Serum and Urine Metabolomic Profiling of Newly Diagnosed Treatment-Naïve Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prevalent chronic noncurable disease associated with profound metabolic changes. The discovery of novel molecular indicators for unraveling IBD etiopathogenesis and the diagnosis and prognosis of IBD is therefore pivotal. We sought to determine the distinctive metabolic signatures from the different IBD subgroups before treatment initiation. METHODS: Serum and urine samples from newly diagnosed treatment-naïve IBD patients and age and sex-matched healthy control (HC) individuals were investigated using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolic differences were identified based on univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 137 Crohn's disease patients, 202 ulcerative colitis patients, and 338 HC individuals were included. In the IBD cohort, several distinguishable metabolites were detected within each subgroup comparison. Most of the differences revealed alterations in energy and amino acid metabolism in IBD patients, with an increased demand of the body for energy mainly through the ketone bodies. As compared with HC individuals, differences in metabolites were more marked and numerous in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis patients, and in serum than in urine. In addition, clustering analysis revealed 3 distinct patient profiles with notable differences among them based on the analysis of their clinical, anthropometric, and metabolomic variables. However, relevant phenotypical differences were not found among these 3 clusters. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the molecular alterations present within the different subgroups of newly diagnosed treatment-naïve IBD patients. The metabolomic profile of these patients may provide further understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of IBD subgroups. Serum metabotype seemed to be especially sensitive to the onset of IBD.

Mucosal Interleukin-10 depletion in steroid-refractory Crohn's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that Interleukin-10 (IL-10) depletion in Crohn's disease (CD) could predict outcome. AIM: To determine IL-10 in blood and at different intestinal locations in patients with active CD and to assess its potential prognostic capacity to identify aggressive CD. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with CD were included. Ulcerative colitis (UC), infectious colitis and healthy individuals acted as controls. Serum and mucosal samples were taken at baseline and 1 month after steroid initiation in CD patients. Patients were classified according to steroid response. Control samples were obtained from different intestinal locations. IL-10 expression was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence (intestine) and ELISA (serum, biopsy cultures' supernatants and tissue homogenates). RESULTS: CD and UC showed an increase in IL-10 messenger RNA (mRNA) versus controls (p < .0001) in mucosa, whereas IL-10 protein secretion was increased in all types of intestinal inflammation (p < .001). No differences in IL-10 mRNA were found in CD at baseline regarding steroid response, but levels decreased in non-responders versus responders (p = .027) and were restored with rescue therapy. Serum IL-10 was increased in steroid-refractory CD at baseline and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal IL-10 levels in refractory patients in both mucosa and blood have physiopathological relevance and may have potential clinical applications.

Strange coincidence in the gut: pseudomelanosis duodeni diagnosed by capsule endoscopy and active bleeding due to angiodysplasia.

We present the case of an 82-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, ischemic heart disease and iron deficiency anemia. He was under therapy with hydralazine, furosemide, amlodipine, valsartan, nitroglycerin patches, bisoprolol, omeprazole, doxazosin, human insulin and oral iron. The patient presented at our institution with melena. Initial gastroscopy showed fresh blood and a gastric angiodysplasia that was treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Three months later, he suffered a new episode of bleeding and a small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) was subsequently indicated.

Long-Term Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet on Diarrhoea- or Bloating-Predominant Functional Bowel Disease: Role of the 'Low-Grade Coeliac Score' and the 'Coeliac Lymphogram' in the Response Rate to the Diet.

1. BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on functional bowel disorders (FBDs) has been scarcely studied. The aim was to assess the effect of a GFD on FBD patients, and to assess the role of both the low-grade coeliac score and coeliac lymphogram in the probability of response to a GFD. 2. METHODS: 116 adult patients with either predominant diarrhoea or abdominal bloating, fulfilling Rome IV criteria of FBD, were treated with a GFD. Duodenum biopsies were performed for both pathology studies and intraepithelial lymphocyte subpopulation patterns. Coeliac lymphogram was defined as an increase in TCRγδ+ cells plus a decrease in CD3- cells. A low-grade coeliac score >10 was considered positive. 3. RESULTS: Sustained response to GFD was observed in 72 patients (62%) after a median of 21 months of follow-up, who presented more often with coeliac lymphogram (37.5 vs. 11.4%; p = 0.02) and a score >10 (32 vs. 11.4%; p = 0.027) compared to non-responders. The frequency of low-grade coeliac enteropathy was 19.8%. 4. CONCLUSION: A GFD is effective in the long-term treatment of patients with previously unexplained chronic watery diarrhoea- or bloating-predominant symptoms fulfilling the criteria of FBD. The response rate was much higher in the subgroup of patients defined by the presence of both a positive low-grade coeliac score and coeliac lymphogram.

Usefulness of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of microscopic colitis in a cohort of patients with chronic watery diarrhoea of functional characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Information on the use of fecal markers in microscopic colitis screening is limited. AIM: To evaluate the risk variables associated with a diagnosis of microscopic colitis including fecal calprotectin. METHODS: Patients submitted for a colonoscopy due to chronic watery diarrhea fulfilling criteria of functional disease were evaluated. Colonic mucosa was normal but mild erythema and edema was allowed. Fecal calprotectin was analyzed. A logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with both raised fecal calprotectin and a diagnosis of microscopic colitis. RESULTS: 94 patients were included, 30 were diagnosed with microscopic colitis and 64 made up the control group. Median calprotectin levels were 175 (IQR, 59-325) for the microscopic colitis and 28 (IQR, 16-111) for the control group (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off for fecal calprotectin was >100 µg/g (AUC, 0.73), with 67% sensitivity and 75% specificity. The number of drugs used ≥3 (OR, 3.9; CI, 1.4-10.4) and microscopic colitis diagnosis (OR, 6; CI, 2.2-16.3) were associated with raised calprotectin levels. Age >60 years (OR, 3.8; CI, 1.4-10.1) and calprotectin levels (OR, 5.3; CI, 2-14.1) were associated with a risk of microscopic colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated fecal calprotectin concentrations are often seen in microscopic colitis, and may be helpful in the diagnosis of women over 60 with chronic watery diarrhea.

Relevant Infections in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Their Relationship With Immunosuppressive Therapy and Their Effects on Disease Mortality.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is controversy as to whether the risk of relevant infection in IBD is related to immunosuppressants or the disease itself. The aims of this study were to evaluate: [1] the life-long prevalence and types of relevant infections in patients with IBD related to immunosuppressive treatment, and [2] the relationship of both infection and patient comorbidity to mortality. METHODS: Observational multicentre retrospective study of IBD patients that presented a relevant infection. For each case, four periods of infection exposure were analysed: P1: pre-IBD diagnosis, P2: from IBD diagnosis to immunosuppressant initiation, P3: during immunosuppressant therapy, and P4: after treatment withdrawal. RESULTS: The life-long prevalence of relevant infection in the total cohort of patients [6914] was 3%, and 5% in immunosuppressed patients [4202]. 366 relevant infections were found in 212 patients [P1: 9, P2: 17, P3: 334, and P4: 6]. Differences between periods were significant [p < 0.0001]. The most frequent types of infection were respiratory, intestinal and urinary. The most frequent opportunistic infections were tuberculosis [prevalence: 2.6/1000] and herpes zoster [prevalence: 3.9/1000]. Herpes zoster infection was associated with thiopurines alone or in combination with anti-TNF in 75% of the cases, whereas tuberculosis was associated with anti-TNF in 94% of patients. The overall mortality was 4.2%. Infection-related mortality was 2.8% and it was not influenced by comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Relevant infections in IBD patients are rare and appear to be related to immunosuppression. Relevant infection is a major cause of death in IBD.

Colitis microscópica: avances para una mejor identificación en los pacientes con diarrea crónica / Advances for improved diagnosis of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhoea

Colitis microscópica es un término genérico que incluye 2 formas principales, colitis colágena y colitis linfocítica, que describe una forma de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal con curso crónico y recidivante. La incidencia de colitis microscópica es entre 2 y 8 veces más alta en mujeres que en hombres; sin embargo, la edad contribuye más que el sexo en el riesgo de colitis colágena (OR 8,3 para edad ≥65 vs. <65años y OR 2,8 para sexo femenino). El síntoma principal es la diarrea crónica acuosa, no sanguinolenta. Otros síntomas frecuentes incluyen el dolor abdominal (50-70%), lo que hace que muchos pacientes con colitis microscópica cumplan criterios de síndrome de intestino irritable. Hoy en día se recomienda la realización de una colonoscopia, con toma de biopsias escalonadas en todos estos pacientes, ya que el diagnóstico es principalmente histológico. La mucosa colónica suele ser macroscópicamente normal, aunque se han descrito alteraciones endoscópicas mínimas

Microscopic colitis is a generic term that includes 2 main forms, collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, and describes a form of inflammatory bowel disease with a chronic and relapsing course. The incidence of microscopic colitis is between 2 and 8 times higher in women than in men, although age, more than sex, increases the risk of collagenous colitis (odds ratio [OR] 8.3 for age ≥65 vs. <65 and OR 2.8 for women). The main symptom is chronic non-bloody watery diarrhoea. Other common symptoms include abdominal pain (50%-70%), with the result that many patients with microscopic colitis meet criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. Colonoscopy with multiple colonic biopsies is currently recommended, as histological changes are the main characteristic feature. The colonic mucosa is macroscopically normal, although certain minimal endoscopic abnormalities have been described

Advances for improved diagnosis of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhoea. / Colitis microscópica: avances para una mejor identificación en los pacientes con diarrea crónica.

Microscopic colitis is a generic term that includes 2 main forms, collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, and describes a form of inflammatory bowel disease with a chronic and relapsing course. The incidence of microscopic colitis is between 2 and 8 times higher in women than in men, although age, more than sex, increases the risk of collagenous colitis (odds ratio [OR] 8.3 for age ≥65 vs. <65 and OR 2.8 for women). The main symptom is chronic non-bloody watery diarrhoea. Other common symptoms include abdominal pain (50%-70%), with the result that many patients with microscopic colitis meet criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. Colonoscopy with multiple colonic biopsies is currently recommended, as histological changes are the main characteristic feature. The colonic mucosa is macroscopically normal, although certain minimal endoscopic abnormalities have been described.

Effectiveness of adalimumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in clinical practice: comparison between anti-tumour necrosis factor-naïve and non-naïve patients.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment is focused to achieve mucosal healing, avoiding disease progression. The study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of adalimumab (ADA) in UC and to identify predictors of remission to ADA. METHODS: This cohort study used data from the ENEIDA registry. Clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic remission, adverse events (AE), colectomy, and hospitalisations were evaluated; baseline characteristics and biological parameters were compared to determine predictors of response. RESULTS: We included 263 patients (87 naïve and 176 previously exposed to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha, TNF). After 12 weeks, clinical response, clinical remission, and endoscopic remission rates were 51, 26, and 14 %, respectively. The naïve group demonstrated better response to treatment than the anti-TNF-exposed group at short-term. Clinical and endoscopic remission within 1 year of treatment was better in the naïve group (65 vs. 49 and 50 vs. 35 %, respectively). The rates of AE, dose-escalation, hospitalisations, and colectomy during the first year were higher in anti-TNF-exposed patients (40, 43, and 27 % vs. 26, 21, and 11 %, respectively). Patients with primary failure and intolerance to the first anti-TNF and severe disease were associated with worse clinical response. Primary non-response to prior anti-TNF treatment and severe disease were predictive of poorer clinical remission. Low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC) at baseline were predictors of clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, ADA was effective in UC, especially in anti-TNF naïve patients. FC and CRP could be predictors of treatment effectiveness.

Men in the spotlight: a rare case of penile squamous carcinoma associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) / Los hombres en el punto de mira: un caso raro de carcinoma escamoso de pene asociado a la infección por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en un paciente con colitis ulcerosa (CU)

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Immunological Differences between Lymphocytic and Collagenous Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocytic (LC) and collagenous (CC) colitis are the two major forms of microscopic colitis (MC). The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences in their mucosal immune characteristics. METHODS: Colonic biopsies from 15 CC, 8 LC, and 10 healthy controls were collected. Mucosal lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry. Tissue gene expression and protein levels were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: LC patients had lower numbers of CD4(+) and double-positive CD4(+)CD8(+)mucosal T lymphocytes, and higher numbers of CD8(+) and CD4(+)TCRγδ(+) mucosal T cells, compared with controls and CC patients. Regulatory Treg (CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+)) and double-negative (CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)) T cell percentages were higher in both CC and LC compared with controls, coupled with higher levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10, both at mRNA and protein levels. By contrast, Th1 and Th17 cells were lower in both CC and LC, although gene expression of Th1/Th17 cytokines was higher in both. CONCLUSION: CC and LC share some regulatory and effector mechanisms, but not others. Higher IL-10 levels and higher Treg and double-negative T cell percentages, found in both CC and LC, could be responsible for the lack of progression of structural damage and the blockade of proinflammatory cytokine production. However, CC and LC are revealed as separate, independent entities, as they show clearly different mucosal lymphocyte profiles, which could be caused by different luminal triggers of the two diseases. Hence, CC and LC are two closely related but independent intestinal disorders.

Regional Specialisation of T Cell Subsets and Apoptosis in the Human Gut Mucosa: Differences Between Ileum and Colon in Healthy Intestine and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is very limited information regarding region-specific immunological response in human intestine. We aimed to determine differences in immune compartmentalisation between ileum and colon in healthy and inflamed mucosa. METHODS: T cell profile and its apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, Th1, Th17, Treg [CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+)], double positive [DP, CD3(+)CD4(+)CD8(+)] and double negative T cells [DN, CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)], immunohistochemistry [FOXP3, caspase-3], and real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR] [IFN-γ, IL-17-A, and FOXP3] on biopsies from different regions of healthy intestine and of intestine in inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS: Healthy colon showed higher percentages of Treg, Th17, and DN, and lower numbers of DP T cells compared with ileum [p < 0.05]. Some but not all region-specific differences were lost in inflammatory conditions. Disease-specific patterns were found: a Th1/Th17 pattern and a Th17 pattern in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis respectively, whereas a reduction in Th1/Th17 was found in microscopic colitis. In colonic Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis, DN T cells had a pattern inverse to that of Th1/Th17 (increase in microscopic colitis [p < 0.05] and decrease in Crohn's disease [p < 0.005]). Higher levels of lymphocyte apoptosis were found in healthy colon compared with the ileal counterparts [p = 0.001]. All forms of colonic inflammation presented a dramatic decrease in apoptosis compared with healthy colon. By contrast ileal Crohn's disease showed higher levels of cleaved-Caspase(+) CD3(+) cells. CONCLUSIONS: Immunological differences exist in healthy gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory processes overwhelm some location-specific differences, whereas others are maintained. Care has to be taken when analysing immune response in intestinal inflammation, as location-specific differences may be relevant.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Treated with Infliximab for Ulcerative Colitis: Predictive Factors of Response-An Observational Study.

AIM: To evaluate the early and long-term efficacy of infliximab in ulcerative colitis and to determine predictors of response and colectomy. METHODS: This is an ambidirectional cohort study in a tertiary referral center including patients who started infliximab within 2005 and 2008 and monitored until 2014. Efficacy was evaluated by partial Mayo scores at weeks 2, 4, 8, 30, and 54. Long-term treatment maintenance with infliximab and colectomy requirements were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were included with a median follow-up of 69.5 months. Clinical remission at the time point assessments was 40.8, 47.2, 54.7, 54.7, and 49.1 %. At the time of maximal follow-up, the proportion of patients under infliximab maintenance was 24.5 %. A higher level of albumin (OR 1.4, CI 95 % 1.06-1.8; p = 0.017) was predictive of a higher remission rate at week 8. Concomitant immunomodulators beyond 6 months were predictive of infliximab's long-term maintenance (OR 15.8, CI 95 % 1.8-135.4; p = 0.012). Colectomy was required in 41.5 %. Factors associated with a higher rate of colectomy at week 54 were previous treatment with cyclosporine (OR 3.4, CI 95 % 1.2-9.7; p = 0.012), absence of response at week 8 (OR 10.3, CI 95 % 3.3-31.7; p < 0.001), and not receiving concomitant immunomodulators (OR 4.1, CI 95 % 1.8-9; p = 0.002). Colectomy rates within the first 54 weeks were closely dependent on the number of variables present: none (0 %), 1 (26.3 %), 2 (71.4 %), or 3 (100 %) of them (log rank <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Low albumin, previous treatment with cyclosporine, absence of a concomitant immunomodulator, and lack of response at week 8 negatively affected the efficacy of infliximab in ulcerative colitis.

Prevalence and Natural History of Microscopic Colitis: A Population-Based Study With Long-term Clinical Follow-up in Terrassa, Spain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies have assessed the prevalence of microscopic colitis (MC) and the natural history of this disease is not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of MC, the burden of disease in terms of loss of health and the long-term natural history of MC in a population-based cohort study. METHODS: Cases were obtained from the pathology department registry Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa. Belonging to the catchment area, maintaining residence in that area, and being alive on August 31, 2014 were confirmed for each case. Adjusted prevalence rates were calculated. Current active drugs for MC and diarrhoea persistence in every patient were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of MC was 107 per 10(5) inhabitants. The rate of patients with active disease, i.e. those representing the true burden of the disease in terms of loss of health, was 31 per 10(5) inhabitants. After a follow-up of 7.8±0.38 years from diagnosis, 75% of the patients experienced prolonged disease remission, defined as clinical remission without requiring drugs for 1 year or more. The only variable associated with prolonged MC remission was how clinical remission was achieved (spontaneous 93.3%, drug-induced, 60.5%; odds ratio 8.4, 95% confidence interval 2.7-26). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of patients with MC and active disease, which represents the true disease burden in terms of loss of health, is low. Most patients with MC experience prolonged disease remission, with key differences between spontaneous and drug-induced clinical remission.

Potential coeliac disease markers and autoimmunity in olmesartan induced enteropathy: A population-based study.

AIMS: (1) Assess the population-based incidence of severe olmesartan-associated enteropathy. (2) To describe patients of the Spanish registry. (3) Evaluate markers of potential coeliac disease and associated autoimmunity. METHODS: Crude incidence rates in the area of Terrassa (Catalonia) were calculated. Clinical characteristics of patients in the Spanish registry were collected. Duodenal lymphocyte subpopulations and anti-TG2 IgA deposits were assessed in a subset of patients. RESULTS: Annual incidence rates (2011-2014) ranged from 0 to 22 cases per 10(4) treated patients. Twenty patients were included in the Spanish registry. Nineteen (95%) exhibited villous atrophy and 16 (80%) had severe enteropathy. Lupus-like disease occurred during olmesartan treatment in 3 patients. HLA-DQ2/DQ8 was positive in 64%. Markers of potential coeliac disease were present in 4 out of 8 patients (positive anti-TG2 deposits and/or increased CD3+gammadelta+ intraepithelial lymphocytes and reduced CD3-). Histopathological changes and clinical manifestations including autoimmune disorders improved after olmesartan discontinuation but not after gluten-free diet, irrespective of the presence or absence of coeliac markers. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of severe olmesartan-associated enteropathy was low. Autoimmune phenomena were present in a subset of cases and reversed after olmesartan removal. A genetic coeliac disease background and the presence of potential coeliac markers might uncover predisposing factors.

Grado de adecuación de las indicaciones de la colonoscopia en una unidad de acceso abierto / Inappropriateness rate for colonoscopy indications in an open access unit

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La adecuación de las indicaciones de la colonoscopia a las recomendaciones vigentes es importante para optimizar los recursos disponibles. El objetivo fue valorar el grado de adecuación de las indicaciones de colonoscopia en una unidad de endoscopia de acceso abierto utilizando los criterios EPAGE II. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron de forma retrospectiva las colonoscopias realizadas entre el 1 de octubre y el 30 de noviembre de 2011. La adecuación de la colonoscopia se estableció de acuerdo con los criterios EPAGE II. Se registraron datos demográficos, médicos solicitantes, indicaciones y hallazgos relevantes de estas exploraciones. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 440 colonoscopias (54% mujeres; edad, 60,8 ± 16,3 años). La indicación fue apropiada en 75,4% (IC: 71-79,3%), incierta en 13,1% (IC: 10,2-16,6%) e inapropiada en 11,4% (IC: 8,7-14,8%). En el análisis univariante la presencia de hallazgos relevantes se asoció a la edad, el sexo, la indicación y EPAGE II. En el análisis de regresión logística la edad ≥ 50 años (OR: 1,84), el sexo masculino (OR: 2,7) y 2 indicaciones, control EII y vigilancia pospolipectomía (p < 0,03), se asociaron de forma independiente con la presencia de hallazgos relevantes. El rendimiento diagnóstico de los criterios EPAGE II fue 37,3% para las exploraciones consideradas apropiadas y 28,3% para las inadecuadas (p = 0,09). CONCLUSIONES: El grado de inadecuación de la colonoscopia es elevado, sobre todo en pacientes jóvenes (< 50 años) y en algunas indicaciones. La edad (≥ 50 años) y el sexo masculino se asocian de forma independiente con la presencia de hallazgos relevantes. El rendimiento diagnóstico de los criterios EPAGE II no fue diferente entre exploraciones adecuadas e inadecuadas

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The suitability of indications for colonoscopy is important to optimize the available resources. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of colonoscopy indications in an open access endoscopy unit using the EPAGE II criteria. METHODS: Colonoscopies performed between October 1 and November 30, 2011 were retrospectively included. The appropriateness of the colonoscopy was established according to the EPAGE II criteria. Demographics, medical applicants, indications and relevant findings from these examinations were recorded. RESULTS: We included 440 colonoscopies (60.8 ± 016.3 years, 54% women). The indication was appropriate in 75.4% (CI, 71-79.3%), uncertain in 13.1% (CI, 10.2-16.6%) and inappropriate in 11.4% (CI, 8.7-14.8%). In the univariate analysis, the relevant findings in the colonoscopy were associated with age, sex, colonoscopy indications and EPAGE II. In the logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with the presence of relevant findings were age (≥ 50 years) (OR, 1.84), male sex (OR, 2.7) and two indications, inflammatory bowel disease and post-polypectomy surveillance (P < .03). The diagnostic yield of EPAGE II criteria was 37.3% for appropriate colonoscopies and 28.3% for inappropriate colonoscopies (P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of unnecessary colonoscopy is high, especially in young patients (< 50 years) and some colonoscopy indications. Age (≥ 50 years) and male sex are independently associated with the presence of relevant findings in colonoscopy. The diagnostic yield of EPAGE II criteria does not differ between appropriate and inappropriate examinations

[Inappropriateness rate for colonoscopy indications in an open access unit]. / Grado de adecuación de las indicaciones de la colonoscopia en una unidad de acceso abierto.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The suitability of indications for colonoscopy is important to optimize the available resources. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of colonoscopy indications in an open access endoscopy unit using the EPAGE II criteria. METHODS: Colonoscopies performed between October 1 and November 30, 2011 were retrospectively included. The appropriateness of the colonoscopy was established according to the EPAGE II criteria. Demographics, medical applicants, indications and relevant findings from these examinations were recorded. RESULTS: We included 440 colonoscopies (60.8 ± 016.3 years, 54% women). The indication was appropriate in 75.4% (CI, 71-79.3%), uncertain in 13.1% (CI, 10.2-16.6%) and inappropriate in 11.4% (CI, 8.7-14.8%). In the univariate analysis, the relevant findings in the colonoscopy were associated with age, sex, colonoscopy indications and EPAGE II. In the logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with the presence of relevant findings were age (≥ 50 years) (OR, 1.84), male sex (OR, 2.7) and two indications, inflammatory bowel disease and post-polypectomy surveillance (P < .03). The diagnostic yield of EPAGE II criteria was 37.3% for appropriate colonoscopies and 28.3% for inappropriate colonoscopies (P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of unnecessary colonoscopy is high, especially in young patients (<50 years) and some colonoscopy indications. Age (≥ 50 years) and male sex are independently associated with the presence of relevant findings in colonoscopy. The diagnostic yield of EPAGE II criteria does not differ between appropriate and inappropriate examinations.