The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Intestinal Parasite Frequency: A Retrospective Study

The main ones among these parasites are Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis and Cryptosporidium spp. from protozoa and Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, Trichuris trichura, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia saginata and Hymenolepis nana from helminths (1-2). Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient clean-water supply, climate changes, malnutrition, lack of hygiene, overpopulation, ignorance, and unconsciousness are risk factors for intestinal parasite infections, besides the impairment of the immune system (3). Suppression or deterioration of the immune system increases the pathogenic effects of parasites, particularly affected by the cellular immune response and paves the way for the emergence of clinical symptoms that could lead to death (4). Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, retarded development, and anemia are frequently encountered symptoms in intestinal parasite infections, which mostly affect the pediatric age group, and cause malnutrition, malabsorption, mental retardation, adjustment disorder and important complications that reduce productivity (5-6).

Factors associated with non-attendance at appointments in the gastroenterology endoscopy unit: a retrospective cohort study.

Background and Aims: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a limited health resource because of a scarcity of qualified personnel and limited availability of equipment. Non-adherence to endoscopy appointments therefore wastes healthcare resources and may compromise the early detection and treatment of GI diseases. We aimed to identify factors affecting non-attendance at scheduled appointments for GI endoscopy and thus improve GI healthcare outcomes. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary hospital gastroenterology endoscopy unit, 12 months before and 12 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with non-attendance at scheduled appointments. Results: Overall, 5,938 appointments were analyzed, and the non-attendance rate was 18.3% (1,088). The non-attendance rate fell significantly during the pandemic (22.6% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis identified the absence of deep sedation (OR: 3.253, 95% CI [2.386-4.435]; p < 0.001), a referral from a physician other than a gastroenterologist (OR: 1.891, 95% CI [1.630-2.193]; p < 0.001), a longer lead time (OR: 1.006, 95% CI [1.004-1.008]; p < 0.001), and female gender (OR: 1.187, 95% CI [1.033-1.363]; p = 0.015) as associated with appointment non-attendance. Conclusions: Female patients, those undergoing endoscopic procedures without deep sedation, those referred by physicians other than gastroenterologists, and with longer lead time were less likely to adhere to appointments. Precautions should be directed at patients with one or more of these risk factors, and for those scheduled for screening procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning to Turkey with a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic

Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to.

Biliary stents are forgotten more frequently in elderly patients

Background/aim: Plastic biliary stents that remain in situ for more than 12 months, called forgotten biliary stents (FBSs), can cause complications such as cholangitis, stent migration, stent occlusion, and perforation. Materials and methods: The medical records of patients who underwent ERCP procedures from December 2016 to December 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Data on patient characteristics, indications for ERCP and stenting, stent types, stenting duration, complications, and causes of FBSs were obtained from the hospital's database. Results: A total of 48 cases with FBSs were analysed. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 71.23 years (±12.165), the male-to-female ratio was 23/25 (0.92), and the mean stenting duration was 27.12 months (range: 12­84 months). The most common indication for biliary stenting was irretrievable choledochal stones (40/48). Stone formation (79%) and proximal stent migration (26.4%) were the most frequent complications. The patients in the FBS group were significantly older than those from whom stents were removed in a timely manner (71.23 vs. 62.43 years, p < 0.001). Endoscopic treatment was possible in all cases; surgery was not required in any case. The most common cause of FBSs cited by patients was not having been informed about the need for long-term management of their stents (n = 14, 29.2%) Conclusion: FBSs are potentially problematic particularly in elderly patients. Communication with the patient to remind them of the need for stent management is important for preventing FBSs.