Efficacy of partial endoscopic submucosal dissection with polypectomy of gastric neoplasm during a learning period.

Background/aims: This study evaluated the efficacy of partial endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) (snare polypectomy after nearly 70-90% of dissection on the final step) in the treatment of gastric neoplasm, especially when performed by clinicians in learning period.

Methodology: A total of 243 lesions from 205 patients were enrolled. One gastroenterologist who was beginner in ESD procedure performed ESD by hook knife.

Relationship between the hepatic venous pressure gradient and first variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis: a multicenter retrospective study in Korea.

Background/aims: Variceal hemorrhage is one of the major complications of cirrhosis and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The development of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage is the most direct consequence of portal hypertension. Correlations between the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and first variceal hemorrhage were examined.

Biomarkers of liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway for almost all causes of chronic liver injury. Liver fibrosis is now known to be a dynamic process having significant potential for resolution. Therefore, fibrosis prediction is an essential part of the assessment and management of patients with chronic liver disease.

Trends in the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori infection for eleven years.

Aim: To evaluate the trends in the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) over the past 11 years in a single center.

Methods: This retrospective study covered the period from January 2000 to December 2010.

Aloe-induced toxic hepatitis.

Aloe has been widely used in phytomedicine. Phytomedicine describes aloe as a herb which has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-aging effects. In recent years several cases of aloe-induced hepatotoxicity were reported.