Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Lifestyle Perspective.

Background and Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 is the new coronavirus that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Studies have increasingly reported the involvement of organs outside the respiratory system, including the gastrointestinal tract. Data on the association between COVID-19 and ulcerative colitis (UC) are lacking. Materials and Methods: In this one-centre cross-sectional study, 49 patients with UC from the Riga East Clinical University Hospital outpatient clinic were included from June 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to their history of a confirmed positive or negative COVID-19 status. Data on their lifestyle, diet, and medications and the food supplements used by the patients were collected during interviews and analysed using the R 4.2.1 software. Results: Out of 49 patients, 33 (63.3%) were male and 13 (36.7%) were female, with a mean age of 32.33 ± 8.6 years. Fourteen patients (28.6%) had a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the last year. The most common COVID-19-related symptoms were a fever and rhinorrhoea. A third of patients followed the inflammatory bowel disease diet (16; 32.7%); out of these patients, 12 (34.3%) did not contract COVID-19 (OR: 0.78 (0.18; 2.98), p > 0.05). In the COVID-19-positive group, the majority of patients did not use vitamin D (11; 79% vs. 3; 21%, (OR: 0.38 (0.07; 1.51), p = 0.28) or probiotics (11; 78.6% vs. 3; 21.4%, OR: 1.33 (0.23; 6.28), p = 0.7). In the COVID-19-positive group, most patients did not smoke (12; 85.7% vs. 2; 14.3%, p = 0.475) and did not use alcohol (9; 64.3% vs. 5; 35.7%, OR: 0.63 (0.16; 2.57), p = 0.5). Most of the patients who participated in sports activities were COVID-negative (18; 51.4% vs. 6; 42.9%, p = 0.82). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences in the use of food supplements, probiotics, or vitamins; the lifestyle habits; or the COVID-19 status in patients with UC.

Increased risk of osteoporosis and femoral neck fractures in patients with familial Mediterranean fever-a large retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The direct impact of inflammatory conditions and their therapy with corticosteroids both contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis with associated fractures. Familial-Mediterranean-Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder not commonly treated with corticosteroids. Evidence regarding FMF association with osteoporosis and femur fractures is anecdotal. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk of osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture in FMF patients compared with the general population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of Clalit Health Services of all FMF patients first diagnosed between 2000-2016 and controls was evaluated including age and sex matched controls in 1:1 ratio. Follow-up continued until the first diagnosis of osteoporosis or fracture. Risk for these conditions was compared using univariate and multivariate cox-regression models. RESULTS: 9,769 FMF patients were followed for a median period of 12.5 years. 304 FMF patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis compared with 191 controls, resulting in an incidence rate (per 10 000 persons-years) of 28.8 and 17.8 respectively, and a crude HR of 1.62 (95%CI 1.35-1.93; p< 0.001). Patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis at a considerably younger age than controls (60.1 ± 12.4 vs 62.5 ± 11.0 years; p= 0.028). 56 FMF patients were diagnosed with femoral neck fracture compared with 35 controls, resulting in an incidence rate of 5.3 and 3.3 respectively, and a crude HR of 1.60 (95%CI 1.05-2.44; p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: FMF patients are at increased risk for osteoporosis and consequently femur fracture. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering bone health in the management of FMF patients.

Increased risk for stroke in patients with familial Mediterranean fever: results from a large population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The association between chronic inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular disease is well established. Considering FMF, few studies exist investigating the risk of ischaemic heart disease, and none address the risk of stroke. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk for stroke in FMF patients compared with the general population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest health organization in Israel. All FMF patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were included and matched with control according to age, gender and place of residence. Follow-up continued until the first diagnosis of stroke or death. The incidence of stroke was compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate models adjusting for cardiovascular risk-factors. RESULTS: A total of 9769 FMF patients and a similar number of controls were followed up for a median period of 12.5 years. The mean age at the beginning of the follow-up was 25.7 years. In total, 208 FMF patients were diagnosed with stroke compared with 148 controls, resulting in an incidence rate (per 10 000 persons-years) of 19.8 (95% CI 17.2, 22.7) and 13.9 (95% CI 11.8, 16.4), respectively, and a crude HR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.15-1.76; P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, FMF patients who developed amyloidosis with related or non-related renal failure demonstrated significant stroke risk (HR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.38, 3.38; P < 0.001), as well as for those who did not develop these complications (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.04, 1.67; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FMF patients are at increased risk for stroke regardless of known complications.

Significant Differences in IBD Care and Education across Europe: Results of the Pan-European VIPER Survey.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care and education might differ around Europe. Therefore, we conducted this European Variation In IBD PracticE suRvey (VIPER) to investigate potential differences between countries. METHODS: This trainee-initiated survey, run through SurveyMonkey®, consisted of 47 questions inquiring basic demographics, IBD training, and clinical care. Results were compared according to gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, for which countries were divided into 2 groups (low/high income, according to the World Bank). RESULTS: The online survey was completed by 1,285 participants from 40 European countries, with a majority of specialists (65.3%) working in academic institutions (50.4%). Significant differences in IBD-specific training (55.9% vs. 38.4%), as well as availability of IBD units (58.4% vs. 39.7%) and multidisciplinary meetings (73.2% vs. 40.1%), were observed between respondees from high and low GDP countries (p < 0.0001). In high GDP countries, IBD nurses are more common (85.9% vs. 36.0%), also mirrored by more nurse-led IBD clinics (40.6% vs. 13.7%; p < 0.0001). IBD dieticians (33.4% vs. 16.5%) and psychologists (16.8% vs. 7.5%) are mainly present in high GDP countries (p < 0.0001). In the current COVID era, telemedicine is available in 73.2% versus 54.1% of the high/low GDP countries, respectively (p < 0.0001). Treat-to-target approaches are implemented everywhere (85.0%), though access to biologicals and small molecules differs significantly. CONCLUSION: Much variability in IBD practice exists across Europe, with marked differences between high and low GDP countries. Further work is required to help address some of these inequalities, aiming to improve and standardize IBD care and training across Europe.

Young GI Societies in Europe: 2019 update.

BACKGROUND: One of the aims of the Young Talent Group (YTG) is to make United European Gastroenterology (UEG) more attractive to young fellows interested in gastroenterology (GI), and to actively involve them in UEG activities and the activities of their respective national societies. In 2017, we conducted a survey among the Friends of the UEG YTG with the aim of identifying the state of organization and needs of Young GI Sections (YGISs) throughout Europe, highlighting areas for further development and improvement. AIMS: The aim of the current web-based survey was to assess the progress of YGISs over 1 year, and persisting hurdles in forming and running a YGIS. RESULTS: Overall, 38 of 42 Friends answered the survey (91%). The number of YGISs has increased significantly from 12 in 2017 to 25 in 2019. Young gastroenterologists remained supported, but not influenced, by national societies. Results of the survey suggest that a lack of dedicated and motivated fellows has replaced a lack of funding as the most prevalent hurdle in forming these types of sections. CONCLUSION: Our survey shows that the development of YGISs has improved markedly within the last 2 years. However, several limitations, like underrepresentation in subcommittees of national societies, remain and need to be addressed in order to involve young gastroenterologists in their respective national societies and within UEG, to pave the way for future research, education and excellent quality of care, and reduce health inequalities across Europe.

Gut colonization with extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae may increase disease activity in biologic-naive outpatients with ulcerative colitis: an interim analysis.

BACKGROUND: Certain Enterobacteriaceae strains have been associated with the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are the most commonly found multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria colonizing the gut in UC patients and might trigger a more severe disease activity in UC patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether disease activity is higher in UC patients with gut colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, pilot study was carried out in a tertiary medical center in Latvia. Demographic data were collected; UC disease activity and extent were evaluated according to the full Mayo score, Montreal classification, and adapted Truelove and Witt's index. Rectal swabs with fecal biomaterial were collected, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were isolated, and bacterial plasmid genes responsible for ESBL production, blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV, were detected. UC disease activity was compared in patients with and without gut colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with UC were included in the initial analysis. Gut colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae was found in seven (11%) patients - mostly Escherichia coli [5 (71%)] containing the blaCTX-M bacterial plasmid gene. Patients with gut colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae had more severe disease compared with patients without gut colonization according to the full Mayo score (5.86 vs. 3.40; P=0.015), Montreal classification (moderate disease vs. clinical remission; P=0.031), and adapted Truelove and Witt's index (moderate disease vs. mild disease; P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Gut colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae may increase UC disease activity. Further research is needed to analyze the possible confounding factors that could contribute toward this outcome.

Ultrasound-assisted focused open necrosectomy in the treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis.

CONTEXT: The surgical treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis includes percutaneous drainage of acute necrotic collections and sequestrectomy in the late phase of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the conventional open necrosectomy (CON) approach with the alternative focused open necrosectomy (FON) approach in patients with infected necrosis and progression of sepsis. METHODS: Patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis were included in the study prospectively from January 2004 to July 2014. All patients had been admitted with the first or a new episode of disease. Symptomatic large fluid collections were drained percutaneously. The step-up approach was used in patients with several distant localizations of infected necrosis. The methods were analysed by comparing the individual severity according to the ASA, APACHE II and SOFA scores, infection rate, postoperative complication rate and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included in the FON group and 39 in the CON group. The incidence of infection was similar in groups. More ASA III comorbid conditions, a higher APACHE II score, a more frequent need for renal replacement therapy was observed in the CON group. The postoperative complication rate was in the range of 32% to 44%; mortality reached 6.5% in the FON group and 12.8% in the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid conditions, organ failure, and infection are the main risk factors in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. The step-up approach and perioperative ultrasonography navigation improves the clinical outcome and reduces the extent of invasive surgical intervention in patients unsuited to other minimally invasive procedures.

THINK PORPHYRIA: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Porphyrias are a group of rare disorders caused by enzyme defects in haem biosynthesis pathway. Acute intermittent porphyria is the most common hepatic porphyria. The disorder presents with severe neuropathic abdominal pain that can be accompanied by a wide range of gastrointestinal, psychiatric and neurological symptoms, making the diagnosis clarification very challenging. We report a case of a 27-year-old female patient who presented with acute abdominal pain, vomiting and marked hyponatremia, developed seizures and disorientation, and eventually required intensive care unit treatment to maintain breathing. Her symptoms were initially misinterpreted as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, thus delaying the needed specific treatment. She was diagnosed a week after the initial hospital admission, and her condition improved after receiving treatment with intravenous glucose and haemin. For patients with acute neurovisceral attacks, early clinical recognition is essential. Severe hyponatremia, urine that develops orange colour on exposure to light and gastrointestinal symptom combination with neurologic symptoms are three valuable clues that may lead to the right diagnosis faster. Pathophysiology of hyponatremia in case of acute intermittent porphyria in only partly understood and can be associated with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, gastrointestinal or renal sodium loss.