Introduction

The integrity of the intestinal barrier is crucial in preventing bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation, both of which contribute to the progression of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). While surrogate biomarkers exist, direct real-time assessment of intestinal barrier function has been challenging. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a high-resolution imaging technique that allows direct visualization of mucosal integrity during endoscopy.

Aims & Methods

The present study aims to determine the prevalence of CLE-detectable barrier dysfunction in ACLD patients, to explore its association with disease severity, and to assess its prognostic significance. In our prospective study, 48 ACLD patients who underwent routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between 11/2022 and 04/2024 were examined using CLE (Cellvizio®) in the duodenum following intravenous fluorescein injection (2.5–5 mg). The presence or absence of fluorescein leakage into the intestinal lumen was determined. The presence of leakage in more than three different locations in the duodenum was indicative of intestinal barrier dysfunction. Clinical data including Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, MELD score, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and biomarkers of liver function were recorded. Patients were followed for a median of 13.2 months, with liver-related events (LRE) including first or further decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and liver-related death as endpoints.

Results

Intestinal barrier dysfunction was detected in 52% of patients and was found to be significantly more prevalent in decompensated ACLD compared to compensated ACLD (73% vs. 25%, p=0.021). CLE-based barrier dysfunction correlated with bilirubin (p=0.033) and albumin (p=0.010), but not with HVPG (p=0.314), LSM (p=0.482), or C-reactive protein (p=0.457). Patients exhibiting intestinal barrier dysfunction demonstrated a significantly higher risk of LRE during follow-up (25% vs. 5% at 12 months, 43% vs. 5% at 18 months, log-rank p=0.005). In univariable Cox regression analysis, intestinal barrier dysfunction remained independently associated with LRE (hazard ratio: 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–84.0, p=0.025). Importantly, the prognostic impact of CLE findings aligned with established risk markers such as MELD and albumin.

Conclusion

CLE provides real-time, high-resolution insight into intestinal barrier integrity in ACLD patients. The strong correlation between CLE-detected barrier dysfunction and adverse clinical outcomes suggests that CLE has the potential to serve as a prognostic instrument for risk stratification. As CLE can be integrated into standard endoscopic procedures, it may provide an accessible and clinically relevant means of assessing intestinal barrier function in routine practice in patients with liver cirrhosis. Further studies in larger cohorts are needed to validate CLE for routine clinical use and to explore therapeutic interventions targeting intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Disclosure

NO CoI to declare

Clinical Case Summary

A 27-year-old male with diarrhea and rectal bleeding was diagnosed with moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) (Montreal: E3, Mayo endoscopic subscore: 2). He was started on mesalazine 4 g/day and oral prednisolone 40 mg/day, with clinical remission after 2 weeks. Prednisolone was successfully tapered off over the course of 8 weeks. He was not taking other medications. After starting therapy, the patient reported intermittent red urine discoloration, without other symptoms or association with respiratory tract infections.
Extensive investigation of hematuria was negative, including ANA, ANCA, anti-dsDNA and anti-GBM antibodies and imaging studies. Urine samples were macroscopically normal, with no red blood cells, casts or crystals. Urethrocystoscopy and urine cytology were unremarkable. Renal biopsy was considered.
The patient remained on mesalazine, with clinical, analytical and endoscopic response. During one episode, he noticed that the urine only became reddish after contact with toilet water disinfected with bleach. After stopping bleach toilet disinfection, there was no recurrence. He was diagnosed with mesalazine induced pseudohematuria and did not undergo further investigation.
Mesalazine is the first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate UC. Although uncommon, nephrotoxicity has been described and may result in urine discoloration or hematuria. Mesalazine is excreted in the urine and, when in contact with sodium hypochlorite (the active component of household bleach), oxidises, resulting in red-brown urine discoloration. Rare cases of patients reporting similar situations have been described in the literature. The role of gastroenterologists in recognizing this phenomenon is crucial, since mesalazine is a widespread efficient drug with an otherwise favorable safety profile. As our case illustrates, knowledge of this harmless reaction is desirable to avoid additional tests and potentially harmful unnecessary interventions, such as renal biopsy.

References

Figure 1 - Reaction between the urine of a patient taking mesalazine and the sodium hypochlorite present in household bleach (1A - before addition of bleach; 1B - after addition of bleach).

Disclosure

No conflict of interest to declare.

Introduction

Acute appendicitis is a widely encountered emergency across the globe, showcasing the resilience of modern medicine, as it is traditionally addressed through the transformative procedure of appendectomy. Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy (ERAT) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative; however recurrence is a worry.

Aims & Methods

This multi-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy, and recurrence-related risk factors of ERAT to guide clinical decision-making. A total of 435 patients who underwent ERAT for acute appendicitis between October 2017 and October 2024 at three Chinese medical centers were included. Appendicitis recurrence was defined as imaging-confirmed symptoms returning within one-month post-ERAT. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis identified independent recurrence risk variables.

Results

All ERAT procedures were technically successful and achieved a clinical success rate of 92.4%. Over a median follow-up period of 37 months, the overall recurrence rate was 16.1%, with the majority of recurrences (13%) observed within the first year. Independent risk factors for recurrence included recurrent appendicitis (HR=1.916), appendiceal lumen distortion (HR=7.996), absence of stent placement (HR=0.375, protective), and operator inexperience (HR=2.318). Stent implantation effectively minimizes recurrence risk, especially in complicated incidents. ERAT facilitated overseeing appendicolith elimination, which assisted in occurring appendicolith-associated appendicitis.

Conclusion

ERAT is deemed safe and effective for acute appendicitis, with the highest recurrence risk occurring within the first year. Effective stent placement and skilled operators are crucial for reducing recurrence in complex cases. The aforementioned findings put forward significant insights for enhancing ERAT and advancing therapeutic outcomes.

Introduction

The impact of antral preservation versus antral resection in sleeve gastrectomy remains a subject of debate due to its potential effects on weight loss, metabolic outcomes, and gastrointestinal function. This meta-analysis aims to provide a comparative assessment of these surgical techniques.

Aims & Methods

The Meta-Analysis aims to provide a comprehensive analysis between ​these two surgical techniques.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using 10 studies published between 2014 and 2025 that compared sleeve gastrectomy with antral preservation versus antral resection. The primary outcomes included excess weight loss (EWL) at different time points, while secondary outcomes assessed metabolic parameters (C-peptide, GLP-1, HbA1c), gastric emptying, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and resolution of comorbidities.

Results

A total of 10 studies were included. Patients undergoing antral resection exhibited greater excess weight loss at 6 and 12 months (MD: -4.50, 95% CI: -5.98 to -3.02; MD: -6.11, 95% CI: -7.74 to -4.47, respectively; p<0.00001), though the difference diminished by 24 months (MD: -3.37, 95% CI: -7.04 to 0.30; p=0.07). No significant differences were observed in overall GERD incidence (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.75–1.33) or complications (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.74–1.42). Metabolic outcomes showed marginal differences, with C-peptide (SMD: 0.02, 95% CI: -0.38 to 0.42) and GLP-1 (SMD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.90 to 0.47) exhibiting minimal changes between groups.

Conclusion

Antral resection in sleeve gastrectomy is associated with superior short-term weight loss, but long-term differences remain inconclusive. Metabolic outcomes and postoperative complications appear comparable between techniques. Further randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up are warranted to refine surgical recommendations.

References

Disclosure

The author(s) declare no conflict of interest