Potential Utility of Fecal Calprotectin in Discriminating Colorectal Polyps From Other Major Etiologies in Children Presenting With Isolated Hematochezia.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal polyps are the most common cause of isolated hematochezia in children, which requires a colonoscopy for diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the potential utility of fecal calprotectin (FC) in assessing colorectal polyps detected by colonoscopy among children presenting with isolated hematochezia. METHODS: Pediatric patients of the age of < 18 years who had undergone both colonoscopy and FC tests for isolated hematochezia from June 2016 to May 2020 were included in the present multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Comparative analysis was conducted between major causes of isolated hematochezia and FC cut-offs for discriminating colorectal polyps were explored. RESULTS: A total 127 patients were included. Thirty-five patients (27.6%) had colorectal polyps, followed by anal fissure (14.2%), ulcerative colitis (UC; 12.6%), and others. A significant difference in FC levels was observed between patients with colorectal polyps (median, 278.7 mg/kg), anal fissures (median, 42.2 mg/kg), and UC (median, 981 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, among patients diagnosed with colorectal polyp or anal fissure, the most accurate FC cut-off for discriminating colorectal polyps from anal fissures on colonoscopy was 225 mg/kg (sensitivity, 59.4%; specificity, 94.4%; positive predictive value [PPV], 95.0%; negative predictive value [NPV], 56.7%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.678-0.923; P < 0.001), while among patients diagnosed with colorectal polyp or UC, the most accurate FC cut-off for discriminating colorectal polyps from UC on colonoscopy was 879 mg/kg (sensitivity, 81.2%; specificity, 56.2%; PPV, 78.8%; NPV, 60.0%; AUC, 0.687; 95% CI, 0.521-0.852; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FC may assist in assessing the cause of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children who present with isolated hematochezia.

Towards a new definition of decompensated cirrhosis.

There is a universal agreement that the occurrence of clinical complications, such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, and jaundice mark the transition from the compensated to the decompensated stage of cirrhosis. Decompensation is associated with a substantial worsening of patient prognosis and is therefore considered the most important stratification variable for the risk of death. However, this classification is an oversimplification, as it does not discriminate between the prognostic subgroups that characterise the course of decompensation, which depends on the type and number of decompensating events. A deeper insight into the clinical course of decompensated cirrhosis is provided by observational studies characterising acute decompensation (AD), which occurs mostly in patients who have already experienced decompensating events. Decompensation presents as AD in a portion of patients while in many others it presents as a slow development of ascites or mild grade 1 or 2 hepatic encephalopathy, or jaundice, not requiring hospitalisation. Thus, we propose that decompensation of cirrhosis occurs through 2 distinct pathways: a non-acute and an acute (which includes acute-on-chronic liver failure) pathway. Moreover, while non-acute decompensation is the most frequent pathway of the first decompensation, AD mostly represents further decompensation.

Conducta actual frente la hemorragia digestiva alta: desde el diagnóstico al tratamiento / Current behavior against Upper Digestive Hemorrhage: from diagnosis to treatment

Resumen La hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica común que debe ser tratada precozmente por su alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a sangrado del esófago, estómago o del duodeno proximal, y se divide en etiología no variceal y variceal. Dentro de las no variceales destaca la úlcera péptica como la más frecuente, siendo esta producida por un desbalance entre factores protectores y agresivos. Por otro lado, en las hemorragias variceales destacan las várices gastroduodenales, las cuales son consecuencia del aumento de la presión portal. La incidencia de la HDA a nivel mundial varía entre 37 a 172 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes por año y la mortalidad entre un 5 y un 14% según diferentes estudios. Lamentablemente, no existen cifras nacionales fidedignas de incidencia y prevalencia. El médico debe conocer bien la presentación clínica y la fisiopatología para ser asertivo en la sospecha, diagnóstico y manejo de esta patología. En cuanto al tratamiento, el enfrentamiento se divide en el manejo de urgencias y luego endoscópico, puesto que la resucitación temprana intensiva puede reducir la morbimortalidad en pacientes con HDA. A continuación se hará una revisión actualizada enfocada en los aspectos más relevantes del manejo de esta patología. Se obtuvieron los datos de Pubmed y Scielo, específicamente la búsqueda de artículos originales y de revisiones sistemáticas con las palabras "hemorragia digestiva alta", "úlcera péptica", "várices esofágicas" y otras relacionadas. Los criterios usados fueron artículos preferentemente menores a 5 años de publicación en revistas científicas de alto índice de impacto.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UHD) is a common medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or proximal duodenum, and is divided into non-variceal and variceal etiology. Among the non-variceal, the peptic ulcer stands out as the most frequent, being this produced by an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors. On the other hand, in variceal hemorrhages gastroduodenal varices stand out, are a consequence of increased portal pressure. The incidence of HDA worldwide varies between 37 to 172 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year and mortality between 5 to 14% according to different studies. Unfortunately, there are no reliable national statistics of incidence and prevalence. The physician must have a good understanding of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology to be assertive in the suspicion, diagnosis, and management of this pathology. Regarding treatment, the confrontation is divided into emergency management and then endoscopic, because early intensive resuscitation can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with UHD. This is an updated review which will be focused on the most relevant aspects of the management of this pathology. Data were obtained from Pubmed and Scielo, specifically searching for original articles and systematic reviews with the words "upper gastrointestinal bleeding", "peptic ulcer", "esophageal varices" and other related words. The criteria used were articles preferably less than 5 years old in scientific journals with a high impact index.

Increase in Free Hepatic Venous Pressure Response to Beta-Blockers Predicts Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are the main drug to prevent portal hypertension. It could alter free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP); however, the significance is unknown. This prospective study was to explore the change of FHVP after use of NSBBs and its predictive value for gastroesophageal varices (GOV) bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Patients and Methods. Cirrhotic patients with medium-large GOV between September 2014 and January 2019 were enrolled. After initial hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, patients received oral NSBBs. Seven days later, the secondary HVPG was examined to evaluate the FHVP alteration and hemodynamic response. The variceal bleeding between patients with FHVP increased and decreased/unchanged was compared. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were enrolled, and 62 patients completed the secondary HVPG measurement and was followed up. The cumulative bleeding rate was significantly higher in patients with FHVP increased ≥ 1.75 mmHg than those with FHVP decreased/unchanged (54.5% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.021), while there was no significant difference in bleeding between HVPG responders and nonresponders (32.6% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.520). For HVPG responders, variceal bleeding in patients with FHVP increased ≥ 1.75 mmHg was significantly more than that in patients with FHVP decreased/unchanged (57.9% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.041). Cox regression analysis showed that change of FHVP was an independent predictor of variceal bleeding. CONCLUSION: Increase ≥ 1.75 mmHg in FHVP responding to beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with GOV indicates high risk of variceal bleeding. Besides HVPG response, change of FHVP should also be valued in hemodynamic evaluation to beta-blockers. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012836.

Combination of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Lactate Predicts Death in Patients Treated With Salvage Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Refractory Variceal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Data about the prognosis of salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using covered stents for refractory variceal bleeding caused by portal hypertension are scarce. We aimed to assess survival and to identify predictors of mortality in these patients. APPROACH AND RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients with cirrhosis from five centers treated with salvage TIPS between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively divided into a derivation cohort (83 patients) and a validation cohort (81 patients). Comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney and Fischer's exact test. Six-week overall survival (OS) was correlated with variables on the day of the TIPS using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test and univariate/multivariate analyses using the Cox model. Eighty-three patients were included in the derivation cohort (male, 78%; age, 55 years, alcohol-associated cirrhosis, 88%; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD], 19 [15-27]; arterial lactate, 3.7 mmol/L [2.0-8.3]). Six-week OS rate was 58%. At multivariate analysis, the MELD score (OR, 1.064; 95% CI, 1.005-1.126; P = 0.028) and arterial lactate (OR, 1.063; 95% CI, 1.013-1.114; P = 0.032) were associated with 6-week OS. Six-week OS rates were 100% in patients with arterial lactate ≤2.5 mmol/L and MELD score ≤ 15 and 5% in patients with lactate ≥12 mmol/L and/or MELD score ≥ 30. The 81 patients of the validation cohort had similar MELD and arterial lactate level but lower creatinine level (94 vs 106 µmol/L, P = 0.008); 6-week OS was 67%. Six-week OS rates were 86% in patients with arterial lactate ≤2.5 mmol/L and MELD score ≤ 15 and 10% for patients with lactate ≥12 mmol/L and/or MELD score ≥ 30. In the overall cohort, rebleeding rate was 15.8% at 6 weeks, and the acute-on-chronic liver failure grade (OR, 1.699; 95% CI, 1.056-1.663; P = 0.040) was independently associated with rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: After salvage TIPS, 6-week mortality remains high and can be predicted by MELD score and lactate. Survival rate at 6 weeks was >85% in patients with arterial lactate ≤2.5 mmol/L and MELD score ≤ 15, while mortality was >90% for lactate ≥12 mmol/L and/or MELD score ≥ 30.

Role of Dietary Habits in the Prevention of Diverticular Disease Complications: A Systematic Review.

Recent evidence showed that dietary habits play a role as risk factors for the development of diverticular complications. This systematic review aims to assess the effect of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticula complications (i.e., acute diverticulitis and diverticula bleeding) in patients with diverticula disease. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to 19 January 2021, 330 records were identified, and 8 articles met the eligibility criteria and were subjected to data extraction. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment form. No study meets the criteria for being a high-quality study. A high intake of fiber was associated to a decreased risk of diverticulitis or hospitalization due to diverticular disease, with a protective effect for fruits and cereal fiber, but not for vegetable fiber; whereas, a high red meat consumption and a generally Western dietary pattern were associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Alcohol use seemed to be associated to diverticular bleeding, but not to recurrent diverticulitis or diverticular complications. Further high-quality studies are needed to better define these associations. It is mandatory to ascertain the role of dietary habits for the development of recurrent acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

Severe complications of chronic cholelithiasis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease is a burden affecting about 15% percent of the population around the world. The complications of gallstone disease are numerous and many require emergency care. Severe complications are not uncommon and require special attention, as lethal outcome is possible. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a retrospective analysis of eight cases describing severe complications of gallstones in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of chronic gallstones conditions. All patients were admitted to our emergency care department following symptoms onset. The diagnostic difficulties, treatment strategies and outcomes are presented. The associated risk factors and preventative measures are discussed. Two patients developed profuse bleeding, two developed acute pancreatitis, two patients had perforation related complications. One rare case of bilioma and one case of iatrogenic injury are presented. All patients had severe condition, in two cases lethal outcome was a result of co-morbidity and difficulties in management. CONCLUSION: Special care should be taken in patients with risk factors of severe complications in order to improve outcome and prevent the development of life-threatening conditions.

The Use of Rifaximin in Patients With Cirrhosis.

Rifaximin is an oral nonsystemic antibiotic with minimal gastrointestinal absorption and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity covering both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Rifaximin is currently used worldwide in patients with cirrhosis for preventing recurrent HE because its efficacy and safety have been proven by large randomized clinical trials. In the last decade, experimental and clinical evidence suggest that rifaximin could have other beneficial effects on the course of cirrhosis by modulating the gut microbiome and affecting the gut-liver axis, which in turn can interfere with major events of the pathophysiological cascade underlying decompensated cirrhosis, such as systemic inflammatory syndrome, portal hypertension, and bacterial infections. However, the use of rifaximin for prevention or treatment of other complications, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or other bacterial infections, is not accepted because evidence by clinical trials is still very weak. The present review deals in the first part with the potential impact of rifaximin on pathogenic mechanisms in liver diseases, whereas in the second part, its clinical effects are critically discussed. It clearly emerges that, because of its potential activity on multiple pathogenic events, the efficacy of rifaximin in the prevention or management of complications other than HE deserves to be investigated extensively. The results of double-blinded, adequately powered randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of rifaximin, alone or in combination with other drugs, on hard clinical endpoints, such as decompensation of cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and mortality, are therefore eagerly awaited.

Rectal Prolapse: Age-Related Differences in Clinical Presentation and What Bothers Women Most.

BACKGROUND: Rectal prolapse has a diverse symptom profile that affects patients of all ages. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify bothersome symptoms and clinical presentation that motivated patients who have rectal prolapse to seek care, characterize differences in symptom severity with age, and determine factors associated with bothersome symptoms. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained registry. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral academic center. PATIENTS: Included were 129 consecutive women with full-thickness rectal prolapse. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes measured were primary bothersome symptoms, 5-item Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence questionnaire, and the 5-item Obstructed Defecation Syndrome questionnaire. Patients were categorized by age <65 vs age ≥65 years. RESULTS: Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence score >9 was more common in older patients (87% vs 60%, p = 0.002). Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score >8 was more common in younger patients (57% vs 28%, p < 0.001). Older patients were more likely than younger patients to report bothersome symptoms of pain (38% vs 19%, p = 0.021) and bleeding (12% vs 2%, p = 0.046). Mucus discharge was reported by most patients (older, 72% vs younger, 66%, p = 0.54) but was bothersome for only 18%, regardless of age. Older patients had more severe prolapse expression than younger patients (at rest, 33% vs 11%; during activity, 26% vs 19%; only with defecation, 40% vs 64%, p = 0.006). Older patients were more likely to seek care within 6 months of prolapse onset (29% vs 11%, p = 0.056). On multivariable regression, increasing age, narcotic use, and nonprotracting prolapse at rest were associated with reporting pain as a primary concern. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center study with a small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal prolapse-related bothersome symptoms and health care utilization differ by age. Although rectal pain is often not commonly associated with prolapse, it bothers many women and motivates older women to undergo evaluation. Patient-reported functional questionnaires may not reflect patients' primary concerns regarding specific symptoms and could benefit from supplementation with questionnaires to elicit individualized symptom priorities. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B492. PROLAPSO DE RECTO: INFLUENCIA DE LA EDAD EN DIFERENCIAS VINCULADAS CON LA PRESENTACIÓN CLÍNICA Y LOS SÍNTOMAS MAS DESAGRADABLES: El prolapso de recto tiene una gran variedad de síntomas que afectan a pacientes con edades diferentes.Identificar los síntomas mas molestos y la presentación clínica que motivaron a los pacientes con un prolapso de recto a consultar por atención médica, caracterizar las diferencias de gravedad de los síntomas con relación a la edad y determinar los factores asociados con los síntomas mas molestos.Análisis retrospectivo de un registro prospectivo.Centro académico de referencia terciaria.Consecutivamente 129 mujeres que presentaban un prolapso rectal completo.Síntomas y molestias primarias, cuestionario de incontinencia fecal de la Cleveland Clinic / Wexner de 5 ítems, cuestionario de síndrome de defecación obstruida de 5 ítems. Los pacientes fueron categorizados en < 65 años versus ≥ 65 años.El puntaje de incontinencia fecal de la Cleveland Clinic / Wexner > 9 fue más común en pacientes mayores (87% vs 60%, p = 0.002). La puntuación del síndrome de defecación obstructiva > 8 fue más común en pacientes más jóvenes (57% vs 28%, p <0,001). Los pacientes mayores fueron más propensos que los pacientes jóvenes a informar síntomas y molestias de dolor (38% vs 19%, p = 0.021) y sangrado (12% vs 2%, p = 0.046). La mayoría de los pacientes informaron secresión de moco (mayores, 72% frente a más jóvenes, 66%, p = 0,54), pero sólo el 18% tuvo molestias, independientemente de la edad. Los pacientes mayores tenían una exteriorización de prolapso más grave que los pacientes jóvenes (en reposo, 33% frente a 11%; durante la actividad, 26% frente a 19%; solo con defecación, 40% frente a 64%, p = 0,006). Los pacientes mayores tenían más probabilidades de buscar atención médica dentro de los 6 meses posteriores al inicio del prolapso (29% frente a 11%, p = 0.056). Tras la regresión multivariable, el aumento de la edad, el uso de narcóticos y el prolapso no prolongado en reposo se asociaron con la notificación de dolor como queja principal.Centro único; tamaño de muestra pequeño.Los síntomas y molestias relacionadas con el prolapso rectal y la solicitud de atención médica difieren según la edad. Aunque el dolor rectal a menudo no se asocia comúnmente con el prolapso, incomoda a muchas pacientes y motiva a las mujeres mayores a someterse a un examen médico. Los cuestionarios funcionales con las respuestas de las pacientes pueden no reflejar las preocupaciones principales de éstos con respecto a los síntomas específicos y podrían requerir cuestionarios complementarios para así obtener prioridades individualizadas con relación a los síntomas identificados. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B492. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Post-transfusion hemoglobin response in patients with cirrhosis: Can we expect a 1 g/dL rise per unit transfused?

BACKGROUND: A patient's hemoglobin is typically expected to rise by 1 g/dL/unit transfused PRBCs. However, it has been theorized that mechanisms such as hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly might lead to either a direct lysis or sequestration of red blood cells that could decrease this proportionate response. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with resolved GI bleeding but still requiring transfusion to correct anemia were compared in cirrhosis and control groups. A retrospective chart review between 2015 and 2020 was conducted at a single institution. Data collected included age, sex, BMI, GI bleed diagnosis, number of PRBCs transfused, presence of splenomegaly and spleen size, alcohol use history, type of cirrhosis, MELD-Na at admission, GFR, and pre-and post-transfusion labs: total bilirubin, ALT, hemoglobin, hematocrit. A logic regression was performed for each group looking at which factors were associated with a successful response (defined as >0.9 g/dL hemoglobin per unit transfused). RESULTS: Mean change in hemoglobin was 0.77 g/dL in patients with cirrhosis compared to 1.46 g/dL in patients without (P < .001, N = 103). Odds ratios for presence of splenomegaly (0.22, N = 78) and female sex (4.39, N = 102) in predicting adequate response (>0.9 g/dL/unit) were both significant (P = .002) as well as portal hypertensive bleed diagnosis (0.28, N = 85, P = .0015). Factors that did not contribute included: age, race, BMI, alcohol use, GFR, change in ALT, and change in total bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis have an approximately 50% decreased response to transfusion with PRBCs after resolution of a gastrointestinal bleed in comparison to patients without cirrhosis. Risk factors included splenomegaly, portal hypertension, and male sex.

Impact of Intrahepatic Venovenous Shunt on Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Measurement.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively analyze the impact of intrahepatic venovenous shunt (IHVS) on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2015 to 2019, 222 HVPG measurements performed during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation were eligible for this study. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) software color-coded each pixel of a two-dimensional DSA series by time-intensity curve to classify IHVS. Different degrees of IHVS were found in 36.5% of patients (81/222). Mild IHVS was found in 10.8% of patients (24/222), moderate IHVS was found in 10.8% of patients (24/222), and severe IVHS was found in 14.9% of patients (33/222). RESULTS: Mean wedged hepatic vein pressure (WHVP) and HVPG were significantly lower in patients with IHVS compared with patients without IHVS (WHVP: 17.78 mm Hg ± 7.00 vs 24.89 mm Hg ± 8.69, P = .001; HVPG: 11.93 mm Hg ± 5.76 vs 18.6 mm Hg ± 6.85, P < .001). Mild IHVS had little effect on WHVP and HVPG. Mean WHVP and HVPG were 11 mm Hg lower in patients with moderate IHVS (WHVP: 20.38 mm Hg ± 8.38 vs 31.5 mm Hg ± 9.39, P = .026; HVPG: 13.88 mm Hg ± 6.33 vs 25.00 mm Hg ± 9.81, P < .001) and 15 mm Hg lower in patients with severe IHVS (WHVP: 13.45 mm Hg ± 5.28 vs 28.64 mm Hg ± 6.38, P = .017; HVPG: 8.27 mm Hg ± 3.85 vs 23.45 mm Hg ± 6.95, P < .001) than mean portal vein pressure and portal vein gradient. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with moderate or severe IHVS, HVPG might greatly underestimate the actual value of portal vein pressure, and the portal vein should be catheterized to measure portal pressure.

Multi-centered evaluation of a novel fixed-dose four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate protocol for warfarin reversal.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown fixed-dose 4PCC to be as effective as standard-dose 4PCC for warfarin reversal. However, certain patient populations such as those with high total body weight (TBW) or elevated baseline INR may be at increased risk for treatment failure. The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of a novel fixed-dose 4PCC protocol for warfarin reversal. METHODS: This was a multi-centered observational comparison of patients who received 4PCC for warfarin reversal. Fixed-dose patients received 1500 units of 4PCC with the dose increased to 2000 units in patients with a baseline INR ≥ 7.5, a TBW ≥ 100 kg, or for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Standard-dosing followed manufacturer recommendations. The primary outcome was achievement of a post-4PCC INR of ≤1.4. Secondary outcomes included target INR achievement among patients with a baseline INR ≥ 7.5, a TBW ≥ 100 kg, or neurologic bleeding indications; hospital length of stay; cost of therapy; and thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included in the standard-dose group and 75 in the fixed-dose group. There was no difference in the primary outcome (65% vs 57%, p = 0.32). There was no difference in secondary outcomes aside from cost of therapy in which fixed-dose 4PCC was less expensive than standard-dose 4PCC. CONCLUSION: A fixed-dose 4PCC regimen for warfarin reversal of 1500 units, with an increased dose of 2000 units for select patients, is as effective as standard-dose 4PCC for INR reversal.

The influence of periampullary diverticula on ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods we applied to decrease the influence of periampullary diverticula (PAD) on the success rate and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones, we enrolled patients with CBD stones who had been treated by ERCP in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2018. According to the presence of PAD, the patients were divided into a PAD group and a non-PAD group. The rate of complete stone removal in the first session, the rate of overall stone removal, the frequency of application of mechanical lithotripsy, and procedure-related complications, including bleeding, hyperamylasemia, pancreatitis, perforation, and infection of biliary tract were recorded. A total of 183 cases, including 72 cases in the PAD group and 111 cases in the non-PAD group were enrolled. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding gender (P = 0.354). However, regarding age, there was a statistical difference (P = 0.002), and the incidence of PAD increased with age. There were 5 (6.9%) cases in the PAD group and 14 (12.6%) cases in the non-PAD group where mechanical lithotripsy was applied. There were 59 (81.9%) cases in the PAD group and 102 (91.9%) cases in the non-PAD group where there was complete removal of CBD stones in the first session, and there were 68 (94.4%) cases in the PAD group and 107 (96.4%) cases in the non-PAD group where there was complete removal of all stones. In the PAD group, there were 0 cases (0%) with gastrointestinal bleeding, 0 cases (0%) with gastrointestinal perforation, 13 cases (18.1%) with post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, 3 cases (4.2%) with post-ERCP pancreatitis, and 4 cases (5.6%) with biliary tract infection. In the non-PAD group, 1 case (0.9%) had gastrointestinal bleeding, 0 cases had gastrointestinal perforation, 18 cases (16.2%) had post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, 5 cases (4.5%) had post-ERCP pancreatitis, and 11 cases (9.9%) had biliary tract infection. This retrospective study showed that there was a statistical difference between the two groups regarding complete removal of CBD stones in the first session and application of mechanical lithotripsy (both P < 0.05), but no statistical difference according to the rates of overall stone removal and the complications (P > 0.05), which means that we can reduce the influence of PAD on ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones.

Early rebleeding increases mortality of variecal bleeders on secondary prophylaxis with ß-blockers and ligation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite secondary-prophylaxis with ß-blockers and endoscopic-variceal-ligation rebleeding is frequent, particularly within the first-6-weeks. Early-rebleeding may have greater impact on death-risk than late rebleeding, which may affect therapy. We assessed whether the influence of rebleeding on long-term survival of patients on secondary-prophylaxis is greater in patients with early-rebleeding. METHODS: 369 patients with cirrhosis were consecutively included once recovered from first variceal-bleeding. The impact of rebleeding on survival was investigated according to whether it occurred within 6-weeks (early-rebleeding) or later (late-rebleeding). RESULTS: During 46-months of follow-up (IQR: 14-61), 45 patients (12%) had early-rebleeding, 74(20%) had late-rebleeding and 250(68%) had not rebleeding. Mortality risk was higher in early-rebleeding group vs. late-rebleeding (HR = 0.476, 95%CI = 0.318-0.712, p < 0.001) and was similar in late-rebleeding group vs. no-rebleeding (HR = 0.902, 95%CI = 0.749-1.086, p = 0.271). Adjusting for baseline risk-factors, early-rebleeding was independently associated with mortality-risk (HR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.02-2.45; p = 0.04). Child-Pugh&MELD scores improved at 3rd-4th-week only in patients without early-rebleeding (p < 0.05). Presence of ascites or encephalopathy, MELD-score>12 and HVPG>20 mmHg identified patients at risk of early-rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with early-rebleeding have higher risk of death than patients without rebleeding and even than those rebleeding later. Our results suggest that patients at risk of early rebleeding might benefit from preemptive therapies such as early-TIPS.

Perirectal Hematoma and Intra-Abdominal Bleeding after Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy and STARR-A Proposal for a Decision-Making Algorithm.

Background and Objectives: The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and current evidence of the treatment of perirectal bleeding after stapled haemorrhoidopexy. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was performed that combined the published and the obtained original data after a search of PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Results: The present systematic review includes 16 articles with 37 patients. Twelve papers report perirectal and six report intra-abdominal bleeding. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) was performed in 57% of cases (3 PPH 01 and 15 PPH 03), stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in 13%, and for 30% information was not available. The median age was 49 years (±11.43). The sign and symptoms of perirectal bleeding were abdominal pain (43%), pelvic discomfort without rectal bleeding (36%), urinary retention (14%), and external rectal bleeding (21%). The median time to bleeding was 1 day (±1.53 postoperative days), with median hemoglobin at diagnosis 8.8 ± 1.04 g/dL. Unstable hemodynamic was reported in 19%. Computed tomography scan (CT) was the first examination in 77%. Only two cases underwent the abdominal US, but subsequently, a CT scan was also conducted. Non-operative management was performed in 38% (n = 14) with selective arteriography and percutaneous angioembolization in two cases. A surgical treatment was performed in 23 cases - transabdominal surgery (3 colostomies, 1 Hartmann' procedure, 1 low anterior resection of the rectum, 1 bilateral ligation of internal iliac artery and 1 ligation of vessels located at the rectal wall), transanal surgery (n = 13), a perineal incision in one, and CT-guided paracoccygeal drainage in one. Conclusions: Because of the rarity and lack of experience, no uniform tactic for the treatment of perirectal hematomas exists in the literature. We propose an algorithm similar to the approach in pelvic trauma, based on two main pillars -hemodynamic stability and the finding of contrast CT.

Haemobilia: secondary to micro aneurysms of hepatic artery.

Hepatic artery is the fourth most common site of the intraabdominal aneurysm, after infra renal aorta, iliac artery and splenic artery aneurysms. Rupture of the aneurysm may lead to the upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Here we report a 5 years old boy, who presented with fever, abdominal distension and unexplained upper GI bleed. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a normal esophagus and stomach with clear evidence of haemobilia with blood oozing from the ampulla. Fluoro- guided angiography followed by embolization of hepatic artery branches with 5 metallic coils was performed in this case by an interventional radiologist.