Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Our aim was to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included individuals diagnosed with CRC between March 13, 2019 and June 20, 2021 across 21 Spanish hospitals. Two time periods were compared: prepandemic (from March 13, 2019 to March 13, 2020) and pandemic (from March 14, 2020 to June 20, 2021, lockdown period and 1 year after lockdown). RESULTS: We observed a 46.9% decrease in the number of CRC diagnoses (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1%-48.7%) during the lockdown and 29.7% decrease (95% CI: 28.1%-31.4%) in the year after the lockdown. The proportion of patients diagnosed at stage I significantly decreased during the pandemic (21.7% vs. 19.0%; p = 0.025). Centers that applied universal preprocedure SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing experienced a higher reduction in the number of colonoscopies performed during the pandemic post-lockdown (34.0% reduction; 95% CI: 33.6%-34.4% vs. 13.7; 95% CI: 13.4%-13.9%) and in the number of CRCs diagnosed (34.1% reduction; 95% CI: 31.4%-36.8% vs. 26.7%; 95% CI: 24.6%-28.8%). Curative treatment was received by 87.5% of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer prepandemic and 80.7% of patients during the pandemic post-lockdown period (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the number of diagnosed CRC cases and in the proportion of stage I CRC. The reduction in the number of colonoscopies and CRC diagnoses was higher in centers that applied universal SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening before colonoscopy. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected curative treatment of rectal cancers.

Pharmacokinetics and Changes in Lipid Mediator Profiling after Consumption of Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid-Mediator-Enriched Marine Oil in Healthy Subjects.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a vital role in human health, well-being, and the management of inflammatory diseases. Insufficient intake of omega-3 is linked to disease development. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are derived from omega-3 PUFAs and expedite the resolution of inflammation. They fall into categories known as resolvins, maresins, protectins, and lipoxins. The actions of SPMs in the resolution of inflammation involve restricting neutrophil infiltration, facilitating the removal of apoptotic cells and cellular debris, promoting efferocytosis and phagocytosis, counteracting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules like chemokines and cytokines, and encouraging a pro-resolving macrophage phenotype. This is an experimental pilot study in which ten healthy subjects were enrolled and received a single dose of 6 g of an oral SPM-enriched marine oil emulsion. Peripheral blood was collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h post-administration. Temporal increases in plasma and serum SPM levels were found by using LC-MS/MS lipid profiling. Additionally, we characterized the temporal increases in omega-3 levels and established fundamental pharmacokinetics in both aforementioned matrices. These findings provide substantial evidence of the time-dependent elevation of SPMs, reinforcing the notion that oral supplementation with SPM-enriched products represents a valuable source of essential bioactive SPMs.

Evaluation and Management of Nutritional Consequences of Chronic Liver Diseases.

Liver diseases are the major predisposing conditions for the development of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty. Recently, the mechanism of the onset of these complications has been better established. Regardless of the etiology of the underlying liver disease, the clinical manifestations are common. The main consequences are impaired dietary intake, altered macro- and micronutrient metabolism, energy metabolism disturbances, an increase in energy expenditure, nutrient malabsorption, sarcopenia, frailty, and osteopathy. These complications have direct effects on clinical outcomes, survival, and quality of life. The nutritional status should be assessed systematically and periodically during follow-up in these patients. Maintaining and preserving an adequate nutritional status is crucial and should be a mainstay of treatment. Although general nutritional interventions have been established, special considerations are needed in specific settings such as decompensated cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, and metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. In this review, we summarize the physiopathology and factors that impact the nutritional status of liver disease. We review how to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia and how to prevent and manage these complications in this setting.

Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy Changes Serum Composition as Detected by Thermal Liquid Biopsy and Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

(1) Background: About 50% of prescribed colonoscopies report no pathological findings. A secondary screening test after fecal immunochemical test positivity (FIT+) would be required. Considering thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) as a potential secondary test, the aim of this work was to study possible interferences of colonoscopy bowel preparation on TLB outcome on a retrospective study; (2) Methods: Three groups were studied: 1/514 FIT(+) patients enrolled in a colorectal screening program (CN and CP with normal and pathological colonoscopy, respectively), with blood samples obtained just before colonoscopy and after bowel preparation; 2/55 patients from the CN group with blood sample redrawn after only standard 8-10 h fasting and no bowel preparation (CNR); and 3/55 blood donors from the biobank considered as a healthy control group; (3) Results: The results showed that from the 514 patients undergoing colonoscopy, 247 had CN and 267 had CP. TLB parameters in these two groups were similar but different from those of the blood donors. The resampled patients (with normal colonoscopy and no bowel preparation) had similar TLB parameters to those of the blood donors. TLB parameters together with fluorescence spectra and other serum indicators (albumin and C-reactive protein) confirmed the statistically significant differences between normal colonoscopy patients with and without bowel preparation; (4) Conclusions: Bowel preparation seemed to alter serum protein levels and altered TLB parameters (different from a healthy subject). The diagnostic capability of other liquid-biopsy-based methods might also be compromised. Blood extraction after bowel preparation for colonoscopy should be avoided.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in colorectal cancer diagnosis and presentation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a decrease in the colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, due to the disruption of screening programmes and a downscaling of endoscopic activity. The endpoint of this study is to evaluate if the pandemic has led to a change in CRC diagnostic rate and presentation in our population. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of all public hospitals of the Aragon region, attending a population of 1,329,391 inhabitants. We have analyzed all CRC cases detected and endoscopic units workload the year before the pandemic onset (1 March 2019-14 March 2020) and the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (15 March 2020-28 February 2021). RESULTS: The diagnosis of CRC cases dropped a 38.9% (888 pre-pandemic vs 542 pandemic cases). Also, there were 30.3% less colonoscopies performed (24,860 vs 17,337). During the pandemic, CRC cases were diagnosed in older patients (72.4±12.2 vs 71.2±12.1 years, p=0.021), and had more frequently severe complications at diagnosis (14.6% vs 10.4%, p=0.019). Moreover, most CRC cases were diagnosed in symptomatic patients (81.4%). No significant difference was found in CRC stage at diagnosis, although stage IV was more frequent (20.1% vs 16.1%). Most hospitals reported a lower workload of endoscopic activity. CONCLUSION: CRC diagnostic rate was lower after the onset of the pandemic. CRC was diagnosed in older patients and was more frequently associated with complications. After the onset of the pandemic, the endoscopic units did not reach the workload performed previously.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and complications in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, an international multicentre prospective cohort study (TIVURON project).

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies suggest that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) commonly involves gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and complications. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate GI manifestations in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This international multicentre prospective cohort study recruited COVID-19 patients hospitalized at 31 centres in Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Poland, between May and September 2020. Patients were followed-up until 15 days post-discharge and completed comprehensive questionnaires assessing GI symptoms and complications. A descriptive analysis as well as a bivariate and multivariate analysis were performer using binary logistic regression. p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty-nine patients were enrolled; 129 (15.6%) had severe COVID-19, 113 (13.7%) required ICU admission, and 43 (5.2%) died. Upon admission, the most prevalent GI symptoms were anorexia (n=413; 49.8%), diarrhoea (n=327; 39.4%), nausea/vomiting (n=227; 27.4%), and abdominal pain (n=172; 20.7%), which were mild/moderate throughout the disease and resolved during follow-up. One-third of patients exhibited liver injury. Non-severe COVID-19 was associated with ≥2 GI symptoms upon admission (OR 0.679; 95% CI 0.464-0.995; p=0.046) or diarrhoea during hospitalization (OR 0.531; 95% CI 0.328-0.860; p=0.009). Multivariate analysis revealed that worse hospital outcomes were not independently associated with liver injury or GI symptoms. CONCLUSION: GI symptoms were more common than previously documented, and were mild, rapidly resolved, and not independently associated with COVID-19 severity. Liver injury was a frequent complication in hospitalized patients not independently associated with COVID-19 severity.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer patients.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, causing downscaling of almost all other activities, especially in its early stages. Currently, the availability of vaccines along with the spread of new viral variants has modified the epidemiology of the disease, and the previous activity is being gradually resumed in most healthcare facilities. In this review, we have summarized the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Population-based screening with either colonoscopy or fecal occult blood tests has proven to reduce CRC incidence and mortality, so screening programs have been implemented in most western countries. However, during the first COVID-19 wave, most of these programs had to be disrupted temporarily. In this review, we have thoroughly analyzed the consequences of these disruptions of screening programs as well as of the forced delays in diagnostic and therapeutic services on CRC prognosis, although its exact impact cannot be exactly measured yet. In any way, strategies to minimize its effect, such as catch-up strategies expanding the colonoscopy capacity or using fecal occult blood concentration and other risk factors to prioritize patients, are urgently needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a change in CRC patient presentation, with an overall temporary decreased incidence due to postponed diagnoses, but with more patients presenting in need of an emergency admission or with symptoms. Finally, changes in treatment approaches in CRC patients have been reported during the pandemic, namely a drop in the proportion of laparoscopic surgeries or a rise in short-term radiotherapy courses. We have therefore aimed to summarize the available evidence to guide the healthcare professionals treating CRC patients to choose the best treatment options in the current pandemic situation.

Esófago de Barrett, hacia la mejora de la práctica clínica / Barrett's esophagus, towards improved clinical practice

La principal relevancia clínica del esófago de Barrett (EB), resultado de la exposición crónica al reflujo gastroesofágico, es su potencial progresión a adenocarcinoma esofágico (ACE). Aunque no se recomienda el cribado de EB en la población general, tras su diagnóstico es beneficiosa una estrategia de seguimiento para la detección precoz de displasia o neoplasia. El patrón oro para el diagnóstico y seguimiento es la endoscopia oral de alta definición con toma de biopsias aleatorias. Además, toda lesión visible debe resecarse de forma completa preferentemente mediante resección endoscópica mucosa, que se considerará curativa en presencia de displasia de bajo grado (DBG), displasia de alto grado (DAG) o ACE confinado a la mucosa (T1a), tras lo cual se debe erradicar el EB residual mediante ablación endoscópica. En ausencia de lesión visible, la ablación por radiofrecuencia es el tratamiento de elección para erradicar el EB con DBG, DAG o ACE intramucoso. (AU)

The main clinical relevance of Barrett's esophagus (BE), a result of chronic exposure to gastroesophageal reflux, is its potential progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Although screening for BE is not recommended in the general population, after diagnosis of BE, a surveillance strategy for early detection of dysplasia or neoplasia is needed. The gold standard for diagnosis and surveillance is high-definition oral endoscopy with random biopsies. In addition, any visible lesion should be completely resected, which will be considered curative in the presence of low grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or EAC confined to the mucosa (T1a), followed by eradication of residual BE by endoscopic ablation. In the absence of a visible lesion, radiofrequency ablation should be performed to eradicate BE with LGD, HGD or intramucosal EAC. (AU)

Barrett's esophagus, towards improved clinical practice. / Esófago de Barrett, hacia la mejora de la práctica clínica.

The main clinical relevance of Barrett's esophagus (BE), a result of chronic exposure to gastroesophageal reflux, is its potential progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Although screening for BE is not recommended in the general population, after diagnosis of BE, a surveillance strategy for early detection of dysplasia or neoplasia is needed. The gold standard for diagnosis and surveillance is high-definition oral endoscopy with random biopsies. In addition, any visible lesion should be completely resected, which will be considered curative in the presence of low grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or EAC confined to the mucosa (T1a), followed by eradication of residual BE by endoscopic ablation. In the absence of a visible lesion, radiofrequency ablation should be performed to eradicate BE with LGD, HGD or intramucosal EAC.

Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events associated with NSAIDs.

INTRODUCTION: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most prescribed pharmacological groups, especially in elderly patients. AREAS COVERED: The main GI and CV adverse events associated with NSAID use are reviewed. Risk factors and prophylactic strategies are also covered. EXPERT OPINION: COX-2 selective agents are safer to the GI tract but have a worst CV profile. On the contrary, naproxen seems safer for CV system, but it is one of the NSAIDs with higher GI toxicity. Co-therapy with aspirin reduces the GI benefits of COX-2 selective agents, whereas ibuprofen and naproxen may neglect the antiplatelet effect of aspirin. NSAIDs increase the risk of both upper and lower GI complications. Co-therapy with PPI reduces the risk of upper but not lower GI complications, and seems to induce dysbiosis in the small bowel, which may be implicated in the damage induced by NSAIDs. Celecoxib, a COX-2 selective agent, seems safer for both the upper and the lower GI tract. Prescription of type and dose of NSAIDs must be individualized based on the stratification of the CV and GI risk of patients.

Tratamiento endoscópico de las estenosis malignas de la vía biliar. Puesta al día y puntos más relevantes para la práctica clínica habitual / Endoscopic management of malignant biliary stenosis. Update and highlights for standard clinical practice

En la presente revisión se describen las diferentes indicaciones para la colocación de prótesis biliares en pacientes con neoplasias malignas de la vía biliar. Se profundiza en los accesos a la vía biliar y en la efectividad de los mismos, así como en el uso de las diferentes prótesis en función del tipo de lesión y de la expectativa de sobrevida del paciente. En las lesiones de hilio hepático, algo más complejas, se valoran la utilidad y necesidad de un drenaje uni- o bilateral y el método más apropiado. En conjunto, se trata de una revisión actual de la literatura que puede ayudar al clínico a la toma de decisiones en su práctica diaria y a mejorar y optimizar los resultados en los pacientes (AU)

The present review describes the various indications of biliary stent placement in patients with biliary malignancies. It deals in depth with biliary accesses and their effectiveness, as well as with the use of different stents according to lesion type and expected patient survival. For liver hilum lesions, which are somewhat more complex, the usefulness of and need for unilateral or bilateral drainage is assessed, as it is the most appropriate method. All in all, this is an up-to-date literature review that may help clinicians in their daily decision-making, as well as to improve and optimize patient outcomes (AU)

Esophageal cancer: Risk factors, screening and endoscopic treatment in Western and Eastern countries.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most unknown and deadliest cancers worldwide, mainly because of its extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate. Esophageal cancer is the 6(th) leading cause of death from cancer and the 8(th) most common cancer in the world. The 5-year survival is around 15%-25%. There are clear differences between the risk factors of both histological types that affect their incidence and distribution worldwide. There are areas of high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (some areas in China) that meet the requirements for cost-effectiveness of endoscopy for early diagnosis in the general population of those areas. In Europe and United States the predominant histologic subtype is adenocarcinoma. The role of early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus remains controversial. The differences in the therapeutic management of early esophageal carcinoma (high-grade dysplasia, T1a, T1b, N0) between different parts of the world may be explained by the number of cancers diagnosed at an early stage. In areas where the incidence is high (China and Japan among others) early diagnoses is more frequent and has led to the development of endoscopic techniques for definitive treatment that achieve very effective results with a minimum number of complications and preserving the functionality of the esophagus.