Lower Glycosylated Hemoglobin Is Associated With Lower In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Poor glycemic control during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated with higher mortality. However, the association between long-term glycemic control, as reflected by the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and outcomes has yet to be clarified, with some studies reporting no association. The aim of this study is to determine the association between HbA1c and in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies examining the association between HbA1c level and in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: Among 4142 results, 22 studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 11 220 patients. Lower Hba1c was associated with lower in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37-0.76; I2 81%], in using HbA1c as a dichotomous variable. When only patients with diabetes were included in the analysis, the association remained statistically significant (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.96). In the subgroup analysis, the association remained statistically significant in studies using as cutoff the HbA1c value of 6.5% (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.77) and 7% (OR, 0.54; 95% CI 0.32-0.90), but not with greater HbA1c cutoff values; 7.5% and ≥8%. In studies using HbA1C as a continuous variable, HbA1c level did not have a statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality, either in univariate or multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: A better glycemic control prior to hospitalization, as reflected by lower HbA1c, is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.

A Rare Case of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Infected With Prevotella Species.

Acute pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal-related hospitalizations in the United States. One of the complications of acute pancreatitis is infected pancreatic necrosis. We present a rare case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis infected with Prevotella species in a young patient. We demonstrate the importance of early suspicion of complicated acute pancreatitis and the need for early intervention to prevent hospital re-admission and improve the morbidity and mortality associated with infected pancreatic necrosis.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Excluded Rectum in Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter International Study.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) require fecal diversion. To understand the long-term outcomes, we performed a multicenter review of the experience with retained excluded rectums. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all CD patients between 1990 and 2014 who had undergone diversionary surgery with retention of the excluded rectum for at least 6 months and who had at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: From all the CD patients in the institutions' databases, there were 197 who met all our inclusion criteria. A total of 92 (46.7%) of 197 patients ultimately underwent subsequent proctectomy, while 105 (53.3%) still had retained rectums at time of last follow-up. Among these 105 patients with retained rectums, 50 (47.6%) underwent reanastomosis, while the other 55 (52.4%) retained excluded rectums. Of these 55 patients whose rectums remained excluded, 20 (36.4%) were symptom-free, but the other 35 (63.6%) were symptomatic. Among the 50 patients who had been reconnected, 28 (56%) were symptom-free, while 22(44%) were symptomatic. From our entire cohort of 197 cases, 149 (75.6%) either ultimately lost their rectums or remained symptomatic with retained rectums, while only 28 (14.2%) of 197, and only 4 (5.9%) of 66 with initial perianal disease, were able to achieve reanastomosis without further problems. Four patients developed anorectal dysplasia or cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter cohort of patients with CD who had fecal diversion, fewer than 15%, and only 6% with perianal disease, achieved reanastomosis without experiencing disease persistence.

Patients with distal Crohn's disease often undergo colon resection with a stoma to divert the intestinal stream from the rectum in hopes of achieving sufficient healing to allow ultimate re-establishment of intestinal continuity. Patients and practitioners alike should be aware of the long-term success rates of this procedure. Our retrospective study of 197 patients found that half required later proctectomy and an additional one-quarter remained symptomatic with excluded rectums. Only 14% remained symptom-free after reanastomosis, and only 6% if perianal disease was the initial surgical indication. These data provide estimation of long-term surgical outcomes.

Upadacitinib Is Safe and Effective for Crohn's Disease: Real-World Data from a Tertiary Center.

Upadacitinib is a selective JAK-1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and more recently, ulcerative colitis. Phase II trials demonstrated that upadacitinib induces endoscopic remission in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. However, real-world data are lacking. We present a short report on our experience with off-label upadacitinib in patients with CD at a tertiary center. In this cohort of medically refractory patients with CD, treatment with upadacitinib resulted in subjective and objective responses in 25 and 42% of patients, respectively. Even at doses that are considered lower than currently being studied for CD, upadacitinib was associated with a favorable benefit-to-risk profile.

Endo-histologic Normalization Is Achievable with Tofacitinib and Is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Recent real-world effectiveness studies investigating tofacitinib have been encouraging. Questions remain regarding the long-term effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib, effect on endoscopic remission rates, histologic changes, and alterations in fecal calprotectin levels. METHODS: This retrospective study includes consecutive patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who initiated tofacitinib therapy. We reviewed electronic medical records for demographic and clinical data, as well as all adverse events and hospitalizations. All patients receiving tofacitinib were included in the safety analysis and only patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were included in the effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: 119 patients with IBD (97 UC, 12 CD, and 10 pouchitis) seen at our center between 2014 and 2020 were included in this study. Median follow-up was 32 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 3-252). Clinical response and remission were observed in 70% and 21%, 59% and 33%, and 49%, and 37% at weeks 8, 24, and 52, respectively. Endo-histologic healing was achieved by 11%, 25%, and 37.5% of patients at weeks 8, 24, and 52, respectively. Histologic normalization occurred as early as 24 weeks in this cohort and was achieved by 26% of patients in endoscopic remission. Overall, there were 27 (25%) adverse events with 6 (5%) resulting in treatment discontinuation. There were 11 (10%) infections, none required treatment discontinuation. Ten (10.3%) patients underwent colectomy during the follow-up period. There were no cardiovascular adverse events in the cohort during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness and long-term safety of tofacitinib in patients with UC. Importantly, we show that the endpoint of endo-histologic healing is achievable with tofacitinib and can occur as early as week 8 of therapy.

Histopathology of Colectomy Specimens Predicts Endoscopic Pouch Phenotype in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic appearance in patients with "pouchitis" after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be quite heterogenous. Patients with an endoscopic phenotype resembling Crohn's disease (CD) are at high risk of pouch loss. AIMS: We aimed to assess how the histopathology of colectomy specimens predicts endoscopic pouch phenotypes in UC. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed pouchoscopies from patients with UC who underwent IPAA and classified pouch findings into 7 main phenotypes: (1) normal, (2) afferent limb involvement, (3) inlet involvement, (4) diffuse, (5) focal inflammation of the pouch body, (6) cuffitis, and (7) pouch with fistulas noted ≥ 6 months from ileostomy takedown. We assessed the clinical and pathological data including deep, focal inflammation, granulomas, and terminal ileal involvement in the colectomy specimens. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify contributing factors to each phenotype. RESULTS: This study included 1,203 pouchoscopies from 382 patients with UC. On multivariable analysis, deep inflammation was significantly associated with pouch fistulas (Odds ratio 3.27; 95% confidence interval 1.65-6.47; P = 0.0007). Of the 75 patients with deep inflammation, only two patients (2.7%) were diagnosed with CD based on pathology review. Terminal ileal involvement significantly increased the risk of afferent limb involvement (Odds ratio 2.96; 95% confidence interval 1.04-8.47; P = 0.04). There were no significant associations between other microscopic features and phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: We identify histologic features of colectomy specimens in UC that predict subsequent pouch phenotypes. Particularly, deep inflammation in the resected colon was significantly associated with pouch fistulas, a pouch phenotype with poor prognosis.

Outcomes of Ileoanal Pouch Anastomosis in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Are Worse in the Modern Era: A Time Trend Analysis Outcomes Following Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant differences in surgical outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing colectomy, counseling on pediatric outcomes has largely been guided by data from adults. We compared differences in pouch survival between pediatric and adult patients who underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study of patients with UC treated with IPAA who subsequently underwent pouchoscopy between 1980 and 2019. Data were collected via electronic medical records. We stratified the study population based on age at IPAA. Differences between groups were assessed using t tests and chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare survival probabilities. Differences between groups were assessed using a log-rank test. RESULTS: We identified 53 patients with UC who underwent IPAA before 19 years of age and 329 patients with UC who underwent IPAA at or after 19 years of age. Subjects who underwent IPAA as children were more likely to require anti-tumor nerosis factor (TNF) postcolectomy compared with adults (41.5% vs 25.8%; P < .05). Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed that pediatric patients who underwent IPAA in the last 10 years had a 5-year pouch survival probability that was 28% lower than that of those who underwent surgery in the 1990s or 2000s (72% vs 100%; P < .001). Further, children who underwent IPAA and received anti-TNF therapies precolectomy had the most rapid progression to pouch failure when compared with anti-TNF-naive children and with adults who were either exposed or naive precolectomy (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: There are lower rates of pouch survival for children with UC who underwent IPAA following the uptake of anti-TNF therapy compared with both historical pediatric control subjects and contemporary adults.

Ileal pouch­anal anastomosis is the most common surgical approach for patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing total proctocolectomy. Outcomes are informed by heterogeneous adult data cohorts often predating anti-tumor necrosis factor uptake. We find that for children in the modern era pouch loss occurs at higher rates.

A Prospective Trial with Long Term Follow-up of Patients With Severe, Steroid-Resistant Ulcerative Colitis Who Received Induction Therapy With Cyclosporine and Were Maintained With Vedolizumab.

BACKGROUND: Combining vedolizumab with a rapid-onset drug such as cyclosporine is a novel combination treatment for severe steroid-resistant ulcerative colitis (UC). This prospective study describes the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in conjunction with vedolizumab in patients with severe, steroid-resistant UC with 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: Seventeen steroid-resistant UC patients were treated with cyclosporine in combination with vedolizumab, with a follow up of 52 weeks. Clinical and endoscopic response, remission rates, and colectomy-free survival were the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included biochemical response and remission with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fecal calprotectin. RESULTS: Fifteen (88%) of 17 patients initially responded to cyclosporine and were started on vedolizumab. By week 10, 11 (73%) of 15 patients had achieved endoscopic remission with a Mayo score of ≤1. At week 26, 14 (93%) of 15 of the patients were in clinical remission and 11 (73%) were in endoscopic remission. At week 52 of follow-up, 10 (71%) of 14 of these patients continued to be in endoscopic remission and 11 (79%) of 14 were in clinical remission. Among the 10 patients in endoscopic remission, 8 (80%) reached histological remission. Colectomy-free survival rate was 82% (n = 14 of 17) at 1 year and mean C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fecal calprotectin levels were 3.2 mg/L, 16.1 mm/h, and 168.3 µg/g, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Bridging cyclosporine to vedolizumab in severe, steroid-refractory UC patients is effective and safe at inducing and maintaining clinical, endoscopic, and biochemical response and remission up to 52 weeks of follow-up. Larger prospective studies are warranted.

Endoscopic Phenotype of the J Pouch in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A New Classification for Pouch Outcomes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pouchitis is a common complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with ulcerative colitis who have undergone colectomy. Pouchitis has been considered a single entity despite a broad array of clinical and endoscopic patterns. We developed a novel classification system based on the pattern of inflammation observed in pouches and evaluated the contributing factors and prognosis of each phenotype. METHODS: We identified 426 patients (384 with ulcerative colitis) treated with proctocolectomy and IPAA who subsequently underwent pouchoscopies at the University of Chicago between June 1997 and December 2019. We retrospectively reviewed 1359 pouchoscopies and classified them into 7 main pouch phenotypes: (1) normal, (2) afferent limb involvement, (3) inlet involvement, (4) diffuse, (5) focal inflammation of the pouch body, (6) cuffitis, and (7) pouch with fistulas noted 6 months after ileostomy takedown. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors contributing to each phenotype. Pouch survival was estimated by the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Significant contributing factors for afferent limb involvement were a body mass index of 25 or higher and hand-sewn anastomosis, for inlet involvement the significant contributing factor was male sex; for diffuse inflammation the significant contributing factors were extensive colitis and preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs, for cuffitis the significant contributing factors were stapled anastomosis and preoperative Clostridioides difficile infection. Inlet stenosis, diffuse inflammation, and cuffitis significantly increased the risk of pouch excision. Diffuse inflammation was associated independently with pouch excision (hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.34-5.41; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: We describe 7 unique IPAA phenotypes with different contributing factors and outcomes, and propose a new classification system for pouch management and future interventional studies.

Achieving Histologic Normalization in Ulcerative Colitis Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Subsequent Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Complete histologic normalization is associated with improved clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is currently unknown what effect achieving histologic normalization has on the development of dysplasia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 495 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of UC from a tertiary center. Patients were categorized according to the best histologic assessment they had during their disease course: histologic normalization, histologic quiescence, or persistent histologic activity. We assessed dysplasia rates in these patient groups after achieving histologic normalization or histologic quiescence, or 8 years after UC diagnosis in those with persistent histologic activity. Kaplan-Meier graphs and Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate this effect. RESULTS: The incidence rate of dysplasia development after achieving histologic normalization was statistically significantly less when compared with the incidence rate after achieving histologic quiescence (P = 0.001) and in those with persistent histologic activity 8 years after UC diagnosis (P = 0.033). In multivariate analysis, at any point throughout UC duration, dysplasia development was statistically lower in those with histologic normalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.81) but not in those with histologic quiescence (aHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.25-1.10), compared with those with persistent histologic inflammation. When assessing the time after achieving histologic normalization, histologic quiescence, or 8 years post UC diagnosis in those with persistent histologic activity, we found that patients with histologic normalization had a subsequent decreased risk of developing dysplasia (aHR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.72), compared with patients without normalization. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic normalization is associated with a decreased risk in patients with UC of developing subsequent dysplasia, compared with patients without histologic normalization. These findings have implications for surveillance intervals.

Assessment of Comorbid Depression and Anxiety in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Adaptive Testing Technology.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are comorbidities of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it is now recommended to screen IBD patients for these conditions. We screened patients using a novel computerized adaptive testing technology and compared the screening results to measures of disease activity. METHODS: Consecutive patients at our tertiary IBD clinic were asked to complete the validated CAT-MH™ survey (Adaptive Testing Technologies, Chicago, IL); we then reviewed disease and patient characteristics. Clinical remission status was determined based on clinical, laboratory, endoscopy and imaging results. Statistical methods included Fisher's exact test and Pearson Chi-square tests to assess association. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: We included 134 patients, of which 34 (25.3%) screened positive for depression and 18 (13.4%) screened positive for anxiety. We identified 19 (55.9 %) and 10 (55.5%) patients who were previously undiagnosed for depression and anxiety, respectively. Patients in clinical remission were less likely to screen positive for depression (OR 0.19; 95%CI 0.07-0.50) and for anxiety (OR 0.30; 95%CI 0.10-0.91). Compared to patients with negative CRP values, patients with positive CRP were more likely to also screen positive for depression (p=0.025) and anxiety (p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the utility of a novel testing technology for screening patients with IBD for depression and anxiety. We found a large number of patients with previously undiagnosed anxiety or depression and a significant positive association between clinically active IBD and these mental health conditions. This work supports and informs recommendations for mental health screening in the IBD population.

Treatment of Crohn's Disease and Concomitant Alopecia Areata With Tofacitinib.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of immune-mediated hair loss and is reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests that there might be a shared molecular pathway in the pathogenesis of AA and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists are also rarely associated with new-onset AA. We present a patient with Crohn's disease treated with adalimumab who developed AA that rapidly progressed to alopecia totalis and universalis. We describe the use of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor, to not only successfully treat the AA but also maintain her Crohn's disease.

Combining Cyclosporine With Ustekinumab in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

We have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of combining cyclosporine and vedolizumab to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). We present 2 cases of hospitalized acute severe UC who had failed therapy with antitumor necrosis factor and vedolizumab and were treated successfully with induction cyclosporine and safely bridged to ustekinumab maintenance therapy. Both patients have avoided colectomy. There were no adverse events. We propose this novel treatment combination in medically resistant acute severe UC.

A Practical Clinical Approach to the Management of High-Risk Ulcerative Colitis.

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) can experience periods of recurrent disease activity with a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, urgency, and diarrhea. Although long-term remission will be achieved and maintained in most cases, the course of UC varies from patient to patient. Patients can be defined according to whether they are in remission or have mild, moderate, severe, or fulminant disease, and hospitalization can occur under different circumstances. In these cases, determining the next course of therapy is essential. The aim of this article is to present an approach to the treatment of high-risk UC in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. Also presented is a critical appraisal of alternative and emerging approaches to the management of patients with high-risk UC. Fundamental principles are key in the management of high-risk UC, including discussing the goals of treatment with the patient and family, assessing each patient's risk level and prognostic factors in addition to disease activity to inform therapeutic choices, understanding drug mechanisms and pharmacokinetics, and using objective measures to monitor disease response. In the treatment of all patients with high-risk UC, a balanced approach to deciding between medical and surgical options must be maintained.

Identification of Risk Factors for Coexisting Sinusitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the association of coexisting sinusitis and IBD, establish significant factors involved in their development, and enable further biological correlation between these two diseases. METHODS: The IBD and Sinusitis Study at UChicago Medicine (TISSUe) is a retrospective, single-center study. We reviewed patients to confirm IBD and chronic sinusitis diagnoses. Case-control propensity score matching was performed using matched controls with IBD only or sinusitis only. Statistical methods included Chi-squared test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and factors were considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: Stratifying 214 patients with coexisting IBD and sinusitis, 176 patients had IBD first and 38 patients had sinusitis first. Multivariable analysis of factors associated with subsequent disease with matched controls determined that duration of disease, UC, steroid exposure ever, and younger age of IBD diagnosis were associated with subsequent sinusitis in patients with IBD; steroid exposure ever and duration of sinusitis were significantly associated with subsequent IBD in patients with sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IBD maintenance therapies are not associated with increased risk of sinusitis, as proposed by adverse events in clinical trial data; rather, UC diagnosis and duration of disease may be more influential in sinusitis development. While further studies are necessary, this study also demonstrates that sinusitis precedes IBD in some patients, probing its biological association with IBD and possible classification as an extraintestinal manifestation.

Black Race and Public Insurance Are Predictive of Inappropriate Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Diarrhea.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Socioeconomic status, race, and insurance can impact healthcare delivery and utilization in several chronic disease states. The primary aim of our study was to determine whether race and insurance status are predictors of having an appropriate workup for celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when presenting with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and chronic diarrhea. METHODS: Medical records of patients seen at the University of Chicago Medical Center between January 1, 2006, and September 20, 2017, were reviewed. Patients with two separate encounters within 6 months associated with the diagnosis codes for both IDA and chronic diarrhea were identified. Patients without a diagnosis code for IBD and celiac disease were further grouped as those that had an "appropriate" workup and those that did not. Factors associated with the appropriate evaluation were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 899,701 records were searched. A total of 83 patients fit inclusion into the study (8 IBD, 3 CD, 72 neither IBD or CD). Black race was associated with a 91% decreased odds of having the appropriate workup on univariate (OR 0.090, 95%CI 0.017-0.475, p = 0.005) and age-adjusted multivariate analysis (OR 0.095, 95% CI 0.017-0.527, p = 0.007). Public insurance status was significantly associated with a 90% decreased odds of appropriate workup on univariate (OR 0.102, 95% CI 0.024-0.438, p = 0.002) and age-adjusted multivariate analysis (OR 0.104, 95% CI 0.021-0.513, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Black race and public insurance were significantly associated with not having an appropriate workup for IBD and celiac disease when presenting with iron deficiency and chronic diarrhea.

Coronavirus Goes Viral: Quantifying the COVID-19 Misinformation Epidemic on Twitter.

Background Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, misinformation has been spreading uninhibited over traditional and social media at a rapid pace. We sought to analyze the magnitude of misinformation that is being spread on Twitter (Twitter, Inc., San Francisco, CA) regarding the coronavirus epidemic.  Materials and methods We conducted a search on Twitter using 14 different trending hashtags and keywords related to the COVID-19 epidemic. We then summarized and assessed individual tweets for misinformation in comparison to verified and peer-reviewed resources. Descriptive statistics were used to compare terms and hashtags, and to identify individual tweets and account characteristics. Results The study included 673 tweets. Most tweets were posted by informal individuals/groups (66%), and 129 (19.2%) belonged to verified Twitter accounts. The majority of included tweets contained serious content (91.2%); 548 tweets (81.4%) included genuine information pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic. Around 70% of the tweets tackled medical/public health information, while the others were pertaining to sociopolitical and financial factors. In total, 153 tweets (24.8%) included misinformation, and 107 (17.4%) included unverifiable information regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. The rate of misinformation was higher among informal individual/group accounts (33.8%, p: <0.001). Tweets from unverified Twitter accounts contained more misinformation (31.0% vs 12.6% for verified accounts, p: <0.001). Tweets from healthcare/public health accounts had the lowest rate of unverifiable information (12.3%, p: 0.04). The number of likes and retweets per tweet was not associated with a difference in either false or unverifiable content. The keyword "COVID-19" had the lowest rate of misinformation and unverifiable information, while the keywords "#2019_ncov" and "Corona" were associated with the highest amount of misinformation and unverifiable content respectively. Conclusions Medical misinformation and unverifiable content pertaining to the global COVID-19 epidemic are being propagated at an alarming rate on social media. We provide an early quantification of the magnitude of misinformation spread and highlight the importance of early interventions in order to curb this phenomenon that endangers public safety at a time when awareness and appropriate preventive actions are paramount.

Cancer-Related Pain: Prevalence, Severity and Management in a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East

Background: Despite pain awareness and the development of treatment guidelines, cancer-related pain assessment and management remain suboptimal. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence and severity of pain and its interference with daily activities, and evaluate adequacy of treatment in cancer patients in Lebanon. Methods: A total of 400 cancer patients aged 18 and above were interviewed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center surgical and medical oncology floors, outpatient clinics and chemotherapy units from March 2016-February 2017. The subjects covered were socio-demographics, clinical data, and presence of pain in the past month with use of the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted using t-test, chi-square and Fischer's exact tests. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between pain severity and pain interference. Logistic regression was employed to determine risk factors for pain. Results: The majority of participants were Lebanese (76.0%), females (62.7%), married (80.2%), of Muslim faith (64.2%), of urban residence (85.8%), and with insurance plans (81.3%). Most had breast cancer (38.8%), were stage 4 (52.7%) and underwent a combination of surgery and systemic therapy (55.1%). The prevalence of pain in the past month was 29.8%. Among patients with pain, the highest proportion had moderate pain (37.8%) and around 46% received inadequate treatment. Conclusion: More awareness about cancer-related pain is needed to improve pain management and encourage referral to palliative care and pain specialists early-on in diagnosis of disease.