International medical studies with the participation of Dr. Vosko

Optical evaluation: the crux for effective management of colorectal neoplasia

By:
Shahidi N, Vosko S, van Hattem WA, Sidhu M, Bourke MJ

Advances in minimally invasive tissue resection techniques now allow for the majority of early colorectal neoplasia to be managed endoscopically. To optimize their respective risk-benefit profiles, and, therefore, appropriately select between endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and surgery, the endoscopist must accurately predict the risk of submucosal invasive cancer and estimate depth of invasion. Herein, we discuss the evidence and our approach for optical evaluation of large (⩾ 20 mm) colorectal laterally spreading lesions.

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Achalasia During Pregnancy: Proposed Management Algorithm Based on a Thorough Literature Review

By:
Vosko S, Cohen DL, Neeman O, Matalon S, Broide E, Shirin H

Fewer than 40 cases of achalasia occurring in pregnant woman have been reported in the literature. Given the rarity of achalasia during pregnancy, and the numerous treatment options that are available for achalasia in general, no guidelines exist for the management of achalasia during pregnancy. Diagnosis of new cases may be difficult as symptoms and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy may obscure the clinical presentation of achalasia. The management of achalasia in pregnancy is also challenging. Treatment decisions should be individualized for each case, considering both the welfare of the mother and the fetus. Since pregnant women suffering from achalasia represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge with complex maternal-fetal aspects to consider, we have reviewed the available literature on the subject and summarized current diagnostic and therapeutic options. Additionally, we present a management algorithm as a means to guide treatment of future cases. We recommend that a conservative approach should be adopted with bridging therapies performed until after delivery when definitive treatment of achalasia can be more safely performed.

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Simple optical evaluation criteria reliably identify the post-endoscopic mucosal resection scar for benign large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps without tattoo placement

By:
Shahidi N, Gupta S, Whitfield A, Vosko S, McKay O, Cronin O, Zahid S, Burgess NG, Bourke MJ

Background: Recognition of the post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) scar is critical for large (≥ 20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyp (LNPCP) management. The utility of intraluminal tattooing to facilitate scar identification is unknown. Methods: We evaluated the ability of simple easy-to-use optical evaluation criteria to detect the post-EMR scar, with or without tattoo placement, in a prospective observational cohort of LNPCPs referred for endoscopic resection. The primary outcome was scar identification, further stratified by lesion size (20-39 mm, ≥ 40 mm) and histopathology (adenomatous, serrated). Results: 1023 LNPCPs underwent both successful EMR and first surveillance colonoscopy (median size 35 mm, IQR 30-50 mm); 124 (12.1 %) had an existing tattoo or a tattoo placed at the index EMR. The post-EMR scar was identified in 1020 patients (99.7 %). The presence of a tattoo did not affect scar identification (100.0 % vs. 99.7 %; P > 0.99). There was no difference for LNPCPs 20-39 mm, LNPCPs ≥ 40 mm, adenomatous LNPCPs, and serrated LNPCPs (all P > 0.99). Conclusions: The post-EMR scar can be reliably identified with simple easy-to-use optical evaluation criteria, without the need for universal tattoo placement.

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Bedouin Children With Celiac Disease: Less Symptoms but More Severe Histological Features at Presentation

By:
Yerushalmi B, Vosko S, Ling G, Raanan R, Cohen DL, Shirin H, Shalem T, Matalon S, Broide E.

Background: The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) has dramatically increased with wide variability in clinical presentations between different geographical areas. However, the contribution of ethnic disparities in pediatric celiac disease is still unclear, especially in patients of Bedouin origin. Objective: We aimed to compare the clinical presentation and histological severity of celiac disease between Bedouin and Jewish children in southern Israel. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which we collected the demographic and clinical data, laboratory results, and histological severity of CD in two ethnic groups: Bedouins and Jews. The study included patients who were diagnosed between 1997 and 2015 in a tertiary hospital in southern Israel. Results: Data from 844 children with CD (271 Jewish and 573 Bedouins), 505 females (59.8%), were analyzed. Gastrointestinal symptoms and diabetes were more prevalent among the Jewish population (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively), while family history, failure to thrive, iron deficiency anemia, and histological severity were significantly more prevalent among the Bedouin group. Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the presence of iron deficiency anemia and Bedouin origin were associated with more advanced histological disease (OR of 2.03 (95% C.I 1.31; 4.308) (P < 0.009) and OR 1.78 (95% C.I 1.31; 4.308) (P < 0.003) respectively). Conclusion: The clinical presentation of celiac disease in Bedouin children is characterized by anemia with less gastrointestinal symptoms, but more severe histological damage. These differences might be explained either by a delay in the diagnosis of the disease in this population or by variable environmental, cultural, and nutritional factors unique to this ethnic group.

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In addition to the short research collection that was included on the website, Dr. Vosko makes sure to conduct research frequently with leading physicians around the world.

For your convenience you can see all the studies on the Pubmed website

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