Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Versus Stent Placement in the Management of Dominant Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background & Aims: Dominant strictures (DS) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain a matter of concern due to the cholestatic symptoms. Treatment options include endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) or stent placement. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety between EBD and stent placement.

Bowel Preparation Quality in Patients Using Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now the mainstay treatment for many chronic conditions including diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. GLP-1 RAs may affect bowel preparation for a colonoscopy by modifying intestinal motility and gastric emptying. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of GLP-1 RA use on bowel preparation quality, measured by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), and the frequency of inadequate preparation events.

Association of NAFLD and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but the association remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify these associations.

Methodology: We searched multiple databases for articles reporting CVD outcomes in MAFLD and conducted meta-analysis.

Comparison of the safety, efficacy, and rates of GERD between full-thickness versus modified peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Studies have shown variable results when comparing full-thickness (FT) peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) with modified myotomy (MM) techniques (such as selective circular myotomy [CM] and oblique fiber-sparing myotomy [OS]). We performed a meta-analysis to reconcile the data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies comparing FT to MM POEM for treatment of achalasia.

International Association of Pancreatology Revised Guidelines on Acute Pancreatitis 2025: Supported and Endorsed by the American Pancreatic Association, European Pancreatic Club, Indian Pancreas Club, and Japan Pancreas Society.

Introduction: The International Association of Pancreatology, alongside the American Pancreatic Association, the European Pancreatic Club, the Indian Pancreas Club, and the Japan Pancreas Society, decided to update its earlier guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis (AP) given the remarkable advances in our understanding of AP and its management over the last decade.

Methods: These organizations put together a group of international experts to address important issues related to the management of AP. Guideline Development Groups comprising international domain experts framed clinically relevant questions and conducted thorough literature searches and systematic reviews to address the questions.

Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome treatment options Linaclotide, Lubiprostone, Plecanatide, and Tenapanor: analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Background: FDA approved treatments for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) include secretagogues (Linaclotide, Lubiprostone, and Plecanatide) and a retainagogue (Tenapanor). The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database collects suspected medication-related adverse events (AEs).

Research Design And Methods: Reports in FAERS from the date of each medication's FDA approval until 30 June 2024 were analyzed.

Efficacy of fully covered self-expandable metal stents and comparison with conventional management for ERCP-related type II perforations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Conservative management is often used in the management of ERCP-related type II perforations. In this meta-analysis, we have evaluated the efficacy of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) in the management of type II perforations and also compared these with conventional management.

Methods: We reviewed several databases from inception to December 12, 2024.

Machine Learning for Predicting Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Colorectal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Machine learning (ML) has become increasingly pivotal in health care, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and diagnosis with the use of predictive models and artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopies. This study evaluates the efficacy of ML models in predicting the risk for CRC and advanced colorectal polyps (ACP) before colonoscopy.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies using ML for CRC and ACP prediction.

Safety of the contrast enhancement agent sulfur hexafluoride in ultrasound: Analysis of the Federal Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database.

Background And Objectives: Sulfur hexafluoride is an inert gas that creates microbubbles to enhance diagnostic accuracy in a variety of ultrasound (US) studies and is widely used in EUS. We analyzed the reported adverse events (AEs) of the US contrast agent, sulfur hexafluoride, extensively used during EUS procedures using a US national database.

Methods: From December 2008 to January 2024, AEs reported in the Federal Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database for sulfur hexafluoride were examined.

Comprehensive analysis of adverse drug reactions associated with teduglutide: post-marketing insights and safety implications.

Background: Intestinal failure often necessitates teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog that enhances intestinal adaptation by increasing absorptive surface area, thereby reducing reliance on intravenous supplementation (IVS). This study analyzes adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with teduglutide when used to treat short bowel syndrome (SBS) to inform clinical practice and enhance post-marketing surveillance.

Research Design And Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome treatment options eluxadoline, rifaximin, and alosetron: analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database.

Background: Adverse events (AEs) suspected to be associated with the three FDA approved medications (eluxadoline, rifaximin, and alosetron) for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) were examined.

Research Design And Methods: We analyzed all reports in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from each medication's date of FDA approval through 30 June 2024. Reports were excluded if they contained other suspected medications or had a reason for use outside of IBS and/or diarrhea.

Adverse drug reactions linked to fidaxomicin: insights from a retrospective analysis of the FAERS database.

Background: infection is a leading healthcare-associated infection, and fidaxomicin is recommended as a first-line treatment. Although generally well-tolerated, post-marketing surveillance of fidaxomicin's safety profile is necessary given its increased utilization.

Research Design And Methods: This study utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System to analyze adverse drug reactions potentially linked to fidaxomicin use from January 2011 to June 2024.

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.

Efficacy and safety of esophageal stenting for esophageal perforation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Esophageal perforations are managed with endoscopic stenting. However, surgical repair is still employed in many centers, if they lack endoscopic services, or for complex perforations.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant clinical trials and observational studies.

Comparing the safety and efficacy of over-the-scope suturing, through-the-scope suturing, and endoscopic hand suturing for closure of GI defects after endoscopic resection: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Data comparing the efficacy and safety of OverStitch (Apollo Endosurgery, Marlborough, Mass, USA), X-Tack (Apollo Endosurgery), and endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) for closure of GI defects after endoscopic resection are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies evaluating different closure systems for GI defects.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) and Clinical Outcomes Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients: An Umbrella Review.

Background And Aims: Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) have shown inconsistent effectiveness of FMT among patients with IBD. This study aimed to appraise the evidence for clinically relevant outcomes with FMT in patients with IBD using published SRMAs.

Methods: We searched major databases from inception through Nov 2023 to identify SRMAs assessing the effectiveness of FMT in patients with IBD.

Advanced approaches in the comprehensive management of gastroparesis: from etiology to emerging therapies.

Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Despite its significant impact on patient quality of life, effective management remains challenging. Current treatments, such as prokinetic agents and antiemetics, offer symptomatic relief but have limitations, necessitating the exploration of new approaches.

Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the established endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Recently, the use of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has gained recognition as an alternate approach. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of APC versus EBL in the treatment of GAVE.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia Among the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder associated with halting symptoms. There is conflicting evidence about the feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia among the elderly. In this meta-analysis, we sought to evaluate POEM's therapeutic safety and efficacy among elderly patients with achalasia.

Endoscopic management of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis strictures: meta-analysis and systematic literature review.

Background: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a common surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. IPAA strictures are a known complication, often requiring surgical intervention. Endoscopic interventions offer a less invasive alternative, but their safety and efficacy remain uncertain.

Gastrointestinal cancer incidence after lung transplantation in sarcoidosis patients.

Background: The risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer after lung transplantation (LTx) in sarcoidosis patients is not well defined. Given the cancer risks linked to sarcoidosis and organ transplantation, this study investigated the incidence of GI malignancies (DNM), comparing LTx recipients with sarcoidosis or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods: We analyzed data from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, including adults with sarcoidosis or IPF who underwent LTx between May 2005 and December 2018.