Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the USA and second leading cause of cancer deaths. While screening rates have increased and mortality rates have declined, disparities persist. This study investigates the screening rates and mortality correlation over 25 years. Methods: We analyzed trends in age-adjusted CRC screening and mortality rates (AAMRs) for adults aged ≥ 50 using BRFSS and CDC WONDER databases, respectively. Correlation analysis between CRC screening rates and AAMRs and projected AAMRs at 100% screening rates were calculated using Jamovi and R software. Results: CRC screening rates increased from 41.5% in 1999 to 76.3% in 2023. Non-Hispanic Whites recorded the highest rates (80.1%), while American Indians or Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) had a low screening rate of 48.65% in 2023. Non-insured individuals had a screening rate of 33.02%, while insured recorded 78.13% in 2023. AAMRs of CRC declined significantly over time, from 69.3% to 40.7% per 100,000 (1999–2024). AAMRs demonstrated a strong inverse correlation (− 0.885) with screening rates. Correlation analysis revealed stronger associations between screening and mortality for NH Whites and African Americans (AA) populations (− 0.824 and − 1.19, respectively). The projected AAMR at 100% screening was 18.91 (95% CI 17.92–19.91), versus 40.4 at 76.3% in 2023. Conclusion: CRC screening increased over the past 25 years, achieving 76.3% in 2023, correlating with decrease in AAMRs. Disparities persist across races and different socioeconomic groups. At 100% screening rates, projected AAMR is 18.919. Equity-focused interventions are needed to further increase CRC screening rates.

Background and Aims: Gastrostomy is a widely utilized modality for long-term enteral nutrition, performed mainly through endoscopic or radiologic approaches, as they are less invasive than surgical approach. While both techniques are effective, their complications and outcomes remain under investigation. This study aims to compare the incidence of adverse events of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and interventional radiological-guided gastrostomy (IR-G) using large multicenter database. Methods: Study cohorts were identified using TriNetX US Collaborative Network database. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were utilized to identify two cohortss: PEG versus IR-G. Propensity score matching was conducted based on demographics and relevant comorbidities. Outcomes were assessed within 30 days of the procedure and included adverse events following gastrostomy. Results: Total of 160,064 patients were included in our study. After propensity score matching, 51,107 patients were included in each group. Compared with PEG, IR-G group had significantly higher odds of gastrostomy infections (1.07% vs. 0.88%; aOR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07-1.37; P < 0.01), gastrostomy malfunctions (5.16% vs. 3.06%; aOR 1.72; 95% CI: 1.58-1.80; P < 0.01), and overall gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (1.23% vs. 1.09%; aOR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.28; P = 0.04); however, no statistical differences were observed for gastrostomy-related hemorrhage. The odds of aspiration pneumonia were lower in IR-G group patients (2.85% vs. 3.19%; aOR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.96; P < 0.01). Overall mortality rates were higher in the IR-G group patients (10.06% vs. 9.19%; aOR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14; P < 0.01). Complications such as perforations and peritonitis were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement is associated with lower risk of gastrostomy malfunctions, infections, and overall GI bleeding compared with radiological-guided gastrostomy placement, highlighting superior safety outcomes. When feasible and expertise is available, endoscopic approach should be used as the primary method for gastrostomy tube placement.

Background Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often require immunosuppressive therapy to achieve and maintain remission; however, the impact of these medications on influenza risk and the severity of influenza-related complications remains inadequately characterized. Methods Using the TriNetX U.S. Analytics Network, adults (≥ 18 years) with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis during the 2022–2023 influenza season were identified. Patients were stratified by disease activity into two cohorts: (1) active IBD, defined by elevated inflammatory markers, initiation of corticosteroids or a new biologic or small-molecule agent, or documented IBD-related symptoms or complications within the prior six months; and (2) inactive IBD, defined by the absence of these features and no recent immunosuppressive therapy. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to balance baseline characteristics, and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios for influenza-related outcomes. Results After propensity score matching, each group had 22,784 patients. The incidence of influenza diagnosis was significantly higher in the active IBD group (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.30–1.52). Hospitalization rates were also increased (HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.89–2.23), as were influenza-related complications (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.23–1.51). ICU admissions (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.33–1.72) and mechanical ventilation (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.32–2.13) were both more frequent in the active IBD group. Use of antiviral medications was higher among patients with active IBD (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.22–2.10), and overall mortality was modestly increased (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.02–1.35). Subgroup analysis revealed the highest risk among patients on corticosteroids, followed by JAK inhibitors and anti–IL-23 agents. Conclusion Patients with active IBD had more severe influenza-related outcomes compared with those with inactive IBD. Improving vaccine uptake and prompt evaluation of upper respiratory symptoms during influenza seasons are key to reducing influenza-related risks in immunosuppressed patients with IBD.

Background: Tobacco plays a complex role in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its impact on inpatient outcomes of IBD needs additional study. We aimed to assess the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with IBD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning from 2016 to 2019. Patients with UC and CD were identified utilizing ICD-10 codes. Patients were stratified according to the smoking status in two groups. A propensity score matching was utilized to balance comorbidities between study groups. Study outcomes included rates of steroid use, surgeries, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, perianal abscess, and overall mortality. All outcomes were assessed during the index hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 17 software. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 413,208 patients were included in our study, 180,558 patients had UC, and 232,650 patients had CD. After propensity score matching, we had a total of 151,106 patients: 39,616 patients had UC, with a total of 19,808 in each group. The CD patients were 111,490, with a total of 55,745 patients in each group. For UC patients, smokers had lower odds of steroid use (aOR =0.69, 95% CI: 0.61–0.79, P=0.001), and all-cause mortality (aOR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.32–0.96, P=0.03). For CD patients, smokers had higher odds of steroid use (aOR =1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25, P=0.009), perianal abscess (aOR =1.12, 95% CI: 1.10–1.36, P=0.02), and all-cause mortality (aOR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.27–1.84, P=0.04). All other outcomes were not significant between the study cohorts. Conclusions: Tobacco use in hospitalized patients with UC was associated with lower steroid use, while in patients with CD, it correlated with higher steroid use and increased odds of perianal abscesses. These findings highlight the complex impact of tobacco use on IBD outcomes.

Background: Gastroparesis is a recognized complication after thoracic organ transplantation that impairs nutrition, medication absorption, and graft outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to quantify the risk of gastroparesis following lung (LT) and combined heart‐lung transplantation (HLT). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to January 2025 identified studies reporting gastroparesis after LT or HLT in adult cohorts with objective diagnostic testing. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to pool prevalence and incidence, with subgroup analyses by transplant type, and diagnostic modality, and meta‐regression asessing the effects of age and sex. Results: Twenty‐one studies, including 2888 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of gastroparesis was 31.87% (95% CI: 19.88–46.87). Subgroup analysis revealed a higher prevalence of gastroparesis in combined HLT recipients (44.89%, 95% CI: 17.05–76.35) compared to LT only (26.95%, 95% CI: 15.46–42.68), though this difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.31). The overall incidence was 25.67% (95% CI: 15.07–40.41), with HLT recipients showing a higher incidence (35.79%, 95% CI: 20.73–54.29) than LT only (19.38%, 95% CI: 8.3–38.9). Conclusion: Gastroparesis affects nearly one‐third of thoracic transplant recipients, with a numerically higher burden after HLT transplantation. There was no association between age and gender and the prevalence of post‐transplant gastroparesis.