About

Christopher Schmoyer, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine specializing in Gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as the Director of Core 3 Internal Medicine Elective at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Schmoyer completed his undergraduate studies with a BA in History, Biology, and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware in 2009, followed by an MS in Cell and Organ Systems Physiology from the same institution in 2011. He earned his MD from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2015. His professional focus includes clinical research in inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and endoscopy safety, with multiple publications on these topics. He is actively involved in advancing patient care and medical education within his department.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Surgery
• Emergency medicine

Selected publications

• Mo1883 EVALUATING AI-LANGUAGE MODELS IN PROVIDING ANSWERS FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) IN PREGNANCY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GPT4, BARD, AND LLAMA2

  Gastroenterology · 2024-05-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Su1785 META-ANAYSIS OF THE THERAPEUTIC IMPACT OF CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID-DERIVATIVES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

  Gastroenterology · 2024-05-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Meta-analysis of the Therapeutic Impact of Cannabinoids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2024-08-28 · 8 citations

  review

  BACKGROUND: With the increasing legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, patients and providers have growing interest in the role of cannabinoids in treating inflammatory bowel disease. Prior meta-analysis has shown inconclusive evidence for efficacy of cannabinoids. We sought to produce an up-to-date meta-analysis that pools new data to evaluate the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and CINAHL were queried for randomized-controlled trials evaluating the impact cannabinoids in CD or UC. Random effects modeling was used to compute pooled estimates of risk difference. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. RESULTS: Eight studies, including 4 studies of CD, 3 studies of UC, and 1 study of both diseases met inclusion criteria. Among 5 studies of CD, a statistically significant decrease in clinical disease activity following intervention was observed (risk ratios [RR], -0.91; 95% CI, CI:1.54 to CI:0.28, I2 = 71.9%). Clinical disease activity in UC was not significantly lower in the pooled analysis (RR, -2.13; 95% CI, -4.80 to 0.55; I2 = 90.3%). Improvement in quality of life (QoL) was observed in both CD and UC combined (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.92-0.2.66; I2 = 82.8%), as well as individually. No differences were observed in the analysis on endoscopic disease activity and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests that cannabinoids are associated with improved quality of life in both CD and UC, as well as improved disease activity but not inflammation.

  PublisherDOI

• Adverse Events and Compliance Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated With Home- vs Office-Based Biologic Infusions

  Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2023-10-11 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Biologic medications are a common therapy for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are limited data on the outcomes of home-based biologic infusions for patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of biologic infusions for IBD patients who receive either home- or office-based administration. METHODS: Patients receiving infliximab or vedolizumab were analyzed retrospectively over a period of 152 weeks. Survival free of major adverse events including delayed infusion reaction, steroid initiation, drug discontinuation, or IBD-related emergency department visits, admission, and surgery were compared using a Kaplan-Meier curve. Individual adverse events, infusion-.related quality measures, and markers of patient adherence were analyzed. RESULTS: Adverse event-free survival was greater among those receiving home-based infusion (n = 154) compared with office-based infusion (n = 133). The office infusion cohort had higher rates of delayed infusion reactions (4 vs 0), IBD-related surgery (6 vs 0), and drug discontinuation (44 vs 35); this was a sicker cohort of patients compared with those in the home infusion group. Home infusion patients were less likely to receive correct weight-based dosing for infliximab (71.7% vs 89.3%), obtain labs for drug monitoring (53.2% vs 71.4%), and adhere to routine clinic visits (37.9% vs 58.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The home-based infusion of biologics for IBD appears safe with lower rates of major adverse events compared with office-based infusions. However, those receiving home infusion were less likely to receive correct weight-based dosing for infliximab and were poorly adherent to routine follow-up.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• S1015 Adverse Events and Compliance Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated With Home versus Office-Based Biologic Infusions

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2022-10-01

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Introduction: Home infusion of infliximab (IFX) and vedolizumab (VDZ) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has recently expanded owing to insurance company requirements and patient (pt) preference for convenience. These biologics are associated with a number of adverse events (AEs). Previous data suggest increased rates of AEs and reduced efficacy of biologics when given at home rather than in a medical office. We sought to assess the rates of AEs, biologic discontinuation, and adherence to follow-up in IBD pts receiving home versus office-based infusions. Methods: This was a single center retrospective cohort study of adult pts with IBD receiving IFX or VDZ either at home or an office-based infusion center. AEs were defined as immediate (< 24 hour) and delayed (day 1-7) transfusion reaction, steroid initiation, drug discontinuation, or IBD-related emergency room visits, admission, and surgery. Patients were followed for a maximum duration of 150 weeks. Adherence to follow-up was determined by biannual clinic visits and labwork. Chi squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used, where appropriate, to determine statistical significance. Kaplan-Meier plot created using SPSS software. Results: 287 pts (46.0% female, mean age 40.8 years, 61.3% CD, 38.7% UC) were included. The majority were non-Hispanic white with an elevated BMI. The office-based infusion group had more former smokers (35.9% vs 19.0%, p< 0.05), longer disease duration (11.2 vs 8.1 years, p< 0.05), and greater disease severity (Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) 4.9 vs 3.8, p< 0.05) compared to the home infusion group (Table). AEs were higher among office-based infusions (80 vs 56, p< 0.05) driven by delayed transfusion reactions (4 vs 0, p < 0.05), surgery (6 vs 0, p < 0.05), and medication discontinuation (44 vs 35, p < 0.05) (Figure). Pts receiving home infusions were less likely to follow-up in clinic (53.2% vs 71.4%, p< 0.05) and obtain routine labwork (37.9% vs 58.1%, p< 0.05). Conclusion: Among IBD pts on IFX or VDZ therapy, office-based infusions were associated with higher rates of AEs especially delayed transfusion reactions, need for surgery, and medication discontinuation. Treatment bias may exist towards starting more stable patients on home infusion given the less severe disease that we observed in that group. Adherence to clinic followup and routine labwork was much lower with home infusion. Home biologic infusion appears to be a viable treatment option for IBD if adequate adherence to followup care is maintained.Figure 1.: Adverse event free survival among those on home and office based infusion of biologics for inflammatory bowel disease. Table 1. - Demographics, disease characteristics, adverse events, and compliance among inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving biologic infusion at home or at the office HomeInfusion OfficeInfusion n = 154 n = 133 Age 37.3 (12.2) 45.0 (16.4) p < 0.05 Female 81 (52.6%) 52 (39.1%) p < 0.05 Race Non-Hispanic White 131 (85.1%) 102 (77.3%) Black 12 (7.8%) 21 (15.9%) Asian 6 (3.9%) 5 (3.8%) Hispanic 4 (2.6%) 2 (1.5%) Other 1 (0.6%) 2 (1.5%) BMI 27.7 (6.5) 27.0 (6.5) Current Smoker 10 (6.5%) 10 (7.6%) Former Smoker 29 (19.0%) 47 (35.9%) p < 0.05 Disease Duration (Years) 8.1 (8.1) 11.2 (12.6) P < 0.05 Previous IBD SurgeryHarvey Bradshaw Index 39 (26.2%)3.9 (2.9) 37 (28.9%)4.8 (3.8) p < 0.05 Ulcerative Colitis 61 50 Proctitis 12 (19.7%) 13 (26%) Left-Sided 16 (26.2%) 13 (26%) Pancolitis 33 (54.1%) 24 (48%) Crohn's Disease 93 83 Ileal 25 (26.9%) 24 (28.9%) Colonic 22 (23.7%) 19 (22.9%) Ileocolonic 42 (45.2%) 40 (48.2%) Upper GI 4 (4.3%) 1 (1.2%) Inflammatory 52 (55.9%) 42 (50.1%) Stricturing 18 (19.4%) 26 (31.3%) Fistulizing 23 (24.7%) 15 (18.1%) Perianal 26 (27.1%) 21 (22.8%) Concurrent Medication Mesalamine 30 (19.6%) 44 (33.3%) P < 0.05 Thiopurines 14 (9.2%) 15 (11.4%) Methotrexate 3 (2.0%) 9 (6.8%) Biologic Use Naive 86 (56.2%) 74 (55.6%) Previous Use 67 (43.8%) 59 (44.4%) # Previous Biologics 1.4 (0.7) 1.5 (0.7) Major Adverse Event 56 80 p < 0.05 Transfusion Reaction, Immediate 8 9 Transfusion Reaction, Delayed 0 4 p < 0.05 ED Visit 0 1 Admission 7 6 Surgery 0 6 p < 0.05 Steroid Initiation 6 10 Discontinuation 35 44 p < 0.05 Office Visit Every 6 Months 53.2% 71.4% p < 0.05 Labs Obtained Every 6 Months 37.9% 58.1% p < 0.05

  PublisherDOI

• The Safety of the Re-Opening of an Academic Medical Center Outpatient Endoscopy Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Gastroenterology Research · 2022-08-01

  articleOpen access

  Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally leading to over 3,700,000 deaths. As COVID-19 cases stabilized, the re-opening of endoscopy centers potentially exposed patients and healthcare workers to viral infection. This study aims to determine risk of COVID-19 exposure among patients undergoing outpatient endoscopies in a tertiary care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients undergoing outpatient endoscopy were contacted post-procedure for any new COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 test results. Patient experiences and perception of personal safety were also determined. Results: Of the 1,584 patients who completed elective endoscopy, 996 (62.9%) completed the survey. Two patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of procedure. The majority (99.7%) felt safe during their procedure and apprehension regarding endoscopy decreased over time. Conclusion: Thus, the risk of COVID-19 transmission during outpatient endoscopy is extremely low when following recommended society guidelines. Patients felt safe during the procedure and experienced less fear of exposure over time. Gastroenterol Res. 2022;15(4):200-206 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/gr1551

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Novel through-the-scope steerable grasper for dynamic traction reduces dissection time and technical demand in endoscopic submucosal dissection in novice endoscopists compared with clip-and-line traction method: an ex vivo randomized study

  iGIE · 2022-12-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background and Aims: Lack of effective tissue traction devices to facilitate endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) leads to prolonged dissection time. We aimed to study the efficacy of a novel through-the-scope steerable grasper arm (SGA) for dynamic traction compared with the clip-and-line (CL) traction method in an ex vivo setting. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, randomized ex vivo study. In a porcine stomach model, two 25-mm circular lesions were marked. Novice endoscopists with no prior ESD experience performed ESD with both traction methods (SGA and CL). Each participant was randomized to either SGA first (study group) or CL first (control group). The primary outcome was total dissection time in minutes. Adverse events of muscle injury, perforation, mucosal injury, or fragmentation were noted. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) task load index (TLX) was used to grade technical workload. Results: < .001). Conclusions: With novice endoscopists performing ESD, SGA traction leads to faster dissection time compared with the CL method with a reduced technical workload in an ex vivo setting. The SGA is a promising tool to improve efficiency and the learning curve of ESD.

  PublisherDOI

• Sa116 A SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF THE RE-OPENING OF AN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER OUTPATIENT ENDOSCOPY UNIT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

  Gastroenterology · 2021-05-01

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• S226 Hematemesis From a Large Gastric AVM: An Uncommon Presentation of HHT

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2021-10-01

  article

  Introduction: Arteriovenous malformations (AVM), abnormal connections between arterial and venous vasculature, commonly cause gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Typically these diminutive lesions are a cause of chronic anemia, while large volume blood loss is extremely rare. We present a case of a man with a clinically significant GIB from a massive gastric AVM requiring multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment. Case Description/Methods: A 20-year-old male with no relevant medical history presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, and anemia with hemoglobin 8.7 (12.5-15 g/dL). Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen displayed a hyper-enhancing mass in the gastric fundus with multiple hypoattenuating foci throughout the liver. Subsequent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a large, soft submucosal mass without stigmata of bleeding in the gastric cardia concerning for a vascular lesion (Figure 1a). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple hepatic serpiginous lesions with arterial enhancement consistent with AVM without evidence of portal hypertension (Figure 1b). Imaging of the lungs and brain did not reveal abnormal vascularity. The patient was discharged without issue but presented 2 years later with frank hematemesis. CT angiogram (CTA) revealed a 5.4cm lobulated gastric AVM supplied by the left gastric artery (Figure 1c). His course was complicated by acute blood loss anemia requiring multiple transfusions. Given the case’s complexity, a multidisciplinary discussion with surgery and interventional radiology (IR) was held before pursuing IR embolization of the left gastric artery with resolution of his symptoms. Given his presentation, clinical concern for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) was high. Discussion: Hematemesis from a massive gastric AVM is extremely rare. Arteriography is the gold standard in diagnosis as differentiation from other vascular pathology is difficult. However, the role of CTA is expanding. When observed with hepatic AVMs, the presence of HHT must be considered as similar disorders like capillary malformation-AVM syndrome and hereditary benign telangiectasia infrequently have GI involvement. Those with suspected HHT should undergo screening for remote lesions via imaging of the brain and lungs. Multiple management options exist including endoscopic intervention (clipping, cautery), intravascular intervention, and surgical resection. A multidisciplinary approach considering the lesion size and location is required.Figure 1.: a) EGD with a submucosal vascular lesion and adjacent gastritis b) MRI showing diffuse hypodensities (white arrows) concerning for AVMs c) 5.4cm lobulated vascular structure supplied by a dilated left gastric artery (black arrow).

  PublisherDOI

• The Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Stricturing Crohn Disease

  Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2021-03-09 · 22 citations

  review1st author

  Abstract Stricturing of the gastrointestinal tract is a common complication in Crohn disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among this population. The inflammatory process initiates fibrosis, leading to aberrant wound healing and excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Our understanding of this process has grown and encompasses cellular mechanisms, epigenetic modifications, and inherent genetic predisposition toward fibrosis. Although medications can improve inflammation, there is still no drug to attenuate scar formation. As such, management of stricturing disease requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach including medical management, therapeutic endoscopy, and surgery. This review details the current understanding regarding the pathogenesis, detection, and management of stricturing Crohn disease.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Scott Manski

  University of South Florida

  4 shared

• Alice Pang

  Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

  3 shared

• Alexandra Weiss

  Indiana University Bloomington

  3 shared

• Mitchell Conn

  Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

  3 shared

• Joshua A. Lieberman

  University of Washington

  2 shared

• Micaela Gernhardt

  West Chester University

  2 shared

• Kelly Sun

  University of Toronto

  2 shared

• Hansol Kang

  Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

  2 shared

Education

• MD

  Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

  2015

• BA, MS

  University of Delaware

  2011