Feasibility and Safety of Through-the-scope versus Over-the-wire Stents for the Palliation of Malignant Dysphagia. A Cohort Real- Life Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In the presence of malignant dysphagia in non-surgical candidates, a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) represents a safe and effective approach. Recently, a through-the-scope (TTS) SEMS was launched. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the TTS versus over-the-wire (OTW) SEMS in patients with malignant dysphagia. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with malignant dysphagia undergoing esophageal TTS and OTW-SEMS from 2012 to May-2022. The primary outcomes were the technical and the clinical success of the SEMS placement. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, patency, and survival. Patients were prospectively followed until death or loss of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were enrolled, including 34 patients in the TTS group and 64 patients in the OTW group. TTS and OTW SEMS placement were feasible in 33 (97.1%) and 64 (100%) procedures , respectively (p=0.118). Overall, 32 patients (94.1%) in the TTS group and 62 patients (96.9%) in the OTW group showed an improvement in Ogilvie score (p=0.432). Recurrent dysphagia occurred in 30 patients, 12 in TTS group and 18 in OTW group, due to migration (4 vs. 5), stent deformation (1 vs. 1), tissue ingrowth (5 vs. 5) and overgrowth (2 vs. 7). No patient died from a stent-related cause. Median survival was 123 days (IQR: 59-209) in TTS group and 113 days (IQR: 73-271) in OTW group (p=0.349). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of esophageal TTS and OTW stents resulted in similar technical and clinical outcomes, stent patency and survival in patients with malignant dysphagia.

Low applicability of the ‘‘six-and-twelve score” in hepatocellular carcinomatreated with drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization

Objective: the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dependson the selection of suitable patients. The ‘‘six-and-twelve score” distinguishes three groups of ideal patients with different overall survival, based on the sum of the number and size of tumors. This may impact on clinical practice and trial design. The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility and prognostic value of the model in western patients treated with drug-eluting beads (DEB)-TACE.Methods: an observational, retrospective, unicentric study with consecutive compensated patients treated with DEBTACE from October 2008 to October 2017. Exclusion criteria were Child-Pugh ≥ 8 and DEB-TACE used as a bridge to liver transplantation.Results: a total of 225 consecutive HCC patients were included; BCLC-0/A, n = 131 (single nodules > 5, n = 29) andBCLC-B, n = 94. Median overall survival (OS) was 27 months (95 % CI, 23.8-30.2). OS was different between BCLC-0/A and BCLC-B: 30 vs. 24 months (p = 0.03), Child-Pugh A5 vs. A6-B7: 30 vs. 27 months (p = 0.003). ‘‘Six-and-twelve score” groups discriminated OS: group 1, n = 123, 32 months (95 % CI, 27.5-63.5); group 2, n = 101, 24 months (95% CI, 19.6-28.4); and group 3, n = 1, 27 months (p = 0.024). When comparing the three scores, the ‘‘six-and-twelve score” showed the best discrimination power: C-index, 0.603; Akaike’s informationcriterion (AIC), 1.642; likelihood ratio test (LRT), 16.21.Conclusion: The ‘‘six-and-twelve score” is a prognostic tool for patients with HCC treated with DEB-TACE. However, few patients were included in the third group (score > 12) and no differences were observed with BCLC, therefore applicability is limited. (AU)

Low applicability of the ''Six-and-twelve score" in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on the selection of suitable patients. The ''Six-and-twelve score" distinguishes three groups of ideal patients with different overall survival, based on the sum of the number and size of tumors. This may impact on clinical practice and trial design. The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility and prognostic value of the model in western patients treated with Drug-Eluting Beads (DEB)-TACE. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, unicentric study with consecutive compensated patients treated with DEB-TACE from October 2008 to October 2017. Exclusion criteria were Child-Pugh ≥ 8 and DEB-TACE used as a bridge to liver transplantation. RESULTS: 225 HCC consecutive patients were included; BCLC-0/A n=131 (single nodules > 5, n=29) and BCLC-B n=94. The median overall survival (OS) was 27 months (95% CI 23.8-30.2). OS was different between BCLC-0/A vs BCLC-B: 30 vs 24 months (p= 0.03), Child-Pugh A5 vs A6-B7: 30 vs 27 months (p= 0.003). ''Six-and-twelve score" groups discriminated OS: group 1, n=123, 32 months (95% CI 27.5-63.5), group 2, n=101, 24 months (95% CI 19.6-28.4) and group 3, n=1, 27 months (p=0.024). When comparing the three scores, the ''Six-and-twelve score" showed the best discrimination power: C-index 0.603, Akaike's information criterion (AIC) 1.642, likelihood ratio test (LRT) 16.21. CONCLUSION: The ''Six-and-twelve score" is a prognostic tool for patients with HCC treated with DEB-TACE. However, few patients were included in the third group (score >12) and no differences were observed with BCLC, therefore its applicability is limited. .

The development of early ascites is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-eluting embolic chemoembolization.

BACKGROUND: A single-centre cohort study was performed to identify the independent factors associated with the overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE). METHODS: A total of 216 HCC patients who underwent DEB-TACE from October 2008 to October 2015 at a tertiary hospital were consecutively recruited. The analysis of prognostic factors associated with overall survival after DEB-TACE, stressing the role of post-TACE events, was performed. RESULTS: The objective response (OR) rate (Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria) to the first DEB-TACE (DEB-TACE-1) was 70.3%; the median OS from DEB-TACE-1 was 27 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 24-30). In the multivariate analysis, tumor size, AFP < 100 ng/mL and serum alkaline phosphatase were independent factors for survival following DEB-TACE-1. The most important clinical event associated with poor survival was the development of early ascites after DEB-TACE-1 (median OS, 17 months), which was closely related to the history of ascites, albumin and hemoglobin but not to tumour load or to response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early ascites post-DEB-TACE is associated with the survival of patients despite adequate liver function and the use of a supra-selective technical approach. History of ascites, albumin and hemoglobin are major determinants of the development of early ascites post-DEB-TACE.

Using String Metrics to Improve the Design of Virtual Conversational Characters: Behavior Simulator Development Study.

BACKGROUND: An emergency waiting room is a place where conflicts often arise. Nervous relatives in a hostile, unknown environment force security and medical staff to be ready to deal with some awkward situations. Additionally, it has been said that the medical interview is the first diagnostic and therapeutic tool, involving both intellectual and emotional skills on the part of the doctor. At the same time, it seems that there is something mysterious about interviewing that cannot be formalized or taught. In this context, virtual conversational characters (VCCs) are progressively present in most e-learning environments. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we propose and develop a modular architecture for a VCC-based behavior simulator to be used as a tool for conflict avoidance training. Our behavior simulators are now being used in hospital environments, where training exercises must be easily designed and tested. METHODS: We define training exercises as labeled, directed graphs that help an instructor in the design of complex training situations. In order to increase the perception of talking to a real person, the simulator must deal with a huge number of sentences that a VCC must understand and react to. These sentences are grouped into sets identified with a common label. Labels are then used to trigger changes in the active node of the graph that encodes the current state of the training exercise. As a consequence, we need to be able to map every sentence said by the human user into the set it belongs to, in a fast and robust way. In this work, we discuss two different existing string metrics, and compare them to one that we use to assess a designed exercise. RESULTS: Based on the similarities found between different sets, the proposed metric provided valuable information about ill-defined exercises. We also described the environment in which our programs are being used and illustrated it with an example. CONCLUSIONS: Initially designed as a tool for training emergency room staff, our software could be of use in many other areas within the same environment. We are currently exploring the possibility of using it in speech therapy situations.

The ART-SCORE is not an effective tool for optimizing patient selection for DEB-TACE retreatment. A multicentre Spanish study / El ART-SCORE no es una herramienta eficaz para optimizar la selección de pacientes para el tratamiento con DEB-TACE. Estudio multicéntrico español

Introduction: The appropriate selection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are eligible for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains a challenge. The ART score has recently been proposed as a method of identifying patients who are eligible or not for a second TACE procedure. Objective: To assess the validity of the Assessment for Retreatment with TACE (ART) score in a cohort of patients treated with drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE). Secondary objective: to identify clinical determinants associated with overall survival (OS). Method: A retrospective, multicentre study conducted in Spain in patients with HCC having undergone two or more DEB-TACE procedures between January 2009 and December 2014. The clinical characteristics and OS from the day before the second DEB-TACE of patients with a high ART score (ART≥2.5) and a low ART score (ART 0-1) were compared. Risk factors for mortality were identified using Cox's proportional hazards model. Results: Of the 102 patients included, 51 scored 0-1.5 and 51 scored ≥2.5. Hepatitis C was more frequent in patients scoring ≥2.5. Median OS from the day before the second DEB-TACE was 21 months (95% CI, 15-28) in the group scoring 0-1.5, and 17 months (95% CI, 10-25) in the group scoring ≥2.5 (P=0.3562). Platelet count and tumour size, but not the ART score, were independent baseline predictors of OS. Conclusions: The ART score is not suitable for guiding DEB-TACE retreatment according to Spanish clinical practice standards (AU)

Introducción: La selección de los candidatos ideales con carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) que más se benefician de realizar quimioembolización transarterial (TACE) sigue siendo un reto. Recientemente se ha propuesto el índice ART para seleccionar a aquellos pacientes tributarios o no de realizar un segundo procedimiento de TACE. Objetivo: Evaluar la validez del índice ART en una cohorte tratada con TACE con partículas cargadas (DEB-TACE). Objetivo secundario: identificar los factores clínicos asociados con la supervivencia global. Método: Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico español en pacientes con CHC tratados con≥2 DEB-TACE entre enero del 2009 y diciembre del 2014. Se compararon las características clínicas y la supervivencia global desde el día previo a la segunda DEB-TACE entre los pacientes con ART alto (ART≥2,5) y bajo (ART 0-1). Los factores de riesgo de mortalidad se identificaron usando el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: De los 102 pacientes incluidos, 51 obtuvieron puntuación de 0-1,5 y 51 ≥ 2,5. La hepatitis C fue más frecuente en pacientes con puntuación ≥ 2,5. La supervivencia global mediana desde el día previo a DEB-TACE-2 fue de 21 meses (IC del 95%, 15-28) y de 17 meses (IC del 95%, 10-25) en los pacientes con ART 0-1,5 y ≥ 2,5, respectivamente (p=0,3562). Los factores basales predictores independientes de supervivencia fueron el recuento de plaquetas y el tamaño del tumor, pero no el índice ART. Conclusiones: El índice ART no es adecuado para guiar el retratamiento con DEB-TACE según los estándares de práctica clínica español (AU)

The ART-SCORE is not an effective tool for optimizing patient selection for DEB-TACE retreatment. A multicentre Spanish study.

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate selection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are eligible for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains a challenge. The ART score has recently been proposed as a method of identifying patients who are eligible or not for a second TACE procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of the Assessment for Retreatment with TACE (ART) score in a cohort of patients treated with drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE). SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: to identify clinical determinants associated with overall survival (OS). METHOD: A retrospective, multicentre study conducted in Spain in patients with HCC having undergone two or more DEB-TACE procedures between January 2009 and December 2014. The clinical characteristics and OS from the day before the second DEB-TACE of patients with a high ART score (ART≥2.5) and a low ART score (ART 0-1) were compared. Risk factors for mortality were identified using Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients included, 51 scored 0-1.5 and 51 scored ≥2.5. Hepatitis C was more frequent in patients scoring ≥2.5. Median OS from the day before the second DEB-TACE was 21 months (95% CI, 15-28) in the group scoring 0-1.5, and 17 months (95% CI, 10-25) in the group scoring ≥2.5 (P=0.3562). Platelet count and tumour size, but not the ART score, were independent baseline predictors of OS. CONCLUSIONS: The ART score is not suitable for guiding DEB-TACE retreatment according to Spanish clinical practice standards.

Reingresos por pancreatitis aguda biliar edematosa en pacientes sin colecistectomía / Readmissions due to acute biliary edematous pancreatitis in patients without cholecystectomy

Objetivos: analizar los reingresos de pacientes con pancreatitis aguda biliar edematosa (PABE) sin colecistectomía a pesar de un episodio previo de pancreatitis aguda biliar leve o colecistitis litiásica. Calcular el coste sanitario asociado a la no realización de colecistectomía. Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo realizado en el Hospital de Cabueñes, entre julio y noviembre de 2014. Se incluyeron consecutivamente los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Digestivo con PABE que: a) habían presentado un episodio previo de pancreatitis aguda biliar leve o colecistitis al menos dos semanas antes del reingreso; y b) no se les había realizado colecistectomía pese a ausencia de contraindicaciones. Resultados: durante el periodo de estudio reingresaron 9 pacientes, 7 mujeres y 2 varones, con una edad media de 65,3 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 19,2). La mediana de días transcurridos desde el episodio previo de PABE o colecistitis hasta su reingreso fue de 114 días (recorrido intercuartílico [RIC] = 111,0). La estancia global mediana de los pacientes fue de 10 días (RIC = 2,0). Los pacientes realizaron una media de 2,8 (DE = 1,2) ecografías, 1,3 (DE = 0,9) TC abdómino-pélvicos, 0,8 (DE = 1,0) RM y 0,2 (DE = 0,4) CPRE. El coste medio de cada reingreso por paciente, incluyendo la estancia hospitalaria (143,0 €/día), en el servicio de Urgencias (332,31 €) y las pruebas realizadas, fue de 2.381,70 €/paciente. Conclusiones: la no realización de colecistectomía en las 2 semanas posteriores a un primer episodio de PABE leve o colecistitis contribuye a los reingresos por pancreatitis recurrentes con los consecuentes gastos evitables asociados

Aims: Analyzing the readmission of patients with acute biliary edematous pancreatitis (ABEP) without cholecystectomy despite a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or lithiasic cholecystitis. Calculating the health costs associated with the non-performance of cholecystectomy. Material and methods: Prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from July to November 2014. The study has consecutively included inpatients suffering from ABEP who: a) had suffered a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or cholecystitis at least 2 weeks before readmission; and b) had not undergone cholecystectomy despite the lack of contraindications. Results: During the research period, 9 patients (7 females and 2 males) with a mean age of 65.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.2) were readmitted. The median number of days between the previous episode of ABEP or cholecystitis and the readmission was 114 days (interquartile range [IQR] 111.0). Reported median overall length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR = 2.0). Patients underwent a mean of 2.8 (SD = 1.2) ultrasound scans, 1.3 (SD = 0.9) abdominal and pelvic CT, 0.8 (SD = 1.0) MRCP and 0.2 (SD = 0.4) ERCP. The mean cost per patient for each readmission, including hospital stay (143.0 €/day), Emergency Service (332.31 €) and tests performed was 2,381.70 €/patient. Conclusions: Not performing a cholecystectomy within two weeks after a first episode of mild ABEP or cholecystitis contributes to patient readmission due to recurrent pancreatitis, resulting in avoidable treatment costs

Readmissions due to acute biliary edematous pancreatitis in patients without cholecystectomy.

AIMS: Analyzing the readmission of patients with acute biliary edematous pancreatitis (ABEP) without cholecystectomy despite a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or lithiasic cholecystitis. Calculating the health costs associated with the non-performance of cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from July to November 2014. The study has consecutively included inpatients suffering from ABEP who: a) had suffered a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or cholecystitis at least 2 weeks before readmission; and b) had not undergone cholecystectomy despite the lack of contraindications. RESULTS: During the research period, 9 patients (7 females and 2 males) with a mean age of 65.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.2) were readmitted. The median number of days between the previous episode of ABEP or cholecystitis and the readmission was 114 days (interquartile range [IQR] 111.0). Reported median overall length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR = 2.0). Patients underwent a mean of 2.8 (SD = 1.2) ultrasound scans, 1.3 (SD = 0.9) abdominal and pelvic CT, 0.8 (SD = 1.0) MRCP and 0.2 (SD = 0.4) ERCP. The mean cost per patient for each readmission, including hospital stay (143.0 €/day), Emergency Service (332.31 €) and tests performed was 2,381.70 €/patient. CONCLUSIONS: Not performing a cholecystectomy within two weeks after a first episode of mild ABEP or cholecystitis contributes to patient readmission due to recurrent pancreatitis, resulting in avoidable treatment costs.

[Irritable Bowel Syndrome; gut microbiota and probiotic therapy]. / Síndrome de Intestino Irritable; papel de la microbiota y probiótico-terapia.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This common disorder is managed by varying clinical styles as no dominant therapeutic strategy has emerged. The pathophysiology of IBS remains unknown, but several lines of evidence link this disorder with the gut microbiota. Although controversy exists, gut microbiota is likely contributing to symptoms of IBS, at least in some patients, through an altered fermentation process, an impaired intestinal barrier function, a harmful modulation of enteric sensorimotor function, a promotion of low-grade inflammation without tissue damage, and a harmful modulation of the brain-gut axis. Probiotic therapy has a modest effect on IBS symptomatic relief, but the actual evidence is not strong enough to support a general recommendation of use. The best results are achieved, in children, with Lactobacillus rhamnusus GG, which moderately improves abdominal pain, while in adults the benefit appears to be greatest employing Bifidobacterium species.

El Síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) se define por síntomas de dolor abdominal, y alteración del hábito intestinal. Cuenta con diversos tratamientos disponibles, sin que hasta el momento haya destacado ninguna estrategia terapéutica en especial. La fisiopatología del SII permanece inexplicada, aunque diversas líneas de evidencia sugieren un papel de la microbiota intestinal. A pesar de que existe controversia, es probable que la microbiota contribuya a la generación de síntomas, al menos en algunos pacientes, a través de un proceso de fermentación alterado, de la modificación de la función de barrera intestinal, de la modulación inadecuada de la función sesorio-motora entérica y del eje cerebro-enteral. La probiótico-terapia produce un modesto alivio sintomático en SII, aunque la evidencia actual no es suficiente para la recomendación general de uso. Los mejores resultados se obtienen, en niños, con Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, que mejora discretamente el dolor abdominal, mientras que en adultos el beneficio parece mayor empleando especies de Bifidobacterium.

Síndrome de Intestino Irritable; papel de la microbiota y probiótico-terapia / Irritable bowel syndrome; gut microbiota and probiotic therapy

El Síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) se define por síntomas de dolor abdominal, y alteración del hábito intestinal. Cuenta con diversos tratamientos disponibles, sin que hasta el momento haya destacado ninguna estrategia terapéutica en especial. La fisiopatología del SII permanece inexplicada, aunque diversas líneas de evidencia sugieren un papel de la microbiota intestinal. A pesar de que existe controversia, es probable que la microbiota contribuya a la generación de síntomas, al menos en algunos pacientes, a través de un proceso de fermentación alterado, de la modificación de la función de barrera intestinal, de la modulación inadecuada de la función sesorio-motora entérica y del eje cerebro-enteral. La probiótico-terapia produce un modesto alivio sintomático en SII, aunque la evidencia actual no es suficiente para la recomendación general de uso. Los mejores resultados se obtienen, en niños, con Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, que mejora discretamente el dolor abdominal, mientras que en adultos el beneficio parece mayor empleando especies de Bifidobacterium (AU)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This common disorder is managed by varying clinical styles as no dominant therapeutic strategy has emerged. The pathophysiology of IBS remains unknown, but several lines of evidence link this disorder with the gut microbiota. Although controversy exists, gut microbiota is likely contributing to symptoms of IBS, at least in some patients, through an altered fermentation process, an impaired intestinal barrier function, a harmful modulation of enteric sensorimotor function, a promotion of low-grade inflammation without tissue damage, and a harmful modulation of the brain-gut axis. Probiotic therapy has a modest effect on IBS symptomatic relief, but the actual evidence is not strong enough to support a general recommendation of use. The best results are achieved, in children, with Lactobacillus rhamnusus GG, which moderately improves abdominal pain, while in adultsthe benefit appears to be greatest employing Bifidobacterium species (AU)