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Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have increased risks of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal adenocarcinoma. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in CF and manifests at early ages. CF patients may be at increased risk for long-term sequelae of chronic GERD, including Barrett's esophagus (BE). We aimed to assess whether patients with CF have an increased risk of BE or related neoplasia. Methods: A matched cohort study was performed of adults with and without CF who had undergone upper endoscopy. Non-CF patients were matched in a 4:1 ratio by age, sex, year of exam, and endoscopist. Odds ratios were calculated for the association between CF and BE or related neoplasia, and multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to adjust for matching variables and additional potential confounders. Results: 122 CF patients underwent endoscopy, and 488 matched controls were identified. Seven (5.7%) CF patients had BE or related neoplasia, including one GE junction adenocarcinoma. Mean age of affected CF patients was 36.0, and 85.7% had a prior solid organ transplant. The odds of BE was significantly increased in CF patients (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.08-7.81). The risk remained significantly increased in a multivariable model including matching variables (OR 3.32, and in a parsimonious model (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.06-8.42). Conclusions: Adults with CF have a 3-fold increased risk of BE or related neoplasia and appears to develop at younger ages. Consideration should be given to screening for BE in select CF patients, especially those who have undergone solid organ transplantation.

Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is common after solid organ transplant (SOT) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Methods We assessed incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of CDI among SOT patients at a large multi‐organ transplant center. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for initial and recurrent CDI. Results A total of 2622 SOT patients were included. 224 (8.5%) had CDI 1 year post‐SOT. The highest incidence of CDI was among pancreas recipients (12.5%) followed by lung (11.7%), liver (11.0%), heart (10.8%), and kidney (5.8%). Median time to CDI was 56 days (range 2‐354) post‐SOT. About 64% of patients had severe CDI. About 56.3% were treated with metronidazole, 13.8% with oral vancomycin, and 28.6% with both. About 28.6% of patients had recurrent CDI. In multivariable modeling, lung transplant recipient status was the only significant predictor of recurrent CDI (OR 4.97, 95% CI 2.11‐11.78, P < .001) controlling for age, severe CDI, and pre‐SOT CDI. Post‐SOT CDI nearly doubled the risk of mortality at one year, in particular among those with severe CDI. Conclusions In summary, CDI is highly prevalent, occurs early in the post‐transplant period, usually severe, with a high rate of recurrence, and associated with increased mortality within 1 year after transplant. The early post‐transplant period may be a crucial window to reduce CDI rates.

Background-Clinical prediction models targeting patients for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening include data obtained by interview, questionnaire, and body measurements. A tool based on electronic health records (EHR) data could reduce cost and enhance usability, particularly if combined with non-endoscopic BE screening methods. Aims-To determine whether EHR-based data can identify BE patients.Methods-We performed a retrospective review of patients ages 50-75 who underwent a firsttime esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Data extracted from the EHR included demographics and BE risk factors. Endoscopy and pathology reports were reviewed for histologically confirmed BE. Screening criteria modified from clinical guidelines were assessed for association with BE. Subsequently, a score based on multivariate logistic regression was developed and assessed for its ability to identify BE subjects.Results-A total of 2931 patients were assessed, and BE was found in 1.9%. Subjects who met screening criteria were more likely to have BE (3.3% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.001), and the criteria predicted BE with an AUROC of 0.65 (95% CI 0.59-0.71). A score based on logistic regression modeling included gastroesophageal reflux disease, sex, body mass index, and ever-smoker status and identified BE subjects with an AUROC of 0.71 (95% CI 0.64-0.77). Both prediction tools produced higher AUROCs in women than in men.

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