Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in Egypt: a nationwide multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Egypt faces a significant public health burden due to chronic liver diseases (CLD) and peptic ulcer disease. CLD, primarily caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, affects over 2.9% of the population nationwide, with regional variations. Steatotic liver disease is rapidly emerging as a significant contributor to CLD, especially in urban areas. Acid-related disorders are another widespread condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. These factors and others significantly influence the indications and findings of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed in Egypt. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the clinico-demographic data, indications, and endoscopic findings in Egyptian patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in various regions of Egypt. METHODS: This study employed a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional design. Data was collected from patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy across 15 tertiary gastrointestinal endoscopy units in various governorates throughout Egypt. RESULTS: 5910 patients aged 38-63 were enrolled in the study; 75% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), while 25% underwent a colonoscopy. In all studied patients, the most frequent indications for EGD were dyspepsia (19.5%), followed by hematemesis (19.06%), and melena (17.07%). The final EGD diagnoses for the recruited patients were portal hypertension-related sequelae (60.3%), followed by acid-related diseases (55%), while 10.44% of patients had a normally apparent endoscopy. Male gender, old age, and the presence of chronic liver diseases were more common in patients from upper than lower Egypt governorates. Hematochezia (38.11%) was the most reported indication for colonoscopy, followed by anemia of unknown origin (25.11%). IBD and hemorrhoids (22.34% and 21.86%, respectively) were the most prevalent diagnoses among studied patients, while normal colonoscopy findings were encountered in 18.21% of them. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study describing the situation of endoscopic procedures in Egypt. our study highlights the significant impact of regional variations in disease burden on the utilization and outcomes of GI endoscopy in Egypt. The high prevalence of chronic liver disease is reflected in the EGD findings, while the colonoscopy results suggest a potential need for increased awareness of colorectal diseases.

Dormia Basket versus Extraction Balloon in Proximally Migrated Biliary Stents.

Objectives: To compare balloon extraction versus Dormia basket in the retrieval of proximally migrated stent. Method: The prospective study was conducted at Tanta University Hospital and Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from December 2019 to December 2020, and comprised adult patients of either gender who presented with proximally migrated biliary plastic stent who were evaluated with respect to risk factor for migration. The difference in efficacy of and Dormia basket group A and balloon extraction group B was evaluated. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients, 43(53.8%) were males and 37(46.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 55.7±14.2 years. Group A had 40(50%) patients; 21(52.2%) males and 19(47.5%) females with mean age 56.9±14.1 years. Group B had 40(50%) patients; 22(55%) males and 18(45%) females with mean age 54.6±14.5 years. (p>0.05). Change-over to the other method was done in 15(37.5%) patients of group A and in 8(20%) of group B (p=0.084). Mean time of the procedure was 57.4±21.7min in group A and 37.5±21.6min in group B (p≤0.001). Complications occurred in 3(7.5%) group A patients and 2(5.0%) group B patients (p=1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon extraction was found to be more successful than Dormia basket in the extraction of proximally migrated stent.

Narrow band imaging as a noninvasive tool for evaluation of the severity of inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis in Kafr-El-Sheikh university, Egypt.

Objectives: To analyse the effectiveness of narrow-band imaging in determining the severity of inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients in relation to histological activity. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from June 2021 to May 2022, and comprised patientsregardless of age and gender who had ulcerative colitis and visited the endoscopy unit. After taking detailed history, the patients were subjected to physical examination and laboratory tests which included complete blood count, international normalised ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and faecal calprotectin. Colonoscopy with narrow-band imaging, biopsy and histopathological assessment were done as part of clinical evaluation. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, 55(55%) were male and 45(45%) were females. The overall mean age was 33.72±10.29 years (range: 11-56 years). There were 73(73%) patients who were married, 12(12%) had positive family history and 19(19%) were smokers. Besides, 18(18%) patientsreceived biological therapy. There wassignificant positive correlation between histopathological and endoscopic scores(p<0.05). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between histopathologicalscore and findings of narrow-band imaging (p<0.05). There were 10(10%) patients who were found to have dysplasia that was not diagnosed with colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow-band imaging was found to have a significant correlation with the histologically determined degree of inflammation.

Trauma to the solid abdominal organs: The missed dark box of colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is an integral part of the lower bowel care and is generally considered a potentially safe diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed as a daycare outpatient procedure. Colonoscopy is associated with different complications that are not limited to adverse events related to the bowel preparation solutions used, the sedatives used, but to the procedure related as well including bleeding and perforation. Injuries to the extra-luminal abdominal organs during colonoscopy are uncommon, however, serious complications related to the procedure have been reported infrequently in the literature. Life threatening injuries to the spleen, liver, pancreas, mesentery, and urinary bladder have been reported as early as in mid-1970s. These injuries should not be overlooked by clinicians and endoscopists. Steadily increasing abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and hemodynamic instability in absence of rectal bleeding should raise the possibility of severe organ injury. Splenic and hepatic injury following colonoscopy are usually serious and may be life threatening. Although conservative management may help, yet they usually need interventional radiology or surgical intervention. Acute pancreatitis following colonoscopy is usually mild and is mostly managed conservatively. The mechanism of abdominal organ injuries during colonoscopy is not fully understood, however many risk factors have been identified, which can be classified as- organ related, procedure related, and local abdominal factors. Difficult colonoscopy and prior intra-abdominal adhesions are probably the most relevant risk factors for these injuries. Left lateral position, avoidance of looping and excessive force during the procedure would probably reduce the risk of such injuries.

Inflammatory bowel disease evolution in the past two decades: a chronological multinational study.

Background: The multifactorial nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which manifests differently in individuals creates a need for a better understanding of the behaviour and pattern of the disease due to environmental factors. The current study aimed to study the changes in IBD behaviour, presentation, and characteristics in patients over the past two decades with a goal of improving patients' diagnosis, management and outcomes. Methods: During a 6-month period (1/02/2022-30/07/2022), the information of patients with IBD who attended IBD outpatient clinics of 11 referral centre's in six countries was collected, and based on the first time of diagnosis with IBD, they were allocated as group A (those who were diagnosed more than 15 years ago), group B (those who were diagnosed with IBD between 5 and 15 years ago) and group C (IBD cases who diagnosed in recent 5 years). Then the most prevalent subtypes and characters of the disease are evaluated and compared to make clear if the presenting pattern and behaviour of the disease has changed in the last 2 decades. Findings: Overall 1430 patients with IBD including 1207 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (84.5%) and 205 patients with Crohn's disease (CD; 14.3%) included. Mean age of participants at the first time of diagnosis with IBD was 30 years. The extra-intestinal involvement of IBD in groups A and B was more prevalent in comparison with group C. Most of those in groups A & B had academic education but in group C, the most prevalent educational status was high school or diploma (P = 0.012). In contrast to groups A and B, the relative prevalence of medium socioeconomic level in group C had decreased (65%). Relative prevalence of UC subtypes was similar among groups A and B (extensive colitis as most prevalent) but in group C, the most prevalent subtype is left side colitis (38.17%). The most prevalent subtype of CD in groups A and B was ileocolic involvement while in group C, upper GI involvement is significantly increased. The rate of food sensitivity among groups A and B was more than group C (P = 0.00001). The relative prevalence of patients with no flare has increased with a steady slope (P < 0.00001). Relative prevalence of presenting symptoms among patients with UC in group C differs and nowadays the rate abdominal pain (70.7%) and bloating (43.9%) have increased and frequency of diarrhoea (67.4%) has decreased. Interpretation: In the recent 5 years, the pattern of UC presentation has changed. The rate of upper GI involvement in CD and relative prevalence of patients with no disease flare increased and the rate of extra intestinal involvement decreased. Funding: None.

Schistosomal (bilharzial) polyps: Travel through the colon and beyond.

Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) is a major neglected tropical disease. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropical communities. Schistosomal polyps (S. polyps) are not uncommon presentation of this infection. Although the colon is the most commonly affected organ, many other organs are affected. S. polyps are associated with a variable range of morbidity independent of the Schistosomal infection. S. polyps are frequently described in endemic areas and increasingly reported in non-endemic areas mainly among immigrants and visitors to the endemic areas. This review aimed to increase awareness of practitioners, especially gastroenterologists, for this peculiar type of polyps caused by this neglected infection hence improving patient outcomes. Web-based search of different databases was conducted for the literature focusing the development of S. polyps in the colon and other organs with analysis of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. The following key words were used in the search, "Schistosomiasis" OR "Bilharziasis" AND "Polyps" OR "Polyp" AND "Colon" OR "Small intestine" OR " Duodenum" OR " Stomach" OR "Esophagus" OR " Gallbladder" OR" Pharynx" OR "Larynx" OR "Trachea" OR "Urinary bladder" OR " Ureter" OR "Renal Pelvis" OR "Urethra". All publication types including case reports, case series, original research, and review articles were retrieved and analyzed. S. polyps are not infrequent presentation of acute or chronic Schistosomal infection. S. polyps are described in many organs including the bowel, genitourinary tract, skin, gallbladder and the larynx. Presentation of S. polyps is variable and depends on the site, number as well as the polyp size. The relationship of S. polyps to malignant transformation is a matter of discussion. Presence of S. polyps is sometimes the only manifestation of Schistosomiasis. Small polyps can be treated medically with praziquantel, while large accessible polyps are amendable for endoscopic excision through different polyp resection techniques. However, huge, complicated, non-accessible and suspicious polyps are indicated for surgical management or advanced endoscopic resection when appropriate. Clinicians and endoscopists should be aware about these facts when treating patients living in, immigrated from or visiting endemic areas.

Sonographic gallbladder wall thickness measurement and the prediction of esophageal varices among cirrhotics.

Acute variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT) is the most serious emergency complication among those patients and could have catastrophic outcomes if not timely managed. Early screening by esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) for the presence of esophageal varices (EVs) is currently recommended by the practice guidelines for all cirrhotic patients. Meanwhile, EGD is not readily accepted or preferred by many patients. The literature is rich in studies to investigate and validate non-invasive markers of EVs prediction aiming at reducing the unneeded endoscopic procedures. Gallbladder (GB) wall thickness (GBWT) measurement has been found promising in many published research articles. We aim to highlight the validity of sonographic GBWT measurement in the prediction of EVs based on the available evidence. We searched databases including Cochrane library, PubMed, Web of Science and many others for relevant articles. GBWT is associated with the presence of EVs in cirrhotic patients with PHT of different etiologies. The cut-off of GBWT that can predict the presence of EVs varied in the literature and ranges from 3.1 mm to 4.35 mm with variable sensitivities of 46%-90.9% and lower cut-offs in viral cirrhosis compared to non-viral, however GBWT > 4 mm in many studies is associated with acceptable sensitivity up to 90%. Furthermore, a relation was also noticed with the degree of varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy. Among cirrhotics, GBWT > 3.5 mm predicts the presence of advanced (grade III-IV) EVs with a sensitivity of 45%, the sensitivity increased to 92% when a cut-off ≥ 3.95 mm was used in another cohort. Analysis of these results should carefully be revised in the context of ascites, hypoalbuminemia and other intrinsic GB diseases among cirrhotic patients. The sensitivity for prediction of EVs improved upon combining GBWT measurement with other non-invasive predictors, e.g., platelets/GBWT.

Clinical and genetic characterization of familial Mediterranean fever among a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Introduction: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease with an autoinflammatory nature. It affects mainly Turkish, Armenian, Arab, and Jewish people. The clinical presentation and the development of complication as amyloidosis. Early diagnosis and predilection of disease severity according to gene mutation facilitates adequate treatment and disease control. Aim: To our knowledge, few studies were done to evaluate FMF in lower Egypt. Material and methods: This is a prospective study that was carried out at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital Outpatient Clinic between March 2019 and February 2020. We recruited all patients who came to our outpatient clinic with symptoms suggestive of FMF (recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and fever), and diagnosis of FMF was confirmed by gene study. One hundred and nine patients were included; however, 9 patients refused to participate in the study, so final analysis was done for 100 patients only. Patients also underwent abdominal ultrasound examination for measurement of the spleen longitudinal diameter. Results: E148Q mutant allele was the most encountered mutation in our studied patients at Kafrelsheikh, with a frequency of 31%; the number of attacks was greater in patients with positive family history and in homozygous patients. Most patients required a dose between 1.5 and 3 mg/day. Conclusions: Patients with positive family history and those with homozygous mutation have more attacks with greater severity and higher amyloid deposition. E148Q mutant allele was the most commonly encountered in the studied patients, with a frequency of 31%, followed by M6801 (G/A), which was associated with the highest amyloid A level.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Clinical Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic health problem that causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and considerable mortality rates. Unfortunately, recovered patients who survive COVID-19 may continue to report a wide variety of clinical manifestations of multisystem affection such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, depression, anxiety, myalgia, dyspnea, and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to summarize the current literature regarding the prevalence of post-COVID- 19 manifestations. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of post-COVID-19 manifestations by searching MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), EBSCO, Wily, and World health organization (WHO) databases. Screening, study selection, data extraction, data synthesis, and quality assessment were made by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of 1,371 references, 817 references remained after removing duplicates. Reviews, case reports, commentaries, and any article containing non-original information were excluded. According to the eligibility criteria for this systematic review, 12 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The overall prevalence of post-COVID-19 manifestations ranged from 35% to 90.5%. Fatigue, dyspnea, neuropsychological disorders, and pain were the most frequent post-COVID-19 symptoms. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed that 35% to 90.5% of recovered patients who survive COVID-19 continue to have a wide variety of clinical manifestations, including fatigue, dyspnea, neuropsychological disorders, and pain as the most frequent post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Effect of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal endoscopy practice: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of the novel corona virus (SARS-Cov-2) in the late 2019 and not only the endoscopy practice and training but also the health care systems around the globe suffers. This systematic review focused the impact of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) on the endoscopy practice. METHODS: A web search of different databases combining different search terms describing the endoscopy practice and the COVID-19 pandemic was done. Articles were screened for selection of relevant articles in two steps: title and abstract step and full-text screening step, by two independent reviewers and any debate was solved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: Final studies included in qualitative synthesis were 47. The data shown in the relevant articles were evident for marked reduction in the volume of endoscopy, marked affection of colorectal cancer screening, impairments in the workflow, deficiency in personal protective equipment (PPE) and increased likelihood of catching the infection among both the staff and the patients. CONCLUSION: The main outcomes from this review are rescheduling of endoscopy procedures to be suitable with the situation of COVID-19 pandemic in each Country. Also, the endorsement of the importance of PPE use for health care workers and screening of COVID-19 infection pre-procedure.Key messagesThe data focussing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and COVID-19 emerged from different areas around the globe. The data presented on the published studies were heterogeneous. However, there were remarkable reductions in the volume of GI endoscopy worldwideStaff reallocation added a burden to endoscopy practiceThere was a real risk for COVID-19 spread among both the staff and the patients.

Choledocho-nodal Fistula: Uncommon Cause of Obstructive Jaundice in a Patient with HCC Diagnosed by Combined ERCP/EUS.

A 58-year-old male patient presented with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatic focal lesions followed by TACE for a solitary hilar nodal metastasis combined with regorafenib therapy. One month later, the patient developed progressive jaundice. Work-up showed obstructive jaundice with intrahepatic biliary radicles dilatation. The diagnosis and treatment was achieved by combining endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography and showed uncommon cause of obstructive jaundice due to common bile duct compression by a choledocho-nodal fistula following TACE of a metastatic hilar lymph node.

Biliary stent migration: why, how, and what?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The frequency, risk factors as well as the sites of biliary stent migration are variable in the literature. This retrospective study investigated the frequency of biliary stent migration, why biliary stents migrated, how the migrated stents affected the patients, and what are the different techniques retrieved the migrated stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 876 stented patients, 74 patients (8.4%) had their stents migrated. Patients with and without migrated stents were compared regarding endoscopy and stent-related parameters. The sequels of stent migrations were reported. Furthermore, the methods used for stent retrieval were reviewed. RESULTS: Proximal and distal stent migration occurred at a rate of 3 and 5.5%, respectively. The independent predictors for stent migration were moderate to marked common bile duct (CBD) dilation, complete sphincterotomy, the use of balloon dilation, and stent insertion for more than 1 month. Cholangitis and stent obstruction was the most commonly reported adverse event (n = 18, 24.3%). Distal stent migration associated with two cases of bleeding due to duodenal wall injury, and two cases of duodenal perforation. All the retained migrated stents in the current study were retrieved by endoscopy using extraction balloon, Dormia basket, snares, and foreign body forceps. CONCLUSION: Biliary stent migration occurs at a rate of 8.4%. Stents do migrate because of dilated CBD, wide sphincterotomy, and biliary balloon dilation. Furthermore, wide, straight stents inserted for more than 1 month easily migrate. The migrated stents migrated intraluminal in the CBD, duodenum or the colon. All the retained migrated stents were retrieved endoscopically.

Accuracy of noninvasive tests in the prediction of portal hypertensive gastropathy in Egyptian patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is commonly associated with portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), and it causes gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the gold standard in diagnosing PHG. Besides its invasiveness, the disadvantages of EGD include psychological and financial problems. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different noninvasive screening tools in predicting PHG. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with LC who were divided into two groups based on EGD: group (A), 50 patients with LC with PHG, and group (B), 50 patients with LC without PHG. All patients were subjected to history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal-pelvic ultrasonography, and EGD. RESULTS: To predict PHG, the respective sensitivity and specificity of portal vein diameter (>10.5 mm) were 86 and 67%, of gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) (>3.5 mm) were 64 and 68%, of platelets/GBWT (<40) were 68 and 78%, of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet ratio index (APRI) score (>1.1) were 60 and 66%, of platelet/spleen diameter (<1290) were 88 and 72%, of right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio (>4) were 74 and 80%, and of AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (>1.1) were 50 and 58% (P = 0.353). CONCLUSION: Portal vein diameter, platelet/spleen diameter, and right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio were independently associated with PHG and were good predictors of the PHG, whereas AST/ALT ratio and King score are poor predictors.

Colorectal cancer in Arab world: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing among young individuals in the Arab world as well as in other regions of the world. AIM: To explore the incidence and prevalence of CRC in the Arab world. METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO and Wiley databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles irrespective of the language or the publication year. The search terms were "("colon OR rectum OR sigmoid OR rectal OR colonic OR colorectal") AND ("cancer OR malignancy OR malignant OR neoplasm") AND ("Jordan" OR "United Arab Emirates" OR "Bahrain" OR "Tunisia" OR "Algeria" OR "Djibouti" OR "Saudi Arabia" OR "Sudan" OR "Syria" OR "Somalia" OR "Iraq" OR "Oman" OR "Palestine" OR "Qatar" OR "Comoros" OR "Kuwait" OR "Lebanon" OR "Libya" OR "Egypt" OR "Morocco" OR "Mauritania" OR "Yemen"). Reviews, meta-analyses, and articles containing nonoriginal data were excluded. Retrieved articles were screened, and relevant data were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. Five of the studies provided information regarding the prevalence of CRC. The prevalence of CRC was 0.72% in Saudi Arabia and 0.78% in the United Arab Emirate, while in Egypt, it ranged from 0.4% to 14%. Four studies showed information regarding the incidence. The annual incidence rate of CRC in Qatar was 7.5/100000/year. In Egypt, the crude incidence rate (CIR) in males was 3.1 for colon cancer and 1 for rectal cancer, while in females, it was 2.3 for colon cancer and 0.8 for rectal cancer. The age-standardized rate for CRC incidence in 2003 was 36.90 for males, 26.50 for females, and 30.49 for both sexes in Saudi Arabia. In 2016, the CIRs in Saudi Arabia were 3.6 and 2.1 in females for colon cancer and rectal cancer, respectively, while in males, it was 3.3 and 2.8 for colon cancer and rectal cancer, respectively. One study in Egypt revealed that 25% of CRC cases occurred among individuals younger than 40 years old. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable prevalence of CRC in some Arab countries. More studies are needed to explore the incidence and prevalence of CRC in the rest of the Arab world.

Serotyping and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae in Egyptian Patients with or without Diabetes Mellitus.

Streptococcus agalactiae serotype distribution and its antibiotic susceptibility affect disease prevention strategies, but the serotype distribution varies among patient groups. The objectives of this study were to establish the group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotype distribution in patients from Egypt and to assess antibiotic sensitivity of invasive GBS isolates. A total of 490 patients participated in this multicenter study; 160 had urinary tract infection, 115 complained of diabetic foot ulcers, 125 men had genital tract infections, and 30 women females had genital tract infections. Others had bronchopneumonia, otitis media, synovitis, or meningitis. Serotyping of the isolated GBS was performed at the CDC in the United States. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns were determined using the disk diffusion method. In men, the most common serotypes were II, III, and V, whereas types Ia, II, III, and V were isolated from women. Macrolides (erythromycin) resistance occurred in 4.1% of the isolates; 10.2% were resistant to both clindamycin and inducible resistance of macrolides, lincomycin, and streptogramin; 17.3% were resistant to quinolones; and 95.9% were resistant to tetracyclines. GBS primarily infected the urinary tract, skin, soft tissue, and genital tract in both genders. Isolates were sensitive to beta-lactam drugs, vancomycin, and linezolid; 14.0% were resistant to macrolides with or without clindamycin. Only 6.0% of the strains were sensitive to tetracyclines. Although GBS causes invasive infections in Egyptian adults, it rarely causes neonatal meningitis or sepsis. Future studies should determine whether GBS isolates are transmitted sexually, by performing a follow-up study of the partner of the infected patient.

Ketonuria with or without ketoacidosis as the presenting manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) among uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients.

We present three diabetic patients cases presented with kentonuria as the presenting manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Sudomotor Changes in Hepatitis C Virus Infection with or without Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study in Egyptian Patients.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can affect the neurological system, and neuropathy is one of these manifestations. Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) type II, and diabetic patients are at higher risk of acquiring HCV infection. Sweat function has been proposed to assess early autonomic neuropathy. This study aimed to evaluate small fiber neuropathy in asymptomatic HCV-related cirrhotic patients with or without DM through sweat function assessment by Sudoscan test. Three groups were involved: 47 healthy controls, 48 HCV-related cirrhotic patients without DM (group 1), and 49 HCV-related cirrhotic patients with DM type II (group 2). All participants were subjected to liver panel tests, renal function tests, cell blood counts, HbA1c, and abdominal ultrasound. Sweat function was assessed in all patients and controls by measuring hand and feet electrochemical skin conductance (ESC, microSiemens [µS]) using Sudoscan. Peripheral neuropathy was detected in none of the controls, 39% of group 1 patients, and 62% of group 2 patients (P < 0.0001). The mean feet ESC (FESC) was 88.3 ± 6.8 µS in controls, 67.2 ± 19.2 µS in group 1, and 57.9 ± 19.4 µS in group 2 (P < 0.0001). A significant correlation was observed between FESC and bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, international normalized ratio, transaminases, and splenic size. Electrochemical skin conductance measurement is a valuable, noninvasive method for early detection of small fiber neuropathy in asymptomatic HCV-related cirrhosis, with or without DM.

Ocular Affection as an Extraintestinal Manifestation in Cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the Kafrelsheikh Governorate / Afecção ocular como manifestação extraintestinal em casos de doença inflamatória intestinal

Abstract Introduction The manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. Musculoskeletal conditions are considered the most common extraintestinal manifestations, followed by mucocutaneous and ocular diseases. Many general practitioners are unaware of the variety and severity of the ocular affection in IBD patients. Objective To assess the prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in IBD patients at Kafrelsheikh governorate, and to evaluate the different ocularmanifestations and their relationship to the severity of the disease. Methods A cross-sectional study evaluating 120 patients treated at the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital. The diagnosis of IBD was made between December 2018 and December 2019 through clinical, endoscopic and histopathological examinations. All patients were assessed for any extraintestinal manifestation or evidence of ocular affection through slit-lamp examinations, tonometry, visual acuity, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results The mean age of the sample was 35.5 ± 13.3 years. In total, 52 (43.3%) patients were male and 68 (56.7%) were female. Ocular manifestations represent ~ 22.5% of extraintestinal manifestations. The most common ocular findings were conjunctivitis (25.8%) and anterior uveitis (10.8%), followed by scleritis (9.2%) and cataract (8.3%). Other extraintestinal manifestations were observed in 41 (34.1%) 29 (29.9%) of ulcerative colitis cases, and 12 (52%) of Crohn disease cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of ocular involvement in relation to the two types of IBD included in the Montreal classification. Conclusion Ocular manifestations in cases of IBD are common and usually nonspecific in presentation. The severity of the IBD does not reflect the severity of the ocular affection.

Resumo Introdução As manifestações da doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) não se restringem ao trato gastrointestinal. Distúrbios musculoesqueléticos são considerados as manifestações extraintestinais mais comuns, seguidos de doenças oculares e mucocutâneas. Muitos clínicos gerais desconhecem a variedade e a severidade das afecções oculares em casos de DII. Objetivo Determinar a prevalência das manifestações extraintestinais em pacientes com DII na província de Kafrelsheikh, no Egito, e avaliar as diferentes manifestações oculares e sua relação com a gravidade da doença. Métodos Um estudo transversal que avaliou 120 pacientes tratados no Kafrelsheikh University Hospital. O diagnóstico de DII foi feito entre dezembro de 2018 e dezembro de 2019 por meio de exames clínicos, endoscópicos e histopatológicos. Por meio de exames de lâmpada de fenda, tonometria, acuidade visual, e oftalmoscopia indireta, todos os pacientes foram avaliados para se determinar a ocorrência de quaisquer manifestações extraintestinais ou afecções oculares. Resultados Amédia de idade da amostra foi de 35,5 ± 13,3 anos. No total, 52 (43,3%) pacientes com DII eram do sexo masculino, e 68 (56,7%), do sexo feminino. As manifestações oculares representaram ~ 22,5% das manifestações extraintestinais. Os achados oculares mais comuns foram conjuntivite (25,8%) e uveíte anterior (10,8%), seguidas de esclerite (9,2%) e catarata (8,3%). Outras manifestações extraintestinais foram observadas em 41 (34,1%) pacientes, entre elas, 29,9% de casos de colite ulcerativa, e 52% de casos de doença de Crohn. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na presença de envolvimento ocular com relação aos dois tipos de DII descritos na classificação de Montreal. Conclusão Asmanifestações oculares empacientes de DII são comuns e, geralmente, não específicas em termos de apresentação. A gravidade da DII não reflete a gravidade da afecção ocular.

Fecal calprotectin as a predictor of COVID-19 severity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly transmittable through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus is also shed in fecal matter. Some patients may present with effects in more than one system; however, there are no defined biomarkers that can accurately predict the course or progression of the disease. The present study aimed to estimate the severity of the disease, to correlate the severity of the disease with biochemical predictors, to identify valuable biomarkers indicative of gastrointestinal disease, and to determine the cutoff values. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital (isolation unit) between July 10, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID- 19 was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which was employed for the detection of the viral RNA. We conclude that lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and liver enzymes were among the most important laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. Statistically significant differences in platelet count, neutrophil count, D-dimer level, and fecal calprotectin levels were observed among patients presenting with chest symptoms only and patients with both chest and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.004;<0.001; 0.010; 0.003; and<0.001, respectively). C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fecal calprotectin levels positively correlated with disease severity. The cutoff value for fecal calprotectin that can predict gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 was 165.0, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 76.5%. (AU)