Diseases Commons^™

The Need For Targeted Prevention And Screening In Gastrointestinal Cancer Disparities, Jason C. Lin, John C. Lin, Joy Zhao

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

An Integrative Genomics Approach For The Discovery Of Potential Clinically Actionable Diagnostic And Prognostic Biomarkers In Colorectal Cancer, Mark Fertel, Duaa Mohammad Alawad, Chindo Hicks

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Background: Despite remarkable progress in clinical management of patients and intensified screening, colorectal cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The recent surge of next generation sequencing has enabled genomic analysis of colorectal cancer genomes. However, to date, there is little information about leveraging gene expression data and integrating it with somatic mutation information to discover potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we integrated gene expression data with somatic mutation information to discover potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and molecular drivers of colorectal cancer. Methods: We used publicly available gene expression and somatic …

The Diagnostic Maze: Challenges In Autoimmune Hepatitis Lab Interpretation, Tina C. L. Phan, Esther Blondeau-Lecomte, Christopher D. Jackson

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies. The spectrum of disease manifestations extends from asymptomatic cases to mild symptoms and, in rare instances, acute liver failure. AIH is a diagnosis of exclusion, supported by the detection of autoantibodies such as anti-smooth-muscle antibody (ASMA). This case describes a 43-year-old female with myasthenia gravis, receiving monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions, who presented with persistently elevated liver enzymes and mildly elevated ASMA titers across multiple clinical encounters. A liver biopsy revealed severe acute hepatitis. While drug-induced liver injury (DILI) secondary to IVIG was initially …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates For Patients Without Insurance, Andrea F. Day

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (U.S.), ranking as second most prevalent overall. Despite many initiatives, screening rates remain low, especially among clinic patients without insurance. The lack of an evidence-based screening protocol exacerbates these issues and increases the risk of advanced cancer and death. Initial data showed that 0% of patients were screened according to recommended guidelines.

Purpose: The project implemented a standard screening protocol to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in a rural Alabama free clinic for patients ages 45-64 lacking insurance.

Project Design: This quality improvement …

Distribusi Kejadian Diare Pada Balita Dan Kualitas Sumber Air Minum Di Indonesia: Studi Ekologi, Nadia Z. Sabira, Naijla I. Shaliha, Sandrina H. Salsabila, Wellsa D. Kusumaningrum

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Background: Diarrhea is an infectious disease with the third highest mortality rate in children under 5 years of age globally. The Indonesian Ministry of Health states that 88% of deaths from diarrhea in children are caused by poor sanitation practices and inadequate quality of drinking water sources. This study aims to describe the distribution of the quality of drinking water sources and the prevalence of diarrhea in all provinces in Indonesia. Methods: This study used an ecological study approach with secondary aggregate data from Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023 and Studi Kualitas Air Minum Rumah Tangga (SKAM RT) 2020. The …

Hydration Status And Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers In Ncaa Female Soccer Athletes During Preseason Conditioning, Daniel E Newmire, Erica M Filep, Jordan B Wainwright, Heather E Webb, Darryn S Willoughby

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Exercise training in extreme temperatures concurrent with hypohydration status may potentiate the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in young, healthy persons.

Background/Objectives: It is unknown how repeated training bouts in ambient higher temperatures and humidity may influence measures of AKI. The purpose of this study was to investigate hydration status and renal biomarkers related to AKI in NCAA Division I female soccer athletes during preseason conditioning.

Methods: A convenience sample of n = 21 athletes were recruited (mean ± SEM; age: 19.3 ± 0.25 y; height: 169.6 ± 1.36 cm; mass: 68.43 ± 2.46 kg; lean body …

Unraveling The Mystery: A Case Study On Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Echo Kopplin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has dramatically increased in the last two decades. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE, enhancing clinician awareness and recognition of the condition.

Intermittent Fasting For Metabolic Syndrome Management, Tony Laborde

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This paper reviews the potential of intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is a global health problem with risk factors that include obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and high triglycerides that predispose to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Traditional treatment approaches, including pharmacological agents and lifestyle modification, are typically of short-term benefit. Intermittent fasting, with its scheduled cycles of eating and fasting, presents another strategy for improving weight control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Various intermittent fasting regimens, including time-restricted feeding and alternate-day fasting, have …

Plane Xanthoma, Connor A. Sheehan, Theresa N. Tran, Jason B. Lee, Jeffrey Y. Liu, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Epidemiology Of Acute Infectious Diarrhea-Associated Viruses In Children In Hangzhou, China, 2023, Ya-Jun Guo, Lin Li, Qin-Rui Lai, Wei Li

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of children infected with diarrheal virus in Hangzhou, China, 2023.

Methods: From January 2023 to December 2023, 20,939 stool samples from children with acute infectious diarrhea were collected for detection of rotavirus A and human adenovirus, using Latex agglutination detection kits; 7584 stool samples were collected for detection of norovirus, using real‐time PCR reagent.

Results: 639 (3.0%, 639/20,939) tested positive for rotavirus A, and 1,201 (5.7%, 1,201/20,939) positive samples were detected by Colloidal gold method. The positive rates of norovirus were 42.2% (3,203/7,585). Among all age groups, the rotavirus A positive detection rate was …

Childhood Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Comprehensive Review Of Disease, Diagnosis, And Therapeutic Management, Daniyal Raza, Farhan Mohiuddin, Muhammad Haris Khan, Maheen Fawad, Syed Musa Raza

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects both adults and children, although the symptoms differ significantly between these groups. While adults typically experience heartburn and regurgitation, children may present with more subtle signs, such as failure to thrive, chronic cough, wheezing, and Sandifer syndrome. Diagnosing GERD in children necessitates a multifaceted approach due to the diverse symptomatology and challenges in communication. Clinical assessment serves as the cornerstone of diagnosis, supported by tools like pH monitoring, esophageal impedance testing, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Imaging studies, such as barium swallow, can also provide valuable insights into anatomical abnormalities and the extent of reflux. Treatment …

Association Of Estimated Plasma Volume Status With Invasive Hemodynamics And All-Cause Mortality In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis, Esteban Kosak Lopez, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Jose Manuel Martinez Manzano, Andrew Geller, Simone Jarrett, John Malin, Raul Leguizamon, Tara John, Rasha Khan, Ian Mclaren, Alexander Prendergast, Kevin Lo, Zurab Azmaiparashvili

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) correlates with intravascular congestion and prognosis in patients with heart failure. The ePVS relationship with invasive hemodynamic profiling and clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) remains unclear.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included LC patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) between 2018 and 2023. Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) was calculated using the Strauss-derived Duarte formula, with patients classified into high (> 5.5%) and low-ePVS (≤ 5.5%) groups. Cox-multivariable analysis was used to determine if ePVS was associated with all-cause mortality within 1 year post-RHC among transplant-free patients.

RESULTS: Of …

Incidental Finding Of An Infarcted Epiploic Appendage Attached To The Sigmoid Colon, Ifeanyi K. Uche, Alec A. Hirsch

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Epiploic appendagitis is a condition usually caused by infarction of the epiploic appendages, small outpouchings of adipose tissue found on the serosal surface of the colon. Epiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of acute lower abdominal pain, but the condition does not have any specific presenting clinical features and is often misdiagnosed as acute diverticulitis, appendicitis, or other gastrointestinal disorder. Case Report: A 53-year-old female presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain and was seeking definitive surgical management. During the patient’s total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, an infarcted epiploic appendage attached to the sigmoid colon was found. …

Colorectal Cancer And The Risk Of Mortality Among Individuals With Suicidal Ideation, Srikanta Banerjee, Jagdish Khubchandani, Stanley Nkemjika

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

Suicide is a major public health problem that has grown at alarming rates in the last two decades. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in the United States in both males and females. However, the influence of suicidal ideation (SI) on the association between CRC and risk of mortality has not been well examined.

METHODS: For this study, the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative survey of United States adults aged 20 years or older, was utilized. CRC survivorship was determined from self-reported data on CRC, and mortality …

Parvovirus B19 Infection In Kidney Transplant Recipients, Hatem Najar, Kiran Goli, Maria P. Martinez Cantarin

Division of Nephrology Faculty Papers

On August 14, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) health advisory due to a surge in Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infections in the United States. Our report presents two cases of suspected donor-derived Parvovirus B19 infection in kidney transplant patients. Both cases had refractory anemia requiring treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin. These cases highlight the importance of awareness and monitoring of B19V infection in the context of recent epidemiologic trends to improve clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

A Cluster Randomized Trial Of A Multicomponent Clinical Care Pathway (Mccp) To Improve Masld Diagnosis And Management In Primary Care: Study Protocol, Kyler M Godwin, Larissa Grigoryan, Aaron P Thrift, Hao Duong, Fasiha Kanwal, Traber Giardina, Himabindu Kadiyala, Andrew Zimolzak, Kavish R Patidar, Hashem B El-Serag

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder in the world. Most patients with MASLD are undiagnosed, untreated and unreferred. Treatment depends on diagnosis and accurate staging of fibrosis risk, and therefore screening at the primary care setting coupled with consistent, timely, evidence-based, widely accessible, and testable management processes is critical. Randomized controlled trials of methods for screening, diagnosis, severity stratification, and referral are lacking. We previously validated the MASLD clinical care pathway (MCCP), a multistep algorithmic process geared to support primary care settings in screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, and suggested referral and …

A ‘Fluke’ Diagnosis: Suspecting Fascioliasis As A Rare Cause Of Hepatic Abscess, Tharun Shyam, Rosa Lora, Sharanya Kaushik, Jessica Chung, Monica Ghitan, Christina Coyle

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Hepatic abscess is a rare complication of fascioliasis, with fewer than 50 reported cases worldwide. The diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion and is often identified after extensive investigation leading to delays in treatment. With this case report, we aim to highlight the need for a higher index of suspicion in non endemic regions like the USA, especially in cities with large immigrant populations. Given the ease and success rates of treatment with oral triclabendazole, the morbidity from unnecessary invasive testing and disease burden is preventable with a thorough evaluation and targeted clinical assessment.

Final Scholarly Project: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Guidelines For Pancreaticoduodenectomies, Rebecca Wheeler

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

A pancreaticoduodenectomy, or Whipple procedure, is the only curative option for pancreatic cancer. For those eligible for tumor resection, the Whipple procedure is a difficult surgery for both the patient and provider. Complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy are numerous and include infection, delayed gastric emptying, high hospital costs, and pancreatic fistulas. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols exist to provide evidence supporting standardization of practices that lead to the improvement of these patient outcomes. An ERAS protocol for the pancreaticoduodenectomy, first established in 2012, is inconsistently implemented in healthcare facilities. Researchers collected data involving the use of the Whipple procedure ERAS guidelines …

Efficacy And Safety Of Larotrectinib In Patients With Trk Fusion Gastrointestinal Cancer, Changsong Qi, Lin Shen, Thierry Andre, Hyun Cheol Chung, Timothy L Cannon, Elena Garralda, Antoine Italiano, Damian T Rieke, Tianshu Liu, Domnita-Ileana Burcoveanu, Natascha Neu, Chiara E Mussi, Rui-Hua Xu, David S Hong, Alexander Drilon, Jordan Berlin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Larotrectinib is the first-in-class, highly selective TRK inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in various TRK fusion solid tumours. We report the efficacy and safety of larotrectinib in patients with TRK fusion gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

Methods: Patients with TRK fusion GI cancer from NAVIGATE (NCT02576431) were included. Response was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed per RECIST v1.1.

Results: As of July 2023, 44 patients were enrolled. Tumour types included colorectal (CRC; n = 26), pancreatic (n = 7), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 4), gastric (n = 3), and one each of appendiceal, duodenal, oesophageal and hepatic cancers. Of the 26 patients …

Low Dose Aspirin Is Associated With Improved 30-And 92-Day Outcomes In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Multinational Multicenter Analysis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

Currently, no medications are known to formally treat or prevent acute pancreatitis (AP). Significant attention has been devoted to aspirin (ASA), with rodent models showing that it is associated with decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and protects against acinar cell necrosis. Current human studies, which are limited to retrospective inpatient outcomes only on the index hospitalization for AP, do suggest that patients on ASA have improved outcomes. The aim of our study was to explore de 30- and 90- day outcomes of patients with AP on long-term ASA use.

Chronic Antiplatelet Agent Use Is Associated With Decreased 90-Day Morbidity And Mortality In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

The aim of this study is to explore the association between the use of antiplatelets and outcomes of patients with AP using a large multinational database.

Acute Pancreatitis With Acute Kidney Injury Is Associated With Worse 30 And 90-Day Outcomes: A Multinational Multicenter Analysis, Donghyun Ko, Do Han Kim Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) has been consistently shown to impact clinical outcomes and is a marker of organ dysfunction, being a primary indicator and driver of disease severity. The cornerstone of management of AP is aggressive intravenous fluid administration, and AKI has traditionally been a surrogate measure of the adequacy of volume repletion and is even recommended by the current ACG guidelines to be monitored in 6-hour intervals for 24-48 hours from presentation. While having been proven to be a factor of paramount importance on prior studies, the aim of our study is to …

Untreated Subclinical Hypothyroidism Is Associated With Higher Mortality And Hepatic Decompensation In Patients With Masld/Mash: A Multinational Analysis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko Md, Jose A. Porres, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Cristina H. Makarian, Luis M. Nieto Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

This study aims to explore whether subclinical hypothyroidism contributes to the progression of MASLD/MASH, reflected as an increased risk of liver-related outcomes.

Igg4-Related Autoimmune Pancreatitis In Patients With Prior Occupational Exposure: A Case Report And Review Of Risks Concerning Blue-Collared Workers, Zachary A. Coren, Justin Le, Jason Tran, Nicholas Moscardelli, Krish Patel, Joshua Coren

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), a manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), is a rare, often misdiagnosed condition that can closely mimic pancreatic cancer, particularly in its clinical and radiographic presentation. We report the case of a 76-year-old retired plumber who presented with painless jaundice and was initially suspected to have pancreatic cancer based on imaging findings. Subsequent endoscopic evaluation, biopsy, and markedly elevated serum IgG4 levels led to a diagnosis of type 1 AIP. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in rapid clinical improvement and reduction in IgG4 levels, confirming the diagnosis.

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of AIP, especially among blue-collar workers …

Transient Small Bowel Intussusception In An Adult Patient: A Rare Complication Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy, Shmilah Choudhary, Alisha Vincent, Majid Michael, Sagar Acharya, Christopher Bader

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity due to their benefits in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardioprotection. However, their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility raise concerns about potential complications, including bowel obstruction and, in rare cases, intussusception. We present a case of a 34-year-old male on semaglutide for weight loss who developed transient small bowel intussusception. The patient has no prior gastrointestinal surgeries or structural abnormalities, but he had a history of baseline slow bowel motility and was also diagnosed with influenza A during his hospitalization. His condition improved …

Clinical Outcomes For Smokers With Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis Of The National Inpatient Sample, Matthew Ebrahim, Tony Elias, Sonika Vatsa, Yarin Trabelsi, Kyrillos Girgis, Taha Syed, Rafail Beshai

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We sought to examine the national inpatient sample database to describe in-hospital outcomes among smokers with EOCRC. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients with EOCRC, defined as all-cause colorectal cancer in patients 50 years old or younger. In this nationally representative population‐based retrospective cohort study, hyperlipidemia was associated with higher mortality.

A Case Of Choledocholithiasis In A Patient With A Recent History Of Hellp Syndrome And Pre-Eclampsia, Akhil Tumpudi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Jaundice in a patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) can be indicative of a range of conditions, and it's important to determine the underlying cause for proper management. Here we describe a case of an unusual presentation of choledocholithiasis in a 25-year-old female with a recent history of HELLP and preeclampsia.

Impact Of St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Stemi) On Patients With Celiac Disease, Rahul Patel, Darshan Patel, Tirth Patel, Trinava Roy, Shashank Gupta, Rafail Beshai, Joshua Soliman, C. Jonathan Foster, Brian Blair

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Celiac Disease has links to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sarcoidosis. The latter 3 have cardiovascular manifestations There are limited studies on the hospital outcomes of Celiacs with cardiac manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic burden and hospital outcomes of Celiacs with concomitant ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Patients aged 18 years and older with Celiac disease and STEMI versus Celiac Disease alone were identified from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), from the years 2019-2020. ICD 10 codes were utilized, multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios …

The Role Of Heart Rate Variability In The Management Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review, Zarif A. Ladak, Krisha Patel, Dylan Bagley, Jeffery Powers

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Complications associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have an unclear pathophysiology. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a potent modality for monitoring autonomic nervous system function and may give insight into the timing of flares and complication development. Existing literature suggests a link between IBD complications and inflammation as well as inflammation and HRV. However, research directly exploring the relationship between HRV and IBD complications is limited. This review aims to examine the state of the science as it pertains to the relationship between HRV and IBD complications highlighting current knowledge gaps to guide future research. A search was conducted using …

Children Born To Mothers With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review Of Pediatric Outcomes, Simran Gandhi, Kush Patel, Harmann Singh

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, frequently affects women during their reproductive years. While the impact of IBD on pregnancy has been widely studied, less is known about the long-term health outcomes in children born to affected mothers, particularly in the context of in utero exposure to immunosuppressive therapies.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that children born to mothers with well-managed IBD experience normal growth and development, with minimal risk for immune-related complications, despite potential exposure to biologics and other IBD medications during gestation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms …