A122 OUTCOMES OF COLD SNARE POLYPECTOMY FOR POLYPS GREATER THAN 20 MM: DATA FROM AN ACADEMIC CENTER

Background

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is widely utilized for resection of small polyps (less than 10mm), due to the technique’s favourable safety profile. However, Hot Snare Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (HSEMR) remains the standard of care for large polyps greater than or equal to 20mm. HSEMR carries an increased risk of complications. These include delayed bleeding, perforation, and post-polypectomy syndrome, along with residual or recurrent adenomatous (RRA).

More recently, Cold Snare Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (CSEMR) technique has been used selectively for polyps greater than 20mm. Published studies have demonstrated a significantly lower adverse event rate of complications as compared with HSEMR. RRA utilizing CSP remains a concern, with a recent publication reporting a recurrence of 34.8% on follow-up endoscopy. We present the experience at a single Canadian academic centre with patients undergoing CSEMR for polyps greater than 20mm.

Aims

To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection CSEMR of large (greater than or equal to 20mm) polyps at a single Canadian academic centre.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed colonoscopies performed by endoscopists employing this technique at our centre from January 2020 to August 2021. 15 total cases were identified for patients with polyps greater than or equal to 20 mm, removed by CSEMR technique.

Results

Patient age ranged from 41 to 76, with a median patient age was 66. There were 10 males and 5 females. There were no adverse events intraoperatively. 15/15 (100%) polyps were successfully resected using CSEMR technique. Polyp size ranged from 2 cm to 7 cm, and there was a median polyp size of 3 cm. 14/15 (93%) polyps were proximal to the splenic flexure, with 1/15 (7%) polyp in the rectum. 6/15 (40%) patients received snare tip soft coagulation to the edges of the polypectomy site. Polyp histology included 7 tubular adenomas, 3 tubulovillous adenomas, 4 sessile serrated polyps, and one hyperplastic polyp. Two patients were on aspirin 81 mg daily, and there were zero patients on any other antiplatelets or anticoagulation. 1/15 patient presented with late bleeding requiring emergent colonoscopy. There were no immediate or delayed perforations or other serious adverse events recorded.

Approximately 50% of patients have had follow-up colonoscopy within 3–6 months of their initial procedure. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 252 days, with a median time to follow up of 171 days. 3/7 (43%) patients had histologic evidence of recurrence at follow-up colonoscopy, all of which were successfully treated endoscopically.

Conclusions

Selective CSEMR is a safe and effective technique, with a low risk of complications. There may be a higher rate of residual polyp at follow-up colonoscopy compared to HSEMR. This data will need further validation with a larger sample size.

Funding Agencies

None

Fear of COVID-19, mental health, and pregnancy outcomes in the pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic study: Fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Sustained fear during pregnancy has the potential to increase psychological distress and obstetric risk. This study aimed to (1) identify factors and characteristics associated with fear of COVID-19, (2) investigate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and maternal anxiety and depression, and (3) determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

9251 pregnant Canadians were recruited between April - December 2020. Participants self-reported (scale of 0-100) the degree of threat they perceived from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in relation to themselves and their unborn baby.

RESULTS

Mean fear scores indicated moderate to elevated concern. In multivariable linear regression, fear of COVID-19 was associated with food insecurity, ethnicity, geographic location, history of anxiety prior to pregnancy, having a chronic health condition, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, and stage of pregnancy at study enrollment. Higher COVID-19 fear was associated with increased odds of depression, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.75, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.66-1.85, and anxiety, aOR=2.04, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.94-2.15). Furthermore, fear of COVID-19 was associated with a 192-gram reduction in infant birthweight, and a 6.1-day reduction in gestational age at birth.

LIMITATIONS

The sample has higher education compared to the Canadian population and cannot test causal effects.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that sociodemographic, health, and obstetric factors may contribute to increased fear of COVID-19 and associated adverse psychological and pregnancy outcomes.