Predictors of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prognostic model for early discharge

Background: Several studies have evaluated predictors for complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but their relative importance is unknown. In addition, currently used blood tests to detect post-ERCP pancreatitis are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of post-ERCP complications that could discriminate between patients at highest and lowest risk of post-ERCP complications and to develop a model that is able to identify patients that can safely be discharged shortly after ERCP. Methods: In a single-center, retrospective analysis over the period 2002-2007, predictors of post-ERCP complications were evaluated in a multivariable analysis and compared with those identified from a literature review. A prognostic model was developed based on these risk factors, which was further evaluated in a prospective patient population. Results: From our retrospective analysis and literature review, we selected the eight most important risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis. In the prognostic model, the risk factors (precut) sphincterotomy, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, younger age, female gender, history of pancreatitis, p

6-Mercaptopurine and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Hidden Ground for the Cytomegalovirus

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and azathioprine are important drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but their actions suppress host defense against infection. A challenging case of a 19-year-old female patient with quiescent Crohn’s disease maintained with 6-MP presenting with dyspnea and a normal chest exam and x-ray is presented. She became ventilator-dependent and only after numerous investigations was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. A systematic literature review of CMV infections in IBD patients was performed. The present case is the first report of a patient with quiescent IBD maintained on 6-MP who developed CMV pneumonitis. Other reports have identified patients with active disease on multiple immunosuppressants who developed CMV pneumonitis and also highlight the risk of CMV colitis in refractory IBD. The authors review the approach to the diagnosis of CMV infections in IBD patients with atypical pneumonia and colitis and highlight the importance of considering CMV infection in these settings

Opportunity costs of gastrointestinal endoscopic training in Canada

BACKGROUND: No data exist to define the opportunity costs related to instruction in endoscopic procedures in Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada-accredited teaching centres. Academic and institutional administrators expect staff to achieve acceptable performance standards. There is a need to measure some of the effects of training activity in the establishment of such standards