CRP levels at week 14 were associated with SR in patients treated with IFX, independently of baseline CRP serum levels. High inflammatory burden at beginning of IFX treatment was correlated with a worse response.

Reduced LMM CSA (<8.5 cm) and muscle atrophy were associated with less favourable outcomes following lumbar spinal decompression. Pre-operative CSA of LMM appeared to be a more reliable predictor of post-operative clinical outcomes compared to the Kader Grading Score. This is the first study to investigate the prognostic value of pre-operative MRI appearance and CSA of LMM with respect to post-operative outcome following lumbar decompression surgery. Healthy pre-operative LMM is associated with better outcomes following lumbar spinal decompression.

TB may still occur in those with negative testing, some of them probably representing new infections instead of reactivations. Three out of 25 patients had TB in spite of previously treated LTB, although, the outcome of TB was not worse than in the general population.

Background and study aims Previous studies have suggested a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (MI) in endoscopists. Little evidence has come from European countries. Our main aim was to evaluate the prevalence, type, and impact of MI among Portuguese endoscopists. We also sought to identify risk factors for the development, severity and number of endoscopy-related MI. Material and methods A 48-question electronic survey was developed by a multidisciplinary group. The electronic survey was sent to all members of Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology (n = 705) during May 2019. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at SPG – CEREGA. Results The survey was completed by 171 endoscopists (response rate of 24.3 %), 55.0 % female with a median age of 36 years (range 26–78). The prevalence of at least one MI related to endoscopy was 69.6 % (n = 119), the most frequent being neck pain (30.4 %) and thumb pain (29.2 %). The median time for MI development was 6 years (range 2 months-30 years). Severe pain was reported by 19.3 %. Change in endoscopic technique was undertaken by 61.3 % and reduction in endoscopic caseload was undertaken by 22.7 %. Missing work was reported by 10.1 %, with the median time off from work being 30 days (range 1–90). Female gender and ≥ 15 years in practice were independently associated with MI and severe pain. Years in practice, weekly-time performing endoscopy, and gender were significant predictors of the number of MI. Conclusions Prevalence of MI was significant among Portuguese endoscopists and had a relevant impact on regular and professional activities.

No abstract