Endoscopic scoring system utilization for inflammatory bowel disease activity assessment: A multicenter real-world study from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The frequency and patterns of use of scores for the assessment of endoscopic activity in inflammatory bowel disease patients are not known. AIM: To describe the prevalence of adequate use of endoscopic scores in IBD patients who underwent colonoscopy in a real-life setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter observational study comprising six community hospitals in Argentina was undertaken. Patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who underwent colonoscopy for endoscopic activity assessment between 2018 and 2022 were included. Colonoscopy reports of included subjects were manually reviewed to determine the proportion of colonoscopies that included an endoscopic score report. We determined the proportion of colonoscopy reports that included all of the IBD colonoscopy report quality elements proposed by BRIDGe group. Endoscopist's specialty, years of experience as well as expertise in IBD were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1556 patients were included for analysis (31.94% patients with Crohn's disease). Mean age was 45.94±15.46. Endoscopic score reporting was found in 58.41% of colonoscopies. Most frequently used scores were Mayo endoscopic score (90.56%) and SES-CD (56.03%) for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively. In addition, 79.11% of endoscopic reports failed to comply with all recommendations on endoscopic reporting for inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of endoscopic reports of inflammatory bowel disease patients do not include the description of an endoscopic score to assess mucosal inflammatory activity in a real-world setting. This is also associated with a lack of compliance in recommended criteria for proper endoscopic reporting.

Spatiotemporal regulation of galectin-1-induced T-cell death in lamina propria from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic, relapsing intestinal inflammation. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is an endogenous lectin with key pro-resolving roles, including induction of T-cell apoptosis and secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Despite considerable progress, the relevance of Gal-1-induced T-cell death in inflamed tissue from human IBD patients has not been ascertained. Intestinal biopsies and surgical specimens from control patients (n = 52) and patients with active or inactive IBD (n = 97) were studied. Gal-1 expression was studied by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Gal-1-specific ligands and Gal-1-induced apoptosis of lamina propria (LP) T-cells were determined by TUNEL and flow cytometry. We found a transient expression of asialo core 1-O-glycans in LP T-cells from inflamed areas (p < 0.05) as revealed by flow cytometry using peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding and assessing dysregulation of the core-2 ß 1-6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (C2GNT1), an enzyme responsible for elongation of core 2 O-glycans. Consequently, Gal-1 binding was attenuated in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ LP T-cells isolated from inflamed sites (p < 0.05). Incubation with recombinant Gal-1 induced apoptosis of LP CD3+ T-cells isolated from control subjects and non-inflamed areas of IBD patients (p < 0.05), but not from inflamed areas. In conclusion, our findings showed that transient regulation of the O-glycan profile during inflammation modulates Gal-1 binding and LP T-cell survival in IBD patients.

Prevalence of pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet´s syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease at a tertiary healthcare center.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: dermatological manifestations are normally found in one third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, the prevalence, clinical characteristics, intestinal disease activity, and treatment response of neutrophilic dermatoses (pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet´s syndrome) were determined in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: a retrospective, observational study was performed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and neutrophilic dermatoses between March 2012 and March 2018. RESULTS: of 444 patients analyzed, 10 complied with the inclusion criteria. Seven had pyoderma gangrenosum and three presented Sweet's syndrome; and one patient developed both pathologies. The prevalence of neutrophilic dermatoses was 2.3 % (10/444), comprising 1.6 % with pyoderma gangrenosum and 0.7 % with Sweet's syndrome. Six out of seven patients with pyoderma gangrenosum were female and had ulcerative colitis. The most frequent clinical presentation of pyoderma gangrenosum was the ulcerative subtype. Active moderate-to-severe intestinal disease was found in 71.4 % of patients. Biological therapy was prescribed to three patients with partial response to corticosteroids and persistent intestinal disease activity. This therapy was not indicated for cutaneous manifestations only. Three patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn´s disease presented classical (n = 2) and pustular (n = 1) Sweet's syndrome. A complete response was achieved in all Sweet's syndrome cases treated with corticosteroids. Biological therapy was prescribed to control intestinal disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: pyoderma gangrenosum was the most frequent cutaneous manifestation of neutrophilic dermatoses, predominantly in females with ulcerative colitis, and highly associated with intestinal disease activity. Anti-tumor necrosis factor was effective in patients with partial cutaneous and intestinal disease response.

[Flexible endoscopic treatment for Zenker's diverticulum: preliminary results in a single center experience in a public hospital in Argentina.] / Tratamiento del divertículo de Zenker con endoscopio flexible: experiencia en us hospital público de la Arfgentina.

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is an acquired protrusion of the esophageal wall. Treatment is reservedfor symptomatic cases. In Argentina, ZD has historically managed exclusively by surgical intervention. In 1995, Ishioka, et al and Mulder, et a1published their experience using flexible endoscopes for diverticulotomy. Since then, a wide variety ofdifferent techniques have been published. Objetive. To present technique modifications and results ofour center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the database of57patients (36 men), with a mean age of 71.9 years (range 37-98), with symptomatic Zenker ' diverticulum, who underwent endoscopic myotomy, from December 1997 to April 2015. All procedures were performed in our center, by the same endoscopist (HM). The most common symptom was dysphagia (94.7%), which was recorded by a 0-4 score (0=no dysphagia, 1 =solids, 2=semisolids, 3=liquids, 4=saliva). The first nine cases were done exposing the septum with a nasogastric tube, and the others with a soft diverticuloscope. Allprocedures were carried out with the patient under deep sedation, adminis- tered by an anesthesiologist. A myotomy was done in all cases with a needle-knife, using a coagulation current, to prevent bleeding. Clips were placed to close mucosalilaps, decrease the risk of unsuspected perforation and postprocedure bleeding. RESULTS: Seventy procedures were performed, in 56 patients. One patient was excluded because of incomplete myotomy due to a severe adverse event. Ninety-eight percent ofpatients had resolution or improvement of the dysphagia score, at 30 days. Three patients with regurgitation as their sole complaint completely resolved their symptom. Median follow-up was 25 months (1-99). Thirty-seven patients were followed for at least 1 year and 97.3% showed a favorable outcome. In 13 cases (22.8%) a reintervention was needed, with positive results in all cases. Bleeding occurred in one patient (1.4%), who required surgery. Another patient required surgical intervention due to technical issues. There were no perforations or infections. CONCLUSION: Treatment of ZD with flexible endoscope is a safe and effective option, with good long-term results. We need randomized clinical trials comparing different therapeutic options to be able to recommend a definitive strategy. Until then, we suggest using the technique with which each center has the most experience and feels most comfortable performing.

[Intraparenchymal hepatic haematoma after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreotography overinfected by Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE]. / Hematoma intraparenquimatoso hepático post- colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica sobreinfectado por Citrobacter freundii y Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE.

This case report describes a 37-year-old woman who develops an intraparenchymal hepatic haematoma after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy and stone extraction. The procedure requires the passage of a guidewire. The patient develops acute abdominal pain 72 hours later and a magnetic resonance shows a hematoma of 124 x 93 mm. She remains under observation. Twenty one days later she complains of upper right abdominal pain and fever. Consequently, a percutaneous drainage is performed isolating Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE. The patient has a good evolution.

Granulomatous Salpingo-oophoritis Secondary to Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) represents a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease and can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, with the capacity to affect extraintestinal organs. Salpingo-oophoritis is an uncommon manifestation of CD. There is only a limited number of documented case reports. We present the case of a patient with ileocolonic CD and secondary granulomatous salpingo-oophoritis. We emphasize the significance of clinical suspicion and an interdisciplinary approach as crucial factors in ensuring the effective management of the case.

Spontaneous Biloma Secondary to Choledocholithiasis.

A biloma is a collection of bile located outside the bile duct which occurs as a result of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries. Spontaneous biloma is rare and is associated with choledocholithiasis. Diagnosis is performed using an ultrasound, a computed tomography scan, and a nuclear magnetic resonance scan, and is confirmed by drainage and subsequent biochemical analysis of the fluid sample. The first treatment option is percutaneous drainage, and if not successful, endoscopic biliary drainage should be performed. We report a case of a 46-year-old patient with a spontaneous biloma associated with choledocholithiasis.

Usefulness of a mobile app to improve performance of specialists in responding correctly to CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios.

Background and study aims The adherence to and knowledge of physicians about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance guidelines is still suboptimal, threatening the effectiveness of CRC screening. This study assessed the usefulness of a mobile decision support system (MDSS) to improve physician ability to recommend proper timing of and intervals for CRC screening and surveillance. Patients and methods This was a binational, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial including gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons from Argentina and Uruguay. The specialists were invited to respond to a questionnaire with 10 CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios, randomized into two groups, with and without access to a dedicated app (CaPtyVa). The main outcome measure was the proportion of physicians correctly solving at least 60 % of the clinical cases according to local guidelines. Results A total of 213 physicians were included. The proportion of physicians responding correctly at least 60 % of the vignettes was higher in the app group as compared to the control group (90 % versus 56 %) (relative risk [RR] 1.6 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.34-1.91). The performance was also higher in the app group for both vignette categories: CRC screening (93 % vs 75 % RR 1.24, 95 %CI 1.01-1.40) and surveillance (85 % vs 47 % RR 1.81 95 %CI 1.46-2.22), respectively. Physicians considered the app easy to use and of great utility in daily practice. Conclusions A MDSS was shown to be a useful tool that improved specialist performance in solving CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios. Its implementation in daily practice may facilitate the adherence of physicians to CRC screening and surveillance guidelines.

Probiotic Lactobacilli Isolated from Kefir Promote Down-Regulation of Inflammatory Lamina Propria T Cells from Patients with Active IBD.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are immunologically mediated disorders. Several therapies are focused on activated T cells as key targets. Although Lactobacillus kefiri has shown anti-inflammatory effects in animal models, few studies were done using human mucosal T cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of this bacterium on intestinal T cells from patients with active IBD. Mucosal biopsies and surgical samples from IBD adult patients (n = 19) or healthy donors (HC; n = 5) were used. Lamina propria mononuclear cells were isolated by enzymatic tissue digestion, and entero-adhesive Escherichia coli-specific lamina propria T cells (LPTC) were expanded. The immunomodulatory properties of L. kefiri CIDCA 8348 strain were evaluated on biopsies and on anti-CD3/CD28-activated LPTC. Secreted cytokines were quantified by ELISA, and cell proliferation and viability were assessed by flow cytometry. We found that L. kefiri reduced spontaneous release of IL-6 and IL-8 from inflamed biopsies ex vivo. Activated LPTC from IBD patients showed low proliferative rates and reduced secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-13 in the presence of L. kefiri. In addition, L. kefiri induced an increased frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ LPTC along with high levels of IL-10. This is the first report showing an immunomodulatory effect of L. kefiri CIDCA 8348 on human intestinal cells from IBD patients. Understanding the mechanisms of interaction between probiotics and immune mucosal cells may open new avenues for treatment and prevention of IBD.

[Primary hepatic lymphoma: an infrequent cause of focal hepatic lesion]. / Linfoma hepático primario: causa infrecuente de lesión focal hepática.

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is confined to the liver with no evidence of extrahepatic lymphomatosis. Histopathologically, the PHL belongs to the group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and the most common subtype is the diffise large B-cell lymphoma. We present a 72-year-old woman, with no relevant antecedents and the following symptoms: early satiety, abdominal discomfort and rapid weight loss. Liver function tests are normal, erythrocyte sedimentation rate is accelerated and LDH progressively increases during the hospitalization. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, nuclear magnetic resonance) show a multilobued mass of around 12 cm of diameter in the right hepatic lobe. Tumoral and virological markers are negative. The pathology of an echo-guided biopsy informs a massive infiltration by a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The immunohistochemical study shows CD20+, CD45+ and negative CD3, CKAE1, AE3, Hepatocyte and HMB45. The citology of pleural liquid is negative for atypia, peripheral blood smear shows no signs of leukemia, bone marrow biopsy is negative for lymphomatous infiltration, and gallium scintigraphy and body CT scan do not reveal extrahepatic lesions. The patient starts chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone but worsens and dies two weeks after beginning treatment. We conclude that our patient had a rare disease with an unresectable lesion, poor prognostic factors and high recurrence risk. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in these cases.

Treatment Adherence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Argentina: A Multicenter Study.

METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving seven referral centers from three cities of Argentina was undertaken. Patients with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), or indeterminate colitis (IBDU/IC) were invited to answer an anonymous survey, which included a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate adherence to therapies. Independent variables associated with inadequate adherence were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 447 UC/IBDU and 135 CD patients were enrolled. Median age was 37 years (range 21-72); 39.8% were male; median time from diagnosis was 6 years (0.5-35). 91.4% were under treatment with at least one oral medication; 50.3% of patients reported inadequate adherence to oral medications. Patients with UC/IBDU had a lower risk of inadequate adherence when compared to patients with CD (OR 0.57 (0.37-0.87)). 21.8% reported inadequate adherence to biologics; subcutaneous administration was significantly associated with inadequate adherence to biologics (OR 4.8 (1.57-14.66)). CONCLUSION: Inadequate treatment adherence is common among patients with IBD, and potentially modifiable factors were identified.

Hematoma intraparenquimatoso hepático post- colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica sobreinfectado por Citrobacter freundii y Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE / [Intraparenchymal hepatic haematoma after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreotography overinfected by Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE].

This case report describes a 37-year-old woman who develops an intraparenchymal hepatic haematoma after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy and stone extraction. The procedure requires the passage of a guidewire. The patient develops acute abdominal pain 72 hours later and a magnetic resonance shows a hematoma of 124 x 93 mm. She remains under observation. Twenty one days later she complains of upper right abdominal pain and fever. Consequently, a percutaneous drainage is performed isolating Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE. The patient has a good evolution.