Monique Barakat

All Publications

• Preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy in pediatric bariatric surgery: A summary of the literature Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Liman, A., Koh, L., Barakat, M., Abu El Haija, M. 2024

  View details for DOI 10.1002/jpr3.12095

• Endoscopy and Pediatric Pancreatitis. Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America Grover, A. S., Gugig, R., Barakat, M. T. 2023; 33 (2): 363-378

  Abstract

  Children and adolescents are increasingly impacted by pancreatic disease. Interventional endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and endoscopic ultrasonography, are integral to the diagnosis and management of many pancreatic diseases in the adult population. In the past decade, pediatric interventional endoscopic procedures have become more widely available, with invasive surgical procedures now being replaced by safer and less disruptive endoscopic interventions.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.giec.2022.11.002

  View details for PubMedID 36948751

• Cannulation rates and technical performance evaluation of commericially available single-use duodenoscopes for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver Ramai, D., Smit, E., Kani, H. T., Papaefthymiou, A., Warner, L., Chandan, S., Dhindsa, B., Facciorusso, A., Gkolfakis, P., Ofosu, A., Barakat, M., Adler, D. G. 2023

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Single use duodenoscopes were developed to reduce the risk of infection transmission from contaminated reusable duodenoscopes. To this end, we examined various biliary interventions using single use duodenoscopes in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).METHODS: Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception through Aug 2022 to identify studies reporting on the performance of single use duodenoscopes for ERCP.RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the final analysis that included 642 patients (318 males). The Exalt Model D duodenoscope was used in most cases (88.8%) followed by the aScope Duodeno (11.2%) for ERCP. Most ERCPs had a complexity grade of 2 (n=303) and 3 (n=198). The pooled cumulative rate of successful cannulation was 95% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 93-96%, I2=0%, P=0.46). Sphincterotomy was successfully performed in all cases. The pooled cumulative rate of PEP was 2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.4%, I2=0%, P=0.80). The pooled cumulative rate of total adverse events was 7% (95% CI: 4-10%, I2=47%, P=0.08).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that single use duodenoscopes are associated with high cannulation rates, technical performance, and safety profile.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.dld.2023.02.022

  View details for PubMedID 37003844

• A systems approach points to a therapeutic role for retinoids in asparaginase-associated pancreatitis. Science translational medicine Tsai, C. Y., Saito, T., Sarangdhar, M., Abu-El-Haija, M., Wen, L., Lee, B., Yu, M., Lipata, D. A., Manohar, M., Barakat, M. T., Contrepois, K., Tran, T. H., Theoret, Y., Bo, N., Ding, Y., Stevenson, K., Ladas, E. J., Silverman, L. B., Quadro, L., Anthony, T. G., Jegga, A. G., Husain, S. Z. 2023; 15 (687): eabn2110

  Abstract

  Among drug-induced adverse events, pancreatitis is life-threatening and results in substantial morbidity. A prototype example is the pancreatitis caused by asparaginase, a crucial drug used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Here, we used a systems approach to identify the factors affecting asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP). Connectivity Map analysis of the transcriptomic data showed that asparaginase-induced gene signatures were potentially reversed by retinoids (vitamin A and its analogs). Analysis of a large electronic health record database (TriNetX) and the U.S. Federal Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System demonstrated a reduction in AAP risk with concomitant exposure to vitamin A. Furthermore, we performed a global metabolomic screening of plasma samples from 24 individuals with ALL who developed pancreatitis (cases) and 26 individuals with ALL who did not develop pancreatitis (controls), before and after a single exposure to asparaginase. Screening from this discovery cohort revealed that plasma carotenoids were lower in the cases than in controls. This finding was validated in a larger external cohort. A 30-day dietary recall showed that the cases received less dietary vitamin A than the controls did. In mice, asparaginase administration alone was sufficient to reduce circulating and hepatic retinol. Based on these data, we propose that circulating retinoids protect against pancreatic inflammation and that asparaginase reduces circulating retinoids. Moreover, we show that AAP is more likely to develop with reduced dietary vitamin A intake. The systems approach taken for AAP provides an impetus to examine the role of dietary vitamin A supplementation in preventing or treating AAP.

  View details for DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn2110

  View details for PubMedID 36921036

• Advances in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Liver Biopsy. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Ramai, D., Pannu, V., Facciorusso, A., Dhindsa, B., Heaton, J., Ofosu, A., Chandan, S., Maida, M., Lattanzi, B., Rodriguez, E., Bhagat, V. H., Samanta, J., Barakat, M. T. 2023; 13 (4)

  Abstract

  Recent years have seen the emergence of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) as an effective alternative to traditional (percutaneous or transjugular) liver biopsy techniques. Comparative studies have demonstrated that both endoscopic and non-endoscopic approaches are similar in terms of diagnostic adequacy, accuracy, and adverse events; however, EUS-LB offers the advantage of reduced recovery time. Additionally, EUS-LB enables the sampling of both lobes of the liver as well as the advantage of portal pressure measurements. However, EUS-LB may be argued to have a high cost, although this procedure can be cost-effective if bundled with other endoscopic procedures. Approaches utilizing EUS-guided liver therapy, such as the administration of chemotherapeutic agents and EUS elastography, are in development, and their optimal integration into clinical care is likely to emerge in the coming years. In the present review, we evaluate the available literature on EUS-LB indications, contraindications, variations in needle biopsy techniques, comparative outcomes, advantages and disadvantages, and future trends and perspectives.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/diagnostics13040784

  View details for PubMedID 36832272

• Adverse Events of Endoscopic Clip Placement: A MAUDE Database Analysis. Journal of clinical gastroenterology Ramai, D., Deliwala, S. S., Mozell, D., Facciorusso, A., Chandan, S., Persaud, A., Singh, K., Anderloni, A., Barakat, M. T. 2023

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Clips are endoscopic mechanical devices with tensile and closure strength that can approximate tissue and provide hemostasis through a tamponade effect. Clips are ubiquitously used in endoscopic practice, and numerous studies have validated the clinical efficacy of clips, with recent guidelines recommending them as a first-line intervention for recurrent and persistent nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the safety profile for these devices has yet to be delineated, thus, we aim to investigate this feature by examining the adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration.METHODS: Postmarketing surveillance data from the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer And User Facility Device Experience database were analyzed from January 2012 to January 2021. The Manufacturer And User Facility Device Experience database is a reporting software and does not independently verify the details of complications.RESULTS: Two thousand five hundred forty reports were issued, of which 287 were patient adverse events and 2766 were device problems. Activation, separation, and positioning issues were most common. No consequences or clinically significant impact on patients were seen in 1968 reports. Foreign bodies were seen in 97 cases, hemorrhage in 57 cases, tissue damage in 42 cases, embedded clips in tissues/plaques in 16 cases, perforation in 15 cases, lacerations in 6 cases, and infection in 3 cases.CONCLUSIONS: While the most commonly reported device problems involved activation, separation, and positioning, most patients were clinically unaffected. Moreover, perforation and infection were exceedingly rare, further highlighting the safety profile of endoscopic clips.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001822

  View details for PubMedID 36728443

• The Majority of Patients Who Undergo ERCP When Large Duct Obstruction Is Evident on Liver Biopsy Have Biliary Findings Amenable to Endoscopic Intervention. Journal of clinical medicine Martin, M., Lee, J., Gugig, R., Ofosu, A., Charville, G. W., Barakat, M. T. 2023; 12 (2)

  Abstract

  (1) Background: Abnormal liver function tests are commonly encountered in clinical practice, often leading to additional workup to determine the underlying etiology of these abnormal laboratory studies. As part of this evaluation, if less invasive imaging studies are performed and are without evidence of biliary obstruction, liver biopsy may be performed, and the finding of large duct obstruction on liver biopsy is commonly encountered. The utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for evaluation and management of possible biliary obstruction in patients with large duct obstruction on liver biopsy has not been studied to date. (2) Methods: To assess the utility of ERCP in patients with large bile duct obstruction on liver biopsy, we retrospectively evaluated patients with large duct obstruction on liver biopsy from 2010-2019 at our tertiary care and transplant center. Demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated for all patients, with sub-group analysis for patients who underwent ERCP and those who had intervenable findings at the time of ERCP. Descriptive statistics with proportions, means, and standard deviations were performed for demographics and clinical variables using absolute standardized difference. (3) Results: During the study period, 189 liver biopsies with evidence of large duct obstruction were performed. After exclusion criteria were applied, 166 unique patients were eligible for the study. Ninety-one patients with evidence of large duct obstruction on liver biopsy underwent ERCP and 75 did not. Of the 91 patients who underwent ERCP, 76 patients (84%) had an intervenable finding at ERCP. Patients who underwent ERCP were overall more likely to have had a liver transplant (65% ASD 0.63), have previously undergone cholecystectomy (80%, ASD 0.56), and be immunocompromised (80%, ASD 0.56). (4) Conclusions: ERCP is high yield when large duct obstruction is apparent on liver biopsy, with the majority of patients (84%) who undergo ERCP in this clinical context having a biliary finding necessitating therapeutic endoscopic intervention.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/jcm12020482

  View details for PubMedID 36675410

• Safety and efficacy of minor papillotomy in children and adolescents with pancreas divisum. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.] Barakat, M. T., Husain, S. Z., Gugig, R. 2022

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Pancreas Divisum (PD) is a common pancreatic ductal variant which is twice as common in pediatric patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) relative to the general population (14% vs. 7%). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papillotomy has been performed to facilitate drainage of pancreatic juice from the diminutive minor papilla to prevent pancreatitis and pancreatic damage.METHODS: We searched our prospectively-maintained endoscopy databases for patients 18 and younger who underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy between 2009 and 2019. Demographic data, indications, procedural interventions and findings, as well as available clinical outcomes data were analyzed.RESULTS: 54 ARP/PD patients underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy. Median age was 14 (range 7-18) years, and 26 (48.1%) patients were female. Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in 10/54 patients (18.5%). 12-month post-ERCP clinical trajectory was available in 47/54 (87%) patients and most patients (38/47, 80.8%) improved clinically after minor papillotomy, with 9/47 (19.1%) experiencing resolution of pancreatitis episodes and none indicated worsening severity or frequency of pancreatitis episodes following ERCP.CONCLUSION: The majority of children and adolescents with PD and ARP who underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy experienced subjective improvement in their symptoms following the intervention. These data suggest that ERCP with minor papillotomy for pediatric patients with PD and ARP is beneficial and may be curative in a subset of patients-higher rates of improvement than have been previously reported in adults.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pan.2022.12.009

  View details for PubMedID 36641286

• Best Practices in Esophageal, Gastroduodenal, and Colonic Stenting GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY Medas, R., Ferreira-Silva, J., Girotra, M., Barakat, M., Tabibian, J. H., Rodrigues-Pinto, E. 2022

  View details for DOI 10.1159/000527202

  View details for Web of Science ID 000882634500001

• IMPACT OF PSC AND IBD ON FERTILITY Cagil, Y., Goel, A., Barakat, M. WILEY. 2022: S1476-S1477

  View details for Web of Science ID 000870796604361

• Pediatric Endoscopy Blocks: Enhanced Efficiency and Endoscopist Satisfaction. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Pei, F., Gugig, R. 2022

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic procedures are increasingly performed for children and adolescents and these interventions represent a central element of both pediatric gastroenterology (GI) care and revenues. It remains unclear, however, which scheduling paradigm maximizes efficiency of resource utilization and delivery of care in this arena. In this study, we evaluate the impact of shifting from shared endoscopy blocks to individual, provider-specific endoscopy blocks for scheduling endoscopic procedures in our tertiary care academic center.METHODS: The implemented endoscopy block system involves a single endoscopist performing procedures in an allocated room for the entire day period of time, with most providers having 1-3 day blocks per month. We analyzed block fragmentation (multiple providers in a single block), block utilization and procedure volume, comparing the 8-month period prior to implementation of the block system (pre-implementation period) with the 8-month period following implementation of the block system (post-implementation period). Provider satisfaction and perceptions were assessed by survey pre- and post-implementation. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis.RESULTS: In the pre- and post-implementation periods, 22 half-day blocks were allocated to pediatric GI. In the pre-implementation period, mean utilization of these blocks was 65.9% (range: 47%-77%). In the post-implementation period, mean % utilization was 79.8% (range: 64%-89%). Overall endoscopy procedure volume increased from 279 in the pre-implementation period to 419 in the post-implementation period. Provider perception of endoscopy efficiency was enhanced by the block system, with 68.4% of pediatric GI respondents rating endoscopy as 'efficient' post-implementation (vs. 19% pre-implementation) and 63.2% indicating that the block system directly enhanced efficiency. 63.2% reported increased personal procedure volume and 84.2% reported perceived increase in overall procedure volume with block system implementation.CONCLUSIONS: Strategic approaches for scheduling endoscopic procedures carry the potential to enhance efficiency and experience for both providers and patients. Implementation of the endoscopy block system was associated with increased procedure volumes and block utilization as well as a more positive experience for the majority of providers. Schedule adjustments with analysis of associated efficiency and satisfaction metrics can optimize pediatric endoscopy practice.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003624

  View details for PubMedID 36123768

• Clinical insights into drug-associated pancreatic injury. Current opinion in gastroenterology Barakat, M. T., Abu-El-Haija, M., Husain, S. Z. 2022; 38 (5): 482-486

  Abstract

  PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Drug-induced pancreatitis is one of the top three causes of acute pancreatitis. A drug exposure is traditionally determined to be the cause of pancreatitis only after other possible and common causes of pancreatitis have been excluded.RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we challenge this traditional notion of drug-induced pancreatitis as a diagnosis of exclusion. Instead, we propose to shift the paradigm of conceptualizing what we term drug-associated pancreatic injury (DAPI); as a continuum of pancreatic injury that can be concomitant with other risk factors. The aims of this targeted review are to harness recent literature to build a foundation for conceptualizing DAPI, to highlight specific drugs associated with DAPI, and to describe a framework for future studies of DAPI.SUMMARY: Our hope is that probing and characterizing the mechanisms underlying the various types of DAPI will lead to safer use of the DAPI-inducing drugs by minimizing the adverse event of pancreatitis.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000865

  View details for PubMedID 35916322

• Best Practices in Pancreatico-biliary Stenting and EUS-guided Drainage. Journal of clinical gastroenterology Medas, R., Ferreira-Silva, J., Girotra, M., Barakat, M., Tabibian, J. H., Rodrigues-Pinto, E. 2022

  Abstract

  Indications for endoscopic placement of endoluminal and transluminal stents have greatly expanded over time. Endoscopic stent placement is now a well-established approach for the treatment of benign and malignant biliary and pancreatic diseases (ie, obstructive jaundice, intra-abdominal fluid collections, chronic pancreatitis etc.). Ongoing refinement of technical approaches and development of novel stents is increasing the applicability and success of pancreatico-biliary stenting. In this review, we discuss the important developments in the field of pancreatico-biliary stenting, with a specific focus on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound-associated developments.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001760

  View details for PubMedID 36040964

• Rectal INdomethacin, oral TacROlimus, or their combination for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (INTRO Trial): Protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.] Akshintala, V. S., Husain, S. Z., Brenner, T. A., Singh, A., Singh, V. K., Khashab, M. A., Sperna Weiland, C. J., van Geenen, E. J., Bush, N., Barakat, M., Srivastava, A., Kochhar, R., Talukdar, R., Rodge, G., Wu, C. C., Lakhtakia, S., Sinha, S. K., Goenka, M. K., Reddy, D. N. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis remains the most common and morbid complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The use of rectal indomethacin and pancreatic duct stenting has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), but these interventions have limitations. Recent clinical and translational evidence suggests a role for calcineurin inhibitors in the prevention of pancreatitis, with multiple retrospective case series showing a reduction in PEP rates in tacrolimus users.METHODS: The INTRO trial is a multicenter, international, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. A total of 4,874 patients undergoing ERCP will be randomized to receive either oral tacrolimus (5mg) or oral placebo 1-2h before ERCP, and followed for 30 days post-procedure. Blood and pancreatic aspirate samples will also be collected in a subset of patients to quantify tacrolimus levels. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of PEP. Secondary endpoints include the severity of PEP, ERCP-related complications, adverse drug events, length of hospital stay, cost-effectiveness, and the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics of tacrolimus immune modulation in the pancreas.CONCLUSIONS: The INTRO trial will assess the role of calcineurin inhibitors in PEP prophylaxis and develop a foundation for the clinical optimization of this therapeutic strategy from a pharmacologic and economic standpoint. With this clinical trial, we hope to demonstrate a novel approach to PEP prophylaxis using a widely available and well-characterized class of drugs.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05252754, registered on February 14, 2022.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pan.2022.07.008

  View details for PubMedID 35872074

• A review of the rationale for the testing of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus for post-ERCP pancreatitis prevention. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.] Barakat, M. T., Khalid, A., Yu, M., Ding, Y., Murayi, J., Jayaraman, T., Poropatich, R., Akshintala, V., Juakiem, W., Wen, L., Papachristou, G. I., Husain, S. Z. 2022

  Abstract

  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is commonly performed for the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. The most troublesome ERCP-associated adverse event is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), which occurs in up to 15% of all patients undergoing ERCP. A substantial body of preclinical data support a mechanistic rationale for calcineurin inhibitors in preventing PEP. The findings are coupled with recent clinical data suggesting lower rates of PEP in patients who concurrently use the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (e.g., solid organ transplant recipients). In this review, we will firstly summarize data in support of testing the use of tacrolimus for PEP prophylaxis, either in combination with rectal indomethacin or by itself. Secondly, we propose that administering tacrolimus through the rectal route could be favorable for PEP prophylaxis over other routes of administration.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pan.2022.07.003

  View details for PubMedID 35872075

• Meta-analysis: global prevalence, trend and forecasting of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents, 2000-2021. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics Li, J., Ha, A., Rui, F., Zou, B., Yang, H., Xue, Q., Hu, X., Xu, Y., Henry, L., Barakhat, M., Stave, C. D., Shi, J., Wu, C., Cheung, R., Nguyen, M. H. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: NAFLD is increasing in children.AIMS: To determine the recent trend and forecast the future global prevalence of paediatric NAFLD METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases from inception to 1 May 2021 for studies of children and adolescents (≤21years) with NAFLD. Obesity was defined with weight at ≥95th percentile and overweight as 85th to <95th percentile as per the Center for Disease Control BMI-for-age percentile cut-offs.RESULTS: From 3350 titles and abstracts, we included 74 studies (276,091 participants) from 20 countries/regions. We included 14 studies in the general NAFLD prevalence analysis, yielding an overall prevalence of 7.40% (95% CI: 4.17-12.81) regardless of the diagnostic method, and 8.77% (95% CI: 3.86-18.72) by ultrasound. Among continents with more than one study, the prevalence of NAFLD was 8.53% (95% CI: 5.71-12.55) for North America, 7.01% (95% CI: 3.51-13.53) for Asia, and 1.65% (95% CI: 0.97-2.80) for Europe. NAFLD prevalence regardless of the diagnostic method was 52.49% (95% CI: 46.23-58.68, 9159 participants) and 39.17% (95% CI: 30.65-48.42, 5371 participants) among obese and overweight/obese participants, respectively. For the general population, trend analysis from 2000 to 2017 indicates an increasing global prevalence of paediatric NAFLD from 4.62% to 9.02% at a yearly increase of 0.26%, whereas forecast analysis predicts a prevalence of 30.7% by 2040.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of paediatric NAFLD varies by region and is 52.49% overall among the obese population and 7.40% in the general population. It is predicted to reach 30.7% by 2040.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/apt.17096

  View details for PubMedID 35736008

• Cholangioscopy in Children & Adolescents: Utilization, Outcomes & Safety. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Berquist, W. E., Gugig, R. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatoscopy (ERCP) is increasingly utilized for management of biliary disorders in children and adolescents. Practice patterns surrounding cholangioscopy in pediatric patients, however, are largely uncharacterized.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all ERCPs in which cholangioscopy was performed on patients 18 and under at our tertiary care children's hospital from 2015-2020 using our institution's paper and electronic medical record system. Patient demographics, procedure indications, interventions and associated adverse events were analyzed.RESULTS: Over the study period, 307 ERCPs were performed on 282 patients at our children's hospital. Cholangioscopy was performed in 36 procedures (11.7%) using the SpyGlass cholangioscope (Boston Scientific). Antibiotics to cover biliary organisms were administered to all patients pre-cholangioscopy. Mean patient age was 13.6 years (range 7 years - 18 years). The two most common indications for cholangioscopy included electrohydraulic lithotripsy for biliary stone disease and evaluation of biliary stricture (with incidental finding of biliary web in two patients and retained suture material in two patients). Adverse events were less prevalent in patients who underwent cholangioscopy relative to those who underwent ERCP. 0/36, (0%) developed post-ERCP pancreatitis, one patient had self-limited melena (possible self-limited post-sphincterotomy bleeding). Patient care was enhanced by cholangioscopy in 30/36 (83.3%) of these patients.CONCLUSIONS: These data attest to the safety and clinical utility of cholangioscopy in children and adolescents. Cholangioscopy was performed in just over 11% of pediatric patients who underwent ERCP at our academic medical center-rates similar to those reported in adult patients. The radiation-sparing nature of cholangioscopy, coupled with these data supporting its safety, make it particularly appealing for use in children. Further multi-institution evaluation of the utility, safety and range of indications for cholangioscopy in other practice settings would be of great interest and help guide endoscopic care.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003499

  View details for PubMedID 35653429

• Vitamin A and association with asparaginase-associated pancreatitis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Tsai, C., Saito, T., Sarangdhar, M., Abu-El-Haija, M., Wen, L., Lee, B., Manohar, M., Barakat, M. T., Contrepois, K., Bo, N., Ding, Y., Stevenson, K. E., Ladas, E., Silverman, L. B., Quadro, L., Anthony, T. G., Jegga, A., Husain, S. Z. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000863680300025

• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) In Children: A State of the Art Review. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Mencin, A. A., Sethi, A., Barakat, M. T., Lerner, D. G. 2022

  Abstract

  Esophageal achalasia is a relatively rare disease in children that has been treated with balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, and Heller myotomy. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is another treatment that has been successfully employed to treat adults with achalasia for over a decade and has been increasingly used in children. This State of the Art Review from the NASPGHAN Endoscopy Committee reviews the current literature in pediatric POEM including the technique, success rate, complications as well as training guidelines. Though there is limited data, POEM in children has shown encouraging success rates and with further study may become the mainstay of pediatric achalasia treatment.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003503

  View details for PubMedID 35653433

• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: Best Practices for Gastrointestinal Endoscopists. Gastroenterology & hepatology Thiruvengadam, S. S., Fung, B. M., Barakat, M. T., Tabibian, J. H. 2022; 18 (3): 133-144

  Abstract

  Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an endoscopic technique used to remove sessile or flat lesions from the gastrointestinal tract. This article reviews EMR and focuses on large colorectal polyps, which constitute the most common indication for EMR. Various methods of polyp evaluation can help gastroenterologists determine whether EMR is feasible and whether referral to an advanced endoscopist may be necessary. Techniques for performing EMR include conventional hot-snare EMR with submucosal injection and electro-cautery snare removal of colorectal lesions, as well as alternative EMR techniques such as cold-snare EMR and underwater EMR. Key adverse events associated with EMR include bleeding, perforation, and post-polypectomy coagulation syndrome. Finally, as residual or recurrent polyp formation is possible regardless of EMR technique, this article addresses the importance of surveillance post-EMR and the patients who are at highest risk for polyp recurrence.

  View details for PubMedID 35506001

• Analysis of Reported Adverse Events Related to Single Use Duodenoscopes and Duodenoscopes with Detachable Endcaps. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Ofosu, A., Ramai, D., Mozell, D., Facciorusso, A., Juakiem, W., Adler, D. G., Barakat, M. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Single use duodenoscopes and duodenoscopes with disposable/detachable caps emerged in the market to mitigate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography- related risk of infections. We aim to investigate post Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval adverse events associated with these devices.METHODS: We analyzed post-marketing surveillance data from the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database from July 2018 to June 2021.RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five reports comprised 206 device issues and 118 patient complications were identified from July 2018 through June 2021. Most device issues related to the single use duodenoscope were due to optical problems (7 reports). Other reported device issues included difficulty in advancing the scope (2 reports), fluid leak (2 reports), and use of device problems (2 reports). Among the duodenoscopes with detachable endcaps, most device issues related to bacterial contamination (52 reports), followed by issues with device use (31 reports), detachment /separation of the device (25 reports), and crack/dent in device material (16 reports). Overall, the most reported patient adverse events were tissue injury (63 reports), perforation (8 reports), and bleeding (7 reports). Ninety reports of microbial contamination of duodenoscopes were identified of which Pseudomonas Aeruginosa was most common.CONCLUSION: Findings from the MAUDE database highlight patient and device complications that endoscopists should be aware of in using single-use duodenoscopes and duodenoscopes with detachable caps. While these devices mitigate infection transmission risk, they are associated with additional device-associated adverse events.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2022.02.013

  View details for PubMedID 35183542

• Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis and Management of Cholestatic Liver Diseases. Clinics in liver disease Keihanian, T., Barakat, M. T., Tejaswi, S., Mishra, R., Carlson, C. J., Brandabur, J. J., Girotra, M. 2022; 26 (1): 51-67

  Abstract

  Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) occur as a result of bile duct injury, emanating into duct obstruction and bile stasis. Advances in radiological imaging in the last decade has replaced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the first diagnostic tool, except in certain groups of patients, such as those with ischemic cholangiopathy (IsC) or early stages of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). ERCP provides an opportunity for targeted tissue acquisition for histopathological evaluation and carries a diverse therapeutic profile to restore bile flow. The aim of this review article is to appraise the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of ERCP in CLDs.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cld.2021.08.006

  View details for PubMedID 34802663

• Adverse events associated with AXIOS stents: Insights from the manufacturer and user facility device experience database. Endoscopic ultrasound Ramai, D., Facciorusso, A., DeLuca, M., Barakat, M., Adler, D. G. 1800

  Abstract

  Background and Objectives: The AXIOS stent is indicated for transgastric or transduodenal drainage of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts and symptomatic walled off necrosis. The AXIOS stent functions as a conduit which allows solid and liquid pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) contents to pass into the luminal GI tract and also allows the passage of standard and therapeutic endoscopes into the PFC to perform endoscopic debridement. We aim to investigate the number and type of complications associated with AXIOS stents.Materials and Methods: We analyzed postmarketing surveillance data from the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database January 2016 to February 2021.Results: During the study period, approximately 588 reports with 579 device issues and 250 patient complications were identified. Most device complications were due to stent positioning problems or stent malpositioning (n = 206; 35.6%), followed by stent migration (n = 72; 12.4%), premature deployment (n = 61; 10.5%), material integrity (n = 56; 9.6%), deployment failure (n = 47; 8.1%), and difficulty removing the stent (n = 45; 7.7%). The most reported patient adverse events were hemorrhage/bleeding (n = 81; 32.4%), perforation (n = 26; 10.4%), pain (n = 22; 8.8%), unspecified infection (n = 20; 8.0%), and death (n = 17; 6.8%).Conclusions: Findings from the MAUDE database highlight patient and device complications which endoscopists should be aware of before AXIOS stent placement.

  View details for DOI 10.4103/EUS-D-21-00096

  View details for PubMedID 35083979

• Cost utility analysis of strategies for minimizing risk of duodenoscope related infections. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Ghosh, S., Banerjee, S. 1800

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms by duodenoscopes during ERCP is problematical. The FDA recently recommended transitioning away from reusable fixed endcap duodenoscopes to those with innovative device designs that make reprocessing easier, more effective, or unnecessary. Partially disposable duodenoscopes with disposable endcap (PD) and fully disposable duodenoscopes (FD) are now available. We assess the relative cost of approaches to minimizing infection transmission, taking into account duodenoscope-transmitted infection cost.METHODS: We developed a Monte Carlo analysis model in R with a multi-state trial framework to assess the cost-utility of various approaches: (1) Single HLD, (2) Double HLD, (3) Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, (4) Culture & hold, (5) PD and (6) FD. We simulated quality adjusted life years (QALY) lost by duodenoscope-transmitted infection and factored this into the average cost for each approach.RESULTS: At infection transmission rates <1%, PD was most favorable from a cost utility standpoint in our base model. The FD minimizes the potential for infection transmission and is more favorable from a cost utility standpoint than use of reprocessable duodenoscopes after single/double HLD at all infection rates, more favorable from a cost utility standpoint than EtO for infection rates >0.32%, and culture & hold for infection rates >0.56%. Accounting for alternate scenarios of variation in hospital volume, QALY value, post-ERCP lifespan and environmental cost shifted cost utility profiles.CONCLUSIONS: Our model indicates that PD represent the option most favorable from a cost utility standpoint for ERCP, with anticipated very low infection transmission rate and a low-cost disposable element. These data underscore the importance of cost calculations which account for the potential for infection transmission and associated patient morbidity/mortality.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2022.01.002

  View details for PubMedID 35026281

• Landscape of Pediatric Endoscopic Ultrasound in a United States Tertiary Care Medical Center. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Cagil, Y., Gugig, R. 2022

  Abstract

  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a commonly used radiation-sparing procedure in adult patients for diagnostic sampling of gastrointestinal lesions and fluid collections, gastric variceal hemostasis, biliary/pancreatic duct drainage, and endo-surgical interventions. Integration of EUS in pediatrics is still in its infancy with limited data regarding its use. The present study analyzes utilization, diagnostic and therapeutic roles of pediatric EUS and evolution in these parameters over time.Records of patients 18 years or younger from 2009 to 2020 at our tertiary pediatric care center were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics, symptoms, laboratory studies, EUS indications and interventions, and clinical outcomes of the procedures were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's T-test, Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.306 EUS procedures were performed during the study period, for 279 pediatric patients. These included 287 (93.8%) upper EUS and 19 (6.2%) lower EUS. 229 procedures were diagnostic (74.8%) and 77 were therapeutic (25.2%). EUS indications included evaluation and therapy of the pancreaticobiliary region (231, 75.5%), subepithelial or regional lesion (54, 17.8%), celiac plexus block (19, 6.2%) and hemostasis (14, 4.5%). Diagnostic sampling was performed in 52 of these EUS procedures, with a 96.2% diagnostic yield. 98.7% of therapeutic procedures were technically successful and there were no associated adverse events.The diagnostic and therapeutic role for EUS in adults has expanded dramatically, however the role of EUS in pediatrics is not well-defined. In this, the largest pediatric EUS study to date, our data support the safety and utility of diagnostic and therapeutic EUS in pediatrics.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003403

  View details for PubMedID 35149652

• Initial application of deep learning to borescope detection of endoscope working channel damage and residue ENDOSCOPY INTERNATIONAL OPEN Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Banerjee, S. 2022; 10 (01): E112-E118

  Abstract

  Background and study aims  Outbreaks of endoscopy-related infections have prompted evaluation for potential contributing factors. We and others have demonstrated the utility of borescope inspection of endoscope working channels to identify occult damage that may impact the adequacy of endoscope reprocessing. The time investment and training necessary for borescope inspection have been cited as barriers preventing implementation. We investigated the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) for streamlining and enhancing the value of borescope inspection of endoscope working channels. Methods  We applied a deep learning AI approach to borescope inspection videos of the working channels of 20 endoscopes in use at our academic institution. We evaluated the sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability of this software for detection of endoscope working channel findings. Results  Overall sensitivity for AI-based detection of borescope inspection findings identified by gold standard endoscopist inspection was 91.4 %. Labels were accurate for 67 % of these working channel findings and accuracy varied by endoscope segment. Read-to-read variability was noted to be minimal, with test-retest correlation value of 0.986. Endoscope type did not predict accuracy of the AI system ( P  = 0.26). Conclusions  Harnessing the power of AI for detection of endoscope working channel damage and residue could enable sterile processing department technicians to feasibly assess endoscopes for working channel damage and perform endoscope reprocessing surveillance. Endoscopes that accumulate an unacceptable level of damage may be flagged for further manual evaluation and consideration for manufacturer evaluation/repair.

  View details for DOI 10.1055/a-1591-0258

  View details for Web of Science ID 000742436800014

  View details for PubMedID 35047341

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8759945

• Futuristic Developments and Applications in Endoluminal Stenting. Gastroenterology research and practice Ferreira-Silva, J., Medas, R., Girotra, M., Barakat, M., Tabibian, J. H., Rodrigues-Pinto, E. 1800; 2022: 6774925

  Abstract

  Endoscopic stenting is a well-established option for the treatment of malignant obstruction, temporary management of benign strictures, and sealing transmural defects, as well as drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and biliary obstruction. In recent years, in addition to expansion in indications for endoscopic stenting, considerable strides have been made in stent technology, and several types of devices with advanced designs and materials are continuously being developed. In this review, we discuss the important developments in stent designs and novel indications for endoluminal and transluminal stenting. Our discussion specifically focuses on (i) biodegradable as well as (ii) irradiating and drug-eluting stents for esophageal, gastroduodenal, biliary, and colonic indications, (iii) endoscopic stenting in inflammatory bowel disease, and (iv) lumen-apposing metal stent.

  View details for DOI 10.1155/2022/6774925

  View details for PubMedID 35069729

• Analysis of Reported Adverse Events With Colonic Stents: An FDA MAUDE Database Study. Journal of clinical gastroenterology Ramai, D., DeLuca, M., Facciorusso, A., Ofosu, A., Girotra, M., Tabibian, J. H., Rodrigues-Pinto, E., Adler, D. G., Barakat, M. T. 1800

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Colonic stents are indicated for preoperative and palliative decompression of large bowel obstruction. We aim to investigate post Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval outcomes associated with colonic stents.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed postmarketing surveillance data from the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database from January 2011 to December 2020.RESULTS: During the study period, 691 device issues and 742 patient complications were identified. The number of adverse events reported to the FDA mildly increased from 6.40% in 2011 to 7.4% in 2020. Most device complications were due to a positioning problem (n=201, 29%), followed by device break (n=60, 8.6%), delamination (n=41, 6.3%), and migration or expulsion device (n=38, 5.55%). A number of reports described an unclassified adverse event without specifying device or operator problem (n=141, 20.3%). The most reported patient adverse events were perforation (n=150, 20.1%), death (n=47, 6.3%), abdominal pain/discomfort (n=27, 3.6%), and peritonitis (n=24, 3.2%).CONCLUSION: Findings from the MAUDE database highlight rare but important patient and device complications which endoscopists and referring providers should be aware of before consideration for colonic stent placement.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001632

  View details for PubMedID 34907923

• Evaluation of multiple fixed in-room air cleaners with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, in high-occupancy areas of selected commercial indoor environments. Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene Lee, L., Delclos, G., Berkheiser, M. L., Barakat, M., Jensen, P. 2021: 1-14

  Abstract

  The use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to combat disease transmission has come into the international spotlight again because of the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and ongoing outbreaks of MDROs (multidrug resistant organisms) in hospitals. Although the implementation of ultraviolet disinfection technology is widely employed in healthcare facilities and its effectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated, the use of such technology in the commercial sector has been limited. Considering that most disease transmission occurs in commercial, public, and residential indoor environments as opposed to healthcare facilities, there is a need to understand whether ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology can be effective for mitigating disease transmission in these environments. The results presented here demonstrate that the installation of fixed in-room UVGI air cleaners in commercial buildings, including restaurants and offices, can produce significant reductions in both airborne and surface borne bacterial contamination. Total airborne reductions after UV implementation at six separate commercial sites averaged 73% (p<0.0001) with a range of 71-88%. Total non-high touch surface reductions after implementation averaged 55% (p<0.0001) with a range of 28-88%. All reductions at the mitigated sites were statistically significant. The mean value of indoor airborne bacteria was 320 CFU/m3 before intervention and 76 CFU/m3 after. The mean value of indoor non-high touch surface borne bacteria was 131 CFU/plate before intervention and 47 CFU/plate after. All test locations and controls had their required pandemic cleaning procedures in place for pre- and post-sampling events. Outdoor levels of airborne bacteria were monitored and there was no significant correlation between the levels of airborne bacteria in the outside air as opposed to the indoor air. Rooms with fixed in-room UVGI air cleaners installed had significant CFU reductions on local surface contamination, which is a novel and important finding. Installation of fixed in-room UVGI air cleaners in commercial buildings will decontaminate the indoor environment and reduce hazardous exposure to human pathogens.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/15459624.2021.1991581

  View details for PubMedID 34647857

• Safety and efficacy of a novel resection system for direct endoscopic necrosectomy of walled-off pancreas necrosis: a prospective, international, multicenter trial. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Stassen, P. M., de Jonge, P. J., Bruno, M. J., Koch, A. D., Trindade, A. J., Benias, P. C., Sejpal, D. V., Siddiqui, U. D., Chapman, C. G., Villa, E., Tharian, B., Inamdar, S., Hwang, J. H., Barakat, M. T., Andalib, I., Gaidhane, M., Sarkar, A., Shahid, H., Tyberg, A., Binmoeller, K., Watson, R. R., Nett, A., Schlag, C., Abdelhafez, M., Friedrich-Rust, M., Schlachterman, A., Chiang, A. L., Loren, D., Kowalski, T., Kahaleh, M. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) lacks dedicated instruments and require repetitive and cumbersome procedures. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new powered endoscopic debridement (PED) system designed to simultaneously resect and remove solid debris within WOPN.METHODS: This was a single-arm, prospective, multicenter, international device trial conducted from November 2018 to August 2019 at 10 sites. Patients with WOPN ≥6 cm and ≤22 cm, with >30% solid debris were enrolled. The primary endpoint was safety through 21 days after the last DEN procedure. Efficacy outcomes included clearance of necrosis, procedural time, adequacy of debridement, number of procedures until resolution, hospital stay duration, and quality of life.RESULTS: Thirty patients (mean age 55 years, 60% male) underwent DEN with no device-related adverse events. Fifteen out of 30 (50%) achieved complete debridement in 1 session, and 20 out of 30 (67%) achieved complete debridement within 2 or fewer sessions. A median of 1.5 interventions (range 1-7) were required. Median hospital stay was 10 days (IQR 22). There was an overall reduction of 91% in percent necrosis within WOPN from baseline to follow-up and 85% in collection volume. Baseline WOPN volume was positively correlated to total number of interventions (rho=0.363, p=0.049).CONCLUSION: The new PED system seems to be a safe and effective treatment tool for WOPN resulting in fewer interventions and lower hospital duration when compared with published data on using conventional instruments. Randomized controlled trials comparing the PED system with conventional DEN are needed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2021.09.025

  View details for PubMedID 34562471

• Endoscopic ampullectomy: Can expert input shape endoscopic practice? Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Adler, D. G. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2021.05.030

  View details for PubMedID 34419246

• EUS-guided biliary drainage: A realistic perspective. Endoscopic ultrasound Barakat, M. T., Adler, D. G. 2021; 10 (4): 227-229

  View details for DOI 10.4103/EUS-D-21-00173

  View details for PubMedID 34396991

• A Practical Approach to Management of Acute Pancreatitis: Similarities and Dissimilarities of Disease in Children and Adults. Journal of clinical medicine Sellers, Z. M., Barakat, M. T., Abu-El-Haija, M. 2021; 10 (12)

  Abstract

  Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and it substantially contributes to the healthcare burden of gastrointestinal disease and quality of life in children and adults. AP across the lifespan is characterized by similarities and differences in epidemiology, diagnostic modality, etiologies, management, adverse events, long-term outcomes, and areas in greatest need of research. In this review, we touch on each of these shared and distinctive features of AP in children and adults, with an emphasis on recent advances in the conceptualization and management of AP.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/jcm10122545

  View details for PubMedID 34201374

• EUS-directed transgastric ERCP: A first-line option for ERCP following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Endoscopic ultrasound Barakat, M. T., Adler, D. G. 2021; 10 (3): 151-153

  View details for DOI 10.4103/eus.eus_148_20

  View details for PubMedID 34137380

• Endoscopy in Patients With Surgically Altered Anatomy. The American journal of gastroenterology Barakat, M. T., Adler, D. G. 2021; 116 (4): 657-665

  Abstract

  A comprehensive understanding of gastrointestinal anatomy is essential for performance of any endoscopic procedure. Surgical approaches to therapy have become increasingly common in the past decade, which has resulted in a substantial proportion of patients with surgically altered anatomy who require endoscopy. In parallel with the obesity epidemic, bariatric surgery for obesity management has been widely adopted. In response to these trends, gastroenterologists must become familiar with patient anatomy after these surgical interventions and understand the implications of this altered anatomy on the current array of available endoscopic modalities for diagnosis and therapy. This review describes the range of surgically altered anatomy commonly encountered in the upper gastrointestinal tract. For each foregut location-esophagus, stomach, and small bowel-we describe indications for and specific details of the range of common surgical approaches affecting this regional anatomy. We then provide an endoscopic roadmap through the altered anatomy resulting from these surgical interventions. Finally, we address the impact of postsurgical anatomy on performance of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with guidance surrounding how to successfully execute these procedures. Evolution of endoscopic approaches over time might be expected to enhance the safety and efficacy of these interventions in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

  View details for DOI 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001102

  View details for PubMedID 33982931

• Quality metrics in the performance of EUS: a population-based observational cohort of the United States. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Park, W. n., Banerjee, S. n. 2021

  Abstract

  There exist few data on the quality of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the community setting. We characterized EUS performance at the individual facility level in 3 large American states, using need for repeat biopsy (NRB) as a metric for procedural failure, and rate of unplanned hospital encounter (UHE) as a metric for adverse event.We collected data on 76,614 EUS procedures performed at 166 facilities in California, Florida, and New York (2009-2014). The endpoints for the study were 7-day rate of UHE after EUS, and 30-day rate of NRB after EUS with fine-needle aspiration. Facility-level factors analyzed included annual procedure volume, urban/rural location, and free-standing status (facilities not attached to a larger hospital). Predictors for UHE and NRB were analyzed in both multivariable regression and nonparametric local regression.Facility volume did not predict risk for UHE. However, high facility volume protected against NRB (p-trend <0.001) even after adjustment for other facility-level factors. When regressing facility volume against risk for NRB in local regression, a join-point (inflection point) was identified at 97 procedures per annum. Once facilities reached this threshold volume, there appeared little additional protective effect of higher volume. Rural facility location (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.36-2.40) and free-standing status (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.16-2.13) also associated with NRB.Facility volume does not predict risk for adverse events after EUS. However, high facility volume is associated with decreased rates of technical failure (as assessed by NRB). These data provide one of the first descriptions of EUS practice in community settings and highlight opportunities to improve endoscopic quality nationally.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2020.12.055

  View details for PubMedID 33476611

• Top tips for electrohydraulic lithotripsy (with video). Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2021.11.005

  View details for PubMedID 34774855

• Applicability, efficacy, and safety of over-the-scope clips in children. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Sharma, S., Barakat, M., Urs, A., Campbell, D., Rao, P., Schluckebier, D., Gugig, R., Thomson, M. 2021

  Abstract

  Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are now becoming popular in endoscopy performed in adults for indications such as acute nonvariceal GI bleeding, anastomotic bleeding, and for closure of gastrocutaneous and postgastrostomy fistulae. Varied sizes of clip are available, but even the smallest, 8.5 to 9.8 mm in diameter with its loading device on the tip of the endoscope, increases device and endoscope intubation diameters up to 14.65 mm. This may present challenges in terms of the size of the patient in whom it might be used. OTSCs appear to be effective and safe in the hands of those who are trained appropriately in endoscopy on adult patients; however, the experience of OTSC application in children is not reported. Here we present results of a service evaluation of this technology at 2 regional/national referral pediatric endoscopy units in the United Kingdom and the United States.Two tertiary centers' databases were searched to identify cases in which OTSCs were used. Demographics, presentation, anthropometry, comorbidities, efficacy, adverse events, and postprocedure follow-up were recorded, with identification of resolution or recurrence.OTSC procedures were performed on 24 occasions in 20 patients (11 girls) between February 2018 and February 2021. Patients had a mean age of 12 years (range, 5-17) and a mean weight of 44.42 kg (range, 18.2-70.3). Indications were nonhealing PEG site fistulae (n = 7), acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding (ANUGIB) from gastric ulcers (5), ANUGIB from duodenal ulcers (3), nonhealing bleeding anastomotic ulcer (3), esophageal mucocutaneous fistula (1), and gastric perforation (1). Technical success was achieved in all but 1 case (95%), and clinical success was achieved in 18 cases (90%).The OTSC device appears to be effective in children (minimum age 5 years and minimum weight 18 kg) in a limited number of situations including anastomotic ulcer, closure of leaking PEG site, gastric perforation, and bleeding peptic ulcers. The operator should be an experienced endotherapeutic endoscopist with specific OTSC training, and the type and size of the OTSC device should be carefully considered, along with any comorbidities of the patient that may preclude success and/or lead to potential adverse events such as esophageal perforation.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2021.10.011

  View details for PubMedID 34662583

• The Changing Epidemiology of Liver Disease Among US Children and Adolescents From 1999 to 2016. The American journal of gastroenterology Li, J., Le, M. H., Barakat, M. T., Cheung, R. C., Nguyen, M. H. 2021

  Abstract

  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of liver disease in adults. However, data for children and adolescents are limited. Our study aimed to characterize the prevalence, trend, and risk factors of infection of HBV and HCV and possible NAFLD for this population.We analyzed 6,647 children and adolescents (aged 6-21 years) from the 1999-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.Among individuals aged 6-21 years, HBV prevalence decreased after 2011, from 0.72% in 1999-2004 and 0.85% in 2005-2010 to 0.27% in 2011-2016 (P < 0.001), whereas HCV prevalence increased to 0.26% in 2011-2016 after an initial decline from 0.15% in 1999-2004 to 0.02% in 2005-2010 (P = 0.01). Possible NAFLD prevalence also increased by approximately 40% in individuals aged 12-21 years, from 8.54% in 1999-2004 to 10.1% in 2005-2010 and then 11.8% in 2011-2016 (P = 0.033), with most possible NAFLD individuals being male, being obese, or having higher glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, liver enzymes, lipids, and uric acid (all P < 0.01). On multivariate logistic regression, hypertension (odds ratio 4.79, 95% confidence interval 1.44-15.9) and dyslipidemia (odds ratio 11.6, 95% confidence interval 5.65-23.9) increased risk for possible NAFLD but not income:poverty ratio, hours spent on computer use, or added sugars.Although HBV prevalence has decreased in recent years among US children and adolescents, HCV and possible NAFLD have increased. Public health efforts must seek further understanding of the driving factors of this increase so that age-appropriate interventions can be developed and implemented.

  View details for DOI 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001386

  View details for PubMedID 34328446

• Incidental biliary dilation in the era of the opiate epidemic: High prevalence of biliary dilation in opiate users evaluated in the Emergency Department. World journal of hepatology Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2020; 12 (12): 1289–98

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Biliary dilation is frequently related to obstruction; however, non-obstructive factors such as age and previous cholecystectomy have also been reported. In the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in opiate use/dependence and utilization of cross-sectional abdominal imaging, with increased detection of biliary dilation, particularly in patients who use opiates.AIM: To evaluate associations between opiate use, age, cholecystectomy status, ethnicity, gender, and body mass index utilizing our institution's integrated informatics platform.METHODS: One thousand six hundred and eighty-five patients (20% sample) presenting to our Emergency Department for all causes over a 5-year period (2011-2016) who had undergone cross-sectional abdominal imaging and had normal total bilirubin were included and analyzed.RESULTS: Common bile duct (CBD) diameter was significantly higher in opiate users compared to non-opiate users (8.67 mm vs 7.24 mm, P < 0.001) and in patients with a history of cholecystectomy compared to those with an intact gallbladder (8.98 vs 6.72, P < 0.001). For patients with an intact gallbladder who did not use opiates (n = 432), increasing age did not predict CBD diameter (r 2= 0.159,P= 0.873). Height weakly predicted CBD diameter (r 2= 0.561,P= 0.018), but weight, body mass index, ethnicity and gender did not.CONCLUSION: Opiate use and a history of cholecystectomy are associated with CBD dilation in the absence of an obstructive process. Age alone is not associated with increased CBD diameter. These findings suggest that factors such as opiate use and history of cholecystectomy may underlie the previously-reported association of advancing age with increased CBD diameter. Further prospective study is warranted.

  View details for DOI 10.4254/wjh.v12.i12.1289

  View details for PubMedID 33442455

• Strongyloides Superinfection After Liver Transplantion. Digestive diseases and sciences Ofosu, A., Higgins, J., Frye, J. S., Kumari, R., Barakat, M. T. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-020-06696-3

  View details for PubMedID 33219458

• Nationwide evolution of Pediatric ERCP Indications, Utilization and Re-Admissions over Time. The Journal of pediatrics Barakat, M. T., Cholankeril, G., Gugig, R., Berquist, W. E. 2020

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: We conducted the present all-capture US population level study of pediatric Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) P to analyze outcome and utilization trends over time.STUDY DESIGN: Using the National Inpatient Sample (2005-2014) and National Readmission Database (2010-2014), we identified pediatric hospitalizations (age <20 years) where ERCP was performed and assessed ERCP-associated readmissions. ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify hospitalization diagnosis, co-morbidities and patient/hospital characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors (P < 0.05) of 30-day readmission.RESULTS: 11,060 hospitalized pediatric patients underwent ERCP from 2005-2014. Most were female (n=8859, 81%), 14-20 years of age (n=9342, 84%), and White (n=4230, 45%). 85% of ERCPs were therapeutic and leading indications were biliary (n=5350, 48%) and pancreatitis (n=3218, 29%). 13% of patients were re-admitted post-ERCP. Odds for 30-day re-admission were highest for patients with a history of liver transplant, ages between 0-4 years, male sex, and obesity (P < .001 for each). Patients in both urban teaching and urban hospitals had much lower odds than rural hospitals for prolonged length of stay associated with ERCP.CONCLUSIONS: These data represent a comprehensive study of nationwide trends in age-specific volumes and outcomes following ERCP in the pediatric population and provide important insights regarding trends in pediatric pancreaticobiliary disease management, as well as practice setting, patient characteristics and patient comorbidities associated with pediatric post-ERCP outcomes including re-admission and length of stay.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.11.019

  View details for PubMedID 33197494

• Novel Algorithms for Reprocessing, Drying and Storing Endoscopes. Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2020; 30 (4): 677–91

  Abstract

  After outbreaks of duodenoscope-transmitted infection with multidrug-resistant organisms, it has become clear that institutions must optimize their endoscope reprocessing programs. Standard endoscope reprocessing practices may not represent the ideal approach for preventing transmission of infection related to endoscopy. We discuss multiple approaches to enhance and optimize reprocessing, drying, and storage of standard duodenoscopes. The optimal enhanced duodenoscope reprocessing modality remains to be determined. Acknowledging the challenges and limitations in effectively reprocessing duodenoscopes, the FDA issued a safety communique recommending transitioning to either single use disposable duodenoscopes or duodenoscopes with innovative designs that allow more effective reprocessing.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.giec.2020.06.003

  View details for PubMedID 32891225

• Sequential endoscopist-driven phone calls improve capture rate of adverse events after ERCP: a prospective study. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP is a high-risk endoscopic procedure, yet reports of ERCP-related adverse events are largely limited to early adverse events, based on immediate postprocedure assessment. We hypothesize that immediate/1-day follow-up underestimates the true adverse event rate, and later follow-up calls may enable a more accurate assessment of adverse events, leading to enhanced postprocedural patient care.METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing ERCP at our tertiary care academic medical center from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed. Patients were encouraged to contact us with postprocedure symptoms and additionally received phone calls at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days after the procedure using a standardized script to assess for delayed adverse events and unplanned healthcare encounters.RESULTS: This study is notable for a high rate of successful patient follow-up at day 1 (94%) and day 7 (93%). The assessed overall adverse event rate was 1.9% immediately postprocedure, 3.3% on day 1, and 9.8% on day 7. Increased detection of adverse events was accomplished by the day 7 call relative to the day 1 call (pancreatitis 2% vs 0.5%; bleeding 0.5% vs 0.2%; infection 0.9% vs 0.5%). 14- and 30-day follow-up calls were lower yield in detection of post-ERCP adverse events.CONCLUSIONS: Initial postprocedure assessment and day 1 follow-up calls underestimate adverse event rates/UHE related to ERCP, due to delayed evolution of some adverse events. The day 7 call is optimal in that it resulted in a >3-fold higher rate of detection of adverse events and successful direction of over 10% of symptomatic patients to appropriate assessment and follow-up heath care.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2020.07.036

  View details for PubMedID 32721489

• Return to Native Drainage: Duodenal Biliary Fistula Formation Following Pediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery with Roux-en-Y Reconstruction. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Josephs, S., Gugig, R. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-020-06372-6

  View details for PubMedID 32533541

• Use of an Ultra-slim Gastroscope to Accomplish Endoscopist-Facilitated Rescue Intubation During ERCP: A Novel Approach to Enhance Patient and Staff Safety. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Angelotti, T. P., Banerjee, S. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: ERCP is often performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) rather than general anesthesia (GA), with patients positioned semi-prone on the fluoroscopy table. Rarely, a MAC ERCP must be converted to GA due to hypoxia or retained food in the stomach. In these circumstances, standard intubation is associated with a significant delay and potential for patient/staff injury during repositioning. We report a novel endoscopist-driven approach to intubation during ERCP using an ultra-slim, flexible gastroscope with an endotracheal tube backloaded onto it.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who underwent ERCP from 2014 to 2019, and MAC to GA conversion events. Mode of intubation (standard vs. endoscopist-facilitated) and patient/procedure characteristics were evaluated. All endoscopist-facilitated intubations were performed under anesthesiologist supervision.RESULTS: A total of 3409 patients underwent ERCP; 1568 (46%) GA and 1841 (54%) MAC. Of these, 42 (2.3%) required intubation during ERCP and 16 underwent endoscopist-facilitated intubation due to retained food in the stomach and/or hypoxia. In 3 patients, aspirated material was suctioned from the trachea and bronchi using the ultra-slim gastroscope. Immediate post-procedure extubation was successful in all endoscopist-facilitated intubation patients and none exhibited radiographic evidence of aspiration pneumonia.CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopist-facilitated intubation using an ultra-slim flexible gastroscope is feasible and expeditious for MAC to GA conversion during ERCP. This technique is readily accomplished in the semi-prone position, while standard intubation requires patient transfer from fluoroscopy table to gurney, with associated delay/risks. These data suggest that further study of this approach is warranted, and this may be the most favorable approach for intubation during ERCP.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-020-06360-w

  View details for PubMedID 32504349

• PROSPECTIVE TRIAL EVALUATING THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INTERSCOPE ENDOROTOR (R) RESECTION SYSTEM FOR DIRECT ENDOSCOPIC NECROSECTOMY OF WALLED-OF PANCREATIC NECROSIS (ENDOROTOR DEN TRIAL) Stassen, P. M., de Jonge, P. F., Koch, A. D., Bruno, M. J., Trindade, A., Benias, P. C., Sejpal, D. V., Siddiqui, U. D., Chapman, C. G., Villa, E., Tharian, B., Inamdar, S., Hwang, J., Barakat, M., Andalib, I., Gaidhane, M., Sarkar, A., Shahid, H. M., Tyberg, A., Binmoeller, K. F., Watson, R. R., Nett, A., Schlag, C., Abdelhafez, M., Friedrich-Rust, M., Schlachterman, A., Chiang, A., Loren, D. E., Kowalski, T. E., Kahaleh, M. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB80–AB81

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400149

• THE MAJORITY OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH PANCREAS DIVISUM AND ACUTE RECURRENT PANCREATITIS EXPERIENCE CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT AFTER ERCP WITH MINOR PAPILLOTOMY Barakat, M., Husain, S. Z., Gugig, R. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB500

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678401137

• ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED COIL PLACEMENT IS AN EFFECTIVE, SAFE AND RADIATION-SPARING APPROACH FOR MANAGEMENT OF GASTRIC VARICEAL BLEEDING IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Barakat, M., Gugig, R. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB53

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400100

• COST UTILITY ANALYSIS COMPARING DUODENOSCOPE REPROCESSING/STERILIZATION, NOVEL DUODENOSCOPES WITH DISPOSABLE ENDCAPS AND FULLY DISPOSABLE DUODENOSCOPES Barakat, M., Ghosh, S., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB67–AB68

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400127

• ENDOSCOPIST FACILITATED ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION FOR GENERAL ANESTHESIA ENHANCES EFFICIENCY, PATIENT AND STAFF SAFETY DURING ERCP: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY Barakat, M., Angelotti, T., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB78–AB79

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400145

• ENDOSCOPIST FACILITATED ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION FOR GENERAL ANESTHESIA ENHANCES EFFICIENCY, PATIENT AND STAFF SAFETY DURING ERCP: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY Barakat, M., Angelotti, T., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB18

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400032

• INCREASED CAPTURE OF POST-ERCP ADVERSE EVENTS BY DELAYED (DAY 7) FOLLOW-UP CALLS: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF PHYSICIAN AND NURSE-INITIATED CALLS Barakat, M., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2020: AB342–AB343

  View details for Web of Science ID 000545678400682

• Recent Trends and the Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Liver Diseases JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY Barakat, M. T., Mithal, A., Huang, R. J., Sehgal, A., Sehgal, A., Singh, G., Banerjee, S. 2020; 54 (3): E21–E29

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001102

  View details for Web of Science ID 000513527700002

• Goff Septotomy Is a Safe and Effective Salvage Biliary Access Technique Following Failed Cannulation at ERCP. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Huang, R. J., Choudhary, A., Thosani, N. C., Kothari, S., Sethi, S., Banerjee, S. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Biliary cannulation is readily achieved in>85% of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). When standard cannulation techniques fail, salvage techniques utilized include the needle knife precut, double wire technique, and Goff septotomy.METHODS: Records of patients undergoing ERCP from 2005 to 2016 were retrospectively examined using a prospectively maintained endoscopy database. Patients requiring salvage techniques for biliary access were analyzed together with a control sample of 20 randomly selected index ERCPs per study year. Demographic and clinical variables including indications for ERCP, cannulation rates, and adverse events were collected.RESULTS: A total of 7984 patients underwent ERCP from 2005 to 2016. Biliary cannulation was successful in 94.9% of control index ERCPs, 87.2% of patients who underwent Goff septotomy (significantly higher than for all other salvage techniques, p≤0.001), 74.5% of patients in the double wire group and 69.6% of patients in the needle knife precut group. Adverse event rates were similar in the Goff septotomy (4.1%) and index ERCP control sample (2.7%) groups. Adverse events were significantly higher in the needle knife group (27.2%) compared with all other groups.CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest study to date of Goff septotomy as a salvage biliary access technique. It confirms the efficacy of Goff septotomy and indicates a safety profile similar to standard cannulation techniques and superior to the widely employed needle knife precut sphincterotomy. Our safety and efficacy data suggest that Goff septotomy should be considered as the primary salvage approach for failed cannulation, with needle knife sphincterotomy restricted to Goff septotomy failures.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-020-06124-6

  View details for PubMedID 32052216

• Fluoroscopy Time during ERCP performed for Children and Adolescents is Significantly Higher with Low-volume Endoscopists. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Gugig, R. n., Imperial, J. n., Berquist, W. E. 2020

  Abstract

  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a fluoroscopy and endoscopy-based procedure important for diagnosis and management of pediatric pancreaticobiliary disorders. Patient, procedure, endoscopist and facility characteristics have been shown to influence ERCP complexity and procedure outcomes as well as fluoroscopy utilization in adults, however the extent to which this is true in pediatric patients remains under-studied and there are minimal data regarding fluoroscopy utilization in pediatric ERCP.We retrospectively analyzed ERCPs performed on patients < 18 years of age at our tertiary care children's hospital from 2002-2017 using our institution's paper and electronic medical record system along with a prospectively-maintained radiation exposure database. Procedure complexity was graded using the Stanford Fluoroscopy Complexity Score and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Complexity scale. High volume endoscopists (HVE) were defined as having a cumulative annual ERCP volume > 100 and low volume endoscopists (LVE) as < 100 (pediatric + adult) ERCPs/year.385 ERCPs performed on 321 patients were included in this analysis. The mean patient age was 13.4 years (+/- 4.2 years), 77% were index ERCPs (native ampullas) and 81% were performed with therapeutic intent (87% for biliary indication and 13% for pancreatic indication). Fluoroscopy times varied dramatically between procedures and providers. Median fluoroscopy time was 4.85 (+/- 2.68) minutes. Endoscopist annual ERCP volume was the strongest predictor of fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001). In addition to endoscopist volume, procedure-specific predictors of increased fluoroscopy time included pancreatic indication for the procedure, biliary or pancreatic duct stricture, patient age < 4 years or > 16 years at the time of ERCP (p < 0.01 for each), and native ampulla. ERCP complexity rating based on the Stanford Fluoroscopy Complexity Score correlated with fluoroscopy time.Radiation exposure is higher than desirable for pediatric ERCP and varies with endoscopist as well as patient and procedure-specific factors. HVE perform ERCP with lower fluoroscopy time relative to LVE even though HVE procedure complexity was higher. The Stanford Fluoroscopy Score predicted fluoroscopy time for pediatric ERCP, but the ASGE ERCP complexity scale did not. Adaptation and refinement of pediatric-specific ERCP complexity scales including factors such as patient size and age and indications/interventions more consistent with those encountered in pediatrics could be beneficial.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002914

  View details for PubMedID 32833892

• Protective Effects of Calcineurin on Pancreatitis in Mice Depend on Cellular Source. Gastroenterology Wen, L. n., Javed, T. A., Dobbs, A. K., Brown, R. n., Niu, M. n., Li, L. n., Khalid, A. n., Barakat, M. n., Xiao, X. n., Yimlamai, D. n., Konnikova, L. n., Yu, M. n., Byersdorfer, C. A., Husain, S. Z. 2020

  Abstract

  Calcineurin is a ubiquitously expressed central Ca2+-responsive signaling molecule that mediates acute pancreatitis, but little is known about its effects. We compared the effects of calcineurin expression by hematopoietic cells vs pancreas in mouse models of pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung inflammation.We performed studies with mice with hematopoietic-specific or pancreas-specific deletion of protein phosphatase 3, regulatory subunit B, alpha isoform (PPP3R1, also called CNB1), in mice with deletion of CNB1 (Cnb1UBC△/△), and in the corresponding controls for each deletion of CNB1. Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice by administration of caerulein or high-pressure infusion of radiocontrast into biliopancreatic ducts; some mice were also given intraductal infusions of an adeno-associated virus vector that expressed NFAT-luciferase into pancreas. Pancreas, bone marrow, liver, kidney, heart, and lung were collected and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblots; levels of cytokines were measured in serum. Mouse and human primary pancreatic acinar cells were transfected with a vector that expressed NFAT-luciferase and incubated with an agent that blocks interaction of NFAT with calcineurin; cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Calcineurin-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured in neutrophils from mice.Mice with hematopoietic-specific deletion of CNB1 developed the same level of local pancreatic inflammation as control mice after administration of caerulein or infusion of radiocontrast into biliopancreatic ducts. Cnb1UBC△/△ mice or mice with pancreas-specific deletion of CNB1 developed less severe pancreatitis and reduced pancreatic inflammation after administration of caerulein or infusion of radiocontrast into biliopancreatic ducts compared with control mice. NFAT was activated in pancreas of Swiss Webster mice given caerulein or infusions of radiocontrast into biliopancreatic ducts. Blocking the interaction between calcineurin and NFAT did not reduce pancreatic acinar cell necrosis in response to caerulein or infusions of radiocontrast. Mice with hematopoietic-specific deletion of CNB1 (but not mice with pancreas-specific deletion of CNB1) had reduced infiltration of lung tissues by neutrophils. Neutrophil chemotaxis and production of ROS were decreased following incubation with a calcineurin inhibitor.Hematopoietic and neutrophil expression of calcineurin promotes pancreatitis-associated lung inflammation, whereas pancreatic calcineurin promotes local pancreatic inflammation. The findings indicate that the protective effects of blocking or deleting calcineurin on pancreatitis are mediated by the source of its expression. This information should be used in development of strategies to inhibit calcineurin for prevention of pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung inflammation.

  View details for DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.051

  View details for PubMedID 32445858

• Escalating complexity of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography over the last decade with increasing reliance on advanced cannulation techniques. World journal of gastroenterology Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M. n., Thosani, N. n., Kothari, S. n., Banerjee, S. n. 2020; 26 (41): 6391–6401

  Abstract

  At our academic tertiary care medical center, we have noted patients referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who increasingly require advanced cannulation techniques. This trend is noted despite increased endoscopist experience and annual ERCP volume over the same period.To evaluate this phenomenon of perceived escalation in complexity of cannulation at ERCP and assessed potential underlying factors.Demographic/clinical variables and records of ERCP patients at the beginning (2008), middle (2013) and end (2018) of the last decade were reviewed retrospectively. Cannulation approaches were classified as "standard" or "advanced" and duodenoscope position was labeled as "standard" (short position) or "non-standard" (e.g., long, semi-long).Patients undergoing ERCP were older in 2018 compared to 2008 (69.7 ± 15.2 years vs 55.1 ± 14.7, P < 0.05). Increased ampullary distortion and peri-ampullary diverticula were noted in 2018 (P < 0.001). ERCPs were increasingly performed with a non-standard duodenoscope position, from 2.2% (2008) to 5.6% (2013) and 16.1% (2018) (P < 0.001). Utilization of more than one advanced cannulation technique for a given ERCP increased from 0.7% (2008) to 0.9% (2013) to 6.6% (2018) (P < 0.001). Primary mass size > 4 cm, pancreatic uncinate mass, and bilirubin > 10 mg/dL predicted use of advanced cannulation techniques (P < 0.03 for each).Complexity of cannulation at ERCP has sharply increased over the past 5 years, with an increased proportion of elderly patients and those with malignancy requiring advanced cannulation approaches. These data suggest that complexity of cannulation at ERCP may be predicted based on patient/ampulla characteristics. This may inform selection of experienced, high-volume endoscopists to perform these complex procedures.

  View details for DOI 10.3748/wjg.v26.i41.6391

  View details for PubMedID 33244200

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7656203

• Initial Experience with EUS-guided Coil Placement for Pediatric Gastric Variceal Hemostasis. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Foley, M. A., Gugig, R. n. 2020; Publish Ahead of Print

  Abstract

  Gastric variceal (GV) bleeding is among the most morbid sequelae of portal hypertension, with mortality ranging from 30-50%. Pediatric data focused on endoscopic approaches to management are needed. The present study represents the first pediatric case series of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coil placement within feeding vessels as monotherapy for management of GV bleeding.Using our prospectively-maintained endoscopy database, we identified patients 18 years and younger who underwent EUS-guided coil placement for management of GV bleeding from 2008-2018. Demographics, indication, procedural interventions/findings, and available clinical outcomes data were analyzed.12 patients (median age 15, range 11-18 years) underwent EUS-guided coil placement for GV bleeding. All had portal hypertension, with EV in 58.3% and prior GV bleeding with attempted endoscopic management in 75%. Coil placement was accomplished using a linear echoendoscope and a 19-gauge needle. A mean of 2.75 (± 0.43) coils were placed in each patient (4, 6, 8, and 10 mm Nester Embolization Coils, Cook Medical). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all patients, and 25% of patients developed recurrent gastric varices at a median of 5.5 months following the initial EUS-guided coil placement (range 4-6 months) over the median 12 month follow-up period.The present study establishes the feasibility and efficacy of EUS-guided coil placement as monotherapy for GV bleeding in children and adolescents. The technique was technically successful, with primary hemostasis achieved in all patients. EUS-guided embolization with coils may represent an alternative to current approaches for management of highly morbid GV bleeding.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003028

  View details for PubMedID 33394889

• Basket Case: Fluoroscopy-Free Capture and Retrieval of Biliary and Pancreatic Duct Stones DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2019; 64 (10): 2776–79

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-019-05649-9

  View details for Web of Science ID 000485950500015

• Radiation Training, Radiation Protection, and Fluoroscopy Utilization Practices Among US Therapeutic Endoscopists DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Sethi, S., Barakat, M. T., Friedland, S., Banerjee, S. 2019; 64 (9): 2455–66

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-019-05564-z

  View details for Web of Science ID 000482238300016

• Pediatric Endoscopy Practice Patterns in the United States, Canada, and Mexico JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION Barakat, M. T., Triadafilopoulos, G., Berquist, W. E. 2019; 69 (1): 24–31

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002310

  View details for Web of Science ID 000501132000011

• Basket Case: Fluoroscopy-Free Capture and Retrieval of Biliary and Pancreatic Duct Stones. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2019

  View details for PubMedID 31055718

• Radiation Training, Radiation Protection, and Fluoroscopy Utilization Practices Among US Therapeutic Endoscopists. Digestive diseases and sciences Sethi, S., Barakat, M. T., Friedland, S., Banerjee, S. 2019

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy use during ERCP exposes patients and providers to deleterious effects of radiation. Formal training in fluoroscopy/radiation protection is not widely emphasized during therapeutic endoscopy training, and radiation use during GI endoscopy has not previously been characterized in the USA. In this study, we evaluated radiation training, fluoroscopy use patterns, and radiation protection practices among US therapeutic endoscopists.METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to US therapeutic endoscopists, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. State-specific requirements for fluoroscopy utilization were determined from state radiologic health branches.RESULTS: A total of 159 endoscopists (response rate 67.8%) predominantly those working in university hospitals (69.2%) with >5years of experience performing ERCP (74.9%) completed the questionnaire. Although the majority of endoscopists (61.6%) reported that they personally controlled fluoroscopy during ERCP, most (56.6%) had not received training on operating their fluoroscopy system. Only a minority (18-31%) of all respondents reported consistently utilizing modifiable fluoroscopy system parameters that minimize patient radiation exposure (pulsed fluoroscopy, frame rate modification or collimation). Endoscopists appear to undertake adequate personal radiation protective measures although use of a dosimeter was not consistent in half of respondents. The majority of states (56.8%) do not have any stated requirement for certification of non-radiologist physicians who intend to operate fluoroscopy.CONCLUSIONS: Most US gastroenterologists performing ERCP have not received formal training in operating their fluoroscopy system or in minimizing radiation exposure to themselves and to their patients. Such formal training should be included in all therapeutic endoscopy training programs, and fluoroscopy system-specific training should be offered at all hospitals.

  View details for PubMedID 30911863

• Pediatric Endoscopy Practice Patterns in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Barakat, M. T., Triadafilopoulos, G., Berquist, W. E. 2019

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopic procedures are important for diagnosis and management of many gastrointestinal, liver and biliary conditions in children. Therapeutic endoscopy procedures, including ERCP, are performed less frequently in children relative to adults. However, a formal study to evaluate institutional volumes and practice patterns for advanced therapeutic pediatric endoscopy procedures has not been previously undertaken.METHODS: A self-administered 16-question (5-minute) online survey assessing practice patterns for performance of pediatric endoscopy procedures was distributed to all registered North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) programs. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of free-text comments.RESULTS: Respondents from 82.9% of NASPGHAN centers completed this survey. Responses revealed that EGD/colonoscopy are performed at the vast majority of centers (>90%), with most performing >50/year. Therapeutic endoscopy procedures are performed less frequently in the pediatric population, with 18.97% reporting that ERCP is not performed at their institution. Where ERCP is performed, 91.38% reported <25/year. EUS is not performed at over half (53.33%) of institutions. 71.67% of respondents do not believe their institution's current arrangement for performing pediatric therapeutic endoscopy procedures is adequate.CONCLUSIONS: Although the range of endoscopic procedures performed in children parallels that performed in adults, there are notable differences in pediatric and adult gastroenterologists' endoscopy training and procedure volumes. Our results and respondent comments suggest that pediatric patients would benefit from a partnership between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists, with adult gastroenterologists performing more complex therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

  View details for PubMedID 30789864

• When Experts Fail: Use of a Short Turning Radius Colonoscope Facilitates Successful Completion of Colonoscopy in Patients with Bowel Fixity. Digestive diseases and sciences Girotra, M. n., Sethi, S. n., Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Friedland, S. n., Ladabaum, U. n., Banerjee, S. n. 2019

  Abstract

  Rates of incomplete colonoscopy in non-expert settings range up to 13%. Expert colonoscopists can complete ~ 95% colonoscopies when other endoscopists fail; however, a small number remain incomplete even in expert hands, typically due to bowel fixity.Pentax Retroview™ (EC-3490TLi) is a new slim colonoscope with a short turning radius (STR) and greater tip deflection (210°), which allows easy maneuverability across sharply angulated/fixed colonic bends. We evaluated the utility of this colonoscope for completing colonoscopies that fail even in the hands of expert colonoscopists.Retrospective chart review was performed, and main outcomes measured included cecal intubation rate, lesions detected, dosage of sedation used, and complications.Using the STR colonoscope, complete colonoscopy to the cecum was possible in 34/37 patients (91.9%). No loss of lumen/blind advancement was necessary in any of the procedures. No adverse events occurred. Among the completed colonoscopies, 6/34 (17.6%) patients had adenomas, all proximal to the site of prior failure, including one advanced adenoma. All failures (n = 3, 8.1%) had a history of cancer surgeries, with peritoneal carcinomatosis/extensively fixed/frozen bowel (two patients) and an additional diverticular stricture with colo-vesical fistula (one patient).STR colonoscope facilitates completion of a high proportion (91.9%) of colonoscopies that previously failed in expert hands. Its STR allows easy maneuverability across segments of sharp angulation with bowel fixity without need for blind advancement. The use of this colonoscope led to the detection of adenomas in 17.6% of patients, all proximal to the site of prior failed colonoscopy.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-019-05882-2

  View details for PubMedID 31630343

• Simethicone is retained in endoscopes despite reprocessing: impact of its use on working channel fluid retention and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence values GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2019; 89 (1): 115–23

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2018.08.012

  View details for Web of Science ID 000453397800016

• Comparison of automated and manual drying in the elimination of residual endoscope working channel fluid after reprocessing GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2019; 89 (1): 124-+

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2018.08.033

  View details for Web of Science ID 000453397800017

• Foregone Inclusion: Neonatal CMV Hepatitis and Cholestasis. Digestive diseases and sciences Martin, M. n., Holmes, S. n., Sim, J. n., Hassan, M. n., Mathew, R. n., Bensen, R. n., Barakat, M. n. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-019-05691-7

  View details for PubMedID 31187327

• Unplanned Hospital Encounters After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in 3 Large North American States GASTROENTEROLOGY Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Lee, J. S., Banerjee, S. 2019; 156 (1): 119-+

  View details for DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.037

  View details for Web of Science ID 000453401000028

• SpyCatcher: Use of a Novel Cholangioscopic Snare for Capture and Retrieval of a Proximally Migrated Biliary Stent DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2018; 63 (12): 3224–27

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-018-5228-8

  View details for Web of Science ID 000450660300009

• Recent Trends and the Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Liver Diseases. Journal of clinical gastroenterology Barakat, M. T., Mithal, A., Huang, R. J., Sehgal, A., Sehgal, A., Singh, G., Banerjee, S. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) with Medicaid expansion implemented in 2014, extended health insurance to >20-million previously uninsured individuals. However, it is unclear whether enhanced primary care access with Medicaid expansion decreased emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for gastrointestinal (GI)/pancreatic/liver diseases.METHODS: We evaluated trends in GI/pancreatic/liver diagnosis-specific ED/hospital utilization over a 5-year period leading up to Medicaid expansion and a year following expansion, in California (a state that implemented Medicaid expansion) and compare these with Florida (a state that did not).RESULTS: From 2009 to 2013, GI/pancreatic/liver disease ED visits increased by 15.0% in California and 20.2% in Florida and hospitalizations for these conditions decreased by 2.6% in California and increased by 7.9% in Florida. Following Medicaid expansion, a shift from self-pay/uninsured to Medicaid insurance was seen California; in addition, a new decrease in ED visits for nausea/vomiting and GI infections, was evident, without associated change in overall ED/hospital utilization trends. Total hospitalization charges for abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, constipation, and GI infection diagnoses decreased in California following Medicaid expansion, but increased over the same time-period in Florida.CONCLUSIONS: We observed a striking payer shift for GI/pancreatic/liver disease ED visits/hospitalizations after Medicaid expansion in California, indicating a shift in the reimbursement burden in self-pay/uninsured patients, from patients and hospitals to the government. ED visits and hospitalization charges decreased for some primary care-treatable GI diagnoses in California, but not for Florida, suggesting a trend toward lower cost of gastroenterology care, perhaps because of decreased hospital utilization for conditions amenable to outpatient management.

  View details for PubMedID 30285976

• Scoping the scope: endoscopic evaluation of endoscope working channels with a new high-resolution inspection endoscope (with video) GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2018; 88 (4): 601-+

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2018.01.018

  View details for Web of Science ID 000444249600004

• Unplanned Hospital Encounters Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in 3 Large American States. Gastroenterology Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Lee, J. S., Banerjee, S. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND & AIMS: We have few population-level data on the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States. We investigated the numbers of unplanned hospital encounters (UHEs), patient and facility factors associated with UHEs, and variation in quality and outcomes in the performance of ERCP in 3 large American states.METHODS: We collected data on 68,642 ERCPs, performed at 635 facilities in California, Florida, and New York from 2009 through 2014. The primary endpoint was number of UHEs with an ERCP-related event within 7 days of ERCP; secondary endpoints included numbers of UHE within 30 days and mortality within 30 days. Each facility was assigned a risk-standardized cohort, and variations in numbers of UHE were analyzed using multivariable analysis.RESULTS: Among all ERCPs, 5.8% resulted in an UHE within 7 days, and 10.2% by 30 days. Performance of sphincterotomy was significantly associated with a higher risk of UHE at 7 and 30 days (P<.001). Younger age, female sex, and more advanced comorbidity associated with UHE. There was substantial heterogeneity in rates of UHE among facilities: 4.2% at facilities in the lower 5th percentile and 25.2% at facilities in the 95th percentile. Increasing facility volume and ability to perform endoscopic ultrasound associated inversely with risk. The median number of ERCPs performed each year was 68.7, but 69% of facilities performed 100 or fewer ERCPs per year. Risk for UHE following sphincterotomy decreased with increasing facility volume until an inflection point of 157 ERCPs per year was reached.CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of outcomes of 68,642 ERCPs performed in three states, we found a higher than expected number of UHEs. There is substantial unexplained variation in risk for adverse event following ERCPs among facilities-volume is the strongest predictor of risk. Annual facility volumes above approximately 150 ERCPs per year may protect against UHE.

  View details for PubMedID 30243620

• Cut and Paste: Endoscopic Management of a Perforating Biliary Stent Utilizing Scissors and Clips DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Barakat, M. T., Kothari, S., Banerjee, S. 2018; 63 (9): 2202–5

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10620-017-4837-y

  View details for Web of Science ID 000441941000009

• Comparison of automated and manual drying in the eliminating residual endoscope working channel fluid after reprocessing (with video). Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Residual fluid within endoscope working channels after reprocessing may promote growth of pathogens. Current reprocessing guidelines therefore recommend endoscope drying with administration of forced filtered air; however, the duration and modality of administered air are not specified. The new DriScope Aid device enables automated administration of filtered air at controlled pressure through all internal endoscope channels. We systematically compared, for the first time, the impact of manual drying and automated drying on retained working channel fluid and bioburden after reprocessing.METHODS: We assessed for residual working channel fluid after reprocessing/drying using the SteriCam borescope. Drying was performed either manually (forced filtered air) or was automated (DriScope Aid) for either 5 or 10 minutes. ATP bioluminescence testing was performed on working channel rinsates after drying, to evaluate for residual bioburden.RESULTS: Significantly more fluid droplets were evident after manual drying (4.55 ± 6.14) than with automated device-facilitated drying for either 5 minutes (0.83 ± 1.29, p=0.007) or 10 minutes (0±0, p=0.001). ATP bioluminescence values were higher for manual drying compared with automated drying at 48 hours (p=0.001) and 72 hours (p=0.014) after reprocessing.CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate significantly fewer water droplets and delayed ATP bioluminescence values within endoscope working channels after automated drying compared with manual drying. In particular, virtually no retained fluid was evident within endoscope working channels after automated drying for 10 minutes. These findings support recommendations for automation of as many reprocessing steps as possible. Automated drying may decrease the risk of transmission of infection related to endoscopy.

  View details for PubMedID 30148992

• Simethicone is retained in endoscopes despite reprocessing: impact of its use on working channel fluid retention and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence values (with video). Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Studies from our group and others demonstrate residual fluid in 42% to 95% of endoscope working channels despite high-level disinfection (HLD) and drying. Additionally, persistent simethicone has been reported in endoscope channels despite reprocessing.METHODS: Endoscopy was performed using water or varied simethicone concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 3%) for flushing. After HLD/drying, we inspected endoscope working channels for retained fluid using the SteriCam borescope. Working channel rinsates were evaluated for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed on fluid droplets gathered from a colonoscope in which low-concentration simethicone was used.RESULTS: Use of medium/high concentration simethicone resulted in higher mean fluid droplets (13.5/17.3 droplets, respectively) and ATP bioluminescence values (20.6/23 RLUs, respectively) compared with procedures using only water (6.3 droplets/10.9 RLUs, p<0.001). Two automated endoscope reprocessing (AER) cycles resulted in return of fluid droplet and ATP bioluminescence values to ranges similar to procedures using only water (p=0.56). Low-concentration simethicone did not increase mean residual fluid or ATP bioluminescence values compared with procedures using only water (5.8 droplets/15.6 RLUs). FTIR analysis revealed simethicone in the endoscope working channel after use of low-concentration simethicone.CONCLUSIONS: Use of medium/high concentration simethicone is associated with retention of increased fluid droplets and higher ATP bioluminescence values in endoscope working channels, compared with endoscopes in which water or low concentration simethicone was used. However, simethicone is detectable in endoscopes despite reprocessing, even when used in low concentration. Our data suggest that when simethicone is used, it should be used in the lowest concentration possible. Facilities may consider 2 AER cycles for reprocessing of endoscopes when simethicone has been used.

  View details for PubMedID 30125574

• SpyCatcher: Use of a Novel Cholangioscopic Snare for Capture and Retrieval of a Proximally Migrated Biliary Stent. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Banerjee, S. 2018

  View details for PubMedID 30078117

• Effects of a Brief Educational Program on Optimization of Fluoroscopy to Minimize Radiation Exposure During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY Barakat, M. T., Thosani, N. C., Huang, R. J., Choudhary, A., Kochar, R., Kothari, S., Banerjee, S. 2018; 16 (4): 550–57

  Abstract

  Fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly performed by therapeutic endoscopists, many of whom have not received formal training in modulating fluoroscopy use to minimize radiation exposure. Exposure to ionizing radiation has significant health consequences for patients and endoscopists. We aimed to evaluate whether a 20-minute educational intervention for endoscopists would improve use of fluoroscopy and decrease ERCP-associated exposure to radiation for patients.We collected data from 583 ERCPs, performed in California from June 2010 through November 2012; 331 were performed at baseline and 252 following endoscopist education. The educational intervention comprised a 20-minute video explaining best practices for fluoroscopy, coupled with implementation of a formal fluoroscopy time-out protocol before the ERCP was performed. Our primary outcome was the effect of the educational intervention on direct and surrogate markers of patient radiation exposure associated with ERCPs performed by high-volume endoscopists (HVEs) (200 or more ERCPs/year) vs low-volume endoscopists (LVEs) (fewer than 200 ERCPs/year).At baseline, total radiation dose and dose area product were significantly higher for LVEs, but there was no significant difference between HVEs and LVEs following education. Education was associated with significant reductions in median fluoroscopy time (48% reduction for HVEs vs 30% reduction for LVEs), total radiation dose (28% reduction for HVEs vs 52% for LVEs) and dose area product (35% reduction for HVEs vs 48% reduction for LVEs). All endoscopists significantly increased their use of low magnification and collimation following education.A 20-minute educational program with emphasis on ideal use of modifiable fluoroscopy machine settings results in an immediate and significant reduction in ERCP-associated patient radiation exposure for low-volume and high-volume endoscopists. Training programs should consider radiation education for advanced endoscopy fellows.

  View details for PubMedID 28804031

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5809234

• Plastic Surgery: Cholangioscopic Intra-stent Balloon Retrieval of a Proximally Migrated Biliary Stent DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Choudhary, A., Banerjee, S. 2018; 63 (4): 851–55

  View details for PubMedID 28965145

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5856579

• Au Naturel: Transpapillary Endoscopic Drainage of an Infected Biloma DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES Barakat, M., Kothari, S., Sethi, S., Banerjee, S. 2018; 63 (3): 597–600

  View details for PubMedID 28856471

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5823722

• Scoping the scope: endoscopic evaluation of endoscope working channels with a new high-resolution inspection endoscope (with video). Gastrointestinal endoscopy Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Huang, R. J., Banerjee, S. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Outbreaks of transmission of infection related to endoscopy despite reported adherence to reprocessing guidelines warrant scrutiny of all potential contributing factors. Recent reports from ambulatory surgery centers indicated widespread significant occult damage within endoscope working channels, raising concerns regarding the potential detrimental impact of this damage on the adequacy of endoscope reprocessing.METHODS: We inspected working channels of all 68 endoscopes at our academic institution using a novel flexible inspection endoscope. Inspections were recorded and videos reviewed by 3 investigators to evaluate and rate channel damage and/or debris. Working channel rinsates were obtained from all endoscopes, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence was measured.RESULTS: Overall endoscope working channel damage was rated as minimal and/or mild and was consistent with expected wear and tear (median 1.59 on our 5-point scale). Our predominant findings included superficial scratches (98.5%) and scratches with adherent peel (76.5%). No channel perforations, stains, or burns were detected. The extent of damage was not predicted by endoscope age. Minor punctate debris was common, and a few small drops of fluid were noted in 42.6% of endoscopes after reprocessing and drying. The presence of residual fluid predicted higher ATP bioluminescence values. The presence of visualized working channel damage or debris was not associated with elevated ATP bioluminescence values.CONCLUSION: The flexible inspection endoscope enables high-resolution imaging of endoscope working channels and offers endoscopy units an additional modality for endoscope surveillance, potentially complementing bacterial cultures and ATP values. Our study, conducted in a busy academic endoscopy unit, indicated predominately mild damage to endoscope working channels, which did not correlate with elevated ATP values.

  View details for PubMedID 29425885

• A prospective evaluation of radiation-free direct solitary cholangioscopy for the management of choledocholithiasis GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Choudhary, A., Huang, R. J., Sethi, S., Banerjee, S. 2018; 87 (2): 584-+

  Abstract

  Endoscopy has replaced many radiologic studies for the GI tract. However, ERCP remains a hybrid endoscopic-fluoroscopic procedure, which limits its portable delivery, creates delays because of fluoroscopy room unavailability, and exposes patients and providers to radiation. We evaluated fluoroscopy/radiation-free management of patients with noncomplex choledocholithiasis using direct solitary cholangioscopy (DSC).Patients underwent fluoroscopy-free biliary cannulation, sphincterotomy, and then cholangioscopy to establish location and number/size of stones and to document distance from ampulla to bifurcation to guide balloon advancement. Stones were extracted using a marked balloon catheter advanced to the bifurcation and inflated to the bile duct diameter, documented on prior imaging. Repeat cholangioscopy was performed to confirm stone clearance.Fluoroscopy-free biliary cannulation was successful in all 40 patients (100%). Advanced cannulation techniques were required in 5 patients. Papillary balloon dilation was performed in 8 patients and electrohydraulic lithotripsy in 3 patients. Discrete stones were visualized in 31 patients and stone debris/sludge in 8 patients. Fluoroscopy-free stone/debris/sludge extraction was successful in all these patients. Brief fluoroscopy was used in 2 patients (5%) to confirm stone clearance. No stone/debris/sludge was noted in 1 patient. Mild pancreatitis was noted in 2 patients (5%) and bleeding in 1 (2.5%).This study establishes the feasibility of fluoroscopy/radiation-free, cholangioscopic management of noncomplex choledocholithiasis with success and adverse event rates similar to standard ERCP. DSC represents a significant procedural advance in the management of biliary disorders that does not need to be confined to the fluoroscopy suite and can be reimagined as bedside procedures in emergency department or intensive care unit settings. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03074201.).

  View details for PubMedID 28797911

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5801123

• Liver transplant-related anastomotic biliary strictures: a novel, rapid, safe, radiation-sparing, and cost-effective management approach GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Thosani, N. C., Choudhary, A., Girotra, M., Banerjee, S. 2018; 87 (2): 501–8

  Abstract

  Biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are typically managed by sequential ERCP procedures, with incremental dilation of the stricture and stent exchange (IDSE) and placement of new stents. This approach resolves >80% of strictures after 12 months but requires costly, lengthy ERCPs with significant patient radiation exposure. Increasing awareness of the harmful effects of radiation, escalating healthcare costs, and decreasing reimbursement for procedures mandate maximal efficiency in performing ERCP. We compared the traditional IDSE protocol with a sequential stent addition (SSA) protocol, in which additional stents are placed across the stricture during sequential ERCPs, without stent removal/exchange or stricture dilation.Patients undergoing ERCP for OLT-related anastomotic strictures from 2010 to 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained endoscopy database. Procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, stricture resolution rates, adverse events, materials fees, and facility fees were analyzed for IDSE and SSA procedures.Seventy-seven patients underwent 277 IDSE and 132 SSA procedures. Mean fluoroscopy time was 64.5% shorter (P < .0001) and mean procedure duration 41.5% lower (P < .0001) with SSA compared with IDSE. SSA procedures required fewer accessory devices, resulting in significantly lower material (63.8%, P < .0001) and facility costs (42.8%, P < .0001) compared with IDSE. Stricture resolution was >95%, and low adverse event rates did not significantly differ.SSA results in shorter, cost-effective procedures requiring fewer accessory devices and exposing patients to less radiation. Stricture resolution rates are equivalent to IDSE, and adverse events do not differ significantly, even in this immunocompromised population.

  View details for PubMedID 28757315

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5787034

• (Re)building the Wall: Recurrent Boerhaave Syndrome Managed by Over-the-Scope Clip and Covered Metallic Stent Placement. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M. n., Banerjee, S. n. 2018; 63 (5): 1139–42

  View details for PubMedID 28948439

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5867198

• Cut and Paste: Endoscopic Management of a Perforating Biliary Stent Utilizing Scissors and Clips. Digestive diseases and sciences Barakat, M. T., Kothari, S., Banerjee, S. 2017

  View details for PubMedID 29127608

• Practice Patterns for Cholecystectomy Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography for Patients With Choledocholithiasis. Gastroenterology Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Banerjee, S. 2017

  Abstract

  Cholecystectomy (CCY) following an episode of choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction reduces recurrent biliary events, compared to expectant management. We studied practice patterns for performance of CCY following ERCP for choledocholithiasis using data from 3 large states and evaluated the effects of delaying CCY.We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and emergency department databases from the states of California (years 2009-2011), New York (2011-2013), and Florida (2012-2014). We collected data from 4516 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP. We compared outcomes of patients who underwent CCY at index admission (early CCY), elective CCY within 60 days of discharge (delayed CCY), or did not undergo CCY (no CCY), calculating rate of recurrent biliary events (defined as an emergency department visit or unplanned hospitalization due to symptomatic cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, or biliary pancreatitis), mortality, and cost by CCY cohort. We also evaluated risk factors for not undergoing CCY. The primary outcome measure was the rate of recurrent biliary events in the 365 days following discharge from index admission.Of the patients who underwent ERCP for choledocholithiasis, 41.2% underwent early CCY, 10.9% underwent delayed CCY, and 48.0% underwent no CCY. Early CCY reduced relative risk of recurrent biliary events within 60 days by 92%, compared with delayed or no CCY (P<.001). After 60 days following discharge from index admission, patients with early CCY had an 87% lower risk of recurrent biliary events than patients with no CCY (P<.001) and patients with delayed CCY had an 88% lower risk of recurrent biliary events than patients with no CCY (P<.001). A strategy of delayed CCY performed on an outpatient basis was least costly. Performance of early CCY was inversely associated with low facility volume. Hispanic race, Asian race, Medicaid insurance, and no insurance associated inversely with performance of delayed CCY.In a retrospective analysis of over 4500 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis, we found that CCY was not performed following ERCP for almost half of the cases. Although early and delayed CCY equally reduce the risk of subsequent recurrent biliary events, patients are at 10-fold higher risk of recurrent biliary event while waiting for a delayed CCY compared with patients who underwent early CCY. Delayed CCY is a cost-effective strategy that must be balanced against the risk of loss to follow up, particularly among patients who are ethnic minorities or have little or no health insurance.

  View details for DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.05.048

  View details for PubMedID 28583822

• Shaking Off the Shackles of Fluoroscopy - Evolving From Standard ERCP to Radiation-Free Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangioscopy (RF-ERC) Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Choudhary, A., Huang, R. J., Sethi, S., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2017: AB618–AB619

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2017.03.1426

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403087401628

• High Endoscopist and Facility Volume Protect Against Emergency Department Visits and Unplanned Hospitalizations Following Ambulatory Ercp Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2017: AB84

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2017.03.115

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403087400089

• Goff Trans-Pancreatic Septotomy Is an Effective and Safe Salvage Technique Following Failed Standard Biliary Cannulation at ERCP Barakat, M. T., Girotra, M., Huang, R. J., Choudhary, A., Liao, C., Kothari, S., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2017: AB612

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2017.03.1413

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403087401615

• Sequential Biliary Stent Addition Without Exchange or Dilation for Post-Operative Biliary Strictures: A Rapid, Cost-Effective Approach that Minimizes Radiation Exposure Barakat, M. T., Choudhary, A., Huang, R. J., Thosani, N., Girotra, M., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2017: AB88

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2017.03.124

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403087400098

• When Experts Fail: Short Turn Radius Colonoscope to the Rescue? Utility of a Novel Colonoscope for Incomplete Colonoscopy Due to Bowel Fixity Girotra, M., Barakat, M. T., Huang, R. J., Sethi, S., Friedland, S., Ladabaum, U., Banerjee, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2017: AB517

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2017.03.1191

  View details for Web of Science ID 000403087401395

• Evolution in the utilization of biliary interventions in the United States: results of a nationwide longitudinal study from 1998 to 2013. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Huang, R. J., Thosani, N. C., Barakat, M. T., Choudhary, A., Mithal, A., Singh, G., Sethi, S., Banerjee, S. 2017

  Abstract

  Bile duct surgery (BDS), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), and ERCP are alternative interventions used to treat biliary disease. Our aim was to describe trends in ERCP, BDS, and PTC on a nationwide level in the United States.We used the National Inpatient Sample to estimate age-standardized utilization trends of inpatient diagnostic ERCP, therapeutic ERCP, BDS, and PTC between 1998 and 2013. We calculated average case fatality, length of stay, patient demographic profile (age, gender, payer), and hospital characteristics (hospital size and metropolitan status) for these procedures.Total biliary interventions decreased over the study period from 119.8 to 100.1 per 100,000. Diagnostic ERCP utilization decreased by 76%, and therapeutic ERCP utilization increased by 35%. BDS rates decreased by 78% and PTC rates by 24%. ERCP has almost completely supplanted surgery for the management of choledocholithiasis. Fatality from ERCP, BDS, and PTC have all decreased, whereas mean length of stay has remained stable. The proportion of Medicare-insured, Medicaid-insured, and uninsured patients undergoing biliary procedures has increased over time. Most of the increase in therapeutic ERCP and decrease in BDS occurred in large, metropolitan hospitals.Although therapeutic ERCP utilization has increased over time, the total volume of biliary interventions has decreased. BDS utilization has experienced the most dramatic decrease, possibly a consequence of the increased therapeutic capacity and safety of ERCP. ERCPs are now predominantly therapeutic in nature. Large urban hospitals are leading the shift from surgical to endoscopic therapy of the biliary system.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2016.12.021

  View details for PubMedID 28062313

• Affordable Care Act and healthcare delivery: A comparison of California and Florida hospitals and emergency departments. PloS one Barakat, M. T., Mithal, A. n., Huang, R. J., Mithal, A. n., Sehgal, A. n., Banerjee, S. n., Singh, G. n. 2017; 12 (8): e0182346

  Abstract

  The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to health insurance for millions of Americans, but the impact of Medicaid expansion on healthcare delivery and utilization remains uncertain.To determine the early impact of the Medicaid expansion component of ACA on hospital and ED utilization in California, a state that implemented the Medicaid expansion component of ACA and Florida, a state that did not.Analyze all ED encounters and hospitalizations in California and Florida from 2009 to 2014 and evaluate trends by payer and diagnostic category. Data were collected from State Inpatient Databases, State Emergency Department Databases and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.Hospital and ED encounters.Population-based study of California and Florida state residents.Implementation of Medicaid expansion component of ACA in California in 2014.Changes in ED visits and hospitalizations by payer, percentage of patients hospitalized after an ED encounter, top diagnostic categories for ED and hospital encounters.In California, Medicaid ED visits increased 33% after Medicaid expansion implementation and self-pay visits decreased by 25% compared with a 5.7% increase in the rate of Medicaid patient ED visits and a 5.1% decrease in rate of self-pay patient visits in Florida. In addition, California experienced a 15.4% increase in Medicaid inpatient stays and a 25% decrease in self pay stays. Trends in the percentage of patients admitted to the hospital from the ED were notable; a 5.4% decrease in hospital admissions originating from the ED in California, and a 2.1% decrease in Florida from 2013 to 2014.We observed a significant shift in payer for ED visits and hospitalizations after Medicaid expansion in California without a significant change in top diagnoses or overall rate of these ED visits and hospitalizations. There appears to be a shift in reimbursement burden from patients and hospitals to the government without a dramatic shift in patterns of ED or hospital utilization.

  View details for PubMedID 28771602

• Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence for bacteriological surveillance and reprocessing strategies for minimizing risk of infection transmission by duodenoscopes. Gastrointestinal endoscopy Sethi, S., Huang, R. J., Barakat, M. T., Banaei, N., Friedland, S., Banerjee, S. 2016

  Abstract

  Recent outbreaks of duodenoscope-transmitted infections underscore the importance of adequate endoscope reprocessing. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence testing allows rapid evaluation of endoscopes for bacteriologic/biologic residue. In this prospective study we evaluate the utility of ATP in bacteriologic surveillance and the effects of endoscopy staff education and dual cycles of cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD) on endoscope reprocessing.ATP bioluminescence was measured after precleaning, manual cleaning, and HLD on rinsates from suction-biopsy channels of all endoscopes and elevator channels of duodenoscopes/linear echoendoscopes after use. ATP bioluminescence was remeasured in duodenoscopes (1) after re-education and competency testing of endoscopy staff and subsequently (2) after 2 cycles of precleaning and manual cleaning and single cycle of HLD or (3) after 2 cycles of precleaning, manual cleaning, and HLD.The ideal ATP bioluminescence benchmark of <200 relative light units (RLUs) after manual cleaning was achieved from suction-biopsy channel rinsates of all endoscopes, but 9 of 10 duodenoscope elevator channel rinsates failed to meet this benchmark. Re-education reduced RLUs in duodenoscope elevator channel rinsates after precleaning (23,218.0 vs 1340.5 RLUs, P < .01) and HLD (177.0 vs 12.0 RLUs, P < .01). After 2 cycles of manual cleaning/HLD, duodenoscope elevator channel RLUs achieved levels similar to sterile water, with corresponding negative cultures.ATP testing offers a rapid, inexpensive alternative for detection of endoscope microbial residue. Re-education of endoscopy staff and 2 cycles of cleaning and HLD decreased elevator channel RLUs to levels similar to sterile water and may therefore minimize the risk of transmission of infections by duodenoscopes.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2016.10.035

  View details for PubMedID 27818222

• A Case of Meningococcal Pyomyositis in an Otherwise Healthy Adult. Open forum infectious diseases Barakat, M. T., Gajurel, K., Fischer, K., Stevens, K., Ozdalga, E., Montoya, J. G. 2016; 3 (3): ofw087-?

  Abstract

  The clinical spectrum of Neisseria meningitidis can range from nasopharyngeal colonization to life-threatening invasive diseases such as meningitis. However, its etiologic role in invasive pyomyositis (PM) has never been reported before in the English language. In this study, we report the first case of PM in the English language and the second case in the literature caused by N meningitidis.

  View details for PubMedID 27703989

• Green Sludge: Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Bile Duct Presenting with Intermittent Biliary Obstruction Due to Abundant Mucus. Digestive diseases and sciences Choudhary, A., Barakat, M. T., Leal, J. N., Louie, C. Y., Visser, B. C., Banerjee, S. 2016: -?

  View details for PubMedID 27423887

• Choledochoscopic Identification of a Hepatic/Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Patient with Hematemesis After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Digestive diseases and sciences Choudhary, A., Barakat, M. T., Higgins, L. J., Banerjee, S. 2016: -?

  View details for PubMedID 27423886

• A Case of Meningococcal Pyomyositis in an Otherwise Healthy Adult OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES Barakat, M. T., Gajurel, K., Fischer, K., Stevens, K., Ozdalga, E., Montoya, J. G. 2016; 3 (3)

  View details for DOI 10.1093/ofid/ofw087

  View details for Web of Science ID 000388571700007

• Kif3a is necessary for initiation and maintenance of medulloblastoma. Carcinogenesis Barakat, M. T., Humke, E. W., Scott, M. P. 2013; 34 (6): 1382-1392

  Abstract

  Medulloblastoma (MB) cells arise from granule neuron precursors (GNPs) that have lost growth control. During normal development, GNPs divide in response to Sonic hedgehog (SHH), a ligand that binds to the patched (PTCH) receptor on GNPs. If one copy of the Ptch gene is lost, as in human Gorlin's syndrome and in Ptch(+/-) mice, MBs may form. Proper transduction of the SHH signal critically depends on primary cilia. Loss of primary cilia results in improper signal reception and failure to properly activate SHH target genes. KIF3a, part of a kinesin motor, is required for formation of primary cilia. Here, we use tamoxifen-induced ablation of Kif3a in GNPs of postnatal Ptch(+/-) mouse cerebella to show that KIF3a is necessary for MB formation. To investigate the importance of primary cilia in established tumors, we deleted Kif3a from cultured cells and from tumor cell grafts. The loss of Kif3a from established tumors led to their growth arrest and regression. MBs behave as if they are addicted to the presence of primary cilia. These results underscore the potential utility of agents that disrupt cilia for the treatment of Hh pathway-related MBs.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/carcin/bgt041

  View details for PubMedID 23389290

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3670253

• Learning from Jekyll to control Hyde: Hedgehog signaling in development and cancer TRENDS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE Barakat, M. T., Humke, E. W., Scott, M. P. 2010; 16 (8): 337-348

  Abstract

  The Hedgehog (Hh) cascade controls cell proliferation, differentiation and patterning of tissues during embryogenesis but is largely suppressed in the adult. The Hh pathway can become reactivated in cancer. Here, we assimilate data from recent studies to understand how and when the Hh pathway is turned on to aid the neoplastic process. Hh signaling is now known to have a role in established tumors, enabling categorization of tumors based on the role Hh signaling plays in their growth. This categorization has relevance for prognosis and targeted therapeutics. In the first category, abnormal Hh signaling initiates the tumor. In the second category, Hh signaling helps maintain the tumor. In the third category, Hh signaling is implicated but its role is not yet defined.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.05.003

  View details for Web of Science ID 000281273500001

  View details for PubMedID 20696410

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3651907

• Tail Wags Dog: Primary Cilia and Tumorigenesis CANCER CELL Barakat, M. T., Scott, M. P. 2009; 16 (4): 276-277

  Abstract

  Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway contributes to many forms of cancer. Primary cilia are Hh signal transduction centers. Two papers in a recent issue of Nature Medicine (Han et al., 2009; Wong et al., 2009) show that mutating cilia can increase or reduce the rates of tumorigenesis depending on how the Hh pathway is disrupted.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ccr.2009.09.019

  View details for Web of Science ID 000270770400005

  View details for PubMedID 19800572

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3437380

• Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Is Required for Progression to Advanced Medulloblastoma in patched1 Heterozygous Mice CANCER RESEARCH Corcoran, R. B., Raveh, T. B., Barakat, M. T., Lee, E. Y., Scott, M. P. 2008; 68 (21): 8788-8795

  Abstract

  Medulloblastoma (MB) can arise in the cerebellum due to genetic activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway. During normal cerebellum development, Shh spurs the proliferation of granule neuron precursors (GNP), the precursor cells of MB. Mutations in the Shh receptor gene patched1 (ptc1+/-) lead to increased MB incidence in humans and mice. MB tumorigenesis in mice heterozygous for ptc1+/- shows distinct steps of progression. Most ptc1+/- mice form clusters of preneoplastic cells on the surface of the mature cerebellum that actively transcribe Shh target genes. In approximately 15% of mice, these preneoplastic cells will become fast-growing, lethal tumors. It was previously shown that the loss of function of insulin-like growth factor 2 (igf2) suppresses MB formation in ptc1+/- mice. We found that igf2 is not expressed in preneoplastic lesions but is induced as these lesions progress to more advanced MB tumors. Igf2 is not required for formation of preneoplastic lesions but is necessary for progression to advanced tumors. Exogenous Igf2 protein promoted proliferation of MB precursor cells (GNP) and a MB cell line, PZp53(MED). Blocking igf2 signaling inhibited growth of PZp53(MED) cells, implicating igf2 as a potential clinical target.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-2135

  View details for Web of Science ID 000260698900019

  View details for PubMedID 18974121

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2597356

• NPAS2 as a transcriptional regulator of non-rapid eye movement sleep: Genotype and sex interactions PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Franken, P., Dudley, C. A., Estill, S. J., Barakat, M., Thomason, R., O'Haran, B. F., McKnight, S. L. 2006; 103 (18): 7118-7123

  Abstract

  Because the transcription factor neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim-type signal-sensor protein-domain protein 2 (NPAS2) acts both as a sensor and an effector of intracellular energy balance, and because sleep is thought to correct an energy imbalance incurred during waking, we examined NPAS2's role in sleep homeostasis using npas2 knockout (npas2-/-) mice. We found that, under conditions of increased sleep need, i.e., at the end of the active period or after sleep deprivation (SD), NPAS2 allows for sleep to occur at times when mice are normally awake. Lack of npas2 affected electroencephalogram activity of thalamocortical origin; during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), activity in the spindle range (10-15 Hz) was reduced, and within the delta range (1-4 Hz), activity shifted toward faster frequencies. In addition, the increase in the cortical expression of the NPAS2 target gene period2 (per2) after SD was attenuated in npas2-/- mice. This implies that NPAS2 importantly contributes to the previously documented wake-dependent increase in cortical per2 expression. The data also revealed numerous sex differences in sleep; in females, sleep need accumulated at a slower rate, and REMS loss was not recovered after SD. In contrast, the rebound in NREMS time after SD was compromised only in npas2-/- males. We conclude that NPAS2 plays a role in sleep homeostasis, most likely at the level of the thalamus and cortex, where NPAS2 is abundantly expressed.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.0602006103

  View details for Web of Science ID 000237399900060

  View details for PubMedID 16636276

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1459027

• Sleep restriction suppresses neurogenesis induced by hippocampus-dependent learning JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Hairston, I. S., Little, M. T., Scanlon, M. D., Barakat, M. T., Palmer, T. D., Sapolsky, R. M., Heller, H. C. 2005; 94 (6): 4224-4233

  Abstract

  Sleep deprivation impairs hippocampal-dependent learning, which, in turn, is associated with increased survival of newborn cells in the hippocampus. We tested whether the deleterious effects of sleep restriction on hippocampus-dependent memory were associated with reduced cell survival in the hippocampus. We show that sleep restriction impaired hippocampus-dependent learning and abolished learning-induced neurogenesis. Animals were trained in a water maze on either a spatial learning (hippocampus-dependent) task or a nonspatial (hippocampus-independent) task for 4 days. Sleep-restricted animals were kept awake for one-half of their rest phase on each of the training days. Consistent with previous reports, animals trained on the hippocampus-dependent task expressed increased survival of newborn cells in comparison with animals trained on the hippocampus-independent task. This increase was abolished by sleep restriction that caused overall reduced cell survival in all animals. Sleep restriction also selectively impaired spatial learning while performance in the nonspatial task was, surprisingly, improved. Further analysis showed that in both training groups fully rested animals applied a spatial strategy irrespective of task requirements; this strategy interfered with performance in the nonspatial task. Conversely, in sleep-restricted animals, this preferred spatial strategy was eliminated, favoring the use of nonspatial information, and hence improving performance in the nonspatial task. These findings suggest that sleep loss altered behavioral strategies to those that do not depend on the hippocampus, concomitantly reversing the neurogenic effects of hippocampus-dependent learning.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/jn.00218.2005

  View details for Web of Science ID 000233317100053

  View details for PubMedID 16014798

• Light induces c-fos and per1 expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of arrhythmic hamsters AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY Barakat, M. T., O'Hara, B. F., Cao, V. H., Heller, H. C., Ruby, N. F. 2005; 289 (5): R1381-R1386

  Abstract

  Locomotor activity rhythms in a significant proportion of Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) become arrhythmic after the light-dark (LD) cycle is phase-delayed by 5 h. Arrhythmia is apparent within a few days and persists indefinitely despite the presence of the photocycle. The failure of arrhythmic hamsters to regain rhythms while housed in the LD cycle, as well as the lack of any masking of activity, suggested that the circadian system of these animals had become insensitive to light. We tested this hypothesis by examining light-induced gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Several weeks after the phase delay, arrhythmic and re-entrained hamsters were housed in constant darkness (DD) for 24 h and administered a 30-min light pulse 2 h after predicted dark onset because light induces c-fos and per1 genes at this time in entrained animals. Brains were then removed, and tissue sections containing the SCN were processed for in situ hybridization and probed with c-fos and per1 mRNA probes made from Siberian hamster cDNA. Contrary to our prediction, light pulses induced robust expression of both c-fos and per1 in all re-entrained and arrhythmic hamsters. A separate group of animals held in DD for 10 days after the light pulse remained arrhythmic. Thus, even though the SCN of these animals responded to light, neither the LD cycle nor DD restored rhythms, as it does in other species made arrhythmic by constant light (LL). These results suggest that different mechanisms underlie arrhythmicity induced by LL or by a phase delay of the LD cycle. Whereas LL induces arrhythmicity by desynchronizing SCN neurons, phase delay-induced arrhythmicity may be due to a loss of circadian rhythms at the level of individual SCN neurons.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpregu.00695.2004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000232528200020

  View details for PubMedID 16002555

• Phenotypic differences in reentrainment behavior and sensitivity to nighttime light pulses in Siberian hamsters JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS Ruby, N. F., Barakat, M. T., Heller, H. C. 2004; 19 (6): 530-541

  Abstract

  Spontaneous reentrainment to phase shifts of the photocycle is a fundamental property of all circadian systems. Siberian hamsters are, however, unique in this regard because most fail to reentrain when the LD cycle (16-h light/day) is phase delayed by 5 h. In the present study, the authors compared reentrainment responses in hamsters from 2 colonies. One colony descended from animals trapped in the wild more than 30 years ago (designated "nonentrainers"), and the other colony was outbred as recently as 13 years ago (designated "entrainers"). As reported previously, only 10% of hamsters from the nonentrainer colony reentrained to a 5-h phase delay of the LD cycle. By contrast, 75% of animals from the entrainer colony reentrained to the phase shift. Another goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that failure to reentrain was a consequence of light exposure during the middle of the night on the day of the 5-h phase delay. This hypothesis was tested by exposing animals to 2 h of light during the early, middle, or late part of the night and then subjecting them on the next day to a 3-h phase delay of the photocycle, which is a phase shift to which all hamsters normally reentrain. All animals from both colonies reentrained when light pulses occurred early in the night, but more animals from the entrainer colony, compared to the nonentrainer colony, reentrained when the light pulse occurred in the middle or late part of the night. The phenotypic variation in reentrainment responses is similar to the variation in photoperiodic responsiveness previously reported for these 2 colonies. Phenotypic variation in both traits is due to underlying differences in circadian organization and suggests a common genetic basis for reentrainment responses and photoperiodic responsiveness.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0748730404268055

  View details for Web of Science ID 000225093900008

  View details for PubMedID 15523114

• Light pulses do not induce c-fos or per1 in the SCN of hamsters that fail to reentrain to the photocycle JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS Barakat, M. I., O'Hara, B. E., Cao, V. H., Larkin, J. E., Heller, H. C., Ruby, N. F. 2004; 19 (4): 287-297

  Abstract

  Circadian activity rhythms of most Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) fail to reentrain to a 5-h phase shift of the light-dark (LD) cycle. Instead, their rhythms free-run at periods close to 25 h despite the continued presence of the LD cycle. This lack of behavioral reentrainment necessarily means that molecular oscillators in the master circadian pacemaker, the SCN, were unable to reentrain as well. The authors tested the hypothesis that a phase shift of the LD cycle rendered the SCN incapable of responding to photic input. Animals were exposed to a 5-h phase delay of the photocycle, and activity rhythms were monitored until a lack of reentrainment was confirmed. Hamsters were then housed in constant darkness for 24 h and administered a 30-min light pulse 2 circadian hours after activity onset. Brains were then removed, and tissue sections containing the SCN were processed for in situ hybridization. Sections were probed with Siberian hamster c-fos and per1 mRNA probes because light rapidly induces these 2 genes in the SCN during subjective night but not at other circadian phases. Light pulses induced robust expression of both genes in all animals that reentrained to the LD cycle, but no expression was observed in any animal that failed to reentrain. None of the animals exhibited an intermediate response. This finding is the first report of acute shift in a photocycle eliminating photosensitivity in the SCN and suggests that a specific pattern of light exposure may desensitize the SCN to subsequent photic input.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0748730404266771

  View details for Web of Science ID 000222693400004

  View details for PubMedID 15245648