TOP 100 and detection of colorectal lesions in colon capsule endoscopy: more than meets the eye.

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a well-known method for the detection of colorectal lesions. Nevertheless, there are no studies reporting the accuracy of TOP 100, a CCE software tool, for the automatic detection of colorectal lesions in CCE. We aimed to evaluate the performance of TOP 100 in detecting colorectal lesions in patients submitted to CCE for incomplete colonoscopy compared with classic reading. A retrospective cohort study including adult patients submitted to CCE (PillCam COLON 2; Medtronic) for incomplete colonoscopy. Blinded for each other's evaluation, one experienced reader analyzed the TOP 100 images and the other performed classic reading to identify colorectal lesions. Detection of colorectal lesions, namely polyps, angioectasia, blood, diverticula, erosions/ulcers, neoplasia, and subepithelial lesions was assessed and TOP 100 performance was evaluated compared with the gold standard (classic reading). A total of 188 CCEs were included. Prevalence of colorectal lesions, polyps, angioectasia, blood, diverticula, erosions/ulcers, neoplasia, and subepithelial lesions were 77.7, 54.3, 8.5, 1.6, 50.0, 0.5, 0.5, and 1.1%, respectively. TOP 100 had a sensitivity of 92.5%, specificity of 69.1%, negative predictive value of 72.5%, positive predictive value of 91.2%, and accuracy of 87.2% for detecting colorectal lesions. TOP 100 had a sensitivity of 89.2%, specificity of 84.9%, negative predictive value of 86.9%, positive predictive value of 87.5%, and accuracy of 87.2% in detecting polyps. All colorectal lesions other than polyps were identified with 100% accuracy by TOP 100. TOP 100 has been shown to be a simple and useful tool in assisting the reader in the prompt identification of colorectal lesions in CCE.

Second-look upper endoscopy as the initial approach to subepithelial lesions: a reassuring and reliable strategy.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays a critical role in the management of subepithelial lesions (SEL) of upper gastrointestinal tract many can be classified solely by a thorough upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) which can reduce the burden of additional studies. AIMS: Analyze the impact of a stepwise approach starting with a second-look UGE before the decision of EUS in patients referred to our center with suspected SEL. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study which included all adult patients referred to our center between 2015 and 2020 with suspected SEL.Second-look UGE evaluated the location, size, color, surface characteristics, movability and consistency of the SEL and bite-on-bite biopsies were performed. Decisions on SEL management and follow-up were collected. RESULTS: A total of 193 SEL (190 patients) were included. At the index-UGE, stomach was the most frequent location (n = 115;59.6%). Most patients performed a second-look UGE (n = 180; 94.7%). A minority was oriented directly to EUS (n = 8;4.2%) or endoscopic resection (n = 2; 1.1%). In patients who underwent a second-look UGE, SEL were excluded in 25 (13.9%) and 21 (11.7%) did not need further work-up. The remaining patients were submitted to EUS (n = 88;48.9%), surveillance by UGE (n = 44; 24.4%) or endoscopic resection (n = 2; 1.1%). CONCLUSION: Systematically performing a second-look UGE, in patients referred with suspected SEL, safely preclude the need for subsequent investigation in approximately one-fourth of the patients. As UGE is less invasive and more readily available, we suggest that a second-look UGE should be the initial approach in SEL management.

Nutrition in Pancreatic Diseases: A Roadmap for the Gastroenterologist.

While common pancreatic diseases, such as acute pancreatitis (AP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic cancer (PC), may greatly impact the normal pancreatic physiology and contribute to malnutrition, the adequate nutritional approach when those conditions are present significantly influences patients' prognosis. In patients with AP, the goals of nutritional care are to prevent malnutrition, correct a negative nitrogen balance, reduce inflammation, and improve outcomes such as local and systemic complications and mortality. Malnutrition in patients with CP is common but often a late manifestation of the disease, leading to decreased functional capacity and quality of life and increased risk of developing significant osteopathy, postoperative complications, hospitalization, and mortality. Cancer-related malnutrition is common in patients with PC, and it is now well recognized that early nutritional support can favorably impact survival, not only by increasing tolerance and response to disease treatments but also by improving quality of life and decreasing postoperative complications. The aim of this review was to emphasize the role of nutrition and to propose a systematic nutritional approach in patients with AP, CP, and PC.

Se por um lado, doenças pancreáticas comuns, tais como pancreatite aguda (PA), pancreatite crónica (PC) e cancro pancreático (CP), podem ter um grande impacto na normal fisiologia pancreática e contribuir para desnutrição, por outro lado, uma abordagem nutricional adequada nos doentes com essas patologias pode influenciar significativamente o seu prognóstico. Em doentes com PA, os objetivos do suporte nutricional são a prevenção da desnutrição, a correção de um balanço negativo de nitrogénio, a redução da inflamação, e a evicção de outcomes desfavoráveis, como desenvolvimento de complicações locais ou sistémicas ou morte. A desnutrição é comum em doentes com PC, sendo frequentemente uma manifestação tardia da doença, da qual resulta uma diminuição da capacidade funcional e da qualidade de vida, bem como um aumento significativo do risco de doença óssea, complicações pós-operatórias, hospitalizações e morte. A desnutrição associada ao CP é também habitual e é atualmente reconhecido que um suporte nutricional precoce pode influenciar favoravelmente a sobrevida, não só por aumentar a tolerância e resposta aos tratamentos, mas também por melhorar a qualidade de vida e diminuir as complicações pós-operatórias. O objetivo da presente revisão é salientar o papel da nutrição e propor uma abordagem nutricional sistematizada nos doentes com PA, PC e CP.

Pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy as first-line procedure in patients with suspected mid or lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE) evaluates the small bowel and colon noninvasively. This study evaluated diagnostic accuracy and safety of PCE vs. colonoscopy as first-line examination in suspected mid-lower gastrointestinal bleeding (MLGIB). METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, single-blinded cohort study, consecutive patients with suspected MLGIB underwent PCE followed by same-day colonoscopy. Diagnostic accuracy for potentially hemorrhagic lesions (PHLs; combined diagnosis by PCE + colonoscopy) and incidence of adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: 100 patients were included (median age 70 [range 18-92] years; 65% female). PHLs were diagnosed in 46 patients, including small-bowel and/or colon angioectasias in 32. PCE correctly identified 54 individuals without PHLs, and 95.7% (44/46) of those with PHLs vs. 50.0% (23/46) for colonoscopy (P<0.01). PHLs were detected by PCE alone in 65.2% (30/46), both examinations in 28.3% (13/46), and colonoscopy alone in 6.5% (3/46). PHLs were diagnosed at the ileocolonic region in 28% of patients, with PCE diagnosing 25/28 cases (89.3%) and colonoscopy diagnosing 23/28 (82.1%; P=0.13). Interventional procedures were performed at colonoscopy in 13/81 patients with iron-deficiency anemia (16.0%) vs. 6/19 patients with overt bleeding (31.6%; P<0.01). No significant adverse events occurred with PCE vs. 2% with colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MLGIB, PCE avoided further invasive procedures in >50% of patients. PCE was safe and more effective than colonoscopy in identifying PHL both in the small bowel and colon. These results support the potential use of PCE as first-line examination in patients with suspected MLGIB.

Recurrence rate after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection of <20 mm non-pedunculated colorectal lesions: should we worry about the risk?

INTRODUCTION: There is scarce data focused on recurrence neoplasia rate (RR) after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (pEMR) of 10-19 mm non-pedunculated colorectal lesions (NPL). We aimed to analyze the RR after pEMR of 10-19 mm NPL, identify risk factors for its development and compare it with RR after pEMR of ≥ 20 mm NPL. METHODS: Retrospective cohort-study including all ≥10 mm NPL resected by pEMR in our center between 2018-2022 with an early repeat colonoscopy (ERC). RR was defined as recurrence neoplasia identified in the ERC EMR scar with virtual chromoendoscopy or histological confirmation. RESULTS: A total of 444 NPL were assessed, 124 (27.9%) with 10-19 mm. In the ERC, performed a median of 6 months after pEMR, RR was significantly lower for 10-19 mm NPL compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL (13/124 vs 68/320, p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, RR after pEMR of 15-19 mm NPL was significantly higher compared to 10-14 mm NPL (13/98 vs 0, p = 0.041) but not significantly different compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL (13/98 vs 68/320, p = 0.073). In multivariable analysis, size of NPL (HR 1.501, 95% CI 1.012-2.227, p = 0.044) was the only independent risk factor identified for RR for 10-19 mm NPL. CONCLUSION: Although the early RR after pEMR of 10-19 mm NPL is significantly lower compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL, it is non-negligible (10.5%) and appears to be the highest among 15-19 mm NPL. The size of the lesion was the only independent risk factor for RR. Our findings should be accounted in the selection of the most appropriate post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance.

What Is the Optimal Bowel Preparation for Capsule Colonoscopy and Pan-intestinal Capsule Endoscopy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The rate of adequate cleansing (ACR) and complete examinations (CR) are key quality indicators in capsule colonoscopy (CC) and pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE). AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of bowel preparation protocols regarding ACR and CR. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, search terms regarding colon capsule preparation, publication date from 2006/01, and date of search 2021/12, in six bibliographic databases. Multiple steps of the cleansing protocol were assessed: diet, adjunctive laxatives, purgative solution, use of prokinetic agents, and "booster". The meta-analytical frequency of ACR and CR was estimated, and subgroup analyses performed. Strategies associated with higher ACR and CR were explored using meta-analytical univariable and multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Twenty-six observational studies and five RCTs included (n = 4072 patients). The pooled rate of ACR was 72.5% (95% C.I. 67.8-77.5%; I2 = 92.4%), and the pooled rate of CR was 83.0% (95% C.I. 78.7-87.7%; I2 = 96.5%). The highest ACR were obtained using a low-fibre diet [78.5% (95% C.I. 72.0-85.6%); I2 = 57.0%], adjunctive laxatives [74.7% (95% C.I. 69.8-80.1%); I2 = 85.3%], and split dose < 4L polyethylene glycol (PEG) as purgative [77.5% (95% C.I. 68.4-87.8%); I2 = 47.3%]. The highest CR were observed using routine prokinetics prior to capsule ingestion [84.4% (95% C.I. 79.9-89.2%); I2 = 89.8%], and sodium phosphate (NaP) as "booster" [86.2% (95% C.I. 82.3-90.2%); I2 = 86.8%]. In univariable models, adjunctive laxatives were associated with higher ACR [OR 1.81 (95% C.I. 1.13; 2.90); p = 0.014]. CR was higher with routine prokinetics [OR 1.86 (95% C.I. 1.13; 3.05); p = 0.015] and split-dose PEG purgative [OR 2.03 (95% C.I. 1.01; 4.09), p = 0.048]. CONCLUSIONS: Main quality outcomes (ACR, CR) remain suboptimal for CC and PCE. Despite considerable heterogeneity, our results support low-fibre diet, use of adjunctive sennosides, split dose < 4L PEG, and routine prokinetics, while NaP remains the most consistent option as booster.

Decision-To-Scope Score: A novel tool with excellent accuracy in predicting foreign bodies in the esophagus.

INTRODUCTION: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common indication for urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Nevertheless, most pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Differently from GI bleeding, there is no validated score aiming to identify "low-risk" patients in suspected FB ingestion. We aimed to create a score able to discriminate patients who are candidates to emergent EGD in this scenario. METHODS: Retrospective study of consecutive patients admitted for suspected FB in the upper GI tract between 2016 and 2021. The evaluated outcome was endoscopic confirmation of FB in the esophagus. Variables significantly associated with the outcome on multivariate analysis were computed into a score predicting endoscopic confirmation. RESULTS: We included 228 patients. From these, 97 (42.5%) had a confirmed FB in EGD. Time since ingestion <6 h (OR = 4.0; P = 0.042), absence of any meal after FB ingestion (OR = 7.1; P = 0.005), dysphagia (OR = 11.8; P < 0.001), odynophagia (OR = 4.6; P = 0.004), and drooling (OR = 15.1; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of confirmed FB. These variables were used to compute a FB predicting score-the Decision-To-Scope (DTS) Score: time since ingestion <6 h (+1 point), absence of meals (+2 points), dysphagia (+3 points), odynophagia (+1 point), and drooling (+4 points). DTS-Score had excellent accuracy to predict the outcome (AUC = 0.953; 95%CI = 0.928-0.977; P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff to identify low-risk patients was a score ≤5 (sensitivity 85.0% and specificity 94.7%). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the suspected FB were not confirmed by EGD. The DTS-Score presented excellent accuracy at stratifying patients' risk and may contribute to the decision to perform emergent EGD in suspected FB ingestion.

Real-life patency of plastic biliary stents in the pandemic era: is stent removal after 6 months safe and effective?

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic conditioned the optimal timing of some endoscopic procedures. ESGE guidelines recommend replacement or removal of the plastic biliary stents within 3-6 months to reduce the risk of complications. Our aim was to analyse the outcomes of patients who had delayed plastic biliary stent removal following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the pandemic era. METHODS: Retrospective study including consecutive ERCPs with plastic biliary stent placement between January 2019 and December 2021. Delayed removal was defined as presence of biliary stent >6 months after ERCP. The evaluated outcomes were stent migration, stent dysfunction, obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, hospitalization, and biliary pathology-related mortality. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty ERCPs were included, 56.7% male patients, with a mean age of 69.4 ± 15.7 years. Indications for plastic biliary stent insertion were choledocholithiasis (72.5%), benign biliary stricture (20.0%), and post-cholecystectomy fistula (7.5%). Delayed stent removal occurred in 32.5% of the cases. The median time to stent removal was 3.5 ± 1.3 months for early removal and 8.6 ± 3.1 months for delayed removal. Patients who had delayed stent removal did not have a significantly higher frequency of stent migration (20.5 vs 11.1%, p = 0.17), stent dysfunction (17.9 vs 13.6%, p = 0.53), hospitalization (17.9 vs 14.8%, p = 0.66), obstructive jaundice (2.6 vs 0.0%, p = 0.33), cholangitis (10.3 vs 13.6%, p = 0.77), acute pancreatitis (0.0 vs 1.2%, p = 1.0), or biliary pathology-related mortality (2.6 vs 1.2%, p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed plastic biliary stent removal does not seem to have a negative impact on patients' outcomes. In the current pandemic situation, while scheduled endoscopic procedures may have to be postponed, elective removal of plastic biliary stents can be safely deferred.

Gastrostomy Button Diameter and Length Variations after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: One Size Does Not Fit All.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a useful option for long-term enteral nutrition. Low-profile gastrostomy tubes ("buttons") may afterward be placed in the stomach through the abdominal wall following maturation of the preexisting ostomy. Regular verification is essential since inadequate sizing is associated with accidental exteriorization or food leakage. We aimed to evaluate gastrostomy buttons diameter or length variations on the first year after their placement and possible factors associated with these variations. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive PEGs between 2016 and 2018. A minimum follow-up of 12 after gastrostomy button placement was required. Diameter or length variations were assessed in a specialized PEG appointment during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Final sample included 94 patients, from which 65 (69.1%) were women, and 29 (30.9%) were men, with a mean age of 76.9 ± 13.3 years. Measurements variations occurred in 44 (46.8%) patients. Diameter variation was significantly more frequent in patients living in a nursing home (OR = 5.43; 95% CI = 1.32-22.27; p = 0.019), patients with previous PEG tube dislodgement (OR = 3.84; 95% CI = 1.21-12.20; p = 0.023), and male patients (OR = 3.50; 95% CI = 1.06-11.49, p = 0.039). Length variation occurred more frequently in patients with a weight change during the follow-up period greater than 5 kg (OR = 3.71; 95% CI = 1.14-12.05; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with gastrostomy buttons required a change in their measurements, especially if male, living in nursing homes, having significant weight changes, or accidental tube exteriorization. This emphasizes the importance of having a specialized PEG appointment to regularly assure the best fitted button for each patient and ultimately guarantee an adequate nutritional intake.

Humoral Immunogenicity After Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Under Immunosuppressive Therapy: Should We Prioritize an Additional Booster Injection?

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may lead to the development of the novel coronavirus disease (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). Scarce data are available regarding safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, which may present differences between subgroups. Lower humoral immunological response could require additional booster injections. METHODS: This is a prospective study including adult patients with IBD after complete vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection with BioNTech vaccine. Patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded. A control group with healthy individuals matched for age and sex was also analyzed. Blood samples were collected 30 days after complete vaccination to quantify immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups. RESULTS: The final sample included 81 IBD and 32 non-IBD patients, 55 (48.7%) of them women, with a mean age of 40.2 ±â€…13.0 years. From IBD patients, 58 (71.6%) had Crohn's disease and 23 (28.4%) had ulcerative colitis. IBD patients had significantly lower median anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels when compared with the control group (6479 [interquartile range (IQR) 1830-11883, 10 053] AU/mL vs 13 061 [IQR 2826-21427, 15 539] AU/mL; P = .003). Regarding IBD medication, significant lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies when compared with control subjects were observed in patients treated with thiopurines (5423 [IQR 3109-13369, 10 260] AU/mL; P = .011), methotrexate (834 [IQR 507-3467, 4155] AU/mL; P = .002), anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents (5065 [IQR 1033-11669, 10 636] AU/mL; P = .001), and corticosteroids (548 AU/mL; P = .001). The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination was also significantly higher in patients treated with these agents. CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients treated with immunomodulators, anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents and corticosteroids presented significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels following complete vaccination when compared with healthy control subjects. These findings support the benefit of additional booster injections in this population.

This is a prospective study quantifying antibody titers against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after complete vaccination in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Immunomodulators, infliximab, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with lower antibody levels. This could support the benefit of an additional booster injection in this population.

Prognostic scores in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis: should we use all, some, or none?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute pancreatitis is the most commonly observed adverse event following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Early risk stratification is crucial in the management of these patients, to reduce unfavorable outcomes. Multiple prognostic scores are already used in acute pancreatitis, regardless of its etiology. Scarce data is available for their use specifically on post-ERCP acute pancreatitis (PEP). We aimed to compare the accuracy of different prognostic scores at PEP diagnosis for the prediction of a moderate-to-severe course. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of consecutive ERCPs performed between 2010 and 2020. The final sample included patients with PEP, with the severity graded according to the Atlanta classification. For each patient, different prognostic scores were calculated. Each score's accuracy for the prediction of a moderate-to-severe course was assessed by analysis of receiving-operating-characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: From 2012 ERCPs, 102 (5.1%) were complicated by PEP. From these, 34 (1.7% of all ERCPs) were classified as moderate-to-severe. The scores with the best accuracy in predicting a moderate-to-severe course were the BISAP [ area under curve (AUC) = 0.92], Balthazar (AUC = 0.89) and Glasgow-Imrie (AUC = 0.88) scores, with very good to excellent acuities. APACHE II (AUC = 0.81), Marshall score (AUC = 0.81) and PANC3 score (AUC = 0.76) revealed good accuracies. Ranson's criteria on admission (AUC = 0.70) and HAPS classification (AUC = 0.67) presented less accurate results. Optimal cutoffs for the top scoring classifications were BISAP ≥3 (sensitivity 88.3% and specificity 83.8%), Balthazar ≥2 (sensitivity 84.8% and specificity 85.3%) and Glasgow-Imrie ≥4 (sensitivity 81.0% and specificity 82.6%). CONCLUSION: BISAP, Balthazar and Glasgow-Imrie classifications presented the best results for predicting moderate-to-severe PEP, and represent the most useful prognostic scores for risk stratification in this population.

Finding Predictors of Azathioprine-Induced Pancreatitis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Azathioprine (AZA)-induced pancreatitis (AIP) is a common, idiosyncratic adverse effect whose incidence and risk factors data in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are not fully clarified. We aimed to establish the incidence, clinical course and identify risk factors for AIP. METHODS: A retrospective study including all IBD patients on AZA between January 2013 and July 2020 was conducted. Patients with AIP were considered. RESULTS: Azathioprine-induced pancreatitis occurred in 33 patients (7.5%; 442 patients on AZA). The mean time receiving AZA until AIP was 25 days, with a mean dose of 88 mg. All patients had a mild course of disease, which resolved with suspension of AZA and with no complications. Smoking (P = 0.02), single daily dose of AZA (P < 0.001), and concomitant budesonide (P = 0.001) were risk factors for AIP. In multivariate analysis, concomitant treatment with budesonide (odds ratio, 5.3; P = 0.002) and single daily dose of AZA (odds ratio, 3.8; P = 0.002) were the only predictors of AIP. CONCLUSIONS: Although AIP was a relatively common adverse effect, it presented a mild course in all patients. Smoking, concomitant use of budesonide, and single-dose regimen of AZA should be avoided in IBD patients treated with AZA.

How Can Patient's Risk Dictate the Timing of Endoscopy in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Introduction: Although upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) management has improved substantially in the last decades, there is still much controversy regarding the optimal timing for performance of endoscopy. Recent guidelines suggest performing an early endoscopy within 24 h of nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB) presentation, although its impact on patients with different bleeding risks remains unclear. Aim: To evaluate the impact of performing endoscopy within 24 h on NVUGIB outcomes and to compare it in patients with lower-risk vs. higher-risk bleeding. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing upper endoscopy for suspected NVUGIB over 4 years. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and outcome data were collected. Lower-risk bleeding was defined as a Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) <12 and higher-risk bleeding was defined as a GBS ≥12. Results: A total of 298 patients with suspected NVUGIB were included, 55% of whom had higher-risk bleeding. Endoscopy was performed within 24 h in 62.1% of the patients. In lower-risk bleeding patients, performance of endoscopy within 24 h was associated with a higher need for endoscopic treatment (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.2-5.7; p = 0.004), a lower 30-day mortality (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.27-0.63; p = 0.03), and a lower need for transfusion (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.36-0.92; p = 0.02). In higher-risk bleeding patients, there were no statistically significant differences in NVUGIB outcomes in performing endoscopy within 24 h. Conclusion: Endoscopy within 24 h of presentation was associated with a lower need for transfusion, a higher need for endoscopic treatment, and a lower 30-day mortality in lower-risk NVUGIB patients. Thus, performing endoscopy within the first 24 h of presentation can have a positive impact on NVUGIB outcomes even in lower-risk bleeding.

Introdução: Embora a abordagem da hemorragia digestiva alta não varicosa [HDANV] tenha melhorado substancialmente nas últimas décadas, há ainda muita controvérsia relativamente ao timing ideal de realização da endoscopia. Apesar das guidelines recentes sugerirem a realização de endoscopia precoce nas primeiras 24 horas de apresentação, o seu impacto em pacientes com estratificações de risco distintas permanece por esclarecer. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da realização de endoscopia precoce nos diferentes outcomes de HDA não varicosa em doentes de baixo e alto risco. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospetivo incluindo pacientes submetidos consecutivamente a endoscopia por suspeita de HDANV, durante 4 anos. Foram obtidos dados demográficos, clínicos, bioquímicos, endoscópicos e outcomes adversos. Baixo risco foi definido como score Glasgow-Blatchford >12 e alto risco como ≥12. Resultados: Foram incluídos 298 pacientes, 55% sendo de alto risco. A endoscopia foi efetuada nas primeiras 24 horas em 62.1% dos pacientes. Em doentes de baixo risco, realizar endoscopia nas primeiras 24 horas associou-se a maior necessidade de terapêutica endoscópica [OR 2.6, IC 1.2­5.7; p = 0.004], menor mortalidade a 30 dias [OR 0.41, IC 0.27­0.63; p = 0.03] e menor necessidade de transfusão [OR 0.58, IC 0.36­0.92; p = 0.02]. Em doentes de alto risco não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos outcomes pelo facto de efetuar endoscopia precoce. Conclusão: Realizar endoscopia nas primeiras 24 horas de apresentação de HDANV foi associado a menor necessidade de transfusão, maior necessidade de terapêutica endoscópica e menor mortalidade a 30 dias em pacientes de baixo risco. Assim, efetuar endoscopia precoce pode ter um impacto positivo nos outcomes da HDANV, mesmo nos doentes que à partida têm menor risco de outcomes adversos.

NSAIDs are not enough - a double blinded randomized controlled trial on the impact of intensive hydration for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is the most common complication following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In patients receiving NSAID prophylaxis, we aimed to assess whether periprocedural intensive hydration (IH) resulted in a lower incidence of PEP when compared to standard hydration (SH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial, with inclusion of consecutive patients submitted to inaugural ERCP between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients were randomized on admission, in a 1:1 ratio, to either SH-Ringer's Lactate (RL) at a rate of 1.5 mL/kg/h during and for 8 h following the procedure, or IH-RL at a rate of 3 mL/kg/h during and for 8 h following the procedure, with an additional bolus of 20 mL/kg at the end of the procedure. PEP incidence and severity were assessed according to the Atlanta Guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were randomized (83 to IH, 72 to SH). PEP was observed in 8,4% (n = 13) of the patients, and was significantly less frequent in IH patients when compared to SH (3,6% vs 13,9%, P = 0,021; relative risk 0.233 [95% IC, 0.061-0.881]); five patients in the SH group developed moderate to severe PEP, in contrast to 0 patients in the IH group (6.9% vs 0.0%, P = 0,020). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive hydration significantly decreased the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis by four-fold. Moreover, no cases of moderate or severe pancreatitis were observed in patients submitted to this intervention. Associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intensive hydration could constitute a new standard of care for patients undergoing ERCP.

ECCO Topical Review on Clinicopathological Spectrum and Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Many diseases can imitate inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] clinically and pathologically. This review outlines the differential diagnosis of IBD and discusses morphological pointers and ancillary techniques that assist with the distinction between IBD and its mimics. METHODS: European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] Topical Reviews are the result of an expert consensus. For this review, ECCO announced an open call to its members and formed three working groups [WGs] to study clinical aspects, pathological considerations, and the value of ancillary techniques. All WGs performed a systematic literature search. RESULTS: Each WG produced a draft text and drew up provisional Current Practice Position [CPP] statements that highlighted the most important conclusions. Discussions and a preliminary voting round took place, with subsequent revision of CPP statements and text and a further meeting to agree on final statements. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and pathologists encounter a wide variety of mimics of IBD, including infection, drug-induced disease, vascular disorders, diverticular disease, diversion proctocolitis, radiation damage, and immune disorders. Reliable distinction requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Apex Score: Predicting Flares in Small-Bowel Crohn's Disease After Mucosal Healing.

BACKGROUND: Optimal strategies for using small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in established small-bowel Crohn's disease (CD) remain uncertain. Mucosal healing (MH) has emerged as a valuable predictor of a flare-free disease. We aimed to evaluate the occurrence of disease flare on patients with small-bowel CD and MH, as well as to create a score identifying patients in higher risk for this outcome. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients submitted to SBCE for assessment of MH and included those where MH was confirmed. The incidence of disease flare was assessed during follow-up (minimum 12 months). A score predicting disease flare was created from several analyzed variables. RESULTS: From 47 patients with MH, 12 (25.5%) had a flare (versus 48.3% in excluded patients without MH; p = 0.01). Age ≤ 30 years (OR  = 70; p  = 0.048), platelet count ≥ 280 × 103/L (OR  = 12.24; p  =  0.045) and extra-intestinal manifestations (OR  =  11.76; p  =  0.033) were associated with increased risk of CD flare during the first year after SBCE with MH. These variables were used to compute a risk-predicting score-the APEX score-which assigned the patients to having low (0-3 points) or high-risk (4-7 points) of disease flare and had excellent accuracy toward predicting disease relapse (AUC  =  0.82; 95%CI 0.64-0.99). CONCLUSION: Patients with small-bowel CD and MH were not free of disease flares on the subsequent year, despite presenting lower rates when compared to those without MH. The APEX score demonstrated excellent accuracy at stratifying patients relapse risk and guiding further therapeutic options for patients achieving MH.