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Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Apr 2023Immunotherapy-based regimes have changed the management of HCC. However, evidence of efficacy in patients with impaired liver function is unknown. This systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Immunotherapy-based regimes have changed the management of HCC. However, evidence of efficacy in patients with impaired liver function is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses survival of HCC patients and liver dysfunction treated with immunotherapy-based regimens.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of original articles or abstracts reporting survival of HCC patients treated with immunotherapy according to liver function between 2017 and 2022. Overal survival (OS) according to restricted mean survival time (RMST) and median OS, and hazard ratio (HR) of Child-Pugh B or B/C versus Child-Pugh A were assessed while considering the line of treatment.
RESULTS
Of the 2218 articles considered, 15 articles recruiting 2311 patients were included. Of these, 639 (27.7%) were Child-Pugh B and 34 (1.5%) C. RMST was 8.36 (95% CI, 6.15-10.57; I2 =93%) months, estimated from 8 studies. The HR was reported in 8 studies for survival between Child-Pugh B versus Child-Pugh A and metanalysis disclosed a 1.65 HR (95% CI,1.45-1.84; I2 =0% heterogeneity; p = 0.45). Treatment line data were available for 47% of the patients and 3 studies included patients treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab in the first line.
CONCLUSIONS
The high heterogeneity across studies reflects the incapacity of the current evidence to support the indication of immunotherapy in HCC patients with relevant liver dysfunction. It is mandatory to report complementary information to Child-Pugh classification such as prior liver decompensation, use of concomitant medication to control ascites, or signs of clinically significant portal hypertension to allow better patient stratification in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 36632997
DOI: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000030 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Prophylaxis of postoperative recurrence is an intractable problem for clinicians and patients with Crohn's disease. Prognostic models are effective tools for patient...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Prophylaxis of postoperative recurrence is an intractable problem for clinicians and patients with Crohn's disease. Prognostic models are effective tools for patient stratification and personalised management. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview and critically appraise the existing models for predicting postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease.
METHODS
Systematic retrieval was performed using PubMed and Web of Science in January 2022. Original articles on prognostic models for predicting postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease were included in the analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment (PROBAST) tool. This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; number CRD42022311737).
RESULTS
In total, 1948 articles were screened, of which 15 were ultimately considered. Twelve studies developed 15 new prognostic models for Crohn's disease and the other three validated the performance of three existing models. Seven models utilised regression algorithms, six utilised scoring indices, and five utilised machine learning. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the models ranged from 0.51 to 0.97. Six models showed good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of >0.80. All models were determined to have a high risk of bias in modelling or analysis, while they were at low risk of applicability concerns.
CONCLUSIONS
Prognostic models have great potential for facilitating the assessment of postoperative recurrence risk in patients with Crohn's disease. Existing prognostic models require further validation regarding their reliability and applicability.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022311737.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 37457731
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1215116 -
Liver International : Official Journal... Aug 2023Post-banding ulcer bleeding (PBUB) is an understudied complication of oesophageal varices endoscopic band ligation (EBL). This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Post-banding ulcer bleeding (PBUB) is an understudied complication of oesophageal varices endoscopic band ligation (EBL). This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed at: (a) evaluating the incidence of PBUB in patients with cirrhosis treated with EBL in primary or secondary prophylaxis or urgent treatment for acute variceal bleeding and (b) identifying predictors of PBUB.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of articles in English published in 2006-2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Searches were made in eight databases including Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to determine the incidence, mean interval and predictors of PBUB.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies (9034 patients) were included. The incidence of PBUB was 5.5% (95% CI 4.3-7.1). The mean time for it to occur was 11 days (95% CI 9.94-11.97). Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (OR 1.162, 95% CI 1.047-1.291) and EBL done in emergency setting (OR 4.902, 95% CI 2.99-8.05) independently predicted post-ligation ulcer bleeding. Treatment included drugs, endoscopic procedures and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Refractory bleeding was treated with self-expandable metallic stents or balloon tamponade. Mortality was on average 22.3% (95% CI 14.1-33.6).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with high MELD score and receiving EBL in an emergency setting are more prone to develop PBUB. Prognosis is still poor and the best therapeutic strategy to address remains to be ascertained.
Topics: Humans; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Ulcer; End Stage Liver Disease; Severity of Illness Index; Liver Cirrhosis; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Ligation
PubMed: 37222256
DOI: 10.1111/liv.15621 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Apr 2022Intestinal strictures are a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Biomarkers of intestinal strictures would assist in their prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring....
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Intestinal strictures are a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Biomarkers of intestinal strictures would assist in their prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring. Herein we provide a comprehensive systematic review of studies assessing biomarkers that may predict or diagnose CD-associated strictures.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify citations pertaining to biomarkers of intestinal fibrosis through July 6, 2020, that used a reference standard of full-thickness histopathology or cross-sectional imaging or endoscopy. Studies were categorized based on the type of biomarker they evaluated (serum, genetic, histopathologic, or fecal).
RESULTS
Thirty-five distinct biomarkers from 3 major groups were identified: serum (20 markers), genetic (9 markers), and histopathology (6 markers). Promising markers include cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, hepatocyte growth factor activator, and lower levels of microRNA-19-3p (area under the curves were 0.805, 0.738, and 0.67, respectively), and multiple anti-flagellin antibodies (A4-Fla2 [odds ratio, 3.41], anti Fla-X [odds ratio, 2.95], and anti-CBir1 [multiple]). Substantial heterogeneity was observed and none of the markers had undergone formal validation. Specific limitations to acceptance of these markers included failure to use a standardized definition of stricturing disease, lack of specificity, and insufficient relevance to the pathogenesis of intestinal strictures or incomplete knowledge regarding their operating properties.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of well-defined studies on biomarkers of intestinal stricture. Development of reliable and accurate biomarkers of stricture is a research priority. Biomarkers can support the clinical management of CD patients and aid in the stratification and monitoring of patients during clinical trials of future antifibrotic drug candidates.
Topics: Biomarkers; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; MicroRNAs; Serine Endopeptidases
PubMed: 34089850
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.054 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... May 2016Patients with microscopic colitis and patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) present with similar symptoms. We examined the association between IBS and microscopic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Patients with microscopic colitis and patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) present with similar symptoms. We examined the association between IBS and microscopic colitis in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched the medical literature to identify cross-sectional surveys or case-control studies reporting the association between microscopic colitis and IBS in 50 or more unselected adult patients. We recorded the prevalence of IBS symptoms in patients with histologically confirmed microscopic colitis, or the prevalence of histologically confirmed microscopic colitis in patients with IBS. Data were pooled using a random-effects model; the association between microscopic colitis and IBS was summarized using an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 3926 citations, of which 10 were eligible for our analysis. The pooled prevalence of IBS in patients with microscopic colitis was 33.4% (95% CI, 31.5%-40.6%), but was not significantly higher in patients with microscopic colitis than in patients with diarrhea (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.43-4.47). In 3 cross-sectional surveys, the pooled OR for microscopic colitis in participants with IBS, compared with other patients with diarrhea, was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.44-1.04). In 4 case-control studies the prevalence of IBS in patients with microscopic colitis was significantly higher than in asymptomatic controls (OR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.32-20.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a meta-analysis, one third of patients with microscopic colitis reported symptoms compatible with IBS, but the prevalence of IBS was no higher than in other patients with diarrhea. The odds of microscopic colitis were no higher in patients with IBS compared with other patients with diarrhea. The value of routine colonoscopy and biopsy to exclude microscopic colitis in patients with typical IBS symptoms, unless other risk factors or alarm symptoms are present, remains uncertain.
Topics: Colitis, Microscopic; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Prevalence
PubMed: 26453949
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.09.031 -
International Journal of Clinical... Dec 2021Gastrointestinal complications of COVID-19 have been reported over the last year. One such manifestation is bowel ischaemia. This study thus aims to provide a more... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal complications of COVID-19 have been reported over the last year. One such manifestation is bowel ischaemia. This study thus aims to provide a more holistic review of our current understanding of COVID-19-induced bowel ischaemia.
METHOD AND RESULTS
A meticulous search was performed using different keywords in PubMed and Google Scholar. Fifty-two articles were included in our study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and performing the qualitative assessment of the studies. A total of 25 702 patients were included in our study after the completion of the qualitative assessment.
DISCUSSION
The common symptoms of GIT in COVID-19 patients are as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. The mechanism of bowel ischaemia is associated with the formation of emboli which is related to COVID-19's high affinity for angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 on enterocytes, affecting the superior mesenteric vessels. Clinically, patients present with abdominal pain and vomiting. CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis showed acute intestinal ischaemia (mesenteric). Management is usually initiated with gastric decompression, fluid resuscitation, and haemodynamic support. Surgical intervention is also sought.
CONCLUSION
Intestinal ischaemia presenting in patients with COVID-19 has to be considered when symptoms of severe abdominal pain are present. More research and guidelines are required to triage patients with COVID-19 to suspect intestinal ischaemia and to help in diagnosis and management.
Topics: COVID-19; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Ischemia; Mesenteric Ischemia; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34605117
DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14930 -
Medicine Nov 2022Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) are rare sequelae of Crohn's disease (CD) that occur either postoperatively or spontaneously. ECFs are associated with high morbidity and...
BACKGROUND
Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) are rare sequelae of Crohn's disease (CD) that occur either postoperatively or spontaneously. ECFs are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This systematic literature review assesses the disease burden of CD-related ECF and identifies knowledge gaps around incidence/prevalence, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
METHODS
English language articles published in PubMed and Embase in the past 10 years that provided data and insight into the disease burden of CD-related ECF (PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020177732) were identified. Prespecified search and eligibility criteria guided the identification of studies by two reviewers who also assessed risk of bias.
RESULTS
In total, 582 records were identified; 316 full-text articles were assessed. Of those, eight studies met a priori eligibility criteria and underwent synthesis for this review. Limited epidemiologic data estimated a prevalence of 3265 persons with ECF in the USA in 2017. Clinical response to interventions varied, with closure of ECF achieved in 10% to 62.5% of patients and recurrence reported in 0% to 50% of patients. Very little information on HCRU is available, and no studies of PROs in this specific population were identified.
CONCLUSION
The frequency, natural history, and outcomes of ECF are poorly described in the literature. The limited number of studies included in this review suggest a high treatment burden and risk of substantial complications. More robust, population-based research is needed to better understand the epidemiology, natural history, and overall disease burden of this rare and debilitating complication of CD.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Intestinal Fistula; Cost of Illness; Morbidity; Prevalence
PubMed: 36397360
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030963 -
The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology... Sep 2023Several cancers have been associated with poor prognoses based on nestin, a confirmed marker of cancer stem cells. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Several cancers have been associated with poor prognoses based on nestin, a confirmed marker of cancer stem cells. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the prognostic value of tumor nestin expression in patients with digestive tract cancers. An investigation of the association between nestin and survival in patients with digestive tract cancers was performed in this meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Meta-analyses were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to search for cohort studies. We analyzed the data using a random-effects model that incorporates differences between studies.
RESULTS
The pooled analysis showed a negative association between nestin expression and overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.72, P = .004, I2 = 68%) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.96, P = .005, I2 = 56%). Subgroup analysis showed that nestin expression was associated with poorer overall survival in gastric cancer (hazard ratio: 1.46, P < .001) and liver cancer (hazard ratio: 2.05, P < .001) patients, but not in colorectal cancer (hazard ratio: 1.03, P = .89) or pancreatic cancer (hazard ratio: 0.96, P = .80) patients. Further subgroup analysis showed a consistent association between nestin expression and poor overall survival in Asian and non-Asian studies, and in studies with univariate and multivariate regression models.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, the presence of high nestin expression in digestive tract cancer patients is associated with poorer survival, particularly in patients with gastric and liver cancers.
Topics: Humans; Nestin; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Prognosis; Stomach Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37485559
DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22485 -
BioMed Research International 2016Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an endoscopic-assisted technique developed to obtain histopathological diagnoses of gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an endoscopic-assisted technique developed to obtain histopathological diagnoses of gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary diseases in real time. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the current literature on CLE and to evaluate the applicability and diagnostic yield of CLE in patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary diseases. A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Register, using pertinent keywords without time limitations. Both prospective and retrospective clinical studies that evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy of CLE were eligible for inclusion. Of 662 articles identified, 102 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies were conducted between 2004 and 2015 in 16 different countries. CLE demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus, gastric neoplasms and polyps, colorectal cancers in inflammatory bowel disease, malignant pancreatobiliary strictures, and pancreatic cysts. Although CLE has several promising applications, its use has been limited by its low availability, high cost, and need of specific operator training. Further clinical trials with a particular focus on cost-effectiveness and medicoeconomic analyses, as well as standardized institutional training, are advocated to implement CLE in routine clinical practice.
Topics: Barrett Esophagus; Colorectal Neoplasms; Endoscopy; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; MEDLINE; Microscopy, Confocal; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 26989684
DOI: 10.1155/2016/4638683 -
Digestive Surgery 2013Different surgical techniques have been indicated for the management of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), including diverticulectomy, diverticulopexy, and diverticular... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Different surgical techniques have been indicated for the management of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), including diverticulectomy, diverticulopexy, and diverticular inversion, with or without myotomy, and myotomy alone. More recently, minimally invasive techniques (such as the transoral endoscopic approach) have become increasingly reliable for this disorder. We therefore conducted this systematic review in order to gain a profound understanding of the current trend and evidence in surgical management of ZD.
METHODS
Medline and PubMed were searched to identify studies on surgical intervention of ZD published in English between January 1990 and March 2011.
RESULTS
We identified 6,915 patients from 93 studies evaluating the effect of the surgical intervention for ZD. No randomized controlled trials comparing one technique with another were identified.
CONCLUSION
Diverticulectomy with myotomy has become the mainstream treatment option for ZD. In certain selected patients, endoscopic diverticulotomy may offer some advantages over open surgery, such as less trauma and a lower complication rate. It is important to individualize optimal therapy for each patient. More randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up results are required to draw a valid conclusion on the best surgical intervention modality for ZD.
Topics: Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Esophageal Sphincter, Upper; Esophagoscopy; Humans; Lasers, Gas; Pharyngeal Muscles; Surgical Stapling; Zenker Diverticulum
PubMed: 23838812
DOI: 10.1159/000351433