The efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal resection in periappendiceal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a promising technique for early-stage gastrointestinal neoplasms; however, its use for periappendiceal lesions poses challenges because of anatomical complexities and the potential risk of appendicitis or perforation. As a result, these lesions are often managed surgically. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD for periappendiceal lesions.

Safety of Esophageal Dilation Procedures in Patients on Antithrombotic Therapy: A US Collaborative Network Cohort Study.

Background: Esophageal dilation procedures are frequently performed on patients who are taking antithrombotic medications. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients on antithrombotic therapies have an increased risk of bleeding from esophageal dilation.

Methods: A retrospective propensity-matched cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients in the TriNetX US Collaborative Network database who underwent esophageal dilation procedures.

TriNetX and Real-World Evidence: A Critical Review of Its Strengths, Limitations, and Bias Considerations in Clinical Research.

Introduction: The increasing utilization of real-world data platforms in medical research necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their methodological strengths and limitations. TriNetX has emerged as a significant platform for exploring large healthcare datasets. This review aims to critically evaluate the methodological framework and limitations of TriNetX, assess the impact of electronic health record coding accuracy on data reliability, and analyze the platform's capacity for generating generalizable real-world evidence in clinical research.

Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunctive Sedative in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique for removing dysplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract but carries risks like pain and perforation. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-receptor agonist, offers potential benefits as an adjunct sedative during ESD by providing anxiolysis and analgesia. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses its efficacy and safety.

Pseudoaneurysms Post-biliary Stenting: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Purpose: Pseudoaneurysms (PSA) following endoscopic biliary stenting are a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse event. Incidence, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prevention of PSA remain unknown. In this comprehensive literature review, we aimed to evaluate the association of developing PSA following biliary stent placement.

Metabolic Dysfunction and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Narrative Review.

The term steatotic liver disease (SLD) is now used to describe conditions involving fat accumulation in the liver. SLD term includes a spectrum of defined and less defined disorders: metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and metabolic and ALD (Met-ALD), where both cardiometabolic risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption function in disease development and progression. Met-ALD is defined as liver disease in men with at least 1 cardiometabolic risk factor who also consume 210-420 g of alcohol per week (approximately 30-60 g per day), whereas for women, it is defined as at least 1 cardiometabolic risk factor in addition to consumption of 140-350 g of alcohol per week (approximately 20-50 g per day).

Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunctive Sedative in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows for curative en-bloc resection of dysplastic gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions. However, it is associated with postoperative adverse events (AEs) such as pain, bleeding, and perforation. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-receptor agonist, has emerged as a promising adjunct sedative for ESD under moderate sedation, offering anxiolysis and analgesia.

Sump syndrome: Diagnosis dilemmas and therapeutic approaches-A case series.

Key Clinical Message: It is important to consider the diagnosis of Sump syndrome in patients with a history of open cholecystectomy, particularly in those who migrate from developing countries where alternative biliary interventions may be limited. The presentation may range from acute severe, mimicking acute ascending cholangitis, to chronic recurrent abdominal pain without evidence of inflammation. Management is a case-by-case decision, with principal management aims to decompress the biliary tract and address any underlying sepsis.

The burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease in the middle east and North Africa (MENA) region over three decades.

Background: Cirrhosis comprises a significant health challenge in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region impacting healthcare systems and communities. This study sought to investigate trends in the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease, different etiologies, deaths, and the disability burden utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.

Methods: Analyzing epidemiological trends from 1990 to 2021 across 21 MENA countries, this research utilized data on age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized death rates, and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to evaluate the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease.

Risk of Aspiration Pneumonitis After Elective Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Patients on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are gaining popularity in the management of diabetes mellitus and obesity. It has been suggested that this class of medications causes delayed gastric emptying which raised concerns about the potential for aspiration of gastric contents in patients undergoing sedation. This led to a statement by the American Society of Anesthesiologists about their preoperative use.

Critical care outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis: a United States national inpatient sample cross-sectional study.

Background: Prior assessments of critical care outcomes in patients with cirrhosis have shown conflicting results. We aimed to provide nationwide generalizable results of critical care outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods: This is a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2019.

Pancreatic Tuberculosis With Duodenal Fistula Presenting as Life-Threatening Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) warrants heightened suspicion in individuals with pancreatic lesions and risk factors such as HIV, organ transplantation, or pertinent immigration history. We present a 38-year-old man who presented with hemodynamically unstable gastrointestinal bleeding. He was found to have pancreatic TB complicated by a duodenal ulcer with fistula.

Outcomes of Liver Transplant Recipients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Nationwide Analysis From the United States.

Introduction: Currently available data regarding the impact of liver transplantation on the outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is conflicting. This study aims to compare the outcomes and resource utilization between patients with and without a history of liver transplant hospitalized with COVID-19.

Methods And Materials: This is a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample.

The utility of testing erythropoietin level in polycythemia diagnosis.

Objectives: Polycythemia vera (PV) is classically thought to be associated with low erythropoietin (EPO) levels. Here, we present a review of the utility of using EPO levels in diagnosing polycythemia.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of the Medline data through Pubmed and Google Scholar.

Microbiological and clinical characteristics of invasive Group B Streptococcal blood stream infections in children and adults from Qatar.

Introduction: Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonize almost one third of human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, particularly in females. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of invasive GBS disease in Qatar from all age groups.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed GBS blood stream infections during the period between January 2015 and March 2019.

The Outcome of Fatherhood in Patients With Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Single-Institution Experience.

Background Fertility is a highly complex subject; it involves more than one individual and has profound psychological and economic implications. Moreover, it is affected by several factors, including age, significant systemic illness in either partner, exposure to environmental toxins, medications, or radiation. In patients with malignancy, fertility is more complicated.

Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury in a Previously Healthy Young Male.

Vaping (i.e., the use of electronic cigarettes) has been gaining popularity among people for the past few years, perhaps due to the misconception that its use is less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Nilotinib-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in a Young Female with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms whose incidence peaks in older individuals and is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the myeloid cell line. It can present with symptoms related to leukocytosis or splenomegaly, and it can also be asymptomatic and found incidentally. Nilotinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of the chronic phase of CML and was found to cause diabetes mellitus among other adverse effects.