Annals of Gastroenterology最新文献

Background: Chronic constipation (CC) is a severe symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), with an unclear pathogenesis. Abnormalities of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and/or intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) may be pathophysiologically relevant in PD patients with CC. We investigated possible molecular changes of the IEB in PD/CCs compared with CCs and controls.

Methods: Twelve PD/CCs (2 female, age range 51-80 years), 20 CCs (15 female, age range 27-78 years), and 23 controls (11 female, age range 32-74 years) were enrolled. Ten PD/CCs and 10 CCs were functionally characterized by anorectal manometry (AM) and transit time (TT). Colon biopsies were obtained and assessed for gene and protein expression, and localization of IEB tight junction markers claudin-4 (CLDN4), occludin-1 (OCCL-1), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) by RT-qPCR, immunoblot and immunofluorescence labeling.

Results: PD/CCs were clustered in 2 functional categories: patients with delayed TT and altered AM (60%), and a second group showing only modifications in AM pattern (40%). Gene expression of CLDN4, OCCL-1 and ZO-1 was higher in PD/CCs than controls (P<0.05). Conversely, PD/CCs showed a trend to decrease (P>0.05) in CLDN4 and OCCL-1 protein levels than controls, whereas ZO-1 protein was comparable. In PD/CCs compared with controls, decreasing tendency of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide mRNA, protein and immunoreactive fiber density were observed, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Transit and anorectal dysfunctions in PD/CCs are associated with difference in ZO-1, OCCL-1 and CLDN4 expression, thus supporting the role of an altered IEB as a contributory mechanism to possible neuronal abnormalities.

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia is a common cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). This literature review compared the effectiveness and adverse events of insulin therapy, with or without heparin, and plasmapheresis, in reducing triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP.

Methods: Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, evidence syntheses, editorials, commentaries, protocols, abstracts, theses and preprints were excluded. Review Manager was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The literature search yielded 2765 articles, but only 5 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis and the total number of participants in the review was 269.

Results: From this study's analysis, insulin ± heparin was more successful in reducing triglyceride levels than plasmapheresis (standardized mean difference -0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99 to 0.25; P=0.25). Insulin ± heparin therapy had a lower mortality rate than plasmapheresis (risk ratio [RR] 0.70, 95%CI 0.25-1.95). Hypotension, hypoglycemia, and acute renal failure were less common in the plasmapheresis therapy group than in insulin ± heparin therapy (RR 1.13, 95%CI 0.46-2.81, RR 3.90, 95%CI 0.45-33.78, and RR 0.48, 95%CI 0.02-13.98 for hypotension, hypoglycemia, and acute renal failure, respectively).

Conclusions: This study found no significant difference in mortality between insulin ± heparin therapy and plasmapheresis used for the reduction in triglyceride levels. It is notable that no substantial differences were observed in the most common side-effects encountered during these therapies, thus indicating non-inferiority.

Background: Ischemic colitis is a form of mesenteric ischemia that often presents in patients with vascular disease. Long-term aspirin use has been shown to improve the outcomes in patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. However, the relationship between aspirin use and ischemic colitis is unclear.

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ischemic colitis were identified using the 2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Patients were stratified by long-term aspirin use at the time of hospitalization. Data were collected regarding mortality, bowel perforation, peritonitis, shock, blood transfusion, length of stay in days (LOS), hospital charges, age, sex, race, primary insurance, median income, hospital region, hospital size, and comorbidities. The relationship between aspirin use and outcomes was analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results: A total of 67,685 patients were included. Aspirin users had a mean age of 72.8 years compared to 66.8 years for non-aspirin users. Long-term aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (P<0.001), bowel perforation (P<0.001), peritonitis (P=0.01), shock (P<0.001), and blood transfusion (P<0.001). The mean LOS was 6.1 days in the aspirin group compared to 9.4 days in the non-aspirin group. Ischemic colitis patients taking aspirin had a mean hospitalization charge of $87,123 compared to $161,610 for those not using aspirin.

Conclusions: Our study examined the impact of aspirin use in ischemic colitis patients. Among patients hospitalized with ischemic colitis, we found that long-term aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality and adverse events.

Background: A combination of terlipressin and albumin is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI). We assessed the response rates to terlipressin-albumin therapy in patients with HRS-AKI and determined early predictors of treatment response and survival.

Methods: A total of 84 patients with HRS-AKI (International Club of Ascites definition 2015) treated with terlipressin-albumin were included. Predictors of HRS reversal were identified by logistic regression analysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression models were used to determine independent predictors of mortality.

Results: Complete response to therapy was observed in 54.8%, partial response in 14.3%, and no response in 31% of patients. The factors associated with complete treatment response were the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), baseline serum creatinine, a rise in mean arterial pressure by day 3, and a reduction in the renal resistive index (ΔRRI) by day 3 of treatment. Independent predictors of HRS reversal were the presence of SIRS at baseline (P=0.022; odds ratio [OR] 15.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-167.82) and ΔRRI ≥5% by day 3 of treatment (P=0.048; OR 6.67, 95%CI 1.021-43.62). Mean transplant-free survival at 6 months was significantly better in treatment responders (148 vs. 90 days, P<0.001). Independent predictors of 6-month mortality were response to treatment (P=0.004) and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium >23 (P=0.018).

Conclusions: SIRS and ΔRRI are simple parameters to predict treatment response in HRS-AKI. Non-responders have higher mortality and should be identified early to expedite liver transplantation.

Background: In the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) multidisciplinary team, a key figure is the IBD care manager, usually an independent practice nurse, responsible for evidence-based assessment, care planning, treatment evaluation, and provision of practical information, health education, and emotional support to patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the profile of this figure in Italy.

Methods: A team of experienced nurses created a questionnaire based on the Second N-ECCO declaration, which was administered to nurses who worked in an IBD unit for a period of at least 3 years. A definition of IBD care manager was provided to every participant. The questionnaire consisted of 3 sections: behavioral, knowledge and managerial skills that an IBD care manager should exhibit. Results were studied in relation to the benefits for the patient, organizational advantages, clinical advantages and Italian state of the art.

Results: Fifty-five nurses participated in the study, from 28 Italian centers. In the evaluation of behavioral skills of IBD care managers, "management and support of the pregnant patient" was the lowest scored item, while "patient privacy" obtained higher scores. In the evaluation of knowledge, "knowledge of intimacy and sexuality" obtained the lowest scores, while "knowledge of psychophysical and social impact of the disease" obtained a higher score. In managerial skills "management of pain" obtained the lowest scores.

Conclusion: Our study confirmed that IBD care managers are invaluable nursing figures within the multidisciplinary team that cares for IBD patients, providing benefits to both patients' clinics and management.

Background: The diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection vary significantly, depending on country, area, and specialty. The aim of this study was to record the current practices of Greek gastroenterologists in the screening and treatment of H. pylori infection.

Method: An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 19 questions about the management of H. pylori infection was sent with the aid of the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology to all members of the Society.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 180 gastroenterologists, with a response rate of 31.4%. Diagnostic tests to confirm H. pylori infection are ordered by >90% of the gastroenterologists for patients with current peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, family history of gastric cancer, and an endoscopic appearance suggestive of gastritis. Most gastroenterologists (55.8%) also tested for H. pylori in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Histopathology was the most preferred (60.6%) method when testing was decided during endoscopy, while urea breath test was the most preferred method (67.8%) regardless of endoscopy. Most gastroenterologists use quadruple eradication regimens supported by international guidelines (90%), while 65.6% of the physicians answered that they systematically recommend the addition of probiotics to standard therapy. Most physicians (82.8%) answered that they always confirm the eradication of the pathogen.

Conclusions: The majority of Greek gastroenterologists conform to the recommendations of international guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection, except for the screening of patients with GERD. A considerable number of doctors use probiotics in addition to standard therapy.

Background: Managing complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) remains challenging, despite current medical and surgical treatment approaches. Darvadstrocel, a therapy utilizing adipose-derived stem cells, shows promise in promoting tissue regeneration and healing, offering a novel and effective treatment for fistula management.

Method: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify studies involving patients with complex perianal fistulizing CD treated with darvadstrocel.

Results: In total, 2 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 5 observational studies with retrospective data collection and 2 observational studies with prospective design were included in the final review. Data from the European ADMIRE-CD RCT demonstrated that darvadstrocel is superior to placebo in terms of clinical and imaging improvement over both the short and long term. These findings align with the prospective studies analyzed in this systematic review. The rate of treatment-emergent adverse events in the ADMIRE-CD trial's RCTs was similar in both the darvadstrocel and control groups, with perianal abscess being the most common adverse event up to 52 weeks after drug administration. Retrospective studies indicated no side-effects beyond 52 weeks.

Conclusions: Darvadstrocel appears to be a new, potentially effective and safe treatment option for the management of complex perianal fistulas. However, more randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of the drug.

Background: Malignant etiologies are found in 70-80% of symptomatic retroperitoneal masses. Histology is required for diagnosis and treatment. Information about endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-GTA) is scant for retroperitoneal masses. This study aimed to assess the pathology results of EUS-GTA for diagnosing retroperitoneal masses.

Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study involved patients from 5 care centers. All patients with retroperitoneal masses who underwent EUS evaluation were enrolled. We recorded demographic and clinical characteristics, location and size of the mass, type of needle (FNA/FNB), and complications related to the procedure.

Results: A total of 43 patients were included. The median age was 50.5 (range: 23-83) years, and 22 (51.2%) were female. The initial symptom was abdominal pain in 23 (52.3%) cases and weight loss in 11 (25%). Initial imaging was by computed tomography in 33 (75%) patients. Diagnosis with EUS-GTA was reached in 67.5% (29/43) cases. The most frequent histological diagnosis was carcinoma, in 25.5% (11/43). A malignant etiology was found in 31 (72%): 20 were primary tumors from the retroperitoneum, and 11 were metastases. In patients with metastasis, surgery was avoided and medical treatment was indicated. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: EUS and EUS-GTA can frequently provide accurate tissue diagnosis and significantly impact the subsequent management.

Background: Bowel ultrasonography (BUS) is emerging as a promising noninvasive tool for assessing disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of BUS in IBD patients against the gold standard diagnostic method, standard colonoscopy.

Methods: Major databases were searched from inception to May 2023 for studies on BUS diagnostic accuracy in IBD. Outcomes of interest were pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values. Endoscopic confirmation served as ground truth. Standard meta-analysis methods with a random-effects model and I² statistics were applied. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

Results: Twenty studies (1094 patients) were included in the final analysis. The majority (75%) of studies considered bowel wall thickness >3 mm as abnormal. Endoscopic evaluation was performed between days 3 and 180. The pooled diagnostic accuracy of BUS in IBD was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58-72%; I²=78%), sensitivity was 88.6% (95%CI 85-91%; I²=77%), and specificity 86% (95%CI 81-90%; I²=95%). PPV and NPV were 94% (95%CI 93-96%; I²=25%) and 74% (95%CI 66-80%; I²=95%), respectively. On subgroup analysis, small-intestine contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (SICUS) demonstrated high sensitivity (97%, 95%CI 91-99%; I²=83%), whereas BUS exhibited high specificity (94%, 95%CI 92-96%; I²=0%) and NPV (76%, 95%CI 68-83%; I²=80.9%). Meta-regression revealed a significant relation between side-to-side anastomosis and BUS specificity (P=0.02) and NPV (P=0.004).

Conclusion: The high diagnostic accuracy of BUS in detecting bowel wall inflammation suggests utilizing regular BUS as the primary modality, with subsequent consideration of SICUS if clinically warranted.

Background: A new subcutaneous (SC) formulation exists for infliximab (CT-P13 SC). The aim of this study was to assess the durability of clinical and endoscopic responses after a switch from intravenous (IV) to SC infliximab.

Methods: Patients were transitioned on maintenance infliximab, including those with dose-optimized therapy. The primary outcome was clinical, biochemical and overall remission at 6 months, as defined by a Harvey-Bradshaw Index <5 for Crohn's disease or a partial Mayo score <3 for ulcerative colitis, C-reactive protein less than 10 mg/L, and fecal calprotectin less than 100 μg/g.

Results: Forty patients were switched from IV to SC infliximab. Twenty-seven (68%) had a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and 13 (33%) had ulcerative colitis. Twenty-three (58%) were on 5 mg/kg of IV infliximab every 8 weeks and 15 (38%) 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks. There were 2 patients (4%) on 10 mg/kg every 6 weeks. At the time of their switch, 37 (93%) patients were in clinical remission, 25 (76%) were in biochemical remission, and 25 (76%) were in both biochemical and clinical remission. At 6 months the proportion of patients in clinical remission decreased from 93% to 82%, with an overall relapse rate of 11%. Treatment persistence at 6 months was 77.5%.

Conclusion: Switching patients from IV infliximab to 120 mg fortnightly SC injections is a safe and effective option for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including for those patients on dose-escalated infliximab or with active disease at the time of switch.