The American Gastroenterological Association has released new clinical guidelines outlining a personalized approach to treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The guidelines recommend prioritizing lifestyle modifications and dietary changes, such as increasing fiber or following the low-FODMAP diet, before seeking advanced tr...
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a series of evidence-based position statements guiding the creation of a national colorectal cancer screening approach. The goal is to eliminate barriers and reduce mortality by ensuring equitable access to CRC screening programs for all individuals.
A new study has identified persistent racial and ethnic disparities in five-year survival rates for younger adults with colorectal cancer. White patients had a higher five-year relative survival rate compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, regardless of disease stage.
A new study suggests that growing up with dogs and in large families may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Exposure to dogs, particularly between ages 5-15, was linked to healthy gut permeability and a balanced immune response, which may help protect against Crohn's disease.
Patients who use cannabis require more drugs than non-users during gastric endoscopies, according to a study. Researchers found that cannabis use was associated with increased odds of requiring higher sedation levels during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Adults aged 45-64 experienced a nearly doubled rate of esophageal cancer and a 50% increase in Barrett's esophagus between 2012 and 2019. Researchers recommend more frequent screening for middle-aged patients with multiple risk factors.
A study of 2.3 million patient records found that antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in seniors, particularly those who received multiple courses. The risk increased substantially with each course of antibiotics prescribed.
Research suggests gallstone disease may be an early indicator of pancreatic cancer, with patients having gallstones nearly six times more likely to develop the disease. This association could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.
The US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends genetic evaluation and personalized surveillance plans for patients with hamartomatous polyps. Genetic testing is critical in cancer prevention, allowing for tailored cancer surveillance to prevent progression and save lives.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued new clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for HCC, emphasizing the importance of consulting a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The guidelines provide specific patient scenarios and treatment options to help hepatologists make informed decisions.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new clinical guidelines that recommend against extensive preprocedural testing to estimate clotting in patients with cirrhosis. This change aims to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with unnecessary blood clotting tests.
A multidisciplinary taskforce developed a Clinical Care Pathway for NAFLD/NASH, outlining practical guidance from screening to patient care management. The pathway aims to provide efficient, safe, and value-based care for patients with NAFLD and NASH, highlighting the importance of early interventions and shared decision-making.
Patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD and NASH. Effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies are urgently needed for this growing population.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends early introduction of biologics for patients with moderate-to-severe luminal and fistulizing Crohn's disease. Biologics are the most effective treatment option, which should be used early rather than delaying their use until other treatments fail.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released new clinical guidelines recommending the use of intragastric balloons for patients with obesity who have not been able to lose weight with traditional strategies. The treatment is most successful when combined with lifestyle modifications and pharmacological agents, and can be u...
The AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation National Registry reported that FMT led to a cure of C. difficile infection in 90% of patients across 20 North American FMT practice sites, with few serious side effects. The study included 259 patients enrolled between December 2017 and September 2019.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends bidirectional endoscopy for asymptomatic patients with iron deficiency anemia to detect underlying causes such as gastrointestinal malignancy, peptic ulcer disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Non-invasive testing, including Helicobacter pylori and celiac disease testing...
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends against using probiotics to treat most digestive diseases due to a lack of strong evidence supporting their efficacy. However, certain probiotic formulations may benefit patients in specific situations, such as preventing Clostridioides difficile infection or managing pouchitis.
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.
A new special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology highlights major advances in IBD treatment. The issue provides comprehensive updates on algorithmic treatments to reduce morbidity and emphasizes the importance of treating beyond symptom relief.
The American Gastroenterological Association has published new evidence-based recommendations on the GI and liver manifestations of COVID-19. Key findings include a lower prevalence of GI symptoms in outpatients (4.0%), but also highlight atypical presentations, such as diarrhea preceding other symptoms by days.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new guidelines for the management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus triggered by allergens. Topical steroids are recommended as a first-line treatment, while proton pump inhibition, diet therapy, and esophageal dilation are ...
The American Gastroenterological Association has released official guidance for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the AGA, patients with IBD should continue their medication, including scheduled infusions, and stop certain medications if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
The American Gastroenterological Association has issued new COVID-19 guidelines recommending enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for gastrointestinal procedures, including the use of N95 masks and double gloves. The guidelines aim to minimize the risk of infection transmission among healthcare workers and patients.
Key information for gastroenterologists and patients with chronic digestive conditions about COVID-19 includes prioritizing patient safety and maintaining medication regimens. Laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients also include liver function test abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring.
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.
Experts provide a timeline for patients to be rechecked for colorectal cancer based on their initial colonoscopy and recommend the safest techniques to completely remove polyps. Screening is recommended to begin at age 50, with follow-up colonoscopies every 3-10 years depending on polyp size and removal.
Breakthrough research presents five major advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, including a new drug pipeline, a diet that improves symptoms, and a fecal microbiota transplantation approach. These studies offer hope for patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The new clinical guideline provides recommendations for immunomodulators, biologics, and small molecules to bring on and maintain remission in adult outpatients with moderate to severe UC. It also suggests early use of biologics with or without immunomodulator therapy.
Gastric intestinal metaplasia is a marker associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, prompting the need for standardized clinical practice. The new AGA guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for testing H. pylori eradication and surveillance strategies.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical guideline that helps healthcare providers identify appropriate tests to evaluate patients with suspected functional diarrhea. The guideline recommends considering fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin, testing for Giardia, and ruling out celiac disease.
A large, multi-year randomized trial found no evidence to support claims that PPIs cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia. The study suggests that limiting prescriptions of PPI therapy is not appropriate due to the benefits outweighing the risks.
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.
Researchers have identified new pathways controlling inflammation in the gut and explored diet-based interventions to prevent C. difficile infections. Prebiotics may also help mitigate gastrointestinal toxicity from radiation treatment.
The American Gastroenterological Association has launched the AGA FORWARD Program to promote diversity in gastroenterology. The program's inaugural class of 10 Scholars includes underrepresented minority leaders who will receive mentorship and training to strengthen their research and management skills.
Studies presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress highlight the need for improved diagnosis in IBD patients, which can lead to delayed treatment and increased complications. New biomarkers, such as a blood-based prognostic biomarker, are being developed to predict disease course and personalize therapy.
Studies presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress highlight advancements in treatments for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including JAK inhibitors and biologics targeting immune cell trafficking. These therapies show promise for effective and safe oral therapeutic options for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Studies highlight the importance of treating IBD as a whole person, including reproductive and mental health aspects. Patient-provider communication is key to improving health outcomes and addressing emotional exhaustion associated with IBD.
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.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical care pathway to help women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) navigate family planning. The pathway emphasizes the importance of preconception planning, monitoring, and collaboration among healthcare providers to optimize outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association publishes a new clinical guideline for managing patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. The guidelines recommend the use of oral and topical 5-aminosalicylates, rectal corticosteroids, and oral budesonide to promote high-quality care. However, the use of biologic therapies and imm...
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.
Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-60% of patients taking chronic opioid therapy. A new AGA guideline recommends starting with traditional laxatives as first-line agents, followed by PAMORA drugs if symptoms persist. These treatments aim to improve bowel symptoms without compromising pain relief.
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.
The American Gastroenterological Association's new clinical guideline focuses on critical decisions made during initial management of acute pancreatitis. It recommends goal-directed fluid resuscitation, early oral feeding, and enteral versus parenteral nutrition to alter the course of disease and duration of hospitalization.
Studies show that home infusions can decrease infusion burden for selected patients and are cost-effective. Telemedicine may also improve outcomes but increases healthcare utilization. Urgent care access and patient education also lead to improved clinical outcomes and satisfaction.
Research presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress provides guidance for physicians to enhance IBD patient care. Studies show that better management of anemia improves overall outcomes, while IBD patients need better understanding of CRC screening intervals.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in IBD treatment with the approval of a new antibiotic and the use of Janus kinase inhibitors. These advancements aim to improve outcomes for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.