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Summary: Background: The incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients on low‐dose direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is relatively unknown. Estimates from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking. Aims: To assess GIB incidence and predictors from RCT data of patients on aspirin, low‐dose rivaroxaban, or both. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of RCT data wherein patients received aspirin 100 mg daily and rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.d., aspirin alone, or rivaroxaban 5 mg b.d. Patients were followed from 2013 to 2016 at 602 centres. Outcomes included overall, upper, and lower GIB. We employed multivariable logistic regression to yield odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for potential exposures. Results: Among 27,395 patients, the annual incidence of GIB on rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.d. with aspirin was 801.7 per 100,000 compared with 372.3 in 100,000 for aspirin. Age (OR 4.16, 2.53–6.82 for ≥75 vs. 55–64), peptic ulcer disease (PUD, OR 1.57, 1.01–2.44), liver disease (OR 2.09, 1.01–4.33), hypertension (OR 1.42, 1.04–1.94), and smoking (OR 1.85, 1.26–2.73) were associated with overall GIB. Kidney disease (OR 1.68, 1.12–2.51) was significantly associated with upper GIB, whereas diverticular disease (OR 3.75, 1.88–7.49) was associated with lower GIB. Addition of rivaroxaban to aspirin was associated more with lower GIB (OR 2.82, 1.64–4.84) than upper GIB (OR 1.86, 1.18–2.92). Conclusions: We established incidences and identified risk factors for GIB in users of low‐dose DOACs. Novel risk factors included current or former smoking and diverticulosis. Future studies should aim to validate these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies suggest that low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) may play a role in mitigating the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of LMWH in the treatment of moderately-severe and severe AP. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the 2020 update of the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and EMBASE, covering studies published up to February 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (n-RCTs) that reported the differences in the outcomes of AP for patients receiving LMWH in addition to the standard treatment (Intervention), compared to patients managed by standard treatment without LMWH (Control) were eligible. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) and mean differences (MD) with the corresponding 95% CI. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, all published between 2004 and 2022. Eight studies were RCTs, and five were n-RCTs. Data from 13,709 patients (6.971 Interventions and 6.738 Controls) were analysed. The comparison of Intervention and Control groups showed the superiority of LMWH to standard treatments in terms of overall mortality (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.31; 0.64, P < 0.0001, I2 = 51%), acute necrotic collections (RR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09; 0.62, P = 0.003, I2 = 0%), and organ failure (RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48; 0.93, P = 0.02, I2 = 78%). The Intervention group showed superior outcomes compared with the Control group for gastrointestinal bleeding (RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44; 0.94, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%), length of hospital stay (MD= − 6.08, 95% CI = − 10.08; − 2.07, P = 0.003, I2 = 98%), need for operative interventions (RR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29; 0.87, P = 0.01, I2 = 61%), and vascular thrombosis (RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.31; 0.61, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Moderate to high-quality evidence suggests that early intervention with LMWH could improve the prognosis of non-mild AP in terms of mortality, organ failure, and decreased incidence of vascular thrombosis. In light of our findings, integrating LMWH into the treatment regimen for moderate-severe to severe AP is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a guideline published by the British Society for Haematology on the measurement of heparin, direct oral anticoagulants, and other non-coumarin anticoagulants and their effects on laboratory assays. The guideline provides recommendations for healthcare professionals in the UK based on the latest literature. It discusses the different types of anticoagulants, their modes of measurement, and the impact they have on laboratory tests. The document also addresses pre-analytical considerations and the neutralization of anticoagulant activity prior to haemostasis testing. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose To analyze the appropriateness of triple-antithrombotic therapy based on the 2020 American College of Cardiology (ACC) consensus statement while evaluating safety outcomes for patients with respect to adverse events. Methods A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted using electronic medical records from December 18, 2020, to August 31, 2022. The primary endpoint was the rate of appropriateness for triple-antithrombotic therapy in patients discharged from Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. Appropriateness was a composite endpoint extrapolated from the 2020 ACC consensus statement. For therapy to be defined as appropriate, patients had to have had the correct therapy indication, medications, dosing, and 30-day duration. Secondary safety endpoints included the percentage of patients rehospitalized at 14 and 30 days, the rate of major bleeding events, and the percentage of patients on gastrointestinal prophylaxis while on triple-antithrombotic therapy. Results A total of 93 patients were included in the study, of whom 31 (33%) received appropriate triple-antithrombotic therapy. Prolonged duration of triple-antithrombotic therapy was the most common reason that therapy did not meet the primary endpoint. The readmission rate due to bleeding was 2.2% at 14 days and 6.5% at 30 days. Within 30 days of initiation of triple therapy, 4.3% of patients endured major bleeding as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and 2 patients died. Conclusion In this single-center study, triple-antithrombotic therapy appropriately adhered to the 2020 ACC consensus statement for one-third of patients discharged on this therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The incidence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) increases with the utilization of anticoagulant and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study aimed to compare the risk of GIB between anticoagulant and NSAIDs combotherapy and anticoagulant monotherapy in real-world practice. Methods: We investigated the relative risk of GIB in individuals newly prescribed anticoagulant and NSAIDs combination therapy and that in individuals newly prescribed anticoagulant monotherapy at three hospitals using “common data model.” Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier estimation were employed for risk comparison after propensity score matching. Results: A comprehensive analysis of 2,951 matched pairs showed that patients who received anticoagulant and NSAIDs combousers exhibited a significantly higher risk of GIB than those who received anticoagulant monousers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 2.12; p<0.001). The risk of GIB associated with anticoagulant and NSAIDs combination therapy was also significantly higher than that associated with anticoagulant monotherapy in patients aged >65 years (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.03; p=0.003) and >75 years (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.90; p=0.003). We also found that the risk of GIB was significantly higher in the patients who received anticoagulant and NSAIDs combousers than that in patients who received anticoagulant monousers in both male (p=0.016) and female cohorts (p=0.010). Conclusions: The risk of GIB is significantly higher in patients who receive anticoagulant and NSAIDs combotherapy than that in patients who receive anticoagulant monotherapy. In addition, the risk of GIB associated with anticoagulant and NSAIDs combotherapy was much higher in individuals aged >75 years. Therefore, physicians should be more aware of pay more attention to the risk of GIB when they prescribe anticoagulant and NSAIDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Early studies on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reported a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) compared with warfarin; however, recent studies have reported a reduced risk. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the risk of GIB in users of DOAC and warfarin. Methods: Using a common data model, we investigated the comparative risk of GIB in subjects from eight hospitals who were newly prescribed DOACs or warfarin. We excluded subjects who had a prior history of GIB or had been prescribed both medications. After propensity score matching, we analyzed 3,347 matched pairs of new DOAC and new warfarin users. Results: The risk of GIB in new DOAC users was comparable to that in new warfarin users (hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65 to 1.40; p=0.808). New DOAC users had a similar risk of GIB to new warfarin users among older patients >65 years (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.52; p=0.997) and in older patients >75 years (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.10; p=0.509). In addition, the risk of GIB was not significantly different between two groups according to sex. We also found that the risk of GIB in DOAC users was 26% lower in edoxaban or apixaban subgroups compared to rivaroxaban or dabigatran subgroups (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.00; p=0.049). Conclusions: In real-world practice, the risk of GIB in new DOAC users is comparable to that in new warfarin users. In DOAC users, the risk of GIB was lower in edoxaban or apixaban subgroups than rivaroxaban or dabigatran subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious health problem with increasing morbidity and prevalence worldwide. The pathogenesis of UC is complex, currently believed to be influenced by genetic factors, dysregulation of the host immune system, imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, and environmental factors. Currently, UC is typically managed using aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, and biologics as adjunctive therapies, with the risk of relapse and development of drug resistance upon discontinuation. Therefore, further research into the pathogenesis of UC and exploration of potential treatment strategies are necessary to improve the quality of life for affected patients. According to previous studies, Lactobacillus paracasei Jlus66 (Jlus66) reduced inflammation and may help prevent or treat UC. Methods: We used dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce a mouse model of UC to assess the effect of Jlus66 on the progression of colitis. During the experiment, we monitored mouse body weight, food and water consumption, as well as rectal bleeding. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess intestinal pathological damage. Protein imprinting and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and tight junction (TJ) proteins in intestinal tissues. Fecal microbiota was analyzed based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Jlus66 supplementation reduced the degree of colon tissue damage, such as colon shortening, fecal occult blood, colon epithelial damage, and weight loss. Supplementation with Jlus66 reduced DSS-induced upregulation of cytokine levels such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). The NF-κB pathway and MAPK pathway were inhibited, and the expression of TJ proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3) was upregulated. 16S rRNA sequencing of mouse cecal contents showed that Jlus66 effectively regulated the structure of the intestinal biota. Conclusion: In conclusion, these data indicate that Jlus66 can alter the intestinal biota and slow the progression of UC, providing new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a 2024 study on the attitudes of patients 65 years and older on the use of routine clinical data in making treatment decisions. Results show participants' interest in such data and in how drugs work for them, and their concerns on confounders like populations' similarity of conditions with them, and on common minor side effects. Also noted are participants' common view that their physicians determine the evidence's applicability to them, and recommend a medication.

• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism. • It is unclear whether DOACs are safe for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in the real-world setting. • Upper GI cancer, but not lower GI cancer, was associated with a higher risk for major bleeding. • Unresected upper GI cancer may have a higher risk for major bleeding than non-GI cancer. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become widely used for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, DOAC-associated bleeding complications remain challenging, especially in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. This study aimed to compare the bleeding outcomes between patients with upper or lower GI cancers and those without GI cancer. Using the COMMAND VTE Registry-2 database, which is a multicenter registry enrolling 5197 consecutive acute symptomatic VTE patients among 31 centers in Japan between January 2015 and August 2020, we identified 1149 active cancer patients with DOACs (upper GI cancer: N = 88; lower GI cancer: N = 114; non-GI cancer: N = 947). The primary outcome was major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy, which was evaluated in the competing risk regression model. The upper GI cancer group had a lower mean body weight, and most often had anemia. The cumulative 5-year incidence of major bleeding was higher in the upper GI cancer group (upper GI cancer: 22.4 %, lower GI cancer: 15.4 %, and non-GI cancer: 11.6 %, P = 0.015). The most frequent major bleeding site in the upper GI cancer group was the upper GI (53 %), followed by the lower GI (24 %). After adjusting for the confounders, the excess risk in upper GI cancer relative to non-GI cancer remained significant for major bleeding (adjusted subhazard ratio, 2.25; 95 %CI, 1.31–3.87, P = 0.003), but that in lower GI cancer was insignificant. Upper GI cancer, but not lower GI cancer, as compared to non-GI cancer was associated with a higher risk for major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy with DOACs. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm Unique identifier: UMIN000044816. CI, confidence interval [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients has been well-characterized in liver cirrhosis but studies on lower GIB are limited. The clinical characteristics, management and outcomes in patients with and without liver cirrhosis was compared to determine the overall features of GIB in patients with liver cirrhosis compared with non-cirrhotics. Methods: A retrospective study on cirrhotics hospitalized for GIB 2010–2021, matched with control group of non-cirrhotics (1:4) for upper vs. lower GIB. Patients with overt bleeding leading to hospitalization were included. Results: Overall, 396 patients had cirrhosis, 267 (67%) men, median age 62, alcoholic etiology 177/396 (45%), median MELD 12 (range 6–32). Overall 102 cirrhotics had GIB, matched with 391 non-cirrhotics. Overall 87 (85%) cirrhotic patients had upper and 15% lower GIB. Compared to non-cirrhotics, the cause of GIB was more commonly acute variceal bleeding (AVB) (42% vs. 1%), hemorrhoids 40% vs. 6% (p = 0.002), less commonly gastric ulcer 13% vs. 31% (p < 0.001), duodenal ulcer 9% vs. 29% (p < 0.001), 5% of cirrhotics used NSAIDs vs. 26% of controls (p < 0.001). Rebleeding occurred in 14% of cirrhotics vs. 3% in controls (p < 0.001). Only one cirrhotic patient (1%) died from GIB vs. 0.8% of controls within 45 days. Overall mortality 45 days after hospitalization was 10% in cirrhotics vs. 5% in controls (p < 0.001) Conclusions: Bleeding from gastric and duodenal ulcers were less common in cirrhotics than in controls. Bleeding from hemorrhoids was more common in cirrhotics. Mortality due to GIB was low in both groups but overall mortality was significantly higher in cirrhotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a discrepancy in the surgical and endoscopic literature for managing duodenal perforations. Although often managed conservatively, surgical repair is the standard treatment for duodenal perforations. This contrasts with the gastroenterology literature, which now recommends endoscopic repair of duodenal perforations, which are more frequently iatrogenic from the growing field of advanced endoscopic procedures. This study aims to provide a scoping review to summarize the current literature content and quality on endoscopic repair of duodenal perforations. Methods: The protocol for performing this scoping review was outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All studies that reported primary outcomes of patients who had undergone endoscopic repair of duodenal perforations before February 2022, regardless of perforation etiology or repair type were reviewed, with studies after 1999 meeting inclusion criteria. The study excluded articles that did not report clinical outcomes of endoscopic repair, articles that did not describe where in the gastrointestinal tract the endoscopic repair occurred, pediatric patients, and animal studies. Results: 7606 abstracts were screened, with 474 full articles reviewed and 152 studies met inclusion criteria. 560 patients had duodenal perforations repaired endoscopically, with a technical success rate of 90.4% and a survival rate of 86.7%. Most of these perforations (74.5%) were iatrogenic from endoscopic procedures or surgery. Only one randomized control trial (RCT) was found, and 53% of studies were case reports. Conclusion: These results suggest that endoscopic repair could emerge as a viable first-line treatment for duodenal perforation and highlight the need for more high-quality research in this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most common bariatric procedure worldwide. However, insufficient weight loss or weight recidivism is frequent, which may require effective and safe revisional procedures. Objective: To determine the technical feasibility and safety of a minimally invasive, duodeno-ileal side-to-side anastomosis using a Sutureless Neodymium Anastomosis Procedure (SNAP) for patients with weight recidivism or inadequate weight loss following SG. Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, open-label pilot study that enrolled patients with obesity to assist in weight reduction following an SG performed > 12 months prior. For the SNAP, self-assembling magnets were deployed into the ileum (laparoscopically) and duodenum (per-oral endoscopy). Magnets were coupled under laparoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance to create a compression anastomosis. The primary endpoints were technical feasibility, weight loss, and rate of serious adverse events (SAEs). Results: Successful duodeno-ileal diversions were created with SNAP in 27 participants (mean age: 50.6 ± 9.1, mean BMI: 38.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2) with no device-related serious adverse events. Upper endoscopy at 3 months confirmed patent, healthy anastomoses in all patients. At 9 months, patients (n = 24) experienced 11.9 ± 6.2%, 14.5 ± 10.8%, and 17.0 ± 13.9% TBWL at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. There were no device-related SAEs. Conclusion: The SNAP is technically feasible and relatively safe, with all patients presenting widely patent anastomosis at 3 months. Patients experienced a progressive, clinically meaningful weight loss. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to enhance the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). TEE allows for continuous monitoring and improved imaging during CPR, potentially optimizing chest compression quality. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of TEE on patient outcomes. A recent study suggests that avoiding aortic valve compression during CPR may improve the likelihood of achieving and sustaining return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Further research is needed to determine long-term outcomes and potential biases in evaluating TEE findings. The article proposes that incorporating TEE as a surrogate for chest compression performance could be beneficial, but more rigorous studies are necessary to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving survival and neurological outcomes. The text also briefly touches on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, highlighting the variability in thresholds and triggers for fluid loading and blood transfusions. [Extracted from the article]

Background First-line over-the-scope (OTS) clip treatment has shown higher efficacy than standard endoscopic therapy in acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) from different causes. We compared OTS clips with through-the-scope (TTS) clips as first-line mechanical treatment in the specific setting of peptic ulcer bleeding. Methods We conducted an international, multicenter randomized controlled trial on consecutive patients with suspected NVUGIB. Patients with Forrest Ia–IIb gastroduodenal peptic ulcer were randomized 1:1 to OTS clip or TTS clip treatment. The primary outcome was the rate of 30-day rebleeding after successful initial hemostasis. Secondary outcomes included the rates of successful initial hemostasis and overall clinical success, defined as the composite of successful initial hemostasis and no evidence of 30-day rebleeding. Results 251 patients were screened and 112 patients were randomized to OTS (n = 61) or TTS (n = 51) clip treatment. The 30-day rebleeding rates were 1.6% (1/61) and 3.9% (2/51) in patients treated with OTS clips and TTS clips, respectively (Kaplan–Meier log-rank, P = 0.46). Successful initial hemostasis rates were 98.4% (60/61) in the OTS clip group and 78.4% (40/51) in the TTS clip group (P = 0.001). Overall clinical success rates were 96.7% (59/61) with OTS clips and 74.5% (38/51) with TTS clips (P = 0.001). Conclusions Low rates of 30-day rebleeding were observed after first-line endoscopic treatment of acute peptic ulcer bleeding with either OTS or TTS clips. However, OTS clips showed higher efficacy than TTS clips in achieving successful initial hemostasis and overall clinical success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study describes the occurrence, morphology and localisation of type 1 abomasal ulcers (AU1) in various diseases of buffaloes and cattle. The carcasses were examined to confirm the cause of death. The abomasa were examined for AU1 and their characteristics. The AU1 were categorised into four subtypes, 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, as per standard procedure. Traumatic reticuloperitonitis/pericarditis, reticular diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, bronchopneumonia and theileriosis were the common causes for AU1. The overall prevalence of AU1 was 62.9%, which did not differ significantly with species and age. The prevalence of acute ulcers (1a and 1b) was significantly higher than that of chronic ulcers (1c and 1d). Most AU1 were located in the caudal third of abomasal body on parietal surface along the greater curvature. Most of the 1a ulcers were located in the pylorus, while 1b, 1c and 1d were located in the abomasal body. The overall prevalence of AU1 was lower (P<0.05) in the fundus than in other anatomical regions of the abomasum. Type 1b ulcers were more numerous than other subtypes. It was concluded that AU1 may be an important cause of slow recovery/poor prognosis under clinical situations and hence, the therapy protocol for such cases should include treatment for probable gastrointestinal bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the safety of reduced-dose edoxaban in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, highlighting that the lower dose significantly reduces major bleeding without increasing stroke risk compared to both the higher dose and warfarin. Topics include the effectiveness of reduced-dose edoxaban for patients aged 80 and older, its impact on bleeding and stroke rates, and the implications for patients undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement.