Site and duration of abdominal pain discriminate symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease from previous diverticulitis patients.

Abdominal pain in patients with diverticular disease (DD) can be challenging in clinical practice. Patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) and patients with a previous acute diverticulitis (PD) may share a similar clinical pattern, difficult to differentiate from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We used standardized questionnaires for DD (short and long lasting abdominal pain) and IBS (following Rome III Criteria) to assess clinical features of abdominal pain, in terms of presence, severity and length, in SUDD and PD patients. One hundred and forty-eight SUDD and 118 PD patients completed all questionnaires. Short-lasting pain was more frequent in SUDD than PD patients (p = 0.007). Number of long-lasting pain episodes was higher in SUDD (6.6 ± 11.9) compared to PD patients (3.4 ± 6.9) (p < 0.001). PD patients reported long-lasting pain more frequently in the lower left abdomen (p < 0.001), while in SUDD it was more frequently diffuse (p = 0.002) or localized in the lower right quadrant (p = 0.009). Features associated with long-lasting pain (fever, confinement to bed, consultations, antibiotic therapy, hospitalization) were more often reported in PD patients. IBS criteria were reported in 28.2% of patients and were more frequent in SUDD than PD patients (37.2% vs 17.1%, p < 0.001). SUDD and PD patients presented different pattern of abdominal pain (length, number of long lasting episodes, site and associated features), with a third reporting overlap with IBS. Further observational studies are needed to better characterize abdominal symptoms in DD patients, especially in those not fulfilling IBS criteria.Trial registration: The REMAD Registry is registered as an observational study in ClinicalTrial.gov (ID: NCT03325829).

A new and simple score to predict adequate and deep response to ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: the ALP-A score.

BACKGROUND: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but a significant proportion of patients do not respond adequately, leading to increased risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to develop a new and straightforward predictive score to identify PBC patients likely to achieve a complete response to UDCA. METHODS: A logistic regression analysis was conducted using a derivation cohort of PBC patients to identify pre-treatment variables associated with response to UDCA. This analysis led to the development of the ALP-A score, calculated as: Age at diagnosis divided by (alkaline phosphatase at diagnosis/upper limit of normal). ALP-A score accuracy was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve, validated with a large external cohort from Brazil. Additionally, the correlation between the ALP-A score and the previously validated UDCA response score (URS) was assessed. RESULTS: ALP-A score had good predictive power for adequate (AUC 0.794; 95% CI, 0.737-0.852) and deep (0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83) UDCA response at 1 year of treatment. A cutoff score of 17 and 23 points was determined to be the optimal threshold for distinguishing adequate and deep responders, respectively, from non-responders. ALP-A score demonstrated a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 65%, negative predictive value of 78%, and overall accuracy of 72% for biochemical response. The URS displayed similar discriminative ability (AUC 0.798; 95% CI, 0.741-0.855). CONCLUSION: ALP-A score performs comparably to URS but offers the great advantage of simplicity for routine clinical use. It serves as a valuable tool to identify PBC patients less likely to respond to UDCA treatment, facilitating early consideration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

Patients with Diverticular Disease Have Different Dietary Habits Compared to Control Subjects: Results from an Observational Italian Study.

The role of dietary habits as risk factor for the development of diverticular complications has strongly emerged in the last years. We aimed to evaluate possible differences in dietary habits between patients with diverticular disease (DD) and matched controls without diverticula. Dietary habits were obtained from standardized food frequency questionnaires collected at entry to the Diverticular Disease Registry (REMAD). We compared controls (C) (n = 119) with asymptomatic diverticulosis (D) (n = 344), symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) (n = 154) and previous diverticulitis (PD) (n = 83) patients, in terms of daily calories, macro and micronutrients and dietary vitamins. Daily kcal intake and lipids, both saturated and unsaturated, were significantly lower in patients with DD than C. Total protein consumption was lower in PD than D, with differing consumption of unprocessed red meat, white meat and eggs between groups. Consumption of fibre, both soluble and insoluble, was lower in patients with PD compared to patients with SUDD, D and C, whereas dietary vitamins A, C, D and E and Oxygen Radical Adsorbance Capacity index were lower in all DD groups compared to C. This observational study showed that DD patients have different dietary habits, mainly in terms of caloric, fat, fibre and vitamin intake, compared to control subjects.

Lumen-apposing-metal stent misdeployment in endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainages: A systematic review focusing on issues and rescue management.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainages has marked a turning point in the field of interventional ultrasound and it is gathering worldwide diffusion in different clinical settings. Nevertheless, the procedure may conceal unexpected pitfalls. LAMS misdeployment is the most frequent cause of technical failure and it can be considered a procedure-related adverse event when it hampers the conclusion of the planned procedure or results in significant clinical consequences. Stent misdeployment can be managed successfully by endoscopic rescue maneuvers to allow the completion of the procedure. To date, no standardized indication is available to guide an appropriate rescue strategy depending on the type of procedure or of misdeployment. AIM: To evaluate the incidence of LAMS misdeployment during EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) and pancreatic fluid collections drainage (EUS-PFC) and to describe the endoscopic rescue strategies adopted under the circumstance. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature on PubMed by searching for studies published up to October 2022. The search was carried out using the exploded medical subject heading terms "lumen apposing metal stent", "LAMS", "endoscopic ultrasound" and "choledochoduodenostomy" or "gallbladder" or "pancreatic fluid collections". We included in the review on-label EUS-guided procedures namely EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC. Only those publications reporting EUS-guided LAMS positioning were considered. The studies reporting a technical success rate of 100% and other procedure-related adverse events were considered to calculate the overall rate of LAMS misdeployment, while studies not reporting the causes of technical failure were excluded. Case reports were considered only for the extraction of data regarding the issues of misdeployment and rescue techniques. The following data were collected from each study: Author, year of publication, study design, study population, clinical indication, technical success, reported number of misdeployment, stent type and size, flange misdeployed and type of rescue strategy. RESULTS: The overall technical success rate of EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC was 93.7%, 96.1%, and 98.1% respectively. Significant rates of LAMS misdeployment have been reported for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD and EUS-PFC drainage, respectively 5.8%, 3.4%, and 2.0%. Endoscopic rescue treatment was feasible in 86.8%, 80%, and 96.8% of cases. Non endoscopic rescue strategies were required only in 10.3%, 16% and 3.2% for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD, and EUS-PFC. The endoscopic rescue techniques described were over-the-wire deployment of a new stent through the created fistula tract in 44.1%, 8% and 64.5% and stent-in-stent in 23.5%, 60%, and 12.9%, respectively for EUS-CDS, EUS-GBD, and EUS-PFC. Further therapeutic option were endoscopic rendezvous in 11.8% of EUS-CDS and repeated procedure of EUS-guided drainage in 16.1% of EUS-PFC. CONCLUSION: LAMS misdeployment is a relatively common adverse event in EUS-guided drainages. There is no consensus on the best rescue approach in these cases and the choice is often made by the endoscopist relying upon the clinical scenario, anatomical characteristics, and local expertise. In this review, we investigated the misdeployment of LAMS for each of the on-label indications focusing on the rescue therapies used, with the aim of providing useful data for endoscopists and to improve patient outcomes.

Risk factors for cancer in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and PBC overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) have been associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extra-hepatic malignancy (EHM). This study aims to assess potential risk factors associated with cancer development in PBC and AIH/PBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group database was reviewed to compare clinical and laboratory features of PBC patients with HCC and EHM with those without cancer. RESULTS: Among the 752 PBC patients enrolled, 64 of them with AIH/PBC, 87 cancers were identified in 72 patients, including 20 cases of HCC and 67 of EHM. Patients with HCC had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (95% vs. 32.5% of those subjects without cancer, p≤0.001), smoking (55% vs. 12.3%, p≤0.001), CREST syndrome (30% vs 7.6%, p=0.003) and prior azathioprine (30% vs 8%, p= 0.005) and prednisone (35% vs 14%, p= 0.018) use, whereas patients with EHM had a higher prevalence of smoking (42.3% vs 12.4% of those subjects without cancer, p= <0.001), AMA positivity (96.6% vs 80.1%, p≤0.001), azathioprine therapy (21% vs 7.9%, p= 0.01) and concurrent other autoimmune diseases. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis, obesity and prior azathioprine therapy were independent risk factors for HCC, while Sjogren syndrome and psoriasis were associated with EHM. Fibrates reduced EHM risk. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EHM is higher when compared to HCC in PBC patients. Cirrhosis, obesity, prior azathioprine use, and concurrent autoimmune diseases were significantly associated with cancer in PBC.

Response to Ursodeoxycholic Acid May Be Assessed Earlier to Allow Second-Line Therapy in Patients with Unresponsive Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been traditionally assessed 1 to 2 years after treatment initiation. With the development of new drugs, some patients may benefit from an earlier introduction of second-line therapies. AIMS: This study aims to identify whether well-validated response criteria could correctly identify individuals likely to benefit from add-on second-line therapy at 6 months. METHODS: Analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort which included only patients with clear-cut PBC. RESULTS: 206 patients with PBC (96.6% women; mean age 54 ± 12 years) were included. Kappa concordance was substantial for Toronto (0.67), Rotterdam (0.65), Paris 1 (0.63) and 2 (0.63) criteria at 6 and 12 months, whereas Barcelona (0.47) and POISE trial (0.59) criteria exhibited moderate agreement. Non-response rates to UDCA was not statistically different when assessed either at 6 or 12 months using Toronto, Rotterdam or Paris 2 criteria. Those differences were even smaller or absent in those subjects with advanced PBC. Mean baseline alkaline phosphatase was 2.73 ± 1.95 times the upper limit of normal (× ULN) among responders versus 5.05 ± 3.08 × ULN in non-responders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of treatment with UDCA, the absence of response by different criteria could properly identify patients who could benefit from early addition of second-line therapies, especially in patients with advanced disease or high baseline liver enzymes levels.

Functional Abdominal Cramping Pain: Expert Practical Guidance.

Functional abdominal cramping pain (FACP) is a common complaint, which may present either on its own or in association with a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is likely caused by a variety of, probably partly unknown, etiologies. Effective management of FACP can be challenging owing to the lack of usable diagnostic tools and the availability of a diverse range of treatment approaches. Practical guidance for their selection and use is limited. The objective of this article is to present a working definition of FACP based on expert consensus, and to propose practical strategies for the diagnosis and management of this condition for physicians, pharmacists, and patients. A panel of experts on functional gastrointestinal disorders was convened to participate in workshop activities aimed at defining FACP and agreeing upon a recommended sequence of diagnostic criteria and management recommendations. The key principles forming the foundation of the definition of FACP and suggested management algorithms include the primacy of cramping pain as the distinguishing symptom; the importance of recognizing and acting upon alarm signals of potential structural disease; the recognition of known causes that might be addressed through lifestyle adjustment; and the central role of antispasmodics in the treatment of FACP. The proposed algorithm is intended to assist physicians in reaching a meaningful diagnostic endpoint based on patient-reported symptoms of FACP. We also discuss how this algorithm may be adapted for use by pharmacists and patients.

Continuous clinical remission with biologics in ulcerative colitis: the 'AURORA' comparison study.

OBJECTIVES: Comparative trials among biological drugs for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) provided conflicting results. After patent expire of infliximab originator, adalimumab, infliximab biosimilar, golimumab and vedolizumab have been approved in Italy.We compared the efficacy of these four biologics in UC according to the concept of continuous clinical remission (CCR). METHODS: In a retrospective, multicentre study, all UC patients treated with adalimumab, infliximab biosimilar, golimumab or vedolizumab between 2014 and 2019 were included. All drugs were compared to each other according to the 1-year CCR rate, defined as Mayo partial score ≤2, with bleeding subscore = 0, without any relapse or optimization with dose escalation, topical treatments or steroid use after first clinical remission. RESULTS: Four-hundred sixteen patients (adalimumab = 90, infliximab biosimilar = 105, golimumab = 79, vedolizumab = 142) were included. CCR was achieved in similar percentages among the groups (33%, 37%, 28%, 37%, respectively). All drugs were equivalent in biologic-naive patients, while vedolizumab was better than a second anti-TNFα in prior anti-TNFα agent failures. No differences were found according to type of adverse events or severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a strict definition of clinical remission, all biologics appear equally effective at 1 year. Changing to vedolizumab is more effective than switching to another anti-TNFα in TNFα failures.

A Rare Presentation of a Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) are rare and represent a minority of all pancreatic cystic tumors. Symptoms, if present, are generally nonspecific and upper gastrointestinal bleeding is extremely uncommon as an initial presentation. A 31-year-old woman with no prior medical history presented with a 3-week period of epigastric pain, which she reported as persistent, exacerbated by eating, and associated with progressive asthenia, fatigue, and exertional dyspnea. One month prior, she had had experienced 2 episodes of melena. Upon physical examination her skin was pale, with no other changes. Through diagnostic investigation, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a giant ulcer in the duodenal bulb and a suspect fistulous orifice localized on the posterior wall of the duodenal bulb. In addition, a bulge on the duodenal bulb, suggestive of an extrinsic compression, was noticed. An abdominal computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mixed solid and cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas in direct proximity to the duodenum, which contained an image compatible with a fistula. The patient successfully underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The histopathology, including microscopic analysis and immunohistochemistry, was consistent with an SPN of the pancreas. This case emphasizes that the evaluation of patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a giant duodenal ulcer and an extrinsic mass effect noted on the duodenum should include cross-sectional images of the abdomen. In this case, the finding of a large well-encapsulated pancreatic solid and cystic mass on abdominal images was suggestive of a pancreatic neoplasm diagnosis, including an SPN.

Neoplasias sólidas pseudopapilares (NSP) são raras e representam uma minoria de todos os tumores císticos do pâncreas. Os sintomas, se presentes, geralmente são inespecíficos e a hemorragia gastrointestinal superior é extremamente incomum como apresentação inicial. Uma mulher de 31 anos sem história médica prévia apresentava a três semanas dor epigástrica, a qual ela relatava como persistente, exacerbada pela alimentação e acompanhada de astenia progressiva, fadiga e dispneia aos esforços. Além disso, um mês antes, ela teve dois episódios de melenas. Ao exame físico havia palidez cutânea, sem outras alterações. Através da investigação diagnóstica, uma esofagogastroduodenoscopia mostrou uma úlcera gigante no bulbo duodenal e a suspeita de um orifício fistuloso localizado na parede posterior do bulbo duodenal. Adicionalmente, um abaulamento sobre o bulbo duodenal, sugestivo de uma compressão extrínsica, foi notado. A tomografia computadorizada de abdome e a imagem de ressonância magnética mostraram uma lesão mista de aparência sólida e cística na cabeça do pâncreas, em proximidade direta com o duodeno, a qual continha uma imagem compatível com uma fístula. A paciente foi submetida a pancreaticoduodenectomia com sucesso. A histopatologia, incluindo análise microscópica e imunohistoquímica, foi compatível com NSP do pâncreas. Este caso enfatiza que a avaliação dos pacientes, que apresentam hemorragia gastrointestinal superior devido à úlcera duodenal gigante e um efeito de massa extrínseco notado sobre o duodeno, deve incluir imagem abdominal. Neste caso, o achado de uma grande massa pancreática sólida e cística bem encapsulada na imagem abdominal, sugeria o diagnóstico de uma neoplasia pancreática, incluindo a NSP.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis in a highly admixed population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in non-whites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of PBC in a highly admixed population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group multicentre database was reviewed to assess demographics, clinical features and treatment outcomes of Brazilian patients with PBC. RESULTS: 562 patients (95% females, mean age 51 ± 11 years) with PBC were included. Concurrent autoimmune diseases and overlap with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) occurred, respectively, in 18.9% and 14%. After a mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 5.3 years, 32% had cirrhosis, 7% underwent liver transplantation and 3% died of liver-related causes. 96% were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 12% required add-on therapy with fibrates, either bezafibrate, fenofibrate or ciprofibrate. Response to UDCA and to UDCA/fibrates therapy varied from 39%-67% and 42-61%, respectively, according to different validated criteria. Advanced histological stages and non-adherence to treatment were associated with primary non-response to UDCA, while lower baseline alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels correlated with better responses to both UDCA and UDCA/fibrates. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical features of PBC in highly admixed Brazilians were similar to those reported in Caucasians and Asians, but with inferior rates of overlap syndrome with AIH. Response to UDCA was lower than expected and inversely associated with histological stage and baseline AST and ALP levels. Most of patients benefited from add-on fibrates, including ciprofibrate. A huge heterogeneity in response to UDCA therapy according to available international criteria was observed and reinforces the need of global standardization.

Anti-mitochondrial Antibody-Negative Primary Biliary Cholangitis Is Part of the Same Spectrum of Classical Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease in which anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are the diagnostic hallmark. Whether AMA-negative PBC patients represent a different phenotype of disease is highly debated. AIMS: The purpose of our study was to compare AMA-positive and AMA-negative PBC patients in a large non-white admixed Brazilian cohort. METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group multicentre database was reviewed to assess demographics, clinical features and treatment outcomes of Brazilian PBC patients, stratifying data according to AMA status. RESULTS: A total of 464 subjects (95.4% females, mean age 56 ± 5 years) with PBC were included. Three hundred and eighty-four (83%) subjects were AMA-positive, whereas 80 (17%) had AMA-negative PBC. Subjects with AMA-negative PBC were significantly younger (52.2 ± 14 vs. 59.6 ± 11 years, p = 0.001) and had their first symptom at an earlier age (43.2 ± 13 vs. 49.5 ± 12 years, p = 0.005). Frequency of type 2 diabetes was significantly increased in subjects with AMA-negative PBC (22.5% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.03). Lower IgM (272.2 ± 183 vs. 383.2 ± 378 mg/dL, p = 0.01) and triglycerides (107.6 ± 59.8 vs.129.3 ± 75.7 mg/dL, p = 0.025) and higher bilirubin (3.8 ± 13.5 vs. 1.8 ± 3.4 mg/dL, p = 0.02) levels were also observed in this subgroup. Response to ursodeoxycholic acid varied from 40.5 to 63.3% in AMA-positive and 34 to 62.3% in AMA-negative individuals, according to different response criteria. Outcomes such as development of liver-related complications, death and requirement for liver transplantation were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: AMA-negative PBC patients are similar to their AMA-positive counterparts with subtle differences observed in clinical and laboratory features.

REDUCED PERIPHERAL AND INSPIRATORY MUSCLE ENDURANCE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) causes several musculoskeletal changes. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance are reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with LC (LC group; 61±14 years) and 18 age-matched subjects (control group; 56±17 years) had accepted to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. To assess peripheral muscle endurance, all volunteers performed a rhythmic handgrip exercise at 45% of their maximum voluntary contraction. A metronome was used to control the contraction-relaxation cycles at 60/min. The inspiratory muscle endurance was assessed using PowerBreath®. Participants underwent inspiratory muscle exercise at 60% of their maximal inspiratory muscle strength. The time until failure characterized the muscle endurance for both handgrip and inspiratory muscle exercises. Additionally, the quality of life of the participants was assessed. RESULTS: The muscle endurance was lower in the LC group when compared to the control group for both handgrip (67 vs 130 s, P<0.001) and inspiratory muscle exercises (40 vs 114 s, P<0.001). The peripheral muscle endurance was directly correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.439, P=0.01) and to the following domains: fatigue (r=0.378 e P=0.030), activity (r=0.583, P=0.001), systemic symptoms (r=0.316, P=0.073) and preoccupation (r=0.370, P=0.034). The inspiratory muscle endurance was inversely correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.573, P=0.001) and the following domains: fatigue (r=0.503, P=0.002), activity (r=0.464, P=0.004), systemic symptoms (r=0.472, P=0.004), abdominal symptoms (r=0.461, P=0.005), emotional function (r=0.387, P=0.02) and preoccupation (r=0.519, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Both peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance were lower in LC patients when compared to the control group.

Resistência muscular periférica e inspiratória reduzida em pacientes com cirrose hepática: um estudo transversal / Reduced peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance in patients with liver cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) causes several musculoskeletal changes. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance are reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with LC (LC group; 61±14 years) and 18 age-matched subjects (control group; 56±17 years) had accepted to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. To assess peripheral muscle endurance, all volunteers performed a rhythmic handgrip exercise at 45% of their maximum voluntary contraction. A metronome was used to control the contraction-relaxation cycles at 60/min. The inspiratory muscle endurance was assessed using PowerBreath®. Participants underwent inspiratory muscle exercise at 60% of their maximal inspiratory muscle strength. The time until failure characterized the muscle endurance for both handgrip and inspiratory muscle exercises. Additionally, the quality of life of the participants was assessed. RESULTS: The muscle endurance was lower in the LC group when compared to the control group for both handgrip (67 vs 130 s, P<0.001) and inspiratory muscle exercises (40 vs 114 s, P<0.001). The peripheral muscle endurance was directly correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.439, P=0.01) and to the following domains: fatigue (r=0.378 e P=0.030), activity (r=0.583, P=0.001), systemic symptoms (r=0.316, P=0.073) and preoccupation (r=0.370, P=0.034). The inspiratory muscle endurance was inversely correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.573, P=0.001) and the following domains: fatigue (r=0.503, P=0.002), activity (r=0.464, P=0.004), systemic symptoms (r=0.472, P=0.004), abdominal symptoms (r=0.461, P=0.005), emotional function (r=0.387, P=0.02) and preoccupation (r=0.519, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Both peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance were lower in LC patients when compared to the control group.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A cirrose hepática (CH) causa várias alterações musculoesqueléticas. OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de que as resistências dos músculos periféricos e inspiratórios estão reduzidas em pacientes com CH. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um pacientes com CH (grupo CH; 61±14 anos) e 18 indivíduos pareados por idade (grupo controle; 56±17 anos) aceitaram participar deste estudo observacional transversal. Para avaliar a resistência muscular periférica, todos os voluntários realizaram um exercício de preensão manual rítmica a 45% de sua contração voluntária máxima. Um metrônomo foi usado para controlar os ciclos de contração-relaxamento a 60/min. A resistência muscular inspiratória foi avaliada com o PowerBreath®. Os participantes foram submetidos a exercícios musculares inspiratórios a 60% de sua força muscular inspiratória máxima. O tempo até a falha caracterizou a resistência muscular para os exercícios de preensão manual e de músculos inspiratórios. Além disso, foi avaliada a qualidade de vida dos participantes. RESULTADOS: A resistência muscular foi menor no grupo CH quando comparada ao grupo controle tanto para os exercícios de preensão manual (67 vs 130 s, P<0,001) quanto para os músculos inspiratórios (40 vs 114 s, P<0,001). A resistência muscular periférica foi diretamente correlacionada com o escore total de qualidade de vida (r=0,439, P=0,01) e com os seguintes domínios: fadiga (r=0,030, P=0,378), atividade (r=0,378 e P=0,030), sintomas sistêmicos (r=0,316, P=0,073) e preocupação (r=0,370, P=0,034). A resistência muscular inspiratória foi inversamente correlacionada com o escore total de qualidade de vida (r=0,573, P=0,001) e com os seguintes domínios: fadiga (r=0,503, P=0,002), atividade (r=0,464, P=0,004), sintomas sistêmicos (r=0,472, P=0,004), sintomas abdominais (r=0,461, P=0,005), função emocional (r=0,387, P=0,02) e preocupação (r=0,519, P=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: As resistências musculares periférica e inspiratória foram menores nos pacientes com CH quando comparados ao grupo controle.

Microbiota Gut-Brain Axis in Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review with a Focus about the Relationship with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The gut microbiota is emerging as an important player in neurodevelopment and aging as well as in brain diseases including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The complex interplay between gut microbiota and the brain, and vice versa, has recently become not only the focus of neuroscience, but also the starting point for research regarding many diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The bi-directional interaction between gut microbiota and the brain is not completely understood. The aim of this review is to sum up the evidencesconcerningthe role of the gut-brain microbiota axis in ischemic stroke and to highlight the more recent evidences about the potential role of the gut-brain microbiota axis in the interaction between inflammatory bowel disease and ischemic stroke.

Factors associated with the perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity in liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity (PA) in subjects with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed 102 outpatients with liver cirrhosis regarding the clinical and sociodemographic profile and the perceived benefits and barriers to PA by the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale and muscle strength. A Generalized Step-Forward linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated. RESULTS: The participants were 59±10 years and 60.8% were men. Around 29.4% had ascites decompensation. Perceived benefits and barriers were associated with the presence of ascites (95%CI -0.079 - 0.03; p=0.06 and 95%CI 0.003 - 0.217; p=0.045, respectively). In the group with ascites, both benefits and barriers were associated with muscle strength. In the group without ascites, benefits were associated with cardiovascular risks and no association was observed with barriers to physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity are associated with intrinsic factors such as the presence of ascites and cardiovascular risk in individuals with liver cirrhosis. The results of this study highlight key elements that must be considered for increasing physical activity in this population.