Background: Acute pancreatitis is an abrupt inflammatory disease of the exocrine pancreas and it can occur in different severities. It is becoming more common and more mortal in the gerontal population. The aim of our study was to explore the similarities and differences between young and gerontal patients with acute pancreatitis, with a special emphasis on patients over 80 years of age. Methods: Medical records of patients (n = 1150) with acute pancreatitis were analyzed retrospectively. Several scoring systems including Bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis, Ranson’s score, Harmless acute pancreatitis score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Balthazar Grade, Glasgow score, and Japanese severity score were applied at admission. Patients were divided into 3 groups; group I, young group (n = 706), if they were aged <65 years; group II, older group (n = 338), if they were aged ≥65 years to <80 years; group III, octogenarian group (n = 106), if they were aged ≥ 0 years. Results: In total, 1150 patients with acute pancreatitis were analyzed. Octogenarian group (n = 42, 39.6%) showed a more severe acute pancreatitis compared to patients in group I (n = 15, 2.1%) and II (n = 50, 14.8%, P < .001). Complications were more common in patients in group III (P < .001). Mortality rate was higher in patients in group III (n = 53, 50%) compared to group I (n = 8, 1.1%) and group II (n = 53, 15.7%) (P < .001). Conclusion: Gerontal patients with acute pancreatitis tend to have more severe disease and systemic and local complications. Mortality rates were higher in older patients compared to younger patients. Cite this article as: Asfuroğlu Kalkan E, Kalkan Ç, Kaçar S, et al. Similarities and differences between gerontal and young patients with acute pancreatitis: Evaluation of clinical characteristics and outcomes. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2022;33(10):874-884.

Background: Many rheumatic diseases may cause gastrointestinal manifestations. The goal of this study was to analyze the prevalence and predictors of gastrointestinal involvement in patients with rheumatic disorders. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sys- temic sclerosis who have consulted due to gastrointestinal symptoms. The relationship between clinical symptoms, gastroscopic/colo- noscopic findings, and histopathological results with current drugs and disease duration was evaluated. Results: A total of 364 patients with rheumatic disorders and 740 people as control group were included in the study. Abdominal bloating followed by abdominal pain, regurgitation, and heartburn were reported as the main complaints by more than half of the patients. Most of the patients had gastric mucosal changes expressed as Lanza score, and the presence of major polypharmacy was the most important factor affecting Lanza score (odds ratio: 10, 95% CI: 1.882-54.111, P < .007) followed by disease duration (odds ratio: 1.559, 95% CI: 1.369-1.775, P < .001) and age (odds ratio: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.030-1.109, P < .001). In general, approximately 30% of the patients were posi- tive for Helicobacter pylori infection and 35% showed intestinal metaplasia in histopathological examination. Most of the colonoscopic findings were associated with colonic polyps (n = 81). In multivariate analysis, disease duration was the only factor that affected the pres- ence of colonic lesions (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUROC): 0.871, 95% CI: 0.824-0.918, P < .001). Conclusion: Patients with rheumatologic diseases frequently have gastrointestinal manifestations. The most encountered gastrointes- tinal symptom was abdominal bloating, followed by abdominal pain. Being aware of gastrointestinal manifestations and their determi- nants may help physicians manage and follow patients with rheumatologic disorders.

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are increasingly prevalent and challenging globally. Data regarding IBD frequency and severity between Europe and Asia are needed. The aim was to investigate the trend of IBD in Türkiye during the last 3 decades. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively at 14 centers in Türkiye between June 1993 and March 2024. Results: Over 30 years, 4308 patients, of whom 2507 (58.2%) had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 1717 (39.9%) had Crohn’s Disease (CD), were included in the study. The overall median age at the onset of IBD was 34.43 (25.28-45.64) years; the age at onset of IBD was younger in CD compared to UC (32.72 vs. 35.52 years respectively, P < .001). The peak age onset range was 28-32 years in CD, whereas 23-27 years in UC. Overall, 2526 (58.6%) patients were male. The most common location was left-sided colitis in UC patients (45.1%), followed by extensive colitis (31.2%), and proctitis (23.7%), while ileal involvement in CD patients (45.2%), afterward ileocolonic (409%), and colonic (13.5%). Both illnesses are becoming increasingly prevalent. The UC/CD ratio tends to decrease over time. During the study period, 1577 (36.6%) patients received biologic treatment. During the study period, 418 (24.3%) underwent resective surgery for CD and 88 (3.5%) total colectomy for UC; the major abdominal surgery has declined over time. Conclusion: The frequency and characteristic features of IBD in Türkiye appear to be between Europe and Asia. Over time, while the usage of biologic therapy and the rate of CD have increased, the frequency of surgery has decreased. Cite this article as: Durak MB, Cagin YF, Balkan A, et al. Three-decade analysis of inflammatory bowel disease in Türkiye: A multicenter study (1993-2024). Turk J Gastroenterol. 2025;36(12):822-833.

Background/Aims: Obesity is a growing global health challenge associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intragastric balloon therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for weight management in patients unsuitable for bariatric surgery or as a bridging intervention. This study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and metabolic impacts of intragastric balloon therapy in a prospective cohort. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 patients underwent endoscopic intragastric balloon therapy between October 2023 and January 2025. Comprehensive baseline evaluations included body weight, body mass index, and computed tomography analysis of visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness. Patients were followed up at 2 and 6 months post procedure. Statistical analysis was performed to assess weight loss, metabolic changes, and safety outcomes. Results: Of the initial cohort, 62 patients (mean age: 37.89 years; 75.4% female) completed the study. The median body weight decreased significantly from 104.5 kg pre procedure to 88 kg at 6 months (P < .001). Body mass index values similarly declined, with a mean reduction from 37.59 to 32.79 kg/m2 (P < .001). Significant decreases in subcutaneous and visceral fat tissue thickness were observed (P < .001 and P = .032, respectively). Only 1 patient (1.5%) required early balloon removal due to nausea, with no other major complications reported. Conclusion: Intragastric balloon therapy is an effective and safe intervention for short term weight loss, with significant reductions in adipose tissue. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy and metabolic benefits. Cite this article as: Yüksel M, Kenarlı K, Sarıaltın F, et al. Six-month outcomes of endoscopic intragastric balloon therapy: A prospective single-center study. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2025;36(11):770-775.