Interval between balloon removal and oxytocin administration in cervical ripening with double-balloon in singleton pregnancies: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of the resting interval after removal of a double-balloon for cervical ripening and oxytocin administration on the time to onset of active labor in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of women who required a cervical ripening with double-balloon was conducted between January 2019 and December 2022. We collected data for cervical ripening balloon insertion and removal, oxytocin administration, suspicious or pathological cardiotocographic trace, mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal complications, neonatal outcomes. Proportional hazards model comparing resting interval between double-balloon cervical ripening removal and oxytocin administration. RESULTS: A total of 403 singleton pregnancies were recruited and 213 pregnant women experienced a rest of 12 h between cervical balloon removal and oxytocin administration (resting group). Oxytocin was administered immediately after balloon removal in 190 women (non-resting group). Median insertion-to-active labor interval and insertion-to-delivery interval were significantly shorter in the non-resting group: 18.5 versus 24.0 h, HR 2.59 (CI 95%: 1.97-3.41) and 24.0 versus 29.0 h, HR 2.38 (CI 95%: 1.85-3.05) respectively. Bishop score change and mode of delivery between were similar in both groups. No differences in maternal nor neonatal complications between both groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin administration immediately after removal of a double-balloon for cervical ripening compared with 12 h delayed interval resulted in a shortened time from insertion to active labor onset and to delivery interval without increasing maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.

Gastric polyps in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Portuguese patients: the first Western cohort with Asian features.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic atrophic gastritis may contribute to gastric polyps (GP) phenotype in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Considering the high prevalence of Helicobacter-pylori (HP) infection in Portugal, we aim to characterise GP in a series of Portuguese patients. METHODS: In a retrospectively-selected series of 53 FAP patients, clinical data and histopathological features of GP and background gastric mucosa were studied. SPSS (27.0) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (24.5%) developed fundic gland polyps (FGP), seven (13.2%) gastric adenomas (GA) and ten (18.9%) both FGP and GA. Out of 100 GP, four were hyperplastic polyps, 58 FGP (24 with dysplasia), 35 intestinal-type GA (intGA) and three foveolar-type GA (fovGA). IntGA were larger (60% >7mm, p=0.03), occurred predominantly in the distal stomach (66.7%, p=0.024), in patients harbouring gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) (86.7%, p<0.001) and duodenal adenomas (86.7%, p<0.001) Conclusion: This is the first Western series showing high prevalence of intGA in FAP patients, comparable to Asian cohorts. HP infection and chronic atrophic gastritis/intestinal metaplasia are likely responsible for this difference, with risk of neoplastic transformation and management implications. Biopsy/excision of GP >7mm, in the distal stomach, and in patients harbouring gastric intestinal metaplasia/duodenal adenomas should be considered.

Estado de ánimo, emociones y conductas de los niños durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Mood, emotions, and behaviors of children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. Los cambios en la rutina y en el entramado social que generó la pandemia por COVID-19 afectaron a los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA). El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el estado de ánimo, las emociones y las conductas de los NNyA durante el aislamiento por COVID-19. Población y métodos . Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Se preguntó a los padres y/o cuidadores de niños de 3 a 15 años de edad, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, cómo percibían el estado de ánimo, las conductas y las emociones de los NNyA durante el período de aislamiento. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1080 cuestionarios. El 81 % de los padres y/o cuidadores advirtió algún cambio en la salud emocional de los NNyA. El 76 % refirió que los niños de 3-5 años se mostraban aburridos, enojados y angustiados. Además, observaron un aumento de los episodios de llanto (52 %) y regresión a comportamientos ya superados (29 %). En el grupo de 6-11 años, el 43 % presentó dificultad en mantener la concentración. En 3 de cada 10 adolescentes, de 12 a 15 años de edad, los adultos percibieron abandono de actividades que antes disfrutaban, preocupación y tristeza. Conclusión. La pandemia de COVID-19 impactó en el estado de ánimo, las conductas y las emociones de los NNyA. Predominaron los sentimientos negativos, como aburrimiento, tristeza, angustia y preocupación.

Introduction. Changes in daily routine and social fabric resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to know the mood, emotions, and behaviors of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. Population and methods. This was a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Parents and/or caregivers of children and adolescents aged 3-15 years in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were asked about their perceptions of the mood, behaviors, and emotions of children and adolescents during the lockdown. Results. A total of 1080 questionnaires were included. Results showed that 81% of parents and/or caregivers observed changes in children and adolescents emotional health; 76% referred that children aged 3-5 years were bored, angry, and upset. They also observed an increase in crying spells (52%) and regression to behaviors that had been outgrown (29%). In the 6-11-year-old group, 43% showed difficulty focusing. Adults noticed that 3 out of 10 adolescents aged 12-15 years discontinued activities they used to enjoy and were sad and worried. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the mood, behaviors, and emotions of children and adolescents. Negative feelings prevailed, such as boredom, sadness, anxiety, and worry.

Mood, emotions, and behaviors of children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. / Estado de ánimo, emociones y conductas de los niños durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in daily routine and social fabric resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to know the mood, emotions, and behaviors of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. POPULATION AND METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Parents and/ or caregivers of children and adolescents aged 3-15 years in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were asked about their perceptions of the mood, behaviors, and emotions of children and adolescents during the lockdown. RESULTS: A total of 1080 questionnaires were included. Results showed that 81% of parents and/or caregivers observed changes in children and adolescents emotional health; 76% referred that children aged 3-5 years were bored, angry, and upset. They also observed an increase in crying spells (52%) and regression to behaviors that had been outgrown (29%). In the 6-11-year-old group, 43% showed difficulty focusing. Adults noticed that 3 out of 10 adolescents aged 12-15 years discontinued activities they used to enjoy and were sad and worried. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the mood, behaviors, and emotions of children and adolescents. Negative feelings prevailed, such as boredom, sadness, anxiety, and worry.

Introducción. Los cambios en la rutina y en el entramado social que generó la pandemia por COVID-19 afectaron a los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA). El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer el estado de ánimo, las emociones y las conductas de los NNyA durante el aislamiento por COVID-19. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Se preguntó a los padres y/o cuidadores de niños de 3 a 15 años de edad, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, cómo percibían el estado de ánimo, las conductas y las emociones de los NNyA durante el período de aislamiento. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1080 cuestionarios. El 81 % de los padres y/o cuidadores advirtió algún cambio en la salud emocional de los NNyA. El 76 % refirió que los niños de 3-5 años se mostraban aburridos, enojados y angustiados. Además, observaron un aumento de los episodios de llanto (52 %) y regresión a comportamientos ya superados (29 %). En el grupo de 6-11 años, el 43 % presentó dificultad en mantener la concentración. En 3 de cada 10 adolescentes, de 12 a 15 años de edad, los adultos percibieron abandono de actividades que antes disfrutaban, preocupación y tristeza. Conclusión. La pandemia de COVID-19impactó en el estado de ánimo, las conductas y las emociones de los NNyA. Predominaron los sentimientos negativos, como aburrimiento, tristeza, angustia y preocupación.

Hemochromatosis and Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Two (Un)Suspicious Neighbors.

A 51-year-old woman, clinically diagnosed with Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), showed abnormalities in liver enzymes, high ferritin and transferrin saturation levels, with ultrasonographic features of chronic liver disease, in addition to skin hyperpigmentation. Genetic testing confirmed the clinical hypothesis of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). Due to the known proximity of HFE (6p22.2) and POLH (6p21.1) genes, accountable for HH and the XP-V variant, respectively, a genetic test was offered and a rare variant of the POLH gene was identified. We report the first confirmed case, to our knowledge, of a patient diagnosed both with XP and HH, in whom two mutated neighbor genes - POLH and HFE - were identified, possibly the result of genetic linkage.

Uma mulher de 51 anos, com antecedentes pessoais de Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), apresentava, além de hiperpigmentação cutânea, alterações nas enzimas hepáticas, elevação da ferritina sérica e da saturação da transferrina, bem como alterações ecográficas compatíveis com doença hepática crónica. A realização de um teste genético permitiu confirmar a hipótese diagnóstica de Hemocromatose Hereditária (HH). Pela proximidade conhecida dos genes HFE (6p22.2) e POLH (6p21.1), responsáveis pela HH e pelo XP-V, respetivamente, foi realizado um teste genético que detetou um polimorfismo raro do gene POLH. Reportamos o primeiro caso de uma paciente diagnosticada com XP e HH, na qual foram identificados dois genes vizinhos mutados ­ POLH e HFE ­, possivelmente como resultado de ligação genética.

Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy Versus Rubber Band Ligation in Hemorrhoidal Disease Grades I/II/III: Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy are considered the office-based procedures of choice in hemorrhoidal disease. However, there are no studies comparing rubber band ligation and polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy compared with rubber band ligation. DESIGN: This study was a randomized open-label study with 1-year follow-up. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the colorectal unit of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty patients with hemorrhoidal disease grades I to III were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were stratified by hemorrhoidal disease grade and randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment with either rubber band ligation (n = 60) or polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (n = 60). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy outcomes included therapeutic success and recurrence. Safety outcomes included the occurrence of complications related to the procedures. RESULTS: Therapeutic success was not significantly different between the groups (polidocanol foam sclerotherapy 93.3% vs rubber band ligation 85.0%, p = 0.14). However, complete success rate was higher in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group (88.3% vs 66.7%, p = 0.009) with fewer office-based sessions (mean ± SD: 1.32 ± 0.60 vs 1.62 ± 0.76, p = 0.02). Recurrence rates were lower in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group (16.1% vs 41.2%, p = 0.004). Most recurrences were mild (83.3%). Complications were more frequent in the rubber band ligation group (30.0% vs 10.0%, p = 0.01) and were mostly minor (91.7%). No severe complications were observed in either group. LIMITATIONS: This study was performed in a single center, and both patients and investigators were not blinded to the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures are effective in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease grades I to III. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy was more effective than rubber band ligation when considering complete success. Patients in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group needed fewer treatment sessions, had lower recurrence rates, and were less likely to have complications. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B816. REGISTRATION: https//www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT04091763. ESCLEROTERAPIA CON ESPUMA DE POLIDOCANOL VERSUS LIGADURA CON BANDA DE GOMA EN LOS GRADOS I / II / III DE ENFERMEDAD HEMORROIDAL ENSAYO ALEATORIZADO: ANTECEDENTES:La ligadura con banda elástica y la escleroterapia se consideran los procedimientos de elección en el consultorio para la enfermedad hemorroidal. Sin embargo, no hay estudios que comparen la ligadura con bandas elastica y la escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol en comparación con la ligadura con bandas elastica.DISEÑO:Estudio aleatorizado randomizado, abierto, con seguimiento de 1 año.AJUSTES:El estudio se realizó en una unidad colorrectal de un hospital terciario.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron 120 pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal grados I a III.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes fueron estratificados por grado de enfermedad hemorroidal y asignados al azar (1: 1) al tratamiento con ligadura con banda elastica (n = 60) o escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (n = 60).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados de eficacia incluyeron el éxito terapéutico y la recurrencia. Los resultados de seguridad incluyeron la aparición de complicaciones relacionadas con los procedimientos.RESULTADOS:El éxito terapéutico no fue significativamente diferente entre los grupos (escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol 93,3% vs ligadura con banda de goma 85,0%, p = 0,14). Sin embargo, la tasa de éxito completo fue mayor en el grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (88,3% vs 66,7%, p = 0,009), con menos sesiones en el consultorio (media ± desviación estándar: 1,32 ± 0,60 vs 1,62 ± 0,76, p = 0,02). Las tasas de recurrencia fueron más bajas en el grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (16,1% vs 41,2%, p = 0,004). La mayoría de las recurrencias fueron leves (83,3%). Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en el grupo de ligadura con bandas elastica (30,0% vs 10,0%, p = 0,01) y fueron en su mayoría menores (91,7%). No se observaron complicaciones graves en ninguno de los grupos.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio se realizó en un solo centro y ni los pacientes ni los investigadores estaban cegados al grupo de tratamiento.CONCLUSIONES:Ambos procedimientos son efectivos en el tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal grados I a III. La escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol fue más eficaz que la ligadura con banda de goma cuando se consideró el éxito completo. Los pacientes del grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol necesitaron menos sesiones de tratamiento, tuvieron tasas de recurrencia más bajas y menos probabilidades de tener complicaciones. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B816. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado)ClinicalTrials.gov, número NCT04091763.

Bringing to Light the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mucosal Glycosylation as a Key Player.

Colitis-associated cancer is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease remaining an important clinical challenge in terms of diagnosis, screening, and prognosis. Inflammation is a driving factor both in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer, but the mechanism underlying the transition from colon inflammation to cancer remains to be defined. Dysregulation of mucosal glycosylation has been described as a key regulatory mechanism associated both with colon inflammation and colorectal cancer development. In this review, we discuss the major molecular mechanisms of colitis-associated cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the role of glycans expressed at gut epithelial cells, at lamina propria T cells, and in serum proteins in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and its progression to colon cancer, further discussing its potential clinical and therapeutic applications.

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease and the molecular mechanisms underlying CAC progression are still elusive. Protein glycosylation holds a great promise for improving the understanding of CAC immunopathogenesis, opening new avenues for clinical and therapeutic interventions.

The Current Portrayal of Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Portuguese Tertiary Center.

INTRODUCTION: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is an important healthcare problem whose epidemiology and outcomes have been changing throughout the years. The main goal of this study was to characterize the current demographics, etiologies, and risk factors of NVUGIB. METHODS: Analysis of clinical, endoscopic, and outcome data from patients who were admitted for NVUGIB between January 2016 and January 2019 in an emergency department of a tertiary hospital center. RESULTS: A total of 522 patients were included, with a median age of 71 years, mainly men, with multiple comorbidities. Most patients were directly admitted, while the others were transferred from other hospitals. Peptic ulcer disease was the most common cause of NVUGIB and it was followed by tumor bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed within <12 h after hospital admission in 51.9%. In-hospital rebleeding occurred in 6.9% and overall mortality was 4.2%. Transferred patients had superior Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), required more blood transfusion, endoscopic and surgical interventions, and presented higher rebleeding rate, with similar mortality. Complete Rockall score (CRS) and GBS were predictors of endoscopic therapy. Surgery need was only related to CRS. Patients who rebled had superior pre-endoscopic Rockall score (RS), CRS, and GBS. Mortality was increased in patients with higher RS and CRS. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Ageing and increasing comorbidities have not been related to worse outcomes in NVUGIB. These findings seem to be the consequence of the correct use of both diagnostic and therapeutic tools in an organized and widely accessible healthcare system.

Introdução: Hemorragia digestiva alta não-hipertensiva (HDANH) é um problema de saúde cuja epidemiologia e prognóstico têm-se alterado ao longo dos anos. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a caracterização demográfica, etiologias e fatores de risco para HDANH. Métodos: Análise de dados clínicos, endoscópicos e prognóstico de doentes admitidos por HDANH entre janeiro/2016 e janeiro/2019 no serviço de urgência de um hospital terciário. Resultados: Foram incluídos 522 doentes, idade mediana de 71 anos, maioritariamente homens, com múltiplas comorbilidades. A maioria foi admitida diretamente, os restantes foram transferidos de outros hospitais. A doença-ulcerosa-péptica foi a causa mais frequente de HDANH, seguida pela etiologia neoplásica. Esofagogastroduodenoscopia foi realizada em menos de 12horas após admissão em 51.9%. Recidiva hemorrágica ocorreu em 6.9% e a taxa global de mortalidade foi 4.2%. Os doentes transferidos registaram um score Glasgow-Blatchford (GBS) superior, necessitaram mais frequentemente de transfusões, terapêutica endoscópica e cirúrgica, e apresentaram taxas superiores de recidiva hemorrágica, mas com mortalidade semelhante. O score Completo-Rockall (CRS) e o GBS foram preditores de terapêutica endoscópica. A necessidade de cirurgia esteve associada ao CRS. Os doentes com recidiva hemorrágica tiverem superiores score Rockall pre-endoscópico (RS), CRS e GBS. Mortalidade superior esteve associada a RS e CRS mais elevados. Discussão/Conclusão: O envelhecimento e o aumento das comorbilidades não se associaram a piores outcomes na HDANH. Estes achados parecem ser consequência do uso adequado de ferramentas diagnósticas e terapêuticas num sistema de saúde organizado e amplamente acessível.

Acute variceal bleeding and out-of-hours endoscopy: Evaluation of an emergency care setting according to Baveno VI guidelines adherence.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which patients with acute variceal bleeding (AVB) receive recommended care is largely unknown. AIM: to evaluate the adherence of the 4 major Baveno VI recommendations [vasoactive agents, prophylactic antibiotic, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 12 hours, endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL)] as a marker of quality of an emergency model. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of AVB admissions to a tertiary centre in which endoscopy was available 24hours-a-day, with a regional out-of-hours service at night (the furthest hospital is 200Km away). Patients were divided in directly admitted or transferred from other centres. RESULTS: 210 AVB patients were included; 101 (48.1%) were directly admitted. The majority of patients were submitted to vasoactive agents (85.7%) and prophylactic antibiotics (79%) before EGD. In 178 patients (84.8%) endoscopy was performed within 12h and EVL was the procedure of choice in 116 (74.8%) (only oesophageal varices). No significant differences were observed between directly admitted and transferred patients in adherence rates. Overall rebleeding rate was 8.6%, in-hospital mortality 11.4% and 6-week mortality 20%. CONCLUSION: Adherence to quality metrics was high which might have played a vital role for reported outcomes. These results suggest that this model of care, provides accessibility and equity in access to urgent endoscopy.

Impact of Liver Test Abnormalities and Chronic Liver Disease on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the liver and the possibility of chronic liver disease (CLD) as a risk factor for COVID-19 severity is not fully understood. Our goal was to describe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 inpatients regarding the presence of abnormal liver tests and CLD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalized in a tertiary center in Portugal, was performed. Studied outcomes were disease and hospitalization length, COVID-19 severity, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality, analyzed by the presence of abnormal liver tests and CLD. RESULTS: We included 317 inpatients with a mean age of 70.4 years, 50.5% males. COVID-19 severity was moderate to severe in 57.4% and critical in 12.9%. The mean disease length was 37.8 days, the median hospitalization duration 10.0 days and overall mortality 22.8%. At admission, 50.3% showed abnormal liver tests, and 41.5% showed elevated aminotransferase levels, from which 75.4% were mild. Elevated aminotransferase levels at admission were associated with COVID-19 severity (78.7 vs. 63.3%, p = 0.01), ICU admission (13.1 vs. 5.92%, p = 0.034) and increased mortality (25.8 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.007). However, in a subgroup analysis, only aspartate transaminase (AST) was associated with these worse outcomes. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 11.4% of the patients and was associated with critical COVID-19 (21.1 vs. 9.92%, p = 0.044) and mortality (20.4 vs. 9.52%, p = 0.025), while 24.6% of the patients showed elevated γ-glutamyl transferase, which was associated with ICU admission (42.3 vs. 22.8%, p = 0.028). Fourteen patients had baseline CLD (4.42%), 3 with liver cirrhosis. Alcohol (n = 6) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 6) were the most frequent etiologies. CLD patients had critical COVID-19 in 21.4% (p = 0.237), mean disease length of 36.6 days (p = 0.291), median hospitalization duration of 11.5 days (p = 0.447) and a mortality rate of 28.6% (p = 0.595), which increased to 66.7% among cirrhotic patients (p = 0.176). CONCLUSIONS: Liver test abnormalities in COVID-19 patients were frequent but most commonly mild. AST, but not alanine transaminase, was associated with worse clinical outcomes, such as COVID-19 severity and mortality, probably indicating these outcomes were independent of liver injury. A low prevalence of CLD was seen, and a clear impact on COVID-19 outcomes was not seen.

Long-Term Follow-Up of a Portuguese Single-Centre Cohort of Persons with Haemophilia and Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Persons with haemophilia (PWH) used to represent a population with a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection due to the use of contaminated blood products. Although the goals of antiviral therapy are the same as the general population, long real-life follow-up data regarding their outcomes are still scarce. Our aim was to report the outcomes of HCV infection and the results of antiviral therapy in PWH. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in a single-centre cohort of PWH with positive HCV antibody. Outcomes registered were rate of spontaneous clearance of HCV, sustained virologic response (SVR) achievement, development of end-stage liver disease, and all-cause and liver-related mortality. RESULTS: Out of 131 PWH, 73 (55.7%) had positive HCV antibody. During a median follow-up time of 22 years, 46 patients (63.9%) developed chronic hepatitis C, of which 16 (34.8%) developed cirrhosis. Treatment was pursued in 34 PWH. Most (n = 32) were first treated with interferon (IFN)-based regimens with SVR rates of 40.6%. Direct-acting antivirals were used in 14 IFN-experienced and 2 naïve patients, with an overall SVR rate of 100%. Overall, 17 patients (23.3%) died during the follow-up, only 4 related to liver disease. Of these, none had achieved SVR. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the outcomes of a cohort of Portuguese PWH and hepatitis C exposure after two decades of follow-up, with a lower mortality than previously described. Our response rates to HCV treatment were comparable to those in the general population and stress the importance of early treatment.

INTRODUÇÃO: A população de doentes com hemofilia (DCH) representa uma população com alta prevalência de infeção pelo virus da hepatite C (VHC), atendendo à utilização passada de derivados sanguíneos contaminados. Apesar de os objetivos terapêuticos nesta população serem semelhantes aos da população geral, estudos de vida real com follow-up de longa data são ainda escassos. O nosso objetivo consistiu em avaliar os outcomes infeção VHC, bem como, os resultados da terapéutica antivírica nos DCH. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliada retrospetivamente uma coorte unicêntrica de DCH com positividade para anti-VHC. Os outcomes registados foram a ocorrência de clearance espontêneo, resposta virológica sustentada (RVS), desenvolvimento de doença hepática terminal e mortalidade. RESULTADOS: De 131 DCH, 73 (55.7%) apresentavam positividade para o anticorpo VHC. Durante um follow-up médio de 22 anos, 46 doentes (63.9%) desenvolveram hepatite crónica C, 16 (34.8%) dos quais com desenvolvimento de cirrose. Trinta e quatro DCH foram tratados, a maioria (n = 32) exposta previamente a regimes baseados no interferão (IFN) com RVS de 40.6%. Antivíricos de ação direta foram utilizados em 14 doentes experimentados a IFN e 2 naïves com uma taxa de RVS geral de 100%. Morte foi observada em 17 doentes (23.3%), apenas 4 relacionadas à doença hepática. Destes nenhum tinha atingido RVS. CONCLUSÕES: Descrevemos os outcomes de uma coorte portuguesa de DCH e VHC após duas décadas de follow-up, mostrando uma mortalidade inferior à previamente descrita. As taxas de RVS mostradas foram comparáveis com as da população geral salientando a importancia do tratamento precoce.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: News from an Old Disorder.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which can affect all members of a society, regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status. Because of its high prevalence and chronic nature, it represents a significant economic burden. In fact, these patients have a relevant impairment of their quality of life, which limits their work productivity and daily social activities, especially when it is associated with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The diagnosis of IBS relies on symptom-based diagnostic criteria with normal results on a limited number of complementary tests that rule out other possible diagnoses. The aetiology of this condition is incompletely established. However, evidence suggests that it is a multifactorial disorder with several different mechanisms that have been implicated as responsible for the symptoms. Since the treatment strategy is usually based on predominant symptoms and their severity, it is important to recognise the underlying mechanisms in order to successfully relief the visceral pain and altered bowel habits. The aim of this non-systematic review of the literature was to explore the pathophysiology and treatment options of IBS, highlighting the most recent evidence, from the new Rome IV criteria to the new drug armamentarium.

A síndrome do intestino irritável é um distúrbio gastrointestinal funcional, que pode afetar todos os membros da sociedade, independentemente da idade, sexo, raça ou estrato socioeconómico. Devido à sua elevada prevalência e natureza crónica, representa um encargo económico significativo. De facto, estes doentes apresentam uma alteração relevante da sua qualidade de vida, o que limita a sua produtividade laboral e atividades de vida diárias, sobretudo quando está associada a outros distúrbios, tais como ansiedade e depressão. O diagnóstico da síndrome do intestino irritável depende de critérios diagnósticos baseados em sintomas, com resultados normais num número limitado de testes complementares que exluem outros diagnósticos possíveis. A etiologia desta doença não está completamente estabelecida. No entanto, a evidência sugere que se trata de um distúrbio multifatorial com vários mecanismos diferentes que têm sido implicados como responsáveis pelos sintomas. Visto que a estratégia terapêutica é geralmente baseada nos sintomas predominantes e sua gravidade, é importante reconhecer os mecanismos subjacentes para aliviar com sucesso a dor visceral e a alteração dos hábitos intestinais. O objetivo desta revisão literária não sistemática consistiu em explorar a fisiopatologia e opções terapêuticas disponíveis para a síndrome do intestino irritável, realçando a evidência mais recente, desde os novos critérios Roma IV até ao novo arsenal farmacológico.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Advanced Liver Disease after Sustained Virological Response to Treatment of Hepatitis C with Direct-Acting Antivirals: Outcomes from a Real-World Portuguese Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized hepatitis C treatment, with high sustained virological response (SVR) rates reported, even in historically difficult-to-treat groups. SVR is associated with a decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), need for transplantation, and overall and liver-related mortality. Data from real-life cohorts on the medium- to long-term outcomes of patients with advanced liver disease and DAA-induced SVR are still missing. OBJECTIVES: To report and analyze the long-term outcomes of DAA-induced SVR in a real-life cohort of patients with advanced liver disease. METHOD: In this retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study, we collected data from patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and advanced liver disease (cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis) that had initiated DAA treatment between February 2015 and January 2017. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included. A treatment completion rate of 98.7% and an SVR rate of 97.8% (intention to treat: 96.6%) were found. Of the 229 patients with SVR, 67.2% were cirrhotic (64.2% Child-Pugh class A; 3.1% Child-Pugh class B) and 32.8% had stage F3 fibrosis, with an average follow-up of 28 months. The overall mortality rate was 19/1,000 person-years and the liver-related mortality rate was 9.5/1,000 person-years. The hepatic decompensation incidence rate was 25/1,000 person-years and the HCC incidence rate was 11.6/1,000 person-years. There was a sustained increase in serum platelet values during up to 2 years of follow-up. A history of pretreatment decompensation and baseline platelet and albumin values were significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse liver events after the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A DAA-induced SVR remains durable and is associated with an excellent clinical prognosis in patients with compensated advanced liver disease and with improvement or disease stabilization in decompensated patients. SVR is associated with a low risk of - yet does not prevent - HCC occurrence or disease progression, especially in the presence of other causes of liver injury. It is recommended that these patients be kept under surveillance.

Resumo. INTRODUÇÃO: Os antivíricos de ação direta (AAD) revolucionaram o tratamento da hepatite C ao atingirem elevadas taxas de resposta virológica sustentada (RVS), mesmo em grupos historicamente difíceis de tratar. A RVS associa-se a uma diminuição do risco de carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC), necessidade de transplantação e mortalidade, global e de causa hepática. São ainda insuficientes de coortes reais na literatura dados que permitam avaliar a extensão dos benefícios clínicos a médio-longo prazo do atingimento de uma RVS com os AAD. OBJETIVOS: Reportar e analisar o impacto a longo prazo da RVS numa coorte real de doentes com doença hepática avançada, tratados com AAD. MÉTODOS: Estudo unicêntrico, retrospetivo, longitudinal com inclusão de doentes com hepatite C crónica com cirrose ou fibrose avançada, que iniciaram tratamento com AAD de fevereiro de 2015 a janeiro de 2017. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 237 doentes. Verificou-se uma taxa de retenção no tratamento de 98.7% com uma taxa de RVS de 97.8% (intention to treat: 96.6%). Dos 229 doentes curados, 67.2% eram cirróticos (64.2%Child-Pugh A, 3.1 % Child-Pugh B) e 32.8% F3, com um seguimento médio de 28 meses. A taxa de mortalidade global foi de 19/1,000 pessoas-ano e de mortalidade associada à doença hepática de 9.5/1,000 pessoas-ano. A incidência de eventos de descompensação hepática foi de 25/1,000 pessoas-ano e a de CHC foi de 11.6/1,000 pessoas-ano. Verificou-se um aumento sustentado dos valores séricos de plaquetas até 2 anos de seguimento. A história de eventos de descompensação hepática, concentração de plaquetas e albumina prétratamento encontrou-se significativamente associada a eventos adversos hepáticos durante o seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A cura virológica após tratamento com AAD é sustentada no tempo, encontrando-se associada a um excelente prognóstico clínico em doentes com doença hepática avançada compensada, e a uma melhoria ou estabilização da doença em doentes descompensados. O atingimento de RVS associa-se a um baixo risco de CHC, não o eliminando, e de progressão da doença, sobretodo perante a presença de outros cofatores de agressão hepática, recomendando-se a manutenção do seguimento destes doentes.

Prevalence, risk factors and global impact of musculoskeletal injuries among endoscopists: a nationwide European study.

Background and study aims Previous studies have suggested a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (MI) in endoscopists. Little evidence has come from European countries. Our main aim was to evaluate the prevalence, type, and impact of MI among Portuguese endoscopists. We also sought to identify risk factors for the development, severity and number of endoscopy-related MI. Material and methods A 48-question electronic survey was developed by a multidisciplinary group. The electronic survey was sent to all members of Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology (n = 705) during May 2019. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at SPG - CEREGA. Results The survey was completed by 171 endoscopists (response rate of 24.3 %), 55.0 % female with a median age of 36 years (range 26-78). The prevalence of at least one MI related to endoscopy was 69.6 % (n = 119), the most frequent being neck pain (30.4 %) and thumb pain (29.2 %). The median time for MI development was 6 years (range 2 months-30 years). Severe pain was reported by 19.3 %. Change in endoscopic technique was undertaken by 61.3 % and reduction in endoscopic caseload was undertaken by 22.7 %. Missing work was reported by 10.1 %, with the median time off from work being 30 days (range 1-90). Female gender and ≥ 15 years in practice were independently associated with MI and severe pain. Years in practice, weekly-time performing endoscopy, and gender were significant predictors of the number of MI. Conclusions Prevalence of MI was significant among Portuguese endoscopists and had a relevant impact on regular and professional activities.

Treating Untreatable Rectal Varices.

BACKGROUND: Rectal varices are portosystemic collaterals that arise as a complication of portal hypertension. Despite their significant prevalence among cirrhotic patients, clinically important bleeding occurs only in a minority. Various treatment options are available, with endoscopic therapies being widely used, and both interventional radiology and surgery being considered for refractory bleeding rectal varices. CASE: We report the case of a 61-year-old male with hepatic cirrhosis and bleedingrectal varices refractory to endoscopic therapy, successfully managed with a combination of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and selective variceal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological techniques are effective options for refractory bleeding. Adding embolization to TIPS implantation could represent a valid adjunctive measure for haemostasis of recurrent rectal variceal bleeding.

Management of epithelial precancerous conditions and lesions in the stomach (MAPS II): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG), European Society of Pathology (ESP), and Sociedade Portuguesa de Endoscopia Digestiva (SPED) guideline update 2019.

Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia (IM) are at risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. This underscores the importance of diagnosis and risk stratification for these patients. High definition endoscopy with chromoendoscopy (CE) is better than high definition white-light endoscopy alone for this purpose. Virtual CE can guide biopsies for staging atrophic and metaplastic changes and can target neoplastic lesions. Biopsies should be taken from at least two topographic sites (antrum and corpus) and labelled in two separate vials. For patients with mild to moderate atrophy restricted to the antrum there is no evidence to recommend surveillance. In patients with IM at a single location but with a family history of gastric cancer, incomplete IM, or persistent Helicobacter pylori gastritis, endoscopic surveillance with CE and guided biopsies may be considered in 3 years. Patients with advanced stages of atrophic gastritis should be followed up with a high quality endoscopy every 3 years. In patients with dysplasia, in the absence of an endoscopically defined lesion, immediate high quality endoscopic reassessment with CE is recommended. Patients with an endoscopically visible lesion harboring low or high grade dysplasia or carcinoma should undergo staging and treatment. H. pylori eradication heals nonatrophic chronic gastritis, may lead to regression of atrophic gastritis, and reduces the risk of gastric cancer in patients with these conditions, and it is recommended. H. pylori eradication is also recommended for patients with neoplasia after endoscopic therapy. In intermediate to high risk regions, identification and surveillance of patients with precancerous gastric conditions is cost-effective.