Introduction

The diagnosis of Coeliac Disease (CeD) is often hindered by misinformation, leading to delays, inappropriate testing, and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Furthermore, effective post-diagnosis management requires comprehensive patient education to ensure proper adherence to a gluten-free diet and to prevent inadequate dietary responses. Large language models (LLMs) present potential opportunities to address these educational challenges.

Aims & Methods

Our aim was to systematically evaluate and compare the efficacy of three leading LLMs (ChatGPT 4.0, Claude 3.7, and Gemini 2.0) in providing evidence-based patient education for CeD. We conducted a cross-sectional assessment using 20 representative patient questions across four domains: symptoms/diagnosis, lifestyle/management, diet/nutrition, and general understanding. Responses were evaluated by a panel of five experts (four gastroenterologists and one registered dietitian) who assessed scientific accuracy, clarity, and presence of misinformation. Computational analysis of readability was performed using validated metrics (Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and SMOG Index). These readability metrics quantify text complexity: Flesch Reading Ease scores text from 0-100 (higher scores indicating easier reading), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level estimates the US grade level required to understand the text, and SMOG Index predicts the years of education needed for complete text comprehension.

Results

All three LLMs demonstrated high scientific accuracy (mean scores 4.17-4.34/5) and clarity (4.29-4.47/5) with no statistically significant differences among models (p=0.076 for both metrics). Gemini 2.0 exhibited superior performance in readability metrics (Flesch Reading Ease: 51.2 vs. 34.6 vs 35.1, p=0.0006; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 9.82 vs. 12.6 vs14.2, p<0.0001) and substantially fewer instances of misinformation (4 instances for Gemini vs. 26 and 31 for Claude and Chat Gpt respectively; p<0.0001). The SMOG Index also revealed significant differences between models (p<0.0001), with Gemini requiring the lowest years of education for comprehension (13.6 years) compared to ChatGPT (15.0 years) and Claude (16.4 years). All LLMs exceeded optimal health literacy targets (6th-8th grade reading level).

Table ​1: Expert Assessment and Readibility Metrics for LLM-Generated Coeliac Disease Information

Conclusion

Current LLMs show promise as complementary tools for CeD patient education, with Gemini 2.0 demonstrating particular strengths in readability and misinformation avoidance. Specific optimizations to improve accessibility and reduce misinformation remain necessary before widespread clinical implementation. These technologies could potentially address critical knowledge gaps that contribute to poor dietary adherence in CeD management.

Introduction

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) involving the entire circumference carries the extremely high risk of stricture and also raises concerns about curative resection. Therefore, the current Japanese guidelines weakly recommend ESD only for circumferential SESCCs diagnosed as cEP/LPM and sized ≤ 50 mm, while surgery or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is recommended for circumferential SESCCs other than the above. ¹ However, in clinical practice, ESD is implemented on a case-by-case basis through the discussion in a multi-disciplinary cancer board at each institution because the outcomes of each treatment for circumferential SESCCs remain unclear.²

Aims & Methods

This multicenter prospective observational study aimed to reveal the outcomes of each treatment for circumferential SESCCs. Patients with cT1a-EP/LPM or cT1a-MM/T1b-SM1 N0M0 SESCCs involving the entire circumference were enrolled in this study. At this stage, short-term outcomes, such as the proportion of curative resection after ESD, complete response (CR) after CRT/radiotherapy (RT), and adverse events including esophageal stricture, were evaluated. Curative resection in ESD was defined as pT1a without lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Esophageal stricture was defined as inability to pass the ordinary-sized endoscope thorough the treated site, and refractory stricture was defined as stricture requiring ≥ 6 endoscopic balloon dilation procedures.

Results

A total of 126 patients with circumferential SESCCs were enrolled from 16 Japanese tertiary institutions between May 2021 and November 2024. ESD was performed for 90 (71.4%) patients including 6 undergoing stepwise ESD, surgery for 18 (14.3%), CRT for 16 (12.7%), and RT alone for 2 (1.6%). Median longitudinal length of tumor was 55 (range: 30–140) mm in the ESD group, 80 (50–150) mm in the surgery group, and 70 (30–100) mm in the CRT/RT group. Tumor depth was diagnosed as cEP/LPM in 65.4% (55/84) of the ESD group, 38.9% (7/18) of the surgery group, and 50.0% (9/18) of the CRT/RT group, and the others were diagnosed as cMM/SM1. As stricture prevention method after ESD, local injection or filling of triamcinolone (TA) alone was used in 9 patients (10.7%), and both local injection of TA and oral steroid of prednisolone were used in 75 (89.3%). Among the 63 patients who did not receive additional treatment after ESD, the proportion of stricture and refractory stricture were 46.0% (29/63) and 27.0% (17/63), respectively. Curative resection after ESD was achieved in 58 patients (69.0%), including 46 (83.6%) with cEP/LPM and 12 (41.4%) with cMM/SM1. Of 26 patients with non-curative resection after ESD, 20 (76.9%) received additional treatment of either surgery, CRT, or RT, while the remaining 6 opted for follow-up. Of 18 patients in the surgery group, 7 with cEP/LPM and 4 with cMM/SM1 were diagnosed as pT1aN0 without LVI, while the remaining 7 with cMM/SM1 were diagnosed as pT1b, 3 of whom had lymph node metastasis. Anastomotic stricture was observed in 11.1% (2/18) of patients treated with surgery. Of 18 patients in the CRT/RT group, CR was confirmed in all patients without forming stricture.

Conclusion

Considering the high curative resection rate, ESD could be indicated for circumferential SESCCs diagnosed as cEP/LPM. In contrast, the careful consideration may be required in indicating ESD for circumferential SESCCs diagnosed as cMM/SM1 due to its low curative resection rate. Long-term outcome needs to be confirmed for further treatment comparisons.

References

1. Ishihara R, Arima M, Iizuka T, et al. Endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines for esophageal cancer. Dig Endosc. 2020; 32: 452–93.
2. Kadota T, Ishihara R, Hatta W, et al. Multi-institutional questionnaire on treatment strategies for superficial entire circumferential esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. DEN Open. 2023; 3: e206.

Introduction

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is often associated with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases (EAIDs) such as Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, and connective tissue disorders. While this association suggests a shared immunological predisposition, its effect on disease prognosis remains unclear.

Aims & Methods

This retrospective study included 69 patients diagnosed with PBC, excluding those with overlap syndromes involving autoimmune hepatitis. Patients were divided into two groups: isolated PBC (n = 35) and PBC associated with EAIDs (n = 34). The two groups were compared based on clinical, immunological, elastometric characteristics, disease progression, and prognostic scores (Paris I, Paris II, Rotterdam, Barcelona, Rochester, GLOBE, UK-PBC). Statistical analysis was conducted using appropriate tests, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.

Results

The average age at diagnosis was 55.6 years. The disease was initially suspected based on functional symptoms in 39% of cases (fatigue, pruritus, arthralgia), biological cholestasis in 33.3%, and decompensated cirrhosis in 20.3%. The most common associated autoimmune diseases were Sjögren’s syndrome (17.4%), thyroid disorders (13%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (10.1%). All patients received treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid at 13-15 mg/kg/day. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding functional symptoms, biological markers (bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time), autoantibodies (AMA, Anti-GP210, anti-SP100, anti-PML), non-invasive fibrosis scores (Fib4, Fibroindex, Fibroscan, S-index), or hepatic complications (HDH, cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, liver-related death). Prognostic scores were also comparable between both groups: Paris I (p = 0.468), Paris II (p = 0.519), GLOBE score (p = 0.6), UK-PBC (p = 0.49), Rotterdam (p = 0.897), Barcelona (p = 0.181), Rochester (p = 0.727).

Conclusion

The presence of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases in PBC does not appear to affect the clinical, biological, or prognostic profiles of patients. Despite their frequency, these comorbidities do not seem to influence the progression of PBC.

Disclosure

None.

Clinical Case Summary

A 58 year-old woman was admitted for an elective rectosigmoidectomy after two previous uncomplicated diverticulitis episodes. On the third postoperative day, her clinical status deteriorated, and an abdominal CT scan revealed an anastomotic leak, leading to a new surgery and confection of a protective ileostomy. Her condition improved progressively, and she was discharged 10 days after. However, the patient came back to the emergency one week later with abdominal pain, fatigue, and refractory nausea and vomiting, in addition to acute renal failure with severe hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Because her daily ileostomy’s output reached about 2 liters/day, she was started on high dose opioids and loperamide to decrease the stoma’s output, as well as replacement fluid therapy, improving quickly within 24 to 48 hours. She was discharged in 5 days.
Despite the adequate control of the ileostomy’s output, her second readmission occurred 12 days later, showing the same clinical and laboratorial patterns. Considering she had a typical profile for adrenal insufficiency, fludrocortisone was associated with the antimotility agents, showing a significant improvement within hours. Nonetheless, she discontinued fludrocortisone on her own, and a third readmission occurred in 10. One more time, clinical and laboratorial characteristics were the same, with rapid improvement in the short term. An extensive investigation was conducted, revealing an aldosterone level more than 10 times higher than upper limit of normal, with normal renin levels and an adrenocorticotropic hormone in the lower limit of normal. These paradoxical findings were reinforced with a low urine and high ileostomy sodium dosages, and a diagnosis of a type 3 pseudohypoaldosteronism was made. Definitive treatment with intestinal transit’s reconstruction was performed, with complete resolution.

References

1. Carl C, Dinkelbach L, Mohr J, Perez R, Vera Lopez T, Fricke-Otto S, Niehues T. Case report: Life threatening hyponatremia in infants with urinary tract infections: two cases of type III pseudohypoaldosteronism and review of the literature. Front Pediatr. 2024 Jan 5;11:1233205. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1233205. PMID: 38250595; PMCID: PMC10797885.
2. Amir Babiker, Haya Aldabas, Shahad Alanazi, Bashayer Alahmadi, Waleed Tamimi, Mohsen Al Atawi, Fahad Aljuraibah, Angham Almutair. Pseudohypoaldosteronism: A challenging diagnosis with management pitfalls - Case series. Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology: Case Reports, Volume 32, 2024, 100172. ISSN 2214-6245
3. Stojanović, V., Spasojević, S., Radovanović, T., & Doronjski, A. (2017). Pseudohypoaldosteronism: report of three cases. Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa, 22(2), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/16089677.2017.1335532
4. Nakasone, Ruka et al. Three cases of pseudohypoaldosteronism following ileostomy in preterm infants. Pediatrics & Neonatology, Volume 62, Issue 1, 119 - 121

Introduction

Eosinophilic oesophagitis [EoE] is a chronic, antigen-driven, immune-mediated oesophageal disease characterised by eosinophil-predominant inflammation. It typically presents with dysphagia, food bolus impaction, and, in children, feeding difficulties and failure to thrive [1]. Histologically, it is defined by ≥15 eosinophils per high-power field on oesophageal biopsy in the absence of other causes of eosinophilia [2]. The incidence and prevalence of EoE have increased markedly over recent decades, particularly in Western countries, likely due to increased recognition, changing environmental exposures, and altered microbiota [3,4]. Though EoE is increasingly reported worldwide, data specific to Aotearoa New Zealand, and especially regional patterns by ethnicity, remain limited.

Aims & Methods

This study aimed to describe the incidence, demographic distribution, and clinical characteristics of EoE in the Canterbury region over an 11-year period.
We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 2013 to 2023, identifying EoE cases using diagnostic codes and histological confirmation. Demographic data, clinical presentations, and laboratory findings were collected. Crude incidence rates were calculated using average population data for the Canterbury region, stratified by ethnicity (European vs. non-European). Clinical features including food bolus obstruction, oesophageal strictures, and peripheral eosinophilia were assessed. Incidence rates are reported per 100,000 population with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 219 cases of EoE were identified between 2013 and 2023. The average annual incidence was 3.23 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 1.82–4.65), based on a regional population of 618,409. The mean number of cases per year was 20 (IQR 16–22). Among European individuals (average population 395,690), the mean annual incidence was 4.42 per 100,000 (95% CI: 2.35–6.49), with 17.5 average cases per year (IQR 14–21). Among non-European individuals (average population 222,627), the mean incidence was 1.08 per 100,000 (95% CI: -0.29–2.44), with 2.4 average cases per year (IQR 1–4).
Of the 219 cases, 70 patients (31.9%) presented with oesophageal food bolus impaction. The annual number of such presentations ranged from 3 to 12 per year (median 6, IQR 4–9). Twenty patients (9.1%) had documented stricturing disease on endoscopy, and 60 patients (27.4%) exhibited peripheral eosinophilia at diagnosis.

Conclusion

In our cohort, eosinophilic oesophagitis presents commonly with oesophageal food bolus impaction. There was a higher incidence of EoE observed in individuals of European descent. Just under one-third of patients in our cohort presented with oesophageal food bolus impaction and about 9% had stricturing disease. The frequent presentation with food bolus obstruction and the presence of complications such as strictures highlight the importance of timely recognition and management. Peripheral eosinophilia was found commonly in our cohort but the prevalence of this finding is not adequate to be used as a diagnostic test in EoE, although more studies are needed.

References

1. Dellon ES, Liacouras CA, Molina-Infante J, et al. Updated International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Proceedings of the AGREE Conference. Gastroenterology. 2018;155(4):1022-1033.e10.
2. Lucendo AJ, Molina-Infante J, Arias Á, et al. Guidelines on eosinophilic esophagitis: evidence-based statements and recommendations for diagnosis and management in children and adults. United European Gastroenterol J. 2017;5(3):335-358.
3. Hruz P, Straumann A, Bussmann C, et al. Escalating incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis: A 20-year prospective, population-based study in Olten County, Switzerland. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011;128(6):1349-1350.e5.
4. Arias Á, Lucendo AJ. Epidemiology and risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis: Lessons for clinicians. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;14(2):103–115.

Disclosure

None

Introduction

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is an effective treatment for patients in whom transpapillary biliary drainage fails. However, EUS-HGS is associated with a high incidence of early procedure-relatedadverse events (PRAEs) due to bile leakage through a biliogastrointestinal fistula.

Aims & Methods

This multicenter study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of EUS-HGS. This study included 222 patients (120 men, 102 women; median age, 73 years) who underwent initial EUS-HGS between November 2014 and August 2024. Technical and clinical success rates, PRAEs, and stent dysfunction rates were analyzed. PRAEs were defined as adverse events occurring within 2 weeks according to the assessment of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Results

Benign and malignant tumors were observed in 18 (8.1%) and 204 (91.9%) patients, respectively. The median procedure time for EUS-HGS was 41 min (range, 11–173 minutes). Plastic and metal stents were deployed in 51.4% and 48.6% of the patients, respectively. Technical and clinical success rates and PRAEs were 97.8%, 85.1%, and 22.1%, respectively. The PRAEs were classified into mild (16.7%), moderate (4.1%), or severe (1.4%). Recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) occurred in 51 (23.1%) patients. The median time to RBO in the metal stent group was significantly longer than that in the plastic stent group (313 vs. 162 days, P=0.02). Multivariate analysis identified the use of any dilation device (P=0.01; odds ratio [OR]: 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–9.36) and concomitant antegrade stenting (P=0.03; OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.12–6.12) as risk factors for PRAEs.

Conclusion

EUS-HGS is feasible; however, careful follow-up is required for patients undergoing fistula dilation and concomitant antegrade stenting.

Introduction

Current colonoscopy quality indicators recommend a minimum withdrawal time (WT) of 6 minutes. However, this standard may reduce colonoscopy efficiency and does not account for endoscopists' experience or bowel preparation quality. This study aims to investigate whether the 6-minute WT remains necessary for experienced endoscopists with excellent bowel preparation (BBPS≥8) by comparing the impact of 5-minute versus 6-minute WT on adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenoma miss rate (AMR).

Aims & Methods

This study based experienced endoscopists and excellent bowel preparation (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score, BBPS≥8) is aimed to compare the effect of 5-minute WT versus 6-minute WT on adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenoma miss rate (AMR).
This multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 423 patients was conducted from June 2023 to March 2025 in 5 centers, including Wuxi People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province People's hospital, Xuzhou First People's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Taizhou People's Hospital. Colonoscope was inserted and withdrew twice on each patient and all procedures for the same patient were done by the same endoscopist. Participants were randomly divided into the 5-minute WT group (the first WT-5-minute and the second WT-6-minute, n =214) and the 6-minute WT group (the first WT-6-minute and the second WT-6-minute, n=209), and a timer was used to adjust the withdrawal speed. The primary outcome was ADR and AMR.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar (Table 1) and colonoscopy characteristics of the patients in the two groups regarding quality of bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, cecal intubation time, cecal intubation distance, number of abdominal compression, number of position change were comparable (Table 2). Overall ADR (39.7% vs 43.5%, P = 0.425), ADR in the first (36.0% vs 36.4%, P = 0.935) and second withdrawal (10.7% vs 13.9%; P = 0.327) were not significantly increased in the 6-minute WT group compared with the 5-minute WT group. Likewise, the overall advanced adenoma detection (AADR) (4.7% vs 5.3%, P = 0.780), AADR in the first (4.7% vs 5.3%, P = 0.780) and second withdrawal (0.5% vs 0.5%, P = 0.745) did not differ statistically. Further analysis showed that AMR (10.7% vs 13.9%, P = 0.372) was lower in the 5-minute WT group than in the 6-minute WT group, less adenomas were missed in the 5-minute WT group, although not statistically significant (Table 3).
Table 3. Lesion-level detection and miss rate in the two groups
PDR, polyp detection rate; ADR, adenoma detection rate; AADR, advanced adenoma detection rate; AMR, adenoma miss rate; AAMR, advanced adenoma miss rate; PMR, polyp miss rate.
Table 3. Lesion-level detection and miss rate in the two groups

Conclusion

Shortening WT from 6 to 5 minutes didn't reduce ADR based experienced endoscopists and excellent BBPS, a 5-minute WT benchmark was acceptable with experienced endoscopists and excellent bowel preparation quality of colonoscopy.