European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Aug 2021
Meta AnalysisDoes timing of endoscopy affect outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The timing of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains controversial. Early EGD (E-EGD) (within 24 h of presentation) has been compared to late EGD (L-EGD) (after 24 h) in numerous studies with conflicting results. The previous systematic review included three randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, the cutoff time for performing EGD was arbitrary. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies comparing the outcomes of E-EGD and L-EGD group. ⋯ Given the outcomes and limitations, our meta-analysis did not demonstrate clear benefit of performing EGD within 24 h of presentation for UGIB (particularly NVB).
-
The number of cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exceeded seven million worldwide. However, the data describing the global prevalence of liver injury associated with COVID-19 is lacking secondary to the novelty of this ongoing pandemic. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between COVID-19 and liver injury. ⋯ A fourth of COVID-19 patients had elevated liver enzymes and associated with disease severity. Our study may be used as a guide for clinicians and epidemiologists to proactively identify other sources of injury and illness in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Intensive monitoring for liver injury may be needed in cases with severe COVID-19.
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Nov 2019
Meta AnalysisFaecal calprotectin as a diagnostic marker of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms: meta-analysis.
Colonoscopy is the standard medical procedure to identify inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Noninvasive measurement of faecal calprotectin concentration may replace colonoscopy in this indication. The study aimed to assess efficacy of faecal calprotectin as a diagnostic marker of IBD in patients with symptoms suggestive of such diagnosis. ⋯ Calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.882 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.827-0.921] and 0.799 (95% CI, 0.693-0.875), respectively. Following faecal calprotectin incorporation in the diagnostic work-up of 100 people with suspected IBD, 18 non-IBD patients will have a colonoscopy performed and one patient with the disease will not be referred for this examination. Faecal calprotectin concentration measurement is a useful screening test to rule out IBD, at the same time reducing the need for colonoscopy by 66.7%.
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Jun 2019
Meta AnalysisThe promising role of probiotic and synbiotic therapy in aminotransferase levels and inflammatory markers in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and multifactorial. There is growing evidence that altered gut microbiota plays a key role in NAFLD progression. Probiotics/synbiotics, by modifying gut microbiota, may be a promising treatment choice for NAFLD management. ⋯ Probiotic/synbiotic use improves aminotransaminase levels and reduces proinflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Oct 2015
Review Meta AnalysisGuided self-help interventions for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly prevalent and is accompanied by high costs for respective healthcare systems, the data on treatment effectiveness are limited. Current treatment methods have limitations in terms of side effects and availability. Guided self-help (GSH) might be an easily accessible and cost-effective treatment alternative. This study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of GSH interventions for IBS. ⋯ With respect to the high study heterogeneity, the number of studies included was relatively small.