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Biomedical subjects

Han-Mo Chiu

Publications and source records attributed to Han-Mo Chiu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The impact of colon preparation timing on colonoscopic detection of colorectal neoplasms--a prospective endoscopist-blinded randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Timing of colon preparation might influence the cleansing condition of the colon and therefore affect the quality and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy. This study compared two different timings of colon preparation to assess the efficacy of colon cleansing and diagnostic yield of colorectal neoplasms during colonoscopy. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one eligible subjects who had colorectal neoplasms detected at a screening colonoscopy were randomly assigned to receive colon preparation with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) either on the day of (on the day group) or the night before (previous night group) a second colonoscopy. The condition of colon preparation and the diagnostic yield of colorectal neoplasms were recorded and compared between the two groups for the initial and second colonoscopies. RESULTS: Fifty-nine subjects received colon preparation on the night before and 60 subjects received colon preparation the day of a second colonoscopy. Colon preparation for the second colonoscopy was better in the on-the-day group than in the previous night group (P= 0.003). Colon preparation for the second colonoscopy was better for each group in comparison with the initial colonoscopy (P < 0.0001). An interobserver variability analysis using 20 randomly selected colonoscopies from the two groups revealed good correlation among four colonoscopists. More lesions were detected in group A during the second colonoscopy (P= 0.028). CONCLUSION: Colon preparation on the day of colonoscopy has a better cleansing quality and higher diagnostic yield. Subjects who had lesions detected during the initial screening colonoscopy had better colon cleansing for the second colonoscopy regardless of the timing of preparation.

Aged↗

A prospective comparative study of narrow-band imaging, chromoendoscopy, and conventional colonoscopy in the diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions is crucial in colorectal cancer screening. Application of narrow-band imaging (NBI) in colonoscopy visualises mucosal vascular networks in neoplastic lesions and may improve diagnostic accuracy. AIM: To compare the diagnostic efficacy of NBI in differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal lesions with diagnostic efficacies of standard modalities, conventional colonoscopy, and chromoendoscopy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 180 colorectal lesions from 133 patients were observed with conventional colonoscopy, and under low-magnification and high-magnification NBI and chromoendoscopy. Lesions were resected for histopathological analysis. Endoscopic images were stored electronically and randomly allocated to two readers for evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of each endoscopic modality were assessed by reference to histopathology. RESULTS: NBI and chromoendoscopy scored better under high magnification than under low magnification in comparison with conventional colonoscopy. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI with low or high magnification was significantly higher than that of conventional colonoscopy (low magnification: p = 0.0434 for reader 1 and p = 0.004 for reader 2; high magnification: p<0.001 for both readers) and was comparable to that of chromoendoscopy. CONCLUSION: Both low-magnification and high-magnification NBI were capable of distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal lesions; the diagnostic accuracy of NBI was better than that of conventional colonoscopy and equivalent to that of chromoendoscopy. The role of NBI in screening colonoscopy needs further evaluation.

Adenoma↗

Association of metabolic syndrome with proximal and synchronous colorectal neoplasm.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome and its associated morbidities have become a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Insulin resistance, the core mechanism of metabolic syndrome, has been associated with the development of colorectal neoplasm, but the interrelation between metabolic syndrome and colon cancer is rarely addressed. Our study aimed to determine whether metabolic syndrome is associated with the risk and clinical presentation of colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: Consecutive 4277 ethnic Chinese who received complete total colonoscopy and thorough health checkups were enrolled. Both National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III and modified Asian criteria were used for defining metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression modeling was used to elucidate the association between colorectal neoplasia and metabolic syndrome. The impact of metabolic syndrome on distribution and number of colorectal neoplasia was also assessed. RESULTS: Of all those enrolled, 27.1% of men and 18.9% of women met the criteria of metabolic syndrome, and 9.8% had colorectal neoplasia. Metabolic syndrome was associated with odds ratio (OR) of 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.73) for colorectal neoplasia. OR was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.67-1.38) for distal lesions, 1.62 (95% CI, 1.14-2.30) for proximal lesions, 2.15 (95% CI, 1.40-3.31) for synchronous lesions, and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.42-3.72) for synchronous lesions located at both sides of colon. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of colon neoplasia at the proximal colon and synchronous lesions at both sides of the colon. These findings will help future colon cancer screening and prevention in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Adult↗

Sonographic diagnosis of a toothpick traversing the duodenum and penetrating into the liver.

Ingested foreign bodies rarely cause gastrointestinal perforation, because the majority are passed out uneventfully in the feces. However, long, sharp, slender, hard, indigestible objects such as toothpicks are dangerous and may lead to potentially life-threatening complications. We report a case of duodenal perforation caused by a toothpick and complicated by liver abscess and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. Although laparotomy was not performed because of the patient's refusal to undergo surgery, the liver abscess and sepsis were controlled successfully with antibiotics. We also conducted a literature search for reports on injuries caused by ingested toothpicks.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Appendiceal intussusception diagnosed with endoscopic sonography.

Intussusception of the appendix vermiformis is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. Several imaging modalities are of limited value in diagnosing this rare condition, including barium enema, transabdominal sonography, and CT. We report a case of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis with the clinical presentation of intermittent abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Colonoscopy revealed an erythematous polypoid lesion at the cecal base. Endoscopic sonography demonstrated a multiconcentric structure and enabled the tentative diagnosis of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis. Laparoscopic surgery with a reduction of the appendix and appendectomy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis.

Abdominal Pain↗

Comparative analysis between psychological and endoscopic profiles in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective study based on screening endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Associations between psychological and endoscopic profiles are not clearly validated among the heterogeneous patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of the present paper was therefore to identify any associations by means of cross-sectional study. METHODS: Consecutive participants in a health screening program were enrolled. Definition and severity of erosive esophagitis were assessed with Los Angeles classification. Frequency and severity of psychological symptoms were measured with a 30-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS) and personality traits with a short form of the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI). Statistic analyses were performed based on the presence of GERD symptoms or endoscopic esophagitis. RESULTS: A total of 4600 participants were recruited. There were 1331 subjects (29%) with manifestations suggesting GERD, including non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) in 488 (10.6%), symptomatic erosive esophagitis (SEE) in 164 (3.6%), and asymptomatic erosive esophagitis (AEE) in 679 (14.8%). The BSRS parameters were significantly higher in symptomatic subjects (i.e. NERD and SEE subjects; P < 0.001); neuroticism scores were also higher (P < 0.001), but extroversion scores (P < 0.001) were lower than those of asymptomatic subjects. Following logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for GERD symptoms were female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.596; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.303-1.955) and higher neuroticism scores (OR: 1.046; 95%CI: 1.032-1.06). For erosive esophagitis, independent risk factors were male gender (OR: 2.943; 95%CI: 2.359-3.671) and higher body mass index scores (OR: 1.098; 95%CI: 1.069-1.127). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological characteristics predict likelihood of GERD symptoms but not structural state of esophagus. Male gender and obesity are risk factors for erosive esophagitis; whereas female gender and neuroticism are more likely to be associated with GERD symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Multiple hepatic nodules: rare manifestation of clonorchiasis.

A 38-year-old man was admitted due to intermittent right upper quadrant pain for 1 month. Leukocytosis with marked eosionphilia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase were noted. Stool examinations revealed no parasites or ova. Ultrasonography and computed tomography disclosed multiple hepatic tumors. Biopsy of the hepatic tumor was performed due to non-conclusive imaging studies and revealed eosinophil infiltration in portal areas only. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed mild dilatation with irregularity of bilateral intrahepatic ducts, compatible with chronic cholangitis. Bile was aspirated and biliary lavage with normal saline was performed during endoscopy-guided biliary cannulation. Microscopic examination of the aspirate showed the characteristic ova of Clonorchis sinensis. The patient received Praziquantel therapy for 1 day. Abdominal pain reduced in intensity gradually. Eosinophilia and multiple hepatic lesions resolved after adequate treatment of Clonorchis sinensis. The rare manifestation of multiple hepatic tumors in Clonorchis sinensis should be differentiated from other primary or metastatic neoplasms, while biliary lavage for parasite ova is a valuable diagnostic tool when stool examination is negative.

Adult↗

Factors determining post-colonoscopy abdominal pain: prospective study of screening colonoscopy in 1000 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Factors determining post-colonoscopy abdominal pain remain poorly understood. Accordingly, a prospective study was conducted to reveal the key determinants. METHODS: One thousand consecutive and asymptomatic patients (569 men, 431 women; mean age 51 years, range 19-84 years) undergoing total colonoscopy were evaluated to assess their abdominal pain. Their demographic data, psychological profiles (determined on the Brief Symptom Rating Scale and Maudsley Personality Inventory), and endoscopic findings were treated as independent variables in polytomous logistic regression in which pain severities were treated as outcome variables. Factors affecting the duration of pain were evaluated on multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Colonoscopy duration (s; odds ratio [OR]: 1.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-1.002, P<0.01) and female sex (OR: 1.368, 95%CI: 1.02-1.853, P=0.03) were significantly associated with abdominal pain, but age, body mass index, psychological traits, conscious sedation, use of i.v. hyoscine butylbromide, and colonic preparation were not. Duration of the colonoscopy was longer in female than male subjects (P=0.04). On stepwise linear regression, irritable bowel syndrome (regression coefficient: 27.47, 95%CI: 6.99-47.67, P<0.01) and conscious sedation (regression coefficient: -22.17, 95%CI: -42.52 to -1.42, P = 0.036) were the best predictors of prolonged pain in 485 patients who had pain. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex and duration of colonoscopy increased the likelihood of post-procedural abdominal pain. Conscious sedation temporarily suppressed the pain but had no effect on its occurrence. Irritable bowel syndrome may have prolonged the discomfort.

Abdominal Pain↗

Circadian change of cardiac autonomic function in correlation with intra-esophageal pH.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although autonomic alterations are observed in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the influence of visceral receptor responses on the dynamics of autonomic function remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the autonomic functional changes in association with intra-esophageal pH under ambulation. METHODS: Thirty patients referred for 48 h ambulatory pH monitoring underwent simultaneous 24 h cardiac monitoring for heart rate variability (HRV). We used linear mixed-effects models to estimate the relationship between esophageal acid exposure and power spectral analysis of HRV, including low-frequency power (0.04 < LF < 0.15 Hz), high-frequency power (0.15 < or = HF < 0.4 Hz), and LF/HF power ratio. RESULTS: Over the 24-h period, patients with pathological reflux had lower average LF and HF powers than patients with functional heartburn, but the LF/HF power ratios were similar for the two patient groups. As we stratified the data according to waking and sleeping times, a significantly higher HF power but lower LF/HF power ratio was found during sleeping time regardless of diagnosis. In the regression analysis, esophageal pH was positively associated with change (not basal tone) of both LF and HF powers during waking, but only with change of HF power during sleeping time. The significant associations between pH values and changes in HRV decreased gradually with time. The LF/HF power ratio did not alter significantly with pH. CONCLUSION: Esophageal acid exposure is generally associated with decreases in autonomic tone. A predominant parasympathetic fluctuation during sleeping and a superimposed sympathetic interaction during waking dictate diurnal characteristics of autonomic regulation.

Adult↗

A community-based study of Helicobacter pylori therapy using the strategy of test, treat, retest, and re-treat initial treatment failures.

BACKGROUND: Although eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection can decrease the risk of gastric cancer, the optimal regimen for treating the general population remains unclear. We report the eradication rate (intention-to-treat and per protocol) of a community-based H. pylori therapy using the strategy of test, treat, retest, and re-treat initial treatment failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2004, a total of 2658 residents were recruited for 13C-urea breath testing. Participants with positive results for infection received a standard 7-day triple therapy (esomeprazole 40 mg once daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily), and a 10-day re-treatment (esomeprazole 40 mg once daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and levofloxacin 500 mg once daily) if the follow-up tests remained positive. Both H. pylori status and side-effects were assessed 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Among 886 valid reporters, eradication rates with initial therapy were 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.7-89.1%) and 88.7% (95%CI: 86.5-90.9%) by intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis, respectively. Re-treatment eradicated infection in 91.4% (95%CI: 86-96.8%) of 105 nonresponders. Adequate compliance was achieved in 798 (90.1%) of 886 subjects receiving the initial treatment and in all 105 re-treated subjects. Mild side-effects occurred in 24% of subjects. Overall intention-to-treat and per protocol eradication rates were 97.7% (95%CI: 96.7-98.7%) and 98.8% (95%CI: 98.5-99.3%), respectively, which were only affected by poor compliance (odds ratio, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.99-5.48; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive plan using drugs in which the resistance rate is low in a population combined with the strategy of test, treat, retest, and re-treat of needed can result in virtual eradication of H. pylori from a population. This provides a model for planning country- or region-wide eradication programs.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

A prospective study of the frequency and the topographical distribution of colon neoplasia in asymptomatic average-risk Chinese adults as determined by colonoscopic screening.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of colorectal neoplasia in an asymptomatic Taiwanese population and the topographic distribution of lesions relative to age and gender. METHODS: Colonoscopy was performed in 1846 consecutive asymptomatic adults undergoing a health evaluation in 2003. Neoplastic lesions were considered advanced if they exceeded 10 mm in size, had a villous component, or contained moderately or severely dysplastic tissue or invasive cancer. Lesions at and proximal to the splenic flexure were considered proximal in location; those distal to the splenic flexure were classified as distal in location. RESULTS: Of 1741 (94.3%) patients (1041 men, 700 women; mean 52.5 years) enrolled, 1708 (98.1%) underwent total colonoscopy. Of these patients, 263 (15.4%) had colorectal neoplasia; 51 (3.0%) had advanced lesions. A total of 331 lesions were detected; 125 (37.8%) were proximal in location. Two thirds of patients with proximal advanced lesions (66.7%, 10/15) had no distal lesion. The proportion of patients with proximal or proximal plus distal lesions increased with age ( p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy is an effective primary screening modality for colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic Chinese patients. Many lesions would be missed, especially in the elderly, if only sigmoidoscopy was used for initial screening.

Adult↗

Patients with functional heartburn are more likely to report retrosternal discomfort during wireless pH monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Although the wireless Bravo pH system is effective, some patients experience retrosternal sensations possibly caused by esophageal sensitivity that may complicate clinical application. METHODS: Ambulatory pH of 40 consecutive patients with GERD who had erosive esophagitis or nonerosive reflux disease, were monitored for 2 days with the Bravo system. Results were stratified and compared on the basis of self-awareness of the intraesophageal capsule. RESULTS: Pathologic acid reflux was diagnosed in 20 patients and normal reflux was diagnosed in 20 patients. Seventeen patients (42.5%) reported retrosternal discomfort, and 12 of them (70.6%) had normal reflux. Patients with retrosternal discomfort were less likely to have moderate endoscopic esophagitis, i.e., Los Angeles classification grades B, C, and D endoscopic esophagitis (p = 0.006), and were less likely to have significantly elevated esophageal acid exposure (p = 0.0036) than those who did not perceive the discomfort. Reported discomfort was not associated with age, gender, or the presence of endoscopic esophagitis. CONCLUSIONS: The negative correlation between Bravo-capsule-induced retrosternal discomfort and esophageal-acid exposure indicates modified mechanical afferent nerve function after long-term acid stimulation. Capsule-induced retrosternal discomfort in the presence of normal acid exposure suggests functional heartburn.

Adult↗

Heart rate variability in patients with different manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic nervous dysfunction has frequently been observed in patients with gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) and impacts the pathogenesis of GERD. However, the characteristics that distinguish between GERD patients with different manifestations remain unknown. AIM: To investigate the autonomic nervous function in subgroups of GERD patients. PATIENTS: Of the 164 participants in this study, 57 were healthy controls, 34 had non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), 40 had symptomatic esophagitis (SE), and 33 asymptomatic esophagitis (AE). METHODS: Resting autonomic activity was assessed by measuring the 5-min heart rate variability (HRV) and HRV indices including time-domain parameters (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN] and root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) and frequency-domain parameters (low-frequency power [LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz], high-frequency power [HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz], and LF/HF power ratio). Mental stress was assessed by use of a self-reported questionnaire (Brief Symptom Rating Scale [BSRS]). RESULTS: HF power was (ANOVA, p=0.041) but time-domain parameters, LF power, LF/HF power ratio, and BSRS parameters were not significantly different between the four groups. A higher HF power was found in examinees with NERD than in those with SE and AE (LSD methods: both p=0.02). When split into two groups (erosive vs. non-erosive), nearly all measures of autonomic tonus were significantly lower in the erosive than non-erosive group. Age and the presence of endoscopic esophagitis influenced the RMSSD and HF power results in the regression analysis. Mental stress or gender did not correlate with any HRV index. CONCLUSION: In comparison with NERD subjects, autonomic tonus in patients with endoscopically confirmed esophagitis (even without symptom) is lower. This finding may suggest that the structural state of esophagus but not symptomatology dictates autonomic function status.

Adult↗

Promoter polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha are associated with risk of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Genes involved in regulating antimicrobial immunity and inflammation may modulate the risk of Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases. IL-1 and TNF-alpha are major cytokines detected in H. pylori-infected tissues. We aimed to determine the role of gene polymorphisms for these cytokines and their receptors in 2 distinct H. pylori-related gastric malignancies, adenocarcinoma (GAC) and maltoma. Genotyping for IL-1beta (-31 C/T, -511 C/T), TNF-alpha (-238 G/A, -308 G/A, -857 C/T, -863 C/A, -1031 T/C), TNFR1 (-383 A/C) and TNFR2 (196 G/T) was undertaken for 70 patients with maltoma and 204 patients with noncardia GAC and compared to 210 unrelated healthy controls. Genotype frequencies showed no differences among patients with GAC or maltoma and controls for IL-1beta, TNFR1 or TNFR2. The TNF-alpha -857 T variant was significantly underrepresented in maltoma compared to controls (6.4% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.018), conferring a 3-fold decrease in risk (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.75). Comparison of allele frequencies between GAC and controls failed to show any statistical significance for TNF-alpha polymorphisms. We concluded that TNF-alpha -857 T itself or a neighboring gene may modify the risk of maltoma. The differences in genetic background as well as divergent clinicopathologic features between GAC and maltoma support the notion that fundamental mechanistic differences exist in these 2 well-defined H. pylori-related malignancies.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Sonographic demonstration of duodenobiliary reflux with soda enhancement.

Cholangitis rarely occurs after sphincteroplasty if there is no biliary obstruction. We report the case of a patient who developed recurrent cholangitis despite having a patent biliary tract after sphincteroplasty. Duodenobiliary reflux was demonstrated on sonography after enhancement of the reflux flow with a novel oral contrast agent, a carbonated soda beverage. Sonography with contrast enhancement provided by soda solution may prove satisfactory to detect duodenobiliary reflux after sphincteroplasty safely, effectively, and economically.

Abdominal Pain↗

Hepatic portal venous gas associated with poor outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of sonographic hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and to clarify the relationship between the presence of HPVG and clinical outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: From April 2002 to January 2003, patients with non-traumatic OHCA were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary medical centre in Taipei, Taiwan. Emergency abdominal sonography during resuscitation was performed to detect the presence of HPVG within the first 10 min on arrival of the emergency department (ED). RESULTS: HPVG was detected in 16 (36%) of the 44 patients enrolled in this study. The patients with HPVG were older (P = 0.039), their cardiac arrest was witnessed less frequently (P = 0.01), they received more prolonged resuscitation (P = 0.008), and needed more accumulated doses of adrenaline (epinephrine) (P = 0.002). These patients had a considerably lower incidence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (P < 0.001), less survival to hospital admission (P < 0.001), less 24 h survival (P < 0.001) and less survival to discharge (P = 0.036). In a multiple regression analysis, HPVG was noted as an independent factor negatively associated with ROSC. CONCLUSION: HPVG is not uncommon in patients receiving resuscitation for OHCA and is associated with poor outcome in these patients.

Aged↗

Prediction of bleeding and stricture formation after corrosive ingestion by EUS concurrent with upper endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Upper endoscopy provides information that can be used to predict complications and to facilitate clinical decisions for patients who have ingested corrosive substances. The role of EUS in corrosive injury has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether concurrent catheter-probe EUS provides additional information that predicts complications after corrosive injury. METHODS: Eighteen patients were referred (from 1997 to 2003) for EGD and concurrent EUS within 24 hours after ingestion of a caustic agent. Two patients were excluded (1 pneumoperitoneum, 1 markedly swollen cricoarytenoid cartilage/epiglottis). The severity of injury in the different segments of the esophagus and stomach was graded (0, 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) by endoscopy and by EUS (0, M, SM, MP, SS). The development of complications during hospitalization and 3-month follow-up were recorded. OBSERVATIONS: All 16 patients underwent EGD with EUS without complication. The frequency of early and late complications increased as the endoscopic and the EUS severity grades increased. The accuracy of prediction of bleeding or stricture was 100% when endoscopic grade 3a was used as a cutoff. For EUS, the highest accuracy was observed in the prediction of bleeding (75%) and stricture (100%) when EUS grade MP was used as a cutoff. CONCLUSIONS: EUS can be performed safely within 24 hours of ingestive of corrosive substances. However, when used in conjunction with conventional endoscopic observation, it does not increase the accuracy for prediction of early or late complications. Standard endoscopy alone is sufficient for evaluation and prediction of bleeding and stricture complications after corrosive injury in the upper-GI tract.

Adult↗