Association Between Cannabis Use and Complications Related to Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory process that is occasionally associated with complications, which cause significant morbidity and mortality. The anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis in intestinal inflammation has been shown in several experimental models; it is unknown whether this correlates with fewer complications in Crohn's disease patients. AIMS: To compare the prevalence of Crohn's disease-related complications among cannabis users and non-users in patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of Crohn's disease or a primary diagnosis of Crohn's related complication and a secondary diagnosis of Crohn's disease between 2012 and 2014. METHODS: We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample. Cannabis users (615) were compared directly after propensity score match to non-users, in aspects of various complications and clinical end-points. RESULTS: Among matched cohorts, Cannabis users were less likely to have the following: active fistulizing disease and intra-abdominal abscess (11.5% vs. 15.9%; aOR 0.68 [0.49 to 0.94], p = 0.025), blood product transfusion (5.0% vs. 8.0%; aOR 0.48 [0.30 to 0.79], p = 0.037), colectomy (3.7% vs. 7.5%; aOR 0.48 [0.29-0.80], p = 0.004), and parenteral nutrition requirement (3.4% vs. 6.7%, aOR 0.39 [0.23 to 0.68], p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Cannabis use may mitigate several of the well-described complications of Crohn's disease among hospital inpatients. These effects could possibly be through the effect of cannabis in the endocannabinoid system.

Radial endobronchial ultrasound for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tissue diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) can be challenging. In the past, flexible bronchoscopy was commonly performed for this purpose but its diagnostic yield is suboptimal. This has led to the development of new bronchoscopic modalities such as radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS), electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB). We performed this meta-analysis using data from previously published R-EBUS studies, to determine its diagnostic yield and other performance characteristics. Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for R-EBUS studies in September 2016. Diagnostic yield was calculated by dividing the number of successful diagnoses by the total number of lesions. Meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc (Version 16.8). Inverse variance weighting was used to aggregate diagnostic yield proportions across studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Duval and Tweedie's test. 57 studies with a total of 7872 lesions were included in the meta-analysis. These were published between October 2002 and August 2016. Overall weighted diagnostic yield for R-EBUS was 70.6% (95% CI: 68-73.1%). The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for lesions >2 cm in size, malignant in nature and those associated with a bronchus sign on computerized tomography (CT) scan. Diagnostic yield was also higher when R-EBUS probe was within the lesion as opposed to being adjacent to it. Overall complication rate was 2.8%. This is the largest meta-analysis performed to date, assessing the performance of R-EBUS for diagnosing PPLs. R-EBUS has a high diagnostic yield (70.6%) with a very low complication rate.

Pandemic effect on national hospitalizations for acute hyperglycemic complications.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the effect of the pandemic on epidemiologic trends and disparities in outcomes for patients hospitalized with acute hyperglycemic complications (AHC). Methods: This was a retrospective study of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2020. The population included adults hospitalized with AHCs as a principal diagnosis using the Clinical Classifications Software Refined code. Results: There was a decrease in the AHC hospitalization rate per 100,000 admissions for type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the pandemic (577 vs 600). However, there was an increase for type 2 diabetes (T2D) (117 vs 125). The mean age during the pandemic versus prepandemic was 34.8 ± 14.1 vs 34.7 ± 14.2 (P = 0.41) and 59.1 ± 14.4 vs 58.8 ± 14.7 (P = 0.51) for T1D and T2D, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in mortality in T1D (0.20 vs 0.23; P = 0.42) or T2D (1.1 vs 0.8; P = 0.09). There was no difference in mortality after stratifying results by gender, race, median household income, or hospital region. During the pandemic, COVID-19 was the principal diagnosis in 5.5% of those with AHC in T1D and 9.1% in those with AHC in T2D. Conclusion: The pandemic had a significant impact on the hospitalization rate for both T1D and T2D.

Trends and disparities in colorectal cancer hospitalizations and outcomes: a 10-year joinpoint trend study.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. Sociodemographic factors intricately influence CRC epidemiology, yet their impact on inpatient care remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess trends in CRC hospitalization and the effect of sociodemographic factors on outcomes of CRC patients. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Trends in CRC admissions were assessed, stratified by sociodemographic variables. Disparities in hospital-associated outcomes were examined. Statistical methods included multivariable regression and joinpoint regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of CRC hospitalizations uptrended from 760 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2010 to 841 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2019 (P trend < 0.001). The mean age decreased from 67 to 66 years (P < 0.001). Male gender and White race were predominant across the study period. Inpatient mortality decreased from 4.5% in 2010 to 4.16% in 2019 (P trend = 0.033). On sex subgroup analysis, men had a significantly higher mortality rate (P = 0.034). Racially, Blacks had the highest mortality rate (P = 0.550) and only Whites showed a significant decline in mortality over the study period (P = 0.003). Hospitalization length decreased while total hospital charges increased. Conclusion: Our study highlights sociodemographic disparities in CRC outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address inequity in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Continued research is needed to inform effective healthcare practices in mitigating these disparities and improving survival outcomes.

Hospitalization Trends and Outcomes of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in the United States: A Decade-Long Nationwide Analysis.

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen-mediated esophageal disease characterized by infiltration of the esophageal mucosa by eosinophils. The prevalence of EoE continues to rise worldwide. However, certain aspects of the epidemiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Methods This study examined the hospitalization trends of EoE using an extensive inpatient database in the United States, the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS), to identify hospitalizations between 2010 and 2019. We assessed patient demographics as well as hospital-specific variables using the NIS. We obtained the prevalence rate of EoE for each year and used joinpoint regression analysis to obtain trends after adjusting the rate for age and gender. We also sought to characterize the outcomes of these hospitalizations by obtaining the mortality rate, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (THC). Results Of 305 million hospitalizations included in the study, 33,878 were for EoE. The prevalence rate per 100,000 hospitalizations of EoE increased from 6.6 in 2010 to 15.5 in 2019. The annual percentage change obtained from the joinpoint regression analysis was 13.3% from 2010 to 2014 and 7.2% from 2014 to 2019. Most of the hospitalizations were among the male gender and young adults. Almost 95% of hospitalizations across the study period were seen in urban hospitals. We did not notice any significant trend in the mortality rates or length of stay over the study period. The THC increased significantly across the study period. Conclusion There has been an upward trend in the average prevalence rate of EoE over the decade from 2010 to 2019 which almost parallels that of inflammatory bowel disease. This represents a significant burden of disease for a condition that was initially recognized in the late 20th century.

Effects of 2- vs 4-week attending physician inpatient rotations on unplanned patient revisits, evaluations by trainees, and attending physician burnout: a randomized trial.

CONTEXT: Data are sparse on the effect of varying the durations of internal medicine attending physician ward rotations. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2- vs 4-week inpatient attending physician rotations on unplanned patient revisits, attending evaluations by trainees, and attending propensity for burnout. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cluster randomized crossover noninferiority trial, with attending physicians as the unit of crossover randomization and 4-week rotations as the active control, conducted in a US university-affiliated teaching hospital in academic year 2009. Participants were 62 attending physicians who staffed at least 6 weeks of inpatient service, the 8892 unique patients whom they discharged, and the 147 house staff and 229 medical students who evaluated their performance. INTERVENTION: Assignment to random sequences of 2- and 4-week rotations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was 30-day unplanned revisits (visits to the hospital's emergency department or urgent ambulatory clinic, unplanned readmissions, and direct transfers from neighboring hospitals) for patients discharged from 2- vs 4-week within-attending-physician rotations. Noninferiority margin was a 2% increase (odds ratio [OR] of 1.13) in 30-day unplanned patient revisits. Secondary outcomes were length of stay; trainee evaluations of attending physicians; and attending physician reports of burnout, stress, and workplace control. RESULTS: Among the 8892 patients, there were 2437 unplanned revisits. The percentage of 30-day unplanned revisits for patients of attending physicians on 2-week rotations was 21.2% compared with 21.5% for 4-week rotations (mean difference, -0.3%; 95% CI, -1.8% to +1.2%). The adjusted OR of a patient having a 30-day unplanned revisit after 2- vs 4-week rotations was 0.97 (1-sided 97.5% upper confidence limit, 1.07; noninferiority P = .007). Average length of stay was not significantly different (geometric means for 2- vs 4-week rotations were 67.2 vs 67.5 hours; difference, -0.9%; 95% CI, -4.7% to +2.9%). Attending physicians were more likely to score lower in their ability to evaluate trainees after 2- vs 4-week rotations by both house staff (41% vs 28% rated less than perfect; adjusted OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.50-3.02) and medical students (82% vs 69% rated less than perfect; adjusted OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06-2.10). They were less likely to report higher scores of both burnout severity (16% vs 35%; adjusted OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26-0.58) and emotional exhaustion (19% vs 37%; adjusted OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.64) after 2- vs 4-week rotations. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 2-week inpatient attending physician rotations compared with 4-week rotations did not result in an increase in unplanned patient revisits. It was associated with better self-rated measures of attending physician burnout and emotional exhaustion but worse evaluations by trainees. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00930111.

When nerves fail: A cause of respiratory failure in a diabetic patient.

Background: Respiratory failure secondary to bilateral diabetic phrenic neuropathy is an uncommon clinical scenario. It is challenging to treat and often results in the need for long-term respiratory support. Case Presentation: We report a patient with long standing diabetes mellitus (DM) who presented with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. He was subsequently found to have reduced phrenic nerve and diaphragm compound action potential amplitude bilaterally on nerve conduction studies. Conclusion: Diabetic patients with unexplained shortness of breath should raise suspicion for diaphragmatic paresis from phrenic neuropathy.

Trends and Disparities in Outcomes of Clostridioides difficile Infection Hospitalizations in the United States: A Ten-Year Joinpoint Trend Analysis.

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most frequently reported nosocomial infection. This study aimed to describe epidemiological trends, sex, race, and economic disparities in clinical and mortality outcomes among CDI hospitalizations over a decade. Methods: We queried Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases from 2010 to 2019, identified hospitalizations with CDI, and obtained the incidence and admission rate of CDI per 100,000 adult hospitalizations each year. We analyzed trends in mortality rate, mean length of hospital stay (LOS), and mean total hospital charge (THC). We highlighted disparities in outcomes stratified by sex, race, and mean household income quartile. Results: Of the 305 million hospitalizations included in our study, over 3.3 million were complicated by CDI, with 1.01 million principal admissions for CDI. Among primary admissions for CDI, the mortality rate decreased from 3.2% in 2010 to 1.4% in 2019. Mean LOS reduced from 6.6 to 5.3 days while mean THC increased from US$40,593 to US$42,934 between 2010 and 2019. Females had a 21% decrease in adjusted odds of mortality compared to males (all P-trends < 0.001). Middle-aged and elderly patients had aOR of 4.96 and 14.74 respectively for mortality when compared to young adults (P < 0.001). Mortality rates showed a steady decline among Whites over the study period. Mean LOS trends were similar across racial subgroups. Conclusions: Outcomes of CDI hospitalizations improved over the studied decade. Older age, male sex, and being from a minority racial group were associated with worse clinical and mortality outcomes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these findings.

Cushing's Syndrome Due to a Functional Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumor in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Syndrome.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) syndrome is characterized by endocrinopathies and could be associated with thymic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). On rare occasions, they can be functional adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting thymic carcinoid leading to Cushing's syndrome. In this report, we describe a case of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome due to a thymic NET associated with MEN type 1 syndrome. We highlight its aggressive clinical course, the premise for a high index of suspicion for an ectopic ACTH secretion, and the need for early surgical resection combined with medical therapy and alternative treatments.

A Rare Case of Steroid-Resistant Neurosarcoidosis of the Cavernous Sinus With Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that presents with nervous system involvement in 5-10% of cases, commonly known as neurosarcoidosis.1 While there are no randomized controlled trials for the treatment of neurosarcoidosis, expert opinion supports initial treatment with corticosteroids and the use of steroid-sparing or anti-TNF agents in refractory or severe cases. We report a case of a 48-year-old African American male with a past medical history of biopsy-proven hepatic and renal sarcoidosis and progressive headache, dizziness, and blurry vision for 5 months, presenting with an acute exacerbation of right-sided vision loss over one day. MRI of the brain revealed a dural-based mass extending into the right cavernous sinus and compressing the right optic nerve. Given the pathological confirmation of systemic granulomatous disease consistent with sarcoidosis, clinical manifestations, bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, MRI findings typical of central nervous system inflammation, and exclusion of other possible etiologies, the patient was diagnosed with probable neurosarcoidosis. Corticosteroids initially resolved his symptoms; however, he suffered an acute relapse. Combination therapy with corticosteroids plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) led to the eventual resolution of his symptoms. Only 8 cases of neurosarcoidosis involving the cavernous sinus have been reported. Our patient represents the only reported case of probable neurosarcoidosis of the cavernous sinus with optic neuropathy successfully treated with corticosteroid plus MMF combination therapy. We highlight the need to consider early, aggressive treatment in cases of neurosarcoidosis with optic neuropathy and to develop criteria to guide treatment strategy based on neurolocalization and the degree of neurological disability.

A Tale of Three Rarities: Secondary Amyloid A (AA) Amyloidosis Caused by Recurrent Sialadenitis and Complicated by Pulmonary Hypertension and Adrenal Insufficiency.

A 48-year-old lady presented with a parotid mass found to be secondary to recurrent sialadenitis. She was also found to have microcytic anemia, renal dysfunction, an elevated gamma gap, and an isolated alkaline phosphatase elevation. Later, she developed altered mental status and shock, and was found to have adrenal insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary nodules. A liver biopsy was consistent with amyloid deposition. The constellation of findings was consistent with systemic amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to recurrent sialadenitis with hepatic, renal, pulmonary, and adrenal involvement. The patient later passed away due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure. This case demonstrates rare sequelae of systemic AA amyloidosis of pulmonary hypertension and adrenal insufficiency.

Double valve involvement: papillary fibroelastoma in a patient with severe mitral and aortic valve regurgitation.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a benign neoplasm that arises in the endocardium. It commonly presents as an incidental finding on transthoracic echocardiography or as emboli to the coronary, cerebral or pulmonary vasculature. Clinical manifestations described in the literature have generally been related to a sequelae of the associated embolic phenomenon of these lesions. Valve regurgitation is less common with papillary fibroelastoma and when found, it is not known to cause severe regurgitation requiring valve replacement. We report a case of papillary fibroelastoma in a patient with severe mitral and aortic valve regurgitation in association with mobile masses requiring double valve replacement. This patient managed initially as infective endocarditis with severe double valve regurgitation, was found to have valvular masses concernng for papillary fibroelastoma and subsequently confirmed on pathology.

Secondary Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome Due To Chronic Beta-Blocker Use.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), which is interchangeably used with the term ''abdominal cocoon syndrome'', is a rare condition characterized by a thick fibrous membrane encasing portions of the intestinal wall leading to recurrent bowel obstructions. To date, literature describing the association between this condition and chronic beta-blocker therapy is scarce. This report adds by detailing a rare presentation of SEP and highlights an understudied yet important association of SEP with chronic beta-blocker therapy.

Psychogenic Adipsia Presenting as Recurrent Functional Vomiting and Hypernatremia.

Hypernatremia is caused by a disproportionate balance of inadequate free water relative to sodium level. Frequent causes of hypernatremia include renal or gastrointestinal fluid loss, hypothalamic injury, and endocrine abnormalities. The authors describe a rare case of hypernatremia that manifested secondary to psychogenic adipsia in a 46-year-old woman presenting with intractable vomiting. Her presenting symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved after treatment was initiated for major depression. This case highlights the need for a holistic approach when confronted with a case of unexplained hypernatremia.

BRASH Syndrome with Hyperkalemia: An Under-Recognized Clinical Condition.

BRASH syndrome is characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, use of an atrioventricular nodal blocker (AVNB), shock, and hyperkalemia. These symptoms represent an ongoing vicious cycle in a patient with a low glomerular filtration rate taking an AVNB. Decreased clearance of the medication and hyperkalemia associated with renal failure synergize to cause bradycardia and hypoperfusion. This reaction causes renal function to worsen, thereby perpetuating the cycle of BRASH syndrome.

Severe Pernicious Anemia Predisposing to Hypoxic Hepatitis.

Hypoxic hepatitis or ischemic hepatitis is most commonly encountered in critical care patients, most of whom have shock states secondary to cardiac or respiratory failure. We report a case of severe pernicious anemia predisposing to hypoxic hepatitis that had a good prognosis with simple treatment. Care should be taken in management of severe anemia, interpretation of serum vitamin B12 levels after blood transfusion, and the use of intravenous fluids.

A Rare Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in an Adult with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

A 71-year-old Indian female presented with a 3-month history of weight loss and fatigue. Further review confirmed a histological diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Although bone marrow analysis did not reveal hemophagocytosis, she had some clinical and laboratory pointers to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Her clinical state deteriorated rapidly with development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and subsequently death.

A Unique Case of Complete Atrioventricular Block Rapidly Progressing to Diastolic and Systolic Dysfunction in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease that most commonly affects the lungs but can affect other organs including the heart due to granuloma infiltration. Atrioventricular block is a common manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis which can progress to sudden cardiac death. We report a case of cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as complete heart block, progressing to diastolic and systolic dysfunction without extracardiac manifestations early in the disease. This case stresses the importance of having a high index of suspicion for cardiac sarcoidosis in patients presenting with atrioventricular block of unknown etiology.

Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis Masquerading as Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome involving small- to medium-sized vessels. Almost half of hepatitis C-infected patients have detectable cryoglobulins levels, but only very few develop clinical manifestations. In this case report, we bring forth a diagnostic challenge of CV. A 52-year-old man with untreated hepatitis C (high viral load), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease 4 (CKD) with solitary left kidney presented with one month of bilateral hand pain that started in his right hand, progressed to involve the left with numbness more on the palmer aspects and lateral three fingers. Physical exam was significant for bilateral positive Phalen and Tinel's sign. CV occurs due to precipitation of immune complexes within the vessels. Palpable purpura, arthralgia, and weakness have been described as the core symptoms of CV. However, progressive acute to subacute neuropathy, especially bilateral, should raise concerns for vasculitic neuropathy.