bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A74 INCREASING RATES OF CT IMAGING IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Kandel R , Merlano M , Tan P , Brar G , McCurdy J D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the abdomen is often performed in the emergency department (ED) to exclude urgent pathology in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). However, concerns over excessive radiation exposure from repeated use have led to expert consensus guidelines advising against CT imaging unless there is suspicion of complications (obstruction, perforation, abscess) or a non-IBD cause for symptoms.

Aims
Our study aimed to determine trends in abdominal CT utilization and findings among patients with IBD in the ED.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2018 at a single academic center. We identified ED encounters for adults (age ≥17 years) with a pre-existing diagnosis of IBD from our institutional database and determined the proportion resulting in an abdominal CT scan within 72 hours of presentation. IBD subtypes were classified based on ICD-10 claims: K50.90* for Crohn’s disease (CD), K51.90* for Ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD undifferentiated (IBDU) for patients with both claims. A time trend analysis was performed using a generalized linear model that assumed a Poisson distribution. CT scans were classified according to the dominant imaging finding. For this part we excluded studies performed within 1-month of surgery or those re-assessing a known abscess or malignancy.

Results
A total of 14783 encounters were identified. Among these encounters 3000 CT scans were performed: 2000 for patients with CD (21.9%), 652 for UC (16.5%) and 348 for IBDU (20.4%). The rates of CT utilization significantly increased by 2.7% (95% CI, 1.2–4.3; p=0.0004) in patients with CD, by 4.2% (95% CI, 1.7–6.7; p=0.0009) in patients with UC and by 6.3% in patients with IBDU (95% CI, 2.5–10.0; p=0.0011). Among the eligible CT scans performed for CD, the following dominant findings were reported: normal (25%), inflammation (23%), obstruction (23%), penetrating (18%) and unrelated to IBD (8.6%). In contrast, the following findings for patients with UC were reported: normal (20%), inflammation (39%), obstructive (19%), penetrating (8%) and unrelated to IBD (15%).

Conclusions
In this single center study, a steady increase in CT utilization in the ED was observed in patients with IBD. Interestingly, only a small proportion of the CT scans demonstrated urgent findings. Future studies are required to determine the factors that contribute to the ongoing increase in CT utilization in this patient population.

Funding Agencies
None
A85 THE CLINICAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 DELAYS ON PLASTIC BILIARY STENT REMOVAL IN NOVA SCOTIA
Authors: Lim D R , Tsai M , Gruchy S E , Jones J , Williams G , Farina D , Kohansal A R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-2019 pandemic continues to restrict access to endoscopy, resulting in delays or cancellation of non-urgent endoscopic procedures. A delay in the removal or exchange of plastic biliary stents may lead to stent occlusion with consensus recommendation of stent removal or exchange at three-month intervals [1–4]. We postulated that delayed plastic biliary stent removal (DPBSR) would increase complication rates.

Aims
We aim to report our single-centre experience with complications arising from DPBSR.

Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study. All subjects who had ERCP-guided plastic biliary stent placement in Halifax, Nova Scotia between Dec 2019 and June 2020 were included in the study. DPBSR was defined as stent removal &gt;=90 days from insertion. Four endpoints were assigned to patients: 1. Stent removed endoscopically, 2. Died with stent in-situ (measured from stent placement to documented date of death/last clinical encounter before death), 3. Pending removal (subjects clinically well, no liver enzyme elevation, not expired, endpoint 1 Nov 2020), and 4. Complication requiring urgent reintervention. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to represent duration of stent patency (Fig.1).

Results
102 (47.2%) had plastic biliary stents placed between 2/12/2019 and 29/6/2020. 49 (48%) were female, and the median age was 68 (R 16–91). Median follow-up was 167.5 days, 60 (58.8%) subjects had stent removal, 12 (11.8%) died before replacement, 21 (20.6%) were awaiting stent removal with no complications (median 230d, R 30–332), 9 (8.8%) had complications requiring urgent ERCP. Based on death reports, no deaths were related to stent-related complications.
72(70.6%) of patients had stents in-situ for &gt;= 90 days. In this population, median time to removal was 211.5d (R 91-441d). 3 (4.2%) subjects had stent-related complications requiring urgent ERCP, mean time to complication was 218.3d (R 94–441). Stent removal &gt;=90 days was not associated with complications such as occlusion, cholangitis, and migration (p=1.0). Days of stent in-situ was not associated with occlusion, cholangitis, and migration (p=0.57). Sex (p=0.275), cholecystectomy (p=1.0), cholangiocarcinoma (p=1.0), cholangitis (p=0.68) or pancreatitis (p=1.0) six weeks prior to ERCP, benign vs. malignant etiology (p=1.0) were not significantly associated with stent-related complications.

Conclusions
Plastic biliary stent longevity may have been previously underestimated. The findings of this study agree with CAG framework recommendations [5] that stent removal be prioritized as elective (P3). Limitations include small sample size that could affect Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Despite prolonged indwelling stent time as a result of COVID-19, we did not observe an increased incidence of stent occlusion or other complications.

Funding Agencies
None
A91 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF A FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION PROGRAM FOR RECURRENT CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION IN ALBERTA
Authors: Yang D Y , Mullie T , Sun H , Russell L , Roach B , Wong K , Zhang W , Kao D H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the most effective therapy for recurrent C. difficile infection. Although studies using statistical modeling have shown FMT to be cost-effective, real-world data is lacking.

Aims
To assess the impact of FMT program on the healthcare cost of recurrent C. difficile infections using real-world data from Alberta’s public healthcare system.

Methods
C. difficile infection patients were identified through provincial laboratory database with positive C. difficile results in Edmonton, Alberta between 2009–16. If an initial positive test was followed by ≧2 positive tests within 183 days, an individual was categorized as recurrent C. difficile infection (RCDI). Otherwise, non-recurrent C. difficile infection (non-RCDI) was assigned. Since the Edmonton FMT program was established in 2013, patients were further divided into pre-FMT (2009–12) and post-FMT (2013–16) eras. This divided patients into four study groups as outlined in Table 1. Administrative data, including inpatient stays, ambulatory or emergency room visits, outpatient prescriptions, and physician billings, were extracted. A cost of $389 was assigned to each FMT procedure to account for cost of donor screening and sample preparation. A difference in differences (DID) approach, a tool which estimates the effect of a treatment by comparing outcome difference between treatment group and control group over time, was used to analyze the impact of FMT program on the cost of RCDI. Non-RCDI patients were used as control group to account for changes in treatment costs over time. Ordinary least squares regression, with log-transformed healthcare cost as the dependent variable, was used for the analysis.

Results
4717 non-RCDI and 548 RCDI patients were identified and divided into the 4 groups (Table 1). RCDI patients were significantly older than non-RCDI patients (71.13 vs 62.49; P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for differences in age, sex, and baseline healthcare utilization, cost for RCDI patients were significantly lower relative to costs for non-RCDI patients in the post-FMT era. Cost of non-RCDI increased by $5,300.08 between the pre- and post-FMT eras, while the cost of RCDI decreased by $7,654.92 in the same time frame (Table 2). FMT program was estimated to have saved $12,954 annually for RCDI patients at mean age, sex, and baseline cost of our overall sample.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that the healthcare cost of RCDI has decreased with the introduction of an FMT program.

Funding Agencies
Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Hospital Foundation
A128 ACUTE GASTRIC VOLVULUS DISGUISED AS ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME.
Authors: Lee J G , Nap-Hill E , Bressler B 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Acute gastric volvulus is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that warrants emergent assessment. Its clinical presentation may encompass the Borchardt’s triad of vomiting, epigastric pain, and inability to insert a nasogastric tube. However, it can also present as chest pain and is often not cited within the typical differential diagnosis of non-cardiac causes of chest pain. We report the first known case of mesenterico-axial gastric volvulus presenting as acute coronary syndrome with a normal electrocardiogram, complete with radiographic and endoscopic images.

Aims
To present a case of acute gastric volvulus disguised as an acute coronary syndrome and describe its management.

Methods
Case report and review of literature.

Results
A 68 year-old female with history of recent coronary artery bypass graft surgery presented to hospital with sudden onset chest pain radiating to her left shoulder and jaw while having dinner. Initial high sensitivity troponin (normal &lt;9ng/L) was 15ng/L, which increased to a modest peak at 115ng/L. ECG at presentation and through admission consistently showed normal sinus rhythm x 5. She was assessed by Cardiology and given her rising troponin and chest pain, she was treated as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with dual antiplatelet therapy. She underwent cardiac catheterization showing distal graft anastomotic site stenosis and was stented x2. Post procedure, her severe retrosternal chest pain recurred. GI was consulted for dysphagia and odynophagia, which was then noted to be present concurrent with her initial chest pain presentation.
An urgent CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed acute mesenterico-axial gastric volvulus (Figure 1A), a rarer form of gastric volvulus in the adult population compared to its organo-axial counterpart. After a failed nasogastric decompression, an emergent upper endoscopy was attempted and demonstrated mucosal necrosis (Figure 1B) but was unsuccessful in relieving the volvulus. The patient then underwent overnight surgery, which showed gastric volvulus with contained perforation and 50% necrosis of the stomach with sparing of the cardia and antrum. This resulted in a subtotal gastrectomy, hiatus hernia repair, pyloromyotomy, jejunostomy, and bilateral chest tube insertion. She then recovered in ICU before being successfully discharged home from hospital.

Conclusions
Acute gastric volvulus can present while disguised as more common causes of chest pain, such as acute coronary syndrome. Those who present with chest pain who also have a history of a large hiatal hernia, or an intrathoracic stomach should be evaluated with gastric volvulus in the differential diagnosis as its prompt management is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Funding Agencies
None
A129 VIDEOCAPSULE ENDOSCOPY RETENTION: WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Authors: Li Fraine S , Langevin C , Mahdi N , Bouin M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The most feared complication of videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) is retention in the intestine. It is estimated to occur in 1.4% of cases but the risk factors are not well known.

Aims
To determine the prevalence of VCE retention at a tertiary care centre as well the associated risk factors.

Methods
Retrospective study between 2016 and 2019. All patients at a tertiary care centre undergoing VCE were recruited. The patients with an incomplete endoscopy report or who were unable to complete VCE were excluded. Clinical and endoscopic information was compiled from patients’ medical charts as well as the indications and results of the endoscopic procedure. VCE retention, evaluated by radiography or CT scan, was defined as persistence of the videocapsule in the gastrointestinal tract for ≥14 days or the need for an intervention for removal.

Results
In total, 126 patients underwent VCE (average age: 66±16, 52% female). There was 6% of patients with Crohn’s disease, and 40% of patients had a previous abdominal surgery. The indications for endoscopy were: iron deficient anemia (48%), gastrointestinal bleeding (32%), suspicion/follow up of IBD (10%), and other (11%). The VCE findings (n=146) were: angiodysplasia (30%), inflammation (30%), normal (20%), polyp (5%), and other (15%). 77% of results were not previously found by conventional endoscopy or imaging. The prevalence of VCE retention was 1.6%. The patient risk factors for retention were Crohn’s disease (OR 19.67; 95CI 1.09–354.11; p&lt;0.05) and corticosteroid use in the previous 2 weeks (OR 19.67; 95CI 1.09–354.11; p&lt;0.05). There was no risk of retention associated with ulcerative colitis, sex, abdominal surgery, or opioid use. The finding of stenosis on VCE was associated with an increased risk of retention (OR 123; 95% CI 4.11-3683.43; p&lt;0.01).

Conclusions
VCE retention remains a rare complication. There is increased risk of retention in patients with known Crohn’s disease or recent use of corticosteroids.

Funding Agencies
None
A138 ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR BARRETT’S NEOPLASIA IN A NORTH AMERICAN ACADEMIC CENTRE
Authors: Motomura D , Bechara R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is carving out an increasing role in the treatment of Barrett’s associated neoplastic lesions. Though endoscopic therapy is classically performed with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ESD provides the advantage of en-bloc resections, and greater R0 resection rates, which are defined as negative deep and lateral margins on histology.

Aims
Our aim is to present procedural outcomes and subgroup analysis from one of the largest single centre cohorts of esophageal ESD in North America, and the first from Canada.

Methods
All patients undergoing esophageal ESD for Barrett’s neoplasia between Oct 2016 and June 2020 at a single tertiary care centre in Canada were included in the cohort. Demographic, procedural data and lesion characteristics are presented. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients who underwent extensive resection (≥75% of esophageal circumference) and patients who developed strictures. Statistical analysis included chi square testing on categorical variables and unpaired t-test for continuous variables. Binomial univariable logistic regression was performed to investigate factors associated with stricture formation.

Results
Thirty-four patients underwent esophageal ESD for Barrett’s associated neoplasia during the study period. The median lesion diameter was 5.7 cm (IQR 4.2 -7.5) and median procedure time 129 min (IQR 66–200). The en-bloc resection rate was 97%, and the R0 resection rate was 91%. Curative resection was achieved in 82% of patients. Upstaging from the pre-resection biopsy to post-ESD histology occurred in 59% of cases. Two adverse events occurred (1 delayed bleed, 1 aspiration event). There were no perforations. Procedural outcomes were similar between patients with extensive resections, but patients with ≥75% circumferential resection developed more strictures (65% vs 13%, p=0.001). Stricture formation was associated with extensive resection (OR 15.4, 95%CI[2.50 - 95.01]) and longer lesion diameter (OR 1.73, 95%CI [1.11 - 2.70]).

Conclusions
Our experience with ESD for Barrett’s related neoplasia shows excellent en-bloc and R0 resection rate, and provides more accurate histological specimens. Curative resection is possible in the vast majority of cases, including those with extensive resections. Further investigation into stricture prophylaxis will be useful as larger resections are attempted.

Funding Agencies
None
A153 RECURRENT HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH ADALIMUMAB
Authors: Stallard L , Church P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Anti Tumour Necrosis Factor-α agents have revolutionised the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Cutaneous adverse events complicate therapy in up to 20% of cases. Most reactions are mild and do not warrant a change of therapy. Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) has rarely been associated with anti-TNFα therapy. It is an acute vasculitis of small vessels that presents with cutaneous purpura of the lower limb, arthritis, nephritis and gastrointestinal involvement.

Aims
To describe the clinical course of a 16-year-old male presenting with recurrent HSP secondary to adalimumab for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Methods
A retrospective chart review of the patient’s electronic medical record.
A literature review of the relevant medical literature.

Results

History
16 year old boy with Crohn’s disease, initial induction with exclusive enteral nutrition and maintained on adalimumab monotherapy since May 2017. Adalimumab initially 40 mg every 2 weeks, increased to every 10 days in September 2019 due to loose stool and mild inflammation throughout the colon on reassessment colonoscopy.
Four separate incidences of purpuric rashes occurring 2–3 days after receiving adalimumab between November 2019 and July 2020. Purpura and petechiae of the lower limb with associated swelling of the feet and heel pain consistent with HSP. Purpura resolved within 1 to 3 weeks, treated with oral steroids on 1 occasion. First episode occurred following increase in dose frequency to every 10 days. Adalimumab frequency was further increased to every 7 days in March 2020. Following this he had 3 further HSP episodes.
There was no history of preceding illness or other clear inciting event for HSP.

Physical Exam
Scattered petechiae on the lower limb bilaterally with large palpable purpura to his feet. Mild swelling to the right foot with tenderness to heel on palpation. Nil other joint swelling. No petechiae elsewhere.

Investigations
Urinalysis showed trace blood, no proteinuria. Mildly elevated CRP and ESR. Fecal calprotectin elevated &gt;1800.

Clinical Progress
Rheumatology and Dermatology were consulted. Due to recurrent HSP and active luminal Crohn’s disease on repeat colonoscopy, adalimumab was discontinued and he started Ustekinumab September 2020. There has been no recurrence of relapsing rash and joint pains.

Conclusions
Four previous cases of HSP associated with Adalimumab have been described, three with Crohn’s disease and 1 with Ulcerative Colitis. Cutaneous manifestations occurred within 18 months of treatment in all previously reported cases. Our patient was treated with Adalimumab for 30 months prior to his first episode of HSP. This association with HSP is not unique to adalimumab, extending to other members of the anti TNFα class including infliximab and etanercept. Hypothesized mechanisms include antibody production, eosinophil activation, shifts in T cell responses and direct drug toxicity to vessel walls.

Funding Agencies
None
A157 REAL-WORLD TIGHT OBJECTIVE MONITORING WITH ADALIMUMAB LEADS TO EARLIER DOSE OPTIMIZATION AND HIGHER CLINICAL REMISSION RATES AT 12 MONTHS.
Authors: Xiao Y , Al Khoury A , Golovics P , Kohen R , Afif W , Wild G , Friedman G , Galiatsatos P , Hilzenrat N , Szilagyi A , Wyse J , Cohen A , Bitton A , Bessissow T , Lakatos P L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Data suggests that tight objective monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may improve one-year clinical outcomes.

Aims
The goal of this study is to assess the adherence to serial tight objective monitoring, via clinical symptoms and biomarkers, and the effect of such tight monitoring on one year outcome in IBD patients at an academic and an university-affiliated center.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the chart of 428 consecutive IBD patients who started adalimumaby at the McGill University Health Center and Jewish General Hospital (Montreal, Canada) between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019 [338 Crohn’s disease(CD), 90 ulcerative colitis(UC)]. Clinical symptoms (assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw-Index and partial Mayo), C-Reactive Protein(CRP), and fecal calprotectin(FCAL) were captured at treatment initiation and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Combined adherence was defined as the evaluation of ≥2 of 3 parameters(clinical, CRP, FCAL). Dose optimization and drug sustainability curves were plotted by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
Clinical symptoms were assessed in nearly all patients at 3 (CD-UC:95-94%), 6 (90-83%), 9 (86-85%) and 12 (96-89%) months. CRP was also available for most patients but the frequency of assessment decreased in CD patients over the study period. In comparison, compliance to serial FCAL testing was low throughout the follow-up period. Clinical remission at one-year was significantly higher in patients who were adherent to early assessment visit at 3 months (p=0.001 both for CD and UC). Adherence to early follow-up also resulted in earlier dose optimisation in both CD and UC patients(pLogrank=0.026 for UC and p=0.09 for CD). However, the overall drug sustainability did not differ.

Conclusions
Clinical assessment and CRP, but not FCAL, were frequently assessed in patients starting adalimumab. Adherence to early objective combined follow-up visits resulted in earlier dose optimization and improved one-year clinical outcomes but did not change drug sustainability rates.

Funding Agencies
None