Shortening Oral Simethicone-to-Colonoscopy Interval Increases Bowel Preparation Quality.

BACKGROUND Simethicone can improve bowel preparation quality, but the optimal timing of oral simethicone before colonoscopy has not been determined. This study aimed to explore the effect of the time interval between oral simethicone and the start of colonoscopy (S-C) on bowel preparation quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 364 patients undergoing colonoscopy at our department from August 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 were included in the training cohort, and 420 consecutive patients from December 15, 2021 to January 31, 2022 comprised the validation cohort. They were classified into short and long S-C groups according to the median S-C. Bowel preparation quality evaluated by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale was compared between the 2 groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the correlation between S-C and bowel preparation quality, and we explored the effect of run-way time and time of starting colonoscopy on bowel preparation quality. RESULTS In the training cohort, 182 and 182 patients were classified into the short and long S-C groups, respectively; in the validation cohort, 210 and 210 patients were classified into the 2 groups, respectively. In the 2 cohorts, the short S-C group had a significantly higher rate of adequate/excellent bowel preparation than the long S-C group. Logistic regression analyses showed that shorter S-C, shorter run-way time, and colonoscopy in the morning were all correlated with adequate/excellent bowel preparation. CONCLUSIONS Bowel preparation quality may be affected by S-C, run-way time, and time of starting colonoscopy. S-C shortening should be given equal importance as run-way time shortening.

Effect of simethicone for the management of early abdominal distension after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a multicenter retrospective propensity score matching study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether simethicone expediates the remission of abdominal distension after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: This retrospective study involved LC patients who either received perioperative simethicone treatment or not. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize bias. The primary endpoint was the remission rate of abdominal distension within 24 h after LC. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors affecting the early remission of abdominal distension after LC. Subsequently, a prediction model was established and validated. RESULTS: A total of 1,286 patients were divided into simethicone (n = 811) and non-simethicone groups (n = 475) as 2:1 PSM. The patients receiving simethicone had better remission rates of abdominal distension at both 24 h and 48 h after LC (49.2% vs. 34.7%, 83.9% vs. 74.8%, respectively), along with shorter time to the first flatus (14.6 ± 11.1 h vs. 17.2 ± 9.1 h, P < 0.001) compared to those without. Multiple logistic regression identified gallstone (OR = 0.33, P = 0.001), cholecystic polyp (OR = 0.53, P = 0.050), preoperative abdominal distention (OR = 0.63, P = 0.002) and simethicone use (OR = 1.89, P < 0.001) as independent factors contributing to the early remission of abdominal distension following LC. The prognosis model developed for predicting remission rates of abdominal distension within 24 h after LC yielded an area under the curve of 0.643 and internal validation a value of 0.644. CONCLUSIONS: Simethicone administration significantly enhanced the early remission of post-LC abdominal distension, particularly for patients who had gallstones, cholecystic polyp, prolonged anesthesia or preoperative abdominal distention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200064964 (24/10/2022).

Effect of alverine citrate plus simethicone in colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

Colonoscopy is the standard procedure for screening, and surveillance of colorectal cancer, including the treatment for colonic lesions. Colonic spasm is an important problem from colonoscopy that affects both surgeons and patients. The spasm also might be the cause of longer cecal intubation time, difficulty of the procedure, and increased pain. Previous reports indicated that antispasmodic agents can decrease such symptoms. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the cecal intubation time of antispasmodic agents. A single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted from 01/11/2020 to 31/08/2021. One hundred four patients were allocated to antispasmodic agent group and control group, in 1:1 ratio. The efficacy of median (range) cecal intubation time showed similar results of 5 (2, 14) and 5 (2, 15) minutes with no statistically significant difference. The mean scores of all domains i.e., pain, spasm, cleanliness, and difficulty were better in the antispasmodic agent group about 2.6 (1.4), 1.8 (0.8), 2.4 (0.9), and 2.0 (0.9), respectively, than control group but there were spasm and cleanliness showed statistically significant difference. Moreover, the satisfaction scores showed better efficacy in decreased spasm, decreased difficulty, and increased cleanliness than control group. Prescribing of antispasmodic drugs before colonoscopy might be the choice of treatment for the patients. The antispasmodic drugs will be beneficial to both of the patient and the doctor.

Drug-loaded vegan gummies for personalized dosing of simethicone: A feasibility study of semi-solid extrusion-based 3D printing of pectin-based low-calorie drug gummies.

Chewable gummies are an attractive dosage form for all age groups because of their appearance and texture. Although, this dosage form has been highly preferred administering nutraceuticals, its application in the pharmaceutical sector is worth exploring. In this study, simethicone (SMT), an OTC drug prescribed for anti-flatulence was incorporated in pectin- based, low-calorie, 3D printed gummies. Semi-solid extrusion (SSE)-based 3D printing was used to dispense personalized dose of SMT i.e 40 mg for children and 125 mg for adults. Formulation optimization was carried out based on the texture profile of the gummies, using a texture analyzer. The inks were thoroughly characterized for their rheological behavior since it is a critical attribute for SSE-based 3D printing. Printing parameters like the printing speed, layer height and the type of the nozzle were optimized based on the printing accuracy achieved. The printed gummies were further evaluated for their disintegration time, drug content, weight variation, water activity and total microbial count. SSE-based 3D printing was found to be an effective tool to print pectin-based shear thinning gels for accurate drug dispensing. The texture profile of the printed gummies was comparable to the gummies prepared by conventional method as well as the marketed samples.

To degas or not to degas? The effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in reducing the impact of bowel volume variations during liver SBRT treatment.

The indications for liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) continue to expand in the management of liver cancer due to the improved rates of local control with acceptable normal tissue toxicity. Changes in internal anatomy, such as the bowel, may negatively impact the precision of treatment delivery of SBRT liver treatment by influencing daily image matching. Institutions have developed various approaches to promoting bowel volume consistency. One such strategy is the administration of pharmaceuticals. The administration of pharmaceuticals, such as Simethicone, has been adopted by the Princess Alexandra Hospital Radiation Oncology Department (ROPAIR) as a method to promote consistency in the amount of bowel gas observed in liver cancer patients. This case series examines a group of patients treated at ROPAIR with liver SBRT to determine whether current practices effectively reduce the impact of bowel volume variations for liver cancer patients. Initial observations from this hypothesis generating research suggest potential improved consistency of the small bowel's anatomical position for liver SBRT patients who were administered Simethicone (Bowel bag dice similarity coefficient - Simethicone group = 0.79-0.92, Standard group = 0.24-0.93). However, it appeared that this strategy alone may not be entirely effective achieving consistency in the amount of bowel gas present throughout the duration of treatment. Further investigation into the refinement of liver SBRT pre-treatment preparation is therefore recommended.

The Effect of Using Premedication of Simethicone/Pronase With or Without Postural Change on Visualization of the Mucosa Before Endoscopy: A Prospective, Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the efficacy and safety of preprocedural simethicone (S) and pronase (P) for optimal mucosal visualization during esophagogastroduodenoscopy with sedation. The effect of postural change combined with premedication on mucosal visibility was also examined. METHODS: The study randomized 496 patients into 8 groups based on the type of premedication provided and whether a postural change occurred. The premedication in the control group was 100 mL of normal saline solution (NS). The remaining 3 intervention groups were administered 100 mL of simethicone alone (S), pronase solution alone (P), and simethicone plus pronase solution (S + P). Each group was classified into subgroups according to whether there was a postural change (PC). The mucosal visibility score (MVS), total mucosal visibility score (TVS), procedure time, water consumption for mucosal cleansing, and proportion of patients with diminutive lesions <5 mm were recorded. RESULTS: The P and S groups had a significantly better TVS than the NS group (11.86 ± 3.36 in group P vs 14.52 ± 2.57 in group NS, P < 0.001; 12.36 ± 2.93 in group S vs 14.52 ± 2.57 in group NS, P = 0.006). The TVS was better in the P group than in the S group (11.86 ± 3.36 vs 12.36 ± 2.93, P = 0.037). The MVS was significantly better in the esophagus and duodenum and worse in the upper and lower gastric body in the S group than in the P group. The P + S group had a significantly better TVS than the P and S groups (9.81 ± 2.90 in group P + S vs 11.86 ± 3.36 in group P and 12.36 ± 2.93 in group S, respectively, P < 0.001),\ and had a reduced amount of flushing water during the procedure (0 [interquartile range [IQR]: 0-33] mL in group P + S vs 40 [IQR: 0-70] mL in group P, P < 0.01; 0 [IQR: 0-33] mL in group P + S vs 50 [IQR: 20-98] mL in group S, P < 0.001). The TVS was significantly better in the P + S + PC group than in the P + S group (8.44 ± 2.10 vs 9.81 ± 2.90, P = 0.003). The MVS was significantly better in the gastric antrum, fundus, and upper and lower gastric body in the P + S + PC group than in the P + S group. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of diminutive lesions among the different groups during an endoscopic examination ( P > 0.05). DISCUSSION: The combination of preprocedural administration with simethicone and pronase achieved superior mucosal visualization compared with saline, simethicone, or pronase alone in patients receiving upper endoscopy. Postural change maneuvers performed before endoscopy further improved the mucosal visibility in most parts of the stomach when used with preprocedural simethicone and pronase.

Efficacy and Safety of Pea Protein and Xyloglucan Versus Simethicone in Functional Abdominal Bloating and Distension.

BACKGROUND: Functional Abdominal Bloating and Distension (FABD) is a multifaceted condition related in part to trapped gas, with changes in the intestinal barrier and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which lead to gas production. Currently, there are no treatments targeting the etiology of FABD. METHODS: This double-blind, multicenter, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a product containing xyloglucan and pea proteins (XG + PP) compared with simethicone, both administered orally (three times daily) for 20 consecutive days. Eighty-eight patients with FABD were randomly assigned to the two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Primary outcome was safety; secondary outcomes were (i) efficacy in alleviating the symptoms of FABD and (ii) efficacy in reducing SIBO, as assessed by hydrogen breath test (HBT). RESULTS: No Adverse Events or Serious Unexpected Adverse Reactions were reported during the study. XG + PP showed a faster onset of action and a significant reduction in bloating and abdominal pain compared with simethicone. At Day 20, XG + PP drastically reduced abdominal girth when compared with simethicone, with an average reduction of 4.7 cm versus 1.8 cm. At Day 20, the XG + PP arm showed a significant reduction in HBT compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the evidence that FABD patients may benefit from a XG + PP-based treatment that acts on etiology and not just the symptoms.

Simethicone use in drug-induced sleep endoscopy improves visibility.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of simethicone, a defoaming agent, on improving visibility during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: The study was a retrospective case-series study on patients with OSA who failed positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. Patient parameters were recorded including age, BMI, neck and abdominal circumference, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Comparisons were made between DISE procedures performed with and without the administration of simethicone. Visibility during DISE was independently graded by two surgeons, and inter-rater reliability was assessed. RESULTS: Simethicone significantly improved DISE visibility (p = 0.03). "Best visibility" was achieved in 55% of cases with simethicone compared to 27% without simethicone (p = 0.02). Sub-analysis showed that only simethicone administration had a significant effect on visibility (p = 0.02). Inter-rater reliability between the grading surgeons was strong (Cohen-Kappa score 0.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that simethicone enhances DISE visibility for OSA surgical planning. Further research should explore optimizing simethicone administration timing and the potential clinical implications for surgical outcomes and patient care.

Atypical Presentation of Klebsiella pneumoniae Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremities: Silent but Deadly: A Case Report.

CASE: There has been an emerging trend of Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis (KP-NF). We report a 50-year-old Chinese woman with rapidly progressive KP-NF, presenting atypically with innocuous skin symptoms. She had newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. She had extensive subcutaneous crepitus in her lower limbs with subcutaneous gas on x-rays. Despite aggressive surgical debridement, she succumbed to septic shock and multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: KP-NF is an emerging clinical entity and is associated with a compromised host immunity and high mortality rates. Clinicians must be aware that not all may present with the typical fulminant features and should maintain a high index of suspicion.

Development and validation of a simple microwave-assisted digestion sample preparation technique for the estimation of aluminium and magnesium in a few pharmaceutical dosage forms by an inductively coupled-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).

Rationale: A simple, sensitive, reliable, validated, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method for the determination of aluminium and magnesium using a simple common microwave-assisted digestion sample preparation technique for a few commonly used formulations was developed and validated according to International Conference on Harmonization Q3D and the United States Pharmacopeia general chapter <232> and <233>. The following pharmaceutical dosage forms were considered for estimation of aluminium and magnesium: Alumina, magnesia simethicone oral suspension, Alumina, magnesia simethicone chewable tablets, alumina and magnesia oral suspension, alumina and magnesium carbonate oral suspension. Methods: The methodology included optimizing a common microwave assisted digestion method, selecting the isotopes, choosing the measurement technique, and designating internal standards. The finalized microwave assisted procedure was a two-step program where in the first step the samples were ramped for 10 min to a temperature of 180 °C and hold for 5 min followed by ramping for 10 min to a temperature of 200 °C and hold for 10 min. Magnesium (24Mg) and aluminium (27Al) isotopes were finalized, internal standard assigned for both the isotopes was yttrium (89Y) with Helium (kinetic energy discrimination-KED) as the measuring mode. System suitability was run before initiating analysis to ensure that system performance was consistent. Results: Analytical validation parameters like specificity, linearity (from 25% to 200% of sample concentration), the detection limit and the limit of quantification were established. For all these dosage forms, the method's precision was demonstrated by analyzing the percentage relative standard deviation for six injections. Accuracy was established from 50% to 150% of instrument working concentration (J-levels) for aluminium and magnesium for all the formulations and was found to be within the range of 90-120%. Conclusion: This common analysis method, along with the common microwave-digestion technique applies to numerous types of matrices for a finished dosage form with aluminium and magnesium.

When should patients take simethicone orally before colonoscopy for avoiding bubbles: A single-blind, randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported the use of simethicone before colonoscopy removes bubbles. However, guidelines weakly recommend simethicone administration before colonoscopy. The present study aimed to confirm the advantages of taking simethicone and determine the appropriate time for taking simethicone. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients to the following 5 groups according to the administration time: 4 groups were divided based on 2 parameters (the day before and on the day of colonoscopy and before and after bowel cleansing) and the remaining group was the control group. We compared bubble score (BS), number of simethicone solution irrigations when visually obscured, satisfaction score of the endoscopist, insertion time. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients were included in the study. There was a difference in BS according to the timing of simethicone administration (P < .001). The group taking simethicone on the day of the test had a better BS than the group taking simethicone the day before (P < .001). The group taking simethicone on the previous day had a better BS than the control group (P = .001). In the group of taking simethicone on the examination day, the number of irrigations was lower, and satisfaction with the inspector was higher than group of taking simethicone on previous day and control group (both P < .001). The insertion time showed a non-significantly decreasing trend (P = .417). CONCLUSION: Administering simethicone reduced bubbles and facilitated effective colonoscopy, especially when administrating it on the day of examination. It needs to be administered on the day of the examination regardless of bowel preparation.

Administration of maximum dose of mucolytic solution before upper endoscopy - a double-blind, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to demonstrate that an administration of mucolytic solution with a maximum dose of simethicone and n -acetylcysteine before upper endoscopy improves mucosal visibility compared to a group without administration of mucolytic solution or water. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into four groups, with the administration of 100 ml of water + 600 mg n -acetylcysteine + 400 mg simethicone, 100 ml of water + 400 mg n -acetylcysteine + 20 mg simethicone, 100 ml of water, and without any water or mucolytic solution. During the examination, a total of 10 images were taken in the defined areas. The overall visibility score was given by the sum of the 0-5 scores of the five areas and was assessed by the endoscopist performing the procedure and the blinded endoscopists using static images. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients were randomized. The group of patients did not differ in age, sex distribution, and indications significantly. The overall visibility score as assessed by the endoscopist performing the procedure was significantly higher in the group with the maximum dose of mucolytic solution compared to the group without solution or water (18.9 ±â€…2.9 vs. 16.6 ±â€…3.3, P  = 0.023). This difference was not evident by the blinded evaluation of static photographs. CONCLUSION: Administration of mucolytic solution with a maximum dose of n -acetylcysteine and simethicone before upper endoscopy improved mucosal visibility in the upper gastrointestinal tract compared with the group without any preparation while evaluated by performing endoscopist.

A water-soluble alternative to simethicone for gastrointestinal endoscopy: Results of a clinical trial.

During endoscopy, simethicone defoaming agents are commonly used to improve visualization, but they leave residues and impact drying. This clinical trial involved patients undergoing colonoscopy procedures with substantial bubbles that impeded mucosal wall visibility. As an alternative to simethicone, investigators evaluated a water-soluble, ginger-based gastrointestinal supplement (GI-Ease) that did not contain sugars, thickeners, or binding agents. In 112/114 cases (98%), the bubbles were reduced sufficiently to allow visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, with no adverse events.

Effect of an Antacid (Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone) or a Proton Pump Inhibitor (Omeprazole) on the Pharmacokinetics of Tebipenem Pivoxil Hydrobromide (TBP-PI-HBr) in Healthy Adult Subjects.

Tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide (TBP-PI-HBr) is a novel oral carbapenem prodrug being developed for the treatment of serious bacterial infections. This open-label, 3-period, fixed sequence study evaluated the effect of gastric acid-reducing agents, aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone, and omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tebipenem (TBP), the active moiety, following coadministration with immediate release TBP-PI-HBr during fasting. In Period 1, subjects received a single oral dose of TBP-PI-HBr 600 mg (2 × 300 mg tablets). In Period 2, subjects received a single oral dose of aluminum hydroxide 800 mg/magnesium hydroxide 800 mg/simethicone 80 mg suspension co-administered with a single dose of TBP-PI-HBr 600 mg. In Period 3, subjects received a single oral dose of omeprazole 40 mg once daily over 5 days, followed by single dose administration of TBP-PI-HBr 600 mg on day 5. In each period, whole blood samples were obtained prior to, and up to 24 h, following TBP-PI-HBr dose administration in order to characterize TBP PK. A 7-day washout was required between periods. Twenty subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Following co-administration of TBP-PI-HBr with either aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone or omeprazole, total TBP exposure (area under the curve [AUC]) was approximately 11% (geometric mean ratio 89.2, 90% confidence interval: 83,2, 95.7) lower, and Cmax was 22% (geometric mean ratio 78.4, 90% confidence interval: 67.9, 90.6) and 43% (geometric mean ratio 56.9, 90% confidence interval: 49.2, 65.8) lower, respectively, compared to administration of TBP-PI-HBr alone. Mean TBP elimination half-life (t1/2) was generally comparable across treatments (range: 1.0 to 1.5 h). Concomitant administration of TBP-PI-HBr with omeprazole or aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone is not expected to impact the efficacy of TBP-PI-HBr, as there is minimal impact on TBP plasma AUC, which is the pharmacodynamic driver of efficacy. Co-administration was generally safe and well tolerated.

Cleaning effect and tolerance of 16 bowel preparation regimens on adult patients before colonoscopy: a network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Before a colonoscopy, an adequate bowel preparation (BP) is required. Currently, more novel regimens with different effects have been proposed and used successively. This network meta-analysis aims to compare the cleaning effects and patients' tolerability of several BP regimens. METHODS: We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials including sixteen kinds of BP regimens. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The outcomes of this study were bowel cleansing effect and tolerance. RESULTS: We included a total of 40 articles with 13,064 patients. For the primary outcomes, polyethylene glycol (PEG) + ascorbic acid (Asc) + simethicone (Sim) (OR, 14.27, 95%CrI, 2.68-127.87) regimen is ranked first in Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). PEG + Sim (OR, 2.0, 95%CrI 0.64-6.4) regimen is ranked first in Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS), but without significant differences. For the secondary outcomes, PEG + Sodium Picosulfate/Magnesium Citrate (SP/MC) (OR, 4.88e + 11, 95%CrI, 39.56-1.82e + 35) regimen is the best in cecal intubation rate(CIR). PEG + Sim (OR,1.5, 95%CrI, 1.0-2.2) regimen is ranked first in adenoma detection rate(ADR). Senna (OR, 3.23, 95%CrI, 1.04-9.97) and SP/MC (OR, 249.91, 95%CrI, 78.49-958.19) regimens are ranked first in abdominal pain and willingness to repeat, respectively. There is no significant difference in cecal intubation time (CIT), polyp detection rate (PDR), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloat. CONCLUSION: PEG + Asc + Sim regimen is more effective at cleaning the bowel. PEG + SP/MC will be helpful to increase CIR. For ADR, PEG + Sim regimen will be more helpful. In addition, PEG + Asc + Sim is the least likely to cause abdominal bloat, while Senna regimen is more likely to cause abdominal pain. Patients prefer to re-use the SP/MC regimen for bowel preparation.

Prospective cohort study to evaluate premedication with simethicone and n-acetilcysteine for upper diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The use of premedication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) is not widely established in western countries. The primary aim of the study was to compare gastric visibility according to the total visibility score (TVS). The secondary aim was to assess complications, diagnostic yield, endoscopic procedure time, sedation dose and patient satisfaction. METHODS: A single center prospective cohort study was performed of consecutive adults undergoing an UGE in the afternoon working shift. After completing enrolment in the control group, patients were administered 200 mg simethicone and 500 mg N-acetylcysteine diluted in 100 ml of water >15 minutes before the procedure. All procedures were recorded and a single, blinded endoscopist evaluated the TVS after recruitment of both cohorts. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Spanish translation of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: 205 patients were included in the study, 103 females (50.2%) with a median age of 54.8-years (IQR: 41.2-65.2). 104 were enrolled to the control group and 101 to the intervention group. Patients receiving premedication presented a higher rate of adequate (74.3% vs 45.2; difference 95% CI: 16,3-41,9%, p<0.001) and excellent gastric visibility (23.8% vs 7.7%; difference 95% CI: 6,3-25,8%, p=0.002). Propofol dose was similar, although the median procedure time was lower in the group of no intervention [5 (IQR: 4-7) vs 6 minutes (IQR: 5-7); p=0.03]. Procedure related adverse events were similar, except that patient without premedication experienced more nausea episodes. Major and minor endoscopic findings and the satisfaction questionnaire showed no differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving premedication with simethicone and N-acetylcysteine had a better gastric visibility score, without any increase in adverse events or affecting the patients' satisfaction.

Taking Oral Sulfate Tablets with Simethicone for Bowel Preparation Leads to Higher Adenoma Detection Rate than Polyethylene Glycol: A Propensity Score Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Efficient bowel preparation is essential for preventing colorectal cancer by improving endoscopic adenoma detection. Tablet for bowel preparation containing sulfate salts, OSTs (oral sulfate tablets), has been developed and it is gaining more popularity. However, its efficacy compared to standard preparation agent, PEG-AA (polyethylene glycol), has not been well discovered. We assessed the efficacy of PEG and OSTs using a real-time clinical data warehouse (CDW) model. METHODS: We performed a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis of consecutive adult patients undergoing colonoscopy who received PEG-AA or OSTs prior to colonoscopy at a tertiary academic hospital. The endoscopic records of 992 adult patients were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data warehouse collected data including bowel preparation, insertion time, observation time, and the detection of polyps and adenomas. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to reveal the factors associated with endoscopic outcomes. RESULTS: Among 992 patients included in the study, 770 and 222 patients received PEG-AA and OSTs, respectively. Among the propensity score-matched population (n = 1897), OSTs resulted in better bowel cleansing quality (8.16 vs 7.84, p = 0.014) and a higher adenoma detection rate (38.6% vs 27.1%, p = 0.003). Using PEG-AA, older age, inadequate bowel preparation (BBPS score < 6) and endoscopy by fellows were found to be factors associated with poor adenoma detection. In the elderly over 65 years of age, a significant difference in cleansing quality between the two groups (7.21 vs 8.19, p < 0.001) was found, but its impact on ADR was not prominent (49.5% vs 45.4%, p = 0.653). CONCLUSIONS: OSTs with simethicone achieved better endoscopic cleanliness, improving adenoma detection rate compared to the conventional PEG-AA protocol. The synergistic effect of both the convenience of taking tablets and the reduction of intraluminal bubble by adjunctive simethicone improves the clinical efficacy of colonoscopy.

Minimizing the Risks of Simethicone in Endoscope Reprocessing.

This statement was written under the auspices of the World Gastroenterology Organization's Guidelines Committee. The authors are members of the Review Team of the WGO Endoscope Disinfection Guideline and have experience in endoscopy, endoscope reprocessing, and microbiology, including biofilms. During the preparation of the WGO Update on Endoscope Disinfection Guidelines, concerns about simethicone on endoscope channel surfaces compromising cleaning and disinfection were raised. Publications on simethicone, including modes of delivery, effectiveness, and risks, have been reviewed. The paper was written as a companion to the new guidelines with a focus on minimizing the risks of simethicone in endoscope reprocessing.

Prospective cohort study to evaluate premedication with simethicone and n-acetilcysteine for upper diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy

Introduction: The use of premedication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) is not widely established in western countries. The primary aim of the study was to compare gastric visibility according to the total visibility score (TVS). The secondary aim was to assess complications, diagnostic yield, endoscopic procedure time, sedation dose and patient satisfaction. Methods: A single center prospective cohort study was performed of consecutive adults undergoing an UGE in the afternoon working shift. After completing enrolment in the control group, patients were administered 200 mg simethicone and 500 mg N-acetylcysteine diluted in 100 ml of water >15 minutes before the procedure. All procedures were recorded and a single, blinded endoscopist evaluated the TVS after recruitment of both cohorts. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Spanish translation of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy satisfaction questionnaire. Results: 205 patients were included in the study, 103 females (50.2%) with a median age of 54.8-years (IQR: 41.2-65.2). 104 were enrolled to the control group and 101 to the intervention group. Patients receiving premedication presented a higher rate of adequate (74.3% vs 45.2; difference 95% CI: 16,3-41,9%, p<0.001) and excellent gastric visibility (23.8% vs 7.7%; difference 95% CI: 6,3-25,8%, p=0.002). Propofol dose was similar, although the median procedure time was lower in the group of no intervention [5 (IQR: 4-7) vs 6 minutes (IQR: 5-7); p=0.03]. Procedure related adverse events were similar, except that patient without premedication experienced more nausea episodes. Major and minor endoscopic findings and the satisfaction questionnaire showed no differences between both groups. Conclusion: Patients receiving premedication with simethicone and N-acetylcysteine had a better gastric visibility score, without any increase in adverse events or affecting the patients’ satisfaction (AU)

Preparation of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) with simethicone: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is disputed about optimal bowel preparation for small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of simethicone in intestinal preparation for SBCE. METHODS: We searched four databases (PubMed, web of science, Embase, and Scopus databases) for relevant studies. Studies evaluating the effect of simethicone as an adjunct to SBCE bowel preparation were included. The random-effects model was applied to calculate the risk estimates. Primary outcomes include the degree of gas bubbles and small bowel visualization quality (SBVQ). Secondary outcomes include diagnostic yield (DY), gastric transit time (GTT), small bowel transit time (SBTT), and completion rate (CR). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were included (8 RCTs, 1 prospective, and 1 retrospective study). Compared with the control group, the simethicone group showed significant improvements in the degree of gas bubbling (RR = 2.05, 95%CI:1.56-2.71, P < 0.001, I2 = 62%) and SBVQ (RR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.20-1.65, P < 0.001, I2 = 16%). Subgroup analysis showed that the SBVQ of simethicone group was better than fasting (RR = 2.62, 95% CI:1.49-4.59, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), mannitol (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.14-1.59, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and PEG group (RR = 1.32, 95%CI:1.06-1.65, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%). No significant associations were found for DY, GTT, SBTT, and CR. CONCLUSIONS: Simethicone for bowel preparation is useful to improve visualization and reduce the gas bubbling of SBCE.