Microbiota dynamics in patients treated with fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

Clostridium difficile causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembraneous colitis and is responsible for a large and increasing fraction of hospital-acquired infections. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an alternate treatment option for recurrent C. difficile infection (RCDI) refractory to antibiotic therapy. It has recently been discussed favorably in the clinical and scientific communities and is receiving increasing public attention. However, short- and long-term health consequences of FMT remain a concern, as the effects of the transplanted microbiota on the patient remain unknown. To shed light on microbial events associated with RCDI and treatment by FMT, we performed fecal microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing of 14 pairs of healthy donors and RCDI patients treated successfully by FMT. Post-FMT patient and healthy donor samples collected up to one year after FMT were studied longitudinally, including one post-FMT patient with antibiotic-associated relapse three months after FMT. This analysis allowed us not only to confirm prior reports that RCDI is associated with reduced diversity and compositional changes in the fecal microbiota, but also to characterize previously undocumented post-FMT microbiota dynamics. Members of the Streptococcaceae, Enterococcaceae, or Enterobacteriaceae were significantly increased and putative butyrate producers, such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were significantly reduced in samples from RCDI patients before FMT as compared to post-FMT patient and healthy donor samples. RCDI patient samples showed more case-specific variations than post-FMT patient and healthy donor samples. However, none of the bacterial groups were invariably associated with RCDI or successful treatment by FMT. Overall microbiota compositions in post-FMT patients, specifically abundances of the above-mentioned Firmicutes, continued to change for at least 16 weeks after FMT, suggesting that full microbiota recovery from RCDI may take much longer than expected based on the disappearance of diarrheal symptoms immediately after FMT.

Efficacy of combined jejunal and colonic fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection

The prevalence of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI) is increasing; fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective therapy. However, there have been no studies of the efficacy of a single session of combined enteral and colonic FMT or characterizations of changes in the microbiota between donors and recipients. We performed a study of 27 patients with RCDI who were given a fixed volume of processed fecal filtrate via enteroscopy and colonoscopy in a single session. Patients were closely monitored, and fecal samples were collected from 2 patient-donor pairs for 16S rRNA analysis. All patients had reduced stool frequency, abdominal pain, white blood cell counts, and elimination of fecal C difficile toxin (P < .05). FMT increased microbial diversity, increasing proportions of Lachnospiraceae (phylum Firmicutes) and reducing proportions of Enterobacteriaceae. FMT was associated with marked changes in the composition of fecal microbiota in 2 patients with RCDI.

Serum HSP70: a novel biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. To determine if serum HSP70 levels are elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer and can function as a biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Study subjects were divided into 3 groups: histologically proven pancreatic cancer (PC; n = 23), chronic pancreatitis (CP; n = 12), and matched normal control subjects (C; n = 10). Serum HSP70 levels were determined using a novel immunoelectrophoresis method developed and validated by the authors. Significance of difference between the groups was analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to discriminate patients with pancreatic cancer from normal controls.

RESULTS

The mean ± SE serum HSP70 levels in the PC, CP, and C groups were 1.68 ± 0.083 ng/mL, 0.40 ± 0.057 ng/mL, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. Serum HSP70 levels in the PC group were significantly higher compared with either the CP or C groups (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of elevated serum HSP70 in the PC group was 74% and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum HSP70 levels are significantly increased in patients with pancreatic cancer and may be useful as an additional biomarker for the detection of pancreatic cancer.

Scoping the scope: endoscopic evaluation of endoscope working channels with a new high-resolution inspection endoscope (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Outbreaks of transmission of infection related to endoscopy despite reported adherence to reprocessing guidelines warrant scrutiny of all potential contributing factors. Recent reports from ambulatory surgery centers indicated widespread significant occult damage within endoscope working channels, raising concerns regarding the potential detrimental impact of this damage on the adequacy of endoscope reprocessing.

METHODS

We inspected working channels of all 68 endoscopes at our academic institution using a novel flexible inspection endoscope. Inspections were recorded and videos reviewed by 3 investigators to evaluate and rate channel damage and/or debris. Working channel rinsates were obtained from all endoscopes, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence was measured.

RESULTS

Overall endoscope working channel damage was rated as minimal and/or mild and was consistent with expected wear and tear (median 1.59 on our 5-point scale). Our predominant findings included superficial scratches (98.5%) and scratches with adherent peel (76.5%). No channel perforations, stains, or burns were detected. The extent of damage was not predicted by endoscope age. Minor punctate debris was common, and a few small drops of fluid were noted in 42.6% of endoscopes after reprocessing and drying. The presence of residual fluid predicted higher ATP bioluminescence values. The presence of visualized working channel damage or debris was not associated with elevated ATP bioluminescence values.

CONCLUSION

The flexible inspection endoscope enables high-resolution imaging of endoscope working channels and offers endoscopy units an additional modality for endoscope surveillance, potentially complementing bacterial cultures and ATP values. Our study, conducted in a busy academic endoscopy unit, indicated predominately mild damage to endoscope working channels, which did not correlate with elevated ATP values.

Opioids Impair Intestinal Epithelial Repair in HIV-Infected Humanized Mice

Intestinal barrier dysfunction and subsequent microbial translocation play crucial roles in persistent immune activation leading to HIV disease progression. Opioid use is associated with worse outcome in HIV-infected patients. The exacerbated disease progression by opioids is mainly driven by excessive intestinal inflammation and increased gut permeability. The objective of this study is to investigate how opioids potentiate HIV disease progression by compromising intestinal barrier function and impairing intestinal epithelial self-repair mechanism. In the present study, abnormal intestinal morphology and reduced epithelial proliferation were observed in bone marrow-liver-thymus humanized mice and in HIV-infected patients who were exposed to opioids. In bone marrow-liver-thymus mice, HIV, and morphine independently, and additively induced gut dysbiosis, especially depletion of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae. We also observed that the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae negatively correlated with apoptosis of epithelial cells, and intestinal IL-6 levels. Previous studies have shown that these bacterial families play crucial roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis because they include most short-chain fatty acid-producing members. Short-chain fatty acids have been shown to maintain stem cell populations and suppress inflammation in the gut by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDAC). In addition, we demonstrate that morphine exposure inhibited growth of intestinal organoids derived from HIV transgenic mice by suppressing Notch signaling in an HDAC-dependent manner. These studies implicate an important role for HDAC in intestinal homeostasis and supports HDAC modulation as a therapeutic intervention in improving care of HIV patients, especially in opioid-abusing population.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in the Elderly: Long-Term Outcomes and Microbiota Changes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has become the cornerstone in management of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI) in adults. However, data on efficacy, safety, long-term outcomes, and microbiota alterations are limited in elderly patients (>65 years).

METHODS

Twenty-nine consecutive elderly patients with RCDI underwent FMT with combined jejunal and colonic method and monitored for long-term outcomes. Fecal samples from five elderly RCDI patients (G65) were subjected to genomic analysis before and after FMT, and microbiota changes were compared with matched RCDI patients below 65 years (L65).

RESULTS

FMT resulted in marked improvement in all clinical parameters, including abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea in all elderly RCDI patients. Fecal C. difficile toxin was positive in all 29 patients and turned negative in all 27 patients, who agreed to undergo this test after FMT. Statistically significant improvement in leukocytosis was noted (p < 0.05). Only adverse events reported were transient mild fever (2/29) and bloating (3/29). Long-term follow-up over 25.4 ± 12.8 months did not reveal any additional adverse events or RCDI recurrence. Genomic analysis suggested that overall microbiota diversity increased post-FMT in elderly RCDI patients. However, this response was less robust than the younger group. While Firmicutes did not change markedly, Proteobacteria decreased significantly in post-FMT samples in elderly RCDI patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that FMT in elderly patients with RCDI appears to be highly efficacious with no recurrence of infection over long-term follow-up. Alterations in microbiota in this group of patients are characterized by less robust increase in microbial diversity and marked reduction in phylum Proteobacteria.

Practice Patterns for Cholecystectomy After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Patients With Choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cholecystectomy (CCY) after an episode of choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction reduces recurrent biliary events compared to expectant management. We studied practice patterns for performance of CCY after ERCP for choledocholithiasis using data from 3 large states and evaluated the effects of delaying CCY.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and emergency department databases from the states of California (years 2009-2011), New York (2011-2013), and Florida (2012-2014). We collected data from 4516 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP. We compared outcomes of patients who underwent CCY at index admission (early CCY), elective CCY within 60 days of discharge (delayed CCY), or did not undergo CCY (no CCY), calculating rate of recurrent biliary events (defined as an emergency department visit or unplanned hospitalization due to symptomatic cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, or biliary pancreatitis), mortality, and cost by CCY cohort. We also evaluated risk factors for not undergoing CCY. The primary outcome measure was the rate of recurrent biliary events in the 365 days after discharge from index admission.

RESULTS

Of the patients who underwent ERCP for choledocholithiasis, 41.2% underwent early CCY, 10.9% underwent delayed CCY, and 48.0% underwent no CCY. Early CCY reduced relative risk of recurrent biliary events within 60 days by 92%, compared with delayed or no CCY (P < .001). After 60 days following discharge from index admission, patients with early CCY had an 87% lower risk of recurrent biliary events than patients with no CCY (P < .001) and patients with delayed CCY had an 88% lower risk of recurrent biliary events than patients with no CCY (P < .001). A strategy of delayed CCY performed on an outpatient basis was least costly. Performance of early CCY was inversely associated with low facility volume. Hispanic race, Asian race, Medicaid insurance, and no insurance associated inversely with performance of delayed CCY.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis of >4500 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis, we found that CCY was not performed after ERCP for almost half of the cases. Although early and delayed CCY equally reduce the risk of subsequent recurrent biliary events, patients are at 10-fold higher risk of recurrent biliary event while waiting for a delayed CCY compared with patients who underwent early CCY. Delayed CCY is a cost-effective strategy that must be balanced against the risk of loss to follow-up, particularly among patients who are ethnic minorities or have little or no health insurance.

Effect of Aging on the Composition of Fecal Microbiota in Donors for FMT and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as an effective therapy for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI). Selecting an appropriate donor is vital to the success of FMT. However, the relationship between age of donors and the efficacy of FMT has not been examined to date. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of age of healthy donors on their fecal microbiota and assess the impact of these changes on the clinical efficacy of FMT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved prospective study enrolled donors who were deemed healthy for FMT after careful detailed screening for infectious diseases per institutional protocol. The study was conducted between January 2011 and October 2014. Fecal samples were processed and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Differences in relative abundance and diversity of the donor fecal microbiota were analyzed in donors above and below 60 years of age. Effect of fecal microbiota from donors of different age groups on the efficacy of FMT was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight healthy human subjects from ages 20-82 years were enrolled as donors for FMT. All patients receiving FMT from their respective donors had resolution of RCDI symptoms and had a negative C. difficile toxin test 4-12 weeks after FMT. Genomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of phylum Actinobacteria and family Bifidobacteriaceae was reduced in the donors ≥60 years of age (p < 0.05). However, Bacteroidetes-to-Fermicutes ratio did not demonstrate a significant change between the two groups. Furthermore, microbial diversity did not change significantly with advancing age.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that aging in healthy donors is associated with compositional alterations in the fecal microbiome without change in the overall microbial diversity. These changes do not seem to affect the clinical efficacy of FMT in RCDI patients over 12 months.

Efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in 2 children with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection and its impact on their growth and gut microbiome

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is recognized as an alternative therapeutic modality for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI); however, data on its efficacy in children are lacking, including its effect on their growth and fecal microbiota. We report on 2 young children (<3 years old) who failed available therapeutics for RCDI, but responded remarkably well to FMT. Besides resolution of clinical features of C difficile infection (CDI), FMT administration led to marked improvement in their growth, along with increased microbiota diversity, especially proportion of Bacteroides. Our 2 cases illustrate the efficacy of FMT in children with RCDI and its positive effect on their growth and gut microbiota.

A prospective evaluation of radiation-free direct solitary cholangioscopy for the management of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopy has replaced many radiologic studies for the GI tract. However, ERCP remains a hybrid endoscopic-fluoroscopic procedure, which limits its portable delivery, creates delays because of fluoroscopy room unavailability, and exposes patients and providers to radiation. We evaluated fluoroscopy/radiation-free management of patients with noncomplex choledocholithiasis using direct solitary cholangioscopy (DSC).

METHODS

Patients underwent fluoroscopy-free biliary cannulation, sphincterotomy, and then cholangioscopy to establish location and number/size of stones and to document distance from ampulla to bifurcation to guide balloon advancement. Stones were extracted using a marked balloon catheter advanced to the bifurcation and inflated to the bile duct diameter, documented on prior imaging. Repeat cholangioscopy was performed to confirm stone clearance.

RESULTS

Fluoroscopy-free biliary cannulation was successful in all 40 patients (100%). Advanced cannulation techniques were required in 5 patients. Papillary balloon dilation was performed in 8 patients and electrohydraulic lithotripsy in 3 patients. Discrete stones were visualized in 31 patients and stone debris/sludge in 8 patients. Fluoroscopy-free stone/debris/sludge extraction was successful in all these patients. Brief fluoroscopy was used in 2 patients (5%) to confirm stone clearance. No stone/debris/sludge was noted in 1 patient. Mild pancreatitis was noted in 2 patients (5%) and bleeding in 1 (2.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes the feasibility of fluoroscopy/radiation-free, cholangioscopic management of noncomplex choledocholithiasis with success and adverse event rates similar to standard ERCP. DSC represents a significant procedural advance in the management of biliary disorders that does not need to be confined to the fluoroscopy suite and can be reimagined as bedside procedures in emergency department or intensive care unit settings. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03074201.).

Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD): a shift from hospital-acquired infection to long-term care facility-based infection

BACKGROUND

Previous epidemiological studies on Clostridium-difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) have focused on hospitalized patients with nosocomial transmission. However, increasing numbers of patients with CDAD are being admitted to acute-care hospitals from long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and the local community. The purpose of our study was to study the changing epidemiological trends of CDAD patients admitted to an acute-care hospital and examine factors contributing to this shift in epidemiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved retrospective study included 400 randomly selected patients with a diagnosis of CDAD, admitted to an acute-care hospital between January, 2005 and December, 2010. CDAD was defined as ≥3 episodes of loose stools in <24 h with a positive Clostridium difficile stool toxin assay. The patients were divided into three groups: hospital-acquired CDAD, long-term care facility (LTCF)-acquired CDAD, and community-acquired CDAD. The groups were compared in terms of demographics, ICU admissions, hospital length of stay, co-morbidities, presenting complaint, and medication use. Patients who were hospitalized in the preceding 12 weeks or who had history of antibiotic use in the prior 8 weeks were excluded.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 258 toxin-positive CDAD patients. Only 53 (20.6%) patients had hospital-acquired CDAD. Patients from LTCFs (n=119, 46.1%) and the community (86 patients, 33.3%) comprised 79.4% of patients. The mean age for LTCF population was significantly higher than the hospital-acquired and community-acquired CDAD groups (p<0.0001). The presenting complaint was categorized as diarrhea or non-diarrheal symptom. Other non-diarrheal symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and altered mental status. Only 15.2% of LTCF patients had diarrhea as their presenting complaint (n=18) as compared to 29.1% of patients from the community (n=25; p<0.05). Most LTCF patients (n=101, 84.8%) had non-diarrheal symptoms as their presenting complaint as compared to only 61 patients from the community (70.9%) (p<0.05). Use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was more frequent in LTCF patients (73%) and patients with hospital-acquired CDAD (69.8%) as compared to patients with community-acquired CDAD (43%) (p<0.05). No valid indication was found for PPI use in 24.13% of LTCF patients and 32.1% of patients with community-acquired CDAD as compared to only 12.9% of patients with hospital-acquired CDAD.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that CDAD originated predominantly in patients from LTCFs (46.1%) and community (33.3%) rather than from hospitalized patients (20.6%). Diarrhea was the presenting complaint in LTCF patients in only 15.2% of cases. Hence, CDAD should be suspected if LTCF patients present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or altered mental status along with loose stools. Majority of the LTCF patients were found to be on PPIs, a risk factor for CDAD, with as many as 24% of these patients with no valid indication for their use.

HTK preservative solution is associated with increased biliary complications among patients receiving DCD liver transplants: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

This study compares biliary complication rates associated with use of two different preservative solutions, Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) and University of Wisconsin (UW), utilized in orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) with donations after cardiac death (DCDs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1997-2010, we retrospectively studied 35 LTs performed utilizing DCD donors, preserved either with HTK (n=17) or UW(n=18). Biliary complications were defined by the presence of anastomotic strictures, non-anastomotic strictures, and/or biliary leak on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

RESULTS

HTK and UW cohorts were similar in terms of demographics as well as pre- and post-operative biochemical profile. Donor age was significantly higher among HTK compared to UW recipients (41.5 ± 11.9 vs. 26.2 ± 8.8 years, p<0.001). The incidence of post-LT biliary complications was higher in the HTK group (76% vs. 39% in UW group, p=0.041). Hepatic arterial thrombosis (HAT) was observed among 3 HTK patients (17.7%) and 1 UW patient (5.6%), p=0.33. No patients underwent retransplantation in UW group, five recipients in HTK group underwent retransplantation (29%), p=0.019; 4 due to biliary complications and 1 due to HAT.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-center study reveals that the use of HTK preservative among DCD donors is associated with an increased risk of biliary complications. Multicenter retrospective studies are suggested to further verify this observation.

Clinical predictors of fulminant colitis in patients with Clostridium difficile infection

BACKGROUND/AIM

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can affect up to 8% of hospitalized patients. Twenty-five percent CDI patients may develop C. difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) and 1-3% may progress to fulminant C. difficile colitis (FCDC). Once developed, FCDC has higher rates of complications and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 10-year retrospective review of FCDC patients who underwent colectomy was performed and compared with randomly selected age- and sex-matched non-fulminant CDAD patients at our institution. FCDC (n=18) and CDAD (n=49) groups were defined clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. Univariate analysis was performed using Chi-square and Student's t test followed by multivariate logistic regression to compute independent predictors.

RESULTS

FCDC patients were significantly older (77 ± 13 years), presented with triad of abdominal pain (89%), diarrhea (72%), and distention (39%); 28% had prior CDI and had greater hemodynamic instability. In contrast, CDAD patients were comparatively younger (65 ± 20 years), presented with only 1 or 2 of these 3 symptoms and only 5% had prior CDI. No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of comorbid conditions, use of antibiotics, or proton pump inhibitor. Leukocytosis was significantly higher in FCDC patients (18.6 ± 15.8/mm³ vs 10.7 ± 5.2/mm³; P=0.04) and further increased until the point of surgery. Use of antiperistaltic medications was higher in FCDC than CDAD group (56% vs 22%; P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest several clinical and laboratory features in CDI patients, which may be indicative of FCDC. These include old age (>70 years), prior CDI, clinical triad of increasing abdominal pain, distention and diarrhea, profound leukocytosis (>18,000/mm³), hemodynamic instability, and use of antiperistaltic medications.

Swallow syncope: clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options

We recently encountered three patients with episodes of syncope associated with food ingestion. A 31-year-old woman had an episode of syncope in the hospital while drinking soda. Transient asystole was noted on the telemonitor, confirming the diagnosis of swallow syncope. The other two patients were 78- and 80 year old gentlemen, respectively, who presented with recurrent and transient episodes of dizziness during deglutition. Extensive work-up of syncope was negative in both cases and a diagnosis of swallow syncope was made by clinical criteria. These cases illustrate the challenging problem of swallow syncope. The diagnosis can be suspected on the basis of clinical presentation and confirmed with the demonstration of transient brady-arrhythmia during deglutition. Medical management includes avoiding trigger foods, use of anticholinergics, and/or placement of a permanent cardiac pacemaker.

Hemobilia: Perspective and Role of the Advanced Endoscopist

Hemobilia refers to bleeding from and/or into the biliary tract and is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Hemobilia has been documented since the 1600s, but due to its relative rarity, it has only been more critically examined in recent decades. Most cases of hemobilia are iatrogenic and caused by procedures involving the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, and/or the hepatopancreatobiliary vasculature, with trauma and malignancy representing the two other major causes. A classic triad of right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been described, but this is present in only 25-30% of patients with hemobilia. Historically, the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment has been angiography and interventional radiologic intervention, respectively. However, the paradigm is shifting, at least in select cases, towards first-line reliance on noninvasive imaging (e.g., computed tomography) and therapeutic endoscopy, owing to advances in and the less invasive nature of both, while saving interventional radiological and/or surgical intervention for refractory or imminently life-threatening cases.

Endoscopic management of post-liver transplant biliary complications

Biliary complications are being increasingly encountered in post liver transplant patients because of increased volume of transplants and longer survival of these recipients. Overall management of these complications may be challenging, but with advances in endoscopic techniques, majority of such patients are being dealt with by endoscopists rather than the surgeons. Our review article discusses the recent advances in endoscopic tools and techniques that have proved endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with various interventions, like sphincterotomy, bile duct dilatation, and stent placement, to be the mainstay for management of most of these complications. We also discuss the management dilemmas in patients with surgically altered anatomy, where accessing the bile duct is challenging, and the recent strides towards making this prospect a reality.

Accuracy and agreement of a large panel of endosonographers for endomicroscopy-guided virtual biopsy of pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND

Although emerging data evidences that EUS-guided needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) accurately diagnoses pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), there are a lack of interobserver agreement (IOA) studies utilizing reference histopathological diagnosis and for specific PCL subtypes. Hence, we sought to assess the IOA, intra-observer reliability (IOR), and diagnostic performance of EUS-nCLE using a large cohort of patients with histopathological diagnosis amongst a broad panel of international observers.

METHODS

EUS-nCLE videos (n = 76) of subjects with PCLs [intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), serous cystadenoma (SCA), pseudocyst, and cystic-neuroendocrine tumors/solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (cystic-NET/SPN)], simulating clinical prevalence rates were obtained from 3 prospective studies. An international panel of 13 endosonographers with nCLE experience, blinded to all PCL data, evaluated the video library twice with a two-week washout for PCL differentiation (mucinous vs. non-mucinous) and subtype diagnosis.

RESULTS

The IOA (κ = 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87) and IOR (κ = 0.82, 95% CI 0.78-0.85) were "almost perfect" to differentiate mucinous vs. non-mucinous PCLs. For PCL subtype, IOA was highest for SCA (almost perfect; κ = 0.85), followed by IPMN (substantial, κ = 0.72), and cystic-NET/SPN (substantial, κ = 0.73). The IOA was moderate for MCN (κ = 0.47), and pseudocyst (κ = 0.57). Compared to histopathology, observers differentiated mucinous vs. non-mucinous PCLs with high accuracy (94.8%, 95% CI 93.3-96.1). For detecting specific PCLs subtypes, EUS-nCLE was highly accurate in diagnosing non-mucinous cysts (SCA: 98%; cystic-NET/SPN: 96%; pseudocyst: 96%) and slightly less accurate for mucinous lesions (IPMN: 86%; MCN: 84%).

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of PCLs by EUS-nCLE guided virtual biopsy is very accurate and reliable for the most prevalent pancreatic cysts in clinical practice.

Chronic pancreatitis changes in high-risk individuals for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP) changes on EUS. The objective of this study was to determine whether CP changes were more common in high-risk individuals (HRIs) than in control subjects and whether these changes differed among higher-risk subsets of HRIs.

METHODS

HRIs and control subjects were identified from an endoscopy database. HRIs were defined as having predisposing mutations or a family history (FH) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. HRIs were classified as vHRIs who met Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) criteria for high risk and mHRIs who did not. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders and CP risk factors.

RESULTS

Sixty-five HRIs (44 vHRIs, 21 mHRIs) and 118 control subjects were included. HRIs were included for FH (25), Lynch syndrome (5), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (2), and mutations in BRCA1/2 (26), PALB2 (3), ATM (3), and CDKN2A (1). After adjustment for relevant variables, HRIs were 16 times more likely to exhibit 3 or more CP changes than control subjects (95% confidence interval, 2.6-97.0; P = .003). HRIs were also more likely to have hypoechoic foci (odds ratio, 8.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-32.9; P = .004). vHRIs and mHRIs did not differ in frequency of 3 or more CP changes on EUS.

CONCLUSIONS

HRIs were more likely to exhibit CP changes and hypoechoic foci on EUS compared with control subjects. HRIs with these findings may require closer surveillance. HRIs who did or did not meet CAPS criteria did not differ with regard to CP findings, supporting a more inclusive approach to screening.

Defining the pros and cons of open, conventional laparoscopy, and robot-assisted pyeloplasty in a developing nation

Introduction. Congenital pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is one of the most common causes of hydronephrosis. Historically, open dismembered pyeloplasty has been considered the gold standard intervention for correcting PUJO. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and functional outcomes of three different approaches, namely, open, conventional laparoscopy, and robotic pyeloplasty. Material and Methods. 60 patients underwent minimally invasive pyeloplasty (30 conventional laparoscopies and 30 robotics) for congenital PUJO at a tertiary health center in India. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed. The data of these patients were retrospectively compared with another cohort of 30 patients who had undergone open pyeloplasty. Results. There was significant difference in operative time, time to drain removal, hospital stay, pain score, and complications rate between open and minimally invasive pyeloplasty (P < 0.05). SFI was considerably lesser in robotic as compared to conventional laparoscopy. The success rate in OP, CLP, and RP was 93.33, 96.67, and 96.67%. Conclusion. Robotic pyeloplasty is safe, effective, and feasible. It is associated with significantly lesser operative time, lesser blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications. It is also associated with considerably lesser surgeon fatigue as compared to conventional laparoscopy pyeloplasty.

Unplanned Hospital Encounters After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in 3 Large North American States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We have few population-level data on the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States. We investigated the numbers of unplanned hospital encounters (UHEs), patient and facility factors associated with UHEs, and variation in quality and outcomes in the performance of ERCP in 3 large American states.

METHODS

We collected data on 68,642 ERCPs, performed at 635 facilities in California, Florida, and New York from 2009 through 2014. The primary endpoint was number of UHEs with an ERCP-related event within 7 days of ERCP; secondary endpoints included number of UHEs within 30 days and mortality within 30 days. Each facility was assigned a risk-standardized cohort, and variations in number of UHEs were analyzed with multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Among all ERCPs, 5.8% resulted in a UHE within 7 days and 10.2% within 30 days. Performance of sphincterotomy was significantly associated with a higher risk of UHE at 7 and 30 days (P < .001). Younger age, female sex, and more advanced comorbidity were associated with UHE. There was substantial heterogeneity in rates of UHE among facilities: 4.2% at facilities in the 5th percentile and 25.2% at facilities in the 95th percentile. Increasing facility volume and ability to perform endoscopic ultrasonography were associated inversely with risk. The median number of ERCPs performed each year was 68.7, but 69% of facilities performed 100 or fewer ERCPs per year. Risk for UHE after sphincterotomy decreased with increasing facility volume until an inflection point of 157 ERCPs per year was reached.

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of outcomes of 68,642 ERCPs performed in 3 states, we found a higher-than-expected number of UHEs. There is substantial unexplained variation in risk for adverse events after ERCPs among facilities, and volume is the strongest predictor of risk. Annual facility volumes above approximately 150 ERCPs per year may protect against UHE.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound/SpyScope in diagnosis and treatment of choledocholithiasis in pregnancy

Cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis occur frequently in pregnancy and their management can be complicated. Traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first line treatment for choledocholithiasis, but in addition to its baseline risks, fluoroscopy poses an additional radiation risk to the fetus. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an accurate modality for detecting common bile duct stones, but its role has not been defined in pregnancy. We describe an alternative management strategy to conventional ERCP in a pregnant patient with choledocholithiasis and cholangitis detected using EUS and choledochoscopy.

Utility and performance characteristics of a novel submucosal injection agent (EleviewTM) for endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

Submucosal injection of a lifting agent is a critical step in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Literature suggests superiority of other viscous solutions over normal saline (NS), but research to determine the ideal submucosal injection is still ongoing. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated the utility and performance characteristics of a novel submucosal injection agent (EleviewTM) for EMR and ESD.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive patients referred for EMR/ESD to a tertiary referral center with experienced large polyp expert were prospectively enrolled. Ten patients with large colon polyps (mean age 66.3 years), and one patient each with esophageal and gastric lesions were included. EleviewTM was injected as submucosal lifting agent, and EMR/ESD performed. Main outcome measurements included the duration of submucosal elevation, volume and number of injections required to maintain cushion, and complications.

RESULTS

Single injection of 3-5 cc of EleviewTM outlasted the duration of EMR. However, mean duration of cushion achieved during longer procedures (ESD) was 12.5 min, requiring several additional injections. R0 resection was achieved in 10/12 patients. One patient had minor bleeding which was managed intra-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

EleviewTM was successful in achieving long duration of submucosal elevation, allowing safe and efficient performance of EMR as a single injection, but needed repeated injections during longer ESD procedures. Prospective controlled trials are required to compare its performance to other available viscous submucosal solutions.

Ipilimumab-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicities: A Management Algorithm

Ipilimumab is a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-blocking monoclonal antibody, which has shown a significant survival benefit in metastatic melanoma patients. Despite being a promising therapy for a disease with an otherwise rather dismal prognosis, it is associated with several immune-related adverse effects (IRAE) mainly targeted toward the digestive tract, skin, liver, and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Ipilimumab-induced gastrointestinal toxicity (IGT) include diarrhea (~44 %), colitis (~18 %), bowel perforation (<1 %), and pancreatitis (<1.5 %). Early recognition of IRAE and treatment initiation are critical to decrease the risk of further complications. Management included steroids as initial therapy, followed by infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody) and/or surgical option for complications like bowel perforation. We present a series of three patients with metastatic melanoma, who received treatment with ipilimumab, and presented with varying gastrointestinal clinical manifestations and complications. Through this case series, our attempt is to make practicing gastroenterologists cognizant about the wide spectrum of gastrointestinal toxicity of this rather new clinical entity, as well as to discuss management algorithm for IGT.

Immune modulation mediated by extracellular vesicles of intestinal organoids is disrupted by opioids

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are effective mediators of intercellular communications between enterocytes and immune cells. The current study showed that EVs isolated from mouse and human intestinal organoids modulated inflammatory responses of various immune cells including mouse bone-marrow derived-macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia cells, and human monocytes. EVs suppressed LPS-elicited cytokine production in these cells while morphine abolished EVs' immune modulatory effects. Microarray analysis showed that various microRNAs, especially Let-7, contributed to EV-mediated immune modulation. Using murine models, we showed that injection of EVs derived from intestinal organoids reduced endotoxin-induced systemic inflammation and alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis. EVs derived from morphine-treated organoids failed to suppress the immune response in both these models. Our study suggests that EVs derived from intestinal crypt cells play crucial roles in maintaining host homeostasis and opioid use is a risk factor for exacerbating inflammation in patients with inflammatory diseases such as sepsis and colitis.