Department Of Gastroenterology Research Articles

Randomized controlled trial of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based group intervention for persons with inflammatory bowel disease: the LIFEwithIBD intervention

ObjectivesThis study tested the acceptability and efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based intervention (LIFEwithIBD) in people with IBD through a two-arm RCT.MethodsParticipants were recruited at the Gastroenterology Department of the Coimbra University Hospital between June and September 2019. Of the 355 patients screened, those who accepted to participate were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: experimental group (LIFEwithIBD; n = 25) or control group (waitlist; n = 29). Participants completed self-report measures at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Intervention acceptability was assessed. Efficacy was examined using intent-to-treat ANCOVA at post-intervention after adjusting for baseline values of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (primary outcomes). Linear mixed models for all longitudinal outcomes were also analysed. Inflammatory and disease biomarkers were determined at T0 and T3.ResultsAcceptability results revealed a high level of satisfaction and perceived usefulness regarding the intervention. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in stress symptoms and IBD symptom perception at T1. No significant differences were observed at follow-up for the primary outcomes. The experimental group reported significantly lower Crohn’s disease Symptom severity at T2 than the control group. Post-hoc analyses designed to mitigate floor effects revealed substantial treatment effects for the experimental group regarding anxiety symptoms. No significant differences were observed in clinical biomarkers from T0 to T3.ConclusionThe LIFEwithIBD intervention shows promising, although preliminary, benefits for managing disease activity and reducing anxiety symptoms in IBD patients with high severity of psychological distress.Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03840707, identifier NCT03840707.

Sleep quality in functional dyspepsia patients: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Objective: To determine sleep quality among functional dyspepsia (FD) patients presenting to gastroenterology out-patient clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: March 2022 to December 2023. Methods: FD diagnosis was established in view of ROME-IV criteria. Sleep quality was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI scoring tool. A global score of 5 or more indicates poor sleep quality. Binary logistic regression was applied and odds ratio with 95% confidence level were figured out to assess relationship of patients' profile with FD. Results: In a total of 240 patients, the mean age was 37.3±6.5 years. There were 122 (50.8%) male patients. The most common dyspeptic feature was postprandial fullness (60.4%) followed by early satiety epigastric pain (50%) and epigastric burning (39.6%). Mean PSQI score was 14.7±3.5. Frequency of poor sleep quality among FD patients was 79.2%. None of the parameter was significantly associated with sleep quality except urban residence (p=0.005). Conclusion: Very high burden of poor sleep quality was found among FD patients. While most dyspeptic symptoms did not show a significant association with sleep quality, urban residence emerged as a notable factor.

The analysis of medical prescriptions for patients with duodenal ulcer in hospital setting

The analysis of medical prescriptions for patients with duodenal ulcer in hospital setting

Endoscopic mucosal phenotypes and endoscopic Sydney system gastritis assessment in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection and upper digestive clinical signs: A 2‐year study among patients with gastroduodenal disorders in Cameroon

AbstractBackground and AimHelicobacter pylori represents the major pathogen in the pathophysiology of diverse gastrointestinal conditions. This study sought to determine the endoscopic aspect of the gastric mucosa in relation to H. pylori infection in Cameroon.MethodsThis study was conducted in three reference health facilities in Cameroon from October 2020 to October 2022. The study enrolled 494 consecutive volunteer dyspeptic patients attending to the gastroenterology department of the selected health facilities. A description of the aspect of gastric mucosa of all participants was performed during endoscopy examination, and biopsies were collected for H. pylori detection using rapid urease tests.ResultsGastritis, ulcerated lesions, duodenitis, esophagitis, normal mucosa aspect, bulbitis, and gastric neoplastic lesions were found in 40.1, 22.3, 10.9, 10.3, 9.7, 6.3, and 0.40% of biopsy samples, respectively. Erythematous/exudative (45.9%) and enterogastric reflux (12.2%) were the main gastritis types recorded. H. pylori was present in 58.1, 46.3, 87.1, 66.7, and 61.8% in gastritis, duodenitis, bulbitis, esophagitis, and ulcerated lesions, respectively. A positive relationship was noticed between the presence of H. pylori and gastritis (1.037 [0.720–1.493]; P = 0.845), bulbitis (4.237 [1.602–11.235]; P = 0.004), esophagitis (1.515 [0.822–2.793]; P = 0.183), ulcerated lesions (1.233 [0.798–1.904]; P = 0.345), erythematous/exudative gastritis (1.354 [0.768–2.389]; P = 0.295), and enterogastric reflux gastritis (1.159 [0.492–2.733]; P = 0.736).ConclusionGastritis and erythematous/exudative gastritis are the most frequent gastrointestinal pathophysiology conditions in dyspeptic patient in our milieu. H. pylori infection is responsible for 94.8% of the gastrointestinal pathophysiology conditions with bulbitis as the condition is significantly associated with this bacterium infection.

Serum Vitamin D Level in Overweight Individuals and Its Correlation With the Incidence of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

In this study, we investigated the serum vitamin D level in overweight individuals and its correlation with the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Between May 2020 and May 2021, the Department of Gastroenterology at the People’s Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine treated a total of 321 outpatients and inpatients with NAFLD, who were included in the NAFLD group, while 245 healthy age- and gender-matched individuals were included in the control group. All the data were collected for the relevant indices, including fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D. The patients with NAFLD were divided into the normal BMI group, the overweight group, and the obese group, according to the body mass index, and the 25(OH)D levels were compared between the different groups. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the serum 25(OH)D level and NAFLD. Regarding the serum 25 (OH)D level, it was lower in the NAFLD group than in the control group ([18.36 + 1.41] µg/L vs [22.33 + 2.59] µg/L, t = −5.15, P<0.001), and was lower in the overweight group than in the normal group ([18.09 ± 5.81] µg/L vs [20.60 ± 4.16] µg/L, t = 0.26, P = 0.041). The serum 25(OH)D level was thus negatively correlated with the incidence of NAFLD in overweight individuals (r = 0.625, P<0.05). In conclusion, the level of 25(OH)D decreased in patients with NAFLD with increasing BMI (normal, overweight, obese). Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease • Vitamin D

Clinical Analysis of Common Irrational Gastroenterology Medication Problems in The Gastroenterology Department

Objective: To investigate and analyze the irrational problems of common gastroenterology medications applied to gastroenterology patients during treatment, and to develop and implement countermeasures. Methods: This study included 60 patients admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology from January 2021 to December 2023 who were randomly divided into a control group (conventional drug management) and an observation group (targeted drug treatment), of 30 cases each. After the implementation of different management methods, the occurrence of irrational drug use and the incidence of adverse reactions between both groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: The incidence of irrational medication in the observation group (13.33%) was lower than that in the control group (40.00%) (P < 0.05). The occurrence of adverse reactions in the observation group (10.00%) was lower than that of the control group (36.67%) after treatment (P < 0.05). The observation group had a higher level of satisfaction after treatment (90.00%) as compared to the control group (66.67%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementation of targeted drug treatment for gastroenterology patients reduced the incidence of irrational medication use, reduced adverse reactions, and improved patient satisfaction.

Correlation of Age and Colonic Polyp Size with Malignant Potentiality

Background: Incidence of detection of colorectal polyp is increasing in recent years. But factors associated with malignant potentiality of colorectal polyp is largely unknown. Aims of the study: The aim of this study was to correlate patient age and colonic polyp size with malignant potentiality. Materials and methods: This was an observational cross sectional study, carried out in Gastroenterology department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka cantonment in between January to December 2019. Total 240 patients were included in the study, whose underwent colonoscopy, had colonic polyps and polyp biopsy was done. Data was collected and analyzed by using SPSS 20 and obtained in tables and diagrams. Results: Out of 240 patients male 165(68.7%), female 75(31.3%) with male to female ratio 2.5:1; mean age±SD 53.3±15.4 years; below 40 years 43 (17.9%), 40-60 years 102 (42.5%) and above 60 years 95(39.6%); 92 (38.3%) patients had different co-morbidity including 39 (16.3%) had multiple co-morbidity; colonic polyps found in caecum 32(13.3%), ascending colon 14 (5.8%), transverse colon 8(3.3%), descending colon 20(8.3%), sigmoid colon 32(13.3%), rectum 104 (43.3%), and multiple sites 30(12.5%);180(75.0%) polyps were sessile and 60(25.0%) pedunculated with minimum size 3mm and maximum 21mm in diameter; polyps were of neoplastic 91(37.9%),hyperplastic 18 (7.5%), and inflammatory 131(54.6%); among neoplastic polyps 83(34.6%) benign and 8(3.3%) malignant; among neoplastic polyps mild dysplasia 66(72.5%), moderate dysplasia 17(18.7%) and severe dysplasia 8(8.8%); polyps larger than 10mm size were associated with increasing degree of dysplasia, odds ratio (OR) 9.2; 95% CI (2.9 to 29.1), p value < .001; patients of more than 60 years of age were also more associated with increasing degree of polyp dysplasia, odds ratio 3.5; 95% CI (1.3 to 9.2), p value .01. Conclusion: Increasing age of patients and increasing size of colorectal polyps were associated with increasing degree of dysplasia in colonic polyp histopathology. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 120-125

A comprehensive study of modified three-month pediatrics training curriculum at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and its impact on student satisfaction

ObjectivesContinuous curriculum improvements reveal the dedication of policy-makers to raising the quality of education and student learning. This study aims to report the impact of curriculum changes to the three-month pediatric course curriculum at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) on the satisfaction levels of medical students.MethodsOne hundred eighteen 4th-5th years medical students, who had completed their pediatric clinical rotation in SBMU-affiliated teaching hospitals including Mofid Children Hospital, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, and Imam Hossein Hospital from January to December 2022 were included in this cross-sectional study. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire was sent out to all participants, that included 27 statements about the impact of the modified curriculum on their satisfaction with their learning and performance. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe level of satisfaction of trainees from attending clinics was 82-56%, prior introduction to the course was about 82%, and attending general hospitals (all hospitals except Mofid Children hospital, which is the only children hospital affiliated to SBMU) was 82-97%. The quality of patients-based learning was reported in terms of attendance at morning report sessions which was 92.3%, attendance at ward rounds, which was 71.8%, and attendance at clinics, which was 62.4%. The satisfaction rate from the senior attending mentor was 96.5%. The satisfaction rate of the pathology course was 67.2%, and the radiology was 82.4%. The satisfaction level of medical students from the infectious disease department was 70% and the gastroenterology department was 83.8%. The level of satisfaction with the implementation of the twelve-week program was 68.7%, with the expressiveness and usability of the presentation of materials was 53.9%, with the compatibility of the exams with the presented materials was 92%, and withholding weekly exams was 86.8%. The satisfaction rate of using the materials presented in the final exam in the digestive department and the infectious department was 85% and 68%, respectively. The overall satisfaction rate of the training course was 76.66%.ConclusionThe results provide vital insights for improving medical education. According to this study, medical student satisfaction with the pediatric curriculum after its recent revisions was in a satisfactory range. Attendance at clinics, information sharing, patient-based learning, practical training, attending mentorship, curriculum clarity, and alignment with student expectations all contributed to participants' high levels of satisfaction.

Features of diagnostics of sialadenosis of parotid salivary glands in patients with gastrointestinal tract pathology associated with Helicobacter pylori

AIM: is improving the diagnostic efficiency of patients with sialadenosis of the parotid salivary glands and acid-dependent diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. At the clinical base of the Department of Dentistry of the Central State Medical Academy at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian and the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Polyclinic № 1 of the Office of the President, 40 people with sialadenosis of the parotid salivary glands and acid-dependent diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori-infection were examined. The mean age of the study patients was 47,03±6,33 years. The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy people aged 35-55 years.
 RESULTS. In the course of the work, data were obtained on a significant increase in IL-1β, 6 and TNFα indicators in patients with sialadenosis and a positive result for Helicobacter pylori, detected using a rapid urease test and PCR diagnostics in parotid saliva.

Engagement in GI Behavioral Health Is Associated with Reduced Portal Messages, Phone Calls, and ED Visits.

Chronic digestive disorders are associated with increased costs for healthcare systems and often require provision of both urgent care and non-face-to-face (non-F2F) care, such as responding to patient messages. Numerous benefits of integrated gastroenterology (GI) behavioral health have been identified; however, it is unclear if integrated care impacts healthcare utilization, including urgent care and non-F2F contact. We sought to investigate the association between patient engagement with GI behavioral health and healthcare utilization. We performed a retrospective chart review study of adult patients who were referred for and completed at least one behavioral health appointment between January 1, 2019 and December 21, 2021 in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department of a large academic medical center. Data on electronic medical record (EMR) messages, phone calls, and Emergency Department utilization were collected 6months before and 9months after patient engagement with GI behavioral health. 466 adult patients completed at least one behavioral health visit from 2019 to 2021. Overall, messages, phone calls, and ED visits all decreased significantly from the 6months before behavioral health treatment to 6months after (all P values < 0.001). Engagement with integrated GI behavioral health is associated with reduced non-F2F care and emergency department utilization in patients with chronic digestive disorders. Increasing access to GI behavioral health may result in reduced provider workload and healthcare system costs.

Comparison of vonoprazan dual therapy, quadruple therapy and standard quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Hainan: a single-center, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the potential efficacy and safety of dual therapy and quadruple therapy with vonoprazan (VPZ) as well as the standard quadruple therapy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Hainan province.MethodsA single-centre, non-blinded, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient department of gastroenterology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from June 2022 to February 2023. 135 patients aged 18–75 years with Hp infection were enrolled and randomized into three different groups (group V1: VPZ 20 mg twice a day and amoxicillin 1.0 g three times a day for 14 days V2: vonoprazan 20 mg, amoxicillin capsules 1.0 g, furazolidone 0.1 g and bismuth potassiulm citrate 240 mg, twice daily for 14 days;; group V3: ilaprazole 5 mg, Amoxicillin 1.0 g, Furazolidone 100 mg, bismuth potassiulm citrate 240 mg, twice a day for 14 days). Four weeks after the end of treatment, Hp eradication was confirmed by rechecking 13C-urea breath test (UBT).ResultsThe eradication efficacy of V1 and V3 was non-inferior to that of V2, which is consistent with the results obtained from the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The eradication rate by intentional analysis was 84.4% (38/45, 95%CI 73.4%–95.5%, P>0.05) for all the three groups. If analyzed by per-protocol, the eradication rates were 88.4% (38/43, 95%CI 78.4%–98.4%), 92.7% (38/41, 95%CI 84.4%–101.0%),88.4% (38/43，95%CI 78.4%–98.4%) in groups V1, V2 and V3, respectively, which did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower in VPZ dual therapy compared to the other two treatment regimens (P < 0.05). VPZ dual therapy or quadruple therapy was also relatively less costly than standard quadruple therapy.ConclusionVPZ dual therapy and quadruple therapy shows promise of not being worse than the standard quadruple therapy by a clinically relevant margin. More studies might be needed to definitively determine if the new therapy is equally effective or even superior.

Clinical and epidemiological characterization of eosinophilic ascites in Egypt: a single center experience

Background & aimsEosinophilic ascites is non-common and challenging disease. This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation and treatment of eosinophilic ascites.MethodsThis was a prospective single-center study that included cases with eosinophilic ascites who were admitted to Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, during the period between May 2020 to May 2023. The clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and follow-up data of the included patients were collected and analyzed.ResultsSeventeen cases of eosinophilic ascites were included in the study. The main presenting manifestations were abdominal pain (47.1%), and abdominal pain with distension (29.4%). Two patients presented with a picture of intestinal obstruction. Moderate ascites was found in 10 patients (58.8%) by ultrasound. Eosinophilia in the peripheral hemogram was detected in 76.5% of the study population. Endoscopic examination showed gastro-duodenitis in 9 patients (52.9%) and duodenitis in 4 patients (23.5%). All patients showed complete improvement and disappearance of ascites after starting steroids within two weeks. Eleven patients (64.7%) relapsed after discontinuation of steroids.ConclusionEosinophilic ascites is an uncommon cause of ascites that is often underdiagnosed. The relapse rate after stopping treatment is high but with excellent response to retreatment.

Adenoma detection rate as a quality indicator for colonoscopy.

Objective: To determine the quality of colonoscopy in terms of adenoma detection rate in the existing local settings. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: February 2022 to August 2022. Methods: We analyzed patients having age 18 years or older, of any gender, and who had colonoscopy indications and were required to have a screening colonoscopy for diagnostic purposes. The number of procedures with at least one polyp or adenoma was classified as the polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR). Result: Total 210 patients were enrolled into the study with median age of 41.5 (29.8-56.3) years and majority were males (n=46, 69.5%). The most frequent indication for colonoscopy was constipation (n=72, 34.3%) followed by bleeding (n=78, 37.1%), chronic diarrhea (n=36, 17.1%), both constipation and diarrhea (n=21, 10%) and altered bowel habits (n=3, 1.4%). PDR and ADR were 16.2% (n=34) and 10% (n=21) respectively. Age was significantly higher among patients who were found to have polyp (p&lt;0.001) and adenomas (p&lt;0.001). Frequency of polyps (p=0.010) and adenomas (p=0.007) were significantly higher in male patients. Conclusion: The current research discovered a low rate of adenoma detection in people receiving colorectal cancer screening, and it did not meet the quality benchmarks that have been associated with higher rates of early diagnosis and cancer prevention.

Frequency and risk factors for inadequate preparation on boston bowel scale during colonoscopic examination.

Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation using Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Gastroenterology Department, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: September 2022 to June 2023. Methods: The study comprised of patients between 18 to 70 years undergoing colonoscopy. Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS) was used to evaluate the quality of bowel preparation before washing or suctioning. Total score was calculated taking sum of scores in all three segments. Adequate preparation was defined as all 3 BBPS segment scores ≥ 2. Results: In a total of 136 patients, the mean age was 55.8±14.1 years. The mean BBPS score was 5.7±3.5. Based on the criteria of overall adequate rate, inadequate preparation was seen among 44 (32.4%) patients. Lower risk of inadequate preparation was significantly associated with outpatient patients, patients consuming more water and patients with liquid stool consistency whereas odds were significantly higher among patients with age 50 years and above, males, diabetic patients, patients receiving movcal sachet and dulcolex for preparation, patients with lower number of stools (2-4 stools per day) and, patients receiving insulin. Conclusion: The risk of inadequate preparation was higher among older age patients, male gender, diabetic patients, and patients with less number of stools with semi solid consistency.

Information heterogeneity between progress notes by physicians and nurses for inpatients with digestive system diseases

This study focused on the heterogeneity in progress notes written by physicians or nurses. A total of 806 days of progress notes written by physicians or nurses from 83 randomly selected patients hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Department at Kagawa University Hospital from January to December 2021 were analyzed. We extracted symptoms as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Chapter 18 (R00–R99, hereinafter R codes) from each progress note using MedNER-J natural language processing software and counted the days one or more symptoms were extracted to calculate the extraction rate. The R-code extraction rate was significantly higher from progress notes by nurses than by physicians (physicians 68.5% vs. nurses 75.2%; p = 0.00112), regardless of specialty. By contrast, the R-code subcategory R10–R19 for digestive system symptoms (44.2 vs. 37.5%, respectively; p = 0.00299) and many chapters of ICD codes for disease names, as represented by Chapter 11 K00–K93 (68.4 vs. 30.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), were frequently extracted from the progress notes by physicians, reflecting their specialty. We believe that understanding the information heterogeneity of medical documents, which can be the basis of medical artificial intelligence, is crucial, and this study is a pioneering step in that direction.

Microbial Disruptions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comparative Analysis.

The fecal microbiota was studied in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the characteristics of gut microbiota were compared among patients with different subtypes and stages of IBD, aiming to identify the gut microbiota associated with IBD. Fecal samples were collected from 41 IBD patients (18 patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] and 23 patients with Crohn's disease [CD]) in the Department of Gastroenterology of East China Hospital, Fudan University between January 2021 and January 2022. In addition, fecal samples were collected from 20 healthy volunteers. The fecal microbiota was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis. There was significant difference in the fecal microbiota between IBD patients and controls. The abundance and diversity of fecal microbiota in the IBD patients were significantly lower than in controls. The relative abundance of Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcus, Anaerostipes and Lachnospira was reduced markedly in the IBD patients. As compared to controls, the relative abundance of Streptococcus increased dramatically in the UC patients. The relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium, Fusobacterium, Cloacibacillus and Erysipelatoclostridium significantly increased in the CD patients. As compared to CD patients, the relative abundance of Alistipes was reduced markedly in the UC patients; the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Roseburia and Haemophilus was reduced dramatically in the CD patients. In addition, significant difference was also noted in the fecal microflora between patients with active IBD and those with IBD in remission period. In active IBD patients, the relative abundance of Roseburia, Coprococcus and Ruminiclostridium was reduced significantly. There is intestinal microbiota imbalance in IBD patients, and the abundance of Roseburia, Coprococcus and Ruminiclostridium is reduced significantly in the active period of IBD, which may be related to the active IBD.

Comparison of Lymphocyte/Monocyte ratio (LMR) with Child-Pugh Score and MELD Score in the Determination of Hepatic Dysfunction Severity and Outcome in Cirrhotic Patient

Background: Lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) is a simple and effective marker that has the potential to predict the severity of hepatic dysfunction in a cirrhotic patient, like the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and the Child- Pugh (CP) score. However, the usefulness of this newer tool has not yet been tested. Objectives: Comparison of Lymphocyte/Monocyte ratio with Child-Pugh Score and MELD Score in the determination of hepatic dysfunction severity in patients with cirrhosis was the objective of the study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on cases of cirrhotic patients in the Department of Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, dated from September 2018 to August 2019. A total of 40 compensated cases and 82 decompensated cases were included in the process of obtaining informed written consent. Information about clinical profile, laboratory parameters (complete blood count including ESR, serum total bilirubin, serum albumin, ALT, AST, serum creatinine, prothrombin time, INR, etc.) were collected. LMR, MELD score, and CP score were calculated both in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients to assess the relationship with the severity of hepatic dysfunction. The correlation between LMR and the CP/MELD score was established by the Pearson correlation test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and cut-off values of LMR were obtained, and areas under the ROC (AUROC) curve were calculated to identify the best LMR and/or the MELD score or CPS for predicting hepatic decompensation. The Bland-Altman plot and the Heliey- MacNeil test were used for comparison of measurement techniques. The data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 20. Observation and Results: The mean age of the decompensated group was higher than that of the compensated group (p&lt;0.05). The mean values for LMR and MELD and CP scores were 7.93±3.08, 5.25±0.43 &amp; 7.10 ±1.19, respectively. Average LMR was significantly higher in compensated cirrhosis patients while CP and MELD Score was lower in that group (p&lt;0.001). MELD and CP were positively correlated with each other (p&lt;0.001). LMR was negatively correlated to both MELD and CP scores (p&lt;0.001). Of all patients, only 4 died (3.3%) and rest 118 (96.7%) survived. The cut off value of LMR, CP and MELD were LMR ≤ 2.18 (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 87.3%), CPS ≥13.5 (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 98.3%) &amp; MELD ≥30.5 (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 94.9%) respectively. Pairwise comparison showed that the difference between the AUCs of MELD and LMR was not statistically significant (0.953 vs 0.887; p=0.081). Patients in the low LMR group showed decreased survival than those in the high LMR group (p=0.000). The no survived group had lower LMR and higher MELD and CP scores than those of the survived group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: In comparison with Child-Pugh Score and MELD Score in the determination of hepatic dysfunction severity in cirrhotic patients, Lymphocyte/ Monocyte ratio is a useful tool.

Effect of endoscopic therapy and drug therapy on prognosis and rebleeding in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is one of the common digestive system emergencies with poor prognosis and high rate of rebleeding after treatment. To explore the effects of endoscopic therapy and drug therapy on the prognosis and rebleeding of patients with EVB, and then select better treatment methods to effectively improve the prognosis. From January 2013 to December 2022, 965 patients with EVB who were hospitalized in gastroenterology Department of the 940 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Forces of PLA were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into endoscopic treatment group (ET, n = 586) and drug treatment group (DT, n = 379). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed in both groups, and the general information, efficacy and length of hospital stay were recorded. The patients were followed up for 3 months after bleeding control to determine whether rebleeding occurred. There were 286 cases in each group after PSM. Compared with DT group, ET had higher treatment success rate (P < 0.001), lower rebleeding rate (P < 0.001), lower mortality rate within 3 months, and no significant difference in total hospital stay (P > 0.05). Compared with drug therapy, endoscopic treatment of EVB has short-term efficacy advantages, and can effectively reduce the incidence of rebleeding and mortality within 3 months.

A study to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Objectives: The prevalence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is on rise among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study sought to describe the prevalence and risk factors of CDI in patients with IBD as compared to non-IBD controls. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at a Department of Microbiology in collaboration with a Department of Gastroenterology. The patients with IBD and controls without IBD presenting with diarrhea were included in the study. The screening test for C. difficile infection was done by glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) assay and toxin detection by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Anaerobic culture for C. difficile was done on a selective cycloserine cefoxitin fructose agar and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for Toxin A (TcdA) and Toxin B (TcdB) gene detection. C. difficile infection was confirmed if GDH and toxin ELISA or PCR were positive. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0.The numerical variables were presented by means and standard deviations. Comparison of continuous variables was done using Student’s t-test. Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi square test. P&lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 160 cases and 112 age- and gender-matched control were included in IBD group and nonIBD group, respectively. Only one culture was positive, 12 and six were positive for GDH ELISA and TcdA and TcdB ELISA, respectively, and 7 were positive by PCR for toxin genes. The factors found significantly associated with CDI were proton-pump inhibitors use (P = 0.001), levofloxacin (P =0.001), and azathioprine (P =0.042). Using PCR as a reference method for C. difficile toxin detection, the sensitivity, and specificity of GDH ELISA and ELISA for toxins were 100%, 96.8% and 85.7%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of CDI among patients with IBD has been found to be low, that is (only 4.4%) in this study population.

Objective and Subjective Dysphagia Assessment in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that is seperated into two types: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Although dysphagia is a well-studied and important topic in head and neck cancers and neurological disorders, research on the relationship between IBD and swallowing problems is not yet elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare swallowing function in the UC and CD using objective and patient-reported evaluation modalities. This was a prospective cross-sectional research with 86 patients (50 UC and 36 CD) treated at the gastroenterology department. The assessment includes flexible fiberoptic endoscopic examination (FEES). The penetration-aspiration scale, the functional oral intake scale (FOIS), the functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS), the Eating Assessment Tool-10 test (EAT-10), the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Scale for vallecula (Yale PRSS-Vallecula) and pyriform sinus (Yale PRSS-PS) were all used to determine extent of dysphagia. The CD group had higher EAT-10 scores than UC group (p=0.014). In terms of PAS scores, there was no significant difference between the two groups in all three food types (water, yogurt, and crackers) (p> 0.05). There was not a statistically significant variance between the groups in terms of vallecular residue. (p> 0.05) according to the Yale PRSS-vallecula. Based on the Yale PRSS-PS; the CD group had significantly more residue than the UC group with yoghurt and cracker (p=0.014 and 0.030, respectively). FOSS and FOIS scores did not vary significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). Crohn's disease impairs subjective and pharyngeal swallowing functions more than ulcerative colitis. It is obvious that swallowing should be assessed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.