Gastroenterology
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Retrospective studies have found an unexpectedly high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cirrhosis who received direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents. We analyzed data from the ANRS CO12 CirVir cohort to compare the incidence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis who received DAA therapy vs patients treated with interferon (IFN). ⋯ Analysis of data from the ANRS CO12 CirVir cohort reveals that the apparent increase in HCC incidence observed in patients with cirrhosis treated with DAAs compared with patients who achieved SVR following an IFN therapy can be explained by patient characteristics (age, diabetes, reduced liver function) and lower screening intensity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy of Ustekinumab for Inducing Endoscopic Healing in Patients With Crohn's Disease.
We evaluated the ability of ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody against the p40 subunit of interleukins 12 and 23, to induce endoscopic healing in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD). ⋯ In an analysis of data from 3 trials of patients with moderate to severe CD, ustekinumab (intravenous induction and subcutaneous maintenance) reduces SES-CD compared with placebo. We observed significant reductions in endoscopic disease activity at week 8 of induction therapy with ustekinumab. (ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01369329, NCT01369342, and NCT01369355).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Simtuzumab Is Ineffective for Patients With Bridging Fibrosis or Compensated Cirrhosis Caused by Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 contributes to fibrogenesis by catalyzing cross-linkage of collagen. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of simtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against lysyl oxidase-like 2, in two phase 2b trials of patients with advanced fibrosis caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ⋯ In two phase 2b trials of patients with bridging fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, simtuzumab was ineffective in decreasing hepatic collagen content or hepatic venous pressure gradient, respectively. Clinicaltrials.govNCT01672866 and NCT01672879.
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IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic relapsing multi-organ fibro-inflammatory syndrome of presumed autoimmune etiology. It is characterized by increased serum levels of IgG4 and tissue infiltration by IgG4+ cells. Increased titers of autoantibodies against a spectrum of self-antigens and response to steroids have led to its characterization as an autoimmune disease. ⋯ Death from IgG4-RD is rare. IgG4-RD is a multi-organ disease with predominant pancreatico-biliary involvement. Despite its relapsing-remitting course, patients have an excellent prognosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Over-the-Scope Clips Are More Effective Than Standard Endoscopic Therapy for Patients With Recurrent Bleeding of Peptic Ulcers.
Endoscopic hemostasis is effective in treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. However, rebleeding is difficult to treat and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We performed a prospective randomized trial to determine whether over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are more effective than standard treatment of severe recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding. ⋯ In prospective randomized trial, we found endoscopic treatment with OTSCs to be superior to standard therapy with TTSCs for patients with recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. STING Study, Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT1836900.