BMC Gastroenterology最新文献

Objectives: We evaluated the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of colorectal polyps to formulate an appropriate screening program.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent complete colonoscopy at Jordan University Hospital from January to September 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle habits, medication history, family history of cancer, laboratory parameters, quality of bowel preparation, and polyp characteristics were evaluated. Binary logistic regression was utilized to find predictors of colorectal polyps.

Results: A total of 965 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 53.9 ± 17.1 years and a male predominance (52.7%). Polyps were detected in 28.1% of patients, with 18% having one polyp, 10.4% having two polyps, and 3.3% having more than two polyps. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that older age, high BMI, male gender, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and family history of CRC were positive predictors of polyps. The right colon (cecum and ascending colon) was the most common location for polyps (51%), followed by the sigmoid colon (24.8%). The most common histologic subtype of polyps was tubular adenoma (48.2%). The prevalence of CRC was 18.65 per 1000 patients.

Conclusion: We highlight the fair prevalence of colorectal polyps and CRC in a Jordanian cohort. Awareness campaigns, screening strategies, and promotion of healthy lifestyles could help alleviate the burden of the disease, particularly among patients with classical risk factors for CRC.

Background: The operation sequence of bidirectional endoscopy with topical anesthesia varies among endoscopists, which interferes with clinical procedure. The study aimed to investigate the influence of different operation sequences on the outcomes of quality indicators and improve bidirectional endoscopy performance.

Methods: A randomized trial was conducted at the affiliated hospital of a medical university in China. Outpatients who initially underwent bidirectional endoscopy with topical anesthesia were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized to either the colonoscopy-first group or the esophagogastroduodenoscopy-first group. Dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage and oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel were administered for topical anesthesia. After finishing the previous process, the subsequent one was performed immediately. Quality indicators of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were compared between the groups.

Results: Analyzing 395 combined procedures, the cecal intubation rate, discomfort score during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, examination score of esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and colorectal polyp detection rate were similar between the two groups. The colonoscopy-first group had lower colonic spasm incidence (66.0% vs. 30.3%, p < 0.001), shorter median cecal intubation time (254 s vs. 211 s, p < 0.001), and higher colonoscopy comfort rate (72.5% vs. 85.6%, p < 0.001) compared with the esophagogastroduodenoscopy-first group. Operation sequence significantly affected the incidence of colonic spasm (OR 4.739, 95%CI 3.054-7.352, p = 0.000), which correlated with cecal intubation time (r = 0.196, p < 0.001) and patient discomfort score (r = 0.136, p = 0.007).

Conclusion: In bidirectional endoscopy with topical anesthesia, performing colonoscopy first may improve colonoscopy performance without affecting esophagogastroduodenoscopy examination. The study was registered prior to conducting the research in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn ) on November 7, 2023 with the trial identification number ChiCTR2300077408.

Background: Given the inherent limitations of invasive biopsy and the insufficient accuracy of liver-related serum biomarkers, there is an urgent need for the development of reliable, non-invasive imaging techniques for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1/T2 mapping sequences and biomarkers of collagen deposition and ongoing systemic inflammation, and to evaluate the potential of T1/T2 mapping as a non-invasive method for the accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

Methods: A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis was established and T1/T2 mapping were performed at different weeks of treatment. The histopathological analysis, collagen quantification, and inflammatory factors measurements (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) were conducted to correlate MRI parameters with collagen deposition and inflammation. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 22.0, Chicago, IL, USA) and Origin 2018 (OriginLab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA).

Results: The principal findings indicated that T1 and T2 values exhibited a progressive increase with the severity of fibrosis, demonstrating a positive correlation with collagen deposition and inflammatory factors, especially the hydroxyproline content (r = 0.880, P < 0.001). The HYP content exhibited a progressive increase with advancing fibrosis stages (ρ = 0.914, P < 0.001). Similarly, T1 values increased significantly across fibrosis stage(ρ = 0.854, P < 0.001). Statistical comparison of these coefficients revealed no significant difference (Z = 1.031, P = 0.303). ROC curve analysis showed that T1 mapping was more accurate than T2 mapping in detecting collagen deposition and inflammation.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential of T1/T2 mapping as non-invasive and quantitative biomarkers for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, providing new insights into the onset and progression of liver fibrosis.

Background: The accurate prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has garnered substantial attention, yet a gap persists in understanding the influence of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of high-risk GIST patients. This study investigated the relationship between various factors and the prognosis of high-risk GIST patients, with a specific focus on first recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) as crucial prognostic indicators.

Methods: A comprehensive collection of clinical data was conducted on 145 high-risk GIST patients meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria at 17 medical centers in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, covering the period from January 2013 to December 2019. Single-factor analysis and survival curves were used to analyze the variables, while the Cox regression model evaluated independent prognostic factors.

Results: Within the cohort, a balanced male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1 was observed. Univariate analysis revealed compelling associations between RFS and age, preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), preoperative systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI), mitotic index, and whether or not imatinib (IM) was taken regularly in high-risk GIST patients (P < 0.05). Except age, these other variables were also significantly correlated with OS (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that age, preoperative PNI, mitotic index and postoperative IM adjuvant therapy independently affected RFS (P < 0.05). In addition, preoperative PNI and postoperative IM adjuvant therapy were also independent factors of OS, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Age was negatively correlated with RFS, and early routine IM treatment after operation significantly reduced the risk of recurrence and death. Higher mitotic index is closely related to poor RFS, and higher preoperative PNI indicates a better prognosis.

Conclusion: A close correlation between young age, low preoperative PNI, high mitotic index, and lack of IM treatment had an unfavorable prognosis in high-risk GIST patients. Notably, the PNI was identified as a potential additional prognostic factor, enhancing the accuracy of predicting treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in high-risk patients with GISTs. Therefore, we advocate for the serious consideration of the PNI as a valuable addition to standard clinical practice for managing high-risk GIST patients.

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the Intersphincteric Approach with Internal Incision combined with Counter-Drainage (IAICD) for Deep Perianal Abscess (DPA), thereby providing a foundation for selecting optimal surgical treatment methods in clinical practice.

Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design, we analyzed the clinical data of 120 patients who underwent inpatient surgical treatment for DPA at our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. Of these, 57 patients underwent the IAICD (treatment group), while 63 patients received incision-drainage (control group). Clinical data from both groups were collected for statistical analysis. The primary outcomes measured were clinical efficacy, anal function scores and appearance scores. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, operation time, wound healing time and length of hospital stay.

Results: The treatment group had 52 cured cases, with a cure rate of 52/57 (91.2%), whereas the control group had 48 cured cases, with a cure rate of 48/63 (76.2%). The treatment group's clinical efficacy was significantly better than the control group (P = 0.03). The operation time was longer in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of anal function scores, appearance scores, postoperative pain, wound healing time and length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that IAICD was a protective factor for the clinical efficacy of DPA patients (P = 0.01), While wound healing time and a history of perianal surgery were identified as independent risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with DPA (P = 0.039, P = 0.032).

Conclusion: For patients with DPA who have high expectations for minimizing postoperative recurrence, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation-including a history of prior perianal surgery-precise intraoperative localization of the internal opening, and meticulous postoperative wound care can collectively optimize clinical outcomes. The IAICD procedure not only preserves anal sphincter function but also effectively reduces the recurrence rate of postoperative abscesses or fistula formation.

Background: Current studies suggest a potential link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. This study aimed to assess the risk of stroke in IBD patients compared to general population.

Methods: Systematic search was done in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for studies published till September 2023. Using a random-effects model, the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stroke occurrence were calculated. Subgroup analyses were done to estimate pooled HR with 95%CI for CD, UC, and overall IBD cases separately. Publication bias assessment was done by Begg's and Egger's tests.

Results: Thirteen studies with 2,802,955 participants were included. IBD patients in general had significantly higher risk of stroke, with HR of 1.30 [95% CI 1.21-1.39]. Subgroup analysis demonstrated an HR of 1.35 [95% CI 1.22-1.49] for CD and 1.15 [95% CI 1.09-1.22] for UC. Substantial heterogeneity was detected across studies, with no substantial publication bias. Sensitivity analyses affirmed the stability of findings.

Conclusion: IBD in general, and Crohn's disease in particular are associated with significantly higher risk of stroke. Our findings further emphasize the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and management strategies in IBD care.

Protocol registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023470602.

Background: Hepatic liver cirrhosis can lead to significant systemic complications, including the deterioration of bone health. The resulting bone complications can contribute to a decreased quality of life and increased healthcare burden. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the risk of osteoporosis, fracture, and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) among patients with hepatic cirrhosis compared to non-cirrhotic healthy controls.

Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, studies were sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to July 2024, including observational studies that assessed osteoporosis, fracture, and BMD in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients. Meta-analyses were performed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) of outcomes. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression were also conducted to explore the robustness and sources of heterogeneity.

Results: The analysis included 21 studies with 76,521 cirrhotic and 695,330 control patients. Cirrhotic patients demonstrated significantly higher odds of osteoporosis (OR = 1.93 [1.84 to 2.03]). Fracture was notably elevated, with cirrhotic patients showing an OR of 2.30 [1.66 to 3.18]. Reductions in BMD were observed in both the lumbar spine (SMD = -0.57[-0.79 to -0.35]) and femoral neck (SMD = -0.41 [-0.71 to -0.12]). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings, and meta-regression highlighted that male prevalence impacted these associations in various ways.

Conclusions: Patients with hepatic cirrhosis are at heightened risk for osteoporosis and fractures, underlining the need for proactive screening and preventive strategies. Integrating cirrhosis into current fracture-risk models could enhance the assessment and management of bone health in these patients.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly refers to ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD), which are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of unknown etiology. This study has been conducted to examine whether there are different components in the data, and if these components related to the treatment and the Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) score at baseline.

Methodology: This is a clinical study which consisted of 291 subjects, who divided over four treatment arms and were measured during a seven-week period. The number of weeks in the period Week 0ne through Week seven was considered as the outcome of interest, as well treatment and IBD score at baseline were considered as predictors. Different statistical methods such as explanatory data analysis and finite mixture model were employed to explore the outcome of interest.

Results: From the finite mixture model, two components were obtained. Most of the patients, 196(67.4%), were classified in the first component (P1). The deviance for single component of the mixture model corrected for the covariates was 1049.3 and that of the two components was 948.8. The effect of ibdsc0 was significant in both subpopulations with p-value = 0.0001 for subpopulation1, and p-value = 0.0422 for subpopulation2, and Exp (0.01) = 1.01 and exp(0.087) = 1.09 are the amounts by which the mean count (µ) is multiplied per unit change in the ibdsc0 for subpopulations 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions: The two components are not related to the treatment, and as a result, the treatment does not completely explain the presence of potential clusters in the outcome. Ibdsc0 partially explains the presence of potential clusters in the outcome.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) often necessitates surgical intervention, with temporary stoma creation after intestinal resection (IR) being a crucial decision. This study aimed to construct novel models based on machine learning (ML) to predict temporary stoma formation after IR for CD.

Methods: Patient data who underwent IR for CD at our center between July 2017 and March 2023 were collected for inclusion in this retrospective study. Eligible CD patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Feature selection was executed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. We employed three ML algorithms including traditional logistic regression, novel random forest and XG-Boost to create prediction models. The area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, and F1 score were used to evaluate these models. SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) approach was used to assess feature importance.

Results: A total of 252 patients with CD were included in the study, 150 of whom underwent temporary stoma creation after IR. Eight independent predictors emerged as the most valuable features. An AUC between 0.886 and 0.998 was noted among the three ML algorithms. The random forest (RF) algorithms demonstrated the most optimal performance (0.998 in the training cohort and 0.780 in the validation cohort). By employing the SHAP method, we identified the variables that contributed to the model and their correlation with temporary stoma formation after IR for CD.

Conclusions: The proposed RF model showed a good predictive ability for identifying patients at high risk for temporary stoma formation after IR for CD, which can assist in surgical decision-making in CD management, provide personalized guidance for temporary stoma formation, and improve patient outcomes.

Background: To evaluate the impact of pancreatic duct stent outcomes on the prognosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with high-risk anastomoses.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials were identified through comprehensive searches in Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases. Cochrane Collaboration's tool RoB2 was used to evaluate study quality. The presence of non-dilated main pancreatic duct and soft gland texture were used to identify high risk anastomoses. The primary outcome measured was clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate. The heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results: Six studies (n = 476) were included. The pooled data showed no significant difference in the clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate between stented and nonstented groups for at least one high-risk factor out of two factors selected (p = 0.234). Patients with non-dilated main pancreatic duct who received stent placement had a lower clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate (RR = 0.582, 95%CI = 0.383-0.883, p = 0.011). In contrast, patients with soft pancreatic texture showed no significant difference between two groups (p = 0.879). After removing the study identified by sensitivity analysis as the origin of heterogeneity from general cohorts, the stented group had a lower clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate (RR = 0.608, 95%CI = 0.413-0.895, p = 0.012).

Conclusions: There is a lack of robust evidence to support pancreatic duct stent placement for high-risk anastomoses. Nevertheless, stent implantation may be beneficial for patients with non-dilated pancreatic duct or external stent drainage.

Trial registration: The protocol was registered in advance with PROSPERO (CRD42023471943).