History Of Peptic Ulcer Research Articles

Reducing upper digestive bleeding risk in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants and concomitant infection with Helicobacter pylori.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban or dabigatran are excellent options in preventing embolic cardiovascular events. Observational studies have shown that gastrointestinal bleeding risks produced by DOACs could be lowered when correcting some host co-factors i.e. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. The upper digestive bleeding (UDB) rates in patients with DOAC indication and the usefulness of anti-HP therapy addition were compared. An observational retrospective study was conducted of medical records of 260 patients treated with DOACs, 130 of whom were concomitantly treated for HP infection in accordance with Maastricht V/Florence consensus. The severity of bleeding, the complexity of endoscopic treatment required to stop the bleeding, the re-bleeding rates, the surgical treatment indication and the overall mortality rates were compared between the groups. The risk of UDB was higher in HP-untreated patients in both types of DOACs used (respectively 2.08, 2.02). HP-untreated Forrest Ia/Ib/IIa and IIb DOACs patients had more severe bleedings compared with same class of HP-treated patients (P=0.007/0.005; 0.009/0.006; 0.048/0.005, 0.044/0.049, respectively). Endoscopic treatments such as adrenaline injections combined with metallic clip attachments were more frequently mandatory in HP-untreated DOACs patients for classes Ia/b and IIa (respectively, P=0.000/0.001, P=0.003/0.003). The re-bleeding rates were higher in HP-untreated patients with concomitant DOACs (OR 82.5; 95% CI 30.1-121.7; P=0.005). A history of peptic ulcer or UDB was associated with a 2.9-fold higher risk of UDB in HP-untreated compared with HP-treated patients, slightly increased for dabigatran compared with apixaban (RR 3.06, 2.72, P<0.5, respectively). Surgical intervention and the UDB-related mortality rates were higher in HP-untreated patients (P=0.041/0.044, P=0.007, respectively). HP-eradication treatment and bacterial clearance improve the safety profile of DOACs treatment, especially in fragile patients, in whom the UDB rates can be lowered, and the overall outcome can be enhanced by this combined approach.

Silent myocardial ischemia prevalence among a diabetic population at high cardiovascular risk in western Algeria

Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Its screening is of a capital importance for its management. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of SMI in diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk as well as the predictive factors. We recruited 216 diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk defined according to the recommendations of ALFEDIAM/SFC 2004, in whom we searched for a SMI type 1, using an exercise electrocardiogram. The study was performed in Sidi Bel Abbès cardiology university hospital service. The mean age of the population was 59.47 ± 8.25 years and the sex ratio of 1.48. The prevalence of SMI in both genders was 17.6% without significant difference. Criteria for a highly positive SMI was found in 34.2% of them with a higher frequency in men ( P < 0.05). In univariate analysis, age, septal hypertrophy, indexed left ventricular mass, left atrial index volume, micro-albuminuria and pulsed pressure had a significant relationship with the presence of SMI. In multivariate analysis, history of peptic ulcer, elevated serum creatinine, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and carotid stenosis were statistically significant predictors of SMI ( P < 0.05). Highly positive SMI was more common for men. Some predictive markers of the disease were determined, including left ventricular hypertrophy, carotid stenosis, a clinical history of peptic ulcer and an increase in serum creatinine.

Selection of high-risk individuals for esophageal cancer screening: A prediction model of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on a multicenter screening cohort in rural China.

The mortality benefit of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) screening has been reported in several studies; however, the results of ESCC screening programs in China are suboptimal. Our study aimed to develop an ESCC risk prediction model to identify high-risk individuals for population-based esophageal cancer screening. In total, 86 745 participants enrolled in a population-based esophageal cancer screening program in rural China between 2007 and 2012 were included in the present study and followed up until December 31, 2015. Models for identifying individuals at risk of ESCC within 3 years were created using logistic regressions. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was determined to estimate the model's overall performance. A total of 298 individuals were diagnosed with ESCC within 3 years after baseline. The model of ESCC included the predictors of age, sex, family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, smoking status, alarming symptoms of retrosternal pain, back pain or neck pain, consumption of salted food and fresh fruits and disease history of peptic ulcer or esophagitis (AUC of 0.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.83). Compared to the current prescreening strategy in our program, the cut-off value of 10 in the score-based model could result in 3.11% fewer individuals subjected to endoscopies and present higher sensitivity, slightly higher specificity and lower number needed to screen. This score-based risk prediction model of ESCC based on eight epidemiological risk factors could increase the efficiency of the esophageal cancer screening program in rural China.

Case Report: Peptic ulcer disease following short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a 3-year-old child

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 1-2 per 1000 people annually in the USA, the UK and Europe, and occurs less frequently in children than in adults. PUD in children occurs mainly during the second decade of development. Among risk factors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used to manage acute febrile illness or pain in healthy children, is rarely reported to lead to PUD and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Case presentation: We present a rare case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding following a low dose ibuprofen treatment in a 3-year-old female. The patient with a family history of peptic ulcer was admitted for fever, coffee-ground vomiting and abdominal pain. The clinical examination revealed an altered general health status with a distended and mildly tender abdomen moving normally with respiration as well as normal stool. The initial laboratory test indicated anemia with reticulocytosis. During the first hours of hospitalization, the patient had a second episode of coffee-ground vomiting. An upper digestive endoscopy with biopsy was performed in the following six hours revealing a non-bleeding gastric ulcer at 2 cm from pylorus. Helicobacter pylori testing was negative. The patient was treated with a proton pump inhibitor (esomeprazole 10 mg/day) for 2 months. There were no further gastrointestinal symptoms and hemoglobin values returned to normal, indicating resolution of her gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: The short-term utilization of NSAIDs in the appropriate dosage can lead to PUD, and considering the risk factors before administration can lead to an appropriate management.

Risk factors for recurrent hospitalizations of patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective: To determine the predictors of recurrent hospitalizations among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods: We analyzed data from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry (CAFR), a prospective cohort study involving non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients from Augest 2011 to December 2017. A total of 5 349 NVAF patients with a minimum of 48 months follow-up were included for analysis. Data including patient demographics, complications, medical and ablation history were collected. The maximum number of all-cause hospitalizations within one-year for each patient served as the primary endpoint. Patients hospitalized less than twice within one-year were defined as non-recurrent hospitalizations group, those hospitalized at least twice within one-year were definned as recurrent hospitalizations group. Logistic regression model was used to identify associated risk factors for recurrent hospitalizations. Results: Of 5 349 NVAF patients, those hospitalized for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and at least 5 times within one-year was 2 703 (50.5%), 1 776 (33.2%), 642 (12.0%), 161(3.0), 52 (1.0%), 15 (0.3%), respectively. Eight hundred and seventy (16.3%) patients were included in recurrent hospitalizations group, 4 479 (83.7%) patients were included in non-recurrent hospitalizations group. Compare with non-recurrent hospitalizations group, patients in recurrent hospitalizations group was more likely to be older and female, more frequently had a history of hypertension, heart failure, coronary heart disesase, ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, a AF duration for more than 1 year, medication including drugs for ventricular rate control, statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and higher CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores (P<0.05), but less frequently had higher education, a history of drinking, smoking and ablation (P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that age 50-64 (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.20-1.80), age≥65 (OR=1.89, 95%CI 1.50-2.38), female (OR=1.21, 95%CI 1.01-1.46), hypertension history (OR=1.42, 95%CI 1.16-1.74), heart failure history (OR=1.73, 95%CI 1.37-2.18), coronary heart disease history (OR=1.63, 95%CI 1.31-2.03), peptic ulcer history (OR=2.00, 95%CI 1.18-3.39) were independent risk factors for recurrent hospitalizations, while higher education (college or above) (OR=0.82, 95%CI 0.69-0.99) was the protective factor for recurrent hospitalizations. Conclusions: Nearly 1 in 6 of AF patients were admitted to hospital more than once within one year in this NVAF cohort. Age≥50, female, hypertension history, heart failure history, coronary heart disease history, peptic ulcer history are associated with an increased risk of recurrent hospitalizations.

Perforation of anastomotic peptic ulcer following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a report of three cases

BackgroundPerforation of a marginal peptic ulcer after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) can lead to severe conditions, although its clinical features have not been well reported. In this article, we present three cases of marginal peptic ulcer perforation after PD that we experienced in our institute and attempt to clarify its appropriate treatment and prevention.Case presentationMarginal ulcer perforation confirmed with computed tomography and/or surgical exploration occurred in 3 (1.8%) of 163 consecutive patients who underwent PD (including 160 patients who underwent a total or subtotal stomach-preserving procedure) at our institution. The three patients (one man and two women) had a median age of 77 (65–79) years. Two of these patients had a medical history of duodenal peptic ulcer. All three patients had biliary neoplasms. Two of the patients underwent subtotal stomach-preserving PD with antro-jejunal anastomosis, and the other patient underwent pylorus-preserving PD with duodenal jejunostomy. The perforation occurred with a sudden and severe onset of abdominal pain 34, 94, and 1204 days, respectively, after the PDs. At the time of the perforation, all of the patients had been withdrawn from postoperative prophylactic antipeptic ulcer agents, with the cessation periods ranging from 12 to 1008 days. In addition, all the patients were in fasting conditions for 1 to 13 days just before the perforation. Surgical treatment with direct suturing of the perforated ulcer was performed for two patients, while conservative therapy was performed for one patient. Their primary treatment courses were satisfactory. Chronic antisecretory agent therapy was prescribed for 562, 271, and 2370 days, respectively, from marginal ulcer perforation, and no ulcer recurrence was noted in any of the patients.ConclusionsLack of antisecretory therapy and fasting were considered an essential cause of marginal peptic ulcer perforation after PD. In addition, unlike the native duodenum, the jejunal limb used for reconstruction to a preserved stomach may be at increased risk of ulceration. Chronic permanent administration of antisecretory agents and fasting avoidance are desirable for patients who have undergone stomach-preserving PD to prevent marginal ulcer perforation.

STOOL ANTIGEN (HPSA) TEST IN DETECTION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AMONG ADULT DYSPEPTIC PATIENTS IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Background. Helicobacter pylori is the most common infection in the world. Relationship between H. pylori and dyspepsia was confirmed by many studies, it has been strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. In that respect, several invasive and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection were utilized.&#x0D; Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between dyspepsia and the positivity of H. pylori stool antigen test, to compare this test with serological IgG test.&#x0D; Methods. 125 adult patients were randomly selected from gastroenterology units of Mediterranean and Tajurah clinics in Tripoli. Stool samples were taken for detection of H. pylori antigen by enzyme immunoassay. Blood samples for detection of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were taken. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS.&#x0D; Results. 125 dyspeptic patients: 47 male and 78 female, aged 18-83 years old were examined. 80 patients were infected by H. pylori that was proved by a positive stool test, 88 had a positive IgG test. The prevalence was higher in the patients aged 28-47 years old. There was substantial relation to age, marital status and economic risk factors; there was no association between H. pylori and gender, sources of drinking water, living standards, smoking, family history of peptic ulcer, drug consumption, and blood groups.&#x0D; Conclusions. Relatively high rates of detection by HpSA prove that stool testing might be a reliable, simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive alternative test ащк detectшщт of H. pylori, diagnosing active infection and confirming cure. However IgG test has a low sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compare to the HpSA test. Thus it can be used for screening purposes.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers, periodontal disease, and risk of bladder cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Studies suggest that peptic ulcer and periodontal disease are positively associated with bladder cancer risk. These two factors are likely to share common biologic mechanisms such as inflammation and dysbiosis. We examined the joint association of peptic ulcer (gastric/duodenal) and periodontal disease on bladder cancer risk. We conducted a prospective analysis among 45,185 men (563 invasive bladder cancer cases) in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (follow-up 1986-2016). History of ulcer and periodontal disease was self-reported at baseline and updated during the follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the joint associations of ulcers (gastric, duodenal) and periodontal disease, adjusting for age and other potential confounders. We tested for interaction using the Wald test for product terms. Compared with men having no history of ulcer and periodontal disease, men with a history of peptic ulcer only (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.90-1.66) and men with a history of periodontal disease only (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.98-1.46) were associated with higher risk of invasive bladder cancer. The highest bladder cancer risk was observed in men with a history of both peptic ulcer and periodontal disease (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05-2.20). Similar results were found when we stratified by ulcer types. The interactions between ulcer and periodontal disease were not statistically significant for all ulcer types (p-interaction ≥ 0.59). We did not find sufficient evidence for interaction between gastric/duodenal ulcers and periodontal disease on bladder cancer risk.

Internists' Misconceptions About PPIs: Increasing Knowledge and Implementing Guidelines.

Misconceptions about proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) adverse effects were common among internists, and many had changed prescribing. Among 4 scenarios representing a risk spectrum for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 86% of physicians properly chose discontinuing PPI for a minimum-risk patient with previous gastroesophageal reflux disease, but 79% inappropriately chose discontinuing PPI for a high-risk patient with a peptic ulcer history taking low-dose aspirin. Physician self-assessment is often inaccurate. Time barriers to learning and unanswered clinical questions, especially drug issues, are common. Unscientific information can influence both physicians and patients. Strategies for increasing the guideline implementation include making scientific information available more rapidly and systematically monitoring guideline use.

P629 An uncommon cause for a frequent problem

Abstract Introduction Libman-Sacks endocarditis is the most characteristic cardiac manifestation of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. Embolic phenomena, although uncommon, can also complicate valvular abnormalities and can cause neurologic and systemic complications. Case Report Man, 52 years old. Active smoker and with previous peptic ulcer history. Admitted to our emergency department due to sudden onset of confusion and incoherent speech. The physical examination showed only a Glasgow Coma Scale of 9 and the presence of expressive aphasia. Normal pulmonary and cardiac auscultation, without any other pathological findings on physical examination. Investigations showed a normal EKG, chest X-Ray and arterial-blood gas test. Blood test showed only the presence of thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis and renal disfunction. Brain CT revealed left-sided thalamic lacunar lesion. We assumed an ischemic stroke and admitted the patient in our emergency department. Neurological deterioration in the first 24h. A new brain CT was performed and showed multiple lesions in the middle cerebral artery territory. The echocardiogram was performed and showed the presence of multiples vegetations in both mitral leaflets with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation associated. We assume an ischemic stroke in the context of possible infective endocarditis. Medical therapy was optimized and empirical antimicrobial therapy was started (ampicillin + gentamicin + flucoxacillin). The patient never had fever during hospital stay. Duke criteria with only 1 major criteria. Persistent negative microbiological cultures with decreasing inflammatory parameters. Blood tests revealed a progressive increase level of INR (2-4) and renal function deterioration. Patient began with massive episodes of diarrhea and sudden decrease of haemoglobin level (sudden reduction of 3g/dl). Endoscopic studies were performed and multiple ischemic lesions of embolic etiology and small vessel disease had been described. Serology test revealed a positive IgG for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Autoimmune lab tests showed positivity for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti–beta-2 glycoprotein I. We discussed the clinical case with our autoimmune experts team and the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus + Antiphospholipid Syndrome + Libman-Sacks Endocarditis was assumed. The patient started immunosuppressive therapy (Azathioprine + Mycophenolate Mofetil + Prednisolone). Despite the used therapy the size of vegetation persisted and mitral regurgitation didn’t improve. In this context, the patient was presented to our cardiac surgery team and underwent surgical intervention (vegetation removal + mitral valve repair). Evaluation one year after surgery revealed progressive functional and echocardiographic improvement. Conclusion The authors presented a didactic clinical case where valvular surgery was required thanks to a hemodynamically significant valvular dysfunction and embolic events.

Use and prescription appropriateness of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastrooesophageal reflux disease in hospitalized older people.

The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of use and prescription appropriateness of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at hospital admission and discharge. Patients aged 65years or more hospitalized from 2010 to 2016 in 101 Italian internal medicine and geriatric wards in the context of the REPOSI register were scrutinized to assess if they were prescribed with drugs for peptic ulcer and GERD at hospital admission and discharge. Appropriateness of prescription was assessed considering the presence of specific conditions (i.e., history of peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal hemorrhages, advanced age, Helicobacter Pylori) or gastro-toxic drug combinations, according to the criteria provided by the reimbursement rules of the Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (NOTA 1 and 48). Among 4715 enrolled patients, 3899 were discharged alive. At hospital discharge, 2412 (61.9%, 95%CI: 60.3-63.4%) patients were prescribed with drugs for peptic ulcer and GERD, a 12% of increase from hospital admission. Almost half of the patients (N = 1776, 45.6%, 95%CI: 44.0-47.1%) were inappropriately prescribed or not prescribed: among the drugs for peptic ulcer and GERD users, about 60% (1444/2412) were overprescribed, and among nonusers, 22% (332/1487) were underprescribed. Among patients newly prescribed at hospital discharge, 60% (392/668) were inappropriately prescribed. The appropriateness of drugs for peptic ulcer and GERD therapy decreased by 3% from hospital admission to discharge. Hospitalization missed the opportunity to improve the quality of prescription of this class of drug.

Clinical features and natural history of idiopathic peptic ulcers: a retrospective case–control study

Objectives: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is still common worldwide and is characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Following the decline of Helicobacter pylori infection, the detection of idiopathic PUD (IPUD) has become more frequent, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. In this study, the clinical features and natural history of IPUD were analyzed.Methods: This was a retrospective case‒control study conducted in a tertiary care setting (University of Sassari, Italy). Records of 9,212 patients undergoing upper endoscopy from 2002 to 2018 were analyzed. Following the exclusion of H. pylori, NSAIDs, and unusual PUD causes, the remaining were labelled as IPUD. Cases (IPUD) and controls (PUD negative) were compared, adjusting for several covariates through multivariate logistic regression models.Results: Among 380 PUD, 95 were considered IPUD. The proportion rose over the study period in contrast to the decline of H. pylori-PUD. Factors significantly associated with IPUD, after adjusting for all covariates, were age (OR, 3.520; 95% CI, 1.634 − 7.585), male sex (OR, 3.126; 95% CI, 1.888 − 5.176), hospitalization (OR, 2.968; 95% CI, 1.926 − 4.575), and number of medications (OR, 2.808; 95% CI, 1.178 − 6.735). A clinical history positive for PUD was the major risk associated with IPUD (OR, 3.729; 95% CI, 2.050 − 6.785). Patients with IPUD were treated with the highest proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dose for 40–60 days. Follow up endoscopy showed a cure rate of 97.6%.Conclusion: The relative proportion of IPUD is increasing in our population in contrast to the drop of H. pylori-PUD. Treatment with high-dose PPI, and for a long duration, heals IPUD and protects from recurrence.

608 Prevalence of Acid Suppressive Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients for Peptic Ulcer Disease and Complications: Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: An NSAID is present in about 8% of all prescriptions written by primary care physicians. Among GI-related adverse drug events, 23.5% were related to NSAIDs, 45% were considered avoidable. Risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease include: History of peptic ulcer or ulcer bleeding, positive status of H Pylori, age (&gt;65 years), Concomitant use of warfarin, steroids, anti-platelets. Study in France, showed that gastroprotection was not prescribed in 16% of patients on NSAIDs and risk factors for GI toxicity. Misoprostol and PPI therapy are proved to reduce the risk of GI toxicity. Current guidelines recommend that high risk patients should be prescribed COX2 selective agents by itself or non-selective agents with gastroprotection. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients at Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill, Missouri who were hospitalized for NSAID-related peptic ulcer disease from the time period of January 2013 till September 2018. We further included only patients with risk factors of peptic ulcer disease and should have been on gastroprotective agents prior to presentation. RESULTS: Our sample included 81 patients hospitalized for NSAID-related peptic disease with risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Mean age was 58.2 years old. More than half of patients were male (56.8%). Around 47% were smokers and 41% were alcohol current users. Around third of patients were taking aspirin daily and only 13% were on anticoagulation. More than half of patient had History of peptic ulcer (52%) and 38% had history of bleeding ulcer. Only 44.4% of our patients were on gastroprotective agents prior to presentation. Significant portion of our sample presented with ulcer complication (i.e., bleeding, perforation) at 74.1% (60/81). About 60% of patient were anemic at presentation. 31% of patients presented with significant bleeding requiring more than 2 units of packed RBC. Gastroprotective agent prescription prior to presentation was significantly associated with aspirin use (P-value 0.038), anticoagulation (P-value 0.023), Hx coronary artery disease (P-value 0.023), history of peptic ulcer in the past (P-value 0.002) and anemia (P-value 0.003). CONCLUSION: Significant portion of patients who were hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease complications were not on gastroprotective agents although indicated. Risk stratification and PPI prescription when appropriate should be implemented more aggressively in outpatient setting.

P1953Risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding following myocardial infarction: a novel prediction model for assessing appropriateness of proton pump inhibition therapy

Abstract Background Upper gastrointestinal bleeding following myocardial infarction continues to be a severe complication associated with increased mortality; however, bleeding events might be avoided by appropriate therapy with proton pump inhibitors. Purpose To develop and validate a prediction model aimed at identifying patients at increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding following myocardial infarction. Methods Based on multiple nationwide Danish registers, all patients initiating dual antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy in combination with antiplatelet following myocardial infarction between 2003 and 2016 were identified. Primary outcome of interest was one-year risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A derivation cohort including all patients between 2003 and 2013 was selected, whereas patients identified between 2014 and 2016 was employed for internal validation. Multiple logistic regression was used to predict person specific risks based on age, history of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer, anaemia or gastrointestinal cancer, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or loop diuretics. We compared our model with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline recommendation on gastrointestinal bleeding risk assessment. Results A total of 61 543 patients with myocardial infarction were identified for the study. In the total cohort, the median age was 68 years (IQR: 58–77), 85.0% (52 334) underwent coronary angiography, 2.6% (1 608) had a history of gastrointestinal bleeding and 7.1% (4 354) used oral anticoagulants. The average one-year risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.04% (95% CI: 0.95–1.14%), and mean predicted risk of the model was 1.04% (IQR: 0.64–1.26%). The discriminative ability of the model evaluated by area under the curve was 74.2% (95% CI: 66.9–78.6%) in the validation cohort. The proposed risk model demonstrated improved sensitivity and specificity at the specific threshold of the ESC risk schemes (Figure 1). Results remain principally unchanged regardless of inclusion or exclusion of patients initiating proton pump inhibitors at baseline. Furthermore, using cross-validation for the model evaluation produced similar discrimination results. Figure 1 Conclusion Based on nationwide registers a novel prediction model aimed at identifying patients at increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was developed and validated; the model observed moderate discrimination in the validation cohort providing possible benefit for clinicians in terms of communicating absolute risk to the patients and determining the appropriateness of initiating preventive therapy. Acknowledgement/Funding The Danish Heart Foundation

The Diagnosis and Therapy of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Hungary: Comparison of Strategies Applied by Family Physicians and Internists

Background Aims: Most patients with Helicobacter pylori infection are consulted for the first time by family physicians. We aimed to survey the adherence to the newest guidelines of the management of H. pylori infection in the primary and secondary care settings in Hungary. Methods: From a total of 793 physicians, 94 trainees in family medicine, 334 family physicians without and 195 with board certification in internal medicine, 87 internists, 78 family paediatricians were invited to take part in the study. Diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes towards H. pylori infection were compared by a voluntary and anonymous questionnaire. Results: Participants test for H. pylori infection in 92.8% of cases with a family history of peptic ulcer or 76.9% of gastric cancer, 68.9% of dyspepsia and 49.9% of non-specific abdominal complaints, before initiation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; 17.3%) and antiplatelet treatment (14.5%), respectively. They confirm the success of eradication therapy in 88.1% mainly by urea breath test. Most of them initiate eradication therapy by themselves and only 22.4% refer their patients to a gastroenterologist. Clarithromycin-based standard triple therapy is the most preferred (62.1%) and only 3.7% choose quadruple combination with bismuth as first-line and 48.1% as second-line therapy. We found significant differences between groups with respect to the physicians’ own infection, localization of practice, and sources of information on H. pylori infection. Internists are more likely to clarify H. pylori status before the initiation of NSAID and antiplatelet therapies, initiate second-line therapies and use bismuth compared to the other groups. Family physicians with board certification in internal medicine are also prone to start eradication therapy and less prone to refer patients to a gastroenterologist. Family paediatricians prefer stool antigen determination, screen family members and prefer gastroenterologist consultation more often, and use bismuth less frequently than the other groups. Family physicians with previous infection check for H. pyloriinfection more frequently before the initiation of NSAID treatment and are more likely to use histology to detect H. pylori. Postgraduate trainings were the most popular source of information. Conclusion: The adherence to the recent recommendations of current guidelines is moderate. There is a need to increase adherence to current recommendations by family physicians and internists.

PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AMONG FARMERS AND NON-FARMERS WITH DYSPEPSIA

AbstractIntroduction: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is a gram negative spirally shaped bacterium. It is known to be the most common cause of dyspepsia especially in developing countries as Egypt. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of H pylori among patients with dyspepsia especially farmers and the infection risk factors. Materials and methods: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted on 152 patients (78 farmers and 74 non-farmers) with dyspepsia among those admitted to Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy Unit at Menoufia University hospital, Menoufia, Egypt. They were recruited to this study from 1st September 2017 to the end of May 2018. Designed questionnaire, clinical examination, esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) and histopathological evaluation were conducted to the studied patients. Results: The overall prevalence rate of H pylori among dyspeptic patients in the current study was (73.7%) and significantly higher among low levels of education (28.6%), female gender (69.6%), farmers occupation (57.1%), low socioeconomic status (28.6%), who consume tap water for drinking (76.8%) and unwashed vegetables (73.2%). Epigastric pain was more common in patients with H pylori (P <0.001). Also, acid reflux, morning vomiting and upper abdominal distention were significantly more prevalent among Hpylori positive cases. About (82.1%) of farmers were significantly positively infected than non-farmers (64.9%). Illiterate female farmers who didn’t wash vegetables and with history of peptic ulcers were more susceptible of infection. Conclusion:Farmers occupation was at risk of H pylori infection than non-farmers. Illiteracy, bad sanitation and low hygienic standard were the risk factors of infection. Health education and environmental sanitation are recommended to lower the prevalence of H pylori especially among farmers.

Long-Term Persistence with Newly-Initiated Warfarin or Non-VKA Oral Anticoagulant (NOAC) in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from the Prospective China-AF Registry.

BackgroundOral anticoagulants (OACs) such as warfarin and non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at risk for stroke. Whether NOACs have a higher persistence than warfarin is still unclear. This is especially true in China.Material/MethodsData from a large hospital-based cohort in China (China-AF Registry) from 2011 to 2017 were used for this study. Non-valvular AF patients with newly initiated OACs were included. A time-to-event approach was used to analyze patient persistence. The survival distributions of persistence were compared using the log-rank test. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to explore predictors of warfarin and NOACs non-persistence.ResultsPatients with newly initiated warfarin (n=4845) or NOACs (n=854) were included in this study. Persistence rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 93.2%, 89.4%, and 87.2% in the warfarin group and 88.8%, 84.3%, and 81.3% in the NOAC group respectively. Non-persistence was significantly higher with NOACs than with warfarin. On multivariate analysis, age <75 years old, outpatient clinic visits, asymptomatic AF, paroxysmal AF, duration of AF <3 years, history of peptic ulcer, and no previous TIA, stroke or thromboembolism were strong predictors of warfarin non-persistence, while in the NOACs group, age <75 years old, outpatient clinic visits, lower education status and no history of congestive heart failure were predictors.ConclusionsTreatment persistence of NOACs was lower than that of warfarin among Chinese patients with AF. Patients with characteristics of non-persistence predictors need special attention to maintain their therapy.

Roar Strøm - the Norwegian surgeon who was three years ahead of Zollinger and Ellison.

In 1952, Norwegian surgeon Roar Strøm (1903-58) published the medical history of a 32-year-old man with recurrent peptic ulcer disease and a pancreatic tumour. Three years later, two American surgeons described a similar condition and, only the following year, the condition was named after them: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Strøm's contribution has gone remarkably unrecognised. This article aims to highlight his professional achievements. We searched archives and reference databases for information on Roar Strøm. Roar Strøm grew up in Oslo, where he graduated with a medical degree in 1926, at just 23 years of age. Strøm pursued a focused career in surgery: specialist in surgery in 1935, medical doctorate in 1942, and senior consultant in surgery at Rogaland Hospital in Stavanger over the period 1945-1956. While in Stavanger, he published the extensive case history in Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica. The patient had a multi-year medical history of peptic ulcers, for which he had undergone surgery twice previously before being operated on by Strøm in the spring of 1951. The man died two years after the last operation. Neither Strøm nor Zollinger and Ellison were the first to identify this clinical condition as a new disease entity. But Strøm's article was an important contribution to the early literature on the syndrome.

Effect of gastroprotective agents on upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants

Objectives: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism; however, they are associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of gastroprotective agents (GPAs) in reducing the risk of UGIB in patients receiving DOACs.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2076 patients who received DOACs for the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic events between January 2008 and July 2016. A cumulative incidence analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method was performed to determine the rate of UGIB and its association with GPAs administration.Results: Of the 2076 patients, 360 received GPAs. Over the follow-up period (1160 person-years), one patient in the GPA group (0.7 per 100 person-years) and 29 patients in the non-GPA group (2.8 per 100 person-years) developed UGIB (p = .189). In the multivariate analysis, UGIB was associated with older age (hazard ratio (HR), 1.041; p = .048), a history of peptic ulcer or UGIB (HR, 5.931; p < .001), and concomitant use of antiplatelet agents (HR, 3.121; p = .014). GPAs administration did not reduce the risk of UGIB (p = .289). However, based on the subgroup analysis of 225 patients with concomitant use of antiplatelet agents or a history of peptic ulcer or UGIB, the GPA group (0 per 100 person-years) showed reduced incidence of UGIB compared with the non-GPA group (11.3 per 100 person-years) (p = .065).Conclusions: The prophylactic use of GPAs could reduce the risk of UGIB in patients receiving DOACs who have risk factors, such as concomitant use of antiplatelet agents or a history of peptic ulcer or UGIB.

The Impacts of Peptic Ulcer on Functional Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Studies have shown that peptic ulcer increased the risk of ischemic stroke and stroke recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of peptic ulcer on functional outcomes of ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were grouped as with and without history of peptic ulcer. Functional outcomes were evaluated with modified Rankin scale at 90 days after the index stroke. Favorable functional outcomes were defined as with a modified Rankin scale score of 0-2. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for favorable functional outcomes at 90 days. Results: Among the 2577 enrolled patients with ischemic stroke, 129 (5.0%) had a history of peptic ulcer. The proportion of favorable outcome was higher in patients without peptic ulcer than those with (59.3% versus 42.6%, P < .001). Multivariate logistic analysis detected that history of peptic ulcer (odds ratio [OR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-8.10, P = .043), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (OR = 2.11, 95% CI, 1.79-2.48, P < .001), and large-artery atherosclerosis stroke subtype (OR = 4.08, 95% CI, 1.11-15.03, P = .035) decreased the likelihood of favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients with peptic ulcer may have an increased risk of less favorable neurological outcome at 90 days after the index stroke.