Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality in Italy: A Nationwide Study.

Background And Aims: International guidelines advise improving esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) quality in Western countries, where gastric cancer is still diagnosed in advanced stages. This nationwide study investigated some indicators for the quality of EGD performed in endoscopic centers in Italy.

Methods: Clinical, endoscopic, and procedural data of consecutive EGDs performed in one month in the participating centers were reviewed and collected in a specific database.

Adherence of systematic reviews to Cochrane RoB2 guidance was frequently poor: a meta epidemiological study.

Objectives: To assess whether the use of the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) in systematic reviews (SRs) adheres to RoB2 guidance.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library from 2019 to May 2021 to identify SRs using RoB2. We analyzed methods and results sections to see whether risk of bias was assessed at outcome measure level and applied to primary outcomes of the SR as per RoB2 guidance.

A multicenter survey on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern and central Italy.

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted endoscopy practice because upper endoscopy procedures can be aerosol-generating. Most elective procedures have been rescheduled. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently performed in emergency or urgent settings in which rescheduling is not possible.

Hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance are associated with severe fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis caused by HBV or HCV infection.

Background And Aims: Steatosis and insulin resistance (IR) are the major disease modifying in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Only few studies evaluated these features in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to assess the prevalence and the factors related to steatosis and IR in CHB patients, compared with CHC subjects, and to evaluate the potential association between these features and fibrosis severity.

Evaluating the risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients with haematological malignancies: is the serum hepatitis B virus profile reliable?

Background/aim: Patients with an occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection undergoing deep immunosuppression are potentially at risk of HBV reactivation. In order to assess whether a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for HBV DNA in serum could be used to predict the reactivation of an occult HBV infection, we performed a retrospective study in a cohort of Sicilian patients with oncohaematological diseases.

Methods: We studied by a highly sensitive ad hoc nested PCR for serum HBV DNA 75 HBsAg-negative oncohaematological patients requiring chemotherapy.

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients with abnormal liver tests: is it always coeliac disease?

Background: Coeliac disease (CD) is found in 5-10% of patients with chronically abnormal liver tests and no obvious cause of liver disease. In this population the efficacy of screening for CD by anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) may be impaired by the high rate of positive anti-tTG found in chronic liver disease.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of coeliac disease and the role of anti-tTG in patients with non-viral, non-autoimmune chronic and no obvious cause of liver damage.

Interferon beta-1a alone or in combination with ribavirin: a randomized trial to compare efficacy and safety in chronic hepatitis C.

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human IFN beta-1a alone or in combination with ribavirin in treatment-naive subjects with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: Open, randomized trial was performed in 6 Italian tertiary centers: 102 of the 108 patients screened were randomized to receive 6 MIU of recombinant human IFN beta-1a subcutaneously daily for 24 wk, alone (Group 1, n = 51) or in combination with ribavirin 1,000 to 1,200 mg/d (Group 2, n = 51).

Results: The end-of-treatment virologic response rate was 29.

Temporary placement of an expandable polyester silicone-covered stent for treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures.

Background: Benign, refractory esophageal strictures are an important therapeutic challenge. Metal stents occasionally have been used, but results have been disappointing. The present study assessed the safety and the efficacy of temporary placement of the new expandable polyester silicone-covered stent for management of problematic esophageal strictures.