The Association Between Acidification Time on Wireless Motility Capsule and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric physiological characteristics such as fundus accommodation, gastric distention, emptying/transit time, and basal acid output may contribute to the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Wireless motility capsule (WMC) uses pH data to determine gastric transit time but has not been used in the evaluation of GERD. Certain metrics such as acidification time, nadir pH, and gastric transit time may provide insight into the mechanisms of GERD related to gastric physiology, allowing WMC to be a complementary tool in the diagnosis of GERD. We aimed to determine whether pH data and transit time on WMC tests correlated with the presence of GERD on ambulatory reflux testing. STUDY: This was a retrospective study of 28 patients who had undergone both WMC and reflux testing via wireless pH or pH/impedance. Acidification time (time from capsule ingestion to pH<2), nadir postprandial pH, and gastric transit time were manually determined from the WMC capsule proprietary software. Spearman correlation was used to compare these metrics with gastric transit time, percent esophageal acid exposure, and DeMeester score. RESULTS: Acidification time moderately correlated with gastric transit time, R : 0.44, P =0.02, but not nadir pH, percent esophageal acid exposure, or DeMeester score. Patients with an abnormal reflux test had a significantly longer median acidification time (135.5 vs. 78.5 min, P =0.021). After stratifying by patients with normal versus prolonged gastric transit time, there was a trend toward longer acidification time in patients with positive reflux testing in both groups, but this was not statistically significant. Patients with prolonged gastric transit time >300 minutes were not more likely to have a positive reflux test (38% vs. 35%, P =1). CONCLUSIONS: The acidification time on WMC was significantly longer in patients with proven GERD and acidification time positively correlated with gastric transit time. Larger studies are needed to determine whether WMC could be used as a complementary tool in investigating patients with GERD symptoms.

Decreased Gut Microbiome Tryptophan Metabolism and Serotonergic Signaling in Patients With Persistent Mental Health and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: An estimated 15%-29% of patients report new gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms after coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) while 4%-31% report new depressive symptoms. These symptoms may be secondary to gut microbiome tryptophan metabolism and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-based signaling. METHODS: This study used specimens from 2 patient cohorts: (i) fecal samples from patients with acute COVID-19 who participated in a randomized controlled trial testing prebiotic fiber and (ii) blood samples from patients with acute COVID-19. Six months after recovering from COVID-19, both cohorts answered questions related to GI symptoms and anxiety or depression. Microbiome composition and function, focusing on tryptophan metabolism-associated pathways, and plasma 5-HT were assessed. RESULTS: In the first cohort (n = 13), gut microbiome L-tryptophan biosynthesis during acute COVID-19 was decreased among those who developed more severe GI symptoms (2.0-fold lower log activity comparing those with the most severe GI symptoms vs those with no symptoms, P = 0.06). All tryptophan pathways showed decreased activity among those with more GI symptoms. The same pathways were also decreased in those with the most severe mental health symptoms after COVID-19. In an untargeted analysis, 5 additional metabolic pathways significantly differed based on subsequent development of GI symptoms. In the second cohort (n = 39), plasma 5-HT concentration at the time of COVID-19 was increased 5.1-fold in those with GI symptoms alone compared with those with mental health symptoms alone ( P = 0.02). DISCUSSION: Acute gut microbiome-mediated reduction in 5-HT signaling may contribute to long-term GI and mental health symptoms after COVID-19. Future studies should explore modification of 5-HT signaling to reduce post-COVID symptoms.

Comparison of Anorectal Manometry, Rectal Balloon Expulsion Test, and Defecography for Diagnosing Defecatory Disorders.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The utility of high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) for diagnosing defecatory disorders (DDs) is unclear because healthy people may have features of dyssynergia. We aimed to identify objective diagnostic criteria for DD and to ascertain the utility of HR-ARM for diagnosing DD. METHODS: Constipated patients were assessed with HR-ARM and rectal balloon expulsion time (BET), and a subset underwent defecography. Normal values were established by assessing 184 sex-matched healthy individuals. Logistic regression models evaluated the association of abnormal HR-ARM findings with prolonged BET and reduced rectal evacuation (determined by defecography). RESULTS: A total of 474 constipated individuals (420 women) underwent HR-ARM and BET, and 158 underwent defecography. BET was prolonged, suggesting a DD, for 152 patients (32%). Rectal evacuation was lower for patients with prolonged vs normal BET. A lower rectoanal gradient during evacuation, reduced anal squeeze increment, and reduced rectal sensation were independently associated with abnormal BETs; the rectoanal gradient was 36% sensitive and 85% specific for prolonged BET. A lower rectoanal gradient and prolonged BET were independently associated with reduced evacuation. Among constipated patients, the probability of reduced rectal evacuation was 14% when the gradient and BET were both normal, 45% when either was abnormal, and 75% when both variables were abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: HR-ARM, BET, and defecography findings were concordant for constipated patients, and reduced rectoanal gradient was the best HR-ARM predictor of prolonged BET or reduced rectal evacuation. Prolonged BET, reduced gradient, and reduced evacuation each independently supported a diagnosis of DD in constipated patients. We propose the terms probable DD for patients with an isolated abnormal gradient or BET and definite DD for patients with abnormal results from both tests.

Automated extraction of anorectal pressures from high-resolution manometry reports.

BACKGROUND: During high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR_ARM), the raw data are converted into software-derived summary variables (e.g., rectoanal gradient during evacuation) that capture only a snapshot of the data collected during HR_ARM and are less useful than newer indices, which are also derived from the raw data, for diagnosing defecatory disorders (DD). However, it is cumbersome and time-consuming to extract raw data from the program and calculate such indices. This study aimed to devise a user-friendly approach to extract anorectal pressures measured with HR_ARM. METHODS: Anorectal pressures at rest, during anal squeeze, and evacuation were measured with HR_ARM in 180 women, among whom 60 each were healthy, had DD, or fecal incontinence. A reverse engineering approach extracted pressure values from color images in HR_ARM reports. The summary variables generated by the software and a reverse engineering approach were compared with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), paired t-tests, and Bland-Altman's tests. RESULTS: Anorectal pressures summarized by the software and a reverse engineering method were highly concordant for anal resting (CCC [95% CI], 0.98 [0.97, 0.99]) and squeeze pressures (0.99 [0.99, 0.99) and the rectoanal gradient during evacuation with an empty (0.98 [0.97, 0.98]) and a filled balloon (0.99 [0.99, 0.99]). For most variables, the paired t and Bland-Altman comparisons were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal pressures can be accurately determined from pressure topography images in HR_ARM reports. In future, this reverse engineering approach can be harnessed to compile large HR_ARM datasets across centers and to uncover newer, potentially more useful summary rectoanal pressure variables.

Inappropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitors After Hospital Discharge Is Associated with Thirty-Day Hospital Readmission.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Concerns have been raised about the adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Rather than PPIs themselves causing harm, we hypothesized that PPIs prescribed without appropriate indications would be associated with adverse outcomes compared to appropriately indicated PPIs. METHODS: Adult patients initiated on a new PPI during a hospitalization at our institution from 2014 to 2018 were analyzed. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. The primary exposure was long-term appropriateness of PPI determined by the presence of prespecified diagnostic codes and discharge medications. Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the odds of 30-day readmission in patients discharged on inappropriate compared to appropriate new PPIs. RESULTS: Of 84,236 patients admitted to our institution, 7745 (9.2%) were discharged on a new PPI, of which 5136 (66.3%) lacked an appropriately documented indication. Inappropriate PPIs were associated with 30-day hospital readmission after adjusting for other factors (adjusted odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.53). The excess risk associated with lack of appropriate documentation for PPIs in these patients was 44 readmissions per 1000 hospitalizations (95% confidence interval 21-67). CONCLUSIONS: Discharge on inappropriate PPIs was associated with 30-day hospital readmission compared to appropriate PPIs. The harm associated with inappropriate PPIs is not likely due to direct effects of PPIs because all patients in the study received PPIs. Rather, patients who receive inappropriate PPIs may have additional patient-specific factors that place them at increased risk for hospital readmission.

Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms after recovery from COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 frequently presents with acute gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but it is unclear how common these symptoms are after recovery. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of GI symptoms after COVID-19. METHODS: The medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 1 and June 30, 2020, were reviewed for the presence of GI symptoms at primary care follow-up 1 to 6 months later. The prevalence of new GI symptoms was estimated, and risk factors were assessed. Additionally, an anonymous survey was used to determine the prevalence of new GI symptoms among online support groups for COVID-19 survivors. KEY RESULTS: Among 147 patients without pre-existing GI conditions, the most common GI symptoms at the time of hospitalization for COVID-19 were diarrhea (23%), nausea/vomiting (21%), and abdominal pain (6.1%), and at a median follow-up time of 106 days, the most common GI symptoms were abdominal pain (7.5%), constipation (6.8%), diarrhea (4.1%), and vomiting (4.1%), with 16% reporting at least one GI symptom at follow-up (95% confidence interval 11 to 23%). Among 285 respondents to an online survey for self-identified COVID-19 survivors without pre-existing GI symptoms, 113 (40%) reported new GI symptoms after COVID-19 (95% CI 33.9 to 45.6%). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: At a median of 106 days after discharge following hospitalization for COVID-19, 16% of unselected patients reported new GI symptoms at follow-up. 40% of patients from COVID survivor groups reported new GI symptoms. The ongoing GI effects of COVID-19 after recovery require further study.

Risk Factors and Outcomes for Gastroparesis After Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is common after lung transplantation and is associated with worse transplant outcomes, including the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). This study sought to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with a new diagnosis of gastroparesis after lung transplantation. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent lung transplantation in 2008-2018. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of gastroparesis within 3 years of transplant. Secondary outcomes included a new diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux and the association between gastroparesis and both post-transplant survival and CLAD-free survival. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare diagnosis of gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux, while multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze gastroparesis and post-transplant outcomes. RESULTS: Of 616 patients with no prior history of gastroparesis, 107 (17.4%) were diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying within 3 years of transplant. On multivariable logistic regression, black race (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.18-3.98, p = 0.013) was significantly associated with a new diagnosis of gastroparesis. Age, sex, history of diabetes, connective tissue disease, type of transplant, diagnosis group, renal function, and body mass index were not predictive of gastroparesis post-transplant. Gastroparesis was significantly associated with CLAD (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.20-2.59, p = 0.004), but not with overall mortality (HR 1.16, p = 0.43). CONCLUSION: While gastroparesis is common after lung transplantation, it remains difficult to predict which patients will develop these complications post-transplant. Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed with gastroparesis after adjusting for relevant confounders. Gastroparesis is associated with increased risk of CLAD, and further studies are needed to assess whether early detection and treatment can reduce the incidence of CLAD.

Identification of Lung Transplant Recipients With a Survival Benefit After Fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and aspiration of enteric contents are associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate populations of patients who benefit the most from fundoplication after lung transplantation. METHODS: Lung transplantations from 2001 to 2019 (n = 971) were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by fundoplication before (n = 128) or after (n = 24) chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) development vs patients who did not undergo fundoplication. Patients with a fundoplication before CLAD were propensity matched to patients without a fundoplication. The primary outcome of interest was posttransplant survival. Time-to-event rates were calculated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier functions. RESULTS: Fundoplication before CLAD improved posttransplant survival before and after propensity matching, and it remained a significant predictor after adjusting for baseline characteristics (hazard ratio [HR],0.57; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 0.8; P = .001). Transplant recipients with a restrictive disorder (HR, 0.46; 95 % CI, 0.3 to 0.73; P = .001), age younger than 65 years (HR, 0.48; 95 % CI, 0.32 to 0.71; P < ;0.001), and with both single (HR, 0.47; 95 % CI, 0.28 to 0.79; P = .005) and double (HR, 0.55; 95 % CI, 0.32 to 0.93; P = .027) lung transplants had a significant decrease in mortality after fundoplication. The effect was present after excluding early deaths and CLAD diagnoses. Gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosed by pH, impedance, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy was not associated with worse outcomes. Among patients with CLAD, a fundoplication was an independent predictor of post-CLAD survival (HR, 0.27; 95 % CI; 0.12 to 0.61; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Fundoplication before or after CLAD development is an independent predictor of survival. Younger patients with restrictive disease, independent of the type of transplant, have a survival benefit. Gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosed by conventional methods was not associated with worse survival.

Oral Microbiome Alterations and SARS-CoV-2 Saliva Viral Load in Patients with COVID-19.

Bacterial-viral interactions in saliva have been associated with morbidity and mortality for respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV. However, such transkingdom relationships during SARS-CoV-2 infection are currently unknown. Here, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between saliva microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of newly hospitalized COVID-19 patients and controls. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to compare microbiome diversity and taxonomic composition between COVID-19 patients (n = 53) and controls (n = 59) and based on saliva SARS-CoV-2 viral load as measured using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The saliva microbiome did not differ markedly between COVID-19 patients and controls. However, we identified significant differential abundance of numerous taxa based on saliva SARS-CoV-2 viral load, including multiple species within Streptococcus and Prevotella. IMPORTANCE Alterations to the saliva microbiome based on SARS-CoV-2 viral load indicate potential biologically relevant bacterial-viral relationships which may affect clinical outcomes in COVID-19 disease.

Probiotic Use in Celiac Disease: Results from a National Survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with celiac disease (CD) commonly use supplements for perceived health benefits despite scant evidence. We aimed to characterize the prevalence and predictors of probiotic use among CD patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from iCureCeliac®; a patient-powered research network questionnaire distributed by the Celiac Disease Foundation. We included adults with self-reported CD who answered questions regarding demographics, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. We compared probiotic users versus probiotic non-users and subsequently performed multivariable logistic regression, assessing for independent predictors of probiotic use. RESULTS: 4,909 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Of these, 1,160 (23.6%) responded to a question regarding probiotic use. The mean age of participants was 38.8 years and 82% were female. 381 patients (33%) reported using probiotics. More probiotic users sought nutritional counseling at time of diagnosis (36% vs. 30%, p=0.05) and remained symptomatic despite a gluten-free diet (40% vs. 25%, p <0.001). Probiotic users had lower scores on the pain subscale of the SF36 (63.7±21.6 vs. 69.5±22.1, p=0.006). On multivariable analysis, patients diagnosed after age 50 (OR=2.04, 95%CI: 1.37-3.04), and those with persistent symptoms despite a gluten-free diet (OR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.44-2.63) were more likely to use probiotics. CONCLUSION: In this large study of a national CD registry, roughly one-third of CD patients reported using probiotics. Patients diagnosed later in life were more likely to use probiotics and those who remained symptomatic despite a gluten-free diet were twice as likely to take probiotics. Patients may be seeking additional means of treatment for persistent symptoms.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Endoscopies before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed hospital workflows. This study aimed to characterize differences in gastrointestinal endoscopies in the New York metropolitan region before, during, and after the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS: Across 3 hospitals, we compared demographics, indications, and yield of endoscopies before and after March 16, 2020, the date on which elective procedures were canceled, as well as a recovery period for 5 months after they were resumed. RESULTS: A total of 9,401 procedures before and 332 procedures during the first wave were performed. Females comprised 57 and 44% of patients (p < 0.01), respectively. There was a decline in the proportion of Black (15 vs. 7%, p < 0.02) and Hispanic patients (29 vs. 16%, p < 0.02) undergoing outpatient procedures. There was a significant rise in urgent indications such as bleeding and jaundice. There was an increase in the diagnostic yield of all esophagogastroduodenoscopies for bleeding (p < 0.01) and of outpatient endoscopic ultrasounds for malignancy (p = 0.01), but no increase in yield of inpatient colonoscopy for bleeding. A review of 7,475 procedures during the recovery period showed a return to many nonurgent indications, but still showed decreased proportions of Hispanic and male patients compared to the prepandemic period. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Lower proportions of Black and Hispanic patients underwent outpatient endoscopies during and after the first wave. The proportion of procedures done for emergent indications and their diagnostic yield increased during the pandemic, suggesting a higher threshold to perform endoscopy. In resource-sparing conditions, clinicians should pay attention to thresholds to perform colonoscopy for bleeding and to racial disparities in outpatient healthcare access.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Endoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Study from New York City.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the practice of endoscopy, but characteristics of COVID patients undergoing endoscopy have not been adequately described. AIMS: To compare findings, clinical outcomes, and patient characteristics of endoscopies performed during the pandemic in patients with and without COVID-19. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study of adult endoscopies at six academic hospitals in New York between March 16 and April 30, 2020. Patient and procedure characteristics including age, sex, indication, findings, interventions, and outcomes were compared in patients testing positive, negative, or untested for COVID-19. RESULTS: Six hundred and five endoscopies were performed on 545 patients during the study period. There were 84 (13.9%), 255 (42.2%), and 266 (44.0%) procedures on COVID-positive, negative, and untested patients, respectively. COVID patients were more likely to undergo endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding or gastrostomy tube placement, and COVID patients with gastrointestinal bleeding more often required hemostatic interventions on multivariable logistic regression. COVID patients had increased length of stay, intensive care unit admission, and intubation rate. Twenty-seven of 521 patients (5.2%) with no or negative COVID testing prior to endoscopy later tested positive, a median of 13.5 days post-procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopies in COVID patients were more likely to require interventions, due either to more severe illness or a higher threshold to perform endoscopy. A significant number of patients endoscoped without testing were subsequently found to be COVID-positive. Gastroenterologists in areas affected by the pandemic must adapt to changing patterns of endoscopy practice and ensure pre-endoscopy COVID testing.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Inappropriate Continuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors After Discharge From the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for inappropriate discharge on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy started in the intensive care unit (ICU) for stress ulcer prophylaxis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults initiated on treatment with a PPI in any of 9 affiliated ICUs from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Patients were excluded if they had an appropriate long-term PPI indication. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify characteristics associated with discharge on treatment with an inappropriate PPI. RESULTS: Of 24,751 patients admitted to an ICU, 4127 were initiated on treatment with a new PPI, with 2467 (60%) lacking a long-term PPI indication. Of these 2467, a total of 1122 (45%) were continued on PPI therapy after transfer to the floor and 668 (27%) were discharged on PPI therapy. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for inappropriate discharge on PPI therapy included having an upper endoscopy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.08-2.66), admission to the surgical compared with medical ICU (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.32-3.10), and discharge to a nursing home or rehabilitation facility (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04-1.96; and aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.62-3.24, respectively). CONCLUSION: Among patients started on treatment with a PPI in the ICU without an indication for outpatient PPI use, 27% (668 of 2467) were nonetheless discharged on PPI therapy. Medically complex and surgical ICU patients are at increased risk for receiving PPIs without appropriate documented indications, and careful review of medication lists at discharge should occur in these high-risk groups.

Characteristics and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes of Pregnant Women Without Celiac Disease Who Avoid Gluten.

BACKGROUND: Gluten avoidance among patients without celiac disease has become increasingly popular, especially among young and female demographics; however, no research has explored gluten avoidance during pregnancy, when nutrition is particularly important. AIMS: To determine whether avoiding gluten in pregnancy is associated with any medical, obstetric, or neonatal characteristics. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we identified women with singleton pregnancies who avoid gluten based on antenatal intake questionnaire responses and inpatient dietary orders, excluding those with celiac disease. Certain demographic, medical, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics were compared to matched controls who do not avoid gluten. RESULTS: From July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2019, 138 pregnant women who avoid gluten were admitted for delivery of singleton gestations. Compared to controls, gluten-avoidant women had fewer prior pregnancies (p = 0.005), deliveries (p < 0.0005), and living children (p < 0.0005), higher rates of hypothyroidism (OR = 3.22; p = 0.001) and irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 6.00; p = 0.019), higher second trimester hemoglobin (p = 0.018), and lower body mass index at delivery (p = 0.045). Groups did not differ in any obstetric or fetal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Gluten avoidance in pregnancy is common and, in women without celiac disease, is associated with higher rates of hypothyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome, fewer pregnancies, term births, and living children, and lower peripartum BMI, but is not associated with any obstetric or neonatal comorbidities. Avoiding gluten does not appear to adversely affect maternal or fetal health, but reasons for gluten avoidance, as well as long-term maternal and pediatric outcomes after gluten avoidance in pregnancy, warrant further study.

Minor Hematochezia Decreases Use of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pharmacologic prophylaxis rates remain low. We sought to understand the reasons for this by assessing factors associated with VTE prophylaxis in patients with IBD and the safety of its use. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted among patients hospitalized between January 2013 and August 2018. The primary outcome was VTE prophylaxis, and exposures of interest included acute and chronic bleeding. Medical records were parsed electronically for covariables, and logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with VTE prophylaxis. RESULTS: There were 22,499 patients studied, including 474 (2%) with IBD. Patients with IBD were less likely to be placed on VTE prophylaxis (79% with IBD, 87% without IBD), particularly if hematochezia was present (57% with hematochezia, 86% without hematochezia). Among patients with IBD, admission to a medical service and hematochezia (adjusted odds ratio 0.27; 95% CI, 0.16-0.46) were among the strongest independent predictors of decreased VTE prophylaxis use. Neither hematochezia nor VTE prophylaxis was associated with increased blood transfusion rates or with a clinically significant decline in hemoglobin level during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized patients are less likely to be placed on VTE prophylaxis if they have IBD, and hematochezia may drive this. Hematochezia appeared to be minor and was unaffected by VTE prophylaxis. Education related to the safety of VTE prophylaxis in the setting of minor hematochezia may be a high-yield way to increase VTE prophylaxis rates in patients with IBD.

Strategies for Effective Discontinuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective for many conditions but are often overprescribed. Recent concerns about long-term risks have made patients re-evaluate their need to take PPIs chronically, though these population-based studies have methodological weaknesses. The goal of this review is to provide evidenced-based strategies for discontinuation of PPI therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Given that some patients experience rebound symptoms when abruptly stopping continuous PPI therapy due to its effect on hypergastrinemia, strategies focus on avoiding rebound. Tapering the PPI and then initiating a "step-down" approach with the use of alternative medications may be effective. "On-demand therapy" provides patients with the option to take intermittent PPI courses, reducing overall use and cost while preserving patient satisfaction. It is important for providers to consider ambulatory pH or pH/impedance testing to rule out diagnoses that may require alternative medications like neuromodulators. A number of studies reviewed here can provide guidance in counseling patients on PPI discontinuation. It is important for the provider to obtain a baseline needs assessment for PPI therapy and to elucidate predictors of difficulty in discontinuation prior to initiating a strategy.

Characteristics and comorbidities of inpatients without celiac disease on a gluten-free diet.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing popularity of gluten-free diet (GFD), the demographic characteristics and medical features of patients without celiac disease on this diet have not been extensively investigated.We aimed to characterize the medical conditions and demographic backgrounds of hospitalized patients without celiac disease who adhere to a GFD, to further understand their reasons for gluten avoidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational cohort study on all inpatients at Columbia University Medical Center on a GFD in 2011-2016, excluding those with celiac disease, compared with age-matched and sex-matched inpatients on a regular diet. We determined the odds ratio (OR) of being on a GFD for various comorbidities using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 769 inpatients on a GFD, most (63.6%) did not have celiac disease. Gluten-avoiding patients were more likely to be non-Hispanic Whites [OR: 2.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.31-3.70]. They had a lower prevalence of hypertension (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.27-0.52) and diabetes (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.32-0.75) and higher prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02-2.41), irritable bowel syndrome (OR: 6.16; 95% CI: 2.11-10.23), hyperthyroidism (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.22-6.10), hypothyroidism (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.39-3.06), lupus (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.13-7.29), and autism spectrum disorder (OR: 23.42; 95% CI: 5.29-103.73). CONCLUSION: Nonceliac gluten-avoiding patients have higher prevalences of inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid disease, lupus, and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting patients with these disorders have turned to a GFD for perceived benefit, despite a scant evidence basis.

Adenoma Detection is Increased in the Setting of Melanosis Coli.

GOALS: To compare the adenoma detection rate (ADR) during colonoscopy in patients with melanosis coli against matched controls without melanosis. BACKGROUND: Melanosis coli is a colonoscopic finding in which the colon wall appears darkly pigmented, most often due to extended laxative use, and is considered benign. The pigmentation spares adenomas, which should therefore be more readily detectable in melanosis coli. STUDY: We identified all patients with melanosis on colonoscopy at our institution over a 5-year period. We matched each patient with 2 controls by age, gender, and endoscopist. We compared the prevalence of adenomas between groups, and used multivariable analysis, adjusting for procedure indication and bowel preparation quality, to determine the independent association of melanosis with adenoma detection. RESULTS: At least 1 adenoma was detected in 34.7% of melanosis patients and 26.5% of controls [odds ratio (OR)=1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-2.24; P=0.03]. On multivariable analysis, the presence of melanosis remained associated with increased adenoma detection (OR=1.56; 95% CI, 1.05-2.33; P=0.03). Melanosis patients were more likely to have an adenoma ≤5 mm (OR=1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.51; P=0.03), but not adenomas 6 to 9 mm or ≥10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Melanosis coli is associated with a significant increase in ADR during colonoscopy compared with controls. The increased visibility of adenomas given their contrast with the pigmented background is a likely explanation. Future efforts to identify bowel preparation agents that can induce a similar effect could improve ADRs during colonoscopy.