The Postbiotic Butyrate Mitigates Gut Mucosal Disruption Caused by Acute Ethanol Exposure.

We aimed to test how the postbiotic butyrate impacts select gut bacteria, small intestinal epithelial integrity, and microvascular endothelial activation during acute ethanol exposure in mice and primary human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMECs). Supplementation during an acute ethanol challenge with or without tributyrin, a butyrate prodrug, was delivered to C57BL/6 mice. A separate group of mice received 3 days of clindamycin prior to the acute ethanol challenge. Upon euthanasia, blood endotoxin, cecal bacteria, jejunal barrier integrity, and small intestinal lamina propria dendritic cells were assessed. HIMECs were tested for activation following exposure to ethanol ± lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sodium butyrate. Tributyrin supplementation protected a butyrate-generating microbe during ethanol and antibiotic exposure. Tributyrin rescued ethanol-induced disruption in jejunal epithelial barrier, elevated plasma endotoxin, and increased mucosal vascular addressin cell-adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) expression in intestinal microvascular endothelium. These protective effects of tributyrin coincided with a tolerogenic dendritic response in the intestinal lamina propria. Lastly, sodium butyrate pre- and co-treatment attenuated the direct effects of ethanol and LPS on MAdCAM-1 induction in the HIMECs from a patient with ulcerative colitis. Tributyrin supplementation protects small intestinal epithelial and microvascular barrier integrity and modulates microvascular endothelial activation and dendritic tolerizing function during a state of gut dysbiosis and acute ethanol challenge.

Natural history of gastrointestinal schwannomas.

Background and study aims Data are lacking on the natural history of gastrointestinal tract schwannomas. We aimed to study the natural history of all gastrointestinal schwannomas including location, diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes. Patients and methods Patients with a pathological diagnosis of gastrointestinal schwannoma between January 2000 and March 2020 were identified. Data on baseline demographics, presentations, associated malignancies, malignant transformation, treatment, and recurrence were collected. Results Our cohort consisted of 44 patients with a mean age of 58.6 years, with 63.6 % women and 84.1 % White. The stomach (38.6 %) was the most common location followed by the colorectum (31.8 %). Only 22.7 % of patients were symptomatic and 22.0 % had a personal history of other malignancies. Tissue diagnosis was obtained via endoscopy in 47.7 % and from surgical pathology in 52.3 %. On histology, 65.9 % of the tumors were solid, 11.4 % had mixed features, and 2.3 % had necrosis. SP100 was tested in all but one patient and was positive in all. Mean Ki-67 in 12 patients with tumors measuring ≥ 2 cm was 3.0 % indicating a low proliferation rate. Of the patients, 77.3 % had surgery and 18.2 % underwent endoscopic resection. At a mean follow-up of 5.0 ±â€Š4.31 years, there was no malignant transformation, recurrence or mortality associated with gastrointestinal schwannomas. Conclusions Gastrointestinal schwannomas are diagnosed in the fifth to sixth decade with predominance in women and Whites. They are benign, mostly asymptomatic, and diagnosed incidentally. Asymptomatic gastrointestinal schwannomas including lesions ≥ 2 cm in size do not appear to need further monitoring or intervention. Patients with them should be counseled to remain up to date with routine screening guidelines pertaining to the colon, breast, and lung cancer due to the high incidence of concomitant malignancy.

The Immunomodulatory Functions of Butyrate.

The gastrointestinal (GI) system contains many different types of immune cells, making it a key immune organ system in the human body. In the last decade, our knowledge has substantially expanded regarding our understanding of the gut microbiome and its complex interaction with the gut immune system. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and specifically butyrate, play an important role in mediating the effects of the gut microbiome on local and systemic immunity. Gut microbial alterations and depletion of luminal butyrate have been well documented in the literature for a number of systemic and GI inflammatory disorders. Although a substantial knowledge gap exists requiring the need for further investigations to determine cause and effect, there is heightened interest in developing immunomodulatory therapies by means of reprogramming of gut microbiome or by supplementing its beneficial metabolites, such as butyrate. In the current review, we discuss the role of endogenous butyrate in the inflammatory response and maintaining immune homeostasis within the intestine. We also present the experimental models and human studies which explore therapeutic potential of butyrate supplementation in inflammatory conditions associated with butyrate depletion.

Utility of Endoscopy in Hospitalized Patients with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) has been reported as one of the most common GI complications in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). There is paucity of data on the national burden of GIH in patients with PH. We aimed to assess the prevalence, trends and outcomes of endoscopic interventions in patients with PH who were admitted with GIH. METHOD: We queried National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2014 and identified the patients hospitalized with primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of PH (ICD 9 CM Code: 416.0, 416.8, and 416.9). Using Clinical Classification Software Coding system (153) patients with concurrent diagnosis of GIH were then identified. We studied the prevalence and trends of GIH in PH, factors associated with GIH, use of endoscopy, factors associated with utilization of endoscopic interventions, endoscopy outcomes including mortality, and overall healthcare burden. RESULTS: Out of 7,586,973 PH hospitalizations 3.2% (N = 246,358) had concurrent GIH, with a rising prevalence of GIH in PH patients during the last decade. Clinical predictors for GIH in PH included older age, congestive heart failure, anticoagulation therapy and concurrent alcohol abuse. Mean length of stay (LOS) in PH patients hospitalized with GIH was significantly higher than without GIH (8.6 vs. 6.4 days, p < 0.01) along with a significant increase in hospitalization cost ($20,189 vs. $14,807, p < 0.01). Similarly, odds of in-hospital mortality increase by ~ 1.5 times in PH patients with GIH than those without it (adjusted odds ratio [aOR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.43-1.47]). Endoscopic interventions were performed in 48.6% of patients with PH and GIH during their hospitalization. Older patients were more likely to undergo endoscopy, as well as the patients who received blood transfusion, and those with hypovolemic shock. Patients with acute respiratory failure and acute renal failure were less likely to get endoscopy. Mean LOS in patients undergoing endoscopic intervention was significantly higher than those who did not receive any intervention (8.7 vs. 8.4 days, p < 0.01), without a substantial increase in hospitalization cost ($20,344 vs. $20,041, p < 0.01). Also, there was a significant decrease in in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing endoscopic interventions. CONCLUSION: Concurrent GIH in patients with PH increases length of stay; healthcare costs and increases in-hospital mortality. Use of endoscopic interventions in these patients is associated with reduced length of stay, in-hospital mortality without significantly increasing the overall health care burden and should be considered in hospitalized patients with PH who are admitted with GIH. Future studies comparing GIH patients with and without PH should be done to assess if PH is a risk factor for worse outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: No IRB required due to use of national de-identified data.

National Landscape of Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Rates for Acute Non-hemorrhagic Diverticulitis: Insight from National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Early readmissions are an important indicator of the quality of care. Limited data exist describing hospital readmissions in acute diverticulitis. The study aimed to describe unplanned, 30-day readmissions among adult acute diverticulitis patients and to assess readmission predictors. METHODS: We analyzed the 2013 and 2014 United States National Readmission Database and identified acute diverticulitis admissions using administrative codes in adult patients older than 18 years of age. Our primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. We used Chi-square tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: In the cohort of 364,511 hospitalizations with acute diverticulitis, as the primary diagnosis on index admission, 31,420 (8.6%) had at least one unplanned 30-day readmission. Sixty percent of the readmissions occurred within the first 2 weeks of the index admission. The most common reasons for unplanned 30-day readmission were due to diverticulitis of the colon (41.5%), postoperative infection (4.2%), septicemia (3.6%), intestinal infection due to Clostridium difficile (3%), and other digestive system complications such bleeding or fistula (2.8%). Multivariable analysis showed advance age (> 75 years), discharge against medical advice, comorbidities (renal failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, weight loss, chronic lung disease, malignancy), blood transfusion, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, and increased length of stay (> 3 days) were associated with significantly higher odds for readmission. Patients who have undergone abdominal surgery during index admission were 31% less likely to get readmitted. CONCLUSIONS: On a national level, 1 in 11 hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis was followed by unplanned readmission within 30 days with most admissions occurring in the first 2 weeks. Multiple modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing readmission rates were noted. Further studies should examine if strategies that address these predictors can decrease readmissions.

Nutrition Management of the High-Output Fistulae.

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) are commonly encountered complications in medical and surgical practice. High-output fistulae are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, poor quality of life, and a substantial healthcare burden. An interdisciplinary team approach is crucial to prevent and mitigate the adverse clinical consequences of high-output ECFs including sepsis, metabolic derangements, and malnutrition. Patients with ECFs are at a significantly higher risk of developing malnutrition and close monitoring by nutrition support professionals and/or a nutrition support team is an essential component of their medical management. High-output ECFs often require the initiation of nutrition support through either enteral or parenteral routes. Historically, parenteral nutrition (PN) has been the primary method of nutrition support in these patients. However, oral and enteral nutrition (EN) should remain viable options if an evaluation of the location of the ECF, amount of remaining functional bowel, and volume of ECF output identifies favorable conditions. Additionally, in contrast to PN, oral nutrition and EN are the preferred method of feeding because of the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. The inclusion of pharmacological interventions can greatly assist with the reduction and stabilization of ECF output and thereby permit sustained enteral feeding. Initiation of supplemental or full PN will be required if oral nutrition and EN lead to metabolic derangements, fail to meet energy requirements, or do not maintain or improve the patient's nutrition status. The main focus of this review is to discuss the nutrition management of patients with high-output ECFs.

Short-Bowel Syndrome: Epidemiology, Hospitalization Trends, In-Hospital Mortality, and Healthcare Utilization.

INTRODUCTION: Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) is a common cause of chronic intestinal failure and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, poor quality of life, and an increased burden on healthcare costs. METHODS: We used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. We identified adult SBS hospitalizations by using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We studied the demographics of the patients with SBS and analyzed the trends in the number of hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality, and healthcare costs. We also identified the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 53,040 SBS hospitalizations were identified. We found that SBS-related hospitalizations increased by 55% between 2005 (N = 4037) and 2014 (N = 6265). During this period, the in-hospital mortality decreased from 40 per 1000 to 29 per 1000 hospitalizations, resulting in an overall reduction of 27%. Higher mortality was noted in SBS patients with sepsis (6.7%), liver dysfunction (6.2%), severe malnutrition (6.0%), and metastatic cancer (5.4%). The overall mean length of stay (LOS) for SBS-related hospitalizations was 14.7 days, with a mean hospital cost of $34,130. We noted a steady decrease in the LOS, whereas the cost of care remained relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS: The national burden of SBS-related hospitalizations continues to rise, and the mortality associated with SBS has substantially decreased. Older SBS patients with sepsis, liver dysfunction, severe malnutrition, and metastatic cancer had the highest risk of mortality. Healthcare utilization in SBS remains high. healthcare utilization; hospitalization trend; mortality; research and diseases; short-bowel syndrome.

Association between anti-acid therapies and advanced fibrosis in type 2 diabetics with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Data on associations of antacid therapies with advanced fibrosis (AF) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited. We aimed to assess the association of histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with AF in NAFLD patients with underlying type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient's charts with T2D who had a liver biopsy for suspected NAFLD. Fibrosis stages were determined as F0-F4, AF being F3-4. Laboratory data and use of various medications within 24 months of liver biopsies were used for the analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess any association. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 1008 T2D patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Sixty-six percent were female, 86.2% were Caucasian, and median HbA1C was 6.4%. AF was present in 32% of the patients. Thirty-four percent were on H2RAs and 60.6% were on PPI therapy (p < 0.001) for a median duration of 3.6 [0.10, 3.8] (p = 0.20) and 45.6 [0.80, 15.4] (p = 0.17) months, respectively. On multivariable logistic regression analysis being on H2RAs was associated with a 68% lower risk of AF (odds ratio [OR] [95%CI]: 0.32 [0.24, 0.44]) (p < 0.001), but use of PPIs showed a trend towards higher risk of AF (OR [95%CI]: 1.4 [1.00, 1.8]) (p = 0.053). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that H2RAs are associated with lower risk of AF in NAFLD patients with underlying diabetes and should be considered as the first-line antacid therapy in these patients. Risk stratification should be done if PPIs are indicated in high-risk diabetics with NAFLD.

Medications in type-2 diabetics and their association with liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is significantly rising worldwide. Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a major risk factor for NAFLD progression. AIM: To assess the association of commonly used medications to advanced fibrosis (AF) in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and T2D. METHODS: We used the International Classification of Disease 9th Revision Clinical Modification coding system to identify patients with T2D and included patients who underwent liver biopsy for suspected NAFLD between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015. We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and differences in pattern of medication use in patients who had biopsy-proven AF to those without it. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of different classes of medication with the presence of AF. RESULTS: A total of 1183 patients were included in the final analysis, out of which 32% (n = 381) had AF on liver biopsy. Mean age of entire cohort was 52 years and majority were females (65%) and Caucasians (85%). Among patients with AF, 51% were on oral hypoglycemics, 30% were on insulin, 66% were on antihypertensives and 27% were on lipid lowering agents for the median duration of 19 mo, 10 mo, 26 mo, and 24 mo respectively. Medications associated with decreased risk of AF included metformin, liraglutide, lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin and simvastatin while the use of furosemide and spironolactone were associated with higher prevalence of AF. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of T2D with biopsy proven NAFLD, the patients who were receiving metformin, liraglutide, lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin and simvastatin were less likely to have AF on biopsy, while patients who were receiving furosemide and spironolactone had a higher likelihood of having AF when they underwent liver biopsy. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to establish measures for prevention of NAFLD progression in patients with T2D.

Microbiota reprogramming for treatment of alcohol-related liver disease.

In the past decade knowledge has expanded regarding the importance of the gut microbiota in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and overall health. During this same time, we have also gained appreciation for the role of the gut-liver axis in the development of liver diseases. Alcohol overconsumption is one of the leading causes of liver failure globally. However, not all people with alcohol use disorder progress to advanced stages of liver disease. With advances in technology to investigate the gut microbiome and metabolome, we are now beginning to delineate alcohol's effects on the gut microbiome in relation to liver disease. This review presents our current understanding on the role of the gut microbiota during alcohol exposure, and various therapeutic attempts that have been made to reprogram the gut microbiota with the goal of alleviating alcoholic-related liver disease.

Prevalence of cannabis use has significantly increased in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder which leads to multiple hospitalizations and causes significant impairment of quality of life. Cannabis use is common in patients with CVS, and there are limited data on the national trends in the prevalence of its use in the United States. METHODS: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2014 and identified hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CVS by utilizing the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) coding system. The primary objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence and trends in cannabis use in CVS patients. We also assessed healthcare resource utilization associated with cannabis use. RESULTS: A total of 129 090 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CVS were identified and included in the study. In the United States, the overall rate of cannabis use among these patients was 104 per 1000 hospitalizations (N = 13 460). Over the last decade, the prevalence of cannabis use increased by 10-fold, from 2.2% in 2005 to 21.2% in 2014. CONCLUSION: Our analysis of the national database suggests that nearly 1 in 5 CVS hospitalizations have concurrent cannabis use. This prevalence is significantly rising over the last decade, perhaps due to changing legislation and increased utilization of cannabis. Age younger than 35, male gender, African American and Native American race, personal history of alcohol abuse and tobacco use were some of the strongest predictors of cannabis use.

Seasonal Impacts on the Incidence of Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Analysis across a Decade.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Seasonal variation has previously been reported in relation to the incidence of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding; however, the impact of seasonal variation on variceal bleeding is not known. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification- 9th Revision codes were used to identify patients hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of esophageal variceal hemorrhage. The data were analyzed based on the month of hospitalization. Our primary aim was to assess seasonal variations in variceal bleeding-related hospitalizations. The secondary aims were to assess the impact of seasonal variation on outcomes in variceal bleeding including in-hospital mortality and healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: A total of 348,958 patients hospitalized with esophageal variceal bleeding were included. The highest number of hospitalizations was reported in December (99.3/day) and the lowest was reported in June (90.8/day). In-hospital mortality was highest in January (11.5%) and lowest in June (9.8%). There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay or total hospitalization costs across all months in all years combined. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a seasonal variation in the incidence and mortality of variceal hemorrhage in the United States. December was the month with the highest number of daily hospitalizations while the nadir occurred in June.

Rising Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder and Predictors for Opioid Use Disorder Among Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, impact, and predictors of opioid use disorder (OUD) in hospitalized chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. Patients with a primary diagnosis of CP and OUD were included. The primary outcome was evaluating the prevalence and trend of OUD in patients hospitalized with CP. Secondary outcomes were to (1) assess the impact of OUD on health care resource utilization and (2) identify predictors of OUD in hospitalized CP patients. RESULTS: A total of 176,857 CP patients were included, and OUD was present in 3.8% of patients. The prevalence of OUD in CP doubled between 2005 and 2014. Patients with CP who had OUD were found to have higher mean length of stay (adjusted mean difference, 1.2 days; P < 0.001) and hospitalization costs (adjusted mean difference, US $1936; P < 0.001). Independent predictors of OUD in CP patients were obesity, presence of depression, and increased severity of illness. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid use disorder-related diagnoses are increasing among CP patients and are associated with increased health care resource utilization. Our study identifies patients at high-risk for OUD whose pain should be carefully managed.

Inpatient burden of esophageal varices in the United States: analysis of trends in demographics, cost of care, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal variceal bleeding remains a common reason for hospitalization in the United States. The main objective of this study was to analyze demographic variations and outcomes in hospitalizations related to esophageal varices (EV) in the US. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for all hospitalizations with discharge diagnoses of EV, with and without hemorrhage from 2001 to 2011. RESULTS: In 2001, there were 19,167 hospitalizations with discharge diagnoses of EV with and without bleeding compared to 45,578 in 2011 (P<0.001). There was a 138% increase in the number of total EV hospitalizations, a 221% increase in hospitalizations with EV without hemorrhage, and a 7% increase in hospitalizations for patients with EV and hemorrhage. Age group 50-64 was the most affected, accounting for 31.4% of EV hospitalizations in 2001 and 46.7% of EV hospitalizations in 2011 (P<0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 3.4% for patients with EV without hemorrhage and 8.7% for patients with EV with hemorrhage (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: The number of hospitalizations for patients with asymptomatic EV increased significantly between 2001 to 2011, with only a small concurrent increase in the number of hospitalizations for patients with esophageal variceal bleeding.

Opioid use disorder is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Opioid use disorder (OUD) epidemic has been declared a nationwide public health emergency by the Department of Health and Human Services. There are limited data regarding OUD in patients with gastroparesis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of OUD on the outcomes in patients hospitalized with gastroparesis and to delineate the trends associated with OUD and gastroparesis using a nationally representative sample. METHODS: We used the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database from 2005-2014 to identify patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis (ICD 9 Code: 536.3) and a concurrent diagnosis of OUD. We used Pearson chi-square analysis to compare demographics, the independent samples t-test to assess differences in length of stay and cost of care, and multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2014, a total of 145,700 patients with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis were hospitalized in the United States, of whom 4519 (3.1%) had a concurrent diagnosis of OUD. The prevalence of OUD in gastroparesis doubled from 2.1% in 2005 to 4.3% in 2014. After adjusting for confounders, patients with OUD had greater in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1-3.5). Patients with OUD also had significantly longer hospital stays and higher costs. Independent predictors of OUD in patients with gastroparesis were younger age, female sex, alcohol use, depression, and Medicaid insurance. CONCLUSION: OUD in patients with gastroparesis is associated with greater mortality and healthcare resource utilization.

Early colonoscopy in patients with acute diverticular bleeding is associated with improvement in healthcare-resource utilization.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular bleeding (DB) is the most common cause of severe acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in developed countries. The role of early colonoscopy (<24 hours) continues to remain controversial and data on early colonoscopy in acute DB are scant. We aimed to evaluate the effect of timing of colonoscopy on outcomes in patients with acute DB using a nationwide inpatient sample. METHODS: Data from the nationwide inpatient sample from 2012 to 2014 were used. The ninth version of the International Classification of Diseases coding system ICD 9 was used for patient selection. We included discharges with the primary and secondary inpatient diagnosis of diverticulosis with bleeding and diverticulitis with bleeding. Discharges with no primary or secondary diagnosis of diverticulosis with bleeding, diverticulitis with bleeding, patients who were less than 18 years old and those who did not undergo colonoscopy during the admission were excluded. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and total hospitalization costs. RESULTS: A total of 88 600 patients were included in our analysis, amongst whom 45 020 (50.8%) had colonoscopy within 24 hours of admission (early colonoscopy), while 43 580 (49.2%) patients had colonoscopy after 24 hours of admission (late colonoscopy). LOS was significantly lower in patients with early colonoscopy as compared to those with late colonoscopy (3.7 vs 5.6 days, P < 0.0001). Total hospitalization costs were also significantly lower in patients with early colonoscopy ($9317 vs $11 767, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mortality between both groups (0.7 vs 0.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the differences in LOS and total hospitalization costs between early and late colonoscopy remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early colonoscopy in acute DB significantly reduced LOS and total hospitalization costs. There was no significant difference in mortality observed. Performance of early colonoscopy in the appropriate patients presenting with acute DB can have potential cost-saving implications. Further research is needed to identify which patients would benefit from early colonoscopy in DB.

Endoscopy Is Relatively Safe in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) is reported to occur in 1-8% of patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). AIS is considered to be a relative contraindication to GIE. AIMS: Evaluate the outcomes of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) in patients hospitalized with AIS and GIH. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with AIS and GIH were included from the National Inpatient Sample 2005-2014. Primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality in patients with AIS and GIH who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. Secondary outcomes were (1) resource utilization as measured by length of stay (LOS) and total hospitalization costs and (2) to identify independent predictors of undergoing GIE in patients with AIS and GIH. Confounders were adjusted for by using multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 75,756 hospitalizations were included in the analysis. Using a multivariate analysis, the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients who underwent GIE as compared to those who did not [aOR: 0.4, P < 0.001]. Patients who underwent GIE also had significantly shorter adjusted mean LOS [adjusted mean difference in LOS: 0.587 days, P < 0.001]. Patients with AIS and GIH who did not undergo GIE had significantly higher adjusted total hospitalization costs. [Mean adjusted difference in total hospitalization costs was $5801 (P < 0.001).] Independent predictors of undergoing GIE in this population were male gender, age > 65 years, Asian or Pacific race, hypovolemic shock, need for blood transfusion and admission to urban non-teaching hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal endoscopy can be safely performed in a substantial number of patients with AIS and GIH.

Impact of Cannabinoids on Symptoms of Refractory Gastroparesis: A Single-center Experience.

Background and aims Cannabinoids are increasingly used for medicinal purposes, including neuropathy. Gastroparesis is a neuromuscular disorder and neuropathy plays a large role in its pathogenesis. It is thus reasonable that cannabinoids can serve a beneficial role in the management of gastroparesis. Our study evaluates the effect of cannabinoids on gastroparesis symptoms. Methods Twenty-four (n=24) patients with gastroparesis and refractory symptoms were selected from a single gastroenterology practice associated with a tertiary care medical center. The 'Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index' (GCSI) and an analog scale rating abdominal pain were applied to prospectively assess the effect of cannabinoids, in the form of dronabinol and medical cannabis, on refractory gastroparesis symptoms. Patients completed a GCSI form and rated their abdominal pain, before and after treatment. There was a minimum of 60 days of cannabinoid use between reporting intervals. Total composite GCSI symptom scores, GCSI symptom subset scores, and abdominal pain scores were calculated before and after treatment. Results A significant improvement in the GCSI total symptom composite score was seen with either cannabinoid treatment (mean score difference of 12.8, 95% confidence interval 10.4-15.2; p-value < 0. 001). Patients prescribed marijuana experienced a statistically significant improvement in every GCSI symptom subgroup. Significant improvement in abdominal pain score was also seen with either cannabinoid treatment (mean score difference of 1.6; p-value <0.001). Conclusions Cannabinoids dramatically improve the symptoms of gastroparesis. Furthermore, an improvement in abdominal pain with cannabinoids represents a breakthrough for gastroparesis-associated abdominal pain treatment, for which there are currently no validated therapies.