Management of foreign body ingestion in adults: Time to STOP and rethink endoscopy.

Background and study aims Foreign body ingestion is a common cause for Emergency Department presentation. In adults, foreign body ingestion is more common in patients with underlying psychiatric comorbidity, the elderly, alcohol intoxication, and in prisoners. This study reviewed the management of patients presenting to a tertiary hospital with foreign body ingestion. Patients and methods A retrospective review of patients presenting with foreign body ingestion to a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, was undertaken from January 2017 to December 2021. Data collected included patient demographics, type of foreign body, length of stay, imaging modalities, management strategies, and complications. High-risk ingestion was defined as sharp objects, length >5 cm, diameter >2.5 cm, button battery and/or magnet ingestion or esophageal as per international guidelines. Results A total of 157 presentations by 63 patients with foreign body ingestion occurred between 2017 and 2021 (50% male; median age 30 years). Of the patients, 56% had underlying psychiatric comorbidities. The majority of presentations occurred in prisoners (65%). The most commonly ingested objects were batteries (23%), alleged drug-containing balloons (17%), razor blades (16%), and miscellaneous (40%). High-risk ingestion occurred in approximately two-thirds of presentations. Conservative management was the most common approach in 55% of patients. Complications, defined as perforation, bowel obstruction or fistula formation, did not occur in this cohort despite more than half presenting with high-risk ingestions. Thirty-day re-presentation rates were high (31%) and that was most common in patients with intentional ingestion, underlying mental health disorders, and a documented history of self-harm. Conclusions Conservative management for patients presenting with recurrent high-risk foreign body ingestion was safe in appropriately selected cases. Re-presentation is common and poses significant challenges for health care providers.

Endoscopic features of low-grade dysplastic Barrett's.

Background and study aims Barrett's esophagus (BE) with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is considered usually endoscopically invisible and the endoscopic features are not well described. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate the frequency of visible BE-LGD; 2) compare rates of BE-LGD detection in the community versus a Barrett's referral unit (BRU); and 3) evaluate the endoscopic features of BE-LGD. Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively observed cohort of 497 patients referred to a BRU with dysplastic BE between 2008 and 2022. BE-LGD was defined as confirmation of LGD by expert gastrointestinal pathologist(s). Endoscopy reports, images and histology reports were reviewed to evaluate the frequency of endoscopically identifiable BE-LGD and their endoscopic features. Results A total of 135 patients (27.2%) had confirmed BE-LGD, of whom 15 (11.1%) had visible LGD identified in the community. After BRU assessment, visible LGD was detected in 68 patients (50.4%). Three phenotypes were observed: (A) Non-visible LGD; (B) Elevated (Paris 0-IIa) lesions; and (C) Flat (Paris 0-IIb) lesions with abnormal mucosal and/or vascular patterns with clear demarcation from regular flat BE. The majority (64.7%) of visible LGD was flat lesions with abnormal mucosal and vascular patterns. Endoscopic detection of BE-LGD increased over time (38.7% (2009-2012) vs. 54.3% (2018-2022)). Conclusions In this cohort, 50.4% of true BE-LGD was endoscopically visible, with increased recognition endoscopically over time and a higher rate of visible LGD detected at a BRU when compared with the community. BRU assessment of BE-LGD remains crucial; however, improving endoscopy surveillance quality in the community is equally important.

Location and appearance of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus recurrence after endoscopic eradication therapy: no additional yield from random biopsy sampling neosquamous mucosa.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Surveillance after complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) is essential. Current recommendations are to sample visible lesions first, followed by random 4-quadrant biopsy sampling of the original Barrett's esophagus (BE) length. To inform post-CRIM surveillance protocols, we aimed to identify the anatomic location, appearance, and histology of BE recurrences. METHODS: We performed an analysis of 216 patients who achieved CRIM after endoscopic eradication therapy for dysplastic BE at a Barrett's Referral Unit between 2008 and 2021. The anatomic location, recurrence histology, and endoscopic appearance of dysplastic recurrences were evaluated. RESULTS: After a median of 5.5 years (interquartile range, 2.9-7.2) of follow-up after CRIM, 57 patients (26.4%) developed nondysplastic BE (NDBE) recurrence and 18 patients (8.3%) developed dysplastic recurrence. From 8158 routine surveillance biopsy samplings of normal-appearing tubular esophageal neosquamous epithelium, the yield for recurrent NDBE or dysplasia was 0%. One hundred percent of dysplastic tubular esophageal recurrences were visible and in BE islands, whereas 77.8% of gastroesophageal junction dysplastic recurrences were nonvisible. Four distinct endoscopic features suspicious for recurrent advanced dysplasia or neoplasia were identified: buried or subsquamous BE, irregular mucosal pattern, loss of vascular pattern, and nodularity or depression. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of routine surveillance biopsy sampling of normal-appearing tubular esophageal neosquamous epithelium was zero. BE islands with indistinct mucosal or loss of vascular pattern, nodularity or depression, and/or signs of buried BE should raise clinician suspicion for advanced dysplasia or neoplasia recurrence. We suggest a new surveillance biopsy sampling protocol with a focus on meticulous inspection, followed by targeted biopsy sampling of visible lesions and random 4-quadrant biopsy sampling of the gastroesophageal junction.

Not all low grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus is the same: using specific histological criteria in predicting progression to neoplasia.

Barrett's oesophagus with low grade dysplasia (LGD) is a risk factor for progression to high grade dysplasia (HGD) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC); however, only a subgroup of LGD will progress. We used a combination of specific histological criteria to identify patients with LGD who are more likely to progress to HGD or OAC. LGD slides from 38 patients within the progressor group (PG) and 17 patients from the non-progressor group (NPG) were obtained and reviewed by two expert GI pathologists, to be stratified by the same four specific histological variables identified by Ten Kate et al.: loss of surface maturation, mucin depletion, nuclear enlargement, and increase of mitosis. After review of LGD slides by two expert GI pathologists, 27 suitable patients were identified. Of these 27 patients there was a higher proportion of patients from the PG with all four specific criteria reported, compared to the NPG: 14 (78%) vs 3 (33%) p=0.0394. Patients with all four specific criteria were more likely to progress compared to those who had one or less specific criteria reported (OR 7, 95% CI 1.1848-41.3585, p=0.032). A combination of ≥2 or ≥3 specific histological criteria was not prognostic. Patients with a combination of all four specific histological criteria (loss of surface maturation, mucin depletion, nuclear enlargement, and increase of mitosis) were associated with greater progression from LGD to HGD or OAC in Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia: high rate of upstaging at Barrett's esophagus referral units suggests progression rates may be overestimated.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The reported progression rate from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) ranges from .4% to 13.4% per year. We hypothesize that some reported progression rates may be overestimated because of prevalent HGD or EAC that was not identified during endoscopic assessments performed in the community. Our aim is to determine the proportion of prevalent HGD or EAC detected by BE referral units (BERUs) in patients referred from the community with a recent diagnosis of LGD. METHODS: All patients referred from the community to 6 BERUs with a diagnosis of BE with LGD were identified. Patients with an assessment endoscopy performed at BERUs more than 6 months from their referral endoscopy in the community were excluded. Visible lesions and histology outcomes were compared between the community referral endoscopy and the assessment endoscopy performed at BERUs. RESULTS: The median time between BERU assessment and referral endoscopy was 79 days (interquartile range, 54-114). Of the 75 patients referred from the community with LGD, BERU assessment identified HGD or EAC in 20 patients (27%). BERU assessment identified more visible lesions than referral endoscopy performed in the community (39 [52%] vs 9 [12%], respectively; P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: BERU assessment endoscopy identified more visible lesions than community referral endoscopy and identified HGD or EAC in 27% of patients referred from the community with a recent diagnosis of LGD. Reported progression rates from LGD to HGD or EAC may be overestimated.

What features on intraoperative cholangiogram predict endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcome in patients post cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure performed to remove bile duct stones. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is often performed at the time of cholecystectomy to determine the presence of intraductal stones. However, many of the ERCP procedures performed for this indication fail to find any intraductal stones. Given that ERCP carries significant patient morbidity, we investigated whether there are features on IOC that can guide ERCP patient selection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 152 patients who had an IOC filing defect and a subsequent ERCP was performed. RESULTS: Small single stones greater than or equal to 4.5 mm on IOC can be used to predict the presence of stones on a subsequent ERCP. Furthermore, ERCPs performed for single filling defects smaller than 4.5 mm are more likely to be negative if performed later rather than earlier, suggesting that small stones can pass over time. We show that 80% of these stones will pass by 11 days after the IOC. CONCLUSION: Single small stones on IOC should be given adequate time to pass into the intestine. Imaging should be performed to determine if the stone has passed into the intestine after day 11 prior to performing a therapeutic ERCP.

Endoscopic features of buried Barrett's mucosa.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Buried Barrett's mucosa is defined as intestinal metaplasia that is "buried" under the normal-appearing squamous epithelium. This can occur in Barrett's esophagus with or without previous endoscopic therapy. Dysplasia and neoplasia within buried Barrett's mucosa have also been reported. However, endoscopic features of buried Barrett's mucosa have not been described. At our tertiary referral center for Barrett's esophagus, several endoscopic features have been observed in patients who were found to have buried Barrett's mucosa on histology. These features are squamous epithelium which is (1) darker pink on white-light and darker brown on narrow-band imaging and/or (2) has a slightly raised or nodular appearance. It was also observed that either of these 2 features is frequently seen adjacent to a Barrett's mucosa island. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these endoscopic features, and (2) evaluate the frequency of endoscopically identifiable buried Barrett's mucosa in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, before and after endoscopic eradication therapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively observed cohort of all cases of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus referred to St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. Endoscopy documentation software and histopathology reports of esophageal biopsy and EMR specimens between March 2013 and March 2019 were searched for terms "buried" or "subsquamous" Barrett's mucosa. Endoscopic reports, images, and histopathology reports of suspected buried Barrett's mucosa were then reviewed to apply the endoscopic features and correlate with the histologic diagnosis. RESULTS: In a cohort of 506 patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, 33 (7%) patients (73% male, median age at referral 70.5 years) had buried Barrett's mucosa on histology. Twenty-seven (82%) patients had previous treatment for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus; radiofrequency in 2 (6%), EMR in 4 (12%), and both modalities in 21 (64%). Six (18%) had no previous treatment. Histologically confirmed buried Barrett's mucosa was suspected at endoscopy in 26 patients (79%). Endoscopic features were (1) darker pink or darker brown mucosa underneath squamous epithelium (24%), (2) raised areas underneath squamous mucosa (27%), and both features present concurrently (27%). These features were associated with adjacent islands of Barrett's esophagus in 48%. Forty-four cases of buried Barrett's mucosa were suspected endoscopically, and these were sampled by biopsy (50%) and EMR (50%). Buried Barrett's mucosa was confirmed in 26 cases, with a positive predictive value of endoscopic suspicion of 59%. Eighteen cases of endoscopically suspected buried Barrett's mucosa had no buried Barrett's mucosa on histology; inflammation or reflux was identified in 12 (67%) patients. Dysplasia was identified within buried Barrett's mucosa in 12 (36%) patients; 5 intramucosal adenocarcinoma, 1 high-grade dysplasia, and 6 low-grade dysplasia. Endoscopic features of buried Barrett's mucosa were observed in 11 of 12 cases harboring dysplasia or neoplasia, compared with 15 of 21 cases of buried Barrett's mucosa without dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis of prospectively observed patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, buried Barrett's mucosa was identified in 7%, including treatment-naive patients. The proposed endoscopic features of buried Barrett's mucosa were seen in 79% of patients with histology confirmed disease. These endoscopic features may predict the presence of buried Barrett's mucosa, which may contain dysplasia or neoplasia. An overlap between the endoscopic features of inflammation, reflux, and buried Barrett's mucosa was observed. Future prospective studies are required to develop and validate endoscopic criteria for identifying buried Barrett's mucosa.

Factors that predict a poor response to radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's oesophagus with dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can eradicate dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus (BO). This study aimed to determine the factors that affect response to RFA for BO with dysplasia in a tertiary metropolitan referral centre. METHODS: All patients with dysplastic BO treated with regular proton pump inhibitor twice a day and RFA from November 2008 to July 2019 were identified. These patients were sorted into good responders (GR) (defined as eradication of dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia within three or less treatment sessions) and poor responders (PR) (defined as patients requiring four or more treatment sessions). The following features were compared between the groups: age, gender, presence of hiatus hernia, hiatus hernia size, circumferential and maximal length of BO, grade of dysplasia on histology at referral and presence of endoscopically visible reflux oesophagitis. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients received RFA for dysplastic BO, of whom 125 (82%) patients were classified as GR and 27 (18%) patients were classified as PR. PR had a longer circumferential length of BO compared to GR (mean length of 8.3 versus 3.3 cm, P < 0.0001). PR also had a longer maximal length of BO compared to GR (mean length of 8.7 versus 4.8 cm, P < 0.0001). More patients had reflux oesophagitis identified on gastroscopy in the PR group compared to GR group (12 (44%) versus 20 (16%), P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Factors such as circumferential and maximal length of BO and presence of reflux oesophagitis on gastroscopy are associated with poorer response to RFA.

Diffuse endoscopically visible, predominantly low grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (with video).

Background Low grade dysplasia (LGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) has generally been considered as undetectable endoscopically. Aim To describe a phenotype which consists of diffuse, endoscopically visible, predominantly low grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (DEVLB), with often subtle but visible endoscopic changes seen with high definition white light (HDWL) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). Method A systematic search of a prospectively collected database for patients satisfying predefined criteria for DEVLB and a review of endoscopic and histological features of biopsies and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) specimens. Results Out of a total of 419 patients referred to our expert center for assessment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus during the period January 2009 to March 2018, there were 7 patients (1.7 %) who satisfied the criteria defined for DEVLB, identified on their initial assessment endoscopy. All patients were treated by EMR of visible abnormal mucosa during their assessment endoscopy at our tertiary referral center. There was a total of 47 EMR specimens obtained, with a median of 6 (IQR 5-9) EMR resection pieces per patient, of which 36 (77 %) contained LGD, 8 (17 %) high grade dysplasia (HGD), 2 (4 %) non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE), and 1 (2 %) contained early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Conclusion DEVLB is a distinct phenotype seen in a small but significant proportion of individuals with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Patients with DEVLB have widespread LGD, with many having areas of focal HGD or early cancer within this area. We believe these patients are best treated with extensive EMR of the visibly abnormal area.

Guideline-based intervention to reduce telemetry rates in a large tertiary centre.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate cardiac telemetry use is associated with reduced patient flow and increased healthcare costs. AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of guideline-based application of cardiac telemetry. METHODS: Phase I involved a prospective audit (March to August 2011) of telemetry use at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected on indication for telemetry and clinical outcomes. Phase II prospectively included patients more than 18 years under general medicine requiring ward-based telemetry. As phase II occurred at a time remotely from phase I, an audit similar to phase I (phase II - baseline) was completed prior to a 3-month intervention (May to August 2015). The intervention consisted of a daily telemetry ward round and an admission form based on the American Heart Association guidelines (class I, telemetry indicated; class II, telemetry maybe indicated; class III, telemetry not indicated). Patient demographics, telemetry data, and clinical outcomes were studied. Primary endpoint was the percentage reduction of class III indications, while secondary endpoint included telemetry duration. RESULTS: In phase I (n = 200), 38% were admitted with a class III indication resulting in no change in clinical management. A total of 74 patients was included in phase II baseline (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 73 years ± 14.9, 57% male), whilst 65 patients were included in the intervention (mean ± SD age 71 years ± 18.4, 35% male). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. There was a reduction in class III admissions post-intervention from 38% to 11%, P < 0.001. Intervention was associated with a reduction in median telemetry duration (1.8 ± 1.8 vs 2.4 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.047); however, length of stay was similar in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Guideline-based telemetry admissions and a regular telemetry ward round are associated with a reduction in inappropriate telemetry use.

An argument for the universal prophylaxis of hepatitis B infection in patients receiving rituximab: a 7-year institutional experience of hepatitis screening.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients receiving rituximab is well described. Current international guidelines recommend HBV screening prior to the commencement of immunosuppressive therapy. However, adherence to such protocols has not previously been studied. We therefore audited screening practices and clinical outcomes in patients prescribed rituximab since its introduction in a large metropolitan health service. All patients receiving rituximab over an 88-month period were identified via pharmacy records. Medical records and laboratory results were reviewed to determine the timing and type of hepatitis screening. HBV flares were identified and correlated with clinical outcomes and any screening or prophylaxis given. Rituximab was given to 355 patients over 88 months (average age, 61 years; 51% male, 48% born overseas); 83% received rituximab for treatment of a hematological malignancy. HBV screening occurred in 31% of patients and, of these, 66% had pre-emptive screening. Five patients given cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab experienced HBV flares. Four died from viral reactivation. None received antiviral prophylaxis. Hepatitis screening rates in patients receiving rituximab in this study were lower than recommended in clinical guidelines. The identification of five patients with clinically important flares and four deaths in this group highlight the critical need to identify at-risk patients and provide timely prophylactic antiviral therapy to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. Even those with evidence of HBV seroconversion are at risk for fatal flares without active prophylactic antiviral therapy.

CCORT/CCS quality indicators for acute myocardial infarction care.

BACKGROUND: Although quality indicators for the care of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients have been described for other countries, there are none specifically designed for the Canadian health care system. The authors' goal was to develop a set of Canadian quality indicators for AMI care. METHODS: A literature review identified existing quality indicators for AMI care. A list of potential indicators was assessed by a nine-member panel of clinicians from a variety of disciplines using a modified-Delphi panel process. After an initial round of rating the potential indicators, a series of indicators was identified for a second round of discussion at a national meeting. Further refinement of indicators occurred following a teleconference and review by external reviewers. RESULTS: To identify an AMI cohort, case definition criteria were developed, using a hospital discharge diagnosis for AMI of International Classification of Diseases-Ninth revision (ICD-9) code 410.x. Thirty-seven indicators for AMI care were established. Pharmacological process of care indicators included administration of acetylsalicylic acid, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, thrombolytics and statins. Mortality and readmissions for AMI, unstable angina and congestive heart failure were recommended as outcome indicators. Nonpharmacological indicators included median length of stay in the emergency department, and median waiting times for cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention and/or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. INTERPRETATION: A set of Canadian quality indicators for the care of AMI patients has been established. It is anticipated that these indicators will be useful to clinicians and researchers who want to measure and improve the quality of AMI patient care in Canada.