bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A96 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY AUTHORSHIP AND EDITORIAL BOARDS
Authors: Jawaid N , Leung K , Bollegala N 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Women are numerically under-represented in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

Aims
To characterize the gender distribution of first and senior authors and editorial board members of the highest impact factor journals in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Methods
Using Clarivate Journal Citation Report 2019, the 28 highest ranked journals within gastroenterology and hepatology were selected for review, along with the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology. Publications between January 1 to December 31, 2019 were included. Gender of board members and authors was identified using publicly available data. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated using SPSS to assess for a relationship between editorial board, first author, and senior author gender as well as impact factor.

Results
Of 29 journals assessed with a median impact factor of 5.55 (IQR 3.72–9.10), 357 journal issues and 8036 articles were reviewed. Three journals were headed by female chief editors, constituting 7.7% of all editors-in-chief (3/39). In total, females made up 17.1% of editorial board members (n=584). Of 8036 first authors, 2547 (31.7%) were female. Of 7335 senior authors, 1390 (19.3%) were female. There were no statistically significant correlations between impact factor and gender. Chief editor gender did not significantly correlate with gender distribution of editorial boards, first or senior authors. There was a significant positive correlation between male-dominated editorial boards and male first and senior authorship, versus a significant negative correlation between male-dominated editorial boards and female first and senior authorship. A positive correlation exists for the same gender between first and senior authors.

Conclusions
Although gender distribution of female first and senior authorship approaches current distributions in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology, editor-in-chief positions and editorial board membership on journals continue to be occupied by men in higher proportions. Future endeavors such as diversity statements and mentorship may help to balance these distributions in the future.

Funding Agencies
None
A102 ADVERSE PREGNANCY-RELATED OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Hanna Y , Tandon P , Huang V W 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Women with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia. Though aspirin prophylaxis is prescribed in the general population (prior to 16 weeks’ gestation) for those at high-risk of preeclampsia, its use in patients with IBD has not been established.

Aims
To determine the frequency of and risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with IBD, and to evaluate the risk for preeclampsia and the use of aspirin for primary prevention.

Methods
All pregnant women with IBD (Crohns disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD-unclassified (IBDU)) seen at Mount Sinai Hospital from 2016–2020 were retrospectively identified. Demographics, reproductive history, and IBD characteristics including therapy and activity during pregnancy were recorded. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were also identified. Active disease during pregnancy was defined as a fecal calprotectin &gt; 250 ug/g and/or using clinical disease activity scores. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square (x2) test and continuous variables using the Mann-Whitney test. A two-sided p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
127 patients (66 with CD, 60 with UC, 1 with IBDU) were included with a median age of 32 years at conception. The majority were Caucasian (70.9%), married (82.7%), completed post-secondary education (69.3%), had no prior or current smoking (78.7%) or alcohol use history (67.7%), and had no other comorbidities (81.9%). 50.4% of women had a prior pregnancy. 3 had a history of preeclampsia and 15/127 were prescribed aspirin prophylaxis. 73.2% of women were in clinical remission at conception.
Compared to women with CD, women with UC were more likely to have infants with low birth weight (LBW) (p=0.031), small for gestational age (SGA) (p=0.002) and had higher rates of active IBD during pregnancy (p=0.005).
13 women with IBD developed preeclampsia (6 with UC and 7 with CD). IBD type (p=0.844) and disease activity (p=0.308) were not associated with preeclampsia. Married women (p=0.001) while those who had a preconception consultation (50/127) (p=0.009) had lower rates of preeclampsia while those with a prior history of preeclampsia had higher rates (p=0.002). Among women who developed preeclampsia, pregnancy outcomes were comparable to those who did not. Women on aspirin prophylaxis (5/13) had a higher rate of preeclampsia (p=0.012), although they were also more likely to have a history of preeclampsia (p=0.002). Aspirin use was not associated with subsequent disease activity in pregnancy (p=0.830).

Conclusions
Women receiving aspirin prophylaxis had higher rates of preeclampsia, likely owing to a higher baseline risk. Preeclampsia prevention with aspirin prophylaxis does not appear to result in disease flares but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Funding Agencies
None
A104 PREVALENCE OF GHOST-AUTHORSHIP IN INDUSTRY-SPONSORED CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: Li J , Hu M , Scaffidi M A , Gimpaya N , Bansal R , Verma Y , Elsolh K , Khan R , Grover S C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Ghost-authorship involves the exclusion of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the article from the author byline. Previous studies have found that ghost-authorship is highly prevalent in industry-sponsored clinical trials. Its prevalence, however, has yet to be investigated in trials of biologics in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims
To determine the prevalence of ghost-authorship in IBD biologic industry-sponsored clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods
Biologic medications indicated for ulcerative colitis (UC) or for Crohn’s disease (CD) were identified using the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) database. We identified the clinical trials on clinicaltrials.gov corresponding to the data presented at the time of FDA approval. Specifically, we included the first publication for each trial to report study results for our analysis. Two authors independently identified the presence of ghost-authorship, which we defined as the exclusion on the author byline of the included RCT publication of any individuals who assisted in the writing of the trial manuscript and/or performed the data analyses.

Results
We identified a total of 28 relevant RCTs on biologic medications (10 for UC and 18 for CD), which were matched to 20 publications. We found ghost-authorship in 70% of publications (n=14); 40% (n=8) involved manuscript and protocol writing assistance from sponsor staff; 35% (n=7) involved medical writers from external companies; 15% (n=3) involved both sponsor staff and medical writers assisting in manuscript writing; and 20% (n=4) involved individuals performing data analysis or interpretation.

Conclusions
We found that ghost-authorship in industry-sponsored IBD biologic clinical trials has a moderately high prevalence, with the most common being manuscript or protocol writing assistance. A lack of transparency regarding sponsor-affiliated and/or external contributors may negatively affect the trust placed in medical research. One limitation is that data was only extracted from publications. Further evidence on ghost-authorship may be found in study protocols and registrations, which will be investigated in the future.

Funding Agencies
None
A122 WATER EXCHANGE FACILITATES HIGH CECAL INTUBATION RATE FOLLOWING INCOMPLETE COLONOSCOPY
Authors: Lin T , Tai T , Parker B , Taylor S A , Trasolini R , Perini R , Bak A W 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Incomplete colonoscopy is a complex problem that negatively affects the success of colon cancer screening programs. Failure to intubate the cecum is associated with a significant risk of missed colorectal cancer and increases costs through missed diagnoses and salvage investigations. Water exchange (WE) colonoscopy is associated with a high rate of patient comfort and cecal intubation (CI) and may be of value in preventing and following up on incomplete colonoscopy.

Aims
To estimate effectiveness of WE colonoscopy as initial salvage of incomplete colonoscopy.

Methods
All patients referred to the Kelowna Gastroenterology group for incomplete colonoscopy between Jan 2010 to Dec 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and pathological information were collected via retrospective chart review. Patients underwent WE colonoscopy by a single endoscopist. The outcomes evaluated were CI rate, sedation requirements, and adenoma detection.

Results
116 patients met study criteria and underwent WE colonoscopy after a previously failed or incomplete colonoscopy for technical reasons. The mean age was 66 years (range 21–89). 83 (72%) patients were female. 53 (46%) patients had previous abdominal surgery, and 42 (36%) had previous pelvic surgery. 65 (56%) patients had previous bowel disease. 81 (70%) patients had previously incomplete conventional air insufflation (AI) colonoscopy, 9 (8%) patients had previously incomplete WE colonoscopy, and 5 (4%) patients underwent unsuccessful combination of WE and AI colonoscopy. 17 (15%) patients had previously incomplete flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 4 (3%) patients had previously incomplete water immersion colonoscopy. The most common cause of unsuccessful CI was redundant colon (n=39, 34%) followed by strictures/angulations (n=16, 14%). 105 (91%) patients underwent repeat WE colonoscopy only, while 7 (6%) patients had combination WE and AI colonoscopy and 4 (3%) patients had concurrent gastroscopy. CI was successful in 114 (98%) patients and unsuccessful in 2 (2%) patients. 87 (75%) study patients received conscious sedation, 16 (14%) opted for no sedation, and 7 (6%) attempted no sedation then switched to conscious sedation. 5 patients (4%) required general anesthesia. CI was achieved in all 16 unsedated patients. 236 polyps were identified in 79 (68%) patients, 2 (1%) of which were malignant.

Conclusions
There is no standardized approach to incomplete colonoscopy. In this cohort of patients with previous failed attempt at colonoscopy, WE as a primary technique was associated with a high success rate with minimal need for general anesthesia and a high rate of polyp detection. A significant rate of colon cancer was identified, similar to that seen in general screening populations.

Funding Agencies
None
A123 DEFINING CROHN’S DISEASE STRICTURES USING INTESTINAL ULTRASOUND COMPARED TO HISTOPATHOLOGY
Authors: Cooper J , Koro K , Wilson S , Medellin A , Ma C , Novak K L , Seow C , Kaplan G G , Panaccione R , Lu C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Fibrostenotic Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a challenging phenotype often leading to surgical resection. Diagnostic imaging is an invaluable tool to diagnose CD strictures. MRE (Magnetic Resonance Enterography) is the most widely used modality for evaluating strictures, but is limited by access and cost. The current definition of strictures is based only on MRE or CT (computed tomography). Strictures are defined as increased bowel wall thickness (BWT), narrowed luminal apposition, and pre-stenotic dilation &gt; 3cm according to CONSTRICT MR/CT expert consensus criteria. However, this definition has not been studied in intestinal US (IUS). IUS is a cost-effective, easily repeatable, and well-tolerated tool shown to have equal accuracy to MRE in diagnosing and monitoring CD.

Aims
The objective of this study was to assess the utility of identifying strictures with IUS using CONSTRICT definition.

Methods
In this retrospective pilot study, 30 of 80 CD patients who underwent small bowel resection (gold standard for stricture diagnosis) between 2015–2019 with IUS within 6 months prior to surgery were randomly identified for chart review. IUS was performed in a fasted state without oral contrast. Data extracted included confirmed stricture on resection specimens defined as having fibrosis and prestenotic dilation. Fistulizing disease was excluded. Student’s t-tests, sensitivities, specificities, positive (PNV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for IUS in detecting strictures.

Results
Of the 30 CD patients evaluated, 20 patients had fibrostenosis on pathology and IUS reports. Only 40% (8/20) met CONSTRICT criteria for stricture diagnosis on IUS, despite having a stricture on pathology. All patients had elevated BWT and luminal narrowing, but 60% (12/20) did not have prestenotic dilation &gt; 3cm. Mean dilation was 2.9 cm (SD 1.38) and was significantly different from the mean stricture diameter of 1.3cm (SD 0.59 cm, p=0.0001, 95% CI: 0.9–2.2). Mean BWT was 8.7 mm (SD: 2.5, range 5–15) where normal is &lt; 3mm, and mean luminal apposition was 2.3 mm (SD 1.2, range 0.2–5.8mm). IUS has a sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 76.2 - 99.9%), specificity of 66.7% (95% CI: 29.9 - 92.5%), PPV of 87.0% (95% CI: 72.5–94.4), and NPV of 85.7% (95% CI 45.6–97.7%) in detecting strictures when compared to gold standard.

Conclusions
CONSTRICT criteria for diagnosing fibrostenotic CD on CT/MR may not be applicable to IUS. In this study, only 40% of patients met criteria despite having histologic confirmed strictures. Thus, perhaps additional criteria of stricture diameter &lt; 50% of prestenotic dilation size is most appropriate for IUS. This pilot study provides the initial data to delineate an IUS stricture definition for future validation and to inform both clinical practice and trial design.

Funding Agencies
None
A130 VIDEOCAPSULE ENDOSCOPY VERSUS DOUBLE-BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY: WHICH ONE WINS?
Authors: Li Fraine S , Langevin C , Mahdi N , Bouin M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) are two endoscopic exams that permit the investigation of the small intestinal mucosa. There exists few studies that compare the diagnostic performance and results between these two diagnostic modalities.

Aims
To compare the diagnostic performance between VCE and DBE.

Methods
Retrospective study between 2016 and 2019. All patients at a tertiary care centre undergoing both VCE and DBE were recruited. Clinical and endoscopic information was compiled from patients’ medical charts as well as the indications and results of the two endoscopic exams. The patients with an incomplete endoscopy report or who were unable to complete both VCE and DBE were excluded. The results of both VCE and DBE were compared using univariate analysis.

Results
In total, 126 patients underwent VCE. Of those patients, 15 further underwent DBE (average age: 69±17, 53% female). In total, 11 patients underwent upper DBE, 3 patients underwent lower DBE, and one patient underwent both upper and lower DBE. The indications for endoscopy were: gastrointestinal bleeding (47%), iron deficient anemia (40%), and other (13%). The VCE findings were: angiodysplasia (35%), inflammation (35%), polyp/neoplasia (20%), and other (10%). The DBE findings were: angiodysplasia (41%), normal (35%), polyp/neoplasia (12%), stenosis (6%) and other (6%). In 53% of cases there was at least one finding concordant between VCE and DBE. In only 20% of cases, DBE found a new lesion that was not seen by VCE. In comparison, 33% of DBE exams were normal despite a positive findings by VCE. The discordance between exams was possibly due to the delay between both exams (average 125 days).

Conclusions
In over half of cases, there is at least one lesion consistent between both endoscopic modalities. DBE finds a new lesion that was not seen by VCE in only 20% of cases. Therefore, VCE should be the first choice in the investigation of the small intestine mucosa even though both exams seem to be complementary.

Funding Agencies
None
A150 INFLIXIMAB INDUCED EOSINOPHILIC PNEUMONITIS IN AN ADOLESCENT
Authors: Carrión-Jaramillo E , Chilvers M , Barker C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Infliximab is used to induce and maintain remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pulmonary abnormalities in IBD are rare, but comprise airway, parenchymal and interstitial lung complications. Pulmonary adverse effects reported after Infliximab include tuberculosis reactivation, invasive aspergillosis, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary oedema and alveolar hemorrhage.

Aims
Four cases previously reported associate Infliximab to eosinophilic pneumonitis. However, this is the first in pediatrics.

Methods
Case report of an adolescent female with IBD and a rare adverse reaction to Infliximab

Results
Our patient was diagnosed with ulcerative pancolitis, Mayo 2, initially treated with 5-ASA. Five months into therapy she was switched to azathioprine and Infliximab (10mg/kg every 8 weeks) due to worsening disease. She attained and maintained clinical and biochemical remission for the next 1.5 years. Azathioprine was stopped at the patient’s request. One month later, she presented with cough and nasal congestion but was afebrile. Peripheral eosinophilia was noted. Salbutamol and steroid inhalers were started, without improvement. She was admitted to hospital due to progressive cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Physical examination was otherwise unremarkable. Pulmonary function test showed FVC of 69%, FEV1 of 45% with bronchodilator effect of 12% and a FEV1/FVC of 59. Her blood work showed eosinophilia (4.42 x109/L) and an elevated IgE (4596 ug/L). Serum-specific IgE for Aspergillus was positive; but skin testing was negative. An X-ray showed marked bilateral interstitial thickening in the mid and lower zones. Chest CT showed extensive bronchiectasis with bronchial mucous plugging. A bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) reported marked eosinophilia, negative for mycobacterium, bacterial and fungal growth. Other infectious and autoimmune etiologies were ruled out. She responded successfully to high-dose prednisone (50 mg/day). At discharge, symptoms had improved, and her pulmonary function tests were normal (FEV1 of 95% predicted and FEV1/FVC 84). Upon steroid taper, she relapsed in pulmonary symptoms, eosinophilia, as well as a flare of her IBD. Reinduction with steroids resolved her symptoms and eosinophilia. Due to her loss of response to Infliximab and pulmonary, she was switched to Vedolizumab with good response. After stopping Infliximab her lung function improved significantly (FVC of 96% predicted and FEV1 of 98% predicted) and has remained so. Peripheral eosinophilia dropped to 0.2 x109/L. Her IBD is currently in remission without any respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions
Eosinophilic pneumonitis can be a complication of Infliximab. Our patient had a delayed presentation of respiratory symptoms, 16 months after a satisfactory response to Infliximab. Although responsive to steroids, she ultimately needed to be switched to another immunosuppressive agent.

Funding Agencies
None
A155 REAL-WORLD USE OF CORTIMENT IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY
Authors: Coward S , Martins K , Klarenbach S , Kroeker K , Ma C , Panaccione R , Richer L , Seow C , Targownik L E , Kaplan G G 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting disease with variable severity. BudesonideMMX (Cortiment®) was approved by Health Canada for the treatment of mild to moderate UC in July 2016. It offers the advantage of extensive first pass hepatic metabolism resulting in decreased systemic corticosteroid toxicity. Most public drug plans in Canada do not cover it, limiting its use to private insurance and self-pay.

Aims
To characterize the UC patients who use Cortiment® and explore prescribing patterns and short-term outcomes.

Methods
Population-based administrative data identified patients who were covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and dispensed Cortiment® from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Analyses identified: age, sex, rural/urban status, Material [MDI] and Social Deprivation Indices [SDI], UC-related medications 6-months before and 10-weeks following Cortiment® dispensing, and disease exacerbation indicators (new dispense of corticosteroids, hospitalization with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as most responsible diagnosis, or IBD-related surgery).

Results
We identified 427 UC patients dispensed Cortiment®. The median age was 47 years (25th %: 35; 75th %: 59) and 57.4% were females. Most individuals (91.3%, n=390) resided in an urban setting, as compared to approximately 73% of all UC cases. Distribution of patients across SDI was consistent while the MDI had a higher proportion in the more well-off categories. 77.5% had a UC-related drug therapy in the 6 months prior to Cortiment® dispensing and 71.7% had a UC-related drug dispensed in the 10-weeks following. Approximately, 30% had a disease exacerbation indicators in the 10 weeks following dispensing: 24.8% new corticosteroid, 3.7% UC-related hospitalization, and &lt;2.3% UC-related surgery.

Conclusions
Despite lack of public drug coverage, Cortiment® was dispensed across socioeconomic classes. The high dispensing within urban sites suggests that rural UC patients may have less access to Cortiment®. While a quarter of Cortiment® dispensings had a new concurrent dispensing of prednisone, &lt;5% of these patients were admitted to hospital for a flare of UC.

Funding Agencies
Ferring Pharmaceuticals