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Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a widely used examination to predict the prognosis of many chronic pulmonary diseases, and it has also been tested in systemic sclerosis (SSc) with a focus on the development of pulmonary hypertension. CPET is a highly informative non-invasive tool that provides a more complex information than conventional lung function tests to predict the course of cardiopulmonary diseases, as it provides a general overview of the aerobic metabolism, influenced by pulmonary, cardiovascular and peripheral muscle function. The purpose of this investigation was to assess if the progression and the development of poor overall disease outcome in SSc can be predicted by this method.Twenty-nine SSc patients were investigated prospectively with standard follow-up plus CPET for a mean of 3.7 years to match the results of conventional evaluation modalities and CPET. A composite end-point of several serious outcomes reflecting SSc-related vascular and cardiopulmonary damage was set up, and the predictive value of and correlations between the CPET parameters and resting lung function and echocardiography variables were assessed.None of the clinical parameters, resting lung function or echocardiographic test results proved to be predictive of the development of the endpoint of poor prognosis in this cohort. In contrast, several CPET parameters were found to discriminate between SSc patients with or without adverse outcome. The detection of desaturation (at any CPET test) was associated with a higher risk of poor prognosis (OR:5.265). VO2 and VE/VCO2 at baseline correlated with the annual decrease in FVC, anaerobic threshold with the development of digital ulcers, and VE/VO2 with the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure.Several CPET parameters obtained at the beginning of follow-up are informative of the appearance of various adverse end-points. CPET is a feasible examination in the care of SSc patients and provides excess information to current standard follow-up examinations.

Introduction: COVID–19 significantly affects endoscopic labs’ workflow. Endoscopic examinations are considered high-risk for virus transmission. Objectives: To determine impact of COVID–19 pandemic on Hungarian endoscopic labs’ workflow and on infection risk of endoscopic staff. Method: A nation-wide, cross-sectional online questionnaire was sent to heads of endoscopic labs in Hungary. The average number (with 95% confidence intervals) of upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies performed in 2020 was compared to that in 2019. The number of SARS-CoV-2-infected endoscopic staff members and the source of infection was also investigated. Results: Completion rate was 30% (33/111). Neither the number of upper (1.593 [743–1.514] vs. 1.129 [1.020–2.166], p = 0.053), nor that of lower gastrointestinal endoscopies (1.181 [823–1.538] vs. 871 [591–1.150], p = 0.072) decreased in 2020, but both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies’ number decreased by 80% during peak phases. Separate examination room was available in 12% of institutes. Appropriate quality personal protective equipment (PPE) was available during the first and second peak phase in 70% and 82%, respectively. Infection risk stratification by questionnaire and PCR testing was routinely performed in 85% and 42%, respectively. Employee number decreased by 33% and 26% for physicians, and by 19% and 21% for assistants during peak phases, mainly due to age restrictions and COVID care assignments. 32% of assistants and 41% of physicians were infected (associated with inappropriate PPE use in 16% and 18%, respectively). Conclusion: Peak phases’ restrictions increase endoscopic workload afterwards. Despite PPE availability, 15% of employees’ COVID infection resulted from inappropriate PPE use in pre-vaccination era.Bevezetés: A COVID–19-pandémia jelentősen befolyásolta az endoszkópos laboratóriumok működését. Az endoszkópos vizsgálatok nagy vírusátviteli rizikójúnak számítanak. Célkitűzés: A koronavírus-járványnak a magyarországi endoszkópos laborok működésére kifejtett hatásának és az endoszkópos személyzet SARS-CoV-2-fertőzésben való érintettségének felmérése a 2020-as évben. Módszerek: Országos szintű, keresztmetszeti, kérdőíves tanulmányunk során magyarországi endoszkópos laboratóriumok vezetőit kerestük meg online formában. Vizsgáltuk a 2020-ban elvégzett felső és alsó tápcsatornai endoszkópiák számát a 2019-es referenciaévhez viszonyítva (átlag [95%-os konfidenciaintervallum]), továbbá a SARS-CoV-2-fertőzéssel érintett dolgozók számát és fertőződésük potenciális forrását. Eredmények: A megkeresett intézmények 30%-ából érkeztek válaszok (33/111). A referenciaévhez képest sem a felső (1593 [743–1514] vs. 1129 [1020–2166], p = 0,053), sem az alsó tápcsatornai endoszkópos vizsgálatok száma (1181 [823–1538] vs. 871 [591–1150], p = 0,072) nem csökkent, bár a vírushullámoknak megfelelően mindkét vizsgálattípus esetén 80%-ot meghaladó vizsgálatszám-csökkenést tapasztaltunk. Dedikáltan fertőző betegek vizsgálatára kialakított helyiség az intézetek 12%-ában állt rendelkezésre. A védőfelszerelések az első és a második hullám alatt 70%-ban, illetve 82%-ban voltak mennyiségileg és minőségileg megfelelőek. A vizsgálat előtt fertőzöttségirizikó-stratifikáció az intézetek 85%-ában, míg PCR-vizsgálat csupán 42%-ukban történt minden esetben. Az első és második járványhullám alatt a dolgozói létszám az orvosoknál 33%-kal, illetve 26%-kal, az asszisztenseknél 19%-kal, illetve 21%-kal csökkent, elsősorban életkori korlátozás, COVID-ellátásba való áthelyezés miatt. Az asszisztensek 32%-a, az orvosok 41%-a esett át COVID-fertőzésen, 16%-ban, illetve 18%-ban nem megfelelő védőfelszerelés-használattal összefüggésben. Következtetés: A járványhullámok alatti restrikciók feloldását követően a vizsgálati terhelés emelkedik. A SARS-CoV-2-vakcinák elérhetősége előtt az endoszkópos laborok dolgozóit érintő COVID-fertőzések 15%-a nem megfelelő védőfelszerelés-használattal volt összefüggésbe hozható. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(46): 1814–1822.

The relationship between clinical outcomes and serum anti-TNF levels is controversial. TheConsecutive IBD patients who received maintenance anti-TNF-α therapy were enrolled. The number of TNF-α positive cells in the mucosa was detected using immunofluorescent labeling on biopsy samples. Serum, mucosal and fecal anti-TNF-α, serum anti-drug antibody, and fecal calprotectin levels were determined using ELISA. Each patient underwent body composition analysis as well.Data of 50 patients were analyzed. The number TNF-α positive cells was significantly higher in the inflamed part of the colon than in the un-inflamed part of the colon. Tissue and fecal drug levels did not show any association with serum drug levels; moreover, serum anti-TNF concentration did not correlate with endoscopic activity. Mucosal anti-TNF levels were higher only in IFX-treated patients in remission and IFX-treated patients with detectable fecal anti-TNF had lower tissue drug levels. Presence of the drug in the feces was significantly different according to disease activity.Fecal drug concentration is suggested to be a better predictor of endoscopic activity and loss of response, and fecal drug monitoring may improve the estimation accuracy of tissue drug levels.

Introduction: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk to develop malignant neoplasms. Neither the exact mechanism, nor the frequency of different malignancies is completely clear. Our aim was to assess the IBD associated malignancies, to collect clinical and mortality data and to analyse possible risk factors. Methods: Data on malignancies developed between January 2015 and May 2019 in Hungarian IBD patients was recorded. Every member of the Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology was prospectively interviewed. The following data were collected: demographic data, disease characteristics, previous therapy, patient adherence, type and localisation of malignancies. Results: 140 IBD patients with newly diagnosed malignancies were reported. 61.4%, 35.7%, and 2.9% of the patients had ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD) and indeterminate colitis, respectively. The mean latency was 15.2±10.5 years. Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the most common cancer (49.6%, 70). 72.9% (51/70) of them was associated with UC, more than 80% had extensive (50.9%, 26) and left-sided (31.2%, 16) colitis. The most frequent CRC localisation was the rectosigmoid colon in UC (54.9%), and the rectum in CD (38.9%). The most common non-CRC malignancies were non-melanotic skin-cancer, haematological and pulmonary cancer. Disease duration at the time of the diagnosis of malignancy was lower (17.9±10.7 versus 12.6±9.7 years); mean age at the time of the death was higher (49.3±9.4 versus 64.3±16.4 years); and survival was longer after the diagnosis of extraintestinal malignancy than CRC (0.73±1.01 versus 1.2±0.8). Summary: CRC presented typically in the distal part of the colon by male UC patients with pancolitis or left-sided colitis with a long-standing disease course of IBD. The most common non-CRC malignancies were non-melanotic skin cancer, haematological cancer and lung cancer. Non-CRC malignancies developed typically in female patients, older than CRC patients with shorter disease-course of IBD and longer survival times.

In this cross-sectional, real-life study we have investigated the potential association between 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) and anti-TNF [infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA)], anti-drug antibody levels and body composition parameters. Based on our results thiopurine and anti-TNF combination therapy resulted in decreased antibody formation in IFX-treated patients. AZA-ADA-treated patients showed increased anti-TNF drug concentrations, regardless of antibody formation. Drug metabolites did not correlate with body composition parameters.

Objective The efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) on gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) may be impaired over time and depends greatly on the application settings. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) may be an alternative, but study on its efficacy is limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of APC and EBL in treating GAVE. Methods Changes in the need for blood transfusion, number of treatment sessions and hospitalizations were retrospectively assessed in 63 transfusion-dependent patients with GAVE (mean age: 67.1 y, 54.0% female) treated with either APC or EBL (45 and 18 patients, respectively) in four tertiary endoscopic centers. Results Both methods substantially increased hemoglobin levels and decreased patients' need for a transfusion (22.0 ± 4.0 g/L and -5.62 ± 2.30 units of packed red blood cells [RBC] with APC, and 27.4 ± 6.1 g/L and -4.79 ± 2.46 units of packed RBC with EBL), without a significant statistical difference between the methods. However, fewer EBL sessions were required both for the cessation of need for a transfusion compared with those for the resolution of GAVE lesions (0.90 ± 0.10 vs 1.69 ± 0.31, P = 0.028). Conclusions Both APC and EBL are effective in GAVE treatment. EBL may be superior in terms of number of treatment sessions, but not in its influence on hemoglobin level and need for transfusion. Further prospective studies with large, homogeneous sample size and standardized APC settings are needed.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A gyulladásos bélbetegségek kezelésében a tumornekrózisfaktor-alfa-ellenes (anti-TNFα) antitestek elsődleges választási lehetőséget jelentenek a kortikoszteroid- és immunmoduláns kezelésre refrakter páciensek kezelési stratégiájában. Ezek a hatóanyagok hatékonyak, ám hosszú távú hatásosságukkal kapcsolatban sok az ellentmondás. Célkitűzés: Vizsgálatunk célja megvizsgálni az anti-TNFα-terápia (infliximab [IFX], adalimumab [ADA]) hosszú távú hatékonyságát gyulladásos bélbetegek körében. Módszerek: Retrospektív, adatgyűjtéses vizsgálatunkba a Szegedi Tudományegyetem I. Sz. Belgyógyászati Klinikáján gondozott, 18–65 év közötti gyulladásos bélbetegeket vontunk be. Az adatgyűjtést a Klinika informatikai rendszeréből végeztük a betegek ambuláns megjelenéseinek kezelőlapjaiból, illetve a zárójelentésekből. Eredmények: 102 beteg adatait elemeztük (Crohn-beteg: 67 fő, colitis ulcerosás: 35 fő). A Crohn-betegség diagnózisát követően átlagosan 7,84 év, a colitis ulcerosa diagnózisát követően átlagosan 9,86 év telt el az első anti-TNFα-terápia elkezdéséig. Az első kezelési ciklus átlagosan 2,64 évig tartott, a ciklus végén az IFX-t kapó betegek 50%-ánál, az ADA-t kapó betegek 46%-ánál volt remisszióban a betegség. A második kezelési ciklus átlagosan 4,67 évig tartott, a ciklus végén az IFX-t kapó betegek 36%-a, az ADA-t kapó betegek 40%-a volt remisszióban. Az első, illetve a második kezelési ciklus alatt az allergiás reakciók gyakorisága IFX esetében 13% és 18%, ADA esetében 4% és 3% volt. A primer hatástalanság és a másodlagos hatásvesztés az első ciklusban IFX esetében 4% és 10,5%, ADA esetében 11,5% és 19% volt. A második kezelési ciklusban IFX esetében 9%-ban és 18%-ban, ADA esetében 23%-ban és 10%-ban jelentették a ciklus végét. Következtetés: Az anti-TNFα-terápiák eredményeink alapján hosszú távon is hatékonynak és biztonságosnak bizonyultak. Másodlagos hatásvesztés kisebb arányban fordult elő a vizsgált populációban az irodalmi adatokhoz képest. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1989–1994. Summary. Introduction: Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNFα) treatment is reserved for steroid-dependent or steroid/immunomodulator-refractory inflammatory bowel diseases patients. These agents are effective, however, their long-term safety is still questionable. Objective: We aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of two anti-TNFα therapies. Methods: In our retrospective study, we reviewed medical records via the administration system of the First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged. Female and male patients, aged between 18–65 years who received anti-TNFα therapy between 2010–2019 were enrolled. Results: 102 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were enrolled (Crohn’s disease: 67, ulcerative colitis: 35). The first anti-TNFα therapy was introduced after an average 7.84 and 9.86 years from diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The first treatment period lasted for 2.64 years; 50% of patients receiving IFX and 46% of patients receiving ADA were in remission at the end of the period. The second treatment period lasted for 4.67 years, 36% of IFX-treated patients and 40% of ADA-treated patients were in remission at the end of the period. 13% and 18% of patients treated by IFX and 4% and 3% of patients treated by ADA experienced infusion reaction during the first and the second treatment period. Primary non-response and loss of response rates were 4% and 10.5% (IFX) and 11.5% and 19% (ADA) during the first treatment period. These rates were 9% and 18% (IFX) and 23% and 10% (ADA) during the second treatment period. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the long-term efficacy and safety of the anti-TNFα therapies. Loss of response rate is lower in our population compared to the literature. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1989–1994.

Background/aim: In Hungary, a nationwide colorectal screening program is about to be introduced in order to improve the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer CRC . The aim was to summarize experiences from and assess short-term efficacy of the populationbased pilot colorectal screening program in 2015 in Csongrád county, Hungary. Materials and methods: Asymptomatic individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 with average risk of colorectal cancer participated in the program that was based on the two-step screening method: immune fecal blood test and colonoscopy. The short-term efficacy was assessed as the change in total CRC incidence and initial tumor stage in the screening year 2015 . Results: 22,130 individuals were invited to participate, and the participation rate was 46.4%. Immune fecal blood test proved to be nonnegative in 1,343 cases 13% , screening colonoscopy was performed in 766 of them 7.5% . Total colonoscopy was performed in 711 individuals. Based on the reports, adenoma was detected in 358 50.3% and malignancy in 42 5.9% individuals. In the background population, the incidence of colon cancer was higher 183 vs. 228; P = 0.026 and was diagnosed at earlier stage P = 0.002 , while lymph node involvement was lower in 2015 48.3% vs. 37.1%; P = 0.049 . Conclusion: The Csongrád county population-based colorectal cancer screening was evidently successful on the short-term considering participation rate, and the changes in CRC incidence and stage, thus its national extension is necessary.

Bevezetés: A COVID–19-pandémia jelentősen befolyásolta az endoszkópos laboratóriumok működését. Az endoszkópos vizsgálatok nagy vírusátviteli rizikójúnak számítanak. Célkitűzés: A koronavírus-járványnak a magyarországi endoszkópos laborok működésére kifejtett hatásának és az endoszkópos személyzet SARS-CoV-2-fertőzésben való érintettségének felmérése a 2020-as évben. Módszerek: Országos szintű, keresztmetszeti, kérdőíves tanulmányunk során magyarországi endoszkópos laboratóriumok vezetőit kerestük meg online formában. Vizsgáltuk a 2020-ban elvégzett felső és alsó tápcsatornai endoszkópiák számát a 2019-es referenciaévhez viszonyítva (átlag [95%-os konfidenciaintervallum]), továbbá a SARS-CoV-2-fertőzéssel érintett dolgozók számát és fertőződésük potenciális forrását. Eredmények: A megkeresett intézmények 30%-ából érkeztek válaszok (33/111). A referenciaévhez képest sem a felső (1593 [743–1514] vs. 1129 [1020–2166], p = 0,053), sem az alsó tápcsatornai endoszkópos vizsgálatok száma (1181 [823–1538] vs. 871 [591–1150], p = 0,072) nem csökkent, bár a vírushullámoknak megfelelően mindkét vizsgálattípus esetén 80%-ot meghaladó vizsgálatszám-csökkenést tapasztaltunk. Dedikáltan fertőző betegek vizsgálatára kialakított helyiség az intézetek 12%-ában állt rendelkezésre. A védőfelszerelések az első és a második hullám alatt 70%-ban, illetve 82%-ban voltak mennyiségileg és minőségileg megfelelőek. A vizsgálat előtt fertőzöttségirizikó-stratifikáció az intézetek 85%-ában, míg PCR-vizsgálat csupán 42%-ukban történt minden esetben. Az első és második járványhullám alatt a dolgozói létszám az orvosoknál 33%-kal, illetve 26%-kal, az asszisztenseknél 19%-kal, illetve 21%-kal csökkent, elsősorban életkori korlátozás, COVID-ellátásba való áthelyezés miatt. Az asszisztensek 32%-a, az orvosok 41%-a esett át COVID-fertőzésen, 16%-ban, illetve 18%-ban nem megfelelő védőfelszerelés-használattal összefüggésben. Következtetés: A járványhullámok alatti restrikciók feloldását követően a vizsgálati terhelés emelkedik. A SARS-CoV-2-vakcinák elérhetősége előtt az endoszkópos laborok dolgozóit érintő COVID-fertőzések 15%-a nem megfelelő védőfelszerelés-használattal volt összefüggésbe hozható. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(46): 1814–1822.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a need to evaluate the benefit-risk ratio of current therapies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to provide the best quality of care. The primary objective of I-CARE (IBD Cancer and serious infections in Europe) was to assess prospectively safety concerns in IBD, with specific focus on the risk of cancer/lymphoma and serious infections in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor and other biologic monotherapy as well as in combination with immunomodulators.METHODS: I-CARE was designed as a European prospective longitudinal observational multicenter cohort study to include patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or IBD unclassified established at least 3 months prior to enrollment.RESULTS: A total of 10,206 patients were enrolled between March 2016 and April 2019, including 6169 (60.4%) patients with Crohn's disease, 3853 (37.8%) with ulcerative colitis, and 184 (1.8%) with a diagnosis of IBD unclassified. Thirty-two percent of patients were receiving azathioprine/thiopurines, 4.6% 6-mercaptopurine, and 3.2% methotrexate at study entry. At inclusion, 47.3% of patients were treated with an anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, 8.8% with vedolizumab, and 3.4% with ustekinumab. Roughly one-quarter of patients (26.8%) underwent prior IBD-related surgery. Sixty-six percent of patients had been previously treated with systemic steroids. Three percent of patients had a medical history of cancer prior to inclusion and 1.1% had a history of colonic, esophageal, or uterine cervix high-grade dysplasia.CONCLUSIONS: I-CARE is an ongoing investigator-initiated observational European prospective cohort study that will provide unique information on the long-term benefits and risks of biological therapies in IBD patients. (EudraCT, Number: 2014-004728-23; ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT02377258).

Although the exact aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown, one hypothesis suggests that the inflammation may be the consequence of an altered or pathogenic microbiota in a genetically susceptible host. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of enteral infections in patients with relapse of IBD, and to evaluate the clinical utility of faecal calprotectin (FC) and faecal matrixmetalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) in the differential diagnosis of relapses with different origins, and to determine the recurrence rate of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), the hospitalisation and colectomy rate among C. difficile positive IBD patients at the end of 4 years follow-up period. Methods: In this prospective, “real life” study clinical data, serum and stool samples were assessed. Results: Overall, 135 outpatients with IBD were enrolled [91 IBD patients who relapsed and 44 subjects in clinical remission (control group)]. C. difficile A/B toxins were detected in 42.2% of all cases. Candida was presented in 9.9% among the enrolled subjects. We found significant difference between FC and MMP-9 values in patients in relapse and remission, but not in C. difficile positive and negative cases. Our results revealed an association between previous antibiotic use and the rate of toxigenic C. difficile. Toxigenic C. difficile positivity recurrence rate was 4.4%. Hospitalisation during follow-up due to IBD was 45.4% and 35% in C. difficile positive and negative group, respectively. Value of FC and MMP-9 did not predict the need of hospitalisation. Conclusions: The occurrences of toxigenic C. difficile and Candida positivity were excessively high in our patients in an acute relapse, which suggests the importance of intestinal microbiota in IBD. FC and MMP-9 has no diagnostic value to differentiate between infection-induced and natural relapse. In our study was confirmed that hospitalisation rate was higher in C. difficile positive cases, but we did not find any relationship on long-term period.

Background: There are contradictory results about the effect of magnesium citrate plus sodium picosulfate bowel cleansing agents on the fluid and electrolyte balance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the efficacy, tolerability and safety of this medication in colonoscopy preparation. Methods: 233 patients were enrolled in this phase IV prospective observational study. The effectiveness of bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Adequate cleansing was defined as BBPS ≥ 6 and excellent cleansing as BBPS > 7. Tolerability was examined using a standardized questionnaire. In the safety analysis, the change of serum electrolytes levels and renal function during bowel cleansing was assessed. Results: Adequate and excellent bowel cleansing were achieved 94.85% and 72.96% of cases, respectively. None or very mild symptoms were reported in 47.21% of cases. Statistically significant changes occurred in serum potassium (4.38±0.43 vs. 4.25±0.43 mmol/L, p

Background Health care professionals in endoscopic labs have an elevated risk for COVID-19 infection, therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of current pandemic on the workflow and infection prevention and control strategies of endoscopy units in real-life setting. Methods All members of Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology were invited between 7 and 17 April 2020 to participate in this cross-section survey study and to complete an online, anonymous questionnaire. Results Total of 120 endoscopists from 83 institutes were enrolled of which 35.83% worked in regions with high cumulative incidence of COVID-19. Only 33.33% of them had undergone training about infection prevention in their workplace. 95.83% of endoscopists regularly used risk stratification of patients for infection prior endoscopy. While indications of examinations in low risk patients varied widely, in high-risk or positive patients endoscopy was limited to gastrointestinal bleeding (95.00%), removal of foreign body from esophagus (87.50%), management of obstructive jaundice (72.50%) and biliary pancreatitis (67.50%). Appropriate amount of personal protective equipment was available in 60.85% of endoscopy units. In high-risk or positive patients, surgical mask, filtering facepiece mask, protective eyewear and two pairs of gloves were applied in 30.83%, 76.67%, 90.00% and 87.50% of cases, respectively. Personal protective equipment fully complied with European guideline only in 67.50% of cases. Conclusions Survey found large variability in indications of endoscopy and relative weak compliance to national and international practical recommendations in terms of protective equipment. This could be improved by adequate training about infection prevention.

Diagnostic accuracy and quality of smears obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are influenced by characteristics of suction and examined organ.Efficiency of EUS-FNA and quality of smears obtained by slow-pull (SP) and standard suction (SS) techniques was prospectively compared in the sampling of pancreatic (SS technique resulted in a higher number of smear pairs both in pancreatic (1.74 vs. 3.19;SP technique yields better quality smears independently from tumors characteristics; however, it shows significant examiner-dependency. SS technique reduces the diagnostic accuracy of sampling in extrapancreatic tumors.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A gyulladásos bélbetegségek kezelésében a tumornekrózisfaktor-alfa-ellenes (anti-TNFα) antitestek elsődleges választási lehetőséget jelentenek a kortikoszteroid- és immunmoduláns kezelésre refrakter páciensek kezelési stratégiájában. Ezek a hatóanyagok hatékonyak, ám hosszú távú hatásosságukkal kapcsolatban sok az ellentmondás. Célkitűzés: Vizsgálatunk célja megvizsgálni az anti-TNFα-terápia (infliximab [IFX], adalimumab [ADA]) hosszú távú hatékonyságát gyulladásos bélbetegek körében. Módszerek: Retrospektív, adatgyűjtéses vizsgálatunkba a Szegedi Tudományegyetem I. Sz. Belgyógyászati Klinikáján gondozott, 18-65 év közötti gyulladásos bélbetegeket vontunk be. Az adatgyűjtést a Klinika informatikai rendszeréből végeztük a betegek ambuláns megjelenéseinek kezelőlapjaiból, illetve a zárójelentésekből. Eredmények: 102 beteg adatait elemeztük (Crohn-beteg: 67 fő, colitis ulcerosás: 35 fő). A Crohn-betegség diagnózisát követően átlagosan 7,84 év, a colitis ulcerosa diagnózisát követően átlagosan 9,86 év telt el az első anti-TNFα-terápia elkezdéséig. Az első kezelési ciklus átlagosan 2,64 évig tartott, a ciklus végén az IFX-t kapó betegek 50%-ánál, az ADA-t kapó betegek 46%-ánál volt remisszióban a betegség. A második kezelési ciklus átlagosan 4,67 évig tartott, a ciklus végén az IFX-t kapó betegek 36%-a, az ADA-t kapó betegek 40%-a volt remisszióban. Az első, illetve a második kezelési ciklus alatt az allergiás reakciók gyakorisága IFX esetében 13% és 18%, ADA esetében 4% és 3% volt. A primer hatástalanság és a másodlagos hatásvesztés az első ciklusban IFX esetében 4% és 10,5%, ADA esetében 11,5% és 19% volt. A második kezelési ciklusban IFX esetében 9%-ban és 18%-ban, ADA esetében 23%-ban és 10%-ban jelentették a ciklus végét. Következtetés: Az anti-TNFα-terápiák eredményeink alapján hosszú távon is hatékonynak és biztonságosnak bizonyultak. Másodlagos hatásvesztés kisebb arányban fordult elő a vizsgált populációban az irodalmi adatokhoz képest. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1989-1994.Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNFα) treatment is reserved for steroid-dependent or steroid/immunomodulator-refractory inflammatory bowel diseases patients. These agents are effective, however, their long-term safety is still questionable.We aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of two anti-TNFα therapies.In our retrospective study, we reviewed medical records via the administration system of the First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged. Female and male patients, aged between 18-65 years who received anti-TNFα therapy between 2010-2019 were enrolled.102 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were enrolled (Crohn's disease: 67, ulcerative colitis: 35). The first anti-TNFα therapy was introduced after an average 7.84 and 9.86 years from diagnosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The first treatment period lasted for 2.64 years; 50% of patients receiving IFX and 46% of patients receiving ADA were in remission at the end of the period. The second treatment period lasted for 4.67 years, 36% of IFX-treated patients and 40% of ADA-treated patients were in remission at the end of the period. 13% and 18% of patients treated by IFX and 4% and 3% of patients treated by ADA experienced infusion reaction during the first and the second treatment period. Primary non-response and loss of response rates were 4% and 10.5% (IFX) and 11.5% and 19% (ADA) during the first treatment period. These rates were 9% and 18% (IFX) and 23% and 10% (ADA) during the second treatment period.Our study confirmed the long-term efficacy and safety of the anti-TNFα therapies. Loss of response rate is lower in our population compared to the literature. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(47): 1989-1994.

The effect of TNF-blockers on T-lymphocyte subsets is largely unknown in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of T-cell subtypes and their correlation to therapeutic response. Sixty-eight patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), 46 with ulcerative colitis (UC) were enrolled. (1) The clinical course was followed after the initiation of TNF-blockers (prospective study). (2) The immunophenotype was also compared between long-term anti-TNF treated-responders and non-responders (cross-sectional study). The results were compared with those of therapy-naïve patients with active disease and those in remission with non-biological immunosuppressive therapy, and with healthy controls. Fourteen subtypes of peripheral blood T cells were measured with flow cytometry. The prevalence of Th2 and Th17 cells, of HLA-DR- and CD69-positive CD4 and CD8 cells, was higher, whereas the percentage of CD45RA-positive CD4 and CD8 cells was lower in both IBDs than in controls. CD8CD69 cell frequency was lower in remission, and decreased during anti-TNF therapy in CD responders. CD8CD45RO memory cells had higher prevalence in UC non-responders than in those starting anti-TNF. CD4CD45RO percentage

Background: Anti-TNF therapy is efficacious in the maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis (UC); however, long-term data on real-life use of these agents are lacking.Methods: This observatio...

Abstract: Introduction: Transfer is a planned movement of patients and their medical records from one provider to another. Only a few data are available from real life in inflammatory bowel disease patients in this topic. Aim: Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate the results of the transfer of our patients without longitudinal transition. Method: Data of the transferred patients at the University of Szeged were analysed. Patients were diagnosed in paediatric care. Transfer strategy at our departments was detailed medical summary. Results: 59 patients were enrolled in this study. 28.8% of the patients had mild to moderate disease activity and 71.2% was in remission at the time of transfer. Steroid therapy was initiated in 58% of the patients within an average of 9.1 months after the transfer. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was given to 24% of the patients during the paediatric care and to an additional 23% in the adult care within an average of 28 months. Almost 70% of the patients received immunosuppressive therapy during paediatric and adult care. Surgery was required in 17% of the patients within an average 10.7 months after the transfer. Conclusion: Our results revealed that one-third of the paediatric patients have been transferred to adult care in active stage of disease. Shortly after the transfer 58% of the patients required corticosteroids and 17% surgery. Every fifth patient needed biological therapy to be initiated after the transfer. Longitudinal transition may have a potential to decrease the need for therapeutic change and the relatively high rate of surgery. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(44): 1789–1793.

OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel diseases are lifelong illnesses and have a huge impact on the quality of life and workability. Although the fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adalimumab provides great opportunity to use biological therapy at home, application of the prefilled syringe might be difficult for some. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ opinion about the newly introduced adalimumab prefilled pen compared to the prefilled syringe. METHODS: Our questionnaire based survey focused on the degree of difficulty of the usage, any inconveniences and the proportion of self-injection for each mode of administration. RESULTS: The questionnaire was filled by 101 patients (female/male: 49/52). Patients applied adalimumab therapy for 33 months on average and changed from the prefilled syringes to the prefilled pen for 4 months on average. Sixty-six % of those who used the prefilled syringe administered adalimumab themselves. Self-administration of injections caused difficulties for 19% of patients, and 15% of patients had serious aversion to self-administration. On the other hand, in case of the prefilled pen, 94% of patients administered adalimumab themselves. Self-administration caused difficulties for only 5% of patients, and just 1% of patients reported aversion to self-administration (p < 0.001). Overall 70% of patients assessed the change positively, and they reported significantly less (23.6% vs 9.3%; p = 0.009) inconvenience with administration. CONCLUSION: Our multicenter study including more than hundred inflammatory bowel diseases patients revealed that switching from the prefilled syringe to pen results in higher self-adminstering rate, significant reduction in pain and in local reaction at the injection site.

Abstract: Introduction: In Hungary, a nationwide colorectal screening program is about to be introduced in order to improve the extremely high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC). Aim: The aim of our study was to summarize experiences and assess short-term efficacy of the population-based pilot colorectal screening program in 2015 in Csongrád County, Hungary. Patients and method: Asymptomatic individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 with average risk of colorectal cancer participated in the program that was based on the two-step screening method (i.e. immune fecal blood test and colonoscopy). The short-term efficacy of the screening program was assessed as the change in total CRC incidence and initial tumor stage in the screening year (2015) compared to a control year (2013) in Szeged and its surroundings. Participation rate, positive predictive value of the screening methods and tumor detection rate was assessed. Results: 22,130 individuals were invited, the participation rate was 46.4%. Immune fecal blood test proved to be non-negative in 1,343 cases (13%), screening colonoscopy was performed in 766 of them (7.5%). Total colonoscopy was performed in 711 individuals. Based on the reports, adenoma was detected in 358 (50.3%) and malignancy in 42 (5.9%) individuals. In the background population, the incidence of colon cancer was significantly higher (183 vs. 228; p = 0.026) and was diagnosed at significantly earlier stage (p = 0.002). Lymph node involvement was significantly lower in 2015 (48.3% vs. 37.1%; p = 0.049). Conclusion: The Csongrád county population-based colorectal cancer screening was evidently successful on the short term considering participation rate, and the changes in CRC incidence and stage, thus its national extension is necessary. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(42): 1658–1667.

Background: Safety data of the ‘real life’ use of an infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are still lacking. Our aim was to assess the frequency and characteristics of infusion reactions during CT-P13 therapy in 13 Hungarian and 1 Czech IBD centres. Methods: Clinical and safety data was registered at fixed appointments. Trough levels and anti-drug antibody (ADA) concentration were measured by ELISA. Association between demographic, clinical, laboratory parameters and infusion reaction rates were evaluated statistically. Results: Three hundred and eighty-four IBD patients were included. Twenty-eight Hungarian IBD patients (9.6%) developed infusion reaction during the treatment, 64.3% of them was previously exposed to anti TNF therapy. No infusion reaction occurred in the Czech population. CT-P13 therapy had to be stopped in 17 patients who developed infusion reaction and was switched to adalimumab in 12 patients. However in 39.3% of patients developing infusion reaction CT-P13 therapy was continued with the use of premedication. Cumulative ADA positivity rates were 8.7%, 19.3%, and 28.0% at weeks 0, 14, and 30. Previous anti-TNF-alpha exposure (30% vs. 3.1%, p

AIM: To evaluate and compare the patients opinion on the two types of anti- TNF-α therapies in a Hungarian cohort of IBD patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentre, questionnaire-based observational study carried out in three Hungarian tertiary centres. From April to September 2014, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed to patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), who have received infliximab (IFX) and/or adalimumab (ADA). The survey focused on the preferences of the two anti-TNF-α therapies on the basis of the efficacy, the administration routes and the side effects. RESULTS: 292 IBD patients, 216 CD, 75 UC and 1 indeterminate colitis patient completed the questionnaire. The mean duration of biological therapy was 1.7 (1 - 7) years. IFX treated patients noticed improvement of symptoms at 4 - 5 weeks while ADA treated patients noticed at 5 - 6 weeks. There was no difference between the patients’ satisfaction regarding the types of anti-TNF-α therapy if they received both. However, subcutaneous administration was preferred by ADA-treated patients previously receiving IFX (p = 0.007) compared to intravenous route and they did not intend to change the mode of therapy (p = 0.040). 90% of the patients, receiving only IFX or ADA were satisfied with their present therapy. The majority of patients (186/292, 63.7%) would not switch therapy. 63 of 291, 22% of the patients reported to have some concern with biological therapy—the majority (32/63, 50.8%) due to fear from side effects. CONCLUSION: Generally, patients preferred and would not change the present anti-TNF-α therapy, however, subcutaneous administration was preferred among those patients who had have experience with both.

Background: GEMINI trials demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).Research design and methods: Aim of this study was to determ...

Background The usage of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic cancer is increasing, however mainly retrospective studies are available about the detailed methods of sampling. Methods To compare prospectively the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA samples obtained with slow-pull (SP) and with standard suction technique (SS). Results EUS-FNA sampling was diagnostic in 72 of 92 cases (78.3%). Diagnostic yield was 67.4% in the SS and 65.2% in the SP group. The number of smear pairs (1.84 vs. 3.56; p

Introduction: Rectal ultrasonography is a basic method for staging rectal cancer. Tissue changes after neoadjuvant treatment alter the accuracy of the method. Aim: The aim of the authors was to assess the accuracy of rectal ultrasonography after preoperative chemo-radiotherapy compared to the initial staging accuracy. Method: Rectal ultrasounds performed between 2006 and 2014 were assessed retrospectively. Ultrasonographic and pathological T and N stages were compared both in case of initial staging (control group) and re-staging. Results: T staging was accurate in 70% in the control group and in 61% in re-staging. Rate of overstaging was 31% after neoadjuvant treatment. None of the ypT0 cases were identified. N staging accuracy was 64% in the control group and 61% in re-staging. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant treatment impairs the accuracy of rectal ultrasound. The role of re-staging with rectal ultrasonography is debatable in the assessment of the efficacy of oncological treatment and surgical planning. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(30), 1193–1197.

Introduction: Adalimumab was approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional therapy several years later than infliximab in Europe. Due to the relatively low remission rate observed in Ultra trials, data on the efficacy of adalimumab in ulcerative colitis are really helpful in the daily practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to prospectively collect data on induction and maintenance adalimumab therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis treated in Hungarian centres. Method: This prospective study collected data of all patients with ulcerative colitis treated with adalimumab in 10 Hungarian centres. The primary endpoints of the study were rates of remission, response and primary failure at week 12, and the rate of continuous clinical response, remission and loss of response at weeks 30, and 52. Secondary endpoints were endoscopic outcome at week 52 and comparison of the efficacy of adalimumab between treatment naive and infliximab-experienced patients. Results: 73 patients with active ulcerative colitis were enrolled in the study. 75.3% of the patients exhibited clinical response after the induction at week 12. The probability of maintaining adalimumab treatment was 48.6% at week 52 with a continuous clinical response in 92% of these patients. Mucosal healing was achieved in 48.1% of the patients at week 52. Dose intensification was performed in 17.6% of the patients. Minor side effects developed in 4% of the patients and 5.4% of the patients underwent colectomy during the 1-year treatment period. Conclusions: These results coming from the real clinical setting demonstrate a favourable efficacy of adalimumab induction and maintenance therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(18), 706–711.

Introduction: Self-expandable metal and plastic stents can be applied in the palliative endoscopic treatment of patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The use of metal stentsis recommended if the patient’s life expectancy is more than four months. Aim: To compare the therapeutic efficacy and cost-effectiveness of metal and plastic stents in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Method: The authorsretrospectively enrolledpatients who received metal (37 patients) or plastic stent (37 patients). The complication rate, stent patency and cumulative cost of treatment were assessed in the two groups. Results: The complication rate of metal stents was lower (37.84% vs. 56.76%), but the stent patency was higher compared with plastic stents (19.11 vs. 8.29 weeks; p = 0.0041). In the plastic stent group the frequency of hospitalization of patients in context with stent complications (1.18 vs. 2.32; p = 0.05) and the necessity of reintervention for stent dysfunction (17 vs. 27; p = 0.033) were substantially higher. In this group multiple stent implantation raised the stent patency from 7.68 to 10.75 weeks. There was no difference in the total cost of treatment of malignant biliary obstruction between the two groups (p = 0.848). Conclusions: Considering the cost of treatment and the burden of patients the authors recommend self-expandable metal sten timplantation if the life expectancy of patients is more than two months. In short survival cases multiple plastic stent implantation is recommended. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(7), 268–274.

Gut microbial composition alters in some special situations, such as in ulcerative colits (UC) after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery. The aim of our study was to determine the composition of the intestinal microbiome in UC patients after IPAA surgery, compared with UC patients, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients after IPAA surgery and healthy controls. Clinical data of patients, blood and faecal samples were collected. Faecal microbiota structure was determined by sequencing the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Overall, 56 patients were enrolled. Compared to the Healthy group, both the Pouch active and UC active groups had higher Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae and Pasteurellaceae abundance. The Pouch and UC groups showed distinct separation based on their alpha and beta bacterial diversities. The UC group had higher Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae abundance compared to the Pouch active group. Pouch and FAP participants showed similar bacterial community composition. There was no significant difference in the bacterial abundance between the active and inactive subgroups of the Pouch or UC groups. Gut microbiome and anatomical status together construct a functional unit that has influence on diversity, in addition to intestinal inflammation that is a part of the pathomechanism in UC.

Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients are at increased risk for mental health problems. Managing IBD patients requires cooperation between gastroenterologists and psychologists and psychiatrists. We would like to assess the frequency of depression and suicidal thoughts among Hungarian IBD patients. Methods Multicentre, questionnaire-based survey among inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Demographic data and patient’s medical history was obtained with self-filling questionnaires. Patients’ psychic status was measured with Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck Hopelessness Scale (short version). The survey was conducted in 3 IBD centres in Hungary, First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, First Department of Surgery, University of Semmelweis and First Department of Medicine, University of Pécs. Results Three hundred IBD patients filled the questionnaires from the 3 IBD centres. Female-male ratio was 57% - 47%. Mean age at the time of the study was 38.8 years (SD 12.5) and mean disease duration was 11.5 years (SD 8.2). Sixty-two point three% was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, 37.7% with ulcerative colitis, one patients reported IBD unclassified and three patients did not know the type of IBD. Sixty-nine point three% of the patients self-reported the remission state of IBD, while 30.7% self-reported to have active IBD. Proportion of patients on each category of PHQ-9 scale were the followings: severe 2%, moderate to severe 5.3%, moderate 21.3%, mild 33.6% and 37.6% had normal score. Nine point three% of the patients had elevated suicidal risk. More severe PHQ-9 category was associated with elevated risk for suicide. Significant difference was shown in the Hopelessness Scale’s results among the two genders, female patients had higher risks for suicidal thoughts. Those IBD patients in remission have lower probability for moderate or severe depression. Conclusion We have to be aware of that every IBD patient has increased risk for depression and suicide. Among our patients the rate of moderate to severe and severe depression was relatively low. Every tenth of our patients had elevated risk of suicide.

Background Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy has dramatically changed the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The relationship between clinical outcomes and serum anti-TNF levels is controversial. This study aimed to perform simultaneous analyses of the serum, mucosal and faecal infliximab and adalimumab levels to determine the mucosal expression of TNF-α and assess the relationship of the anti-TNF-α levels in these biological samples with the endoscopic and clinical activities and body composition in IBD patients. Methods Consecutive IBD patients who received maintenance anti-TNF-α therapy and underwent colonoscopy were enrolled. We assessed the clinical disease activity, collected the blood, faecal and biopsy samples. The number of TNF-α positive cells in the mucosa was detected using immunofluorescent labelling. Serum, mucosal and faecal anti-TNF-α levels, anti-drug antibody level in the serum and faecal calprotectin were determined using ELISA. Each patient underwent body composition analysis. Results Fifty consecutive patients have been analysed in the study. The number TNF-α positive cells was significantly higher in the inflamed than in the un-inflamed part of the colon (p = 0.01); however, such a difference was not detected in case of tissue drug levels. Tissue drug level did not correlate with the serum drug level. Nevertheless, tissue drug levels of the samples obtained from the un-inflamed part of the colon were significantly higher in patients who were in remission (p = 0.03467). The presence of the drug in the faeces was significantly different according to disease activity (p = 0.0022). Drug levels in the biological samples did not show any association with the presence of anti-drug antibodies. Body composition parameters had no significant impact on the serum and tissue drug levels. Faecal calprotectin showed significant correlation with faecal drug concentration (p = 0.0162) and clinical and endoscopic activity (p < 0.001). Conclusion To the best our knowledge, this is the first study to measure drug concentrations in all the relevant biological samples. Our findings highlight the importance of faecal drug monitoring because active disease may be present in spite of normal serum anti-TNF levels. Simultaneous determination of faecal drug concentration and faecal calprotectin may be more accurate for evaluating therapeutic responses in the future.

Background There is a lack of data regarding clinical and therapeutic characteristics in middle and late adolescent inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients in real life. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate patient’s characteristics and therapeutic features among the Hungarian adolescent inflammatory bowel diseases population. Also our aim was to assess whether these patients before the transition have more serious disease phenotype than those after transition. Methods Retrospective, epidemiological study using the National Health Insurance Fund social security databases. Adolescent Hungarian IBD patients who were observable in the database between 2008 and 2017 were enrolled. Patients were analysed according to two groups: patients between ages of 14–17 years were defined middle adolescent patients, and patients between 18–21 years were defined late adolescent patients. Results The incidence of IBD was 24.82/100 000 in the middle and 38.17/100 000 in the late adolescent patients. Prevalence rates showed an increasing tendency in both groups. Incidence and prevalence rates were higher in the late adolescent patients. Mesalazine was used in high proportion of patients (66.6% vs. 69.3% of the middle and late adolescent patients, respectively), also in UC and CD patients. While, the use of sulphasalazine (13.1% vs. 19.6%, respectively) and azathioprine (20.3% vs. 11%, respectively) was relatively low. The need of biologics was higher in the middle adolescence group (p < 0.001). Use of anti-TNF agents increased during the observational period in both groups (p < 0.001). Corticosteroid use was similar in both groups; a decreasing tendency was observed. Rate of hospital admissions to gastroenterology department was higher than to surgery department in both groups. The number of hospital admissions to gastroenterology (p < 0.001, p = 0.001) and surgery departments (p < 0.001 and p = 0.031) decreased significantly in both groups throughout the observational period. Conclusion We have analysed the data of huge number of adolescent patients diagnosed with IBD to get better overview on the clinical and treatment characteristics of patients in these sensitive age groups. Overall, the increasing use of anti-TNF therapy and decreasing tendency of corticosteroid use reflects significant changes and improvement in treatment paradigm not only in adult but paediatric care. The higher need of anti-TNF agents reflects that these adolescent patients before the transition have more severe disease phenotype.