Evaluating Disparities in COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Cirrhosis in North America and Europe-An International Registry Study.

Background: Patients with decompensated cirrhosis have a higher risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death from COVID-19. The impact of demographics on these outcomes remains uncertain.

Methods: The SECURE-Liver and COVID-Hep databases were utilized to evaluate disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.

Racial Disparities in Inpatient Hospital Outcomes of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in United States: Nationwide Analysis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an idiopathic cholestatic liver disease that may lead to biliary strictures and destruction. It is associated with p-ANCA positivity and inflammatory bowel disease, typically ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study is to investigate the trends of inpatient healthcare utilization and mortality from 2008 to 2017 in the United States.

Risk score to predict inpatient mortality of acute pancreatitis patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Background/objectives: Predicting inpatient mortality for acute pancreatitis (AP) patients in the ICU is crucial for optimal treatment planning. This study aims to develop a concise risk score model for this purpose, enhancing the predictability and management of AP in ICU settings.

Methods: We included 380 patients in our training set.

Impact of Frailty on Early Readmissions of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the United States: Where Do We Stand?

We assessed the impact of frailty on outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States. The National Readmission Database (2016-2020) was used to identify index and 30-day ERCP readmissions, which were categorized into low-frailty, intermediate-frailty, and high-frailty groups based on the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). Outcomes were then compared.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Rectal Neoplasms Extending to the Dentate Line: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a superior, minimally invasive technique compared with other snare-based endoscopic resection techniques for rectal neoplasms extending to the dentate line (RNDLs). However, performing a successful ESD in the anal canal can be challenging due to vascularity and limited scope stability. In this meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD for RNDLs.

Underwater versus conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lesions: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Effect of underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (UESD) on clinical outcomes as compared with conventional ESD (CESD) remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies comparing UESD with CESD for colorectal lesions.

Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: An Updated Review.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become one of the most popular medications for patients with diabetes and obesity. Due to their effects on gut motility via central or parasympathetic pathways, there have been concerns about an increased incidence of retained gastric contents and risk of aspiration in the perioperative period. Hence, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends holding GLP-1 RAs on the procedure day or a week before the elective procedure based on the respective daily or weekly formulations, regardless of the dose, indication (obesity or diabetes), or procedure type.

Comparing Endoscopic Treatment Modalities for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes in a Network Meta-analysis.

Objective: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by vascular ectasias accounting for 4% of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeds, which can range from occult bleeds to severe acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In turn, GAVE can lead to severe morbidity and recurrent hospitalization. Current endoscopic treatments for GAVE include argon plasma coagulation (APC), endoscopic band ligation (EBL), and radiofrequency ablation.

Pre-Cut Papillotomy Versus Endoscopic Ultrasound-Rendezvous for Difficult Biliary Cannulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Various endoscopic techniques are employed to achieve biliary cannulation when confronted with difficult biliary access. Every procedure carries its own risk in terms of bleeding, infection, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. Our meta-analysis aimed to compare pre-cut papillotomy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-rendezvous in terms of technical success rates, and post-procedure pancreatitis and bleeding.

Advancements in Early Detection and Screening Strategies for Pancreatic Cancer: From Genetic Susceptibility to Novel Biomarkers.

Pancreatic cancer is a rare but lethal cancer due to its biologically aggressive nature, advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, and poor response to oncologic therapies. The risk of pancreatic cancer is significantly higher to 5% in certain high-risk individuals with inherited genetic susceptibility. Screening for pancreatic cancer in these individuals from high-risk groups can help with the early detection of pancreatic cancer as well as the detection of precursor lesions leading to early surgical resection and improved overall outcomes.

Cold snare polypectomy versus cold endoscopic mucosal resection for small colorectal polyps: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background/aims: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is routinely performed for small colorectal polyps (≤10 mm). However, challenges include insufficient resection depth and immediate bleeding, hindering precise pathological evaluation. We aimed to compare the outcomes of cold endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) with that of CSP for colorectal polyps ≤10 mm, using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Screening and Surveillance of Colorectal Cancer: A Review of the Literature.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the highest mortality rate among men and is the second highest among women under fifty, with incidence and mortality rates rising in younger populations. Studies indicate that up to one-third of patients diagnosed before fifty have a family history or genetic factors, highlighting the need for earlier screening. Contrariwise, diagnosis in healthy subjects through screening strategies enables early-stage detection of the tumor and better clinical outcomes.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Strictures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the treatment of choice for medically refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess outcomes and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) for IPAA strictures.

Methods: A systematic search of numerous databases was performed through June 2023 to identify studies reporting on the outcomes of EBD in pouch-related strictures.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Through-the-Scope Suture System for Gastrointestinal Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Recently, a through-the-scope suturing (TTSS) system has received FDA approval and has been evaluated for closing mucosal defects postintervention. We hereby performed a systematic review and pooled meta-analysis of available studies to assess the safety and efficacy of this intervention.

Methods: We queried the following databases through April 26, 2023: Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science Core Collection.

Needle-Knife Fistulotomy Versus Needle-Knife Papillotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential endoscopic therapeutic modality for biliary and pancreatic diseases. Needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) and papillotomy (NKP) are the two most commonly used rescue techniques for patients with difficult biliary cannulation. However, there remains a need for comparative studies on these approaches to inform clinical decision-making.

Safety and efficacy of biliary suprapapillary metal and plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Biliary drainage is vital in managing malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Suprapapillary stenting has emerged as a viable alternative to transpapillary stenting and is performed using inside plastic (iPS) or metal stents (iMS). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes of suprapapillary stent placement for MBO.