[Reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection among patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Santiago, Chile, between 2010-2020]. / Reducción de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes derivados a endoscopia digestiva alta en Santiago de Chile entre 2010-2020.

Latin America presents a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection. Between1996-2003, the prevalence in Santiago, Chile, was 70%; recent studies indicate a decreasein this infection. Updating the frequency of Hp is crucial due to its associated health impact. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the trend in Hp infection in patients undergoingambulatory esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a Chilean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients over 18 years old who attended a first EGD with a rapid urease test between 2010-2020. Time trendswere described through time series analysis. A Poisson model was constructed to estimatethe risk of infection, adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: 11,355 patients were included[66.9% females; mean age 52 years; Hp 41.6%]. Male gender presented a higher frequencyof Hp infection [RR 1.13; (95% CI: 1.08-1.18)].Hp frequency infection decreased significantlyfrom 45.1% in 2010 to 29% in 2020, with a 36% lower probability of Hp infection in 2020 compared to 2010 [RR 0.64;(95% CI: 0.55-0.74)]. A progressive decline in Hp infectiontrend was projected, reaching values close to 25% by year 2025. CONCLUSION: A significantreduction in Hpinfection was observed between 2010-2020. This decrease could be explained by the implementation of public health policies in the last decade associated with socio-sanitary changes.

Clinical features and prognosis of malignant small bowel tumors: Experience from a university hospital in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors (SBT) are infrequent and represent a small proportion of digestive neoplasms. There is scarce information about SBT in Latin America. AIM: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and survival of malignant SBTs. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of adult patients with histopathological diagnosis of SBT between 2007 and 2021 in a university hospital in Chile. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients [51.9% men; mean age 57 years] with SBT. Histological type: neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (43.7%, n=38), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (21.8%, n=19), lymphoma (17.2%, n=15) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (11.5%, n=10). GIST was more frequent in duodenum (50%; n=12) and NET in the ileum (65.8%; n=25). Metastasis was observed in 17 cases, most commonly from colon and melanoma. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more often observed in AC (p=0.035), as well as gastrointestinal bleeding in GIST (p=0.007). The most common diagnostic tools were CT and CT enteroclysis with an elevated diagnostic yield (86% and 94% respectively). The 5-year survival of GIST, NET, lymphoma and AC were 94.7% (95%CI: 68.1-99.2), 82.2% (95%CI: 57.6-93.3), 40.0% (95%CI: 16.5-82.8) and 25.9% (95%CI: 4.5-55.7%), respectively. NET (HR 6.1; 95%CI: 2.1-17.2) and GIST (HR 24.4; 95%CI: 3.0-19.8) were independently associated with higher survival compared to AC, adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant SBT are rare conditions and NETs are the most common histological subtype. Clinical presentation at diagnosis, location or complications may suggest a more probable diagnosis. GIST and NET are associated with better survival compared to other malignant subtypes.

Reducción de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes derivados a endoscopia digestiva alta en Santiago de Chile entre 2010-2020 / Reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection among patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Santiago, Chile, between 2010-2020

RESUMEN Latinoamérica presenta una alta prevalencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori (Hp). Entre 1996-2003 la prevalencia en Santiago de Chile fue del 70%; estudios recientes presentan una disminución en esta infección. Actualizar la frecuencia de Hp es fundamental debido a su impacto en la salud asociado. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue describir la tendencia de la infección por Hp en pacientes que asisten a endoscopía digestiva alta (EDA) ambulatoria en una población chilena. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 18 años que asistieron a una primera EDA con test rápido de ureasa entre 2010-2020. La tendencia en el tiempo fue descrita mediante análisis de series de tiempo. Se construyó un modelo Poisson para estimar el riesgo de infección, ajustado por edad y sexo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 11 355 pacientes [66,9% mujeres; edad media 52 años; Hp 41,6%]. El sexo masculino presentó una mayor frecuencia de infección por Hp [RR 1,13; (IC95%:1,08-1,18)]. La frecuencia de Hp disminuyó significativamente desde 45,1% en 2010 hasta 29% en 2020, con 36% menor probabilidad de presentar infección por Hp en 2020 con respecto al 2010 [RR 0,64; (IC95%:0,55-0,74)]. Se proyectó un descenso progresivo en la tendencia de infección por Hp hasta valores cercanos al 25% para el año 2025. Conclusión: Se observó una reducción significativa en la infección por Hp entre los años 2010-2020. Esta disminución pudiese ser explicada mediante la incorporación de políticas públicas de salud en la última década asociadas a cambios sociosanitarios.

ABSTRACT Latin America presents a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. Between 1996-2003, the prevalence in Santiago, Chile, was 70%; recent studies indicate a decrease in this infection. Updating the frequency of Hp is crucial due to its associated health impact. Objective: Our objective was to describe the trend in Hp infection in patients undergoing ambulatory esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a Chilean population. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients over 18 years old who attended a first EGD with a rapid urease test between 2010-2020. Time trends were described through time series analysis. A Poisson model was constructed to estimate the risk of infection, adjusted for age and gender. Results: 11,355 patients were included [66.9% females; mean age 52 years; Hp 41.6%]. Male gender presented a higher frequency of Hp infection [RR 1.13; (95% CI: 1.08-1.18)]. Hp frequency infection decreased significantly from 45.1% in 2010 to 29% in 2020, with a 36% lower probability of Hp infection in 2020 compared to 2010 [RR 0.64; (95% CI: 0.55-0.74)]. A progressive decline in Hp infection trend was projected, reaching values close to 25% by year 2025. Conclusion: A significant reduction in Hp infection was observed between 2010-2020. This decrease could be explained by the implementation of public health policies in the last decade associated with socio-sanitary changes.

Implementation of the updated Sydney system biopsy protocol improves the diagnostic yield of gastric preneoplastic conditions: Results from a real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The updated Sydney system biopsy protocol (USSBP) standardizes the sampling of gastric biopsies for the detection of preneoplastic conditions (e.g., gastric intestinal metaplasia [GIM]), but the real-world diagnostic yield is not well-described. AIM: To determine whether regular application of USSBP is associated with higher detection of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), GIM and autoimmune gastritis (AIG). METHODS: We performed a real-world retrospective study at an academic urban tertiary hospital in Chile. We manually reviewed medical records from consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) from January to December 2017. Seven endoscopists who performed EGDs were categorized into two groups (USSBP 'regular' and USSBP 'infrequent') based on USSBP adherence, using minimum 20% adherence as the prespecified threshold. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between endoscopist groups and the likelihood of diagnosing CAG, GIM or AIG. RESULTS: 1206 patients were included in the study (mean age: 58.5; 65.3% female). The USSBP regular group demonstrated a higher likelihood of detecting CAG (20% vs. 5.3%; aOR 4.03, 95%CI: 2.69-6.03), GIM (12.2% vs. 3.4%; aOR 3.91, 95%CI: 2.39-6.42) and AIG (2.9% vs. 0.8%; aOR 6.52, 95%CI: 1.87-22.74) compared to infrequent group. Detection of advanced-stage CAG (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment stage III/IV) was significantly higher in the USSBP regular vs. infrequent group (aOR 5.84, 95%CI: 2.23-15.31). CONCLUSIONS: Routine adherence to USSBP increases the detection rates of preneoplastic conditions, including CAG, GIM and AIG. Standardized implementation of USSBP should be considered in high gastric cancer risk populations.

De-escalating therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: Results from an observational study in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Combination therapy with an immunomodulator (IMM) and an anti-TNF is commonly recommended in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, little is known about relapse rates after therapeutic de-escalation. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of relapse in a cohort of UC and CD patients with long-standing clinical remission after discontinuation of IMM or anti-TNF and to identify predictive factors for relapse. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with UC or CD on combination therapy and clinical remission for at least 6 months. IMM or anti-TNF was stopped upon physician decision. Primary objective was to evaluate the relapse rates after discontinuation of IMM or anti-TNF and to analyze predictors of relapse. RESULTS: The study included 88 patients, 48 patients (54.5%) discontinued IMM and 40 (45.5%) anti-TNF. During follow-up, relapse rates were 16.7% and 52.5% in the IMM discontinuation group and anti-TNF discontinuation group, respectively (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that anti-TNF discontinuation (HR=3.01; 95% CI=1.22-7.43) and ileal CD location (HR=2.36; 95% CI=1.02-5.47) were predictive factors for relapse while inflammatory CD phenotype was a protective factor (HR=0.32; 95% CI=0.11-0.90). Reintroduction of anti-TNF upon relapse was effective and safe. CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF discontinuation led to significantly higher relapse rates compared to IMM discontinuation in UC and CD patients on combination therapy. Anti-TNF discontinuation and ileal CD location were identified as predictive factors for relapse while inflammatory CD phenotype was a protective factor. Retreatment after anti-TNF discontinuation was effective and safe.

Vascular malformation simulating a gastric subepithelial lesion: The risks of the bite-on-bite biopsy technique.

We present a case of a healthy 64-year-old man whose endoscopy showed an irregular subepithelial lesion in the gastric antrum. This lesion was covered by normal mucosa. Biopsies were taken by a bite-on-bite technique. After biopsies, the patient developed arterial bleeding, which was controlled. The anatomopathological study showed a tortuous artery in the submucosa, with a marked hyperplasia of the intima and the internal elastic lamina. These findings were consistent with a gastric arteriovenous malformation versus a Dieulafoy's lesion. This case demonstrates the risk of the bite-on-bite biopsy technique. In our country we have endoscopic ultrasound to assess these lesions, however its availability is low.

Terapias cuádruples son superiores a terapia triple estándar en primera línea de erradicación de Helicobacter pylori en Chile / Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori first-line eradication in Chile

Introducción: La infección por Helicobacter pylori afecta aproximadamente al 70% de la población chilena. Es un problema de salud pública cuyo tratamiento de erradicación forma parte de políticas públicas en Chile. Objetivos: Caracterizar los esquemas de erradicación de primera línea de H. pylori más utilizados en nuestro medio y evaluar su eficacia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo donde, en pacientes con infección por H. pylori certificada, se evaluó el esquema de erradicación indicado por el médico tratante, su eficacia, adherencia y efectos adversos. Resultados: Se analizaron 242 pacientes y 4 esquemas de erradicación; terapia triple estándar, terapia dual, concomitante y cuadriterapia con bismuto. Se observaron tasas de erradicación de 81,9% (IC 95% 74,44-87,63), 88,5% (IC 95% 73,13-95,67), 93,7% (IC 95% 78,07-98,44) y 97,6% (IC 95% 84,81-99,67) respectivamente, siendo más eficaces la terapia concomitante (RR: 1,14; IC 95% 1,01-1,29; p=0,028) y cuadriterapia con bismuto (RR: 1,19; IC 95% 1,09-1,31; p<0,001) que la triple terapia estándar. La tasa de efectos adversos reportados fue de 58,5% (IC 95% 50,66-65,92), 35,4% (IC 95% 24,6-48,11), 22,9% (IC 95% 11,81-37,14) y 63,4% (IC 95% 47,8-76,64), para la terapia triple estándar, dual, concomitante, y cuádruple con bismuto, respectivamente. La terapia dual y concomitante tuvieron menos efectos adversos en comparación con la terapia estándar. Conclusiones: Las cuadriterapias son superiores a la triple terapia estándar por lo que deberían ser consideradas como tratamiento de primera línea en Chile. La terapia dual es promisoria. Más estudios serán requeridos para determinar qué esquemas son más costo-efectivos.(AU)

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection affects approximately 70% of the Chilean population. It is a public health problem whose eradication treatment is part of the explicit health guarantees in Chile. Objectives: Characterize the most widely used H. pylori first-line eradication therapies in our environment and evaluate their efficacy. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out where, in patients with certified H. pylori infection, the eradication therapy indicated by the treating physician, its efficacy, adherence and adverse effects, in addition to the eradication certification method used, were evaluated. Results: 242 patients and 4 main therapies were analyzed: standard triple therapy, dual therapy, concomitant therapy, and bismuth quadruple therapy. Eradication rates of 81.9% (95% CI 74.44–87.63), 88.5% (95% CI 73.13–95.67), 93.7% (95% CI 78.07–98.44) and 97.6% (95% CI 84.81–99.67) were observed respectively, with concomitant therapy (RR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.01–1.29; p=.028) and quadruple therapy with bismuth (RR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.09–1.31; p<.001) being significantly more effective than standard triple therapy. Regarding the rate of reported adverse effects, it was 58.5% (95% CI 50.66–65.92), 35.4% (95% CI 24.6–48.11), 22.9% (95% CI 81–37.14) and 63.4% (95% CI 47.8–76.64), having the dual and concomitant therapy significantly fewer adverse effects compared with standard therapy. Conclusions: Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy and should be considered as first-line treatment in Chile. Dual therapy is promising. More studies will be required to determine which therapies are most cost-effective.(AU)

Prophylactic Perioperative Terlipressin Therapy for Preventing Acute Kidney Injury in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the perioperative transplant period and is associated with poor outcomes. Few studies reported a reduction in AKI incidence with terlipressin therapy by counteracting the hemodynamic alterations occurring during liver transplantation. However, the effect of terlipressin on posttransplant outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed. Studies reporting the use of terlipressin in the perioperative period of living donor liver transplantation were included. We expressed the dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) using the random effects model. The primary aim was to assess the posttransplant risk of AKI. The secondary aims were to assess the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), vasopressors, effect on hemodynamics, blood loss during surgery, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of nine studies reporting 711 patients (309 patients in the terlipressin group and 402 in the control group) were included for analysis. Terlipressin was administered for a mean duration of 53.44 ± 28.61 h postsurgery. The risk of AKI was lower with terlipressin (0.6 [95% CI, 0.44-0.8]; P = 0.001). However, on sensitivity analysis including only four randomized controlled trials (I2 = 0; P = 0.54), the risk of AKI was similar in both the groups (0.7 [0.43-1.09]; P = 0.11). The need for RRT was similar in both the groups (0.75 [0.35-1.56]; P = 0.44). Terlipressin therapy reduced the need for another vasopressor (0.34 [0.25-0.47]; P < 0.001) with a concomitant rise in mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance by 3.2 mm Hg (1.64-4.7; P < 0.001) and 77.64 dyne cm-1.sec-5 (21.27-134; P = 0.007), respectively. Blood loss, duration of hospital/ICU stay, and mortality were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Perioperative terlipressin therapy has no clinically relevant benefit.

High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 detection and prolonged viral shedding in stools: A systematic review and cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To: 1. Describe the frequency of viral RNA detection in stools in a cohort of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 2. Perform a systematic review to assess the clearance time in stools of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in two centers between March and May 2020. We included SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of any age and severity. We collected seriated nasopharyngeal swabs and stool samples to detect SARS-CoV-2. After, we performed a systematic review of the prevalence and clearance of SARS-CoV-2 in stools (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42020192490). We estimated prevalence using a random-effects model. We assessed clearance time by using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: We included 32 patients; mean age was 43.7±17.7 years, 43.8% were female, and 40.6% reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Twenty-five percent (8/32) of patients had detectable viral RNA in stools. The median clearance time in stools of the cohort was 11[10-15] days. Systematic review included 30 studies (1392 patients) with stool samples. Six studies were performed in children and 55% were male. The pooled prevalence of viral detection in stools was 34.6% (twenty-four studies, 1393 patients; 95%CI:25.4-45.1); heterogeneity was high (I2:91.2%, Q:208.6; p≤0.001). A meta-regression demonstrates an association between female-gender and lower presence in stools (p=0.004). The median clearance time in stools was 22 days (nineteen studies, 140 patients; 95%CI:19-25). After 34 days, 19.9% (95%CI:11.3-29.7) of patients have a persistent detection in stools. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in stools is a frequent finding. The clearance of SARS-CoV-2 in stools is prolonged and it takes longer than nasopharyngeal secretions.

Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori first-line eradication in Chile. / Terapias cuádruples son superiores a terapia triple estándar en primera línea de erradicación de Helicobacter pylori en Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori infection affects approximately 70% of the Chilean population. It is a public health problem whose eradication treatment is part of the explicit health guarantees in Chile. OBJECTIVES: Characterize the most widely used H. pylori first-line eradication therapies in our environment and evaluate their efficacy. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out where, in patients with certified H. pylori infection, the eradication therapy indicated by the treating physician, its efficacy, adherence and adverse effects, in addition to the eradication certification method used, were evaluated. RESULTS: 242 patients and 4 main therapies were analyzed: standard triple therapy, dual therapy, concomitant therapy, and bismuth quadruple therapy. Eradication rates of 81.9% (95% CI 74.44-87.63), 88.5% (95% CI 73.13-95.67), 93.7% (95% CI 78.07-98.44) and 97.6% (95% CI 84.81-99.67) were observed respectively, with concomitant therapy (RR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.29; p=.028) and quadruple therapy with bismuth (RR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.09-1.31; p<.001) being significantly more effective than standard triple therapy. Regarding the rate of reported adverse effects, it was 58.5% (95% CI 50.66-65.92), 35.4% (95% CI 24.6-48.11), 22.9% (95% CI 81-37.14) and 63.4% (95% CI 47.8-76.64), having the dual and concomitant therapy significantly fewer adverse effects compared with standard therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy and should be considered as first-line treatment in Chile. Dual therapy is promising. More studies will be required to determine which therapies are most cost-effective.

Follow-up of gallbladder polyps in a high-risk population of gallbladder cancer: a cohort study and multivariate survival competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of neoplasia in gallbladder polyps seems to be low, but the evidence from populations at high-risk of gallbladder cancer is limited. We aimed to estimate the risk and to identify the factors associated with neoplastic polyps in a high-risk Hispanic population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was recruited between January 2010 and December 2019 at a Chilean university center. Multivariate survival analyses were conducted. Fine-Gray models were fitted to account for competing risks. Covariate adjustment was conducted using propensity scores. The main outcome was the development of gallbladder adenomas or adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Overall, 748 patients were included, 59.6% underwent cholecystectomy. The median follow-up of patients not subjected to cholecystectomy was 54.7 months (12-128.6 months). Seventeen patients (2.27%) developed the outcome. After adjustment by age, sex, intralesional blood flow, lithiasis and gallbladder wall thickening, only polyp size (≥10 mm, adjusted-HR: 15.01, 95%CI: 5.4-48.2) and number of polyps (≥3 polyps, adjusted-HR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01-0.55) were associated with neoplasia. CONCLUSION: In a Hispanic population at high-risk for gallbladder cancer, gallbladder polyps seem to have a low risk of neoplasia. Polyp size was the main risk factor, while having multiple polyps was associated with an underlying benign condition.

Experimental quantum teleportation of propagating microwaves.

The field of quantum communication promises to provide efficient and unconditionally secure ways to exchange information, particularly, in the form of quantum states. Meanwhile, recent breakthroughs in quantum computation with superconducting circuits trigger a demand for quantum communication channels between spatially separated superconducting processors operating at microwave frequencies. In pursuit of this goal, we demonstrate the unconditional quantum teleportation of propagating coherent microwave states by exploiting two-mode squeezing and analog feedforward over a macroscopic distance of d = 0.42 m. We achieve a teleportation fidelity of F = 0.689 ± 0.004, exceeding the asymptotic no-cloning threshold. Thus, the quantum nature of the teleported states is preserved, opening the avenue toward unconditional security in microwave quantum communication.

Consenso chileno de diagnóstico y manejo de neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas. Club de páncreas Chile-SCHGE / Chilean consensus on diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are frequently detected on abdominal images performed for non-pancreatic indications. Their prevalence in asymptomatic population ranges from 2.7 to 24.8%, and increases with age. There are several types of pancreatic cysts. Some may contain cancer or have malignant potential, such as mucinous cystic neoplasms, including mucinous cystadenoma (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In contrast, others are benign, such as serous cystadenoma (SCA). However, even those cysts with malignant potential rarely progress to cancer. Currently, the only treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. The Board of the Chilean Pancreas Club of the Chilean Gastroenterology Society developed the first Chilean multidisciplinary consensus for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of PCN. Thirty experts were invited and answered 21 statements with five possible alternatives: 1) fully agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree and 5) strongly disagree. A consensus was adopted when at least 80% of the sum of the answers "fully agree" and "partially agree" was reached. The consensus was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chilean Pancreas Club for publication.

Impact of COVID-19 on liver transplant recipients-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression and comorbidities increase the risk of severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The outcomes of COVID-19 in liver transplant (LT) recipients remain unclear. We aimed to analyse the outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in LT recipients. METHODS: The electronic databases were searched for articles published from 1 December 2019 to 20 May 2021 with MeSH terms COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and liver transplantation. Studies reporting outcomes in more than 10 LT recipients were included for analysis. LT vs non-LT patients with COVID-19 infection were compared for all-cause mortality, which was the primary outcome studied. We also evaluated the relation between the timing of COVID-19 infection post-LT (< one year vs > one year) and mortality. FINDINGS: Eighteen articles reporting 1,522 COVID-19 infected LT recipients were included for the systematic review. The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 60·38 (5·24) years, and 68·5% were men. The mean time (SD) to COVID-19 infection was 5·72 (1·75) years. Based on 17 studies (I2 = 7·34) among 1,481 LT recipients, the cumulative incidence of mortality was 17·4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15·4-19·6). Mortality was comparable between LT (n = 610) and non-LT (n = 239,704) patients, based on four studies (odds ratio [OR], 0·8 [0·6-1·08]; P = 0·14). Additionally, there was no significant difference in mortality between those infected within one year vs after one year of LT (OR, 1·5 [0·63-3·56]; P = 0·35). The cumulative incidence of graft dysfunction was 2·3% (1·3-4·1). Nearly 23% (20·71-25) of the LT patients developed severe COVID-19 infection. Before infection, 71% and 49% of patients were on tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, respectively. Immunosuppression was modified in 55·9% (38·1-72·2) patients after COVID-19 infection. INTERPRETATION: LT and non-LT patients with COVID-19 have a similar risk of adverse outcomes.

Management of Biliopancreatic Limb Bleeding after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Case Report.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most extensive surgical treatments for obesity. The treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is complex due to the difficulty of accessing the excluded gastric antrum and duodenal bulb. There is no consensus regarding the management of this complication. While various techniques have been described to access the biliopancreatic limb, double-balloon enteroscopy is the most commonly used. If double-balloon enteroscopy is unavailable, a pediatric colonoscope may be used as an alternative; however, its use in such cases has not been described. We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient who underwent gastric bypass 13 years ago and was admitted for a second episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The initial approach using upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal computed tomography angiography did not reveal the cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage; therefore, an endoscopic study of the biliopancreatic limb was performed using a pediatric colonoscope. A Forrest Ib ulcer was found in the duodenal bulb, and endoscopic therapy was administered. The evolution was found to be satisfactory.

Efficacy and safety of obeticholic acid in liver disease-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Currently, there is no pharmacotherapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disorder. In contrast, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease for which ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the drug of choice. However, 50% of PBC patients may not respond to UDCA. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is emerging as a vital pharmacotherapy for these chronic disorders. We aimed to analyse the safety and efficacy of OCA. METHODS: We performed an extensive search of electronic databases from 01/01/2000 to 31/03/2020. We included randomized controlled trials of OCA in patients with NASH, PBC, and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We assessed the histological improvement in NASH, reduction in alkaline phosphatase (≤1.67 ULN) in PBC, and the adverse effects of OCA. RESULTS: Seven RCTs (n = 2834) were included. Of the total RCTs, there were three on both NASH and PBC and one on PSC. OCA improved NASH fibrosis [OR: 1.95 (1.47-2.59; p < 0.001)]. With the 10 mg OCA dose, the odds of improvement was 1.61 (1.03-2.51; p = 0.03), while with the 25 mg dose, it was 2.23 (1.55-3.18; p < 0.001). However, 25 mg OCA led to significant adverse events and discontinuation of the drug [2.8 (1.42-3.02); p < 0.001)] compared with 10 mg OCA [0.95 (0.6-1.5); p = 0.84] in NASH patients. In PBC patients, the response to 5 mg OCA was better than with the higher doses [5 mg: 7.66 (3.12-18.81; p < 0.001), 10 mg: 5.18 (2-13.41; p = 0.001), 25 mg: 2.36 (0.94-5.93; p = 0.06), 50 mg: 4.08 (1.05-15.78; p = 0.04)]. The risk of pruritus was lowest with 5 mg OCA. CONCLUSIONS: Lower doses of OCA are effective and safe in NASH and cholestatic liver disease. While 10 mg OCA is effective for NASH fibrosis regression, only 5 mg OCA is required for PBC.

[Chilean consensus on diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms]. / Consenso chileno de diagnóstico y manejo de neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas. Club de páncreas Chile-SCHGE.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are frequently detected on abdominal images performed for non-pancreatic indications. Their prevalence in asymptomatic population ranges from 2.7 to 24.8%, and increases with age. There are several types of pancreatic cysts. Some may contain cancer or have malignant potential, such as mucinous cystic neoplasms, including mucinous cystadenoma (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In contrast, others are benign, such as serous cystadenoma (SCA). However, even those cysts with malignant potential rarely progress to cancer. Currently, the only treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. The Board of the Chilean Pancreas Club of the Chilean Gastroenterology Society developed the first Chilean multidisciplinary consensus for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of PCN. Thirty experts were invited and answered 21 statements with five possible alternatives: 1) fully agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree and 5) strongly disagree. A consensus was adopted when at least 80% of the sum of the answers "fully agree" and "partially agree" was reached. The consensus was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chilean Pancreas Club for publication.