Aspirin exposure and its association with metal stent patency in malignant distal biliary obstruction: a large international multicenter propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Stent dysfunction is common after ERCP with self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion for malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Chronic aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA) exposure has been previously shown to potentially decrease this risk. We aim to further ascertain the protective effect of ASA and to identify other predictors of stent dysfunction.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at 9 sites in Canada and 1 in the United States. Patients with MDBO who underwent ERCP with SEMS placement between January 2014 and December 2019 were included and divided into 2 cohorts: ASA exposed (ASA-E) and ASA unexposed (ASA-U). Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed to limit selection bias. Matched variables were age, sex, tumor stage, and type of metal stent. The primary outcome was the hazard rate of stent dysfunction. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of stent dysfunction.

RESULTS

Of 1396 patients assessed, after PSM 496 patients were analyzed (248 ASA-E and 248 ASA-U). ERCP with SEMS placement was associated with a high clinical success of 82.2% in ASA-E and 81.2% in ASA-U cohorts (P = .80). One hundred eighty-four patients had stent dysfunction with a mean stent patency time of 229.9 ± 306.2 days and 245.4 ± 241.4 days in ASA-E and ASA-U groups, respectively (P = .52). On multivariable analysis, ASA exposure did not protect against stent dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], .96-1.63). An etiology of pancreatic cancer (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15-1.61) predicted stent dysfunction, whereas cancer therapy was protective (HR, .73; 95% CI, .55-.96). Chronic ASA use was not associated with an increased risk for adverse events including bleeding, post-ERCP pancreatitis, and perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, multicenter study using PSM, chronic exposure to ASA did not protect against stent dysfunction in MDBO. Instead, the analysis revealed that the etiology of pancreatic cancer was an independent predictor of stent dysfunction and cancer therapy was protective.

Prehabilitation in patients awaiting liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Frailty, malnutrition and sarcopenia lead to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT). Prehabilitation attempts to optimize physical fitness of individuals before major surgeries. To date, little is known about its impact on patients awaiting LT.

AIMS

The aim of our scoping review was to describe whether prehabilitation in patients awaiting LT is feasible and safe, and whether it leads to a change in clinical parameters before or after transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1946 to November 2023 to identify prospective studies and randomized controlled trials of adult LT candidates who participated in an exercise training program.

RESULTS

Out of 3262 citations initially identified, six studies were included. Studies were heterogeneous in design, patient selection, intervention, duration, and outcomes assessed. All studies were self-described as pilot or feasibility studies and had a sample size ranging from 13 to 33. Two studies were randomized controlled trials. Two study restricted to patients with cirrhosis who were eligible for liver transplantation or on the transplant list. Exercise programs lasted between 6 and 12 weeks. In terms of feasibility, proportion of eligible patients that were recruited was between 54 and 100%. Program completion ranged between 38 and 90%. Interventions appeared safe with 9 (9.2%) adverse events noted. In the intervention group, improvements were generally noted in peak oxygen consumption and workload, 6-min walking distance, and muscle strength. One study suggested a decrease in post-transplant hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, it appears that prehabilitation with exercise training is feasible, and safe in patients awaiting LT. Higher quality and larger studies are needed to confirm its impact on pre- and post-transplantation-related outcomes.

Primary and Specialty Care Trainees' Perceptions About Proton Pump Inhibitor Use

OBJECTIVE

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed with proven efficacy in many indications, yet longstanding controversy about potential adverse events persists. We aimed to acquire knowledge about perceptions of outpatient PPI long-term prescribing (≥8 wk) among primary and specialty care trainees at 2 Canadian Universities.

METHODS

Family medicine, internal medicine, and gastroenterology trainees completed a web-based survey that included 20 clinical scenarios assessing trainee knowledge about PPI efficacy. Contextual PPI prescribing decisions were also elicited, balancing possible PPI indications versus side effects. Management strategies were compared between junior and senior trainees, as well as across training programs.

RESULTS

Over a 4-month period,163 trainees (age <26 y: 12%; age 26 to 45: 88%; 59% females) participated in the survey (family medicine: 51%, internal medicine: 44%, and gastroenterology: 5%); 83% were considered junior residents. Only 42% had received formal education on prescribing PPI long-term. Overall, 93% believed they would benefit from such teaching, with 98% stating they would follow related guidelines. No between-group differences were noted in knowledge of appropriate PPI indications nor possible side effects when comparing juniors to seniors, or among different specialties. Across different management scenarios, inappropriate PPI discontinuation was chosen by 14.3% to 67.2%, whereas inappropriate PPI continuation was reported in up to 57%. Trainee seniority and specialty did not differ in appropriate deprescribing rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Training level and primary versus specialty care settings are associated with frequent inappropriate PPI prescribing and deprescribing. These findings highlight the need for and may inform future educational programs on PPI usage.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage of First Intent With a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent vs Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study (ELEMENT Trial)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy with a lumen-apposing metal stent (EUS-CDS) is a promising modality for management of malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO) with potential for better stent patency. We compared its outcomes with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with metal stenting (ERCP-M).

METHODS

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, we recruited patients with MDBO secondary to borderline resectable, locally advanced, or unresectable peri-ampullary cancers across 10 Canadian institutions and 1 French institution. This was a superiority trial with a noninferiority assessment of technical success. Patients were randomized to EUS-CDS or ERCP-M. The primary end point was the rate of stent dysfunction at 1 year, considering competing risks of death, clinical failure, and surgical resection. Analyses were performed according to intention-to-treat principles.

RESULTS

From February 2019 to February 2022, 144 patients were recruited; 73 were randomized to EUS-CDS and 71 were randomized to ERCP-M. The mean (SD) procedure time was 14.0 (11.4) minutes for EUS-CDS and 23.1 (15.6) minutes for ERCP-M (P < .01); 40% of the former was performed without fluoroscopy. Technical success was achieved in 90.4% (95% CI, 81.5% to 95.3%) of EUS-CDS and 83.1% (95% CI, 72.7% to 90.1%) of ERCP-M with a risk difference of 7.3% (95% CI, -4.0% to 18.8%) indicating noninferiority. Stent dysfunction occurred in 9.6% vs 9.9% of EUS-CDS and ERCP-M cases, respectively (P = .96). No differences in adverse events, pancreaticoduodenectomy and oncologic outcomes, or quality of life were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not superior in stent function, EUS-CDS is an efficient and safe alternative to ERCP-M in patients with MDBO. These findings provide evidence for greater adoption of EUS-CDS in clinical practice as a complementary and exchangeable first-line modality to ERCP in patients with MDBO.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, Number: NCT03870386.

The impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on inflammatory bowel disease-related hospitalization outcomes: a systematic review

Evidence suggests that patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is limited information currently available on how NAFLD may affect the clinical course of IBD. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the impact of NAFLD on IBD-related hospitalization outcomes. All observational studies assessing IBD-related hospitalization outcomes in patients with NAFLD were included. Exclusion criteria were studies published in languages other than English or French, or those involving pediatric population. Outcomes included IBD-related hospitalization and readmission rates, need for surgery, length of stay, inpatient mortality, and costs. Overall, 3252 citations were retrieved and seven studies met the inclusion criteria (1 574 937 patients); all were observational, of high quality, and originated in the United States. Measurable outcomes reported in these studies were few and with insufficient similarity across studies to complete a quantitative assessment. Only one study reports NAFLD severity. Two studies suggested a higher rate of hospitalization for patients with both NAFLD and IBD compared to IBD alone (incidence rate ratio of 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.33-1.79). This is the first systematic review to date that evaluates any possible association of NAFLD with IBD-related hospitalization outcomes. Despite the paucity and low quality of available data, our findings indicate that NAFLD may be associated with worse outcomes amongst IBD patients (especially Crohn's disease). Further and higher certainty of evidence is needed for better characterization of such clinical impact.

Mandatory vs. optional split-dose bowel preparation for morning colonoscopies: a pragmatic noninferiority randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND : We compared the effectiveness of optional split-dose bowel preparation (SDBP) with mandatory SDBP for morning colonoscopies in usual clinical practice. METHODS : Adult patients undergoing outpatient early morning (8:00 AM-10:30 PM) and late morning (10:30 AM-12:00 PM) colonoscopies were included. Written bowel preparation instructions were provided based on randomization: one group were instructed to take their bowel preparation (4 L polyethylene glycol solution) as a split dose (mandatory), while the comparator group was allowed the choice of SDBP or single-dose bowel preparation administered entirely on the day before (optional). The primary end point, using noninferiority hypothesis testing with a 5 % margin, was adequate bowel cleanliness measured by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and defined by a BBPS score ≥ 6. RESULTS : Among 770 randomized patients with complete data, there were 267 mandatory SDBP and 265 optional SDBP patients for early morning colonoscopies, and 120 mandatory SDBP and 118 optional SDBP patients for late morning colonoscopies. Optional SDBP was inferior to mandatory SDBP, with a lower proportion of adequate BBPS cleanliness for early morning colonoscopies (78.9 % vs. 89.9 %; absolute risk difference [aRD] 11.0 %, 95 %CI 5.9 % to 16.1 %), but was not statistically different for late morning colonoscopies (76.3 % vs. 83.3 %; aRD 7.1 %, 95 %CI -1.5 % to 15.5 %). CONCLUSIONS : Optional SDBP is inferior to mandatory SDBP in providing adequate bowel preparation quality for early morning colonoscopies (8:00 AM-10:30 AM), and probably inferior for late morning colonoscopies (10:30 AM-12:00 PM).

Pre-Endoscopic Scores Predicting Low-Risk Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several risk scores have attempted to risk stratify patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) who are at a lower risk of requiring hospital-based interventions or negative outcomes including death. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare predictive abilities of pre-endoscopic scores in prognosticating the absence of adverse events in patients with UGIB.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central, and ISI Web of knowledge from inception to February 2023. All fully published studies assessing a pre-endoscopic score in patients with UGIB were included. The primary outcome was a composite score for the need of a hospital-based intervention (endoscopic therapy, surgery, angiography, or blood transfusion). Secondary outcomes included: mortality, rebleeding, or the individual endpoints of the composite outcome. Both proportional and comparative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were included from 2153 citations, (n = 36,215 patients). Few patients with a low Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) cutoff (0, ≤1 and ≤2) required hospital-based interventions (0.02 (0.01, 0.05), 0.04 (0.02, 0.09) and 0.03 (0.02, 0.07), respectively). The proportions of patients with clinical Rockall (CRS = 0) and ABC (≤3) scores requiring hospital-based intervention were 0.19 (0.15, 0.24) and 0.69 (0.62, 0.75), respectively. GBS (cutoffs 0, ≤1 and ≤2), CRS (cutoffs 0, ≤1 and ≤2), AIMS65 (cutoffs 0 and ≤1) and ABC (cutoffs ≤1 and ≤3) scores all were associated with few patients (0.01-0.04) dying. The proportion of patients suffering other secondary outcomes varied between scoring systems but, in general, was lowest for the GBS. GBS (using cutoffs 0, ≤1 and ≤2) showed excellent discriminative ability in predicting the need for hospital-based interventions (OR 0.02, (0.00, 0.16), 0.00 (0.00, 0.02) and 0.01 (0.00, 0.01), respectively). A CRS cutoff of 0 was less discriminative. For the other secondary outcomes, discriminative abilities varied between scores but, in general, the GBS (using cutoffs up to 2) was clinically useful for most outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A GBS cut-off of one or less prognosticated low-risk patients the best. Expanding the GBS cut-off to 2 maintains prognostic accuracy while allowing more patients to be managed safely as outpatients. The evidence is limited by the number, homogeneity, quality, and generalizability of available data and subjectivity of deciding on clinical impact. Additional, comparative and, ideally, interventional studies are needed.

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy vs. surgical gastrojejunostomy and enteral stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a meta-analysis

Background and study aims Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is traditionally treated with surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ), which is effective but associated with high rates of morbidity, or endoscopic stenting (ES), which is less invasive but associated with significant risk of stent dysfunction and need for reintervention. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) provides a robust bypass without the invasiveness of surgery. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing EUS-GE to SGJ and ES for MGOO. Electronic databases were searched from inception through February 2022. A meta-analysis was performed with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects models. Primary outcomes included clinical success without recurrent GOO and adverse events (AEs). Results Sixteen studies involving 1541 patients were included. EUS-GE was associated with higher clinical success without recurrent GOO compared to ES or SGJ [OR 2.60, 95% CI1.58-4.28] and compared to ES alone [OR 5.08, 95% CI 3.42-7.55], but yielded no significant difference compared to SGJ alone [OR 1.94, 95% CI 0.97-3.88]. AE rates were significantly lower for EUS-GE compared to ES or SGJ grouped together [OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.58], or SGJ alone [OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10-0.30] but were not significant different versus ES alone [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.29-1.14]. Conclusions EUS-GE is the most successful approach to treating MGOO, exhibiting a lower risk of recurrent obstruction compared to ES, and fewer AEs compared to SGJ.

Strengths and limitations of risk stratification tools for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), associated morbidity and mortality remain significant. Most patients, however, will experience favorable outcomes without a need for hospital-based interventions. Risk assessment scores may assist in such early risk-stratification. These scales may optimize identification of low-risk patients, resulting in better resource utilization, including a reduced need for early endoscopy and fewer hospital admissions. The aim of this article is to provide an updated detailed review of risk assessment scores in UGIB.

AREA COVERED

A literature review identified past and currently available pre-endoscopic risk assessment scores for UGIB, with a focus on low-risk prediction. Strengths and weaknesses of the different scales are discussed as well as their impact on clinical decision-making.

EXPERT OPINION

The current evidence supports using the Glasgow Blatchford Score as it is the most accurate tool available when attempting to identify low-risk patients who can be safely managed on an outpatient basis. Currently, no risk assessment tool appears accurate enough in confidently classifying patients as high risk. Future research should utilize more standardized methodologies, while favoring interventional trial designs to better characterize the clinical impact attributable to the use of such risk stratification schemes.

Comparative Evaluation of the ABC Score to Other Risk Stratification Scales in Managing High-risk Patients Presenting With Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

OBJECTIVE

The ABC risk score identifies patients at high risk of mortality in acute lower and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We aimed to externally validate the ABC score while comparing it to other prognostication scales when assessing UGIB patients at high risk of negative outcomes before endoscopy.

METHODS

UGIB patients from a national Canadian registry (REASON) were studied, with mortality prediction as a primary outcome. Secondary endpoints included prognostication of rebleeding, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU and hospitalization lengths of stay (LOS), and a previously proposed composite outcome measure. Univariable and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses compared discriminatory abilities of the ABC score to the AIMS65, Glasgow Blatchford Scale (GBS), and clinical Rockall score.

RESULTS

The REASON registry included 2020 patients [89.4% nonvariceal; mean age (±SD): 66.3±16.4 y; 38.4% female]. Overall mortality, rebleeding, ICU admission, transfusion and composite score rates were 9.9%, 11.4%, 21.1%, 69.0%, and 67.3%, respectively. ICU and hospitalization LOS were 5.4±9.3 and 9.1±11.5 days, respectively. The ABC score displayed superior 30-day mortality prediction [0.78 (0.73; 0.83)] compared with GBS [0.69 (0.63; 0.75)] or clinical Rockall [0.64 (0.58; 0.70)] but not AIMS65 [0.73 (0.67; 0.79)]. Although most scales significantly prognosticated secondary outcomes in the univariable analysis except for ICU LOS, discriminatory abilities on areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were poor.

CONCLUSIONS

ABC and AIMS65 display similar good prediction of mortality. Clinical usefulness in prognosticating secondary outcomes was modest for all scales, limiting their adoptions when informing early management of high-risk UGIB patients.

A Simple Admission Order-set Improves Adherence to Canadian Guidelines for Hospitalized Patients With Severe Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Individuals hospitalized with severe ulcerative colitis represent a complex group of patients. Variation exists in the quality of care of admitted patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesized that implementation of a standardized admission order set could result in improved adherence to current best practice guidelines (Toronto Consensus Statements) for the management of this patient population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with severe ulcerative colitis to a Montreal tertiary center was conducted. Two cohorts were defined based on pre- and post-implementation of a standardized order set. Adherence to 11 quality indicators was assessed before and after implementation of the intervention. These included: Clostridioides difficile and stool cultures testing, ordering an abdominal X-ray and CRP, organizing a flexible sigmoidoscopy, documenting latent tuberculosis, initiating thromboprophylaxis, use of intravenous steroids, prescribing infliximab if refractory to steroids, limiting narcotics, and surgical consultation if refractory to medical therapy.

Results

Adherence to 6 of the 11 quality indicators was improved in the post-intervention cohort. Significant increases were noted in adherence to C difficile testing (75.5% versus 91.9%, P &lt; 0.05), CRP testing (71.4% versus 94.6%, P &lt; 0.01), testing for latent tuberculosis (38.1% versus 84.6%, P &lt; 0.01), thromboprophylaxis (28.6% versus 94.6%, P &lt; 0.01), adequate corticosteroids prescription (72.9% versus 94.6%, P &lt; 0.01), and limitation of narcotics prescribed (68.8% versus 38.9%, P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions

Implementation of a standardized order set, focused on pre-defined quality indicators for hospitalized patients with severe UC, was associated with meaningful improvements to most quality indicators defined by the Toronto Consensus Statements.

Role of the endoscopic Doppler probe in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of the Doppler endoscopic probe (DEP) remains unclear in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). We thus performed a systematic review characterizing the effectiveness of DEP in patients with NVUGIB addressing this question.

METHODS

A literature search was done until July 2021 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science. A series of meta-analyses were performed assessing outcomes among observational and interventional studies for DEP signal positive and negative lesions as well as DEP-assisted versus standard endoscopies. The primary outcome was "overall rebleeding"; secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, bleeding-related mortality, need for surgery, length of stay, intensive care unit stay, and angiography.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included from 1911 citations identified. Observational studies compared bleeding lesions with DEP-positive versus DEP-negative signals (11 studies, n = 800 prehemostasis; five studies, n = 148 with posthemostasis data). Three interventional studies (n = 308) compared DEP-assisted to standard endoscopy management. DEP signal positive versus negative lesions either prior to or following any possible hemostasis were at greater risk of overall rebleeding (odds ratio [OR] 6.54 [2.36, 18.11] and OR 25.96 [6.74, 100.0], respectively). The use of DEP during upper endoscopy significantly reduced overall rebleeding rates (OR 0.27 [0.14, 0.54]). When removing outcomes analysis for which only one study was available, all evaluable outcomes were improved with DEP characterization of management guidance except for all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

Although with low certainty evidence, DEP-related information improves on sole visual prediction of rebleeding in NVUGIB, with DEP-guided management yielding decreased overall rebleeding, bleeding-related mortality, and need for surgery.

EUS-guided biliary drainage in malignant distal biliary obstruction: An international survey to identify barriers of technology implementation

Background and Objectives

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a promising alternative to ERCP in malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Despite accumulating data, however, its application in clinical practice has been impeded by undefined barriers. This study aims to evaluate the practice of EUS-BD and its barriers.

Methods

An online survey was generated using Google Forms. Six gastroenterology/endoscopy associations were contacted between July 2019 and November 2019. Survey questions measured participant characteristics, EUS-BD in different clinical scenarios, and potential barriers. The primary outcome was the uptake of EUS-BD as a first-line modality, without previous ERCP attempts, in patients with MDBO.

Results

Overall, 115 respondents completed the survey (2.9% response rate). Respondents were from North America (39.2%), Asia (28.6%), Europe (20%), and other jurisdictions (12.2%). Regarding the uptake of EUS-BD as first-line treatment for MDBO, only 10.5% of respondents would consider EUS-BD as a first-line modality regularly. The main concerns were the lack of high-quality data, fear of adverse events, and limited access to EUS-BD dedicated devices. On multivariable analysis, lack of access to EUS-BD expertise was an independent predictor against the use of EUS-BD, odds ratio 0.16 (95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.65). In salvage situations following failed ERCP, most favored EUS-BD (40.9%) over percutaneous drainage (21.7%) in unresectable cancer. In borderline resectable or locally advanced disease, however, most favored the percutaneous approach due to fear of EUS-BD complicating future surgery.

Conclusions

EUS-BD has not reached widespread clinical adoption. Identified barriers include lack of high-quality data, fear of adverse events, and lack of access to EUS-BD dedicated devices. Fear of complicating future surgery was also identified as a barrier in potentially resectable disease.

Review article: obesity and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing global public health problem. More than half the European and North American population is overweight or obese. Colon and rectum cancers are still the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and epidemiological data support an association between obesity and colorectal cancers (CRCs).

AIM

To review the literature on CRC epidemiology in obese subjects, assessing the effects of obesity, including childhood or maternal obesity, on CRC, diagnosis, management, and prognosis, and discussing targeted prophylactic measures.

METHOD

We searched PubMed for obesity/overweight/metabolic syndrome and CRC. Other key words included 'staging', 'screening', 'treatment', 'weight loss', 'bariatric surgery' and 'chemotherapy'.

RESULTS

In Europe, about 11% of CRCs are attributed to overweight and obesity. Epidemiological data suggest that obesity is associated with a 30%-70% increased risk of colon cancer in men, the association being less consistent in women. Visceral fat or abdominal obesity seems to be of greater concern than subcutaneous fat obesity, and any 1 kg/m² increase in body mass index confers more risk (hazard ratio 1.03). Obesity might increase the likelihood of recurrence or mortality of the primary cancer and may affect initial management, including accurate staging. The risk maybe confounded by different factors, including lower adherence to organised CRC screening programmes. It is unclear whether bariatric surgery helps reduce rectal cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a growing body of evidence linking obesity to CRC, many questions remain unanswered, including whether we should screen patients with obesity earlier or propose prophylactic bariatric surgery for certain patients with obesity.

Bayesian heterogeneity in a meta-analysis with two studies and binary data

The meta-analysis of two trials is valuable in many practical situations, such as studies of rare and/or orphan diseases focussed on a single intervention. In this context, additional concerns, like small sample size and/or heterogeneity in the results obtained, might make standard frequentist and Bayesian techniques inappropriate. In a meta-analysis, moreover, the presence of between-sample heterogeneity adds model uncertainty, which must be taken into consideration when drawing inferences. We suggest that the most appropriate way to measure this heterogeneity is by clustering the samples and then determining the posterior probability of the cluster models. The meta-inference is obtained as a mixture of all the meta-inferences for the cluster models, where the mixing distribution is the posterior model probability. We present a simple two-component form of Bayesian model averaging that is unaffected by characteristics such as small study size or zero-cell counts, and which is capable of incorporating uncertainties into the estimation process. Illustrative examples are given and analysed, using real sparse binomial data.

Preoperative Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration Versus Upfront Surgery in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Outcomes Including Survival and Risk of Tumor Recurrence

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the standard of care in advanced pancreatic cancer. Its role in resectable disease, however, is controversial. This meta-analysis aims to ascertain the clinical outcomes of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing preoperative EUS-FNA compared to those going directly to surgery.

Methods

A literature search was performed from 1996 to April 2019 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge for studies comparing preoperative EUS-FNA to EUS without FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer for clinical outcomes. The primary outcome is overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes include cancer-free survival, tumor recurrence and peritoneal carcinomatosis, and post-FNA-pancreatitis rate.

Results

Six retrospective studies were included. Preoperative EUS-FNA had better OS than the non-FNA group (WMD, 4.40 months [0.02 to 8.78]). Cancer-free survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (WMD, 2.08 months [-2.22 to 6.38]). EUS with FNA was not associated with increased rates of tumor recurrence or peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Conclusion

Preoperative EUS-FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer may be associated with significantly greater OS when compared to the non-FNA group, with no significant difference in the rates of tumor recurrence or peritoneal seeding. Important limitations of our meta-analysis include the lack of prospective controlled data, which are unlikely to emerge given feasible constraints.

The Bowel CLEANsing National Initiative: High-Volume Split-Dose Vs Low-Volume Split-Dose Polyethylene Glycol Preparations: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare high-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) with low-volume PEG with bisacodyl split-dosing regimens.

METHODS

Adult outpatients in 10 Canadian tertiary hospitals were randomized, stratified by morning or afternoon colonoscopy, to high-volume split-dose PEG (2 L + 2 L) (High-SD) or low volume (1 L + 1 L) + bisacodyl (15 mg) PEG (Low-SD), with a second randomization to liquid or low-residue diets. The primary end point, using noninferiority hypothesis testing, was adequate bowel cleansing (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale total score of ≥6, with each of 3 colonic segments subscores ≥2). Secondary objectives were willingness to repeat the preparation, withdrawal time, cecal intubation, and polyp detection rates.

RESULTS

Over 29 months, 2314 subjects were randomized to High-SD (N = 1157) or Low-SD (N = 1157) (mean age, 56.2 ± 13.4 y; 52.1% women). Colonoscopy indications were 38.2% diagnostic, 36.8% screening, and 25.0% surveillance, with no between-group imbalances in patient characteristics. Low-SD satisfied noninferiority criteria vs High-SD for adequate bowel cleanliness with only marginally inferior results (90.1% vs 88.1%; P = .02; difference, 2.0%; 95% CI [0.0%; 4.5%]). High-SD was associated with lower willingness to repeat (66.9% vs 91.9%; P < .01), was less well tolerated (7.3 ± 2.3 vs 8.1 ± 1.9; P < .01), causing more symptoms. No differences in procedural outcomes were noted except for more frequent cecal intubation rates after High-SD (97.4% vs 95.6%; P = .02). Among the High-SD group, adequate bowel preparation was greater after a clear liquid diet (93.6% vs 87.9%; P < .01), a finding not seen in the Low-SD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-SD is noninferior to High-SD in providing adequate bowel preparation. Low-SD results in fewer symptoms, with greater willingness to repeat and tolerability. The overall impact of diet was modest.The study was approved by the research ethic boards from all sites and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02547571).

A33 ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY VERSUS SURGICAL GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY AND ENTERAL STENTING FOR THE TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), often encountered in advanced malignancy, is associated with debilitating symptoms and decreased quality of life. Traditional management of this condition has been surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ) or enteral stenting (ES). While SGJ is highly effective, it is invasive and associated with high rates of morbidity. ES provides a less invasive approach with a lower risk of adverse events; however, it is associated with a significant risk of stent dysfunction with increased need for reintervention. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) is a novel modality in the management of GOO that aims to endoscopically bypass the obstruction with a lumen-apposing metal stent, with early studies suggesting good effectiveness and safety outcomes; but the data are limited.

Aims

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of EUS-GJ to more traditional treatments of malignant GOO.

Methods

The study protocol was prospectively registered with the PROSPERO international database. The literature was systematically searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge databases from inception through May 2021. Studies comparing EUS-GJ to ES or SGJ in patients with malignant GOO were included. Meta-analysis was performed with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects models. The two primary outcomes of interest were clinical success without GOO recurrence and adverse events. Secondary outcome was technical success.

Results

Ten studies with a total of 1016 patients were included. EUS-GJ was associated with higher clinical success without GOO recurrence compared to SGJ or ES [OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.18–4.09, heterogeneity: P = 0.10; I² = 59%]. Subgroup analysis showed higher clinical success without GOO recurrence compared to ES [OR: 5.31, 95% CI: 3.07–9.17], but no significant difference compared to SGJ [OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.76–3.72]. EUS-GJ was associated with fewer adverse events compared to SGJ and ES [OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14–0.55] and compared to SGJ alone [OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10–0.37], but no difference was noted when compared to ES alone [OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.15–1.87]. EUS-GJ was associated with decreased technical success compared to SGJ and ES [OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.75] and SGJ alone [OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.48]; however, there was no difference when compared to ES alone [OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.05–3.44].

Conclusions

EUS-GJ provides a robust bypass with lower risk of recurrent obstruction compared to ES and fewer adverse events compared to SGJ. High quality prospective studies are needed to further characterize the role of EUS-GJ in the management of malignant GOO.

Funding Agencies

None

A27 COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE ABC SCORE TO OTHER RISK STRATIFICATION SCALES IN MANAGING HIGH-RISK PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING

Background

The ABC risk score identifies patients at high-risk of mortality in acute lower and upper gastro-intestinal bleeding (UGIB).

Aims

We aimed to externally validate the ABC score, while comparing it to other prognostication scales when assessing UGIB patients at high-risk of negative outcomes prior to endoscopy.

Methods

UGIB patients from a national Canadian registry (REASON) were studied, with mortality prediction as primary outcome. Secondary endpoints included prognostication of rebleeding, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU and hospitalization lengths of stay (LOS), and a previously proposed composite outcome measure. Univariable and areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) analyses compared discriminatory abilities of the ABC score to the AIMS65, Glasgow Blatchford (GBS) and clinical Rockall Scores.

Results

The REASON registry included 2020 patients (89.4% nonvariceal; mean age [± SD] 66.3±16.4 years; 38.4% female). Overall mortality, rebleeding, ICU admission, transfusion and composite score rates were 9.9%, 11.4%, 21.1%, 69.0%, and 67.3% respectively. ICU and hospitalization LOS were 5.4 ± 9.3 days and 9.1 ± 11.5 days, respectively. The ABC score displayed superior 30-day mortality prediction (0.78 (0.73; 0.83)) compared to GBS (0.69 (0.63; 0.75) or clinical Rockall (0.64 (0.58; 0.70) but not AIMS65 (0.73 (0.67; 0.79)). Although most scales significantly prognosticated secondary outcomes in univariable analysis except for ICU LOS, discriminatory abilities on AUROC analyses were poor.

Conclusions

ABC and AIMS65 display similar good prediction of mortality. Clinical usefulness in prognosticating secondary outcomes was modest for all scales, limiting their adoptions when informing early management of high-risk UGIB patients.

Funding Agencies

International Scientific Partnership Program ISPP at King Saud University for funding this research work through ISPP-21–156

A94 PERI-PROCEDURAL MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS RECEIVING A DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANT UNDERGOING A DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY

Background

The peri-procedural management of patients on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) requiring an elective digestive (GI) endoscopic procedure remains uncertain.

Aims

To investigate the safety of a standardized peri-procedural DOAC management strategy.

Methods

The Perioperative Anticoagulation Use for Surgery Evaluation (PAUSE) cohort study was conducted at 23 clinical centers in North America and Europe. Participants (n=3007) all had atrial fibrillation (AF), were >18 years old, long-term users of Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, or Dabigatran, and scheduled for an elective procedure or surgery; all could adhere to the DOAC interruption protocol. This analysis focuses on the 579 patients undergoing a digestive endoscopic procedure. The DOAC interruption (1–2 days pre-endoscopy) and resumption (1–3 days post-endoscopy) strategy is based on the DOAC molecule, patient renal function, with most GI procedures considered at low-risk for bleeding. Follow-up occurred at 30 days. Outcomes included GI bleeding and thromboembolic events (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism) and mortality.

Results

Of the 556 patients (72.5 +8.6 yrs; 37.4 % female), 38.9%) were on Apixaban, 36.9% on Rivaroxaban, and 24.3% on Dabigatran; 10.1% were on anti-platelet therapy. The overall CHADS score was 1.7 +1.0. Overall, 525 patients were categorized as having a low risk for bleeding, and 31 were at high-risk. DOAC were stopped 2.0 +0.5 days pre-procedure and restarted 1.9 +1.5 days post-procedure. Overall rates were: all bleeding 4.4% (2.9–6.4), GI bleeding 2.5% (1.4–4.2%), while 0.7% (0.3–1.8%) experienced a thromboembolic event. Additional results are listed in Table 1.

Conclusions

Patients with AF undergoing a standardized DOAC therapy interruption management protocol for elective digestive endoscopy experienced low rates of major bleeding and arterial thromboembolism.

All results reported as % and 95% CI * outcomes were missing for 4 patients that had the procedure

Funding Agencies

None

Modified endoscopic ultrasound-guided double-balloon-occluded gastroenterostomy bypass (M-EPASS): a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

We recently developed a double-balloon device, using widely available existing technology, to facilitate endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). Our aim is to assess the feasibility of this modified approach to EUS-guided double-balloon-occluded gastroenterostomy bypass (M-EPASS).

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing M-EPASS from January 2019 to August 2020. The double-balloon device consists of two vascular balloons that optimize the distension of a targeted small-bowel segment for EUS-guided stent insertion. The primary end point was the rate of technical success.

RESULTS

11 patients (45 % women; mean [standard deviation (SD)] age 64.9 [8.6]) with malignant gastric outlet obstruction were included. Technical and clinical success (ability to tolerate an oral diet) were achieved in 91 % (10/11) and 80 % (8/10) of patients, respectively. There was one adverse event (9 %) due to stent migration. Two patients (18 %) required re-intervention for stent obstruction secondary to food impaction. The mean (SD) time to a low residue diet was 3.5 (2.4) days.

CONCLUSION

M-EPASS appears to facilitate the technique of EUS-GE, potentially enhancing its safety and clinical adoption. Larger studies are needed to validate this innovative approach to gastric outlet obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy alone vs. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration with rapid onsite evaluation in pancreatic lesions: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the standard in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions, in particular when combined with rapid onsite evaluation of cytopathology (ROSE). More recently, a fork-tip needle for core biopsy (FNB) has been shown to be associated with excellent diagnostic yield. EUS-FNB alone has however not been compared with EUS-FNA + ROSE in a large clinical trial. Our aim was to compare EUS-FNB alone to EUS-FNA + ROSE in solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

A multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial involving seven centers was performed. Solid pancreatic lesions referred for EUS were considered for inclusion. The primary end point was diagnostic accuracy. Secondary end points included sensitivity/specificity, mean number of needle passes, and cost.

RESULTS

235 patients were randomized: 115 EUS-FNB alone and 120 EUS-FNA + ROSE. Overall, 217 patients had malignant histology. The diagnostic accuracy for malignancy of EUS-FNB alone was non-inferior to EUS-FNA + ROSE at 92.2 % (95 %CI 86.6 %-96.9 %) and 93.3 % (95 %CI 88.8 %-97.9 %), respectively (P = 0.72). Diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy was 92.5 % (95 %CI 85.7 %-96.7 %) for EUS-FNB alone vs. 96.5 % (93.0 %-98.6 %) for EUS-FNA + ROSE (P = 0.46), while specificity was 100 % in both. Adequate histological yield was obtained in 87.5 % of the EUS-FNB samples. The mean (SD) number of needle passes and procedure time favored EUS-FNB alone (2.3 [0.6] passes vs. 3.0 [1.1] passes [P < 0.001]; and 19.3 [8.0] vs. 22.7 [10.8] minutes [P = 0.008]). EUS-FNB alone cost on average 45 US dollars more than EUS-FNA + ROSE.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNB alone is non-inferior to EUS-FNA + ROSE and is associated with fewer needle passes, shorter procedure time, and excellent histological yield at comparable cost.

Predictors of Malignancy in Patients With Indeterminate Biliary Strictures and Atypical Biliary Cytology: Results From Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Atypical cellular features are commonly encountered in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, which are nondiagnostic of malignancy yet cannot rule it out. This study aims to identify clinical features that could discriminate patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and atypical biliary cytology who may harbor underlying malignancy.

Methods

All patients with an indeterminate biliary stricture and an atypical brush cytology obtained during endoscopic brushings were identified in a large tertiary-care center. Demographical information, clinical data and the final pathological diagnosis were collected. The study cohort was divided based on the final diagnosis into benign and malignant groups. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 62.9% were males with mean age of 61.7 ± 16.4 years. Overall, there was an almost equal distribution of patients in the benign and malignant groups. Older age (≥65 years), jaundice, weight loss, intrahepatic biliary and pancreatic duct dilation, double-duct sign and presence of a mass were associated with malignancy in the univariate analysis. However, only older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to 1.03), jaundice (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.98) and presence of a mass (OR 12.10, 95% CI 4.94 to 29.67) were significantly associated with malignancy in the multivariate analysis. High CA19-9 was associated with malignancy only in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Conclusion

In patients with indeterminate biliary stricture and atypical brush cytology, older age, jaundice and presence of a mass are significant predictors of malignancy. Patients with such characteristics need prompt evaluation to rule out underlying malignancy.

Physician Assessment and Feedback During Quality Circle to Reduce Low-Value Services in Outpatients: a Pre-Post Quality Improvement Study

BACKGROUND

The impact of the Choosing Wisely (CW) campaign is debated as recommendations alone may not modify physician behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess whether behavioral interventions with physician assessment and feedback during quality circles (QCs) could reduce low-value services.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Pre-post quality improvement intervention with a parallel comparison group involving outpatients followed in a Swiss-managed care network, including 700 general physicians (GPs) and 150,000 adult patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions included performance feedback about low-value activities and comparison with peers during QCs. We assessed individual physician behavior and healthcare use from laboratory and insurance claims files between August 1, 2016, and October 31, 2018.

MAIN MEASURES

Main outcomes were the change in prescription of three low-value services 6 months before and 6 months after each intervention: measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prescription rates of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins.

KEY RESULTS

Among primary care practices, a QC intervention with physician feedback and peer comparison resulted in lower rates of PPI prescription (pre-post mean prescriptions per GP 25.5 ± 23.7 vs 22.9 ± 21.4, p value<0.01; coefficient of variation (Cov) 93.0% vs 91.0%, p=0.49), PSA measurement (6.5 ± 8.7 vs 5.3 ± 6.9 tests per GP, p<0.01; Cov 133.5% vs 130.7%, p=0.84), as well as statins (6.1 ± 6.8 vs 5.6 ± 5.4 prescriptions per GP, p<0.01; Cov 111.5% vs 96.4%, p=0.21). Changes in prescription of low-value services among GPs who did not attend QCs were not statistically significant over this time period.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate a modest but statistically significant effect of QCs with educative feedback in reducing low-value services in outpatients with low impact on coefficient of variation. Limiting overuse in medicine is very challenging and dedicated discussion and real-time review of actionable data may help.

Early cholangioscopy-assisted electrohydraulic lithotripsy in difficult biliary stones is cost-effective

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Single-operator cholangioscopy-assisted electrohydraulic lithotripsy (SOC-EHL) is effective and safe in difficult choledocholithiasis. The optimal timing of SOC-EHL use, however, in refractory stones has not been elucidated. The following aims to determine the most cost-effective timing of SOC-EHL introduction in the management of choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness model was developed assessing three strategies with a progressively delayed introduction of SOC-EHL. Probability estimates of patient pathways were obtained from a systematic review. The unit of effectiveness is complete ductal clearance without need for surgery. Cost is expressed in 2018 US dollars and stem from outpatient US databases.

RESULTS

The three strategies achieved comparable ductal clearance rates ranging from 97.3% to 99.7%. The least expensive strategy is to perform SOC-EHL during the first endoscopic retrograde cholangiography pancreatography (ERCP) (SOC-1: 18,506$). The strategy of postponing the use of SOC-EHL to the third ERCP (SOC-3) is more expensive (US$18,895) but is 2% more effective. (0.9967). SOC-EHL during the second ERCP in the model (SOC-2) is the least cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses show altered conclusions according to the cost of SOC-EHL, effectiveness of conventional ERCP, and altered willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds with early SOC-1 being the most optimal approach below a WTP cut-off of US$20,295.

CONCLUSIONS

Early utilization of SOC-EHL (SOC-1) in difficult choledocholithiasis may be the least costly strategy with an effectiveness approximating those achieved with a delayed approach where one or more conventional ERCP(s) are reattempted prior to SOC-EHL introduction.

A134 A MULTI-CENTRE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO COMPARE TWO BOWEL CLEANSING REGIMENS AFTER A COLONOSCOPY WITH INADEQUATE BOWEL PREPARATION

Aims

Failed bowel preparation is common during colonoscopy, yet the optimal purgative regimen to use for the next attempt is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of two regimens at supratherapeutic doses for use after failed bowel preparation.

Methods

A multi-centre phase III endoscopist blinded randomized controlled trial (NCT02976805) was conducted in patients who failed bowel preparation, using the US Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) definition of inability to exclude polyps &gt;5 mm in size and requiring a shortened interval to next colonoscopy. Regimen A consisted of 15 mg of bisacodyl and 2 + 2 L of split dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG) and Regimen B consisted of 15 mg of bisacodyl and 4 + 2 L of split dose PEG. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation, defined as a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) total score ≥ 6 with all segment scores ≥ 2. Secondary outcomes were adequate bowel preparation using the USMSTF definition, median BBPS, adenoma detection (ADR), advanced adenoma detection (aADR), sessile serrated polyp detection (SSPDR), and cecal intubation (CIR). Adverse events were assessed at the time of the colonoscopy and 14 days later.

Results

Between February 2017 and December 2019, 250 subjects were screened at four academic centres in Canada, of which 195 were randomized: 96 to Regimen A and 99 to Regimen B. The mean (SD) age was 60.6 (11.4) years, 87 (45.1%) were female, and the median (IQR) total BBPS score at previous failed colonoscopy was 3 (1,4). Regimen B was not superior to Regimen A in achieving adequate bowel preparation using the BBPS definition (87.6% vs. 91.1%, p=0.45) or the USMSTF definition (85.4% vs 91.1%, p=0.24), nor was it superior with respect to the median BBPS score (7 vs 7, p=0.50), mean ADR (31.5% vs 37.8%, p=0.37), aADR (11.2% vs 18.9%, p=0.15), SSPDR (5.6% vs 8.9%, p=0.40) or CIR (92.1% vs 96.7%, p=0.19). Regimen A had a higher adherence rate (88.2% vs. 74.7%, p=0.02) and greater willingness to undergo the bowel preparation again (91.2% vs. 66.2%, p&lt;0.001). The only serious adverse event occurred in a patient randomized to Regimen B who was admitted to hospital for vomiting after colonoscopy.

Conclusions

Split dose 4L PEG with 15mg of bisacodyl is highly efficacious, well tolerated, and can be used for patients who previously failed first line bowel preparations. The additional 2L of PEG in Regimen B did not improve bowel preparation and was not as well tolerated.

Funding Agencies

AMOSO Opportunities Grant, Pharmascence Inc.

A146 EVALUATION OF A COLONOSCOPY REFERRAL FORM IN QUEBEC: WHICH INDICATIONS CARRIES A HIGHER RISK OF ADVANCED NEOPLASIA?

Background

Patients referral for colonoscopy in the province of Quebec are organized through a standardized triage sheet that includes all indications categorized in 5 hierarchal scheduling priorities. In the context of a restricted access to colonoscopy, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, postponed elective endoscopies lead to potential diagnostic and therapeutic delays in patients with colorectal neoplasia. There is currently an important need to evaluate available tools to improve patients prioritization.

Aims

This study aims to determine CRC and advanced adenomas (AA) rates associated with indications of priority 3 (P3 fig.1). The secondary objective is to regroup and compare indications with higher and lower rate of CRC and AA.

Methods

This retrospective study included all adult patients who underwent a single diagnostic colonoscopy from March 2013 to March 2016 following a single FIT test in a tertiary teaching hospital. A literature review informed the adopted definition of higher-risk of CRC and AA according to P3 colonoscopy indications. These include: Positive FIT test (IN5), hematochezia in ≥ 40 years old patients (IN4), unexplained iron deficiency anemia (IN6) and symptoms suspicious of occult colorectal cancer (IN18). Lower risk P3 indications were defined as: suspicion of IBD (IN3), recent change in bowel habits (IN7), polyp viewed on imaging (IN17), inadequate bowel preparation (IN19), and diverticulitis follow-up (IN20). Higher and lower risk indications findings were analyzed.

Results

In our cohort of 2226 patients, indications for colonoscopy referral according to the standardized form were available for 1806 patients (10 P1, 69 P2, 1056 P3, 56 P4 and 615 P5). In our studied group of P3 indications, the mean age was 62.6±11.3 years, 54.1% were female and 173 (16.4%) patients had a significant finding of CRC or AA (table 1). Patients referred for higher risk indications had a significantly increased rate of CRC and AA (19.3% vs 5.1% p≤ 0.01) compared to patients referred for lower risk indications.

Conclusions

A standardized colonoscopy referral tool may be adapted to improve prioritization of patients at risk of advanced neoplasia. These findings are especially relevant in the context of limited access to colonoscopy like during a pandemic.

Funding Agencies

None

A132 ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED GASTROENTEROSTOMY USING A NOVEL DOUBLE BALLOON DEVICE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MALIGNANT GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

Background

EUS-gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel modality in the management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO). It is, however, technically challenging limiting its widespread application. To facilitate EUS-GE, a double balloon catheter has been developed in Japan. While this tool is not available outside of Asia, we have conceived a similar device using a widely available vascular balloon catheter. We aim to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of EUS-GE using this double balloon device (DBD).

Aims

We aim to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of EUS-GE using this double balloon device (DBD).

Methods

This is a single-centre, retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent DBD assisted EUS-GE for MGOO from January 2019-June 2020 (IRB approved). The DBD consists of two 60 mm vascular balloons (Coda, Cook Medical, USA) fashioned together with the balloons 10 cm apart (Figure 1). It is inserted across the obstruction over a wire to the ligaments of Treitz. Both balloons are then inflated followed by saline and contrast infusion into the occluded small bowel segment to facilitate EUS-guided insertion of a 15 mm cautery assisted lumen apposing metal stent (AxiosTM, Boston Scientific Inc, USA). The primary endpoint is the rate of technical success defined as adequate deployment of the stent. Secondary endpoints include rate of clinical success and adverse events.

Results

A total of 11 patients were included in this study. 45% were female with a mean age of 64.9 ± 8.6 years old. The etiology of MGOO was 73% pancreatic cancer, 9% gastric cancer, 9% duodenal cancer, and 9% metastatic cervical cancer. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia and conscious sedation in 82% and 18%, of patients respectively. The mean procedure time was 64.8 ± 25.8 minutes. Technical and clinical success (intention to treat) was 91%. The only technical failure was due to poor patient tolerance of the procedure under conscious sedation. There was one adverse event (9%) due to stent migration rated as severe. Two patients (18%) required re-intervention for stent obstruction secondary to food impaction associated with non-compliance to a low-residue diet. Following re-enforced instructions, no further obstruction occurred.

All patients started a clear liquid diet within 1 day of the procedure with a mean time to a low residue diet of 3.25 days ± 2.5. The median length of hospital stay following the procedure was 5 days ± 13. The median follow-up time was 84 days (IQR 152).

Conclusions

DBD assisted EUS-GE is clinically effective and safe. This balloon device may greatly facilitate the technical aspect of EUS-GE while potential enhancing its safety and clinical use. Larger studies are needed to validate this approach to EUS-GE.

Funding Agencies

None

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Development of Metabolic Comorbid Conditions in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular and liver disease are main causes of death in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH). In HIV-uninfected patients, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with incident metabolic complications. We investigated the effect of NAFLD on development of metabolic comorbid conditions in PWH.

METHODS

We included PWH undergoing a screening program for NAFLD using transient elastography. NAFLD was defined as a controlled attenuation parameter ≥248 dB/m with exclusion of other liver diseases. Incident diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease were investigated using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

The study included 485 HIV-monoinfected patients. During a median follow-up of 40.1 months (interquartile range, 26.5-50.7 months), patients with NAFLD had higher incidences of diabetes (4.74 [95% confidence interval, 3.09-7.27] vs 0.87 [.42-1.83] per 100 person-years) and dyslipidemia (8.16 [5.42-12.27] vs 3.99 [2.67-5.95] per 100 person-years) than those without NAFLD. With multivariable analysis, NAFLD was an independent predictor of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.13; 95% confidence interval, 2.14-12.31) and dyslipidemia (2.35; 1.34-4.14) development.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-monoinfected patients with NAFLD are at higher risk of incident diabetes and dyslipidemia. Early referral strategies and timely management of metabolic risk may improve outcomes.

Checklist feasibility and impact in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Background and study aim  Checklists prevent errors and have a positive impact on patient morbidity and mortality in surgical settings. Despite increasing use of checklists in gastrointestinal endoscopy units across many countries, a summary of cumulated experience is lacking. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the feasibility of successful checklist implementation in gastrointestinal endoscopy units and summarise the evidence of its impact on the commitment in safety culture. Methods  A comprehensive literature search was performed identifying the use of a checklist or time-out in endoscopy units from 1978 to January 2020 using OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases, with search terms related to checklist and endoscopy. We summarised overall adherence to checklists from included studies through a narrative synthesis, characterizing barriers and facilitators according to nurse and physician perspectives, while also summarizing safety endpoints. Results  The seven studies selected from 673 screened citations were highly heterogeneous in terms of methodology, context, and outcomes. Across five of these, checklist adherence rates post-intervention varied for both nurses (84 % to 96 %) and physicians (66 % to 95 %). Various facilitators (education, continued reassessment) and barriers (lack of safety culture, checklist completion time) were identified. Most studies did not report associations between checklist implementation and clinical outcomes, except for better team communication. Conclusion  Implementation of a gastrointestinal endoscopy checklist is feasible, with an understanding of relevant barriers and facilitators. Apart from a significant increase in the perception of team communication, evidence for a measurable impact attributable to gastrointestinal checklist implementation on endoscopic processes and safety outcomes is limited and warrants further study.

Recent advances in clinical practice: colorectal cancer chemoprevention in the average-risk population

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and lethal malignancies in Western countries. Its development is a multistep process that spans more than 15 years, thereby providing an opportunity for prevention and early detection. The high incidence and mortality rates emphasise the need for prevention and screening. Many countries have therefore introduced CRC screening programmes. It is expected, and preliminary evidence in some countries suggests, that this screening effort will decrease CRC-related mortality rates. CRC prevention involves a healthy lifestyle and chemoprevention-more specifically, oral chemoprevention that can interfere with progression from a normal colonic mucosa to adenocarcinoma. This preventive effect is important for individuals with a genetic predisposition, but also in the general population. The ideal chemopreventive agent, or combination of agents, remains unknown, especially when considering safety during long-term use. This review evaluates the evidence across 80 meta-analyses of interventional and observational studies of CRC prevention using medications, vitamins, supplements and dietary factors. This review suggests that the following factors are associated with a decreased incidence of CRC: aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, magnesium, folate, a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, fibre and dairy products. An increased incidence of CRC was observed with frequent alcohol or meat consumption. No evidence of a protective effect for tea, coffee, garlic, fish and soy products was found. The level of evidence is moderate for aspirin, β-carotene and selenium, but is low or very low for all other exposures or interventions.

Association Between Time to Colonoscopy After Positive Fecal Testing and Colorectal Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colonoscopy is required following a positive fecal screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC). It remains unclear to what extent time to colonoscopy is associated with CRC-related outcomes. We performed a systematic review to elucidate this relationship.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed through April 2020 for studies reporting associations between time from positive fecal testing to colonoscopy and outcomes including CRC incidence (primary outcome), CRC stage at diagnosis, and/or CRC-specific mortality. Our primary objective was to quantify these relationships following positive fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). Two authors independently performed screening, abstraction, and risk of bias assessments.

RESULTS

From 1,612 initial studies, 8 were included in the systematic review, with 5 reporting outcomes for FIT. Although meta-analysis was not possible, consistent trends between longer time delays and worse outcomes were apparent in all studies. Colonoscopy performed beyond 9 months from positive FIT compared to within 1 month was significantly associated with a higher incidence of CRC, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of 1.75 and 1.48 in the two largest studies. These studies also reported significant associations between colonoscopy performed beyond 9 months and higher incidence of advanced stage CRC (stage III or IV) at diagnosis, with AORs of 2.79 and 1.55, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonoscopy for positive FIT should not be delayed beyond 9 months. Given the additional time required for urgent referrals and surgical planning for CRC, colonoscopy should ideally be performed well in advance of 9 months following a positive FIT.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: limited benefits from early colonoscopy in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of colonoscopy in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) remains controversial.

AIM

To characterise the utility of early colonoscopy (within 24 hours) in managing acute LGIB.

METHODS

A systematic literature search to October 2019 identified fully published articles and abstracts of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with control groups assessing early colonoscopy in acute LGIB. The primary outcome was rebleeding. Secondary outcomes included mortality, surgery, length of stay (LOS), definite cause of bleeding and adverse events. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MD) were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 1116 citations, 4 RCTs (466 patients) and 13 observational studies with elective colonoscopy (>24 hours) as control group (1 061 281 patients) were included. No differences in rebleeding were noted between early and elective colonoscopy groups among RCTs alone (OR = 1.70; 0.79; 3.64), or observational studies alone (OR = 1.20; 0.69; 2.09). No other significant between-group differences in outcomes were found when restricting the analysis to RCTs. Among observational studies only, early colonoscopy was associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.86; 0.75; 0.98), surgery (OR = 0.52; 0.42; 0.64), blood transfusion (OR = 0.81; 0.75; 0.87), units of blood transfusion (MD = -4.30; -6.24; -2.36) and shorter LOS (MD = -1.70; -1.70; -1.70 days).

CONCLUSION

In contradistinction to observational studies, data from RCTs do not support a role for early colonoscopy in the routine management of acute LGIB with regards to the most important clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to better identify patients with high-risk LGIB who may benefit from early colonoscopy.

Concordance between tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay for latent tuberculosis screening in inflammatory bowel disease

Background/Aims

Latent tuberculosis screening is mandatory prior to initiating anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medications. Guidelines recommend interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) as first line screening method for the general population. Studies provided conflicting evidence on IGRA and tuberculin skin test (TST) performance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We assessed test concordance and the effects of immunosuppression on their performance in IBD patients.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases (2011–2018) for studies testing TST and IGRA in IBD. Primary outcome was TST and IGRA concordance. Secondary outcomes were effects of immunosuppressive therapy on performance. Immunosuppression defined as either steroids, thiopurine, methotrexate or cyclosporine use. We used the pooled random effects model to adjust for heterogeneity analyzed using (I²–Q statistics). We compared the fixed model to exclude smaller study effects.

Results

Sixteen studies (2,488 patients) were included. Pooled TST and IGRA concordance was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81%–88%; P=0.01). Effects of immunosuppression were reported in 8 studies (814 patients). The odds ratio of testing positive by IGRA decreased to 0.57 if immunosuppressed (95% CI, 0.31–1.03; P=0.06). The odds ratio of testing positive by TST if immunosuppressed was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.61–2.12; P=0.69). The fixed model yielded similar results, however the negative effect of immunosuppression on IGRA reached statistical significance (P=0.01).

Conclusions

While concordance was 85% between TST and IGRA, the performance of IGRA seems to be negatively affected by immunosuppression. Given the importance of detecting latent tuberculosis prior to anti-TNF initiation, further randomized controlled trials comparing the performance of TST and IGRA in IBD patients are needed.

A268 PREOPERATIVE EUS-GUIDED FNA IS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER OVERALL SURVIVAL IN RESECTABLE PANCREATIC CANCER WHEN COMPARED TO UPFRONT SURGERY WITHOUT PREOPERATIVE TISSUE ACQUISITION: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the standard of care in advanced pancreatic cancer. In resectable disease, preoperative EUS-FNA can help to identify benign etiology and other cancers while preventing unnecessary surgery. However, concerns regarding tumor seeding and pancreatitis have led some experts to advocate for upfront surgery without tissue sampling.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risks and benefits of performing pre-operative EUS-FNA in patients with suspected, resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A literature search was performed up to April 2019 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases with terms specified for pancreatic neoplasm and FNA. All fully published adult studies that compared preoperative EUS-FNA to EUS without FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer for short- and long-term outcomes were included. Results were reported as Odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, publication bias and quality of studies were evaluated. Sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary outcome is overall survival. Secondary outcomes include cancer free survival, tumor recurrence and seeding, and post FNA adverse events.

Results

An initial search yielded 2814 citations. Six retrospective studies were included with 1155 patients in the EUS-FNA group vs 2067 patients in the comparator group. Overall survival was reported in three studies (n=2701: 796 EUS-FNA, 1905 non-FNA). Patients with preoperative EUS-FNA had better overall survival compared to the non-FNA group (WMD, 4.40 months [0.02 to 8.78]). In adenocarcinoma patients (2 studies, n=2050), there was no significant difference in overall survival (WMD, 2.94 months [-3.87 to 9.74]). Cancer-free survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (WMD, 2.08 months [-2.22 to 6.38]). Moreover, EUS with FNA was not associated with increased rates of tumor recurrence (OR, 0.55 [0.30–1.02]) or peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR, 0.81 [0.56–1.18]). Post-FNA pancreatitis was rare (1.7%), with all patients treated conservatively. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar findings across the different outcomes tested.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, preoperative EUS-FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer was associated with significantly greater overall survival when compared to the non-FNA group with no significant difference in rate of tumour recurrence and/or peritoneal seeding. These findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the included studies; randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Funding Agencies

None

A2 THE BOWEL CLEANSING NATIONAL INITIATIVE (BCLEAN): PREDICTORS OF INADEQUATE BOWEL PREPARATION

Background

Adequate bowel cleansing before colonoscopy is, in theory, a simple concept but the high rate of inadequate or incomplete bowel cleanliness and its consequences have been the subject of many studies, guidelines, and meta- analyses. The complexity resides in all the pre-endoscopic factors surrounding preparation intake that may? influence quality of the bowel preparation.

Aims

To identify preendoscopic variables associated with inadequate bowel preparation

Methods

In this randomized trial conducted in adult outpatients in 10 Canadian hospitals, all early morning (AM) colonoscopies were scheduled between 7h30AM and 10h30AM and patients were randomized to PEG low volume or high- volume split-dose or high- volume day before. Later colonoscopies (PM) were scheduled between 10h30AM and 16h30PM and patients were randomized to PEG low-volume or high- volume split-dose or low- volume same day. A secondary random allocation assigned patients to a clear fluid or low residue diet. Inadequate bowel preparation was identified on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale with a total score &lt;6 with any of the 3 colonic segments subscores &lt;2). All preendoscopic variables such as patients related factors, diet and type of bowel preparation were evaluated between groups with chi-square, Fisher’s exact or t-test where appropriate. All variables found to be significantly associated with a clean preparation on univariable analysis at the P=0.15 level were used to construct a multivariable model. Because of stratified randomization by time with possible resulting differing confounders, AM and PM patients were analysed separately.

Results

Over 29 months, 1726 patients were stratified in the AM group and 1750 patients in the PM group. 16.9% had inadequate bowel preparation in the AM group and 9.8% in the PM group. Pre-endoscopic variables associated with an inadequate bowel cleanliness in AM colonoscopy were a non screening indication (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.04–1.78), a Charlson score&gt;0 (OR 1.36, 95% 1.03–1.80) and a low residue diet (OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.17–2.01). Amongst PM colonoscopies, variables associated with an inadequate bowel cleanliness were increased age (OR 1.03, 95% 1.01–1.04), a non screening indication (OR 1.90 95%CI 1.35–2.70); a Charlson score&gt;0 (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.15–2.32), and a low residue diet (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.01; 1.98).

Conclusions

In this large randomized trial, amongst patients undergoing an AM colonoscopy, pre- endoscopic factors associated with an inadequate bowel preparation were a non screening indication, comorbidities and a low residue diet. Amongst PM colonoscopy patients, in addition to these variables, an increased age was also associated with an inadequate bowel preparation.

Funding Agencies

received arm-length funding from Pendopharm Inc.

A274 EARLY SINGLE-OPERATOR CHOLANGIOSCOPY ASSISTED ELECTROHYDRAULIC LITHOTRIPSY (SOC-EHL) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIFFICULT BILIARY STONES IS COST-EFFECTIVE WHEN COMPARED TO A DELAYED STEP-UP APPROACH TO LATER SOC-EHL

Background

Single-operator cholangioscopy assisted electrohydraulic lithotripsy is the standard of care for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones with failed clearance using standard ERCP. This technology is expensive and optimal timing of its use in terms of cost-effectiveness in the management algorithm of patients with difficult CBD stones remains unclear

Aims

To determine the cost-effective timing of SOC-EHL utilization in the management of difficult CBD stones

Methods

A decision model was developed assessing 4 strategies and progressively delayed introduction of SOC-EHL in relation to ERCP over 6-months. Difficult stones were defined as having failed CBD clearance via standard ERCP. Probability estimates for each health state were obtained from a literature systematic review. For each strategy, outpatients undergoing ERCP underwent different timings of SOC-EHL introduction from the first to the fourth ERCP and were followed for subsequent need for re-intervention, adverse events, need for surgery, and/or successful endoscopic CBD clearance. The unit of effectiveness was complete CBD clearance without need for surgery. Deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed varying all 50 model variables across ranges spanning 30% of their respective values. Costs are in 2018US$ based on US data.

Results

Performing SOC-EHL immediately during the first ERCP is the least expensive approach when compared to delaying SOC-EHL. This strategy costs $15,528 on average per patient with CBD clearance avoiding surgery and can save between $260 to $720 compared to the 3 other strategies, which introduce SOC-EHL during the second to the fourth ERCP. Effectiveness is clinically comparable between the four strategies ranging from 97–99%. Deterministic sensitivity analysis shows changes in the results when the ERCP complication rate (baseline probability of 6%) decreases to 4.5%, when the SOC-EHL (baseline costs of $2,450) costs more than $2,670, or when the ERCP facility fees (baseline costs of $4,292) are less than $3,425. In all 3 scenarios, delaying the first SOC-EHL use to the fourth procedural attempt becomes the dominant strategy. Variations of the other 47 variables did not alter results.

Conclusions

Although SOC-EHL is expensive, this analysis demonstrates that among patients who have failed a prior attempt at stone extraction, utilization of SOC-EHL at the next (first subsequent) ERCP is less costly when compared to its delayed introduction. However, postponing the use of SOC-EHL to the fourth ERCP could be identified as the most cost-effective strategy when facility fees or ERCP complications rates are below certain thresholds, or when the costs of SOC-EHL extend beyond a defined threshold.

Funding Agencies

None

A1 COLONOSCOPY FINDINGS FOLLOWING A FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ASSESSING THE SCREENING TEST PERFORMANCE

Background

Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) is the preferred test for colorectal cancer screening in the average risk population in Canada.

Aims

This study aims to assess colonoscopy findings in patients who have undergone a FIT within the previous 2 years.

Methods

This retrospective study included all adult patients that have undergone a single diagnostic colonoscopy from March 2013 to March 2016 following a single FIT test at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie, a tertiary hospital. The primary outcome was to evaluate rates of clinically significant lesion when comparing FIT positive (FIT+) to FIT negative (FIT-) colonoscopy, using Quebec’s current threshold of 175 ng/ml of hemoglobin. Secondary outcomes included all other type of lesions, delays between FIT testing and colonoscopy, procedural time, caecal intubation rates and withdrawal time.

Results

Overall, 2230 patients were included, aged 62.0±10.5 years, 55.0% were female and 26.1% had a positive FIT. Patients with a positive FIT had a significantly higher polypectomy rate (62.4% vs 41.3%, p&lt;0.01) and higher number of polyps per patient (2.9±2.5 vs 2.1±1.5, p&lt;0.01). FIT+ had significantly higher rates of adenocarcinoma (3.4% vs 0.7%, p&lt;0.01) with 11 out of 31 patients bearing a negative FIT with the current threshold. No difference was found for sessile serrated polyps (7.8% vs 6.0%, p=0.13). Patients with a FIT+ had significantly higher advanced adenomas (24.0% vs 5.6%, p&lt;0.01), proximal polyps (33.6% vs 22.4%, p&lt;0.01), distal polyps (52.8% vs 28.2%, p&lt;0.01), non-advanced adenomas (38.5% vs 23.9%, p&lt;0.01) and benign polyps (25.1% vs 17.2%, p&lt;0.01). Patients with FIT+ received their colonoscopy 7.5 months earlier than FIT- patients (3.3±2.2 vs 10.8±8.3 months, p&lt;0.01). FIT+ also yielded a significant longer procedural time (28.5±14.1 vs 25.5±12.1, p&lt;0.01) but no difference was noted for caecal intubation rates and withdrawal time (93.3% vs 94.0%, p=0.55 and 14.0±8.4 vs 12.0±7.7, p=0.20 respectively). Results were similar when lowering the threshold to 150, 100, 75 and even 50 ng/ml. 8 patients with an adenocarcinoma had a FIT level lower than 50 ng/ml.

Conclusions

Patients with a colonoscopy and a positive FIT have higher rates of significant findings. Although commonly used for colorectal cancer screening, FIT still failed to detect almost 30% of adenomas and adenocarcinomas found during colonoscopy. It also does not perform very well for serrated polyps. Our data also fails to show an improved yield of the FIT when lowering the its threshold from 175 to 50. There is still a great need for a more sensitive non-invasive colon cancer screening test.

Funding Agencies

None

A279 EUS-GUIDED BILIARY DRAINAGE IN MALIGNANT DISTAL BILIARY OBSTRUCTION: AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY TO IDENTIFY BARRIERS OF TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a promising alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Recent small randomized controlled trials comparing EUS-BD with ERCP suggest that EUS-BD achieves a similar technical success rate and safety profile while potentially being associated with lower rates of stent dysfunction However, its application in clinical practice has been impeded by various undefined barriers.

Aims

To evaluate the current practice of EUS-BD and the determinants for its clinical implementation in MDBO.

Methods

An online survey was generated using Google Forms. Five endoscopy societies have distributed the survey as of October 10th, 2019. Survey questions measured participant characteristics, EUS-BD in different clinical scenarios, and potential barriers to implementation. Descriptive statistics were calculated using frequencies, chi-square statistics were used for inferential analysis, and a standard step-wise multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent variables for and against the use of EUS-BD.

Results

To date, 102 physicians have participated in the survey (response rate 7.97%). The majority of participants are from North America (39.2%), Asia (31.4%), and Europe (19.6%). Most participants are gastroenterologists with formal therapeutic endoscopy training (66.7%), though only 28.4% have received EUS-BD training. In unresectable cancer, 85.1% of respondents favoured EUS-BD over percutaneous biliary drainage following ERCP failure (p&lt;0.0001), while in borderline resectable disease, 72.3% preferred EUS-BD. On multivariable analysis, male gender, formal training in EUS-BD, and unresectable cancer were independent variables for the use of EUS-BD. Conversely, independent discouraging factors for EUS-BD included fear of adverse events, limited high-quality data, lack of local expertise, and inadequate access to EUS technology.

Conclusions

In this international survey, it appears that EUS-BD is gaining traction, especially in the setting of unresectable disease following ERCP failure. However, barriers to implementation include the lack of high-quality data, fear for adverse events, limited experts in the field, and inadequate access to EUS technology. This suggest the need for high-quality clinical trials, increased endoscopist training in this field, and further technology development in EUS-BD in order to increase its uptake in clinical practice.

Funding Agencies

None

TC-325 hemostatic powder versus current standard of care in managing malignant GI bleeding: a pilot randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

TC-325 (Hemospray; Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, NC, USA), an endoscopic hemostatic powder, exhibits possible benefits in patients with malignant GI bleeding. Our aim is to assess feasibility and determine estimates of efficacy of TC-325 compared with standard of care (SOC) in terms of initial hemostasis and recurrent bleeding rates in comparable groups of patients with malignant GI bleeding.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting with acute malignant upper or lower GI bleeding were randomized to TC-325 or SOC. Measured outcomes included feasibility of recruitment and randomization in the urgent care setting, immediate hemostasis, recurrent bleeding, need for additional treatment modalities, and mortality.

RESULTS

A preplanned 20 patients (upper GI source in 85%) were randomized 1:1 to TC-325 or SOC (25% women, age 67.2 ± 15.9 years, oozing in 95%) over 20 months. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 90% of patients treated initially with TC-325 versus 40% in the SOC group (P = .057). Overall, 83.3% crossed over to TC-325, with hemostasis then achieved at index endoscopy in 80%. Overall, hemostasis at index endoscopy (before or after crossover) was obtained in 87.7% of patients treated with TC-325. Recurrent bleeding over the next 180 days was 20% in the TC-325 group compared with 60% in the SOC group (P = .170).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of TC-325 in malignant GI bleeding and provides results to help inform a larger randomized trial. Although not powered for such, results suggest that use of TC-325 is a very promising modality in malignant GI bleeding in achieving immediate hemostasis and may even result in decreased subsequent recurrent bleeding. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02135627.).

Predictors of dysplastic and neoplastic progression of Barrett’s esophagus

Background

It is unknown why some cases of Barrett’s esophagus progress to invasive malignant disease rapidly while others do so more slowly or not at all. The aim of this study was to identify demographic and endoscopic factors that predict dysplastic and neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

Methods

Patients with Barrett’s esophagus who were assessed in 2000–2010 were assessed for inclusion in this retrospective study. Demographic and endoscopic variables were collected from an endoscopy database and the medical chart. Dysplastic and neoplastic progression was examined by time-to-event analysis. We used Cox proportional hazard regression modelling and generalized estimating equation methods to identify variables that were most predictive of neoplastic progression.

Results

A total of 518 patients had Barrett’s esophagus confirmed by endoscopy and pathology and at least 2 surveillance visits. Longer Barrett’s esophagus segment (≥ 3 cm) (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.3) and increased age (≥ 60 yr) (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7–7.4) were independent predictors of progression from nondysplasia to dysplastic or neoplastic grades. Presence of mucosal irregularities (OR 8.6, 95% CI 2.4–30.4) and increased age (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.6–16.6) were independent predictors of progression from nondysplasia to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Increased age, longer Barrett’s segment and presence of mucosal irregularities were associated with increased risk of dysplastic and neoplastic progression. In addition to dysplasia, these factors may help stratify patients according to risk of neoplastic progression and be used to individualize surveillance. More prospective studies with larger samples are required to validate these results.

ELEMENT TRIAL: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial on endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage of first intent with a lumen-apposing metal stent vs. endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in the management of malignant distal biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound guided-biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a promising alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, its growth has been limited by a lack of multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) and dedicated devices. A dedicated EUS-BD lumen- apposing metal stent (LAMS) has recently been developed with the potential to greatly facilitate the technique and safety of the procedure. We aim to compare a first intent approach with EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy with a dedicated biliary LAMS vs. standard ERCP in the management of malignant distal biliary obstruction.

METHODS

The ELEMENT trial is a multicenter single-blinded RCT involving 130 patients in nine Canadian centers. Patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or borderline resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized to EUS-choledochoduodenostomy using a LAMS or ERCP with traditional metal stent insertion in a 1:1 proportion in blocks of four. Patients with hilar obstruction, resectable cancer, or benign disease are excluded. The primary endpoint is the rate of stent dysfunction needing re-intervention. Secondary outcomes include technical and clinical success, interruptions in chemotherapy, rate of surgical resection, time to stent dysfunction, and adverse events.

DISCUSSION

The ELEMENT trial is designed to assess whether EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy using a dedicated LAMS is superior to conventional ERCP as a first-line endoscopic drainage approach in malignant distal biliary obstruction, which is an important and timely question that has not been addressed using an RCT study design.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT03870386. Date of registration: 03/12/2019.