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Walldorf J, Mezger NCS, Weber L, Knothe A, Klose M, Moritz S, Kantelhardt EJ, Feller S, Schlitt A, Greinert R, Michl P. [Climate Crisis: What Gastrointestinal Complications of this Medical Emergency Should We Be Aware Of?]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:1608-1617. [PMID: 37044125 DOI: 10.1055/a-2058-8883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The climate crisis has serious consequences for many areas of life. This applies in particular to human health - also in Europe. While cardiovascular, pneumological and dermatological diseases related to the climate crisis are often discussed, the crisis' significant gastroenterological consequences for health must also be considered. METHODS A literature search (Pubmed, Cochrane Library) was used to identify papers with relevance particularly to the field of gastroenterology in (Central) Europe. Findings were supplemented and discussed by an interdisciplinary team. RESULTS The climate crisis impacts the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal diseases in Europe due to more frequent and severe heat waves, flooding and air pollution. While patients with intestinal diseases are particularly vulnerable to acute weather events, the main long-term consequences of climate change are gastrointestinal cancer and liver disease. In addition to gastroenteritis, other infectious diseases such as vector-borne diseases and parasites are important in the context of global warming, heat waves and floods. DISCUSSION Adaptation strategies must be consistently developed and implemented for vulnerable groups. Patients at risk should be informed about measures that can be implemented individually, such as avoiding heat, ensuring appropriate hydration and following hygiene instructions. Recommendations for physical activity and a healthy and sustainable diet are essential for the prevention of liver diseases and carcinomas. Measures for prevention and the promotion of resilience can be supported by the physicians at various levels. In addition to efforts fostering sustainability in the immediate working environment, a system-oriented commitment to climate protection is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Walldorf
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Lena Weber
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Knothe
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michelle Klose
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Moritz
- Klinische Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Feller
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Axel Schlitt
- Paracelsus-Harz-Klinik Bad Suderode, Bad Suderode, Germany
| | - Robin Greinert
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
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Bortoluzzi F, Sorge A, Vassallo R, Montalbano LM, Monica F, La Mura S, Canova D, Checchin D, Fedeli P, Marmo R, Elli L. Sustainability in gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy: Position Paper from the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Digestive Endoscopists (AIGO). Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:1623-1629. [PMID: 36100516 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Climate crisis is dramatically changing life on earth. Environmental sustainability and waste management are rapidly gaining centrality in quality improvement strategies of healthcare, especially in procedure-dominant fields such as gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy. Therefore, healthcare interventions and endoscopic procedures must be evaluated through the 'triple bottom line' of financial, social, and environmental impact. The purpose of the paper is to provide information on the carbon footprint of gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy and outline a set of measures that the sector can take to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases while improving patient outcomes. Scientific societies, hospital executives, single endoscopic units can structure health policies and investment to build a "green endoscopy". The AIGO study group reinforces the role of gastrointestinal endoscopy professionals as advocates of sustainability in digestive endoscopy. The "green endoscopy" can shape a more sustainable health service and lead to an equitable, climate-smart, and healthier future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bortoluzzi
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venice, Italy; Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorge
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Vassallo
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Buccheri la Ferla Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Montalbano
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Monica
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Academic Hospital Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Canova
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Davide Checchin
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venice, Italy; Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Fedeli
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Santo Spirito Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marmo
- Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, PO Polla, ASL Salerno, Italy
| | - Luca Elli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Quality Committee, Italian Association Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), Rome, Italy.
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Leddin D, Omary MB, Metz G, Veitch AM. Climate change: a survey of global gastroenterology society leadership. Gut 2022; 71:gutjnl-2022-327832. [PMID: 35688613 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Leddin
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - M Bishr Omary
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Geoffrey Metz
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Veitch
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
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4
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Leddin D, Omary MB, Veitch A, Metz G, Amrani N, Aabakken L, Raja Ali RA, Alvares-Da-Silva MR, Armstrong D, Boyacioglu S, Chen Y, Elwakil R, Fock KM, Hamid SS, Makharia G, Macrae F, Malekzadeh R, Mulder CJ, Piscoya A, Perman ML, Sadeghi A, Sáenz R, Saurin JC, Butt AS, Wu K, Lee YY. Uniting the Global Gastroenterology Community to Meet the Challenge of Climate Change and Non-Recyclable Waste. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1354-1360. [PMID: 34629165 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Leddin
- Dalhousie University, Canada Chair, WGO Clinical Research Committee
| | - M Bishr Omary
- Rutgers University, United States Past President, American Gastroenterological Association
| | - Andrew Veitch
- Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals, United Kingdom President Elect, British Society of Gastroenterology
| | - Geoffrey Metz
- Monash University and University of Melbourne, Australia Chair, Climate Change Working Group, WGO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ye Chen
- Southern Medical University, China
| | | | - Kwong-Ming Fock
- Duke-NUS Medical School and Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kaichun Wu
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, China
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