Continuing Medical Education Questions: April 2024.

Article Title: The Spigelman Staging System and the Risk of Duodenal and Papillary Cancer in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Duodenocaval Fistula: Unmasking the Rare Culprit of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Duodenocaval fistula is an extremely rare and life-threatening cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and septicemia. Diagnosing this condition is challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms, leading to significant delays in diagnosis and contributing to its remarkably high mortality rate. We present a unique case of duodenocaval fistula associated with prior radiation, peptic ulcer disease, and antiangiogenic cancer therapy, nearly resulting in the death of a young patient.

Epidemiology and Socioeconomic Impact of Pancreatic Cancer: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2019.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to estimate the global burden of pancreatic cancer from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: We reconstructed the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study results for pancreatic cancer across 204 countries and territories. Our study generated estimates for key disease burden indicators, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and cost. Linear regression analysis of the natural logarithm of age-standardized outcomes was used to calculate annual percent change. RESULTS: In 2019, there were a total of 530,296 incident and 442,101 prevalent cases of pancreatic cancer, resulting in 531,107 deaths and 11.5 million DALYs lost. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of pancreatic cancer has increased from 5.22 (95% CI 4.97-5.40) to 6.57 (CI 6.00-7.09) per 100,000 people per year, and 4.1 (95% CI 3.95-4.26) to 5.4 (CI 4.96-5.87), respectively. This equated to 10 million (95% CI 9.5 to 10.4 million) incident cases of pancreatic cancer. The number of DALYs lost as a result of pancreatic cancer was 225 million years (95% CI 216-234 million years). Mortality from pancreatic cancer increased over the study period from 3.7 (95% CI 3.54-3.83) to 6.9 (95% CI 6.36-7.32). Incidence, prevalence, DALYs, and mortality were higher in countries with a higher socio-demographic index. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic cancer is rising around the world and is associated with a high economic burden. Programs aimed at reducing modifiable risk factors are needed.

Cannulation rates and technical performance evaluation of commericially available single-use duodenoscopes for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Single use duodenoscopes were developed to reduce the risk of infection transmission from contaminated reusable duodenoscopes. To this end, we examined various biliary interventions using single use duodenoscopes in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception through Aug 2022 to identify studies reporting on the performance of single use duodenoscopes for ERCP. RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the final analysis that included 642 patients (318 males). The Exalt Model D duodenoscope was used in most cases (88.8%) followed by the aScope Duodeno (11.2%) for ERCP. Most ERCPs had a complexity grade of 2 (n = 303) and 3 (n = 198). The pooled cumulative rate of successful cannulation was 95% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 93-96%, I2=0%, P = 0.46). Sphincterotomy was successfully performed in all cases. The pooled cumulative rate of PEP was 2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.4%, I2=0%, P = 0.80). The pooled cumulative rate of total adverse events was 7% (95% CI: 4-10%, I2=47%, P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that single use duodenoscopes are associated with high cannulation rates, technical performance, and safety profile.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Supine vs. Nonsupine Endotracheal Intubation.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of supine vs. nonsupine positions during intubation. Methods: Based on the literature from inception to October 2020, 13 studies with nonemergent intubation in supine and nonsupine positions were chosen using PRISMA and MOOSE protocols. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models with 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was a successful intubation, attempt, and duration of intubation. The secondary outcome was adverse events (trauma and hypoxia). Bias was evaluated qualitatively, by visual analysis, and quantitatively through the Egger test. Results: The final analysis included 13 clinical trials with 1,916 patients. The pooled success rates in the supine vs. lateral positions were 99.21% and 98.82%. The supine vs. semierect positions were 99.21% and 98.82%. The 1st attempt success rate in the supine vs. lateral position was 85.35% and 88.56% compared to 91.38% and 90.76% for the supine vs. semierect position. The rate of total adverse events in the supine position was 3.73% vs. 6.74% in the lateral position, and the rate of total adverse events in the supine position was 0.44% vs. 0.93% in semierect position. Low to substantial heterogeneity was noted in our analysis. Discussion. There is no significant difference between total successful intubations and success from 1st intubation attempt between supine and nonsupine positions. However, there are slightly higher rates of adverse events in nonsupine position. Addition of more recent studies on supine vs. nonsupine intubations would improve this study. Given these findings, it is important to develop more studies regarding different intubation positions and techniques with the aim of improving efficacy and decreasing adverse outcomes. Other. This review is not registered in a public database. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Vonoprazan versus lansoprazole in erosive esophagitis - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment in erosive esophagitis (EE). An alternative to PPIs in EE is Vonoprazan, a potassium competitive acid blocker. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vonoprazan to lansoprazole. METHODS: Multiple databases searched through November 2022. Meta-analysis was performed to assess endoscopic healing at two, four and eight weeks, including for patients with severe EE (Los Angeles C/D). Serious adverse events (SAE) leading to drug discontinuation were assessed. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RESULTS: Four RCTs with 2208 patients were included in the final analysis. Vonoprazan 20 mg once-daily was compared to lansoprazole 30 mg once-daily dosing. Among all patients, at two and eight weeks post-treatment, vonoprazan resulted in significantly higher rates of endoscopic healing as compared to lansoprazole, risk ratios (RR) 1.1, p<0.001 and RR 1.04, p=0.03. The same effect was not observed at four weeks, RR 1.03 (CI 0.99-1.06, I2=0%) following therapy. Among patients with severe EE, vonoprazan resulted in higher rates of endoscopic healing at two weeks, RR 1.3 (1.2-1.4, I2=47%), p=<0.001, at four weeks, RR 1.2 (1.1-1.3, I2=36%), p=<0.001 and at eight weeks post-treatment, RR 1.1 (CI 1.03-1.3, I2=79%), p=0.009. We found no significant difference in the overall pooled rate of SAE and pooled rate of adverse events leading to drug discontinuation. Finally, the overall certainty of evidence for our main summary estimates was rated as high (grade A). CONCLUSION: Based on limited number of published non-inferiority RCTs, our analysis demonstrates that among patients with EE, vonoprazan 20 mg once-daily dosing achieves comparable and in those with severe EE, higher endoscopic healing rates as compared to lansoprazole 30 mg once-daily dosing. Both drugs have a comparable safety profile.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: A Prior Appendectomy Does Not Increase the Risk of Severe Clostridioides difficile Infection or Recurrence.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between a prior appendectomy and severity of Clostridioides difficile infection. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate this association. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Comprehensive review of multiple databases was performed up to May 2022. The primary outcome assessed was the rate of severe Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with a prior appendectomy compared to patients with an appendix. The secondary outcomes assessed were recurrence, mortality, and colectomy rates associated with Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with a prior appendectomy compared to patients with an appendix. RESULTS: Eight studies with 666 patients with a prior appendectomy and 3580 patients without an appendectomy were included. The odds ratio of severe Clostridioides difficile infection in patients who underwent prior appendectomy was 1.03 (95% CI 0.6-1.78, p = 0.92). The odds ratio of recurrence in patients who underwent prior appendectomy was 1.29 (95% CI 0.82-2.02, p = 0.28). The odds ratio of colectomy due to Clostridioides difficile infection in patients who underwent prior appendectomy was 2.16 (95% CI 1.27-3.67, p = 0.004). The odds ratio of mortality due to Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with a prior appendectomy was 0.92 (95% CI 0.62-1.37, p = 0.68). CONCLUSION: Patients with appendectomy are not at increased risk for developing severe Clostridioides difficile infection or recurrence. Further prospective studies are needed to establish these associations.

New Alternative? Self-Assembling Peptide in Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common and potentially fatal condition with all-cause mortality ranging from 3 to 10%. Endoscopic therapy traditionally involves mechanical, thermal, and injection therapies. Recently, self-assembling peptide (SAP) has become increasingly available in the United States. When applied to an affected area, this gel forms an extracellular matrix-type structure allowing for hemostasis. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of this modality in GIB. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of major databases from inception to Nov 2022. The primary outcomes assessed were the success of hemostasis, rebleeding rates, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes assessed were successful hemostasis with monotherapy with SAP and combined therapy, which may include mechanical, injection, and thermal therapies. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The analysis included 7 studies with 427 patients. 34% of the patients were on anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents. SAP application was technically successful in all patients. The calculated pooled rate of successful hemostasis was 93.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 84.7-97.0, I2 = 73.6), and rebleeding rates were 8.9% (95% CI 5.3-14.4, I2 = 55.8). The pooled rates of hemostasis with SAP monotherapy and combined therapy were similar. No adverse events were noted related to SAP. CONCLUSION: SAP appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with GIB. This modality provides an added advantage of improved visualization over the novel spray-based modalities. Further, prospective, or randomized controlled trials are needed to validate our findings.

Safety of endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy compared with percutaneous and surgical necrosectomy: a nationwide inpatient study.

Background and study aims Pancreatic necrosis is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality among patients with acute pancreatitis. We compared the safety and outcomes of three techniques including endoscopic necrosectomy, fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous necrosectomy by an interventional radiologist, and surgical necrosectomy. Patients and methods Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified hospitalized patients who underwent pancreatic necrosectomy from 2016 to 2019. They were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System. Results: Of the 2,281 patients meeting the selection criteria, the method of pancreatic necrosectomy was as follows: endoscopy (n = 672), percutaneous (n = 1,338), and surgery (n = 271). Compared to surgery, the rate of mortality was lowest for endoscopy (hazard ratio (HR) 0.27; 95 % CI 0.08-0.90; P  = 0.033) followed by percutaneous (HR 0.44; 95 % CI, 0.20-0.98; P  = 0.045). Endoscopy was associated with less post-procedure bleeding compared to percutaneous and surgical necrosectomy ( P  < 0.001), as well as lower rates of post-procedure renal failure ( P  < 0.001) and respiratory failure ( P  = 0.002). Endoscopy was associated with average shorter lengths of stay and total hospital costs when compared with percutaneous and surgical approaches, respectively (20.1 vs 25.8 vs 38.3 days; P  < 0.001) and ($ 57K vs $ 76K vs $ 123K; P  < 0.001). Conclusions Endoscopic necrosectomy is associated with significantly lower risk of inpatient mortality, adverse events, length of stay, and cost when compared to percutaneous and surgical approaches.

Advances in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Liver Biopsy.

Recent years have seen the emergence of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) as an effective alternative to traditional (percutaneous or transjugular) liver biopsy techniques. Comparative studies have demonstrated that both endoscopic and non-endoscopic approaches are similar in terms of diagnostic adequacy, accuracy, and adverse events; however, EUS-LB offers the advantage of reduced recovery time. Additionally, EUS-LB enables the sampling of both lobes of the liver as well as the advantage of portal pressure measurements. However, EUS-LB may be argued to have a high cost, although this procedure can be cost-effective if bundled with other endoscopic procedures. Approaches utilizing EUS-guided liver therapy, such as the administration of chemotherapeutic agents and EUS elastography, are in development, and their optimal integration into clinical care is likely to emerge in the coming years. In the present review, we evaluate the available literature on EUS-LB indications, contraindications, variations in needle biopsy techniques, comparative outcomes, advantages and disadvantages, and future trends and perspectives.

Endoscopic Stenting in Crohn's Disease-related Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive condition that is complicated by intestinal or colonic stricture in nearly 30% of cases within 10 years of the initial diagnosis. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is associated with a risk of perforations and recurrence rates of up to 60% at 5 years. Endoscopic stenting has been used as an alternative to EBD, but data on its safety and efficacy are limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures. METHODS: A systematic and detailed search was run in January 2022 with the assistance of a medical librarian for studies reporting on outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model, and results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions along with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Nine studies with 163 patients were included in the final analysis. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) including both partial and fully covered were used in 7 studies, whereas biodegradable stents were used in 2 studies. Pooled rate of clinical success and technical success was 60.9% (95% CI, 51.6-69.5; I2 = 13%) and 93% (95% CI, 87.3-96.3; I2 = 0%), respectively. Repeat stenting was needed in 9.6% of patients (95% CI, 5.3-16.7; I2 = 0%), whereas pooled rate of spontaneous stent migration was 43.9% (95% CI, 11.4-82.7; I2 = 88%). Pooled incidence of overall adverse events, proximal stent migration, perforation, and abdominal pain were 15.7%, 6.4%, 2.7%, and 17.9%, respectively. Mean follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 69 months. DISCUSSION: Endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures is a safe technique that can be performed with technical ease, albeit with a limited clinical success. Postprocedure abdominal pain and proximal stent migration are some of the common adverse events reported.

We performed a thorough literature search for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of endostenting in CD-related strictures. Our findings suggest that endostenting with SEMS may be viable in select CD patients, both for anastomotic and de novo strictures.

EUS-guided versus percutaneous liver biopsy: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis of outcomes.

EUS-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has gained momentum in recent years, especially with availability of newer needle designs. Given the emerging comparative data on EUS-LB with second-generation needles and percutaneous LB (PC-LB), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of the two techniques. We searched multiple databases from inception through November 2021 to identify studies comparing outcomes of EUS-LB and PC-LB. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and the results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions and odds ratio (OR) along with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five studies with 748 patients were included in the final analysis. EUS-LB was performed in 276 patients and PC-LB in 472 patients. Across all studies, PC-LB had an overall higher diagnostic accuracy than EUS-LB, 98.6% confidence interval (CI: 94.7-99.7) versus 88.3% (49.6-98.3), OR: 1.65, P = 0.04. On assessing data from randomized controlled trials, there was no difference between the two. While pooled diagnostic adequacy and overall adverse events were not significantly different between PC-LB and EUS-LB, the former was superior in terms of the mean number of complete portal tracts (CPT) and total specimen length. PC-LB and EUS-LB produce similar results. PC-LB allows obtaining longer samples and more CPT. Further studies are needed to see if these trends hold up as more providers begin to perform EUS-LB.

Single-incision needle-knife biopsy for the diagnosis of GI subepithelial tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A histologic diagnosis of GI subepithelial tumors (SETs) is important because of the malignant potential of these lesions. The current modalities of choice, including EUS-guided FNA and biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) have demonstrated suboptimal diagnostic success. Single-incision with needle-knife (SINK) biopsy has emerged as an alternative diagnostic approach to increase tissue acquisition and diagnostic success. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the technical success, diagnostic success, and adverse events of SINK biopsy. METHODS: We searched multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to July 2022. The primary outcomes assessed were the technical success and diagnostic success of SINK in GI SETs. The secondary outcomes assessed were adverse events and whether immunohistochemical analysis could be successfully performed on tissue samples obtained via SINK. RESULTS: Seven studies with a total of 219 SINK biopsy procedures were included in this meta-analysis. The technical success rate was 98.1% (95% CI, 94.9%-99.3%; P = .000; I2 = .0%), and the diagnostic success rate was 87.9% (95% CI, 82.6%-91.7%; P = .000; I2 = .0%). The immunohistochemical success rate was 88.3% (95% CI, 78.7%-93.9%; P = .000; I2 = 3.5%). The rate of adverse events was 7.5% (95% CI, 4.3%-12.7%; P = .00; I2 = 7.2%), and bleeding was the most common adverse event. CONCLUSION: SINK biopsy is a safe diagnostic procedure with a high technical and diagnostic success in patients with GI SET. Further randomized controlled trials and direct comparison studies are needed to validate these findings.

Cold Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (c-EMR) of Nonpedunculated Colorectal Polyps ≥20 mm: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that cold endoscopic mucosal resection (c-EMR) can effectively treat large colorectal polyps. We aim to appraise the current literature and evaluate outcomes following c-EMR for nonpedunculated colonic polyps ≥20 mm. METHODS: Major databases were searched. Primary outcomes included recurrence rate and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Nine articles were included in the final analysis, which included 817 patients and 1077 colorectal polyps. Average polyp size was 28.8 (±5.1) mm. The pooled recurrence rate of polyps of any histology at 4 to 6 months was 21.0% (95% CI: 9.0%-32.0%, P<0.001, I2=97.3, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that recurrence was 10% for proximal lesions (95% CI: 0.0%-20.0%, P=0.054, I2=93.7%, P=0.054) and 9% for distal lesions (95% CI: 2.0%-21.0%, P=0.114, I2=95.8%, P=0.114). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that recurrence was 12% for adenoma (95% CI: 4.0%-19.0%, P=0.003, I2=98.0%, P=0.003), and 3% for sessile serrated polyps (95% CI: 1.0%-5.0%, P=0.002, I2=34.4%, P=0.002). Post-polypectomy bleeding occurred in 1% (n=8/817) of patients, whereas abdominal pain occurred in 0.2% (n=2/817) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: C-EMR for nonpedunculated colorectal polyps ≥20 mm shows an excellent safety profile with a very low rate of delayed bleeding as well as significantly less recurrence for sessile serrated polyps than adenomas.

Medications and the risk of perforated appendicitis: an adverse event report system (FAERS) database analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Different classes of medication have been reported in the literature to be associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation. However, little is known about the risk of drug-induced perforated appendicitis. METHODS: We analyzed the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), a large national database of reported adverse events associated with post-market FDA-approved medications from January 2011 to October 2021. Patients of any age group with appendiceal perforation were included. Duplicated reports and other anatomical areas of gastrointestinal tract perforation outside the appendix were excluded. RESULTS: During the study period, 474 event cases met inclusion criteria, of which 284 were females. Most reports of perforation occurred in patients 40-49 years (n = 110) and 50-59 years (n = 144). Cases of perforated appendicitis occurred in patients being treated for multiple sclerosis (31.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (17.1%). Perforation occurred in patients receiving interferon beta 1a (23.6%), adalimumab (17.9%), etanercept (14.1%), natalizumab (12.2%), clozapine (10.1%), infliximab (9.9%), bevacizumab (7.2%), and calcium chloride (4.9%). Sixteen fatal outcomes were reported. CONCLUSION: Findings from the FAERS database highlight the risk of appendiceal perforation in the context of different classes of drugs. Larger pharmacovigilance studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Safety and efficacy of liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy in Barrett's neoplasia - a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor condition to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), resulting in transformation of the squamous epithelium of distal esophagus to columnar-lined epithelium with intestinal metaplasia (IM). Liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (LNSC) is a non-contact method of BE eradication and has been used both as primary and salvage therapy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of LNSC. Methods We searched multiple databases from inception through December 2021 to identify studies on use of LNSC for Barrett's neoplasia. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects model and results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions with relevant 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of complete eradication (CE) of dysplasia(D), high grade dysplasia (HGD) and IM. Results Fourteen studies with 707 patients were included in our final analysis. Overall pooled rates of CE-D, CE-HGD and CE-IM were 80.8 % (CI 77.4-83.8; I 2 62), 90.3 % (CI 85.2-93.7; I 2 33) and 55.8 % (CI 51.7-59.8; I 2 73) with follow up ranging from 4.25 months to 69.7 months. In patients with follow up beyond 24 months, the rates of CE-D and CE-IM were 83.6 % (CI 77.6-88.2; I 2 60) and 54.7 % (CI 47.6-61.6; I 2 81). Among LNSC naïve patients with prior history of endoscopic resection, the rates were 79.9 % (CI 73.3-85.2; I 2 50) and 67.1 % (CI 59.5-73.8; I 2 0). Pooled rate of therapeutic failures, defined as lack of response to LNSC therapy, was 23.6 % (CI 19.4-28.3; I 2 73). Post LNSC strictures and perforation pooled rates were 4 % and 0.8 %, respectively, which are similar to those previously reported for RFA. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy is an acceptable treatment for BE in both ablation naïve and experienced patients.

Safety and efficacy of EUS-guided ablation of pancreatic lesions with ethanol versus ethanol with paclitaxel: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and Objectives: EUS-guided ethanol ablation has emerged as an alternative method for pancreatic lesions. Recently, paclitaxel was added to ethanol to assess ablative effects in pancreatic lesions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on EUS-guided ethanol ablation (EUS E) versus EUS-guided ethanol with paclitaxel (EUS EP) ablation for the management of pancreatic lesions. Methods: Comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings including PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases (from inception to May 2020). The primary outcome evaluated complete ablation of the lesions radiologically and the secondary outcome evaluated adverse events (AEs). Results: Fifteen studies on 524 patients were included in our analysis. The pooled complete ablation rate was 58.89% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 38.72-77.80, I2 = 91.76%) and 55.99% (95% CI = 44.66-67.05, I2 = 0) in the EUS E and EUS EP groups (P = 0.796), respectively. The pooled AE rates were 13.92% (95% CI = 4.71-26.01, I2 = 83.43%) and 31.62% (95% CI = 3.36-68.95, I2 = 87.9%) in the EUS E and EUS EP groups (P = 0.299), respectively. The most common AE was abdominal pain at 7.27% (95% CI = 1.97-14.6, I2 = 68.2%) and 12.44% (95% CI = 0.00-39.24, I2 = 81.1%) in the EUS E and EUS EP groups (P = 0.583), respectively. Correlation coefficient (r) was ‒0.719 (P = 0.008) between complete ablation and lesion size. Conclusion: Complete ablation rates were comparable among both groups. AE rates were higher in the EUS EP group. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate our findings.

Spontaneous bacterial empyema in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) occurs when a hepatic hydrothorax becomes infected and runs a course similar to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). It remains underdiagnosed as patients with cirrhosis do not routinely undergo diagnostic thoracentesis. Current understanding is limited by small cohorts, while studies reporting its association with ascites/SBP are conflicting. AIM: To explore the incidence of SBE, to determine its association with ascites, and to summarize what is known regarding treatment and outcomes for patients with SBE. METHODS: Major databases were searched until June 2021. Outcomes include the incidence of SBE in pleural effusions, SBP in peritoneal fluid, and SBE in patients without ascites within our cohort of patients with cirrhosis. We performed a meta-analysis using a random-effects model with pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed heterogeneity using I 2 and classic fail-safe to determine bias. RESULTS: Eight studies with 8899 cirrhosis patients were included. The median age ranged between 41.2 to 69.7 years. The majority of the patients were Child-Pugh B and C. Mean MELD score was 18.6 ± 8.09. A total of 1334 patients had pleural effusions and the pooled incidence of SBE was 15.6% (CI 12.6-19; I 2 50). Amongst patients diagnosed with SBE, the most common locations included right (202), left (64), and bilateral (8). Amongst our cohort, a total of 2636 patients had ascites with a pooled incidence of SBP of 22.2% (CI 9.9-42.7; I 2 97.8). The pooled incidence of SBE in patients with cirrhosis but without concomitant ascites was 9.5% (CI 3.6-22.8; I 2 82.5). CONCLUSION: SBE frequently occurs with concurrent ascites/SBP; our results suggest high incidence rates of SBE even in the absence of ascites. The pleura can be an unrecognized nidus and our findings support the use of diagnostic thoracentesis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after exclusion of other causes of pleural effusion. Thoracentesis should be considered particularly in patients without ascites and when there is a high suspicion of infection. The need for diagnostic thoracentesis will continue to be important as rates of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections increase and antibiotic susceptibility information is required for adequate treatment.