Prediction model of stress ulcer after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer established by machine learning algorithm

BACKGROUND Patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)are prone to stress ulcer after laparoscopic surgery.The analysis of risk factors for stress ulcer(SU)in patients with CRC is important to reduce mortality and improve patient prognosis.AIM To identify risk factors for SU after laparoscopic surgery for CRC,and develop a nomogram model to predict the risk of SU in these patients.METHODS The clinical data of 135 patients with CRC who underwent laparoscopic surgery between November 2021 and June 2022 were reviewed retrospectively.They were divided into two categories depending on the presence of SUs:The SU group(n=23)and the non-SU group(n=112).Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen for factors associated with postoperative SU in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery,and a risk factor-based nomogram model was built based on these risk factors.By plotting the model's receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and calibration curve,a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was performed.RESULTS Among the 135 patients with CRC,23 patients had postoperative SU,with an incidence of 17.04%.The SU group had higher levels of heat shock protein(HSP)70,HSP90,and gastrin(GAS)than the non-SU group.Age,lymph node metastasis,HSP70,HSP90,and GAS levels were statistically different between the two groups,but other indicators were not statistically different.Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥65 years,lymph node metastasis,and increased levels of HSP70,HSP90 and GAS were all risk factors for postoperative SU in patients with CRC(P<0.05).According to these five risk factors,the area under the ROC curve for the nomogram model was 0.988(95%CI:0.971-1.0);the calibration curve demonstrated excellent agreement between predicted and actual probabilities,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test revealed that the difference was not statistically significant(χ2=0.753,P=0.999),suggesting that the nomogram model had good discrimination,calibration,and stability.CONCLUSION Patients with CRC aged≥65 years,with lymph node metastasis and elevated HSP70,HSP90,GAS levels,are prone to post-laparoscopic surgery SU.Our nomogram model shows good predictive value.

Clinical and cost impact of intravenous proton pump inhibitor use in non-ICU patients

AIM:To assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration of proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs) and their associated cost impact. METHODS:Data collection was performed prospec-tively during a 6-mo period on 340 patients who re-ceived omeprazole intravenously during their hospital stay in non-intensive care floors. Updated guidelines were used to assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration. RESULTS:Complete data collection was available for 286 patients which were used to assess intravenous (IV) PPIs utilization. Around 88% of patients were receiving PPIs for claimed stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) indication; of which,only 17% met the guideline criteria for SUP indication,14% met the criteria for non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs-induced ulcer prophylaxis,while the remaining 69% were identifi ed as having an unjustified indication for PPI use. Theinitiation of IV PPIs was appropriate in 55% of pa-tients. Half of these patients were candidates for switching to the oral dosage form during their hos-pitalization,while only 36.7% of these patients were actually switched. The inappropriate initiation of PPIs via the IV route was more likely to take place on the medical floor than the surgical floor (53% vs 36%,P = 0.003). The cost analysis associated with the appro-priateness of the indication for PPI use as well as the route of administration of PPI revealed a possible saving of up to $17 732.5 and $14 571,respectively. CONCLUSION:This study highlights the over-utili-zation of IV PPIs in non-intensive care unit patients. Restriction of IV PPI use for justified indications and route of administration is recommended.

Curling ulcer in the setting of severe sunburn: A case report

BACKGROUND While sunburns are very common,especially in pediatrics,curling ulcers secondary to sunburns are a very rare entity that has not been noted in the literature in over fifty years.This case is the first addition to the literature since the originally documented case.CASE SUMMARY A previously healthy 17 year old male presents to the emergency room with lethargy,shortness of breath on exertion,dark stools and nausea.His fatigue started to become significantly worse four days prior to admission.Approximately two weeks prior to admission,the patient was on a beach vacation with his family at which time he suffered severe sunburns.He had developed crampy epigastric abdominal pain,which was followed by dark,loose stools.On exam,he is non-toxic appearing,but with pallor and peeling skin on his face and chest with epigastric tenderness.Infectious stool studies were all negative including Helicobacter pylori.He denies use of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and also denies alcohol or recreational drug use.While admitted he is found to be significantly anemic with his hemoglobin as low as 6.3 requiring two units of packed red blood cells.Endoscopy revealed several severe and deep ulcerations in the antrum and body of the stomach indicative of stress or curling ulcers.CONCLUSION While the incidence of stress ulcers is not known,it is most common with severe acute illness,most commonly presenting as upper gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding.It is essential to be aware of the risk of curling ulcers secondary to severe sunburns as patients with stress ulcer GI bleeding have increased morbidity and mortality compared to those who do not have GI bleed.