Is religiosity/spirituality in patients with Crohn's disease important to their quality of life?

The authors aim to study Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) and Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with Crohn's disease and their correlation with the disease phenotypes. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional cohort study with 151 consecutive patients enrolled from March 2021 to October 2021 at the Colorectal IBD Outpatient of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Sociodemographic, Religiosity/Spirituality (Duke University Religion Index - Durel) questionnaires and QoL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire - Short IBDQ-S) were applied. When necessary, qualitative variables were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyze quantitative variables and compare more than two groups, both non-parametric statistical techniques. RESULTS: The most frequent location was Ileocolonic followed by Ileal and colonic (41.1 %, 27.2 %, and 25.2 %); only 6.6 % of subjects had a perianal presentation. Inflammatory, stenosing, and penetrating behaviors showed 36.4 %, 19.1 %, and 44.4 % respectively. The majority of the population is Catholic, Evangelical, or Spiritualist (92.4 %). QoL score showed no significant difference in the phenotypes. The scores for DUREL domains were 61.4 % for organizational religiosity, 75 % for non-organizational religiosity, 98.6 %, 93.6 % and 89.3 % for intrinsic spirituality, with high results in all disease phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The studied population presented homogeneous sociodemographic results and high religious and spiritual activity. R/S in a positive context were not associated with better QoL or phenotype. R/S is present in the patients' lives and could be seen as an important tool for adherence to treatment and the professional relationship between doctor and patient. The homogeneity of the sample difficult for an appropriate evaluation, which leads us to suggest new studies with more heterogeneous groups.

ADHERENCE AND PERSISTENCE TO TREATMENT WITH INFLIXIMAB: ANALYSIS OF A PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAM COHORT IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies have proven efficacy in the management of several conditions and infliximab (IFX) is one of the most important drugs of the class. Some recent data have shown low rates of both persistence and adherence to several available biologics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe adherence and persistence rate to IFX treatment and also persistence in the patient support program (PSP), among patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or rheumatic diseases (RD) enrolled in the program of a large pharmaceutical company in Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis using the PSP database. IBD or RD patients using IFX enrolled on the PSP database between September 2015 and August 2019 were retrospectively evaluated to identify the persistence rate and adherence and followed up until March 1, 2020. Patients were excluded if treatment start date was prior to program entry; first infusion prior to September 1st, 2015 or after August 31st, 2019; the patients did not started treatment; and patients with "OTHERS" in "Indication" field. Persistence was assessed considering both persistence in the program ("PSP persistence") and persistence on IFX in the PSP ("IFX persistence in the PSP"). PSP persistence was defined as the proportion of patients remaining in the program at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after initiating IFX. To determine IFX persistence in the PSP, censoring was defined at the time the patient left the program, died, or was lost to follow-up. Adherence to treatment was measured by medication possession ratio ((MPR) - All days supply / elapsed days from first prescription to last day of medication possession)). Descriptive statistics were initially used. Kaplan-Meier curve, the median time estimated by the survival function, Cox regression model, and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were used to evaluate the treatment persistence time at 24 months and the logistic regression model was performed aiming to identify variables associated with adherence (MPR ≥80%). RESULTS: A total of 10,233 patients were analyzed, 5,826 (56.9%) with the diagnosis of RD and 4,407 (43.1%) of IBD. At the end of the follow-up (median 9.1 months from PSP entry to the last infusion), persistence in the PSP was 65.6%, 48.2%, 31.0%, 20.7% and 13.1% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Considering persistence on IFX in the PSP, estimates were 93.7%, 87.8%, 77.0%, 62.4% and 53.0% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Variables associated with the risk of non-persistence were gender, country region and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Median MPR was 94.2%, while the percentage of patients with MPR ≥80% was 91.0%. Variables associated with MPR≥80% were country region and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Many patients leave the program without discontinuing IFX, since the 12-month persistence were very different between program and medication estimates, while high adherence rates were observed among patients enrolled in the PSP. Data highlights the benefits of a PSP.

Adesão e persistência ao tratamento com infliximabe: análise de uma coorte de um programa de suporte ao paciente no Brasil / Adherence and persistence to treatment with infliximab: analysis of a patient support program cohort in brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Monoclonal antibodies have proven efficacy in the management of several conditions and infliximab (IFX) is one of the most important drugs of the class. Some recent data have shown low rates of both persistence and adherence to several available biologics. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe adherence and persistence rate to IFX treatment and also persistence in the patient support program (PSP), among patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or rheumatic diseases (RD) enrolled in the program of a large pharmaceutical company in Brazil. Methods: Retrospective observational analysis using the PSP database. IBD or RD patients using IFX enrolled on the PSP database between September 2015 and August 2019 were retrospectively evaluated to identify the persistence rate and adherence and followed up until March 1, 2020. Patients were excluded if treatment start date was prior to program entry; first infusion prior to September 1st, 2015 or after August 31st, 2019; the patients did not started treatment; and patients with "OTHERS" in "Indication" field. Persistence was assessed considering both persistence in the program ("PSP persistence") and persistence on IFX in the PSP ("IFX persistence in the PSP"). PSP persistence was defined as the proportion of patients remaining in the program at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after initiating IFX. To determine IFX persistence in the PSP, censoring was defined at the time the patient left the program, died, or was lost to follow-up. Adherence to treatment was measured by medication possession ratio ((MPR) - All days supply / elapsed days from first prescription to last day of medication possession)). Descriptive statistics were initially used. Kaplan-Meier curve, the median time estimated by the survival function, Cox regression model, and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were used to evaluate the treatment persistence time at 24 months and the logistic regression model was performed aiming to identify variables associated with adherence (MPR ≥80%). Results: A total of 10,233 patients were analyzed, 5,826 (56.9%) with the diagnosis of RD and 4,407 (43.1%) of IBD. At the end of the follow-up (median 9.1 months from PSP entry to the last infusion), persistence in the PSP was 65.6%, 48.2%, 31.0%, 20.7% and 13.1% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Considering persistence on IFX in the PSP, estimates were 93.7%, 87.8%, 77.0%, 62.4% and 53.0% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Variables associated with the risk of non-persistence were gender, country region and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Median MPR was 94.2%, while the percentage of patients with MPR ≥80% was 91.0%. Variables associated with MPR≥80% were country region and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Conclusion: Many patients leave the program without discontinuing IFX, since the 12-month persistence were very different between program and medication estimates, while high adherence rates were observed among patients enrolled in the PSP. Data highlights the benefits of a PSP.

RESUMO Contexto: Os anticorpos monoclonais têm eficácia comprovada no manejo de diversas condições e o infliximabe (IFX) é um dos medicamentos mais importantes da classe. Alguns dados recentes demonstram baixas taxas de persistência e adesão a vários dos biológicos disponíveis. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a adesão e persistência ao tratamento com IFX e a persistência no programa de suporte ao paciente (PSP), entre pacientes diagnosticados com doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) ou doenças reumáticas (DR) inscritos no PSP de uma grande indústria farmacêutica no Brasil. Métodos: Análise observacional retrospectiva utilizando o banco de dados do PSP. Pacientes com DII ou DR usando IFX inscritos no banco de dados do PSP entre setembro de 2015 e agosto de 2019 foram avaliados retrospectivamente para identificar a taxa de persistência e adesão e acompanhados até 1º de março de 2020. Os pacientes foram excluídos se a data de início do tratamento fosse anterior à entrada no programa; primeira infusão antes de 1º de setembro de 2015 ou após 31 de agosto de 2019; o paciente não iniciou o tratamento; e pacientes com "OUTROS" no campo "indicação". A persistência foi avaliada considerando tanto a persistência no programa ("persistência PSP") quanto a persistência em uso de infliximabe no PSP ("persistência IFX no PSP"). A persistência no PSP foi definida como a proporção de pacientes que permaneceram no programa aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses após o início do IFX. Para determinar a persistência do IFX no PSP, a censura foi definida quando o paciente deixou o programa, morreu ou perdeu o acompanhamento. A adesão ao tratamento foi medida pela razão de posse do medicamento (MPR)): todos os dias de fornecimento / decorridos da primeira prescrição ao último dia de posse do medicamento). A estatística descritiva foi inicialmente utilizada. A curva de Kaplan-Meier, o tempo mediano estimado pela função de sobrevida, o modelo de regressão de Cox e o tempo de sobrevida médio restrito (RMST) foram utilizados para avaliar o tempo de persistência do tratamento em 24 meses e o modelo de regressão logística foi realizado para identificar variáveis associadas à adesão (MPR ≥80%). Resultados: Foram analisados 10.233 pacientes, 5.826 (56,9%) com diagnóstico de DR e 4.407 (43,1%) de DII. Ao final do seguimento (mediana de 9,1 meses desde a entrada no PSP até a última infusão), a persistência no PSP foi de 65,6%, 48,2%, 31,0%, 20,7% e 13,1% aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses, respectivamente. Considerando a persistência no IFX no PSP, as estimativas foram de 93,7%, 87,8%, 77,0%, 62,4% e 53,0% aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses, respectivamente. As variáveis associadas ao risco de não persistência foram sexo, região do país e diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide e espondilite anquilosante. A mediana do MPR foi de 94,2%, enquanto o percentual de pacientes com MPR ≥80% foram de 91,0%. As variáveis associadas a MPR ≥80% foram região do país e diagnóstico de doença de Crohn. Conclusão: Muitos pacientes abandonam o programa sem interromper o IFX, pois a persistência em 12 meses foi muito diferente entre as estimativas do programa e da medicação, enquanto altas taxas de adesão foram observadas entre os pacientes inscritos no PSP. Os dados destacam os benefícios de um PSP.

Is religiosity/spirituality in patients with Crohn's disease important to their quality of life?

Abstract The authors aim to study Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) and Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with Crohn's disease and their correlation with the disease phenotypes. Methods Prospective cross-sectional cohort study with 151 consecutive patients enrolled from March 2021 to October 2021 at the Colorectal IBD Outpatient of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Sociodemographic, Religiosity/Spirituality (Duke University Religion Index - Durel) questionnaires and QoL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire - Short IBDQ-S) were applied. When necessary, qualitative variables were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyze quantitative variables and compare more than two groups, both non-parametric statistical techniques. Results The most frequent location was Ileocolonic followed by Ileal and colonic (41.1 %, 27.2 %, and 25.2 %); only 6.6 % of subjects had a perianal presentation. Inflammatory, stenosing, and penetrating behaviors showed 36.4 %, 19.1 %, and 44.4 % respectively. The majority of the population is Catholic, Evangelical, or Spiritualist (92.4 %). QoL score showed no significant difference in the phenotypes. The scores for DUREL domains were 61.4 % for organizational religiosity, 75 % for non-organizational religiosity, 98.6 %, 93.6 % and 89.3 % for intrinsic spirituality, with high results in all disease phenotypes. Conclusions The studied population presented homogeneous sociodemographic results and high religious and spiritual activity. R/S in a positive context were not associated with better QoL or phenotype. R/S is present in the patients' lives and could be seen as an important tool for adherence to treatment and the professional relationship between doctor and patient. The homogeneity of the sample difficult for an appropriate evaluation, which leads us to suggest new studies with more heterogeneous groups.

RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ACUTE COLITIS IN THE ERA OF BIOLOGIC THERAPY.

BACKGROUND: Despite major advances in the clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, some patients still present with acute colitis and require emergency surgery. AIMS: To evaluate the risk factors for early postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for acute colitis in the era of biologic therapy. METHODS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted for acute colitis who underwent total colectomy at a single tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2022 were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients with more severe complications (CDC≥2) were compared with those with less severe complications (CDC<2). RESULTS: A total of 46 patients underwent surgery. The indications were: failure of clinical treatment (n=34), patients' or surgeon's preference (n=5), hemorrhage (n=3), toxic megacolon (n=2), and bowel perforation (n=2). There were eight reoperations, 60.9% of postoperative complications classified as CDC≥2, and three deaths. In univariate analyses, preoperative antibiotics use, ulcerative colitis diagnosis, lower albumin levels at admission, and preoperative hospital stay longer than seven days were associated with more severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for acute colitis was associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Preoperative use of antibiotics, ulcerative colitis, lower albumin levels at admission, and delaying surgery for more than seven days were associated with more severe early postoperative complications. The use of biologics was not associated with worse outcomes.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV in the anorectal fistula tract. A comparative study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is the main risk factor for anal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether this occurs due to a higher frequency of human papillomavirus remains unclear. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and high-risk HPV in patients with perianal Crohn's disease, compared with a control group. METHODS: The authors conducted a two-center cross-sectional study in which perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease patients were matched for age and sex with patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease. Biopsy specimens were obtained from fistulous tracts during examination under anesthesia for both groups. The samples were sent for HPV detection and genotyping using the INNO-LiPA test. RESULTS: A total of 108 subjects (54 in each group) were recruited. The perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group showed a statistically higher frequency of HPV in the fistulous tract than the control group (33.3% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.046). Separate analyses on high-risk types demonstrated that there was a numerically higher frequency of HPV in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group. In multiple logistic regression, patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease were found to have a chance of HPV 3.29 times higher than patients without Crohn's disease (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.20‒9.01), regardless of other variables. The types most frequently identified in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group were HPV 11 (12.96%) and HPV 16 (9.26%). CONCLUSION: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV than in patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease.

Risk factors for early postoperative complications in acute colitis in the era of biologic therapy / Fatores de risco para complicações pós-operatórias precoces em colite aguda na era da terapia biológica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Despite major advances in the clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, some patients still present with acute colitis and require emergency surgery. AIMS: To evaluate the risk factors for early postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for acute colitis in the era of biologic therapy. METHODS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted for acute colitis who underwent total colectomy at a single tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2022 were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients with more severe complications (CDC≥2) were compared with those with less severe complications (CDC<2). RESULTS: A total of 46 patients underwent surgery. The indications were: failure of clinical treatment (n=34), patients' or surgeon's preference (n=5), hemorrhage (n=3), toxic megacolon (n=2), and bowel perforation (n=2). There were eight reoperations, 60.9% of postoperative complications classified as CDC≥2, and three deaths. In univariate analyses, preoperative antibiotics use, ulcerative colitis diagnosis, lower albumin levels at admission, and preoperative hospital stay longer than seven days were associated with more severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for acute colitis was associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Preoperative use of antibiotics, ulcerative colitis, lower albumin levels at admission, and delaying surgery for more than seven days were associated with more severe early postoperative complications. The use of biologics was not associated with worse outcomes.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Apesar dos enormes avanços no tratamento das doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), alguns pacientes apresentam quadros de colite aguda refratária ao tratamento clínico, e necessitam de cirurgia de urgência. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os fatores de risco associados com complicações pós-operatórias precoces nos pacientes com colite aguda submetidos a colectomia na era das terapias biológicas. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com DII admitidos com colite aguda grave submetidos a colectomia total em hospital terciário no período de 2012 a 2022 foram analisados. As complicações pós-operatórias foram graduadas de acordo com a classificação Clavien-Dindo (CCD). Pacientes com complicações mais graves (CCD≥2) foram comparados com os menos graves (CCD<2). RESULTADOS: Foram submetidos a cirurgia 46 pacientes. As indicações foram: falha do tratamento conservador (n=34), preferência do paciente ou do cirurgião (n=5), hemorragia (n=3), megacólon tóxico (n=2) e perfuração intestinal (n=2). Reoperação foi necessária em oito pacientes, 60,9% tiveram complicações classificadas como CCD≥2, e três pacientes foram a óbito. Análise univariada identificou que uso de antibióticos no pré-operatório, diagnóstico de colite ulcerativa, hipoalbuminemia na admissão e período de internação maior que sete dias foi associada à complicações pós-operatória mais graves. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com colite aguda submetidos a cirurgia de urgência apresentaram alta taxa de complicações pós-operatórias. Uso pré-operatório de antibióticos, diagnóstico de retocolite ulcerativa, hipoalbuminemia na admissão e retardo na operação por mais que sete dias, esteve associado a complicações pós-operatórias mais graves. Uso de biológicos não se associou a piores desfechos.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV in the anorectal fistula tract. A comparative study

Abstract Background & Aims Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is the main risk factor for anal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether this occurs due to a higher frequency of human papillomavirus remains unclear. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and high-risk HPV in patients with perianal Crohn's disease, compared with a control group. Methods The authors conducted a two-center cross-sectional study in which perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease patients were matched for age and sex with patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease. Biopsy specimens were obtained from fistulous tracts during examination under anesthesia for both groups. The samples were sent for HPV detection and genotyping using the INNO-LiPA test. Results A total of 108 subjects (54 in each group) were recruited. The perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group showed a statistically higher frequency of HPV in the fistulous tract than the control group (33.3% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.046). Separate analyses on high-risk types demonstrated that there was a numerically higher frequency of HPV in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group. In multiple logistic regression, patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease were found to have a chance of HPV 3.29 times higher than patients without Crohn's disease (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.20‒9.01), regardless of other variables. The types most frequently identified in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group were HPV 11 (12.96%) and HPV 16 (9.26%). Conclusion Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV than in patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease.

Case series of right colon diverticulitis in the west: a neglected disease?

Introduction: Right colon diverticulitis (RCD) is an uncommon condition in Western populations, but its incidence has increased over the last decades. Due to its rarity, many surgeons are unfamiliar with this disease, which is often mistakenly diagnosed as acute appendicitis. The lack of data about the diagnosis and management of RCD in Western populations makes it difficult to establish the optimal therapeutic strategy. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for acute RCD and to propose a therapeutic algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients treated for acute RCD between 2008 and 2020 by a single experienced colorectal surgeon was performed. Results: In total, 12 patients were identified, 8 male and 4 female subjects, with a mean age of 49.6 years; 9 of these patients were of Western origin. The median follow-up time was of 49 months (range: 12 to 144 months). The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (100%) and fever (66%). Diagnostic errors in imaging exams occurred in four patients. A total of 6 patients were managed clinically, and the other 6 underwent surgical treatment with right colectomy (n = 5) and total colectomy (n = 1), 2 via laparoscopy and 4 through a laparotomy. The anatomopathological examination confirmed RCD in all operated patients. There was no incidental finding of neoplasia and there were no deaths during the study period. Conclusion: Uncomplicated RCD can be treated conservatively with a high success rate. Recurrent cases that impact quality of life or complicated forms of RCD should undergo surgical treatment, preferably through a right laparoscopic colectomy. The authors present a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm to facilitate the diagnosis and to guide the management of this uncommon disease. (AU)

STAPLED HEMORRHOIDOPEXY: RESULTS, LATE COMPLICATIONS, AND DEGREE OF SATISFACTION AFTER 16 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP.

BACKGROUND: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has been widely used for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but concerns about complications and recurrences after prolonged follow-up are still under debate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the very long-term results of the stapled hemorrhoidopexy technique. METHODS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed on 155 patients between 2000 and 2003, and the early results have already been published. In this study, we evaluated the same patients after a very long follow-up. Data were collected with regard to late complications, rate and timing of recurrences, and patients' degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: From a total of 155 patients, 98 patients were evaluated: 59 (60.2%) were interviewed by telephone and 39 (39.8%) were evaluated by outpatient consultation. The mean follow-up was 193 months (range: 184-231), 52 were female, 52 were grade III hemorrhoids, and 46 were grade IV. Recurrence was higher in grade IV (26.1%) than in grade III (7.7%) (p=0.014). Recurrence after prolonged follow-up was seen in 16 patients (16.3%) and 11 (11.2%) required reoperations. The complications were skin tags (3.1%), anal sub-stenosis (2.1%), and fecal incontinence (2.1%). After a prolonged follow-up, 82.5% of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective treatment for hemorrhoidal disease grades III and IV. Recurrence is higher for grade IV hemorrhoids and may occur up to 9 years of follow-up. Reoperations were infrequent and there is a high patient's degree of satisfaction associated with this technique.

Fournier's Gangrene During Pregnancy in a Patient with Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive necrotizing infection of the perineum. Risk factors include male sex and immunosuppression. Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy may alter immune response by complex mechanisms but have rarely been associated with necrotizing infections of the perineum. To the best of our knowledge, only 5 cases of FG in association with IBD have been reported in the literature, and none of them occurred during pregnancy. CASE REPORT We report the case of a young woman with long-standing Crohn's disease in clinical remission with Infliximab monotherapy who developed FG in the third trimester of pregnancy. A cesarean section was undertaken at 35 weeks due to fetal distress, followed by debridement, diverting stoma, and vacuum-assisted therapy. The perineal defect was closed following 4 debridements and vacuum-therapy exchanges with a unilateral medial thigh advancement flap, and a draining seton was placed in the suprasphincteric fistula. The patient was discharged after 28 days and her recovery was unremarkable. The neonate also recovered well. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of FG is multidisciplinary and includes early debridement and intestinal diversion. Perianal pain should not be disregarded, as it may be the initial symptom of severe perianal sepsis in the immunosuppressed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of FG during pregnancy in a patient with Crohn's disease.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: results, late complications, and degree of satisfaction after 16 years of follow-up / Hemorroidopexia mecânica: resultados, complicações tardias e grau de satisfação após 16 anos de seguimento

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has been widely used for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but concerns about complications and recurrences after prolonged follow-up are still under debate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the very long-term results of the stapled hemorrhoidopexy technique. METHODS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed on 155 patients between 2000 and 2003, and the early results have already been published. In this study, we evaluated the same patients after a very long follow-up. Data were collected with regard to late complications, rate and timing of recurrences, and patients' degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: From a total of 155 patients, 98 patients were evaluated: 59 (60.2%) were interviewed by telephone and 39 (39.8%) were evaluated by outpatient consultation. The mean follow-up was 193 months (range: 184-231), 52 were female, 52 were grade III hemorrhoids, and 46 were grade IV. Recurrence was higher in grade IV (26.1%) than in grade III (7.7%) (p=0.014). Recurrence after prolonged follow-up was seen in 16 patients (16.3%) and 11 (11.2%) required reoperations. The complications were skin tags (3.1%), anal sub-stenosis (2.1%), and fecal incontinence (2.1%). After a prolonged follow-up, 82.5% of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective treatment for hemorrhoidal disease grades III and IV. Recurrence is higher for grade IV hemorrhoids and may occur up to 9 years of follow-up. Reoperations were infrequent and there is a high patient's degree of satisfaction associated with this technique.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A hemorroidopexia mecênica tem sido amplamente utilizada para o tratamento de hemorroidas, mas as preocupações com complicações e recorrências após seguimento prolongado ainda estão em debate. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os resultados a muito longo prazo com a técnica hemorroidopexia mecênica. MÉTODOS: O hemorroidopexia mecênica foi realizada em 155 pacientes entre 2000 e 2003, e os primeiros resultados já foram publicados. No presente estudo, avaliamos os mesmos pacientes após um seguimento muito longo. Os dados foram coletados em relação às complicações tardias, taxa e tempo de recorrência e grau de satisfação do paciente. RESULTADOS: De um total de 155 pacientes, 98 pacientes foram avaliados: 59 (60,2%) foram entrevistados por telefone e 39 (39,8%) foram avaliados por consulta ambulatorial. O seguimento médio foi de 193 meses (variação: 184-231), 52 eram do sexo feminino, 52 eram hemorroidas grau III e 46 eram grau IV. A recorrência foi maior no grau IV (26,1%) do que no grau III (7,7%) (p=0,014). A recorrência após seguimento prolongado foi observada em 16 pacientes (16,3%) e 11 (11,2%) necessitaram de reoperações. As complicações foram: plicomas (3,1%), subestenose anal (2,1%) e incontinência fecal (2,1%). Após seguimento prolongado, 82,5% dos pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos ou satisfeitos com a cirurgia. CONCLUSÕES: O hemorroidopexia mecênica é um tratamento seguro e eficaz para a doença hemorroidária graus III e IV. A recorrência é maior para hemorroidas grau IV e pode ocorrer até 9 anos de seguimento. As reoperações foram infrequentes e há um alto grau de satisfação do paciente associado a esta técnica.

Anorectal Mucosal Melanoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Anorectal mucosal melanoma (AMM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. Due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis is often made late. Surgical resection remains the criterion standard for treatment of anorectal melanoma. CASE REPORT We present the case of an 81-year-old woman presenting with hematochezia, anal secretion, tenesmus, difficulty in defecation, and perianal pain. On physical examination, there was a prolapse of a 5-cm melanocytic nodule in the anal canal, hard on palpation. Biopsy confirmed anorectal melanoma. Staging revealed anal and metastatic disease, with adrenal, lymphatic, and hepatic involvement. As the patient continued to have bleeding, severe pain, and difficulty in defecation, she was submitted to a wide local excision. At 5-month follow-up, the anal lesion had relapsed, and the patient died 10 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS AMM is a rare and extremely aggressive tumor. Symptoms are nonspecific but early diagnosis should be pursued to allow curative treatment. Surgical resection with free margins is the goal of surgical treatment. New therapies are being studied, including immunotherapy, which can improve the dismal prognosis of this rare disease.

Spontaneous Knot Formation in a Central Venous Catheter.

BACKGROUND Central venous catheterization (CVC) is indispensable in the management of critically ill patients in the emergency room and intensive care units, either to avoid the various peripheral punctures and vasoactive drugs administration in decompensated patients, or even to administer parenteral nutrition. CVC is an invasive procedure with possible mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications. The complete knotting of a catheter is a rare complication. The aim of this study is to report a case of a simple tight knot 2 cm from the catheter tip. We provide insights for early identification of catheter knotting, as well as its management. CASE REPORT A 63-year-old man with a previous history of angioplasty and non-pharmacological coronary stent in a marginal branch of the circumflex coronary artery evolved to junctional bradycardia and cardiogenic shock and was transferred to the reference hospital. He had a CVC inserted in the right jugular vein; however, it did not have any blood flow. The hypothesis of catheter knotting was suggested and confirmed through a chest X-ray. Venotomy was performed and it was successfully removed. CONCLUSIONS Knotting in CVC obstruction is a rare complication. Recognition of this complication is essential to avoid major complications, such as catheter fragmentation and venous injury. Radiological follow-up after the procedure in patients with difficult anatomy is essential, and echo-guided catheterization should be encouraged when available. Despite the rarity of a knotted intravascular catheter, it is important to note this possible late complication that must be considered in the absence of catheter blood flow.

A NEW APPROACH FOR HEMORRHOID DISEASE: SELECTIVE DEARTERIALIZATION AND MUCOPEXY WITHOUT DOPPLER GUIDANCE.

BACKGROUND: The surgical procedure: three dearterializations and three mucopexies.Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoidal disease, but reports regarding recurrence and postoperative complications (pain and tenesmus) vary significantly. AIM: To evaluate if selective dearterialization and mucopexy at the symptomatic hemorrhoid only, without Doppler guidance, achieves adequate control of the prolapse and bleeding and if postoperative morbidity is reduced with this technique. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with grade II and III hemorrhoids were treated with this new approach and were evaluated for postoperative complications and recurrence. RESULTS: Control of prolapse and bleeding was achieved in all patients (n=20). Postoperative complications were tenesmus (n=2), external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (n=2) and urinary retention (n=2). After a mean follow-up of 13 months no recurrences were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Selective dearterialization and mucopexy is safe and achieves adequate control of prolapse and bleeding and, by minimizing sutures in the anal canal, postoperative morbidity is diminished. Doppler probe is unnecessary for this procedure, which makes it also more interesting from an economic perspective.

Abdominal Surgery in Crohn's Disease: Risk Factors for Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging, especially in the biologic era. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with increased risk for postoperative complications in CD. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with consecutive patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD from January 2012 to January 2018. RESULTS: Of 103 patients, 32% had postoperative complications. Gender, age, disease location and phenotype, hemoglobin and albumin levels, previous abdominal surgery, and preoperative optimization did not differ between the groups with or without complications. Thirty-five percent of the patients were under anti-TNF therapy, and this medication was not associated with increased risk for postoperative complications. Time since the onset of the disease was significantly higher in patients with complications (12.9 vs. 9.4, p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, creation of ostomy and urgent surgery were the only variables independently associated with increased risk for complications (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.12-9.46 and OR 2.94, 95% CI 0.98-9.09, respectively). CONCLUSION: Urgent surgery for CD should preferably be performed in specialized centers, and creation of stoma is not necessarily associated with lower rate of postoperative complications but rather less severe complications.