Is it necessary to stop glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists prior to endoscopic procedure? A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1 RA)are effective in diabetes and obesity,reducing hyperglycemia by increasing insulin release and delaying gastric emptying.However,they can cause gastroparesis,raising concerns about aspiration during procedures.Recent guidelines advise discontinuing GLP-1 RA before surgery to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration.AIM To evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RAs on gastric residual contents during endosco-pic procedures.METHODS A retrospective chart review at BronxCare Health System,New York,from January 2019 to October 2023,assessed gastric residue and aspiration in GLP-1 RA patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.Two groups were compared based on dietary status before the procedure.Data included demographics,symptoms of gastroparesis,opiate use,hemoglobin A1c,GLP-1 agonist indication,endo-scopic details,and aspiration occurrence.IBM SPSS was used for analysis,cal-culating means,standard deviations,and applying Pearson’s chi-square and t-tests for associations,with P<0.05 as being significant.RESULTS During the study,306 patients were included,with 41.2%on a clear liquid/low residue diet and 58.8%on a regular diet before endoscopy.Most patients(63.1%)were male,with a mean age of 60±12 years.The majority(85.6%)were on GLP-1 RAs for diabetes,and 10.1%reported digestive symptoms before endoscopy.Among those on a clear liquid diet,1.5%had residual food at endoscopy compared to 10%on a regular diet,which was statistically significant(P=0.03).Out of 31 patients with digestive symptoms,13%had residual food,all from the regular diet group(P=0.130).No complications were reported during or after the procedures.CONCLUSION The study reflects a significant rise in GLP-1 RA use for diabetes and obesity.A 24-hour liquid diet seems safe for endoscopic procedures without aspiration.Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms might have a higher residual food risk,though not statistically significant.Further research is needed to assess risks based on diabetes duration,gastroparesis,and GLP-1 RA dosing,aiming to minimize interruptions in therapy during procedures.

Predicting the presence of adenomatous polyps during colonoscopy with National Cancer Institute Colorectal Cancer Risk-Assessment Tool

AIM To evaluate the National Cancer Institute(NCI)Colorectal Cancer(CRC)Risk Assessment Tool as a predictor for the presence of adenomatous polyps(AP) found during screening or surveillance colonoscopy.METHODS This is a retrospective single center observational study.We collected data of adenomatous polyps in each colonoscopy and then evaluated the lifetime CRC risk.We calculated the AP prevalence across risk score quintiles,odds ratios of the prevalence of AP across risk score quintiles,area under curves(AUCs)and Youden’s indexes to assess the optimal risk score cut off value for AP prevalence status.RESULTS The prevalence of AP gradually increased throughout the five risk score quintiles:i.e.,27.63%in the first and 51.35%in the fifth quintile.The odd ratios of AP prevalence in the fifth quintile compared to the first and second quintile were 2.76[confidence interval(CI):1.71-4.47]and 2.09(CI:1.32-3.30).The AUC for all patients was 0.62(CI:0.58-0.66).Youden’s Index indicated the optimal risk score cutoff value discriminating AP prevalence status was 3.60.CONCLUSION Patients with the higher NCI risk score have higher risk of AP and subsequent CRC;therefore,measures to increase the effectiveness of CRC detection in these patients include longer withdrawal time,early surveillance colonoscopy,and choosing flexible colonoscopy over other CRC screening modalities.

Prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis and steatosis in type-2 diabetics with normal transaminases:A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)have an intricate bidirectional relationship.Individuals with T2DM,not only have a higher prevalence of non-alcoholic steatosis,but also carry a higher risk of progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.Experts still differ in their recommendations of screening for NAFLD among patients with T2DM.AIM To study the prevalence of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis among our patient population with T2DM.METHODS During the study period(November 2018 to January 2020),59 adult patients with T2DM and 26 non-diabetic control group individuals were recruited prospectively.Patients with known significant liver disease and alcohol use were excluded.Demographic data and lab parameters were recorded.Liver elastography was performed in all patients.RESULTS In the study group comprised of patients with T2DM and normal alanine aminotransferase levels(mean 17.8±7 U/L),81%had hepatic steatosis as diagnosed by elastography.Advanced hepatic fibrosis(stage F3 or F4)was present in 12%of patients with T2DM as compared to none in the control group.Patients with T2DM also had higher number of individuals with grade 3 steatosis[45.8%vs 11.5%,(P<0.00001)and metabolic syndrome(84.7%vs 11.5%,P<0.00001)].CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with T2DM,despite having normal transaminase levels,have NAFLD,grade 3 steatosis and advanced hepatic fibrosis as measured by liver elastography.

Chronic hepatitis-C infection in COVID-19 patients is associated with in-hospital mortality

BACKGROUND There is little evidence about the association of pre-existing hepatitis C infection(HCV)with outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).AIM To assess the prevalence of history of HCV among patients with COVID-19 and to study the relationship of in-hospital mortality in relation with other predictors of poor outcomes in the presence or absence of COVID-19 induced acute liver injury.METHODS In a retrospective single-center study design,1193 patients with COVID-19 infection were studied.Patients were then classified into those with and without a history of HCV,50(4.1%)and 1157(95.9%)respectively.RESULTS Multivariate cox-regression models showed that age,HCV,D-Dimer,and ferritin were the only predictors of in-hospital mortality.Acute liver injury and fibrosis score(Fib-4 score)were not different between both groups.Multivariate coxregression model for liver profile revealed that aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio,Fib-4 score,and HCV were predictors of inhospital mortality.After propensity score matching HCV was the only predictor of mortality in the multivariate cox-regression model.A model including HCV was found to add predictive value to clinical and laboratory parameters.CONCLUSION In patients with COVID-19,history of HCV infection leads to an accentuated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)virulence,irrespective of baseline comorbidities,admission laboratory variables,or COVID-19-induced liver injury,which may be related to extrahepatic effects of HCV leading to enhanced ACE-2/TMPRSS mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry,baseline cytokine-mediated pro-inflammation,and endothelial dysfunction.

Rare sequalae of hiatal hernia causing pancreatitis and hepatitis:A case report

Hiatal hernia(HH) contents commonly include stomach, transverse colon, small intestine, and spleen but herniation of the pancreas is an extremely rare phenomenon.79-year-old female with multiple comorbidities presented to emergency department with complaints of weight loss for 6 mo and abdominal pain for one day. Physical examination revealed cachectic and dehydrated female and bowel sounds could be auscultated on the right side of chest. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen revealed interval enlargement of a massive HH,containing stomach and much of the bowel as well as pancreas and distal extrahepatic biliary duct, probably responsible for obstructive effect upon same. There was increased prominence of the pancreas consistent with pancreatitis. There was a large HH causing obstructive effect with dilated biliary system along gall bladder wall edema and pancreatitis. Patient clinical status improved with conservative treatment.HH presenting with acute pancreatitis is a serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The initial management is conservative, even if the abdominal content has herniated to mediastinum. The incentive spirometry can be utilized in the conservative of the large HH. After stabilization of the patient, elective surgical intervention remains the mainstay of the management. Definitive treatment will vary from case to case depending on the acuity of situation and comorbidities.

Hepatitis in slaughterhouse workers

Slaughterhouse workers(SHW) are at increased risk of hepatitis which can occur due to different organisms and should be investigated for viral, bacterial, and parasitic organisms. Slaughter house personnel including butchers are at a higher risk of infections from cuts and blood-letting, with the possible risk of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens to their colleagues. The objective of this review is to evaluate the common etiologies of hepatitis in SHW which will assist in the assessment of these patients presenting with transaminitis. Types of Microorganisms causing hepatitis with their reservoirs, routes of transmission,laboratory diagnosis, clinical features, treatment options and preventive strategies are included in this review. Proper investigation and awareness is of utmost importance as it causes significant financial constraints derived from workers health cost and from livestock production losses when the disease is confirmed. The work up is essential because infected workers might be a source of infections to other colleagues, family and the consumers.

Chemical colitis caused by hydrogen peroxide vaginal douche: A case report

BACKGROUND Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common household disinfectants worldwide.Hydrogen peroxide has been documented as a rare cause of chemical colitis.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of 31 years old lady who presented to our hospital with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain after using hydrogen peroxide vaginal douche as an enema.She underwent colonoscopy which showed findings suggestive of chemical colitis and was managed conservatively.Hydrogen peroxide can induce chemical injury in the colon.Clinical presentation and endoscopic findings of chemical colitis are nonspecific.History taking is an important tool in identifying the underlying etiology.Review of literature showed few case reports,mostly were managed with oral antibiotics and conservative approach.CONCLUSION Chemical colitis is usually managed conservatively.Complications including perforation,stricture and peritonitis may happen and need aggressive treatment accordingly.

Patients with Clostridium difficile infection and prior appendectomy may be prone to worse outcomes

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection(CDI)occurs due to a dysbiosis in the colon.The appendix is considered a‘safe house’for gut microbiota and may help repopulate gut flora of patients with CDI.AIM To study the impact of prior appendectomy on the severity and outcomes of CDI.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of 1580 patients with CDI,admitted to our hospital between 2008 to 2018.Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of the appendix.The primary aim was to(1)assess all-cause mortality and(2)the severity of CDI.Severity was defined as per the Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria.Logistic regression,and propensity score analysis using inverse probability of treatment weights(IPTW)was performed.RESULTS Of the 1580 patients,12.5%had a history of appendectomy.There was no statistical difference in mortality between patients with a prior appendectomy or without(13.7%vs 14%,P=0.877).However,a history of appendectomy affected the severity of CDI[odds ratio(OR)=1.32,95%confidence interval:1.01-1.75].On IPTW,this association remained significant(OR=1.59,P<0.05).On multivariable toxic megacolon(OR=5.37,P<0.05)and colectomy(OR=2.77,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prior appendectomy may affect the severity of CDI,development of toxic megacolon and the eventual need for colectomy.Since treatment of CDI is governed by its severity,stronger antibiotic regimens or earlier use of fecal microbiota transplant may be a viable option for patients with prior appendectomy.

Utility of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide.Colonoscopy is the most important tool that can identify neoplastic lesion in early stages and resect it in a timely manner which helps in reducing mortality related to colorectal cancer.However,the quality of colonoscopy findings depends on the expertise of the endoscopist and thus the rate of missed adenoma or polyp cannot be controlled.It is desirable to standardize the quality of colonoscopy by reducing the number of missed adenoma/polyps.Introduction of artificial intelligence(AI)in the field of medicine has become popular among physicians nowadays.The application of AI in colonoscopy can help in reducing miss rate and increasing colorectal cancer detection rate as per recent studies.Moreover,AI assistance during colonoscopy has also been utilized in patients with inflammatory bowel disease to improve diagnostic accuracy,assessing disease severity and predicting clinical outcomes.We conducted a literature review on the available evidence on use of AI in colonoscopy.In this review article,we discuss about the principles,application,limitations,and future aspects of AI in colonoscopy.