Using a novel hemostatic peptide solution to prevent bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection of a gastric tumor

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic mucosal dissection has become the standard treatment for early gastric cancer. However, post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcer occurs in 4.4% of patients. This study hypothesized whether applying PuraStat, a novel hemostatic peptide solution, prevents post-ESD bleeding.

AIM

To investigate the preventive potential of PuraStat, a hemostatic formulation, against bleeding in post-ESD gastric ulcers.

METHODS

Between May 2022 and March 2023, 101 patients (Group P) underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital and received PuraStat (2 mL) for post-ESD ulcers. We retrospectively compared this group with a control group (Group C) comprising 297 patients who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital between April 2017 and March 2021. P values < 0.05 on two-sided tests indicated significance.

RESULTS

Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 6 (5.9%) (95%CI: 2.8–12.4) and 20 (6.7%) (95%CI: 4.4–10.2) patients in Groups P and C, respectively, with no significant between-group difference. The relative risk was 1.01 (95%CI: 0.95–1.07). The lesser curvature or anterior wall was the bleeding site in all 6 patients who experienced postoperative bleeding in Group P. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios for resection diameter ≥ 50 mm and oral anticoagulant use were 6.63 (95%CI: 2.52–14.47; P = 0.0001) and 4.04 (1.26–0.69; P = 0.0164), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio of post-ESD bleeding and PuraStat was 1.28 (95%CI: 0.28–2.15).

CONCLUSION

PuraStat application is not associated with post-ESD bleeding. However, the study suggests that gravitational forces may affect the effectiveness of applied PuraStat.

Key Words: Endoscopic submucosal dissection; PuraStat; Bleeding; Gastric cancer; hemostatic forceps; Proton pump inhibitor; hemostatic peptide solution

Core Tip: In this investigation, we assessed the potential of PuraStat^®, a hemostatic formulation, to prevent bleeding in post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) gastric ulcers. Application of PuraStat (2 mL) to the post-ESD ulcer in 101 patients who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital did not exhibit an association with post-ESD bleeding. However, our observations suggest that gravitational forces may affect the efficacy of applied PuraStat. Therefore, we aim to develop strategies to mitigate the risk of PuraStat flowing away from the targeted area of interest in further investigations.

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) has become the standard treatment for early gastric cancer. However, bleeding from the post-ESD ulcer occurs in 4.4% of patients[1]. To prevent this complication, recommended measures include coagulating blood from the remaining vessels on the ulcer surface using hemostatic forceps or a similar device and administering proton pump inhibitors[2]. However, it is essential to note that excessive vascular coagulation increases the risk of delayed perforation, necessitating caution. With the aging population, the number of patients taking oral antithrombotic drugs will likely increase, leading to more cases of larger post-ESD ulcers due to the expansion of ESD-adapted lesions. As a result, controlling post-ESD bleeding poses a considerable challenge.

PuraStat (3D-Matrix Europe Ltd., France) is a novel hemostatic peptide solution designed to reduce the need for cauterization using hemostatic forceps in managing exudative bleeding during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The material comprises peptide molecules comprising three amino acids (arginine, alanine, and aspartic acid) that rapidly form fibers and transform into peptide hydrogels on contact with body fluids such as blood. By covering the bleeding point with this hemostat, the collapsed parenchymatous organ and superficial portions of the blood vessels are physically occluded, and blood coagulation occurs to stop bleeding.

We aim to investigate whether applying PuraStat to post-ESD gastric ulcers can prevent post-ESD bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients and methods

From May 2022 to March 2023, 101 patients (Group P) who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital received PuraStat 3 mL formulation. PuraStat (1 mL) was used to stop bleeding during ESD, and after ESD, bleeding from the remaining blood vessels in the post-ESD ulcer was stopped by initiating coagulation using hemostatic forceps. Subsequently, the remaining 2 mL of PuraStat was applied to the post-ESD ulcer (Figure 1). Two experienced endoscopists (over 300 ESD cases) applied the medication to the post-ESD ulcers. Each patient received a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 8 wk starting from the day of the ESD. An endoscopic examination was performed on the day following the ESD day to address any potential bleeding. Hemostatic treatment with argon plasma coagulation or clips was performed in cases where bleeding was identified.

Figure 1 Applying PuraStat to post-endoscopic submucosal dissection gastric ulcers. A: Post-endoscopic submucosal dissection gastric ulcer; B: Applying PuraStat with a special catheter; C: Ulcer after application.

A control group (Group C) comprising 297 patients who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital from April 2017 to March 2021 was retrospectively compared with group P.

Consultations with physicians were conducted to consider the discontinuation of antithrombotic medications. In cases where discontinuation was not feasible, ESD was performed while maintaining the continuation of aspirin. Antiplatelet medications eligible for resumption were restarted 2 d after the ESD procedure. Warfarin use was not discontinued during ESD. In the case of direct-acting oral anticoagulants, they were not administered on the day of ESD but resumed on the following day.

This study was approved by the Showa University Institutional Review Board (2023-052-A) and complied with the 1989 revised version of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Outcome parameters

Post-ESD bleeding was the primary study endpoint of the study. In contrast, the secondary endpoints included the duration from ESD to the onset of post-ESD bleeding and adverse events associated with PuraStat administration. Post-ESD bleeding was defined as bleeding from a post-ESD ulcer that required emergency endoscopic hemostasis or a ≥ 2 g/dL reduction in hemoglobin at week 8 after ESD.

Statistical analyses

The primary endpoint, post-ESD bleeding, was analyzed using the χ² test. Mann–Whitney U-test was employed for the duration from ESD to the onset of post-ESD bleeding. Logistic regression analysis was performed for multivariate analysis. P values < 0.05 on two-sided tests were considered statistically significant. JMP Pro 16 (SAS Institute Inc., North Carolina, United States) for Windows was used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Patients' background characteristics in Groups P and C were comparable (Table 1). ESD lesions were comparable between the groups. Notably, non-experts conducted 71 (70.3%) and 143 (48.1%) of the ESD procedures in Groups P and C, respectively, with a higher proportion in Group P (P = 0.0001). The median resection times for Groups P and C were 64 (10–320) and 68 (7–445) min, respectively, exhibiting comparability. However, lesions with resection diameters ≥ 50 mm were lower in Group P vs C [3 (3.0%) vs 32 (10.8%); P = 0.0167]. The en bloc and the complete en bloc resection rates for Groups P and C were comparable (Table 2).

Table 1 Clinical characteristics of the patients, n (%).

	Group P	n = 101	Group C	n = 297
Age, median (range)	75	(48–93)	75	(40–90)	0.8831
Sex
Male	72	(71.3)	219	(73.7)	0.3676
Female	29	(28.7)	78	(26.3)
Diabetes mellitus	17	(16.8)	41	(13.8)	0.7054
Chronic kidney disease on dialysis	3	(3.0)	4	(1.4)	0.9287
Liver cirrhosis	7	(6.9)	9	(3.0)	0.7777
Anti-platelet agents	14	(13.9)	65	(21.9)	0.1485
Continuation	3	(3.0)	18	(6.1)
Discontinuation	11	(10.9)	47	(15.8)
Duration of re-starting, median (range)
Anticoagulants	10	(9.9)	28	(9.5)	0.9355
Continuation	3	(3.0)	6	(2.0)
Discontinuation	7	(6.9)	22	(7.5)
Helicobacter pylori infection status
Not infected	2	(2.0)	15	(5.1)	0.1524
Persistent infection	27	(26.7)	92	(31.0)
After eradIcation	72	(71.3)	189	(63.6)
Unknown	0	(0.0)	1	(0.3)

Table 2 Characteristics of the lesions and treatment outcomes, n (%).

	Group P	n = 101	Group C	n = 297
Location 1
U	11	(10.9)	43	(14.5)	0.2573
M	54	(53.5)	129	(43.4)
L	36	(35.6)	125	(42.1)
Location 2
L	57	(56.4)	136	(45.8)	0.1295
G	11	(10.9)	41	(13.8)
A	16	(15.8)	52	(17.5)
P	17	(16.8)	68	(22.9)
Endoscopists
Expert	30	(29.7)	154	(51.9)	0.0001
Non-expert	71	(70.3)	143	(49.4)
Resection time (min), median (range)	64	(10–320)	68	(7–445)	0.0991
Resection size (mm), median (range)	30	(14–60)	33	(5–80)	0.0106
En bloc resection	100	(99.0)	295	(99.3)	0.7506
R0 resection	95	(94.1)	274	(92.3)	0.2267
Post-ESD bleeding	6	(5.9)	20	(6.7)	0.7804
Intraoperative perforation	0	(0.0)	3	(1.0)	0.3106
Delayed perforation	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	-
Aspiration pneumonia	6	(5.9)	7	(2.4)	0.0801

ESD: Endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 6 (5.9%) (95%CI: 2.8–12.4) and 20 (6.7%) (95%CI: 4.4–10.2) patients in Groups P and C, respectively, with no significant between group difference (P = 0.7804) (Table 2). The relative risk as 1.01 (95%CI: 0.95–1.07). No adverse events were observed with PuraStat application. In addition, the median number of days between when ESD was performed and when post-ESD bleeding started was 2 (1–12) and 7.5 (1–14) days in Groups P and C, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (Figure 2). Other complications were not significantly different between the groups (Table 2).

Figure 2 Date of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding.

Multivariate analysis was performed for the factors associated with postoperative bleeding due to PuraStat application, with ESD practitioner, resection diameter ≥ 50 mm, oral antiplatelet drugs, and oral anticoagulant drugs as explanatory variables. The odds ratio for resection diameter ≥ 50 mm and oral anticoagulant use were 6.63 (95%CI: 2.52–14.47; P = 0.0001) and 4.04 (1.26–0.69; P = 0.0164), respectively. Adjusted OR of post-ESD bleeding and PuraStat was 1.28 (95%CI: 0.28–2.15; P = 0.6363) (Table 3).

Table 3 Factors involved in post-operative bleeding.

	Univariable OR	95%CI	P value	Multivariable OR	95%CI	P value
Pura Stat® application	0.87	0.34–2.24	0.7806	1.28	0.28–2.15	0.6363
Endoscopists: Expert	1.18	0.53–2.60	0.6904	1.14	0.36–2.12	0.7654
Resection size ≥ 50 mm	7.05	2.86–17.34	< 0.0001	6.63	2.52–17.47	0.0001
Anti-platelet agents	1.88	0.79–4.51	0.1545	2.07	0.83–5.16	0.1185
Anticoagulants	4.04	1.58–10.36	0.0036	3.49	1.26–9.69	0.0164

DISCUSSION

PuraStat is an absorbable local hemostatic agent for reducing the requirement of cauterization using hemostatic forceps to stop exudative bleeding in gastrointestinal endoscopic treatment. PuraStat is highly useful for combating intraoperative bleeding. When the peptide molecules in the hemostatic material contact body fluids, such as blood, they rapidly form fibers and become peptide hydrogels, covering bleeding points and physically occluding collapsed parenchymatous organs and superficial blood vessels, enabling blood coagulation.

Several randomized controlled trials have compared vascular coagulation procedures during ESD. In one randomized controlled trial, the PuraStat group exhibited a significantly shorter duration of coagulation treatment device usage than the control group (49.3% vs 99.6%, P < 0.001)[3]. In another trial[4], the mean number of coagulation procedures using a hemostat was significantly lower in the PuraStat group than in the control group (1.0 ± 1.4 vs 4.9 ± 5.2, P < 0.001), proving the efficacy of PuraStat in managing intraoperative bleeding.

PuraStat is expected to accelerate the healing of post-ESD ulcers and reduce the post-ESD bleeding rate[5,6]. Additionally, PuraStat has been confirmed to prevent post-ESD bleeding in the United States and Europe. However, only one report[6] of its usefulness in preventing post-ESD bleeding and its impact on post-ESD bleeding rate exists. PuraStat was applied to 65 Lesions in the esophagus (n = 8), stomach (n = 22), duodenum (n = 10), ampulla of Vater (n = 3), colon (n = 7), and rectum (n = 15). Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect of applying PuraStat to post-ESD gastric ulcers, assessing its potential in preventing exudative bleeding following ESD.

PuraStat was administered to post-ESD gastric ulcers immediately after ESD in 101 patients who underwent ESD for gastric disease at our hospital from May 2022 to March 2023. However, the postoperative bleeding rate was not reduced with PuraStat use compared with previous ESD cases in our hospital. Significantly, PuraStat application was not associated with post-ESD bleeding.

An essential observation was that PuraStat did not demonstrate a sustained effect. Therefore, we suspect it had a minimal hemostatic impact on postoperative bleeding over time. We expected reduced postoperative bleeding within the first few days after ESD; however, no significant difference was observed in the occurrence of postoperative bleeding between the PuraStat and non-PuraStat groups. This suggests that PuraStat's hemostatic effect might be minimal and not enduring, warranting further investigation into its efficacy and potential limitations in post-ESD bleeding.

The bleeding site for all 6 patients who experienced postoperative bleeding in the PuraStat group was consistently identified as the lesser curvature or anterior wall (Table 4). Comparatively, in previous cases at our hospital, post-ESD bleeding originated from the lesser curvature in 35.0%, anterior abdominal wall in 15.0%, greater curvature in 20.0%, and posterior abdominal wall in 30.0% of cases. This discrepancy suggests that gravitational forces may affect the efficacy of applied PuraStat. Specifically, PuraStat appeared less effective for lesions on the anterior wall and lesser curvature than lesions on the greater curvature and posterior wall. Adjusting the patient’s position during application could potentially enhance PuraStat’s effectiveness by preventing the hemostatic material from flowing away from the targeted area.

Table 4 Location of post-operative bleeding lesions, n (%).

	Group P	Group C	P value
L	5 (83.3)	7 (35.0)	0.735
A	1 (16.7)	3 (15.0)	1
G	0 (0.0)	4 (20.0)	0.566
P	0 (0.0)	6 (30.0)	0.342

The limitations of this study include its single-center basis and retrospective design. Therefore, conducting large-scale, multicenter prospective studies on this subject is highly desirable to provide more comprehensive and generalizable insights.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that PuraStat application is not associated with post-ESD bleeding. However, we infer that gravitational forces may affect the effectiveness of applied PuraStat. As a result, we aim to explore and develop strategies to prevent PuraStat from flowing away from the target area of interest in further investigation. Addressing this aspect may contribute to optimizing the hemostatic efficacy of PuraStat in the context of post-ESD procedures.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) has become the standard of care for early gastric cancer, but bleeding from ulcers after ESD occurs in 4.4% of patients. We aim to minimize post-ESD bleeding to the greatest extent possible. PuraStat (3D-Matrix Europe Ltd., France) is a novel hemostatic peptide solution aiming to reduce the need for cautery with hemostatic forceps in treating exudative bleeding during gastrointestinal endoscopy. We hypothesized that applying PuraStat to gastric ulcers after ESD could prevent post-ESD bleeding.

Research motivation

Reducing post-ESD bleeding is a crucial goal. If PuraStat can be applied to post-ESD gastric ulcers to prevent post-ESD bleeding, it may have broader applications in gastrointestinal bleeding.

Research objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the application of PuraStat to gastric ulcers after ESD can prevent post-ESD bleeding.

Research methods

From May 2022 to March 2023, 101 patients (Group P) who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital received PuraStat (2 mL) applied to their post-ESD ulcer. We retrospectively compared this group with a control group (Group C) comprising 297 patients who underwent ESD for gastric diseases at our hospital between April 2017 and March 2021. Post-ESD bleeding was the primary endpoint, while the secondary endpoints included the number of days from ESD to post-ESD bleeding and adverse events associated with PuraStat administration.

Research results

Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 6 (5.9%) (95%CI: 2.8–12.4) and 20 (6.7%) (95%CI: 4.4–10.2) patients in Groups P and C, respectively, with no significant between-group difference. The relative risk was 1.01 (95%CI: 0.95–1.07). Therefore, PuraStat application was not associated with post-ESD bleeding. The lesser curvature or anterior wall was the bleeding site in all 5 patients who experienced postoperative bleeding in the PuraStat group. This suggests that gravitational forces may affect the efficacy of applied PuraStat. Specifically, PuraStat seemed less effective for lesions on the anterior wall and lesser curvature than those on the greater curvature and posterior wall. Adjusting the patient’s position during its application could potentially enhance PuraStat’s effectiveness by preventing the hemostatic material from flowing away from the targeted area.

Research conclusions

PuraStat application is not associated with post-ESD bleeding.

Research perspectives

We infer that gravitational forces may affect the efficacy of applied PuraStat. Hence, we aim to explore and develop strategies to prevent PuraStat from flowing away from the targeted areas of interest in further investigation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Eisuke Inoue, PhD, Professor of Showa University, for advice on statistical analysis.