The Effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Gender and Medical School Diversity in Gastroenterology Fellowship Matching.

Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the medical field, including the gastroenterology (GI) fellowship application process. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on GI fellowship applications, with a focus on applicants' gender and medical school training type. Methods: Data from the GI match results for 2018-2022 were collected, including the number and percentage of matched applicants per year, categorized by gender, US medical graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate trends and changes in matching rates, both before and during the pandemic. Results: There was a significant increase in the number of females matching into GI fellowships over the 5-year period. DOs also witnessed a significant increase in matching rates during the COVID-19-impacted years (2021-2022). However, no significant changes were observed for US medical graduates and IMGs. Conclusion: The study highlights positive trends in gender and DO representation in GI fellowships. Despite these improvements, gender disparities persist, necessitating continued efforts to promote diversity and equity in the field. Additionally, challenges for IMGs remain, requiring attention to structural barriers. The long-term effects of the pandemic on fellowship matching and diversity warrant further investigation to inform future policies and practices in GI training programs.

Shifting tides in cardiology fellowship: an analysis of trends and the virtual interview revolution, 2017 to 2021.

Introduction: This investigation aimed to delineate the trends in cardiology fellowship applications and match rates between 2017 and 2021, with a particular focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Resident Matching Program and the American Board of Internal Medicine covering 6693 applicants, we conducted chi-square tests to assess match rate variations. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study noted an increase in matched US MD applicants (from 482 in 2017 to 549 in 2021, P = 0.0001) but a decrease in their match rate (from 89.8% to 83.1%). Matched US DO applicants rose significantly from 60 in 2017 to 103 in 2021 (P = 0.0001). A decline in first-choice matches and an increase in matches beyond the third choice were observed after the shift to virtual interviews. Conclusions: The study's analysis of cardiology fellowship trends from 2017 to 2021 underscores the escalating competitiveness in this field and signals a critical need for further research.

The national burden of inflammatory bowel disease in the United States from 1990-2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease study database.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) epidemiology has changed rapidly in recent years. We aimed to provide a systematic report of the burden of IBD at a state level in the United States (US), and to study the age- and sex-specific trends of incidence, prevalence and mortality rates for the past 3 decades. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 Study Database, we examined the incidence, prevalence and mortality rate, and the disability-adjusted life-years from GBD 2019 at national and state level from 1990-2019. Results: There was an overall decrease in incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in the US from 1990-2019, while a simultaneous increase in the overall mortality rates was identified. However, a distinct trend of increasing incidence and prevalence rates emerged starting in 2000, with incidence rates rising from 21 cases per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 23 cases per 100,000 persons in 2019. From 1990-2019, incidence and prevalence decreased in males at a higher rate than in females. However, mortality rates increased more in females than males. Incidence rates were highest in Midwestern and Eastern states, and were lowest across the northern Great Plains and Western states, with the highest incidence noted in Michigan (31 cases per 100,000 persons). California had the greatest decrease in incidence rates from 1990-2019 (-63.3%). Conclusion: Our results concerning recent trends and geographic variations in IBD offer policymakers crucial insights for informed decision-making in policy, research, and investment, facilitating more effective strategies and allocation of resources.

Does Timing of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Matter in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Orthotopic Liver Transplantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), which can develop in up to 66% of patients. There is limited data on the effect of orthoptic liver transplantation (OLT) on the risk of developing pouchitis. We aimed to objectively assess whether OLT itself significantly modifies the risk of developing pouchitis in patients with overlap PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Method: We searched Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception through September 2023 for studies that describe the outcomes of IPAA in patients with PSC and IBD who also have a history of OLT. Pooled proportions, Odds Ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for data were calculated utilizing a random effects model. Using the Freeman-Turkey double arcsine transformation (FTT) method, the pooled weight-adjusted estimate of event rates for clinical outcomes in each group was also calculated. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic (I2). Results: Seven studies with a total of 291 patients with a history of PSC, IBD, and OLT were identified. The pooled overall risk of pouchitis in PSC/IBD patients with a history of OLT was 65% (95% CI: 0.57-0.72), with no heterogeneity observed in the analysis (I2 = 0%). In a subgroup analysis of patients who had IPAA followed by OLT, 3 studies with 28 patients were included; the pooled risk of pouchitis after IPAA and OLT was 83% (95% CI: 0.71-0.94; I2 = 0%), which was significantly higher (P < .001) than the OLT followed by IPAA group (59%; 95 CI: 0.48-0.71; I2 = 0%). There was no difference in the risk of pouchitis between OLT and non-OLT groups (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.37-5.0). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revelaed that pouchitis is common in patients who underwent OLT for PSC, especially in those who had IPAA before the OLT. OLT before IPAA may reduce the risk of pouchitis. Further larger studies are warranted to reproduce this and investigate the reason behind this difference.

Racial and ethnic disparities in gallbladder cancer: A two-decade analysis of incidence and mortality rates in the US.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy that is usually diagnosed at a late stage. Prior data showed increasing incidence of GBC in the US. However, little is known about race/ethnic-specific incidence and mortality trends of GBC per stage at diagnosis. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a time-trend analysis of GBC incidence and mortality rates categorized by race/ethnicity and stage-at-diagnosis. METHODS: Age-adjusted GBC incidence and mortality rates were calculated using SEER*Stat software from the United States Cancer Statistics database (covers ~98% of US population between 2001 and 2020) and NCHS (covers ~100% of the US population between 2000 and 2020) databases, respectively. Race/Ethnic groups were Non-Hispanic-White (NHW), Non-Hispanic-Black (NHB), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic-Asian/Pacific-Islander (NHAPI), and Non-Hispanic-American-Indian/Alaska-Native (NHAIAN). Stage-at-diagnoses were all stages, early, regional, and distant stages. Joinpoint regression was used to generate time-trends [annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC)] with parametric estimations and a two-sided t-test (p-value cut-off 0.05). RESULTS: 76,873 patients were diagnosed with GBC with decreasing incidence rates in all races/ethnicities except NHB who experienced an increasing trend between 2001 and 2014 (APC = 2.08, p < 0.01) and plateauing afterward (APC = -1.21, p = 0.31); (AAPC = 1.03, p = 0.03). Among early-stage tumors (9927 patients), incidence rates were decreasing only in Hispanic (AAPC = -4.24, p = 0.006) while stable in other races/ethnicities (NHW: AAPC = -2.61, p = 0.39; NHB: AAPC = -1.73, p = 0.36). For regional-stage tumors (29,690 patients), GBC incidence rates were decreasing only in NHW (AAPC = -1.61, p < 0.001) while stable in other races/ethnicities (NHB: AAPC = 0.73, p = 0.34; Hispanic: AAPC = -1.58, p = 0.24; NHAPI: AAPC = -1.22, p = 0.07). For distant-stage tumors (31,735 patients), incidence rates were increasing in NHB (AAPC = 2.72, p < 0.001), decreasing in Hispanic (AAPC = -0.64, p = 0.04), and stable in NHW (AAPC = 0.07, p = 0.84) and NHAPI (AAPC = 0.79, p = 0.13). There were 43,411 deaths attributed to GBC with decreasing mortality rates in all races/ethnicities except NHB who experienced a stable trend (AAPC = 0.25, p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Nationwide data over the last two decades show that NHB patients experienced increasing GBC incidence between 2001 and 2014 followed by stabilization of the rates. This increase was driven by late-stage tumors and occurred in the first decade. NHB also experienced non-improving GBC mortality, compared to other race and ethnic groups who had decreasing mortality. This can be due to lack of timely-access to healthcare leading to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate contributions to the revealed racial and ethnic disparities, especially in NHB, to improve early detection.

Risk of Small Intestine Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Propensity-Matched Study from a Large Multi-Center Database in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of small bowel cancer (SBC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. We compared the recent trends of SBC in patients with IBD and stratified them based on disease type. METHODS: We used TriNetX database to access the electronic health records for patients with IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) from 2005-2024. We used propensity score matching to compare the rate of SBC in patients with IBD, UC, and CD compared to the general population. We adjusted for all known confounders. RESULTS: From 2010-2024, there was an increasing trend of diagnosed SBC in patients with IBD, with an Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) of 3.2% (P<0.001). Patients with CD (aHR = 4.83; 95% CI: 3.58 - 6.53; P < .0001) had an increased risk of SBC compared to the general population without IBD, as well as patients with UC (aHR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.65 - 3.14; P < .0001). The ileum was the most common location across all subgroups. CONCLUSION: Both patients with CD and, interestingly, UC had an elevated risk for developing SBC compared to the general population.

Needle-Knife Fistulotomy Versus Needle-Knife Papillotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential endoscopic therapeutic modality for biliary and pancreatic diseases. Needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) and papillotomy (NKP) are the two most commonly used rescue techniques for patients with difficult biliary cannulation. However, there remains a need for comparative studies on these approaches to inform clinical decision-making. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NKF compared to NKP as a rescue technique in difficult biliary cannulation after failed conventional ERCP. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases through November 2023 to include all studies that directly compared the outcomes of NKF with NKP in difficult biliary cannulation. Single-arm studies were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data related to clinical events were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effect model. The primary outcome was the biliary cannulation success rate. Results: Four studies with 823 patients (n = 376 NKF vs. n = 447 NKP) were included in our analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in biliary cannulation success rate (91.7% vs. 86.9%, respectively; OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.21 - 2.49, P = 0.14; I2 = 0%). However, the overall rate of adverse events was significantly lower in the NKF group than in the NKP group (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25 - 0.84, P = 0.01). Pancreatitis (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.05 - 1.11, P = 0.07) and bleeding (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.59 - 3.46, P = 0.42) were similar between the two groups. No significant differences in cholangitis, cholecystitis, perforation, or mortality were observed. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates comparable success rates in comparing NKF and NKP techniques for difficult biliary cannulation after failed conventional ERCP cannulation. Notably, the NKF technique significantly reduces overall adverse events compared to NKP, suggesting that NKF may be preferable due to its favorable safety profile. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to evaluate the interval benefit of an NKF technique.

Is Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Safe and Effective after Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) has emerged as an alternative option for biliary drainage in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS. In this comprehensive meta-analysis, we aim to study the safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS in cases of failed conventional ERCP. Methods: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to include all studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS. Using the random effect model, the pooled weight-adjusted event rate estimate for clinical outcomes in each group were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success rates. Secondary outcomes included overall adverse events (AEs), rates of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), and rates or re-intervention. Results: Our analysis included 70 studies, with a total of 3527 patients. The pooled technical and clinical success rates for EUS-HGS were 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5-98.7]; I2 = 40%) and 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5-98.7]; I2 = 40%), respectively. The pooled incidence rate of AEs with EUS-HGS was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.7-17.1), with bile leakage being the most common (2.4% [95% CI, 1.7-3.2]). The pooled incidence of RBO was 15.8% [95% CI, 12.2-19.4], with a high success rate for re-intervention (97.5% [95% CI, 94.7-100]). Conclusions: Our analysis showed high technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HGS, making it a feasible and effective alternative to ERCP. The ongoing development of dedicated devices and techniques is expected to make EUS-HGS more accessible and safer for patients in need of biliary drainage.

Remimazolam for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A comprehensive review.

Worldwide, a majority of routine endoscopic procedures are performed under some form of sedation to maximize patient comfort. Propofol, benzodiazepines and opioids continue to be widely used. However, in recent years, Remimazolam is gaining immense popularity for procedural sedation in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. It is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine sedative which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2020 for use in procedural sedation. Remimazolam has shown a favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in terms of its non-specific metabolism by tissue esterase, volume of distribution, total body clearance, and negligible drug-drug interactions. It also has satisfactory efficacy and has achieved high rates of successful sedation in GI endoscopy. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that the efficacy of Remimazolam is non-inferior to Propofol, which is currently a gold standard for procedural sedation in most parts of the world. However, the use of Propofol is associated with hemodynamic instability and respiratory depression. In contrast, Remimazolam has lower incidence of these adverse effects intra-procedurally and hence, may provide a safer alternative to Propofol in procedural sedation. In this comprehensive narrative review, highlight the pharmacologic characteristics, efficacy, and safety of Remimazolam for procedural sedation. We also discuss the potential of Remimazolam as a suitable alternative and how it can shape the future of procedural sedation in gastroenterology.

Safety and efficacy of biliary suprapapillary metal and plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Biliary drainage is vital in managing malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Suprapapillary stenting has emerged as a viable alternative to transpapillary stenting and is performed using inside plastic (iPS) or metal stents (iMS). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes of suprapapillary stent placement for MBO. METHODS: The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to include all studies published before September 31, 2023, that reported on the outcomes of suprapapillary stents placed for MBO. Using the random-effect model, the pooled, weight-adjusted event rate estimate for the clinical outcomes was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included, with a total of 1401 patients. The pooled clinical success rate was 98.9%. A subgroup analysis yielded non-significant differences between the iPS and iMS groups (99.3% vs. 98.6%, respectively; P = 0.44). The pooled incidence rate of adverse events (AE) with suprapapillary stents was 9.5%. In a subgroup analysis, the incidence of AEs with iPS was 10.7% compared to 9% in the iMS group without a statistical difference (P = 0.32). The most common adverse event was cholangitis (2.2%), followed by pancreatitis (1.1%), cholecystitis (0.5%), and bleeding (0.12%). CONCLUSION: When technically feasible, suprapapillary stenting for MBO is a viable endoscopic option with a high clinical success rate and acceptable adverse event rates. Both iPS and iMS exhibit similar efficacy.

Treatment of Chronic Pouchitis With JAK Inhibitors: Results from A Large Multicenter Database.

This retrospective study assessed the use of Janus kinase inhibitors in treating chronic pouchitis. While showing relative safety, Janus kinase inhibitors demonstrated effectiveness in <50% of cases, cautioning against their use as first-line agents. Larger randomized trials are recommended for further investigation.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Stricturotomy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Luminal strictures, common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially Crohn's disease (CD), are typically treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD). The newer endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) approach shows promise, but data is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the effectiveness and safety of ESt in IBD-related strictures. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted until November 2023 for studies assessing ESt efficacy and safety in IBD. Primary outcomes were clinical and technical success, with secondary endpoints covering adverse events, subsequent stricture surgery, additional endoscopic treatments (ESt or EBD), medication escalation, disease-related emergency department visits, and hospitalization post-ESt. Technical success was defined as passing the scope through the stricture, and clinical success was defined as symptom improvement. Single-arm meta-analysis (CMA version 3) calculated the event rate per patient with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2. RESULTS: Nine studies were included, involving 640 ESt procedures on 287 IBD patients (169 CD, 118 ulcerative colitis). Of these, 53.3% were men, with a mean age of 43.3 ± 14.3 years and a mean stricture length of 1.68 ± 0.84 cm. The technical success rate was 96.4% (95% CI 92.5-98.3, p-value < 0.0001), and the clinical success rate was 62% (95% CI 52.2-70.9, p-value = 0.017, I2 = 34.670). The bleeding rate was 10.5% per patient, and the perforation rate was 3.5%. After an average follow-up of 0.95 ± 1.1 years, 16.4% required surgery for strictures post-ESt, while 44.2% needed additional endoscopic treatment. The medication escalation rate after ESt was 14.7%. The disease-related emergency department visit rate was 14.7%, and the disease-related hospitalization rate post-procedure was 21.3%. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that ESt is safe and effective for managing IBD-related strictures, making it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of endoscopists. Formal training efforts should focus on ensuring its widespread adoption.

Controversies and Future Directions in Management of Acute Appendicitis: An Updated Comprehensive Review.

Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7-8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the best treatment approach depends on patient characteristics. Non-operative management (NOM), which involves the utilization of antibiotics and aggressive intravenous hydration, and surgical appendectomy are valid treatment options for healthy adults. NOM is also ideal for poor surgical candidates. Another important consideration is the timing of surgery, i.e., the role of interval appendectomy (IA) and the possibility of delaying surgery for a few hours on index admission. IA refers to surgical removal of the appendix 8-12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of appendicitis. It is ideal in patients with a contained appendiceal perforation on initial presentation, wherein an initial nonoperative approach is preferred. Furthermore, IA can help distinguish malignant and non-malignant causes of acute appendicitis, while reducing the risk of recurrence. On the contrary, a decision to delay appendectomy for a few hours on index admission should be made based on the patients' baseline health status and severity of appendicitis. Post-operatively, surgical drain placement may help reduce postoperative complications; however, it carries an increased risk of drain occlusion, fistula formation, and paralytic ileus. Furthermore, one of the most critical aspects of appendectomy is the closure of the appendiceal stump, which can be achieved with the help of endoclips, sutures, staples, and endoloops. In this review, we discuss different aspects of management of acute appendicitis, current controversies in management, and the potential role of endoscopic appendectomy as a future treatment option.

Predictive Factors of Non-Inflammatory Small Bowel Obstruction After Bowel Resection in Crohn's Patients.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in Crohn's disease (CD) after small bowel resection (SBR) that are not due to active/recurrent inflammation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who had SBR for active or complicated CD. Abstracted data included demographics, phenotype, therapies for CD, endoscopic disease recurrence, and several surgical variables. The primary outcome was the development of non-inflammatory SBO (NI-SBO) within 5 years after SBR. Results: A total of 335 patients were included. The cumulative rates of NI-SBO at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years were 5 (1.5%), 8 (2.4%), and 29 (8.9%), respectively. Variables associated with the development of NI-SBO were active macroscopic or microscopic inflammation in the surgical margins (13 (56%) vs. 65 (27%), P = 0.004), open resection (vs. laparoscopic resection) (12 (41.4%) vs. 60 (19.5%), P = 0.0006) and a higher median number of previous resections (2 (interquartile range (IQR) 2 - 3) vs. 1 (IQR 1 - 2), P = 0.0002). Only 21% of patients who developed NI-SBO required surgical intervention. Conclusions: The incidence of NI-SBO after SBR in CD is low and associated with inflammation at the margins of the resected bowel, previous bowel resections, and an open laparotomy approach. Most NI-SBOs resolve with medical management.

Geographical Variations in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in the United States between 2001 and 2020.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. As early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) becomes more prevalent in the US, research attention has shifted towards identifying at-risk populations. Previous studies have highlighted the rising rate of early-onset adenocarcinoma (ADC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in the US. However, data on geographical variations of EO-CRC are scarce. Hence, our study aims to analyze time trends in EO-CRC incidence rates across various US regions and to assess these trends by sex and histopathological subtypes (ADC and NET). METHODS: We analyze data spanning from 2001 to 2020 from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database, covering nearly 98% of the US population. Using SEER*Stat software version (8.4.2, NCI), we calculated EO-CRC incidence rates among adults aged 20-54 years, adjusting for the age standard 2000 US population. The rates were categorized by sex and US geographical regions into west, midwest, northeast, and south. Time trends, reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC), were generated via Joinpoint Regression software (v.5.0.2, NCI) utilizing the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria "BIC" method to generate the best-fit trends with a two-sided p-value cutoff at 0.05. The rates were also stratified by histopathology into ADC and NET. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2020, a total of 514,875 individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC in the US, with 54.78% being men. Incidence rates and trends varied across geographical regions. In the western region (comprising 106,685 patients, 54.85% men), incidence rates significantly increased in both women (AAPC = 1.37, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.34, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the midwestern region (with 110,380 patients, 55.46% men), there were significant increases in incidence rates among women (AAPC = 1.06, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.35, p < 0.001). The northeastern region (with 94,758 patients, 54.53% men) also witnessed significant increases in incidence rates for both women (AAPC = 0.71, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 0.84, p < 0.001). In contrast, the southern region (with 203,052 patients, 54.48% men) experienced slower increases in incidence rates among both women and men (AAPC = 0.25, p < 0.05 in women; AAPC = 0.66, p < 0.05 in men). When stratified by histopathology, incidence rates for adenocarcinomas (ADC) increased in all regions, most notably in the west (AAPC = 1.45, p < 0.05), and least in the south (AAPC = 0.46, p < 0.05). Conversely, for neuroendocrine tumors (NET), while incidence rates increased similarly across all regions, the pace was notably faster compared to ADC, particularly in the west (AAPC = 3.26, p < 0.05) and slower in the south (AAPC = 2.24, p < 0.05) Discussion: Our analysis of nationwide US data spanning two decades and encompassing over half a million early-onset CRC patients, representing nearly 98% of the US population, highlights significant temporal variation in incidence rates across various geographical regions. The most substantial increases in incidence rates were observed in the west, while the least pronounced changes were noted in the south, affecting both men and women. These trends persisted across the main CRC histopathological subtypes, with NET exhibiting a notably swifter pace of increase compared with ADC. These findings hold important implications for public health strategies and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the rising burden of early-onset CRC across different regions in the US.

Increased Risk of Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the risk of breakthrough respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in vaccinated patients with CRC. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX research network to identify vaccinated patients with CRC. Patients were matched using propensity score matching (PSM) and divided into patients with CRC and control (without history of CRC) groups. The primary outcome was the risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated patients. The secondary outcome was a composite of all-cause emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and death during the follow-up period after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: A total of 15,416 vaccinated patients with CRC were identified and propensity matched with 15,416 vaccinated patients without CRC. Patients with CRC had a significantly increased risk for breakthrough infections compared to patients without CRC (aOR = 1.78; [95% CI: 1.47-2.15]). Patients with CRC were at increased risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections after two doses (aOR = 1.71; [95% CI: 1.42-2.06]) and three doses (aOR = 1.36; [95% CI: 1.09-1.69]) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Vaccinated patients with CRC were at a lower risk of COVID-19 infection than unvaccinated CRC patients (aOR = 0.342; [95% CI: 0.289-0.404]). The overall composite outcome (all-cause ED visits, all-cause hospitalization, and all-cause death) was 51.6% for breakthrough infections, which was greater than 44.3% for propensity score-matched patients without CRC (aOR = 1.79; [95% CI: 1.29-2.47]). Conclusions: This cohort study showed significantly increased risks for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated patients with CRC. Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with CRC were associated with significant and substantial risks for hospitalizations.

Basic Principles and Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Differentiation of Pancreatic Cancer from Other Pancreatic Lesions: A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Pancreatic lesions consist of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions and often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to similar clinical and radiological features. In recent years, pancreatic lesions have been discovered more frequently as incidental findings due to the increased utilization and widespread availability of abdominal cross-sectional imaging. Therefore, it becomes imperative to establish an early and appropriate diagnosis with meticulous differentiation in an attempt to balance unnecessary treatment of benign pancreatic lesions and missing the opportunity for early intervention in malignant lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an important diagnostic modality for the identification and risk stratification of pancreatic lesions due to its ability to provide detailed imaging and acquisition of tissue samples for analysis with the help of fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. The recent development of EUS-based technology, including contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound, real-time elastography-endoscopic ultrasound, miniature probe ultrasound, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and the application of artificial intelligence has significantly augmented the diagnostic accuracy of EUS as it enables better evaluation of the number, location, dimension, wall thickness, and contents of these lesions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the different types of EUS available for the diagnosis and differentiation of pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic lesions while discussing their key strengths and important limitations.

Trends of hypertensive heart disease prevalence and mortality in the United States between the period 1990-2019, Global burden of disease database.

Hypertension presents a substantial cardiovascular risk, with poorly managed cases increasing the likelihood of hypertensive heart disease (HHD). This study examines individual-level trends and burdens of HHD in the US from 1990 to 2019, using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. In 2019, HHD prevalence in the US reached 1,487,975 cases, with stable changes observed since 1990. Sex stratification reveals a notable increase in prevalence among females (AAPC 0.3, 95 % CI: 0.2 to 0.4), while males showed relative constancy (AAPC 0.0, 95 % CI: -0.1 to 0.1). Mortality rates totaled 51,253 cases in 2019, significantly higher than in 1990, particularly among males (AAPC 1.0, 95 % CI: 0.8 to 1.3). Younger adults experienced a surge in HHD-related mortality compared to older adults (AAPC 2.6 versus 2.0). These findings highlight the need for tailored healthcare strategies to address sex and age-specific disparities in managing HHD.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Reported Adverse Events and Device Failures Associated with Esophageal Self-Expandable Metal Stents: An FDA MAUDE Database Study.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal Stents are used to maintain esophageal lumen patency in esophageal strictures caused by intrinsic and/or extrinsic malignancies and the occlusion of concomitant esophageal fistulas. While data on the efficacy and safety of esophageal stents exist, comprehensive evaluation of adverse events is limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the reported adverse events and device failures associated with esophageal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) using the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. METHODS: Post-marketing surveillance data for the esophageal SEMSs were analyzed using the FDA's MAUDE database from January 2014 to December 10, 2023. The outcomes of interest were patient-related adverse events and device failures. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS. Pooled numbers and percentages were calculated for each adverse event. Continuous variables underwent analysis using a two-tailed student t test, and significance was set to p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: During the study period, 548 MAUDE reports revealed 873 device failures and 186 patient-related adverse events. The most common device issues were stent activation, positioning, or separation problems (4 n = 403; 46.2%), followed by device detachment or migration (n = 109, 12.5%), and material problems (n = 93, 10.7%). Patient complications included dysphagia/odynophagia (10%), perforation, pain, and bleeding (each 7.6%). The most common device failures in over-the-wire (OTW) stents and through-the-scope (TTS) stents were activation, positioning, or separation problems (TTS: n = 183, 52.6% vs OTW: n = 220, 41.9%). Compared to OTW stents, TTS stents had higher migration and breakage (13.5% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.24), and (9.2% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.08) respectively, while OTW stents had more challenges with stent advancement or removal (5.1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001 and 4.6% vs 3.4%, p = 0.19, respectively) and material problems (14.7% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.001). Activation, positioning, and separation problems were the most frequent device failures in fully covered (FC) and partially covered (PC) stents (FC: n = 62, 32.8%, PC: n = 168, 43.5%). FC stents had higher migration rates (20.6% vs 9.8%, p < 0.001), while PC stents exhibited more material problems (17.4% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001) and difficulties with advancing the stents (6.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our examination showed a prevalence of reported device complications associated with stent activation, positioning, and separation problems. Dysphagia or odynophagia emerged as the most frequently reported patient complication. Furthermore, our analysis, provides insights into TTS vs. OTW and FC vs. PC esophageal SEMSs, enabling endoscopists and manufacturers to better understand adverse events and potentially optimize device design for future iterations.