Studies show that statin therapy may be safe and beneficial for individuals with cirrhosis, reducing heart disease risk. Additionally, adding telaprevir to a drug regimen improves quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Probiotic dairy consumption also affects brain regions controlling emotional arousal.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant increase in C. diff infections in children between 2004 and 2009, with 75% of cases acquired in the community. The study also highlights the importance of prevention measures to reduce the spread of this environmental infection.
The American Gastroenterological Association honors outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology through its prestigious recognition awards. The AGA presents several awards, including the Julius Friedenwald Medal, William Beaumont Prize, Distinguished Educator Award, and more.
Doctors at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully treated four patients with amanitin poisoning using an IV preparation of milk thistle seeds. The treatment prevented liver failure and allowed all patients to fully recover without significant consequence.
This special issue of Gastroenterology focuses on the latest progress made in viral hepatitis research and care, including new diagnostic tools, therapies, and prevention strategies. Classic review articles and expert commentaries address critical unresolved issues and fundamental questions for the future.
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that GERD-related inflammation may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 patients with GERD and found a significant increase in esophageal cancer incidence among those with erosive reflux disease.
Researchers found that increased fructose consumption depletes cellular energy in obese and diabetic individuals, leading to decreased ATP stores and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Measuring uric acid levels may help doctors predict the presence and monitor the severity of this condition.
A study found that amoxicillin-clavulanate triggers groups of propagated contractions within the small intestine, improving small bowel transit and influencing gut microbiome. The antibiotic may be effective in patients with alterations of duodenal phase III, chronic symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
A family history of liver cancer is associated with a 70-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, independent of hepatitis B or C markers. Monitoring individuals with family history and hepatitis markers may help identify HCC at an earlier stage.
Two studies found that severe fibrosis increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis at an earlier period. Fatty liver disease also increases risk, with GGT levels serving as a potential biomarker for early atherosclerosis.
Research published in The Journal of Hepatology found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk and severity of liver disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). Patients with NALFD who consume two drinks or less daily are half as likely to develop hepatitis as non-drinkers, experiencing less severe l...
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease provide recommendations for managing alcohol abuse and dependence, diagnosing liver diseases, and treating patients with ALD. The guidelines also identify areas for future research, including clinical trials.
Researchers developed a multimarker molecular stool test that is highly sensitive to early-stage cancers and precancerous adenomas. The test was unaffected by variables such as age, sex, race, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass, and medication use.
A study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders receive significant doses of diagnostic radiation. Alternative, radiation-free imaging options are available, but evidence-based guidelines on reducing radiation exposure are still needed.
A new study found that children who experienced general trauma, physical punishment, and emotional abuse are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adulthood. Emotional abuse was the strongest predictor of IBS, with a significant association observed mainly in women.
A study published in Hepatology found that diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with the inhibitory control test and treating it with lactulose is cost-effective, preventing car accidents and reducing societal costs. The treatment prevents motor vehicle collisions and saves up to $3.6 million over a 5-year period.
A study published by the World Health Organization estimates that 20.1 million individuals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 in 2005. This resulted in 3.4 million symptomatic cases, 70,000 deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths, primarily affecting countries in Asia and Africa.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that obese youths with particular genetic variants are more susceptible to fatty liver disease. The study focused on three ethnic groups and measured liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging.
Research finds Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) genetic variants contribute to fatty liver disease in obese children, explaining up to 39% of hepatic fat content.
Researchers found that induced hyperammonaemia significantly increases daytime sleepiness in patients with cirrhosis. Higher blood ammonia levels reduce the ability of cirrhotic patients to produce restorative sleep. This study suggests that reducing daytime sleepiness may result in improved sleep at night.
Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.
During the US economic recession, continuously insured Americans underwent fewer screening colonoscopies due to increased direct out-of-pocket costs. This reduction in screenings was observed across all age groups, with a notable impact on those aged 50-64.
Research reveals that cirrhosis patients losing muscle mass have a significantly shorter survival rate than those with normal muscle mass. The study's findings suggest that muscle mass should be considered alongside current scoring systems when assessing transplant list placement.
Research published in Hepatology found that moderate coffee consumption decreases the risk of advanced fibrosis in NASH patients. The study also showed a significant correlation between coffee intake and reduced risk of hepatic fibrosis, particularly among patients with NASH stage 0-1.
Researchers found that rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, was safe and effective in reducing liver damage in PBC patients who had an incomplete response to UDCA therapy. The study showed significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase levels and anti-mitochondrial antibodies after treatment.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that blocks viral replication in liver cancer and cirrhosis. The peptide targets heat shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70, which are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection.
A novel molecular process linked to neddylation has been found to be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer with poor prognosis. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to potential therapeutic applications for patients with HCC.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD travelers are not at a higher risk of contracting intestinal infections when visiting developing or tropical countries. Traveling during clinical remission can significantly reduce the risk of illness, according to lead author Shomron Ben-Horin.
Researchers found that consuming a high-fiber diet raised, rather than lowered, the risk of developing diverticulosis. Those with lower fiber intake were less likely to develop diverticula.
A new, investigational colorectal cancer screening test developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Inc. has shown highly accurate results in detecting precancerous tumors and early-stage cancer, improving the chances of better outcomes for patients. The test is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and requires no bowel preparation or diet c...
A new classification for diagnosing fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV has shown to be as accurate as currently used algorithms, but required no further liver biopsy. The study combined two fibrosis tests, providing a non-invasive and more precise fibrosis diagnosis.
Patients with cirrhosis are more likely to be Hispanic, have lower education, and higher healthcare utilization. They also experience significant functional disability, requiring twice the amount of informal caregiving as non-cirrhotic peers.
A study published in Hepatology found that older Americans with cirrhosis require twice the amount of informal caregiving and contribute added strain on the healthcare system. The prevalence of cirrhosis is expected to climb in this frail population due to increasing obesity and aging of those with hepatitis C.
Research has found an association between marijuana use in young males and the development of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), which shares clinical features with functional vomiting. CVS is more common among young males using marijuana, highlighting the need for further research into treatment options for this condition.
Recent Mayo Clinic studies identify risk factors for rising liver cancer cases, including hepatitis C infection and fatty liver disease. The studies suggest that screening for hepatitis C could improve treatment and survival rates for affected populations.
Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.
A study found that green tea flavonoid EGCG inhibits the entry of hepatitis C virus into liver cells, suggesting a potential antiviral strategy to prevent reinfection following liver transplantation. The researchers investigated the effect of EGCG on HCV in preventing attachment and spread within liver cells.
Patients on liver transplant waiting lists prefer to receive high-quality donor organs, even if it means waiting longer, according to a new study. The research found that 58% of candidates would only accept organs with a risk of graft failure of 25% or less.
Chronic abdominal pain has seen a significant rise in opioid prescriptions, driven by factors such as campaigns to recognize pain as the "fifth vital sign". The use of opioids for non-cancer chronic pain is supported by limited evidence and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and worsen abdominal pain.
A new study found that psychological factors, such as pain catastrophisizing and anxiety sensitivity, affect IBS symptoms but not overall severity. GI symptoms like pain, bloating, and defecation explain most of the variance in IBS severity scores.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.
Researchers find that toxic byproducts from unsaturated fat breakdown lead to severe inflammation, cell death, and multi-system organ failure in obese acute pancreatitis patients. The study provides new insight into how fat can induce complications after sudden inflammatory illnesses.
A new study suggests that patients with certain types of abdominal pain may benefit more from gallbladder surgery. Researchers found that episodic pain occurring during the evening or at night, lasting less than 24 hours, and having a specific pattern of symptoms can predict improved relief after surgery.
A study analyzing 40,000 screening colonoscopies found men have a higher rate of advanced tumors compared to women in all age groups. The researchers suggest sex-specific age recommendations for screening colonoscopy could result in lower CRC mortality rates.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a lower incidence of liver-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those infected with hepatitis C virus. NAFLD patients also had similar mortality rates as patients with HCV, despite having higher rates of cardiovascular complications.
A new study published in Hepatology found that living donor liver transplant recipients had a 56% lower mortality rate compared to those waiting for a deceased donor liver transplant. However, this benefit was not observed for candidates with low MELD scores and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that approximately two-thirds of patients with hepatitis C can be cured in six months, rather than the standard 48-week treatment. The study showed that response-guided therapy is a successful strategy for individualizing treatment based on patient responses.
A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that pure maple syrup improved liver function tests in rats fed a diet with 20% pure maple syrup compared to a control group. The results suggest that maple syrup's polyphenolic antioxidants may help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce liver enzyme levels.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that low-dose aspirin increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when combined with other medications. However, proton pump inhibitor use can reduce this risk.
Researchers discovered dendritic cells play a protective role in the liver against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure. High levels of dendritic cells are associated with protection, while low levels exacerbate liver damage and death.
Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.
A European study found radioembolization to be a viable treatment option for liver cancer patients, with median overall survival near 13 months. The procedure improved survival rates across different tumor stages and in patients with few treatment options.
Scientists discovered that the intestinal membrane receptor protein, GC-C, is also expressed in critical brain areas. The study found that GC-C's activation amplifies dopamine responses, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice. Treatment with a PKG activator reversed these behavioral problems.
Researchers found that a bear bile-derived compound, UDCA, can alter the electrical properties of myofibroblasts to prevent arrhythmia in both fetal hearts and adult hearts after a heart attack. This could lead to new treatments for obstetric cholestasis and post-heart-attack complications.
A recent study found that increased body mass index (BMI) is an independent predictor of clinical decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis. The researchers suggest that weight reduction may improve patient outcomes and that measures to reduce BMI could improve the prognosis for patients with advanced liver disease.
A large-scale study found metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, two major types of primary liver cancer. Metabolic syndrome was present in 37% of persons who developed HCC and 30% of those who developed ICC, compared to 17% of those without cancer.
Researchers found that testing every new colon cancer patient for Lynch syndrome can reduce cancer deaths at a reasonable cost. Testing multiple family members after the initial diagnosis is crucial to spreading the benefit across more relatives, according to the study.
A systematic review found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased survival in elderly women, particularly those at risk of falls and fractures. The study analyzed 50 randomized trials involving over 94,000 participants and suggested a reduced risk of mortality by approximately 6% with long-term treatment.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a powerful way to suppress hepatitis C by targeting different parts of the virus. Two prototype small molecule drugs, p7 inhibitors, attack the virus in distinct ways, suggesting they could be used together with 'direct-acting' drugs for more effective treatment.