and the cut-off value was determined. Associations between the variables were tested using correlation coefficient calculations. Statistical significance was set at a p value of < 0.05. Results: Serum Tβ4 content was 5.12 ± 1.87 mg/l in the NAFL group and 2.98 ± 1.35 mg/l in the NASH group (p < 0.001). Serum Tβ4 content and NAS, histological features of hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation and ballooning, ALT, glucose and 8-OhdG levels were negatively correlated (p < 0.05 for all) in the NASH group. The correlation coefficient values were -0.530, -0.562, -0.574, -0.438, -0.446, -0.426 and -0.563, respectively. On the basis of ROC analysis, the best predictive Tβ4 cut-off value for detecting NASH was 3.94 mg/l (85.7% sensitivity and 79.2% specificity, which were higher than those of ALT). Conclusion: Serum Tβ4 level can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of NASH and was negatively correlated with the oxidation state of the liver.

Endoscopic tattooing of colorectal neoplasms removed by laparoscopy: a proposal for selective marking

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivo: el tatuaje endoscópico preoperatorio es un procedimiento eficaz que permite la localización intraoperatoria de neoplasias de pequeño tamaño. Sin embargo, actualmente no existen unos criterios definidos sobre las indicaciones del tatuaje endoscópico de estas neoplasias en el momento del diagnóstico. El objetivo es establecer unos criterios endoscópicos para seleccionar los pacientes que precisarán un tatuaje. Material y métodos: estudio ambispectivo de pacientes intervenidos de neoplasia colorrectal por laparoscopia en los que se realizó tatuaje endoscópico en el periodo (2007-2013 y 2016-2017). De acuerdo con la descripción endoscópica de las neoplasias se clasificaron en: lesiones polipoideas, neoplasias que ocupan < 50% o ≥ 50% de la luz intestinal y neoplasias estenosantes. Resultados: se realizó tatuaje de la lesión en 120 pacientes y en 114 (95%) se identificó el mismo durante la cirugía. La mayor parte de las neoplasias descritas como polipoideas y neoplasias que ocupaban < 50% de la luz intestinal no se visualizaban en la cirugía y por tanto precisaban el tatuaje (33 de 42 y 18 de 26 respectivamente, p = 0.0001, 2). En cambio, aquellas lesiones estenosantes o bien neoplasias que ocupaban ≥ 50% de la luz intestinal se identificaban mayoritariamente en la cirugía (15 de 15 y 36 de 37 respectivamente, p = 0.0001, 2) sin necesidad de tatuaje. En conjunto la identificación de las neoplasias según los criterios establecidos fue del 98%. Conclusiones: estos resultados sugieren que es posible establecer unos criterios endoscópicos que permitan realizar un tatuaje selectivo durante la endoscopia diagnóstica manteniendo el éxito del mismo.

ABSTRACT Background and aim: Preoperative endoscopic tattooing is an effective procedure to identify small intraoperative neoplasms. However, there are no defined criteria with regard to the indications for endoscopic tattooing of these lesions at the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to establish endoscopic criteria that allow the selection of patients who will need a tattoo during the diagnostic colonoscopy. Methods: An ambispective study of patients undergoing laparoscopy due to a colorectal neoplasia who underwent endoscopic tattooing during the period from 2007-2013 and 2016-2017. According to the endoscopic description of the neoplasms, the classification was polypoid lesions, neoplasms occupying < 50% or ≥ 50% of the intestinal lumen and stenosing neoplasias. Results: Tattooing of the lesion was performed in 120 patients and the same lesions were identified during surgery in 114 (95%) cases. Most of the neoplasias described as polypoids and neoplasias that occupied < 50% of the intestinal lumen were not visualized during surgery and therefore required a tattoo (33 of 42 and 18 of 26 respectively, p = 0.0001, 2). On the other hand, stenosing lesions or neoplasias occupying ≥ 50% of the intestinal lumen were mostly identified during surgery (15 of 15 and 36 of 37 respectively, p = 0.0001, 2) without the need for a tattoo. Overall, the identification of neoplasms according to established criteria was 98%. Conclusion: These results suggest that it is possible to establish endoscopic criteria that allow a successful selective tattooing during diagnostic endoscopy.

Insertion of fully covered self-expanding metal stents in benign biliary diseases

RESUMEN Introducción: las enfermedades biliares benignas se han tratado, tradicionalmente, mediante la colocación de prótesis plásticas. Sin embargo, en la actualidad, las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles totalmente recubiertas están ganando aceptación para el tratamiento de dichas patologías. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y las complicaciones de la inserción endoscópica temporal de prótesis metálicas totalmente recubiertas para el tratamiento de patologías biliares benignas. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo y observacional realizado a partir de una base de datos prospectiva en un centro de tercer nivel entre marzo de 2012 y mayo de 2016. Se incluyeron pacientes a los que se les colocó una prótesis metálica totalmente recubierta por patología benigna de la vía biliar. Se documentaron las indicaciones, las tasas de resolución, las de éxito técnico y los eventos adversos. Resultados: se incluyeron 31 pacientes a los que se insertaron 34 prótesis. Las indicaciones fueron las siguientes: 8 (25%) estenosis biliares poscolecistectomía, 11 (31%) coledocolitiasis de gran tamaño o múltiple, 3 (8,3%) fístulas biliares, 2 (6%) estenosis postrasplante hepático, 3 (8,3%) estenosis papilares, 2 (6%) perforaciones y 2 (6%) sangrados. La tasa de éxito global de resolución de la patológica fue del 88%: 87,5% (7/8) en estenosis poscolecistectomía, 73% (8/11) en litiasis gigante, y 100% en el resto de las indicaciones. Se retiraron mediante endoscopia 33 de las 34 tras un promedio de 133 días (rango 10-180 días). No se registraron complicaciones. Conclusión: las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles totalmente recubiertas son una alternativa efectiva y segura en la resolución de patologías biliares benignas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Benign biliary diseases are traditionally treated using plastic stents. However, fully covered self-expanding metal stents are currently gaining acceptance for the treatment of these pathologies. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and complications associated with the placement of temporary endoscopic fully covered self-expanding metal stents for the treatment of benign biliary diseases. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective and observational study using a prospective database from a tertiary care center from March 2012 to May 2016. Some patients that had a fully covered metal stent due to a benign biliary disease were also included. The indications, resolution, technical success rates and adverse events were documented. Results: 31 patients were included with a total of 34 stents inserted. The indications were as follows: 8 (25%) post cholecystectomy biliary stenoses, 11 (31%) large or multiple choledocholithiasis, 3 (8.3%) biliary fistulas, 2 (6%) post-liver transplant stenoses, 2 (8.3%) papillary stenoses, 2 (6%) perforations and 2 (6%) bleeds. The global resolution success rate of the stents for all pathologies was 88%, this included 87.5% (7/8) in post cholecystectomy stenoses, 73% (8/11) in large choledocholithiasis and 100% for the remaining indications. Thirty-three of 34 stents were removed after an average of 133 days (ranging from 10 to 180 days). No complications were registered. Conclusion: Fully covered self-expanding metal stents are an effective and reliable alternative for the resolution of benign biliary diseases.

Effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with a HCV/HIV coinfection. A multicenter cohort study

RESUMEN Introducción: la eficacia de los agentes antivirales directos (AAD) ha quedado demostrada en ensayos clínicos tanto en mono como en coinfectados. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la efectividad y toxicidad de este tratamiento en vida real en pacientes con coinfección por VIH y VHC así como determinar variables asociadas a una evolución desfavorable. Métodos: estudio ambispectivo multicéntrico en una cohorte de pacientes coinfectados. Los datos fueron recogidos en ocho centros de Castilla-La Mancha entre 2014 y 2016. Se realizó un análisis por intención de tratamiento en el que cualquier pérdida de seguimiento, abandono de tratamiento o toxicidad terapéutica se consideró fracaso. Resultados: se estudiaron 229 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 49,6 años con predominio masculino (83%). Menos de un 10% presentaba carga viral (CV) detectable para el VIH. El genotipo de VHC más prevalente fue el 1 (65,1%). Un 50% tenía hepatopatía en grado de cirrosis. El 65% presentaba más de 800.000 copias/ml de CV de VHC. La respuesta viral sostenida (RVS) se alcanzó globalmente en el 91,7%. La estrategia de AAD más utilizada fue sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Un 52% de las pautas incluyeron ribavirina. El 65,9% completó pautas de 12 semanas y un 30%, de 24 semanas. Hubo 19 fracasos terapéuticos. No existen diferencias entre las distintas estrategias de AAD utilizadas. No se observó ningún factor predictor independiente de RVS. Conclusiones: el tratamiento del VHC en pacientes coinfectados presenta tasas de RVS muy elevadas también en vida real. La toxicidad es excepcional. No hemos identificado factores predictores específicos de evolución desfavorable.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has been demonstrated in clinical trials both in patients with mono and coinfections. The goal of the study was to analyze the effectiveness and toxicity of this therapy in real-life patients with a HIV/HCV coinfection and to identify variables that are associated with an unfavorable outcome. Methods: This was a multicenter ambispective study in a cohort of coinfected patients. Data were collected from eight centers in Castilla-La Mancha from 2014 to 2016. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed and any loss to follow-up, treatment withdrawal or toxicity was considered as a failure. Results: A total of 229 patients were included with a median age of 49.6 years and the majority were male (83%). Fewer than 10% had a detectable HIV-related viral load (VL). The most prevalent HCV genotype was 1 (65.1%). Fifty percent had cirrhotic liver disease and 65% had over 800,000 copies/ml of HCV VL. The global sustained viral response (SVR) was reached by 91.7% of cases. The most commonly used DAA regimen was sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Ribavirin was included in 52% of regimens, 65.9% of cases completed 12-week regimens and 30% completed 24-week schemes. There were 19 therapy failures. No differences were observed between the various DAA strategies used. No independent predictor was found for SVR. Conclusions: HCV treatment in coinfected patients is highly successful in terms of SVR rate in the real-life setting and toxicity is exceptional. We identified no specific predictors of an unfavorable outcome.

RECALAD. Patient care at National Health System Digestive Care Units - A pilot study, 2015

RESUMEN Objetivo: elaborar un diagnóstico de situación sobre la asistencia en las unidades de aparato digestivo (UAD) en España. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal entre las UAD en hospitales generales de agudos del Sistema Nacional de Salud (datos referidos a 2015). Las variables de estudio fueron recogidas mediante un cuestionario sobre su estructura, cartera de servicios, actividad, formación, investigación y buenas prácticas. Asimismo, se analizaron las altas hospitalarias por enfermedades del área de digestivo mediante el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (2005-2014). Resultados: fueron invitados 209 hospitales, con 55 respuestas (26,3%). El promedio de altas de hospitalización es de 1.139 ± 653 por UAD/año y de 100 ± 66/año por digestólogo dedicado. La tasa de ingresos por mil habitantes y año en UAD en 2014 fue de 280, con una estancia media de 7,4 días. El análisis del CMBD 2005-2014 muestra un progresivo aumento en el número de altas dadas (37% más en 2014 frente a 2005), con una disminución del 28% en la tasa bruta de mortalidad intrahospitalaria (3,7% en 2014) y un ligero descenso (14%) de la estancia media (7,6 días en 2014). Se aprecia notable variabilidad en indicadores de estructura, actividad y resultados. Las tasas de mortalidad y reingresos, así como la estancia media, varían más del 100% entre UAD y existen asimismo notables dispersiones en frecuentación y resultados entre comunidades autónomas. Conclusiones: la encuesta RECALAD 2015 desvela aspectos relevantes sobre la organización, estructura y gestión de las UAD. La notable variabilidad hallada probablemente indica notables diferencias en eficiencia y productividad y, por tanto, un amplio margen de mejora.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To reach a situation diagnosis on the status of patient management at digestive care units (DCUs) in Spain. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study across DCUs in general acute care hospitals within the Spanish National Health System (data referred to 2015). The study variables were collected with a questionnaire including items on structure, services portfolio, activity, education, research, and good practice. Hospital discharge rates for digestive diseases were also assessed using the minimum basic data set (2005-2014). Results: Two hundred and nine hospitals invited, 55 responders (26.3%). Average discharges from hospital were 1,139 ± 653 per DCU/year, and 100 ± 66 per year per dedicated gastroenterologist. In 2014, admission rate to DCUs per 1,000 population and year was 280, with a mean stay of 7.4 days. The analysis of the MBDS for 2005-2014 reveals a progressive increase in the number of discharges (37% more in 2014 versus 2005), with a 28% decrease in hospital gross mortality rate (3.7% in 2014) and a slightly reduced (14%) mean stay (7.6 days in 2014). Considerable variability may be seen in structure, activity, and results indicators. Mortality and readmission rates, as well as mean stay, vary more than 100% amongst DCUs, and major dispersions also exist in frequentation and results amongst autonomous communities. Conclusions: The RECALAD 2015 survey unveiled relevant aspects related to DCUs organization, structure, and management. The notable variability encountered likely reflects relevant differences in efficiency and productivity, and thus points out there is ample room for improvement.

From the intestinal flora to the microbiome

RESUMEN En el presente artículo, se repasa la historia de la microbiota; se definen los conceptos relacionados de microbiota, microbioma, metagenoma, patobionte, disbiosis, holobionte, filotipo y enterotipo; se presentan algunos de los conocimientos más precisos y actualizados sobre la misma y se repasan sus funciones: metabólicas, nutricionales e inmunomoduladoras. Se comentan, de forma sucinta, aquellas patologías digestivas en cuya patogenia se ha implicado a la microbiota intestinal, incluyendo la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, el síndrome del intestino irritable y la enfermedad celiaca, entre otras. Finalmente, se refieren algunos datos destacados y prometedores del trasplante de microbiota fecal en determinados procesos digestivos.

ABSTRACT In this article, the history of the microbiota is reviewed and the related concepts of the microbiota, microbiome, metagenome, pathobiont, dysbiosis, holobiont, phylotype and enterotype are defined. The most precise and current knowledge about the microbiota is presented and the metabolic, nutritional and immunomodulatory functions are reviewed. Some gastrointestinal diseases whose pathogenesis is associated with the intestinal microbiota, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, among others, are briefly discussed. Finally, some prominent and promising data with regard to the fecal microbiota transplantation in certain digestive illness are discussed.

Hypersplenism secondary to splenoportal axis compression by a giant hepatic cyst

Duodenal lengthening in an adult with ultra-short bowel syndrome. A case report

ABSTRACT Background: We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of lengthening the duodenum in children with short bowel syndrome and a dilated duodenum. This procedure gains additional intestinal length in a challenging area of autologous gut reconstruction. Herein, we report the successful application of this technique in an adult with ultra-short bowel syndrome. Case report: A 25-year-old man with a history of mid-gut volvulus was referred to our center for intestinal transplant evaluation. Only a megaduodenum stump that reached as far as the third portion (30 cm of length) and the colon up to the hepatic flexure in the form of a mucous fistula was retained. A gastrostomy tube drained gastric and bilio-pancreatic secretions (output range: 2.5-4 liters/day). The time spent on parenteral nutrition (3 liters/day; 1500 calories/day) and I.V. fluid (1.5-2 liters/day) administration was 24 hours per day. The patient underwent duodenal lengthening and tapering with 7 sequential transverse applications (5 of 45 mm and 2 of 60 mm) of an endoscopic stapler on the anterior and posterior walls of the duodenum, respecting the pancreatic parenchyma and end-to-side duodeno-colonic anastomosis. The final duodenal length was 83 cm. The pre-lengthening citrulline level increased from 13.6 micromol/L to 21.6 micromol/L one year post-lengthening. After 24 month of follow-up, the time on a parenteral pump was shortened to 9 hours during the night. The volume and calorie requirements were also reduced by half. Discussion: Duodenal lengthening may be effective as part of the autologous intestinal reconstruction armamentarium in adults with short bowel syndrome.

Underwater hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection in a rectal polyp: a case report of a new application of "underwater endoscopy"

ABSTRACT Background: Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been described as an alternative to traditional ESD. This technique is less time consuming, but the en bloc resection rate is lower than in ESD. Similar to endoscopic mucosal resection, the underwater technique could improve preliminary disadvantages of hybrid ESD. Case report: We attempted a mixture resection technique of Hybrid ESD with underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Using this approach, an underwater hybrid ESD was successfully performed without adverse events on a 71 year old woman with a 20 mm adenoma. The histologic analysis identified a tubulovillious adenoma with high grade dysplasia and tumor free margins. Discussion: Underwater hybrid ESD could be an alternative to ESD. Moreover the modification of the "underwater method" provides a suitable way to overcome the technical drawbacks of the hybrid ESD.

A new swallowable intragastric balloon (Elipse®). Coffee for everybody? The position of GETTEMO

Towards the centralization of digestive oncologic surgery: changes in activity, techniques and outcome

Hemorrhage and intestinal obstruction secondary to a Meckel's diverticulum: a case report

Esophageal lichen planus: a rare case

Intestinal pneumatosis and pneumoperitoneum in an oncological scenario: a change of attitude

EUS-guided ethanol ablation therapy for gastric stromal tumors