Barrett's Esophagus Risk Factors in Patients Without Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Large Population-Based Study.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a lethal malignancy with an abysmal 5-year survival rate of <20%.1 Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the only known precursor to EAC.1,2 BE is characterized by intestinal metaplasia of the distal esophagus, typically arising in the setting of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).1 Hence, chronic GERD symptoms are an essential criterion for BE screening in most gastroenterology guidelines, alongside other BE risk factors including age >50 years, male sex, White race, history of tobacco smoking, hiatal hernia (HH) diagnosis, obesity, and family history of BE/EAC in first-degree relatives.1,3 Dysplastic BE and early stage EAC are amenable to endoscopic eradication therapy, highlighting the importance of BE/EAC screening and surveillance.4.

Change in serial liver stiffness measurement by magnetic resonance elastography and outcomes in NAFLD.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of disease progression in NAFLD on liver outcomes remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate NAFLD progression using longitudinal liver stiffness measurements (LSM) by serial magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and the association with liver outcomes. APPROACH AND RESULTS: All adult patients with NAFLD who underwent at least two serial MREs for clinical evaluation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 2007 and 2019 were identified from the institutional database. Progression and regression were defined based on LSM change of 19% above or below 19% of initial LSM, respectively, based on Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance consensus. The association between change in LSM and liver-related outcomes occurring after the last MRE was examined using time-to-event analysis. A total of 128 participants underwent serial MREs (53% female, median age 59 years). The median time between paired MREs was 3.4 (range 1-10.7) years. NAFLD progression (LSM = +0.61 kPa/year) was identified in 17 patients (13.3%). NAFLD regression (-0.40 kPa/year) occurred in 35 patients (27.3%). Stable LSM was noted in 76 participants (59.4%). In NAFLD without cirrhosis at baseline ( n = 75), cirrhosis development occurred in 14% of LSM progressors and 2.9% of non-progressors ( p = 0.059) over a median 2.7 years of follow-up from the last MRE. Among those with compensated cirrhosis at baseline MRE ( n = 29), decompensation or death occurred in 100% of LSM progressors and 19% of non-progressors ( p < 0.001) over a median 2.5 years of follow-up after the last MRE. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive monitoring of LSM by conventional MRE is a promising method of longitudinal NAFLD monitoring and risk estimation of liver-related outcomes in NAFLD.

Recognition of Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures at Index Endoscopy: Creation of a Predictive Model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBES) are defined by inadequate response to dilation. Early recognition of RBES allows for earlier initiation of aggressive therapy potentially leading to less morbidity and cost. We sought to establish a predictive model for RBES. METHODS: Patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with esophageal dilation at Mayo Clinic Rochester were identified. In addition, a cohort of patients from a clinical database of patients with RBES managed with self-dilation was identified. Malignant strictures, Schatzki rings, and previously treated strictures were excluded. RBES was defined by inability to maintain a diameter ≥14mm over 5 dilation sessions. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to predict RBES. RESULTS: 128 patients with index EGD and esophageal dilation were identified, with 25 meeting RBES criteria. An additional 63 RBES patients were identified from the self-dilation cohort for a total of 88 RBES and 103 non-RBES patients. Multivariable analysis yielded a strong predictive model, with a c-statistic of 0.85, identifying stricture length ≥ 2cm, diameter ≤ 7mm and proximal/diffuse stricture location as associated with a higher risk for RBES. Patients without any of these risk factors had a 2% risk of RBES while those with all 3 risk factors had a risk of 73% for RBES. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of RBES can be predicted at index EGD based on stricture features. A predictive model for RBES was created based on readily available risk factors, which may guide an individualized therapeutic approach to patients with benign esophageal stricture, potentially reducing morbidity and cost.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-based Shear Wave Elastography for Detection of Advanced Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS-SWE) is a novel modality for liver stiffness measurement. The aims of this study are to evaluate the performance and reliability of EUS-SWE for detecting advanced liver disease in a prospective cohort. METHODS: EUS-SWE measurements were prospectively obtained from patients undergoing EUS between August 2020 and March 2023. Liver stiffness measurements were compared between patients with and without advanced liver disease (ALD), defined as stage ≥3, to determine diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis and portal hypertension. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that impact the reliability of EUS-SWE readings. Select patients underwent paired magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for liver fibrosis correlation. RESULTS: Patients with ALD demonstrated higher liver stiffness compared to healthy controls (left lobe: 17.6 vs. 12.7 kPa, P<0.001; median right lobe: 24.8 vs. 11.0 kPa, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) for the detection of ALD was 0.73 and 0.80 for left and right lobe measurements, respectively. General anesthesia was associated with reliable EUS-SWE liver readings (odds ratio: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.07-7.39, P=0.040). Left lobe measurements correlated significantly with MRE with an increase of 0.11 kPa (95% CI: 0.05-0.17 kPA) for every 1 kPa increase on EUS-SWE. D. CONCLUSIONS: SWE is a promising technology that can readily be incorporated into standard EUS examinations for the assessment of ALD.

Population Based Time Trends in the Epidemiology and Mortality of Gastroesophageal Junction and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the epidemiology of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJAC), particularly in comparison to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). With the advent of molecular non-endoscopic Barrett's esophagus (BE) detection tests which sample the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction, early detection of EAC and GEJAC has become a possibility and their epidemiology has gained importance. AIMS: We sought to evaluate time trends in the epidemiology and survival of patients with EAC and GEJAC in a population-based cohort. METHODS: EAC and GEJAC patients from 1976 to 2019 were identified using ICD 9 and 10 diagnostic codes from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Clinical data and survival status were abstracted. Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR). Survival analysis and Cox proportional models were used to assess predictors of survival. RESULTS: We included 443 patients (287 EAC,156 GEJAC). The incidence of EAC and GEJAC during 1976-2019 was 1.40 (CI 1.1-1.74) and 0.83 (CI 0.61-1.11) per 100,000 people, respectively. There was an increase in the incidence of EAC (IRR = 2.45, p = 0.011) and GEJAC (IRR = 3.17, p = 0.08) from 2000 to 2004 compared to 1995-1999, plateauing in later time periods. Most patients had associated BE and presented at advanced stages, leading to high 5-year mortality rates (66% in EAC and 59% in GEJAC). Age and stage at diagnosis were predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The rising incidence of EAC/GEJAC appears to have plateaued somewhat in the last decade. However, both cancers present at advanced stages with persistently poor survival, underscoring the need for early detection.

Magnetic resonance elastography for prediction of long-term progression and outcome in chronic liver disease: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been well-established for detecting and staging liver fibrosis, its prognostic role in determining outcomes of chronic liver disease (CLD) is mostly unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS: This retrospective study consisted of 1269 subjects who underwent MRE between 2007 and 2009 and followed up until death or last known clinical encounter or end of study period. Charts were reviewed for cirrhosis development, decompensation, and transplant or death. The cohort was split into baseline noncirrhosis (group 1), compensated cirrhosis (group 2), and decompensated cirrhosis (group 3). Cox-regression analysis with age, sex, splenomegaly, CLD etiology, Child-Pugh Score (CPS), Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) score, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-adjusted HR for every 1-kPa increase in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were used to assess the predictive performance of MRE on outcomes. Group 1 (n = 821) had baseline median LSM of 2.8 kPa, and cirrhosis developed in 72 (8.8%) subjects with an overall rate of about 1% cirrhosis/year. Baseline LSM predicted the future cirrhosis with multivariable adjusted HR of 2.38 (p < 0.0001) (concordance, 0.84). In group 2 (n = 277) with baseline median LSM of 5.7 kPa, 83 (30%) subjects developed decompensation. Baseline LSM predicted the future decompensation in cirrhosis with FIB-4 and MELD-adjusted HR of 1.22 (p < 0.0001) (concordance, 0.75). In group 3 (n = 171) with median baseline LSM of 6.8 kPa (5.2, 8.4), 113 (66%) subjects had either death or transplant. Baseline LSM predicted the future transplant or death with HR of 1.11 (p = 0.013) (concordance 0.53) but not in CPS and MELD-adjusted models (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: MRE-based LSM is independently predictive of development of future cirrhosis and decompensation, and has predictive value in future transplant/death in patients with CLD.

ROAR ED-SANE: A Retrospective Observational Assessment Review of an Emergency Department Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program's Adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

BACKGROUND: Sexual assault survivors are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner programs guide sexually transmitted infection treatment, monitoring, and follow-up scheduling according to guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reported low rates of provider adherence to CDC treatment guidelines and patient adherence to follow-up necessitate a review of medication prescribing and follow-up scheduling practices, especially at smaller community hospitals in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was conducted to assess adherence rates to CDC guidelines for prescribing practices, scheduling, and follow-up of sexual assault survivors. We included pediatric and adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) and participating in the ED Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program at a rural, community-based teaching hospital in La Crosse, WI, from January 2018 to December 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate results. RESULTS: Analysis included 103 patients. Prescribing adherence to CDC guidelines was >80% for all except human immunodeficiency virus (53.4%), trichomoniasis (68.1%), and hepatitis B (69%). Of the 38 patients who had a follow-up scheduled during their ED encounter, 78.9% attended their scheduled follow-up and 94.7% of those appointments were scheduled within the CDC-recommended time frame, leading to an overall adherence of 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence rates were high for most prescribing practices, and attendance of scheduled follow-up was higher than expected. Opportunities to improved adherence to CDC guidelines were identified in prescribing for 3 disease states (human immunodeficiency virus, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis B) and in scheduling of follow-up.

Defining Antibiotic Inertia: Application of a Focused Clinical Scenario Survey to Illuminate A New Target for Antimicrobial Stewardship During Transitions of Care.

In clinical scenario surveys, inpatient providers were more likely to report continuing inappropriate (odds ratio, 2.02 [95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.03]; P<.001) or broad-spectrum (1.8 [1.27-2.56]; P=.001) antibiotic therapy when initiated by emergency department providers, than to change to appropriate or narrow-spectrum therapy, respectively. Antibiotic inertia could represent a significant antibiotic stewardship target.

Comparative outcomes of radiofrequency ablation and cryoballoon ablation in dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Strong evidence supports the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of dysplastic/neoplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). Recently, the efficacy of the cryoballoon ablation (CBA) system was demonstrated in multicenter cohort studies. We aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of these 2 ablation modalities for endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) in a cohort study. METHODS: Data were abstracted on patients with dysplastic BE or intramucosal carcinoma undergoing EET using RFA or CBA as the primary ablation modality at 2 referral centers. The primary outcome was the rate of complete remission intestinal metaplasia (CRIM). Secondary outcomes were rates of complete remission of dysplasia (CRD) and adverse events. Cox proportional hazards models and propensity scored-matched analyses were conducted to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred eleven patients (CBA, 85 patients; RFA, 226 patients) with a median follow-up of 1.5 years (interquartile range, .8, 2.5) in the RFA group and 2.0 years (interquartile range, 1.3, 2.5) in the CBA group were studied. On multivariable analyses, the chances of reaching CRD and CRIM were not influenced by ablation modality. Propensity score-matched analysis revealed a comparable chance of achieving CRIM (CBA vs RFA: hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, .79-1.96; P = .35) and CRD (CBA vs RFA: hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, .82-1.73; P = .36). The CBA group had a higher stricture rate compared with the RFA group (10.4% vs 4.4%, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Histologic outcomes of EET using CBA and RFA for dysplastic BE appear to be comparable. A randomized trial is needed to definitively compare outcomes between these 2 modalities.

Prevalence and Categorization of Drug-Related Problems in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common among patients seen in the emergency department (ED), but the true incidence is not clear. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of DRPs among patients seen in a U.S. ED. The secondary objective was to categorize these DRPs by problem type and by medication class. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study of a random sample of ED patients between December 2011 and March 2013. ED pharmacists screened randomly selected patients for the presence of a DRP contributing to the ED visit. Four independent auditors evaluated the results to achieve consensus for the presence or absence of DRPs and categorization of the DRPs. RESULTS: Among 1039 patients screened for DRPs, 308 (29.6%) were found to have at least 1 DRP contributing to the ED visit. Among a total of 443 DRPs, the most commonly identified categories were adverse drug reaction (n = 193 [43.6%]), ineffective medication (n = 69 [15.6%]), and subtherapeutic dosage (n = 68 [15.3%]). The most commonly implicated drug classes were cardiovascular medications (n = 113 [26.5%]), anti-infective medications (n = 52 [12.2%]), and analgesic medications (n = 58 [13.6%]). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of ED visits are associated in part or in total with DRPs. Adverse drug reactions and cardiovascular medications are the most common category and medication class implicated, respectively.

Outcomes of radiofrequency ablation by manual versus self-sizing circumferential balloon catheters for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a multicenter comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the preferred ablative modality for treating dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The recently introduced self-sizing circumferential ablation catheter eliminates the need for a sizing balloon. Although it enhances efficiency, outcomes have not been compared with the previous manual-sizing catheter. We evaluated the comparative safety and efficacy of these 2 ablation systems in a large, multicenter cohort. METHODS: Patients undergoing RFA at 3 tertiary care centers from 2005 to 2018 were included. Circumferential RFA was performed in a standard fashion, followed by focal RFA as needed. Outcomes were compared between the self-sizing and manual-sizing groups. The primary outcome was the rate of adverse events, including strictures, perforation, and bleeding. Secondary outcomes were procedure time and treatment efficacy, as assessed by rates and time to complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). RESULTS: Three hundred eighteen patients were included, 90 (28.3%) treated with the self-sizing catheter and 228 (71.7%) with the manual-sizing catheter. Twenty-one patients (6.6%) developed strictures (8 [8.9%] in the self-sizing group and 13 [5.7%] in the manual-sizing group, P = .32). Of the self-sizing strictures, 75% occurred at the 12J dose before widespread adoption of the current 10J treatment standard. One patient developed bleeding, and no perforations were encountered. Procedure time was significantly shorter in the self-sizing group. No significant differences were observed in rates of and time to CE-D and CE-IM. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both systems are comparable in safety and efficacy. The use of the self-sizing system may enhance the efficiency of RFA for treating dysplastic Barrett's esophagus.

Malignancy among adult heart transplant recipients following patient-tailored dosing of anti-thymocyte globulin: a retrospective, nested case-control study of individualized dosing.

Post-transplant malignancy is diagnosed in approximately 18% of heart transplant patients and is a leading cause of death post-transplant. One modifiable risk factor is the type and amount of immunosuppression received. Contemporary rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) dosing strategy using T-cell-guided dosing, and its effect on malignancy in heart transplant patients is unclear. This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of heart transplant recipients receiving rATG for induction. Patients diagnosed with malignancy post-transplant were matched 1:2 to controls using a nested case-control design. The primary endpoint was to determine the relative risk of rATG exposure with the actual incidence of malignancy post-transplant. The secondary endpoint was the impact of maintenance immunosuppression on malignancy risk. Of the 126 patients included in the study, 25 developed malignancy and were matched to 50 control patients. The median cumulative rATG dose in milligrams (mg) between groups was 365 mg in malignancy cases and 480 mg in controls (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.75-1.08, P = 0.28). In both the univariate and multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in malignancy risk found with any maintenance immunosuppressant. The results of this study showed that patient-tailored rATG dosing strategies may not be associated with malignancy development as previously thought.

Early, empiric high-dose leucovorin rescue in lymphoma patients treated with sequential doses of high-dose methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: In patients exposed to high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX; >1g/m2) with a history of elevated methotrexate (MTX) concentrations during previous doses, it is unclear whether prescribing high-dose leucovorin (HDLV) rescue limits future high levels or reduces the likelihood of acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study longitudinally followed adult lymphoma patients treated with HDMTX between 1/1/2011 and 10/31/2017 from diagnosis until 30 days after the last HDMTX dose. Endpoints included elevated MTX concentrations at 48 h (>1.0 µmol/L) and incident AKI after each HDMTX dose. RESULTS: The 321 included patients had a median (IQR) age of 65 (57, 72) years, 190 (59%) were male, and 293 (91%) were Caucasian. There were 1558 HDMTX doses [median (IQR) 3 (2, 6) doses per patient] prescribed with 265 (83%) patients receiving more than one MTX dose. Those receiving HDLV rescue were more likely to have an elevated MTX concentration after that dose (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.75-4.11, p < 0.001). Receiving HDLV rescue was associated with a greater likelihood of AKI after MTX (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.38-3.43, p < 0.001). Hospital LOS was longer in those prescribed empiric HDLV rescue after MTX than those prescribed standard leucovorin with an estimated difference of 1.1 days, (95% CI: 0.5-1.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sequential HDMTX doses are associated with a significant incidence of elevated MTX levels and AKI during lymphoma management. HDLV rescue prescribed during subsequent MTX doses in patients with a previously elevated level was not associated with improved safety outcomes. The optimal supportive care strategy following HDMTX administration requires further investigation.

A Prospective Survey of Outpatient Medication Adherence in Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients.

Limited data exist regarding the prevalence and outcome of medication nonadherence in the adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) population. The objective of this cross-sectional survey study is to determine the prevalence of medication nonadherence to immunosuppressant and nonimmunosuppressant medications in adult recipients of allo-HSCT. An electronic survey using previously validated medication adherence scales was distributed between December 2014 and April 2015 to 200 adult patients with at least 3 months of follow-up after allo-HSCT. Immunosuppressant serum drug levels and prescription refill records were retrospectively collected to assess correlation with survey responses. In the entire cohort, 51% of subjects (n = 102) reported nonadherence to nonimmunosuppressant medications (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.07% to 57.93%) on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Of the 153 patients taking oral immunosuppressant medications at the time of the survey, 58 (37.9%) reported nonadherence to immunosuppressant therapy (95% CI, 30.22% to 45.6%), as measured by the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale. Younger age and distress were associated with medication nonadherence. Nonadherence to immunosuppressant therapy was associated with mild chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD), and a similar trend was observed for moderate cGVHD. Medication nonadherence was found to be highly prevalent for both immunosuppressant and nonimmunosuppressant medications in adult allo-HSCT recipient, and further study to identify interventions to improve adherence in these patients is warranted.

Outcomes of patients with submucosal (T1b) esophageal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The treatment of submucosal (T1b) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains in evolution, with some evidence supporting endoscopic management of low-risk lesions. Using a multicenter cohort, we evaluated outcomes of patients with T1b EAC and predictors of survival. METHODS: Patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 with T1b EAC were identified from 3 academic medical centers in the United States. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected. Outcomes studied were overall and cancer-free survival. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to assess independent predictors of survival. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one patients were included, of whom 68 (48%) underwent esophagectomy and 73 (52%) were treated endoscopically. Most patients (85.8%) had high-risk histologic features. Thirty-day operative mortality was 2.9%. Median follow-up in the esophagectomy and endoscopic cohorts was 49.4 and 43.4 months, respectively. Patients treated endoscopically were older with higher comorbidity scores, with 46 (63%) achieving histologic remission. Nineteen patients (26.0%) also received chemoradiation. Five-year overall survival rates in the surgical and endoscopic cohorts were 89% and 59%, respectively, whereas 5-year cancer-free survival rates were 92% and 69%. Presence of high-risk histologic features was associated with reduced overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: In this large multicenter study of patients with T1b EAC, esophagectomy was associated with improved overall but not cancer-free survival. High-risk histologic features were associated with poorer survival.

Unfractionated heparin infusion for treatment of venous thromboembolism based on actual body weight without dose capping.

Controversy exists regarding the use of dose capping of weight-based unfractionated heparin (UFH) infusions in obese and morbidly obese patients. The primary objective of this study was to compare time to first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in hospitalized patients receiving UFH for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) among three body mass index (BMI) cohorts: non-obese (< 30 kg/m2), obese (30-39.9 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (⩾ 40 kg/m2). In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, patients were included if they ⩾ 18 years of age, had a documented VTE, and were on an infusion of UFH for at least 24 hours. Weight-based UFH doses were calculated using actual body weight. A total of 423 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 230 (54.4%), 146 (34.5%), and 47 (11.1%) patients in the non-obese, obese, and morbidly obese cohorts, respectively. Median times to therapeutic aPTT were 16.4, 16.6, and 17.1 hours in each cohort. Within 24 hours, the cumulative incidence rates for therapeutic aPTT were 70.7% for the non-obese group, 69.9% for the obese group, and 61.7% for the morbidly obese group (obese vs non-obese: HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.82-1.26, p = 0.88; morbidly obese vs non-obese: HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.62-1.21, p = 0.41). There was no significant difference in major bleeding events between BMI groups (obese vs non-obese, p = 0.91; morbidly obese vs non-obese, p = 0.98). Based on our study, heparin dosing based on actual body weight without a dose cap is safe and effective.

Effect of ß-Lactam Plus Macrolide Versus Fluoroquinolone on 30-Day Readmissions for Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic therapy with a macrolide and ß-lactam or a fluoroquinolone for the empirical treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in an inpatient non-intensive care setting is recommended per guidelines. Studies show that these treatments have similar outcomes, including death, adverse effects, and bacterial eradication. However, a comparison of 30-day readmission rates between these treatments is limited. STUDY QUESTION: To determine whether 30-day readmissions for patients treated for CAP in a regional hospital differed between a fluoroquinolone monotherapy and a ß-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥18 years with a CAP diagnosis who were admitted to the same regional hospital from December 1, 2011, through December 1, 2016. MEASURES AND OUTCOMES: Patients receiving a third-generation cephalosporin plus macrolide were compared with those receiving a respiratory fluoroquinolone. Exclusion criteria were concurrent or recent use of the study antibiotics; death, transfer, or transition to hospice; and diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia or health care-associated pneumonia. The collected data were 30-day readmission rates, antibiotic regimens, demographic characteristics, and pneumonia severity index and comorbidity scores. Association between treatment group and readmissions was assessed with logistic regression. Association between readmissions and individual data points between the 2 treatment groups was calculated with multivariate regression and odds ratio (95% confidence interval). RESULTS: Of 432 patients, 171 met inclusion criteria (fluoroquinolone group, n = 101; ß-lactam plus macrolide group, n = 70). Thirty-day readmissions were not significantly different between the fluoroquinolone group and ß-lactam plus macrolide group (P = 0.58). Increased 30-day readmissions were independently associated with male sex and hospital length of stay (P < 0.05). Length of stay was approximately 3 days and did not differ between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was seen in 30-day readmissions between CAP patients who received fluoroquinolone monotherapy and those who received ß-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy.

Timeline and location of recurrence following successful ablation in Barrett's oesophagus: an international multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: Surveillance interval protocols after complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) post radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in Barrett's oesophagus (BE) are currently empiric and not based on substantial evidence. We aimed to assess the timeline, location and patterns of recurrence following CRIM to inform these guidelines. DESIGN: Data on patients undergoing RFA for BE were obtained from prospectively maintained databases of five (three USA and two UK) tertiary referral centres. RFA was performed until CRIM was confirmed on two consecutive endoscopies. RESULTS: 594 patients achieved CRIM as of 1 May 2017. 151 subjects developed recurrent BE over a median (IQR) follow-up of 2.8 (1.4-4.4) years. There was 19% cumulative recurrence risk of any BE within 2 years and an additional 49% risk over the next 8.6 years. There was no evidence of a clinically meaningful change in the recurrence hazard rate of any BE, dysplastic BE or high-grade dysplasia/cancer over the duration of follow-up, with an estimated 2% (95% CI -7% to 12%) change in recurrence rate of any BE in a doubling of follow-up time. 74% of BE recurrences developed at the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) (24.1% were dysplastic) and 26% in the tubular oesophagus. The yield of random biopsies from the tubular oesophagus, in the absence of visible lesions, was 1% (BE) and 0.2% (dysplasia). CONCLUSIONS: BE recurrence risk following CRIM remained constant over time, suggesting that lengthening of follow-up intervals, at least in the first 5 years after CRIM, may not be advisable. Sampling the GOJ is critical to detecting recurrence. The requirement for random biopsies of the neosquamous epithelium in the absence of visible lesions may need to be re-evaluated.

Relationship of Ganciclovir Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with Clinical Efficacy and Patient Safety.

The clinical utility of ganciclovir therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients treated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with ganciclovir with TDM between 2005 and 2015. The primary outcome was an association between ganciclovir TDM and clinical efficacy endpoints within 30 days, defined by viral load and symptomatology. Secondary outcomes included safety endpoints, evaluated within 7 days of the last administered dose of ganciclovir. Of 175 patients evaluated, 82 patients with CMV infection were included in our analysis with a median (interquartile range) baseline CMV viral load of 5,500 (3,000 to 15,200) copies/ml. The majority achieved undetectable or reduced CMV viral load below the lower limit of quantification (74.4%) with improvement in symptomatology (70.7%) at 30 days. Among patients with detectable CMV viremia at 30 days, the viral load had declined to a median of 1,000 (1,000 to 3,090) copies/ml. We did not observe significant associations between the efficacy outcomes and ganciclovir trough (P = 0.20 and P = 0.20, respectively) or peak concentrations (P = 0.14 and P = 0.14, respectively). Similarly, there was no significant association between ganciclovir trough or peak concentrations and safety endpoints, including leukopenia (P = 0.48 and P = 0.69), neutropenia (P = 0.59 and P = 0.69), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.29 and P = 0.37), anemia (P = 0.51 and P = 0.35), nephrotoxicity (P = 0.41 and P = 0.57), and neurotoxicity (P = 0.22 and P = 0.48). We did not observe any associations between ganciclovir TDM and clinical efficacy or safety endpoints. Routine ganciclovir TDM may be of limited value. Future studies may be warranted to identify specific populations with unpredictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles in whom ganciclovir TDM may be of benefit.

Differing Impact of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Sarcopenia and frailty are commonly encountered in patients with end-stage liver disease and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including decompensation and wait-list mortality. The impact of these entities in patients with differing disease etiologies has not been elucidated. We aim to ascertain the change in their prevalence over time on the wait list and determine their impact on hospitalization, delisting, and wait-list survival, specifically for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Adult patients who were evaluated for their first liver transplant from 2014 to 2016 with a primary diagnosis of NASH (n = 136) or ALD (n = 129) were included. Computed tomography scans were used to determine the presence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis. Frailty was diagnosed using the Rockwood frailty index. Patients with NASH had a significantly lower prevalence of sarcopenia (22% versus 47%; P < 0.001) but a significantly higher prevalence of frailty (49% versus 34%; P = 0.03) when compared with patients with ALD at the time of listing. In patients with NASH, sarcopenia was not associated with adverse events, but a higher frailty score was associated with an increased length of hospitalization (P = 0.05) and an increased risk of delisting (P = 0.02). In patients with ALD, univariate analysis showed the presence of sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of delisting (P = 0.01). In conclusion, sarcopenia and frailty occur with differing prevalence with variable impact on outcomes in wait-listed patients with NASH and ALD.