Chronic hepatitis B beyond clinical burden: Psychosocial effects and impact on quality of life.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection has far-reaching implications for patients' quality of life (QOL), regardless of cirrhosis or complications. However, limited research exists on the psychosocial impact of CHB, particularly in asymptomatic, noncirrhotic patients. Noncirrhotic CHB patients without comorbidities affecting QOL were evaluated in hepatology clinics. Patients underwent a standardized interview and completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Multiple social and psychological parameters were compared between patients receiving chronic treatment and untreated controls with HBeAg-negative chronic infections. A total of 41 CHB patients were included in the study, with 41% in the treatment group and 59% in the control group. Both groups showed a male predominance, and their average age, ethnic distribution and family status were comparable. High unemployment rates and discrimination at work due to HBV status were prevalent, with many patients feeling their career choices were influenced by HBV, particularly among untreated patients. Treated patients reported significantly lower scores in general health perception (41% vs. 13%; p = .06) and limitation of usual activity secondary to CHB (29% vs. 0%; p = .008), resulting in a substantial impact on overall health-related QOL. This study highlights the psychosocial implications of CHB in asymptomatic, noncirrhotic patients, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support and increased awareness. Additionally, addressing challenges related to long-term treatment, such as adherence and cost, may have the potential to improve patient well-being and outcomes.

Comprehensive Assessment of Esophageal Disorders Associated with Hiatus Hernia: Insights from Big Data Analysis.

Hiatus hernia (HH) is a prevalent endoscopic finding in clinical practice, frequently co-occurring with esophageal disorders, yet the prevalence and degree of association remain uncertain. We aim to investigate HH's frequency and its suspected association with esophageal disorders. We reviewed endoscopic reports of over 75,000 consecutive patients who underwent gastroscopy over 12 years in two referral centers. HH was endoscopically diagnosed. We derived data on clinical presentation and a comprehensive assessment of benign and malignant esophageal pathologies. We performed multiple regression models to identify esophageal sequela associated with HH. The overall frequency of HH was (16.8%); the majority (89.5%) had small HHs (<3 cm). Female predominance was documented in HH patients, who were significantly older than controls (61.1±16.5 vs. 52.7±20.0; P < 0.001). The outcome analysis of esophageal pathology revealed an independent association between HH, regardless of its size, and erosive reflux esophagitis (25.7% vs. 6.2%; OR = 3.8; P < 0.001) and Barrett's esophagus (3.8% vs. 0.7%; OR = 4.7, P < 0.001). Furthermore, following rigorous age and sex matching, in conjunction with additional multivariable analyses, large HHs were associated with higher rates of benign esophageal strictures (3.6% vs. 0.3%; P < 0.001), Mallory Weiss syndrome (3.6% vs. 2.1%; P = 0.01), and incidents of food impactions (0.9% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.014). In contrast, a lower rate of achalasia was noted among this cohort (0.55% vs. 0%; P = 0.046). Besides reflux-related esophageal disorders, we outlined an association with multiple benign esophageal disorders, particularly in patients with large HHs.

Screening and Colonoscopy Quality Measures: Ethnic Disparities and Impact on Patients' Outcome.

Background: Recent reports have confirmed the improving trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and outcomes. Still, disparities in incidence and mortality in CRC continue to persist between major ethnic groups despite the provision of widespread screening and improved care. We aimed to outline, from an endoscopic point of view, ethnic disparities in major endoscopic measures concerned with CRC screening and detection and track their impact on patients' outcomes. Methods: We reviewed electronic reports of patients referred for colonoscopy procedures over 20 years. We compared demographic, clinical, and endoscopic findings between major ethnic population groups in Israel. In addition, trends of screening utilization, bowel preparation, and polyp detection rates were tracked, and the incidence of CRC diagnosis was followed. Results: A total of 51307 patients had undergone colonoscopies, of whom 16% were Arabs, and 84% were Jewish. The procedures performed for CRC screening throughout the study period were significantly lower in Arabs (5% vs. 13.1%; P < 0.0001). In parallel, for most of the follow-up period, the Arab patients had higher rates of inadequate bowel preparation (overall: 19.9% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) and a lower polyp detection rate (16.7% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.0001). Expectedly, the incidence of CRC has steadily decreased in the Jewish group, while an adverse pattern of increasing incidence was documented in the Arab patient during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Characterized by lower screening utilization and poor bowel preparation, the incidence of CRC development in Arab patients is increasing, while improving trends of CRC were observed in their Jewish counterparts.