Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. While colonoscopy based screening is the most effective of all CRC prevention strategies, it is operator dependent and can result in missed lesions, which may contribute to interval cancer. Incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) to routine colonoscopy has been investigated in several small studies. In this meta-analysis, we attempt to collate evidence from recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to further define the role of AI in colonoscopy based CRC screening.
METHOD(S): A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception through May 2020 was completed. Pooled statistics using bivariate random-effects, odds ratio for binary outcomes, and standardized difference in means for continuous outcomes were used. Primary outcomes were Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) and Polyp Detection Rate (PDR). Secondary outcomes were mean adenomas and polyps/procedure, withdrawal (WT) and cecal intubation times (CIT), and adequacy of bowel preparation. Post-hoc sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses for adenomas and polyps was completed.
RESULT(S): 6 RCTs were included. Of 4996 patients, 2487 had AI-assisted, and 2509 had routine colonoscopies. Mean age was 51.99 +/- 4.43 years, 51% of males. AI had higher ADRs (P = 0.00) and PDRs (P = 0.00) [Figure 1]. Similar findings were noted for mean number of adenomas and polyps/procedure. Mean WTs favored AI when biopsy times were included. CIT and adequacy of bowel preparation were similar in both groups [Figure 2]. On subgroup analysis, AI systems had significantly better ADRs and PDRs in the transverse colon. AI had higher detection rates for adenomas < 5 mm (P = 0.00) and polyps < 10 mm (P = 0.00). However, routine colonoscopies outperformed AI in detecting pedunculated polyps (P = 0.00). PDRs had no differences based on shape. Sensitivity analysis remained unchanged for ADR, PDR, mean adenomas or polyps detected per procedure and WTs that included biopsies. Begg's funnel plots were relatively symmetrical for ADR (P - 0.25) and PDR (P - 0.20) [Figure 3].
CONCLUSION(S): The use of AI has the potential to improve the sensitivity of colonoscopy based screening. Colonoscopies using AI algorithms demonstrated significantly improved detection rates for adenomas and polyps. However, research and advancements are needed to refine the AI systems to detect pedunculated polyps and incorporate optical diagnosis into the algorithms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW/OBJECTIVE:Sepsis has a high morbidity, with a mortality rate of over 50% in the septic shock patient. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign and the recent evidence since its publication. The guidelines reflect literature from the past 5 years to optimize outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. RECENT FINDINGS/RESULTS:The most relevant changes in the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign include the use of a protocolized resuscitation with specific physiologic targets, preference of crystalloids for volume resuscitation, preferential use of norepinephrine as the initial vasopressor, addition of lactate and its clearance as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion, reduced emphasis on corticosteroids, and removal of activated protein C therapy. Since these latest guidelines, there have been many trials published to address the various measures that are advocated. We review the recent data on fluid resuscitation, targets of resuscitation, vasopressors, and trials of protocolized care versus usual care. SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS:Severe sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The International Surviving Sepsis Guidelines provide a framework for early recognition and treatment of this condition, with the goal of an improved outcome and mortality in severe sepsis. The recent evidence suggests that early identification, adequate volume resuscitation, and assessment of adequate circulation may be the key elements to decrease morbidity from severe sepsis and septic shock.