Identifying who best tolerates moderate sedation:Results from a national database of gastrointestinal endoscopic outcomes

BACKGROUND With increasing volume and cost of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, the proper selection of patients for moderate sedation becomes increasingly relevant. The current literature lacks consistent findings that allow for appropriate selection of patients for moderate sedation.AIM To analyze a nationwide registry of patients to identify patient and procedural factors associated with lower sedation requirements for endoscopy.METHODS The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative National Endoscopic Database was queried to assess adult patients undergoing moderate sedation for esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) and colonoscopy from 2008 to 2014. Patients were stratified into two groups [low dose(LD) and high dose sedation] based on sedation requirements. Anthropometric, procedural, and anesthesia data were compared, and multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with LD sedation.RESULTS Of the 371102 patients included in the study, 63137 where stratified into the LD sedation group and 307965 were in the high dose group. Moderate sedation was managed primarily by endoscopists(50%) and anesthesia providers(47%). Patients undergoing EGDs and procedures performed in the inpatient setting, in ambulatory surgery centers, intensive care units or hospital wards, required less sedation than colonoscopies, outpatient procedures and procedures done in endoscopy suites, respectively(P 0.0001 for all). On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of tolerance with lower sedation requirements for EGDs and colonoscopies were female gender, age ≥ 50, non-White race, Hispanic descent, body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m~2, and higher American Society of Anesthesia Class(P 0.0001 for all).CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider these patient profiles in determining which patients will better tolerate moderate sedation vs those better suited for alternative sedation methods.     

Low incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in asymptomatic cirrhotic outpatients

AIM: To compare the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic outpatients and inpatients undergoing therapeutic paracentesisMETHODS: From January 1 to May 31, 2004, 1041 patients from 70 different hospitals underwent 2123 therapeutic abdominal paracentesis (AP) performed as a outpatient procedure in 355 and as inpatient procedure in 686 cases respectively. The following parameters were compared prospectively between outpatients and inpatients: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) prevalence, age, gender, cause of cirrhosis, symptoms, score and grade according to Child-Pugh classification, cirrhosis complications, antibiotics treatment, serum creatinine, platelet count and ascitic protein concentration.RESULTS: SBP was observed in 91 patients. In the whole population the SBP prevalence was 8.7% (95%CI: 7.2-10.6) it was 11.7% (95%CI: 9.5-14.3) in inpatients and 3.1% (95%CI: 1.7-5.5) in outpatients (P < 0.00001). SBP prevalence was 8.3% (95%CI: 4.3-15.6) in symptomatic outpatients vs 1.2% (95%CI: 0.4-3.4) in asymptomatic outpatients (P < 0.002). Patients undergoing outpatient AP were significantly different from those undergoing inpatient AP; they were older (61.1 ± 11.1 years vs 59.4 ± 11.7 years; P = 0.028), cause of cirrhosis was less often alcohol (83 .7 vs 88.2%; P < 0.001), Child-Pugh score was lower (8.9 vs 10.1; P < 0.001) and more often B than C (63.7% vs 38%; P < 0.001). In addition, in outpatients the platelet count was higher (161 ± 93 Giga/L vs 143 ± 89 Giga/L; P = 0.003), serum total bilirubin concentration was lower (38.2 ± 60.7 μmol/L vs 96.3 ± 143.3 μmol/L; P < 0.0001), and ascitic protein concentration higher (17.9 ± 10.7 g/L vs 14.5 ± 10.9 g/L; P < 0.001) than in inpatients.CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic cirrhotic outpatients, the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is low thus exploratory paracentesis could be avoided in these patients without significant risk.     

Comparison of urgent and early endoscopy for acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients

ObjectiveData regarding early (within 24 h) and urgent endoscopy (within 12 h) in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NV-UGIB) revealed conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the impact of endoscopy timing on the outcomes of high-risk patients with NV-UGIB.Patients and methodsFrom February 2020 to February 2021, consecutive high-risk (Glasgow–Blatchford score ≥12) adults admitted to the emergency department with NV-UGIB were analyzed retrospectively. The primary composite outcome was 30-day mortality from any cause, inpatient rebleeding, need for endoscopic re-intervention, need for surgery or angiographic embolization.Results240 patients were enrolled: 152 (63%) patients underwent urgent endoscopy (<12 h) and 88 (37%) patients underwent early endoscopy (12–24 h). One or more components of the composite outcome were observed in 53 (22.1%) patients: 30 (12.5%) had 30-day mortality, rebleeding occurred in 27 (11.3%), 7 (2.9%) underwent endoscopic re-intervention, and 5 (2.1%) required surgery or angiographic embolization. The composite outcome was similar between the groups. Multivariate analysis showed only hemodynamic instability on admission (OR: 3.05, p = 0.006), and the previous history of cancer (OR: 2.42, p = 0.029) were significant in predicting composite outcome. In terms of secondary outcomes, the endoscopic intervention was higher in the urgent endoscopy group (p = 0.006), whereas the number of transfused erythrocyte suspensions and the length of hospital stay was higher in the early endoscopy group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.040, respectively).ConclusionsUrgent endoscopy leads to a significant reduction in the length of hospitalization and the number of transfused erythrocyte suspensions in NV-UGIB, which can contribute to patient satisfaction, reduce healthcare expenditure, and improve hospital bed availability. The composite outcome and its sub-outcomes were the same among both groups.     

Small bowel tumors detected and missed during capsule endoscopy: Single center experience

AIM:To characterize small bowel(SB)tumors detected by capsule endoscopy(CE),and identify missed tumors.METHODS:The study included 145 consecutive patients in whom 150 CEs were performed.Following CE,the medical records of the study population were reviewed.Results of double-or single-balloon enteroscopy performed after CE and the results of surgery in all patients operated on were retrieved.The patients were contacted through telephone interviews or postal mail.In addition,the national cancer registry and the polish clinical gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)Registry were searched to identify missed neoplasms.RESULTS:Indications for CE included overt and occult obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(n=81,53.7%),anemia(n=19,12.7%),malabsorption(n=18,12%),abnormal CB follow through(n=9,6%),abdominal pain(n=7,5%),celiac disease(n=5,3%),neuroendocrine tumor(n=3,2%),Crohn’s disease(n=2,<2%),Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(n=2,<2%),other polyposes(n=2,<2%),and diarrhea(n=2,<2%).The capsule reached the colon in 115(76.6%)examinations.In 150 investigations,CE identified 15SB tumors(10%),14 of which were operated on or treated endoscopically.Malignancies included metastatic melanoma(n=1),adenocarcinoma(n=2),and GIST(n=3).Benign neoplasms included dysplastic Peutz-Jeghers polyps(n=4).Non-neoplastic masses included venous malformation(n=1),inflammatory tumors(n=2),and a mass of unknown histology(n=1).During the follow-up period,three additional SB tumors were found(2 GISTs and one mesenteric tumor of undefined nature).The National Cancer Registry and Polish Clinical GIST Registry revealed no additional SB neoplasms in the post-examination period(follow-up:range 4.2-102.5 mo,median 39 mo).The sensitivity of CE for tumor detection was 83.3%,and the negative predictive value was 97.6%.The specificity and positive predictive value were both 100%.CONCLUSION:Neoplasms may be missed by CE,especially in the proximal SB.In overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,complementary endoscopic and/or radiologic diagnostic tests are indi     

Preoperative maximal voluntary ventilation,hemoglobin, albumin,lymphocytes and platelets predict postoperative survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUNDPreoperative pulmonary function plays an important role in selecting surgical candidates and assessing postoperative complications. Reduced pulmonary function is associated with poor survival in several cancers, but the prognostic value of preoperative pulmonary function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unclear. Nutritional and systemic inflammation parameters are vital to cancer survival, and the combination of these parameters improves the prognostic value. The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets (HALP) score is a novel prognostic indicator to reflect the nutritional and inflammation status, but the clinical effects of the HALP score combined with maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), an important parameter of pulmonary function, have not been well studied in ESCC.AIMTo investigate the prognostic value of MVV and HALP score for assessing postoperative survival of ESCC patients.METHODSData from 834 ESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy with R0 resection were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative MVV and HALP data were retrieved from medical archives. The HALP score was calculated by the formula: Hemoglobin (g/L) × albumin (g/L) × lymphocytes (/L)/platelets (/L). The optimal cut-off values of MVV and HALP score were calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to draw the survival curves for the variables tested. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the independent prognostic factors for overall survival.RESULTSMVV was significantly associated with gender (P < 0.001), age at diagnosis (P < 0.001), smoking history (P < 0.001), drinking history (P < 0.001), tumor length (P = 0.013), tumor location (P = 0.037) and treatment type (P = 0.001). The HALP score was notably associated with gender (P < 0.001), age at diagnosis (P = 0.035), tumor length (P < 0.001) and invasion depth (P = 0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that low MVV and low HALP score were associated with worse overall survival (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that low MVV and the HALP score were both independent risk factors for overall survival (all P < 0.001). The combination of MVV and HALP score improved the prediction performance for overall survival than tumor-node-metastasis. Also, low combination of MVV and HALP score was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONMVV, HALP score and their combination are simple and promising clinical markers to predict overall survival of ESCC patients.     

Current application situation of gastrointestinal endoscopy in China

AIM:To study the current application situation of gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy in mainland China.METHODS:From 12 August,2011 to 15 February,2012,draft questionnaires were sent by e-mail to 289 hospital-based GI endoscopy units,including units with three levels(provincial,prefecture and county level) in mainland China.All the surveyed GI endoscopy units were state-owned and hospital-based.Proportions were compared using χ 2 tests.Comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.A probability of P < 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant difference.RESULTS:Based on satisfactory replies,169/279(60.6%) of units were enrolled in the survey,which covered 28 provinces(90.3%,28/31) in mainland China.Compared with published survey data,the number of GI endoscopes per unit has increased by nearly three times(from 2.9 to 9.3) in the past decade.About 33 of 169(19.5%) endoscopy units possessed an X-ray machine,which was mainly owned by provincial endoscopy units(43.2%,19/44).Video capsule endoscopes,which were almost unavailable ten years ago,were owned by 20.7%(35/169) of GI endoscopy units.Endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed by 36.4%(19/44) of the provincial units,which was significantly higher than the prefecture level(9.9%,P < 0.01) and county level(0.0%,P < 0.01) units,respectively.CONCLUSION:Rapid development in GI endoscopy has been made in mainland China,and major diagnostic endoscopes and therapeutic endoscopy procedures are predominantly used in large endoscopy units.     

Cardiac troponin I predicts clinical outcome of patients with cancer at emergency department

BackgroundThe prognostic ability of cardiac troponin I (TnI) has been demonstrated in general populations and among cardiovascular disease patients, but it has not been evaluated in cancer patients.HypothesisThis study assumes to have the prognostic ability of cardiac troponin in cancer patients visiting the emergency department.MethodsCancer patients visiting the emergency department were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Patients with previously known coronary artery disease or clinically indicated coronary angiography were not included. The maximal value from Siemens ADVIA Centaur troponin I Ultra assay within 24 hours was assessed. The primary endpoint was 180‐day all‐cause death, including cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death.ResultsA total of 9135 cancer patients (mean age: 63 years, male gender: 60%) were enrolled. Lowest (0.006 ng/mL), assay‐specific <99th % (0.007‐0.039 ng/mL), below median ≥ 99th % (0.040‐0.129 ng/mL), and above median ≥ 99th % (≥0.130 ng/mL) TnI were found in 4487 (49.1%), 3158 (34.6%), 852 (9.3%), and 638 (7.0%) patients, respectively. There was 3192 (34.9%) all‐cause deaths including 137 (1.5%) cardiovascular and 3047 (33.4%) noncardiovascular deaths in the 180‐day follow‐up period. The risks of all‐cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular death increased across higher TnI strata (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3‐2.9; 2.1‐9.3; 1.3‐1.8; P < .001, all). These findings were consistent within clinical subgroups including solid and hematologic cancers.ConclusionsCancer patients visiting the emergency department with elevated troponin I were at increased risk of 180‐day death. Cancer patients with elevated TnI may need additional evaluation or careful follow‐up even without cardiovascular disease diagnosis.     

Postoperative mortality and morbidity after D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Surgery for gastric cancer is a complex procedure and lymphadenectomy is often mandatory.Postoperative mortality and morbidity after curative gastric cancer surgery is not insignificant.AIM To evaluate the factors determining mortality and morbidity in a population of patients undergoing R0 resection and D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical data and pathological characteristics(age,sex,primary site of the tumor,Lauren histotype,number of positive lymph nodes resected,number of negative lymph nodes resected,and depth of invasion as defined by the standard nomenclature)was conducted in patients with gastric cancer.For each patient we calculated the Kattan’s score.We arbitrarily divided the study population of patients into two groups based on the nomogram score(<100 points or≥100 points).Prespecified subgroups in these analyses were defined according to age(≤65 years or>65 years),and number of lymph nodes retrieved(≤35 lymph nodes or>35 lymph nodes).Uni-and multivariate analysis of clinical and pathological findings were performed to identify the factors affecting postoperative mortality and morbidity.RESULTS One-hundred and eighty-six patients underwent a curative R0 resection with D2 lymphadenectomy.Perioperative mortality rate was 3.8%(7 patients);a higher mortality rate was observed in patients aged>65 years(P=0.002)and in N+patients(P=0.04).Following univariate analysis,mortality was related to a Kattan’s score≥100 points(P=0.04)and the presence of advanced gastric cancer(P=0.03).Morbidity rate was 21.0%(40 patients).Surgical complications were observed in 17 patients(9.1%).A higher incidence of morbidity was observed in patients where more than 35 lymph nodes were harvested(P=0.0005).CONCLUSION Mortality and morbidity rate are higher in N+and advanced gastric cancer patients.The removal of more than 35 lymph nodes does not lead to an increase in mortality.     

Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis of human gastrointestinal cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the changes in apoptosis in gastrointestinal cancer cells from patients with gastrointestinal cancers treated with arsenic trioxide(As2O3);and to study the possible molecular mechanisms of such changes by detecting the expression levels of p53and Bcl-2.METHODS:Twenty patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma based on endoscopic and biopsy findings(ten patients with gastric cancer and ten patients with colorectal cancer)who received treatment in our hospital between August 2007 and December 2008were included in this study.None of the patients had received anti-tumour agents prior to As2O3 treatment.As2O3 was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.01g/d diluted with 5%glucose in normal saline for 2-3h for 3 consecutive days before surgery.Morphological changes associated with apoptosis of gastrointestinal cancer cells were observed by light microscopy.Changes in the apoptotic index induced by As2O3 were investigated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling method.Expression levels of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in gastrointestinal cancer tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:The apoptotic index of human gastrointestinal cancer cells was higher in cells from patients treated with As2O3 than in those not treated(P<0.05).p53 protein expression in gastrointestinal tissues was unchanged by As2O3(P>0.05).However,Bcl-2 protein expression in gastrointestinal tissues was downregulated by As2O3(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:These results demonstrate that As2O3treatment in patients with gastrointestinal cancers can induce apoptosis in gastrointestinal cancer cells and down-regulate Bcl-2 protein expression.     

Clinical significance of CA19-9 in diagnosis of digestive tract tumors

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Prognostic value of changes in serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels for preoperative chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUNDPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a standard treatment modality for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, CRT alone cannot improve overall survival. Approximately 20% of patients with CRT-resistant tumors show disease progression. Therefore, predictive factors for treatment response are needed to identify patients who will benefit from CRT. We theorized that the prognosis may vary if patients are classified according to pre- to post-CRT changes in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels.AIMTo identify patients with locally advanced rectal cancer for preoperative chemoradiotherapy based on carcinoembryonic antigen levels.METHODSWe retrospectively included locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative CRT and curative resection between 2011 and 2017. Patients were assigned to groups A, B, and C based on pre- and post-CRT serum CEA levels: Both > 5; pre > 5 and post ≤ 5; and both ≤ 5 ng/mL, respectively. We compared the response to CRT based on changes in serum CEA levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff for neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet–lymphocyte ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for pathologic complete response (pCR)/good response.RESULTSThe cohort comprised 145 patients; of them, 27, 43, and 65 belonged to groups A, B, and C, respectively, according to changes in serum CEA levels before and after CRT. Pre- (P < 0.001) and post-CRT (P < 0.001) CEA levels and the ratio of down-staging (P = 0.013) were higher in Groups B and C than in Group A. The ratio of pathologic tumor regression grade 0/1 significantly differed among the groups (P = 0.003). Group C had the highest number of patients showing pCR (P < 0.001). Most patients with pCR showed pre- and post-CRT CEA levels < 5 ng/mL (P < 0.001, P = 0.008). Pre- and post-CRT CEA levels were important risk factors for pCR (OR = 18.71; 95%CI: 4.62–129.51, P < 0.001) and good response (OR = 5.07; 95%CI: 1.92–14.83, P = 0.002), respectively. Pre-CRT neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and post-CRT T ≥ 3 stage were also prognostic factors for pCR or good response.CONCLUSIONPre- and post-CRT CEA levels, as well as change in CEA levels, were prognostic markers for treatment response to CRT and may facilitate treatment individualization for rectal cancer.     

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with worse intestinal complications in patients hospitalized for Clostridioides difficile infection

BACKGROUNDNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed countries. AIMTo assess the impact of NAFLD on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with CDI.METHODSThis study was a retrospective cohort study. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify a total of 7239 adults admitted as inpatients with a primary diagnosis of CDI and coexisting NAFLD diagnosis from 2010 to 2014 using ICD-9 codes. Patients with CDI and coexisting NAFLD were compared to those with CDI and coexisting alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and viral liver disease (VLD), individually. Primary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications. Multivariate regression was used for outcome analysis after adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTSCDI with NAFLD was independently associated with lower rates of acute respiratory failure (2.7% vs 4.2%, P < 0.01; 2.7% vs 4.2%, P < 0.05), shorter length of stay (days) (5.75 ± 0.16 vs 6.77 ± 0.15, P < 0.001; 5.75 ± 0.16 vs 6.84 ± 0.23, P <0.001), and lower hospitalization charges (dollars) (38150.34 ± 1757.01 vs 46326.72 ± 1809.82, P < 0.001; 38150.34 ± 1757.01 vs 44641.74 ± 1660.66, P < 0.001) when compared to CDI with VLD and CDI with ALD, respectively. CDI with NAFLD was associated with a lower rate of acute kidney injury (13.0% vs 17.2%, P < 0.01), but a higher rate of intestinal perforation (P < 0.01) when compared to VLD. A lower rate of mortality (0.8% vs 2.7%, P < 0.05) but a higher rate of intestinal obstruction (4.6% vs 2.2%, P = 0.001) was also observed when comparing CDI with NAFLD to ALD.CONCLUSIONHospitalized CDI patients with NAFLD had more intestinal complications compared to CDI patients with VLD and ALD. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal complications.     

A comprehensive evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in iron-deficiency anemia with predefined hemoglobin below 9 mg/dL: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundAnemia is defined as hemoglobin below the cutoff of normal in studies examining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Although the risk of GI cancer (GIC) increases as hemoglobin decreases, guidelines do not usually recommend hemoglobin thresholds for IDA investigation.MethodsTo elucidate whether underlying GI disorders explain the different hemoglobin values and clinical outcomes observed initially in IDA patients referred for GI workup, we prospectively investigated the diagnostic yield of a thorough GI examination in consecutive IDA adults with predefined hemoglobin <9 g/dL and no extraintestinal bleeding.Results4552 patients were enrolled over 10 years. 96% of 4038 GI lesions were consistent with occult bleeding disorders and 4% with non-bleeding disorders. Predominant bleeding disorders included upper GI ulcerative/erosive lesions (51%), GIC (15%), and angiodysplasias (12%). Diffuse angiodysplasias (45% of angiodysplasias) and GIC showed the lowest hemoglobin values (6.3 [1.5] and 6.4 [1.3] g/dL, respectively). While the spread (diffuse vs. localized) and number (<3 vs. ≥3) of angiodysplasias correlated with the degree of anemia, hemoglobin values were lower in GIC with vs. without ulcerated/friable lesions (6.0 [1.1] vs. 7.0 [1.2] g/dL, P < 0.001).ConclusionNot only GIC but also diffuse angiodysplasias caused the most severe anemia in IDA with predefined hemoglobin values <9 g/dL.     

Evaluation of an educational telephone intervention strategy to improve non-screening colonoscopy attendance: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUNDColonoscopy attendance is a key quality parameter in colorectal cancer population screening programmes. Within these programmes, educative interventions with bidirectional contact carried out by trained personnel have been proved to be an important tool for colonoscopy attendance improvement, and because of its huge clinical and economic impact, they have been widely implemented. However, outside of this population programmes, educative measures to improve colonoscopy attendance have been poorly studied and no navigation interventions are usually performed.AIMTo investigate the clinical and economic impacts of an educational telephone intervention on colonoscopy attendance outside colorectal cancer screening programmes.METHODSThis randomized controlled trial included consecutive patients referred to colonoscopy from primary care centres from November 2017 to May 2018. The intervention group (IG) received a telephone intervention, while the control group (CG) did not. Patients assigned to the IG received an educational telephone call 7 d before the colonoscopy appointment. The intervention was carried out by two nurses with deep endoscopic knowledge who were previously trained for a telephone educational intervention for colonoscopy. The impact on patient compliance with preparedness protocols related to bowel cleansing, anti-thrombotic management, and sedation scheduling was also evaluated. A second call was conducted to assess patient satisfaction. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were performed.RESULTSA total of 738 and 746 patients were finally included in the IG and CG respectively. Six hundred thirteen (83%) patients were contacted in the IG. The non-attendance rate was lower in the IG, both in the ITT analysis (IG 8.4% vs CG 14.3%, P < 0.001) and in the PP analysis (4.4% vs 14.3%, P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, belonging to the control group increased the risk of non-attendance in both, the ITT analysis (OR 1.81, 95%CI: 1.27 to 2.58, P = 0.001) and the PP analysis (OR 3.56, 95%CI: 2.25 to 5.64, P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in compliance with preparedness protocols [bowel cleansing: IG 61.7% vs CG 52.6% (P = 0.001), antithrombotic management: IG 92.5% vs CG 62.8% (P = 0.001), and sedation scheduling: IG 78.8% vs CG 0% (P ≤ 0.001)]. We observed a net benefit of €55600/year after the intervention. The information given before the procedure was rated as excellent by 26% (CG) and 51% (IG) of patients, P ≤ 0.001.CONCLUSIONEducational telephone nurse intervention improves attendance, protocol compliance and patient satisfaction in the non-screening colonoscopy setting and has a large economic impact, which supports its imple-mentation and maintenance over time.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract

AIM: To investigate the indications, resection rate, and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract at a European referral center. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of the ESD procedures performed in our center for mucosal neoplastic and submucosal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. The duration of the procedure, en bloc and complete (R0) resection rates, and complication rates were evaluated. Variables were reported as mean ± SD or simple proportions. Univariate analysis and comparisons of procedure times and resection rates were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests, or χ2 tests for dichotomous variables.RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2011, ESD was performed in a total of 103 patients (46.7% male, mean age 64.0 ± 12.7 years). The indications for the procedure were epithelial tumor (n = 54), submucosal tumor (n = 42), or other (n = 7). The total en bloc resection rate was 90.3% (93/103) and R0 resection rate 80.6% (83/103). The median speed of the procedure was 15.0 min/cm2 . The complete resection rate was lower for submucosal tumors arising from the muscle layer (68%, 15/22, P < 0.05). Resection speed was quicker for submucosal tumors localized in the submucosal layer than for lesions arising from the muscularis propria layer (8.1 min/cm 2 vs 17.9 min/cm 2 , P < 0.05). The R0 resection rate and speed were better in the last 24 mo (90.1%, 49/54 and 15.3 min/cm 2 ) compared to the first 3 years of treatment (73.5%, 36/49, P < 0.05 and 22.0 min/cm2 , P < 0.05). Complications occurred in 14.6% (n = 15) of patients, including perforation in 5.8% (n = 6), pneumoperitoneum in 3.9% (n = 4), delayed bleeding in 1.9% (n = 2), and other in 2.9% (n = 3). Only one patient with delayed perforation required surgical treatment. During the mean follow-up of 26 ± 15.3 mo, among patients with R0 resection, recurrence occurred in one patient (1.2%).CONCLUSION: ESD is an effective and safe method for resection of neoplastic lesions with low re     

Do peripartum and postmenopausal women with primary liver cancer have a worse prognosis? A nationwide cohort in Taiwan

BACKGROUNDWhile primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common cancers around the world, few large-scale population-based studies have been reported that evaluated the clinical survival outcomes among peripartum and postmenopausal women with PLC.AIMTo investigate whether peripartum and postmenopausal women with PLC have lower overall survival rates compared with women who were not peripartum and postmenopausal.METHODSThe Taiwan National Health Insurance claims data from 2000 to 2012 was used for this propensity-score-matched study. A cohort of 40 peripartum women with PLC and a reference cohort of 160 women without peripartum were enrolled. In the women with PLC with/without menopause study, a study cohort of 10752 menopausal females with PLC and a comparison cohort of 2688 women without menopause were enrolled.RESULTSPatients with peripartum PLC had a non-significant risk of death compared with the non-peripartum cohort [adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) = 1.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89-2.20, P = 0.149]. The survival rate at different follow-up durations between peripartum PLC patients and those in the non-peripartum cohort showed a non-significant difference. Patients who were diagnosed with PLC younger than 50 years old (without menopause) had a significant lower risk of death compared with patients diagnosed with PLC at or older than 50 years (postmenopausal) (aHR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.61-0.68, P < 0.001). The survival rate of women < 50 years with PLC was significantly higher than older women with PLC when followed for 0.5 (72.44% vs 64.16%), 1 (60.57% vs 51.66%), 3 (42.92% vs 31.28%), and 5 year(s) (37.02% vs 21.83%), respectively (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONPeripartum females with PLC have no difference in survival rates compared with those patients without peripartum. Menopausal females with PLC have worse survival rates compared with those patients without menopause.     

Digestive system involvement and clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study from Qatar

BACKGROUNDCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus most commonly presents with respiratory symptoms. While gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations either at presentation or during hospitalization are also common, their impact on clinical outcomes is controversial. Some studies have described worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms, while others have shown either no association or a protective effect. There is a need for consistent standards to describe GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients and to assess their effect on clinical outcomes, including mortality and disease severity.AIMTo investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and their correlation with disease severity and clinical outcomes.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed 601 consecutive adult COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization between May 1-15, 2020. GI symptoms were recorded at admission and during hospitalization. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrieved. Clinical outcomes included all-cause mortality, disease severity at presentation, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and need for mechanical ventilation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of the adverse outcomes. RESULTSThe prevalence of any GI symptom at admission was 27.1% and during hospitalization was 19.8%. The most common symptoms were nausea (98 patients), diarrhea (76 patients), vomiting (73 patients), and epigastric pain or discomfort (69 patients). There was no difference in the mortality between the two groups (6.21% vs 5.5%, P = 0.7). Patients with GI symptoms were more likely to have severe disease at presentation (33.13% vs 22.5%, P < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stay (15 d vs 14 d, P = 0.04). There was no difference in other clinical outcomes, including ICU admission, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, or need for mechanical ventilation. Drugs associated with the development of GI symptoms during hospitalization were ribavirin (diarrhea 26.37% P < 0.001, anorexia 17.58%, P = 0.02), hydroxychloroquine (vomiting 28.52%, P = 0.009) and lopinavir/ritonavir (nausea 32.65% P = 0.049, vomiting 31.47% P = 0.004, and epigastric pain 12.65% P = 0.048). In the multivariate regression analysis, age > 65 years was associated with increased mortality risk [odds ratio (OR) 7.53, confidence interval (CI): 3.09-18.29, P < 0.001], ICU admission (OR: 1.79, CI: 1.13-2.83, P = 0.012), and need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.89, CI:1.94-2.99, P = 0.007). Hypertension was an independent risk factor for ICU admission (OR: 1.82, CI:1.17-2.84, P = 0.008) and need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.05-2.62, P = 0.028).CONCLUSIONPatients with GI symptoms are more likely to have severe disease at presentation; however, mortality and disease progression is not different between the two groups.     

Endoscopic diagnosis for colorectal sessile serrated lesions

BACKGROUNDHyperplastic polyps are considered non-neoplastic, whereas sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are precursors of cancer via the ‘‘serrated neoplastic pathway’’. The clinical features of SSLs are tumor size (> 5 mm), location in the proximal colon, coverage with abundant mucus called the ‘‘mucus cap’’, indistinct borders, and a cloud-like surface. The features in magnifying narrow-band imaging are varicose microvascular vessels and expanded crypt openings. However, accurate diagnosis is often difficult.AIMTo develop a diagnostic score system for SSLs.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection during colonoscopy at the Toyoshima endoscopy clinic. We collected data on serrated polyps diagnosed by endoscopic or pathological examination. The significant factors for the diagnosis of SSLs were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Each item that was significant in multivariate analysis was assigned 1 point, with the sum of these points defined as the endoscopic SSL diagnosis score. The optimal cut-off value of the endoscopic SSL diagnosis score was determined by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTSAmong 1288 polyps that were endoscopically removed, we analyzed 232 diagnosed as serrated polyps by endoscopic or pathological examination. In the univariate analysis, the location (proximal colon), size (> 5 mm), mucus cap, indistinct borders, cloud-like surface, and varicose microvascular vessels were significantly associated with the diagnosis of SSLs. In the multivariate analysis, size (> 5 mm; P = 0.033), mucus cap (P = 0.005), and indistinct borders (P = 0.033) were independently associated with the diagnosis of SSLs. Size > 5 mm, mucus cap, and indistinct borders were assigned 1 point each and the sum of these points was defined as the endoscopic SSL diagnosis score. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed an optimal cut-off score of 3, which predicted pathological SSLs with 75% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 78.4% accuracy. The pathological SSL rate for an endoscopic SSL diagnosis score of 3 was significantly higher than that for an endoscopic SSL diagnosis score of 0, 1, or 2 (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSize > 5 mm, mucus cap, and indistinct borders were significant endoscopic features for the diagnosis of SSLs. Serrated polyps with these three features should be removed during colonoscopy.     

Ursodeoxycholic acid as a means of preventing atherosclerosis,steatosis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUNDAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Weight loss is a key factor for successful NAFLD and CVD therapy. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is one of the first-line therapeutic agents for treatment of NAFLD, is reported to have a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and ASCVD risk because of antioxidant properties.AIMTo evaluate the effects of 6 mo of UDCA treatment on hepatic function tests, lipid profile, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, atherogenesis, and ASCVD risk in men and women with NAFLD, as well as to assess the impact of > 5% weight reduction on these parameters.METHODSAn open-label, multicenter, international noncomparative trial was carried out at primary health care settings and included 174 patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD who received 15 mg/kg/d UDCA for 6 mo and were prescribed lifestyle modification with diet and exercise. The efficacy criteria were liver enzymes, lipid profile, fatty liver index (FLI), noninvasive liver fibrosis tests (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and liver fibrosis index), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and ASCVD risk score. To test statistical hypotheses, the Wilcoxon test, paired t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson''s chi-squared test were used. RESULTSThe alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level changed by -14.1 U/L (-31.0; -5.3) from baseline to 3 mo and by -6.5 U/L (-14.0; 0.1) from 3 to 6 mo. The magnitude of ALT, aspartate transaminase, and glutamyltransferase decrease was greater during the first 3 mo of treatment compared to the subsequent 3 mo (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). At 6 mo, in the total sample, we observed a statistically significant decrease in body weight and levels of FLI: 84.9 ± 10.4 vs 72.3 ± 17.6, P < 0.001, total cholesterol: 6.03 ± 1.36 vs 5.76 ± 1.21, Р < 0.001, low-density lipoprotein: 3.86 ± 1.01 vs 3.66 ± 0.91, Р < 0.001, and triglyceride: 3.18 (2.00; 4.29) vs 2.04 (1.40; 3.16), Р < 0.001. No effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score or liver fibrosis index was found. The CIMT decreased significantly in the total sample (0.985 ± 0.243 vs 0.968 ± 0.237, P = 0.013), whereas the high-density lipoprotein (Р = 0.036) and 10-year ASCVD risk (Р = 0.003) improved significantly only in women. Fifty-four patients (31%) achieved > 5% weight loss. At the end of the study, the FLI decreased significantly in patients with (88.3 ± 10.2 vs 71.4 ± 19.6, P < 0.001) and without > 5% weight loss (83.5 ± 10.3 vs 72.8 ± 16.7, P < 0.001). The changes in ALT, aspartate transaminase, glutamyltransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar between the subgroups.CONCLUSIONUDCA normalizes liver enzymes greatly within the first 3 mo of treatment, improves lipid profile and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss, and has a positive effect on CIMT in the total sample and 10-year ASCVD risk in women after 6 mo of treatment.