Impact of Different Patterns of Organ Failure on Mortality in Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Organ failure (OF) and infected necrosis (IN) are the most important predictors of mortality in necrotizing acute pancreatitis (AP). We studied the relationship between timing (onset and duration) and patterns of OF with mortality and the impact of IN on mortality.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with necrotizing AP between January 2017 and February 2020 were analyzed retrospectively for OF and its impact on outcome. Organ failure was divided as single OF, simultaneous multiple OF (SiMOF) and sequential multiple OF (SeMOF). Mortality was compared for timing of onset, total duration and patterns of OF.

RESULTS

Among 300 patients with necrotizing AP, 174 (58%) had OF. Mortality was not associated with onset of OF (P = 0.683) but with duration of OF (P = 0.006). Mortalities for single OF, SiMOF, and SeMOF were 11.8%, 30.4%, and 69.2% respectively (P < 0.001). On Cox proportional hazard analysis, adjusted hazard ratio of risk of mortality for OF with IN versus IN, SiMOF versus single OF and SeMOF versus single OF was 3.183, 2.878, and 8.956, respectively (P = 0.023, <0.030, and <0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Duration of OF was associated with increased mortality and SeMOF had worse outcome than single OF and SiMOF.

Role of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound in gastrointestinal malignancy- current evidence and future directions

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has come a long way from a mere diagnostic tool to an advanced therapeutic modality. With the advent of better technologies and accessories, EUS has found ground in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, not only for diagnosis but also for therapeutic purposes. EUS can tackle a host of conditions, including hepato-pancreatico-biliary malignancies. Advances and experience in various EUS-guided biliary drainage techniques have enabled the endosonologist to tackle biliary obstruction when conventional techniques of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) fails. More and more emerging data not only establishes the safety of EUS-BD but also demonstrates superior efficacy over PTBD and sometimes even ERCP. Malignant gastric outlet obstruction can now be safely managed with EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Starting from pain management in malignant tumors through celiac plexus neurolysis to various tumor ablative therapies, EUS has forged ahead over percutaneous treatment or surgical options in the management of GI malignancies. Additional data is now coming up on the prospects of EUS-guided immunotherapy and biological therapy for tumor management. The future of EUS therapeutics in the field of GI malignancies is bright. With increasing evidence, this modality becoming a key player in management of a host of complex clinical conditions arising out of GI malignancies is in the offing. This review focuses on elucidating the role of therapeutic EUS in the management of GI malignancies, a synopsis of various techniques, data on its safety and efficacy as well as future advancements in this domain.

EUS-guided biliary drainage in patients with moderate-severe cholangitis is safe and effective: a multi-center experience

BACKGROUND

Patients with moderate-severe cholangitis require urgent/early biliary drainage and failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) warrants use of percutaneous drainage. While endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has evolved as an effective salvage modality but its safety and efficacy data in moderate-severe cholangitis are limited.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive moderate-severe cholangitis patients, with failed/technically non-feasible ERCP requiring EUS-BD in two tertiary care centers were included. Baseline laboratory and demographic parameters were documented. Technical and clinical success were primary outcome measures. Additionally, effective biliary drainage, adverse events due to procedure, hospital stay, ICU stay, and mortality were noted.

RESULTS

Of the 49 patients (23 male; 46.9%) presenting with moderate/severe cholangitis, 23 (46.9%) had severe cholangitis. The median Charleston comorbidity index was 7.0 (IQR 2.0). Majority had malignant disease (87.8%) and 25 (51.0%) had inaccessible papilla. Technical success was achieved in 48 cases (98.0%), while clinical success with improvement of cholangitis was noted in 44 of 48 cases (91.7%). Effective biliary drainage was noted in 85.4% (41/48) cases. Adverse events in the form of mostly bleeding and bile leak were noted in 5 cases (10.2%) but managed conservatively. Distal obstruction exhibited significantly better clinical success (100% vs. 78.9%; p = 0.02) than hilar obstruction. Severe cholangitis had significantly lower clinical success (81.8% vs. 100%; p = 0.04) than moderate cholangitis.

CONCLUSION

EUS-BD can be a safe and effective alternative option for patients with moderate to severe cholangitis, even with significant pre-morbid conditions, with acceptable adverse events rate.

Role of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage as an Adjunct to Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

There is limited literature on the role of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) as an adjunct to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study evaluates the role of PTBD in patients with failed ERCP or post-ERCP cholangitis.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of clinical and intervention records of patients with biliary obstruction referred for PTBD following failed ERCP or post-ERCP cholangitis was performed. The cause of biliary obstruction, baseline serum bilirubin, white blood cell (WBC) count, serum creatinine, and procalcitonin were recorded. Technical success and clinical success (resolution of cholangitis, reduction in bilirubin levels, WBC count, creatinine, and procalcitonin) were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (35 females, mean age 51.4 years) were included. Indications for ERCP included malignant causes in 47 (74.6%) cases and benign causes in 16 (25.4%) cases. Indications for PTBD were failed ERCP in 21 (33.3%) and post-ERCP cholangitis in 42 (66.7%). PTBD was technically successful in all patients. Clinical success rate was 68.2% in the overall group. Mild hemobilia was noted in five (7.9%) patients. There were no major complications or PTBD related mortality. Cholangitis and acute kidney injury resolved following PTBD in 63.1% and 80% of the patients, respectively. Total serum bilirubin reduced by 47.8% and 69.4% after one week and one month of the PTBD, respectively. The average fall in procalcitonin was 5.17 ng/mL after one week of the PTBD.

CONCLUSION

PTBD is an important adjunctive drainage procedure in patients with ERCP failure or post-ERCP cholangitis.

Multidimensional dynamic healthcare personnel (HCP)-centric model from a low-income and middle-income country to support and protect COVID-19 warriors: a large prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Healthcare personnel (HCP) are at an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection especially in resource-restricted healthcare settings, and return to homes unfit for self-isolation, making them apprehensive about COVID-19 duty and transmission risk to their families. We aimed at implementing a novel multidimensional HCP-centric evidence-based, dynamic policy with the objectives to reduce risk of HCP infection, ensure welfare and safety of the HCP and to improve willingness to accept and return to duty.

SETTING

Our tertiary care university hospital, with 12 600 HCP, was divided into high-risk, medium-risk and low-risk zones. In the high-risk and medium-risk zones, we organised training, logistic support, postduty HCP welfare and collected feedback, and sent them home after they tested negative for COVID-19. We supervised use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and kept communication paperless.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited willing low-risk HCP, aged <50 years, with no comorbidities to work in COVID-19 zones. Social distancing, hand hygiene and universal masking were advocated in the low-risk zone.

RESULTS

Between 31 March and 20 July 2020, we clinically screened 5553 outpatients, of whom 3012 (54.2%) were COVID-19 suspects managed in the medium-risk zone. Among them, 346 (11.4%) tested COVID-19 positive (57.2% male) and were managed in the high-risk zone with 19 (5.4%) deaths. One (0.08%) of the 1224 HCP in high-risk zone, 6 (0.62%) of 960 HCP in medium-risk zone and 23 (0.18%) of the 12 600 HCP in the low-risk zone tested positive at the end of shift. All the 30 COVID-19-positive HCP have since recovered. This HCP-centric policy resulted in low transmission rates (<1%), ensured satisfaction with training (92%), PPE (90.8%), medical and psychosocial support (79%) and improved acceptance of COVID-19 duty with 54.7% volunteering for re-deployment.

CONCLUSION

A multidimensional HCP-centric policy was effective in ensuring safety, satisfaction and welfare of HCP in a resource-poor setting and resulted in a willing workforce to fight the pandemic.

Development and validation of a computed tomography index for assessing outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis: "SMART-CT" index

PURPOSE

The existing CT indices do not allow quantitative prediction of clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to develop and validate a revised CT index using a nomogram-based approach.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with AP who underwent contrast-enhanced CT between June 2017 and March 2019. 123 CT scans were randomly divided into training (n = 103) and validation groups (n = 20). Two radiologists analyzed CT scans for findings described in modified CT severity index and additional exploratory items (13 items). Seven items (pancreatic necrosis, number of collections, size of collections, ascites, pleural effusion, celiac artery involvement, and liver steatosis) found to be statistically significant were used for development of index. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was employed to balance representation of minority classes and hence this index was named "SMOTE Application for Reading CT in AcuTe Pancreatitis (SMART-CT index)". Binomial logistic regression was used for development of prediction algorithm. Nomograms were then created and validated for each outcome.

RESULTS

The new CT index had area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 [95% CI 0.65-0.93], 0.66 (95% CI 0.54-0.77), 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.85), 0.83 (95% CI 0.69-0.96), 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.81), and 0.64 (95% CI 0.53-0.75) for mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospitalization, length of ICU stay, number of admissions, and severity, respectively. The AUC of validation cohort was comparable to the training cohort.

CONCLUSION

The novel nomogram-based index predicts occurrence of clinical outcome with moderate accuracy.

Can serum resistin predict severity of acute pancreatitis?

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common disorder with high mortality in severe cases. Several markers have been studied to predict development of severe AP (SAP) including serum resistin with conflicting results. This study aimed at assessing the role of baseline serum resistin levels in predicting SAP.

METHODS

This prospective study collected data from 130 AP patients from July 2017 to Nov 2018. Parameters measured included demographic profile, serum resistin at admission, severity scores, hospital stay, surgery, and mortality. Patients were divided into two groups, severe and non-severe AP. The two groups were compared for baseline characteristics, serum resistin levels, hospital stay, surgery and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 130 patients, 53 patients had SAP. SAP patients had higher BMI, baseline CRP, APACHE II and CTSI scores (p-value 0.045, <0.001, <0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Both groups had comparable serum resistin levels. Serum resistin levels were also not different for obese and non-obese patients (p-value = 0.62). On multivariate analysis, BMI and high APACHE II score and CRP levels were found to independently predict SAP.

CONCLUSION

We found that serum resistin is not a useful marker for predicting the severity of AP and does not correlate with increasing body weight.

Unusual Sites of Necrotic Collections in Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Association with Parenchymal Necrosis and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The presence of necrotic collection in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) at intra-abdominal sites other than the retroperitoneum has not been systematically studied.

AIM

To investigate unusual sites of necrotic collections at computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate association with pancreatic necrosis and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised of consecutive patients with ANP evaluated between January 2018 and March 2019. Based on CT findings, patients were divided into two groups: collections at unusual sites (small bowel mesentery, mesocolon, omentum, subcapsular collections along liver and spleen, pelvis, anterior abdominal wall, and inguinoscrotal regions) and collections at usual retroperitoneal locations (lesser sac, gastrosplenic location, anterior and posterior pararenal spaces, and paracolic gutters). The differences in CT findings and clinical outcomes (need for drainage, length of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, surgery, and death) between the two groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients with ANP were evaluated. There were 25 (33.3%) patients with collections in unusual locations. These included mesentery (n = 17), splenic subcapsular location (n = 7), omentum (n = 6), hepatic subcapsular location (n = 4), anterior abdominal wall (n = 3), pelvis (n = 2), and inguinoscrotal location (n = 1). Compared to patients with collections at usual locations (n = 50), there were no differences in the CT findings except complete parenchymal necrosis (32% vs. 0%, P = .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesenteric collections are frequent in ANP. The other non-retroperitoneal sites are infrequently involved. There is no association between unusual sites of collection and clinical outcomes.

Computed Tomography Findings in Intraabdominal Hypertension in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

Purpose  Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) in acute pancreatitis (AP) may reduce tissue perfusion and impair organ function and has been shown to portend poor prognosis. We investigated the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with AP with IAH. Methods  This retrospective study comprised of consecutive patients with AP from June 2016 to June 2018 in whom intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was measured. The patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced CT within 7 days of IAP measurement were included. Using a cutoff of 12 mm Hg for IAP, the patients were divided into IAH and non-IAH groups. Measures of severity and clinical outcome were evaluated. CT parameters were compared between the groups. Results  The IAH group comprised of 41 patients, while there were 20 patients in the non-IAH group. The IAH group was characterized by severe disease, increased incidence of organ failure, increased requirement for drainage and surgery, prolonged hospital and intensive care unit stay. The mortality was not significantly different between the two groups. On univariate analysis, the CT features that were found to be significantly different between the two groups were the presence of collection ( p = 0.036), the maximum dimension of collection ( p = 0.004), volume of collection ( p = 0.019), biliary dilatation ( p = 0.011), and the presence of moderate-to-severe pleural effusion ( p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, all these parameters except biliary dilatation were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion  CT findings in patients with AP may suggest IAH. This can be used as an additional marker for severity of AP.

Should patients with unresectable gallbladder cancer with hilar involvement undergo unilateral or bilateral percutaneous biliary drainage in the setting of cholangitis?

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with unresectable gallbladder cancer (GBC) with hilar involvement and cholangitis undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with unresectable GBC with cholangitis who underwent PTBD. The procedures were categorized as unilateral or bilateral. Bilateral PTBD was classified as simultaneous or sequential. The mean reduction in bilirubin at two weeks was recorded. Complications and mean overall survival were also recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (mean age 54.5 years, 12 males) were included. Thirty patients underwent unilateral drainage. Sequential drainage of the contralateral system was performed in 11 patients. Simultaneous bilateral PTBD was performed in 3 patients. PTBD was technically successful in all patients. Mean reduction in bilirubin was 41.5% in the unilateral group. The fall of bilirubin in the simultaneous bilateral PTBD group was 39%. The mean follow-up duration was 36.5 days. No major complications were encountered. At the last follow-up, 7 patients were alive. The mean overall survival was 34.6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with unresectable GBC and cholangitis frequently require bilateral drainage. However, prospective studies should be performed to evaluate whether a sequential or simultaneous PTBD should be performed.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in the Management of Acute Massive Overt Bleeding of Jejunal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours: Case Series

INTRODUCTION

Jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are rare mesenchymal tumours. Acute massive overt bleeding from jejunal GIST is very rare and poses both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in emergent conditions.

METHODS

A case series with retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients presenting with acute massive overt bleeding secondary to histologically proven jejunal GIST was done. Clinical characteristics, endoscopic and imaging diagnostic features, histological findings, surgical procedures and outcomes in these patients were studied.

RESULTS

Three patients were included in this case series. Mean age of presentation was 49.0 years with two male and one female patient. All three patients presented with melena and hemodynamic instability, resuscitated with adequate blood transfusions. Routine endoscopic assessment were inconclusive. Multiphasic Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) revealed hypodense hypervascular mass in jejunum in all three patients. One patient was unresponsive to blood transfusion and underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. One patient underwent laparoscopic resection and reconstruction. Mean length of hospital stay was 5.3 days. Histopathological examination confirmed jejunal GIST in all three patients with microscopically negative resection margins. Two patients were disease free till 18-month follow-up and the one patient lost to follow-up after 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Multiphasic CTA is a single-step diagnostic tool for localisation of bleed and assessment of tumour characteristics in emergent conditions. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for both control of bleed and to provide oncologically clear resection margins.

Cholangiocarcinoma in the Era of Immunotherapy

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, with aggressive behavior, and portends a poor prognosis. Traditionally, it is classified according to its site of involvement as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. A host of genetic and epigenetic factors have been involved in its pathogenesis. Chemotherapy has remained the standard first-line treatment over the last decade, with a disappointing median overall survival of 11 months for locally advanced and metastatic CCA. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many pancreaticobiliary malignancies, offering durable responses with a safe therapeutic profile. To date, there have been no significant advances in the management of CCA. Novel immunotherapeutic methods, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other agents, are currently under investigation and may improve prognosis with overall survival. Efforts to find robust biomarkers for response to treatment along with multiple clinical trials are also ongoing in this regard. In this review, we present an overview of the current advances and the future perspectives of immunotherapy in the management of CCA.

Curriculum for bariatric endoscopy and endoscopic treatment of the complications of bariatric surgery: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, degenerative, multifactorial disease that is associated with many co-morbidities. The global increasing burden of obesity has led to calls for an urgent need for additional treatment options. Given the rapid expansion of bariatric endoscopy and bariatric surgery across Europe, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recognized the need to formalize and enhance training in bariatric endoscopy and the endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgical adverse events. This manuscript represents the outcome of a formal Delphi process resulting in an official Position Statement of the ESGE and provides a framework to develop and maintain skills in bariatric endoscopy and the endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgical adverse events. This curriculum is set out in terms of the prerequisites prior to training, minimum number of procedures, the steps for training and quality of training, and how competence should be defined and evidenced before independent practice. 1: ESGE recommends that every endoscopist should have achieved competence in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before commencing training in bariatric endoscopy and the endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgical adverse events. 2: Trainees in bariatric endoscopy and the endoscopic treatment of the complications of bariatric surgery should have basic knowledge of the definition, classification, and social impact of obesity, its pathophysiology, and its related co-morbidities. The recognition and management of gastrointestinal diseases that are more common in patients with obesity, along with participation in multidisciplinary teams where obese patients are evaluated, are mandatory. 3 : ESGE recommends that competency in bariatric endoscopy and the endoscopic treatment of the complications of bariatric surgery can be learned by attending validated training courses on simulators initially, structured training courses, and then hands-on training in tertiary referral centers.

Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy for the Management of Large Esophageal Diverticula (D-POEM): Safe and Effective Modality for Complete Septotomy

With the advent of the technique of sub-mucosal tunnelling, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been used for the treatment of esophageal diverticulum, which otherwise is a recurring problem with conventional flexible endoscopic treatment due to incompleteness of septotomy. This study reports our experience of the use of diverticular POEM (D-POEM) technique in the management of large esophageal diverticulum. This is a retrospective study of prospectively maintained database including all consecutive patients with symptomatic esophageal diverticulum presenting at a tertiary care academic center. D-POEM was performed using the technique of submucosal tunnelling and septotomy. Besides baseline parameters, technical success, clinical success, size of diverticula, procedure time, complications and symptom recurrence on follow up were noted. A total of five patients (4 males; median age 72) were included with an average Charlson comorbidity index of 3.2 ± 0.8. Of them, three had Zenker's while two had epiphrenic diverticulum. The median symptom duration was 12 months with a mean diverticulum size of 68.8 ± 1.9 mm. The mean procedure time was 64.80 ± 12.6 min. with a mean septotomy/myotomy length of 79.44 ± 12.2 mm. Minor adverse events were noted intra-procedure in two cases. Clinical success achieved in all cases with a significant mean dysphagia score reduction from 2.20 to 0.20 post procedure (p = 0.011). On a median follow up of 280 days (range 98-330), none had recurrence of symptoms. Our data highlighted that complete septotomy by D-POEM technique can be achieved for the management of large esophageal diverticulum and is safe and effective.

Does esophageal wall thickness on computed tomography predict response to endoscopic dilatation in patients with corrosive esophageal strictures?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate the role of esophageal wall thickness (EWT) on computed tomography (CT) in predicting response to endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. A review of the records of patients who underwent endoscopic dilatation of esophageal strictures between January 2010 and December 2017 was performed. Patients who had a CT evaluation prior to dilatations were included. CT-EWT was measured at the maximum visible point. Clinical details and endoscopic dilatation parameters were recorded. Technical success, clinical success, and recurrent and refractory strictures were recorded. CT-EWT and the clinical parameters were evaluated regarding their role in predicting the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients underwent endoscopic dilatations during the study period; 84 patients underwent thoracoabdominal CT. Complete clinical, endoscopic, CT data and follow up were available for 64 patients. There were 36 males. The median age was 30 years (range, 14-70 years). A total of 750 dilatations were performed. The median number of dilatations required to achieve technical success was 8.5 (range, 1-51). Dilatations were performed after a median period of 3 months (range, 1-40). Median CT-EWT was 7 mm (range, 3-22). On univariate, as well as multivariate, analysis, CT-EWT and the clinical parameters were found to be poor predictors of the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success.

CONCLUSION

CT-EWT has no additional role in predicting response to the endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures.

MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl for simultaneous diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis and detection of first-line and second-line drug resistance

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Emergence of drug resistance, especially to second-line drugs, hampers tuberculosis elimination efforts. The present study aimed to evaluate MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl assays for detecting first-line and second-line drug resistance, respectively, in gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB).

METHODS

Thirty ileocecal biopsy specimens, processed in the Department of Microbiology between 2012 and 2022, that showed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on culture were included in the study. DNA, extracted from culture, was subjected to MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany), following manufacturer's instructions. Their performance was compared against phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) and gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Out of the 30 specimens, 4 (13.33%) were mono-isoniazid resistant, 4 (13.33%) were multidrug resistant (MDR), 2 (6.67%) were pre-extensively drug resistant (pre-XDR), and 2 (6.67%) were mono-fluoroquinolone resistant. The results were 100% concordant with pDST and gene sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

In the wake of growing drug resistance in all forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, including GITB, MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl are reliable tools for screening of resistance to both first-line and second-line drugs.

Predicting the risk of early intensive care unit admission for patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis using supervised machine learning

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex and life-threatening disease. Early recognition of factors predicting morbidity and mortality is crucial. We aimed to develop and validate a pragmatic model to predict the individualized risk of early intensive care unit (ICU) admission for patients with AP.

METHODS

The 2019 Nationwide Readmission Database was used to identify patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of AP without ICU admission. A matched comparison cohort of AP patients with ICU admission within 7 days of hospitalization was identified from the National Inpatient Sample after 1:N propensity score matching. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select predictors and develop an ICU acute pancreatitis risk (IAPR) score validated by 10-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

A total of 1513 patients hospitalized for AP were included. The median age was 50.0 years (interquartile range: 39.0-63.0). The three predictors that were selected included hypoxia (area under the curve [AUC] 0.78), acute kidney injury (AUC 0.72), and cardiac arrhythmia (AUC 0.61). These variables were used to develop a nomogram that displayed excellent discrimination (AUC 0.874) (bootstrap bias-corrected 95% confidence interval 0.824-0.876). There was no evidence of miscalibration (test statistic = 2.88; P = 0.09). For high-risk patients (total score >6 points), the sensitivity was 68.94% and the specificity was 92.66%.

CONCLUSIONS

This supervised machine learning-based model can help recognize high-risk AP hospitalizations. Clinicians may use the IAPR score to identify patients with AP at high risk of ICU admission within the first week of hospitalization.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound is a Useful Adjunct to Doppler Ultrasound in the Initial Assessment of Patients Suspected of Budd Chiari Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Doppler is the screening modality of choice for assessment of patients suspected of Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Doppler in the initial evaluation of patients with BCS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with suspicion of BCS who underwent CEUS of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava between July 2017 and April 2019. CEUS was performed using Sonovue. All patients underwent Doppler evaluation of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. The final diagnosis of BCS was based on transvenous or percutaneous digital subtraction venography. The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was compared with Doppler.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients (median age, 30 years; 11 males) were evaluated with CEUS and Doppler. A final diagnosis of BCS was established on digital subtraction venography in 15 patients. CEUS was found to have a 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity. The sensitivity and specificity of Doppler was 100% and 25%. The diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and Doppler were 94.74% and 84.29%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CEUS is a useful adjunct to the Doppler in the initial assessment of patients with BCS. However, further prospective studies must confirm our preliminary observations.

Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy and Other Applications of Third Space Endoscopy: Current Status and Future Perspectives

INTRODUCTION

The modification of NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) by mucosal safety flap has introduced us to the world of third space endoscopy (TSE). POEM (per-oral endoscopic myotomy) for achalasia cardia being its first vista, the realm expanded so that we can now remove en bloc a subepithelial/intramural tumor by POET (per-oral endoscopic tumor resection), perform G-POEM (gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy) for refractory gastroparesis, restore esophageal continuity in complete obstruction by performing POETRE (per-oral endoscopic tunneling for the restoration of the esophagus), divide the septum in Zenker diverticulum completely with negligible risk of perforation by Z-POEM (Zenker per-oral endoscopic myotomy) and relieve constipation in Hirschsprung disease by PREM (per-rectal endoscopic myotomy). However, the real potential of TSE became evident with the introduction of POEM with fundoplication. TSE has opened the gates of the peritoneal cavity. Improved expertise and equipment will make the role of endoscopist complimentary to the surgeon with the dawn of a new field in therapeutic endoscopy.

AREAS COVERED

This review intends to comprehensively discuss the various aspects of POEM for achalasia studied so far followed by a brief discussion about other applications of TSE and the future perspectives in this exciting field.

ROLE OF CHANGE IN THE LEVELS OF INFLAMMATORY MARKERS POST DRAINAGE IN PREDICTING OUTCOME IN ACUTE CHOLANGITIS

BACKGROUND

Acute cholangitis (AC) is a gastro-intestinal emergency associated with significant mortality. Role of change in the levels of inflammatory markers post drainage in predicting outcome in acute cholangitis is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels after biliary drainage in relation to outcomes (survival or mortality) at 1 month.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of consecutive adults presenting with AC was performed. At admission and at 48 hours post biliary drainage, procalcitonin and CRP were sent.

RESULTS

Between August 2020 till December 2020 we recruited 72 consecutive patients of AC. The median age of the patients was 55 years (range 43-62 years) and 42 (58.33%) were females. Although the delta change in serum procalcitonin (P value<0.001) and CRP (P value<0.001) was significant, it had no bearing on the outcome. Altered sensorium and INR were independently associated with mortality at 1 month. The 30-day mortality prediction of day 0 procalcitonin was measured by receiver operating characteristic analysis which resulted in an area under the curve of 0.697 with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 0.545-0.849. The optimal cut-off of procalcitonin would be 0.57ng/mL with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 60% respectively to predict mortality.

CONCLUSION

Change in serum procalcitonin and CRP levels at 48 hours post drainage although significant, had no impact on the outcome of acute cholangitis.

Comparison between endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy and bite-on-bite jumbo biopsy for sampling of subepithelial lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A direct comparison between endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and current endoscopic biopsy techniques in patients with subepithelial lesions (SELs) is still lacking. Aim of this multicenter study was to compare the diagnostic performance and safety profile between EUS-FNB and bite-on-bite jumbo biopsy.

METHODS

Out of 416 patients undergoing endoscopic sampling of SELs between 2017 and 2021, after propensity score matching two groups were compared: 120 undergoing EUS-FNB and 120 sampled with bite-on-bite jumbo biopsy. Primary outcome was sample adequacy. Secondary outcomes were diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Median age was 61 years and most patients were male in both groups. Final diagnosis was GIST in 65 patients (54.1%) in the EUS-FNB group and 62 patients in the bite-on-bite biopsy group (51.6%; p = 0.37). Sample adequacy was significantly higher in the EUS-FNB group as compared to the bite-on-bite biopsy group (94.1% versus 77.5%, p<0.001). EUS-FNB outperformed bite-on-bite biopsy also in terms of diagnostic accuracy (89.3% versus 67.1%, p<0.001) and sensitivity (89% vs 64.5%; p<0.001), whereas specificity was 100% in both groups (p = 0.89). These findings were confirmed in subgroup analysis according to SEL location, final diagnosis, and wall layers of the sampled SEL. Adverse event rate was 6.6% in the EUS-FNB group and 30% in the bite-on-bite biopsy group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNB outperforms bite-on-bite biopsy both in terms of diagnostic yield and safety profile.