Repurposing existing medications for coronavirus disease 2019: protocol for a rapid and living systematic review.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has no confirmed specific treatments. However, there might be in vitro and early clinical data as well as evidence from severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome that could inform clinicians and researchers. This systematic review aims to create priorities for future research of drugs repurposed for COVID-19.

Repurposing Existing Medications for Coronavirus Disease 2019: Protocol for a Rapid and Living Systematic Review.

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has no known specific treatments. However, there might be and early clinical data as well as evidence from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome that could inform clinicians and researchers. This systematic review aims to create priorities for future research of drugs repurposed for COVID-19.

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for colonic diverticulosis.

Background And Aim: The exact factors predisposing to colonic diverticulosis other than age are unknown.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of asymptomatic subjects undergoing screening colonoscopy. A detailed dietary and social questionnaire was completed on all participants.

Persistent snoring under conscious sedation during colonoscopy is a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by cessation of breathing during sleep. Conscious sedation (CS) induces sleep and may uncover sleep-related breathing disorders.

Objective: To determine whether snoring during CS is a sensitive predictor of OSA.

A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of the adjunct use of tegaserod in whole-dose or split-dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for colonoscopy preparation.

Background: Problems of compliance, quality, and safety of colon preparation regimens have prompted continued investigation with alternative forms of cleansing.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tegaserod as an adjunct to a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-E), given as a whole dose or split dose, in colonoscopy preparation.

Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Gaucher disease: different clinical manifestations associated with a rare mutation (R48W) in a Lebanese family.

Gaucher disease (GD) is the most frequently encountered lysosomal storage disease, caused by autosomal recessive inborn defects in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA) at 1q21. The disease is most common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. GD can present with a vast phenotypic heterogeneity, which can be predicted to some extent from the underlying mutation.

Clinical epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease in Lebanon.

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a representative Lebanese cohort and to describe practice prevalence trends, disease characteristics, and impact on quality of life (QoL) of IBD patients in Lebanon.

Methods: All of a university-based health program's 2000-2004 computerized records that listed a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were reviewed. In addition, data on patients seen in the gastroenterology clinics and data from the IBD registry at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) from the same period were analyzed.

The value of EUS in predicting the response of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma to Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Background: Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and regression of the tumor has been described after its eradication.

Objective: To determine the value of EUS, in addition to other clinical/endoscopic features, in predicting the response of low-grade MALT lymphoma to H pylori eradication.

Design: A retrospective, single-center study.

Primary coloduodenal fistula in Crohn's disease.

The posterior surface of the proximal transverse colon and the anterior surface of the descending duodenum are intimately related, predisposing to fistulization in this area. We herein describe a rare case of benign duodenocolic fistula secondary to Crohn's disease. We emphasize the clinical presentation with fecaloid vomiting, as well as the establishment of the diagnosis by endoscopy, which are both extremely rare.

Fecal impaction and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in a young male with cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of fecal impaction extend from constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, to full blown sepsis. We present the case of a patient with cerebral palsy and mental retardation, who presented to the Emergency Department with a 3-day history of diffuse abdominal pain and fecal incontinence. Evaluation revealed severe fecal impaction.