Prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with irregular Z-line: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: The irregular Z-line, defined as a segment of columnar mucosa less than 1 cm in the distal esophagus, is often biopsied despite guidelines advising against it due to a low risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, the clinical significance of an irregular Z-line remains unclear. This meta-analysis examines the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia, and EAC in patients with an irregular Z-line.

Transforming outcomes: the pivotal role of self-expanding metal stents in right- and left-sided malignant colorectal obstructions-bridge to surgery: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an alternative to emergency surgery (ES) for malignant colorectal obstruction. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between SEMS as a bridge to surgery (BTS) and ES in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction.

Methods: A comprehensive database search was conducted until October 2023 to compare outcomes between SEMS as a BTS and ES.

Comparative efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as first-line palliation in malignant distal biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO) is a challenging clinical condition commonly managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as an alternative, especially in complex cases where ERCP fails or is deemed risky. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of EUS-BD vs.

Clinical Outcomes of Oral Zinc Therapy in Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment.

Background: Additional therapies for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) treatment are warranted. There are data evaluating the use of zinc for HE; however, clinical outcomes, specifically in the United States, are unknown.

Objective: To compare 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission rates in patients with cirrhosis complicated by HE on lactulose and rifaximin to those on lactulose, rifaximin, and zinc.

Outcomes of liver transplantation in patients 70 years or older: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction And Objectives: The rate of liver transplantation is increasing among the elderly population; however, data is limited on the post-liver transplantation outcomes in patients ≥70 years. Given the scarcity in liver allograft resources, a meta-analysis on the outcomes of liver transplantation in patients ≥70 years is warranted.

Materials And Methods: Multiple databases were searched through March 2022 for studies that reported on the outcomes of liver-transplantation in patients ≥70 years.

Association of Previous Gastric Bypass Surgery and Patient Outcomes in Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis Hospitalizations.

Background And Aim: Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with risk of alcohol use disorder. The impact of RYGB among patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains unknown.

Methods: A retrospective cohort from National Inpatient Sample (01/2006-09/2015) database on 421,156 admissions with alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) was stratified for non-primary discharge diagnosis of previous RYGB.

Colonoscopy-Related Adverse Events in Patients With Abnormal Stool-Based Tests: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-analysis of Outcomes.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs based on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and guaiac-based fecal occult blood (gFOBT) are associated with a substantial reduction in CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate colonoscopy-related adverse events in individuals with a positive FIT or gFOBT.

Methods: A systematic and detailed search was run in January 2021, with the assistance of a medical librarian for studies reporting on colonoscopy-related adverse events as part of organized CRC screening programs.

Deep Venous Aberration.

Deep venous thrombosis is a common medical diagnosis. Estimates suggest 60,000 to 100,000 deaths annually from deep venous thrombosis and related complications in the United States of America. The diagnosis is often straightforward using a combination of clinical features and ultrasonography.

Asians Have Higher Risk of Developing Pancreatic Necrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Population: A National Inpatient Sample Database Study.

Background  The aim of this study is to evaluate race-associated risk factors of acute pancreatitis (AP) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Methods  A retrospective analysis using 2016 and 2017 National Inpatient Sample database was performed. Inclusion criteria were principal diagnosis of AP and a secondary diagnosis of IBD.

Vedolizumab Dose Escalation Improves Therapeutic Response in a Subset of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: The Gemini trial failed to detect a significant difference in response rate for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) randomized to standard (every 8 week) vedolizumab dosing vs escalated (every 4 week) dosing. Subsequent real-world data imply the Gemini trial design may have obscured a benefit of escalated dosing.

Aims: We investigated outcomes after vedolizumab dose escalation for patients with UC.