Radiotherapy (RT) is a treatment modality that uses high-energy rays or radioactive agents to generate ionizing radiation against rapidly dividing cells. The main objective of using radiation in cancer therapy is to impair or halt the division of the tumor cells. Over the past few decades, advancements in technology, the introduction of newer methods of RT, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancers have enabled physicians to deliver doses of radiation that match the exact dimensions of the tumor for greater efficacy, with minimal exposure of the surrounding tissues. However, RT has numerous complications, the most common being radiation proctitis (RP). It is characterized by damage to the rectal epithelium by secondary ionizing radiation. Based on the onset of signs and symptoms, post-radiotherapy RP can be classified as acute or chronic, each with varying levels of severity and complication rates. The treatment options available for RP are limited, with most of the data on treatment available from case reports or small studies. Here, we describe the types of RT used in modern-day medicine and radiation-mediated tissue injury. We have primarily focused on the classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, treatment strategies, complications, and prognosis of RP.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events and worse hospital outcomes. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) 2018 was used to determine the characteristics of 30-day readmission in patients with hyperthyroidism. The 30-day all-cause readmission rate for hyperthyroidism was 10.3%. About 21.7% had hyperthyroidism as the principal diagnosis on readmission. Readmissions were associated with an increased odds of inpatient mortality (odds ratio, 7.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.97 to 12.49), length of stay (5.2 days vs. 4.0 days; 95% CI, 0.7 to 1.8), total hospital charges, and cost of hospitalizations. Independent predictors of 30-day all-cause readmissions included Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.76; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.71), discharge against medical advice (aHR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.50 to 3.53), protein-energy malnutrition (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.07), and atrial fibrillation (aHR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.79). Aggressive but appropriate monitoring is warranted in patients with hyperthyroidism to prevent readmissions.

Background/Aims: Proinflammatory cytokines released from adipocytes can influence the development, progression, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and may be associated with worse clinical outcomes. Methods: For 2016–2018, we analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of IBD. The study sample was divided based on the presence or absence of obesity. The primary outcomes included inpatient mortality, while the secondary outcomes consisted of system-based complications and disease implications on the United States healthcare system. Results: We identified 282,005 hospitalizations of IBD from 2016 to 2018. Of these hospitalizations, 26,465 (9.4%) had a secondary diagnosis of obesity while 255,540 (90.6%) served as controls. IBD hospitalizations with obesity had a higher mean age (47.9 years vs. 45.2 years, P<0.001), middle age (range, 40–65 years) predominance (37.7% vs. 28.9%, P<0.001), female predominance (64.1% vs. 52.5%, P<0.001) and higher proportion of patients with comorbidities compared to the non-obese cohort. White predominance was observed in both subgroups. No difference in the odds of inpatient mortality was noted between the 2 subgroups; however, IBD hospitalizations with obesity had higher mean total hospital charge ($50,126 vs. $45,001, P<0.001), longer length of stay (5.5 days vs. 4.9 days, P<0.001) and higher proportion of complications compared to the non-obese cohort. Conclusions Obese IBD hospitalizations had higher length of stay, total hospital charge, and complications compared to the non-obese cohort.

Background/Aims: We aim to assess the influence of obesity on gastroparesis (GP) hospitalizations in the United States (US). Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was analyzed from 2007-2017 to identify all adult hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of GP. They were subdivided based on the presence or absence of obesity (body mass index > 30). Hospitalization characteristics, procedural differences, all-cause inpatient mortality, mean length of stay (LOS), and mean total hospital charge (THC) were identified and compared. Results: From 2007-2017, there were 140 293 obese GP hospitalizations accounting for 13.75% of all GP hospitalizations in the US. Obese GP hospitalizations were predominantly female (76.11% vs 64.36%, P < 0.001) and slightly older (51.9 years vs 50.8 years, P < 0.001) compared to the non-obese cohort. Racial disparities were noted as Blacks (25.49% vs 22%, P < 0.001) had higher proportions of GP hospitalizations with obesity compared to the non-obese cohort. Furthermore, we noted higher rates of inpatient upper endoscopy utilization (6.05% vs 5.42%, P < 0.001), longer mean LOS (5.71 days vs 5.32 days, P < 0.001), and higher mean THC ($53 373 vs $45 040, P < 0.001) for obese GP hospitalizations compared to the non-obese group. However, obese GP hospitalizations had lower rates of inpatient mortality (0.92% vs 1.33%, P < 0.001), and need for nutritional support with endoscopic jejunostomy (0.25 vs 0.56%, P < 0.001) and total parenteral nutrition (1.46% vs 2.33%, P < 0.001) compared to the non-obese cohort. Conclusions In the US, compared to non-obese, a higher proportion of obese GP hospitalizations were female and Blacks. Obese GP hospitalizations also had higher THC, LOS, and rates of upper endoscopy.