B45-28 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Is Associated With Increased Pneumonia, Disease Exacerbations, and Mortality in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: A Large Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Abstract Rationale Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), yet its impact on clinical outcomes remains poorly defined. We sought to determine whether GERD is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with NCFB using a large, real-world database. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX platform, identifying patients with NCFB (ICD-10 J47*) with and without concurrent GERD (ICD-10 K21*), excluding those with cystic fibrosis (ICD-10 E84*). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using 1:1 nearest neighbor matching without replacement, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, obesity, socioeconomic risk factors, and tobacco use. Primary outcomes included pneumonia, bronchiectasis exacerbations, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Statistical analyses included risk ratios and Cox proportional hazards modeling for survival outcomes. Results Out of 421,710 patients with NCFB in the dataset from January 2000 to September 2025, 186,874 (44%) had a diagnosis of GERD. After propensity score matching, 179,753 patients with NCFB+GERD and 179,753 patients with NCFB-only were included (mean age 74.0±13.1 years, 58.8% female, 67.1% White). Baseline characteristics were well-balanced after matching. Median follow-up was approximately 2.5 years for both cohorts (898 vs 889 days; similar means and IQR), ensuring balanced observation time. Compared to NCFB-only, NCFB+GERD was associated with increased risks for mortality (risk ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05; p < 0.001), pneumonia (risk ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.05-1.08; p < 0.001), bronchiectasis exacerbations (risk ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06; p = 0.006), and mechanical ventilation (risk ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.10-1.18; p < 0.001). Intensive care unit admission rates were comparable between groups (risk ratio 1.00; p = 0.65). Conclusions In this large propensity score-matched analysis, concurrent GERD in NCFB is independently associated with increased mortality, pneumonia, bronchiectasis exacerbations, and mechanical ventilation requirements. These findings suggest GERD may represent a modifiable risk factor warranting aggressive management in NCFB patients. Study limitations include retrospective design, reliance on ICD-10 coding accuracy, and potential unmeasured confounders. Our results support systematic screening and treatment of GERD in NCFB, but whether targeted GERD management can modify the natural history of NCFB future investigation. This abstract is funded by: None
Severe Bleeding From Portal Hypertension in a Young Patient With Common Variable Immunodeficiency-Associated Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia
ABSTRACT Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder causing hypogammaglobulinemia. Although rare, nodular regenerative hyperplasia is the most common liver complication in CVID, which can progress to noncirrhotic portal hypertension. We report a case of a young male with CVID presenting with recurrent parastomal bleeding secondary to noncirrhotic portal hypertension from CVID-associated nodular regenerative hyperplasia.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Complicated by Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury
Abstract Introduction: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is especially uncommon in adults and can manifest as devasting complications including severe acute kidney injury (AKI) and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA). Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a rare complication of blood product transfusion that is characterized by the rapid development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. We present a rare case of HUS complicated by TRALI requiring mechanical ventilation. Case Description: A 41-year-old female farmer, who occasionally drank raw cow's milk, was admitted with abdominal pain and distension, bloody diarrhea, poor appetite, decreased urine output and fatigue. She was found to have MAHA and stage 3 AKI. Imaging demonstrated pancolitis and workup revealed Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, O157:H7 serotype which was consistent with a diagnosis of HUS. Tests for DIC, TTP and atypical HUS were negative. She was not a candidate for dialysis, plasma exchange or eculizumab. With supportive measures including 3 units of packed red blood cell (pRBC), her symptoms, renal function, and bicytopenia improved and she was discharged. Two days post-discharge, she presented to the ED for unilateral vision changes, left hemiparesis, and lower extremity tremor. After negative neurological evaluation, this was attributed to encephalopathy secondary to HUS. She received 1 unit of pRBCs for a hemoglobin of 6.8. Within 3 hours of transfusion, she developed acute respiratory distress requiring intubation and ICU transfer. CT chest angiogram was negative for pulmonary embolism but demonstrated diffuse bilateral lower lobe dependent consolidations concerning for TRALI (Figure 1). After diuresis, she was able to be extubated within 48 hours with return to her respiratory and neurologic baselines soon after. Discussion: The pathophysiology of TRALI involves neutrophil sequestration and priming in the pulmonary vasculature with subsequent neutrophil activation by donor blood product factors where active infection is a known risk factor. Active HUS likely contributed to neutrophil priming through endothelial damage and systemic inflammation, predisposing this patient to TRALI. There are few reports of similar cases in the literature. TRALI can be subdivided into type I and type II; type I has no risk factors for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) while type II does. TRALI must also be distinguished from ARDS and transfusion-associated circulatory overload; these distinctions are predominantly made based on timing of respiratory symptom onset. This case highlights the importance of keeping TRALI in the differential for all patients with active or recent infection, including HUS, who develop acute-onset respiratory decompensation after transfusion.
Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Anoreceptive Intercourse in Sexual and Gender Minorities With Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis
INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based recommendations for sexual practices regarding anoreceptive intercourse (ARI) do not exist in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). This study surveys providers on perspectives and attitudes related to sexual practices after IPAA. METHODS: We developed a 23-item survey and distributed it to providers caring for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS: 95% of providers believe that it is important to discuss sexual orientation or practices before IPAA, but only 27% routinely discuss this. 50% did not feel comfortable and 74% did not feel confident discussing ARI recommendations with patients who underwent or will undergo IPAA. DISCUSSION: Future interventions should aim to standardize recommendations regarding feasibility and time line to safe ARI after IPAA.