{"title":"Exclusive enteral nutrition for induction of remission in Crohn's disease in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and real-world studies.","authors":"Kirandeep Kaur, Arshdeep Singh, Simrat Kaur, Riya Sharma, Sanya Malik, Arshia Bhardwaj, Anuraag Jena, Ramit Mahajan, Vandana Midha, Ajit Sood","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01989-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01989-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an established induction therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD); however, its role in adults remains less well defined.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was performed through December 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies evaluating EEN in adults (≥ 18 years) with active CD. The primary outcome was clinical remission, defined by validated disease activity indices. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were applied to estimate pooled remission rates and relative risks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty studies, comprising 2459 patients, were included. In 23 real-world cohort studies (n = 1269), the pooled clinical remission rate with EEN was 66% (95% CI = 0.60-0.71, I<sup>2</sup> = 69.9%, p < 0.0001). In five RCTs (n = 315) comparing corticosteroids with EEN, corticosteroids achieved higher remission rates compared with EEN (RR 0.65, 95% CI = 0.50-0.84; p = 0.0009). In eight RCTs (n = 301), remission rates did not differ significantly between elemental and non-elemental formulations (RR 1.04, 95% CI = 0.88-1.23). Sub-group analyses by protein type and lipid composition showed no differences in efficacy. In two studies, combination therapy with biologics plus EEN was associated with a higher clinical remission compared with biologics alone (RR 0.75; 95% CI = 0.67-0.84; p < 0.0001). Adverse events were generally mild, with poor palatability being most frequent.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EEN induces clinical remission in adults with CD. It is less efficacious than corticosteroids to induce clinical remission. The efficacy of EEN is independent of formula composition. Given its favorable safety profile, EEN may represent a therapeutic option in select adult patients. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023445039.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From narrative review to practice: Three non-negotiables in reproductive-age vascular liver disorders.","authors":"Sebastian Wieckowski, Michal Pruc, Lukasz Szarpak","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-02010-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-02010-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147813861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and validation of 'Gallbladder-CBD diameter-Age-Liver function score' to determine the need for endoscopic ultrasound in patients with unexplained bile duct dilatation.","authors":"Aditya Kale, Mayur Satai, Suprabhat Giri, Sridhar Sundaram, Harish Darak, Gautam Jain, Abu Asim Ansari, Prajakta Mane, Nagma Khan, Leela Shinde, Kashmira Kawli, Akash Shukla","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01987-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01987-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can detect significant pathologies in patients with unexplained common bile duct (CBD) dilatation. The aim was to develop and validate a scoring system to identify patients likely to have 'actionable findings (AF)' and will be benefited by EUS examination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Endoscopic ultrasound database was analyzed from January 2018 to January 2022 to identify patients who underwent EUS for unexplained CBD dilatation (derivation cohort; n = 142). From February 2022 to January 2024, patients were prospectively recruited (validation cohort; n = 230). Demographics, clinical presentation, liver function test (LFT) and imaging findings were noted. Unexplained CBD dilatation was defined as dilated CBD without demonstrable cause on abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Actionable findings, defined as those conditions requiring endoscopic or surgical intervention, were noted. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of AF. Prediction model was developed using nomogram and validated in the validation cohort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AF were detected in 57.54% and 50.86% in derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. On multi-variate regression, abnormal gallbladder, p = 0.026, OR = 3.21, CBD diameter = 9-12 mm, p = 0.023, OR = 3.47; CBD diameter = > 12 mm, p = 0.004, OR = 18.0; age > 55 years, p = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 7.1 and abnormal LFT, p < 0.0005, OR = 15.82 (GCAL score) predicted AF on EUS. Risk scores were assigned to predictors using nomogram. Nomogram performed well in terms of discrimination with area under curve 0.904, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.854-0.954, p < 0.001. At cut-off value of 10.90, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of 94.18%, 58.92%, 77.88% 86.84% and 80.28% were obtained in derivation cohort. In validation cohort, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 95.97%, 83.96%, 90.43%, 87.5% and 94.68% were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EUS can detect 'actionable findings' in patients with unexplained CBD dilatation. 'GCAL score' provides a simple validated risk stratification tool, which can help in selecting patients for EUS examination.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence, clinical significance and predictors of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and elevated fecal calprotectin in refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Insights from a prospective cross-sectional study.","authors":"Omesh Goyal, Akash Aggarwal, Manjeet Kumar Goyal, Varun Mehta, Ramit Mahajan, Yogesh Gupta, Arshdeep Singh, Ajit Sood","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01999-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01999-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder with multi-factorial pathophysiology. Emerging evidence suggests a role of low-grade mucosal inflammation in IBS. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which has symptoms similar to IBS, may be misdiagnosed as IBS. Data on the prevalence of SIBO and elevated fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels in IBS patients remains sparse and conflicting. We aimed at determining the prevalence and clinical significance of SIBO and elevated FCP in patients with refractory IBS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled refractory IBS patients (Rome-IV criteria). SIBO was diagnosed using the glucose hydrogen breath test and FCP levels ≥ 50 μg/g were considered elevated. Clinical evaluation was performed using standardized questionnaires: IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) and IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QoL).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Of 209 patients screened, 148 with refractory IBS were enrolled (mean age 35.8 ± 11.9 years; 66.1% male). SIBO was detected in 46 (31.1%) and elevated FCP in 41 (27.7%) patients, with the highest prevalence in the IBS-D group (37.1% and 33.3%, respectively). Patients who were SIBO and/or FCP-positive had a longer duration of symptoms, higher IBS symptom burden and poorer QoL. Multi-variate analysis identified bloating (aOR = 4.59) and the IBS-SSS (aOR = 1.20) as independent predictors of SIBO.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Approximately one-third of patients with refractory IBS, particularly those with IBS-D, have SIBO and/or elevated FCP. This subset of patients demonstrates a higher symptom burden and poorer QoL, emphasizing the crucial need for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Incorporating non-invasive biomarkers (SIBO testing and FCP) into the management of refractory IBS may optimize patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Static and dynamic quantitative sensory testing in chronic pancreatitis: Relation of pain sensitization to patient-reported outcomes and psychiatric comorbidities.","authors":"Misbah Unnisa, Søren Schou Olesen, Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Abdul Rasheed, Madhurya Reddy, Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy, Rupjyoti Talukdar","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01994-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01994-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The etiology of pain in chronic pancreatitis is multi-factorial and includes altered central pain processing. Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST) indirectly assesses pain sensitization, yet its clinical significance in relation to psychological comorbidities and quality of life (QoL) remains unclear in Indian populations. The primary objective was to apply an unbiased, data-driven clustering approach using P-QST parameters to stratify patients into centrally sensitized and non-sensitized phenotypes and evaluate their associations with demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcome variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study enrolled Indian patients with painful chronic pancreatitis between June 2021 and October 2023. We assessed static (pressure pain thresholds and cold pressor endurance) and dynamic (temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation) P-QST parameters to characterize pain processing. Psychological comorbidities, pain catastrophizing and quality of life were measured using validated questionnaires. We compared demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcome variables across pain phenotypes identified from K-median clustering of P-QST parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We enrolled 264 patients (mean [SD] age- 35.6 [11.0] years, male [%]- 177 [67], idiopathic etiology [%]- 188 [71]). Cluster analysis revealed two distinct pain phenotypes: sensitized (n = 100) and non-sensitized (n = 164). Sensitized patients had lower pressure detection thresholds (2020 vs. 2691 kPa; p < 0.001), shorter cold pressor endurance time (40 s vs. 70 s; p < 0.001) and greater temporal summation (p < 0.001). Demographics and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups, but sensitized patients reported poorer physical (p = 0.037) and social functioning (p = 0.027) and greater fatigue (p = 0.012). No differences were observed for psychological comorbidities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Using an unbiased, data-driven approach, we identified distinct P-QST pain phenotypes in chronic pancreatitis patients, independent of psychological comorbidities, supporting its potential as an unbiased pain assessment tool.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cystic neoplasms of pancreas.","authors":"Krithi Krishna Koduri, Jahangeer Basha, Sundeep Lakhtakia","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01980-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01980-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are increasingly recognized with the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. They comprise a diverse group including intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs), solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) and cystic neuroendocrine tumors (cNETs), each differing in their clinico-pathological features, malignant potential and management. Accurate characterization, using a stepwise approach including high-quality cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid analysis when indicated, is crucial to distinguish high-risk lesions requiring surgery from benign cysts suitable for surveillance. Advances such as molecular testing, micro-forceps biopsy and confocal endomicroscopy have enhanced diagnostic precision. Current international guidelines recommend a risk-stratified approach-resection for main-duct IPMNs, all SPNs and MCNs ≥ 4 cm or with high-risk features, while SCNs and small, stable branch-duct IPMNs may be observed. Indian surgical series demonstrate a younger age at presentation and a higher prevalence of MCN and SPN compared with western cohorts, but a lower rate of malignancy. Surgical resection, preferably in high-volume centres, remains the mainstay for high-risk cysts, whereas endoscopic ablation is emerging for select non-surgical candidates. Guidelines are many in this area with constant evolution, increasing focus on newer diagnostic modalities and post-operative endocrine and exocrine insufficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rangachetana A, Anshu Srivastava, Ajay Aravind, Arghya Samanta, Moinak Sen Sarma, Ujjal Poddar
{"title":"Clinical features, response to therapy and outcome in pediatric cyclical vomiting syndrome: Experience from the developing world.","authors":"Rangachetana A, Anshu Srivastava, Ajay Aravind, Arghya Samanta, Moinak Sen Sarma, Ujjal Poddar","doi":"10.1007/s12664-026-01998-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-026-01998-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder marked by recurrent vomiting. Lack of awareness and symptom overlap often leads to incorrect diagnosis. There is limited data from the developing world, especially on the natural history of the disease in children. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, natural history, treatment and outcomes of CVS in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective audit of children (≤ 18 years) diagnosed with CVS between January 2008 to December 2024. Clinical data was retrieved from hospital records and telephonic interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy-one patients (age of onset 7[IQR 4-9] years, boys [39, 54.9%]) were enrolled. Median diagnostic delay was 1.2 (IQR 1-3) years and 31(43.6%) were misdiagnosed elsewhere initially. Patients had five (IQR 4-8) episodes of vomiting per year. Most (n = 55, 77.5%) required hospitalization. Precipitants were identified in 48 (67.6%) cases, most common being psychological stress (n = 23, 32.4%). Family history of migraine was present in 37 (52.1%) cases. Rome IV, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) criteria fulfilled in 71(100%), 47 (66.2%) and 44 (62%) cases, respectively. Younger children (≤ 5 years) had longer delay in diagnosis, more often required hospitalization and had fewer early morning episodes as compared to older children. All patients presented with severe disease phenotype and received prophylaxis. At follow-up of eight (interquartile range [IQR] 5-12) years, 36 (50.7%) had complete, 25 (35.3%) significant, five (7.6%) partial and five (7.5%) no response. Prophylaxis was successfully stopped in 13 (36.1%) complete responders of which three relapsed post-withdrawal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CVS is often underdiagnosed in children. Awareness of CVS is necessary for early diagnosis and reduced morbidity. Younger children had longer diagnostic delay and more often required hospitalization. Timely recognition and optimal management were associated with favorable outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Platelet count, liver and spleen stiffness-based model reliably identifies esophageal varices needing treatment in acute-on-chronic liver failure.","authors":"Chitranshu Vashishtha, Ankit Bhardwaj, Samba Siva Rao Pasupuleti, Manya Prasad, Rajan Vijayaraghavan, Ankur Jindal, Shalini Thapar Laroia, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Shiv Kumar Sarin","doi":"10.1007/s12664-025-01963-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-025-01963-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Transient elastography of liver and spleen, along with platelet count, identify cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices needing treatment (VNT). Inflammation can drive rapid rise in portal pressure and development and progression of varices in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients. We aimed at developing a non-invasive model to predict VNT in ACLF patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Baseline liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) were done using Fibroscan 630 Expert and esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed to detect VNT. Varices with red color signs or large size were considered VNT. A model was developed and validated. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess net benefit (NB) of model at different threshold probabilities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 216 patients analyzed (males 95.4%, mean age 42.2 yr, model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] score 25.5, alcohol etiology 83.4%), 104 (48.14%) had VNT. Patients with VNT had higher SSM (kPa) (76.71 ± 17.54 vs. 60.56 ± 20.21, p = 0.006), LSM (kPa) (71.96 ± 6.87 vs. 61.93 ± 17.76, p = 0.001) and lower platelet count (10<sup>3</sup> /µl) (91.73 ± 17.71 vs. 126.94 ± 42.97, p < 0.001). A model incorporating these parameters had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.842 and could spare esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 34.3% of patients with missing VNT rate of 4.8%. The results were internally validated by bootstrap analysis. On DCA, NB of model was higher for threshold probabilities range 0.07 to 0.8. The model had good calibration with Brier score of 0.15. It performed well in alcohol and non-alcohol related causes with AUROCs of 0.830 and 0.884, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A model comprising SSM, LSM and platelet count identifies VNT non-invasively in ACLF patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":13404,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}