A rare endoscopic pattern in a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A 21-year-old man, with personal history of asthma and no usual medication, was referred to gastroenterology appointment due to dysphagia for solids and previous episodes of food impaction in the last 5 months. He also reported nocturnal heartburn without any other warning signs. Upper gastroscopy revealed a peptic stenosis in the distal esophagus. Histopathologic examination showed hyperplasia and numerous intraepithelial eosinophils, without dysplasia or malignancy. Therapy with a double-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was started.

Systemic inflammation increases across distinct stages of advanced chronic liver disease and correlates with decompensation and mortality.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Distinct prognostic stages of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are defined by severity of portal hypertension (PH) and the presence/absence of clinical complications. We characterised the degree of liver dysfunction, PH, and systemic inflammation across the distinct prognostic stages and assessed their relative impact on decompensation and mortality. METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort of ACLD patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement between 01/2017 and 08/2019 were classified into 6 prognostic stages: mild PH (HVPG 6-9 mmHg, S0), clinically significant PH (HVPG ≥10 mmHg without varices, S1), presence of varices (S2), history of variceal bleeding (S3), first non-bleeding decompensation (S4), and further decompensation (S5). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-6 levels were assessed in relation to their predictive value for decompensation and death. RESULTS: Among 168 ACLD patients 78 had compensated (cACLD, S0 = 13; S1 = 21; S2 = 44) and 90 had decompensated (dACLD, S3 = 10; S4 = 58; S5 = 22) disease. MELD increased across all stages (p <0.001), whereas HVPG mostly increased within cACLD substages. Significant increases in CRP and IL-6 levels were only noted across dACLD substages. IL-6 was an independent predictor of decompensation at 1-year follow-up in cACLD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; p = 0.013). In dACLD patients, IL-6 levels predicted death/transplantation after 1-year of follow-up (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: HVPG progression occurs mostly in cACLD patients, whereas systemic inflammation, as reflected by IL-6 levels, only increases substantially across dACLD stages. IL-6 levels correlate with the risk of first decompensation in cACLD and of death/transplantation in dACLD patients. LAY SUMMARY: Patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD; i.e. liver cirrhosis) have a certain risk of mortality according to their stage of disease. Progression of disease is greatly influenced by increased pressure in the portal venous system (i.e. portal hypertension) and occurrence of clinical complications (i.e. decompensation). Our study demonstrates that systemic inflammation markedly increases across highest disease stages, and the inflammation biomarker IL-6 in blood may specifically indicate risk of disease progression in patients with ACLD. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03267615).

Sleep Disturbance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated with Disease Activity and Adverse Outcome.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence about the relationship between sleep quality (SQ) and disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sleep disturbance in IBD and its predictive factors and to assess its association with worse outcome. METHODS: IBD patients were prospectively enrolled. Clinical activity, inflammatory activity (high C-reactive protein or fecal calprotectin), and SQ (assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were evaluated, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of poor SQ at baseline. The development of disability or disease progression at 6 months (surgery, hospitalization, development of stenosis, penetrating or perianal disease, steroid dependency, or start/change immunosuppression) was compared between patients with and without poor SQ. RESULTS: Two hundred and five patients were enrolled, with 44.9% (n = 92) reporting poor SQ. On multivariate analysis, current smoking (OR 2.80), extraintestinal manifestations (OR 2.68), clinical activity (OR 3.31), and inflammatory activity (OR 4.62) were predictive factors of poor SQ. Cox proportional hazards model showed that poor SQ was predictive of worse prognosis at 6 months (HR 2.470). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of poor SQ in IBD patients, highlighting the importance of its inclusion in patient-reported outcomes. Sleep disturbance seems to have prognostic value in IBD.

Liver Fibrosis and Metabolic Alterations in Adults With alpha-1-antitrypsin Deficiency Caused by the Pi*ZZ Mutation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is among the most common genetic disorders. Severe AATD is caused by a homozygous mutation in the SERPINA1 gene that encodes the Glu342Lys substitution (called the Pi*Z mutation, Pi*ZZ genotype). Pi*ZZ carriers may develop lung and liver diseases. Mutation-associated lung disorders have been well studied, but less is known about the effects in liver. We assessed the liver disease burden and associated features in adults with this form of AATD. METHODS: We collected data from 554 Pi*ZZ adults (403 in an exploratory cohort, 151 in a confirmatory cohort), in 9 European countries, with AATD who were homozygous for the Pi*Z mutation, and 234 adults without the Pi*Z mutation (controls), all without pre-existing liver disease. We collected data on demographic parameters, comorbidities, lung- and liver-related health, and blood samples for laboratory analysis. Liver fibrosis was assessed non-invasively via the serum tests Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and HepaScore and via transient elastography. Liver steatosis was determined via transient elastography-based controlled attenuation parameter. We performed histologic analyses of livers from transgenic mice that overexpress the AATD-associated Pi*Z variant. RESULTS: Serum levels of liver enzymes were significantly higher in Pi*ZZ carriers vs controls. Based on non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis, significant fibrosis was suspected in 20%-36% of Pi*ZZ carriers, whereas signs of advanced fibrosis were 9- to 20-fold more common in Pi*ZZ carriers compared to non-carriers. Male sex; age older than 50 years; increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, or γ-glutamyl transferase; and low numbers of platelets were associated with higher liver fibrosis burden. We did not find evidence for a relationship between lung function and liver fibrosis. Controlled attenuation parameter ≥280 dB/m, suggesting severe steatosis, was detected in 39% of Pi*ZZ carriers vs 31% of controls. Carriers of Pi*ZZ had lower serum concentrations of triglyceride and low- and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls, suggesting impaired hepatic secretion of lipid. Livers from Pi*Z-overexpressing mice had steatosis and down-regulation of genes involved in lipid secretion. CONCLUSIONS: In studies of AATD adults with the Pi*ZZ mutation, and of Pi*Z-overexpressing mice, we found evidence of liver steatosis and impaired lipid secretion. We identified factors associated with significant liver fibrosis in patients, which could facilitate hepatologic assessment and counseling of individuals who carry the Pi*ZZ mutation. ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT02929940.

Long-term follow-up after EMR of large colorectal lesions: metachronous lesions, predictors and surveillance timing.

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the first-line approach to large colorectal sessile lesions. These patients have been associated with high rates of metachronous lesions (ML), but long-term follow-up (LtFU) data are lacking. We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an LtFU protocol and analyse the development and risk factors for ML.Methods: A prospectively collected database was analysed. Seventy-six patients submitted to EMR of large colorectal sessile lesions between 2007 and 2013 complied with a specific endoscopic surveillance, consisting of two protocols - initial follow-up (iFU) and LtFU. iFU intended to inspect the mucosectomy scars twice (at 3-6 and 12 months) and remove synchronous lesions (SL). Protocol examinations of LtFU were carried out at the first- and fourth-year post-iFU, aiming to remove ML. Statistical analysis included variables related to patient, index lesion, SL and ML characteristics.Results: Rates of ML were 39.5% and 20.4% at the first- and fourth-year of LtFU, and respectively 11.8% and 3.7% of them were advanced ML. All ML were endoscopically resectable. At univariate analysis, male gender (OR: 2.91; p=.029), the presence of SL (OR 3.86, p=.010) and advanced SL (OR 4.25, p=.006) were risk factors for ML. At multivariate analysis, male gender (p=.031) and advanced SL (p=.006) were significant predictors of ML development.Conclusions: We confirmed the increased risk of ML in patients with large colorectal lesions. A significant number of advanced ML was removed at the first LtFU colonoscopy, probably it should be carried out earlier than currently recommended.

The one that got away: a rare complication after PEG tube placement.

A 74 year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department due to diarrhea of a one-month duration. The patient had 5 to 7 bowel movements/day of liquid stool, without blood or mucus. He had also undergone a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement 10 weeks previously due to post-stroke dysphagia, with endoscopic confirmation of its correct positioning. A course of antibiotics had already been prescribed and there was no improvement of the symptoms.

Postcolonoscopy Colorectal Cancer in a Referral Center for Colorectal Cancer: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Background and Aims: Colonoscopy is effective to detect and remove colorectal lesions. However, after a negative colonoscopy, cancers could be detected during the interval follow-up. This study was designed to identify characteristics and risk factors for postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type. Methods: Medical records of individuals who were newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer between January 2018 and December 2019 were reviewed. Clinical, demographic, and endoscopic variables were analyzed. Those with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer between two consecutive colonoscopies performed within the appropriated surveillance range were considered to have postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type. A comparison between the group of patients with non-postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type and the group of patients with postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type was then performed. Results: During the study period, 491 patients were newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Among them, 61 (12.4%) had postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval subtype. Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type was three times more prevalent on the proximal colon (p = 0.014) and was associated with the presence of two or more cardiovascular risk factors (aOR = 4.25; p = 0.016), cholecystectomy in the past (aOR = 10.09; p = 0.019), and family history of colorectal cancer on a first-degree relative (aOR = 4.25; p = 0.006). Moreover, isolated cardiovascular risk factors revealed a protective effect for the absence of all cardiovascular risk factors (aOR = 20; p = 0.034). The ROC curve associated with the multivariate model revealed a predictive power of 77.8% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer - interval type is more common in the proximal colon and in patients with a family history (first-degree relative) of colorectal cancer, two or more cardiovascular risk factors, and a history of cholecystectomy. All of these are easily detectable in clinical practice and may be of extreme importance in the control of postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer in the near future.

Introdução: A colonoscopia é eficaz a detetar e remover lesões do colon e reto. Contudo, após uma colonoscopia normal, podem ser detetadas neoplasias durante o intervalo de vigilância recomendado entre colonoscopias. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar características e fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de cancro colorretal póscolonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo e unicêntrico realizado entre janeiro de 2018 e dezembro de 2019 que incluiu todos os doentes diagnosticados de novo com cancro colorretal. Variáveis clínicas, demográficas e endoscópicas foram obtidas após consulta do processo clínico. Doentes com diagnóstico de cancro colorretal entre duas colonoscopias consecutivas, realizadas no intervalo de vigilância recomendado, foram considerados como tendo cancro colorretal pós-colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo. Foi, então, realizada a comparação entre o grupo de doentes com cancro colorretal não pós colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo e o grupo de doentes com cancro colorretal pós colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo. Resultados: Durante o período de estudo, 491 doentes foram diagnosticados de novo com cancro colorretal. Destes, 61 (12.4%) foram considerados como tendo cancro colorretal pós-colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo. O cancro colorretal pós-colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo foi três vezes mais prevalente no colon proximal (p = 0.014) e associou-se a presença de dois ou mais fatores de risco cardiovasculares (aOR = 0.45; p = 0.016), colecistectomia no passado (aOR = 10.09; p = 0.0.19) e história familiar de cancro colorretal num familiar de primeiro grau (aOR = 4.25; p = 0.006). Aquando da análise dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares isolados, observou- se um fator protetor aquando da ausência de todos os fatores de risco cardiovasculares (aOR = 20; p = 0.034). A curva ROC associada ao modelo multivariado revelou um poder preditivo de 77.8% (p < 0.001). Conclusão: O cancro colorretal pós-colonoscopia ­ subtipo de intervalo é mais comum no colon proximal e em doentes com história familiar (em familiares de primeiro grau) de cancro colorretal, dois ou mais fatores de risco cardio-vasculares e história de colecistectomia. Todos estes fatores de risco são facilmente detetáveis na prática clínica e podem ser de extrema importância no controlo, a curto e longo prazo, do cancro colorretal pós-colonoscopia.

Influence of adaptive evolution of cadmium tolerance on neutral and functional genetic variation in Orchesella cincta.

Adaptation to environmental toxicants, such as metals, can affect population genetic diversity, both at neutral and selectable loci. At the transcriptional level, evolution of metal tolerance is possible due to the existence of polymorphisms in the cis-regulatory sequences of stress-responsive genes such as the metallothionein gene (mt). This study investigated the influence of cadmium adaptation on genetic diversity of soil-living Orchesella cincta (Collembola) populations in neutral (microsatellites and AFLP) and in functional (mt promoter) markers. Also, the influence of cis- and trans-acting factors on increased tolerance was addressed. No reduced genetic diversity was observed in two tolerant populations compared to five sensitive populations, either in neutral or in selectable markers. Extensive migration along with a large population size may explain the high genetic diversity measured. The metal-tolerant phenotype seems to be mostly influenced by genetic factors acting in cis on mt gene expression. The results suggest that certain promoter genotypes, which are found mainly or exclusively in Cd-tolerant populations, contribute to higher constitutive mt gene expression in individuals from these populations. However, more studies are needed to clearly unravel the influence of cis/trans-regulatory evolution in tolerant populations.

Colitis due to Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Type 2 as a Complication of a First Presentation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The first presentation of ulcerative colitis may be an acute flare in about 15% of patients, requiring hospital admission. In acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) should be sought because it is a frequent cause of refractory disease. Herpes simplex colitis constitutes a rarer event in ulcerative colitis patients and it is usually associated with immunosuppression. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a first presentation of ulcerative colitis complicated by CMV and herpes simplex type 2 coinfection. After a long period of systemic corticosteroids, the diagnosis of both CMV and herpes colitis was made. Despite antiviral treatment, colectomy was required due to a contained perforation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This report highlights the importance of a high degree of suspicion for opportunistic infections in steroid/immunomodulator refractory ulcerative colitis, even in the first flare.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Colite Ulcerosa pode apresentar-se de forma aguda em até 15% dos casos, com necessidade de internamento hospitalar. Na agudização severa de Colite Ulcerosa refractária a corticoterapia deve ser excluída a infeção por Citomegalovirus (CMV), dado tratar-se de uma causa frequente de doença refractária. A colite por Herpes simplex é mais rara nos doentes com Colite Ulcerosa e associa-se frequentemente a imunossupressão. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Relata-se a apresentação inaugural de Colite Ulcerosa complicada por co-infeção por CMV e herpes simplex tipo 2. Após terapêutica prolongada com corticoids sistémicos, foi diagnosticada colite tanto por CMV como Herpes simplex. Apesar de tratamento anti-vírico, foi necessária colectomia por perfuração cólica. DISCUSSÃO/CONCLUSÃO: Este caso sublinha a importância de um alto grau de suspeição para infeções oportunistas em doentes com doença refractária a corticóide/imunomoduladores, mesmo na primeira agudização.

Constipation: Prevalence in the Portuguese community using Rome IV-Associated factors, toilet behaviours and healthcare seeking.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health condition and CC management remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the CC (and subtypes) prevalence in a Southern Europe Mediterranean country using Rome IV criteria, and to assess related factors, toilet and healthcare seeking behaviours. METHODS: Cross-sectional epidemiological survey, conducted in general community and representing the Portuguese population according to sex and age. The questionnaire covered bowel habits, factors potentially associated with CC (demographic, health/lifestyle, toilet behaviours) and data regarding healthcare seeking. RESULTS: From the study data of 1950 individuals were analyzed. The answer rate was 68% and 1335 questionnaires were available for calculation. The CC prevalence was 17.8%, with respectively 9.3% of Functional Constipation (FC) and 8.5% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - subtype constipation (IBS-C). The likelihood of constipation was significantly higher in younger (OR 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.031), solo (OR 2.48; 95% CI, 1.7-3.47) and low-income (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.77-3.47) individuals. Constipated individuals spent more time at defecation, longer than 5 min (p = 0.001), and had particular toilet behaviours (absence of a morning pattern [p = 0.008], the use of triggers [p = 0.001] and reading/technological material [p = 0.006]) to facilitate the evacuation. Only 39% of affected individuals sought medical advice, mainly IBS-C patients (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Chronic constipation seems to impact 1 in each 5 Portuguese. Constipated patients are younger, solo, less active and with low income. They develop a clear toilet behaviour profile. FC and IBS-C patients assume particular behaviours.

Clinical Performance of New Software to Automatically Detect Angioectasias in Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) revolutionized the diagnosis and management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, though the rate of detection of small bowel lesions by the physician is still disappointing. Our group developed a novel algorithm (CMEMS-Uminho) to automatically detect angioectasias which display greater accuracy in VCE static frames than other methods previously published. We aimed to evaluate the algorithm overall performance and assess its diagnostic yield and usability in clinical practice. METHODS: Algorithm overall performance was determined using 54 full-length VCE recordings. To assess its diagnostic yield and usability in clinical practice, 38 VCE examinations with the clinical diagnosis of angioectasias consecutively performed (2017-2018) were evaluated by three physicians with different experiences. The CMEMS-Uminho algorithm was also applied. The performance of the CMEMS-Uminho algorithm was defined by a positive concordance between a frame automatically selected by the software and a study independent capsule endoscopist. RESULTS: Overall performance in complete VCE recordings was 77.7%, and diagnostic yield was 94.7%. There were significant differences between physicians in regard to global detection rate (p < 0.001), detection rate per capsule (p < 0.001), diagnostic yield (p = 0.007), true positive rate (p < 0.001), time (p < 0.001), and speed viewing (p < 0.001). The application of CMEMS-Uminho algorithm significantly enhanced all readers' global detection rate (p < 0.001) and the differences between them were no longer observed. CONCLUSION: The CMEMS-Uminho algorithm detained a good overall performance and was able to enhance physicians' performance, suggesting a potential usability of this tool in clinical practice.

INTRODUÇÃO: A endoscopia por cápsula (EC) revolucionou o diagnóstico da hemorragia gastrointestinal obscura, porém a taxa de defeção de lesões no intestino delgado pelo endoscopista permanece insatisfatória. Desenvolveu-se um novo algoritmo para a defeção automática de angioectasias, que revelou uma melhor acuidade na avaliação de imagens de EC que outros métodos previamente publicados. Pretende-se avaliar agora a performance global do algoritmo, o seu rendimento diagnóstico e a utilidade na prática clínica. MÉTODOS: A performance global do algoritmo foi avaliada com 54 vídeos de EC. Para avaliar o seu rendimento diagnóstico e utilidade na prática clinica, 38 EC consecutivas com diagnóstico clínico de angiectasias (2017­2018) foram analisadas por três médicos com experiência distinta. A performance do algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho foi definida por uma concordância positiva entre um frame selecionado automaticamente pelo software e um endoscopista de cápsula independente do estudo. RESULTADOS: O algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho revelou uma performance global de 77,7% e um rendimento diagnóstico de 94,7%. Os médicos apresentaram diferenças significativas na taxa de defeção global (p < 0,001), taxa de deteção por cápsula (p < 0,001), rendimento diagnóstico (p = 0,007), taxa de verdadeiros positivos (p < 0,001), tempo (p < 0,001) e velocidade de visualização (p < 0,001). A aplicação do algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho melhorou significativamente a taxa de deteção dos médicos (p < 0,001) e as diferenças entre eles diluiram-se após a sua aplicado. CONCLUSÃO: O algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho deteve um bom desempenho global e foi capaz de melhorar o desempenho médico, sugerindo uma potencial utilidade desta ferramenta na prática clínica.

Multi-pathology detection and lesion localization in WCE videos by using the instance segmentation approach.

The majority of current systems for automatic diagnosis considers the detection of a unique and previously known pathology. Considering specifically the diagnosis of lesions in the small bowel using endoscopic capsule images, very few consider the possible existence of more than one pathology and when they do, they are mainly detection based systems therefore unable to localize the suspected lesions. Such systems do not fully satisfy the medical community, that in fact needs a system that detects any pathology and eventually more than one, when they coexist. In addition, besides the diagnostic capability of these systems, localizing the lesions in the image has been of great interest to the medical community, mainly for training medical personnel purposes. So, nowadays, the inclusion of the lesion location in automatic diagnostic systems is practically mandatory. Multi-pathology detection can be seen as a multi-object detection task and as each frame can contain different instances of the same lesion, instance segmentation seems to be appropriate for the purpose. Consequently, we argue that a multi-pathology system benefits from using the instance segmentation approach, since classification and segmentation modules are both required complementing each other in lesion detection and localization. According to our best knowledge such a system does not yet exist for the detection of WCE pathologies. This paper proposes a multi-pathology system that can be applied to WCE images, which uses the Mask Improved RCNN (MI-RCNN), a new mask subnet scheme which has shown to significantly improve mask predictions of the high performing state-of-the-art Mask-RCNN and PANet systems. A novel training strategy based on the second momentum is also proposed for the first time for training Mask-RCNN and PANet based systems. These approaches were tested using the public database KID, and the included pathologies were bleeding, angioectasias, polyps and inflammatory lesions. Experimental results show significant improvements for the proposed versions, reaching increases of almost 7% over the PANet model when the new proposed training approach was employed.

Clinical Performance of Flash Glucose Monitoring System in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Diabetes Mellitus.

Flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) is an improved subset of continuous glucose monitoring with a recognized effectiveness on glycemic control, though validation in patients with Liver Cirrhosis (LC) is lacking. To evaluate the accuracy of FGMS in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and LC, a prospective, case-control study was performed in 61 ambulatory patients with LC and DM (LC group, n = 31) or DM (Control group, n = 30). During 14 days, patients performed 4 assessments per day of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG, reference value) followed by FGMS scanning. There were 2567 paired SMBG and FGMS values used in the accuracy analysis, with an overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 12.68% in the LC group and 10.55% in the control group (p < 0,001). In patients with LC, the percentage of readings within Consensus Consensus Error Grid analysis Zone A and A + B were 80.36% and 99,26%, respectively. Sensor clinical accuracy was not affected by factors such as body mass index, age, gender, Child-Pugh score or edematoascitic decompensation. This is the first study to approach FGMS clinical accuracy in LC, revealing a potential usability of this system to monitor glycemic control in this population.

Role of a Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction as an Adjuvant Treatment to Rubber Band Ligation for the Treatment of Patients With Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) includes medical and instrumental techniques. We aimed to compare the efficacy of the most frequently used nonsurgical strategies, either alone or in combination, applied in an ambulatory setting. METHODS: Patients who received nonsurgical treatment for HD by proctology appointment at the Gastroenterology Department of Braga Hospital were evaluated. Isolated rubber band ligation (RBL) and a combination of RBL with a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) were the 2 most frequently used strategies. Symptoms of HD (bleeding, pruritus, pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse) were assessed at days 0, 7, and 28 by using a severity grading scale (0 to 4/5). A Global Symptom score was constructed to assess the overall severity and compare the overall improvements of the HD symptoms between the 2 most frequently used strategies. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent the combined treatment (RBL + MPFF group) and 25 the RBL treatment (RBL group). A comparison of the 2 treatment groups showed significant improvements in the combined treatment group in terms of bleeding at days 7 (P = 0.001) and 28 (P = 0.002) and in the pruritus intensity during the first week (P < 0.001). A trend toward clinical benefit was also verified in the combined treatment group for all other HD symptoms (pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse). CONCLUSION: A combined treatment approach with MPFF and RBL significantly reduced the intensity of bleeding during the first month and the pruritus during the first week.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for the Treatment of Superficial Epithelial Gastric Neoplasia in a Portuguese Centre.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) made possible en bloc resection of neoplastic gastric lesions, regardless of lesion size, with reduced rates of complications and recurrence. This technique has become the preferred method for curative resection, instead of conventional endoscopic mucosal resection and surgery, when distant metastases have negligible risk. In Western countries experience with this technique has evolved quickly, with an increasing number of case series reported in the literature. This study aims to report the short- and long-term outcomes of ESD in gastric epithelial neoplastic lesions by a single operator in a Portuguese centre. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all gastric ESDs in a tertiary specialised unit during a 5-year period, between May 2012 and September 2017, was performed. RESULTS: A total of 114 ESDs of gastric epithelial lesions were performed during this period; 96.5% of them were removed en bloc and 87.6% with R0 resection. A curative treatment was achieved in 83.2% of the cases. Complications occurred in 13.2% of the procedures, including early and delayed bleeding in 12 patients (10.5%) and one perforation (0.9%). With a median follow-up period of 12 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 18), 6 cases of recurrence at the previous ESD site were diagnosed: 4 residual lesions and 2 local recurrences in previous R0 resections. Residual lesions occurred more often in patients with larger lesions (median = 40.0 mm, IQR = 26 vs. median = 20.0 mm, IQR = 15, p = 0.008) and with positive horizontal margins (HMs) after resection (50.0 vs. 0.0%, Fisher exact test, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of metachronous gastric lesions at 34 months was 16.1%. All new lesions were effectively treated using an endoscopic technique. The disease-specific survival at 12 months was 100%. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ESD is an effective resection technique for gastric lesions with a good safety profile, confirming other European series. Regardless, high en bloc resection positive HM is still a problem in some specimens resected by ESD. Endoscopic surveillance can detect local recurrence and new lesions during early stages, potentially treatable by endoscopy.

INTRODUÇÃO: O aparecimento da dissecção endoscópica da submucosa (ESD) tornou possível a resseção em bloco de lesões neoplásicas superficiais do estômago, independentemente da sua dimensão, com reduzidas taxas de complicações e recorrência. Esta técnica tem evoluído como método preferencial face á mucosectomia convencional e cirurgia, quando a metastização á distância tem risco negligenciável. No mundo ocidental a experiência nesta técnica tem evoluído de forma rápida surgindo um número crescente de séries na literatura. Este estudo tem como objetivo reportar os resultados a curto e longo prazo da ESD de lesões epiteliais gástricas realizadas por um único operador num centro Português. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospetiva unicêntrica dos casos de ESD de lesões epiteliais gástricas, realizadas durante um período de 5 anos, entre maio de 2012 e setembro de 2017. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 114 ESDs de neoplasias epiteliais gástricas durante o período em estudo, com uma taxa de resseção em bloco de 96.5% e R0 de 87.6%. A resseção curativa confirmou-se em 83.2% dos casos. Ocorreram complicações em 13.2% dos procedimentos, incluindo hemorragia em 12 doentes (10.5%) e 1 perfuração (0.9%). Com uma mediana de follow-up de 12 meses (variação interquartil [IQR] 18), verificaram-se 6 casos de recorrência local: 4 lesões residuais e 2 recorrências em resseções R0 prévias. Observaram-se mais frequentemente lesões residuais de ESD de lesões de maiores dimensões (mediana = 40.0 mm, IQR = 26 vs. mediana = 20.0 mm, IQR = 15, p = 0.008) e com margens horizontais (HM) positivas após a resseção (50.0% vs. 0.0%, Teste exato de Fisher, p < 0.001). A incidência cumulativa de lesões gástricas metácronas aos 34 meses foi de 16.1%. Todas as novas lesões foram eficazmente tratadas por endoscopia. A sobrevivência específica aos 12 meses de follow-up foi de 100%. Conclusão: Este estudo mostra que a ESD gástrica é uma técnica eficaz e segura para o tratamento de lesões neoplásicas precoces confirmando a maioria das séries europeias. Embora a ESD permita geralmente uma resseção em bloco as HM positivas continuam a ser um problema em alguns doentes. A vigilância endoscópica pode detetar recorrência local e novas lesões, em estádios precoces, potencialmente tratáveis por endoscopia.

What recovery position should patients adopt after percutaneous liver biopsy?

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is an invasive procedure used for the assessment of liver diseases. The patient's recovery position after the PLB differs among hospitals and departments. This study aims to evaluate adverse events and patient acceptability according to the recovery position adopted after the PLB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2014 to March 2017, patients submitted to PLB were randomly assigned to a recovery position arm: right-side position (RRP), dorsal position (DRP), or combined position. A validated numerical rating scale was used to evaluate the level of pain and the overall acceptability of the PLB experience. RESULTS: Ninety (27 patients in RRP, 33 in DRP and 30 in combined position arm) patients were included in the study. There were no differences between the three groups regarding demographic and clinical parameters, except for the number of previous biopsies - higher in the combined group (P=0.03). No major adverse events occurred. Minor complications described were pain (36.7% of patients), vasovagal reaction (2.2%) and nauseas/vomit (3.3%). Pain level and pain duration did not differ significantly between groups. Pain occurred more often in women (P=0.04) and younger patients (P=0.02). The number of passages, operator and previous biopsy did not influence the occurrence of pain. The RRP group considered the procedure less acceptable than the DRP group (P=0.001) or the combined group (P=0.002). There were no differences between the last two arms. CONCLUSION: Although RRP is the most frequently used position, it appears to be less acceptable without any protective role in terms of adverse events.