Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology

Rethinking about the definition of GERD
Alzahrani MA and Savarino EV
Comparison of the effect of self-care education with two methods, teach-back and smartphone application, on the adherence to treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Manzari ZS, Ghaderi MS, Vossoughinia H, Rafiei H and Mafi MH
Self-care is one of the basic principles in the management of chronic diseases, which influences follow-up and adherence to treatment. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of teach-back (TB) and a smartphone application on adherence to treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The prevalence, severity, and risk factors of erosive esophagitis in a Middle Eastern population
Alsahafi M, Salah F, Mimish H, Hejazi M, Alkhiari R, Alkhowaiter S and Mosli M
Erosive esophagitis (EE) is frequently present in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), some of which may not have GERD symptoms. The prevalence of EE in the Saudi population is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of EE among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Gut fungal profile in new onset treatment-naïve ulcerative colitis in Saudi children
El Mouzan M, Al Quorain A, Assiri A, Almasoud A, Alsaleem B, Aladsani A and Al Sarkhy A
Although the role of fungi in gut inflammation in IBD has been suggested, data are still limited in ulcerative colitis (UC). Our aim was to describe the gut fungal profile in a pediatric UC in Saudi Arabia.
Association between vedolizumab and risk of clostridium difficile infection in patients with ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Alghamdi M, Alyousfi D, Mukhtar MS and Mosli M
The medical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) includes the use of biological agents such as vedolizumab, a gut-selective alpha4beta7 (ɑ4β7) antagonist. The mechanism of action of vedolizumab involves interfering with leukocyte trafficking into the gut vasculature, which halts inflammation. Due to this mechanism of action, concerns have arisen regarding an increased risk of gut infections, specifically, clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The aim is to provide clarity regarding the association between the use of vedolizumab as a therapy for ulcerative colitis and the risk of developing CDI.
CEBPB dampens the cuproptosis sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by facilitating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Huang T, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Han X, Li L, Guo Z, Li K, Xin Y and Wang W
Cuproptosis is a novel pathway that differs from other forms of cell death and has been confirmed to be applicable for predicting tumor prognosis and clinical treatment response. However, the mechanism underlying the resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) to cuproptosis at the molecular level has not been elucidated.
Clinical outcomes and safety of external beam radiotherapy with extensive intrahepatic targets for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A single institutional clinical experience
Park S, Rim CH and Yoon WS
This study observed the clinical outcome of radiotherapy to extensive intrahepatic targets for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a single institution.
Translation, cultural adaptation, and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Arabic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (Ar-GerdQ)
AbuDujain NM, Batais MA, Muqresh MA, Aljofan Z, Alghamdi HA, Bashmail A, Alrasheed AA, Almigbal T, Alsemairi R and Hatlebakk JG
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic digestive disease that affects people in different communities at different rates. Because of the absence of a validated Arabic tool to assess GERD symptoms, this study aimed to validate and culturally adapt the GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) tool to Arabic speakers.
Factors associated with precancerous stomach lesions and progresion: A 7-year multi-center prospective cohort study on the low incidence of gastric cancer in central Saudi Arabia
Zacharakis G, Dahale A, Elbary ERAA, Babikir RRE, Alla MAN and Mustafa MO
In Saudi Arabia (SA) no data are available on precancerous stomach lesions (PSLs) or the associated risk factors. We aimed to identify PSLs and investigate factors associated with PSLs and their progression.
The treatment naïve microbiome of pediatric ulcerative colitis and microbial therapeutics: A humbling challenge
Kellermayer R
Elevated Hepatitis B virus RNA levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients compared to cirrhotic individuals: A propensity score matched analysis
Wang Y, Wu J, Zhang Y, Wang L and Li T
To delineate the levels of serum Hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and study comparisons with those of individuals afflicted with cirrhosis.
Short term effectiveness of ustekinumab versus vedolizumab in Crohn's disease after failure of anti-TNF agents: An observational comparative study design with a Bayesian analysis
Alamer A, Al Lehaibi LH, Alomar M, Aldhuwayan F, Alshouish S, Al-Ali AY, Almudhry Z, Almulhim A, Althagafi A, Aldosari S and AlAmeel T
Crohn's disease (CD) is a debilitating gastrointestinal disease with complex etiology. Although effective, recipients of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents may experience primary or secondary nonresponse, necessitating alternative treatments. This study is intended to compare the short-term effectiveness of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in treating CD after failure of multiple lines of anti-TNF therapy using real-world data.
Stigma in steatotic liver disease: A survey of patients from Saudi Arabia
Alqahtani SA, Alswat K, Mawardi M, Sanai FM, Abaakhail F, Alghamdi S, Al-Hamoudi WK, Nader F, Stepanova M, Younossi ZM and
A recent name change of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was primarily driven by potential stigma associated with the terminology. This stigma can be different between patients and healthcare providers and differ according to geographic regions of the world. Our aim was to better understand stigma and disease burden among patients with NAFLD enrolled in the global survey from Saudi Arabia (SA).
Is HBV RNA a new endpoint of HBV cure?
Chan HLY
The effectiveness of vedolizumab in advanced therapy-experienced ulcerative colitis patients: Real world data from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease of the Middle East (IBD-ME) Registry group
Azzam N, Alharbi O, Altuwaijri M, Alruthia Y, Alfarhan H, Alshankiti S, Nafisah F, Ajlan Q, Aljebreen A, Almadi M and Mosli MH
Vedolizumab is an approved ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. Multiple large randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the drug's efficacy and safety. However, real-world data from Middle Eastern countries are spare. The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) therapy in advanced therapy experienced UC patients.
A systematic review of preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prior to extrahepatic, abdominal surgery in patients with cirrhosis
Haider M, Nur YA, Syed H and Khan K
Extrahepatic, abdominal surgery in patients with cirrhosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This systematic review presents the current evidence available on the utility of a preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), assessed by its effect on surgical candidacy and postoperative mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis undergoing extrahepatic, abdominal surgery.
The burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia
Alqahtani SA, Abaalkhail F, Alghamdi S, Bzeizi K, Al-Hamoudi WK, Paik JM, Henry L, Al-Judaibi B, Sanai FM and Younossi ZM
Globally, viral hepatitis is decreasing, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is increasing. We assessed the burden and trends of MASLD and viral hepatitis in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi consensus guidance for the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents
Saadah OI, AlAmeel T, Al Sarkhy A, Hasosah M, Al-Hussaini A, Almadi MA, Al-Bawardy B, Altuwaijri TA, AlEdreesi M, Bakkari SA, Alharbi OR, Azzam NA, Almutairdi A, Alenzi KA, Al-Omari BA, Almudaiheem HY, Al-Jedai AH and Mosli MH
The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents is challenging. Clear evidence-based guidelines are required for this population. This article provides recommendations for managing IBD in Saudi children and adolescents aged 6-19 years, developed by the Saudi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy and the Saudi Gastroenterology Association. All 57 guideline statements are based on the most up-to-date information for the diagnosis and management of pediatric IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease training assessment of gastroenterology fellows in Saudi Arabia
AlDhneem H, AlMutairdi A, Attamimi M, Mosli M, AlAmeel T and Al-Bawardy B
Recent advancement and complexity in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has made it challenging for gastroenterology (GI) fellows to obtain competency and confidence in managing the complex IBD patient. We aimed to evaluate the confidence and training in IBD among GI fellows in Saudi Arabia.
Risk of perforation related to colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Is this finally predictable?
Murino A and Rimondi A
The use of cap-mounted clips as a primary hemostatic modality in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Alali AA, Almadi MA, Martel M and Barkun AN
Cap-mounted-clips, especially Over-The-Scope-Clip (OTSC™), are recommended for recurrent nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). There has been recent interest in their use as an initial hemostatic modality. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing cap-mounted clips' efficacy as a primary hemostatic modality in NVUGIB.