Ilona Kojalo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ilona Kojalo

European Journal of Cancer Prevention, Jun 29, 2023

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aug 1, 2016

Objective We have compared the performance of two faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in an average... more Objective We have compared the performance of two faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in an average-risk population. Materials and methods Altogether, 10 000 individuals aged 50-74 were selected randomly from the population of Latvia in 2011 and assigned randomly either to OC-Sensor or to FOB Gold single-time testing. Positivity of the test, frequency of colonic lesions, number needed to screen (NNscreen) and scope for the detection of an advanced neoplasm (cancer and advanced adenoma) were compared between the tests using the same cutoff concentrations in µg/g faeces. Confidence intervals (CIs) at 95% were calculated. Results Positivity with the cutoff set at 10 µg/g faeces was 12.8% (95% CI: 11.4-14.2) for FOB Gold and 8.3% (95% CI: 7.2-9.4) for OC-Sensor (P < 0.001). Positivity was higher in men and the older age groups. Colonoscopy compliance was 55.5%. There was no significant difference between the two tests at comparable cutoff concentrations in µg/g, colonoscopy attendance rate or colonoscopy results. For advanced neoplasm detection, there was no significant difference in number needed to scope and NNscreen at a cutoff of 10 µg/g faeces; however, lower NNscreen was required to detect advanced neoplasms with the FOB Gold test at increased cutoff concentrations. Conclusion Different quantitative FIT systems may report different positivity rate at identical cutoff concentrations, which has to be considered when implementing the use of FIT in national screening programmes.

Helicobacter, May 29, 2017

Background-Circulating levels of pepsinogens have been used in high gastric cancer-risk Asian and... more Background-Circulating levels of pepsinogens have been used in high gastric cancer-risk Asian and European populations to triage endoscopic evaluation for more severe pathology. There are different analytic methods with uncertain correlations. We therefore compared diagnostic performance of three commonly used pepsinogen assays to detect histologically confirmed gastric atrophy. Methods-We tested plasma samples from adult patients with (n=50) and without (n=755) moderate or severe gastric corpus atrophy, as determined histologically by consensus of three expert pathologists. A single laboratory measured pepsinogens I (PgI) and II (PgII) using

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Nov 1, 2019

Objective Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer has been proposed to be a distinct g... more Objective Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer has been proposed to be a distinct gastric cancer molecular subtype. The prognostic significance of EBV infection in gastric cancer remains unclear and needs further investigation. Our study aimed to analyze EBV-positive and EBV-negative gastric cancer patients regarding their personal and tumor-related characteristics, and compare their overall survival. Methods Gastric cancer patients consecutively treated at the Riga East University Hospital during 2009-2016 were identified retrospectively. Tumor EBV status was determined by in-situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). Information about clinicopathological characteristics was obtained from patient questionnaires, hospital records. Overall survival was ascertained through 30 July 2017. Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for personal and tumor-related covariates compared survival between EBV-positive and EBV-negative patients. Results There were a total of 302 gastric cancer patients (61% males) with mean and SD age 63.6 ± 11.5 years. EBER positivity was present in 8.6% of tumors. EBV-positive gastric cancer patients had better survival at 80 months [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.19-0.72] compared to EBV-negative patients. Worse survival was observed for patients with stage III (hazard ratio = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.67-4.56) and stage IV (hazard ratio = 10.02, 95% CI = 5.72-17.57) compared to stage I gastric cancer, and overlapping and unspecified subsite (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.14; 3.00) compared to distal tumors. Conclusion Tumor EBV positivity is a favorable prognostic factor in gastric cancer.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, May 1, 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer scr... more The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer screening. We assessed the effect of an advance notification letter and a reminder letter, and analysed the proportion of inappropriately handled tests. Materials and methods Fifteen thousand randomly selected residents of Latvia aged 50-74 years were allocated to receive one of three different test systems: either a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or one of two laboratory-based immunochemical tests (FIT)-FOB Gold or OC-Sensor. Half of the target population received an advance notification letter; all nonresponders were sent a reminder letter. Results The uptake of screening was 31.2% for the gFOBT, 44.7% for FOB Gold and 47.4% for the OC-Sensor (odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.51-0.60 for gFOBT vs. FOB Gold; odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.98 for FOB Gold vs. OC-Sensor). The uptake in the gFOBT group was improved by the advance notification letter (7.7%, P < 0.0001). 30.9% returned tests were received after the reminder letter. The proportion of tests that could not be analysed because of inadequate handling was 0.9% for gFOBT, 4.4% for FOB Gold and 0.2% for the OC-Sensor (P = 0.002 for gFOBT vs. OC-Sensor; P < 0.001 for all comparisons vs. FOB Gold). Conclusion The use of FIT resulted in higher uptake. Receipt of a reminder letter was critical to participation, but the use of an advance notification letter was important mainly for gFOBT. The proportion of inappropriately handled tests was markedly higher for FOB Gold.

Rural Sustainability Research, Aug 1, 2022

The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical res... more The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical research data collection process and data quality. Every research project involves a data collection phase, during which different organisation, legal and technology factors are involved, including various procedures (questionnaire design, annotation, database design, data entry, data validation, discrepancy management, medical coding and data mining). The key task of clinical data management is to obtain high-quality data, which can be achieved by minimising data input errors and timely identifying missing data. This process is often time-consuming and takes up a significant part of the research project budget in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this study is to elaborate the research support model for the creation of a data collection automation software tool, which will allow one to ensure better data quality, shorten the time for data collection and minimise human work volume and respective human resource expenses, making research projects more effective in terms of their timing and budget. Research work included analysis of the current situation, its shortcomings, typical research project budget distribution and existing automated electronic data collection tools (EDC)

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Mar 13, 2020

Background & Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in ind... more Background & Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups-patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs patients were enrolled. Celiac serology was available for 1,570 patients, duodenal histology for 582 patients, both histology and serology for 319 patients. In total, celiac seropositivity was present in 1.78% (28/1570) (3.18% in IBS group, 0.90% in FD group and 1.11% of cases in the mixed group). Fifteen patients had histopathological changes (2.58%; 15/582). Three IBS patients (2.36%) were both serology and biopsy positive. None of the FD patients had CD. Conclusion: Prevalence of biopsy-proven CD in patients from Latvia with FGIDs was low. Routine screening for CD could be considered only among patients with IBS.

Rural Sustainability Research

The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical res... more The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical research data collection process and data quality. Every research project involves a data collection phase, during which different organisation, legal and technology factors are involved, including various procedures (questionnaire design, annotation, database design, data entry, data validation, discrepancy management, medical coding and data mining). The key task of clinical data management is to obtain high-quality data, which can be achieved by minimising data input errors and timely identifying missing data. This process is often time-consuming and takes up a significant part of the research project budget in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this study is to elaborate the research support model for the creation of a data collection automation software tool, which will allow one to ensure better data quality, shorten the time for data collection and minimise human work vol...

Acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows microbes to rapidly gain new c... more Acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows microbes to rapidly gain new capabilities and adapt to new or changing environments. Identifying widespread HGT regions within multispecies microbiomes can pinpoint the molecular mechanisms that play key roles in microbiome assembly. We sought to identify horizontally transferred genes within a model microbiome, the cheese rind. Comparing 31 newly sequenced and 134 previously sequenced bacterial isolates from cheese rinds, we identified over 200 putative horizontally transferred genomic regions containing 4733 protein coding genes. The largest of these regions are enriched for genes involved in siderophore acquisition, and are widely distributed in cheese rinds in both Europe and the US. These results suggest that HGT is prevalent in cheese rind microbiomes, and that identification of genes that are frequently transferred in a particular environment may provide insight into the selective forces shaping microbial communities.

Cancer, 2021

Detection of disease by means of volatile organic compounds from breath samples using sensors is ... more Detection of disease by means of volatile organic compounds from breath samples using sensors is an attractive approach to fast, noninvasive and inexpensive diagnostics. However, these techniques are still limited to applications within the laboratory settings. Here, we report on the development and use of a fast, portable, and IoT–connected point‐of‐care device (so‐called, SniffPhone) to detect and classify gastric cancer to potentially provide new qualitative solutions for cancer screening.

European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer scr... more The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer screening. We assessed the effect of an advance notification letter and a reminder letter, and analysed the proportion of inappropriately handled tests. Fifteen thousand randomly selected residents of Latvia aged 50-74 years were allocated to receive one of three different test systems: either a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or one of two laboratory-based immunochemical tests (FIT) - FOB Gold or OC-Sensor. Half of the target population received an advance notification letter; all nonresponders were sent a reminder letter. The uptake of screening was 31.2% for the gFOBT, 44.7% for FOB Gold and 47.4% for the OC-Sensor (odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.51-0.60 for gFOBT vs. FOB Gold; odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.98 for FOB Gold vs. OC-Sensor). The uptake in the gFOBT group was improved by the advance notification letter (7.7%, P<0.0001). 30.9% returned...

RSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare: Society Health Welfare, Mar 24, 2021

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in i... more Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups – patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs...

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rationale of blood pepsinogen (PG) testing in popu... more Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rationale of blood pepsinogen (PG) testing in population based screening settings.Methods: Participants from a cross-sectional population-based study of cardiovascular risk factors in Latvia were invited to participate in the current study. Pepsinogen I and II were measured in blood samples taken during the initial study and at follow-up; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. There were three groups of patients: with moderately decreased (PG I< 70 ng/ml and PG I/PG II ratio < 3), with strongly decreased (PG I< 30 ng/ml and PG I/PG II ratio < 2), and with normal PG level. Biopsy with H. pylori detection was performed (updated Sydney system).Results: Results from 259 patients were analyzed. Pepsinogens were decreased in 133 (51.4%), H. pylori was positive in 177 (66.0%) cases. Mean age was significantly lower in patients with normal compared to strongly decreased PG level group (52.8 vs. 64.1 years, p<0.001). Prev...

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in i... more Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups – patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs...

European Journal of Cancer Prevention, Jun 29, 2023

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aug 1, 2016

Objective We have compared the performance of two faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in an average... more Objective We have compared the performance of two faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in an average-risk population. Materials and methods Altogether, 10 000 individuals aged 50-74 were selected randomly from the population of Latvia in 2011 and assigned randomly either to OC-Sensor or to FOB Gold single-time testing. Positivity of the test, frequency of colonic lesions, number needed to screen (NNscreen) and scope for the detection of an advanced neoplasm (cancer and advanced adenoma) were compared between the tests using the same cutoff concentrations in µg/g faeces. Confidence intervals (CIs) at 95% were calculated. Results Positivity with the cutoff set at 10 µg/g faeces was 12.8% (95% CI: 11.4-14.2) for FOB Gold and 8.3% (95% CI: 7.2-9.4) for OC-Sensor (P < 0.001). Positivity was higher in men and the older age groups. Colonoscopy compliance was 55.5%. There was no significant difference between the two tests at comparable cutoff concentrations in µg/g, colonoscopy attendance rate or colonoscopy results. For advanced neoplasm detection, there was no significant difference in number needed to scope and NNscreen at a cutoff of 10 µg/g faeces; however, lower NNscreen was required to detect advanced neoplasms with the FOB Gold test at increased cutoff concentrations. Conclusion Different quantitative FIT systems may report different positivity rate at identical cutoff concentrations, which has to be considered when implementing the use of FIT in national screening programmes.

Helicobacter, May 29, 2017

Background-Circulating levels of pepsinogens have been used in high gastric cancer-risk Asian and... more Background-Circulating levels of pepsinogens have been used in high gastric cancer-risk Asian and European populations to triage endoscopic evaluation for more severe pathology. There are different analytic methods with uncertain correlations. We therefore compared diagnostic performance of three commonly used pepsinogen assays to detect histologically confirmed gastric atrophy. Methods-We tested plasma samples from adult patients with (n=50) and without (n=755) moderate or severe gastric corpus atrophy, as determined histologically by consensus of three expert pathologists. A single laboratory measured pepsinogens I (PgI) and II (PgII) using

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Nov 1, 2019

Objective Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer has been proposed to be a distinct g... more Objective Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer has been proposed to be a distinct gastric cancer molecular subtype. The prognostic significance of EBV infection in gastric cancer remains unclear and needs further investigation. Our study aimed to analyze EBV-positive and EBV-negative gastric cancer patients regarding their personal and tumor-related characteristics, and compare their overall survival. Methods Gastric cancer patients consecutively treated at the Riga East University Hospital during 2009-2016 were identified retrospectively. Tumor EBV status was determined by in-situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). Information about clinicopathological characteristics was obtained from patient questionnaires, hospital records. Overall survival was ascertained through 30 July 2017. Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for personal and tumor-related covariates compared survival between EBV-positive and EBV-negative patients. Results There were a total of 302 gastric cancer patients (61% males) with mean and SD age 63.6 ± 11.5 years. EBER positivity was present in 8.6% of tumors. EBV-positive gastric cancer patients had better survival at 80 months [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.19-0.72] compared to EBV-negative patients. Worse survival was observed for patients with stage III (hazard ratio = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.67-4.56) and stage IV (hazard ratio = 10.02, 95% CI = 5.72-17.57) compared to stage I gastric cancer, and overlapping and unspecified subsite (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.14; 3.00) compared to distal tumors. Conclusion Tumor EBV positivity is a favorable prognostic factor in gastric cancer.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, May 1, 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer scr... more The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer screening. We assessed the effect of an advance notification letter and a reminder letter, and analysed the proportion of inappropriately handled tests. Materials and methods Fifteen thousand randomly selected residents of Latvia aged 50-74 years were allocated to receive one of three different test systems: either a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or one of two laboratory-based immunochemical tests (FIT)-FOB Gold or OC-Sensor. Half of the target population received an advance notification letter; all nonresponders were sent a reminder letter. Results The uptake of screening was 31.2% for the gFOBT, 44.7% for FOB Gold and 47.4% for the OC-Sensor (odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.51-0.60 for gFOBT vs. FOB Gold; odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.98 for FOB Gold vs. OC-Sensor). The uptake in the gFOBT group was improved by the advance notification letter (7.7%, P < 0.0001). 30.9% returned tests were received after the reminder letter. The proportion of tests that could not be analysed because of inadequate handling was 0.9% for gFOBT, 4.4% for FOB Gold and 0.2% for the OC-Sensor (P = 0.002 for gFOBT vs. OC-Sensor; P < 0.001 for all comparisons vs. FOB Gold). Conclusion The use of FIT resulted in higher uptake. Receipt of a reminder letter was critical to participation, but the use of an advance notification letter was important mainly for gFOBT. The proportion of inappropriately handled tests was markedly higher for FOB Gold.

Rural Sustainability Research, Aug 1, 2022

The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical res... more The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical research data collection process and data quality. Every research project involves a data collection phase, during which different organisation, legal and technology factors are involved, including various procedures (questionnaire design, annotation, database design, data entry, data validation, discrepancy management, medical coding and data mining). The key task of clinical data management is to obtain high-quality data, which can be achieved by minimising data input errors and timely identifying missing data. This process is often time-consuming and takes up a significant part of the research project budget in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this study is to elaborate the research support model for the creation of a data collection automation software tool, which will allow one to ensure better data quality, shorten the time for data collection and minimise human work volume and respective human resource expenses, making research projects more effective in terms of their timing and budget. Research work included analysis of the current situation, its shortcomings, typical research project budget distribution and existing automated electronic data collection tools (EDC)

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Mar 13, 2020

Background & Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in ind... more Background & Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups-patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs patients were enrolled. Celiac serology was available for 1,570 patients, duodenal histology for 582 patients, both histology and serology for 319 patients. In total, celiac seropositivity was present in 1.78% (28/1570) (3.18% in IBS group, 0.90% in FD group and 1.11% of cases in the mixed group). Fifteen patients had histopathological changes (2.58%; 15/582). Three IBS patients (2.36%) were both serology and biopsy positive. None of the FD patients had CD. Conclusion: Prevalence of biopsy-proven CD in patients from Latvia with FGIDs was low. Routine screening for CD could be considered only among patients with IBS.

Rural Sustainability Research

The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical res... more The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical research data collection process and data quality. Every research project involves a data collection phase, during which different organisation, legal and technology factors are involved, including various procedures (questionnaire design, annotation, database design, data entry, data validation, discrepancy management, medical coding and data mining). The key task of clinical data management is to obtain high-quality data, which can be achieved by minimising data input errors and timely identifying missing data. This process is often time-consuming and takes up a significant part of the research project budget in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this study is to elaborate the research support model for the creation of a data collection automation software tool, which will allow one to ensure better data quality, shorten the time for data collection and minimise human work vol...

Acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows microbes to rapidly gain new c... more Acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows microbes to rapidly gain new capabilities and adapt to new or changing environments. Identifying widespread HGT regions within multispecies microbiomes can pinpoint the molecular mechanisms that play key roles in microbiome assembly. We sought to identify horizontally transferred genes within a model microbiome, the cheese rind. Comparing 31 newly sequenced and 134 previously sequenced bacterial isolates from cheese rinds, we identified over 200 putative horizontally transferred genomic regions containing 4733 protein coding genes. The largest of these regions are enriched for genes involved in siderophore acquisition, and are widely distributed in cheese rinds in both Europe and the US. These results suggest that HGT is prevalent in cheese rind microbiomes, and that identification of genes that are frequently transferred in a particular environment may provide insight into the selective forces shaping microbial communities.

Cancer, 2021

Detection of disease by means of volatile organic compounds from breath samples using sensors is ... more Detection of disease by means of volatile organic compounds from breath samples using sensors is an attractive approach to fast, noninvasive and inexpensive diagnostics. However, these techniques are still limited to applications within the laboratory settings. Here, we report on the development and use of a fast, portable, and IoT–connected point‐of‐care device (so‐called, SniffPhone) to detect and classify gastric cancer to potentially provide new qualitative solutions for cancer screening.

European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer scr... more The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of mail-delivered tests for colorectal cancer screening. We assessed the effect of an advance notification letter and a reminder letter, and analysed the proportion of inappropriately handled tests. Fifteen thousand randomly selected residents of Latvia aged 50-74 years were allocated to receive one of three different test systems: either a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or one of two laboratory-based immunochemical tests (FIT) - FOB Gold or OC-Sensor. Half of the target population received an advance notification letter; all nonresponders were sent a reminder letter. The uptake of screening was 31.2% for the gFOBT, 44.7% for FOB Gold and 47.4% for the OC-Sensor (odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.51-0.60 for gFOBT vs. FOB Gold; odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.98 for FOB Gold vs. OC-Sensor). The uptake in the gFOBT group was improved by the advance notification letter (7.7%, P<0.0001). 30.9% returned...

RSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare: Society Health Welfare, Mar 24, 2021

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in i... more Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups – patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs...

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rationale of blood pepsinogen (PG) testing in popu... more Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rationale of blood pepsinogen (PG) testing in population based screening settings.Methods: Participants from a cross-sectional population-based study of cardiovascular risk factors in Latvia were invited to participate in the current study. Pepsinogen I and II were measured in blood samples taken during the initial study and at follow-up; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. There were three groups of patients: with moderately decreased (PG I< 70 ng/ml and PG I/PG II ratio < 3), with strongly decreased (PG I< 30 ng/ml and PG I/PG II ratio < 2), and with normal PG level. Biopsy with H. pylori detection was performed (updated Sydney system).Results: Results from 259 patients were analyzed. Pepsinogens were decreased in 133 (51.4%), H. pylori was positive in 177 (66.0%) cases. Mean age was significantly lower in patients with normal compared to strongly decreased PG level group (52.8 vs. 64.1 years, p<0.001). Prev...

Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in i... more Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups – patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study. Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs...