Outcomes of endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection in laterally spreading colorectal polyps: A tertiary care centre experience from India.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD) is an established endoscopic modality for the management of colorectal polyps. However, there are no studies regarding the outcomes of ESD from India. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the outcomes of ESD in patients with adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent ESD for colorectal polyps from 2018 to 2021 were analyzed, retrospectively. The primary outcome of the study was the technical success of ESD. The secondary outcomes included the rate of histologically complete resection (R0), adverse events and recurrence. RESULTS: Seventy patients (63.5 years, 60% males) underwent ESD for polyps in colon and rectum. A majority were located in rectum (80%) and sigmoid colon (15.7%). Narrow band classification of the polyps was Japanese Narrow Band Imaging Expert Team (JNET)-2a in 50 (71.4%) and JNET-2b in 13 (18.6%) patients. ESD was technically successful in 64 (91.4%) patients using conventional technique (72.8%) and pocket or tunnelling technique (18.6%). There were no major adverse events. Histologically RO was achieved in 58 (82.8%) patients and deep sub-mucosal invasion was noted in 12 patients. At a median follow-up of 19 (interquartile range [IQR] 15-27) months, recurrence was noticed in four (5.7%) patients all of which could be managed endoscopically. CONCLUSION: ESD, performed at a tertiary care centre in India, yields high rates of technical success and histologically R0, with a relatively low incidence of adverse events and recurrences.

Endoscopic interventions in pancreatic strictures and stones-A structured approach.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an irreversible disease of varied etiology characterized by destruction of pancreatic tissue and loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. Pain is the dominant and most common presenting symptom. The common cause for pain in CP is ductal hypertension due to obstruction of the flow of pancreatic juice in the main pancreatic duct either due to stones or stricture or a combination of both. With advances in technology and techniques, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and stenting should be the first line of therapy for strictures of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Small calculi in the MPD can be extracted by ERCP and balloon trawl. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) remains the standard of care for large pancreatic calculi and aims to fragment the stones 3 mm or less that can easily be extracted by a subsequent ERCP. Single operator pancreatoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy is a technique in evolution and can be tried when ESWL is not available or is unsuccessful in producing stone fragmentation.

Leveraging existing mid-end ultrasound machine for point-of-care intestinal ultrasound in low-resource settings: Prospective, real-world impact on clinical decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has transformed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, but the cost to purchase high-end equipment can be prohibitive. AIM: To assess prospectively the feasibility of POCUS using pre-existing mid-end ultrasound equipment without incurring additional cost. METHODS: Consecutive IBD patients underwent POCUS with or without faecal calprotectin (FCP) using a mid-end ultrasound machine. If POCUS with or without FCP could not guide management, we performed additional ileocolonoscopy or cross-sectional imaging. We evaluated the impact of POCUS on IBD management and its correlation with ileocolonoscopy or cross-sectional imaging. We analysed pregnant, paediatric and post-operative patients separately. RESULTS: Among 508 patients with IBD, we analysed 419 (60.4% Crohn's disease [CD]; 61.3% male, age [years]: 36 [18-78]) undergoing 556 POCUS sessions. POCUS with or without FCP independently influenced clinical management in 42.8% of patients with CD and 49.7% with ulcerative colitis (UC). POCUS helped avoid colonoscopy in 51.4% of patients with CD and 51.8% with UC, and cross-sectional imaging in 38.1% of suspected active small bowel CD. In patients with additional diagnostics, POCUS-based decisions remained unchanged in 81.2% with CD and 85% with UC. Sensitivity and specificity of POCUS compared to ileocolonoscopy were 80% and 94.4% for CD and 80.8% and 92.8% for UC, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity compared to cross-sectional imaging were 87.2% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: POCUS using existing mid-end ultrasound equipment in low-resource settings influenced IBD clinical decision-making with excellent accuracy, often avoiding colonoscopy and cross-sectional imaging.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes: Emerging evidence of benefit of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors agonists and incretin-based therapies.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global epidemic, affecting more than half of the people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The relationship between NAFLD and T2D is bidirectional and the presence of one perpetuates the other, which significantly increases the hepatic as well as extrahepatic complications. Until recently, there was no approved pharmacological treatment for NAFLD/ nonalcoholic steatohepatitits (NASH). However, there is evidence that drugs used for diabetes may have beneficial effects on NAFLD. Insulin sensitizers acting through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) modulation act on multiple levels of NAFLD pathogenesis. Pioglitazone (PPARγ agonist) and saroglitazar (PPARα/γ agonist) are particularly beneficial and recommended by several authoritative bodies for treating NAFLD in T2D, although data on biopsy-proven NASH are lacking with the latter. Initial data on elafibanor (PPAR α/δ agonist) and Lanifibranor (pan PPAR agonist) are promising. On the other hand, incretin therapies based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and dual- and triple-hormone receptor co-agonists reported impressive weight loss and may have anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. GLP-1 RAs have shown beneficial effects on NAFLD/NASH and more studies on potential direct effects on liver function by dual- and triple-agonists are required. Furthermore, the long-term safety of these therapies in NAFLD needs to be established. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers such as primary care doctors, hepatologists, and endocrinologists are warranted for selecting patients for the best possible management of NAFLD in T2D.

Primary caregiver burden and undiagnosed mental health illness in out-patients with inflammatory bowel disease-A multicentric prospective survey from the IBD Emerging Nations' Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Mental health is an overlooked aspect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient care with limited data from the developing world. The primary caregiver burden is expected to be high, but has not been evaluated. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of consecutive out-patients with no diagnosed mental health illness (n = 289) and their primary caregivers (n = 247) from 10 centers across eight countries (Bangladesh, India, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand) of IBD-Emerging Nations' Consortium (ENC). Patients were assessed for anxiety (PHQ-9), depression (GAD-7), quality of life (SIBDQ, IBDCOPE) and medication adherence (MMAS-8). Caregiver burden was assessed by Zarit-Burden Interview (ZBI), Ferrans and Power Quality of Life (QOL) scores and coping strategies (BRIEF-COPE). Multivariate logistic regression and correlation analyses were performed to identify risk factors and the impact on QOL in patients and caregivers. RESULTS: Moderate to severe depression and anxiety were noted in 33% (severe 3.5%) and 24% (severe 3.8%) patients, respectively. The risk factor for depression was active disease (p < 0.001, OR6.3), while male gender (p = 0.01, OR0.45) and medication adherence (p = 0.003, OR0.75) were protective. Risk factors for anxiety were unmarried status (p = 0.015, OR2.3), female gender (p = 0.004, OR0.41), steroid use (p = 0.016, OR2.1) and active disease (p < 0.001, OR7.97). High GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores positively correlated with high disease activity (r = 0.55, p < 0.001, Crohn's disease; r = 0.52, p < 0.001 ulcerative colitis) and negatively with SIBDQ (r = - 0.63, p < 0.001; r = - 0.64, p < 0.001 CD; r = 0.36, p = 0.001,UC). Sixty-five per cent (159/249) primary caregivers reported high burden (ZBI ≥ 21), which positively correlated with low educational status and low-income and negatively with QOL(r = - 0.33, p < 0.001). The primary adaptive coping strategy among caregivers was religion, while maladaptive strategy was self-distraction. CONCLUSION: Nearly two-thirds of primary caregivers reported high burden of care. There was also high prevalence of undiagnosed depression and anxiety in IBD out-patients. This highlights the need for patient-caregiver integrated mental-health services in the developing world.

Interventional endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease: a comprehensive review.

Interventional endoscopy can play a key role in the multidisciplinary management of complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as an adjunct to medical and surgical therapy. The primary role of interventional IBD (IIBD) includes the treatment of Crohn's disease-related stricture, fistula, and abscess. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD), endoscopic stricturotomy, and placement of endoscopic stents are different forms of endoscopic stricture therapy. EBD is the most widely used therapy whereas endoscopic stricturotomy has higher long-term efficacy than EBD. Fully covered and partially covered self-expanding metal stents are useful in long and refractory strictures whereas lumen-apposing metal stents can be used in short, and anastomotic strictures. Endoscopic fistula/abscess therapy includes endoscopic fistulotomy, seton placement, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of rectal/pelvic abscess, and endoscopic injection of filling agents (fistula plug/glue/stem cell). Endoscopic seton placement and fistulotomy are mainly feasible in short, superficial, single tract fistula and in those with prior surgical seton placement. Similarly, endoscopic fistulotomy is usually feasible in short, superficial, single-tract fistula. Endoscopic closure therapies like over-the-scope clips, suturing, and self-expanding metal stent should be avoided for de novo/bowel to hollow organ fistulas. Other indications include management of postoperative complications in IBD such as management of surgical leaks and complications of pouchitis in ulcerative colitis. Additional indications include endoscopic resection of ulcerative colitis-associated neoplasia (by endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and endoscopic full-thickness resection), retrieval of retained capsule endoscope, and control of bleeding. IIBD therapies can potentially act as a bridge between medical and surgical therapy for properly selected IBD patients.

A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a patented fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract in Type 2 diabetics.

Background: Fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum) constitutes a traditionally acclaimed herbal remedy for many human ailments including diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive disorders. It is also used as an effective anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal agent. The seed of the plant is especially enriched in several bioactive molecules including polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids and has demonstrated potential to act as an antidiabetic phytotherapeutic. A novel patented formulation (Fenfuro®) was developed in our laboratory from the fenugreek seeds which contained >45% furostanolic saponins (HPLC). Objective: A placebo-controlled clinical compliance study was designed to assess the effects of complementing Fenfuro® on a randomized group of human volunteers on antidiabetic therapy (Metformin and sulphonylurea) in controlling the glycemic index along with simultaneous safety assessment. Study methodology and trial design: In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 42 individuals (21 male and 21 female volunteers) in the treatment group (out of 57 enrolled) and 39 individuals (17 male and 22 female volunteers) in the placebo group (out of 47 enrolled), all on antidiabetic therapy with Metformin/Metformin with sulphonyl urea within the age group of 18-65 years were administered either 1,000 mg (500 mg × 2) (Fenfuro®) capsules or placebo over a period of 12 consecutive weeks. Fasting and postprandial glucose along with glycated hemoglobin were determined as primary outcomes to assess the antidiabetic potential of the formulation. Moreover, in order to evaluate the safety of the formulation, C-peptide and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels as well as immunohematological parameters were assessed between the treatment and placebo groups at the completion of the study. Results: After 12 weeks of administration, both fasting as well as postprandial serum glucose levels decreased by 38 and 44% respectively in the treatment group. Simultaneously, a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin by about 34.7% was also noted. The formulation did not have any adverse effect on the study subjects as there was no significant change in C- peptide level and TSH level; liver, kidney, and cardiovascular function was also found to be normal as assessed by serum levels of key immunohematological parameters. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This clinical compliance study re-instated and established the safety and efficacy of Fenfuro® as an effective phytotherapeutic to treat hyperglycemia.

Management of ERCP complications.

Managing complications of ERCP poses a significant clinical challenge to endoscopists. ERCP complications can occur even after all preventive measures, which can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Major complications include pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, and sedation-related adverse events. Early recognition of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is feasible by monitoring clinical parameters and specific cutoffs of serum amylase and lipase at 2-6 h post-ERCP. Pancreatic stenting for PEP is not recommended and can increase the incidence of infected necrosis in addition to being technically challenging. Post-sphincterotomy bleeds can be treated by diluted epinephrine with or without thermal therapy, or mechanical therapy (clips or fully covered metallic stents) failing which angiographic embolization and rarely open surgical vessel ligation may be warranted. Post-ERCP perforations can lead to significant morbidity and are usually treated with endoscopic closure of the defect, diverting bile flow, draining collections, and reducing fluid load at the site of perforation failing which surgery may be warranted. Broad-spectrum antibiotics with endoscopic or radiologic drainage of undrained segments help treat post-ERCP cholangitis. Hypoxia and hypertension are the most common sedation-related adverse events without long-term consequences except aspiration pneumonia (<0.5%). Awareness with a high index of suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of uncommon post-ERCP complications.

Association between Usage of Prophylactic AYUSH Medicines and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Prior vaccination is often studied for its impact on individuals' post-infection prognosis. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicines, advised by the Government of India as prophylaxis during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, were consumed by the masses in 2020. A study was therefore undertaken to observe any association between the prior usage of AYUSH prophylactic medicines and post-infection severity as reported by recovered COVID-19 individuals. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multi-centre, cohort study conducted in 21 cities of India from 5th August to 30th November 2020. Data from recovered COVID-19 patients, of either sex or any age, captured information about AYUSH prophylactic medicines intake prior to infection, disease severity, symptomatology, duration of complaints, etc. The study participants were grouped into AYUSH intake and non-intake. Primary composite outcome was the disease clinical course. Secondary clinical outcomes were the rate of and time to clinical recovery. RESULTS: Data of 5,023 persons were analysed. Ayurveda or homeopathic prophylactic medicines were consumed by more than half of the study participants: that is, 56.85% (n = 1,556) and 56.81% (n = 1,555) respectively. The overall adjusted protective effect (PE) of AYUSH prophylactic intake against moderate/severe forms of COVID-19 disease was 56.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.7 to 63.50; p < 0.001). Adjusted PE for homeopathy and Siddha was 52.9% (95% CI, 42.30 to 61.50; p < 0.001) and 59.8% (95% CI, 37.80 to 74.10; p < 0.001), respectively. A statistically significant association was found between AYUSH prophylactic medicine intake and clinical recovery more frequently by the 3rd day of illness (χ2 = 9.01; p = 0.002). Time to resolution of symptoms in the AYUSH intake group was on average 0.3 days earlier than in the non-intake group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: AYUSH prophylactics were associated with statistically significant levels of protection against COVID-19 disease severity. Amongst these, previous intake of homeopathy or Siddha medicines was associated with some protection against moderate/severe illness and with a somewhat quicker clinical recovery. Prospective studies with experimental research design are needed to validate the findings of this study. STUDY REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2020/08/027000).

Artificial intelligence in endoscopy related to inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In spite of rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in digestive endoscopy in lesion detection and characterization, the role of AI in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) endoscopy is not clearly defined. We aimed at systematically reviewing the role of AI in IBD endoscopy and identifying future research areas. METHODS: We searched the PubMed and Embase database using keywords ("artificial intelligence" OR "machine learning" OR "computer-aided" OR "convolutional neural network") AND ("inflammatory bowel disease" OR "ulcerative colitis" OR "Crohn's") AND ("endoscopy" or "colonoscopy" or "capsule endoscopy" or "device assisted enteroscopy") between 1975 and September 2023 and identified 62 original articles for detailed review. Review articles, consensus guidelines, case reports/series, editorials, letter to the editor, non-peer-reviewed pre-prints and conference abstracts were excluded. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the MI-CLAIM checklist. RESULTS: The accuracy of AI models (25 studies) to assess ulcerative colitis (UC) endoscopic activity ranged between 86.54% and 94.5%. AI-assisted capsule endoscopy reading (12 studies) substantially reduced analyzable images and reading time with excellent accuracy (90.5% to 99.9%). AI-assisted analysis of colonoscopic images can help differentiate IBD from non-IBD, UC from non-UC and UC from Crohn's disease (CD) (three studies) with 72.1%, 98.3% and > 90% accuracy, respectively. AI models based on non-invasive clinical and radiologic parameters could predict endoscopic activity (three studies). AI-assisted virtual chromoendoscopy (four studies) could predict histologic remission and long-term outcomes. Computer-assisted detection (CADe) of dysplasia (two studies) is feasible along with AI-based differentiation of high from low-grade IBD neoplasia (79% accuracy). AI is effective in linking electronic medical record data (two studies) with colonoscopic videos to facilitate widespread machine learning. CONCLUSION: AI-assisted IBD endoscopy has the potential to impact clinical management by automated detection and characterization of endoscopic lesions. Large, multi-center, prospective studies and commercially available IBD-specific endoscopic AI algorithms are warranted.

Tofacitinib use in ulcerative colitis: An expert consensus for day-to-day clinical practice.

Rising number of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases in developing countries necessitate clear guidance for clinicians for the appropriate use of advanced therapies. An expert consensus document was generated to guide the usage of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in ulcerative colitis. Tofacitinib is a useful agent for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. It can be used in the setting of biological failure or even steroid-dependent and thiopurine refractory disease. Typically, the induction dose is 10 mg BD orally. Usually, clinical response is evident within eight weeks of therapy. In those with clinical response, the dose can be reduced from 10 mg BD to 5 mg BD. Tofacitinib should be avoided or used cautiously in the elderly, patients with cardiovascular co-morbidity, uncontrolled cardiac risk factors, previous thrombotic episodes and those at high risk for venous thrombosis or previous malignancy. Baseline evaluation should include testing for and management of hepatitis B infection and latent tuberculosis. Where feasible, it is prudent to ensure complete adult vaccination, including Herpes zoster, before starting tofacitinib. The use of tofacitinib may be associated with an increased risk of infections such as herpes zoster and tuberculosis reactivation. Maternal exposure to tofacitinib should be avoided during pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation. There is emerging evidence of tofacitinib in acute severe colitis, although the exact positioning (first-line with steroids or second-line) is uncertain.

Re-intervention rates and symptom-free survival at 1 year after endoscopic versus surgical management of strictures in Crohn's disease: A propensity matched analysis of a prospective inflammatory bowel disease cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Resection for Crohn's disease (CD) related strictures is definitive but carries risk of morbidity, recurrence, and short bowel syndrome. On the contrary, the durability of endotherapy (ET) for CD-related strictures is questionable. Prospective comparative studies are limited. We aimed to prospectively compare the outcomes of ET in CD strictures with a case-matched surgical therapy (ST) cohort. METHODS: Patients undergoing ET or resection for primary CD strictures (symptomatic, non-traversable, < 5 cm length, n ≤ 3) between January 2021 and March 2022 in a high-volume tertiary center were compared with regard to recurrent symptoms, escalation of therapy, re-intervention, and re-operation based on propensity matched analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients [49% ET, 57.6% male, median (years): 34 (15-74)] had ≥ 12 months of follow up. Before propensity matching, cumulative re-intervention rate was significantly higher with ET [34.5% (10/29) vs 3.3% (1/30) ST, P = 0.002]. Recurrent symptoms (34.5% vs 26.7%, P = 0.42), escalation of medical therapy (27.5% vs 23.3%, P = 0.64), and re-operation (7.4% vs 3.1%, P = 0.55) were comparable. In propensity matched analysis adjusted for demographics, disease, and stricture characteristics [n = 42, 21 each, 62% male, median (years): 32 (15-60)], cumulative probability of re-intervention rates was higher in ET (28.6% vs 4.8%, P = 0.042). The cumulative probability of recurrent symptoms (ET: 33.3% vs surgery 33.3%, P = 0.93), therapy escalation (ET: 23.8% vs surgery 28.6%, P = 0.75), and re-operation (ET: 9.5% vs surgery 4.8%, P = 0.57) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: ET for CD strictures require higher re-interventions compared with resection although re-operation could be avoided in the majority with comparable symptom free survival at 1 year.

Depression and active disease are the major risk factors for fatigue and sleep disturbance in inflammatory bowel disease with consequent poor quality of life: Analysis of the interplay between psychosocial factors from the developing world.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence and risk factors of fatigue and sleep disturbances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their impact on the quality of life (QOL) are largely underreported in the developing world, where IBD is on the rise. METHODS: Consecutive patients attending the IBD clinic were interviewed between November 2021 and March 2022 using an assisted questionnaire (English, Hindi and Telugu versions)(including demographics, disease activity, QOL, IBD fatigue score [IBD-F], Hospital anxiety and depression score: [HADS], Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index: [PSQI]). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of fatigue and sleep disturbance. A correlational analysis between mental health factors and QOL was performed. RESULTS: AS many as 202 IBD patients (age 18-78 [median 31] years, 65.8% male) completed the questionnaires. Fatigue and sleep disturbances were highly prevalent (55.9% and 53.4%, respectively). On multi-variate analysis, depression (p = 0.008, odds ratio [OR] -1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.09-1.75), active disease (p = 0.001,OR-8.81,95% CI- 2.49-31.23) and poor sleep (p = 0.009, OR-1.17, 95% CI:1.04-1.31) were predictive of fatigue, whereas depression (p < 0.001,OR-1.32,95% CI-1.19-1.46) and active disease (p < 0.001,OR-6.77, 95% CI-2.67-17.17) were predictive of sleep disturbance. On sub-group analysis, poor sleep quality and lack of renumeration predicted fatigue, whereas old age and female gender predicted poor sleep quality in Crohn's disease (CD). QOL (Short IBD questionnaire: [SIBDQ]) scores had a strong and moderate negative correlation with IBD-F (r = -0.735, p < 0.0001) and PSQI (r = -0.682, p < 0.001) scores, respectively. The results should be interpreted in the context of lack of validated translated questionnaires in all native languages in a multilingual country. Translational assistance was provided to overcome the limitation. CONCLUSION: Fatigue and sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in Indian IBD patients. Apart from modulation of disease activity, screening those with mental health illness may help improve fatigue/sleep quality and overall QOL.

Role of ultra-high definition endoscopy (endomicroscopy and endocytoscopy) and real-time histologic examination in inflammatory bowel disease: Scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) and endocytoscopy (EC) are ultra-high definition (HD) imaging modalities that enable real-time histological assessment. Although existent for nearly two decades, their role in current clinical decision making in inflammatory bowel disease management is not well defined. METHODS: We searched PubMed using keywords ("confocal" OR "CLE" OR "endocytoscopy") AND ("IBD" OR "inflammatory bowel" OR "Crohn*" OR "Crohn's" OR "colitis ulcerosa" OR "ulcerative colitis") between 2005 and March 2023. We identified 52 studies for detailed review. RESULTS: Confocal laser endomicroscopy was useful in real-time assessment of histologic inflammation and dysplasia characterization in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. Although CLE was associated with higher per-biopsy yield for UC-associated neoplasia (UCAN), the benefit was offset by higher procedure time, frequent equipment failure, and conflicting results on incremental yield over chromoendoscopy. Assessment of barrier dysfunction by CLE did not correlate with disease/endoscopic activity but could predict major adverse outcomes. The implications of residual CLE abnormalities in endoscopic remission remain uncertain. Ex vivo binding of labeled biologics can help in predicting biologic response in UC. EC can discriminate mucosal inflammatory cells by morphology and allows assessment of histologic activity. EC combined with pit pattern was better than pit pattern alone for UCAN. Artificial intelligence-assisted EC in UCAN needs further study. CONCLUSION: Ultra-HD imaging in inflammatory bowel disease can be useful in assessment of UCAN, barrier dysfunction, predicting histologic remission, and biologic response. Future controlled studies are warranted to define the role of these novel technologies in clinical decision making.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in rural and urban India: results from community colonoscopic evaluation of more than 30,000 symptomatic patients.

Background: Traditionally, infectious diarrhoea has been the major cause of lower GI symptoms across the developing world. Increasing urbanization has been implicated for the rising IBD cases despite very limited data in the rural setting. We aimed to assess the relative proportion of IBD and other intestinal diseases among symptomatic patients from rural and urban India. Methods: Patients with lower GI symptoms attending urban out-patient clinics and/or specially conducted mobile rural health camps were evaluated using basic laboratory parameters, abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy. Data including patient demographics, symptom profile, rural/urban residence and final diagnosis were analyzed. Current data was compared with previous rural survey in 2006. Findings: Of 32,021 patients investigated, 30,835 with complete dataset [67% male; 21% (6362) rural median 44 years:6-78 years] were included. Predominant symptoms were chronic abdominal pain (55%), change in bowel habit (45%), rectal bleeding (16%), chronic diarrhoea (13%), un-intended weight loss (9%) and anaemia (3%). Final diagnoses included IBD: (1687; 5.4%; 2.2% ulcerative colitis (UC), 3.2% Crohn's disease, CD), intestinal tuberculosis (364; 1.2%), infective colitis (1427; 4.6%), colorectal cancer (488; 1.6%) and polyps (2372; 7.7%). Proportions of UC (2.1% rural, 2.3% urban, p = 0.66) and CD (3.5% rural, 3.1%,urban, p = 0.12) were similar in both groups. There was no rural-urban divide in the relative proportion of other intestinal diseases. Interpretation: IBD accounts for more than 5% of patients presenting with lower GI symptoms, a rate that is higher than that of infectious colitis. The proportion of IBD cases was not different between the rural and urban populations. These data appear to indicate the changing disease prevalence patterns in India that require further research. Funding: The study was funded by Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Management of Pancreatic Duct Stones: Extracorporeal Approach.

Stone clearance with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a safe and effective procedure for large pancreatic calculi not extractable by the standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography techniques. In properly selected patients, this minimally invasive approach should be offered as the first line of therapy instead of surgery. Complete stone clearance can be achieved in three-fourths with long-term pain relief in two-thirds of patients. Re-intervention is required in less than half of the patients. Future studies should compare the extracorporeal approach with intraductal lithotripsy using the pancreatoscope.