Gastrointestinal Complications Research Articles

Investigating the association between osteopenia and bowel perforation through a multicenter radiologic analysis

Anecdotal evidence from preliminary observations has noted multiple instances where osteoporosis is present in elderly patients before the clinical detection of bowel disease, even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal symptoms. However, any potential association between these conditions remains to be further investigated. This computed tomography (CT) study investigates whether patients with gastrointestinal (GI) perforation have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than age and sex matched controls. BMD was measured by drawing 3D regions of interest in the bone marrow of the L1–L3 vertebral bodies on CT scans of each of 37 GI perforations and matched controls. Spectrometric calibration of Hounsfield units to the mineral scale was performed with density measurements in the paravertebral muscles (erector spinae) and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The mean BMD of patients with GI perforation (135.9 ± 24.3 mg/ml) was significantly lower than that of controls (96.9 ± 27.5 mg/ml, p < 0.05). The calculated T-and Z-scores of bone mineral density were also significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05 for each) and were − 2.9 (± 0.90) and − 0.8 (± 0.91) in patients with GI perforation and − 1.6 (± 0.83) and 0 (± 0.96) in the control group, respectively. The results imply that patients with gastrointestinal (GI) perforation have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than age-and sex-matched controls, posing the question whether the screening and aggressive management of osteoporosis is high-risk populations for gastrointestinal perforation can prevent gastrointestinal complications in targeted populations.

Metabolic syndrome in the setting of obesity: impact on in-hospital complications and outcomes after total knee and hip arthroplasty.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome in the setting of obesity on in-hospital outcomes and resource use after total joint replacement (TJR). A retrospective analysis was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample from 2006 to the third quarter of 2015. Discharges representing patients aged 40 years and older with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) who underwent primary TJR were included. Patients were stratified into two groups with and without metabolic syndrome. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to balance covariates. The obese cohort with metabolic syndrome was significantly older, more likely to be female, had higher rates of Medicare insurance, and more likely to be non-Hispanic Black than the obese cohort without metabolic syndrome. In the unweighted analysis, patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome were more likely to experience cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and postoperative anemia complications, had a longer length of stay, and were less likely to be discharged home compared to obese patients without metabolic syndrome. After adjusting for covariates using IPTW, patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome were more likely to experience postoperative anemia complications only and had lower rates of home discharge, but there were no significant differences in any other complication variables or length of stay. Given the variability of metabolic health in obesity, the development of tailored perioperative protocols and recommendations acknowledging this variability in metabolic health in obese patients would ultimately potentially benefit patients and improve outcomes of TJR.

8088 Connecting the Dots: Semaglutide, Constipation, and Diverticulitis - A case report

Abstract Disclosure: K. Tiwari: None. F. Sajid: None. J.G. Karam: None. Introduction: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight management. Common side effects, primarily gastrointestinal (&amp;gt;10%), include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Here, we present a case of acute sigmoid diverticulitis with an adjacent abscess in a patient who was recently initiated on GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. Case presentation: A 76-year-old female with a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus on metformin and empagliflozin, hypertension, chronic kidney disease stage 3A, obesity (BMI: 43), and no known history of diverticulosis was started on semaglutide for additional glycemic, renal, and weight loss benefits, given suboptimal control of her obstructive sleep apnea, blood pressure, and knee arthritis. She received semaglutide subcutaneously at a dose of 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, followed by an increased dosage of 0.5 mg for one week. However, she experienced a slight worsening of underlying constipation as a side effect. On the sixth week of therapy, she started having progressive lower abdominal pain with nausea, chills, and diarrhea, for which she presented to the Emergency Department. She was found to have leukocytosis, and a Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen/pelvis revealed peri-colonic fat stranding in the mid-ascending colon, wall thickening in the distal sigmoid colon, and a low-density fluid collection abutting the sigmoid/descending colonic wall, indicative of diverticulitis with a small abscess. She was admitted to the hospital for six days and was treated conservatively with Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and her diet was slowly advanced as tolerated. Semaglutide was discontinued, and the patient was discharged home with outpatient endocrinology and gastrointestinal follow-up. A post-discharge colonoscopy showed diffuse diverticulosis. Conclusion: Constipation and old age are common risk factors for diverticulitis. While GLP1-1 receptor analogs have proven significant and multiple benefits, more knowledge about associated gastrointestinal complications resulting from slower food transit in the gastrointestinal tract is emerging. Older patients with underlying constipation and/or diverticulosis should particularly be monitored and treated for worsening constipation to avoid complications such as acute diverticulitis. Vigilance and awareness in recognizing and managing this potential complication are crucial with the wider indications and use of GLP-1 receptor analogs. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report.

This study aims to investigate the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and treatment considerations in the rare occurrence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) within the context of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We present the case of a 71-year-old Chinese woman diagnosed with GPA, who, despite exhibiting fatigue, knee pain, and nasosinusitis, remained asymptomatic for PCI. Regular follow-up revealed laboratory and imaging evidence indicative of clinical relapse. The patient received GPA treatment but was not specifically managed for PCI. Serial abdominal CT scans were performed to monitor the progression of PCI. Radiological diagnosis confirmed the presence of gas within the colon wall, indicating pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Notably, the patient remained asymptomatic for abdominal complaints. Despite ongoing GPA treatment, a follow-up CT scan 2months later revealed persistent gas within the colon wall, suggesting a persistent state of PCI. Patient consent was obtained for the publication of this case report, and ethical approval was not obtained as this study constitutes a retrospective review. This case underscores the importance of recognizing pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis as a potential complication in GPA patients, even in the absence of typical abdominal symptoms. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimal management strategies for this rare association. Key points • Rare association: This case report sheds light on the uncommon occurrence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) within the context of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), adding to the understanding of the spectrum of manifestations of GPA. • Clinical manifestations: Despite being diagnosed with GPA and experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, knee pain, and nasosinusitis, the patient remained asymptomatic for PCI, emphasizing the importance of vigilant clinical monitoring in GPA patients. • Imaging features: Radiological imaging, including serial abdominal CT scans, played a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of PCI in the absence of typical abdominal complaints, highlighting the utility of imaging modalities in detecting silent manifestations of gastrointestinal complications in GPA. • Treatment considerations: The case highlights the challenge of managing PCI in GPA patients, especially when asymptomatic, and raises questions about the optimal management strategies for such rare associations, underscoring the need for further research in this area.

Treatment methods for oesophageal strictures in paediatric patients with epidermolysis bullosa: a systematic review

BackgroundEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a collection of rare, inherited disorders that require treatment in specialised centres by multidisciplinary teams knowledgeable about the unique features and challenges of EB manifestations and...

The relationship between serum uric acid and gastrointestinal bleeding in peritoneal dialysis patients: a propensity score analysis

Purpose Gastrointestinal bleeding is an important gastrointestinal complication among peritoneal dialysis patients and correlated with a higher risk of mortality. Increased uric acid levels are a significant complication for peritoneal dialysis patients and have been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and gastrointestinal bleeding in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods A total of 2498 peritoneal dialysis patients were recruited. Based on the optimal uric acid cutoff value, two groups of patients were divided. We constructed a propensity-score-matched population of 1762 patients by matching sex, age, and body mass index. Survival outcomes between the two groups were compared using adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves. We constructed the restricted cubic splines regression to assess the correlation between levels of uric acid and gastrointestinal bleeding. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to test whether higher levels of uric acid are an independent risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed a forest plot to show interaction effects in different subgroups. Results According to restricted cubic splines regression, uric acid levels were positively correlated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding events. After adjusted different confounding factors, patients with high levels of uric acid were prone to experience gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 1.868, 95%CI 1.001–3.486). In subgroups, the interaction between higher levels of uric acid and utilizing proton pump inhibitors was significant (P for interaction = 0.034). Further research found that taking proton pump inhibitors could decrease the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in peritoneal dialysis patients accompanied high levels of uric acid. Conclusion The baseline high levels of uric acid are an independent risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Extra-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19: A comprehensive review

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has predominantly been recognized for its respiratory impact. However, as the pandemic has progressed, it has become evident that SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organ systems beyond the lungs, resulting in a wide array of extra-pulmonary manifestations. These manifestations encompass cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, dermatological, hematological, endocrine, musculoskeletal, ocular, immunological, and psychiatric complications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these extra-pulmonary manifestations, highlighting their clinical significance, underlying mechanisms, and implications for patient management. Recognizing these manifestations is critical for improving patient outcomes and informing ongoing research and therapeutic strategies.

Study on the Consumption of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Antibiotics by the Brazilian Adult Population: A Cohort Study

Self-medication without a medical or dental prescription is an action that leads to a significant problems associated with the overuse of medication in Brazil. The inappropriate use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) leads to problems related to microbial agent resistance and gastrointestinal complications. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the patterns of antibiotic and NSAIDs consumption among the adult population of Brazil. The questionnaire was answered by 400 people residing in Brazil who had access to the link in the year 2023. The findings showed that approximately 89.5% of the volunteers had used NSAIDs, and 32.2% had used antibiotics whether or not these medications had been prescribed by doctors or dentists. It was noted that a large proportion of the adverse effects reported by the volunteers involved symptoms related to gastrointestinal complaints. There was a high prevalence of NSAIDs consumption in the studied population, which is consistent with the high frequency of risk of adverse reactions caused by these drugs, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. In relation to antibiotics, it was observed that the non-prescription consumption of these medications by the population was considered high, reaching one-third of the total number of volunteers who consumed such medications.

Long-Term Effects of Low-Dose Aspirin on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Bleeding Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Low-dose aspirin for primary prevention is determined by the balance of risks of cardiovascular events and adverse effects. We assessed the long-term gastrointestinal symptoms or bleeding with low-dose aspirin in diabetic patients. The Japanese Primary Prevention of Atherosclerosis with Aspirin for Diabetes (JPAD) trial was a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin in patients with type 2 diabetes. As a posthoc analysis, we investigated the incidence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms or bleeding in aspirin (100 mg enteric-coated aspirin or 81 mg buffered aspirin daily) and no-aspirin groups within and beyond 3 years. Of 2535 patients (mean age 65 years, 55% male) followed for a median of 11.2 years, 1258 were included in the aspirin group (951 enteric-coated, 208 buffered, 99 unknown) and 1277 were included in the no-aspirin group. The cumulative incidence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms or bleeding was higher in the aspirin group than the no-aspirin group (8.8% vs. 5.7% at 18 years; p<0.0001). The increased risk in the aspirin group was prominent within 3 years, and thehazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of the aspirin group was 7.10 [3.21-15.7], but attenuated beyond 3years (HR 1.20 [0.76-1.89]). In 1159 patients in the aspirin group, the cumulative incidence was lower in the enteric-coated than in the buffered aspirin groups (2.9% vs. 7.3%; p=0.003) within 3 years, and the adjusted HR of enteric-coated aspirin was 0.38 [0.20-0.72] compared with the buffered aspirin group. The upper gastrointestinal symptoms or bleeding of low-dose aspirin within 3 years, and the aspirin formulations, were relevant for decision making of initiation and continuation of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations among diabetic patients in the Aseer region: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a systemic consequence, influencing many systems of the body, including metabolic functions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal complications among patients with type 2 DM in the Asser region of Saudi Arabia, identify sources of information, and investigate the association of these symptoms with disease duration and glycated hemoglobin. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 13 and December 27, 2023. The questionnaire collected demographic data including age, sex, education, employment, income, and nationality, and 16 questions (5 points for each symptom) about the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in the past 3 months. The total score was 80, participants were categorized based on their total scores into 2 groups: those scoring 40 or below, and those scoring above 40. A total of 230 patients were included in this study, their median age was 32.0 (24.00) years, 60% were men, 63.9% were married, 38.7% earned between 5000 and 10,000 Saudi Riyal/month, 85.2% did not work in the medical field, 39.1% held university degrees, 54.8% did not have health insurance, 70.4% did not smoke, 35.7% worked in government jobs, 63% lived in urban areas, 95.2% were Saudi and 53.5% had only DM. More than half of the respondents, 57.4%, relied on doctors for information about DM. Dysmotility symptoms were common: dyspepsia affected 26.5% often and 5.7% always; early satiety impacted 24.3% often and 5.2% always; and bloating affected 28.3% often and 10.9% always. Constipation/diarrhea were a common complaint, with 23.5% of patients experiencing them often and an additional 4.8% reporting it always. Stool consistency also varied widely, with 21.7% experiencing lumpy or hardened stool. Health insurance status and having chronic diseases showed significant association with the severity of symptoms. Duration of diabetes and glycated hemoglobin were associated with the frequency of the symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common among diabetic patients in Aseer. The frequency of symptoms is associated with glycemic control, duration of diabetes, and health insurance status. These findings highlight the need for improved management and support for better gastrointestinal health in diabetes.

Rectum necrosis in a patient with severe COVID19 infection after CAR-T therapy: a case report

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) can cause gastrointestinal complications as well as respiratory tract disease. Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis frequently occur in COVID19, especially in cases with severe clinical outcome. The relationship between gastrointestinal perforation and coagulopathy due to COVID19 remains unclear.Case presentationA 49-year-old female received Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy for an early recurrence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that was refractory to chemotherapy. She was diagnosed with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) because of a fever and oxygen desaturation, and administered tocilizumab. Forty days after completing CAR-T therapy, she was infected with COVID19 and transferred to our hospital. Her general condition worsened and she developed COVID19 pneumonia, and then steroid pulse therapy was started. While her respiratory condition improved, she experienced pain in the anal region and computed tomography (CT) revealed a rectal perforation. An emergency surgery was undertaken, and the lower rectum wall was found to be completely necrotic. Removal of the necrotic part of the rectum tissue, and drainage and lavage of necrotic tissue in the pelvic cavity were performed. The remaining rectum was resected with partial sigmoidectomy, but we could not make the anal stump closed. In addition, an end colostomy in the sigmoid colon was performed. Histopathological findings showed thromboses in the rectal mesentery veins. After the first surgery, the pelvic abscess cavity persisted and her high-grade fever continued. Reoperation was laparoscopically performed, and she underwent a resection of anal canal with residual necrotic rectal and mesorectal tissue, and a drainage of the pelvic abscess. After the reoperation, her general condition improved and CT showed that the abscess cavity had significantly improved.ConclusionsGastrointestinal perforation, especially rectal necrosis due to coagulopathy caused by severe COVID19 infection, is a rare but life-threatening complication. Physicians should have a high degree of clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis and management, and surgical intervention is necessary in cases of rectal necrosis.

Self-validating photoelectrochemical/photoelectrochromic visual sensing platform for ciprofloxacin precise detection in milk

BackgroundIn the process of food production, ciprofloxacin (CIP), a highly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is often excessively used to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. However, this overuse can cause severe harm to human health, including allergic responses, gastrointestinal complications, and potential renal dysfunction. The development of a robust and precise detection method for CIP is crucial, given the interconnection between food security and human health. Compared to the single-mode detection methods currently in use, dual-mode detection provides enhanced accuracy in detecting results due to its inherent self-validation and self-correction capabilities. ResultsHerein, a photoelectrochemical and photoelectrochromic self-validated dual-mode sensing platform was developed to detect CIP in milk by laser etching method, signal generation (SG) region, signal output (SO) region and conductive channel was integrated on the same fluoide-doped tin oxide electrode and Ti3C2/ZnO composite was modified in the electron SG region, and Prussian blue (PB) was electrodeposited in the SO region. By irradiating the SG region, photogenerated electrons are generated and injected into the SO region through the conductive pathway, resulting in the reduction of the PB to Prussian white (PW). Because the binding of CIP to its specifically recognized aptamers hinders electron transfer, a “Signal-Off” response mechanism can be used for simultaneous quantitative detection of CIP using photocurrent or color changes, which presents a great advantage in the detection process. SignificanceBy integrating different detection mechanisms within a single linear range, the constructed dual-mode sensor has a wide detection range and low detection limit in milk samples. Additionally, it shows good selectivity in anti-interference experiments, providing a new idea for the development of visual analysis and detection platforms for food safety.

The impact of a whole foods dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation, and fecal microbiota in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis: A pilot study

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are a significant source of morbidity for people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). Historically, dietary recommendations in CF have focused on calories, typically emphasizing a high fat diet. The changing landscape of CF highlights the need to update this nutritional strategy. There is little research into how the quality of calories consumed by PwCF influences nutritional outcomes, GI symptoms, or likely contributors: intestinal inflammation and GI microbiology. We assessed the feasibility of a whole foods-based diet (WFD) and avoidance of ultra-processed foods, measuring safety/tolerability, adherence, and GI symptoms, as well as fecal measures of inflammation and microbiota among children with CF (CwCF) with GI symptoms. Single center, 4-week dietary intervention involving CwCF aged 5-14 years who screened positive on GI symptom questionnaire. Assessments included weight, symptom questionnaires and adverse events (AEs). Stool was analyzed for microbiota (16S rRNA) and calprotectin. 108 children were pre-screened, 9 enrolled and 8 initiated and completed the study. There were no significant changes in weight and no AEs. PEDS-QL GI identified overall improvement in symptoms. Certain symptom domains (constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating, stomach pain and hurt) demonstrated significant improvement on the WFD. Of two participants with abnormal fecal calprotectin at enrollment, both exhibited decreased values on WFD. There was no significant change in microbiota diversity. A WFD diet was feasible and safe in CwCF. There was improvement in GI symptom scores based on both parent and child assessments. Larger studies are needed to further investigate effects on intestinal inflammation and microbiota.

Complications of Oral Corticosteroid Use in Otolaryngology.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently prescribed by otolaryngologists. However, there are limited quantitative data on OCS-related adverse events (AEs) in otolaryngology. We sought to quantify OCS-related AEs in otolaryngology. All outpatient otolaryngology encounters in our healthcare system (2018-2023) at which an OCS was prescribed were identified via the electronic medical record. The diagnoses indicating OCS were categorized as sinonasal, otologic, pharyngo-laryngeal, and other. The medical record was subsequently examined to assess for OCS AEs during the 21-day period following the prescription. OCS AEs were grouped into (1) gastrointestinal, (2) metabolic, (3) bone/muscle, (4) ophthalmologic, and/or (5) psychiatric complications. The frequency and types of OCS related AEs were determined. A total of 20 746 otolaryngology encounters with OCS prescribed were examined. Seventy OCS courses had 1 or more AEs, implying a number needed to harm of 296.4 (240.2-386.8). There were 83 total OCS-related AEs, yielding an AE incidence rate of 4.0:1000 (95% CI, 3.0-5.0:1000) OCS prescriptions. The mean age of subjects with AEs (61.5 years) was significantly higher than those without (50.3 years; P < .001). Forty-seven (56.6%) of the complications were metabolic, with hyperglycemia and hypokalemia the most common, followed by gastrointestinal (26.5%), ophthalmologic (3.6%), psychiatric (2.4%), and musculoskeletal (2.4%). AEs related to OCS prescribed by otolaryngologists occur at a rate of once per 296 courses of treatment and older populations may be at increased risk for AEs. Otolaryngologists should balance AE rates against anticipated benefits of steroid therapy. 3.

The relationship between the severity and complications of Henöch-Schönlein purpura in children and dietary inflammatory index: a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and disease severity as well as complications in children diagnosed with Henöch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), shedding light on the potential influence of dietary factors on HSP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with HSP. Participants were divided into low and Pro-inflammatory dietary groups based on their DII scores. Biomarkers, nutrient intake, blood lipid profiles and disease complications were compared between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between DII and complications. A total of 115 patients, including 56 patients with anti-inflammatory dietary and 59 with pro-inflammatory dietary, were included. The pro-inflammatory dietary group demonstrated significantly elevated of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, eosinophils, IgE, consumption of total calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat intake, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol, complications of renal, skin, gastrointestinal, coagulation and respiratory in comparison to the anti-inflammatory dietary group. DII was positively correlated with renal, skin, gastrointestinal, coagulation and respiratory complications. The study highlights the potential influence of dietary inflammatory potential, as quantified by the DII, on disease severity and complications in children with HSP. Understanding the interplay between dietary patterns and inflammatory responses in pediatric vasculitis has implications for the management of HSP, emphasizing the relevance of considering dietary interventions to optimize clinical outcomes and improve the overall well-being of affected children.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of transthoracic echocardiographic assessment in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA of undetermined cause

BackgroundThe multicenter ATTEST study recently assessed 1084 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) of undetermined cause and found that routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) detects abnormalities with treatment implications (i.e., major cardiac sources of embolism) in only 1 % of patients, of whom most (91 %) also had major electrocardiographic (ECG)-abnormalities. In this study, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of different TTE strategies. MethodsWe compared the cost-effectiveness of three strategies of TTE assessment: (1) TTE in all patients; (2) TTE only in patients with major ECG-abnormalities; and (3) TTE not performed. Input data were derived from ATTEST and systematic literature reviews. A Markov model was developed that simulated recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA and intracranial and gastro-intestinal bleeding complications in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA of undetermined cause. Primary outcome was the additional costs per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) from a Dutch societal perspective. ResultsPerforming TTE only in patients with major ECG-abnormalities led to 0.0083 additional QALYs and €108 additional costs per patient as compared with not performing TTE (€12,987/QALY). Performing TTE in all patients resulted in 0.0005 additional QALYs and €422 additional costs per patient as compared with performing TTE only in case of major ECG-abnormalities (€805,336/QALY). ConclusionsIn patients with ischemic stroke or TIA of undetermined cause, a strategy of performing TTE only in patients who also had major ECG-abnormalities resulted in the most favorable ratio of additional costs per additional QALY. This supports performing TTE only in patients, who also have major ECG-abnormalities.

Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the impact of continuous versus intermittent enteral feeding in critically ill patients

IntroductionEnteral nutrition (EN) is the recommended nutritional support in most critically ill populations. When given by feeding tube, EN may be administered either continuously or intermittently. It is unclear which approach is superior in reducing gastrointestinal complications—such as diarrhea—and meeting nutritional targets. The main objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to (1) determine whether continuous or intermittent enteral nutrition is associated with higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes, including diarrhea, and (2) determine which feeding modality is associated with reaching nutritional goals.Methods and analysisThis systematic review protocol is reported in accordance with guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) search portal for studies comparing continuous EN and intermittent EN in critically ill patients with no date or language restrictions. Studies will be screened, selected, and extracted independently and in duplicate. We will assess the risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool. The primary outcome will include the incidence of diarrhea; secondary outcomes include other adverse GI outcomes (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation), as well as reaching nutritional goals, and length of ICU and hospital stay and mortality. We will pool data using a random-effects model and assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this study as no original data will be collected. We will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022330118.

Effect of intestinal microecological agents on perioperative gastrointestinal function and complications in congenital megacolon

Effect of intestinal microecological agents on perioperative gastrointestinal function and complications in congenital megacolon

The Analysis Study of Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Complication in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus : A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, has a high prevalence worldwide due to changing lifestyles and urbanization. It is associated with life-threatening hazards and disabling complications, decreasing life expectancy. Gastroparesis, a well-known manifestation, is more prevalent in women. Understanding the prevalence of gastrointestinal complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is crucial for creating effective treatment regimens. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 principles, this systematic study focused on analyzing complete English literature texts published from 2011 to 2024. Several websites, such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SagePub, were used to collect the literature. Result: The study examined over 4000 publications sourced from recognized platforms such as Science Direct, SagePub, and PubMed. Following the decision to subject eight publications to further scrutiny, a comprehensive examination of the complete body of literature was conducted. Conclusion: Diabetes often leads to gastroparesis, a condition affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, associated with metabolic imbalance, high blood sugar levels, low insulin, hormone release, and H. pylori infection. This condition is linked to the contractile activity of the duodenum, and is associated with various liver conditions, including diabetic fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Impact of ultra-early enteral nutrition support on the prognosis of young and middle-aged postoperative patients with cerebral hemorrhage

To investigate the effect of ultra-early enteral nutrition (UEEN) support on the prognosis of young and middle-aged postoperative patients with cerebral hemorrhage. The clinical data of young and middle-aged patients (aged 18-59 years) admitted to Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 after surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed, and the general data, nutritional indexes, gastrointestinal complications, neurological function recovery and long-term prognosis of the patients were recorded. According to the time of initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) support, patients were divided into UEEN group (EN implementation within 12 hour after surgery) and early enteral nutrition (EEN) group (EN implementation within 24 to 48 hour after surgery). The differences of the above indexes between the two groups were analyzed and compared. A total of 64 young and middle-aged postoperative patients with cerebral hemorrhage were enrolled, including 32 cases in the UEEN group and 32 cases in the EEN group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, proportion of hypertension and diabetes, Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission and surgical methods between the two groups. In terms of nutritional indexes, serum total protein, albumin and hemoglobin levels of patients in both groups on day 7 after admission were lower than those on day 1, and higher than those on day 3, and the above indexes levels in UEEN group were significantly higher than those in EEN group on day 7 [total protein (g/L): 63.05±5.79 vs. 59.02±6.63, albumin (g/L): 40.40±5.26 vs. 37.66±4.63, hemoglobin (g/L): 133.33±12.58 vs. 123.80±22.12, all P < 0.05]. In terms of gastrointestinal complications, the incidence of stress ulcer in the UEEN group within 14 days after admission was significantly lower than that in the EEN group [12.5% (4/32) vs. 31.3% (10/32), P < 0.05], but there was no statistically significant difference in feeding intolerance symptoms between the two groups. In terms of neurological recovery and long-term prognosis, GCS scores and Barthel index scores of 14 days after admission were higher than those of 1 day after admission, but there was no statistical significance between the two groups. Six months after surgery, Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and Barthel index score of the UEEN group were significantly higher than those of the EEN group (GOS score: 3.81±1.06 vs. 3.18±1.07, Barthel index score: 60.78±7.24 vs. 54.52±5.13, both P < 0.05). UEEN support can improve the nutritional level of young and middle-aged postoperative patients with cerebral hemorrhage, reduce the occurrence of postoperative gastrointestinal complications, promote the recovery of neurological function, and improve the long-term prognosis.