Effect of a monitored exercise protocol in cerebral and hepatic hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise (PE) has been proven to be beneficial in patients with cirrhosis; effects in cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamics, are yet to be explored. AIM: To evaluate the effects of a PE program (LFN-exercise protocol) in hepatic/cerebral hemodynamics. METHODS: Randomized open clinical trial in patients with cirrhosis; Control: Diet(n = 13),Intervention: Diet + exercise(n = 14) for 12 weeks. Patients received an educational session, mental exercises (printed book and sudoku), and high-protein diet. Exercise intervention consisted of walking 4 times/week with an intensity rated between 12 and 14 on the Borg scale, monitored through bracelet accelerometers. Patients received weekly text messages to encourage adherence and had monthly in-person visits. RESULTS: Patients were mainly Child-Pugh A(88.9 %), median MELD 8(8-10), mean age 53±8 years. In the exercise group the number of steps increased from 9667±3008 to 11,931±4463 (p = 0.002), vs 8004±3224 to 8903±3504 (p = 0.053) in controls. Exercise decreased HVPG from 11(8-14) to 8(6-11)mmHg (p = 0.032) vs no change in the control group from 14(12-16) to 15(11-17)mmHg (p = 0.959). Intervention group showed better cerebral hemodynamics, cognitive function, nutritional status and quality of life after the intervention. Adherence was >90 %, with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: The LFN-exercise protocol improves portal hypertension, cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive function, as well as nutritional status and quality of life. GOV NUMBER: NCT03932552.

Adherence to recommendations for endoscopy practice during COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America: how are we doing it?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Digestive endoscopy is considered a high-risk procedure for COVID-19. Recommendations have been made for its practice during the pandemic. This study was conducted to determine adherence to recommendations for endoscopy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America (LA). METHODS: A survey was conducted of endoscopists from LA consisting of 43 questions for the evaluation of four items: general and sociodemographic features, and preprocedure, intraprocedure and postprocedure aspects. RESULTS: A response was obtained from 338 endoscopists (response rate 34.5%) across 15 countries in LA. In preprocedure aspects (hand washing, use of face masks for patients, respiratory triage area, training for the placement/removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and availability of specific area for the placement/removal of PPE), there was adherence in <75%. Regarding postprocedure aspects, 77% (261/338) had reused PPE, mainly the N95 respirator or higher, and this was with a standardised decontamination procedure only in 32% (108/338) of the time. Postprocedure room decontamination was carried out by 47% on >75% of occasions. In relationship to intraprocedure aspects (knowledge of risk and type of endoscopic procedures, use of PPE, airway management in patients and infrastructure), there was adherence in >75% for all the parameters and 78% of endoscopists only performed emergencies or time-sensitive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the recommendations for endoscopy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic is adequate in the intraprocedure aspect. However, it is deficient in the preprocedure and postprocedure aspects.

Prevalence of burnout syndrome in gastroenterologists and endoscopists: results of a national survey in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome (BOS) is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. It affects doctors, patients and their inter-relationship. There is a lack of data on BOS in Mexico. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of BOS in physician members of the Mexican gastroenterological association (MGA) and Mexican association for gastrointestinal endoscopy (MAGE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional, prospective study through anonymous electronic survey via e-mail, sent to members of the MGA (n = 1192) and MAGE (n = 600). The survey included questions about basic sociodemographic information, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and factors potentially associated with BOS. Continuous variables were summarized as means and ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare groups. Nominal variables were summarized as proportions and Fisher's exact test or Χ2 test were used, as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 1792 e-mail invitations were delivered and 411 answers were received with a response rate of 22.9%. The prevalence of BOS according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory was 26.3% (108/411). The prevalence of BOS according to the single-item self-defined burnout question (SISDBOQ) was 32.6% (134/411). The Kappa coefficient for emotional exhaustion between the SISDBOQ and Maslach inventory was 0.48 (p = 0.0001). Factors associated with BOS included performing endoscopic procedures (OR 2.9 (1.2-6.6); p = 0.008), lack of support from colleagues upon complications (OR 0.2 (0.1-0.4); p = 0.0001), receiving frequent reprimands from superiors (OR 2.4 (1.5-3.8); p = 0.0001), work unrelated to medicine (OR 2.4 (1.4-3.9); p = 0.0001), work violence/harassment (OR 3.0 (1.9-4.9); p = 0.0001) and living in a big city (OR 1.9 (1.2-3); p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: BOS is a frequent entity in Mexican gastroenterologists and endoscopists. There are potentially modifiable factors associated with BOS.