Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy Research Articles

2840 The Association of Polish Ethnicity and Polyp Risk on Screening Colonoscopy in a Local Brooklyn Population

INTRODUCTION: The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) serves an ethnically diverse community with a large Polish immigrant population. There was a perceived increased quantity of polyps in our Polish patients. Multiple adenomas, larger sized adenomas, and adenomas with advanced histology on index colonoscopy are associated with increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies in African Americans demonstrated higher incidence of CRC and mortality compared to whites suggesting different ethnic groups may be at increased risk for CRC. The goal of our study is to see if the Polish population is at increased risk for adenomatous polyps, large polyps(≥1 cm), multiple adenomas(≥3), or advanced adenomas(tubulovillous, villous, or high grade dysplasia) when compared to the non-Polish white population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed from 1/2012 to 10/2018. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥50 years of age undergoing screening colonoscopy. Exclusion criteria consisted of an incomplete exam, personal or family history of CRC, or indication other than screening. Polish and non-Polish whites were identified by demographic data. 121 Polish patients were matched to 121 non-Polish white patients by gender and age. High-risk patients were those having large, multiple or advanced adenomas. Statistical analysis utilized student’s 2 sample t-test for P-values, with an alpha level of 0.05, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Each arm consisted of 56 men (46%) and 65 women (54%) with an average age of 64.3 years in both. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of high-risk Polish vs. non-Polish white patients (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.53; P = 0.026). Although not statistically significant, Polish patients had an increased prevalence of total polyps (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 0.73-2.0; P = 0.23), large polyps (OR 1.69, 95% CI:0.88-3.22; P = 0.10), adenomas (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 0.81-2.32; P = 0.23), multiple adenomas (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 0.60-4.35; P = 0.33), and advanced adenomas (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 0.74-4.58; P = 0.18). We also found 2 cases of CRC in the Polish group and no cases in the non-Polish group (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: These results show a statistically significant difference in the number of high-risk Polish vs. non-Polish white patients with an increase rate of CRC in the Polish group although not statistically significant. These findings warrant larger population based studies to further investigate the benefit of earlier screening for these patients similar to African Americans.

3064 A Case of a Rectal Xanthoma: A Sessile Polyp in an Uncommon Place

INTRODUCTION: Xanthomas are benign collections of lipid bearing histiocytes that form a localized mass. While they are usually found in the soft tissue, they may also be found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within the GI tract, they are most commonly located in the stomach, and rarely within the rectosigmoid colon. These polyps are found within the mucosa and while usually asymptomatic, can rarely cause obstructive symptoms or pain if large enough. This case presents a rare finding of a rectal xanthoma. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 55-year-old woman without any significant PMH presented for an initial screening colonoscopy. Physical exam and basic laboratory evaluation were unremarkable. Colonoscopy showed pan-diverticulosis, internal hemorrhoids, and a rectal polyp. The polyp was 4 mm, sessile, and yellow-white in color. It was removed with cold biopsy forceps. Pathology identified the polyp as a xanthoma. Given the benign nature of the polyp, patient was instructed to undergo screening colonoscopy in 10 years. DISCUSSION: During endoscopy, xanthomas are often overlooked as a differential diagnosis for a polypoid lesion, especially when found in an unlikely location. The exact incidence of rectal xanthomas is unknown and mostly limited to case reports alone. They can be seen in any age group, but tend to be more frequent with age. Colorectal xanthomas can present as flat, sessile, or pedunculated lesions. They are usually solitary and yellow-white in color. Xanthomas are typically confined to the lamina propria mucosa with pathology showing the characteristic foamy histiocytes in this location. Unlike cutaneous and tendinous xanthomas that often have a relation to hyperlipidemia, gastrointestinal xanthomas are usually not associated with an underlying disease (though this remains under investigation). The etiology of gastrointestinal xanthomas are poorly understood but it is believed that they arise in areas of damage, especially when they are found in the stomach. As xanthomas are benign and typically do not cause symptoms, there is no treatment necessary. Xanthomas continue to remain an important and rare finding within the GI tract that may eventually be found to have associations with certain systemic conditions.

Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality After Removal of Adenomas During Screening Colonoscopies

Recommendation of surveillance colonoscopy should be based on risk of colorectal cancer and death after adenoma removal. We aimed to develop a risk classification system based on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality following adenoma removal. We performed a multicenter population-based cohort study of 236,089 individuals (median patient age, 56 years; 37.8% male) undergoing screening colonoscopies with adequate bowel cleansing and cecum intubation at 132 centers in the Polish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, from 2000 through 2011. Subjects were followed for a median 7.1 years and information was collected on colorectal cancer development and death. We used recursive partitioning and multivariable Cox models to identify associations between colorectal cancer risk and patient and adenoma characteristics (diameter, growth pattern, grade of dysplasia, and number of adenomas). We developed a risk classification system based on standardized incidence ratios, using data from the Polish population for comparison. The primary endpoints were colorectal cancer incidence and colorectal cancer death. We identified 130 colorectal cancers in individuals who had adenomas removed at screening (46.5 per 100,000 person-years) vs 309 in individuals without adenomas (22.2 per 100,000 person-years). Compared with individuals without adenomas, adenomas ≥20 mm in diameter and high-grade dysplasia were associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted hazard ratios 9.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.39-13.39, and 3.58; 95% CI 1.96-6.54, respectively). Compared with the general population, colorectal cancer risk was higher or comparable only for individuals with adenomas ≥20 mm in diameter (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] 2.07; 95% CI 1.40-2.93) or with high-grade dysplasia (SIR 0.79; 95% CI 0.39-1.41), whereas for individuals with other adenoma characteristics the risk was lower (SIR 0.35; 95% CI 0.28-0.44). We developed a high-risk classification based on adenoma size ≥20 mm or high-grade dysplasia (instead of the current high-risk classification cutoff of ≥3 adenomas or any adenoma with villous growth pattern, high-grade dysplasia, or ≥10 mm in diameter). Our classification system would reduce the number of individuals classified as high-risk and requiring intensive surveillance from 15,242 (36.5%) to 3980 (9.5%), without increasing risk of colorectal cancer in patients with adenomas (risk difference per 100,000 person-years, 5.6; 95% CI -10.7 to 22.0). Using data from the Polish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, we developed a risk classification system that would reduce the number of individuals classified as high risk and require intensive surveillance more than 3-fold, without increasing risk of colorectal cancer in patients with adenomas. This system could optimize the use of surveillance colonoscopy.

Mortality and Rate of Hospitalization in a Colonoscopy Screening Program From a Randomized Health Services Study

It is difficult to quantify adverse events related to screening colonoscopy due to lack of valid and adequately powered comparison groups. We compared mortality and rate of unplanned hospitalizations among subjects who underwent screening colonoscopies within the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program (PCSP) vs unscreened matched controls in Poland. Persons 55-64 years old living in the area covered by the PCSP from 2012 through 2015 were assigned in a (1:1) to a group invited for screening colonoscopy (n = 338,477) or a matched group that would be invited 5 years later (controls, n = 338,557). All subjects in the screening group were assigned proposed screening colonoscopy dates (actual dates when invitees confirmed or rescheduled colonoscopy) and those in the control group were assigned virtual dates corresponding to the matched individuals from the screening group. In the screening group, 55,390 subjects (16.4%) underwent screening colonoscopy. Mortality and hospitalization data were obtained from National Registries. We compared mortality and rate of hospitalization between the groups for defined intervals before and after colonoscopy date. Hospitalizations were divided into related and unrelated to colonoscopy based on ICD codes by 3 specialists. Our primary aim was to compare mortality and hospitalization 6 weeks before and 30 days following the actual or virtual date of colonoscopy in the screening or control group. In the intent to treat analysis, overall there were no significant differences in mortality between the colonoscopy group and control group (0.22% vs 0.22%; risk difference less than .01%; 95% CI, decrease of 0.02% to 0.02%; P = .913). The overall rate of unplanned hospitalization was significantly higher for the colonoscopy group (2.39% vs 2.31% for the control group; risk difference, 0.08%; 95% CI, 0.01%-0.15%; P=.026) for the entire observation period. This was due to the higher rate of hospitalizations after screening (1.10% vs 1.01% for the control group; risk difference, 0.09%; 95% CI, 0.04%-0.14%; P < .001) including higher proportion of hospitalizations that were assessed as related to colonoscopy (0.24% vs 0.22% for the control group; risk difference, 0.02%; 95% CI, 0.00%-0.05%; P = .046). In the per-protocol analysis, the overall rate of hospitalizations did not differ significantly between control and screening colonoscopy groups (1.87% vs 1.90%; P=.709). However, screening colonoscopy did increase rates of related hospitalizations after the date of screening (from 0.14% to 0.31%; P < .001). In an analysis of data from the PCSP, we found high-quality evidence that colonoscopy as a screening intervention does not increase mortality before or after colonoscopy. However, it may be associated with a small but significant increase in unplanned hospitalizations, especially after the colonoscopy is completed.

Prevalence of colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma in patients with acute diverticulitis: implications for follow-up colonoscopy

Guidelines recommend colonoscopy after an episode of diverticulitis to exclude neoplasia but the effectiveness of testing is uncertain. Patients with complicated diverticulitis may be at higher risk for neoplasia, but most patients have uncomplicated disease. We examined the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenoma (AA) in patients with diverticulitis compared with patients undergoing screening colonoscopy. CT scans from January 1, 2008, to May 1, 2013, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) were reviewed to identify those with confirmed acute diverticulitis. Subsequent surgical, colonoscopy, and pathology reports were abstracted to identify those with a diagnosis of AA and CRC. The incidence of neoplasia was compared with that reported for screening colonoscopy from a meta-analysis (n= 68,324), and from colonoscopy examinations at UPMC between 2013 and 2015 (n= 28,573). A total of 5167 abdominal/pelvic CT scan reports identified 978 patients with acute diverticulitis, among which 474 (48.5%) patients had undergone at least 1 colonoscopy or gastrointestinal surgery to April 2015. The CRC rate in patients with diverticulitis (13/474, 2.7%) was significantly higher (P< .0001) compared with both the meta-analysis (0.8%) and UPMC (0.3%). The AA rate (19/474, 4.0%) was similar to the rate in the meta-analysis (5.0%, P= .39) but significantly lower than at UPMC (7.7%, P= .003). The incidence of AA or CRC in complicated diverticulitis (10/141, 7.1%) did not differ significantly (P= .85) from the incidence of AA or CRC in uncomplicated diverticulitis (22/332, 6.6%). CRC after diverticulitis was significantly higher than that observed at screening colonoscopy and was not limited to complicated disease. Colonoscopy is advisable after the diagnosis of diverticulitis.

Anesthesia Assistance in Screening Colonoscopy and Adenoma Detection Rate Among Trainees.

The use of anesthesia assistance (AA) for screening colonoscopy has been increasing substantially over the past decade, raising concerns about procedure safety and cost without demonstrating a proven improvement in overall quality indicators such as adenoma detection rate (ADR). The effect of AA on ADR has not been extensively studied among trainees learning colonoscopy. We aimed to determine whether type of sedation used during screening colonoscopy affects trainee ADR. Using the electronic endoscopy databases of two hospitals in our medical center, we identified colonoscopies performed by 15 trainees from 2014 through 2018, including all screening examinations in which the cecum was reached. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with adenoma detection. We identified 1420 unique patients who underwent screening colonoscopy by a trainee meeting the inclusion criteria. Of these, 459 (32.3%) were performed with AA. Overall trainee ADR was 39.6%, with ADR increasing from 35.0% in year one of training to 42.8% in year three (p = 0.047). ADR for cases with AA was 37.9%, while ADR for conscious sedation cases was 32.0% (p = 0.374). Despite this 5.9% absolute difference, the use of AA was not associated with finding an adenoma on multivariable analysis when controlling for patient age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, trainee year of training, mean withdrawal time, supervising attending ADR, and bowel preparation quality (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.67-1.09). Despite providing the ability to more consistently sedate patients, the use of AA did not affect trainee ADR. These results on trainee ADR and sedation type suggest that the overall lack of association between AA use and ADR is applicable to the trainee setting.

Using Patients' Social Network to Improve Compliance to Outpatient Screening Colonoscopy Appointments Among Blacks: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Patient navigation improves colorectal cancer screening among underserved populations, but limited resources preclude widespread adoption in minority-serving institutions. We evaluated whether a patient's self-selected social contact person can effectively facilitate outpatient screening colonoscopy. From September 2014 to March 2017 in an urban tertiary center, 399 black participants scheduled for outpatient screening colonoscopy self-selected a social contact person to be a facilitator and provided the person's phone number. Of these, 201 participants (50.4%) were randomly assigned to the intervention arm for their social contact persons to be engaged by phone. The study was explained to the social contact person with details about colonoscopy screening and bowel preparation process. The social contacts were asked to assist the participants, provide support, and encourage compliance with the procedures. The social contact person was not contacted in the usual care arm, n = 198 (49.6%). We evaluated attendance to the scheduled outpatient colonoscopy and adequacy of bowel preparation. Analysis was performed by intention to treat. The social contact person was reached and agreed to be involved for 130 of the 201 participants (64.7%). No differences were found in the proportion of participants who underwent screening colonoscopy (77.3% vs 77.2%; relative risk = 1.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.12), but there was a modest increase in the proportion with adequate bowel preparation with social contact involvement (89.1% vs 80.9%; relative risk = 1.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.21). Engaging a patient's social network to serve in the role of a patient navigator did not improve compliance to outpatient screening colonoscopy but modestly improved the adequacy of bowel preparation.

The Relationship Between Lifestyle and Compliance with Colonoscopy in First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Background: The first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at a 2 to 3-fold increased risk of developing the disease compared with the general population. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the lifestyle of colorectal cancer patients’ FDRs and their compliance in colonoscopy screening test. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on FDRs of patients with colorectal cancer in one educational hospital, Tehran, Iran in duration 2018. A total of 114 patients’ FDRs were consulted face to face by preventive medicine specialist and data collecting forms were fully completed. Three months later the FDRs were followed for undergoing colonoscopy screening test or decision to do it soon. Next, the relationship between lifestyle [BMI (body mass index), cigarette smoking, diet, physical activity], socioeconomic status (job, income, health insurance), and comorbidities with a tendency to participate in colonoscopy screening program assessed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, predictor factors for colonoscopy screening in FDRs were investigated. The data were analyzed using SPSS V. 18 software and the significance statistically was P < 0.05 in the all tests. Results: Overall, 57% of FDRs undergone colonoscopy tests up to time of study or they were tended to do it soon. In multivariable logistic regression, age < 50 years old (P = 0.01, OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.8), higher income (equal and more than 20 million Rials) (P < 0.001, OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.8 - 11), appropriate physical activity (≥ 150 minutes weekly) (P < 0.001, OR = 5.2, 95%CI: 4.6 - 17.5) and normal diet (intake of carbohydrate, fat, protein, fruit and vegetables) (P = 0.006, OR = 3.02, 95%CI: 2.9 - 6.6) were the predictor factors to compliance the FDRs for participation in colonoscopy screening program. Conclusions: Although in this study there was an association between lifestyle of FDRs and the compliance rate of colonoscopy screening test but according to the vulnerability of the relatives, more research in this field should be carried out.

Changes in colorectal cancer screening use after introduction of alternative screening offer in Germany: Prospective cohort study.

In October 2002, screening colonoscopy was added to the German colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program as an alternative to fecal occult blood test (FOBT). We aimed to evaluate the change in CRC screening use after introduction of the dual screening offer and to assess determinants of screening use. Data were drawn from a population-based cohort study initiated during 2000-2002 in Germany (n = 5,845, age range at recruitment: 50-75 years). We conducted both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to obtain uptake rates of CRC screening based on four waves of data. Age-group specific proportions of participants having had FOBT within 2 years remained essentially unchanged at 61-67% between 2000 and 2002 (1st wave) and 2005-2007 (3rd wave). The proportions of participants having undergone screening colonoscopy within 10 years increased from 23-29% to 46-57%, leading to a substantial overall increase in being up-to-date with CRC screening from 66-68% to 77-80%. In 2008-2010 (4th wave), FOBT use declined and colonoscopy use continued to increase. Obesity was significantly associated with lower prevalence of being up-to-date with FOBT (odds ratio [OR] at 8-year follow-up 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.80) and screening colonoscopy (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.86). Also, smokers were less likely to have ever used FOBT (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40-0.75) or colonoscopy (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.90) compared to nonsmokers. After the introduction of dual screening offer, the overall adherence to CRC screening steeply increased, mainly due to an increase in screening colonoscopy uptake. Screening tests kept being underused by obese people and smokers who are at elevated CRC risk.

Atrial Fibrillation: A New Indicator for Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Screening Colonoscopy.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and potentially preventable malignancy. Evidence has emerged that coronary artery disease patients are at increased risk for developing CRC by shared risk factors. Here we investigated an association between CRC and atrial fibrillation (AF), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk, in the setting of routine screening colonoscopy. Methods: We investigated 1949 asymptomatic participants (median age 61 [54–67] years, 49% females) undergoing screening colonoscopy within the SAKKOPI registry (Salzburg Colon Cancer Prevention Initiative). Forty-six participants with AF (2.4%) were identified, and colonoscopy findings were compared to non-AF participants. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to create 1:1 and 3:1 age- and gender-matched couples. Results: Abnormal findings on screening colonoscopy (any form of adenoma or carcinoma) were more common in AF participants with an odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 [1.3–4.3] in the unmatched analysis, and 2.6 [1.1–6.3] and 2.0 [1.1–4.0] in the 1:1 and 3:1 matched groups, respectively. Correspondingly, the odds of finding advanced adenomas or carcinomas was elevated about three-fold across the different matched and unmatched analyses (OR 3.3 [1.1–10.8] for 3:1 matched participants). At the same time, the prevalence and number of colonic lesions were significantly higher in AF participants (63.0% vs. 33.4% for 3:1 matched participants, p < 0.001). Non-CRC related findings on colonoscopy, like diverticulosis, were non-different between groups. Conclusion: Participants with AF had a higher burden of advanced premalignant adenomas and CRC in routine colonoscopy screening. Our data suggest that practitioners should monitor the CRC screening status, especially in AF patients.

Epithelial Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Modulates Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Notch Signaling to Increase Differentiation of Secretory Cells and Alter Mucus-Associated Microbiota

Inflammation, injury, and infection up-regulate expression of the tryptophan metabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in the intestinal epithelium. We studied the effects of cell-specific IDO1 expression in the epithelium at baseline and during intestinal inflammation in mice. We generated transgenic mice that overexpress fluorescence-tagged IDO1 in the intestinal epithelium under control of the villin promoter (IDO1-TG). We generated intestinal epithelial spheroids from mice with full-length Ido1 (controls), disruption of Ido1 (knockout mice), and IDO1-TG and analyzed them for stem cell and differentiation markers by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Some mice were gavaged with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (E2348/69) to induce infectious ileitis, and ileum contents were quantified by polymerase chain reaction. Separate sets of mice were given dextran sodium sulfate or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid to induce colitis; intestinal tissues were analyzed by histology. We utilized published data sets GSE75214 and GDS2642 of RNA expression data from ilea of healthy individuals undergoing screening colonoscopies (controls) and patients with Crohn's disease. Histologic analysis of small intestine tissues from IDO1-TG mice revealed increases in secretory cells. Enteroids derived from IDO1-TG intestine had increased markers of stem, goblet, Paneth, enteroendocrine, and tuft cells, compared with control enteroids, with a concomitant decrease in markers of absorptive cells. IDO1 interacted non-enzymatically with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to inhibit activation of NOTCH1. Intestinal mucus layers from IDO1-TG mice were 2-fold thicker than mucus layers from control mice, with increased proportions of Akkermansia muciniphila and Mucispirillum schaedleri. Compared to controls, IDO1-TG mice demonstrated an 85% reduction in ileal bacteria (P= .03) when challenged with enteropathogenic E coli, and were protected from immune infiltration, crypt dropout, and ulcers following administration of dextran sodium sulfate or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. In ilea of Crohn's disease patients, increased expression of IDO1 correlated with increased levels of MUC2, LYZ1, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor, but reduced levels of SLC2A5. In mice, expression of IDO1 in the intestinal epithelial promotes secretory cell differentiation and mucus production; levels of IDO1 are positively correlated with secretory cell markers in ilea of healthy individuals and Crohn's disease patients. We propose that IDO1 contributes to intestinal homeostasis.

Comparison of the Uptake of Screening Colonoscopy between Physicians and the General Population in Greece

Aim: To evaluate the uptake of screening colonoscopy among physicians as compared to the general population. Methods: Asymptomatic physicians, aged 45–67 years, at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), working in the participating National Health System hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the uptake of screening colonoscopy. The results were compared to those in a background healthy population, aged 50–75 years, inhabitants of a Greek county, who were offered a free access to a screening colonoscopy program for CRC. High-risk adenomas were those ≥10 mm in diameter or any adenoma, regardless of size, with villous histology or high-grade dysplasia. Results: Overall, 267 of 782 physicians and 402 of 6,534 nonphysicians underwent a screening colonoscopy (uptake rates 34.2 and 6.2% respectively, p = 0.00001). Screening colonoscopy has yielded 4 adenocarcinomas (1.6%), 14 high-risk adenomas (5.5%), and 61 low-risk adenomas (25.7%) in the physicians’ group. Corresponding figures in the nonphysician arm were 4 (1), 26 (6.5), and 107 (26.6%), respectively. The main reason among physicians for nonadherence was indifference/negligence (n = 213). Conclusion: The proportion of physicians undergoing screening colonoscopy for CRC is significantly higher compared to the general population; however, it does remain suboptimal.

Weak Cytotoxic T Cells Activation Predicts Low-Grade Dysplasia Persistence in Ulcerative Colitis.

INTRODUCTION:In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), dysplasia develops in 10%–20% of cases. The persistence of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in UC in 2 consecutive observations is still an indication for restorative proctocolectomy. Our hypothesis is that in the case of weak cytotoxic activation, dysplasia persists. We aimed to identify possible immunological markers of LGD presence and persistence.METHODS:We prospectively enrolled 112 UC patients who underwent screening colonoscopy (T0) who had biopsies taken from their sigmoid colon. Ninety of them had at least a second colonoscopy (T1) with biopsies taken in the sigmoid colon and 8 patients had dysplasia in both examinations suggesting a persistence of LGD in their colon. Immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction for CD4, CD69, CD107, and CD8β messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and flow cytometry for epithelial cells expressing CD80 or HLA avidin-biotin complex were performed. Non-parametric statistics, receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, and logistic multiple regression analysis were used.RESULTS:Thirteen patients had LGD diagnosed at T0. The mucosal mRNA expression of CD4, CD69, and CD8β was significantly lower than in patients without dysplasia (P = 0.033, P = 0.046 and P = 0.007, respectively). A second colonoscopy was performed in 90 patients after a median follow-up of 17 (12–25) months and 14 of the patients were diagnosed with LGD. In these patients, CD8β mRNA expression at T0 was significantly lower in patients without dysplasia (P = 0.004). A multivariate survival analysis in a model including CD8β mRNA levels and age >50 demonstrated that both items were independent predictors of dysplasia at follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.47 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.86], P = 0.014, and HR = 13.32 [95% CI: 1.72–102.92], P = 0.013).DISCUSSION:These data suggest a low cytotoxic T cell activation in the colonic mucosa of UC patients who do not manage to clear dysplasia. Thus, low level of CD8β mRNA expression in non-dysplastic colonic mucosa might be considered in future studies about the decision making of management of LGD in UC.

Clinical stages of colorectal cancer diagnosed in obese and overweight individuals in the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program.

Obesity is a known risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, precise interconnections between excessive body fat and CRC are still vague. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether stage of CRC detected in overweight and obese individuals differs from individuals with normal body mass index (BMI). A secondary aim of this study was to elucidate whether overweight and obesity influence the overall survival in CRC. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 163,129 individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy performed on data from a prospectively maintained database of the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program. Overweight and obese individuals present with a less advanced CRC in screening setting (p = 0.014). This trend is the most pronounced in males (p = 0.001). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that obesity was a negative predictor of detection of advanced CRC with odds ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.52-1.00; p = 0.047). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant predictors of risk of death (p = 0.614 and p = 0.446, respectively). Obese screenees present with a less advanced disease in comparison to non-obese. Moreover, survival stratified by clinical stage seems to not be influenced by BMI category. Therefore, a higher proportion of early diagnosed cancers can potentially create a survival benefit in this group.

The role of primary care physicians and nurses in convincing patients to participate in a colorectal cancer screening program in a Polish coordinated care organization: a questionnaire-based study

Background: Medical assistants/care coordinators play a crucial role in the coordinated care system. The tasks of nurses and some qualified supporting staff have been extended to include this role along with the implementation of the pilot program POZ Plus in Polish primary healthcare. A personalized approach to the patient is especially important during the implementation of large-scale prevention programs. Aim of the study: To assess who has the greatest influence on the patient’s decision to undergo screening colonoscopy and outline the current and potential roles of nurses in this process. Material and methods: This questionnaire-based study was conducted at the coordinated care facility Medical and Diagnostic Center (CMD) in Siedlce, Poland between March 1st and June 15th, 2017. Results: 138 patients participated in the study. The majority (75; 54.4%) reported they were directly convinced to undergo colonoscopy by a primary care physician. 18 (13.0%) were convinced by a nurse, and 22 (15.9%) by another specialist. The remaining (23; 16.7%) patients indicated other factors. The majority of patients (74; 53.6%) responded saying that all necessary information about the entire test course was provided by the nurse, while 35 (25.4%) shared that this information had come from the primary care physician, 8 (5.80%) from the specialist doctor, 3 (2.17%) from the receptionist and 18 (13.0%) from other sources of information, such as the Internet, leaflets and notice boards. Conclusions: We found that primary care physicians at this institution have an important role in convincing patients to undergo preventive colonoscopy, while nurses provide key information to patients on the preparation and the course of this procedure. Although the current model seems to be effective in a coordinated care setting, there may be still a place for nurse care coordinators to take on some tasks previously performed by doctors.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with a higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to increase the risk of adenomatous colonic polyps. However, the role of screening colonoscopy in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD in detecting advanced colorectal neoplasm is not clearly evidence-based. Therefore, we investigated whether the histological severity of NAFLD is associated with advanced colorectal neoplasm. This study included patients ≥18years old who underwent screening colonoscopy between 2013 and 2018 within a biopsy-evaluated prospective NAFLD cohort. Advanced colorectal neoplasm was defined as an adenomatous polyp greater than 10mm in diameter and/or with villous histology and/or with high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. Among the 476 patients with clinically suspected NAFLD, 379 patientswere diagnosed with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 97 patients had no evidence of NAFLD histologically, who were analyzed as healthy controls. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasm was 11.1% (n=53). Patients with advanced colorectal neoplasm had higher grade of steatosis (P=0.004) and higher stage of hepatic fibrosis (P=0.044) than those with normal colonoscopic findings or low-grade adenomatous polyp. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was an independent risk factor for both colorectal polyp (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.12-3.86; P=0.020) and advanced colorectal neoplasm (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.01-7.87; P=0.049). The presence of biopsy-proven NASH was significantly associated with an increased risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm among patients with NAFLD. This finding may alert physicians to conduct screening colonoscopy in patients with NASH to detect advanced colorectal neoplasm early.

Sa1054 IMPACT OF FEEDBACK ON ADENOMA DETECTION RATE: A SYTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is one of the most important quality indicators of colonoscopy. Benchmarks for ADR have been established - > 30% in males and >20% in females undergoing screening colonoscopy. Factors affecting ADR include quality of bowel prep, withdrawal times, inspection technique, distal attachment devices and educational interventions and training. Monitoring ADR and providing feedback to the endoscopist has also been shown to positively impact the ADR of endoscopist.

Novel 1\u2009L polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation (NER1006): proof of concept assessment versus standard 2\u2009L polyethylene glycol with ascorbate \u2013 a randomized, parallel group, phase 2, colonoscopist-blinded trial

BackgroundColonoscopy requires colon cleansing. For this, many polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based preparations still require a high preparation-volume intake. Using an increased osmotic load with ascorbate (Asc), five new low-volume PEG-based bowel preparations (LVPEG) were tested for clinical proof of concept.MethodsThis two-part, open-label study examined preparation-volumes of 1–1.25 L and total required fluid volumes of 2–3 L. Part 1, in healthy volunteers, used mean cumulative 24-h stool weight (target > 2750 g) to identify a lead candidate. Part 2 was endoscopist-blinded: patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were randomized before treatment with the selected lead, one of two variants of it, or the control 2 L PEG + Asc. Two primary endpoints were used for proof of concept demonstration: mean 24-h stool weight and bowel cleansing success (Harefield Cleansing Scale).ResultsA total of 120 subjects (30 per group) were enrolled/randomized 1:1:1:1 (max 40:60 gender ratio) per completed Part. In Part 1, LVPEG-3 achieved the largest mean stool weight (3399 g: P < 0.0001 vs target) and was selected for Part 2. In Part 2, stool weights exceeded the target, notably for LVPEG-4 (3215 g: P < 0.001), which achieved 100% cleansing success after a total required fluid intake of 2 L. The control achieved 90% cleansing success. Adverse events were few, gastrointestinal in nature and similar between groups.ConclusionsLVPEG-4 achieved a clinically useful combination of cleansing, safety/tolerability and low consumption volume: 1 L preparation + 1 L required additional fluid. Named NER1006, LVPEG-4 demonstrated clinical proof of concept and warrants further investigation.Trial registrationOctober 2012.Identifier: NCT01714466. EudraCT: 2012–003052-37The trial was prospectively registered.

The relationship between diverticulosis and colorectal neoplasia: A meta-analysis.

Background/AimsDiverticulosis and colorectal neoplasia share epidemiological trends and risk factors which are common in Western countries and incidences increase with age. However, the data on an association between diverticulosis and colorectal neoplasia are conflicting. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether diverticulosis is associated with colorectal neoplasia.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SCOPUS was conducted to identify studies that investigated the association between diverticulosis and advanced colorectal neoplasia (advanced adenoma, colorectal cancer), adenomas, or polyps. The demographic characteristics of patients, including age, gender, indication for colonoscopy, confounding factors, and outcomes of colorectal neoplasia were assessed.ResultsWe identified 29 cross-sectional studies (N = 450,953) that investigated the association between diverticulosis and colorectal neoplasia. The meta-analysis found that diverticulosis was not associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–1.50). Although there was a positive correlation between diverticulosis and adenomas (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.18–1.84) and diverticulosis and polyps (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.15–3.31), diverticulosis did not increase the risk of adenomas (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.87–2.06) in patients who underwent screening colonoscopy. Moreover, all the increased risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with diverticulosis was observed in published studies only, and not in unpublished ones.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis demonstrated that diverticulosis is not associated with an increased risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia. Although diverticulosis was associated with a higher risk of polyps and adenomas, the risk was not increased in screening populations. Moreover, the increased risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with diverticulosis was observed only in published studies and not in unpublished ones.

Characterization of temporal relationships of comorbidities developed following cancer diagnoses in veterans.

e18049 Background: Understanding patient trajectories and common sequences of comorbidity accrual among those newly diagnosed with cancer is critical for precision approaches to care and prevention. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) #380 cohort includes 3,121 healthy asymptomatic veterans who underwent screening colonoscopy and were followed for at least ten years. The current analysis leverages computational approaches to characterize the temporal relationships of diagnoses in CSP #380 participants following diagnosis of colorectal or other cancers. Methods: Patients enrolled in CSP #380 with at least 5 years of linked electronic health record data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (October 1999-December 2015) were included. Cancer diagnoses and their most common subsequent new diagnoses were identified per patient by the first instance of each three-digit ICD-9 diagnosis affecting at least 50 patients. Pairwise chronological relative risks (RR) between subsequent diagnoses were represented as a directed network graph, which maps the probability of developing a diagnosis following a prior diagnosis. Results: A total of 2,210 patients were included. The most common cancer diagnoses were prostate (436), thoracic (169), bladder (120), colon (72), and kidney cancers (65). Most first diagnoses following a cancer diagnosis were related to progressive cancer or acute/subacute treatment toxicity. For prostate cancer, comorbidities with greatest RR were carcinoma in situ (RR 6.85), unspecified (NOS) metastases (2.75), and urethral stricture (2.53). For lung cancer, they were metastases of respiratory and digestive sites (12.24), lymph nodes (6.47), and NOS (5.68), pneumothorax and air leak (4.16), and convalescence and palliative care (3.07). In bladder cancer, they were carcinoma in situ (9.00), cystitis (6.78), kidney or other urinary cancer (6.19), attention to artificial openings (3.40), and urethral stricture (2.78). These and other results were visualized with network graphs. Conclusions: Computational techniques can identify and visualize future health concerns following cancer diagnoses. In this cohort of initially healthy and asymptomatic veterans on a prospective screening colonoscopy study, most subsequent diagnoses were related to cancer or toxicities of therapy, as might be expected in an aging cohort. Future work may focus on streamlining in-clinic identification of potential high likelihood comorbidities.