Prediction Models of Severity in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is a common condition with a variable prognosis. While the overall mortality rate of acute pancreatitis is relatively low, ranging between 3 and 5% in most cases, severe forms can result in significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early risk assessment is crucial for optimizing management and treatment.

Challenges in Diagnosing Focal Liver Lesions Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has become the preferred method for many clinicians in evaluating focal liver lesions (FLLs) initially identified through standard ultrasound. However, in clinical practice, certain lesions may deviate from the typical enhancement patterns outlined in EFSUMB guidelines. This study aims to assess FLLs that remained inconclusive or misdiagnosed after CEUS evaluation, spanning eight years of single-center experience.

Endoscopic papillectomy versus surgical ampullectomy for adenomas and early cancers of the papilla: a retrospective Pancreas2000/European Pancreatic Club analysis.

Objective: Ampullary neoplastic lesions can be resected by endoscopic papillectomy (EP) or transduodenal surgical ampullectomy (TSA) while pancreaticoduodenectomy is reserved for more advanced lesions. We present the largest retrospective comparative study analysing EP and TSA.

Design: Of all patients in the database, lesions with prior interventions, benign histology advanced malignancy (T2 and more), patients with hereditary syndromes and those undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were excluded.

Linear endoscopic ultrasound: Current uses and future perspectives in mediastinal examination.

This editorial elaborates on the current and future applications of linear endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various anatomical regions. The scope of endosonographic assessment is broad and, among other factors, allows for the evaluation of the mediastinal anatomy and related pathologies, such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and the staging of central malignant lung lesions. Moreover, EUS assessment has proven more accurate in detecting small lesions missed by standard imaging examinations, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Cholangitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

: This study aimed to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients with acute cholangitis (AC) by comparing outcomes, complications, and hospital stays in a tertiary Gastroenterology department. : This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a tertiary gastroenterology department, collecting data from all AC and AC + COVID-19 patients between April 2020 and February 2022. Data included clinical and demographic information, COVID-19-specific details, acute cholangitis presentation, medical records, laboratory results, and interventions.

Prospective Assessment of Serum Lipid Alterations in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals: Insights Six Months Post Sustained Virological Response.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is intricately linked with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. In particular, cholesterol plays a crucial role in HCV replication. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy has revolutionized the hepatitis C treatment landscape, achieving high rates of sustained virological response (SVR).

Prevalence of Infection and Efficacy of Bismuth Quadruple and Levofloxacin Triple Eradication Therapies: A Retrospective Analysis.

() infection is a widespread global health issue and a primary cause of diseases like gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. This study examines the prevalence of infection in patients undergoing upper endoscopy and assesses the efficacy of bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) and levofloxacin triple therapy. A retrospective analysis of 507 gastroscopies was conducted, with indications including epigastric pain, heartburn, postprandial fullness, early satiation, and regurgitation.

Training and quality indicators in interventional endoscopic ultrasound.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has transformed the landscape of minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedures, necessitating specialized training for proficiency in interventional EUS (iEUS). This study evaluates the effectiveness of iEUS training, focusing on learning curves, success rates, and the associated risks in various procedures, aiming to recommend practices for standardizing training and ensuring competency. Key metrics such as procedure type, learning curve for proficiency, success rates, and risk of adverse events were analyzed to establish benchmarks for training programs.

Practical approach to linear endoscopic ultrasound examination of the gallbladder.

The gallbladder (GB) is a susceptible organ, prone to various pathologies that can be identified using different imaging techniques. Transabdominal ultrasound (TUS) is typically the initial diagnostic method due to its numerous well-established advantages. However, in cases of uncertainty or when a definitive diagnosis cannot be established, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging may be employed to provide more detailed information.

Safety and efficacy of Single-Pass Albumin Dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and Molecular Adsorbent Recycling System (MARS) liver haemodialysis vs. Standard Medical Therapy (SMT): meta-analysis and systematic review.

Introduction: Because not all liver dysfunction patients are suitable for transplantations and there is a shortage of grafts, liver support therapies have gained interest. In this regard, extracorporeal albumin dialysis devices such as single-pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS) have been valuable in supplementing standard medical therapy (SMT). However, the efficacy and safety of these devices is often questioned.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Epidemiology, and Survival: A Retrospective Seven Years Study.

Liver cancer poses a significant global health threat, ranking among the top three causes of cancer-related deaths. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often present with symptoms associated with neoplasms or unusual clinical features such as paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS), including hypoglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, thrombocytosis, and erythrocytosis. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and survival outcomes associated with PNS in HCC patients and assess each PNS's impact on patient survival.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Resect-and-Discard and Resect-and-Retrieve Strategies for Diminutive Colonic Polyps.

Background And Objectives: Diminutive polyps present a unique challenge in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention strategies. This study aims to assess the characteristics and variables of diminutive polyps in a Romanian cohort, intending to develop a combined resect-and-retrieve or resect-and-discard strategy that reduces the need for an optical diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at two endoscopy centers in Romania from July to December 2021.

Diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound in liver diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In hepatology, the clinical use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has experienced a notable increase in recent times. These applications range from the diagnosis to the treatment of various liver diseases. Therefore, this systematic review summarizes the evidence for the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of EUS in liver diseases.

Comparative Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance in Acute Cholangitis Patients with Stent Placement and Sphincterotomy Interventions.

In response to rising concerns over multidrug resistance patterns in acute cholangitis patients, this retrospective study was conducted at the Emergency County Hospital Timisoara, Romania, encompassing patients treated between August 2020 and August 2023. The study aimed to investigate the influence of prior interventions, specifically sphincterotomy (with or without stent placement), on the current clinical and microbiological profiles of acute cholangitis patients. By differentiating between patients with a history of sphincterotomy and the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-naïve, we assessed the resistance of bacterial strains to antibiotics by the Tokyo Guidelines 2018, using bile cultures from 488 patients.

Impact and assessment of training models in interventional endoscopic ultrasound.

Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (IEUS) has gained significant popularity in recent years because of its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The proper training of endoscopists is critical to ensure safe and effective procedures. This review study aims to assess the impact of different training models on the competence of trainees performing IEUS.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Stress-Related Disorders in Patients with Complicated Diverticular Disease under Conservative Management.

Diverticular disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder with increasing prevalence in advanced age. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age and complexity of diverticulitis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and stress-related disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 patients, including adults (18-64 years) with complicated diverticular disease, the elderly (≥65 years) with complicated diverticular disease, and a control group with uncomplicated symptomatic diverticular disease.

Identification of Microbial Species and Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Acute Cholangitis Patients with Malignant and Benign Biliary Obstructions: A Comparative Study.

: Acute cholangitis (AC) is still lethal if not treated promptly and effectively. Biliary drainage, also known as source control, has been acknowledged as the backbone treatment for patients with AC; nonetheless, antimicrobial therapy allows these patients to undergo non-emergent drainage procedures. This retrospective study aims to observe the bacterial species involved in AC and analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Diagnosis and Management of a Triple Infection with spp., Hepatitis A Virus, and Epstein-Barr Virus: A Rare Occurrence with High Hepatotoxic Effect.

The etiology of acute hepatic cytolysis is complex, and a thorough laboratory investigation is needed to find the causative agent and guide the clinician toward a specific treatment. Viral hepatitis A is a well-known cause of acute hepatitis, but other viruses and bacteria can lead to or contribute to liver damage. We report the case of a young male patient with triple infection with hepatitis A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and spp.

Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) in terms of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), chronic liver failure acute decompensation (CLIF-AD), hospitalization, and mortality. In this retrospective study, we analyzed patients with known DLC who were admitted to the Gastroenterology Department with COVID-19. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained to compare the development of ACLF, CLIF-AD, days of hospitalization, and the presence of independent factors of mortality in comparison with a non-COVID-19 DLC group.

The Effects of Lack of Awareness in Age-Related Quality of Life, Coping with Stress, and Depression among Patients with Malignant Melanoma.

Almost one-third of all malignant melanoma patients exhibit emotional stress indicating the need for professional care. Considering this, patients' psychological needs are routinely overlooked and unfulfilled, even though there is substantial evidence that psychological therapies may enhance psychosocial outcomes for melanoma patients, such as low mood, sadness, and anxiety. Among developing countries and some health systems in developed regions, the lack of awareness and screening methods for skin cancer creates a high risk of psychological issues associated with more advanced diseases.

Correlation between adenoma detection rate and other quality indicators, and its variability depending on factors such as sedation or indication for colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important worldwide public health burden and colonoscopy is the main diagnostic and most importantly, preventive method. For this reason, many countries have implemented national or regional CRC screening programs. High-quality colonoscopy is a prerequisite to effectively detect premalignant lesions, like adenomas.

Acute Kidney Injury after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-A Hospital-Based Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) represents a major pivotal point in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Little is known about acute kidney injury (AKI) post-ERCP. This study analyses the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of post-ERCP AKI.