Development and Usability of an Endoscopist Report Card Assessing ERCP Quality.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Audit and feedback (A&F) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is relatively understudied despite the demonstrated effectiveness of A&F for endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy. Endoscopist 'report cards' are one A&F tool. We aimed to develop an ERCP report card and assess its appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility through usability testing. METHODS: A prototype report card was designed using a combination of published quality indicators and established predictors of adverse events (AE). Exploratory analyses from a prospective multi-center registry were performed to further identify novel and/or understudied parameters for possible inclusion. Semi-structured interviews with ERCP endoscopists were conducted and framework analysis performed. Validated post-interview usability instruments were administered. Feedback was incorporated to create a final report card. RESULTS: The report card included domains of technical parameters, AE rates/prevention, and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). Qualitative feedback was positive, with respondents agreeing with inclusion of relevant content in most domains. Post-interview instruments revealed adequate appropriateness and acceptability. PREMs were felt by respondents to be poorly actionable and were replaced with appropriateness of indication and fluoroscopy usage parameters in the final report card. Concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of implementation due to reliance on difficult-to-obtain granular intraprocedural data. CONCLUSIONS: We designed and tested an ERCP report card that has potential to be an effective A&F intervention for endoscopists in clinical practice. Though feasibility of data capture and implementation are currently limitations, advances in video recording and artificial intelligence technologies could accelerate widespread adoption of such a tool.

Interventions for Pancreatitis-New Approaches, Knowledge Gaps, and Research Opportunities: Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Workshop.

ABSTRACT: There exists no cure for acute, recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis and treatments to date have been focused on managing symptoms. A recent workshop held by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) focused on interventions that might disrupt or perhaps even reverse the natural course of this heterogenous disease, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and research opportunities that might inform future funding initiatives for NIDDK. The breadth and variety of identified active or planned clinical trials traverses the spectrum of the disease and was conceptually grouped for the workshop into behavioral, nutritional, pharmacologic and biologic, and mechanical interventions. Cognitive and other behavioral therapies are proven interventions for pain and addiction, but barriers exist to their use. Whilst a disease specific instrument quantifying pain is now validated, an equivalent is lacking for nutrition - and both face challenges in ease and frequency of administration. Multiple pharmacologic agents hold promise. Ongoing development of Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) measurements can satisfy Investigative New Drug (IND) regulatory assessments. Despite multiple randomized clinical trials demonstrating benefit, great uncertainty remains regarding patient selection, timing of intervention, and type of mechanical intervention (endoscopic versus surgery). Challenges and opportunities to establish beneficial interventions for patients were identified.

An Evaluation of Critical Factors for the Cost-Effectiveness of Real-Time Computer-Aided Detection: Sensitivity and Threshold Analyses Using a Microsimulation Model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The use of computer-aided detection (CAD) increases the adenoma detection rates (ADRs) during colorectal cancer (CRC) screening/surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the requirements for CAD to be cost-effective and the impact of CAD on adenoma detection by endoscopists with different ADRs. METHODS: We developed a semi-Markov microsimulation model to compare the effectiveness of traditional colonoscopy (mean ADR, 26%) to colonoscopy with CAD (mean ADR, 37%). CAD was modeled as having a $75 per-procedure cost. Extensive 1-way sensitivity and threshold analysis were performed to vary cost and ADR of CAD. Multiple scenarios evaluated the potential effect of CAD on endoscopists' ADRs. Outcome measures were reported in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life year. RESULTS: When modeling CAD improved ADR for all endoscopists, the CAD cohort had 79 and 34 fewer lifetime CRC cases and deaths, respectively, per 10,000 persons. This scenario was dominant with a cost savings of $143 and incremental effectiveness of 0.01 quality-adjusted life years. Threshold analysis demonstrated that CAD would be cost-effective up to an additional cost of $579 per colonoscopy, or if it increases ADR from 26% to at least 30%. CAD reduced CRC incidence and mortality when limited to improving ADRs for low-ADR endoscopists (ADR <25%), with 67 fewer CRC cases and 28 CRC deaths per 10,000 persons compared with traditional colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: As CAD is implemented clinically, it needs to improve mean ADR from 26% to at least 30% or cost less than $579 per colonoscopy to be cost-effective when compared with traditional colonoscopy. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of CAD when used in community practice.

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE): a systematic review describing the outcomes, adverse events, and knowledge gaps.

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (EDGE) has emerged as a viable completely endoscopic method for performing pancreaticobiliary interventions in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. The aims of this systematic review were: (1) to describe the indications, outcomes, and complications of EDGE; and (2) to identify deficiencies in our knowledge of important technical approaches and clinical outcomes. METHODS : A systematic review was conducted via comprehensive searches of Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane to identify studies focusing on EDGE outcomes. Simple descriptive statistics were derived from case series only. Case reports were only included to qualitatively describe additional indications, techniques, and adverse events. RESULTS : The initial search identified 2143 abstracts. Nine case series and eight case reports were included. In the nine case series, 169 patients underwent EDGE. The technical success rate was 99 % (168 /169) for gastrogastrostomy/jejunogastrostomy creation and 98 % (166 /169) for subsequent ERCP. Minor adverse events specifically related to EDGE occurred in 18 % (31/169) and included intraprocedural stent migration/malposition (n = 27) and abdominal pain (n = 4). Moderate adverse events specific to EDGE occurred in 5 % (9/169): including bleeding (2 %), persistent fistula (1 %), and perforation (1 %). Severe adverse events occurred in one patient with a perforation requiring surgery. Deficiency in reporting on the clinical significance of adverse events was identified. CONCLUSION : Based on limited observational data, in expert hands, EDGE has a high rate of technical success and an acceptable rate of adverse events. As a novel procedure, many knowledge gaps need to be addressed to inform the design of meaningful comparative studies and guide informed consent.

Serum biomarkers for chronic pancreatitis pain patterns.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with debilitating refractory pain. Distinct subtypes of CP pain have been previously characterized based on severity (none, mild-moderate, severe) and temporal (none, intermittent, constant) nature of pain, but no mechanism-based tools are available to guide pain management. This exploratory study was designed to determine if potential pain biomarkers could be detected in patient serum and whether they associate with specific pain patterns. METHODS: Cytokines, chemokines, and peptides associated with nociception and pain were measured in legacy serum samples from CP patients (N = 99) enrolled in the North American Pancreatitis Studies. The unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to cluster CP patients based on their biomarker profile. Classification and regression tree was used to assess whether these biomarkers can predict pain outcomes. RESULTS: The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed a subset of patients with predominantly constant, mild-moderate pain exhibited elevated interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) whereas patients with higher interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were more likely to have severe pain. Interestingly, analyses of each individual biomarker revealed that patients with constant pain had reduced circulating TNFα and fractalkine. Patients with severe pain exhibited a significant reduction in TNFα as well as trends towards lower levels of IL-6 and substance P. DISCUSSION: The observations from this study indicate that unique pain experiences within the chronic pancreatitis population can be associated with distinct biochemical signatures. These data indicate that further hypothesis-driven analyses combining biochemical measurements and detailed pain phenotyping could be used to develop precision approaches for pain management in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Expert consensus on endoscopic papillectomy using a Delphi process.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Consensus regarding an optimal algorithm for endoscopic treatment of papillary adenomas has not been established. We aimed to assess the existing degree of consensus among international experts and develop further concordance by means of a Delphi process. METHODS: Fifty-two international experts in the field of endoscopic papillectomy were invited to participate. Data were collected between August and December 2019 using an online survey platform. Three rounds were conducted. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement. RESULTS: Sixteen experts (31%) completed the full process, and consensus was achieved on 47 of the final 79 statements (59%). Diagnostic workup should include at least an upper endoscopy using a duodenoscope (100%) and biopsy sampling (94%). There should be selected use of additional abdominal imaging (75%-81%). Patients with (suspected) papillary malignancy or over 1 cm intraductal extension should be referred for surgical resection (76%). To prevent pancreatitis, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be administered before resection (82%) and a pancreatic stent should be placed (100%). A biliary stent is indicated in case of ongoing bleeding from the papillary region (76%) or concerns for a (micro)perforation after resection (88%). Follow-up should be started 3 to 6 months after initial papillectomy and repeated every 6 to 12 months for at least 5 years (75%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first step in developing an international consensus-based algorithm for endoscopic management of papillary adenomas. Surprisingly, in many areas consensus could not be achieved. These aspects should be the focus of future studies.

Differences in Age at Onset of Symptoms, and Effects of Genetic Variants, in Patients With Early vs Late-Onset Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis in a North American Cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) is the second most common subtype of CP. In 1994, researchers reported the bimodal age at onset of ICP symptoms: early onset ICP (EO-ICP; median age, 19.2 y) and late-onset ICP (LO-ICP; median age, 56.2 y). Ages of onset and clinical features of ICP differed from those of alcohol-related CP (ACP). However, variants in PRSS1 had not yet been associated with ICP. We reexamined ages of onset of ICP in a large, North American cohort of patients, and investigated the effects of genetic factors and alcohol use in patients with EO-ICP, LO-ICP, and ACP. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients with CP of European ancestry enrolled in the North American Pancreatitis Study 2, a prospective study of 1195 patients with CP from 26 centers in the United States from August 2000 through December 2014. We compared age at onset of symptoms for 130 patients with CP who were lifetime abstainers from alcohol (61 patients with early onset and 69 patients with late onset), 308 light to moderate alcohol drinkers with CP, and 225 patients with ACP and heavy to very heavy alcohol use. DNA from available patients was analyzed for variants associated with CP in SPINK1, CFTR, and CTRC. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare continuous variables across groups and based on genetic variants. RESULTS: Median ages at onset of symptoms were 20 years for patients with EO-ICP and no alcohol use, 58 years for patients with LO-ICP and no alcohol use, 47 years for light to moderate alcohol drinkers with CP, and 44 years for patients with ACP. A higher proportion of patients with EO-ICP had constant pain (65%) than patients with LO-ICP (31%) (P = .04). A higher proportion of patients with ACP had pseudocysts (43%) than patients with EO-ICP (11%) (P = .001). A higher proportion of patients with EO-ICP had pathogenic variants in SPINK1, CFTR, or CTRC (49%) than patients with LO-ICP (23%), light to moderate alcohol drinking with CP (26%), or ACP (23%) (P = .001). Among patients with variants in SPINK1, those with EO-ICP had onset of symptoms at a median age of 12 years, and light to moderate alcohol drinkers with CP had an age at onset of 24 years. Among patients with variants in CFTR, light to moderate alcohol drinkers had an age at onset of symptoms of 41 years, but this variant did not affect age at onset of EO-ICP or ACP. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed previously reported ages at onset of symptoms for EO-ICP and LO-ICP in a North American cohort. We found differences in clinical features among patients with EO-ICP, LO-ICP, and ACP. Almost half of patients with EO-ICP have genetic variants associated with CP, compared with approximately one quarter of patients with LO-CP or ACP. Genetic variants affect ages at onset of symptoms in some groups.

Incidence and risk factors of oral feeding intolerance in acute pancreatitis: Results from an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Inability to advance to an oral diet, or oral feeding intolerance, is a common complication in patients with acute pancreatitis associated with worse clinical outcomes. The factors related to oral feeding intolerance are not well studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of oral feeding intolerance in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients were prospectively enrolled in the Acute Pancreatitis Patient Registry to Examine Novel Therapies in Clinical Experience, an international acute pancreatitis registry, between 2015 and 2018. Oral feeding intolerance was defined as worsening abdominal pain and/or vomiting after resumption of oral diet. The timing of the initial feeding attempt was stratified based on the day of hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess for independent risk factors/predictors of oral feeding intolerance. RESULTS: Of 1233 acute pancreatitis patients included in the study, 160 (13%) experienced oral feeding intolerance. The incidence of oral feeding intolerance was similar irrespective of the timing of the initial feeding attempt relative to hospital admission day (p = 0.41). Patients with oral feeding intolerance were more likely to be younger (45 vs. 50 years of age), men (61% vs. 49%), and active alcohol users (44% vs. 36%). They also had higher blood urea nitrogen (20 vs. 15 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and hematocrit levels (41.7% vs. 40.5%; p = 0.017) on admission; were more likely to have a nonbiliary acute pancreatitis etiology (69% vs. 51%), systemic inflammatory response syndrome of 2 or greater on admission (49% vs. 35%) and at 48 h (50% vs. 26%), develop pancreatic necrosis (29% vs. 13%), moderate to severe acute pancreatitis (41% vs. 24%), and have a longer hospital stay (10 vs. 6 days; all p < 0.04). The adjusted analysis showed that systemic inflammatory response syndrome of 2 or greater at 48 h (odds ratio 3.10; 95% confidence interval 1.83-5.25) and a nonbiliary acute pancreatitis etiology (odds ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.69) were independent risk factors for oral feeding intolerance. CONCLUSION: Oral feeding intolerance occurs in 13% of acute pancreatitis patients and is independently associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome at 48 h and a nonbiliary etiology.

An Unsuccessful Randomized Trial of Percutaneous vs Endoscopic Drainage of Suspected Malignant Hilar Obstruction.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are widely accepted but competing approaches for the management of malignant obstruction at the hilum of the liver. ERCP is favored in the United States on the basis of high success rates for non-hilar indications, the perceived safety and superior tissue sampling capability of ERCP relative to PTBD, and the avoidance of external drains that are undesirable to patients. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the 2 modalities in patients with resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma was terminated prematurely because of higher mortality in the PTBD group.1 In contrast, most observational data suggest that PTBD is superior for achieving complete drainage.2-6 Because the preferred procedure remains uncertain, we aimed to compare PTBD and ERCP as the primary intervention in patients with cholestasis due to malignant hilar obstruction (MHO).

Advanced techniques for pancreaticobiliary stone extraction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreaticobiliary stone extraction during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be challenging when working space is limited or the duct is irregular and strictured. We aimed to demonstrate several difficult anatomic scenarios in which stone extraction was accomplished by ductoscopic grasping and retrieval using miniature devices. METHODS: In 2 cases, a miniature retrieval basket and snare are used during cholangioscopy to grasp refractory stones in the intrahepatic and cystic ducts, respectively. In cases 3 and 4, a miniature basket and snare are used during pancreatoscopy to facilitate stone extraction from stenotic and tortuous pancreatic ducts. In case 5, a miniature forceps is used to extract a stone from within a dilated pancreatic side branch. RESULTS: Stone extraction was successful in all cases without adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Miniature grasping accessories that fit through the working channel of the cholangioscope/pancreatoscope may allow stone retrieval in difficult anatomic scenarios and thus represent a meaningful addition to our therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of this condition.

Outcomes of endoscopic treatment of leaks and fistulae after sleeve gastrectomy: results from a large multicenter U.S. cohort.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States. Leaks after sleeve gastrectomy (SGL) occur in 1% to 3% of patients. Endoscopic therapies are increasingly used for treatment of SGLs, but few data exist on their outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess technical success, leak resolution, and reoperation rates of patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for repair SGLs. SETTING: Eight high-volume academic endoscopy centers. METHODS: Patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for SGLs from 2007 to 2017 were identified. Patients were excluded if the index endoscopic therapy for SGL was performed elsewhere or if no follow-up data were available. Leaks were classified as acute (≤7 d of SG), early (1-6 wk), late (7-12 wk), and chronic (>12 wk). Leak resolution was defined as lack of extraluminal air, extravasation on oral contrast radiography, cross-sectional imaging, or resolution of percutaneous drain output. Demographic and procedural data were recorded as rates of additional therapy, adverse events, and surgical revision. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients met criteria for analysis (70 women, age 42.6 ± 10.8 yr). A total of 295 endoscopic sessions (median 3, range 1-14) were performed across the cohort. SGLs resolved after index endoscopic therapy in 43 (50.1%) patients. The primary outcome of endoscopic resolution of SGL was observed in 62 patients (72.9%). There were 34 (11.5%) PRAE (the majority occurring with self-expandable metal stents), all but 1 of which were managed endoscopically. Surgical revision was required in 23 (21.7%) patients. On univariate analyses independent variables associated with the need for surgical revision included both acute and chronic SGLs (P = .028), loculated subphrenic collections/abscesses (P = .03), and intraabdominal sepsis (P = .03). On multivariable logistic regression using statistically significant predictors from the univariate analyses, acute SGLs were significantly associated with a need for surgical revision (odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2-18.9, P = .025). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic therapy for SGLs is associated with good clinical success, avoiding the need for surgical revision in 73% of patients, with an acceptable adverse event profile. Patients with acute or chronic SGLs and those with loculated abscesses or intraabdominal sepsis are more likely to undergo surgical revision. Endoscopic therapy is an appropriate first-line modality for the management of SGLs, especially those not classified as acute or chronic.

Chronic Pancreatitis: Pediatric and Adult Cohorts Show Similarities in Disease Progress Despite Different Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the natural history of chronic pancreatitis (CP); patients in the North American Pancreatitis Study2 (NAPS2, adults) and INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE (INSPPIRE, pediatric) were compared. METHODS: Demographics, risk factors, disease duration, management and outcomes of 224 children and 1063 adults were compared using appropriate statistical tests for categorical and continuous variables. RESULTS: Alcohol was a risk in 53% of adults and 1% of children (P < 0.0001); tobacco in 50% of adults and 7% of children (P < 0.0001). Obstructive factors were more common in children (29% vs 19% in adults, P = 0.001). Genetic risk factors were found more often in children. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was similar (children 26% vs adult 33%, P = 0.107). Diabetes was more common in adults than children (36% vs 4% respectively, P < 0.0001). Median emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and missed days of work/school were similar across the cohorts. As a secondary analysis, NAPS2 subjects with childhood onset (NAPS2-CO) were compared with INSPPIRE subjects. These 2 cohorts were more similar than the total INSPPIRE and NAPS2 cohorts, including for genetic risk factors. The only risk factor significantly more common in the NAPS2-CO cohort compared with the INSPPIRE cohort was alcohol (9% NAPS2-CO vs 1% INSPPIRE cohorts, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Despite disparity in age of onset, children and adults with CP exhibit similarity in demographics, CP treatment, and pain. Differences between groups in radiographic findings and diabetes prevalence may be related to differences in risk factors associated with disease and length of time of CP.

Increased awareness enhances physician recognition of the role of smoking in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that physicians under-recognize smoking as a chronic pancreatitis (CP) risk factor. We hypothesized that availability of empiric data will influence physician recognition of this relationship. METHODS: We analyzed data from 508 CP patients prospectively enrolled in the North American Pancreatitis Study-2 Continuation and Validation (NAPS2-CV) or NAPS2-Ancillary (AS) studies (2008-2014) from 26 US centers who self-reported ever-smoking. Information on smoking status, physician-defined etiology and identification of smoking as a CP risk factor was obtained from structured patient and physician questionnaires. We compared how often physician identified smoking as a CP risk factor in NAPS2-CV/NAPS2-AS studies with NAPS2-original study (2000-2006). RESULTS: Enrolling physician identified smoking as a risk factor in significantly (all p < 0.001) greater proportion of patients in NAPS2-CV/AS studies when compared with NAPS2-original study among ever (80.7 vs. 45.3%), current (91.3 vs. 53%), past (60.3 vs. 30.2%) smokers, in those who smoked ≤1 pack/day (79.3 vs. 39.5%) or ≥1 packs/day (83 vs. 49.8%). In multivariable analyses, the enrolling physician was 3.32-8.49 times more likely to cite smoking as a CP risk factor in the NAPS2-CV/NAPS2-AS studies based on smoking status and amount after controlling for age, sex, race and alcohol etiology. The effect was independent of enrolling site in a sub-analysis limited to sites participating in both phases of enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of empiric data likely enhanced physician recognition of the association between smoking and CP. Wide-spread dissemination of this information could potentially curtail smoking rates in subjects with and those at risk of CP.

Setting minimum standards for training in EUS and ERCP: results from a prospective multicenter study evaluating learning curves and competence among advanced endoscopy trainees.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minimum EUS and ERCP volumes that should be offered per trainee in "high quality" advanced endoscopy training programs (AETPs) are not established. We aimed to define the number of procedures required by an "average" advanced endoscopy trainee (AET) to achieve competence in technical and cognitive EUS and ERCP tasks to help structure AETPs. METHODS: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)-recognized AETPs were invited to participate; AETs were graded on every fifth EUS and ERCP examination using a validated tool. Grading for each skill was done using a 4-point scoring system, and learning curves using cumulative sum analysis for overall, technical, and cognitive components of EUS and ERCP were shared with AETs and trainers quarterly. Generalized linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for each AET were used to generate aggregate learning curves, allowing us to use data from all AETs to estimate the average learning experience for trainees. RESULTS: Among 62 invited AETPs, 37 AETs from 32 AETPs participated. Most AETs reported hands-on EUS (52%, median 20 cases) and ERCP (68%, median 50 cases) experience before starting an AETP. The median number of EUS and ERCPs performed per AET was 400 (range, 200-750) and 361 (range, 250-650), respectively. Overall, 2616 examinations were graded (EUS, 1277; ERCP-biliary, 1143; pancreatic, 196). Most graded EUS examinations were performed for pancreatobiliary indications (69.9%) and ERCP examinations for ASGE biliary grade of difficulty 1 (72.1%). The average AET achieved competence in core EUS and ERCP skills at approximately 225 and 250 cases, respectively. However, overall technical competence was achieved for grade 2 ERCP at about 300 cases. CONCLUSION: The thresholds provided for an average AET to achieve competence in EUS and ERCP may be used by the ASGE and AETPs in establishing the minimal standards for case volume exposure for AETs during their training. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02509416.).

Nutrition and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients frequently experience malabsorption and maldigestion, leading to micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies. Comorbid diabetes and lifestyle habits, such as alcohol consumption, may impact nutrition status. METHODS: We compared micronutrient antioxidant, bone metabolism, serum protein, and inflammatory marker levels in 301 CP patients and 266 controls with no known pancreatic disease. We analyzed serum prealbumin and retinol binding protein; vitamins A, D, E, and B12; osteocalcin; tumor necrosis factor-α; and C-reactive protein (CRP). We also evaluated biomarkers among subsets of patients, examining factors including time since diagnosis, body mass index, alcohol as primary etiology, diabetes mellitus, vitamin supplementation, and pancreatic enzyme replacement. RESULTS: After correcting for multiple comparisons, CP patients had significantly lower levels than controls of the following: vitamin A (40.9 vs 45.4 µg/dL) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol [8.7 vs 10.3 mg/L] and γ-tocopherol [1.8 vs 2.2 mg/L]), as well as osteocalcin (7.9 vs 10 ng/mL) and serum prealbumin (23 vs 27 mg/dL). Both patients and controls who took vitamin supplements had higher serum levels of vitamins than those not taking supplements. Compared with controls, in controlled analyses, CP patients had significantly lower levels of vitamins A, D, and E (both α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol). CP patients also had significantly lower levels of osteocalcin, serum prealbumin, and retinol binding protein, and higher CRP. CONCLUSIONS: CP patients demonstrated lower levels of selected nutrition and bone metabolism biomarkers than controls. Diabetes and alcohol did not impact biomarkers. Vitamin supplements and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy improved nutrition biomarkers in CP patients.

Accelerating the Drug Delivery Pipeline for Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Summary of the Working Group on Drug Development and Trials in Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Workshop.

Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) is a complex clinical syndrome with significant morbidity, unpredictable outcomes, and limited treatment options. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease sponsored a workshop on July 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to address research gaps impeding development of effective therapies for pancreatitis. The RAP working group identified challenges to clinical progress using existing definitions, risk assessment, diagnostic and severity criteria, disease trajectories, outcomes, and research methods. Recurrent acute pancreatitis includes all the risk of acute pancreatitis and often progresses to chronic pancreatitis with variable complications of chronic pain, exocrine insufficiency, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. However, the great variability among individuals with RAP requires better precision in defining the risks, individual episodes, as well as their frequency, pathogenic pathways, and specific outcome measures for each of the systems affected by pancreatic inflammation. Because of disease complexity, few patients are similar enough for traditional studies and methods to conduct clinical trials with small sample sizes are required. The need for genetic testing, biomarker development, and better imaging methods was highlighted. Adaptive and N-of-one study designs, better endpoints, and outcome measures including patient-reported outcomes should considered early in developing future therapeutic trial design and include all stakeholders.

Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether participation in competency-based fellowship programs for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) results in high-quality care in independent practice. We measured quality indicator (QI) adherence during the first year of independent practice among physicians who completed endoscopic training with a systematic assessment of competence. METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of invited participants from 62 training programs. In phase 1, 24 advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs), from 20 programs, were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. We used a comprehensive data collection and reporting system to create learning curves using cumulative sum analysis that were shared with AETs and trainers quarterly. In phase 2, participating AETs entered data into a database pertaining to every EUS and ERCP examination during their first year of independent practice, anchored by key QIs. RESULTS: By the end of training, most AETs had achieved overall technical competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 73.9%) and cognitive competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 94.1%). In phase 2 of the study, 22 AETs (91.6%) participated and completed a median of 136 EUS examinations per AET and 116 ERCP examinations per AET. Most AETs met the performance thresholds for QIs in EUS (including 94.4% diagnostic rate of adequate samples and 83.8% diagnostic yield of malignancy in pancreatic masses) and ERCP (94.9% overall cannulation rate). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, we found that although competence cannot be confirmed for all AETs at the end of training, most meet QI thresholds for EUS and ERCP at the end of their first year of independent practice. This finding affirms the effectiveness of training programs. Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02509416.

Prospective evaluation of the performance and interobserver variation in endoscopic ultrasound staging of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment and prognosis of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (RAC) are dependent on accurate locoregional staging. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the performance characteristics of rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) compared with surgical pathology, and to assess the interobserver variation of rectal EUS in the staging of RAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients referred for rectal EUS staging of a recently diagnosed RAC were prospectively enrolled between 2012 and 2016. Tandem EUS exams were performed by two independent endosonographers (ES1 and ES2) blinded to each other's findings. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were enrolled. Seventy-five (79%) underwent curative intent tumor resection, including 30 without neoadjuvant therapy. In this latter group, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography staging were 75, 83, and 82% for uT1; 50, 65, and 58% for uT2; 56, 81, and 73% for T3; 72, 44, and 63% for N0, and 38, 75, and 63% for N1, respectively. Experienced operators rendered a more accurate N stage and were less likely to overstage compared with less experienced ones (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Overall, T staging agreement between endosonographers was substantial (κ=0.61) and N stage agreement was moderate (κ=0.45). CONCLUSION: Rectal EUS is more accurate in staging T1 and T3 tumors compared with T2 tumors. Interobserver agreement of rectal EUS in rectal cancer staging is generally good.