Susceptibility of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease to COVID-19 Compared with Their Households.

: Immunosuppressive agents used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) could potentially increase the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to compare COVID-19 frequency in patients with IBD with their households and identify the related risk factors. : Firstly, a multi-centered, observational study on 2110 patients with IBD and 2110 age-matched household members was conducted to compare COVID-19 frequency.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Comparison with Household Members and the Role of IBD Medications.

Background: Most data on the effect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its treatments on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes have not had non-IBD comparators. Hence, we aimed to describe COVID-19 outcomes in IBD compared to non-IBD patients.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of registered IBD patients with confirmed COVID-19 from six provinces in Iran from February to April 2020.

Production of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Emergence of the Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide public health problem that has attracted much attention due to its clinical findings. Measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies is of great importance for researchers and it will help to develop a new diagnostic and therapeutic method in clinical care. In this cross-sectional study, we aim to measure the IgG and IgM antibody levels in 401 suspected COVID-19 volunteers.

Efficacy of Common Bile Duct Stenting on the Reduction in Gallstone Migration and Symptoms Recurrence in Patients with Biliary Pancreatitis Who Were Candidates for Delayed Cholecystectomy.

Background: In patients with severe biliary pancreatitis, delayed cholecystectomy associated with a high risk of recurrence is recommended. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of common bile duct (CBD) stenting on reducing gallstones migration and recurrence of symptoms in patients with pancreatitis and delayed cholecystectomy candidates.

Methods: To this purpose, the randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed on 40 patients with biliary pancreatitis who were candidates for delayed cholecystectomy.

Hepatic Involvement as Hyperbilirubinemia in Patients with COVID-19: Case Series from Iran.

Background: After the spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Wuhan to Iran, gastroenterology clinics, was faced with a large number of patients who were suspected of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Among refereed patient, the incidence of pure hyperbilirubinemia as rare gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was obvious.

Methods: In this case series, we have reported the clinical data in details for patients with COVID-19 who have been admitted to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom city, from 3 March to 3 August 2020.

Adding ursodeoxycholic acid to the endoscopic treatment and common bile duct stenting for large and multiple biliary stones: Will it improve the outcomes?

Background: The role of common bile duct (CBD) stenting in the establishment of bile stream in the elderly patients and the ones who are not good candidates for surgery due to not responding to treatments was well documented in previous studies. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of adding Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to CBD stenting alone in order to reduce the size of large and multiple CBD stones.

Methods: Clinical outcomes including success rates in CBD stones clearance, incidence of pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding, as well as, decrease in size of stones and liver enzymes after a two-month period were assessed in the UDCA + CBD stenting group.

The COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran; The First Patient with a Definite Diagnosis.

The novel coronavirus, formerly named as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) caused a rapidly spreading epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Wuhan, China and thereafter, progressed globally to form a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in numerous countries; and now confirmed cases are reported from several provinces of Iran. Now various medical centers, clinicians and researchers around the world share their data and experiences about COVID-19 in order to participate in the global attempt of controlling the pandemic. The current report investigates the clinical presentations and paraclinical findings of the first confirmed cases and mortalities in the initiation of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran.

Consequences of Stenting and Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilatation in Treatment of Large and Multiple Common Bile Duct Stones.

BACKGROUND Although stenting for the treatment of large and multiple common bile duct stones has been acceptable to everyone, its efficacy and outcome have not been studied in comparison with other endoscopic procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the consequences of stenting and endoscopic papilla balloon dilatation for the treatment of large and multiple common bile duct stones. METHODS In a double-blind clinical trial, of 431 patients with bile duct stones referred to the treatment center, 64 patients with multiple common bile duct stones ( ≥ 3) and more than 15 cm were selected for the study, then by random allocation rule the participants were allocated in two groups.

Prevalence of Anesthetic and Gastrointestinal Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic method for treatment of many biliary diseases. With respect to rapid recovery and more patient comfort, this procedure is currently performed under light general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation.

Objectives: The current study aimed to clarify that intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia can be performed without great fear of anesthesia related complications in ERCP patients and sedative doses of propofol can be used safely in outpatient settings under the supervision of an expert anesthesiologist.

Atorvastatin in combination with conventional antimicrobial treatment of Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background And Aim: Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of digestive diseases, which is difficult to treat and requires the administration of several antimicrobial agents. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of atorvastatin, the present study aimed at adding this agent to a four-drug regimen in order to eradicate H. pylori.

A High Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient and Mediastinal Fibrosarcoma: A Case Report.

Accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity is called ascites. The first step in identifying its etiology is to determine the serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG). According to this parameter, a high SAAG is regarded as a gradient greater than 1.

Mesalazine Has No Effect on Mucosal Immune Biomarkers in Patients with Diarrhea-Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Referred to Shariati Hospital: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Intestinal mast cells may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mesalazine on the number of lamina propria mast cells and clinical manifestations of patients with diarrhea-dominant IBS referred to Shariati Hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODS This was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial conducted on 49 patients with diarrhea-dominant IBS.

Nonadherence to Medication in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Rate and Reasons.

BACKGROUND This study is the first study to evaluate the nonadherence rate and reasons of same patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Iran. METHODS During 9 months, 500 patients with IBD were enrolled in the study. Patients were interviewed about their nonadherence behaviors.

Emerging Epidemic of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Middle Income Country: A Nation-wide Study from Iran.

Background: The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hasn't been reported in Iran. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of IBD and its trend in Iran at national and subnational level from 1990 to 2012.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of English and Persian databases about the epidemiology of IBD.

Teaching medical ethics: problem-based learning or small group discussion?

Lecture is the most common teaching method used in ethics education, while problem-based learning (PBL) and small group discussion (SGD) have been introduced as more useful methods. This study compared these methods in teaching medical ethics. Twenty students (12 female and 8 male) were randomly assigned into two groups.

Azithromycin based triple therapy versus standard clarithromycin based triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in Iran: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background/aims: In regarding to azithromycin's high tissue concentration, long biologic half life, low cost, and excellent anti bacterial profile for Helicobacter pylori in Iran, we sought to compare an azithromycin-based regimen with an already established clarithromycinbased regimen in regards to the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Material And Methods: A prospective, open label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 165 patients who presented to gastrointestinal clinics of QOM Medical University Clinics, with complaint of dyspepsia. All patients received upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and underwent rapid urease test to confirm Helicobacter pylori infection.