United States

Study Objectives: Patients who prefer to communicate in a language other than English are vulnerable to the consequences of medical communication barriers. Studies of Non-English Language Preferred (NELP) and English Language Preferred (ELP) patients have shown differences in rates of hospital admission and wait times, factors related to increased costs and lower patient satisfaction. However, few studies consider languages other than Spanish or account for the patient’s acuity level when they present to the Emergency Department (ED). This study investigates differences in care between NELP and ELP patients across three ED operational metrics: hospital admission rate, time from arrival to room, and time from arrival to disposition.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from January 2020 to December 2020 from an urban academic medical center. Data extracted included age, gender, language preference, disposition, and Emergency Severity Index Score (ESI). NELP patients were languages were grouped into three language categories: Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, Taiwanese, and Zhongshan-Chinese dialect), and Other (all remaining languages). The primary outcomes were hospital admission rate and times from arrival to the treatment room and arrival to disposition. Data was analyzed with chi-squared tests, logistic, and linear regressions.

Results: Of the 58,079 unique ED encounters in the study period, 26.4% (15,307) patients identified as NELP. Within NELP patient encounters, 75.0% preferred Spanish, 13.9% preferred Chinese, and 11.1% preferred another language. NELP patients had a higher admission rate than ELP (22.6% vs 20.0%, p&lt;0.001), which after adjusting for age and acuity, demonstrated a 15% increased odds (p&lt;0.001). NELP patients waited an average 5.4 minutes longer to be roomed (p&lt;0.001) and 15.6 minutes longer until disposition (p&lt;0.001). This discrepancy was greater for lower acuity patients, with ESI 5 Spanish and Chinese language-preferred patients waiting a longer average 50.4 and 90.6 minutes respectively ( p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.05).

Conclusion: Even after adjusting for acuity level and age, NELP patients were at higher odds of admission and experienced disparate wait times, particularly at lower acuity levels. Decreased ED throughput not only affects patient experience but can delay treatment for more emergent patients. These disparities demonstrate opportunities to improve ED efficiency and the need to improve health equity.

AMA Research Challenge 2024 

Disparities in Emergency Department Admission Rates and Wait Times for Non-English Language Preferred Patients

Study Objectives: Patients who prefer to communicate in a language other than English are vulnerable to the consequences of medical communication barriers. Studies of Non-English Language Preferred (NELP) and English Language Preferred (ELP) patients have shown differences in rates of hospital admission and wait times, factors related to increased costs and lower patient satisfaction. However, few studies consider languages other than Spanish or account for the patient’s acuity level when they present to the Emergency Department (ED). This study investigates differences in care between NELP and ELP patients across three ED operational metrics: hospital admission rate, time from arrival to room, and time from arrival to disposition.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from January 2020 to December 2020 from an urban academic medical center. Data extracted included age, gender, language preference, disposition, and Emergency Severity Index Score (ESI). NELP patients were languages were grouped into three language categories: Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, Taiwanese, and Zhongshan-Chinese dialect), and Other (all remaining languages). The primary outcomes were hospital admission rate and times from arrival to the treatment room and arrival to disposition. Data was analyzed with chi-squared tests, logistic, and linear regressions.

Results: Of the 58,079 unique ED encounters in the study period, 26.4% (15,307) patients identified as NELP. Within NELP patient encounters, 75.0% preferred Spanish, 13.9% preferred Chinese, and 11.1% preferred another language. NELP patients had a higher admission rate than ELP (22.6% vs 20.0%, p<0.001), which after adjusting for age and acuity, demonstrated a 15% increased odds (p<0.001). NELP patients waited an average 5.4 minutes longer to be roomed (p<0.001) and 15.6 minutes longer until disposition (p<0.001). This discrepancy was greater for lower acuity patients, with ESI 5 Spanish and Chinese language-preferred patients waiting a longer average 50.4 and 90.6 minutes respectively ( p<0.001; p<0.05).

Conclusion: Even after adjusting for acuity level and age, NELP patients were at higher odds of admission and experienced disparate wait times, particularly at lower acuity levels. Decreased ED throughput not only affects patient experience but can delay treatment for more emergent patients. These disparities demonstrate opportunities to improve ED efficiency and the need to improve health equity.

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Abstract Title
Implementation of a VA Addiction Hotline: Assessing the Impact of Addiction Hotline Intervention on Buprenorphine and Naloxone Prescribing Rates in the Emergency Department
Authors
Jennifer Diaz, Nathalie Dieujuste, Francis C. Averill, Cynthia Koh, Hemang Acharya, Zahir Basrai, Comilla Sasson, Manuel Celedon
Background
The opioid crisis in the United States resulted in over 81,000 deaths in 2022. The VeteransHealth Administration (VHA) has supported overdose education and naloxone distribution(OEND) programs and released clinical practice guidelines advocating for the use of medications for opioid use disorder. Despite increased awareness and allocation of resources, uptake of OEND programs has been variable within VHA, and buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) remains underutilized. To improve naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing, we developed a daily telehealth addiction hotline service for VHA emergency
department (ED) providers to access an addiction specialist in real-time from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. PST. We evaluated naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing before and after implementing an addiction hotline in eight Southwest VHA facilities (SW VHA).
Methods
We reviewed VHA clinical dashboard quarterly performance data of ED naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing from October 1, 2021 through March 31st, 2024 (ten government fiscal year quarters). The dashboard reports a quarterly percentage of prescribing rates for naloxone (number of ED patients at risk for opioid-related overdose prescribed naloxone at discharge divided by the total number of at-risk ED patients) and buprenorphine (number of ED patients with untreated OUD receiving buprenorphine at discharge divided by the total number
of ED patients with untreated OUD). We conducted four paired sample t-tests evaluating the changes in trends for naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing from VHA EDs before implementation of the addiction hotline (October 1st, 2021 through December 31st, 2022) and after implementation (January 1st, 2023 through March 31st, 2024). The national VHA data was utilized as a control since the addiction hotline intervention occurred only in Southwest VHA
facilities.
Results
In the national (control) group, naloxone prescribing increased significantly between the pre- implementation period and the post-implementation period with a mean increase of 9.08 (SD=1.36, p<0.001), Cohen's d=6.66. The SW VHA (intervention) group also showed a significant increase of 13.47 (SD=9.29, p=0.032), Cohen's d=1.45. For buprenorphine, the control group displayed a significant increase of 0.73 (SD=0.19, p=0.001), Cohen's d=3.75. The intervention group showed a mean increase of 1.25 (SD=1.26), significant at only the one-tailed level (p=0.04), Cohen's d=0.99.
Conclusion
Naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing increased significantly both nationally and in SW VHA.A more pronounced increase was observed in SW VHA, indicating a potential positive impact from the addiction hotline. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the effect of a real-time clinician support service on naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing in the ED.

Implementation of a VA Addiction Hotline: Assessing the Impact of Addiction Hotline
Intervention on Buprenorphine and Naloxone Prescribing Rates in the Emergency Department

Abstract Title 
CARDIOVASCULAR AUTONOMIC FUNCTION IN LONG COVID-19 INDIVIDUALS WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES

Background
The objective of this study is to identify differences in the impact of cardiovascular autonomic (CAN) on long COVID individuals with and without diabetes. We examined associations with measures of CAN, using standardized cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) and heart rate variability (HRV), in long COVID individuals with and without diabetes.

Methods
We evaluated measures of CAN in a cross-sectional study in 47 adults with long COVID-19 with (N=32, mean age 61 years, 43% women, mean A1c 6.2%) and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (N=34, mean age 58 years, 65% women) and compared them with T2DM without COVID-19 (N=45, mean age 57 years, 42% women, mean A1c 7.8%). CAN was assessed with CARTs (30:15 ratio, E:I ratio, Valsalva ratio) and indices of HRV (standard deviation of the normal RR interval (SDNN), root mean square of the differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD)). We used pairwise comparison and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) both adjusted for age, sex, race, and body mass index (BMI) to compare the groups.
Results In a pairwise comparison higher heart rate (HR) and lower CAN measures (SDNN, RMSSD, Valsalva) were found in T2DM with COVID-19 compared to T2DM without COVID- 19. Lower HR and lower Valsalva were found in COVID-19 individuals without T2DM compared to T2DM without COVID-19. When comparing the three groups, lower Valsalva were found in COVID-19 individuals with and without T2DM compared to T2DM without COVID- 19.

Conclusion 
Data suggests that COVID-19 exacerbates CAN in individuals with T2D. COVID- 19 also impacts CAN in people without T2D at a magnitude similar to that of T2D participants. The role of long COVID-19 in the progression of CAN warrants further exploration.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in Long COVID-19 Individuals With and Without Diabetes

Title: Comparison of Glimepiride dosing and blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Meta-Analysis
Author: Sheema Khan, Master of Science Clinical Research, 2019
Thesis Directed by: Dr. Andrew Bean, PhD, Dean of Graduate College
Background: Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea drug, is widely used to manage blood glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Recommended dosages range from 1 to 8 mg daily, typically administered alongside Metformin. Dose escalation, though common, poses risks of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular concerns.
Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing the efficacy of 2 mg versus 4 mg Glimepiride as add-on therapy with Metformin in T2DM patients aged 18 and above. Primary outcome measured was change in HbA1c levels; secondary outcomes included BMI, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), lipid levels, lipid subtypes, and frequency of hypoglycemic episodes.
Methods: Fifty-one RCTs were initially identified from databases such as PubMed and Scopus, with 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria (2 mg group: 693 subjects; 4 mg group: 666 subjects). Comprehensive meta-analysis using "Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA)" software was performed, utilizing difference in means and standardized difference in means to assess outcomes.
Results: Both 2 mg and 4 mg doses of Glimepiride significantly reduced HbA1c levels, with the 2 mg dose showing a greater reduction. Subgroup analyses indicated significant heterogeneity among studies. FPG reduction was statistically significant for both doses, while BMI changes and lipid levels did not show significant associations with dose. Hypoglycemia risk was lower with the 2 mg dose compared to 4 mg.
Conclusion: The meta-analysis supports the efficacy of both Glimepiride doses in reducing HbA1c levels, with the 2 mg dose demonstrating superior results. Significant associations were observed between FPG reduction and Glimepiride dose, while other outcomes showed mixed results. These findings suggest potential benefits of initiating treatment with the 2 mg dose to minimize hypoglycemia risk and achieve effective glycemic control in T2DM patients.
Limitations: Limitations include the lack of direct comparative studies between 2 mg and 4 mg doses and high heterogeneity among included trials. Larger randomized trials are recommended to validate these findings and guide clinical practice.

Comparison of Glimepiride dosing and blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Meta-Analysis

Background
The CDC reports that the prevalence of obesity in US adults has risen to nearly 42%. The underlying mechanisms of obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome are not well characterized. This study aims to identify how adipose cellular senescence affects metabolic outcomes in the context of obesity and aging. 
Senescent cells have a proclivity to aggregate in adipose and act on neighboring tissues through the release of markers dictated by their senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. It is theorized that inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. Furthermore, a high volume of adipocytes may be associated with increased immune cells and fat oxidation, contributing to the development of insulin resistance.
Methods
The ongoing clinical trial in the Musi lab will enroll 160 subjects to account for a dropout rate of approximately 25%. 120 subjects will complete the study. Based on their baseline characteristics they will be divided in the following groups:

Younger Lean (n=24) Group, age 18-30 years, BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
Older Lean (n=24) Group, age ≥ 65 years, BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
Older Obese (n=72) Group, age ≥ 65 years, BMI 30-39.9 kg/m²

Subjects will be enrolled and studied at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California (n=120 completers). We will recruit patients of any sex, race, and ethnic background. All subjects will be nondiabetic (fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dl, 2-h glucose during oral glucose tolerance test <200 mg/dl, and A1c <6.5%), community-dwelling, and sedentary (≤1.5 h of exercise per week).

Exclusion criteria include history of diabetes, participation in structured exercise >1.5h per week, chronic inflammatory / neurologic / autoimmune / pulmonary disorders, GI or heart disease, use of anti-arrhythmic or weight altering medications, smoking/alcohol use, previous bariatric surgery, and use of/allergy to senolytic agents.

All subjects will undergo initial screening, OGTT analysis, DXA/cardiopulmonary testing, insulin clamp and adipose/skin biopsy (which will be used for sn RNA-seq analyses of senescence). The older obese cohort will be further randomized into three arms: lifestyle intervention (n=24), senolytics (n=24), or placebo (n=24). They will undergo repeat adipose biopsies, snRNA-seq, and metabolic/physiologic assessment after respective 10-week interventions

Conclusion
Characterizing the relationship between adipose senescence and metabolic outcomes will provide greater insight into the underlying mechanism of insulin resistance. While preliminary murine data are promising, assessing these hypotheses in human subjects will reveal the degree to which senolytic agents can improve metabolic function. Furthermore, this study study may help us gain better understanding of the aging process and identify potential molecular targets for prevention of metabolic disease.

Effect of Adipose Senescent Cell Burden on Metabolic Outcomes in Older Obese Subjects

Title 

Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Non-Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Alaska Native and American Indian Population

Background

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Effective blood glucose management is critical in reducing complications, particularly microvascular events. Traditional blood glucose monitoring via single point-of-care finger sticks poses compliance challenges for patients. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) offer a less invasive and more effective alternative, enhancing glycemic control and improving quality of life. However, research has predominantly focused on insulin-dependent patients, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the benefits for non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients, especially among Alaskan Natives and American Indians (AN/AI). This study aims to evaluate the impact of CGM use on disease burden in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of CGM use on disease burden in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population. Identify areas for further research regarding CGM use in T2DM patients


Methods

This retrospective study utilized deidentified data from the Electronic Health Record at an outpatient Indian Health Service clinic located in the Northwest United States. The study included patients diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent T2DM who used CGMs between 2019 and 2023. Health metrics analyzed included vitals, A1C levels, glucose readings, cholesterol levels, and liver and kidney function. Data were collected over a period of CGM use, and initial and follow-up measurements were compared to assess the impact on disease management. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, were conducted to evaluate trends and significant changes in health outcomes.

Results

The study included 93 patients (37 males, 55 females) with a mean age of 55 years (range 29-83 years). Results of the paired t-test indicated a significant difference between baseline A1C levels (9.5  2.4, MeanSD) and A1C levels one-year post-CGM use (7.6  2.2), t(92) = 7.5, p < .001. These findings suggest that CGM use significantly reduces A1C levels in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients. Further analysis of T2DM disease burden is ongoing to investigate these findings and explore additional health metrics.

Conclusion

The use of CGMs in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population significantly improves glycemic control, as evidenced by the substantial reduction in A1C levels over one year. These preliminary findings indicate that CGMs could play a pivotal role in managing T2DM beyond insulin-dependent populations, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life. Further research is warranted to support broader CGM use among non-insulin-dependent diabetes patients. This study underscores the importance of expanding CGM accessibility to enhance diabetes management comprehensively.

References 

1. Lin R, Brown F, James S, Jones J, Ekinci E. Continuous glucose monitoring: A review of the evidence in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Med. 2021;38(5):e14528. doi:10.1111/dme.14528 
2. Ang, E., Lee, Z. X., Moore, S., & Nana, M. (2020). Flash glucose monitoring (FGM): A clinical review on glycemic outcomes and impact on quality of life. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications, 34(6), 107559. 
3. Tanaka, N., Yabe, D., Murotani, K., Ueno, S., Kuwata, H., Hamamoto, Y., Kurose, T., Takahashi, N., Akashi, T., Matsuoka, T., Osonoi, T., Minami, M., Shimono, D., Seino, Y., & Positive SMBG Study Group Investigators (2018). Mental distress and health-related quality of life among type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients using self-monitoring of blood glucose: A cross-sectional questionnaire study in Japan. Journal of diabetes investigation, 9(5), 1203–1211. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdi.12827
4. Farhan, H. A., Bukhari, K., Grewal, N., Devarasetty, S., & Munir, K. (2022). Use of continuous glucose monitor as a motivational device for lifestyle modifications to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with non-insulin therapies. BMJ Case Reports, 15(6). https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2021-248579 
5. Bilous, R. W., Donnelly, R., & Idris, I. (2021). Handbook of diabetes (5th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
6. Park J, Kim G, Kim BS, et al. Insulin Fact Sheet in Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Trends of Antidiabetic Medication Use in Insulin Users with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: 2002 to 2019. Diabetes Metab J. 2023;47(2):211-219. doi:10.4093/dmj.2022.0346

Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Non-Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Alaska Native and American Indian Population

Introduction
The prevalence of diabetes has increased drastically over the last couple of decades. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion from pancreatic islet cells, and have a recognized side effect of substantial weight loss. Weight loss has been associated with improved metabolic control and a reduction in comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and the remission of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, pharmacological methodologies may become an attractive alternative to invasive surgical procedures. This systematic review analyzed semaglutide against alternative GLP-1 RAs in facilitating weight loss and evaluated their associated adverse effects (AEs) in diabetic patients.

Methods
A systematic search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing semaglutide against other GLP-1 RAs on weight loss. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis using SPSS program version 29 were performed to analyze the differences in weight loss between cohorts.

Results
Nine studies with 5,445 patients whose mean age was 60.01 years (range: 55.50-70.00) and mean follow-up of 32.5 weeks (4.0-58.7) were included. Three studies compared semaglutide against liraglutide, four studies compared semaglutide against dulaglutide, two studies compared semaglutide against tirzepatide, and one study compared semaglutide against exenatide. Meta-analysis showed that semaglutide (5.14% [range: 4.95-5.80%]) had a significantly greater mean weight loss compared to liraglutide (2.89% [2.00-3.35%]), and dulaglutide (4.71% [2.07-6.81%]). Tirzepatide (10.33% [range: 8.22-11.90%]) had a significantly greater mean weight loss compared to semaglutide (5.48% [4.88-6.08%]). Common AEs included minor and moderate gastrointestinal (GI) events. 

Conclusions
Semaglutide demonstrated increased weight loss compared to dulaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide. However, newer dual agonists such as tirzepatide produced a greater weight loss compared to semaglutide, which may be attributed to its ability to act as a dual agonist of GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptors. An important consideration is the high rate of AEs. GI AEs are the most commonly experienced AEs with semaglutide intervention, most specifically nausea and vomiting, with higher rates observed in patients with lower BMI. Additionally, there have been recently developed GLP-1 RAs acting on multiple receptors which may provide even greater weight loss and clinical outcomes for diabetic patients. Future studies should compare specific GLP-1 RAs to better outline the most efficacious and safe formulation of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss.

Semaglutide versus other GLP-1 Agonists on Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background
Hypertension is a major global health concern. While education level has been associated with hypertension diagnosis, the relationship is complex and potentially influenced by factors such as family income and health insurance coverage. This study aimed to explore these associations using nationally representative data.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2017-March 2020 NHANES survey, focusing on US adults aged >35 years. Education level was self-reported in 5 categories, and hypertension status was based on previous diagnoses. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata Software version 18, employing chi-square tests with a significance level of 0.05.
Results
Among participants with hypertension (46.96%), only 20.93% had a college degree or higher. Of those with health insurance (87.28%), 26.96% had a college degree or higher. In the subset with family income-to-poverty ratio >1 (82.52%), 46.30% reported hypertension. These findings suggest a complex interplay between education, hypertension, and socioeconomic factors.
Conclusion
This study revealed significant associations between education level, hypertension diagnosis, and socioeconomic factors. The findings highlight the potential roles of income and health insurance as confounders or effect modifiers in this relationship. Further research is needed to elucidate these complex interactions and inform targeted public health interventions.

Education Level and Hypertension Among US Adults: NHANES Analysis

Title: Informing Clinical Insights: A Retrospective Analysis to Describe Micronutrient Deficiencies 
  
Purpose/Background:  
Medical students learn that micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) play a crucial role in most metabolic and physiological processes. However, many micronutrient deficiencies (MnDs) are not routinely tested for. We postulate that this is in part due to limited or outdated research on the prevalences and clinical manifestations of MnDs. This descriptive retrospective cohort study examines MnD prevalence of an ‘at risk’ patient population, with future studies aiming to correlate MnDs with a defined set of clinical presentations. We show that MnDs are more prevalent than current literature suggests and could potentially be the missing diagnostic link when treating disease states. These findings highlight a call to action for further research and updated medical education. 
  
Methods:  
Data from EHR analysis included 583 patients who presented to Grace Health, a FQHC hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan between August 2019 - June 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of all patients ages 18 to 99 who were identified as being at risk due to evidence of systemic dysfunction and a history of insufficient nutritional intake as defined by the “Healthy Eating Index” and the “National Health and Nutritional Exam Survey.” Automated chart reviews and data retrieval was performed. Associations of MnDs with multiple variables, such as various patient presentations and symptoms, housing status, education level, BMI, activity level, tobacco use, drug use, and other clinical markers were detected. 

Results:   
432 out of the 583 patients (74%) who met the inclusion criteria and had labs drawn were shown to have one or more MnD. 36.8% of these patients had a vitamin C deficiency, 29% had a vitamin B6 deficiency, 12.1% had a vitamin A deficiency, and 11.3% had a zinc deficiency, with the remainder composing vitamin B1, B3, B5, B9, and B12 deficiencies. 
  
Conclusions:  
This descriptive study highlights the significant prevalence of MnDs in an average community, suggesting the prognostic importance of nutritional status nationwide. These results demonstrate that MnDs are only detected if health care providers suspect and test for them. Therefore, this study serves as a platform underpinning the importance of further studies comparing outcomes and prevalence with varied control groups, and on the development and efficacy of routinely used standardized nutritional status indexes, screening tools, and risk stratification scores. At a foundational level, these results emphasize a need for enhancing medical school curriculum to include disease states caused by MnDs and the nutritional education that supports comprehensive patient care. 
  



Informing Clinical Insights: A Retrospective Analysis to Describe Micronutrient Deficiencies

Background
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and it is expected to cause over 50,000 deaths in the US in 2024. Numerous studies have demonstrated increased survival in distal colon cancer compared to in the proximal side. We assessed the survivorship of colon cancer based on subsite over a 46-year period to determine if a more precise location differs in survivorship compared to what is already known.

Methods
This is a retrospective, cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database using SEER*Stat (9.0.30.0). All complete records with colon cancer were extracted from the period 1975-2020. Demographic information was tabulated and compared between groups using a chi square or t-test for counts and means respectively. Our primary outcome was disease-specific survival time for the first 10-years after diagnosis. Records were censored for death not attributable to colon cancer, loss to followup, or survival at 10 years after diagnosis or at the end of the study period. Disease-specific Kaplan-Meir curves were calculated for patients with cancer in each location. Ten-year disease specific survival rates were further investigated by multivariate cox regression to adjust for patient race, age at diagnosis, and marital status. Adjusted hazard ratios were calculated and compared for patients with tumors in each location. 

Results
We identified 300,661 patients with colon cancer from 1975-2020. The median age was 69.1 years, 49.1% were male, and 83.9% were white. Tumors in the distal colon (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.934-0.956, p<0.0002) had a better 10-year survival versus tumors in the proximal colon (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.046-1.071, p<0.0001). Tumors in the ascending colon had the highest 10-survival rate (HR 0.894, 95% CI 0.879-0.908, p<0.0001) and tumors in the splenic flexure had the lowest 10-year survival rate (HR 1.183, 95% CI 1.15-1.217, p<0.0001).

Conclusion
We have shown that despite the overall survival being higher in the distal colon compared to the proximal colon, variations exist within these locations. Tumors located in the splenic flexure had the highest 10-year risk of death and tumors in the ascending colon had the lowest 10-year risk of death amongst the subsites, despite the overall rates within their respective areas in the colon showing the opposite outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine if any differences exist within these subsites to cause these findings and if patients may benefit from subsite specific treatments and screening.

Colon Cancer Survival Based on Anatomic Subsite: A National 
Survival Analysis From 1975 to 2020

Abstract Title
Double Trouble in the Gut: Unraveling the Tangled Tale of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and 
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are both immunologically 
mediated gastrointestinal disorders. While previous studies have suggested a possible association 
between these conditions, results have been inconsistent.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX database, examining IBD patients
from 2013 to 2022. We stratified the data by type of IBD, age, sex, and race to assess the incidence 
and risk factors of EoE in patients with IBD. Additionally, we evaluated the 5-year clinical 
outcomes of patients with concurrent EoE and IBD compared to those with either condition alone.
Propensity score matching was performed for age, sex, race, BMI, smoking, PSC, steroid use, 
other autoimmune diseases, IBD medications, and surgery history. Risk was quantified using 
adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
Among 234,582 patients with IBD (mean age 45.4, female sex 52.5%, White race 74.8%, CD 
52.8%), the risk of EoE was higher in the IBD cohort (aOR: 2.88, CI: 2.59-3.19) compared to the 
non-IBD cohort. Following subgroup analysis in the UC cohort, younger age (<40) and male sex 
were associated with a higher risk of EoE, while in the CD cohort, younger age, male sex, obesity, 
and history of CD-related surgery were significant risk factors. For the clinical outcomes study, 
853 patients with UC and EoE and 1,162 with CD and EoE were matched with control cohorts. 
The UC-EoE cohort showed an increased risk of IV steroid use (aOR: 1.46, CI: 1.19-1.79) but no 
difference in oral steroid use, advanced therapy initiation, or colectomy. The CD-EoE cohort 
demonstrated higher risks of IV steroid use, advanced therapy use, and PSC, with no significant 
difference in colectomy rates. In another analysis of 887 patients with EoE and IBD, the EoE-IBD 
cohort exhibited a lower risk of a composite outcome of esophageal dilation and/or Dupilumab use 
(aOR: 0.39, CI: 0.29-0.52), with no difference in esophageal dilations alone or food impactions.
Conclusion
Our study reveals a roughly threefold increased risk of EoE in patients with IBD. Additionally, 
patients with coexisting EoE and IBD experience worse clinical outcomes, particularly those with 
CD, highlighting the need for close outpatient monitoring and follow-up. Interestingly, patients 
with EoE and IBD may benefit from immune-modifying therapies used for IBD, resulting in more 
favorable outcomes compared to those with EoE alone.

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