Alcohol Consumption Post-Liver Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Listing patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) for liver transplant (LT) remains challenging especially due to the risk of alcohol resumption post-LT. We aimed to evaluate post-LT alcohol consumption at a Portuguese transplant center. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including LT recipients from 2019 at Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal. A pretested survey and a validated Portuguese translation of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) were applied via a telephone call. Alcohol consumption was defined by patients' self-reports or a positive AUDIT. Results: In 2019, 122 patients underwent LT, and 99 patients answered the survey (June 2021). The mean (SD) age was 57 (10) years, 70 patients (70.7%) were males, and 49 (49.5%) underwent ALD-related LT. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 24 (20-26) months post-index LT, 22 (22.2%) recipients consumed any amount of alcohol: 14 had a drink monthly or less and 8 drank 2-4 times/month. On drinking days, 18 patients usually consumed 1-2 drinks and the remainder no more than 3-4 drinks. One patient reported having drunk ≥6 drinks on one occasion. All post-LT drinking recipients were considered low risk (score <8) as per the AUDIT score (median [IQR] of 1 [1-2]). No patient reported alcohol-related problems, whether self-inflicted or toward others. Drinking recipients were younger (53 vs. 59 years, p = 0.020), had more non-ALD-related LT (72.7 vs. 44.2%, p = 0.018) and active smoking (31.8 vs. 10.4%, p = 0.037) than abstinent ones. Conclusion: In our cohort, about a quarter of LT recipients consumed alcohol early posttransplant, all with a low-risk pattern according to the AUDIT score.

Introdução: Incluir doentes com doença hepática associada ao álcool (DHA) em lista ativa de transplante hepático (TH) é desafiante, especialmente pelo risco de recidiva de consumo de álcool pós-TH. O objetivo foi avaliar o consumo de álcool pós-TH num centro de transplantação português. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo transversal incluindo doentes submetidos a TH em 2019 no Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal. Foi realizado um questionário previamente testado e uma tradução validada para o português do Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), através de uma chamada telefónica. O consumo de álcool foi definido pelo autorrelato do doente ou por um AUDIT positivo. Resultados: Durante 2019, 122 doentes foram submetidos a TH e 99 responderam ao questionário (junho de 2021). A idade média (SD) foi de 57 (10) anos, 70 doentes (70,7%) eram do sexo masculino e 49 (49,5%) foram submetidos a TH relacionado com DHA. Com uma mediana (IQR) de follow-up de 24 (20­26) meses após o TH-índex, 22 (22,2%) doentes admitiram algum consumo de álcool: 14 beberam mensalmente ou menos e oito beberam 2­4 vezes/mês. Nos dias em que bebiam, 18 consumiam normalmente 1­2 bebidas e os restantes não mais do que 3­4 bebidas. Um doente reportou o consumo de ≥6 bebidas em uma ocasião. Todos os doentes transplantados com consumo alcoólico pós-TH foram considerados de baixo risco (pontuação >8) de acordo com o AUDIT (mediana [IQR] de 1 [1­2]). Nenhum doente reportou problemas relacionados com o álcool, tanto autoinfligido como a terceiros. Os indivíduos transplantados com consumo alcoólico eram mais jovens (53 vs. 59 anos, p = 0,020), o motivo de TH era mais frequentemente não relacionado com DHA (72,7 vs. 44,2%, p = 0,018) e apresentavam mais tabagismo ativo (31,8 vs. 10,4%, p = 0,037) quando comparado com os abstinentes. Conclusão: Na nossa coorte, cerca de um quarto dos doentes transplantados hepáticos consumiram álcool no período pós-transplante precoce, todos com um padrão de baixo risco, de acordo com o AUDIT.

Non-ketotic hyperglycaemia induced occipital reflex focal seizures.

A myriad of neurological manifestations can occur in association with ketotic and non ketotic hyperglycaemic states. Contrary to diabetic coma, which is a universal complication under relatively established metabolic circumstances, the pathophysiology beyond hyperglycaemic-associated positive neurological manifestations, including seizures, remains to be elucidated. The occurrence of symptomatic focal epilepsy as a manifestation of diabetes-related hyperglycaemia is seldom reported. Herein, we present a case of focal epilepsy with alternating positive and negative neurological manifestations as the initial manifestation of diabetes-related hyperglycaemia. The electroencephalogram confirmed the diagnosis of focal occipital seizures, and the brain magnetic resonance imaging depicted the associated typical transient imaging findings in the occipital lobe. Seizures were refractory to antiepileptics, and symptomatic control was achieved after achieving normoglycemia. On follow-up, complete clinical and imaging recovery occurred. Reflex focal epilepsy in the context of hyperglycaemic states is a rare condition, and the possibility of misdiagnosis is likely high. As reported in similar cases, seizures can be resistant to antiepileptics. An important message to highlight is that seizures associated with hyperglycaemic status can be resistant to antiepileptic treatment and only cease with glycaemic control.

Outcomes and Learning Curve in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Rectal Neoplasms with Severe Fibrosis: Experience of a Western Center.

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of lesions with severe submucosal fibrosis has been associated with worse outcomes, such as lower curative resection rate and higher incidence of adverse events. This study aims to investigate its true impact on rectal ESD performed in the West and to assess predictive factors of severe fibrosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including all rectal ESDs performed at our tertiary center from January 2013 to January 2021. Lesions were grouped as nonsevere fibrosis or severe fibrosis. ESD outcomes, predictors of severe fibrosis, and the learning curve were evaluated. Results: ESD was performed in 195 lesions, 45 with severe fibrosis. Three resections were interrupted (one due to severe fibrosis). The presence of severe fibrosis was related to a significantly lower resection speed (16.93 mm2/min vs. 24.66 mm2/min, p = 0.007), en bloc (86.4% vs. 96.6%, p = 0.019), R0 (61.4% vs. 79.7%, p = 0.013), and curative (54.5% vs. 78.4%, p = 0.003) resection rates and a higher rate of hybrid ESD required to complete resection (13.6% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.005). No significant difference was noted regarding adverse events rate (18.2% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.09). Male sex, ulcerative colitis, pelvic radiotherapy, a lesion on the anastomotic site, previous manipulation, and deep submucosal invasion were independent predictors for severe fibrosis. En bloc resection rate improved during time (60.0% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Severe submucosal fibrosis is an important factor related to noncurative resections and challenging rectal ESD. Factors predicting its severity are extremely important and could allow more experienced endoscopists to be assigned to more difficult cases, allowing safer procedures.

Introdução: A disseção endoscópica da submucosa (DES) de lesões com fibrose severa tem sido associada a piores resultados, nomeadamente uma menor taxa de ressecção curativa e maior taxa de complicações. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar o impacto da fibrose severa na DES de lesões do reto realizada no ocidente e avaliar fatores preditivos de fibrose severa. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospetivo incluindo todas as DES de lesões do reto realizadas no nosso centro entre janeiro de 2013 e janeiro de 2021. As lesões foram agrupadas em lesões sem fibrose severa ou com fibrose severa. Foram analisados os resultados da DES, preditores de fibrose severa e a curva de aprendizagem. Resultados: Foi realizada DES em 195 lesões: 45 com fibrose severa. Três resseções foram interrompidas (uma devido a fibrose severa). A presença de fibrose severa associou-se a uma significativa menor velocidade de resseção (16.93 mm2/min vs. 24.66 mm2/min, p = 0.007) e significativas menores taxas de excisão em bloco (86.4% vs. 96.6%, p = 0.019), R0 (61.4% vs. 79.7%, p = 0.013) e curativa (54.5% vs. 78.4%, p = 0.003), bem como uma maior taxa de resseção híbrida necessária para completar a excisão (13.6% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.005). Não se verificou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação aos efeitos adversos nos dois grupos (18.2% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.09). O sexo masculino, a presença de colite ulcerosa, radioterapia pélvica prévia, localização em anastomose, manipulação prévia ou invasão profunda da submucosa foram identificados como fatores preditores de fibrose severa. A taxa de excisão em bloco aumentou ao longo do tempo (60.0% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.018). Conclusão: A fibrose severa é um importante fator relacionado com excisões não curativas e mais complexas. A identificação de fatores proditores da sua gravidade é de extrema importância e pode permitir a alocação de endoscopistas mais experientes para casos mais difíceis, permitindo procedimentos mais seguros.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of "PROMIS GI - Disrupted Swallowing" Scale for the Portuguese Language.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphagia is a prevalent condition (20%), and occurs more frequently in women and in older people. It negatively impacts innumerous aspects of patient's personal and professional lives. Patient-reported outcomes allow patients to directly quantify their experience regarding dysphagia and evaluate its true impact on quality of life. Among the scales available, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Gastrointestinal (PROMIS GI) Disrupted Swallowing stands out because it is a robust instrument that can be applied regardless of the type and etiology of dysphagia. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate PROMIS GI Disrupted Swallowing scale for the Portuguese-speaking population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Firstly, the seven items of the scale were translated and transculturally reviewed following the systematic method proposed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT). Afterwards, the pre-test version of the questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample (n = 6) for semantic evaluation, with the aim of detection and subsequent correction of possible problems in the translation. The final translated and certified version of the scale was administered to 200 voluntary adult participants (n = 123 healthy; n = 77 dysphagia) in Portugal, for evaluation of reliability and validity. RESULTS: The Portuguese version of PROMIS GI Disrupted Swallowing presented acceptable internal consistency (coefficient of Cronbach's α of 0.919) and adequate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.941). The translated version of the scale revealed a strong correlation with both Eckardt score (p < 0.001; ρ = 0.782) and the quality-of-life questionnaire EuroQol-5D (p < 0.001; ρ = -0.551), demonstrating evidence of convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of PROMIS GI Disrupted Swallowing scale presented conceptual, semantic, cultural and measurement equivalence relatively to the original items. The results attained demonstrated that the translation of this scale to Portuguese is reliable and valid for use both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Risk of residual neoplasia after a noncurative colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection for malignant lesions: a multinational study.

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in colorectal lesions is technically demanding and a significant rate of noncurative procedures is expected. We aimed to assess the rate of residual lesions after a noncurative ESD for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to establish predictive scores to be applied in the clinical setting. METHODS : Retrospective multicenter analysis of consecutive colorectal ESDs. Patients with noncurative ESDs performed for the treatment of CRC lesions submitted to complementary surgery or with at least one follow-up endoscopy were included. RESULTS : From 2255 colorectal ESDs, 381 (17 %) were noncurative, and 135 of these were performed in CRC lesions. A residual lesion was observed in 24 patients (18 %). Surgery was performed in 96 patients and 76 (79 %) had no residual lesion in the colorectal wall or in the lymph nodes. The residual lesion rate for sm1 cancers was 0 %, and for > sm1 cancers was also 0 % if no other risk factors were present. Independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis were poor differentiation and lymphatic permeation (NC-Lymph score). Risk factors for the presence of a residual lesion in the wall were piecemeal resection, poor differentiation, and positive/indeterminate vertical margin (NC-Wall score). CONCLUSIONS : Lymphatic permeation or poor differentiation warrant surgery owing to their high risk of lymph node metastasis, mainly in > sm1 cancers. In the remaining cases, en bloc and R0 resections resulted in a low risk of residual lesions in the wall. Our scores can be a useful tool for the management of patients who undergo noncurative colorectal ESDs.

Prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in a Southern European country: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Identification of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with the treatment of dysplasia is essential to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Moreover, determination of BE prevalence is important to define subsequent management strategies. However, precise estimates on BE prevalence from several European countries are lacking. We aimed to determine BE prevalence in a Southern European country. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study from November 2019 to February 2020 was performed defining BE as a columnar extent in the distal esophagus greater than or equal to 1 cm with intestinal metaplasia. RESULTS: A total of 1550 individuals, 51% male with a mean age of 62 (SD = 15) years undergoing upper endoscopy were included. The overall BE prevalence was 1.29% (95% confidence interval: 0.73-1.85); significantly higher in men [2.05% (1.06-3.04)] vs. women [0.53% (0.01-1.04)]. Of the 20 BE patients, eight were newly diagnosed and 12 were under surveillance. The median extent was C3 (min 0; max 16) M4.5 (min 2; max 16). One patient each had EAC (0.06%) and high-grade dysplasia (0.06%) at the time of endoscopy. There was no difference in prevalence between geographical regions, centers, use of sedation or experience of endoscopists. Considering all reports, 93% used standardized terminology, 23% accurate photodocumentation and 69% photodocumented the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Furthermore, 80% used Prague classification, 55% Seattle protocol, 60% distance to the squamocolumnar junction, 75% to the EGJ and 40% to the hiatal pinch. When considering only reports with EGJ photodocumentation or Prague classification, the prevalence was 1.78% (0.91-2.64) or 1.03% (0.53-1.53). CONCLUSION: We report for the first time BE prevalence in Southern Europe and report a low overall prevalence in an unselected population. Future studies need to determine progression rates and how to improve quality metrics.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia in Portugal: Outcomes of the First Prospective Series.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an innovative achalasia treatment procedure that involves myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter through a submucosal tunneling approach, combining the efficacy of surgical myotomy with the benefit of being a less invasive treatment. At this time, no data are available of POEM in Portugal. This study aimed to examine the safety and short-term outcomes of POEM in a Portuguese center. METHODS: Fifty POEM were performed on 49 consecutive patients at our institution between January 2017 and January 2020. A prospective study of a consecutive series of patients was conducted, including procedure time, myotomy location and length, adverse events and clinical success. An Eckardt score of ≤3 after POEM was deemed as a successful outcome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was evaluated based on symptoms and on upper endoscopy, which was performed at 3-6 months postoperatively to check for reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: POEM was successfully completed in all cases: 70% (n = 35) were naïve and 30% (n = 15) had previous treatments. The mean procedure time was 73.4 ± 22.6 min (range 45-125 min). There were no major adverse events. Minor adverse events were rare (8%), and there was no perioperative mortality. The Eckardt score significantly decreased from 6.9 ± 2.4 preoperatively to 0.5 ± 1.0 postoperatively (p < 0.05). Overall clinical success was documented in 98, 98 and 95.2% at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. These short-term outcomes after POEM were independent of previous treatments. Symptomatic GERD was seen in 22.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the safety and excellent short-term efficacy of POEM in a Portuguese center. This supports POEM as one of the first-line achalasia therapies in Portugal when performed by experienced operators.

INTRODUÇÃO: A miotomia endoscópica peroral (POEM) é um procedimento terapêutico inovador da acalásia que envolve a miotomia do esfíncter esofágico inferior através de uma abordagem por tunelização da submucosa, combinando a eficácia da miotomia cirúrgica com o benefício de ser um tratamento menos invasivo. Atualmente não existem dados disponíveis relativamente à aplicação do POEM em Portugal. Este estudo teve como objetivos examinar a segurança e os resultados a curto-prazo do POEM num centro português. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta POEM foram realizados em 49 doentes consecutivos na nossa instituição entre Janeiro 2017 e Janeiro 2020. Foi realizado um estudo prospetivo numa série consecutiva de doentes, incluindo tempo do procedimento, localização e extensão da miotomia, eventos adversos e sucesso clínico. O sucesso clínico foi definido como um score de Eckardt ≤3 após o procedimento. A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) foi avaliada com base na sintomatologia e na realização de endoscopia alta entre os 3 e 6 meses pós-procedimento. RESULTADOS: O POEM foi realizado com sucesso em todos os casos: 70% (n = 35) eram naïves e 30% (n = 15) já tinham realizado algum tratamento previamente. O tempo médio do procedimento foi de 73.4 ± 22.6 min (intervalo 45­125 min). Não se verificou nenhum evento adverso major. Os eventos adversos minor foram raros (8%) e não se verificou mortalidade perioperatória. O score de Eckardt diminuiu significativamente de 6.9 ± 2.4 pré-procedimento para 0.5 ± 1.0 pós-procedimento (p < 0.05). Verificou-se sucesso clínico global em 98, 98 e 95.2% ao 1, 3 e 6 mês pós-procedimento, respetivamente. Estes resultados após o procedimento foram independentes de tratamentos prévios. Sintomatologia sugestiva de DRGE foi observada em 22.4% dos doentes pós-procedimento. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados confirmam a segurança e a excelente eficácia no curtoprazo do POEM num centro português, suportando o POEM como uma das terapêuticas de primeira linha para a acalásia em Portugal quando realizada por operadores experientes.

Herpes simplex virus esophagitis-clinical challenges in the elderly.

A 77-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of malaise, prostration, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. She had been taking systemic corticosteroids for the past year. During hospitalisation, renal insufficiency, ionic changes and liver function abnormalities were detected and corrected. However, the patient developed total dysphagia. UGE revealed multiple shallow ulcers below the cricopharyngeal level and in the distal oesophagus, with normal-appearing intervening mucosa. Histological examination allowed the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus esophagitis. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir was instituted for 14 days. In the elderly, herpetic esophagitis may present with non-specific complains, such as prostration or anorexia. In the reported case, dysphagia was only detected as a late symptom, addressing the importance of maintaining a high degree of suspicion for the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus esophagitis.

Comparative 12-month retention rate, effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel when used as a first add-on or a late add-on treatment in patients with focal epilepsies: The COM-PER study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 12-month retention rate, effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) as a first or late add-on treatment in adult patients with focal-onset seizures (FOS), including focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS). METHODS: This retrospective, observational, multicenter study was carried out in patients with FOS that received PER as a late add-on (n = 60), after failure of > 3 AEDs, and a group that received PER as a first add-on treatment (n = 21). RESULTS: At 12 months, the retention (90.5 % vs. 48.3 %; p = 0.001), seizure-freedom (71.4 % vs. 13.3 %; p < 0.001) and responder (85.7 % vs. 28.3 %; p < 0.001) rates were significantly higher in the first add-on group compared with the late add-on group. In patients with FBTCS, the 12-month retention rate did not differ significantly between the first and late add-on groups (93.8 % vs. 66.7 %); however, seizure-freedom (81.2 % vs. 27.8 %; p = 0.002) and responder rate response (93.8 % vs. 44.4 %; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the first add-on group. There were no significant differences in tolerability between the two groups, including in patients with FBTCS. Adverse events were reported in 54.3 % of patients (44/81), most were mild or moderate, with dizziness being the most frequent one. CONCLUSION: Overall, retention rate and effectiveness at 12 months were significantly higher in patients taking PER as a first add-on than as a late add-on, and the tolerability of PER did not differ significantly between groups. PER demonstrated high effectiveness in patients with FBTCS, even as a late add-on treatment.

Poor intensive stroke care is associated with short-term death after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES: The case fatality from spontaneous ICH (SICH) remains high. The quality and intensity of early treatment is one of the determinants of the outcome. We aimed to study the association of early intensive care, using the Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Specific Intensity of Care Quality Metrics (IHSICQM) with the 30-day in-hospital mortality in Algarve, Portugal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: analysis of prospective collected data of 157 consecutive SICH patients (2014-2016). Logistic regression was performed to assess the role of IHSICQM on the 30-day in-hospital mortality controlling for the most common clinical and radiological predictors of death. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was developed to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the IHSICQM score (C-statistics). RESULTS: forty-five (29 %) patients died. The group of deceased patients had lower intensity of care (lower IHSICQM score) and higher proportion of poor prognosis associated factors (pre-ICH functional dependency, intraventricular dissection/glycaemia). On the multivariate analysis, higher IHSICQM was associated with reduction of the odds of death, 0.27 (0.14-0.50) per each increasing point. The ROC curve showed a high discriminating ability of isolated IHSICQM in predicting the 30-day mortality (AUC = 0,95; 95 % CI = [0,86; 0,95]). CONCLUSION: the early intensity of quality of care independently predicts the 30-day in-hospital mortality. Quantification of the intensity of SICH is a valid tool to persuade improvement of SICH care, as well to help comparison of performances within and between hospitals.