Comparative evaluation of single versus double leg raise maneuver in high-resolution esophageal manometry.

BACKGROUND: The straight leg raise (SLR) maneuver, often performed during esophageal manometry, requires patients to lift their leg(s) to augment intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Diverse techniques have been applied for SLR. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of SLR between single and double leg raises. METHODS: During esophageal manometry, patients were asked to raise one leg, followed by elevating both legs. The efficacy of SLR for (1) detecting hiatal hernia, (2) increasing IAP, and (3) predicting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with intraesophageal pressure (IEP) was assessed. The value of change in impedance to indicate reflux during SLR in predicting esophageal acid exposure was investigated. KEY RESULTS: The leg raise procedures were performed in 86 patients undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry. Both the single and double leg raises exhibited a higher hiatal hernia detection rate compared to the landmark (p = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Double leg raise was more effective in raising IAP by >50% compared to single leg raise (100% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.001), increasing yield by 53.6%. The change in IAP showed a positive correlation with the change in IEP during double leg raise (r = 0.31; p = 0.004), higher than that for single leg raise (r = 0.23; p = 0.03). Lower intraesophageal impedance during SLR was associated with AET > 6% with double leg raise (1.5 kΩ vs. 2.5 kΩ, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Our study demonstrates the efficacy of both single and double leg raise maneuvers during HREMI in increasing hiatal hernia detection and possible value in predicting GERD. The double leg raise resulted in a higher rate of effective increase in IAP, potentially enabling more patients to undergo effective SLR during HREMI.

Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly-Benefits for Glucose Control and Weight Loss with Side Effects of Delaying Gastric Emptying.

Glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are being increasingly used for glycemic control in patients with diabetes and for weight loss and weight management in obese subjects. There has been recent public awareness of the potential of GLP-1 RAs to delay gastric emptying and cause gastroparesis. By delaying gastric emptying, these agents can complicate the clinical evaluation of patients on these drugs by affecting diagnostic testing for gastroparesis. This article discusses GLP-1 RAs and their effects on gastric emptying, gastric food retention, and gastroparesis. This article highlights how physicians should be attuned to the gastric side effects of these popular therapeutic agents for blood glucose control in people with diabetes and for weight loss and weight management in obese patients.

Long-term outcomes and adverse effects of teduglutide in patients with short bowel syndrome: Highlighting hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia.

PURPOSE: Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorptive condition that occurs due to surgical removal or a congenital absence of a significant portion of the small intestine. Patients with short bowel syndrome often rely on parenteral support for extended periods or even their entire lives. Teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-2 analog, has shown promising results in reducing dependency on parenteral support in these patients by promoting intestinal adaptation and enhancing nutrient absorption. However, the long-term safety of teduglutide remains a concern, particularly with respect to its potential for the development of hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia. METHODS: This study involved patients who received teduglutide from December 2012 to December 2022 at Boston Medical Center. We evaluated outcomes and adverse events, focusing on hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia, through chart review. RESULTS: Thirteen eligible patients were identified who had used teduglutide. Of these, the majority (84.6%) experienced a reduction in parenteral support. A high incidence (72.7%) of nonpathological pancreatic enzyme elevation was observed in patients treated with teduglutide. These elevations were often dose dependent and were not associated with any clinical signs of acute pancreatitis or abnormal imaging findings. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for further investigations into the long-term safety of teduglutide and the importance of closely monitoring amylase and lipase levels in patients undergoing treatment with teduglutide.

The Use of Phentermine for Obesity in Psychiatric Patients With Antipsychotics.

OBJECTIVE: Phentermine is a commonly used weight-loss agent in the United States, but there is a little information about the use of phentermine for patients with obesity taking antipsychotic medications. METHODS: We gathered 57 patients with obesity taking antipsychotic medications whose phentermine treatment was simultaneous with or after any type of antipsychotic exposure and collected data of clinical information, initial/follow-up anthropometric variables, and adverse events (AEs) for the 6-month study period. RESULTS: In total, the mean body weight reduction (BWR) was 4.45 (7.04) kg, and the mean BWR percent (BWR%) was 3.92% (6.96%) at 6 months. Based on the response to phentermine, the patients were classified into two groups: the responder (n=25; BWR% ≥5%) and nonresponder (n=32; BWR% <5%) groups. The responder group's mean BWR and BWR% were 10.13 (4.43) kg and 9.35% (4.09%), respectively, at 6 months. The responders had higher rates of anticonvulsant combination therapy (ACT; responder, 72.0% vs. non-responder, 43.8%; p=0.033) and a shorter total antipsychotic exposure duration (responder, 23.9 [16.9] months vs. non-responder, 37.2 [27.6] months; p= 0.039). After adjusting age, sex, and initial body weight, ACT maintained a significant association with phentermine response (odds ratio=3.840; 95% confidence interval: 1.082-13.630; p=0.037). In the final cohort, there was no report of adverse or new-onset psychotic symptoms, and the common AEs were sleep disturbances, dry mouth, and dizziness. CONCLUSION: Overall, phentermine was effective and tolerable for patients with obesity taking antipsychotic medications, and ACT (predominantly topiramate) augmented the weight-loss effect of phentermine.

Prior bariatric surgery and risk of poor in-hospital outcomes in COVID-19: findings from a National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities are risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: As bariatric surgery effectively addresses obesity-related conditions, we hypothesized that prior bariatric surgery may be associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19. Small-scale studies have suggested favorable outcomes; however, large-scale nationwide database studies are scarce. SETTING: A retrospective analysis of the 2020 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were examined and stratified by history of bariatric surgery. We performed 1:1 propensity score matching and compared patients with COVID-19 with and without prior bariatric surgery. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included total hospital costs, length of hospital stay, and intensive treatment needs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in patients with prior bariatric surgery (6.2% versus 8.7%, P = .001). Furthermore, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and mechanical ventilation rates were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 and prior bariatric surgery, resulting in a reduced need for intensive treatment (12.1% versus 14.9%, P = .005). The total hospitalization costs were lower, and the length of hospital stay was shorter in patients with prior bariatric surgery, demonstrating statistical significance. Old age, male sex, body mass index >50, and co-morbidities were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 and prior bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prior bariatric surgery was independently associated with decreased mortality and better in-hospital outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Evaluating the Compliance, Efficacy, and Cost of Formulated Vitamins Versus Separate Supplements in Post-bariatric Surgery Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Micronutrient deficiencies are common complications after bariatric surgery as alterations to the gastrointestinal tract change absorption. Patients are recommended to take supplements including multivitamins, B complex, calcium, vitamin D, and iron after bariatric surgery, and can take these as specifically formulated vitamins for post-bariatric patients or separate vitamin supplements. We investigated the compliance, efficacy, and cost of specifically formulated vitamins for post-bariatric patients in comparison to separate vitamin supplements. METHODS: We surveyed 126 post-bariatric adult patients between February 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022, who had undergone bariatric surgery between 2014 and 2021 to assess the type of supplements taken, compliance, and cost. Demographics, type of bariatric surgery, and serum micronutrient levels were evaluated for all patients. RESULTS: There were 51 patients taking formulated vitamins and 75 patients taking separate vitamins. The formulated vitamin group demonstrated greater adherence to optimal vitamin dosage (formulated vitamin group, 76.5% vs. separate supplement group, 30.7%; p < 0.001) and higher compliance (formulated vitamin group, 90.2% vs. separate supplement group, 66.7%; p = 0.002). The costs associated with both groups were comparable. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of micronutrient deficiency between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that formulated vitamins do not offer significant difference in micronutrient levels or cost compared to separate standard vitamin supplements. However, formulated bariatric vitamins have improved compliance compared to separate vitamin supplements.

Case report: Exploring teduglutide as a therapeutic option for refractory microscopic colitis: insights and implications.

Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, generally with endoscopically normal or nonspecific findings, and can be diagnosed by histopathological examination of colon mucosal biopsies. Some patients experience severe symptoms that do not respond to conventional medical treatment. A glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog, teduglutide, is used in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) dependent on parenteral support. In this case report, we describe a patient with microscopic colitis who demonstrated significant symptom improvement following teduglutide treatment.

A Case of Abnormal Liver Function Tests in a Patient Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition.

Hepatic dysfunction is prevalent in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), resulting from steatosis, cholestasis, and cholecystitis. Regular assessments and monitoring of TPN patients are essential, even for clinically stable patients on long-term TPN. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish a differential diagnosis for hepatic dysfunction and investigate for other possible causes of elevated liver enzymes and underlying liver conditions. We present the case of a 56-year-old female patient with severe protein-calorie malnutrition on TPN, who exhibited significantly elevated liver enzymes during the routine periodic assessment. Subsequent investigation revealed that the patient had been taking traditional Chinese herbal medications concurrently with TPN. After discontinuing the herbal medications, the patient's liver enzymes returned to normal levels within 3 weeks.

Outcomes of Hospitalized Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH) in Patients With Bipolar 1 Disorder (B1D).

INTRODUCTION: Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a common cause of hospital admissions and is associated with a high mortality rate. AH occurs frequently in patients with heavy alcohol use. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly presents with comorbid psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder patients are also known to be at an increased risk for chronic liver diseases. Bipolar 1 disorder (B1D) is often considered the most severe presentation among different types of bipolar disorder. This study assesses the clinical outcomes of patients admitted for AH with concomitant B1D. METHODS: Adult patients with AH were identified within the 2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes were used to select for all of the diagnoses for this study. AH patients were subdivided into those with and without B1D. The outcomes of interest were sepsis, hepatic encephalopathy, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, ischemic stroke, hepatic failure, coagulopathy, and inpatient mortality. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore whether B1D is an independent predictor for the outcomes. RESULTS: Among 4,453 patients with AH identified, 166 patients also had B1D. AH patients with comorbid B1D were seen to be younger (42.9 years old vs. 46.2 years old, p < 0.05) and more commonly female (55.4% vs. 36.5%, p < 0.05). The B1D subgroup of AH patients were found to less likely develop acute hepatic failure (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02-0.97, p < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratios for the remaining outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that B1D may be an independent protective factor against acute hepatic failure in patients hospitalized with AH. This finding can be explained by frequent laboratory monitoring and psychiatric assessments performed by psychiatrists treating B1D patients, as well as the impact B1D has on cortisol release induced by hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Malnutrition Is Associated With Worse Outcomes of Inpatient Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Objectives Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently used to manage pancreaticobiliary disorders in an inpatient setting. Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized patients, and it is generally associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, there is a lack of studies on how malnutrition affects the outcomes of inpatient ERCP. Thus, we investigated the outcomes of inpatient ERCP among patients with malnutrition. Methods Adult patients who underwent ERCP from the 2014 National Inpatient Sample database were selected to conduct retrospective analysis. Patient demographics and outcomes of ERCP were compared between the groups with and without malnutrition. The outcomes of interest were inpatient mortality, length of stay, total hospital charge, and ERCP complications, including pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, sepsis, hemorrhage, and intestinal perforation. Results Patients with malnutrition had longer length of stay (15.5 days vs. 6.7 days, p < 0.05) and higher total hospital charge ($149,699 vs. $71,723, p < 0.05). Malnutrition was an independent risk factor for inpatient mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70-3.82, p < 0.05), sepsis (aOR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.82-2.65, p < 0.05), hemorrhage (aOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05-2.56, p < 0.05), and intestinal perforation (aOR 4.29, 95% Cl:1.61-11.46, p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study indicates that patients with malnutrition are more likely to have worse outcomes, such as increased inpatient mortality, sepsis, hemorrhage, and intestinal perforation. Understanding the nutrition status of patients undergoing ERCP can be a useful approach for risk stratification and determining if closer surveillance of the complications is warranted.

Cannabis Use Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Intestinal Obstruction in Patients Hospitalized With Diverticulitis.

Objectives Diverticulitis is a common cause of hospitalization. The use of substances such as tobacco and alcohol can predispose patients to diverticulitis, and smoking is also associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis complications. Cannabis availability is growing in the United States, but there is a lack of data on the effects of cannabis use on the outcomes of diverticulitis. Thus, we investigated the effects of cannabis use on diverticulitis outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using 2014 data from the National Inpatient Sample. Patient demographics and outcomes of diverticulitis were compared between the groups with and without a history of cannabis use. The outcomes of interest were inpatient mortality, length of stay, total hospital charge, intestinal obstruction, shock/hypotension, colectomy, intestinal abscess, intestinal fistula, and intestinal perforation. Results Among 48,214 patients with diverticulitis, 447 patients had a history of cannabis use. Patients with a history of cannabis use were younger, more likely to be male, less likely to be White, had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, and had shorter hospital stays. There were no significant differences in inpatient mortality and total hospital charge. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index, cannabis use was an independent risk factor for intestinal obstruction in patients hospitalized with diverticulitis. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes. Conclusions This study indicates that patients hospitalized with diverticulitis with a history of cannabis use are more likely to have an intestinal obstruction. Inhibition of gastrointestinal motility by cannabis in the setting of diverticular inflammation may explain this finding.

Inpatient Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Analysis.

Objectives This study explores the characteristics and outcomes, including inpatient mortality, length of stay, and pancreatitis complications in patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis (AP) with coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Patients hospitalized with AP from the National Inpatient Sample from 2014 were selected. Patient characteristics and outcomes of AP were compared between the groups with and without SLE. Age, sex, race, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and etiologies of pancreatitis were measured. The outcomes of interest were inpatient mortality, length of stay, and complications, including respiratory failure, acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, hypotensive shock, sepsis, stroke, and ileus. Chi-squared tests and independent t-tests were used to compare proportions and means, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if SLE is an independent predictor for the outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, race, ECI, and etiologies of pancreatitis. Results Among 434,280 AP patients identified in the study, 3,015 patients had SLE. Among patients hospitalized with AP, those with SLE were younger, more likely to be female, more likely to be non-White, had higher ECI, and stayed longer in the hospital. Patients without SLE were more likely to have a history of cholelithiasis, alcohol abuse, and hypertriglyceridemia. AP patients presenting with SLE were at higher risk for respiratory failure, acute renal failure, hypotensive shock, stroke, and sepsis. Higher inpatient mortality was also associated with coexisting SLE. Conclusions Patients admitted for AP with SLE have worse outcomes compared to those without SLE. Understanding the potential effects of SLE on AP and optimizing patient care in this population accordingly may improve the quality of care and outcomes.

Sarcoidosis is associated with lower risks of penetrating disease and colectomy in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sarcoidosis, primarily considered distinct entities, share commonalties in pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. This study aimed to examine the in-hospital outcomes of patients with concurrent IBD and sarcoidosis. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify hospitalized adult patients with IBD and sarcoidosis from 2010 to 2014. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, rates of septic shock, acute renal failure, respiratory failure, length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. Secondary outcomes were IBD-specific complications and surgery interventions. RESULTS: A total of 3995 patients with IBD and coexisting sarcoidosis (IBD/sarcoidosis), of which 2500 patients had Crohn's disease with coexisting sarcoidosis (Crohn's disease [CD]/sarcoidosis) and 1495 patients had ulcerative colitis with coexisting sarcoidosis (ulcerative colitis [UC]/sarcoidosis), were included. Patients with IBD/sarcoidosis had a lower risk of penetrating disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.55, P < 0.0001) and colectomy (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.84, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis demonstrated lower rates of colectomy when comparing CD/sarcoidosis (P < 0.05) and UC/sarcoidosis (P = 0.0003) versus CD or UC alone. There was no difference in mortality. CONCLUSION: IBD/sarcoidosis is associated with lower risks of penetrating disease and colectomy when compared to patients with IBD alone.

Changes in Patellar Height After Opening Wedge and Closing Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To test that patellar height decreases (patellar baja) after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and increases (patellar alta) after closing wedge HTO. In addition, this meta-analysis evaluated whether the method of measuring patellar height affected the change in patellar height after opening and closing HTO. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, all studies comparing pre- and postoperative patellar height using various indices, including the Insall-Salvati index (ISI), Blackburne-Peel index, and Caton Deschamps index, in patients who underwent opening or closing wedge HTO were included. The main outcome of this meta-analysis, mean change in patellar height from before to after surgery, was analyzed with a random effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data, including subgroups of the 3 measurement methods, showed that patellar height decreased 7% after opening wedge HTO (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.10; P < .001), except when patellar height was assessed by ISI (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.06; P = .34), but that there was no change in patellar height after closing HTO (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.04; P = .29). CONCLUSIONS: The patellar height decreased after opening wedge HTO, except when assessed by ISI. In contrast, patellar height was unchanged after closing wedge HTO, regardless of the measurement method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, meta-analysis of Level I and II studies.