Articles tagged with Digestive Disorders
A small study found that longer, more comprehensive interactions with complementary and integrative medicine providers significantly improve GERD symptoms. Patients receiving expanded physician visits reported greater symptom relief compared to conventional visits.
A large data-mining study by Stanford University School of Medicine has linked proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) to an elevated risk of heart attack. The study found a 20% increase in the rate of subsequent heart-attack risk among all adult PPI users, even when excluding those also taking clopidogrel.
A study conducted at Virginia Mason Medical Center found that computer-assisted propofol sedation can reduce recovery room time for patients by almost 20%, compared to traditional midazolam and fentanyl sedation. The new method, known as CAPS, also shows higher patient satisfaction scores.
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 trial has shown the Cytosponge test to be an accurate and safe way of diagnosing Barrett's Oesophagus. The test involves swallowing a sponge on a string and has been proven to be more effective than traditional endoscopy for detecting the condition.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leading to the development of novel molecular therapies. Current therapies are often ineffective or have unknown long-term efficacy, but new treatments show promise in treating IBS symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a link between genetic factors and the development of early-onset ulcerative colitis. The study's findings suggest that phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) may play a role in helping the disease develop, and that altering the gut microbiome could be a key to prevention.
The American Gastroenterological Association has awarded several distinguished individuals for their lifetime contributions to the field of gastroenterology. Nicholas F. LaRusso, MD, AGAF, received the Julius Friedenwald Medal, while John A. Williams, MD, PhD, was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award for his major research ...
A new surgical method combines laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopy with polypectomy, reducing recovery time and hospital stays. The procedure is less invasive than traditional methods, resulting in shorter discharge times, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery.
A study found that intermittent PPI therapy is non-inferior to continuous infusion, reducing costs and improving patient comfort. Researchers suggest adopting the new approach could lower healthcare costs while maintaining quality care.
A pilot study found that a vibrating capsule increased spontaneous bowel movements and decreased constipation symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and C-IBS. The capsule uses mechanical stimulation to mimic the body's natural physiology, avoiding common side effects of medication.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a pathway connecting acid reflux and esophageal cancer, suggesting that blocking this pathway with proton pump inhibitors could prevent esophageal cancer. Patients with persistent acid reflux complicated by Barrett's esophagus may be at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
A recent study has revealed a significant increase in coeliac disease cases among Scottish children under the age of 16. The rate of new diagnoses rose from 1.7 per 100,000 to 11.8 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2009.
The AGA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to gastroenterology through its esteemed recognition awards. The 2013 awardees include Dr. Chung Owyang, who received the Julius Friedenwald Medal for his lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology.
Researchers examined new methods for managing digestive health through diet and lifestyle changes. Vitamin D supplementation was found to significantly relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease, including muscle strength and fatigue.
The LINX Reflux Management System, a device made of magnetic titanium beads, helps relieve chronic heartburn symptoms by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Over 90% of patients reported satisfaction with their condition after treatment.
A new device encircles the esophagus valve to control chronic acid reflux, easing symptoms in 92% of patients and allowing 87% to stop using acid-suppressing drugs. Installation is minimally invasive, taking one to two hours, and patients experience significant improvement with 94% satisfaction.
The American College of Physicians recommends limiting upper endoscopy to patients with heartburn only when accompanied by serious symptoms or specific risk factors. The guideline aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and associated costs, while ensuring effective care for GERD patients.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that people who self-harm are more than three times as likely to die prematurely from natural causes, with deaths due to diseases of the digestive and circulatory systems being a major contributor. The risk is higher for individuals living in socially deprived areas.
The Taxman Family Foundation will donate $2.5 million to the University of Chicago Medicine to support the training of specialists in digestive disease. The gift honors Dr. Joseph Kirsner, a renowned gastroenterologist who trained generations of experts.
Researchers identified four types of bacterial communities in healthy adults at 10 sites along the digestive tract. They found a core set of metabolic genes present throughout, suggesting common functions needed for bacterial communities living on mucosal surfaces.
Epidemiological maps suggest South Texas is an area of high risk for Chagas infection, with potentially hundreds of undiagnosed cases. The disease can be hard to detect and may be misinterpreted as a flu-like illness, leading to delayed diagnosis.
University of North Carolina researchers presented three studies: meditation reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and psychological distress; colonoscopy screening rates decreased among insured Americans during the recession due to high out-of-pocket costs; and diets high in fiber actually increase the risk of diverticulosis, not ...
The AGA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to gastroenterology through various awards, including the Julius Friedenwald Medal and Distinguished Achievement Award. These recipients are leaders in their field and have made remarkable impacts on gastroenterological practice and research.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 reveals that a high carbohydrate intake increases the risk of developing gallstones during pregnancy. Additionally, symptoms of lactose intolerance may actually be linked to somatoform disorders, which can lead to counterproductive behaviors like restrictive diets.
A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.
A 10-year population-based study reveals heartburn is a common condition affecting every fifth person, with higher incidence in those of normal weight or higher, impacting daily activities and quality of life. The study also found significant sociodemographic factors influencing heartburn experience.
Studies found that acid reflux and functional dyspepsia patients are more likely to experience disordered sleep, with exercise and routine decreasing the risk. Baclofen and esomeprazole show promise as treatments for improving sleep quality in nighttime heartburn sufferers.
A nationwide study in Denmark suggests a genetic component to pyloric stenosis in infants, with a high concordance rate in monozygotic twins and significant familial aggregation among siblings. The study found an 87% heritability estimate, supporting the notion that inherited genes play a key role in the development of this condition.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) presents its prestigious recognition awards to distinguished gastroenterologists for their exceptional achievements. The awardees were nominated by their peers and undergo a rigorous review process before being selected, reflecting the high esteem in which they are held.
A large-scale study found that patients with GERD and IBS often experience overlapping symptoms, including nausea, bowel movement changes, and extra gastrointestinal issues. This suggests a potential systemic link between the two disorders.
A new report from gastroenterology/hepatology societies emphasizes the importance of competency-based curriculum and disease-specific training in improving patient outcomes. The report recommends changes to GI training programs, including pairing of GI/hepatology training and enhanced training in specific disease areas.
A major clinical study has rejected cancer safety fears surrounding the most commonly prescribed group of drugs for heartburn treatment. The study found no link between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and the development of Barrett's Oesophagus or oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a potentially fatal cancer.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has renewed its three-year grant to support high school students in gastroenterology research careers through the AGA Foundation's Student Research Fellowship Awards program. The program provides funding for students to conduct research under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
A new study found that healthy volunteers who took proton pump inhibitors for eight weeks developed acid-related symptoms like heartburn and dyspepsia when the medication was stopped. The study suggests that long-term use of PPIs may lead to dependency due to rebound acid hypersecretion.
The American Gastroenterological Association honors individuals for their lifetime achievements and significant advancements in gastroenterology. This year's awardees include Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, Dr. Warren Strober, and Dr. Judith M. Podskalny, among others.
Researchers presented data on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies in treating Crohn's disease and preventing C. difficile recurrence, showing improved clinical outcomes and safety profiles.
A new study by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions found that proton pump inhibitors, commonly used to treat heartburn, can compromise the anti-clotting action of clopidogrel. This can lead to a higher risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular illnesses.
A new study by the American Lung Association found that heartburn medication does not help control asthma symptoms in adults with poorly controlled asthma and no significant heartburn symptoms. Despite using a high dose of esomeprazole, participants showed no improvement in asthma episodes or control.
A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.
A new national study found that prescription heartburn medication is ineffective for treating asthma in patients without acid reflux symptoms. The study, led by Northwestern University researchers, randomly gave 402 patients either the medication or a placebo, finding no difference in lung function or asthma control episodes.
A study by Dr. Ri-Nan Zheng found that esomeprazole significantly reduced heartburn scores and resolved symptoms faster than omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole in patients with reflux esophagitis. The results suggest esomeprazole may be the best choice for symptom relief in these patients.
A new report by the NIH finds that digestive diseases result in over 100 million outpatient visits and 13 million hospitalizations annually, with a total cost of $141.8 billion. The top 10 most costly digestive diseases include digestive cancers, liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Two non-surgical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been found to be effective in reducing medication use and improving symptoms, according to a recent study. Radiofrequency therapy appears effective for reducing heartburn and cough, while full-thickness plication may be beneficial for patients with regurgitation.
Researchers at Northwestern University believe spicy food, including pepperoni pizza, can worsen pelvic pain and urinary frequency in women with interstitial cystitis. A new treatment approach using anesthetic patches or suppositories may provide relief.
Researchers found that summer months are the most common time to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), with August being the peak month. The condition can mimic symptoms of acid reflux disease and requires a biopsy to distinguish it.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with ineffective oesophageal motility exhibiting different contractile patterns experience distinct symptoms, including heartburn and dysphagia. The research suggests the possibility of tailored treatment strategies for selected IOM patients.
A large prospective study found that consuming nuts, corn, or popcorn does not increase the risk of diverticulosis or diverticular complications in men. Conversely, higher intake was associated with lower risks of new diverticulitis cases.
The AGA Foundation has awarded $225,000 to seven young gastroenterologists to support their research over three years. The goal is to encourage young investigators and improve patient care through digestive diseases research.
New study results demonstrate significant relief of IBS-C symptoms in adult women treated with AMITIZA 8 mcg, improving overall quality of life. This approval marks a significant advancement in treating IBS-C, which affects approximately one-third of IBS cases.
Patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication have low re-operation rates and high patient satisfaction rates, with most achieving near normal GERD-HRQL scores at long-term follow-up. BMI appears to be an important factor in predicting long-term outcomes for these patients.
TAK-390MR demonstrates consistently high healing rates and symptom relief for patients with erosive esophagitis, outperforming lansoprazole in phase 3 studies. The study's results showed that TAK-390MR produced significantly higher overall healing rates than lansoprazole across two studies.
A recent survey found that nearly 40% of GERD patients on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) experience breakthrough symptoms, requiring additional over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. More than half of these patients use OTC remedies to manage their symptoms, often using antacids as a stop-gap.
Researchers found that women with IBS cannot turn off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain, making them more sensitive to mild discomfort. The study suggests that abnormal brain responses may be the root cause of the disorder and could lead to new treatment approaches.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders significantly impact daily activity and work productivity, with a loss of at least one day of work in a 40-hour workweek. Patients with conditions like IBS-C, CC, and FD report greater impairment than those with GERD alone.
Research found that people with GERD are more likely to experience sleep impairment, with 41.9% of those with nighttime acid reflux reporting poor sleep. In contrast, only 19.4% of those without GERD reported similar issues.
American Society for Microbiology honors Jason T. Blackard for his groundbreaking research on HIV and hepatitis C co-infections, including extrahepatic replication of HCV in HIV-infected women.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to the American Gastroenterological Association to support research fellowships for high school students interested in gastroenterology. The program will provide $2,500 each to five students to fund a 10-week research session under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
A new study has shown that lubiprostone can improve symptom relief rates in adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) by nearly twice as much as those receiving placebo, according to the results presented at Digestive Disease Week 2007.
Two novel medications, lubiprostone and linaclotide, have shown significant relief from IBS symptoms and constipation. Hypnotherapy has also been found to be effective in treating bowel issues in children.