The prevalence, severity, and risk factors of erosive esophagitis in a Middle Eastern population.

BACKGROUND: Erosive esophagitis (EE) is frequently present in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), some of which may not have GERD symptoms. The prevalence of EE in the Saudi population is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of EE among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive adults who underwent EGD at an academic tertiary care center. Clinical and endoscopic data were collected. The prevalence and severity of EE were determined. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for EE. RESULTS: Records for 3230 patients were reviewed, of which 2805 were included in this study. The mean age was 48.6 ±18.6 years, and 1088 (38.7%) were male. Two hundred and twenty six (8%) patients underwent EGD for GERD-related indications. EE was noted in 309 (11%) patients and 58 (25.6%) with GERD-related indications. For patients with EE, the mean age was 49.2 ± 18.7 years, and 132 (42.7%) were males. LA Grade A esophagitis was the most common (53.9%), followed by grade B (29.6%). Among all patients, only EGD for GERD-related indications and hiatal hernia were significantly associated with EE on multivariate analysis [(aOR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.2-4.4, P < 0.01) and (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, P < 0.01), respectively]. Age, gender, and body mass index were not associated with EE. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort, EE was present in 11% of patients who underwent EGD and in 25% of patients with GERD. EGD for GERD-related indications and hiatal hernia are independent risk factors for the presence of EE.

The impact of cognitive functions, psychological disorders, and coping strategies on quality of life and disease outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A cross-sectional study.

Quality of life (QoL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is influenced by several factors, many of which may also impact cognitive function. However, the extent of the interaction among these factors, QoL, and disease outcomes in IBD patients remains unknown. We thus aim to characterize the relationships among psychological disorders, coping mechanisms, cognitive function, and the overall impact on QoL and disease outcomes in patients with IBD. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at an academic care center. QoL was evaluated using the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), and disease severity was evaluated using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) for Crohn's disease (CD) and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) for ulcerative colitis (UC). We also used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS). Regression models were used to test the associations among QoL, number of hospitalizations, disease severity, cognitive functioning (working memory [WM] and reaction time), and coping strategies while controlling for anxiety and depressive symptoms, age, and sex. This study included 41 patients (24 patients with CD and 17 with UC) whose mean age was 28.2 (±8.4) years (23 males) and mean SIBDQ score was 51.5 (±10.0). Patients with more WM errors had lower QoL scores (P = .041), whereas patients with higher anxiety levels had lower QoL and more active UC (P = .008 and P = .016, respectively). The use of avoidant coping mechanisms was associated with a significantly higher number of hospitalizations (P = .038), and patients who adopted more emotion-focused coping strategies had a longer illness duration (P = .021). Finally, patients with higher education levels were found to use more active coping mechanisms than others. These results confirm the impact of cognitive, psychological, and coping factors on QoL and disease outcomes in patients with IBD; however, the mechanisms by which these factors interrelate remain unclear. Therapies aimed at improving both cognitive functions and psychological conditions may thus be effective at improving QoL and disease outcomes in IBD patients, and education may play a positive role in promoting the adoption of more effective coping strategies among IBD patients.

Safety of prolonged use of metoclopramide and domperidone as treatment for chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Background: Metoclopramide and domperidone are prokinetic agents commonly used to treat gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and associated side effects of prolonged-use metoclopramide and domperidone as treatment for chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: A quantitative observational survey was conducted by interview questionnaire in rheumatology outpatients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included all patients aged 25-80 years diagnosed with SSc. All patients were on metoclopramide or domperidone for the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility symptoms over at least 12 weeks. Results: Eighteen eligible patients were included. Most study participants were diagnosed with SSc complicated by interstitial lung disease (n = 13; 72.2 %). The most frequently reported side effect that occurred while taking prokinetic drugs was shortness of breath (n = 12; 66.7 %). None of the participants reported experiencing depression, galactorrhea, or syncope. CNS side effects were reported in 5.6 %. There were no differences in side effects based on the type and dosage of prokinetic drug used. Conclusions: Use of metoclopramide and domperidone for the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility in SSc patients for 12 weeks or longer was not associated with any troublesome side effects. Further studies with more participants are needed to confirm our findings.

Decision-Utility Analysis of Empiric Treatment Versus Test and Treat Strategies for Helicobacter pylori in Patients With Duodenal Ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal strategy of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with duodenal ulcer is unclear. In this study, we aimed to compare the utility and the ulcer recurrence rate using the empiric treatment versus the test and treat strategies in patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer. METHODS: A decision-utility analysis was performed using a decision tree. The empiric treatment strategy was compared with the test and treat strategy. The probabilities of recurrent ulcers were determined and utilities of the 2 strategies were compared using the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate for model robustness. RESULTS: The probability of recurrent ulcer with the empiric strategy was 10.5%. The probabilities of recurrent ulcer with the test and treat strategy were 12.6%, 14.7%, 16.8%, and 17.9% based on 95%, 90%, 85%, and 80% sensitivity for histopathology, respectively. At the 95% estimate for the sensitivity of histopathology, the empiric strategy was associated with greater QALY compared with the test and treat strategy, 0.9875 versus 0.9853. The empiric treatment strategy was associated with greater QALY at extreme values for the estimates in our model. CONCLUSIONS: The empiric treatment strategy is associated with 2.1% to 7.4% lower recurrence rate for a range of test sensitivity between 95% and 80%, and results in greater QALY compared with the test and treat strategy.

The prevalence and risk factors for hiatal hernia among patients undergoing endoscopy: A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hiatal hernia (HH) and its association with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: We retrospectively included patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at an academic tertiary care hospital. Data were collected on the presence of HH as well as patient demographics including age, gender, and BMI. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done to determine risk factors for HH. RESULTS: A total of 2805 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 48.6 (±18.6) years and males constituted 28.8% of the study population. The mean BMI was 29.7 (±8.6) kg/m². The prevalence of HH was 29.8% among all patients and 48.6% among those who underwent EGD for gastroesophageal reflux disease-related indications. There was no significant association between HH and female gender (OR 1.04, 95%CI: 0.88 -1.26, p=0.53), older age (OR 0.77, 95%CI: 0.72 - 1.06, p=0.19) or BMI (OR 1.07, 95%CI: 0.9 - 1.2, p=0.39). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HH was 28.9% based on this large endoscopy-based population. We found no association between HH and gender, age, or BMI.

Inflammatory bowel disease in the elderly: A focus on disease characteristics and treatment patterns.

Background: As the population ages, the number of elderly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is expected to increase. The clinical features and therapeutic options for young and old patients may differ, as elderly IBD patients are likely to have different comorbidities and disease characteristics. The goal of this study was to examine the clinical aspects and therapeutic choices for elderly Saudi IBD patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study aimed at describing the demographic, clinical, and management characteristics of IBD in elderly patients (≥60 years) who followed up at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The data was extracted from the KAUH inflammatory bowel disease information system (IBDIS) registry. The primary outcome was to describe disease characteristics in accordance with the Montréal classification and the secondary outcomes were to describe treatment patterns and identify significant clinical associations. Results: Our data were collected from 76 patients who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Females outnumbered males (53.9% vs 46.1%) and the mean age was 51.5 ± 9.7 years. Essential hypertension (26.3%) was the most common comorbidity followed by diabetes mellitus (23.6%), and malignant neoplasms (9.21%). More than half of the patients with Crohn's disease (CD) had disease onset after forty years of age. The most common form of disease distribution was ileocolonic disease (64.7%). Less than 17% of patients had a penetrating disease phenotype. About 88 percent of patients with UC presented >40 years of age. Approximately, half of the cohort had left-sided ulcerative colitis (UC) (48%), followed by pancolitis (40%). The most prescribed medication class for IBD was 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivatives (56.58%) followed by corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, age-specific concerns including comorbidities and polypharmacy remain the major challenges in the management of elderly IBD patients.

Characteristics of adenomatous colorectal polyps among a Saudi population.

Objectives: Colorectal cancer is a common cause of cancer-related mortality in KSA with a rising incidence. Although adenomatous polyps are well-recognized as precursors of colorectal cancer, local data are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of adenomatous colon polyps in the Saudi population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic databases of all patients who underwent colonoscopy for any indication between January 2015 and December 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. This study included adult patients who were found to have colorectal polyps with identified histopathology reports. We collected clinical and pathological data, including patient age, sex, and histopathological polyp characteristics. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant for descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: A total of 184 patients with colorectal polyps with identified histopathology reports were included in the analysis. Of these, 130 (70.6%) patients were aged 50 years or older, and 135 (73.3%) were male. Among all polyps, 127 (69%) were adenomatous, 31 (16.8%) were hyperplastic, and 24 (13%) were inflammatory. For adenomatous polyps, 31 (24.4%) were observed in patients younger than 50 years, and high-grade dysplasia was observed in 23 (18%) polyps. Among patients with adenomatous polyps, the anatomical location was as follows: 27 (23%) in the cecum/ascending colon, 12 (9%) in the transverse colon, 45 (35%) in the descending/sigmoid colon, 25 (19%) in the rectum, and 18 (14%) at multiple sites. Age >50 years was significantly associated with adenomatous polyps (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of adenomatous polyps were detected proximal to the splenic flexure. Although adenomatous polyps were significantly associated with increasing age, 24% were observed in patients younger than 50 years of age. This finding supports the current recommendation to start screening at the age of 45.

Multimorbidity among inflammatory bowel disease patients in a tertiary care center: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition that debilitate the quality of life. Multimorbidity, a concept only beginning to emerge in IBD, is defined as two or more comorbidities present in the same individual. Notably, we used the term multimorbidity to refer to two or more comorbidities excluding IBD. Multimorbidity is linked to decreased quality of life, poorer disease outcomes, increased hospitalizations, healthcare costs and polypharmacy complications. We aim to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity and to explore its effect on IBD patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all IBD patients registered in a validated web-based registry since February 2018. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, IBD and extraintestinal complications were obtained. We analyzed the date using univariate, bivariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among 767 IBD patients, 54.6% had Crohn's disease (CD), 41.9% had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 3.5% had IBD unclassified. The median age at diagnosis was 22 years (IQR: 15-29). Males compromised 50.2% of patients. According to the Montréal IBD classification, most UC patients had moderate UC (47.8%) while most CD patients had non-stricturing non-penetrating CD (49.8%). Overall, 10.3% IBD patients had multimorbidity and 23.9% had at least one comorbidity. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (4.9%) followed by essential hypertension (4%) and iron deficiency anemia (3%). Female gender (P = 0.008) and UC (P = 0.005) were more likely to have multimorbidity. Multimorbid IBD patients were more likely to develop thrombosis than non-multimorbid peers (16.7% vs. 1.6%; P < 0.001). Higher age at diagnosis (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07) and having a history of thrombosis (OR = 7.82, 95% CI: 2.67-22.92) are associated with increased risk of multimorbidity. CONCLUSION: Multimorbidity is not uncommon among IBD patients, especially females diagnosed with UC. Our findings indicate that future studies are needed to explore the effects of multimorbidity on IBD patients.

Human papillomavirus bowel colonization in inflammatory bowel disease: A comparative case control study.

Background and Aims: Although much of the research on the plausible environmental triggers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has focused on bacterial pathogens, the relationship between bowel colonization with human papillomavirus (HPV) and IBD has not been previously explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between HPV ileocolonic colonization and IBD. Patients and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study involving consecutive patients with established IBD who were referred for endoscopic evaluation. During endoscopy, mucosal biopsies were obtained from the most inflamed colonic or ileal segments in cases and from the rectosigmoid region for controls. A hybrid capture assay was used to detect tissue HPV. The prevalence of HPV colonization was determined for cases and controls and was compared using Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 201 patients, including 104 patients with IBD and 97 non-IBD controls, were prospectively included. Females comprised 55.5% of the study participants (58% vs. 55.2% for controls, P = 0.94). Fifty-seven (54.8%) patients had ulcerative colitis, and 45 (43.2%) had Crohn's disease. The mean age was 43.2 +-18.2 years. Endoscopically active disease was documented in 56 cases (56%). HPV colonization was detected in four (4.1% subjects in controls vs. none in the cases, P = 0.05). Conclusions: There was no evidence of HPV ileocolonic colonization in this cohort of patients with IBD, regardless of disease activity. HPV colonization does not appear to be linked to IBD diagnosis or disease severity.

A Very Rare Basidiobolomycosis Case Presented with Cecal Perforation and Concomitant Hepatic Involvement in an Elderly Male Patient: A Case Study.

This is a case report of Basidiobolomycosis in a 65-year-old male patient from Jizan presenting with colonic perforation and concomitant liver involvement from February 2021 to July 2021. To control the infection, the patient underwent colonic resection and segmental liver resection, as well as three antifungal drugs. The treatment was successful, and the condition was completely resolved.

Undisclosed payments by pharmaceutical manufacturers to authors of inflammatory bowel disease guidelines in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Payments from pharmaceutical drug manufacturers to authors of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) may have an impact on their recommendations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of financial conflict of interest (FCOI) declarations among authors of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) guidelines. METHODS: We collected data on industry payments to authors of IBD guidelines published by the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). We reported the accuracy of the authors' declarations by comparing their statements in the FCOI section of the guidelines with the data reported on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website (CMS-OP). We also investigated the adherence of IBD guidelines to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) criteria for trustworthy guidelines. RESULTS: A total of eight clinical practice guidelines and 35 individual authors were included. Four authors had no profile identified at CMS-OP. The total payment to all included authors was $10,575,843.06, with a mean payment of $314,242.38 per author. A total of 28/35 authors (80%) received payment from pharmaceutical companies, 23/35 (65.7%) received $10,000 or more, 15/35 (42.8%) received $100,000 or more and 3/35 (8.57%) received $1,000,000 or more. Total discrepancies identified while comparing the authors' declaration of their FCOI and CMS-OP were 28: ACG had 12/14 (85.7%), AGA had 7/12 (53.8%) and ASGE had 9/10 (90%) discrepancies. None of the guidelines met all NAM criteria and 4/8 (50%) guidelines met none. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies exist between authors' declarations in the FOCI section and data on CMS-OP. Poor compliance with the NAM criteria was prevalent among authors of IBD guidelines. More transparency in reporting and monitoring is needed.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Among a Saudi Population.

BACKGROUND: While multiple studies have evaluated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, data from Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association between GI symptoms and BMI in a Saudi population. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2019 and April 2020. The data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. The study included adult participants and collected data on patients' demographics and GI symptoms. Participants with underlying GI diseases were excluded. A multivariate regression analysis was used to report the adjusted prevalence of GI symptoms in different BMI categories. RESULTS: A total of 4415 participants completed the survey. After applying the exclusion criteria, 3866 were included. The mean age was 26.3 (±8.8) and 58.2% were females. The mean BMI was 25.2 (±6.7), and the distribution of BMI was as follows: underweight 428 (11.1%), normal BMI 1789 (46.2%), overweight 912 (23.5%), and obese 737 (19.1%). After adjustment for age, gender, and smoking and coffee habits, obesity (BMI > 30) was significantly associated with heartburn (p < 0.01, aOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.33 - 1.92), bloating (p < 0.01, aOR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.6), and diarrhea (p < 0.01, aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.36 - 2.17)). Underweight (BMI < 18.5) was significantly associated with abdominal pain (p < 0.01, aOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.73), nausea (p < 0.01, aOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.29 - 2.1), and vomiting (p < 0.01, aOR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.23 - 3.25). There was no significant association between BMI and constipation. CONCLUSION: Obesity was associated with heartburn, diarrhea, and bloating, while underweight status was associated with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. No association between BMI and constipation was found.

Awareness and cognition of illness in Saudi Arabian patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a progressive illness associated with high morbidity owing to the complications associated with the condition. Patients' awareness and cognition of such complications may carry significant psychological impact. The aim of this study is to assess the illness cognition of Saudi patients diagnosed with CD and to identify clinical associations. METHODS: Adult patients with CD were asked to complete an illness cognition questionnaire (ICQ) between January and December of 2019. Additional data was extracted from the medical records. The ICQ composed of three domains: Helplessness (6 items), acceptance (6 items), and perceived benefits (6 items). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics and a linear regression analysis was used to identify associations with the ICQ score. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients were included, of which 55.8% were females, 18% were smokers, and 11.5% had undergone CD-related surgery. The mean age was 26.9 ± 7.7 years and the mean duration of disease was 54.7 ± 60.5 months. The mean score was 17.4 ± 3.6 for the helplessness domain, 13.4 ± 3.6 for the acceptance domain, and 13.5 ± 3.5 for the perceived benefits domain. We found associations between abdominal pain and acceptance (P = 0.048), extra intestinal manifestations and perceived benefit (P = 0.001), and treatment with mesalamine and helplessness (P = 0.03). In a linear regression analysis, albumin level was the only factor associated with helplessness (coef = 0.18, P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of Saudi patients diagnosed with CD generally reported a negative perception of their disease. Albumin level was associated with helplessness.

Endoscopic Management of Post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Leakage and Stenosis Using Fully Covered Stent.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed surgery to treat morbid obesity. Post-LSG leak and stenosis are serious complications that can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to report the efficacy and safety profile of using specifically designed fully covered self-expandable metallic stent for the treatment of post-LSG complications. METHODS: This retrospective study included adult patients who underwent placement of a fully covered esophagogastric, self-expandable metallic stent for post-LSG leak or stenosis. The procedure was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between September 2017 and May 2019. Data regarding demographics, indication for stenting, size of the stent, procedural success and poststenting adverse events were collected. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients met the inclusion criteria, with indication for endoscopic stenting being post-LSG leak in 11 patients and stenosis in 3 patients. The technical success rate of self-expandable metallic stent placement was 100%, and the clinical success was 85.7% (12 of 14 patients). Nausea (71.4%) and vomiting (85.7%) were the most frequent mild adverse events reported. Stent-induced esophageal stricture was the only major adverse event reported in two patients. CONCLUSION: Placement of specifically designed self-expandable metallic stent for the treatment of post-LSG leak and stenosis is an effective and safe approach. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to assess the optimal duration needed to treat such complications.

Barriers to research productivity among gastroenterologists and hepatologists in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Clinical research is essential for the advancement of medical knowledge and evidence-based medical practice. In this study, we aimed to identify barriers that limit research productivity among gastroenterologists in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We conducted a national online survey targeting gastroenterologists in Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked about the patterns of their practice, their prior research activities, and potential barriers to research productivity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the association between different factors and research productivity. RESULTS: A total of 85 gastroenterologists completed the survey. Respondents were predominantly male physicians (90.6%) and 40% of them belonged to the age group of 40-49 years. About 85.9% had at least one prior research participation of any type. Around 67.1% of the respondents had been a primary investigator at least once in the last 5 years, while only 23.5% had been a primary investigator at a minimum average rate of once a year. Multiple barriers to research productivity were identified: insufficient research time (78.8%), lack of funding and compensation (77.6%), lack of a statistician (68.2%), insufficient research training (64.7%), lack of connection (60%), lack of technical support (57.6%), and lack of interest (31%). On univariate analysis, insufficient research time and lack of funding and compensation were significantly associated with no research participation (P <0.01 and 0.03, respectively). On multivariate analysis, lack of funding and compensation was independently associated with no research participation (adjusted OR 15.32;95% C.I 2.66, 121.58, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to research productivity are highly prevalent among gastroenterologists in Saudi Arabia. Insufficient research time and lack of funding and compensation are the most common. Interventions are needed to promote research activities.

The Prevalence of Barrett's Esophagus Among a Saudi Arabian Population.

BACKGROUND: While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in Middle Eastern countries, little data exists on the epidemiology of Barrett's esophagus (BE). AIMS: We aimed to determine the prevalence of BE among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a cohort of Saudi patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the endoscopy database at an academic tertiary care center. Consecutive adult patients who underwent an EGD for any indication between May 2014 and December 2018 were included. The prevalence of both endoscopically and histologically reported BE was determined. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with BE. RESULTS: A total of 2805 patients were included. The mean age was 48 years (± 18.6) and 38.7% were male patients. BE was reported endoscopically in 18 (0.64%) and confirmed histologically in 9 patients (0.32%). Among patients with endoscopically reported BE, the mean age was 50.3 (± 16.1) years and 13 (72.2%) were male patients. Of patients with BE, short-segment BE was reported in 14 (77.8%) patients. Among the 9 patients with histologically confirmed BE; only one patient had dysplastic BE. On univariate analysis, BE was associated with male gender (p < 0.01), but not with age > 50, hiatal hernia, obesity or EGD performed for GERD related indications. On multivariate regression analysis, male gender was the only factor associated with BE (aOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.39-11.97, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: BE was endoscopically reported in 0.64% and histologically confirmed in 0.32% of this cohort of Saudi patients. Male gender was the only factor associated with BE.

A cross-sectional survey on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inflammatory bowel disease patients in Saudi Arabia.

Background/Aims: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant disruption to patients with chronic illnesses. We explored the emotional state, perception, and concerns of Saudi patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the crisis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from 30 March to 5 April, 2020 using a pre-designed questionnaire distributed through social media platforms to IBD patients. The five-part questionnaire included an assessment of psychological wellbeing using a previously validated Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which includes domains for anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). A logistic regression analysis was used to uncover possible associations between patient characteristics and anxiety and depression. Results: The data from 1156 IBD patients were analyzed. Normal, borderline, and HADS-A scores consistent with a diagnosis of anxiety were reported by 423 (36.6%), 174 (15.1%), and 559 (48.4%) patients, respectively. However, 635 (69%) patients had normal scores and 273 (30.1%) had borderline HADS-D scores; no patients reported scores consistent with depression. Based on a multiple logistic regression analysis, patients educated till a high school diploma (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 0.09-6.05, P = 0.03) and that had indeterminate colitis (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.27-3.89, P = 0.005) were more likely to express anxiety. Conclusions: Many patients expressed symptoms of anxiety, although not depression. Female patients, patients educated till a high school diploma, and those with indeterminate colitis were more likely to have anxiety. IBD patients require greater attention during a pandemic to avoid adverse disease-related outcomes.

Adherence to the Saudi dietary guidelines and its relation to colorectal polyps: A university hospital-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal polyps are a known precursor to colorectal cancer (CRC). Using the Saudi dietary guidelines adherence scores, this study evaluated whether dietary intake can lead to the development of colorectal polyps in a Saudi cohort. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 101 patients of both sexes, aged 30-86 years (40 patients with colorectal polyps and 61 patients without polyps), were recruited from the endoscopy unit in a Saudi hospital. A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data, anthropometric data, and information about dietary habits. RESULTS: Patients with colorectal polyps were significantly older than those without polyps (p = 0.05). The mean body mass index in both patient groups was within the overweight range, with a value of 28.6 ± 6.7 kg/m2. We did not find significant differences between patients with and without colorectal polyps. Although there was no difference in the overall scores for adherence to the Saudi dietary guidelines between the two groups, the specific adherence score for vegetables was significantly higher in patients without colorectal polyps (5.0 ± 0.0 vs. 4.9 ± 0.3, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Ageing and lower vegetable intake, previously reported to be risk factors for CRC, were likewise identified in this study. However, a multi-centre study with a larger sample size, utilising data from this study, is needed.