Comparison Between Intravenous and Intramuscular Octreotide in the Management of Heyde's Syndrome.

Heyde's syndrome is defined as a triad of aortic stenosis, anemia due to angiodysplasia-related bleeding, and von Willebrand syndrome type 2A. It is a rare disease and a diagnostic challenge. Treatment modalities include symptomatic management, blood transfusions, aortic valve replacement, and medications such as octreotide. Here, we report the case of a patient who was resistant to symptomatic management, aortic valve replacement, as well as intravenous octreotide.

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to be one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal tract disorders. Management of GERD is individualized for each patient depending on severity of symptoms, complications of GERD and patient/physician preference. The different management options include life style modification, pharmacological therapy, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. The final decision regarding management should be made based on an individualized patient centered approach on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a multidisciplinary team including primary care physician, gastroenterologist and surgeon. We provide a comprehensive review for the management of GERD.

Natural history, pathophysiology and evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases encountered by both internists and gastroenterologists. GERD can cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging from heartburn and regurgitation to more atypical symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and hoarseness. The diagnosis is often times made on the basis of history and clinical symptomatology. The prevalence of GERD is currently estimated to be 8-33% with the incidence of disease only expected to increase over time. Although most cases of GERD can be diagnosed based on symptoms and clinical presentation, the diagnosis of GERD can be challenging when symptoms are atypical. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Predictors of 30-Day Readmission After Inpatient Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The 30-day hospital readmission rate is a nationally recognized quality measure. Nearly one-fifth of medicare beneficiaries are hospitalized within 30 days of discharge, resulting in a cost of over $26 billion dollars annually. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains the endoscopic procedure with the highest risk of morbidity and mortality. We set out to analyze the clinical characteristics predictive of 30-day readmission after an inpatient ERCP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all inpatient ERCPs performed at our institution between 12/1/2014 and 9/30/2018. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were compared to determine predictors of 30-day readmission. RESULTS: A total of 497 inpatient ERCP procedures done for biliary or pancreatic indications, constituting 483 patients, were identified. There were 52 readmissions that occurred among 48 patients within 30 days of discharge. Basic demographic characteristics were similar between both groups. Comorbidities were significantly higher in those who were readmitted. Multivariate analysis revealed significantly greater odds of readmission with prior liver transplantation (OR = 4.15), cirrhosis (OR = 3.20), and pancreatic duct stent placement (OR = 2.56). Subgroup analysis for biliary indications revealed cholecystectomy before discharge and early ERCP to be protective against readmission. CONCLUSION: A history of liver transplantation and cirrhosis are predictive of increased 30-day readmission rates after an inpatient ERCP. Pancreatic duct stent placement is associated with readmission; however, this phenomenon is likely related to stenting for pancreatic endotherapy. Cholecystectomy before discharge and early ERCP are predictive of decreased need for readmission in procedures done for biliary indications.