Gastric polyps: a retrospective cohort analysis of 23,668 endoscopies indicates changing epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics.

Introduction: Growing adoption of endoscopic procedures in clinical practice has gradually increase the detection rate of gastric polypoid lesions. Aim: To identify the epidemiologic characteristics of gastric polyps as well as changes of these parameters during a 15-year period. Material and methods: We reviewed all the upper endoscopies archived in our database reporting a polypoid lesion from 2003 to 2018. Demographic data, indication for endoscopy, morphological characteristics of polyps, histology, and presence of Helicobacter pylori were collected. We compared the abovementioned data between 2 periods: 2003-2010 and 2010-2018. Results: A total of 989 (4.2%) patients from 23,668 reviewed were identified to harbour a polypoid lesion. Mean patient age was 63.2 years, with 58.8% being female. Most polyps (65.2%) were less than 5 mm in diameter and located in the fundus. Hyperplastic polyps (HPs) were the predominant type (28.6%) while fundic gland polyps (FGPs) were found in 24.1% of patients. Adenomas were the least common type (2.7%). Other pathology was identified in 43.3%. Comparison between the 2 periods revealed a rise of FGPs against HPs with a concomitant shift of location from antrum to fundus and an increase in the number of polyps per patient. Conclusions: FGPs and HPs were the most common polyps found in our cohort, with a change of their pattern during the 15 years. It is imperative to acknowledge the distinct characteristics of gastric polyps so as to properly assess the malignant potential that some of them, or their surrounding gastric mucosa, harbour.

Revealing Insights: A Comprehensive Overview of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Management, with Special Emphasis on EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) poses a common and challenging clinical scenario, characterized by mechanical blockage in the pylorus, distal stomach, or duodenum, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and early satiety. Its diverse etiology encompasses both benign and malignant disorders. The spectrum of current treatment modalities extends from conservative approaches to more invasive interventions, incorporating procedures like surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE), self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) placement, and the advanced technique of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). While surgery is favored for longer life expectancy, stents are preferred in malignant gastric outlet stenosis. The novel EUS-GE technique, employing a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS), combines the immediate efficacy of stents with the enduring benefits of gastroenterostomy. Despite its promising outcomes, EUS-GE is a technically demanding procedure requiring specialized expertise and facilities.

Biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: Real-world comparative effectiveness and impact of drug sequencing in 13,222 patients within the UK IBD BioResource.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare effectiveness of different biologic therapies and sequences in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using real-world data from a large cohort with long exposure. METHODS: Demographic, disease, treatment and outcome data were retrieved for patients in the UK IBD BioResource. Effectiveness of treatment was based on persistence free of discontinuation or failure, analysed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for differences between groups. RESULTS: 13,222 evaluable patients received at least one biologic. In ulcerative colitis (UC) first line vedolizumab (VDZ) demonstrated superior effectiveness over five years compared to anti-TNF agents (p=0.006). VDZ was superior to both infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) after ADA and IFX failure respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Anti-TNF therapy showed similar effectiveness when used first-line, or after failure of VDZ. In Crohn's disease (CD) we found significant differences between first line treatments over ten years (p=0.045), with superior effectiveness of IFX compared to ADA in perianal CD. Non-anti-TNF biologics were superior to a second anti-TNF after first line anti-TNF failure in CD (p=0.035). Patients with UC or CD experiencing TNF-failure due to delayed loss of response or intolerance had superior outcomes when switching to a non-anti-TNF biologic, rather than a second anti-TNF. CONCLUSIONS: We provide real-world evidence to guide biologic selection and sequencing in a range of common scenarios. Our findings challenge current guidelines regarding drug selection after loss of response to first anti-TNF.

EUS-Guided Diagnosis of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions, What Is New?

Gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs) are intramural lesions that arise underneath the gastric mucosa. SELs can be benign, but can also be malignant or have malignant potential. Therefore, correct diagnosis is crucial. Endosonography has been established as the diagnostic gold standard. Although the identification of some of these lesions can be carried out immediately, solely based on their echo characteristics, for certain lesions histological examination is necessary. Sometimes histology can be inconclusive, especially for smaller lesions. Therefore, new methods have been developed in recent years to assist decision making, such as contrast enhanced endosonography, EUS elastography, and artificial intelligence systems. In this narrative review we provide a complete overview of the gastric SELs and summarize the new data of the last ten years concerning the diagnostic advances of endosonography on this topic.

Results of the Eighth Scientific Workshop of ECCO: Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence in Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing an Ileocolonic Resection With Ileocolonic Anastomosis.

Despite the introduction of biological therapies, an ileocolonic resection is often required in patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. Unfortunately, surgery is not curative, as many patients will develop postoperative recurrence [POR], eventually leading to further bowel damage and a decreased quality of life. The 8th Scientific Workshop of ECCO reviewed the available scientific data on both prevention and treatment of POR in patients with CD undergoing an ileocolonic resection, dealing with conventional and biological therapies, as well as non-medical interventions, including endoscopic and surgical approaches in case of POR. Based on the available data, an algorithm for the postoperative management in daily clinical practice was developed.

Comparative performance and external validation of three different scores in predicting inadequate bowel preparation among Greek inpatients undergoing colonoscopy.

Background: Predictive scores aim to predict bowel preparation adequacy among hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy. We evaluated the comparative efficacy of these scores in predicting inadequate bowel cleansing in a cohort of Greek inpatients. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of data generated from a cohort of inpatients undergoing colonoscopy in 4 tertiary Greek centers to validate the 3 models currently available (models A, B and C). We used the Akaike information criterion to quantify the performance of each model, while Harrell's C-index, as the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), verified the discriminative ability to predict inadequate bowel prep. Primary endpoint was the comparison of performance among models for predicting inadequate bowel cleansing. Results: Overall, 261 patients-121 (46.4%) female, 100 (38.3%) bedridden, mean age 70.7±15.4 years-were included in the analysis. Model B showed the highest performance (Harrell's C-index: AUC 77.2% vs. 72.6% and 57.5%, compared to models A and C, respectively). It also achieved higher performance for the subgroup of mobilized inpatients (Harrell's C-index: AUC 72.21% vs. 64.97% and 59.66%, compared to models A and C, respectively). Model B also performed better in predicting patients with incomplete colonoscopy due to inadequate bowel preparation (Harrell's C-index: AUC 74.23% vs. 69.07% and 52.76%, compared to models A and C, respectively). Conclusions: Predictive model B outperforms its comparators in the prediction of inpatients with inadequate bowel preparation. This model is particularly advantageous when used to evaluate mobilized inpatients.

Predictors of Response to Vedolizumab in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results from the Greek VEDO-IBD Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Optimization of treatment with biologics is currently an unmet need for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Real-world studies provide neutral estimates of drug efficacy and safety within unselected patient populations and allow for the recognition of specific characteristics that affect response to therapy. AIMS: We aimed to depict the efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with UC in a real-world setting and identify prognosticators of improved outcomes. METHODS: Patients with active UC who commenced treatment with vedolizumab were prospectively followed up. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical/endoscopic-reported outcomes were recorded at baseline and at weeks 14 and 54. Predefined endpoints of early and persistent efficacy were analyzed against clinical characteristics to identify prognostic factors for response. RESULTS: We included 96 patients (anti-TNF-exposed = 38.5%). At week 14, 73 patients (76%) had clinical response and 54 (56.3%) clinical remission. At week 54, the primary endpoint of vedolizumab persistence was met by 72 patients (75%), whereas steroid-free clinical remission by 59.4%. Among patients who had endoscopy, rates for mucosal healing (Mayo endoscopic score of 0) were 29.8% at week 14 and 44.6% at week 54, respectively. Vedolizumab treatment led to significant improvements in quality of life. Corticosteroid-refractory or anti-TNF-refractory disease, articular manifestations, and high baseline UC-PRO2 were associated with decreased efficacy of vedolizumab in the primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Vedolizumab is characterized by high efficacy and long-term treatment persistence in UC. More aggressive disease, as indicated by refractoriness to steroids or anti-TNFs and elevated baseline PROs, may predict suboptimal response and help pre-treatment prognostic stratification of patients.

The burden and management of anemia in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective, multicenter, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affecting negatively the patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and real-life management of anemia in IBD patients in Greece. METHODS: This study was conducted in 17 Greek IBD referral centers. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, IBD and anemia treatment data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1394 IBD patients [560 ulcerative colitis (UC), 834 Crohn's disease (CD)] were enrolled. Anemia at any time was reported in 687 (49.3%) patients of whom 413 (29.6%) had episodic and 274 (19.7%) had recurrent/persistent anemia. Anemia was diagnosed before IBD in 45 (6.5%), along with IBD in 269 (39.2%) and after IBD in 373 (54.3%) patients. In the multivariate analysis the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (p = 0.0008), IBD duration (p = 0.026), IBD related surgeries and hospitalizations (p = 0.026 and p = 0.004 accordingly) were risk factors of recurrent/persistent anemia. Serum ferritin was measured in 839 (60.2%) IBD patients. Among anemic patients, 535 (77.9%) received treatment. Iron supplementation was administered in 485 (90.6%) patients, oral in 142 (29.3%) and intravenous in 393 (81%). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of anemia in IBD patients, followed at Greek referral centers, is approximately 50%. Development of recurrent/persistent anemia may be observed in 20% of cases and is independently associated with the presence of extraintestinal manifestations, IBD duration, IBD related surgeries and hospitalizations. Anemia treatment is administered in up to [Formula: see text] of anemia IBD patients with the majority of them receiving iron intravenously.

Optimal duration of concomitant nonbismuth quadruple therapy as first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori: a prospective, open-label, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant nonbismuth quadruple therapy is recommended as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in high clarithromycin resistance areas, but the ideal duration of the regimen remains elusive. Aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 10- versus 14-day concomitant therapy for H. pylori eradication in an area of high clarithromycin and low dual clarithromycin/metronidazole resistance. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label study including adult patients with H. pylori infection without previous treatment, from September 2014 to June 2017. Concomitant therapy consisting of pantoprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and a nitroimidazole 500 mg was administered twice daily for 10 days in the first phase and for 14 days in the second phase of the study. Efficacy and side effects were compared between groups using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: In per protocol analysis, rates of eradication for the 10- and 14-day regimen were 91.9% (114/124) and 90.9% (110/121), respectively (P = 0.77). In intention to treat analysis, rates of eradication were lower than 90%. Specifically, rates were 86.3% (114/132) for the 10-day regimen and 85.2% (110/129) for the 14-day regimen (P = 0.8). Side effects, present in 31.3% of treated patients, were significantly more common in the 14-day group (P = 0.015). Four patients discontinued treatment, all in the 14-day group. CONCLUSIONS: Ten day concomitant nonbismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori is highly efficacious and better tolerated than the 14-day regimen. Thus, 10-day therapy may be preferred as first-line treatment in clinical practice.

Association of miR-146 rs2910164, miR-196a rs11614913, miR-221 rs113054794 and miR-224 rs188519172 polymorphisms with anti-TNF treatment response in a Greek population with Crohn's disease.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between rs2910164, rs11 614913, rs113054794, and rs188519172 polymorphisms and response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: One hundred seven patients with CD based on standard clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological criteria were included in the study. They all received infliximab or adalimumab intravenously or subcutaneously at standard induction doses as per international guidelines. Clinical and biochemical response was assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw index and CRP levels respectively. Endoscopic response was evaluated by ileocolonoscopy at week 12-20 of therapy. The changes in endoscopic appearance compared to baseline were classified into four categories, and patients were classified as responders and non-responders. Whole peripheral blood was extracted and genotyping was performed by PCR. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients were included in the study. Seventy two (67.3%) patients were classified as complete responders, 22 (20.5%) as partial while 13 (12.1%) were primary non-responders. No correlation was detected between response to anti-TNF agents and patients' characteristics such as gender, age and disease duration while clinical and biochemical indexes used were associated with endoscopic response. Concerning prevalence of rs2910164, rs11614913, and rs188519172 polymorphisms of miR-146, miR-196a and miR-224 respectively no statistically important difference was found between complete, partial, and non-responders to anti-TNF treatment. Actually CC genotype of rs2910164 was not detected in any patient. Regarding rs113054794 of miR-221, normal CC genotype was the only one detected in all studied patients, suggesting this polymorphism is highly rare in the studied population. CONCLUSION: No correlation is detected between studied polymorphisms and patients' response to anti-TNF treatment. Polymorphism rs113054794 is not detected in our population.

Prevention of Malaria Resurgence in Greece through the Association of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to Immigrants from Malaria-Endemic Regions and Standard Control Measures.

Greece was declared malaria-free in 1974 after a long antimalarial fight. In 2011-2012, an outbreak of P. vivax malaria was reported in Evrotas, an agricultural area in Southern Greece, where a large number of immigrants from endemic countries live and work. A total of 46 locally acquired and 38 imported malaria cases were detected. Despite a significant decrease of the number of malaria cases in 2012, a mass drug administration (MDA) program was considered as an additional measure to prevent reestablishment of the disease in the area. During 2013 and 2014, a combination of 3-day chloroquine and 14-day primaquine treatment was administered under direct observation to immigrants living in the epicenter of the 2011 outbreak in Evrotas. Adverse events were managed and recorded on a daily basis. The control measures implemented since 2011 continued during the period of 2013-2014 as a part of a national integrated malaria control program that included active case detection (ACD), vector control measures and community education. The MDA program was started prior to the transmission periods (from May to December). One thousand ninety four (1094) immigrants successfully completed the treatment, corresponding to 87.3% coverage of the target population. A total of 688 adverse events were recorded in 397 (36.2%, 95% C.I.: 33.4-39.1) persons, the vast majority minor, predominantly dizziness and headache for chloroquine (284 events) and abdominal pain (85 events) for primaquine. A single case of primaquine-induced hemolysis was recorded in a person whose initial G6PD test proved incorrect. No malaria cases were recorded in Evrotas, Laconia, in 2013 and 2014, though three locally acquired malaria cases were recorded in other regions of Greece in 2013. Preventive antimalarial MDA to a high-risk population in a low transmission setting appears to have synergized with the usual antimalarial activities to achieve malaria elimination. This study suggests that judicious use of MDA can be a useful addition to the antimalarial armamentarium in areas threatened with the reintroduction of the disease.