bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A110 PATIENT-GUIDED COMPLICATION TRACKING SYSTEM (PACTS): BUILDING ALLIANCES WITH PATIENTS FOR THE CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT OF POST-PROCEDURAL OUTCOMES.
Authors: Calman T’ien L , Macdonnell C A , Yonge J , Galorport C , Enns R A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
In Healthcare, interventions using Short Message Service (SMS) are growing as more patients have mobile phones. To date, studies have investigated using SMS to remind patients of upcoming appointments and provide preventative medical care. Although SMS interventions exist, little is known about their potential as a post-procedural follow-up tool.
SMS follow-up systems present a unique opportunity for clinics to provide support to patients having unplanned post-procedural events. Moreover, the identification of these cases promotes the adoption of preventative measures. Before SMS follow-up programs can be integrated in clinics, proof-of-concept research needs to be conducted to assess the feasibility of this intervention.

Aims
This study aims to determine intervention design elements to maximize the response rate of a novel follow-up program implemented at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC.

Methods
An iterative prospective study was conducted to assess the effects of various design features on the response rate of an SMS follow-up system.
Outpatients having a colonoscopy and/or gastroscopy at St. Paul’s Hospital between 11/19-03/20 were considered for inclusion in this pilot. Patients were asked to participate if they understood Grade 10-level English and had a mobile phone.
For this pilot, a PAtient-guided Complication Tracking System (PACTS) was designed to send SMS to patients one week post-procedure. During each program round, adjustments were made to PACTS with the goal of increasing the response rate. The design changes made to the pilot were cumulative.
One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference tests were completed to assess response rate differences between rounds.

Results
A total of 1829 patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the pilot. The overall median response rate was 93%. ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference in response rates between rounds, F(6, 196) = 3.369, p = 0.0035. Only the mean response rates between Rounds 1 and 7 yielded a significant pairwise difference (p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
The PACTS pilot demonstrates that high response rates are achievable by SMS follow-up systems. This study identified several design elements to optimize SMS intervention response rates. These features included: sending a 1st SMS that explains the program’s purpose, sending a 2nd SMS to participants that did not respond to the first, and providing pilot information to patients upon admission and discharge.
Future research on SMS follow-up systems should explore designing a program that can be integrated in clinics with minimal staff involvement.

Funding Agencies
None
A112 THE IMPACT OF CENTRAL COORDINATION ON ENDOSCOPY EFFICIENCY
Authors: Stewart M J , Farina D , Jones J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far reaching and have necessitated many changes to healthcare delivery. At the QEII Health Sciences Center physical space limitations for patient check-in and recovery have restricted outpatient endoscopy to 3 of 4 available endoscopy suites. On June 1, 2020 a new system of central endoscopy triage and coordination for the Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy (DC&E) was implemented in an effort to increase efficiency and maintain patient access to endoscopy. The components of the RESET (Re-introduce Endoscopy Safely and EfficienTly) Plan included a) a new endoscopy coordinator role to manage a common endoscopy waitlist, endoscopist schedules, and booking clerks, b) a modified triage system to improve waitlist consistency, c) a common endoscopy waitlist with patients booked in the next available appointment regardless of endoscopist, d) discontinuation of fixed endoscopy slots for endoscopists, and e) appointment scheduling no sooner than 4-weeks in advance to minimize no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

Aims
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the RESET Plan on the efficiency of DC&E endoscopy.

Methods
A retrospective pre- and post-implementation study evaluating the volume and efficiency of outpatient endoscopy before and after implementation of the RESET Plan. The Pre-RESET period included all procedures performed from June 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019. The Post-RESET period included all procedures performed from June 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020. A separate endoscopy suite and triage system is used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and these cases were excluded. Early effectiveness outcomes were reported including a comparison of the number of endoscopic procedures per week and per list, pre- and post- implementation. Data analysis was primarily descriptive with data expressed as frequencies, means (SD), and proportions (%). Exploratory group comparisons were performed using independent-samples T-Test.

Results
During the 5-month Pre-RESET period, 2203 endoscopic procedures were performed. During the Post-RESET period a total of 1920 procedures were performed. Due to pandemic restrictions, there was a 29% decrease in available endoscopy lists from 2019 to 2020. There was a 24% increase in the number procedures performed per endoscopy list, from 6.4 to 8.0 (p=0.004, 95% CI 0.52–2.53), pre- and post-RESET.

Conclusions
While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery, it has also provided an opportunity to implement health system structure and process changes. The RESET Plan resulted in significant gains in efficiency which largely offset losses in endoscopy throughput imposed by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Future research will determine what patient and health system factors most significantly impact system efficiency as well as the cost-effectiveness of the RESET Plan.

Funding Agencies
CAG
A124 GASTRIC RETENTION IN CAPSULE STUDIES – IS AN ENDOSCOPY ALWAYS REQUIRED?
Authors: Nassiri S , Ou G , Galorport C , Enns C A , Enns R A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a non-invasive procedure for evaluating small bowel (SB) disorders but is limited by the completion rate. Gastric retention (GR), whereby the capsule remains in the stomach for the duration of the recording, can contribute to incomplete examinations given CE’s finite battery life. Although this may be mitigated by using real-time imaging and/or endoscopic placement of capsule into the SB, such strategies require additional resource allocation. While other risk factors associated with incomplete examinations are well known, GR is not often discussed in the literature.

Aims
To describe the management and outcomes of patients with GR. We hypothesize that most patients with previous gastric retention of the capsule, without known obstruction, will pass the capsule normally through the stomach with a second attempt without requiring endoscopic placement into the duodenum.

Methods
Case series of patients with GR at a tertiary care centre in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to CE, all patients had undergone appropriate investigations to exclude obstructive pathology. All patients ingested 2L of polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation the evening prior to the procedure and were fasting after midnight. Ingestion of the capsule occurred at 0700h. In patients who required repeat CE due to previous GR, capsule progress was assessed via real-time imaging at 1–2 hrs. If the capsule had not entered the SB by three hours, an attempt at endoscopic advancement of the capsule into the duodenum was made and/or endoscopic placement of capsule was arranged for a later date.

Results
GR was found in 21 (2%) of 1024 patients between 09/2015 - 09/2020. The mean age of patients with GR was 58 ± 20.9 years (48% female). The most common indication for CE in this group was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 12, 57%). The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2.9 ± 3.5. Thirteen patients (62%) had a history of abdominal/pelvic surgery. Fourteen patients (67%) had repeat CE, nine (64%) of which passed into the SB without endoscopic assistance. Of those requiring endoscopic assistance (n = 5), two had successful endoscopic placement, one required dilation of pyloric stenosis prior to successful placement, one failed endoscopic placement due to stenotic gastroplasty orifice, and another required upper endoscopy for further evaluation. None experienced delayed adverse events related to GR.

Conclusions
CE can be safely repeated in patients with previous GR; most capsules will pass through the stomach spontaneously when repeated and do not require endoscopic assistance.

Funding Agencies
None
A142 TRENDS IN HELICOBACTER PYLORI TREATMENT AND CURE IN EDMONTON: 2015–2020
Authors: Krahn T , van Zanten S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection have changed significantly over time due to changes in resistance patterns. In 2016, the Toronto H. pylori consensus guidelines recommended treatment for 14 days. First-line therapies are concomitant therapy with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and clarithromycin-amoxicillin-metronidazole (CLAMET) or bismuth-based quadruple therapy (PPI-bismuth-metronidazole-tetracycline, PBMT). Second and/or third line therapies are PBMT or PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin (PAL) and the fourth line PPI-amoxicillin-rifabutin (PAR) for 10 days.

Aims
To describe and compare the efficacy of current treatment regimens for H. pylori infection in Edmonton.

Methods
This retrospective study reviewed records of patients treated for H. pylori infection at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) in Edmonton, Alberta from January 1, 2015 - November 1, 2020. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection and test-of-cure were documented with a positive urea breath test, stool antigen test, histology on endoscopy, or positive culture. Patients who had no post-treatment testing were excluded. The per protocol efficacy of different regimens was calculated as well as cumulative success rates when given as 2nd, 3rd or 4th line therapy.

Results
Overall, 170 of 237 (71.7 %) confirmed H. pylori cases achieved cure. The majority were female (64%) and 113 (48%) were born outside of Canada. CLAMET initiated at UAH had the highest success rate 41/45 (91%), and in referred patients who were previously treated was successful as first-line therapy in 45/70 (64%). Overall success rate of regimens were as follows (Table 1): CLAMET 49/98 (50%), PBMT 45/114 (40%), PAL 33/99 (33%), and PAR 16/31 (51%). Alternative regimens were not successful 27/223 (12%). Cultures and resistance profiles were available for 53 cases that failed initial treatment. Resistance to clarithromycin (84%), metronidazole (48%), and levofloxacin (41%) was highly prevalent (Figure 1).

Conclusions
Test-of-cure is important to verify H. pylori eradication as antibiotic resistance is common to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin when prior treatments failed. These results support the H. pylori treatment regimens recommended by the Toronto consensus guidelines.

Funding Agencies
None
A159 ANTI-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR THERAPY PERSISTENCE IN PATIENTS WITH PERIANAL CROHN’S DISEASE AND LUMINAL CROHN’S DISEASE: A COMPARATIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Fung M , Chin Koon Siw K , McCurdy J D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy has revolutionized the management of Crohn’s disease. Despite its effectiveness, a substantial proportion of patients discontinue therapy over time. Evaluating drug persistence rates reveals a real-world pattern of biologic use. Perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) is considered one of the most difficult phenotypes of Crohn’s disease (CD) to treat. Therefore, we hypothesized that patients with PCD have a shorter biologic persistence time due to refractory disease.

Aims
Our aim is to compare drug persistence rates of anti-TNF therapy between PCD and LCD patients.

Methods
We performed a retrospective, comparative cohort study at a tertiary care center between Nov 2019 and July 2020. Patients with CD were identified by our institutional data-base, using the ICD-10 code K50.90. A longitudinal chart review determine anti-TNF utilization and classified patients based on luminal CD only [LCD] or PCD. Patients with PCD were matched (1:1) to patients with LCD based on sex, age, and year of first anti-TNF initiation within 5 years. Time to discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods and compared between groups by Log-rank test.

Results
A total of 142 patients with PCD (55% male, 38.7 ± 13.7 years old at anti-TNF start) were matched to 142 patients with LCD (55% male, 38.7 ± 14.0 years old at anti-TNF start). The initial treatments included infliximab (67.6% vs. 57.7%) and adalimumab (32.4% vs. 42.3%) for patients with PCD and LCD respectively. Concomitant immunomodulator were used in 61.3% of patients with PCD and 54.9% of patients with LCD. The cumulative persistence of the initial anti-TNF therapy was similar between cohorts (Log rank, p = 0.633; Figure 1): mean time to discontinuation was 27.7 ± 26.8 months for patients with PCD and 26.5 ± 23.0 months for patients with LCD. The reasons for treatment discontinuation included: refractory disease (19% vs. 16%), anti-drug antibodies (6% vs. 12%), and side effects (12.7% vs. 16.2%) in patients PCD and LCD respectively. Of the patients who discontinued their first anti-TNF therapy, 36 patients (55.4%) with PCD and 42 patients (60.9%) with LCD were treated with a second anti-TNF therapy. Discontinuation of the second-line anti-TNF therapy occurred in 18 patients (50%) with PCD and 18 patients (42.9%) with LCD: mean time to discontinuation was 17.3 ± 14.3 months and 27.8 ± 28.8 months respectively.

Conclusions
In this single-center, observational study a substantial percentage of patients discontinue anti-TNF therapy overtime, and there does not appear to be a difference between patients with PCD and LCD.

Funding Agencies
None
A169 EXPLORING PATIENT PERSPECTIVES ON AN ONLINE STRESS REDUCTION BASED WELLNESS INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Authors: Watt M , Hyde A , Madsen K , Peerani F , Tandon P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Despite strong connections between stress and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated symptoms, there has been limited research on stress reduction interventions for patients with IBD. Moreover, the research that has been conducted on this topic has shown mixed results with very few studies having used qualitative methodology to explore the patient experience.

Aims
Our objectives for this study were to explore: (i) the experience of having IBD, (ii) the influence of an online 12-week stress reduction program on participant’s physical and emotional symptoms of IBD and (iii) the acceptability of the online program.

Methods
We used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded within a larger randomised control trial (RCT) to explore the experiences of participants. Upon completion of the program, participants were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed through an inductive process whereby transcripts were coded, with codes grouped into larger categories and then themes. Data collection and analysis occurred in a concurrent and iterative manner to enable refinement of interview questions and reflections on the research process.

Results
We analysed a total of 55 interviews. Three main themes emerged from the data: (i) IBD as a source of stress and uncertainty, (ii) understanding the positive impacts of the stress reduction program, and (iii) enhancing program desirability. Participants reported a reduction in IBD symptom burden with improvements in their ability to manage everyday and disease-associated stressors, while building a positive mindset. Weekly check-ins with program facilitators enabled participants to build routine, enhancing accountability. Variation in program content and fostering connections with others in the IBD community were identified as potential program improvements.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the debilitating nature of IBD, with participants reporting significant disruptions to daily activities, uncertainty, and stress which served to worsen symptoms. Stress reduction programs like the one explored in our study offer an accessible avenue for reducing perceived stress, enhancing resilience and improving the physical condition of individuals diagnosed with IBD. Future research should explore the application of online stress reduction programs in patients experiencing other gastrointestinal disease.

Funding Agencies
CIHRUniversity Hospital Foundation, American College of Gastroenterology, CIHR IMAGINE grant
A177 METHOTREXATE FOR THE INDUCTION OF REMISSION IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Authors: Hudson D , Lakhani R , MacDonald J , Chande N , McDonald J W 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Obtaining steroid-free remission in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a clinically important parameter that can mitigate the development of disease-related complications and lead to improved quality of life.

Aims
A systematic review to assess the effects and safety of methotrexate for induction in patients with UC.

Methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL were searched from inception to August 20, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing methotrexate with placebo or an active comparator in patients with active ulcerative colitis were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who achieved clinical remission and withdrawal from steroids as defined by the studies and expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients randomized (intention-to-treat analysis). The overall quality of the evidence supporting the primary outcome was assessed using the GRADE criteria.

Results
Three studies (n=212) were included in the review. Two studies were randomized controlled trials comparing methotrexate to placebo for induction of remission of active ulcerative colitis. The first study (n = 67) compared oral methotrexate (12.5 mg/week) to placebo. Forty-seven percent (14/30) of methotrexate patients achieved clinical remission and complete withdrawal from steroids during the study period compared to 49% (18/37) of placebo patients (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.59). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was low due to very sparse data. The second study (n=111) compared subcutaneous/intramuscular methotrexate 25 mg/week to placebo. The primary outcome, steroid-free remission at week 16, was present in 32% (19/60) of patients on methotrexate in comparison to 20%(10/51) of patients in the placebo arm (RR 1.62; 95% CI 0.83 to 3.15; P-value of 0.15). A GRADE analysis indicated downgrading of the evidence to low given very sparse data (29 events). An additional head-to-head randomised controlled study (n = 34) compared oral methotrexate (15 mg/week) to 6-mercaptopurine (1.5 mg/kg/day) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (3 g/day). This final study was judged to be at high risk of bias due to an open-label design. At 30 weeks, 58% (7/12) of methotrexate patients achieved clinical remission and withdrawal from steroids compared to 79% (11/14) of 6-mercaptopurine patients (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.29) and 25% (2/8) of 5-aminosalicylic acid patients (RR 2.33, 95% CI 0.64 to 8.49). GRADE analyses indicated that the overall quality of the evidence was very low due to very sparse data and high risk of bias.

Conclusions
Methotrexate demonstrated no benefit over placebo or active comparators for the induction of steroid-free remission. Future research is ongoing to explore the utility of combination therapy with monoclonal antibody biologic therapy for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis.

Funding Agencies
None
A204 PATIENT FACTORS AND STONE FEATURES AS PROGNOSTIC PREDICTORS IN BILIARY STONE LITHOTRIPSY BY SINGLE-OPERATOR CHOLANGIOPANCREATOSCOPY
Authors: Sljivic I , Chahal D , Trasolini R , Donnellan F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy (SOC) is a therapeutic modality for pancreaticobiliary stone disease that is refractory to traditional ERCP. SOC is still considered a relatively novel technology with limited access in many centers and significant associated costs. Thus, it is imperative to understand the influence patient-based factors and ancillary actions have on the outcome of SOC.

Aims
We hope to determine if the differences in clinical outcomes amongst cohorts suffice to indicate a re-evaluation of SOC in unfavourable patient populations. We present a series of patients who underwent SOC for biliary stone lithotripsy at a tertiary center with exploratory analysis of factors related to efficacy and adverse events.

Methods
This is a retrospective, descriptive case series. Cases were identified via query of the electronic medical record between March 2016 and May 2019. We evaluated patient demographics, past medical history, clinical presentation, disease characteristics, complication rates, and patient outcomes. Descriptive statistics are reported.

Results
25 unique patients underwent a total of 44 SOC procedures. Mean age was 68 (range 22–88). 13 patients were male. 29 procedures involved a stone in the Common Bile Duct (CBD), 5 in the Common Hepatic & Intrahepatic Ducts (CIHD), 4 in the Pancreatic Duct (PD) and 6 in the Cystic Duct (CD). Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 100% of patients. After a single session, 22.7% of procedures resulted in complete clearance and 59.1% of cases led to partial fragmentation. CBD stones however had an 86.2% clearance rate, compared to an 88–91% success rate in literature. The total complication rate was 16% across age and sex groups. The most common complication was bacteremia in 4 (9.1%) cases. Undifferentiated complication rates were highest with CD stones, while bacteremia was most likely with PD stones. A strong trend was noticed between past SOC procedures and increasing ongoing stone burden, with repeat SOC required less often in patient’s with fewer past SOC procedures. We further observed poorer fragmentation rates for PD stones and a rising trend for repeat SOCs for proximal CBD stones.

Conclusions
SOC is useful against difficult biliary stones and can provide therapeutic relief without theoretical risks associated with surgery and ERCP. While our study was underpowered to provide generalizable statistics, it is one of the few studies that showed the influence certain comorbidities, stone characteristics and age have on the efficacy and safety of SOC. Our data illustrates the relative effect location and stone-size has on fragmentation and complications rates. Poorer outcomes are more frequent in those with systemic comorbidities and previous surgeries, and rates of complications and failed fragmentation are further exacerbated by age.

Funding Agencies
None