Burden of depression and anxiety among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: results of a nationwide analysis.

PURPOSE: The burden of psychiatric disorders is on a rise in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients which has shown to effect medication compliance and overall clinical outcomes. We studied the prevalence of depression and anxiety in IBD patients when compared to individuals with other chronic medical conditions. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the United States national inpatient sample of 2016 to 2018. We identified patient encounters with a diagnosis of IBD. Our primary outcome was prevalence of depression and anxiety in IBD patients when compared to general adult population with other chronic medical conditions. We further studied these outcomes in subgroups of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. RESULTS: A total of 963,619 patient encounters were identified with the diagnosis of IBD between 2016 and 2018, of them 162,850 (16.9%) had depression and 201,685 (20.9%) had anxiety. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was significantly higher in IBD patients in comparison to general population, (16.9% vs 12.3%) and (20.9% vs 15%) respectively (p < 0.001). Association of depression and anxiety was also higher in IBD patients when compared to patients with other chronic conditions like diabetes, metastatic cancer, and coronary artery disease. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were independently associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety and these results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IBD is associated with increased prevalence of depression and anxiety when compared to general population. Association of these psychiatric illnesses with IBD is significantly higher when compared to other chronic medical conditions.

A national study of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal outcomes in women with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among women is highest during their reproductive years and current estimates suggest that the rate of conception is low in female IBD patients. The aim of our study was to assess the burden of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among female IBD patients. METHODS: Using the national inpatient sample database from 2016 to 2018, we recruited all female patients above the age of 15 years admitted with a primary diagnosis of pregnancy and a secondary diagnosis of IBD. We adjusted our results for hospital and patient level variables including age, race, socioeconomic status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, hyperlipidemia, alcohol use, and malnutrition. Multivariable regression analysis was used for analysis. RESULTS: Pregnant women with IBD had greater odds of gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.3, p 0.02), hypertensive complications (AOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.72, p 0.01), and pre-term delivery (AOR, 1.41 95% CI 1.13-1.76, p 0.003). Pregnancies with co-existent IBD were associated with fetal growth restriction (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1-1.63, p 0.04) and fetal death (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.72-6.00, p < 0.01). Odds of experiencing postpartum hemorrhage or large for gestational age infant were comparable to general population. Crohn's disease was independently associated with increased odds of worse maternal and fetal outcome. IBD patients had increased mean length of stay by 0.14 days and increased mean hospital charges of $2741. CONCLUSIONS: Women with IBD had greater likelihood of poor maternal and fetal outcomes and increased hospital resource utilization.

A review on medical management of inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has engulfed the world and is the highlight of medical community at this time. As humanity fights the battle against this virus, questions are arising regarding the appropriate management of at risk patient populations. The immunocompromised cohort is particularly susceptible to this infection, and we have tried to explore the medical management of one such group, which is composed of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is limited data on the management of IBD during the ongoing pandemic. Several medical societies have put forth suggestions on how to manage immunocompromised patients in order to minimize risk of developing coronavirus disease 2019. This review aims to present available recommendations from experts and provides an insight on preventive and therapeutic strategies that can be implemented for the medical management of patients with IBD. We anticipate that as more information arises, new guidelines will emerge.

Review of hepatocellular carcinoma: Epidemiology, etiology, and carcinogenesis.

Since the 1970s, the epidemic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has spread beyond the Eastern Asian predominance and has been increasing in Northern hemisphere, especially in the United States (US) and Western Europe. It occurs more commonly in males in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Among all cancers, HCC is one of the fastest growing causes of death in the US and poses a significant economic burden on healthcare. Chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus and alcohol accounts for the majority of HCC cases. Incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been on the risem and it has also been associated with the development of HCC. Its pathogenesis varies based on the underlying etiological factor although majority of cases develop in the setting of background cirrhosis. Carcinogenesis of HCC includes angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and tumor macroenvironment and microenvironment. There is a significant role of both intrinsic genetic risk factors and extrinsic influences such as alcohol or viral infections that lead to the development of HCC. Understanding its etiopathogenesis helps select appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments.

Cancer review: Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy. CCA is classified as intrahepatic, perihilar or distal extrahepatic; the individual subtypes differ in their biologic behavior, clinical presentation, and management. Throughout the last decades, CCA incidence rates had significantly increased. In addition to known established risk factors, novel possible risk factors (i.e. obesity, hepatitis C virus) have been identified that are of high importance in developed countries where CCA prevalence rates have been low. CCA tends to develop on the background of inflammation and cholestasis. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cholangiocarcinogenesis has increased, thereby, providing the basis for molecularly targeted therapies. In its diagnostic evaluation, imaging techniques have improved, and the role of complementary techniques has been defined. There is a need for improved CCA biomarkers as currently used ones are suboptimal. Multiple staging systems have been developed, but none of these is optimal. The prognosis of CCA is considered dismal. However, treatment options have improved throughout the last two decades for carefully selected subgroups of CCA patients. Perihilar CCA can now be treated with orthotopic liver transplantation with neoadjuvant chemoradiation achieving 5-year survival rates of 68%. Classically considered chemotherapy-resistant, the ABC-02 trial has shown the therapeutic benefit of combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. The benefits of adjuvant treatments for resectable CCA, local ablative therapies and molecularly targeted therapies still need to be defined. In this article, we will provide the reader with an overview over CCA, and discuss the latest developments and controversies.

A case series and literature review of Merkel cell carcinoma metastasizing to pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive tumor arising from the mechanoreceptors of the epidermis with a relative higher mortality rate stage for stage than melanoma. Microscopically, the cells appear similar to small cell lung cancer, but they specifically stain positive for CK20 and are negative for TTF-1. It is rarely known to metastasize to the pancreas. AIMS: To report four cases of Merkel cell carcinoma metastasizing to pancreas and compare them to previously reported patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for a suspected pancreatic lesion between January 2004 and December 2012. We reviewed other reported cases with a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. RESULTS: Four male patients with mean age of 66 years were found to have metastatic disease in the pancreas on average 29 months after initial diagnosis of MCC. Two cases were diagnosed with EUS-FNA and two with PET-CT. Three patients had multifocal pancreatic involvement which has not been previously described. All four patients died within 3-9 months following tumor spread to the pancreas. Merkel cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the pancreas with only 10 cases being described in the medical literature. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is an effective tool that can be utilized in diagnosing pancreatic masses. Differentiating metastatic pancreatic tumors, especially Merkel cell carcinoma from primary pancreatic tumor is useful as systemic therapy is an option in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but is ineffective in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

Burden of anxiety and depression among hospitalized patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects patients both physically and mentally. Our study aimed to investigate the burden of psychiatric disorders in IBS patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National inpatient sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2019. We recruited patients admitted with a diagnosis of IBS and determined the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt/ideation. RESULTS: We found a total of 1,256,325 hospitalizations with a diagnosis of IBS. Among them, 478,515 (38.1%) had anxiety and 344,165 (27.4%) had depression. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders including anxiety (38.1% vs. 15.1%), depression (38.1% vs. 15.1%), bipolar disorder (5.22% vs. 2.38%), suicidal attempt/Ideation (3.22% vs. 2.38%), and eating disorder (0.32% vs. 0.08%) was significantly higher in IBS patient population when compared to general adult population (p < 0.001). Patients with IBS had greater odds of anxiety (AOR 2.88, 95% CI 2.85-2.91, P < 0.001), depression (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 2.14-2.19, P < 0.001) and suicidal attempt/ideation (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.88-2.00, P < 0.001) in comparison to general population. IBS subtypes including diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant and mixed type were independently associated with increased odds of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt/ideation. Patients with IBS and a co-diagnosis of anxiety or depression had increased mean length of hospital stay by 0.48 (95% CI 0.43-0.52, P < 0.001) and 0.52 (95% CI 0.06-0.97, P < 0.03) days, respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of IBS is associated with an increased associated prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt/ideation.

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome among Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Analysis of United States National Inpatient Sample Database.

Background and Aim: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder associated with other somatic disorders. We studied the prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in IBS patients. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample and included hospitalization of individuals with IBS, using ICD-10 codes, from 2016-2019. The prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and CFS in IBS patients were studied. Univariate and multivariate patient- and hospital-level regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds of fibromyalgia and CFS in the IBS patient population. Results: Of 1,256,325 patients with an ICD-10 code of IBS included in the study, 10.73% (134,890) also had ICD-10 codes for fibromyalgia and 0.42% (5220) for CFS. The prevalence of fibromyalgia and CFS was significantly higher in IBS patients (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.24-5.41, p < 0.001, and AOR 5.40, 95% CI 5.04-5.78, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the general adult population without IBS. IBS-diarrhea, IBS-constipation, and IBS-mixed types were independently associated with increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS. Increasing age (AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p 0.003; AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p 0.001), female gender (AOR 11.2, 95% CI 11.1-11.4, p < 0.001; AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.78-1.93, p < 0.001) and white race (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.12, p < 0.001; AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34-2.13, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS, respectively. Conclusions: It appears that IBS is associated with an increased prevalence of somatic disorders such as fibromyalgia and CFS.

Gastroduodenal artery embolization for peptic ulcer hemorrhage refractory to endoscopic intervention: A single-center experience.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of gastroduodenal artery embolization (GDAE) for bleeding peptic ulcers that failed endoscopic intervention. To identify incidence and risk factors for failure of GDAE. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent GDAE for hemorrhage from peptic ulcer disease refractory to endoscopic intervention were included in the study. Refractory to endoscopic intervention was defined as persistent hemorrhage following at least two separate endoscopic sessions with two different endoscopic techniques (thermal, injection, or mechanical) or one endoscopic session with the use of two different techniques. Demographics, comorbidities, endoscopic and angiographic findings, significant post-embolization pRBC transfusion, and index GDAE failure were collected. Failure of index GDAE was defined as the need for re-intervention (repeat embolization, endoscopy, or surgery) for rebleeding or mortality within 30 days after GDAE. Multivariate analyzes were performed to identify independent predictors for failure of index GDAE. Results: There were 70 patients that underwent GDAE after endoscopic intervention for bleeding peptic ulcers with a technical success rate of 100%. Failure of index GDAE rate was 23% (n = 16). Multivariate analysis identified ≥2 comorbidities (odds ratio [OR]: 14.2 [1.68-19.2], P = 0.023), days between endoscopy and GDAE (OR: 1.43 [1.11-2.27], P = 0.028), and extravasation during angiography (OR: 6.71 [1.16-47.4], P = 0.039) as independent predictors of index GDAE failure. Endoscopic Forrest classification was not a significant predictor for the failure of index GDAE (P > 0.1). Conclusion: The study demonstrates safety and efficacy of GDAE for hemorrhage from PUD that is refractory to endoscopic intervention. Days between endoscopy and GDAE, high comorbidity burden, and extravasation during angiography are associated with increased risk for failure of index GDAE.

Brain Abscesses in Crohn's Disease as a Complication of Infliximab Therapy.

Infliximab therapy is highly effective in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Infliximab-induced immunosuppression increases the risk for various infections, including opportunistic infections. We describe a case of brain abscesses as a complication of infliximab therapy in a 65-year-old man. It was elucidated that the brain abscesses developed from the presumed hematogenous spread of bacteria from recently treated paraspinal abscesses. Close attention should be given to patients on infliximab therapy presenting with any neurological sign or symptom to allow for timely diagnosis and prompt management of a potential central nervous system infection.

Colorectal Dysplasia and Cancer Surveillance in Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor for the development of inflammation-associated dysplasia or colitis-associated neoplasia (CAN). This transformation results from chronic inflammation, which induces changes in epithelial proliferation, survival, and migration via the induction of chemokines and cytokines. There are notable differences in genetic mutation profiles between CAN in UC patients and sporadic colorectal cancer in the general population. Colonoscopy is the cornerstone for surveillance and management of dysplasia in these patients. There are several modalities to augment the quality of endoscopy for the better detection of dysplastic or neoplastic lesions, including the use of high-definition white-light exam and image-enhanced colonoscopy, which are described in this review. Clinical practice guidelines regarding surveillance strategies in UC have been put forth by various GI societies, and overall, there is agreement between them except for some differences, which we highlight in this article. These guidelines recommend that endoscopically detected dysplasia, if feasible, should be resected endoscopically. Advanced newer techniques, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, have been utilized in the treatment of CAN. Surgery has traditionally been the mainstay of treating such advanced lesions, and in cases where endoscopic resection is not feasible, a proctocolectomy, followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, is generally recommended. In this review we summarize the approach to surveillance for cancer and dysplasia in UC. We also highlight management strategies if dysplasia is detected.

Ulcerative Colitis With Concomitant Serrated Polyposis Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is a pre-cancerous condition associated with increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated CRC remains unknown. Despite the growing understanding and recognition of SPS, there is limited literature about its impact on the colon in individuals with IBD. Herein, we report a case of a 45-year-old female who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and SPS. We also reviewed the literature surrounding this association and highlighted the intricacies in managing this unique patient population. At present, there are no screening guidelines for CRC in SPS patients with IBD. However, given the potential synergistic risk for CRC, a close surveillance approach may be utilized. Tracking lifetime cumulative features of SPS and endoscopic clearance of adenomas and serrated polyps are the mainstays of management.

Secondary causes of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), conventionally consist of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis. They occur in individuals with high risk genotype for the disease in the setting of appropriate environmental factors. The pathogenesis of IBD involves a dysregulated autoimmune response to gut dysbiosis, which in turn is triggered due to exposure to various inciting environmental factors. But there is no clearly defined etiology of IBD and this type of disease is termed as "idiopathic IBD", "classic IBD", or "primary IBD". We reviewed the current medical literature and found that certain etiological factors may be responsible for the development of IBD or IBD-like conditions, and we consider this form of de novo IBD as "secondary IBD". Currently known factors that are potentially responsible for giving rise to secondary IBD are medications; bowel altering surgeries and transplantation of organs, stem cells or fecal microbiome. Medications associated with the development of secondary IBD include; immunomodulators, anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents, anti-interleukin agents, interferons, immune stimulating agents and checkpoint inhibitors. Colectomy can in some cases give rise to de novo CD, pouchitis of the ileal pouch, or postcolectomy enteritis syndrome. After solid organ transplantation or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the recipient may develop de novo IBD or IBD flare. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been widely used to treat patients suffering from recurrent Clostridium difficile infection but can also causes IBD flares.

Fecal microbiota transplantation donation: the gift that keeps on giving.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being studied and utilized for various medical conditions including Clostridium difficile colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity, myasthenia gravis, and so on. Yet, FMT donation, whether from an individual or a stool bank, can be challenging given the numerous requirements and donor costs. Furthermore, data outcomes on recipients of FMT regarding donor's health co-morbidities, age, and weight are limited but emerging. The purpose of this review is to evaluate cost, safety, and accessibility in FMT donation.

Microflora composition in the gastrointestinal tract in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has been increasing over the last 40 years. While Barrett's esophagus is a known risk factor for the development of EAC, the role of the microflora in the development of EAC is still largely unknown and is being investigated further by multiple centers. Our goal was to identify trends in microflora composition along various aspects of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with Barrett's esophagus. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, 12 patients agreed to participate in the study. While endoscopy was performed for surveillance Barrett's monitoring, additional biopsies of esophageal mucosa were taken from the (I) proximal esophagus, (II) mid-esophagus, (III) distal esophagus, and (IV) Barrett's esophagus. Additional swabs were also taken from the uvula and the endoscope used during the procedure. The swabs from the uvula and endoscope were obtained prior to the endoscope entering the stomach, to prevent exposing the endoscope to the acidic environment of the stomach. The most common bacterial elements were identified by amplifying sample DNA using a panel of 5 "universal" fusion primer pairs. The 400-500 base pair fragments created an overlap which covered 95% of the bacterial 16s gene. RESULTS: Throughout the esophagus, 34 bacterial genera were found which had a relative abundance of >1.0. Streptococcal genera were prevalent in all aspects of the esophagus, ranging from 16% to 70% of the bacterial community. Haemophilus genera were uniquely abundant in the Barrett's esophageal tissue but relatively absent elsewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Overall, the percentage of Gram-positive organisms was much higher in the proximal than distal esophagus. The microflora pattern obtained from the uvula and endoscopic swabs did not correlate with any of the tissue biopsies along any aspect of the esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Barrett's esophagus, Streptococcal genera are widespread throughout the esophagus. Gram-positive genera tend to decrease as a percentage of overall flora distally. Obtaining a simple swab of the oropharynx or endoscope itself appears to be a poor substitute for tissue biopsy of esophageal mucosa when evaluating microflora patterns.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: a rare and life-threatening complication of Crohn's disease.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterised by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow and may be triggered by the prothrombotic state associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We reported a case of Crohn's disease (CD) that presented with anasarca, ascites, symptomatic hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, increased prothrombin time and low albumin. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy confirmed active CD. Abdominal CT showed hepatic vein thrombosis. Liver biopsy revealed severe perivenular sinusoidal dilation with areas of hepatocyte dropout, bands of hepatocyte atrophy and centrizonal fibrosis, suggestive of BCS. The patient was treated with steroids for CD and systemic anticoagulants for BCS. His liver function and enzymes normalised, and he reported symptomatic improvement. The precise mechanism responsible for increased hypercoagulability in IBD remains unclear. Early recognition and treatment for possible thrombotic complications of CD is critical to prevent potentially fatal events like pulmonary embolism or liver failure.

Mallory-Weiss Tear in the Duodenum.

Mallory-Weiss tears are mucosal lacerations caused by forceful retching and are typically located at the gastroesophageal junction. Mallory-Weiss tears have not been described in the duodenum. We report of a Mallory-Weiss tear in the descending duodenum of a 57-year-old man who presented with hematemesis preceded by forceful retching. We discuss the pathophysiology of a duodenal injury in comparison to typical tears occurring at the gastroesophageal junction.