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Long-standing inflammation leads to esophageal remodeling with stricture formation in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The ability of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) to reverse endoscopic features of fibrosis is still unknown.To investigate the effect of a short course of PPI treatment in reducing endoscopic findings indicative of esophageal fibrosis in EoE patients.Cross-sectional analysis of the EoE CONNECT registry. Patients who received PPI to induce EoE remission were evaluated. Endoscopic features were graded using the EoE Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS), with rings and strictures indicating fibrosis. Results were compared to those from patients treated with swallowed topic corticosteroids (STC).Clinico-histological remission was achieved in 83/166 adult patients treated with PPI (50%) and in 65/79 (82%) treated with STC; among responders, 60 (36%) and 57 (72%) patients respectively achieved deep histological remission (5 eosinophils/hpf). At baseline, mean±SD EREFS was lower in patients treated with PPI compared to those who received STC (p 0.001). Short term treatment significantly reduced EREFS scores in patients treated either with PPI or STC as well as rings and strictures. Among patients treated with PPI, deep histological remission (5 eosinophils/hpf) provided further reduction in total EREFS score.Effective PPI therapy for EoE significantly reduced endoscopic esophageal fibrosis in the short term.

Introduction: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as bleeding from a source that cannot be identified on upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and capsule endoscopy is the next step in these patients. Some patients may be unsuitable for conventional endoscopy and performing a capsule panendoscopic test as a first line procedure might potentially reduce the number of endoscopies and their subsequent risk. Aim: to analyze our experience with capsule endoscopy in the bleeding setting. Methods: the first 100 panendoscopic capsule procedures performed in our center from August 2011 until December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: positive findings were observed in 61.2 % of patients; 46.26 % had a previous negative gastroscopy and the capsule detected small bowel lesions in 67.7 % and colonic findings in 80.64 %. Taking into consideration that our population were high-risk patients (mainly because of comorbidities) and that we used up to 45 ml of sodium phosphate, sodium, potassium and creatinine changes were analyzed before and after procedure. The mean “before” values were 140.68, 4.04 and 1.36, respectively. The mean “after” values were 140.28, 3.9 and 1.35 (p = n.s.). According to our findings, no other endoscopic studies would be needed in 64.5 % of patients with negative gastroscopy. According to capsule results, conventional endoscopy could have been avoided in 68.6 % of cases. Conclusion: panendoscopy with a capsule may be useful and safe in bleeding high-risk patients, by selecting those who need therapeutic endoscopy, avoiding up to 68.6 % of diagnostic endoscopies in our series.

Background & Aims Topical steroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and dietary interventions are recommended first- and second-line therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We investigated differences in their effectiveness in a real-world, clinical practice cohort of patients with EoE. Methods We collected data on the efficacy of different therapies for EoE (ability to induce clinical and histologic remission) from the multicenter EoE CONNECT database—a database of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of EoE in Europe that began in 2016. We obtained data from 589 patients, treated at 11 centers, on sex, age, time of diagnosis, starting date of any therapy, response to therapy, treatment end dates, alternative treatments, and findings from endoscopy. The baseline endoscopy was used for diagnosis of EoE; second endoscopy was performed to evaluate response to first-line therapies. After changes in treatment, generally because lack of efficacy, a last endoscopy was performed. The time elapsed between endoscopies depended on the criteria of attending physicians. Clinical remission was defined by a decrease of more than 50% in Dysphagia Symptom Score; improvement in symptoms by less than 50% from baseline was considered as clinical response. Histologic remission was defined as a peak eosinophil count below 5 eosinophils/hpf. A peak eosinophil count between 5 and 14 eosinophils/hpf was considered histologic response. We identified factors associated with therapy selection and effectiveness using χ2 and multinomial logistic regression analyses Results PPIs were the first-line treatment for 76.4% of patients, followed by topical steroids (for 10.5%) and elimination diets (for 7.8%). Topical steroids were most effective in inducing clinical and histologic remission or response (in 67.7% of patients), followed by empiric elimination diets (in 52.0%), and PPIs (in 50.2%). Among the 344 patients who switched to a second-line therapy, dietary interventions were selected for 47.1% of patients, followed by PPIs (for 29.1%) and topical steroids (for 18.6%). Clinical and histologic remission or response was achieved by 80.7% of patients treated with topical steroids, 69.2% of patients given PPIs, and 41.7% of patients on empiric elimination diets. Multivariate analyses found the stricturing phenotype of EoE to be associated with selection of topical steroids over PPIs as the first-line therapy; lack of fibrotic features at initial endoscopy was associated with selection of elimination diets over topical steroids as a second-line therapy. The recruiting center was significantly associated with therapy choice; second-line treatment with topical steroids or PPIs were the only variables associated with clinical and histologic remission. Conclusions In an analysis of data from a large cohort of patients with EoE in Europe, we found topical steroids to be the most effective at inducing clinical and histologic remission, but PPIs to be the most frequently prescribed. Treatment approaches vary with institution and presence of fibrosis or strictures.

Background and Aims It is known that sodium picosulfate–magnesium citrate (SPMC) bowel preparations are effective, well tolerated and safe, and that split-dosing is more effective for colon cleansing than previous-day regimens. Anesthetic guidelines consider that residual gastric fluid is independent of clear liquid fasting times. However, reluctance to use split-dosing persists. This may be due to limited data on residual gastric fluid volumes (RGFVs) and split-dosing bowel preparations, and that these may not be perceived as standard clear liquids. Furthermore, no studies are available on RGFV/residual gastric fluid pH (RGFpH) and SPMC. We aimed to evaluate the cleansing effectiveness and the RGFV/RGFpH achieved after an SPMC split-dosing regimen compared with a SPMC previous-day regimen. Methods This was a single-center observational study. A total of 328 outpatients scheduled for simultaneous EGD and colonoscopy and following a split-dosing or previous-day regimen of SPMC were included. We prospectively measured colon cleanliness by using the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale, RGFV, and RGFpH. Results Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale scores for overall, right, mid-colon, and colon fluid were significantly better in the split-dosing group. In the split-dosing group, the 3- to 4-hour fasting time consistently achieved the best cleansing quality. RGFV was significantly lower in the split-dosing group (11.09 vs 18.62, P Conclusions Split-dosing SPMC provides higher colon cleansing quality with lower RGFVs than previous-day SPMC regimens. SPMC in split-dosing acts exactly as a standard clear liquid acts, and thus anesthetic guidelines on this issue may be applied with no concerns.

Introduction: insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO 2) during endoscopies compared to air is associated with a decrease in abdom inal discomfort after the examination, because CO 2 is readily absorbed through the small intestine and eliminated by the lungs. Aim: the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the effect of CO 2 insufflation on pain and abdominal distension after an ileo-colonoscopy (I) and after an ileo-colonoscopy plus gastroscopy (I+G). Material and methods: we included a total of 309 patients in the study and all endoscopies were performed under sedation with propofol. Two hundred fourteen patients underwent an I (132 with CO 2 / 82 with air) and 95 underwent an I+G (53 with CO 2 / 42 with air). Abdominal pain was studied at 10, 30 and 120 minutes of exploration and abdominal perimeter difference before and after the procedure. Results: both in group I and in group I+G, the use of CO 2 trans lated into an average of abdominal pain significantly lower (p < 0.05). Similarly, a smaller increase in waist circumference was found among group I and group I+G, in patients where CO 2 was used (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the insufflation of CO 2 instead of air during the performance of endoscopy significantly reduces the discomfort and abdominal pain after an ileo-colonoscopy and after a gastroscopy + ileo-colonoscopy.

Brunner's gland hamartoma is a polypoid lesion typically composed of an increased quantity of normal-appearing Brunner's glands, accompanied by a variable proportion of smooth muscle. Most of these masses are asymptomatic and behave as benign tumors. Occasionally tumoral growth can provoke gastrointestinal problems which, together with the possibility of malignant transformation, will require resection after a broad differential diagnosis has been made with solitary duodenal mass. Both clinical and radiographic studies are nonspecific and often do not allow diagnosis of these tumors. Basic endoscopic studies (upper endoscopy) with adequate characterization of the lesion by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can establish a high diagnostic suspicion and determine the best therapeutic option (endoscopy or surgery). We present a case of giant Brunner's gland hamartoma. The initial manifestation was iron-deficiency anemia with no evidence of bleeding. After adequate characterization of the lesion, EUS allowed complete and safe endoscopic resection, avoiding more invasive surgical treatment.

Objective The use of colonoscopy as a primary screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) in average risk adults is a subject of controversy. Our primary objective was to build a predictive model based on a few simple variables that could be used as a guide for identifying average risk adults more suitable for examination with colonoscopy as a primary screening test. Methods The prevalence of advanced adenomas was assessed by primary screening colonoscopy in 2210 consecutive adults at least 40 yr old, without known risk factors for CRC. Age, gender, and clinical and biochemical data were compared among people without adenomas, those with nonadvanced adenomas, and those with any advanced neoplasm. A combined score to assess the risk of advanced adenomas was built with the variables selected by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Neoplastic lesions were found in 617 subjects (27.9%), including 259 with at least one neoplasm that was 10 mm or larger, villous, or with moderate-to-severe dysplasia, and 11 with invasive cancers. Advanced lesions were more frequent among men, older people, and those with a higher body mass index (BMI). These three variables were independent predictors of advanced adenomas in multivariate analysis. A score combining age, sex, and BMI was developed as a guide for identifying individuals more suitable for screening colonoscopy. Conclusions Age, gender, and BMI can be used to build a simple score to select those average risk adults who might be candidates for primary screening colonoscopy.

Herpetic esophagitis in immunocompetent individuals is a rare entity that should be suspected clinically by an acute onset of symptoms, and without apparent cause of a symptomatic triad consisting on odynophagia, heartburn and fever. Its occurrence may be due to reactivation of a previous infection or less often a primary infection. Herpes simplex type 1 is the most common cause. Upper endoscopy establishes the diagnosis of suspicion of herpetic esophagitis. It also allows to take multiple biopsy samples and viral culture, leading to a definitive diagnosis. The severity of symptoms is related to the degree of oesophageal involvement. In immunocompromised patients treatment is indicated with Acyclovir, but the indication in immunocompetent patients is controversial because the process is time, limited with a low probability of complications. We present a case of acute herpetic esophagitis in an immunocompetent host that debuted acutely with severe upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms, associated with an insidious and nonspecific onset of flu –like symptoms. Endoscopic findings showed a severe involvement in the lower third of the oesophageal mucosa.

For colorectal cancer screening, the predictive value of distal findings in the ascertainment of proximal lesions is not fully established. The aims of this study were to assess distal findings as predictors of advanced proximal neoplasia and to compare the predictive value of endoscopy alone vs. combined endoscopic and histopathologic data. METHODS: Primary colonoscopy screening was performed in 2210 consecutive, average-risk adults. Age, gender, endoscopic (size, number of polyps), and histopathologic distal findings were used as potential predictors of advanced proximal neoplasms (i.e., any adenoma > or =1 cm in size, and/or with villous histology, and/or with severe dysplasia or invasive cancer). Polyps were defined as distal if located in the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, or the rectum. Those in other locations were designated proximal. RESULTS: Neoplastic lesions, including 11 invasive cancers, were found in 617 (27.9%) patients. Advanced proximal neoplasms without any distal adenoma were present in 1.3% of patients. Of the advanced proximal lesions, 39% were not associated with any distal polyp. Older age, male gender, and distal adenoma were independent predictors of advanced proximal neoplasms. The predictive ability of a model with endoscopic data alone did not improve after inclusion of histopathologic data. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the predictive ability of models that use age, gender, and any combination of distal findings was relatively low. The proportion of advanced proximal neoplasms identified if any distal polyp was an indication for colonoscopy was only 62%. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy in which colonoscopy is performed solely in patients with distal colonic findings is not effective screening for the detection of advanced proximal neoplasms in an average-risk population

colonoscopy was not different in the Prepsystem (19 3 min) and the PEG (22 1 min) groups. Blood electrolytes were not significantly modified after bowel cleansing in both groups. Patient satisfaction was good to excellent in all cases in the Prepsystem group. Conclusion: The Prepsystem water infusion protocol appeared as effective as the splitted PEG protocol for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. Patient tolerance of the Prepsystem was good. Further studies should evaluate the benefit of this protocole in patients with contraindications or poor tolerance to PEG cleansing or in ambulatory patients. Su1550 Establishing the Learning Curve for Achieving Competency in Performing Colonoscopy: a Systematic Review Neal Shahidi*, George Ou, Jennifer J. Telford, Robert a. Enns Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Background: Training in colonoscopy (CSPY) is a difficult but an integral part of gastroenterology and surgical training programs. However, the number of procedures required to achieve competence is not well established, leading to significant heterogeneity among current guidelines. Aims: To assess the learning curve for achieving competency in performing CSPYs during gastroenterology and surgical training. Methods: Two investigators (NS and GO) independently searched MEDLINE (1946 June 2013) and the grey literature (bibliographies of included studies, pertinent review articles and guidelines) to identify relevant citations. Subsequently, after full-text review, studies meeting inclusion underwent data extraction with discrepancy among investigators resolved by consensus. A threshold of 90% independent cecal intubation rate (ICIR) was used as a minimum reference for competence. Results: 18 unique study populations, encompassing 38,000 CSPYs were included in our analysis. When stratifying by markers of competence: 10 studies used ICIR; 6 studies used ICIR with a cecal intubation time (CIT) limit; 1 study used ICIR with a procedural time limit; and 2 studies provided more comprehensive definitions of competence. Among the 10 studies that solely quantified ICIR, 4 studies were able to reach the reference competence estimate during analysis (90% ICIR), with trainees reaching competence between 140 to 305 CSPYs. In studies additionally setting a CIT (15 minutes 30 minutes) limit, competence was reached in 5 studies between 100 to 300 CSPYs. Of the 2 studies who provided more comprehensive estimates of competence, their reference competence thresholds were reached between 275 to 467 CSPYs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that as the definition of competence becomes more robust (i.e. acceptable for clinical practice) and incorporates more than just ICIR and CIT that the threshold to achieve competency continues to rise well above current recommendations. With newer levels of competence being promoted, present guidelines need to reassess the level of training required to adequately train endoscopists. Su1551 Split-Dose Sodium Picosulfate and Magnesium Citrate Preparation for Colonoscopy: Cleansing Effectiveness and Residual Gastric Volume and pH CeSar Prieto*, RAMoN AngoS, Maria Teresa BeteS, Susana De La Riva, Iago RodriGuez Lago, Cristina Carretero, Maite Herraiz, Alejandra Alzina Perez, Miguel a. MUnOz-Navas Gastroenterology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain Background: Split dose bowel preparations result in superior bowel cleanness. Although there is evidence that smaller residual gastric volumes (RGV) are obtained with fasting times of 2-4 hours when compared with more than 4 hours, and the relationship between fasting times for clear liquids and risk of pulmonary aspiration has not been demonstrated, there is still concern about the increased risk of aspiration when using a split-dosing regimen. Low-volume bowel preparation containing sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate (PMC) has shown to be better tolerated, and at least as effective, as other cleansing agents. Aim: To compare the cleansing efficacy, RGV, gastric pH and tolerabilty between a PMC split-dose regimen and a traditional evening-before-procedurecomplete PMC regimen. Methods: Patients aged 18 to 80 ys. requiring elective gastroscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy in the same day were invited to participate. Exclusion criteria were: known gastroparesis, gastric outlet obstruction, hiatal herniaO4 cm, previous gastrointestinal resections excluding appendicectomy, renal insufficiency, active inflammatory bowel disease, and elevated anesthesic risk (ASA III-IV). Patients were distributed to split-dose group (1) or traditional regimen group (2) exclusively depending on the hour and date of medical visit. Group 1 patients were instructed to take a PMC sachet at 19:00 the evening before the procedure, and a second sachet 4 hours before the procedure. Group 2 patients were instructed to take 1 sachet at 15:00 and second sachet at 20:00 both the evening before the procedure. Tolerability was assesed by completing a questionnaire just before the procedure. Colonoscopy was performed immediately after EGD. Total gastric volume was suctioned off and collected in a graded AB318 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Volume 79, No. 5S : 2014 specimen trap. Colon cleansing efficacy was assesed by Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS). Results: 206 patients were included (group 1: 116; group 2: 90). There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Mean time interval ( SD) between last reported ingestion was 3.63 hours ( 1.02) (range 2-6 hours) in the split-dosing group, and 11.59 ( 1.64) in the traditional regimen group. Mean RGV was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (11.65 vs.17.50 ml; p!0.005). pH of RGV in group 1 was slightly higher than group 2 (2.06 vs.1.45; ns). Total, mid-colon and right-colon OBPS scores were significantly bettter in group 1 than in group 2 (3.47 vs 4.38, p!0.01; 1.18 vs 0.91, p!0.05; 1.16 vs 1.67 p!0.001, respectively). No significant differences in tolerabilty were found. No patient had evidence of aspiration. Conclusions: Patients receiving split-dose regimen of PMC have lower residual gastric volumes and superior cleansing levels, specially in right colon, than those receiving traditional regimen, suggesting an efficacy and safety adventage. SPLITDOSING (n[116) Mean (± SD) TRADITIONAL REGIMEN (n [ 90) Mean (± SD)

A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the epigastrium. Laboratory data showed a white blood cell count of 12,600 10/L (normal range, 4800-10,800 10/L) and increases in the serum levels of amylase (379 IU/L; normal

Background and objectives: recently, Olympus developed a new prototype (XCF-Q180AY2L) with responsive insertion technology (RIT), which besides the still known variable stiffness technology, included a passive bending section and a new high force insertion tube. Our objective was to investigate whether the use of this prototype could ease colonoscope insertion, increasing the cecal intubation rate, and/or shortening the cecal intubation time. Material and methods: the study was designed as a prospective observational study in 305 consecutive patients from a colo-rectal cancer screening program. We compared colonoscopies performed with conventional colonoscopes (CFH180AL/CFQ160L) with those performed with the prototype XCF-Q180AY2L. End points were mean cecal and terminal ileal intubation times, cecum intubation rate, and need for specific maneuvers. All colonoscopies were performed under sedation with intravenous propofol. Finally, 288 patients were included. Results: no complications were observed. Complete cecal intubation rate was 100 % in both groups. The ileum could be reached in 98.95 % of cases. Mean time required to reach the cecum was shorter in the prototype endoscope group (4.31 min, SD 2.63 min) than in the conventional endoscope group (4.66 min, SD 2.52 min) (p < 0.05). Compared with the standard colonoscope group, we observed in the prototype group less subjective sensation of difficulty in the passage of the sigma (p < 0.01), fewer maneuvers when it proved necessary to straighten the scope (p < 0.01), and less frequent need to modify the stiffness of the endoscope (p < 0.05). Conclusion: we concluded that the prototype endoscope (XCF-Q180AY2L) facilitated colonoscope insertion, requiring slightly less time to reach the cecum than a standard colonoscope.