No Significant Difference in Post-ERCP Bleeding Rates Between Dual Antiplatelet Agents and Aspirin Alone: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several professional society guidelines suggest holding antiplatelet agents before high-risk procedures. However, there is lack of high-grade evidence to support the recommendation as most of the studies have been single center with small sample sizes. We aimed to perform the first systematic review and meta-analysis comparing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus aspirin alone in terms of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) bleeding. METHODS: Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to May 2020, evaluating the post-ERCP bleeding rate in setting of DAPT. Primary outcomes were the overall post-ERCP bleeding rate with the use of dual antiplatelet therapy; comparison of post-ERCP bleeding rate in patients with DAPT versus aspirin alone. Secondary outcomes were comparison of immediate and delayed post-ERCP bleeding outcomes in the 2 cohorts. RESULTS: Six studies were included after a thorough search was concluded using the key words. The pooled analysis of studies revealed an overall post-ERCP bleeding rate of 5.7% (95% confidence interval: 3-10.6) on sustained DAPT. Post-ERCP bleeding in DAPT Cohort was not significantly higher as compared with aspirin only Cohort (odds ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.46-2.81). The immediate bleeding and delayed bleeding rates cannot be generalized due to low number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: The first systematic review and meta-analysis showed that post-ERCP bleeding rates are not significantly higher in DAPT cohort as compared with aspirin alone. Therefore, the risk of bleeding is less likely related to the antiplatelet agents and more likely related to the procedure itself.

Safety and Efficacy of Thrombin for Bleeding Gastric Varices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal therapy for bleeding-related gastric varices is still a controversial topic. There is a paucity of literature that comprehensively summarizes the available literature regarding safety and efficacy of thrombin in bleeding gastric varices. METHODS: Four independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to October 2020, describing the use of thrombin for management of bleeding gastric varices. Primary outcomes were (1) pooled early and late rebleeding rate, (2) pooled gastric variceal related mortality rate, (3) pooled rescue therapy rate, and (4) pooled adverse event rate with the use of thrombin in bleeding gastric varices. The meta-analysis was performed and the statistics were two-tailed. Finally, probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger's test. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the analysis after comprehensive search. This yielded a pooled early rebleeding rate of 9.3% (95% CI 4.9-17) and late rebleeding rate 13.8% (95% CI 9-20.4). Pooled rescue therapy rate after injecting thrombin in bleeding gastric varices was 10.1% (95% CI 6.1-16.3). The pooled 6-week gastric variceal-related mortality rate after injecting thrombin in bleeding gastric varices was 7.6% (95% CI 4.5-12.5). There were a total of four adverse events out of a total of 222 patients with pooled adverse event rate after injecting thrombin in bleeding gastric varices was 5.6% (95% CI 2.9-10.6). CONCLUSION: In summary, the systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of thrombin for bleeding gastric varices suggest low rates of rebleeding and minimal rates of adverse events. While, early and late rebleeding rate and rescue therapy rate are similar to cyanoacrylate-based therapy, the minimal rates of adverse events are perhaps the most important benefit of thrombin. Thus, the current data suggest that thrombin is a very promising therapeutic alternative with low risk of adverse events for bleeding gastric varices.

P077 Incidence of Colonic Strictures - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal strictures are a complication of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)) that can lead to bowel obstruction and therapy failure. Intestinal strictures occurring after long-standing tissue damage and repair are more frequently reported in CD, but colonic strictures can occur in UC. However, there is a paucity of literature that comprehensively summarizes the available information regarding the incidence and etiology of colonic strictures in UC. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published reports on the incidence of colonic strictures in UC patients. METHODS: Four independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles describing the incidence of colonic strictures in UC published from inception to June 2021. Primary outcomes were (1) overall incidence of colonic strictures; (2) 10-year incidence of colonic strictures; and (3) incidence of colonic strictures containing high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or colorectal cancer (CRC). Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the outcomes between the pre-biologic era and post-biologic era. The meta-analysis was performed and the statistics were 2-tailed. Finally, probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger's test. RESULTS: Eleven studies reporting on a total of --- patients with colonic strictures were included in the analysis after comprehensive search. This yielded a pooled colonic stricture incidence rate of 5.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7-7.8). The incidence rate of colonic strictures was lower in the post-biologic era compared to the pre-biologic era but the difference was not statistically significant (2.6% vs 6%; p = 0.14). The pooled 10-year colonic stricture rate was 3.2% (95% CI 1.5-6.8). The pooled 10-year incidence rate of colonic strictures was lower in the post-biologic era compared to the pre-biologic era but the difference was not statistically significant (1% vs 1.8%; p = 0.1). The pooled incidence of strictures with associated high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or colorectal cancer (CRC) was 21.9% (95% CI 12.2-36.5). The incidence rate of HGD or CRC in colonic strictures was higher in the post-biologic era compared to the pre-biologic era but the difference was not statistically significant (23.6% vs 20.4%; p = 0.79). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis on the incidence of colonic strictures in UC showed that the overall pooled incidence and 10-year incidence of colonic strictures in UC are low. There was a trend towards lower incidences of UC strictures in the post-biologic era, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. While the overall incidence of colonic strictures, in UC is low, a high proportion of colonic strictures are associated with HGD or CRC, even in the biologic era. Therefore, this study provides further support for importance of stricture biopsy and surgical evaluation for colectomy in the UC patient with colonic stricture.

EUS guided pancreatic duct decompression in surgically altered anatomy or failed ERCP - A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: EUS-PD (EUS guided pancreatic duct drainage) is classified into two types: EUS-guided rendezvous techniques and EUS-guided PD stenting. Prior studies showed significant variation in terms of technical success, clinical success and adverse events. METHODS: Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to June 2020, describing pancreatic duct drainage utilizing EUS. Primary outcomes were technical success, clinical success of EUS-PDD and safety of EUS-PD in terms of adverse events. All meta-analysis and meta-regression tests were 2-tailed. Finally, probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger's test. RESULTS: A total of sixteen studies (503 patients) described the use of EUS-PD for pancreatic duct decompression yielded a pooled technical success rate was 81.4% (95% CI 72-88.1, I 2 = 74). Meta-regression revealed that proportion of altered anatomy and method of dilation of tract explain the variance. Overall pooled clinical success rate was 84.6% (95% CI 75.4-90.8, I 2 = 50.18). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the type of pancreatic duct decompression, proportion of altered anatomy and follow up time explained the variance. Overall pooled adverse event rate was 21.3% (95% CI 16.8-26.7, I 2 = 36.6). The most common post procedure adverse event was post procedure pain. Overall pooled adverse event rate of post EUS-PD pancreatitis was 5% (95% CI 3.2-7.8, I 2 = 0). CONCLUSION: The systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression provides answer to the questions of the overall technical success, clinical success and the adverse event rate of EUS-PD by summarizing the available literature.

Temporal trends and mortality of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the United States: a nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND : Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and most serious complication of ERCP. Our aim was to estimate the nationwide incidence, temporal trends, and mortality of PEP in the United States and to establish risk factors associated with PEP development. METHODS : This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2011 to 2017 using International Classification of Diseases codes. The primary outcomes were trends in PEP incidence and predictors of PEP development. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and admission to the intensive care unit. RESULTS : Of 1 222 467 adult patients who underwent inpatient ERCP during the study period, 55 225 (4.5 %) developed PEP. The hospital admission rate of PEP increased by 15.3 %, from 7735 in 2011 to 8920 in 2017 (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04 - 1.46; P = 0.02). The overall rate of mortality increased from 2.8 % of PEP cases in 2011 to 4.4 % in 2017 (OR 1.62, 95 %CI 1.10 - 2.38; P = 0.01). Multiple patient-related (alcohol use, cocaine use, obesity, chronic kidney disease, heart failure), procedure-related (therapeutic ERCP, sphincterotomy, pancreatic duct stent placement, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction), and hospital-related (teaching hospitals, hospitals located in the West and Midwest) factors that impact the occurrence of PEP were identified. CONCLUSIONS : Our study showed rising hospital admission and mortality rates associated with PEP in the United States. This calls for a greater recognition of this life-threatening complication and amelioration of its risk factors, whenever possible.

Acute pancreatitis in patients with COVID-19 is more severe and lethal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests an association between acute pancreatitis and COVID-19. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether COVID-19 affects the severity and outcomes associated with acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA statement were followed for this review. Digital dissertation bases were searched and all studies comparing the outcomes of acute pancreatitis amongst patients with and without COVID-19 were included. We compared the etiology, severity, length of hospital stay and mortality associated with acute pancreatitis in patients with and without COVID-19. RESULTS: Four observational studies with a total of 2,419 patients were included in the review. Presence of COVID-19 significantly increased the odds of mortality (OR 4.10, 95% CI 2.03-8.29) in patients with acute pancreatitis. These patients also had an increased incidence of severe pancreatitis (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.19-10.32), necrotizing pancreatitis (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.19-2.85) and a longer length of hospital stay (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.50-5.52), compared to non-COVID patients. Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to have an unknown or idiopathic etiology of acute pancreatitis (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.32-12.29), compared to non-COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 adversely impacts the morbidity and mortality associated with acute pancreatitis. SARS-CoV-2 may be a causative agent for acute pancreatitis. Further population-based studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

A delay in colonoscopy after positive fecal tests leads to higher incidence of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A delay in performing colonoscopies after positive fecal tests in a screening program may risk neoplastic progression. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of timing of a colonoscopy after a positive fecal test on the detection of colorectal cancer. METHODS: Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA statement were followed for this review. Digital dissertation databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2020, and all studies reporting the detection rates of colorectal cancer on the basis of different time intervals between a positive fecal test and the post-test colonoscopy were included. We compared the detection rates of colorectal cancer (overall and advanced-stage) and advanced adenoma based on different time intervals. RESULTS: A total of 361 637 patients from six observational studies were included for the analysis. The odds of detecting any colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-2.03, P < 0.001), advanced-stage colorectal cancer (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.47-3.16, P < 0.001), or advanced adenomas (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.28, P = 0.001) are significantly higher if the colonoscopies are performed after 6 months from a positive fecal test, compared with within 6 months. There was no significant difference in the detection rates based on a 1-month, a 2-month, or a 3-month cut-off. CONCLUSIONS: A delay of colonoscopies beyond 6 months after positive fecal tests is associated with a higher odds of detecting colorectal cancer. A timely follow up of patients with positive fecal tests is warranted.

A comparison of 9-min colonoscopy withdrawal time and 6-min colonoscopy withdrawal time: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal colonoscopy withdrawal time is still a controversial topic. While several studies demonstrate that longer withdrawal time improves adenoma detection rate, others have contradicted these findings. METHODS: Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to January 2021 and included studies reporting comparison of the two cohorts-(i) ≥ 6 but less than 9 min of colonoscopy withdrawal time (CWT) and (ii) ≥ 9 min of CWT. The outcome measures were the following: (i) adenoma detection rate (ADR), (ii) advanced ADR, and (iii) sessile serrated adenoma detection rate (SDR). The meta-analysis was performed, and the statistics were two-tailed. RESULTS: A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria after a thorough search of the literature was completed. The analysis revealed that ≥ 9 min of CWT had significantly higher odds of adenoma detection as compared with 6-9 min of CWT (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.82; I2  = 93.7). Additionally, a significantly higher odds of sessile serrated adenoma detection (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.22; I2  = 0) and a trend towards higher odds of advanced adenoma detection (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.98-1.95, I2  = 90) were seen with CWT of at least 9 min when compared with 6-9 min of CWT. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis analysis provides further evidence that at least 9 min of CWT cohort had significantly higher ADR and SDR as compared with the at least 6 min but less than 9 min of cohort.

Incidence of Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Worsens Outcomes with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Result of a National Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a feared complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and has been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to assess the incidence of non-variceal UGIB in patients with ACS in a national cohort and its impact on in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing the 2016 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) utilizing ICD 10 CM codes. Principal discharge diagnoses of ACS (STEMI, NSTEMI, and UA) in patients over 18 years old were included. Non-variceal UGIB with interventions including endoscopy, angiography, and embolization were also evaluated. Primary outcome was the national incidence of concomitant non-variceal UGIB in the setting of ACS. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and cost of stay. RESULTS: A total of 661,404 discharges with principal discharge diagnosis of ACS in 2016 were analyzed. Of the included cohort, 0.80% (n = 5324) were complicated with non-variceal UGIB with increased frequency in older patients (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03-1.04; p = 0.0001). Despite endoscopic evaluation, 17.35% (n = 744) underwent angiography. After adjustment of confounders, inpatient mortality was significantly higher in patients with UGIB (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.63-2.63, p = 0.0001). Non-variceal UGIB also led to significantly longer LOS (10.38 days vs 4.37 days, p = 0.0001) and cost of stay ($177,324 vs $88,468, p = 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Our study shows that the national incidence of non-variceal UGIB complicating ACS is low at less than 1%, but resulted in significantly higher inpatient mortality, LOS, and hospitalization charges.

Hemospray Versus Conventional Therapy for Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hemospray (TC-325; Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, NC) has been used effectively in hemostasis in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Current guidelines suggest using Hemospray as a temporizing measure or adjunct technique. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hemospray as a modality for primary hemostasis. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases from inception to August 1, 2022. Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles describing the application of Hemospray as the primary method of hemostasis in non-variceal upper GI bleeding patients. Three reviewers independently reviewed and abstracted data and assessed study quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Primary outcomes were (1) primary hemostasis rate, (2) rebleeding rate until hospital discharge or death, (3) need for surgery, and (4) overall mortality rate. Of the 211 studies identified, 146 underwent title and abstract review, and four were included in the systematic review. Pooled results from 303 patients showed that compared to standard of care, Hemospray has significantly higher odds of primary hemostasis (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.09-11.18, p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of rebleeding rates (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.24-2.55, p = 0.69), need for surgery (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 0.35-7.41, p = 0.54), or overall mortality (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.56-2.08, p = 0.83). This systematic review and meta-analysis prove that Hemospray is a better modality of primary hemostasis in non-variceal upper GI bleeding when used as a primary method. At the same time, there is no significant difference in complications, including rebleeding, need for surgical intervention, and all-cause mortality.

The prevalence and impact of psychiatric comorbidities on hospitalized inflammatory bowel disease patients in the United States: insights from the National Inpatient Sample from 2009-2018.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders. This study examines the temporal trends and clinical impact of anxiety and mood disorder diagnoses in hospitalized IBD patients in the United States during a 10-year period. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2009-2018, all IBD-related discharges in adults were analyzed. Primary outcomes were the prevalence and temporal trends of mood disorder and anxiety diagnoses for IBD-related admissions. The impact of the psychiatric comorbidities on clinical outcomes was also evaluated. Results: A total of 1,718,736 IBD-related discharged were identified. A diagnosis of anxiety or a mood disorder was found to have a prevalence of 16.44% and 18.97%, respectively, amongst IBD-related admissions. The prevalence of anxiety disorders amongst hospitalized IBD patients increased significantly (from 12.13% to 20.26%), whereas the prevalence of mood disorders did not (17.46% and 18.9%). IBD admissions with psychiatric comorbidities had lower rates of IBD-related complications or mortality during hospitalization compared to IBD admissions without comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. This population, however, was more likely to experience certain comorbidities such as Clostridioides difficile, pneumonia, and venous thromboembolism, as well as a longer hospitalization. Conclusions: The prevalence of comorbid anxiety among hospitalized IBD patients in the United States matches or exceeds the prevalence of anxiety in the general hospitalized population. Given its association with more in-hospital complications and a longer hospital stay, it is important to further understand how psychological screening and mental health services can improve the management of hospitalized IBD patients.

Temporal trends and risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with left ventricular assist devices: a nationwide analysis 2008-2017.

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are indicated for patients with end-stage heart failure and require systemic anticoagulation. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a major adverse event following LVAD implantation. There is paucity of data on healthcare resource utilization in patients with LVAD and the risk factors of associated bleeding, despite the increase in GI bleeding. We investigated the in-hospital outcomes of GI bleeding in patients with continuous-flow (CF) LVAD. Methods: This was a serial cross-sectional study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) in the CF-LVAD era from 2008-2017. All adults admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of GI bleeding were included. GI bleeding was diagnosed by ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Patients with CF-LVAD (cases) and without CF-LVAD (controls) were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 3,107,471 patients were discharged with a primary diagnosis of GI bleeding during the study period. Of these, 6569 (0.21%) had CF-LVAD-related GI bleeding. Overall, bleeding angiodysplasia accounted for the majority (69%) of LVAD-related GI bleeding. There was no statistical difference in mortality, but the length of hospital stay increased by 2.53 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-2.98; P<0.001) and the mean hospital charge per stay increased by $25,980 (95%CI 21,267-29,874; P<0.001) in 2017 compared to 2008. The results were consistent after propensity score matching. Conclusion: Our study highlights that patients with LVAD admitted to the hospital for GI bleeding experience longer hospital stays and greater healthcare costs that warrant risk-based patient evaluation and careful implementation of management strategies.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Management of Gastric Tube Cancers After Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review.

Esophagectomy is the proposed standard of care for resectable primary esophageal cancers and recurrent lesions in the reconstructed gastric tube (GT); however, it carries significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has established its role in the management of primary esophageal cancers with growing evidence of its safety in resecting recurrent primary lesions in GT. Our study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD in the management of recurrent, localized primary esophageal cancers in GT. We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Scopus, and clinical trial registries from inception to March 2023 for articles evaluating the safety and efficacy of ESD in the management of recurrent cancerous lesions in GT. Our primary outcome was the en bloc resection rate. Secondary outcomes were curative resection rate, complete resection rate, intra-procedural complication rate, post-procedure complication rate, and five-year survival rate. Seven studies with a total of 165 patients undergoing 192 ESDs were included in the review. The pooled en bloc resection rate was 92.5% (95% CI: 87.7-95.6), which was reported in all seven studies. Pooled complete resection rate was 78.9% (95% CI: 64.5-88.5) per three studies, pooled curative resection rate was 73.9% (95% CI: 63.5-82.2) per four studies, and pooled intra-procedural complication rate was 10.2% (95% CI: 1.5-46.3), which was reported in four studies. Only three studies reported a five-year survival rate that was 65.5% (95% CI: 56.0-73.9). ESD is safe and efficacious in the management of GT cancer after esophagectomy.

Pharmacological and Endoscopic Interventions for Prophylaxis of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis.

Background: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) represents the most common serious complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pancreatic duct stenting (PDS) are the prophylactic interventions with more evidence and efficacy; however, PEP still represents a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Chronic statin use has been proposed as a prophylactic method that could be cheap and relatively safe. However, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the impact of endoscopic and pharmacological interventions including chronic statin and aspirin use, on the development of PEP. Methods: A retrospective cohort study evaluated consecutive patients undergoing ERCP at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago from January 2015 to March 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 681 ERCPs were included in the study. Twelve (1.76%) developed PEP. Univariate, multivariate, and subgroup analyses did not show any association between chronic statin or aspirin use and PEP. PDS and rectal indomethacin were protective in patients undergoing pancreatic duct injection. Pancreatic duct injection, female sex, and younger age were associated with a higher risk. History of papillotomy was associated with lower risk only in the univariate analysis (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic use of statins and aspirin appears to add no additional benefit to prevent ERCP pancreatitis. Rectal NSAIDs, and PDS after appropriate patient selection continue to be the main prophylactic measures. The lower incidence at our center compared with the reported data can be explained by the high rates of rectal indomethacin and PDS, the use of noninvasive diagnostic modalities for patient selection, and the expertise of the endoscopists.

Evaluation of a U.S. National Cohort to Determine Utilization in Colectomy Rates for Ulcerative Colitis Among Ethnicities.

BACKGROUND: Colectomy is the curative management for ulcerative colitis (UC). Multiple studies have reported racial disparities for colectomy before the advent of anti-TNF alpha agents. The aim of this study was to describe racial and geographic differences in colectomy rates among hospitalized patients with UC after anti-TNF therapy was introduced. METHODS: We examined all patients discharged from the hospital between 2010 and 2014 with a primary diagnosis of UC or of complications of UC. The data were evaluated for race and colectomy rates among the hospitalized patients with UC. RESULTS: The unadjusted national colectomy rate among hospitalized patients with UC between 2010 and 2014 was 3.90 per 1000 hospitalization days (95% confidence interval, 3.72-4.08). The undajusted colectomy rates in African American (2.33 vs 4.35; P < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (3.99 vs 4.35; P ≤ 0.009) were considerably lower than those for White patients. After adjustment for confounders, the incidence rate ratio for African American as compared to White patients was 0.43 (95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.58; P < 0.001). Geographic region of the United States also showed significant variation in colectomy rates, with western regions having the highest rate (4.76 vs 3.20; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Racial and geographical disparities persist for the rate of colectomy among hospitalized patients with UC. The national database analysis reveals that colectomy rates for hospitalized African American and Hispanic patients were lower than those for White patients. Further studies are important to determine the social and biologic foundations of these disparities.

Effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: There are concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively summarises the available literature regarding the safety and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in IBD. METHODS: Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles describing the response of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with IBD. Primary outcomes were (1) pooled seroconversion rate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IBD patients (2) comparison of breakthrough COVID-19 infection rate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IBD patients with control cohort and (3) pooled adverse event rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. All outcomes were evaluated for one and two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Meta-regression was performed. Probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger's test. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies yielded a pooled seroconversion rate of 73.7% and 96.8% in IBD patients after one and two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine respectively. Sub-group analysis revealed non-statistically significant differences between different immunosuppressive regimens for seroconversion. Meta-regression revealed that the vaccine type and study location independently influenced seroconversion rates. There was no statistically significant difference in breakthrough infection in IBD patients as compared to control after vaccination. CONCLUSION: In summary, the systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is safe and effective in IBD patients.