Articles tagged with Gastroenterology
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.
Certain IBD patients may have an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly those on thiopurine immunosuppressants. Researchers emphasize the need for dermatologic screening and sun protection in these patients.
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.
A study found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients who drank a moderate amount of alcohol, sometimes less than one drink per day, were more likely to have SIBO.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new assessment index for microscopic colitis, allowing physicians to objectively score the condition's severity. The Microscopic Colitis Disease Activity Index provides a consistent way to assess symptoms beyond just diarrhea frequency.
A new study reveals that celiac patients may unknowingly expose themselves to gluten through the use of cosmetics, highlighting a significant gap in available information. Researchers found that only two top cosmetic companies provided detailed ingredient information without identifying gluten sources.
Research suggests that childhood and adult traumas contribute to adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with general life traumas being more common than physical or emotional abuse. The study found patients with IBS report higher levels of traumas over a lifetime, which may sensitize the brain and gut.
A combination treatment of telaprevir with pegylated interferon and ribavirin showed substantial improvement in sustained viral response among African Americans, with an SVR rate of 61% compared to 25% with standard care. Screening for Hepatitis C during routine colon cancer screening is also being explored, particularly among Baby Boo...
The Mayo Clinic Facebook group provides a platform for patients to share their experiences and challenges with esophageal cancer. The group, led by Dr. Herbert Wolfsen, has become an invaluable resource for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
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 new study found that neuroticism is linked to increased brain activity during pain anticipation in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This heightened emotional response may exacerbate chronic pain conditions. Physicians should consider a patient's mental state when determining treatment regimens.
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 have discovered a novel cytokine, Interleukin 37 (IL-37), that protects mice from colitis by modulating inflammation. This finding offers a promising approach to treat or control overactive immune systems in humans, particularly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) successfully eradicates precancerous cells and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, with over 90% of patients showing complete clearance after three years. The procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, reducing complication rates and mortality.
A new study found that high folate intake is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer. The strongest association was with total folate intake, which includes naturally occurring food folate and folic acid from fortified foods and dietary supplements.
A new study found that coffee consumption improved treatment response in advanced patients with chronic liver disease and hepatitis C. Patients who drank three or more cups of coffee per day were two times more likely to respond to treatment, with higher rates of early virologic response and sustained virologic response.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated their 2003 joint guideline to ensure safe reprocessing of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of high-level disinfection and standardized cleaning procedures.
A study found that many gastroenterologists are not knowledgeable about the appropriate immunizations to recommend to IBD patients. In fact, over half of gastroenterologists did not regularly ask their patients about immunization history. This lack of knowledge can lead to IBD patients being vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
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.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that nurse-driven, open-access colonoscopy programs are as effective and safe as traditional consultations with a gastroenterologist. The study compared outcomes of 15,901 patients in an open-access program to 6,861 patients who received outpatient consultation prior to screening.
A Mayo Clinic study found that it takes an average of 275 procedures to reach minimal cognitive and motor competency in gastroenterology fellows performing colonoscopies. The research team used a validated testing method to assess the performance of 41 fellows who performed over 6,600 colonoscopies.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) will present exciting, cutting-edge data during the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting that will help change the way physicians diagnose and treat GI disorders. AGA researchers will focus on the latest research and clinical advances in gastroenterology.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology highlights the increased risk of gastrointestinal complications in childhood cancer survivors after therapy. Risks for colostomy/ileostomy, cirrhosis or liver biopsy were highest among older patients and those exposed to abdominal radiation or certain chemotherapy treatments.
The American College of Gastroenterology published a new evidence-based systematic review on the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), grading treatment options for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A comprehensive meta-analysis highlights the importance of diet, gut microbiome, and immune system in IBD causes.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found that an automated colonoscopy reminder system significantly improved adherence to endoscopic follow-up recommendations, particularly in minority populations. The system, which included a letter and telephone call, nearly doubled the rate of recommended exams.
Cognitive impairment in liver disease patients may not be fully reversible and can affect driving safety. Doctors are advised to carefully evaluate cirrhotic patients for hepatic encephalopathy and address driving issues with them.
A study on nonsurgical hepatic decompression in Budd-Chiari syndrome shows satisfactory outcomes with low morbidity and mortality rates. The research suggests strict adherence to anticoagulation and early management of shunt dysfunction are crucial for clinical, laboratory, and radiological improvement.
A study found vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with severity linked to liver dysfunction. The research highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in all cirrhosis patients, with further studies needed to determine optimal supplementation.
A research article reports a case of iatrogenic sigmoid perforation successfully repaired using a combination of three endoscopic techniques. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery four days later due to another polyp, but the sigmoid repair was found to be complete.
A study found that nearly half of head and neck cancer patients who received prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes never used them. The study suggests that PEG placement prior to therapy may not be necessary and could impact cost-effectiveness and quality of life.
The study found that Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang improves insulin sensitivity, glycaemic control, and dyslipidemia in high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetic rats. The herbal decoction does not cause weight gain, making it a potential adjunct treatment for patients with insulin resistance.
Research found that underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) tend to be older at HCC onset compared to those with normal weight range BMI. Achieving adequate body weight and reducing alcohol intake may help prevent hepatic carcinogenesis in HCV-infected patients.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic pancreatitis cases are not exclusively caused by alcohol consumption, with over 50% of patients having no identifiable cause. Genetic factors and environmental interactions may play a role in disease development.
Researchers used DNA microarrays to analyze gene expression in livers from patients with biliary atresia and found a key regulator: RRAS. This gene plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of the disease, making it a potential prognostic biomarker.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that daily magnesium oxide treatment significantly increases serum magnesium concentrations in children with functional constipation. However, the magnitude of the increase appears modest, and younger age may be a relative risk factor for hypermagnesemia.
For patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia, endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended. Surveillance may be considered in some cases, but it is not a substitute for treatment. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors and interventions.
A randomized clinical trial found that fast-track rehabilitation programs significantly accelerate the restoration of gastrointestinal functions after resection of colorectal cancer. Fast-track care also reduces postoperative complications and hospital stay time for patients.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that percutaneous drainage with adjuvant medical therapy is effective in treating hepatic hydatid cysts, with all 32 cysts showing immediate collapse and progressive decrease in size over time. The procedure was associated with no viable scolices found upon re-aspiration.
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.
The study found that octreotide induces caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway in HepG2 cells, supporting a receptor-mediated and mitochondrial-apoptotic pathway. This suggests that measurements of serum octreotide levels may be important for verifying optimal therapeutic drug concentrations.
Recent research suggests that liver resection patients are at risk of developing hepatic vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism. The study reports two cases where thrombi formed in hepatic veins following surgery.
Research reveals E2F5 is commonly overexpressed in primary human HCC and its knockdown profoundly represses cell growth. Overexpression may contribute to cancer transformation by inducing uncontrollable cell cycle progression.
Research suggests that Tregs are involved in immune evasion of tumors and may be used as disease markers for gastric cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers propose a new classification system for SOD based on anatomy, symptoms, endoscope tests, and radiological imaging. This four-type classification demonstrates significant advantages in guiding diagnosis and treatment in China compared to the conventional Milwaukee criteria.
A new method using MRI T2*-weighted imaging is proposed for assessing iron overload in beta-thalassemic patients. The results indicate that serum ferritin levels are not reliable for estimating iron stores, making MRI a more accurate and non-invasive option.
Research identifies miR-143 and miR-145 as downregulated biomarkers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, showing anti-oncogenic activity. These findings suggest that microRNAs may serve as useful biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets.
Research found that low-dose aspirin decreases small bowel blood flow, correlating with mucosal injury. Rebamipide does not decrease small bowel blood flow, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for aspirin-induced damage.
A retrospective study found that acute diverticulitis in younger patients (less severe disease, but higher recurrence rate) suggests that same guidelines for treatment should be applied to both age groups. The clinical course of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is similar between older and younger patients.
Research on foregut duplication cysts of the stomach reveals two cases with a pseudostratified respiratory epithelium, suggesting an origin from the respiratory diverticulum. This study's findings could lead to early diagnosis or prevention by better understanding the embryogenesis of these lesions.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that hemolysis leads to decreased intestinal microcirculatory blood flow, causing intestinal damage. Elevated circulating cell-free oxyhemoglobin levels resulted in a strong correlation with intestinal injury.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the seroprevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among patients with chronic viral liver disease in South Korea. The study found that most patients above 40 years old have already been exposed to HAV, highlighting the need for vaccination against HAV.
Researchers found that hydrolyzed wheat flour baked goods are not toxic to celiac disease patients, with some even developing subtotal atrophy without clinical complaints. The study suggests further research on therapies to reduce gluten toxicity beyond the standard gluten-free diet.
A study found that combined treatments for severe acute pancreatitis are safe and effective in managing the disease, resulting in shorter hospitalizations and fewer radiological procedures. Primary conservative treatment also showed promise in avoiding surgery and improving patient outcomes.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD patients with hospital-acquired infections experience increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. The majority of infections among hospitalized IBD patients are health-care associated, with severe liver disease patients being at highest risk.
A new study found that fructose intolerance is common in children with recurrent or functional abdominal pain, affecting 53.9% of patients. A low-fructose diet was effective in resolving symptoms in 67.7% of patients, highlighting the importance of identifying and managing this condition.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have successfully treated eosinophilic esophagitis using fluticasone nasal spray, clearing the condition in 68% of participants. However, symptoms persisted despite treatment, suggesting confounding factors such as questionnaire limitations.
A new study suggests that investing in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs targeting the pre-Medicare population could lead to significant cost savings. The research found that increased CRC screening led to lower treatment costs for individuals aged 50 and over, which would be recouped after they transitioned to Medicare at age...
A new study published in Gastroenterology has found that type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin use are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer among men. The association was not observed in women, suggesting a gender disparity in the link between these conditions.
Researchers discovered that a new endoscopic technique called retroflexion can significantly increase polyp detection rates in the right colon, particularly among men and older patients. This breakthrough could lead to improved cancer prevention and better patient outcomes through more accurate colonoscopy exams.