Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants: Lessons learned from single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology is challenging due to surgically altered anatomy after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (SBE-ERCP) to treat biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 106 SBE-ERCP procedures in 46 patients with Whipple's variants. Technical and clinical success rates and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Biliary SBE-ERCP was performed in 34 patients and pancreatic SBE-ERCP in 17, including 5 with both indications. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 76 were biliary indication with technical success rate of 68/76 (90%) procedures and clinical success rate of 30/34 (88%) patients. Mild adverse event rate was 8/76 (11%), without serious adverse events. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 30 were pancreatic indication with technical success rate of 24/30 (80%) procedures (P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP) and clinical success rate of 11/17 (65%) patients (P = 0.016 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP). Mild adverse event rate was 6/30 (20%) (P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP), without serious adverse events. After SBE-ERCP failure, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, percutaneous drainage and redo surgery were alternative therapeutic options. CONCLUSIONS: Biliopancreatic pathology after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy variants can be treated using SBE-ERCP without serious adverse events. Technical and clinical success rates are high for biliary indications, whereas clinical success rate of pancreatic indications is significantly lower. SBE-ERCP can be considered as first-line treatment option in this patient group with surgically altered anatomy.

Diet or medication in primary care patients with IBS: the DOMINO study - a randomised trial supported by the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE Trials Programme) and the Rome Foundation Research Institute.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, IBS is commonly treated with musculotropic spasmolytics (eg, otilonium bromide, OB). In tertiary care, a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet provides significant improvement. Yet, dietary treatment remains to be explored in primary care. We evaluated the effect of a smartphone FODMAP-lowering diet application versus OB on symptoms in primary care IBS. METHODS: IBS patients, recruited by primary care physicians, were randomised to 8 weeks of OB (40 mg three times a day) or diet and followed for 24 weeks. We compared IBS Symptom Severity Score and the proportion of responders (improvement ≥50 points) in all patients and the subgroup fulfilling Rome IV criteria (Rome+). We also evaluated treatment efficacy, quality of life, anxiety, depression, somatic symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ15, PHQ9)) and treatment adherence and analysed predictors of response. RESULTS: 459 primary care IBS patients (41±15 years, 76% female, 70% Rome+) were randomised. The responder rate after 8 weeks was significantly higher with diet compared with OB (71% (155/218) vs 61% (133/217), p=0.03) and more pronounced in Rome+ (77% (118/153) vs 62% (98/158), p=0.004). Patients allocated to diet (199/212) were 94% adherent compared with 73% with OB (148/202) (p<0.001). The significantly higher response rate with diet was already observed after 4 weeks (62% (132/213) vs 51% (110/215), p=0.02) and a high symptom response persisted during follow-up. Predictors of response were female gender (OR=2.08, p=0.04) for diet and PHQ15 (OR=1.10, p=0.02) for OB. CONCLUSION: In primary care IBS patients, a FODMAP-lowering diet application was superior to a spasmolytic agent in improving IBS symptoms. A FODMAP-lowering diet should be considered the first-line treatment for IBS in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04270487.

Effects of Rome IV Definitions of Functional Dyspepsia Subgroups in Secondary Care.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is subdivided into postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) according to the Rome III consensus. In clinical practice, there is a major overlap between these subgroups. The Rome IV criteria included postprandially occurring symptoms in the PDS subgroup. We aimed to analyze the effects of the Rome IV criteria, compared with Rome III, on FD subgroups in patients recruited from secondary care. METHODS: Patients with FD (n = 224; mean age, 43 ± 1 y; 77% women) were recruited from secondary-care units in Belgium and filled out symptom questionnaires, allowing subdivision according to Rome III and Rome IV criteria and identification of postprandial symptoms. Symptom patterns and demographics were compared between the subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test and the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: According to the Rome III criteria, 25% of participants had PDS, 8% had EPS, and 67% had an overlap. Postprandial fullness, early satiation, and bloating were present in significantly more patients in the PDS and overlap groups than the EPS group (P < .0001). A higher proportion of patients in the overlap group showed symptoms such as postprandial epigastric pain and nausea than in the EPS group (both P ≤ .02). With the Rome IV criteria, the overlap group was reduced to 35%; 57% of patients were considered to have PDS and 8% to have EPS. Postprandial pain was significantly more prevalent in the PDS than in the EPS group (P ≤ .002), and postprandial nausea was significantly more prevalent in the PDS group than the overlap group (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Rome III criteria, the Rome IV criteria significantly reduces the overlap between PDS and EPS groups. Studies are needed to determine if Rome IV subgroups are associated differently with psychological comorbidities and treatment responses.

Risk factors of refractory post-endoscopic submucosal dissection esophageal strictures.

INTRODUCTION: our aim was to comparatively assess the treatment outcomes of endoscopic dilatation in Barrett's neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) strictures, and to determine the risk or factors associated to refractory strictures. METHODS: an observational study. All consecutive patients presenting with a post-ESD stricture in 2007-2016 who underwent dilation therapy were included. Clinical, morphological, and technical features were assessed to determine the risk factors of refractory strictures. RESULTS: of 414 consecutive patients treated by ESD, 83 (mean age: 65 ± 10 years, 76 % men) with 254 dilations (median: 3, range: 1-27) were considered. Barrett's neoplasia and SCC were the indications in 58 (69.9 %) and in 25 (30.1 %) cases, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 84.3 % with a median of 3 sessions (range: 1-22), with a higher rate in Barrett's neoplasia (89.7 % vs. 72 %, p = 0.042). Circumferential resection in one single procedure (13.2 %) was associated with the need for a higher number of dilation sessions. By multivariate analysis, upper-esophageal location (OR: 11.479 [95 % CI: 2.058-64.043], p = 0.005), recurrent strictures (OR: 17.252 [95 % CI: 2.833-105.069], p = 0.002), and dilation-related complications (OR: 26.420 [95 % CI: 1.736-401.966], p = 0.018) were risk factors of refractory stenosis. CONCLUSION: patients presenting with SCC located in the upper superior esophagus, intra-procedural perforation, and recurrent strictures are at higher risk of developing refractory strictures.

A new 12-French plastic stent for unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are recommended in unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction. However, problems with dysfunction and migration of these stents are not negligible. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a new 12-Fr plastic stent. METHODS: In an observational, prospective study, all consecutive patients who underwent biliary stenting with the 12-Fr stent were considered (index group). Referent groups were a historical cohort, matched by sex, etiology, and metastatic status, including patients with 10-Fr plastic stents and with fully covered and uncovered SEMSs (FCSEMSs and UCSEMSs). Outcomes were stent patency, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), technical success, 30-day mortality and adverse events. A post-procedure examination of removed stents was done. RESULTS: 72 patients (median age 66, range 32 - 94 years, 50 % men) were included (24 index, 48 referents). There were no differences in median stent patency time (P = 0.684). RBO was significantly lower with the 12-Fr compared with the 10-Fr profile stent (50 % vs. 81.3 %, P = 0.04), but no difference was found compared with the FCSEMSs (50 % vs. 43.8 %, P = 0.698). Technical success was 100 %, with no differences in 30-day mortality P = 0.105). The adverse events rate was 4.2 % for both groups (index n = 1, referents n = 2). Of 11 removed 12-Fr plastic stents suspected to be dysfunctional, 7 (64 %) were still patent. CONCLUSIONS: This new 12-Fr plastic stent could be an effective and cheaper alternative to SEMSs in distal malignant biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic management of biliary leaks: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The first-line approach to the treatment of biliary leaks is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A variety of techniques can be used, including sphincterotomy, stenting, a combination of both techniques, or nasobiliary drainage. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to define the optimal strategy. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science until January 2018 for randomized clinical trials, case-control studies, and prospective cohort studies. Data on procedure, success, and complication rate were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare sphincterotomy alone vs. stenting alone vs. combination treatment. Stenting was further stratified into leak-bridging and short stenting. RESULTS: 11 studies out of 5085 references were included. Compared with sphincterotomy alone, the combination of sphincterotomy with leak-bridging stenting had the highest success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.15, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.97 - 1.50), followed by leak-bridging stenting alone (RR 1.10, 95 %CI 0.84 - 1.44). For nonbridgeable leaks, stenting alone had a higher success rate than sphincterotomy alone (RR 1.07, 95 %CI 0.72 - 1.40). The combination of short stents with sphincterotomy had no added benefit (RR 0.94, 95 %CI 0.49 - 1.29). Overall quality of the included studies was considered to be moderate. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend sphincterotomy with stenting if the biliary leak can be bridged. If not, stenting alone with a short stent may be preferred in order to avoid sphincterotomy-related complications. More and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Risk factors for conversion to snare resection during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in an expert Western center.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding the risk factors and consequences of conversion to endoscopic mucosal resection (rescue EMR) during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Western centers. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, from which 225 consecutive ESDs performed between 2013 and 2017 were selected. Of the included patients, 39 (18.6 %) required rescue EMR. Pre- and per-procedure characteristics were evaluated to determine the features associated with the need for rescue EMR. Outcomes and complications were also assessed. RESULTS: 210 patients were included, with median tumor size of 40 mm (range 20 - 110) and most tumors being in a non-rectal location (66.2 %). When compared with full ESD, rescue EMR was significantly associated with lower rates of en bloc resection (43.6 % vs. 100 %) and complete resection (R0 status; 28.2 % vs. 88.9 %), and with a higher rate of recurrence (5.1 % vs. 0 %) and more need for surgery (15.4 % vs. 3.5 %). In multivariable analysis, non-lifting (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] 3.06, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.23 - 7.66; P = 0.02), nongranular-type laterally spreading tumor (LST-NG; ORa 2.56, 95 %CI 1.10 - 5.99; P = 0.03), and difficult retroflexion (OR 3.22, 95 %CI 1.01 - 10.28; P = 0.049) were independent risk factors associated with conversion to rescue EMR, while tumor size and location were not. CONCLUSIONS: During ESD, the presence of poor lifting, LST-NG morphology, and a difficult retroflexed approach were factors associated with the need to convert to rescue EMR. Conversion to rescue EMR remains a valuable strategy.

Fibroscan Reliably Rules Out Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Significant Portal Hypertension in Alcoholic Patients.

BACKGROUND/GOALS: To date, there is no consensus on optimal cut-off values and timing of transient elastography (TE, Fibroscan) for fibrosis staging and prediction of portal hypertension in alcoholic liver disease. We evaluated the accuracy of Fibroscan for the diagnosis of fibrosis and clinically significant portal hypertension in alcoholic patients. STUDY: Heavy drinkers admitted to our standardized alcohol withdrawal program were evaluated by Fibroscan, by transjugular hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement and liver biopsy if significant fibrosis was suspected and by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All investigations were performed within 3 days of admission. Patients who had remained abstinent for 2 weeks underwent a second Fibroscan. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were included. Fibroscan correlated well with histology and HVPG. Negative predictive value of 92% and 93% for ruling out severe fibrosis (≥F3) and cirrhosis, and optimal cut-offs at ≥11.7, ≥15.2, and ≥21.2 kPa for F2, F3, and F4, respectively, were found. In abstinent patients, a mean decrease of 2.7 kPa improved concordance between Fibroscan and histology. A TE value of 30.6 kPa predicted a HVPG>10 mm Hg with 94% specificity and showed a good negative predictive value of 84% for ruling out the presence of varices at endoscopy. Steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, sinusoidal fibrosis, cholestasis, and high transaminases did not influence TE values. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroscan is an accurate non-invasive method for the diagnosis of fibrosis in alcoholic patients. TE values below 11 and 30 kPa likely rule out significant fibrosis and varices, respectively.

[An unusual case of olmesartan induced enteropathy]. / Un cas inhabituel d'entéropathie secondaire à la prise d'olmesartan.

Olmesartan induced enteropathy was first described in 2012. It is a rare adverse effect of this antihypertensive drug. The clinical presentation commonly includes severe chronic diarrhea leading to weight loss and a variable degree of dehydration. Histological findings are most commonly observed in the duodenum and consist of partial or total villous atrophy, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and inflammation in the lamina propria. Involvement of gastric and colic mucosa has also been described. We report on the case of a 63-year-old man, treated by olmesartan, who presented with severe chronic diarrhea. Biopsies from different levels of the gastrointestinal tract revealed a pandigestive intraepithelial lymphocytosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Prucalopride in Chronic Constipation: An Integrated Analysis of Six Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Prucalopride, a selective, high-affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonist, stimulates gastrointestinal and colonic motility and alleviates common symptoms of chronic constipation (CC) in adults. The relative efficacy by gender has not been evaluated. AIM: To evaluate the global efficacy and safety of prucalopride 2 mg daily in men and women with CC using data from six large, randomized, controlled clinical trials. METHODS: Data were combined from six phase 3 and 4, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients with a mean of ≥3 spontaneous complete bowel movements (SCBMs) per week over 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was assessed throughout all the trials. RESULTS: Overall, 2484 patients (597 men; 1887 women; prucalopride, 1237; placebo, 1247) were included in the integrated efficacy analysis and 2552 patients were included in the integrated safety analysis. Significantly more patients achieved a mean of ≥3 SCBMs/week over the 12 weeks of treatment in the prucalopride group (27.8 %) than in the placebo group [13.2 %, OR 2.68 (95 % CI 2.16, 3.33), p < 0.001]. Prucalopride had a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Efficacy and safety outcomes were not significantly different between men and women. CONCLUSION: The integrated analysis demonstrates the efficacy and safety of prucalopride in the treatment of CC in men and women.

FCGR polymorphisms and cetuximab efficacy in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer: an international consortium study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to better clarify the role of germline variants of the FCG2 receptor, FCGR2A-H131R and FCGR3A-V158F, on the therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A large cohort with sufficient statistical power was assembled. DESIGN: To show a HR advantage of 0.6 in progression-free survival (PFS) for FCGR2A-HH versus the rest and FCGR3A-VV versus the rest, with an 80% power, 80 Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) wild-type (KRAS-WT) and 52 KRAS-WT patients are required, respectively. This leads to a total sample size of 952 and 619 patients, respectively. Samples were collected from 1123 mCRC patients from 15 European centres treated with cetuximab alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Fc gamma receptor (FCGR) status was centrally genotyped. Two additional externally genotyped series were included. RESULTS: Incidences of FCGR2A-HH and FCGR3A-VV in KRAS-WT patients were 220/660 (33%) and 109/676 (16.1%) respectively. There was no difference in median PFS (mPFS) for KRAS-WT patients with FCGR2A-HH (22.0 weeks; 95% CI18.8 to 25.2) versus non-HH (22.0 weeks; 95% CI 19.4 to 24.6) or for FCGR3A-VV (16.4 weeks; 95% CI 13.0 to 19.8) versus non-VV (23 weeks; 95% CI 21.1 to 24.9) (p=0.06). Median overall survival, response rate and disease control rate assessments showed no benefit for either HH or VV. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in mPFS were found between the FCGR polymorphisms HH and the others and VV versus the others in KRAS-WT mCRC patients refractory to irinotecan, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil treated with cetuximab. We cannot confirm the effects of other IgG1 antibodies, which may be weaker than previously suggested. Other markers may be needed to study the actual host antibody response to cetuximab.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of prucalopride in men with chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVES: Prucalopride is effective at alleviating symptoms of chronic constipation in women. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 12 weeks of prucalopride treatment compared with placebo in men with chronic constipation. METHODS: This was a multicenter, stratified, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01147926). The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a mean of three or more spontaneous complete bowel movements (SCBMs) per week across the treatment period. Efficacy end points were assessed using daily electronic diaries, global assessment of the severity of constipation and efficacy of treatment, and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, 374 patients were enrolled in the study. Significantly more patients achieved a mean of three or more SCBMs per week in the prucalopride group (37.9%) than in the placebo group (17.7%, P<0.0001). The proportion of patients rating their constipation treatment as "quite a bit" to "extremely" effective at the final on-treatment visit was 46.7 and 30.4% in the prucalopride and placebo groups, respectively. The difference between treatment groups was statistically significant (P<0.0001). The proportion of patients with an improvement of at least 1 point in PAC-QOL satisfaction subscale score was 52.7 and 38.8% in the prucalopride and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.0035). Prucalopride had a good safety profile and was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Prucalopride is effective, has a good safety profile, and is well tolerated for the treatment of men with chronic constipation.

Clinical outcome in patients treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial Barrett's neoplasia.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Barrett's neoplasia is ill-defined, although it might provide a higher curative resection rate and better histologic assessment than endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). We aimed to assess efficacy, safety, and long-term results of ESD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of 75 consecutive patients with Barrett's esophagus who underwent ESD between January 2007 and February 2014. ESD was performed for visible lesions that were multiple, larger than 15 mm, or poorly lifting, or suspected of submucosal infiltration. The primary end point was the rate of curative resection of carcinoma. RESULTS: Median patient age was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 61 - 76), median follow-up was 20 months (IQR 8.5 - 37.5), and median maximum specimen diameter was 52.5 mm (IQR 43 - 71). En bloc resection rate was 90 % (66 /73), and rates of curative resection of carcinoma and high grade dysplasia/carcinoma were 85 % (47 /55) and 64 % (42 /66), respectively. G3 differentiation and invasion to greater than pT1m2 were observed in 25 % (14 /55) and 67 % (37 /55) of patients with adenocarcinoma, respectively. There were 5 early ( < 48 hours) adverse events (2 delayed hemorrhages and 3 perforations), all treated endoscopically. No ESD-specific death occurred. Esophageal strictures developed in 60 % of patients, all treated endoscopically. Additional treatment (median sessions 2 [IQR 2 - 3]) for residual Barrett's esophagus were recommended to 62 % (42 /68). At latest follow-up, complete remission of neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia was found in 92 % (54 /59) and 73 % (43 /59) of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: ESD appears to be safe and effective, with a high rate of curative resection of carcinoma. ESD should be considered for patients with Barrett's neoplasia at risk of incomplete resection or poor pathologic assessment with conventional EMR.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

UNLABELLED: This Guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system 1 2 was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: 1 ESGE recommends endoscopic en bloc resection for superficial esophageal squamous cell cancers (SCCs), excluding those with obvious submucosal involvement (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) may be considered in such lesions when they are smaller than 10 mm if en bloc resection can be assured. However, ESGE recommends endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as the first option, mainly to provide an en bloc resection with accurate pathology staging and to avoid missing important histological features (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). 2 ESGE recommends endoscopic resection with a curative intent for visible lesions in Barrett's esophagus (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). ESD has not been shown to be superior to EMR for excision of mucosal cancer, and for that reason EMR should be preferred. ESD may be considered in selected cases, such as lesions larger than 15 mm, poorly lifting tumors, and lesions at risk for submucosal invasion (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). 3 ESGE recommends endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastric superficial neoplastic lesions that possess a very low risk of lymph node metastasis (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). EMR is an acceptable option for lesions smaller than 10 - 15 mm with a very low probability of advanced histology (Paris 0-IIa). However, ESGE recommends ESD as treatment of choice for most gastric superficial neoplastic lesions (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). 4 ESGE states that the majority of colonic and rectal superficial lesions can be effectively removed in a curative way by standard polypectomy and/or by EMR (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). ESD can be considered for removal of colonic and rectal lesions with high suspicion of limited submucosal invasion that is based on two main criteria of depressed morphology and irregular or nongranular surface pattern, particularly if the lesions are larger than 20 mm; or ESD can be considered for colorectal lesions that otherwise cannot be optimally and radically removed by snare-based techniques (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence).

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Roles of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pediatric Pancreaticobiliary Disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in children has only recently been demonstrated, and that also to a lesser extent than in adults. Data on the technique's therapeutic indications remain scarce. We therefore sought to evaluate diagnostic and interventional EUS indications, safety, and impact in children with pancreaticobiliary disorders. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single pediatric center records, covering a 14-year period. RESULTS: From January 2000 to January 2014, 52 EUS procedures were performed in 48 children (mean age: 12 years; range: 2-17 years) with pancreaticobiliary disorders for the following indications: suspected biliary obstruction (n = 20/52), acute/chronic pancreatitis (n = 20), pancreatic mass (n = 3), pancreatic trauma (n = 7), and ampullary adenoma (n = 2). EUS was found to have a positive impact in 51 of 52 procedures, enabling us to avoid endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (n = 13 biliary; n = 6 pancreatic), focusing instead on endotherapy (n = 7 biliary; n = 14 pancreatic) or reorienting therapy toward surgery (n = 7). EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration was carried out on 12 patients for pancreatic tumor (n = 4), pancreatic cyst fluid analysis (n = 4), autoimmune pancreatitis (n = 2), and suspicion of biliary tumor (n = 2). A total of 13 therapeutic EUS procedures (11 children) were conducted, including 9 combined EUS-ERCP procedures (7 children, mean age: 8 years, range: 4-11 years), 3 EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage (2 children), and 1 EUS-guided transgastric biliary drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports on a large pediatric EUS series for diagnostic and therapeutic pancreaticobiliary disorders, demonstrating the impact of diagnostic EUS and affording insights into novel EUS and combined EUS-ERCP therapeutic applications. We suggest considering EUS as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of pediatric pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Translation of the nine item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) questionnaire in French (NIAS-Fr).

BACKGROUND: The Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Screen (NIAS) questionnaire is originally available in English. Given the significant overlap of ARFID-like symptoms in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, ARFID screening becomes crucial in these patient populations. Consequently, the translation of the NIAS questionnaire into French is necessary for its utilization in French-speaking countries. METHODS: Clinical experts in neuro-gastroenterology and dietetics from four medical centres in two French-speaking countries (France and Belgium) took part in a well-structured questionnaire translation procedure. This process involved six steps before final approval: translation from English to French, backward translation, comparison between the original and retranslated versions, testing the translated version on patients, making corrections based on patient feedback, and testing the corrected version on an additional sample of patients. KEY RESULTS: The NIAS questionnaire in French (NIAS-Fr) was tested on 18 outpatients across the involved centres. For the majority of native French-speaking patients, the translated questionnaire was well understood and clear. After incorporating two relevant modifications suggested by the patients, the translated questionnaire was approved through testing on an additional sample of patients. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: The involvement of two French-speaking countries was crucial for the harmonization and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire. As a result, the NIAS-Fr is now available for use in 54 French-speaking countries, serving approximately 321 million French speakers across five continents for screening ARFID, for both clinical and research purposes.

Clinical and morphological characteristics of sporadic genetically determined pancreatitis as compared to idiopathic pancreatitis: higher risk of pancreatic cancer in CFTR variants.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Idiopathic pancreatitis is considered to be a multigenic and multifactorial disease. Genetically determined pancreatitis is associated with mutations in the PRSS1,SPINK1 and CFTR genes. This study aimed at examining the clinical and morphological characteristics of patients diagnosed with genetically determined sporadic pancreatitis. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were the presence of PRSS1,CFTR or SPINK1 gene mutations in patients with idiopathic recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. Patients with hereditary pancreatitis were excluded. Age- and sex-matched patients with idiopathic pancreatitis and negative genetic testing served as controls (n = 68). RESULTS: Genetic testing was performed in 351 probands referred to our centre since 1999. Sixty-one patients (17.4%) carried at least 1 detected mutation in 1 of the 3 tested genes (34 CFTR, 10 PRSS1 and 13 SPINK1 mutations), and 4 patients showed a combination of mutations. Follow-up has been currently extended to a median of 5 years (range 1-40). Similar clinical features were noted in the case and matched groups except for an earlier age of onset of pancreatic symptoms and a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer in the case group and in patients with CFTR mutations compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The standardized incidence ratio, the ratio of observed to expected pancreatic cancers, averaged 26.5 (95% confidence interval 8.6-61.9). All pancreatic cancer patients were smokers. CONCLUSION: Clinical parameters of patients with sporadic idiopathic pancreatitis and gene mutations are similar to those of age- and sex-matched patients without gene mutations, except for the age of pancreatic disease onset. A significantly higher occurrence of pancreas cancer was observed in the case group, particularly in those patients carrying CFTR mutations. We therefore suggest to include patients with CFTR variants presenting with risk factors in a screening and surveillance programme and to strongly advise them to stop smoking.