Gastrointestinal tuberculosis:Diagnostic approaches for this uncommon pathology

A case report entitled“Primary gastroduodenal tuberculosis presenting as gastric outlet obstruction”recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases presented a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction and highlighted the atypical manner in which gastrointestinal tuberculosis(TB)can present.The literature with regards to this rare pathology is limited to case reports and case series with the largest being published using data from between 2003 and 2013.However,since then the diagnostic tools available have significantly changed with more modern and increasingly accurate tests now available.This editorial reviews the current state of the art with regards to diagnosis in gastrointestinal TB.

Using clinical cases to guide healthcare

Evidence-based practice(EBP)has been the gold standard in healthcare for nearly three centuries and aims to assist physicians in providing the safest and most effective healthcare for their patients.The well-established hierarchy of evidence lists systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top however these methodologies are not always appropriate or possible and in these instances case-control studies,case series and case reports are utilised to support EBP.Case-control studies allow simultaneous study of multiple risk factors and can be performed rapidly and relatively cheaply.A recent example was during the Coronavirus pandemic where case-control studies were used to assess the efficacy of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.Case series and case reports also play a role in EBP and are particularly useful to study rare diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease in transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.They are also vital in generating and disseminating early signals and encouraging further research.Whilst these methodologies have weaknesses,particularly with regards to bias and loss of patient confidentiality for rare pathologies,they have an important part to play in EBP and when appropriately utilised can significantly impact upon clinical practice.

Biobanks and biomarkers:Their current and future role in biomedical research

The importance and utility of biobanks has increased exponentially since their inception and creation.Initially used as part of translational research,they now contribute over 40%of data for all cancer research papers in the United States of America and play a crucial role in all aspects of healthcare.Multiple classification systems exist but a simplified approach is to either classify as population-based or disease-oriented entities.Whilst historically publicly funded institutions,there has been a significant increase in industry funded entities across the world which has changed the dynamic of biobanks offering new possibilities but also new challenges.Biobanks face legal questions over data sharing and intellectual property as well as ethical and sustainability questions particularly as the world attempts to move to a low-carbon economy.International collaboration is required to address some of these challenges but this in itself is fraught with complexity and difficulty.This review will examine the current utility of biobanks in the modern healthcare setting as well as the current and future challenges these vital institutions face.

Research surveys and their evolution:Past,current and future uses in healthcare

Research surveys are believed to have originated in antiquity with evidence of them being performed in ancient Egypt and Greece.In the past century,their use has grown significantly and they are now one of the most frequently employed research methods including in the field of healthcare.Modern validation techniques and processes have allowed researchers to broaden the scope of qualitative data they can gather through these surveys such as an individual’s views on service quality to nationwide surveys that are undertaken regularly to follow healthcare trends.This article focuses on the evolution and current utility of research surveys,different methodologies employed in their creation,the advantages and disadvantages of different forms and their future use in healthcare research.We also review the role artificial intelligence and the importance of increased patient participation in the development of these surveys in order to obtain more accurate and clinically relevant data.

Using national census data to facilitate healthcare research

National censuses are conducted at varying intervals across both the developed and developing world and collect detailed data on a wide range of societal,economic and health questions.This immense volume of data has many potential uses in the field of healthcare research and can be utilised either in isolation or in conjunction with other information sources such as hospital records.At a governmental level census data can be used for healthcare service planning by providing accurate population density information but also,through the use of more detailed data collection,by helping to identify high-risk populations that may require increased resource allocation.It can also be a key tool in addressing and improving healthcare inequality and deprivation by both identifying those populations with poorer healthcare outcomes and through helping researchers to better understand the causes of this inequality.Similarly,it has utility when studying the complex causes of disease and assessing the success of strategies designed to tackle these aetiologies.However,the maximum benefit from these various uses can only be realised if the data collection and analysis processes utilised are robust and this requires that census bureaus regularly review and modify their methods in a transparent and thorough way.

Proposed case of mesalazine-induced cardiomyopathy in severe ulcerative colitis

Five-amino salicylic acids are recommended for use in the management of inflammatory bowel disease,cardiac complications are a rare although recognised phenomenon.This report aims to highlight this serious but rare adverse reaction.We report here a case of a young man presenting with cardiogenic shock in the context of recent mesalazine treatment in severe ulcerative colitis.

Emerging role of novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

There is currently no gold standard test for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Physicians must rely on a number of diagnostic tools including clinical and endoscopic evaluation as well as histologic, serologic and radiologic assessment. The real difficulty for physicians in both primary and secondary care is differentiating between patients suffering from functional symptoms and those with true underlying IBD. Alongside this, there is always concern regarding the possibility of a missed, or delayed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease. Even once the diagnosis of IBD has been made, there is often uncertainty in distinguishing between cases of UC or Crohn’s. As a consequence, in cases of incorrect diagnosis, optimal treatment and management may be adversely affected. Endoscopic evaluation can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for patients. It carries significant risks including perforation and in terms of monetary cost, is expensive. The use of biomarkers to help in the diagnosis and differentiation of IBD has been increasing over time. However, there is not yet one biomarker, which is sensitive of specific enough to be used alone in diagnosing IBD. Current serum testing includes C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which are cheap, reliable but non-specific and thus not ideal. Stool based testing such as faecal calprotectin is a much more specific tool and is currently in widespread clinical use. Non-invasive sampling is of the greatest clinical value and with the recent advances in metabolomics, genetics and proteomics, there are now more tools available to develop sensitive and specific biomarkers to diagnose and differentiate between IBD. Many of these new advances are only in early stages of development but show great promise for future clinical use.

Challenges in the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency(PEI) occurs when the insufficient secretion or function of pancreatic enzymes leads to maldigestion, most commonly as a result of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The condition is associated with significant morbidity and reductions in quality of life, even in milder forms. The challenges in approaching this condition include the non-specific presentation of mild to moderate PEI, and the lack of a convenient, accurate diagnostic test in this cohort. Classical symptoms appear late in the disease, and the diagnosis should be considered before steatorrhoea develops. Direct pancreatic function tests are the reference standard for diagnosis, but are invasive and not widely available. The faecal elastase-1(FE-1) stool test is widely available and has been shown to be as effective as the 13 C-mixed triglyceride breath test in more advanced disease. We recommend a pragmatic diagnostic approach that combines clinical history, assessment of nutritional status and measurement of FE-1. The critical first step is to consider the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy should be initiated. The variety of enzyme preparations and recommended dosing regimens can present a challenge when selecting an adequate initial dose. Non-response should be actively sought and addressed in a systematic manner. This article discusses these challenges, and presents a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of PEI.

Abdominal tuberculosis: diagnosis and demographics, a 10-year retrospective review from a single centre

AIM: To review all cases of abdominal tuberculosis(ATB) for demographic details, diagnostic work up and evidence of vitamin D deficiency.METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with ATB from June 2003 to August 2013 at St George's Hospital, London. Demographic data was available from the local tuberculosis database. Further clinical information was collected from electronic patient records, including radiology, endoscopy, microbiology, histology, biochemistry and serology. Patients were classified as either confirmed ATB [if mycobacteria tuberculosis(MTB) was cultured from abdominal site] or presumed ATB(if suggestive findings or high clinical suspicion). Subtypes of ATB were classified as tuberculosis(TB) peritonitis, luminal TB, solid organ TB or from a combination of sites.RESULTS: There were a total of 65 cases identified in this time period, with a mean of 6.5 cases per year(range 4-9). Mean age 42 years, 49.2% females. Fifty-two point three percent were South Asian, 38.5% African. Forty-nine point two percent had gastrointestinal endoscopy, 30.8% paracentesis and 24.6% surgery in order to obtain samples. Forty-seven point seven percent were defined as confirmed ATB with positive culture of MTB from abdominal sites, the rest were treated as presumed ATB. Twenty-four point six percent had co-existing sputum culture positive for MTB, and 30.8% had an abnormal chest X-ray. Subtypes of ATB: 35.4% had TB peritonitis; 27.7% luminal TB; 3.1% solid organ TB; and 33.8% TB at a combination of abdominal sites. Thirteen point nine percent were human immunodeficiency virus positive, all with CD4 count less than 300 cells/μL. Seventy point five percent had severe vitamin D deficiency, and 25% were vitamin D deficient.CONCLUSION: ATB mainly affects young South Asian and African patients, with difficulties in confirming diagnosis despite a range of non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests.

Emerging role of colorectal mucus in gastroenterology diagnostics

Colonoscopy is currently the gold standard for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)and colorectal cancer(CRC).This has the obvious drawback of being invasive as well as carrying a small risk.The most widely used non-invasive approaches include the use of faecal calprotectin in the case of IBD and fecal immunochemical test in the case of CRC.However,the necessity of stool collection limits their acceptability for some patients.Over the recent years,there has been emerging data looking at the role of non-invasively obtained colorectal mucus as a screening and diagnostic tool in IBD and CRC.It has been shown that the mucus rich material obtained by self-sampling of anal surface following defecation,can be used to measure various biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis of these conditions.

Associations with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency:An United Kingdom single-centre study

BACKGROUND Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency(PEI)is said to be associated with numerous conditions both within and outside the gastrointestinal(GI)system.The majority of research has been concerned with conditions that reduce the volume of functioning pancreatic tissue or prevent adequate drainage to the small bowel,such as chronic pancreatitis,cystic fibrosis,pancreatic cancer and pancreatic resection.However,the evidence base supporting an association with extrapancreatic conditions,such as coeliac disease,diabetes mellitus and congestive cardiac failure,is heterogeneous.AIM To strengthen the evidence base by studying all previously reported associations with PEI in a large cohort of outpatients.METHODS A single-centre retrospective study was performed.General gastroenterology outpatients tested for PEI with faecal elastase-1(FE1)were identified and information retrieved from the electronic patient record.PEI was defined as FE1<200μg/g.Patients already taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy were excluded.Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data.Univariable logistic regression was used to study which presenting symptoms predicted PEI.Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between all previously reported associations and PEI.RESULTS Of 1027 patients were included.182 patients(17.7%)were diagnosed with PEI.Steatorrhoea[odds ratios(OR):2.51,95%confidence intervals(CI):1.58-3.98]and weight loss(OR:1.49,95%CI:1.08-2.06)were the only presenting symptoms that predicted PEI.Chronic pancreatitis(OR:7.98,95%CI:3.95-16.15),pancreatic cancer(OR:6.58,95%CI:1.67-25.98),upper GI surgery(OR:2.62,95%CI:1.32-5.19),type 2 diabetes(OR:1.84,95%CI:1.18-2.87),proton pump inhibitor therapy(OR:1.87,95%CI:1.25-2.80)and Asian ethnicity(OR:2.11,95%CI:1.30-3.42)were significantly associated with PEI in the multivariable analysis.None of the other historically reported associations with PEI were significant after adjustment for the other variables included in our multivariable analysis.CONCLUSION PEI is common in patients with chronic pancreatitis,pancreatic cancer,upper GI surgery and type 2 diabetes.Proton pump inhibitor therapy may also be associated with PEI or a false positive FE1.

Optical imaging technology in colonoscopy:Is there a role for photometric stereo?

Colonoscopy screening for the detection and removal of colonic adenomas is central to efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer.However,up to a third of adenomas may be missed at colonoscopy,and the majority of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers are thought to arise from these.Adenomas have three-dimensional surface topographic features that differentiate them from adjacent normal mucosa.However,these topographic features are not enhanced by white light colonoscopy,and the endoscopist must infer these from two-dimensional cues.This may contribute to the number of missed lesions.A variety of optical imaging technologies have been developed commercially to enhance surface topography.However,existing techniques enhance surface topography indirectly,and in two dimensions,and the evidence does not wholly support their use in routine clinical practice.In this narrative review,co-authored by gastroenterologists and engineers,we summarise the evidence for the impact of established optical imaging technologies on adenoma detection rate,and review the development of photometric stereo(PS)for colonoscopy.PS is a machine vision technique able to capture a dense array of surface normals to render three-dimensional reconstructions of surface topography.This imaging technique has several potential clinical applications in colonoscopy,including adenoma detection,polyp classification,and facilitating polypectomy,an inherently three-dimensional task.However,the development of PS for colonoscopy is at an early stage.We consider the progress that has been made with PS to date and identify the obstacles that need to be overcome prior to clinical application.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in acromegaly:A case control study

BACKGROUND Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by a pituitary somatotroph adenoma resulting in excess secretion of growth hormone,which leads to excess secretion of Insulin like growth factor 1 from the liver,causing abnormal soft tissue growth.There is increasing awareness that diseases affecting connective tissue are associated with an increase in functional gastrointestinal symptoms.Data was collected from patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acromegaly to evaluate the intensity,variety and impact of abdominal symptoms in comparison with a control group who were healthy participants recruited from the local fracture clinic.AIM To evaluate the frequency type and burden of abdominal symptoms in acromegaly in comparison with a control group.METHODS Medical documentation of patients with a diagnosis of acromegaly treated in one tertiary medical centre between 2010 and 2017 has been analysed.Data was collected from patients with confirmed acromegaly,using the Short Form Health Survey(SF36)and Rome IV Diagnostic questionnaire for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Adults(R4DQ)and compared to a sex-and agematched control group,to assess the burden of abdominal symptoms.Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS v 25 were used for data analysis.RESULTS Fifty patients with acromegaly(24 male and 26 females;age range 23-64 years,mean 43)and 200 controls(96 male and 104 females;age range 18-84,mean 42.4)were recruited.92%(46 out of 50)of patients with acromegaly reported abdominal symptoms and 78%(39 out of 50)had at least one functional gastrointestinal disorder according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria,compared to 16%of controls(OR>1,P<0.0001).The most commonly reported symptom was constipation(69%acromegaly vs 21%of controls OR>1,P<0.0001,95%CI:4.4–15.8).34 out of 50(68%)respondents met the criteria for functional constipation according to Rome IV.Upper gastrointestinal disorders were also more prevalent in the acromegaly group.There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of biliary and anorectal symptoms between the two groups.Patients in acromegaly group scored lower on the mean scores of the eight parameters of SF36 Quality of Life questionnaire(mean scores 60.04 vs 71.23,95%CI:-13.6829 to-8.6971,OR>1,P<0.001)as compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Upper and lower functional gastrointestinal tract disorders(defined by Rome IV diagnostic criteria)are significantly more prevalent in patients with acromegaly compared with healthy age and sex matched controls in our study.Functional constipation is the most commonly reported problem.Poorer quality of life may in part be attributable to the increased prevalence of abdominal symptoms.