bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A119 ACUTE DIVERTICULITIS & CONCURRENT DIVERTICULAR BLEED: A RARE CLINICAL ENTITY
Authors: Hasan S , Ilnyckyj A
Published: February 2022

Aims

Colonic diverticula are mostly asymptomatic incidental findings on cross sectional imaging or colonoscopy. In the setting of known diverticulosis, complications like diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding occur in only 4% and 1% of patients respectively. It is unusual to see both complications expressed in the same patient and moreover, rare to see them expressed concurrently. We report a case of concurrent diverticulitis with diverticular bleed and expand on the clinical course.

Methods

Case report

Results

A 73-year old was diagnosed with sigmoid diverticulitis based on her clinical presentation and an abdominal CT scan. She was discharged home on oral antibiotics but presented a week later with painless rectal bleeding. In view of the ongoing diverticulitis, a colonoscopy was not pursued although it is the typical procedure of choice to manage active gastrointestinal bleeding. A CT scan was recommended as the alternate initial investigation, which revealed active colonic bleeding in the region of the hepatic flexure immediately adjacent to a diverticulum. A subsequent CT angiogram identified the middle colic artery to be the responsible blood supply to the region and embolization coils were deployed within this vessel in an attempt to achieve hemostasis.

Despite vascular intervention the patient continued to bleed and resuscitation with blood products was insufficient. A repeat CT scan ruled out any areas of colonic ischemia as well as any further active areas of extravasation. A decision was made to proceed with a total colectomy to provide definitive treatment of the diverticular disease and manage the bleeding. An urgent intraoperative colonoscopy was attempted but quickly abandoned due to suboptimal preparation and ongoing bleeding obscuring the view. The patient underwent a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. On pathology there was extensive diverticulosis of the ascending and the sigmoid colon with diverticulitis and diverticular abscess cavities within the sigmoid colon.

Conclusions

Diverticulitis and diverticular bleed are thought to be unrelated complications of diverticulosis involving distinct physiologic pathways (Figure 1). Although diverticular bleed may occur in patients with a history of prior diverticulitis, concurrent presentation of these two entities is extremely rare. In addition, diverticular bleed is mostly self-limiting. While endoscopic and vascular embolization are established treatment options, colectomy is rare for the management of diverticular bleeding.

We report a rare case of concurrent diverticulitis and lower GI bleeding. The presence of the sigmoid diverticulitis made interventional radiology a relatively safer option over endoscopy, which is the typical first line diagnostic and interventional procedure. Ongoing bleeding led to total colectomy and provided the patient with a definitive cure for her diverticular disease.

Funding Agencies

None
A123 MINIMALLY INVASIVE ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION TECHNIQUE PERFORMANCE FOR PERI-APPENDICEAL COLORECTAL NEOPLASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Arif A A , Donaldson K , Qian H , Lam E , Shahidi N C
Published: February 2022

Background

Minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) have revolutionized the management of peri-appendiceal colorectal neoplasia. However, questions remain about their comparative performance.

Aims

We sought to evaluate the performance of EMR, ESD and EFTR for peri-appendiceal colorectal neoplasia.

Methods

Two authors independently searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Libraries (Jan 2000 – Aug 2021) for citations evaluating the performance of endoscopic resection techniques (EMR, ESD, EFTR) for peri-appendiceal colorectal neoplasia (defined as those involving or in close proximity to the appendiceal orifice). The incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of technical success (complete removal of all neoplastic tissue at index procedure), clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding (CSPEB), delayed perforation, recurrence and referral to surgery were assessed using random-effects modelling.

Results

12 studies were included in the analysis (479 patients: 185 EMR, 171 ESD, 123 EFTR). Technical success was achieved in 93.5% (95% CI 90.9%-95.4%, EMR 93.5%, ESD 94.1%, EFTR 92.7%). Clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding occurred in 1.3% (95% CI 0.4%-4.3%, EMR 3.8%, ESD 1.2%, EFTR 0%). Delayed perforation occurred in 1.9% (95% CI 0.9%-3.9%, EMR 0%, ESD 2.4%, EFTR 2.4%). Recurrence occurred in 5.7% (95% CI 2.3%-13.8%, EMR 14.3%, ESD 0.2%, EFTR 12.2–14.3%). Referral to surgery occurred in 9.0% (95% CI 6.7%-12.0%, EMR 8.1%, ESD 9.5%, EFTR 9.8%).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques including EMR, ESD and EFTR demonstrate high frequencies of technical success with comparable adverse event profiles. They should now be viewed as first-line therapeutic modalities for the management of peri-appendiceal colorectal neoplasia.

Funding Agencies

None
A127 ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION FOR DYSPLASTIC AND NEOPLASTIC BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS: FINDINGS FROM A FOREGUT NEOPLASIA MULTIDISCIPLINARY DATABASE
Authors: Wilson H A , Blakely P , Dang J , Sun W , McLean R , Karmali S , Wong C
Published: February 2022

Background

Previously, Barrett’s esophagus with high grade dysplasia (HGD) or neoplasia was treated with esophagectomy, which is associated with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate. Recent guidelines support the use of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and potentially T1b EAC; however, data on long term outcomes of endoscopic treatment is lacking. We created a combined prospective and retrospective multidisciplinary database to monitor outcomes of patients with Barrett’s esophagus undergoing endoscopic treatment.

Aims

Our primary aim was to compare outcomes of EMR and esophagectomy in patients presenting with BE and HGD, and/or early EAC.

Methods

A collaboration of gastroenterologists, general surgeons and thoracic surgeons from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, provided input on the development of the database. All patients referred to the Northern Alberta Endoscopic Ablation Program from 2009–2021 who received at least one endoscopic treatment were included. A sub-analysis of all patients with pathologic confirmation of HGD, and/or early EAC was conducted to compare outcomes of EMR and esophagectomy.

Results

A total of 212 patients have been entered into the database. The most common findings were HGD, low grade dysplasia (LGD), and adenocarcinoma, respectively. All patients (n=48) who had at least LGD reached complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and 95.8% reached complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). Of those patients that reached CE-D, 8.3% developed recurrence of dysplasia (n=4). In the sub-analysis, 74 patients (76.3%) received endoscopic therapy while 23 patients (23.7%) received endoscopic therapy then ultimately an esophagectomy. There were significantly more T1b lesions in the esophagectomy group compared to the EMR group ( p<0.0001). Of all the patients in the EMR group, only 5.4% (n=4) had treatment related complications. Of patients receiving an esophagectomy, 60.9% (n=14) experienced treatment related complications. The mean length of stay for patients in the EMR group was 1.03 +/- 0.2 days, compared to 16.5 +/- 11.8 days for esophagectomy ( p<0.0001).

Conclusions

EMR provides definitive and durable treatment for BE lesions classified as T1b or less severe, with fewer complications and a shorter length of hospital stay than esophagectomy.

Funding Agencies

Alberta Innovates Health Solutions
A133 EVALUATION OF DYSPHAGIA IN AN ACADEMIC CENTRE
Authors: Reed D E , Al-Zubide S , Beyak M J , Paterson W G
Published: February 2022

Background

Dysphagia is a common referral to gastroenterology with both benign and malignant etiologies. There is a lack of studies regarding its clinical assessment, complications and outcomes in Canada.

Aims

To evaluate the assessment and outcomes of secondary and tertiary level dysphagia referrals in adult patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 consecutive adult patients who were initially referred for dysphagia to the Division of Gastroenterology at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre in 2015. Chart reviews were performed to assess demographics, characteristics of dysphagia, time for clinical assessment and outcomes.

Results

Of the referred patients, 19 did not present for their clinic appointment. The majority of patients (60%) were >60 yrs old with an equal distribution of male and female patients. In the assessed patients, reflux was the most common etiology (55.5%) followed by oropharyngeal causes (13.5%) and motility disorders (12%). Only 3 patients of the cohort were diagnosed with esophageal cancer, 2 of whom had metastasis at the time of presentation. Time from referral to clinical assessment was <4 weeks in just 30% and >12 weeks in 55%. For the patients diagnosed with malignancy, 2 were assessed within of 2 weeks while the third patient was assessed and endoscoped at 12 weeks. In patients sent for endoscopy, 28% had an endoscopy <4 weeks after assessment while 47% had endoscopy > 12 weeks after assessment. Manometry was performed in 18% of the patients assessed. Information was available on the course of the dysphagia in 65 patients. Dysphagia had resolved or improved in 83%, remained unchanged in 14% and worsened in 3%.

Conclusions

Reflux-related dysphagia was by far the most common cause of dysphagia in this referral cohort. Wait times for clinical assessment greatly exceeded current CAG recommendations in the majority. Given current resource constraints, this highlights the need for improved referral information and patient care pathways in the management of patients referred with dysphagia.

Funding Agencies

None
A142 IMPACT OF HLADQA1*05G>A GENETIC-SCREENING FOR OPTIMAL ANTI-TNF THERAPY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors: Wilson A , Chande N , Ponich T , Gregor J C , Khanna R , McIntosh K , Sey M , Beaton M D , Kim R B
Published: February 2022

Background

Genetic variation in the human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) gene is strongly associated with the formation of anti-drug antibodies to tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists (anti-TNF) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is also associated anti-TNF loss of response and treatment discontinuation.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the utility of preemptive HLADQA1*05G>A screening to reduce the incidence of treatment-related adverse events in an IBD population by lessening the need for combination therapy in those who do not carry the risk allele. We also assessed for the occurrence of anti-TNF anti-drug antibody (ADA) formation, anti-TNF loss of response, treatment discontinuation compared to an unscreened population.

Methods

A non-randomized open label study is ongoing in IBD patients being considered for anti-TNF therapy. Participants received either pre-treatment HLADQA1*05G>A screening (prospective-screening group, n=25/110 recruited), with the addition of one of azathioprine or methotrexate to anti-TNF therapy (combination therapy) if identified as a high risk variant carrier (G/A or A/A) or received combination therapy without undergoing prospective HLADQA1*05A>G screening (control group, n=25/110 recruited). All participants will be followed for up to 1 year and observed for the occurrence of any adverse drug events, formation of anti-TNF drug antibodies (ADA), anti-TNF loss of response and anti-TNF discontinuation.

Results

To date, the prevalence of HLADQA1*05 G/A and A/A was 20% in the prospective-screening group and thus 20% (n=5/25) received combination therapy and 80% (n=20) received anti-TNF monotherapy. All participants in the control group (n=25/25) received combination therapy. Considering all groups, 78% (n=39/50) received infliximab, while 22% (n=11/50) received adalimumab. To date, the median follow-up period is 5 (IQR=4) months. Fewer adverse drug events have been reported in the prospective-screening group versus the control group (16.7% vs 33.3%, odds ratio 0.40, 95%CI=0.12–1.56, p=0.18). Anti-TNF ADA formation and treatment discontinuation were similar between groups (prospective-screening, 0% versus control, 4.2%). A higher proportion of controls experienced anti-TNF loss of response (16.7% vs 8.3%, p=0.38).

Conclusions

Preemptive HLADQA1*05G>A screening appears to reduce the need for combination therapy when using anti-TNF agents in an IBD population. Fewer drug-related adverse events are reported to date in the screened cohort without a concomitant increase in deleterious outcomes such as ADA formation or anti-TNF discontinuation. Completion of this study will help define whether or not HLADQA1*05G>A-screening is a clinically-actionable and relevant tool for guiding the application of combination therapy in IBD.

Funding Agencies

Lawson Health Research Institute
A148 IMPACT OF EXAMINATION UNDER ANESTHESIA PRIOR TO ANTI-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR THERAPY ON FISTULA HEALING FOR PERIANAL CROHN’S DISEASE PATIENTS: A COMPARATIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Fung M , Chan M , Chin Koon Siw K , Sabri E , McCurdy J
Published: February 2022

Background

Current guidelines recommend a combined approach consisting of an examination under anesthesia (EUA) and anti-TNF therapy for perianal Crohn’s Disease (PCD). However, the impact of this approach on fistula healing and long-term outcomes is unknown.

Aims

To assess the effect of EUA on fistula healing and long term outcomes in patients with perianal Crohn’s disese who are treated with anti-TNF therapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single-center, comparative cohort study between 2009 and 2019. We compared patients with PCD who received EUA prior to anti-TNF therapy (combined therapy) to anti-TNF therapy alone. Our primary outcome was fistula closure by clinical assessment. Secondary outcomes included subsequent local surgery and fecal diversion. Logistic regression and multivariable cox-proportional hazard models adjusted for abscesses, concomitant immunomodulators, and time to anti-TNF initiation were performed.

Results

A total of 155 patients underwent 188 distinct anti-TNF starts: 66 (35%) after an EUA. Patients who underwent an EUA prior to anti-TNF therapy were more likely to have an abscess (50% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) and concomitant immunomodulator usage (64% vs. 50%; p = 0.07). Otherwise, there were no differences between cohorts in age, smoking status, disease duration, and location of luminal disease. There were no significant differences in fistula closure at 3, 6, or 12 months between cohorts overall (Table 1). The results remained consistent in sensitivity analyses that excluded patients with abscesses and prior biologic treatment failure. The results were also similar when defining the combined therapy group as those with setons. After a median follow-up of 4.6 years (IQR, 5.95) patients who underwent an EUA prior to anti-TNF therapy were more likely to require a subsequent EUA (aHR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3–3.6) (Figure 1) but not fecal diversion (aHR 1.3; 95% CI, 0.45–3.9).

Conclusions

In this single center study, combined therapy (EUA prior to anti-TNF therapy) was not associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with anti-TNF therapy alone. These findings suggest that EUA may not be necessary in every patient with PCD prior to initiation of anti-TNF therapy. Future prospective studies that control for fistula complexity are warranted.

Table 1: Unadjusted rates of fistula closure after anti-TNF therapy comparing patients with and without an exam under anesthesia

Funding Agencies

University of Ottawa Department of Medicine
A161 MUCOSAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS IN NON-INFLAMED ILEUM OF CROHN’S DISEASE PATIENTS SHOWS DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENE PROFILE COMPARED TO ILEUM OF HEALTHY CONTROLS
Authors: Martinez-Lozano H , Nayeri S , Borowski K , Olivera Sendra P A , Leibovitzh H , Hernandez-Rocha C , Lee S , Stempak J , Silverberg M S
Published: February 2022

Background

The terminal ileum is the most susceptible location to develop Crohn’s disease (CD) and therefore is a valuable tissue to investigate biological mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation. Gene expression is highly affected by the level of inflammation, however, data on ileal transcriptomic profile in the absence of active inflammation is limited.

Aims

To investigate the ileal mucosal transcriptomic profile of CD patients in endoscopic and histologic remission compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Ileal biopsies were collected during colonoscopy from patients with CD and HC. Biopsies were classified as non-inflamed based on endoscopic appearance and histologic criteria. Endo-histologic remission (EHR) was defined as simple endoscopic score < 3 and absence of active histologic inflammation. We included CD patients with EHR and HC for the analysis of this study. CD phenotype was divided into isolated colonic CD (cCD) that included Montreal L2 and ileal predominant CD (iCD) that included Montreal L1 and L3. Total RNA was extracted from samples, sequenced using a HiSeq 2500 instrument (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) and differential expression analysis was performed in EdgeR. Genes that were differentially expressed at the average of 2-fold-change (FC) in mean expression and False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Ileal samples from 14 CD patients in EHR and 29 HC were included in the analysis. CD patients were significantly younger (median age 28.5 years, interquartile range (IQR)=24–40) compared with HC (median age 56 years, IQR=51–64). There were no differences in gender distribution (42.9% males in CD and 55.2% males in HC). We found 101 differentially expressed genes in CD patients compared to HC (99 genes were up-regulated and two were down-regulated). Dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) and complement C6 were respectively the most significant up-regulated (logFC=4.45, FDR=1.3e-8) and down-regulated (logFC=-2.73, FDR=0.0006) genes in non-inflamed ileum CD group when compared with HC. In a subgroup analysis comparing ileal samples of CD patients with cCD (n=8) versus iCD phenotype (n=6), no differentially expressed genes were identified.

Conclusions

The mucosal transcriptomic profile of patients with inactive endoscopic and histologic ileal CD shows significant differentially expressed gene profile compared to ileal mucosa of HC. The clinical relevance of these findings should be further investigated.

Funding Agencies

IBD Genetics Consortium
A180 CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF COVID-19 AND IMPACT ON DISEASE COURSE IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Wetwittayakhlang P , Albader F , Golovics P , Drügg Hahn G , Bessissow T , Bitton A , Afif W , Wild G , Lakatos P L
Published: February 2022

Background

The impact of COVID-19 has been of great concern in patients with IBD worldwide, including an increased risk of severe outcomes and/or flare of IBD.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate prevalence, outcomes, the impact of COVID-19 in patients with IBD, and risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 or flare of IBD.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of IBD patients diagnosed with COVID was obtained between March 2020 - April 2021.

Results

A total of 3,516 IBD cohort patients were included. 82 patients (2.3%) were diagnosed with COVID infection (median age 39.0, 77% with Crohn’s disease). The prevalence of COVID-19 in IBD was significantly lower compared to the general population in Canada and Quebec (3.5% vs. 4.3%, p<0.001). Severe COVID occurred in 6 patients (7.3%); 2 patients (2.4%) died. A flare of IBD post-COVID infection was reported in 8 patients (9.8%) within 3 months. Age ≥55 years (OR 11.1, 95%CI:1.8–68.0), systemic corticosteroid use (OR:4.6, 95%CI:0.7–30.1), active IBD (OR:3.8, 95%CI:0.7–20.8) and comorbidity (OR:4.9, 95%CI:0.8–28.6) were associated with severe COVID. After initial infection, 61% received vaccinations.

Conclusions

The prevalence of COVID-19 among patients with IBD was lower than the general population. Severe COVID and flare of IBD were relatively rare. Older age, comorbidities, active IBD, and corticosteroid, but not biological therapy were associated with severe COVID.

Outcome of COVID-19 in IBD patients, disease course of IBD, and vaccination after COVID infection

Funding Agencies

None
A187 RISK FACTORS OF CLINICAL RELAPSES IN PEDIATRIC LUMINAL CROHN’S DISEASE, A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Sassine S , Djani L , Cambron-Asselin C , Savoie-Robichaud M , Lin Y , Fadela Zekhnine S , Qaddouri M , Grzywacz K , Groleau V , Dirks M , Drouin É , Halac U , Marchand V , Girard C , Courbette O , Patey N , Dal Soglio D , Deslandres C , Jantchou P
Published: February 2022

Background

Few risk factors are associated with the risk of relapses of Crohn’s disease in children.

Aims

The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to describe the rate of relapses in children with Crohn’s disease, its evolution over the past decade and to determine risk factors associated with relapse.

Methods

Patients under 18 years old and diagnosed between 2009 and 2019 were included. Patients clinical, endoscopic, histological, and laboratory characteristics, as well as their treatments, where collected from their medical records and the prospective CHU Sainte-Justine inflammatory bowel disease registry. Survival analyses and Cox regression models were used to assess the impact of those risk factors on relapse.

Results

639 patients were included. There was a decrease in the clinical relapse rate over the past decade: 70.9% of patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2014 experienced a relapse compared to 49.1% of patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 (p<0.0001). The following variables were associated with clinical relapse: female sex (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)= 1.51, p=0.0009), high PCDAI (aHR= 1.02, p=0.04) and SES-CD (aHR= 1.03, p=0.03) scores at diagnosis, upper digestive tract involvement (aHR= 1.59, p=0.0003), exposure to oral 5-ASA (aHR= 1.91, p=0.0003), use of immunomodulatory agents compared to TNF-alpha inhibitors (methotrexate aHR= 1.91, p=0.0006; thiopurines aHR= 2.06, p<0.0001), presence of granulomas (aHR= 1.27, p=0.04) and increased eosinophils on intestinal biopsies (aHR= 1.34, p=0.02), high levels of C-reactive protein (aHR= 1.01, p<0.0001) and fecal calprotectin (aHR=1.09, p<0.0001) during clinical remission and low serum infliximab levels during maintenance (aHR for mean serum infliximab level under 7ug/mL = 2.48, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Relapse risk was significantly associated with baseline clinical, endoscopic, histological and laboratory data and treatment strategies. These results could help better select treatment options for pediatric Crohn’s disease at induction and maintenance.

Kaplan-Meier curve representing patients time to relapse according to the mean infliximab level in post-induction.

Funding Agencies

NoneFonds Recherche Santé Québec / Fondation du CHU Sainte-Justine
A189 INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS POST RENAL TRANSPLANT:A CASE SERIES
Authors: Sethuraman A , Guttman O , Barker C , Skinn A
Published: February 2022

Background

Diarrhea in renal transplant recipients may be due to infection, medication induced colitis and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Uncommonly a subset of these children develop denovo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), despite being already immunosuppressed. Paucity of literature in the pediatric population has been noted.

Aims

To describe the clinical presentation, investigations and response to treatment in a cohort of children diagnosed with IBD post renal transplant

Methods

Patients diagnosed with IBD post renal transplant between January 1 - October 1, 2021 at BC Children’s Hospital were identified. Medical history, symptoms at presentation, histological characteristics, results of investigations and response to treatment were reviewed

Results

Data of 3 children were collected. Ages of the children were 11, 16 and 17 years (2 female). All patients had bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss for 1 to 2 months. IBD diagnosis was made 8, 7 and 4 years respectively post renal transplant. All children were on maintenance immunosuppression with prednisone, MMF and tacrolimus. Bacterial, viral and parasitic causes were ruled out by relevant studies. All patients had negative anti-tissue transglutaminase.

Patient 1 (transplanted for renal dysplasia) was diagnosed with Crohn disease involving the antrum, ileum, and colon with rectal sparing. Fecal calprotectin (FC) was 1742 ug/g, CRP elevated at 56mg/L. Histology showed focally active chronic gastritis and changes in ileum with cryptitis and crypt dropout. The colon had features of moderate chronic active colitis with focal severe ulceration in the rectum. The patient achieved clinical remission on treatment with methylprednisolone, then started on vedolizumab in context of rising BK virus titre.

Patient 2 (transplanted for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) was diagnosed with indeterminate colitis involving the IC valve and scattered colonic ulcers. FC was 674 ug/g and CRP and ESR were normal. Histology showed normal ileum, moderate active chronic changes in colon and rectal sparing. Clinical remission was achieved with oral mesalamine.

Patient 3 (transplanted for Bardet-Biedl syndrome) was diagnosed with indeterminate colitis with a colonoscopy that showed patchy colonic erythema and normal ileum. FC was 966 ug/g, and CRP and ESR were normal. Histology showed patchy chronic active colitis and mild active ileitis. Clinical remission was achieved with oral and rectal mesalamine.

Conclusions

Denovo IBD occurs in children post renal transplant and must be considered in the differential for ongoing diarrhea in these patients. It can be a challenge to distinguish between IBD and other causes of diarrhea. The patients in this series entered clinical remission in a short period of time. Further exploration of the pathogenesis of IBD in these immunosuppressed patients would be valuable

Funding Agencies

None
A195 GEOEPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHANGES DUE TO ALTERATIONS IN DIAGNOSTIC ROME CRITERIA FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Authors: Szilagyi A , Xue X
Published: February 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a positive diagnosis based on consensus opinions. The Rome (R) criteria, have gone through 4 rounds. R4 restricted diagnosis of IBS over R3, reducing global prevalence. Previously, there were no correlations of world distributions of IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD](Lovell). There are also epidemiological studies showing relationships between IBD and national wealth.

Aims

We reevaluate relationships among different R criteria and latitude(Lat), lactose digestion status (LNP), human development index(HDI), gross domestic product/capita(GDP/c), Crohn’s disease (CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) incidence(i) and prevalence(p).

Methods

Literature on world prevalence of national IBS (Oka,Sperber), IBD rates (Ng), and GDP (Lopez Ruiz) (4) were sought on PubMed and Google Scholar.National HDI(08 or 2016) were available on the internet (http://hdr.undp.org/en/data). National lactase distributions and latitudes were quoted (Szilagyi). Target dates were for the year 2008±8yrs. After log transformation of IBD incidence, Pearson’s correlations were carried out.(strong at; r ≥0.7, moderate ≥0.5, weak ≤ 0.49, negligible ≤ 0.3). (significance was p<0.05).

Results

Correlations of HDI08 and HDI16 was 0.98. Comparisons of R2 and a composite based on Manning, R 1 and 2 (Lovell) was r = 0.96 (N21 countries), Correlation of R 3 and 4 were r = 0.85 (N17). Correlations of R2 and R3 or R4 were negligible (r = -0.2 (n15) and -0.12 (N22). Correlations of R2 and both economic metrics were weak but significant (r = 0.42 – r = 0.49, p < 0.03 - < 0.001). However, correlations of metrics with R3 were non significant and negligible with R4. Comparisons of R2 with LNP or Lat were negligible, but those of R3 or R4 with Lat were significant. Comparisons of R3 with CDp showed a strong correlation while R4 showed a weak but significant correlation with UCi. R2 had negligible correlations with IBD.

Conclusions

Although, these results are based on limited data variations in R criteria have changed relations with IBS prevalence.Earlier R criteria showed increased IBS in poorer nations. The recent R3 and R4 criteria are independent of national economy, but show more relations with increasing latitudes. Consequences of the change include R3 and 4 reflecting western society symptoms perhaps linking it more with IBD.It is unclear if this new relationship incorporates an irritable inflammatory bowel syndrome (Gajula).The generalizability therefore of the new R4 criteria may still be limited.

Table: Rome criteria compared to variables.

Statistical significance * < 0.03, ** ≤ 0.05

Funding Agencies

None
A202 IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ALCOHOL-RELATED HEPATITIS
Authors: Frolkis A , Borman M , Sadler M D , Congly S E , Nguyen H H , Lee S , Stinton L , Swain M , Coffin C S , Aspinall A , Burak K W , Shaheen A M
Published: February 2022

Background

Alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is the most severe form of alcohol-related liver disease, with rising incidence. Stay-at-home orders for the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increased alcohol consumption. Online sales reported a 262% increase from March 2019 to 2020.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to track the epidemiology of hospitalizations for AH by sex before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that AH would be more severe in females and younger individuals during the pandemic.

Methods

Using the Discharge Abstract Database, we identified all hospitalizations in Alberta with international classification of disease-10 codes for AH between March 2018 and September 2020. We merged this dataset with provincial laboratory data to identify all inpatient lab values. We calculated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Maddrey scores and validated a laboratory-based algorithm for AH. Severe AH was defined as Maddrey score > 32. Onset of the pandemic was defined as March 2020. Stratified by pandemic onset, descriptive statistics were done with Chi-squared and Kruskal Wallis tests. Inpatient mortality was assessed as a primary outcome. Binomial regression was used to assess changes in frequency of admission for AH with the denominator as all cirrhosis-related admissions over the same time-period.

Results

We identified 991 hospitalizations for AH prior to the pandemic (n=381, 38.5% female) and 417 during the pandemic (n=144, 34.5% female). Hospitalizations for AH significantly increased during the pandemic (p = 0.04) (Figure 1). Median Maddrey score for females (30.5) before the pandemic was significantly higher than for males (22.9), p < 0.01. During the pandemic, median Maddrey for females (28.7) was higher than males 21.4, p = 0.07. Median age at admission was significantly lower for both males and females during the pandemic (age 44 and 41, respectively) as compared to prior (age 47 and 45, respectively) p < 0.05. There was no significant difference in MELD between sexes before (13.5 for females, 14.0 for males, p = 0.15) and during the pandemic (13.3 for females, 13.0 for males, p = 0.75). Additionally, there was no significant difference in mortality between sexes before (10.4% in females, 11.5% in males, p = 0.22) and after the pandemic (9.2% in females, 9.9% in males, p = 0.67).

Conclusions

Hospitalizations for AH rose during the pandemic and occurred at younger ages. There was no significant difference in disease severity or mortality before and during the pandemic. Overall, females have more severe AH than males. Public health efforts should continue to be made to educate about the harms of alcohol excess and offer community support. Future studies will expand the trend through multiple pandemic waves.

Funding Agencies

None
A209 EXPERT CONSENSUS CRITERIA AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PBC CARE IN THE COVID-19 ERA AND BEYOND
Authors: Hirschfield G , Berenguer M , Kremer A E , Jones D , Leroy V , Adekunle F , Carbone M
Published: February 2022

Background

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease that can progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and requires timely diagnosis, optimal treatment, and risk stratification. Several guidelines for the management of PBC have been published, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Practice Guidelines, which include goals for standards of PBC care. However, recent audits have identified deficiencies in real-world PBC care. In addition, the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has generally reduced access to care, diminished healthcare resources and accelerated the use of remote patient management. There is therefore a need for simple, actionable guidance that physicians can implement in order to maintain standards of care in PBC in the new environment.

Aims

A working group of ten PBC specialists from Europe and Canada were convened by Intercept Pharmaceuticals in January 2020 with the aim of defining key criteria for the care of patients with PBC.

Methods

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on these criteria, a smaller working group of six PBC specialists developed practical recommendations to assist physicians in maintaining standards of care and to guide remote management of patients.

Results

The working group defined five key criteria for care in PBC, encompassing PBC diagnosis, initiation of first line therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), risk stratification on UDCA, symptom management, and initiation of 2L therapy. The group developed 21 practical recommendations for the management of patients with PBC in the COVID-19 environment including modality, frequency and timing of investigations and monitoring. (Figure 1).

Conclusions

The delivery of PBC care during the COVID-19 pandemic carries significant challenges. These consensus criteria and practical recommendations provide guidance for the management of PBC during the pandemic era and beyond.

Funding Agencies

NoneIntercept Pharmaceutical
A211 INCIDENCE OF PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS: A META-ANALYSIS OF POPULATION-BASED STUDIES
Authors: Cooper J , Markovinovic A , Coward S , Shaheen A M , Swain M , Panaccione R , Ma C , Novak K L , Kaplan G G
Published: February 2022

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilization. Understanding the incidence of PSC is important in defining the burden of disease and planning for allocation of healthcare resources.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies of the incidence of PSC and to assess temporal trends of incidence overtime.

Methods

Medline and Embase (from inception to May 10, 2021) were systematically searched to identify studies via the following inclusion criteria: 1) original articles, 2) population-based study of defined geographic area, 3) reported the incidence of PSC or provided data to calculate the incidence of PSC. Studies that assessed specific populations (e.g., pediatric-only, IBD-only) or reported less than 1 year of data were excluded. Abstracts and full texts were reviewed for inclusion and data was extracted independently in duplicate by two individuals (JC, AM). Meta-analyses were performed to calculate overall and country-specific incidence rates (per 100,000 persons) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-regression calculated the Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) of PSC incidence rates overtime.

Results

The initial search returned 3,958 abstracts. After duplicates were removed, abstracts (3,443) were screened, and full texts were reviewed (317), 17 studies met the criteria for inclusion and underwent data extraction. Meta-analysis included 6 studies with annual data contributing to the calculation of AAPC. Studies originated from 10 countries from North America, Europe, and Oceania; however, no population-based studies were published in Asia, Africa, or Latin America (Figure 1). Overall, the incidence rates of PSC was 0.82 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.02) (Figure 1). Incidence rates of PSC were significantly increasing overtime (AAPC: 4.56%; 95% CI: 0.45, 8.68).

Conclusions

The incidence of PSC is low at 0.82 per 100,000 but has been significantly increasing over time. Future studies on the incidence of PSC should be directed at Asia, Africa of Latin America to assess the global epidemiology of PSC.

Figure 1: Pooled incidence rate estimates of PSC per 100,000 person-years at risk.

Funding Agencies

None
A216 WHEN CANCER CASTS THE FIRST STONE: A CASE REPORT OF GALLBLADDER CANCER PRESENTING AS GALLSTONE ILEUS
Authors: Shelton J , McCall M , Strickland M
Published: February 2022

Background

Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of mechanical bowel obstruction. It occurs when a biliary stone passes through a cholecystoenteric fistula and becomes impacted in the bowel lumen, most commonly at the terminal ileum or ileocecal valve.

Gallbladder cancer is rare and often has a poor prognosis. Many patients present with advanced-stage disease and only 10% of patients are candidates for surgical resection. Early research has shown there is an increased incidence of gallbladder cancer among patients with gallstone ileus. To date, this relationship remains poorly understood.

Aims

To present a case of an elderly female whose gallbladder cancer presented after causing a cholecystoenteric fistula and gallstone ileus.

Methods

A retrospective review of a single patient case.

Results

Our patient was a 78-year-old female with a background history of hypertension, iron-deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, and treated bilateral breast cancer. She initially presented with acute cholecystitis, complicated by a concurrent pulmonary embolism. Given her need for systemic anticoagulation, she was treated non-operatively with antibiotics and an outpatient cholecystectomy was planned.

She returned to hospital eight months later reporting two days of nausea and vomiting. A repeat CT scan showed a cholecystoduodenal fistula with a 3.5cm x 2.6cm gallstone impacted 20cm from the ileocecal valve. A laparoscopic-assisted enterolithotomy was performed and her postoperative course was uneventful.

One month later, a CT scan was organized by her family physician to follow-up on incidental liver lesions. While the liver lesions were deemed benign, there was new lobulated soft tissue within the gallbladder, measuring 4.8cm x 4.7cm x 6.2cm, suspicious for a primary gallbladder malignancy. A follow-up MRI confirmed an intraluminal mass with direct invasion into hepatic segment III as well as marked segment III intrahepatic biliary dilatation. Endoscopy to the duodenum and cholecystoduodenal fistula was performed with a biopsy confirming gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

She underwent an open radical cholecystectomy, left hepatic lobectomy, antrectomy, resection of 1st portion of duodenum, and reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. Final pathology and staging confirmed a pT3pN0M0 adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder with a fistula tract within the cancer extending to the duodenum. She was then referred to a cancer center to complete a six-month course of adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine.

Conclusions

Gallstone ileus is a cause of mechanical bowel obstruction and rarely, it can be the first presentation of gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis with many patients presenting with late-stage disease. As a result, we recommend the consideration of post-enterolithotomy imaging in select patients to evaluate for evidence of malignancy.

Funding Agencies

None
A241 KIWIFRUIT AND KIWIFRUIT EXTRACTS FOR TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Eltorki M , Leong R , Ratcliffe E
Published: February 2022

Aims

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of kiwifruit or kiwifruit extracts in thetreatment of constipation.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from inception until January 2021. Eligible studies enrolled participants with functional constipation (FC) or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) with randomization to receive kiwifruit or kiwifruit extracts vs. any non-kiwifruit control. Standardized meandifference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) with confidence intervals (CI) were determined for the following outcomes: weekly frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020207365.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials including 399 participants (82% female; mean age 42 years [Standard Deviation 14.6]) were included. Compared with placebo, kiwifruit extract might increase weekly frequency of SBM (MD 1.36; 95% CI -0.44 to 3.16) with low certainty evidence. Kiwifruit had an uncertain effecton BSS (SMD 1.54; 95% CI -1.33 to 4.41) with very low certainty evidence. Compared with psyllium, kiwifruitmay increase weekly SBM (MD 1.1; 95% CI -0.02 to 2.04) and may increase BSS (softer stools) (MD 0.63;95% CI 0.01 to 1.25) both with low certainty evidence. Compared to placebo, kiwifruit encapsulated extracts may result in an increase in minor adverse events (Relative Risk 4.58; 95% CI 0.79 to 26.4).

Conclusions

Among individuals with constipation, overall low certainty of evidence indicate that kiwifruit may increase SBM when compared to placebo or psyllium. Although overall results are promising, establishing therole of kiwifruit in FC or IBS-C requires large, methodologically rigorous trials.

Funding Agencies

None
A245 DETERMINING THE PREVALENCE OF DELAYED GASTRIC EMPTYING IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CONSTIPATION USING NUCLEAR SCINTIGRAPHY
Authors: Rogalsky A , Gould M , Vali R , Marcon P
Published: February 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal motility is coordinated by complex neurohormonal circuits existing between different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been hypothesized that one of these pathways, the “cologastric brake,” acts as a negative feedback system to inhibit gastric motility when there is loading of stool within the colon in conditions such as constipation.

Aims

To assess gastric emptying in pediatric patients presenting with constipation using whole-gut nuclear scintigraphy. We hypothesize that children with constipation are likely to exhibit delayed gastric emptying due to neurohormonal pathways such as the cologastric brake.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients under 18 years of age who underwent a whole-gut nuclear scintigraphy study for the work-up of constipation at The Hospital for Sick Children between January 2014 and May 2021 was completed. Demographic and clinical data at the time of presentation was summarized. The proportion of patients with delayed gastric emptying and delayed small and large bowel transit were calculated. Exploratory univariable analyses were performed to identify clinical predictors of delayed gastric emptying.

Results

This study identified 140 patients meeting inclusion criteria of whom 72 were male (51.4%), (meanage = 10.04 ± 4.79). The prevalence of patients with delayed gastric emptying was 61.9% (n = 86). Despite this, only 5.0% (n = 7) and 21.8% (n = 29) had delayed small and large bowel transit respectively. Children with delayed gastric emptying were significantly younger (meanage = 9.15 ± 4.60) than those with normal gastric emptying (meanage = 11.53 ± 4.79), p = .01. A chi-square test of independence showed that there was no significant relationship between use of a promotility agent and delayed gastric emptying ( p = .48). There was also no significant association between the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed gastric emptying ( p = .79).

Conclusions

We found that children with constipation have a high prevalence of delayed gastric emptying. However, only a small proportion of these patients have delayed bowel transit. This supports the idea that delayed gastric emptying in children with constipation is likely not due to intrinsic neuromuscular defects of the gut but rather, secondary to a neurohormonal “cologastric brake.” This is important information for clinicians as it suggests that a key step in managing delayed gastric emptying in this scenario is to treat patients’ constipation as opposed to initiating therapies, such as prokinetic agents, which attempt to directly improve gastric emptying.

Funding Agencies

None
A255 INCREASED ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND REDUCED EXERCISE CAPACITY IN CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET
Authors: Faisal M , Russell L , Collins A W , Armstrong D , Pinto-Sanchez M I
Published: February 2022

Background

Celiac disease (CeD) patients often exhibit impaired nutritional status due to nutrient malabsorption and altered metabolism. Accurate clinical assessment of malnutrition, muscle function and energy requirements are thus essential to prevent and treat malnutrition. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the most accurate method to measure energy needs, but it is underutilized in outpatient settings.

Aims

To assess the use of IC testing in estimating the resting energy expenditure and exercise-related energy utilization in treated CeD patients compared to patients with other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

Methods

Adult patients attending the Celiac and Nutrition Clinic at McMaster University that underwent rest and exercise testing as a part of their nutritional assessment were enrolled. CeD diagnosis was based on positive CeD serology and confirmed by biopsy, and all of them were on a GFD for at least 6 months. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and undernutrition due to other causes (UN) were included as controls. Resting energy expenditure was assessed using 3

methods

1) predictive formula (25kcal/kg), 2) Harris Benedict and 3) estimation of VO2 by IC. Exercise capacity and energy expenditure (EE) during exercise was estimated at baseline, moderate and maximum exercise. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections and Chi2 test were used to assess differences between continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

A total of 66 patients (CeD n=24; IBD n=15; FGID n=17; UN n=10) were included in the analysis. The REE of GI patients measured using the HB equation and the predictive formula were significantly underestimated compared to IC [Mean Difference (MD)=229 kcal/day p=0.03 and MD=365 kcal/day p<0.001, respectively]. The EE during exercise increased with intensity of exercise. CeD patients had the highest EE during moderate and strenuous exercise (Mean EE = 286 kcal/h and 494 kcal/h respectively) compared to patients with other GI conditions (Moderate and Strenuous for IBD= 218kcal/h and 373kcal/h; for FGIDs 296kcal/hand 467kcal/h, for UN, Mean EE = 181kcal/h and 294kcal/h). Exercise capacity was reduced in CeD compared to predicted exercise capacity (Mean = 86% predicted work capacity, range 72.5–107%), but was significantly higher than IBD (86% vs 73%; p=0.65) and UN patients (86% vs 46%; p=0.004).

Conclusions

Increased energy consumption and reduced exercise capacity is suggestive of chronic impaired nutritional status in treated CeD patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to understand whether incorporating accurate estimations of energy expenditure in nutritional practices can improve CeD outcomes.

Funding Agencies

CAG