Digital Cholangioscopic Interpretation: When North Meets the South.

BACKGROUND: Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) (SpyGlass DS™, Boston Scientific, MA, USA) allows for high-definition imaging of the biliary tree. The superior visualization has led to the development of two different sets of criteria to evaluate and classify indeterminate biliary strictures: the Monaco criteria and the criteria in Carlos Robles-Medranda's publication (CRM). Our objective was to assess the interrater agreement (IA) of DSOC interpretation for indeterminate biliary strictures using the two newly published criteria. METHODS: Forty de-identified DSOC video recordings were sent to 15 interventional endoscopists with experience in cholangioscopy. They were asked to score the videos based on the presence of Monaco Classification criteria: stricture, lesion, mucosal changes, papillary projections, ulceration, white linear bands or rings, and vessels. Next, they scored the videos using CRM criteria: villous pattern, polypoid pattern, inflammatory pattern, flat pattern, ulcerate pattern and honeycomb pattern. The endoscopists then diagnosed the recordings as neoplastic or non-neoplastic based on the criteria. Intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis was done to evaluate interrater agreement for both criteria set and final diagnosis. RESULTS: Recordings of 26 malignant lesions and 14 benign lesions were scored. The IA using both the Monaco criteria and CRM criteria ranged from poor to excellent (range 0.1-0.76) and (range 0.1-0.62), respectively. Within the Monaco criteria, IA was excellent for lesion (0.75) and fingerlike papillary projections (0.74); good for tortuous vessels (0.7), mucosal features (0.62), uniform papillary projections (0.53), and ulceration (0.58); and fair for white linear bands (0.4). Within the CRM criteria, the IA was good for villous pattern (0.62), flat pattern (0.62), and honeycomb pattern; fair for ulcerated pattern (0.56), polypoid pattern (0.52) and inflammatory pattern (0.54). The diagnostic IA using Monaco criteria was good (0.65), while the diagnostic IA using CRM was fair (0.58). The overall diagnostic accuracy using the Monaco classification was 61% and CRM criteria were 57%. CONCLUSION: The IOA and accuracy rate of DSOC using visual criteria from both Monaco Criteria and CRM are similar. However, some criteria from both sets suffer from poor IA, thus affecting the overall diagnostic accuracy. More formal training and refinements in visual criteria with additional validation are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02166099.

Iron Deficiency and the Small bowel​.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) from initial consultation through laboratory evaluation, endoscopic evaluation, and therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent guidelines on management of SSBB, IDA, video capsule endoscopy (VCE), and device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) are reviewed. The advantages and limitations of VCE, DAE, and imaging are discussed. Medical treatment for refractory small bowel bleeding is discussed. Evaluation of IDA starts with a detailed history and physical exam. Additional lab work can establish the diagnosis of IDA and evaluate for associated conditions. If initial endoscopic tests are unrevealing, SSBB should be ruled out. Further investigation can be performed using video capsule endoscopy (VCE), device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE), and imaging. The mainstay of medical treatment of IDA secondary to SSBB is iron supplementation. Additional treatment is tailored to the pathology and may include medical, endoscopic and surgical options.

Modifiable Environmental Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Environmental factors may influence predisposition to develop inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or alter its natural history by modification of both the host immune response and intestinal microbial composition. The purpose of this review is to translate such evidence into clinical practice by a focus on interventional studies that have modified such environmental influences to improve disease outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Several environmental influences have been identified in the recent literature including tobacco use, diet, antibiotics, vitamin D deficiency, stress, appendectomy, and oral contraceptive use. Some risk factors have similar influences on both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis while others are disease-specific or have divergent effects. Emerging epidemiologic evidence has confirmed the association of many of these factors with incident disease using prospective data. In addition, laboratory data has supported their mechanistic plausibility and relevance to intestinal inflammation.

Metal versus plastic for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage: clinical outcomes and success.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) by using double-pigtail (DP) plastic stents requires placement of multiple stents and can be restricted by inadequate drainage and leakage risk. Recently, the use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) has been reported as an alternative to DP plastic stents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes, success rate, and adverse events of EUS-guided drainage of PPs with DP plastic stents and FCSEMSs. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two tertiary-care academic medical centers. PATIENTS: This study involved 230 patients (mean age, 52.6 years) with PPs who underwent EUS-guided transmural drainage including 118 that were drained by using DP plastic stents and 112 by using FCSEMSs. A transgastric approach was used in 210 patients (91%), and transduodenal drainage was performed in 20 patients (9%). INTERVENTIONS: Stent deployment under EUS guidance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical success, early adverse events, stent occlusion requiring reintervention, and long-term success. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up after the initial procedure, complete resolution of PPs by using DP plastic stents was lower compared with those that underwent drainage with FCSEMSs (89% vs 98%; P = .01). Procedural adverse events were noted in 31% in the DP plastic stent group and 16% in the FCSEMS group (P = .006). On multivariable analysis, patients with plastic stents were 2.9 times more likely to experience adverse events (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-6.3). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: In patients with PPs, EUS-guided drainage by using FCSEMSs improves clinical outcomes and lowers adverse event rates compared with those drained with DP plastic stents.

Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Current Management and Therapies.

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis accounts for 10% of acute pancreatitis (AP) cases and is associated with a higher mortality and morbidity. Necrosis within the first 4 weeks of disease onset is defined as an acute necrotic collection (ANC), while walled off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) develops after 4 weeks of disease onset. An infected or symptomatic WOPN requires drainage. The management of pancreatic necrosis has shifted away from open necrosectomy, as it is associated with a high morbidity, to less invasive techniques. In this review, we summarize the current management and therapies for acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Cap-assisted colonoscopy versus standard colonoscopy: is the cap beneficial? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to improve visualization during colonoscopy, a transparent plastic cap or hood may be placed on the end of the colonoscope. Cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) has been studied and is thought to improve polyp detection. Numerous studies have been conducted comparing pertinent clinical outcomes between CAC and standard colonoscopy (SC) with inconsistent results. METHODS: Numerous databases were searched in November 2016. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult subjects that compared CAC to SC were included. Outcomes of total colonoscopy time, time to cecum, cecal intubation rate, terminal ileum intubation rate, polyp detection rate (PDR), and adenoma detection rate (ADR) were analyzed in terms of odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with fixed effect and random effects models. RESULTS: Five hundred eighty-nine articles and abstracts were discovered. Of these, 23 RCTs (n=12,947) were included in the analysis. CAC showed statistically significant superiority in total colonoscopy time (MD -1.51 min; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.67 to -0.34; P<0.01) and time to cecum (MD -0.82 min; 95%CI -1.20 to -0.44; P<0.01) compared to SC. CAC also showed better PDR (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.06-1.29; P<0.01) but not ADR (OR 1.11; 95%CI 0.95-1.30; P=0.20). In contrast, on sensitivity analysis, ADR was better with CAC. Terminal ileum intubation and cecal intubation rates demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.11 and P=0.73, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a transparent cap during colonoscopy improves PDR while reducing procedure times. ADR may improve in cap-assisted colonoscopy but further studies are required to confirm this.

Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis as a Presentation of Atypical Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis.

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) usually occurs within few days to weeks following an infection. Clinical presentation is variable, but in general, it is considered a benign entity with good prognosis. It rarely requires kidney biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. We present a case of a 55-year-old, previously healthy, male who presented for worsening shortness of breath, persistent cough, and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. Initial workup revealed a right exudative effusion with empyema. Hospital course was complicated by acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy with a peak creatinine of 10.2 mg/dL from a baseline of 1.18 mg/dL. On kidney biopsy, findings were compatible with a diagnosis of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis or an atypical form of PIGN. While a wide variety of histopathological findings on renal biopsies have been described to complement the usual diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis pattern, cryoglobulinemic features with negative cryoglobulin have never been reported. Our case is unique not only by having an atypical histological presentation but also by meeting the criteria of atypical PIGN with persistent hypertension and microscopic hematuria.

Long-Term Nutrition: A Clinician's Guide to Successful Long-Term Enteral Access in Adults [Formula: see text].

Long-term nutrition support requires long-term enteral access. To ensure the success of long-term enteral access, many factors need to be taken into consideration. This article represents a guide to placing and maintaining access in patients requiring long-term nutrition and addresses many of the common questions regarding long-term enteral access, such as indications, types of access, feeding after access placed, and recognition and treatment of potential complications. This guide will help the clinician establish and maintain access to maximize nutrition in patients requiring long-term nutrition.

Is kidney function affecting the management of myocardial infarction? A retrospective cohort study in patients with normal kidney function, chronic kidney disease stage III-V, and ESRD.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are three times more likely to have myocardial infarction (MI) and suffer from increased morbidity and higher mortality. Traditional and unique risk factors are prevalent and constitute challenges for the standard of care. However, CKD patients have been largely excluded from clinical trials and little evidence is available to guide evidence-based treatment of coronary artery disease in patients with CKD. Our objective was to assess whether a difference exists in the management of MI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) among patients with normal kidney function, CKD stage III-V, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients admitted to Staten Island University Hospital for the diagnosis of MI between January 2005 and December 2012. Patients were assigned to one of three groups according to their kidney function: Data collected on the medical management and the use of statins, platelet inhibitors, beta-blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers were compared among the three cohorts, as well as medical interventions including: catheterization and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) when indicated. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions between nominal variables. Binary logistic analysis was used in order to determine associations between treatment modalities and comorbidities, and to account for possible confounding factors. Three hundred and thirty-four patients (mean age 67.2±13.9 years) were included. In terms of management, medical treatment was not different among the three groups. However, cardiac catheterization was performed less in ESRD when compared with no CKD and CKD stage III-V (45.6% vs 74% and 93.9%) (P<0.001). CABG was performed in comparable proportions in the three groups and CABG was not associated with the degree of CKD (P=0.078) in binary logistics regression. Cardiac catheterization on the other hand carried the strongest association among all studied variables (P<0.001). This association was maintained after adjusting for other comorbidities. The length of stay for the three cohorts (non-CKD, CKD stage III-V, and ESRD on hemodialysis) was 16, 17, and 15 days, respectively and was not statistically different. Many observations have reported discrimination of care for patients with CKD considered suboptimal candidates for aggressive management of their cardiac disease. In our study, medical therapy was achieved at high percentage and was comparable among groups of different kidney function. However, kidney disease seems to affect the management of patients with acute MI; percutaneous coronary angiography is not uniformly performed in patients with CKD and ESRD when compared with patients with normal kidney function.

Long-Term Nutrition: A Clinician's Guide to Successful Long-Term Enteral Access in Adults.

Long-term nutrition support requires long-term enteral access. To ensure the success of long-term enteral access, many factors need to be taken into consideration. This article represents a guide to placing and maintaining access in patients requiring long-term nutrition and addresses many of the common questions regarding long-term enteral access, such as indications, types of access, feeding after access placed, and recognition and treatment of potential complications. This guide will help the clinician establish and maintain access to maximize nutrition in patients requiring long-term nutrition.

Prophylactic clipping and post-polypectomy bleeding: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding after polypectomy is a common issue associated with colonoscopy. To help prevent post-polypectomy bleeding, many endoscopists place clips at the site. However, this practice remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the efficacy of clip placement in the prevention of post-polypectomy bleeding. METHODS: Multiple databases, including Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, and recent abstracts from major American meetings were searched in April 2016. Using the DerSimonian and Laird (random effects) model with odds ratio (OR), a meta-analysis was performed of post-polypectomy bleeding with prophylactic clip versus no prophylactic clip. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty potential articles and abstracts were discovered. Thirty-five articles were reviewed, with 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant difference in prophylactic clipping versus no prophylactic clipping for post-polypectomy bleeding in all polyps was found when all studies (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 0.56-4.00; P=0.42), only peer-reviewed studies where abstracts were excluded (OR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.42-1.69; P=0.63), and only randomized controlled trials (OR 1.24; 95% CI: 0.69-2.24; P=0.47) were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylactic clipping for all polypectomies does not seem to prevent post-polypectomy bleeding and should not be a routine practice. However, for large polyps (>2 cm), prophylactic clipping may or may not be beneficial in preventing post-polypectomy bleeding. Further studies are required to fully evaluate this subgroup.

International collaborative study on EUS-guided gallbladder drainage: Are we ready for prime time?

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy remains the gold standard treatment of cholecystitis. Endoscopic treatment of cholecystitis includes transpapillary gallbladder drainage. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage of the gallbladder (EUS-GBD) has been reported. This study reports the cumulative experience of an international group performing EUS-GBD. METHODS: Cases of EUS-GBD from January 2012 to November 2013 from 3 tertiary-care institutions were captured in a registry. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, procedural and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: 35 patients (15 malignant, 20 benign) were included. Median age was 81 years (SD=13.76 years), sixteen (46%) were males. Median follow-up was 91.5 days (SD=157 days). Transmural access was obtained from the stomach (n=17) or duodenum (n=18). Stents placed included plastic (n=6), metal (n=20), or combination (n=7). Technical success was achieved in 91.4% (n=32). Immediate adverse events (14%) included: bleeding, stent migration, cholecystitis and hemoperitoneum. Delayed adverse events (11%) included abscess formation and recurrence of cholecystitis. Long-term clinical success rate was 89%. Stent type and puncture site were not associated with immediate (p=0.88, p=0.62), or long-term (p=0.47, p=0.27) success. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-GBD appears to be feasible, safe, and effective. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify the best technique to use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01522573.

New devices and techniques for handling adverse events: claw, suture, or cover?

Increasingly invasive therapeutic endoscopic procedures and laparoscopic surgeries have resulted in endoscopists being challenged more frequently with perforations, fistulas, and anastomotic leakages, for which nonsurgical closure is desired. Devices and techniques are available and in development for endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal wall defects. Currently available devices with excellent clinical success rates include the over-the-scope clip and an endoscopic suturing system. Another device, the cardiac septal defect occluder, has been adapted for use in the gastrointestinal tract. Extensive endoscopic knowledge, a highly trained endoscopy team, and the availability of devices and equipment are required to manage complications endoscopically.

Closing perforations and postperforation management in endoscopy: duodenal, biliary, and colorectal.

Early recognition of adverse events arising from endoscopy is essential. In some cases the injury can be viewed clearly during the procedure, and immediate action should be taken to repair the defect endoscopically if feasible. If perforation is unclear, imaging can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical intervention is not always necessary; however, a surgical consultation for backup is essential. Selective cases can be managed conservatively or endoscopically with successful outcomes. Early recognition and intervention, input from specialist colleagues, and communication with the patient and family are keys to successfully managing the event.

Predictors of quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of quality of life (QOL) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (physical, mental, and social well-being) has become an essential tool to develop better plans of care. Objective of this study is to determine which demographic and biochemical parameters correlate with the QOL scores in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD) using Kidney Disease QOL-36 surveys (KDQOL). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all ESRD patients who underwent HD at an outpatient center. The five components of the KDQOL were the primary end points of this study (burden of kidney disease, symptoms and problems, effects of kidney disease on daily life, mental component survey, and physical component survey). Scores were grouped into three categories (below average, average, and above average). In addition to demographics (age, sex, and race), the independent variables such as weight gain, number of years on dialysis, urea reduction ratio, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, albumin, and hemoglobin in the serum were collected. Chi-square analysis for dependent variables and the nominal independent variables was used, and analysis of variance analysis was used for continuous independent variables. Ordinal regression using PLUM (polytomous universal model) method was used to weigh out possible effects of confounders. RESULTS: The cohort size was 111 patients. Mean age was 61.8 (±15.5) years; there were more males than females (64.9% vs 35.1%), the mean time-on-dialysis at the time of the study was 4.3 (4.8) years. Approximately two-thirds of the responses on all five domains of the questionnaire ranked average when compared to the national numbers. The remainders were split between above average (20.6%) and below average (13.4%). In our cohort, no relationships were statistically significant between the five dependent variables of interest and the independent variables by chi-square- and t-test analyses. This was further confirmed by regression analysis. Of note, sex carried the strongest statistical significance (with a P-value of 0.16) as a predictor of "the burden of kidney disease on daily life" in ordinal regression. CONCLUSION: Prior studies have shown variables such as serum phosphate level, intradialytic weight gain, and dialysis adequacy are associated with lower KDQOL scores; however, this was not evident in our analysis likely due to smaller sample size. Larger size studies are required to better understand the predictors of QOL in ESRD patients on HD.

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among neonates at a tertiary care centre in Lebanon.

In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in a Lebanese population and the clinical outcomes and associated adverse events encountered amongst affected patients. Newborn screening in a tertiary care centre in North Lebanon showed a prevalence of 2.1% (62 out of 3009), significantly higher in males than females, and in Muslims than Christians. Among 45 infants followed for a median of 2.2 years from birth, 12 (27%) were admitted to hospital for severe haemolytic crises, despite a programme of early family education and close follow-up. A nationwide newborn screening program to identify afflicted individuals, and to augment vigilance about this disease, should be considered in countries where the disorder is prevalent.