Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) affect gastrointestinal motility, slowing gastric emptying and colonic transit. GLP-1RAs have an impact on gastric residue before endoscopy, but only limited data are available regarding its effect on the adequacy of colonic preparation. We investigated the association between GLP-1RA use and inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) for colonoscopy. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective study with GLP-1RA cases matched with controls (using propensity scores for age, sex, diabetes mellitus [DM], obesity, and co-morbidities). Data on demographics, medication use, procedural indications, and colonoscopy findings were collected. IBP (“poor preparation” on Aronchik scale or Boston Bowel preparation scale <5) was the primary outcome. Results 4876 patients treated with GLP-1RAs were included in the analysis and compared with 4876 controls selected from 333 648 patients without GLP-1RA use. Among the GLP-1RA patients, 10% (n = 487) had IBP compared with 197 (4%) of the control group (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a higher rate of IBP among diabetic patients treated with GLP-1RA (284/2364 [12%]) than among diabetic patients without GLP-1RA treatment (118/2364 [5%]; P<0.001). Additionally, 203/2512 nondiabetic patients treated with GLP-1RAs had IBP (8%) compared with 79 of the nondiabetic non-GLP-1RA group (3%; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, diabetes and GLP-1RA use were both found to be independent risk factors for IBP (odds ratio [OR] 1.4 and OR 2.7, respectively; both P<0.001). Conclusion Our findings highlight the necessity for special attention and tailored recommendations for both diabetic and nondiabetic patients treated with GLP-1RAs in terms of colonic preparation prior to colonoscopy.

Sergei Vosko, Daniel L Cohen,* Ortal Neeman, Shai Matalon, Efrat Broide, and Haim Shirin. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021;27:8-18. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm20181

Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders. As this is performed without sedation, it may be poorly tolerated by patients. Additionally, advancing the catheter tip until the stomach may also be difficult, especially if there is a disease affecting the esophagus or esophagogastric junction which may lead to coiling of the catheter. Currently, there are no guidelines as to who can perform HRM. An expert opinion has recommended minimum numbers of cases for the operator to perform in order to obtain and maintain competency. Several studies have reported on the rates of flawed HRM studies with approximately 20% being imperfect, including about 3% with critical flaws. The presence of a large hiatal hernia and achalasia have been identified as predictors of technical failure. Studies with minor flaws are usually still interpretable and clinically useful. Reports have also described several techniques for sedation-assisted placement of the HRM catheter, and this appears to be a promising alternative in cases of failed HRM, especially as sedation does not appear to significantly affect HRM measurements. An algorithm on how to proceed after a technically imperfect HRM study is proposed. Further research in this field is warranted including confirmation of the recommended competency numbers, assessing for quality measures in performing HRM such as technical success rate, identifying additional predictors of technical failure, standardization of the terminology, and qualifying the benefit of sedation-assisted HRM.

This article discusses the “bidirectional” relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and physical activity. Intestinal symptoms and extraintestinal manifestations of IBD negatively impact a patient's ability to participate in sports. IBD also impacts athletic performance via its effects on muscle mass, muscle function, bone density, and fatigue. Surveys of IBD patients consistently show that IBD interferes with athletic participation. While IBD negatively affects physical activity, there is growing evidence that physical activity can be beneficial for IBD patients. Prospective studies have revealed that structured physical activities may positively influence inflammatory markers, disease activity, muscle strength, bone density, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and quality of life. This suggests that physical activity may be a simple and safe adjuvant therapy for IBD patients. Future studies assessing the optimal activity regimen are warranted. Finally, a cohort of professional athletes with IBD are described for the first time — football players in the National Football League.