Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on inflammatory markers, disease severity, depression, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) during the month of Ramadan is part of the religious rituals of Muslims. The effect of intermittent fasting on disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still unknown. This is the first study to assess the effect of IF during Ramadan on inflammatory markers in patients diagnosed with IBD. The effects on clinical disease activity, quality of life, and levels of depression were also assessed. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) who intended to observe Ramadan fasting were recruited. The following were assessed immediately before and at the end of Ramadan: Serum CRP and stool calprotectin, partial Mayo score, Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI), Simple IBD questionnaire (SIBDQ), and Hamilton depression scale questionnaire. RESULTS: 80 patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited (60 UC, 20 CD). Serum CRP and stool calprotectin did not show a significant change before vs after fasting (median CRP 0.53 vs 0.50, P value = 0.27, Calprotectin 163 vs 218 respectively, P value = 0.62). The partial Mayo score showed a significant rise after fasting (median 1 before vs 1 after fasting, mean: 1.79 vs 2.33 respectively, P value = 0.02). Harvey-Bradshaw index did not show a significant change after fasting (median 4 vs 5, P value = 0.4). Multiple linear regression revealed that older age and a higher baseline calprotectin were associated with a higher change in Mayo score after fasting (P value = 0.02 and P value = 0.01, respectively). No significant change was detected in SIBDQ or Hamilton depression scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients diagnosed with UC, IF during Ramadan was associated with worsening of clinical parameters, the effect was more pronounced in older patients and those with higher baseline calprotectin levels. However, IF during Ramadan was not associated with an adverse effect on objective inflammatory markers (CRP and calprotectin).

Retrospective multicenter study on endoscopic treatment of upper GI postsurgical leaks.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Therapeutic endoscopy plays a critical role in the management of upper GI (UGI) postsurgical leaks. Data are scarce regarding clinical success and safety. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic therapy for UGI postsurgical leaks and associated adverse events (AEs) and to identify factors associated with successful endoscopic therapy and AE occurrence. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, international study of all patients who underwent endoscopic therapy for UGI postsurgical leaks between 2014 and 2019. RESULTS: Two hundred six patients were included. Index surgery most often performed was sleeve gastrectomy (39.3%), followed by gastrectomy (23.8%) and esophagectomy (22.8%). The median time between index surgery and commencement of endoscopic therapy was 16 days. Endoscopic closure was achieved in 80.1% of patients after a median follow-up of 52 days (interquartile range, 33-81.3). Seven hundred seventy-five therapeutic endoscopies were performed. Multimodal therapy was needed in 40.8% of patients. The cumulative success of leak resolution reached a plateau between the third and fourth techniques (approximately 70%-80%); this was achieved after 125 days of endoscopic therapy. Smaller leak initial diameters, hospitalization in a general ward, hemodynamic stability, absence of respiratory failure, previous gastrectomy, fewer numbers of therapeutic endoscopies performed, shorter length of stay, and shorter times to leak closure were associated with better outcomes. Overall, 102 endoscopic therapy-related AEs occurred in 81 patients (39.3%), with most managed conservatively or endoscopically. Leak-related mortality rate was 12.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal therapeutic endoscopy, despite being time-consuming and requiring multiple procedures, allows leak closure in a significant proportion of patients with a low rate of severe AEs.

Nitazoxanide plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C, a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nitazoxanide has been proposed as a novel therapeutic agent for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) potentiating the effect of interferon and improving sustained virological response rates to up to 80% in genotype 4. This is an independent randomized trial to confirm the efficacy of nitazoxanide in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4. METHODS: This was an open-label trial. Treatment-naive genotype 4 HCV patients were recruited: Group 1 received weekly subcutaneous pegylated interferon 160 µg in addition to weight-based ribavirin (1200 mg if ≥ 75 kg and 1000 mg if <75 kg) for 48 weeks, Group 2 received 4 weeks lead-in therapy by nitazoxanide alone (500 mg bid) followed by triple therapy including nitazoxanide, pegylated interferon and ribavirin for a further 48 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited in each group. Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher BMI in group 1 (28.5 vs. 26.5, P = 0.01). SVR rates were similar (24/50 (48%) vs. 25/50 (50%) in groups 1 and 2 respectively, P: 0.84). RVR, cEVR and ETR rates were also similar (61% vs. 53% - P:0.4, 70% vs. 72% - P:0.8 and 62% vs. 58% - P:0.6 in groups 1 and 2 respectively). Biochemical response at week 12 was also similar (57% vs. 46% in groups 1 and 2 respectively, P:0.26). Complications were similar except for a higher rate of dyspepsia in the group receiving nitazoxanide (32% vs. 14%, P:0.03). CONCLUSION: The addition of nitazoxanide to pegylated interferon and ribavirin does not improve the virological or biochemical response rates in chronic HCV genotype 4.

The impact of EndoCuff-assisted colonoscopy on the polyp detection rate: A cross-over randomized back-to-back study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and most CRCs develop from polyps with malignant potential. We aimed to study the difference in polyp detection rate between EndoCuff-assisted colonoscopies (EAC) and standard colonoscopy (SC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at Cairo University Hospitals on patients referred for screening or diagnostic colonoscopy from July 2018 to August 2020. All included patients underwent back-to-back standard colonoscopy (SC) and ENDOCUFF VISION-assisted colonoscopies (EAC). RESULTS: 214 patients were included in this study. In comparison between EAC and SC, EAC increased the polyp detection rate (69 (32.24 %) vs. 57(26.64 %) (p < 0.05), EAC increased the detection of diminutive polyps ≤ 5 mm (104 vs. 81) (p < 0.05), and small polyps 6-9 mm (12 vs. 10) while there was no difference in large polyps ≥ 10 mm. EAC increased the adenoma detection rate (ADR) (37 (17.2 %) vs. 32(14.9 %) (p < 0.05). The findings detected by EAC shortened the interval of surveillance determined by SC findings. EndoCuff caused six mucosal erosions (2.8 %) in patients. CONCLUSION: EAC increases the number of detected colonic polyps, primarily small polyps on the left and right sides of the colon.

Combined endoscopic techniques for closure of a chronic post-surgical gastrocutaneous fistula: case report and review of the literature (with video).

Several techniques have been proposed to seal post-operative leaks endoscopicaly, however, chronic fibrosed fistulas remain a tenacious problem. We describe the success of a combination of minimally invasive peroral endoscopic techniques to seal and permanently close a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula complicating a laparoscopic gastric bypass, these techniques included: fistuloscopy, argon plasma coagulation, mucosal stripping and the novel over-the-scope clips.

Psoriasis paradox-infliximab-induced psoriasis in a patient with Crohn's disease: a case report and mini-review.

Biologic drugs are therapeutic modalities designed to inhibit specific cytokine signaling pathways. The introduction of these drugs in the management of autoimmune diseases has dramatically changed the treatment paradigm of chronic systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. However, despite their overall acceptable safety profiles, paradoxical reactions have been reported in some real-life cases including case studies and clinical trials. In this study, we report a patient with Crohn's disease who developed infliximab-induced psoriasis vulgaris after starting infliximab treatment. In this case, infliximab was discontinued, and low-dose steroids and subcutaneous methotrexate were introduced to control both his psoriasis and bowel condition with satisfying responses.

Treatment of Patients with Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Middle East Expert Consensus.

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the Middle East is increasing, impacting the economic and healthcare burden. The management of patients with mild to moderate UC is still a challenge as several factors can affect optimal care, including drug choice, induction and maintenance dose, treatment optimization and de-escalation, therapy duration, monitoring, and safety profile. We conducted an expert consensus to standardize the management of patients with mild to moderate UC. Sixteen experts in inflammatory bowel diseases, through a well-established and accepted Delphi methodology, voted and approved eight statements in order to provide practical guidance to clinicians in the Middle East.

Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Egypt: A Nationwide Multicenter Study.

Background and Aims: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are the most common types of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with variable responses to traditional therapies and unpredicted prognosis. In Egypt and most developing countries, the lack of recent epidemiological and prognostic data adversely affects management strategies. We collected and analyzed data of patients with IBD from multiple centers across Egypt to evaluate patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients diagnosed with IBD between May 2018 and August 2021, at 14 tertiary gastroenterology units across Egypt. Record analysis addressed a combination of clinico-epidemiological characteristics, biochemical tests, stool markers, endoscopic features, histological information, and different lines for IBD treatment. Results: We identified 1104 patients with an established diagnosis of IBD; 81% of them had UC, and 19% showed CD. The mean age of onset was 35.1 ± 12.5 years ranging from 5 to 88 years, the mean duration of illness at inclusion was 13.6 ± 16.7 years, gender distribution was almost equal with a significant male dominance (60.4%, p = 0.003) among patients with CD, 57% were living in rural areas, and 70.5% were from Delta and Coastal areas. Two hundred nineteen patients (19.8%) displayed comorbid conditions, primarily associated with CD. The most frequent complaints were diarrhea (73.2%), rectal bleeding (54.6%) that was significantly higher among patients with UC (64%, p < 0.001), and 46.8% with abdominal pain (more often with CD: 71%, p < 0.001). Conventional therapy was effective in treating 94.7% of patients. The main lesion in patients with CD was ileal (47.8%); patients with UC mainly exhibited proctosigmoiditis (28.4%). Dysplasia was detected in 7.2% of patients, mainly subjects with UC. Conclusions: To our knowledge, our effort is the first and largest cohort of Egyptian patients with IBD to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and diagnostic and management approaches. More extensive prospective studies are still needed to fully characterize disease distribution, environmental factors, and pathological features of the disease.

Prophylaxis versus Treatment against Transurethral Resection of Prostate Syndrome: The Role of Hypertonic Saline.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating the usage and effects of prophylactic hypertonic saline (HS) to prevent the occurrence of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I-III candidates for TURP using the monopolar resectoscope were randomized into three groups 20 patients each. Group A received 4 mL.kg-1.h-1 HS 3%; Group B received 2 mL.kg-1.h-1 HS 3%; and Group C received 6 mL.kg-1.h-1 normal saline. Hemodynamics, vasopressors need, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), osmolality, and arterial-blood gas (ABG) were recorded. The incidence of transurethral resection syndrome, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, postoperative ventilation, hospital stay as well as any adverse events were noted. RESULTS: Hypernatremia was detected in six patients (P = 0.002) of Group A only, while hyponatremia occurred in five patients (P = 0.009) of Group C alone. Serum sodium in Group C showed a significant decrease starting from T2 (1 h postresection) till Tp3 (48 h postoperative). In Group C, five patients experienced hypotension and bradycardia; hypertensive episodes also occurred in five patients and a hypervolemic state was noted in seven patients. TURP syndrome was confirmed in only five patients, all in Group C (P = 0.009). Postoperative ICU admission was needed for seven patients of C Group, five of which required assisted ventilation. The overall hospital stay was longer for Group C patients. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic administration of HS during TURP is superior to conventional treatment of an occurred TURP syndrome. Low dose (2 mL.kg-1.h-1 HS 3%) is effective without adverse effects or risk of contrary hypernatremia.

Peroral transgastric/transduodenal necrosectomy: success in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results and complications of an endoscopic transgastric/transduodenal approach as a possible alternative to conventional surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Infected organized pancreatic necrosis carries a high mortality despite antibiotic therapy and numerous conventional and laparoscopic surgical techniques of debridement. The advent of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) provides a possible alternative approach. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, patients with infected organized pancreatic necrosis were referred for endoscopic necrosectomy as their initial treatment of choice. Accessibility was confirmed by CT and endoscopic ultrasound. Access to the cavities was transgastric or transduodenal, after passing the endoscope inside the retroperitoneal cavity all necrotic and purulent material was evacuated under direct endoscopic vision. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (12 men, mean age: 55 years, range: 38-66 years) underwent endoscopic necrosectomy. Two patients had complementary percutaneous drainage for endoscopically inaccessible cavities. Resolution infection was the rule in all cases. Infection recurred in 4 patients and a necrotic cavity persisted in 1 patient; all were managed by further endoscopic necrosectomies (total = 23 necrosectomy sessions; mean, 1.8 per patient; range, 1-3). Mean duration of each session was 3.5 hours (range, 2.5-4 hours). Endoscopic treatment was eventually successful in all patients with gradual diminution of the necrotic cavities on CT images. Average duration of follow-up was 19.5 months (range, 2-56 months) with no recurrence of the infectious process and no surgery was required for any patient. Complications included bleeding (n = 3) and transient aggravation of sepsis (n = 3). No mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is highly effective and safe in the treatment of infected organized pancreatic necrosis. Results are achievable and sustainable with a limited number of sessions.

Enteral stents in the management of post-bariatric surgery leaks.

A post-bariatric surgery leak is a rare but grave condition and remains every bariatric surgeon's nightmare. Endoscopic therapy with the insertion of self-expandable stents provides an effective minimally invasive approach for the management of leaks. Self-expandable stents, however, are still hampered by their tendency for migration and are not always well tolerated. Recently, double-pigtail stents have been proposed as an alternative endoscopic therapeutic modality. Both types of stents have been shown to be very effective in the management of leaks; however, most studies have pooled gastrointestinal leaks due to different etiologies together. In this article, we review the current status and foreseen innovations in gastrointestinal stenting for post-bariatric surgery leaks.

Gastroseal: A Novel Stent Design for the Management of Post-Bariatric Surgery Leaks.

Bariatric surgery leaks remain a dreaded complication with ominous consequences. Fully covered stents have shown efficacy in the treatment of leaks; however, stent migration remains a major drawback. Ultra-large stents have shown reduced rates of migration and coapt better against the walls, but deep ulcers occur in almost all patients, as well as frequent severe intolerance, bleeding, and perforation. We have developed a large expandable stent with physical characteristics and a particularly flexible mesh design that make it much less traumatic than conventional large stents while maintaining the advantage of being less prone to migration. In this patient with a post-sleeve gastrectomy leak, we provide a proof of concept that the Gastroseal stent is effective and nontraumatic despite its very large size.

Large Bariatric-Specific Stents and Over-the-Scope Clips in the Management of Post-Bariatric Surgery Leaks.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic stents are successful in the management of surgical leaks; however, stent migration remains a significant problem. In this study, we present our approach depending on a large bariatrics-specific stent (Mega stent) and over-the-scope clips in the management of post-bariatric surgery leaks. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients with post-bariatric surgery leaks treated at our institution using an approach reliant on Mega stents and over-the-scope clips was conducted. Potential factors associated with procedure success and occurrence of complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 81 stents were inserted in 62 patients with post-bariatric surgery leaks, 46 sleeve gastrectomies (73%) and 16 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (27%). Over-the-scope clips were applied in 29 patients (46%). Leak closure was achieved in 51 patients (82%). Median number of procedures per patient was 3 (range 2-8). Complications included the following: stent migration (11/62, 18%), intolerance necessitating premature removal (7/62, 11%), esophageal stricture (8/62, 13%), bleeding (4/62, 6%), perforation (4/62, 6%). One stent-induced mortality was encountered (bleeding). The presence of open surgery (vs laparoscopic) was significantly associated with the occurrence of stent-induced complications (p 0.002). CONCLUSION: The approach combining Mega stents and over-the-scope clips is highly effective in the management of post-bariatric surgery leaks and is associated with a low rate of stent migration and a low number of procedures and stents per patient. Mega stents, however, should be used with great caution due to the significant morbidity associated with their use.

Endoscopic Management of Eroded Bands Following Banded-Gastric Bypass (with Video).

BACKGROUND: Banded-gastric bypass is a highly effective bariatric procedure, yet the possibility of band erosion remains a significant drawback. Surgical removal of eroded bands may be associated with significant morbidity. In this study, we assess the efficacy and safety of a solely peroral endoscopic approach for the management of eroded bands in patients with a banded-gastric bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Starting January 2012, all patients with banded-gastric bypass and an eroded band were subjected to an attempt at peroral endoscopic removal using endoscopic scissors and/or argon plasma coagulation (APC), regardless of the circumference of band eroding inside the lumen. RESULTS: Sixteen patients presented with eroded bands, 2 were deemed not amenable to endoscopic removal as only part of the thickness was eroded. Of the 14 patients where endoscopic attempts were performed, 12 (86%) were completely removed successfully, while 2 (14%) were cut but could not be extracted and only the intraluminal portion was trimmed. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred in 13 (93%) while in 1 patient (7%) there was partial improvement. Only one endoscopic session was performed per patient with a median time of 37.5 min per session (22-55 min). No complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic removal of eroded gastric bands in patients with banded-gastric bypass is effective and safe in the majority of patients. When bands are adherent to the gastric wall, removal of the intraluminal portion of the band may lead to full or partial improvement of symptoms. Endoscopic band removal can be attempted even when a small part of band circumference has eroded.

XRCC1 Gene Polymorphisms and miR-21 Expression in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of two X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1) gene polymorphisms (Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln) on the risk of development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to assess the expression levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in CRC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control cross sectional study was conducted on 50 CRC patients and 50 cancer-free subjects. DNA and miR-21 were extracted from whole blood samples. The expression levels of the XRCC1 polymorphisms and miR-21 were assessed by real-time PCR in all subjects of the study. RESULTS: Genotype analysis revealed a significant association between CRC risk and both the Arg194Trp genotype (OR=11.407, 95% CI=4.039-32.221, p<0.001) and the Arg399Gln genotype (OR=3.778, 95% CI= 1.6-8.919, p=0.002). The expression levels of circulating miR-21 were able to detect CRC cases significantly (p=0.022) with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 56% (Area under the curve (AUC)=0.633) but were unable to distinguish between early and late cases (AJCC classification) (p=0.194). CONCLUSION: The XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms both confer high susceptibility for the development of CRC. Circulating miR-21 expression levels are a potentially diagnostic non-invasive genetic marker of CRC.

An Endoscopic Strategy Combining Mega Stents and Over-The-Scope Clips for the Management of Post-Bariatric Surgery Leaks and Fistulas (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic stenting has proved effective in the management of post-surgical leaks but is strongly hampered by the high rate of stent migration. In this study, we evaluate our experience with a new approach involving the use of novel ultra-large expandable stents tailored for bariatric surgery leaks (Mega stents), combined with the use of the innovative over-the-scope clips (OTSC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with post-bariatric surgery leaks managed at our institution by an approach combining Mega stents and over-the-scope clips. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were treated for post-bariatric surgery leaks; 13 (59%) had a sleeve gastrectomy while nine (41%) had a RYGB. A total of 30 stents were inserted. Successful endoscopic insertion and removal were achieved in all patients. OTSC clips were applied in 12 patients (55%); five simultaneously with stents and seven after stent removal. Primary closure (after one endoscopic procedure) was achieved in 13 patients (59%) and in a total of 18 patients after multiple endoscopic procedures (82%). An average of 1.4 stents and 2.8 endoscopic procedures were required per patient. Stent migration occurred in four patients (18%), and all were retrievable endoscopically. Other complications included retrosternal pain and vomiting in 20 patients (91%) including one necessitating early removal, bleeding in two patients (9%), and perforation and esophageal stricture in one patient each (5%). Two mortalities were encountered, and one of them was stent-related (bleeding). CONCLUSION: Mega stents are effective in the management of post-bariatric surgery leaks. The combined use of Mega stents and OTSC clips is associated with a low incidence of migration and a low number of stents and procedures required per patient.

The efficacy of a Hansenula-derived 20 kDa pegylated interferon alpha-2a in the treatment of genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C.

Pending the emergence and approval of an effective interferon-free regimen, pegylated interferon will remain an integral part of the treatment of genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV). A new 20 kDa pegylated interferon has been developed in a cost-saving fungal-based system and is commercialized in Egypt at a quarter to a third of the price of conventional pegylated interferon. We hereby test the efficacy and safety of this novel cost-saving interferon. One hundred ninety-three consecutive treatment-naive patients with genotype 4 HCV were treated using the following regimen: subcutaneous 20 kDa pegylated interferon 160 µg once weekly plus oral ribavirin 1,000 or 1,200 mg daily (based on body weight <75 kg or ≥75 kg, respectively) for 48 weeks. A sustained virological response (SVR) of 51% was achieved. Interim responses included rapid virological response (RVR): 54%, early virological response (EVR): 78% (complete EVR: 71%, partial EVR: 7%), and end of treatment response: 63%. The most common adverse events were flu-like symptoms, dyspepsia, anorexia, and pruritus. Treatment-related serious adverse events were encountered in only 2 patients (1%). Discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events occurred in only 13 patients (7%). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed the following factors as predictors of SVR: RVR (P<0.001), alpha-fetoprotein

External laryngeal manipulation done by the laryngoscopist makes the best laryngeal view for intubation.

PURPOSE: External laryngeal manipulation (ELM) is used to get better laryngeal view during direct laryngoscopy. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that ELM done by the intubating anesthetist (laryngoscopist) offers the best laryngeal view for tracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 160 patients underwent different surgical procedures were included in this study. Percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score and Cormack and Lehane scale were used as outcome measures for comparison between different laryngoscopic views. Four views were described; basic laryngoscopic view and then views after ELM done by the assistant, by the laryngoscopist and finally by the assistant after the guidance from the laryngoscopist respectively. The last three views compared with the basic laryngoscopic view. RESULTS: ELM done by the laryngoscopist or by the assistant after guidance from the laryngoscopist showed significant improvement of Cormack grades and POGO scores compared with basic laryngoscopic view. Number of patients with Cormack grade1 increased from 39 after direct laryngoscopy to 97 and 96 patients (P < 0.001 by Fisher's exact test), after ELM done by the laryngoscopist and that done by the assistant after guidance from the anesthetist respectively. Furthermore, the number of patients with POGO scores of 100% increased from 39 after direct laryngoscopy to 78 and 61 (P < 0.01) patients after ELM done by the laryngoscopist and that done by the assistant after guidance from the anesthetist respectively. CONCLUSION: It appeared from this study that ELM done by the anesthetist makes the best laryngeal view for tracheal intubation.