Use Of Endoscopic Screening Research Articles

Assessment of Sensitivity of Fib-4, Lok Score and Platelet Count / Spleen Diameter Ratio as Non-Invasive Indicator of Esophageal Varices in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Infection

Abstract Background The development of esophageal varices is one of the major complications of portal hypertension, which is considered a main complication of liver cirrhosis.Variceal bleeding occurs in 20–40% of cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices and The use of endoscopic prophylactic band ligation and non-selective beta blockers can decrease the risk of esophageal bleeding by 50%, so the current guidelines recommend screening all liver cirrhosis patients by endoscopy. Aim of the Work Assessment of sensitivity of fib-4, lok score and platelet count / spleen diameter ratio as non-invasive indicator of oesphageal varices in egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis c virus (hcv) infection. Patients and Methods This study will include 100 egyptian patients selected from internal medicine and hepatology outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at matria teaching hospital. Results Plt count/spleen diameter ratio, plt count and spleen diameter demonstrated a high statistically significant correlation with the presence and grade of esophageal varices. as according to sensitivity and specificity test the most accurate screening test for diagnosis of esophageal varicose is PLT/SD ratio as AUC (87.4%), also it is a good negative test as specificity (86.7%) with cutoff value (1026.7), but for suspect a case most sensitive test is PLT count as sensitivity (93.3%) with cutoff value (120.5). these tests followed by spleen diameter with accuracy (78.2%), and the least test is right lobe/ albumin ratio which cannot depend on it in diagnosis of esophageal varices as its accuracy is (52.2%),sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 48.3%. Conclusion The use of plt count/spleen diameter ratio, plt count and spleen diameter, especially the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, can help physicians as noninvasive predictors of esophageal varices to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.While rt liver lobe/albumin ratio can not be used as a non invasive predictor of esophageal varices.

Assessment of Right Lobe Size/Serum Albumin Ratio as a Non-Invasive Marker for EsophagealVarices in HCV Patients

Abstract Background Oesophageal varices are the most critical porto-systemic shunts that develop secondary to portal hypertension, which is considered the main complication of liver cirrhosis. Many studies recommend the screening of all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, but repeated endoscopic examinations are unpleasant for patients and have a high- cost impact and burden on endoscopic units. Aim and of the work To investigate the value of measurement of (Rt. lobe diameter/ serum albumin ratio) in the prediction of esophageal varices. Subjects and Methods This was Case- control study, was carried out at outpatient clinics of Hepatology and inpatient department of Gastroenterology at Ain Shams University Hospital on 100 patients divided into 3 groups: (Group 1): 30 patients with Child-Pugh A, (Group 2): 30 patients with Child-Pugh, (Group 3): 40 patients with Child-Pugh C, during a period of 6 months. Result There were highly significant difference between both groups as regard Platelet count /spleen diameter ratio and Right liver lobe size/Serum Albumin ratio. Conclusion The use of Right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio can help physicians by restricting the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited, and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors: Current advances in management, treatment, and surveillance.

Rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (r-NENs) are considered among the most frequent digestive NENs, together with small bowel NENs. Their incidence has increased over the past few years, and this is probably due to the widespread use of endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer and the advanced endoscopic procedures available nowadays. According to the current European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) guidelines, well-differentiated r-NENs smaller than 10 mm should be endoscopically removed in view of their low risk of local and distant invasion. R-NENs larger than 20 mm are candidates for surgical resection because of their high risk of distant spreading and the involvement of the muscularis propria. There is an area of uncertainty regarding tumors between 10 and 20 mm, in which the metastatic risk is intermediate and the endoscopic treatment can be challenging. Once removed, the indications for surveillance are scarce and poorly codified by international guidelines, therefore in this paper, a possible algorithm is proposed.

A study protocol for expanding the screening interval of endoscopic screening for gastric cancer based on individual risks: prospective cohort study of gastric cancer screening.

BackgroundThe Japanese government has recommended a 2-year endoscopic screening interval for gastric cancer. However, insufficient resources have constrained participation in endoscopic screening for gastric cancer. One way to avoid endoscopic screening harms and provide equal access is to define the appropriate screening interval.MethodsTo expand screening interval from more than 2 years for low-risk group, a single-arm cohort of endoscopic screening started. At the baseline screening, the participants underwent endoscopic screening for gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody test, and serum pepsinogen test (first year), and followed after 2 and 4 years (within the first 5 years). We also assessed H. pylori infection and atrophy status on images of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the baseline. A new screening model will be developed by dividing the participants into high-risk and low-risk groups based on demographics, history of H. pylori eradication, serological testing, and endoscopic diagnosis. The cumulative gastric cancer incidence after negative results at baseline are compared between the low-risk group on the 3rd screening round after 4 years from baseline and the total screening group on the 2nd screening round after 2 years. If the cumulative gastric cancer incidence in the low-risk group on the 3rd screening round is lower than that in the total screening group on the 2nd screening round, the screening interval can be expanded to 4 years in the low-risk group.DiscussionTo reduce mortality from gastric cancer, a high participation rate of the target population is required. The screening interval of endoscopic screening can be changed if the individual risks for H. pylori infection are clarified. Our goal in this study is to obtain relevant data that can be used to improve the efficient use of endoscopic screening for gastric cancer by referring to individual risks in Japan.Trial registrationUMIN000025839 (University Hospital Medical Information Network, Japan)

Assessment of Right Liver Lobe Size / Serum Albumin Ratio as a New Non-Invasive Predictor for the Presence of Oesophageal Varices in Egyptian Patients with HCV Related Liver Cirrhosis

Background: Oesophageal varices are the most critical porto-systemic shunts that develop secondary to portal hypertension, which is considered the main complication of liver cirrhosis. Many studies recommend the screening of all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, but repeated endoscopic examinations are unpleasant for patients and have a high- cost impact and burden on endoscopic units. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of using the right liver lobe size/serum albumin ratio as a non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Patients Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any causes other than liver cirrhosis. All studied subjects underwent a detailed history and clinical examination, biochemical workup, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound. The right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio was calculated for all patients. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the control and the study subgroups as regards the Right lobe of the Liver/Albumin ratio (p-value 0.007). The diagnostic accuracy of the Right lobe of the Liver/Albumin ratio was assessed using the ROC curve which revealed a sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 73.33% at cut-off value >3.88, with an acceptable discriminative accuracy of 79.9%. Conclusion: The use of Right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio can help physicians by restricting the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited, and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.

Assessment of Right Liver Lobe Size / Serum Albumin Ratio as a New Non-Invasive Predictor for the Presence of Oesophageal Varices in Egyptian Patients with HCV Related Liver Cirrhosis

Background: Oesophageal varices are the most critical porto-systemic shunts that develop secondary to portal hypertension, which is considered the main complication of liver cirrhosis. Many studies recommend the screening of all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, but repeated endoscopic examinations are unpleasant for patients and have a high- cost impact and burden on endoscopic units. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of using the right liver lobe size/serum albumin ratio as a non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Patients Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any causes other than liver cirrhosis. All studied subjects underwent a detailed history and clinical examination, biochemical workup, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound. The right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio was calculated for all patients. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the control and the study subgroups as regards the Right lobe of the Liver/Albumin ratio (p-value 0.007). The diagnostic accuracy of the Right lobe of the Liver/Albumin ratio was assessed using the ROC curve which revealed a sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 73.33% at cut-off value >3.88, with an acceptable discriminative accuracy of 79.9%. Conclusion: The use of Right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio can help physicians by restricting the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited, and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.

Effects of Alternative Offers of Screening Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy on Utilization and Yield of Endoscopic Screening for Colorectal Neoplasms: Protocol of the DARIO Randomized Trial.

BackgroundFlexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are recommended screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite colonoscopy being offered for CRC screening in Germany, the uptake of this offer has been very limited.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the potential for increasing use of endoscopic CRC screening and the detection of advanced colorectal neoplasms by offering the choice between use of flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.MethodsThe DARIO study includes a cross-sectional study (part I), followed by a prospective 2-arm randomized controlled intervention trial (part II) with an associated biobank study (part III). Participation is possible in part I of the DARIO study only, parts I and II, or all 3 study parts. After obtaining informed consent from the municipalities, 12,000 people, aged 50-54 years, from the Rhine-Neckar region in Germany were randomly selected from residential lists of the responsible population registries and invited to complete a standardized questionnaire to investigate the nature, frequency, timing, and results of previous CRC screening and eventual diagnostic colonoscopies. In study part II participants from study part I with no colonoscopy in the preceding 5 years are randomized into 2 arms: arm A offering screening colonoscopy only, and arm B offering both options, either screening colonoscopy or screening sigmoidoscopy. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants in whom colorectal neoplasms >0.5 cm are detected and removed at screening endoscopy. The secondary endpoints are the detection rate of any neoplasm and use of any endoscopic screening. Part III of the study will use samples from participants in study part II to construct a liquid and tissue biobank for the evaluation of less invasive methods of early detection of colon cancer and for the more detailed characterization of the detected neoplasms. Blood, urine, stool, and saliva samples are taken before the endoscopy. Tissue samples are obtained from the neoplasms removed during endoscopy.ResultsA total of 10,568 from 12,000 randomly selected women and men aged 50-54 years living in the Rhine-Neckar-Region of Germany have been invited for participation. The remaining 1432 (11.93%) could not be invited because they reached the age of 55 at the time of contact. Of those invited, 2785/10,568 (26.35%) participated in study part I; 53.60% (1493/2785) of these participants were female. Study parts II and III are ongoing.ConclusionsThis study will answer the question if alternative offers of either screening sigmoidoscopy or screening colonoscopy will increase utilization and effectiveness of endoscopic CRC screening compared with an exclusive offer of screening colonoscopy. In addition, alternative noninvasive screening tests will be developed and validated.Trial RegistrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00018932; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018932International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/17516

Platelet count/splenic diameter ratio: a noninvasive method for diagnosis of esophageal varices in Egyptian cirrhotic patients

Aim/Objectives To assess the utility of of platelet count (PC)/ SD ratio as a noninvasive predictor of EV. Background Bleeding esophageal varices (EV) remain a leading cause of death in cirrhotic Egyptian patients. Although current guidelines recommend screening for EV, repeated endoscopies cause a significant burden and cost to endoscopy units and may expose patients to unnecessary procedures. Methods This prospective cross-sectional analytic study included 100 Egyptian patients with liver cirrhosis, where splenic diameter assessment by ultrasound and upper endoscopy for grading of EV were done. Results We found that the mean platelet count (PL) in patients with varices is 103 300±25 520/ml, whereas in patients with no varices is 212 390±58 980/ml. The mean spleen diameter (SD) in patients with varices is 154.59±10.57 mm, whereas in patients with no varices is 140.14±8.74 mm. The mean PL/SD ratio in patients with varices is 668.22±169.10 whereas in patients with no varices is 1515.56±470.40. The three relations werehighly significant (P≤0.00). At a cutoff value of 909, PL/SD showed sensitivity of 82.81% and specificity of 91.67%, with diagnostic accuracy of 89.8%. Conclusions In conclusion, the use of PC/SD ratio can be of help to the physicians as a noninvasive predictor of EV to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of EV. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.

The Right Liver Lobe Size/Albumin Concentration Ratio in Identifying Esophageal Varices among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND It is necessity to work more on non-invasive markers like right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio for predicting esophageal varices. We aimed to see the right liver lobe/albumin ratio in identifying esophageal varices among patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all indoor patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, General Hospital, Sector H-11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan, during May-December 2016. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Diagnosed cases of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection aged 25 years or more were included. A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS A total number of 160 patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 56.04 ± 10.22 years, while 96 (60%) were men. Child-Turcotte-Pugh grades showed 41.88% of the patients with grade A, followed by grade B (38.12%), and grade C (20%). Esophageal varices were observed in 76.25% of the patients. The sensitivity was 86.89%, while specificity was 78.95%. The positive predictive value was 92.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.64% - 96.91%) and negative predictive value was 65.22% (CI = 49.75% - 78.64%) with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSION The use of the studied non-invasive markers of portal hypertension particularly the right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio, can help physicians to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices.

The Right Liver Lobe Size/Albumin Concentration Ratio in Identifying Esophageal Varices among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND It is necessity to work more on non-invasive markers like right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio for predicting esophageal varices. We aimed to see the right liver lobe/albumin ratio in identifying esophageal varices among patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all indoor patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, General Hospital, Sector H-11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan, during May-December 2016. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Diagnosed cases of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection aged 25 years or more were included. A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS A total number of 160 patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 56.04 ± 10.22 years, while 96 (60%) were men. Child-Turcotte-Pugh grades showed 41.88% of the patients with grade A, followed by grade B (38.12%), and grade C (20%). Esophageal varices were observed in 76.25% of the patients. The sensitivity was 86.89%, while specificity was 78.95%. The positive predictive value was 92.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.64% - 96.91%) and negative predictive value was 65.22% (CI = 49.75% - 78.64%) with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSION The use of the studied non-invasive markers of portal hypertension particularly the right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio, can help physicians to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumor

BackgroundThe incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is rapidly increasing because of the frequent use of endoscopic screening for colorectal cancers. However, the clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for rectal NETs are still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the rates of histologically complete resection (H-CR) and recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for rectal NETs.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent EMR for rectal NETs between January 2002 and March 2015 at Seoul National University Hospital. Primary outcomes were H-CR and recurrence rates after endoscopic resection. H-CR was defined as the absence of tumor invasion in the lateral and deep margins of resected specimens.ResultsAmong 277 patients, 243 (88%) were treated with conventional EMR, 23 (8%) with EMR using a dual-channel endoscope, and 11 (4%) with EMR after precutting. The median tumor size was 4.96 mm (range, 1–22) in diameter, and 264 (95%) lesions were confined to the mucosa and submucosal layer. The en-bloc resection rate was 99% and all patients achieved endoscopically complete resection. The H-CR rates were 75, 74, and 73% for conventional EMR, EMR using a dual-channel endoscope, and EMR after precutting, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that H-CR was associated with tumor size regardless of endoscopic treatment modalities (p = 0.023). Of the 277 patients, 183 (66%) underwent at least 1 endoscopic follow-up. Three (2%) of these 183 patients had tumor recurrence, which was diagnosed at a median of 62.5 months (range 19–98) after endoscopic resection. There was 1 case of disease-related death, which occurred 167 months after endoscopic treatment because of bone marrow failure that resulted from tumor metastasis.ConclusionsAlthough the en-bloc resection rate was 99% in rectal NETs, H-CR rates were 72–74% for various EMR procedures. H-CR may be associated with tumor size regardless of endoscopic treatment modalities.

Predictive Value of Non-Invasive Blood Ammonia Level for the Presence of Oesophageal Varices in Egyptian Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

AIM: Although recent guidelines recommend screening of cirrhotic patients by upper endoscopy for oesophageal varices prediction, Non-invasive parameters are needed due to high endoscopy cost and burden on endoscopic units particularly in poor countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of using ammonia blood level as potential non-invasive predictor of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 150 Egyptian participants. Patients were categorized as group I which included 100 with oesophageal varices and group II included 30 patients without varices. There were 20 healthy control participants served as a control group (group III). All patients underwent for full clinical and laboratory workup, abdominal ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Venous ammonia blood levels were calculated for all the contributors of this study. Results: The mean ammonia level was higher in group I (88.29±42.82 µmol/L) than in group II (82.77±49.76 µmol/L) with no statistical significant difference between the two groups (p=0.34). Ammonia level in group III was 73.37±30.36 µmol/L with no statistical significant difference with the other groups (p>0.05). In group I; ammonia level is positively correlated with the splenic vein diameter with r = 0.22 (p=0.026) but did not correlate with the grade of oesophageal varices r =0.031 (p-value=0.762). In multivariate analysis; ammonia combined with platelets, Age, PT and PC shared in a significant prediction model (I) for esophageal varices grading (p=0.002). Prediction model (II) including portal and splenic veins diameters and the liver size was developed (p=0.016). Conclusion: Non-invasive means could be used to monitor cirrhotic patients and consider treatment. Ammonia level can not be used alone but its use within a significant prediction model can help restricting the use of endoscopic screening in patients with a high probability of esophageal varices.

Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer mortality: both sides of the story

Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer mortality: both sides of the story

Can we consider the right hepatic lobe size/albumin ratio a noninvasive predictor of oesophageal varices in hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhotic Egyptian patients?

BackgroundThe current guidelines recommend the screening of all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, but repeated endoscopic examinations are unpleasant for patients and have a high cost impact and burden on endoscopic units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal liver lobe size/albumin ratio and to compare this ratio with spleen size, platelet count and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio as potential noninvasive predictors of oesophageal varices in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis in Egyptian patients. MethodsThis prospective study included one hundred patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. All studied subjects underwent a detailed clinical examination, biochemical workup, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound. The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio and the right liver lobe/albumin concentration ratio for all patients were calculated. ResultsThe 4 predictors demonstrated a high statistically significant correlation with the presence and grade of oesophageal varices (P values<0.001). The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio had the highest accuracy, followed by the right liver lobe/albumin concentration ratio, spleen size and then platelet count. ConclusionThe use of the studied noninvasive predictors, especially the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio and the right liver lobe/albumin concentration ratio, can help physicians by restricting the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of oesophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas. Such is the case in Egypt, where there is a large number of patients who require oesophageal screening for oesophageal varices.

Significance of Endoscopic Screening and Endoscopic Resection for Esophageal Cancer in Patients with Hypopharyngeal Cancer

The efficacy of endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer remains controversial and its impact on prognosis has not been adequately discussed. We studied the use of endoscopic screening to detect esophageal cancer in hypopharyngeal cancer patients by analyzing the incidence, stage and prognosis. We included 64 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who received radical radiotherapy at our institute. Chromoendoscopic esophageal examinations with Lugol dye solution were routinely performed at and after treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer. Twenty-eight esophageal cancers were detected in 28 (41%) patients (18 synchronous and 10 metachronous cancers). Of the 28 cancers, 23 were stage 0 or I cancer and 15 of these were treated with endoscopic resection. Local control was achieved in all of these 23 stage 0 or I cancers. The 5-year overall survival rates with esophageal cancer were 83% in stage 0, 47% in stage I and 0% in stage IIA-IVB. This study showed a strikingly high incidence of esophageal cancer in hypopharyngeal cancer patients. We suppose that the combination of early detection by chromoendoscopic examination and endoscopic resection for associated esophageal cancer in hypopharyngeal cancer patients improve prognosis and maintain quality of life.

Influence of Malpractice History on the Practice of Screening and Surveillance for Barrett's Esophagus

Gastroenterologists' approach to surveillance for Barrett's esophagus is variable. We hypothesized that financial incentives and concerns over malpractice litigation influence gastroenterologists' usual practices regarding screening and surveillance. We surveyed gastroenterologists (N = 224) regarding their usual practice of screening or surveillance for Barrett's esophagus, belief in the efficacy of screening, knowledge of published guidelines, demographic factors, compensation structure, volume of endoscopies, and malpractice history. Practices were characterized as aggressive or conservative in the utilization of services compared with a published guideline. Twenty-one percent of attending gastroenterologists reported being identified as a defendant in at least one malpractice suit. Prior malpractice defendants had practiced gastroenterology longer and performed a higher volume of endoscopies, but had similar knowledge regarding published screening guidelines to those who had not been defendants. They were more likely to be aggressive rather than conservative in screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-12), and remained so after controlling for other factors. In particular, they were more likely to recommend screening for populations with a lower risk of development of cancer, and to perform more frequent surveillance for low-grade dysplasia. Other factors were not associated with aggressive practice, including compensation structure. History of at least one prior malpractice suit appears to be associated with the more aggressive use of endoscopic screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus, irrespective of physician belief regarding the efficacy of that strategy in reducing mortality. Hypervigilance and fear of future malpractice suits may drive this increased use.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Alcohol and Aldehyde Dehydrogenases and Risk for Esophageal and Head and Neck Cancers

Alcoholic beverages are causally related to cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde and then to acetate by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), both of which have genetic polymorphisms. A review of case-control studies of the effects of ALDH2, ADH2 and ADH3 genotypes shows consistently positive associations between inactive heterozygous ALDH2 and the less-active ADH2 genotypes and the risk for esophageal cancer in East Asian heavy drinkers and this enzyme-related vulnerability may extend to light-to-moderate drinkers. Some studies suggest similar associations with the risk for head and neck cancer in moderate-to-heavy-drinking Japanese. An established carcinogen in experimental animals, acetaldehyde can interact with human DNA. ALDH2-associated cancer susceptibility fits into a scenario in which acetaldehyde plays a critical role in the development of human cancer. Alcohol flushing and drinking behavior may partly explain this carcinogenic effect in carriers of less-active ADH2 genotypes. Whether the ADH3 genotype influences head and neck cancer risk in Western nations is controversial. Professional and public education about risky conditions connected to the ALDH2 and ADH2 genotypes and environmental factors is important in a new strategic approach to the prevention of alcohol-related cancers in East Asians. The use of simple tests to identify inactive ALDH2 on the basis of alcohol flushing responses could benefit many people, by helping them to identify their own cancer risks. Such testing could also help clinicians diagnose esophageal cancer earlier, through the use of endoscopic screening in the high-risk population.

Colon Cancer Screening Practices After Genetic Counseling and Testing for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is the most common hereditary form of colon cancer. Cancer screening recommendations differ between individuals identified to carry an HNPCC mutation and those who do not carry a known family mutation. We assessed the impact of genetic counseling and testing (GCT) on the use of endoscopic screening procedures and adherence to recommended endoscopic screening guidelines in 56 asymptomatic at-risk individuals from families known to carry an HNPCC mutation. We analyzed data on colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy screenings collected before GCT and 6 months and 12 months post-GCT on 17 mutation-positive and 39 true mutation-negative individuals. Main outcome measures were use of endoscopic screening and adherence to recommended guidelines for the relevant mutation status. Mutation status, age, sex, employment, and income were analyzed as predictor variables. Among mutation-negative individuals, use of colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy decreased significantly between pre- and post-GCT (P <.00001 and P <.0003, respectively). Among mutation-positive individuals, a nonsignificant increase (P =.24) in use was noted. Age was also associated with use of endoscopic screening after GCT (P =.03). Mutation status (odds ratio [OR], 7.5; P =.02) and employment (OR, 8.6; P =.025) were associated with nonadherence to endoscopic screening guidelines. More mutation-negative individuals strictly adhered to guidelines than did mutation-positive individuals (87% v 65%). Genetic counseling and testing for HNPCC significantly influences the use of colonic endoscopy and adherence to recommendations for colon cancer screening.

Genetic polymorphisms of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases and risk for esophageal and head and neck cancers.

Alcoholic beverages are causally related to cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde and then to acetate by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), both of which have genetic polymorphisms. A review of case-control studies of the effects of ALDH2, ADH2 and ADH3 genotypes shows consistently positive associations between inactive heterozygous ALDH2 and the less-active ADH2 genotypes and the risk for esophageal cancer in East Asian heavy drinkers and this enzyme-related vulnerability may extend to light-to-moderate drinkers. Some studies suggest similar associations with the risk for head and neck cancer in moderate-to-heavy-drinking Japanese. An established carcinogen in experimental animals, acetaldehyde can interact with human DNA. ALDH2-associated cancer susceptibility fits into a scenario in which acetaldehyde plays a critical role in the development of human cancer. Alcohol flushing and drinking behavior may partly explain this carcinogenic effect in carriers of less-active ADH2 genotypes. Whether the ADH3 genotype influences head and neck cancer risk in Western nations is controversial. Professional and public education about risky conditions connected to the ALDH2 and ADH2 genotypes and environmental factors is important in a new strategic approach to the prevention of alcohol-related cancers in East Asians. The use of simple tests to identify inactive ALDH2 on the basis of alcohol flushing responses could benefit many people, by helping them to identify their own cancer risks. Such testing could also help clinicians diagnose esophageal cancer earlier, through the use of endoscopic screening in the high-risk population.