Case Report: Autoimmune Pancreatitis: About a Case in Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of Mother-Child Hospital in Bamako/Mali

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a distinct form of chronic pancreatitis. It is a chronic pancreatitis distinct from alcohol, genetic or idiopathic impairment and involves possible autoimmune mechanisms. The diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis is based on a body of biological, histological and radiological arguments. Also called sclerosing lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis, it is one of the causes of chronic pancreatitis. The risk factor for the onset of cancer that it represents and its sensitivity to corticosteroids make it a pathology requiring special management. We report a case of autoimmune pancreatitis in a 35-year-old patient.

Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma at the Internal Medicine Department of Point “G” Teaching Hospital in Mali

Liver cancer is the malignant transformation of liver cells. It develops in 90% of cases of cirrhosis, more rarely on chronic non-cirrhotic liver disease, and exceptionally in a healthy liver. This study aimed to investigate the clinical aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). It was a retrospective descriptive study covering 10 years, focusing on HCC cases seen in outpatient and inpatient settings at the Internal Medicine Department. We recorded 153 cases out of 7021 patient records, resulting in a hospital frequency of 2.17%. The male-to-female ratio was 3.5. The mean age was 52.37 ± 14.34 years. The most common presenting complaint was pain in 16.3% of cases. A history of jaundice was found in 25.5% of cases. Alcohol consumption was observed in 15.38% of cases. The main physical sign found was hepatomegaly in 76% of cases. HBsAg was positive in 33.3% of cases. Alpha-fetoprotein levels were above 400 IU/ml in 50.81% of cases. Patients classified as CHILD PUGH A represented 39.72% of cases. Abdominal ultrasound revealed portal thrombosis associated with heterogeneous multinodular hepatomegaly in 11% of cases. Cytology confirmed HCC in four out of six patients who underwent the examination. We recorded 63 deaths out of 111 hospitalized patients. Complications included encephalopathy, hematemesis, and ascites in 48 patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a significant public health issue. Its predominance in men and its occurrence in adults with factors such as viral infections and ethylism mean that prevention of this pathology could greatly reduce its incidence.

Clinical diagnostic advances in intestinal anastomotic techniques:Hand suturing,stapling,and compression devices

The development of intestinal anastomosis techniques,including hand suturing,stapling,and compression anastomoses,has been a significant advancement in surgical practice.These methods aim to prevent leakage and minimize tissue fibrosis,which can lead to stricture formation.The healing process involves various phases:hemostasis and inflammation,proliferation,and remodeling.Mechanical staplers and sutures can cause inflammation and fibrosis due to the release of profibrotic chemokines.Compression anastomosis devices,including those made of nickel-titanium alloy,offer a minimally invasive option for various surgical challenges and have shown safety and efficacy.However,despite advancements,anastomotic techniques are evaluated based on leakage risk,with complications being a primary concern.Newer devices like Magnamosis use magnetic rings for compression anastomosis,demonstrating greater strength and patency compared to stapling.Magnetic technology is also being explored for other medical treatments.While there are promising results,particularly in animal models,the realworld application in humans is limited,and further research is needed to assess their safety and practicality.

Fecal calprotectin and endoscopic scores: The cornerstones in clinical practice for evaluating mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease

Managing inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is becoming increasingly complex and personalized,considering the advent of new advanced therapies with distinct mechanisms of action.Achieving mucosal healing(MH)is a pivotal therapeutic goal in IBD management and can prevent IBD progression and reduce flares,hospitalization,surgery,intestinal damage,and colorectal cancer.Employing proactive disease and therapy assessment is essential to achieve better control of intestinal inflammation,even if subclinical,to alter the natural course of IBD.Periodic monitoring of fecal calprotectin(FC)levels and interval endoscopic evaluations are cornerstones for evaluating response/remission to advanced therapies targeting IBD,assessing MH,and detecting subclinical recurrence.Here,we comment on the article by Ishida et al Moreover,this editorial aimed to review the role of FC and endoscopic scores in predicting MH in patients with IBD.Furthermore,we intend to present some evidence on the role of these markers in future targets,such as histological and transmural healing.Additional prospective multicenter studies with a stricter MH criterion,standardized endoscopic and histopathological analyses,and virtual chromoscopy,potentially including artificial intelligence and other biomarkers,are desired.

Risk of hepatic decompensation from hepatitis B virus reactivation in hematological malignancy treatments

In this editorial,we discussed the apparent discrepancy between the findings described by Colapietro et al,in their case report and data found in the literature.Colapietro et al reported a case of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatic decompensation in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia and a previously resolved HBV infection who was receiving Bruton’s tyrosine kinase(BTK)inhibitor therapy.First of all,we recapitulated the main aspects of the immune system involved in the response to HBV infection in order to underline the role of the innate and adaptive response,focusing our attention on the protective role of anti-HBs.We then carefully analyzed literature data on the risk of HBV reactivation(HBVr)in patients with previous HBV infection who were treated with either tyrosine kinase inhibitors or BTK inhibitors for their hematologic malignancies.Based on literature data,we suggested that several factors may contribute to the different risks of HBVr:The type of hematologic malignancy;the type of therapy(BTK inhibitors,especially second-generation,seem to be at a higher risk of HBVr than those with tyrosine kinase inhibitors);previous exposure to an anti-CD20 as first-line therapy;and ethnicity and HBV genotype.Therefore,the warning regarding HBVr in the specific setting of patients with hematologic malignancies requires further investigation.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and AMPK/mTOR pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis:Should we consider further implications?

This editorial contains comments on the article by Zhao et al in print in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The mechanisms responsible for hepatic fibrosis are also involved in cancerogenesis.Here,we recapitulated the complexity of the renin-angiotensin system,discussed the role of hepatic stellate cell(HSC)autophagy in liver fibrogenesis,and analyzed the possible implications in the development of hepatocarcinoma(HCC).Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers definitively contribute to reducing hepatic fibrogenesis,whereas their involvement in HCC is more evident in experimental conditions than in human studies.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),and its product Angiotensin(Ang)1-7,not only regulate HSC autophagy and liver fibrosis,but they also represent potential targets for unexplored applications in the field of HCC.Finally,ACE2 overexpression inhibits HSC autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.In this case,Ang 1-7 acts binding to the MasR,and its agonists could modulate this pathway.However,since AMPK utilizes different targets to suppress the mTOR downstream complex mTOR complex 1 effectively,we still need to unravel the entire pathway to identify other potential targets for the therapy of fibrosis and liver cancer.

Advancements in hemostatic strategies for managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Upper gastrointestinal(GI)hemorrhage presents a substantial clinical challenge.Initial management typically involves resuscitation and endoscopy within 24 h,although the benefit of very early endoscopy(<12 h)for high-risk patients is debated.Treatment goals include stopping acute bleeding,preventing rebleeding,and using a multimodal approach encompassing endoscopic,pharmacological,angiographic,and surgical methods.Pharmacological agents such as vasopressin,prostaglandins,and proton pump inhibitors are effective,but the increase in antithrombotic use has increased GI bleeding morbidity.Endoscopic hemostasis,particularly for nonvariceal bleeding,employs techniques such as electrocoagu-lation and heater probes,with concerns over tissue injury from monopolar electrocoagulation.Novel methods such as Hemospray and Endoclot show promise in creating mechanical tamponades but have limitations.Currently,the first-line therapy includes thermal probes and hemoclips,with over-the-scope clips emerging for larger ulcer bleeding.The gold probe,combining bipolar electrocoagulation and injection,offers targeted coagulation but has faced device-related issues.Future advancements involve combining techniques and improving endoscopic imaging,with studies exploring combined approaches showing promise.Ongoing research is crucial for developing standardized and effective hemorrhage management strategies.

Anemarsaponin B mitigates acute pancreatitis damage in mice through apoptosis reduction and MAPK pathway modulation

Background:Acute pancreatitis(AP),known for its rapid onset and significant incidence and mortality rates,presents a clinical challenge due to the limited availability of effective treatments and preventive measures.Anemarsaponin B(ASB)has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent,demonstrating capabilities in reducing immune inflammation,positioning it as a promising candidate for AP treatment.Methods:We investigated the effects of ASB on AP in mice,induced by caerulein and lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 h post-induction with caerulein to assess of key biomarkers including lipase,amylase,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,SOD,and GSH-Px.A range of techniques such as immunohistochemistry staining,immunofluorescence staining,Western blotting,and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction(q-PCR),were employed to measure the expression of critical genes.Additionally,pancreas samples from the mice were harvested for microbiome and metabolome sequencing,with the data analyzed to understand the impact of ASB on AP.Results:Our study revealed that,compared to the sham group,the AP group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of lipase,amylase,and cytokines,while levels of SOD and GSH Px were notably lower.Treatment with ASB led to a substantial decrease in the levels of lipase,amylase,and cytokines,and an increase in SOD and GSH-Px levels.q-PCR analysis of pancreatic histiocytes corroborated these serum findings.Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E)staining indicated significant alterations in the pathological changes in the pancreas,lungs,and small intestine of the AP model due to ASB.Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that ASB alleviated the apoptosis of pancreatic histiocytes in the AP model.Western Blot and histological analyses showed that ASB reduced the phosphorylation of TAK,p38,JNK,and ERK proteins,as well as the levels of TRAF6 protein in the AP model.Furthermore,metabolomic and gut microbiota analysis identified 27 differential metabolites and 34 differential species.The combined metabolome and microbiome analysis suggested an association between certain microbes(e.g.,unclassified-Saprospiraceae and unclassified-Micavibrionales)and metabolites(e.g.,LysoPE(0:0/20:0),PC(DiMe(13,5)/PGJ2)),and Heptanoic acid,indicating potential pathways through which ASB may exert its therapeutic effects in AP.Conclusions:ASB exhibits therapeutic efficacy in treating AP induced by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS),primarily through modulating the mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.This discovery offers fresh perspectives for AP drug development,underscoring the potential of targeting specific cellular pathways.Additionally,the intricate interplay observed between the gut microbiota and metabolites following ASB treatment highlights novel therapeutic targets,suggesting that manipulating the gut microbiome and metabolome could be a viable strategy in AP management.These findings pave the way for further research into comprehensive treatment approaches that incorporate both pharmacological intervention and microbiota modulation.

Validation of prognostic scores for predicting acute liver failure and in-hospital death in patients with dengue-induced severe hepatitis

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)in dengue is rare but fatal.Early identification of patients who are at risk of ALF is the key strategy to improve survival.AIM To validate prognostic scores for predicting ALF and in-hospital mortality in dengue-induced severe hepatitis(DISH).METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 2532 dengue patients over a period of 16 years(2007-2022).Patients with DISH,defined as transaminases>10 times the normal reference level and DISH with subsequent ALF,were included.Univariate regre-ssion analysis was used to identify factors associated with outcomes.Youden’s index in conjunction with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off values for prognostic scores in predicting ALF and in-hospital death.Area under the ROC(AUROC)curve values were compared using paired data nonparametric ROC curve estimation.RESULTS Of 193 DISH patients,20 developed ALF(0.79%),with a mortality rate of 60.0%.International normalized ratio,bilirubin,albumin,and creatinine were indepen-dent predictors associated with ALF and death.Prognostic scores showed excel-lent performance:Model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score≥15 predicted ALF(AUROC 0.917,sensitivity 90.0%,specificity 88.4%)and≥18 predicted death(AUROC 0.823,sensitivity 86.9%,specificity 89.1%);easy albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)score≥-30 predicted ALF and death(ALF:AUROC 0.835,sensitivity80.0%,specificity 72.2%;death:AUROC 0.808,sensitivity 76.9%,specificity 69.3%);ALBI score≥-2 predicted ALF and death(ALF:AUROC 0.806,sensitivity 80.0%,specificity 77.4%;death:AUROC 0.799,sensitivity 76.9%,specificity 74.3%).Platelet-ALBI score also showed good performance in predicting ALF and death(AUROC=0.786 and 0.699,respectively).MELD and EZ-ALBI scores had similar performance in predicting ALF(Z=1.688,P=0.091)and death(Z=0.322,P=0.747).CONCLUSION MELD score is the best predictor of ALF and death in DISH patients.EZ-ALBI score,a simpler yet effective score,shows promise as an alternative prognostic tool in dengue patients.

Precision in detecting colon lesions:A key to effective screening policy but will it improve overall outcomes?

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer,resulting in a decrease in the incidence and mortality of colon cancer.However,it has a 21%rate of missed polyps.Several strategies have been devised to increase polyp detection rates and improve their characterization and delimi-tation.These include chromoendoscopy(CE),the use of other devices such as Endo cuffs,and major advances in endoscopic equipment[high definition,magnification,narrow band imaging,i-scan,flexible spectral imaging color enhancement,texture and color enhancement imaging(TXI),etc.].In the retrospective study by Hiramatsu et al,they compared white-light imaging with CE,TXI,and CE+TXI to determine which of these strategies allows for better definition and delimitation of polyps.They concluded that employing CE associated with TXI stands out as the most effective method to utilize.It remains to be demonstrated whether these results are extrapolatable to other types of virtual CE.Additionally,further investigation is needed in order to ascertain whether this strategy could lead to a reduction in the recurrence of excised lesions and potentially lower the occurrence of interval cancer.

临床专科护士培训迁移影响因素的研究

目的探讨临床专科护士培训后培训迁移的影响因素,以及这些因素如何随时间变化,为提高临床专科护士培训迁移水平提供理论依据。方法采用量性纵向研究方法。于2018年6月-2019年12月,选取参加云南省专科护士培训的46名护士为研究对象,其中参加静脉治疗专科护士培训的护士30名,参加伤口、造口专科护士培训护士16名。采用培训迁移影响因素问卷分别在专科护士培训后1个月、3个月、6个月及1年对护士进行调查,问卷包括管理支持(20个条目),组织障碍因素(6个条目),培训项目有效性(10个条目),组织和个人的促进因素(11个条目),个人对培训迁移的态度(6个条目),共5个维度,53个条目。结果专科护士培训迁移影响因素随时间推移而下降,其中管理支持、组织障碍因素、培训项目有效性、个人对培训迁移的态度随时间变化有统计学意义(P<0.05),组织和个人的促进因素随时间变化无统计学差异(P=0.229)。在培训后初期(培训后1个月和3个月),组织障碍是培训迁移最大的阻碍因素。培训后期(培训后6个月和1年),管理层支持是培训迁移最大的影响因素。整体培训迁移水平,静疗护士于培训后3个月显著下降(P<0.001),伤口、造口护士于培训后1年显著下降(P<0.001)。结论培训迁移影响因素随时间的推移而下降。了解培训迁移的状态及其影响因素,有助于护理管理者开展护士专科培训,同时提高培训效果。

Enhancing the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by reducing spermine synthase through promoting autophagy and DNA damage

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC),the third most common cancer worldwide,has increasingly detrimental effects on human health.Radiotherapy resistance diminishes treatment efficacy.Studies suggest that spermine synthase(SMS)may serve as a potential target to enhance the radiosensitivity.AIM To investigate the association between SMS and radiosensitivity in CRC cells,along with a detailed elucidation of the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Western blot was adopted to assess SMS expression in normal colonic epithelial cells and CRC cell lines.HCT116 cells were transfected with control/SMS-specific shRNA or control/pcDNA3.1-SMS plasmids.Assessments included cell viability,colony formation,and apoptosis via MTT assays,colony formation assays,and flow cytometry.Radiosensitivity was studied in SMS-specific shRNA-transfected HCT116 cells post-4 Gy radiation,evaluating cell viability,colony formation,apoptosis,DNA damage(comet assays),autophagy(immunofluorescence),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway protein expression(western blot).RESULTS Significant up-regulation of SMS expression levels was observed in the CRC cell lines.Upon down-regulation of SMS expression,cellular viability and colonyforming ability were markedly suppressed,concomitant with a notable increase in apoptotic indices.Furthermore,attenuation of SMS expression significantly augmented the sensitivity of HCT116 cells to radiation therapy,evidenced by a pronounced elevation in levels of cellular DNA damage and autophagy.Impor tantly,down-regulation of SMS corresponded with a marked reduction in the expression levels of proteins associated with the mTOR signaling pathway.CONCLUSION Knocking down SMS attenuates the mTOR signaling pathway,thereby promoting cellular autophagy and DNA damage to enhance the radiosensitivity of CRC cells.

Benefits of endoscopic gallbladder stenting following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

BACKGROUND Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is challenging because of the complexity of the procedure and high incidence of adverse events(AEs).To overcome these problems,endoscopic gallbladder stenting(EGBS)after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage(PTGBD)can be effective,as it mitigates inflammation and adhesion.AIM To examine the benefits of EGBS after PTGBD to assess its efficacy and impact on AEs.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 35 patients who underwent EGBS after PTGBD at a single center between January 2016 and December 2023.The primary outcomes were technical success and AEs,and the rate of recurrent cholecystitis was evaluated.In addition,the reasons for the failure of the procedure were identified.RESULTS Among the 35 patients,the technical success rate was 77.1%and the final contrast of the cystic duct was successful in 97.1%of patients.The incidence of early AEs was relatively low(11.4%),with no instances of cystic duct perforation.The rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 3.7%,and no other biliary events were observed.CONCLUSION EGBS after PTGBD may be significantly beneficial,with a substantial success rate and minimal AEs in both short-and long-term follow-ups.

Trends in colorectal cancer incidence according to an increase in the number of colonoscopy cases in Korea

BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)and preinvasive CRC(e.g.,early colon cancer and advanced adenoma)is gradually increasing in several countries.AIM To evaluate the trend in incidence of CRC and preinvasive CRC according to the increase in the number of colonoscopies performed in Korea.METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled Korean patients from 2002 to 2020 to evaluate the incidence of CRC and preinvasive CRC,and assess the numbers of diagnostic colonoscopies and colonoscopic polypectomies.Colonoscopy-related complications by age group were also determined.RESULTS The incidence of CRC showed a rapid increase,then decreased after 2012 in the 50-75 year-age group.During the study period,the rate of incidence of preinvasive CRC increased at a similar level in patients under 50 and 50-75 years of age.Since 2009,the increase has been rapid,showing a pattern similar to the increase in colonoscopies.The rate of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients aged under 50 was similar to the rate in patients over 75 years of age after 2007.The rate of complications after colonoscopy and related deaths within 3 mo was high for those over 75 years of age.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of preinvasive CRC increased with the increase in the number of colonoscopies performed.As the risk of colonoscopy-related hospitalization and death is high in the elderly,if early lesions at risk of developing CRC are diagnosed and treated under or at the age of 75,colonoscopy-related complications can be reduced for those aged 76 years or over.

Non-pancreatic hyperlipasemia:A puzzling clinical entity

BACKGROUND Increased lipase level is a serological hallmark of the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis(AP)but can be detected in various other diseases associated with lipase leakage due to inflammation of organs surrounding the pancreas or reduced renal clearance and/or hepatic metabolism.This non-pancreatic hyperlipasemia(NPHL)is puzzling for attending physicians during the diagnostic procedure for AP.It would be clinically beneficial to identify the clinical and laboratory variables that hinder the accuracy of lipase diagnosis with the aim of improve it.A more precise description of the NPHL condition could potentially provide prognostic factors for adverse outcomes which is currently lacking.AIM To perform a detailed clinical and laboratory characterization of NPHL in a large prospective patient cohort with an assessment of parameters determining disease outcomes.METHODS A Hungarian patient cohort with serum lipase levels at least three times higher than the upper limit of normal(ULN)was prospectively evaluated over 31 months.Patients were identified using daily electronic laboratory reports developed to support an ongoing observational,multicenter,prospective cohort study called the EASY trial(ISRCTN10525246)to establish a simple,easy,and accurate clinical scoring system for early prognostication of AP.Diagnosis of NPHL was established based on≥3×ULN serum lipase level in the absence of abdominal pain or abdominal imaging results characteristic of pancreatitis.RESULTS A total of 808 patients[male,n=420(52%);median age(IQR):65(51-75)years]were diagnosed with≥3×ULN serum lipase levels.A total of 392 patients had AP,whereas 401 had NPHL with more than 20 different etiologies.Sepsis and acute kidney injury(AKI)were the most prevalent etiologies of NPHL(27.7%and 33.2%,respectively).The best discriminative cut-off value for lipase was≥666 U/L(sensitivity,71.4%;specificity,88.8%).The presence of AKI or sepsis negatively affected the diagnostic performance of lipase.NPHL was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality than AP(22.4%vs 5.1%,P<0.001).In multivariate binary logistic regression,not lipase but increased amylase level(>244 U/L)and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)(>10.37,OR:3.71,95%CI:2.006-6.863,P<0.001),decreased albumin level,age,and presence of sepsis were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in NPHL.CONCLUSION NPHL is a common cause of lipase elevation and is associated with high mortality rates.Increased NLR value was associated with the highest mortality risk.The presence of sepsis/AKI significantly deteriorates the serological differentiation of AP from NPHL.

Risk Factors Recurrence of Spontaneous Ascitic Fluid Infection (Slai) in Cirrhotic Patients

Introduction: After an episode of spontaneous infection of ascitic fluid (ISLA). The recurrence of ISLA at one year is greater than 70%. We studied the risk factors associated with the occurrence of recurrence. Patients and methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of patient files, hospitalized in the department for 12 months, the choice of the sample was of convenience. Results: We have 1347 patient files collected including 389 cases of cirrhosis. We had 37 files of cirrhotic patients with ISLA including 28 cures without recurrence of ISLA, 08 files of patients with recurrence of ISLA and 03 excluded, i.e. a hospital prevalence of recurrence of 0.6% and a prevalence in cirrhotic patients of 23.5%. The most common antecedents were: hospital contact recent (35.3%), the concept of iterative ascites punctures (32.3%), the presence of HCC (29.4%), hepatic encephalopathy (20.6%) and digestive hemorrhage (14.7%). In univariate analysis, recent digestive bleeding was associated with an increased risk of recurrence (OR 7.2, 95% CI 0.96 - 67.1). HBV (62.5%) is the main etiology of cirrhosis. The PNN rate at 250 - 499 mm3 (62.5%), the protein level 3 (75%). Patients on secondary prophylaxis with NORFLOXACIN were 25%. Recurrence of ISLA was treated with CEFTRIAXONE 2 g/24 hours. Conclusion: Recurrence of ISLA is serious, the predictive factors for recurrence are, hospital contact recent, the concept of iterative ascites punctures, the presence of HCC, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy and digestive bleeding.

A Case of Esophageal Perforation Presenting as Cavitary Pneumonia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Esophageal perforation, a rare condition, can arise from iatrogenic, traumatic, or spontaneous origins. Even when therapy is initiated within the first 24 hours, it is associated with a mortality rate of up to 25%. Due to the varied initial presentation, treatment may be delayed, leading to poorer outcomes. Here, we present a unique case of a 27-year-old schizophrenic patient who initially presented with acute respiratory failure and septic shock and was ultimately diagnosed with cavitary pneumonia secondary to esophageal perforation.

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.

Downstaging strategies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

A significant number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are usually diagnosed in advanced stages,that leads to inability to achieve cure.Palliative options are focusing on downstaging a locally advanced disease.It is wellsupported in the literature that patients with HCC who undergo successful conversion therapy followed by curative-intent surgery may achieve a significant survival benefit compared to those who receive chemotherapy alone or those who are successfully downstaged with conversion therapy but not treated with surgery.Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy can be a potential downstaging strategy,since recent studies have demonstrated excellent outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastatic disease as well as primary liver malignancies.

Managing end-stage carcinoid heart disease:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)are rare tumors,often diagnosed in an advanced stage when curative treatment is impossible and grueling symptoms related to vasoactive substance release by tumor cells affect patients’quality of life.Cardiovascular complications of GEP-NENs,primarily tricuspid and pulmonary valve disease,and right-sided heart failure,are the leading cause of death,even compared to metastatic disease.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 35-year-old patient with progressive dyspnea,back pain,polyneuropathic leg pain,and nocturnal diarrhea lasting for a decade before the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary with extensive liver metastases.During the initial presentation,serum biomarkers were not evaluated,and the patient received five cycles of doxorubicin,which he did not tolerate well,so he refused further therapy and was lost to follow-up.After 10 years,he presented to the emergency room with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure.Panneuroendocrine markers,serum chromogranin A,and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were extremely elevated(900 ng/mL and 2178µmol/L),and transabdominal ultrasound confirmed hepatic metastases.Computed tomo-graphy(CT)showed liver metastases up to 6 cm in diameter and metastases in mesenteric lymph nodes and pelvis.Furthermore,an Octreoscan showed lesions in the heart,thoracic spine,duodenum,and ascendent colon.A standard trans-thoracic echocardiogram confirmed findings of carcinoid heart disease.The patient was not a candidate for valve replacement.He started octreotide acetate treatment,and the dose escalated to 80 mg IM monthly.Although biochemical CONCLUSION Carcinoid heart disease occurs with carcinoid syndrome related to advanced neuroendocrine tumors,usually with liver metastases,which manifests as right-sided heart valve dysfunction leading to right-sided heart failure.Carcinoid heart disease and tumor burden are major prognostic factors of poor survival.Therefore,they must be actively sought by available biochemical markers and imaging techniques.Moreover,imaging techniques aiding tumor detection and staging,somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/CT,and CT or magnetic resonance imaging,should be performed at the time of diagnosis and in 3-to 6-mo intervals to determine tumor growth rate and assess the possibility of locoregional therapy and/or palliative surgery.Valve replacement at the onset of symptoms or right ventricular dysfunction may be considered,while any delay can worsen right-sided ventricular failure.