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The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have declined over the past several decades, largely due to improvement and uptake in screening, particularly with colonoscopy. The US Multi-Society Task Force on CRC published guidelines for surveillance after polypectomy in 2012, which were updated in 2020 with some important changes, and this review will provide an updated overview of evidence and outcomes of surveillance after polypectomy. Notable modifications to surveillance guidelines include increasing interval time between colonoscopies from 5 to 7 to 10 years for 1 to 2 low-risk adenomas (10 mm) and from 3 years to 3 to 5 years when 3 to 4 low-risk adenomas are identified.

Gender-based differences in the use of professional titles during speaker introductions have been described in other medical specialties. Our primary aim was to assess gender-based differences in the formality of speaker introductions at the American College of Gastroenterology 2020 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. Our secondary aim was to assess gender-based differences in the formality of speaker self-introductions. Reviewed presentations from the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting for gender-based differences in professional title use during speaker introductions and self-introductions. Speakers included 29 women (37.2%) and 49 men (62.8%). We found no significant gender differences in the use of professional titles by introducers (t(67) = − 0.775, p = 0.441) or in self-introductions (36.4% of women vs. 41.9% of men, t(63) = 0.422, p = 0.674). The lack of gender differences in professional title use may represent a novel advantage of virtual meeting formats or suggest increased attention to gender bias in introductions.

Because ADAM17 promotes colonic tumorigenesis, we investigated potential miRNAs regulating ADAM17; and examined effects of diet and tumorigenesis on these miRNAs. We also examined pre-miRNA processing and tumour suppressor roles of several of these miRNAs in experimental colon cancer. Using TargetScan, miR-145, miR-148a, and miR-152 were predicted to regulate ADAM17. miR-143 was also investigated as miR-143 and miR-145 are co-transcribed and associated with decreased tumour growth. HCT116 colon cancer cells (CCC) were co-transfected with predicted ADAM17-regulating miRNAs and luciferase reporters controlled by ADAM17-3’UTR. Separately, pre-miR-143 processing by colonic cells was measured. miRNAs were quantified by RT-PCR. Tumours were induced with AOM/DSS in WT and transgenic mice (Tg) expressing pre-miR-143/miR-145 under villin promoter. HCT116 transfection with miR-145, −148a or −152, but not scrambled miRNA inhibited ADAM17 expression and luciferase activity. The latter was suppressed by mutations in ADAM17-3’UTR. Lysates from colonocytes, but not CCC, processed pre-miR-143 and mixing experiments suggested CCC lacked a competency factor. Colonic miR-143, miR-145, miR-148a, and miR-152 were downregulated in tumours and more moderately by feeding mice a Western diet. Tg mice were resistant to DSS colitis and had significantly lower cancer incidence and tumour multiplicity. Tg expression blocked up-regulation of putative targets of miR-143 and miR-145, including ADAM17, K-Ras, XPO5, and SET. miR-145, miR-148a, and miR-152 directly suppress colonocyte ADAM17 and are down-regulated in colon cancer. This is the first direct demonstration of tumour suppressor roles for miR-143 and miR-145 in an in vivo model of colonic tumorigenesis.

Background Blocking of lymphocyte trafficking to bile ducts is a potential mechanism to alter the disease course of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Aim To describe the effect of the α4 β7 integrin antibody, vedolizumab, on liver biochemistry and disease activity in patients with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods This is a retrospective multi-centre study of adult patients with a diagnosis of both IBD and PSC. The primary outcome was change in serum alkaline phosphatase level at weeks 14 and 30. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver biochemistries and in clinical outcomes for the bowel disease. A safety analysis for adverse events was performed. Results Thirty-four patients (16 Crohn's disease, 18 ulcerative colitis) were included. Nine (26%) had a history of liver transplant. Median follow-up on vedolizumab was 9 months (IQR: 7-16). There was no overall change in serum alkaline phosphatase level with vedolizumab therapy (median 268 [IQR: 105-551] IU/L at baseline versus 249 [IQR: 183-634] IU/L, P = 0.99 at week 30). No significant changes in other liver biochemistries or the Mayo PSC Risk Score were demonstrated at week 30. Clinical remission was achieved at week 30 in 55% of Crohn's disease and 29% of ulcerative colitis patients. Seven (21%) patients ceased vedolizumab; six patients stopped therapy due to persistent IBD activity and one for worsening of liver biochemistries. Conclusion Vedolizumab treatment in patients with PSC and IBD did not improve liver biochemistry but was associated with improvement in bowel disease and a favourable safety profile.

Background and Aims This study aims to assess current practices and perspectives of gastroenterologists on approaches to code status before inpatient endoscopy. Methods Self-reported data were obtained through a voluntary, anonymous survey of gastroenterologists and gastroenterology trainees in the United States (U.S.). The survey assessed respondents’ approach to, beliefs, and knowledge regarding inpatient periprocedural code status discussions. Results Four hundred thirty-six gastroenterologists and 83 trainees completed the survey. In patients with an existing do not resuscitate (DNR) order, respondents reversed the code status before endoscopy either all (40.8%, n = 212) or most of the time (18.3%, n = 95). When asked their personal opinion, 32.6% (n =169) supported automatic DNR reversal to full resuscitation attempt during a procedure, 18.5% (n = 96) supported that DNR orders could be sustained, and 48.7% (n = 253) supported offering limited resuscitation. Many gastroenterologists were unaware of institutional (40.7%, n = 211) or national (80.7%, n = 419) policies and a majority reported that a gastroenterology-specific guideline would be helpful (88.6%, n = 460). Conclusions Although the majority of gastroenterologists reverse DNR orders more than 75% of the time before endoscopy, many also believe patients should be allowed to remain DNR during a procedure and supported a third option for limited resuscitation. Most gastroenterologists were unaware of institutional policies or existing national guidelines. These findings suggest considerable variation in knowledge and current approaches regarding periendoscopic code status reversal.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy that occurs in genetically susceptible hosts with the ingestion of gluten-containing products. Ongoing gluten consumption leads to intestinal damage, characterized by villous blunting and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, resulting in malabsorption. Pertinent to the development of bone disease, malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism and metabolic bone disease among individuals with CD. In this article, we review the pathogenesis of CD and the effects of malabsorption on bone health. Imbalances in bone resorption and formation particularly in individuals with CD and persistent disease activity ultimately lead to a state of bone loss and impaired mineralization. Initiation of a gluten-free diet is critical in the management of CD-related metabolic bone disease, demonstrating improvements in bone mineral density within the first year of dietary adherence.

IntroductionA small bowel source is suspected when evaluation of overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with upper and lower endoscopy is negative. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is the recommended next diagnostic test for small bowel bleeding sources. However, clinical or endoscopic predictive factors for small bowel bleeding in the setting of an overt bleeding presentation are unknown. We aimed to define predictive factors for positive VCE among individuals presenting with overt bleeding and a suspected small bowel source.MethodsWe included consecutive inpatient VCE performed between September 1, 2012 to September 1, 2015 for melena or hematochezia at two tertiary centers. All patients had EGD and colonoscopy performed prior to VCE. Patient demographics, medication use, and endoscopic findings were retrospectively recorded. VCE findings were graded based on the P0-P2 grading system. The primary outcome of interest was a positive (P2) VCE. The secondary outcome of interest was the performance of a therapeutic intervention. Data were analyzed with the Fisher exact test for dichotomous variables and logistic regression.ResultsTwo hundred forty-three VCE were reviewed, and 117 were included in the final analysis. A positive VCE (P2) was identified in 35 (29.9%) cases. In univariate analysis, a positive VCE was inversely associated with presence of diverticula on preceding colonoscopy (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.2-0.99), while identification of blood on terminal ileal examination was associated with a positive VCE (OR: 5.18, 95% CI: 1.51-17.76). In multivariate analysis, only blood identified on terminal ileal examination remained a significant risk factor for positive VCE (OR: 6.13, 95% CI: 1.57-23.81). Blood on terminal ileal examination was also predictive of therapeutic intervention in both univariate (OR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.3-15.2) and multivariate analysis (OR: 5.04, 95% CI: 1.25-20.32).ConclusionAmong patients presenting with overt bleeding but negative upper and lower endoscopy, the presence of blood on examination of the terminal ileum is strongly associated with a small bowel bleeding source as well as with small bowel therapeutic intervention. Presence of diverticula on colonoscopy is inversely associated with a positive VCE and therapeutic intervention in univariate analysis.

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the multiphase multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging findings of large (>5 cm) focal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Following review of the medical records of 321 patients with newly diagnosed HCC who underwent MDCT within the radiology database from January 2007 to November 2014, 27 patients (20 men and 7 women; mean age, 69 [SD, 10.1] years [range, 49-87 years]) with histologically confirmed HCC greater than 5 cm were included in this institutional review board-approved study. Multiphase, dedicated liver MDCT images of these cases were retrospectively reviewed by 2 radiologists in consensus to describe the enhancement characteristics of these lesions. Results Mean tumor diameter was 8.4 (SD, 2.4) cm (range, 5.2-13.5 cm). Cirrhosis was present in 16 (59%) of 27 patients. Seventeen (85%) of 20 patients with available laboratory data presented with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (median, 97 ng/mL). Twenty-three (85%) of 27 demonstrated either heterogeneous enhancement with gradual fill-in (14/27 [52%]) or peripheral enhancement with centripetal fill-in (9/27 [33%]). Twenty-two (81%) of 27 lacked washout on delayed phase images, and 21 (78%) of 27 demonstrated a pseudocapsule. Twenty-seven of 27 lesions were well defined, 8 (30%) of 27 were exophytic, 15 (56%) of 27 were unifocal, 5 (25%) of 20 cases demonstrated vascular invasion, and 7 (26%) of 27 cases presented with extrahepatic metastases. Conclusions Large (>5 cm) focal HCC may present as a dominant mass with a pseudocapsule and initial heterogeneous or peripheral enhancement with gradual or centripetal fill-in without washout on multiphase MDCT. Awareness of this variant is important to allow distinction from other benign (eg, hemangioma) and malignant (eg, cholangiocarcinoma) focal liver lesions.

The original version of the article unfortunately contained an error in a percentage value in Results section of Abstract.

Appropriate metrics for performance analysis is an active topic of debate within the transplant community. This study explores current proposals on metric expansion as well as potential metrics and prospective collaborations that have not received widespread discussion within the transplant community. The premature introduction of additional, nonvalidated metrics risks behaviors that may undermine donor utilization and patient access to transplantation.

Clostridium difficile is the most commonly isolated stool pathogen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Traditional risk factors for C. difficile may not exist in patients with IBD, and no prior studies have assessed the risk factors for the isolation of C. difficile in both symptomatic and asymptomatic IBD outpatients. We prospectively recruited consecutive IBD patients presenting to our outpatient clinic between April 2015 and February 2016. We excluded patients with a diverting ostomy or ileoanal pouch. Demographics, healthcare exposures, medical therapies and disease activity were recorded from medical charts or surveys. A rectal swab was performed from which toxigenic culture and PCR analysis for the presence of toxin and fluorescent PCR ribotyping were performed. The primary outcome of interest was isolation of toxigenic C. difficile. A total of 190 patients were enrolled in this prospective study including 137 (72%) with Crohn’s disease and 53 (28%) with ulcerative colitis. At the time of enrollment, 69 (36%) had clinically active disease. Sixteen (8.4%) patients had toxigenic C. difficile isolated on rectal swab at enrollment and four (2.1%) patients had non-toxigenic C. difficile cultured. Mixed infection with more than one toxigenic isolate was present in 5/16 (33.3%) individuals. Patients with CD with a toxin positive isolate were more likely to have a history of CDI in the past 12 months (40 vs. 11.02%, p = 0.027) and an emergency department visit in the past 12 weeks (50 vs. 20.63%, p = 0.048). In UC, individuals with isolation of C. difficile were more likely to be hospitalized within the past 12 months (66.6 vs. 8.51%, p = 0.003). C. difficile isolation at the time of presentation was not associated with a subsequent disease relapse over a 6-month period in CD (p = 0.557) or UC (p = 0.131). Healthcare exposures remain a significant risk factor for C. difficile isolation in the IBD population; however, this was not associated with relapse of disease. Further studies assessing the clinical significance of C. difficile isolation is warranted in IBD.

Gastrointestinal disorders often present to the primary care setting where initial preventive, diagnostic, and treatment strategies are implemented. This article reviews the presentation and diagnosis of common gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, gallbladder disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and Barrett's esophagus. We focus on the evaluation and management of these diseases in women.

Background: Blocking of lymphocyte trafficking is a potential mechanism to alter the disease course of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We studied the effect of the selective α4β7 integrin antibody, vedolizumab, on liver biochemistry and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity in patients with IBD and PSC (IBD-PSC). Methods: We reviewed electronic medical records of adult patients who had an established diagnosis of IBD-PSC from five tertiary centers. We assessed baseline patient and disease characteristics and treatment exposures. The primary outcome was change in serum alkaline phosphatase at weeks 14 and 30. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver biochemistries, the Mayo Risk Score for PSC and IBD clinical and endoscopic remission. We also performed a safety analysis for the development of adverse events including liver-related complications. Results: We identified 34 patients with IBD-PSC. Nine (26%) had a history of orthotopic liver transplant, 7 were on stable doses of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 2 patients commenced UDCA during the study period. Median follow-up was 9 (IQR: 7–16) months; 28 (92%) had at least 6 months of clinical follow-up. Serum alkaline phosphatase activities did not significantly decrease with vedolizumab therapy (median 268 (IQR: 105–551) IU/L at baseline versus 249 (IQR: 183–634) IU/L, p=0.9899 at week 30). Of the 18 patients with an abnormal alkaline phosphatase at baseline (>120IU/L), 11 (61%) had improvement with treatment. In these patients, alkaline phosphatase trended down from 475 IU/L (IQR: 241–757) at baseline to 283 IU/L (IQR: 207–658), p=0.267 at week 30 but none of these normalized (Figure 1). Median alkaline phosphatase changes remained similar when patients exposed to UDCA were excluded. Of the 8 patients (31%) with normal alkaline phosphatase at baseline, 4 (50%) had a subsequent increase to abnormal levels by week 30, from a baseline median of 98 IU/L (IQR: 77–102) to 146 IU/L (IQR: 90–203), p=0.036 at week 30 (Figure 2). No significant changes in other liver biochemistries or the Mayo PSC Risk Score were demonstrated at week 30. 55% of Crohn's disease and 21% of ulcerative colitis patients achieved clinical remission at week 30. Seven patients (21%) ceased vedolizumab therapy; one for a deterioration in liver biochemistry thought to be a drug reaction and six for IBD primary non-response. Two patients developed ascending cholangitis but continued vedolizumab. Conclusions: Vedolizumab therapy in patients with IBD-PSC has little overall effect on liver biochemistry, but is safe and does improve IBD clinical activity. Treatment earlier in the disease course of PSC and assessment of longer-term exposure of lymphocyte trafficking blockade in IBD-PSC remains of interest.

A 55-year-old man is admitted from the emergency department with1 month of progressively worsening dyspnea and exertional angina. His medical history is significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.