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BackgroundSymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection incidence is higher in the elderly patients. Pre-existing geriatric conditions such as comorbidity and frailty seem related to worse hospital outcomes.AimsTo assess the role of nutritional status as an independent prognostic factor for in-hospital death in elderly patients.MethodsConsecutive elderly patients (age > 65 years) hospitalized for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were enrolled. Demographics, laboratory and comorbidity data were collected. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses to evaluate predictors for in-hospital death were performed.ResultsOne hundred and nine hospitalized elderly patients (54 male) were consecutively enrolled. At univariate analysis, age (HR 1.045 [CI 1.008–1.082]), cognitive impairment (HR 1.949 [CI 1.045–3.364]), C-reactive protein (HR 1.004 [CI 1.011–1.078]), lactate dehydrogenases (HR 1.003 [CI 1.001–1.004]) and GNRI moderate–severe risk category (HR 8.571 [CI 1.096–67.031]) were risk factors for in-hospital death, while albumin (HR 0.809 [CI 0.822–0.964]), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (HR 0.996 [CI 0.993–0.999]) and body mass index (HR 0.875 [CI 0.782–0.979]) were protective factors. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a significative higher survival in patients without GNRI moderate or severe risk category (p = 0.0013).At multivariate analysis, PaO2/FiO2 ratio (HR 0.993 [CI 0.987–0.999], p = 0.046) and GNRI moderate–severe risk category (HR 9.285 [1.183–72.879], p = 0.034) were independently associated with in-hospital death.ConclusionNutritional status assessed by GNRI is a significative predictor of survival in elderly patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The association between GNRI and PaO2/FiO2 ratio is a good prognostic model these patients.

INTRODUCTION:A noninvasive diagnosis of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) has important prognostic and therapeutic implications for patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease. We aimed to validate and improve the available algorithms for the CSPH diagnosis by evaluating spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease.METHODS:This is a retrospective study including patients with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥10 kPa, no previous decompensation, and available measurements of hepatic venous pressure gradient, LSM, and SSM by transient elastography referring to our center in Bologna. The diagnostic algorithms were adequate if negative and positive predictive values were >90% when ruling out and ruling in CSPH, respectively; these models were validated in a cohort from Verona. The 5-year decompensation rate was reported.RESULTS:One hundred fourteen patients were included in the derivation cohort. The Baveno VII diagnostic algorithm (LSM ≤15 kPa + platelet count ≥150 × 109/L to rule out CSPH and LSM >25 kPa to rule in CSPH) was validated; however, 40%–60% of the patients remained in the gray zone. The addition of SSM (40 kPa) to the model significantly reduced the gray zone to 7%–15%, maintaining adequate negative and positive predictive values. The diagnostic algorithms were validated in a cohort of 81 patients from Verona. All first decompensation events occurred in the “rule-in” zone of the model including SSM.DISCUSSION:The addition of SSM significantly improves the clinical applicability of the algorithm based on LSM and platelet count for CSPH diagnosis. Our models can be used to noninvasively identify candidates for nonselective beta-blocker treatment and patients at a high risk of decompensation. abstract-type=\"graphical\">

Gastric cancer (GC) represents the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease despite many improvements in systemic treatments in the last decade. In fact, GC has shown resistance to several treatment options, and thus, notable efforts have been focused on the research and identification of novel therapeutic targets in this setting. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in several malignancies including GC, due to its pivotal role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Therefore, several agents and therapeutic strategies targeting the TME are currently under assessment in both preclinical and clinical studies. The present study provides an overview of available evidence of the inflammatory TME in GC, highlighting different types of tumor-associated cells and implications for future therapeutic strategies.

Diverticular disease is a common clinical problem, particularly in industrialized countries. In most cases, colonic diverticula remain asymptomatic throughout life and sometimes are found incidentally during colonic imaging in colorectal cancer screening programs in otherwise healthy subjects. Nonetheless, roughly 25% of patients bearing colonic diverticula develop clinical manifestations. Abdominal symptoms associated with diverticula in the absence of inflammation or complications are termed symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). The pathophysiology of diverticular disease as well as the mechanisms involved in the shift from an asymptomatic condition to a symptomatic one is still poorly understood. It is accepted that both genetic factors and environment, as well as intestinal microenvironment alterations, have a role in diverticula development and in the different phenotypic expressions of diverticular disease. In the present review, we will summarize the up-to-date knowledge on the pathophysiology of diverticula and their different clinical setting, including diverticulosis and SUDD.

The low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol) diet is a beneficial therapeutic approach for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, how the low FODMAP diet works is still not completely understood. These mechanisms encompass not only traditionally known factors such as luminal distension induced by gas and water but also recent evidence on the role of FOMAPs in the modulation of visceral hypersensitivity, increases in intestinal permeability, the induction of microbiota changes, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as well as metabolomics and alterations in motility. Although most of the supporting evidence is of low quality, recent trials have confirmed its effectiveness, even though the majority of the evidence pertains only to the restriction phase and its effectiveness in relieving abdominal bloating and pain. This review examines potential pathophysiological mechanisms and provides an overview of the existing evidence on the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet across various IBS subtypes. Key considerations for its use include the challenges and disadvantages associated with its practical implementation, including the need for professional guidance, variations in individual responses, concerns related to microbiota, nutritional deficiencies, the development of constipation, the necessity of excluding an eating disorder before commencing the diet, and the scarcity of long-term data. Despite its recognized efficacy in symptom management, acknowledging these limitations becomes imperative for a nuanced comprehension of the role of a low FODMAP diet in managing IBS. By investigating its potential mechanisms and evidence across IBS subtypes and addressing emerging modulations alongside limitations, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and patients navigating the intricate landscape of IBS.

Background: Colonic diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults and carries a significant risk of recurrence. However, there are many uncertainties regarding the management of the prevention of diverticular rebleeding. Objectives: To review the current evidence on the potential role of lifestyle, pharmacological and endoscopic treatments and to discuss the unmet needs in the prevention of colonic diverticular rebleeding. Design: A systematic review. Data sources and methods: Based on the identified Patients-Interventions-Comparators-Outcomes questions, a detailed and comprehensive literature search was conducted, from inception to 12 January 2024, without language restriction, according to the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. Results: We did not find any dietary or lifestyle interventions (fibre intake, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, BMI) to prevent colonic diverticular rebleeding. We also did not find any interventional studies of specific pharmacological treatments (such as rifaximin, mesalazine or probiotics) to prevent diverticular rebleeding. Data comparing endoscopic and conservative approaches used during the index episode come from observational studies and show conflicting results. Finally, there is a paucity of data regarding the timing of resumption of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy after an episode of colonic diverticular bleeding, and this remains to be determined. Conclusion: This review highlights the paucity of data on the possible role of lifestyle, pharmacological and endoscopic treatments in the prevention of colonic diverticular rebleeding and advocates future studies aimed at finding effective therapeutic strategies.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect the gastrointestinal system with a variety of symptoms, including bleeding. The prevalence of bleeding in these patients remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the rate of gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19 patients and its association with mortality. MEDLINE and Embase were searched through December 20, 2020. Studies reporting COVID-19 patients with and without gastrointestinal bleeding were included. Estimated prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was pooled; heterogeneity was expressed as I2. Metaregression analysis was performed to assess the impact of confounding covariates. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 91887 COVID-19 patients were considered, of whom 534 reported gastrointestinal bleeding (0.6%) [409 (76.6%) upper and 121 (22.7%) lower gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB and LGIB, resp.)]. The overall pooled gastrointestinal bleeding rate was 5% [95% CI 2–8], with high heterogeneity (I2 99.2%); “small study effect” was observed using the Egger test (p=0.049). After removing two outlier studies, the pooled bleeding rate was 2% [95% CI 0–4], with high heterogeneity (I2 99.2%), and no “small study effect” (p=0.257). The pooled UGIB rate was 1% (95% CI 0–3, I2 98.6%, p=0.214), whereas the pooled LGIB rate was 1% (95% CI 0–2, I2 64.7%, p=0.919). Metaregression analysis showed that overall estimates on gastrointestinal bleeding were affected by studies reporting different sources of bleeding. No significant association between gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality was found. In this meta-analysis of published studies, individuals with COVID-19 were found to be at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background: Diverticular disease (DD) represents a common gastrointestinal condition that poses a heavy burden on healthcare systems worldwide. A high degree of uncertainty surrounds the therapeutic approaches for the control of symptoms in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) and primary and secondary prevention of diverticulitis and its consequences. Objectives: To review the current knowledge and discuss the unmet needs regarding the management of SUDD and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. Eligibility criteria: Randomized trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews on lifestyle/dietary interventions and medical treatment (rifaximin, mesalazine, and probiotics) of SUDD or prevention of acute diverticulitis. Sources of evidence: The literature search was performed from inception to April 2023, without language restriction, following the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. References of the papers selected were checked to identify additional papers of potential interest. The final list of references was evaluated by a panel of experts, who were asked to check for any lack of relevant studies. Charting methods: Information on patient population, study design, intervention, control group, duration of the observation, and outcomes assessed was collected by two authors independently. Results: The review shows a high degree of uncertainty about therapeutic interventions, both dietary/lifestyle and pharmacological, in patients with SUDD, because of the scarcity and weakness of existing evidence. Available studies are generally of low quality, heterogeneous, and outdated, precluding the possibility to draw robust conclusions. Similarly, acute diverticulitis prevention has been seldom investigated, and there is a substantial lack of evidence supporting the role of dietary/lifestyle or pharmacological approaches to reduce the risk of diverticulitis. Conclusion: The lack of robust evidence regarding therapeutic options for gastrointestinal symptoms in SUDD patients and for primary and secondary prevention of acute diverticulitis remains an important unmet need in the management of DD.

Background The superiority of Blumgart anastomosis (BA) over non-BA duct to mucosa (non-BA DtoM) still remains under debate. Methods We performed a systematic search of studies comparing BA to non-BA DtoM. The primary endpoint was CR-POPF. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), reoperation rate, and length of stay (LOS) were evaluated as secondary endpoints. The meta-analysis was carried out using random effect. The results were reported as odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and number needed to treat (NNT). Results Twelve papers involving 2368 patients: 1075 BA and 1193 non-BA DtoM were included. Regarding the primary endpoint, BA was superior to non-BA DtoM (RD = 0.10; 95% CI: −0.16 to −0.04; NNT = 9). The multivariate ORs' meta-analysis confirmed BA's protective role (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.79). BA was superior to DtoM regarding overall morbidity (RD = −0.10; 95% CI: −0.18 to −0.02; NNT = 25), PPH (RD = −0.03; 95% CI −0.06 to −0.01; NNT = 33), and LOS (− 4.2 days; −7.1 to −1.2 95% CI). Conclusion BA seems to be superior to non-BA DtoM in avoiding CR-POPF.