The American Gastroenterological Association has announced its 2026 recognition prize recipients, including Hashem El-Serag for the Julius Friedenwald Medal for his exceptional service to the field and AGA. Dr. El-Serag is an internationally recognized physician-scientist known for pioneering epidemiologic research on hepatocellular ca...
The 2024 report shows improved care quality and accessibility across China, with a rise in early gastrointestinal cancer detection and improved colonoscopy quality indicators. Despite progress, regional disparities persist and costly treatments for IBD remain a challenge.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio successfully used radiofrequency ablation to treat a patient with pancreatic cancer, achieving the first-ever less-invasive procedure in South Texas. The treatment has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and easing symptoms, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that routine AI assistance during colonoscopies can lead to a decrease in the ability of endoscopists to detect precancerous growths without AI aid. This reduction in skills may impact patient-related outcomes and highlight the need for further research on the long-ter...
A new study led by Mount Sinai researchers has identified distinct biological signatures in patients with mild Crohn's disease, which may help avoid overtreatment and guide more personalized care. The findings suggest that these biomarkers can distinguish mild disease from more aggressive forms, potentially allowing for safer treatment...
A study in Gastroenterology Nursing found that popular IBD-related TikTok videos have very low scores for quality of medical information, despite their high views. The research suggests that tailored educational content on IBD can be created for the platform, addressing gaps in IBD education.
A pioneering research brings psychedelic medicine into gastroenterology, exploring psilocybin's effects on treatment-resistant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Erin E. Mauney's study modulates interoception and uses integrated therapy sessions with neuroimaging to track brain changes.
AGA President Dr. Lawrence Kim is an endoscopy expert and diversity champion who will ensure the society is inclusive for all gastroenterologists. He aims to secure research viability and support next-generation leaders.
A longitudinal study found that EBV infection predisposes people to develop Crohn's disease, with a five-to-seven-year delay between exposure and diagnosis. The study suggests that EBV may alter the immune system leading to Crohn's disease.
A survey of GI fellows found that gastroenterologists providing inpatient care improve education through enhanced endoscopy teaching and longitudinal feedback. This model is expected to create more robust fellowship programs across the US, combining benefits of both GI Hospitalist and non-GI Hospitalist faculty.
A recent study found that patients seen by female gastroenterologists have significantly less healthcare utilization than those seen by male providers. Female patients, in particular, experience lower rates of emergency department visits and primary care office visits after receiving initial consultations from female gastroenterologists.
A study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and at-home tests more than doubled colorectal cancer screening rates. Approximately 10% of participants received colonoscopies, while around 11% completed at-home fecal immunochemical tests.
New data suggest that blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests could lead to more cases and deaths than established methods, despite improving outcomes for unscreened individuals. The tests are predicted to be less effective and more costly, making them unsuitable replacements for current screening programs.
A joint research team from South Korea and the US has developed a new genetic classification system for gastric cancer, identifying six consensual genomic subtypes (CGSs) with distinct characteristics. The study suggests potential treatments for each subtype, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
A study published in Gastroenterology validated pyrvinium as a potential preventative treatment for stomach cancer. The drug induces cell death in precancerous lesions by targeting specific stem cells through dual MEK/ERK and STAT3 inhibition, suggesting lower adverse effects on tissue regeneration.
A new open-access journal, eGastroenterology, has been launched to accelerate research in gastroenterology and hepatology. The journal focuses on applying real-world data to guide clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that nine percent of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients harbor cancer-predisposing gene mutations, which may trigger progression from Barrett's esophagus. This finding supports the idea that genetic testing can help risk-stratify EAC patients and potentially accelerate development of new treatments.
A new dietary approach has been identified to treat eosinophilic esophagitis by eliminating only dairy products, showing similar effectiveness to the standard six-food elimination diet. This breakthrough study led by CU School of Medicine researchers offers a more patient-friendly treatment option with fewer drawbacks.
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that complete alcohol abstinence significantly reduces complications of liver cirrhosis and increases lifespan in patients with pronounced portal hypertension. Regular medical check-ups are crucial for those affected.
A nationwide survey found that many physicians are complacent with current levels of diversity, with a significant gap in satisfaction with workplace diversity among Black physicians. The study recommends increasing mentorship opportunities and representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions to improve workforce diver...
A study published in Nature Medicine found that higher levels of microbiota engraftment correlate with better clinical responses to FMT. The research used genomic sequencing and AI to analyze over 1,300 gut samples from donors and patients with various diseases.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found that using computer-aided detection during colonoscopies can significantly increase the detection of adenoma, or cancerous and precancerous polyps. The research, led by Dr. Aasma Shaukat, showed a 27% increase in the overall rate of detection in average-risk patients. This technology has ...
A study published in Gastroenterology found that artificial intelligence reduced the rate of missed precancerous polyps in colorectal cancer screening by twofold compared to standard colonoscopy. The AI detection method identified smaller, flatter polyps and improved false negative rates.
The International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases is a new subscription-based journal publishing articles on global significance gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It aims to publish experimental and theoretical results in detail, covering advancements in management and diagnosis of diseases.
Recent studies on NAFLD have made significant progress in understanding the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition. The latest research emphasizes the importance of gut microbiota modulation to improve severity, as well as the role of hepatic inflammatory pathways in driving comorbidities.
Researchers identified predictive models for Crohn's disease, including a serum biomarker model with 76% accuracy, and explored the link between metal exposure in early life and IBD risk. Achieving deep remission early on was also associated with a significant decrease in long-term complications.
A study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology reveals that nearly half of COVID-19 patients in China presented with digestive symptoms like diarrhea and anorexia, which prolonged hospital stays and reduced recovery rates.
A study published in JPGN found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of fractures in pediatric patients. The analysis showed a significantly higher fracture rate in children exposed to PPIs, with a 20% higher probability of fracture compared to non-exposed children.
Research published in Gastroenterology highlights GI symptoms and potential fecal transmission in coronavirus patients. Key findings include viral RNA detectable in stool and the virus shedding into the digestive system, raising concerns about fecal-oral transmission.
Researchers found a 75% reduction in gastric cancer risk after eliminating Helicobacter pylori infection. Higher rates of gastric cancer were observed among African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations, as well as men who smoke.
A recent study published in Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that removing the gallbladder can reduce the risk of stroke by 40% in patients with gallstones. The study analyzed data from 310,712 patients and observed a lower risk regardless of age or medical conditions.
A study published in Gastroenterology suggests that patients with IBS who have multiple intestinal and brain abnormalities experience more severe symptoms, making combination therapy a potential solution to improve treatment outcomes
The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program has selected 52 promising researchers to receive funding, including 88% who are early-career investigators. The awardees will support clinical research and studies in gastroenterology and hepatology, with a focus on improving patient care and outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2019 recipients of the annual recognition awards, honoring outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology. The award winners include John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF; Harry B. Greenberg, MD; and Timothy C. Wang, MD, AGAF.
This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.
The American Gastroenterological Association has launched a new initiative to foster opportunities for underrepresented minorities in gastroenterology research and career development. The program aims to provide training, mentoring, and leadership skills to promote diversity in the field.
The 2018 class of AGA Research Foundation awardees will continue to push gastroenterology and hepatology research forward with protected time for fundamental research. The awards program has launched the careers of investigators doing important work that translates to new patient care tools and better outcomes for patients.
Two cases of young children with severe esophageal injuries caused by swallowed lithium batteries from fidget spinners have been reported. The incidents highlight the potential danger of button batteries in children's toys, particularly those not specifically designed for kids.
The task force ranked tests into three tiers according to the strength of the recommendation for average-risk people. Colonoscopy is highly sensitive for cancer and precancerous lesions, while fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is non-invasive and lower-cost but must be repeated annually. The new guidelines also recommend starting scre...
Dr. Anil K. Rustgi has received the 2017 Julius Friedenwald Medal from the American Gastroenterological Association for his significant contributions to all aspects of gastroenterology, including research and clinical medicine. He is a leading expert in GI cancers and pre-cancerous changes.
The compilation presents state-of-the-art reviews on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and therapy of obesity, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Key findings highlight the importance of diet composition, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacotherapy in weight management and metabolic health.
The new position paper provides recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially those on vegetarian diets.
The new guidelines developed by the NASPGHAN recommend regular screening for NAFLD in all obese children between 9-11 years old using a simple liver enzyme test. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity are also recommended as first steps in treatment.
A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosed in childhood have better educational levels and higher annual incomes compared to their healthy counterparts. This news may alleviate anxiety for parents of newly diagnosed patients, providing reassurance ...
The low FODMAP diet has been found to be an effective treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a significant body of evidence supporting its efficacy. The long-term effects of this dietary approach, however, require further investigation.
UT Southwestern researchers challenge long-held beliefs on acid reflux damage, finding that inflammatory response and cytokine secretion are the main causes of esophageal damage. The study could lead to novel GERD treatments targeting these proteins.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that children with autism do not have a unique pattern of abnormal results on endoscopy or other tests for gastrointestinal disorders. The researchers analyzed the results of diagnostic tests in 61 children with autism being evaluated for GI sympt...
A study analyzing billing data found that nearly 29% of patients undergoing colonoscopy had a pre-procedure office visit, resulting in increased healthcare costs. Office visits were more common among patients with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and were associated with a diagnosis of screening or preoperative evaluation.
Two studies found that recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis in children has a high disease burden, with 42% rate of rehospitalizations and estimated annual healthcare costs of $40,000. The studies highlight the need for information and research to prevent suffering and reduce costs.
Fecal microbiota transplantation may predict treatment failure for Clostridium difficile, while changes in gut microbiota could be linked to weight gain or loss. The American College of Gastroenterology's 80th Annual Scientific Meeting highlights the latest scientific advances and clinical practice management.
Experts share insights on fecal microbiota transplantation, Clostridium difficile infection, and constipation management. Key findings highlight predictors of treatment failure and the cost-effectiveness of competing strategies for managing multiply recurrent C. difficile infections.
Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that weight loss through lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery significantly reduces NASH features. Lifestyle modifications resulted in a 10% weight reduction needed to reverse scarring, while bariatric surgery eliminated NASH in 85% of patients after one year.
The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommends that children with inflammatory bowel disease should not be switched to biosimilar products without long-term studies. Post-marketing surveillance programs are also essential to confirm efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of new biosimilars.
A study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that modulating B lymphocyte function may help regulate T lymphocyte activity to treat immune-mediated disorders like IBD. Researchers discovered a pathway involving IL-10, IL-27, and regulatory T lymphocytes.
Research on gender in GI publishing landscape reveals growing proportion of female first authors, but senior authors still lag behind. The study found a significant association between the gender of the lead and senior author.
The American Gastroenterological Association recognizes Robert S.andler for his lifelong contributions to gastroenterology and AGA, while C. Richard Boland receives the William Beaumont Prize for his work on Lynch syndrome and colorectal cancer research. The Distinguished Educator Awards are given to Patrick S. Kamath and Charles Melbe...
A new special issue of the journal Gastroenterology explores how food affects health and disease, including the gut microbiome, food allergies, and non-celiac wheat sensitivity. The research provides evidence-based summaries to guide clinical recommendations for patients and clinicians.
Recent studies confirm that NAFLD worsens heart disease and increases serum levels of cardiovascular risk markers. Additionally, a large population sample found a significant association between psychological distress and liver disease mortality. Meanwhile, inpatient mortality for cirrhosis patients has decreased by 41% in the U.S., at...
A recent position paper from the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee recommends bariatric surgery for carefully selected young children with severe or morbid obesity and associated medical conditions. The procedure can strongly reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Two new treatments for liver diseases are being explored. A probiotic, VSL#3, has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. Meanwhile, a fatty acid conjugate called Aramchol has been found to significantly reduce liver fat content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver di...