Metabolic syndrome and colorectal neoplasms:An ominous association

AIM:To evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome(MS) and colorectal cancer and adenomas in a Western country,where the incidence of MS is over 27%.METHODS:This was a prospective study between March 2013 and March 2014.MS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education ProgramATP III.Demographic characteristics,anthropometric measurements,metabolic risk factors,and colonoscopic pathologic findings were assessed in patients with MS(group 1) who underwent routine colonoscopy at our department.This data was compared with consecutive patients without metabolic syndrome(group 2),with no differences regarding sex and age.Patients with incomplete colonoscopy,family history,or past history of colorectal neoplasm were excluded.Informed consent was obtained and the ethics committee approved this study.Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and χ2 test,with a P value ≤ 0.05 being considered statistically significant.RESULTS:Of 258 patients,129 had MS;51% males;mean-age 67.1 years(50-87).Among the MS group,94% had high blood pressure,91% had increased waist circumference,60% had diabetes,55% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level,50% had increased triglyceride level,and 54% were obese [body mass index(BMI) 30 kg/m2].51% presented 4 criteria of MS.MS was associated with increased prevalence of adenomas(43% vs 25%,P = 0.004) and colorectal cancer(13% vs 5%,P = 0.027),compared with patients without MS.MS was also positively associated with multiple(≥ 3) adenomas(35% vs 9%,P = 0.024) and sessile adenomas(69% vs 53%,P = 0.05).No difference existed between location(P = 0.086),grade of dysplasia(P = 0.196),or size(P= 0.841) of adenomas.In addition,no difference was found between BMI(P = 0.078),smoking(P = 0.146),alcohol consumption(P = 0.231),and the presence of adenomas.CONCLUSION:MS is positively associated with adenomas and colorectal cancer.However,there is not enough information in western European countries to justify screening in patients with MS.To our knowledge,no previous study has evaluated this association in Portuguese patients.

Appropriateness of outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy in a non-academic hospital

AIM:To assess the appropriate use and the diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy in this subgroup of patients.METHODS:In total,789 consecutive outpatients referred for gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy [381 for esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) and 408 for colonoscopy] were prospectively enrolled in the study.The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy(ASGE) guidelines were used to assess the relationship between appropriateness and the presence of relevant endoscopic f indings.RESULTS:The overall inappropriate rate was 13.3%.The indications for EGD and colonoscopy were,respectively,appropriate in 82.7% and 82.6% of the exams,uncertain in 5.8% and 2.4% and inappropriate in 11.5% and 15%.The diagnostic yield was signif icant higher forEGDs and colonoscopies judged appropriate and uncertain when compared with those considered inappropriate(EGD:36.6% vs 36.4% vs 11.4%,P = 0.004;Colonoscopy:24.3% vs 20.0% vs 3.3%,P = 0.001).Of the 25 malignant lesions detected,all but one was detected in exams judged appropriate or uncertain.CONCLUSION:This study shows a good adherence to ASGE guidelines by the referring physicians and a significant increase of the diagnostic yield in appropriate examinations,namely in detecting neoplastic lesions.It underscores the importance that the appropriateness of the indication assumes in assuring high-quality GI endoscopic procedures.