NSBBs, EBL or Combined Therapy for High-Risk Varices: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: Non-selective beta blocker (NSBB) is the preferred treatment option for primary prophylaxis of high-risk oesophageal varices, and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is reserved for those intolerant to NSBB. In this meta-analysis, we aim to compare the outcomes of NSBB, EBL and combined therapy for primary prophylaxis of high-risk oesophageal varices.

Methods: Major databases, such as MedLine, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched in October 2024 to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes between combined approaches versus NSBB versus EBL only.

Forty-five-year trends in intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: sex- and race-based insights.

Background: A comprehensive review of 45-year trends in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) in the United States has not been published. Given their rising incidence, our study aimed to analyze trends in incidence and survival, comparing ICC and ECC.

Methods: We extracted a 45-year dataset (1975-2020) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Progesterone-Only Contraceptive-Induced Ischemic Colitis.

Ischemic colitis (IC) occurs when there is a temporary lack of adequate blood supply to the intestines, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the splenic flexure and sigmoid colon, which lack sufficient collateral blood vessels. Although primarily seen in older individuals with atherosclerotic risk factors, IC can also be triggered by hormonal contraceptives in young women. Although estrogen-containing oral contraceptives are known to increase thromboembolic risk, the impact of progesterone is not well understood.