The impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in women with Lynch Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Women with Lynch Syndrome (LS) have a high risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. They are recommended regular colonoscopies, and some choose prophylactic hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in these women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 219 LS women >30 years of age registered in the clinical registry at Section for Hereditary Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, were included. Data included hysterectomy status, other abdominal surgeries, and time of surgery. For colonoscopies, data were collected on cecal intubation rate, challenges, and level of pain. Observations in women with and without hysterectomy, and pre- and post-hysterectomy were compared. RESULTS: Cecal intubation rate was lower in women with hysterectomy than in those without (119/126 = 94.4% vs 88/88 = 100%, p = 0.025). Multivariate regression analysis showed an increased risk of challenging colonoscopies (OR,3.58; CI: 1.52-8.43; p = 0.003), and indicated a higher risk of painful colonoscopy (OR, 3.00; 95%CI: 0.99-17.44, p = 0.052), in women with hysterectomy compared with no hysterectomy. Comparing colonoscopy before and after hysterectomy, we also found higher rates of reported challenging colonoscopies post-hysterectomy (6/69 = 8.7% vs 23/69 = 33.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with hysterectomy had a lower cecal intubation rate and a higher number of reported challenging colonoscopy than women with no hysterectomy. However, completion rate in the hysterectomy group was still as high as 94.4%. Thus, LS women who consider hysterectomy should not be advised against it.

Dietary intake and nutritional status in patients with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease: insights from the IBSEN III study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary recommendations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are inconclusive, and patients may follow restrictive diets with increased risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to compare dietary intakes and nutritional status in men and women with newly diagnosed IBD with a general population sample, and to investigate whether intakes were in line with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including adults≥ 40 years with IBD from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South-Eastern Norway (IBSEN) III cohort study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used in dietary data collection, and a sample from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study was included as a comparison group. RESULTS: A total of 227 men and women with IBD were included. IBD patients had higher intake of grain products, sweetened beverages, energy, fat and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), but lower intake of dairy products, alcohol and iodine compared to adults from the comparison sample (p < 0.01). Intakes of saturated fat and carbohydrates in both genders, and vitamin D in women were not within recommended levels. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were more prevalent in IBD patients than in the comparison sample. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intakes in newly diagnosed IBD patients were mostly in line with Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Higher proportion of IBD patients exceeded recommended allowances of fat and added sugar than the comparison sample. Insufficient micronutrient intake, anemia and hypoalbuminemia are present challenges in IBD patients that require monitoring.

Self-prescribed dietary restrictions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to inconclusive dietary guidance may influence their risk of malnutrition. Comprehensive assessment of both dietary intake and nutritional status as early as time of diagnosis may help identify challenges in this patient group and implement appropriate interventions.

Symptoms and symptom clusters in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease: results from the IBSEN III Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease report multiple symptoms, but the relationships among co-occurring symptoms are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of symptoms and explore symptom clusters and possible associations between symptom clusters and socio-demographic and clinical variables in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The IBSEN III study is a prospective population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study used patient data from the three largest hospitals in the study catchment area. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the prevalence of symptoms. Symptom clusters were identified using principal component analysis. Possible associations between socio-demographic and clinical variables and symptom cluster membership were estimated using regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 573 patients (age, ≥18 years) diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, 350 (61.1%) completed the questionnaire (responders). Eleven symptoms were reported by >50% of the responders. The three most prevalent symptoms were bloating (84%), drowsiness (81%), and lack of energy (81%). Three symptom clusters were identified: psychological (56% of the patients), impaired energy (28%), and physical (16%) clusters. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the impaired energy cluster (odds ratio=2.49, 95% confidence interval [1.00-6.2], p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found high symptom prevalence in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified, and the psychological cluster includes >50% of the patients. Vitamin D deficiency is the only factor associated with cluster membership, namely the impaired energy cluster.

Health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease: an observational prospective cohort study (IBSEN III).

PURPOSE: This unselected, population-based cohort study aimed to determine the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at the time of diagnosis compared with a reference population and identify the demographic factors, psychosocial measures, and disease activity markers associated with HRQoL. METHODS: Adult patients newly diagnosed with CD or UC were prospectively enrolled. HRQoL was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Norwegian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaires. Clinical significance was assessed using Cohen's d effect size and further compared with a Norwegian reference population. Associations between HRQoL and symptom scores, demographic factors, psychosocial measures, and disease activity markers were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the Norwegian reference population, patients with CD and UC reported significantly lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions, except for physical functioning. Cohen's d effect sizes for men and women in all SF-36 dimensions were at least moderate, except for bodily pain and emotional role for men with UC and physical functioning for both sexes and diagnoses. In the multivariate regression analysis, depression subscale scores ≥ 8 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, substantial fatigue, and high symptom scores were associated with reduced HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Patients newly diagnosed with CD and UC reported statistically and clinically significantly lower scores in seven of the eight SF-36 dimensions than the reference population. Symptoms of depression, fatigue, and elevated symptom scores were associated with poorer HRQoL.

The effect of train-the-colonoscopy-trainer course on colonoscopy quality indicators.

BACKGROUND: Systematic training in colonoscopy is highly recommended; however, we have limited knowledge of the effects of "training-the-colonoscopy-trainer" (TCT) courses. Using a national quality register on colonoscopy performance, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TCT participation on defined quality indicators. METHODS: This observational study compared quality indicators (pain, cecal intubation, and polyp detection) between centers participating versus not participating in a TCT course. Nonparticipating centers were assigned a pseudoparticipating year to match their participating counterparts. Results were compared between first year after and the year before TCT (pseudo)participation. Time trends up to 5 years after TCT (pseudo)participation were also compared. Generalized estimating equation models, adjusted for age, sex, and bowel cleansing, were used. RESULTS: 11 participating and 11 nonparticipating centers contributed 18 555 and 10 730 colonoscopies, respectively. In participating centers, there was a significant increase in detection of polyps ≥ 5 mm, from 26.4 % to 29.2 % (P = 0.035), and reduction in moderate/severe pain experienced by women, from 38.2 % to 33.6 % (P = 0.043); no significant changes were found in nonparticipating centers. Over 5 years, 20 participating and 18 nonparticipating centers contributed 85 691 and 41 569 colonoscopies, respectively. In participating centers, polyp detection rate increased linearly (P = 0.003), and pain decreased linearly in women (P = 0.004). Nonparticipating centers did not show any significant time trend during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a TCT course improved polyp detection rates and reduced pain experienced by women. These effects were maintained during a 5-year follow-up.

Inflammatory bowel disease in South-Eastern Norway III (IBSEN III): a new population-based inception cohort study from South-Eastern Norway.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Modern treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are postulated to change the natural disease course. Inception cohort studies are the gold standard for investigating such changes. We have initiated a new population-based inception cohort study; Inflammatory bowel disease in South Eastern Norway III (IBSEN III). In this article, we describe the study protocol and baseline characteristics of the cohort. METHODS: IBSEN III is an ongoing, population-based observational inception cohort study with prospective follow-up. Adult and pediatric patients with suspected IBD in the South-Eastern Health Region of Norway (catchment area of 2.95 million inhabitants in 2017), during the 3-year period from 2017 to 2019, were eligible for inclusion. Comprehensive clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, demographic, and patient-reported data were collected at the time of diagnosis and throughout standardized follow-up. For a portion of the patients, extensive biological material was biobanked. RESULTS: The study included 2168 patients, of whom 1779 were diagnosed with IBD (Crohn's disease: 626, ulcerative colitis: 1082, IBD unclassified: 71). In 124 patients, there were subtle findings indicative of, but not diagnostic for, IBD. The remaining 265 patients were classified as symptomatic non-IBD controls. CONCLUSION: We have included patients in a comprehensive population-based IBD cohort from a catchment population of 2.95 million, and a unique biobank with materials from newly diagnosed and treatment-naïve IBD patients and symptomatic non-IBD controls. We believe this cohort will add important knowledge about IBD in the years to come.

Self-esteem in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore self-esteem and associations between self-esteem and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disease of chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and diarrhea, as well as potential life-long medical treatment and surgery, may be demanding, cause significant challenges, and influence self-esteem. METHODS: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, participants were recruited from nine hospitals in the southeastern and western regions of Norway from March 2013 to April 2014. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Self-esteem was assessed by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Questionnaire, self-efficacy was assessed by the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and disease activity was assessed by the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Harvey Bradshaw Index for Crohn's disease (CD). Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine associations between self-esteem and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors. RESULTS: In total, 411 of 452 (91%) patients had evaluable data and were included in this study. The mean scores on self-esteem, self-efficacy, total fatigue, anxiety, and depression were similar between UC patients and CD patients. Male gender, being employed, and higher self-efficacy were independently associated with higher self-esteem, whereas anxiety and depression were independently associated with lower self-esteem. Neither disease activity nor fatigue were associated with self-esteem in the final multiple regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Patient-centered interventions that improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety and depression seem to be important to optimize IBD management.

Prevalence of Sclerosing Cholangitis Detected by Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography in Patients With Long-term Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. Patients with IBD might be screened for PSC using magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). We aimed to estimate the frequency and distribution of MRC-detected lesions that indicate PSC in patients with IBD 20 years after their initial diagnosis and to identify clinical characteristics associated with these findings. METHODS: We performed a follow-up analysis of a population-based cohort of 756 patients in South-Eastern Norway diagnosed with IBD from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1993. Of these subjects, 470 attended a follow-up evaluation 20 years later in which they were offered routine clinical blood testing and ileocolonoscopy; 322 were screened by MRC (222 with ulcerative colitis and 100 with Crohn's disease). Two radiologists independently evaluated results from the MRC examinations. RESULTS: In the MRC examination, 24 patients (7.5%) were found to have PSC-like lesions; only 7 of these patients (2.2%) were known to have PSC. One patient was initially missed and 1 had small-duct PSC, so the final prevalence of PSC was 8.1%. Extensive colitis, a high prevalence of colectomy, and chronic and continuous symptoms of IBD occurred in significantly more patients with suspected PSC than without PSC (P = .029, P = .002, and P = .012, respectively). Among patients with subclinical features of PSC, the MRC progression score for PSC increased when they were re-examined after a median 3.2 years (P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Using MRC analysis of patients with long-term IBD, we found the prevalence of PSC to be around 3-fold higher than that detected based on symptoms. Sixty-five percent of patients had subclinical PSC associated with progressive IBD, with no biochemical abnormalities and mild disease, based on radiology findings. PSC appears to progress in patients with subclinical disease, but long-term outcomes are not known.

Fatigue in a population-based cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease 20 years after diagnosis: The IBSEN study.

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue is a major concern for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), but evidence from population-based studies regarding fatigue in long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is scarce. Our aims were to assess fatigue scores and the prevalence of chronic fatigue in IBD patients 20 years after diagnosis and to identify variables associated with fatigue in this cohort. METHODS: Twenty years after diagnosis, patients from a cohort with incident IBD were invited to a follow-up visit that included a structured interview, a clinical examination, laboratory tests and the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ). Fatigue scores were obtained, and factors associated with fatigue were assessed via linear and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 599 invited patients, 440 (73.5%) completed the FQ. Among those with active disease, we found significantly higher fatigue scores than among those with quiescent disease (fatigue scores: UC 17.1 versus 12.4, p < .001, and CD 17.5 versus 13.3, p < .001). The fatigue scores of those with quiescent disease were comparable with those of the reference population. Chronic fatigue was more frequent among IBD patients than in the reference population. Factors associated with fatigue included self-perceived disease activity, poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: At 20 years after IBD diagnosis, fatigue scores were higher and chronic fatigue was more frequent among IBD patients with active disease than in the reference population and among those with quiescent IBD. Subjectively perceived disease activity, sleep quality, anxiety and depression were associated with fatigue in IBD patients.

Vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence and predictors in a Norwegian outpatient population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vitamin D deficiency is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to identify clinical and epidemiological variables associated with vitamin D deficiency in an outpatient population with IBD. METHODS: Participants were recruited from nine hospitals in the southeastern and western regions of Norway as part of an observational, multicentre study from March 2013 to April 2014. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected by interview and from medical records. All analyses of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were performed in the same laboratory. RESULTS: In total, 49% (200/408) of the patients had a 25-OH-D concentration <50 nmol/L, including 53% (122/230) of the Crohn's disease (CD) patients and 44% (78/178) of the ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In CD patients, disease activity, measured as the HBI, was inversely associated with vitamin D deficiency. No such association was observed with the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) scores in UC, but in UC patients, vitamin D deficiency was associated with elevated faecal calprotectin >100 mg/kg. In patients with CD, there were significantly more relapses during the previous year in patients with vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was common, especially in CD, and was associated with increased disease activity, a relapsing disease course and higher inflammatory activity.

Patients' perceptions of quality of care and follow-up in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Quality of care (QoC) has gained increased attention in IBD. A better QoC has, historically, been linked to improved treatment outcomes. Even so, factors of equal importance to patients may be quality of life (QoL), patient-physician communication and access to care. Recent surveys suggest that IBD care in Europe is suboptimal. METHODS: Patients were recruited from nine hospitals in the south-eastern and western part of Norway as a part of an observational, multicenter study In addition to clinical and socio-demographic factors; a purposely designed 26 item questionnaire was used to quantify aspects related to IBD care, including QoC. Moreover, the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ) was used to investigate fatigue. RESULTS: In total, 411 patients were included. Of these, 231 were diagnosed with CD and 180 with UC. Furthermore, 86.1% (354/411) were satisfied with the quality of IBD follow-up and only 4.1% (17/411) were dissatisfied. Most dissatisfaction was related to: lack of focus on personal relations (18.2%), HRQoL (15.1%), general practitioner knowledge of IBD (13.9%), ability to talk about important topics (7.8%), and hospital discharge communication (9.4%). Higher age and longer disease duration was associated with improved QoC scores in both UC and CD. Fatigue was associated with decreased QoC scores in both diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are satisfied with quality of care in IBD. However, communication seems to be an important area of improvement - not only related to patient-physician communication, but also to transitional communication between different health-care levels.

[A man in his thirties with icterus and itching]. / En mann i 30-årene med icterus og kløe.

BACKGROUND: We present a patient from South-East Asia who has been living in Norway for five years. He was referred to our department with jaundice caused by opisthorchiasis/clonorchiasis. This reason for jaundice is highly unusual in Europe. Worldwide, however about 35,000,000 people are infected. CASE PRESENTATION: A male in his thirties, originally from South-East Asia, experienced diffuse itching for five weeks and painless jaundice for two weeks. Blood samples showed increasing cholestasis. Abdominal ultrasound, MRCP and computed tomography showed no sign of bile duct obstruction or liver tumour. Serological tests and liver biopsy revealed no infectious or autoimmune liver disease. ERCP showed normal bile ducts, but large quantities of typical hookworms in the duodenum. Stool samples showed at least one egg typical of Opisthorchis/Clonorchis and a large quantity of hookworm eggs. We interpreted these findings as parasite-induced obstruction of some of the small bile ducts. The patient recovered completely after treatment with Praziquantel. INTERPRETATION: Jaundice due to bile duct obstruction by opisthorchiasis/clonorchiasis is a well-known problem in South-East Asia. It may become more common in Europe as well as a result of increasing migration. Treatment with Praziquantel is simple and effective.

Clinical course of ulcerative colitis: Frequent use of biologics and low colectomy rate first year after diagnosis-results from the IBSEN III inception cohort.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of biologic therapies and the 'treat-to-target' treatment strategy may have changed the disease course of ulcerative colitis (UC). AIMS: To describe the early disease course and disease outcome at 1-year follow-up in a population-based inception cohort of adult patients with newly diagnosed UC. METHODS: The Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South-Eastern Norway (IBSEN) III study is a population-based inception cohort study with prospective follow-up. Patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease during 2017-2019 were included. Patients ≥18 years at diagnosis of UC who attended the 1-year follow-up were investigated. We registered clinical, endoscopic and demographic data at diagnosis and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: We included 877 patients with UC (median age 36 years (range: 18-84), 45.8% female). At diagnosis, 39.2% presented with proctitis, 24.7% left-sided colitis and 36.0% extensive colitis. At the 1-year follow-up, 13.9% experienced disease progression, and 14.5% had received one or more biologic therapies. The colectomy rate was 0.9%. Steroid-free clinical remission was observed in 76.6%, and steroid-free endoscopic remission in 68.7%. Anaemia and initiation of systemic steroid treatment at diagnosis were associated with biologic therapy within the first year after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In this population-based inception cohort, colectomy rate in the first year after diagnosis was low, and a high proportion of patients were in remission at 1-year follow-up. The use of biologic therapy increases, consistent with findings from previous studies.

Identification and validation of a blood- based diagnostic lipidomic signature of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Improved biomarkers are needed for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Here we identify a diagnostic lipidomic signature for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease by analyzing blood samples from a discovery cohort of incident treatment-naïve pediatric patients and validating findings in an independent inception cohort. The lipidomic signature comprising of only lactosyl ceramide (d18:1/16:0) and phosphatidylcholine (18:0p/22:6) improves the diagnostic prediction compared with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Adding high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to the signature does not improve its performance. In patients providing a stool sample, the diagnostic performance of the lipidomic signature and fecal calprotectin, a marker of gastrointestinal inflammation, does not substantially differ. Upon investigation in a third pediatric cohort, the findings of increased lactosyl ceramide (d18:1/16:0) and decreased phosphatidylcholine (18:0p/22:6) absolute concentrations are confirmed. Translation of the lipidomic signature into a scalable diagnostic blood test for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease has the potential to support clinical decision making.

Risk stratification to predict pain during unsedated colonoscopy: results of a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colonoscopy without sedation has several advantages over sedated colonoscopy, but a considerable proportion of patients experience pain. The aim of this study was to develop a risk stratification model of pre-examination risk factors to enable targeted sedation during colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2011 and January 2012, consecutive outpatients who were willing to start colonoscopy without sedation at 11 Norwegian centers were prospectively recruited. Patients recorded pain on a validated 4-point scale (none, slight, moderate, or severe pain). Potential risk factors for a painful procedure (defined as moderate or severe pain) were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was calculated to assess the discriminatory ability of the derived model. RESULTS: A total of 1198 patients (635 men and 563 women) were included. Seven independent, pre-procedural risk factors for patient pain were identified: female sex, age < 40 years, previous abdominal surgery, abdominal pain as indication for colonoscopy, anticipation of pain, previous painful colonoscopy, and a history of diverticulitis. In patients with 0, 1, 2, or ≥ 3 risk factors, a painful colonoscopy was experienced by 35 %, 43 %, 52 %, and 63 % of women and 18 %, 24 %, 35 %, and 63 % of men, respectively. The model showed modest discrimination abilities (AUROC = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Female sex was a strong risk factor for pain during colonoscopy, and sedation or analgesia should be considered for all women prior to colonoscopy. For male patients, the presence of multiple risk factors should encourage the endoscopist to offer sedation.

Fatigue in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from a Prospective Inception Cohort, the IBSEN III Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although fatigue is common in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue and its associated factors in a cohort of patients newly diagnosed with IBD. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years old were recruited from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease South-Eastern Norway [IBSEN III] study, a population-based, observational inception cohort. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Questionnaire and compared with data from a Norwegian general population. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of total fatigue [TF; continuous score] and substantial fatigue [SF; dichotomized score ≥4] with sociodemographic, clinical, endoscopic, laboratory, and other relevant patient data. RESULTS: In total, 983/1509 [65.1%] patients with complete fatigue data were included (ulcerative colitis [UC], 68.2%; Crohn's disease [CD], 31.8%). The prevalence of SF was higher in CD [69.6%] compared with UC [60.2%] [p < 0.01], and in both diagnoses when compared to the general population [p < 0.001]. In multivariate analyses, depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and sleep disturbances were associated with increased TF for both diagnoses. In addition, increased clinical disease activity and Mayo endoscopic score were significantly associated with TF in UC, whereas all disease-related variables were insignificant in CD. Similar findings were observed for SF, except regarding the Mayo endoscopic score. CONCLUSIONS: SF affects approximately two-thirds of patients newly diagnosed with IBD. Fatigue was associated with depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and increased pain intensity in both diagnoses, while clinical and endoscopic activity were associated factors only in UC.

"Drop in" gastroscopy outpatient clinic--experience after 9 months.

BACKGROUND: Logistics handling referrals for gastroscopy may be more time consuming than the examination itself. For the patient, "drop in" gastroscopy may reduce uncertainty, inadequate therapy and time off work. METHODS: After an 8-9 month run-in period we asked patients, hospital staff and GPs to fill in a questionnaire to evaluate their experience with "drop in" gastroscopy and gastroscopy by appointment, respectively. The diagnostic gain was evaluated. RESULTS: 112 patients had "drop in" gastroscopy and 101 gastroscopy by appointment. The number of "drop in" patients varied between 3 and 12 per day (mean 6.5). Mean time from first GP consultation to gastroscopy was 3.6 weeks in the "drop in" group and 14 weeks in the appointment group. The half-yearly number of outpatient gastroscopies increased from 696 before introducing "drop in" to 1022 after (47% increase) and the proportion of examinations with pathological findings increased from 42% to 58%. Patients and GPs expressed great satisfaction with "drop in". Hospital staff also acclaimed although it caused more unpredictable working days with no additional staff. CONCLUSIONS: "Drop in" gastroscopy was introduced without increase in staff. The observed increase in gastroscopies was paralleled by a similar increase in pathological findings without any apparent disadvantages for other groups of patients. This should legitimise "drop in" outpatient gastroscopies, but it requires meticulous observation of possible unwanted effects when implemented.

Colonoscope with a sub-distal hyper-flaccid segment for improved insertion at colonoscopy: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: In sharp bends, particularly in the colonic flexures, the axial pushing force conveyed to the distal actively bending tip of the endoscope may cause impaction rather than progression. It is hypothesized that colonoscopes with a very flaccid segment immediately proximal to the distal bending tip might reduce this problem. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two prototype colonoscopes with a flaccid passively bending segment (either progressively graded or ungraded flaccidity) positioned immediately proximal to the distal actively bending tip was evaluated in a single-blinded randomized study. The primary end-point was patients' evaluation of pain. RESULTS: Altogether, 400 patients were randomized 1:1 to examination with a prototype (60 patients to endoscope with graded flaccidity; 141 to the endoscope with ungraded flaccidity) or a standard colonoscope. The groups were similar regarding age, sex and previous abdominal surgery. Severe pain was reported by 7% of patients in the prototype and 18% in the standard group (p = 0.001). There was a trend toward shorter cecal intubation time in the prototype group (mean 14.1 min, 95% CI 12.8-15.3) compared to the standard group (mean 15.5 min, 95% CI 14.3-16.7) (p = 0.12) and similar intubation rates (89% and 85%, respectively). Results for first (ungraded flaccidity) and second (graded flaccidity) generation prototypes collectively were similar to the second generation separately. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of an endoscope with a hyper-flaccid segment may facilitate negotiation of sharp bends and reduce pain without compromising cecal intubation rate or intubation time.

Gastronet survey on the use of one- or two-person technique for colonoscopy insertion.

BACKGROUND: Usually, colonoscopy insertion is performed by the colonoscopist (one-person technique). Quite common in the early days of endoscopy, the assisting nurse is now only rarely doing the insertion (two-person technique). Using the Norwegian national endoscopy quality assurance (QA) programme, Gastronet, we wanted to explore the extent of two-person technique practice and look into possible differences in performance and QA output measures. METHODS: 100 colonoscopists in 18 colonoscopy centres having reported their colonoscopies to Gastronet between January and December 2009 were asked if they practiced one- or two-person technique during insertion of the colonoscope. They were categorized accordingly for comparative analyses of QA indicators. RESULTS: 75 endoscopists responded to the survey (representing 9368 colonoscopies) - 62 of them (83%) applied one-person technique and 13 (17%) two-person technique. Patients age and sex distributions and indications for colonoscopy were also similar in the two groups. Caecal intubation was 96% in the two-person group compared to 92% in the one-person group (p < 0.001). Pain reports were similar in the groups, but time to the caecum was shorter and the use of sedation less in the two-person group. CONCLUSION: Two-person technique for colonoscope insertion was practiced by a considerable minority of endoscopists (17%). QA indicators were either similar to or better than one-person technique. This suggests that there may be some beneficial elements to this technique worth exploring and try to import into the much preferred one-person insertion technique.

Outcome of Ulcerative Colitis 20 Years after Diagnosis in a Prospective Population-based Inception Cohort from South-Eastern Norway, the IBSEN Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The long-term course of ulcerative colitis [UC] is difficult to predict. Mortality, colectomy, cancer, and hospitalisation represent hard outcomes of disease. Moreover, knowledge on the risk of relapses and need for potent medication add important information about living with UC. We aimed to evaluate the course and prognosis of UC during the first 20 years after diagnosis, and to identify early prognostic risk factors. METHODS: From 1990 to 1994, a population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease was enrolled in South-Eastern Norway. A systematic follow-up [FU] was conducted at 1,5, 10, and 20 years after diagnosis. Clinical outcomes were recorded continuously, and possible relationships between early disease characteristics and outcomes were analysed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 519 UC patients, 119 died, 60 were lost to FU, and 340 were included in the FU cohort. The 20-year cumulative risk of colectomy was 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] [11.4-14.6]). Extensive colitis at diagnosis was independently associated with an increased risk of colectomy compared with proctitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2].8, 95% CI [1.3-6.1]). In contrast, mucosal healing at 1-year FU was independently associated with reduced risk of colectomy [HR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2-0.8]), and inversely associated with subsequent risk of relapse [adjusted HR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.3-0.7]). CONCLUSIONS: The overall risk of colectomy in our cohort was lower than expected from previous studies, although considerable for patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis. Early mucosal healing was associated with better disease outcomes 20 years after diagnosis.