Articles tagged with Gastroenterology
The Rome IV classification introduces new diagnoses, emphasizes gut-brain interaction, and updates diagnostic criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Rome IV toolkit provides an interactive clinical decision-making tool for clinicians to optimize patient care.
A new study has found that faecal bacterial profiles can be used to predict which IBS patients are most likely to benefit from a low-FODMAP diet. The research identified differences in gut bacteria composition between those who responded and did not respond to the diet.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique using hyperspectral imaging to detect and characterize early cancerous changes in the gastrointestinal tract. The technique, which involves increasing color channels during endoscopy, has the potential to improve specificity of lesion identification.
A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has launched a new PatientINFO Center to provide high-quality, readable information on colorectal cancer. The center addresses gaps in existing resources, offering detailed information on screening options, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that colorectal tumors have different regions with varying levels of epigenetic changes, which relate to the tumor's growth rate and aggressiveness. This heterogeneity can be used to predict prognosis and treatment resistance.
The AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation National Registry aims to protect patient safety while providing valuable data on the potential health risks of FMT. The registry will collect information from patients undergoing FMT at sites across the US, following them for up to 10 years to monitor adverse events and effectiveness.
The AGA Research Foundation and Pfizer Inc. are offering three research grants to support innovative research projects related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The grants will provide $30,000 in funding for one-year pilot projects exploring new research directions.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded $90,000 per year to three young investigators working on inflammatory bowel disease projects. The funding aims to improve patient care and advance the understanding of this serious digestive disease.
A team of UNC School of Medicine researchers played a critical role in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for functional GI disorders. The Rome IV publication updates the diagnostic tools available to clinicians, incorporating research on symptoms and patient experiences. These changes improve treatment options for millions of...
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.
Researchers discovered that stem cells isolated from young mice can accelerate repair of stomach ulcers when transplanted into older mice. Additionally, studies redefined the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and found potential therapeutic applications for acute alcoholic liver disease using a scavenger compound.
Researchers found that fecal microbiota transplantation effectively treated ulcerative colitis, with 27% of patients achieving symptom-free status. The study, which used a multi-donor approach, showed promise as an alternative treatment option for UC patients resistant to conventional therapies.
A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.
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.
At DDW 2016, AGA presents notable clinical practice data and basic science research on the gut microbiome. The conference features seven highlighted abstracts focusing on obesity management, hollow organ failure, and upper GI cancers.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that celiac disease is most common among Americans from the Punjab region of India. The study analyzed over 400,000 intestinal biopsies and identified significant differences in celiac disease rates across various ethnic groups.
Recent CMGH articles suggest that targeting gut microbial populations may help prevent or treat Crohn's disease. A new study also identifies a potential therapy for chronic pancreatitis by reducing fibrosis and damage to the pancreas.
A new prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma, ITA.LI.CA, shows superior survival prediction in Italian and Taiwanese cohorts, integrating tumor staging, liver function, functional status, and alpha-fetoprotein level. The resulting score has concordance indices of 0.71 and 0.78 in internal and external validation cohorts.
A large cohort study in the UK found that antibiotic exposure before age 2 significantly increases early childhood obesity risk. The study suggests that antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome, predisposing children to obesity.
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...
Colorectal cancer patients require follow-up colonoscopy after surgery to detect second cancers and polyps, with recommended intervals varying from one to nine years. The US Multi-Society Task Force updates guidelines to emphasize the role of colonoscopy in post-surgical surveillance.
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.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size and alters physiology, resulting in significant weight loss. The study found a 54% reduction in excess body weight at one year, with improved patient satisfaction and delayed solid food emptying.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released six clinical practice guidelines for common gastrointestinal conditions. The guidelines recommend budesonide for microscopic colitis treatment and suggest selectively using antibiotics in acute diverticulitis management. AGA also advises against upper GI biopsies in immunocompro...
Healthcare professionals across Europe are urged to address alcohol misuse and dependence to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). A growing European primary care study highlights the need for family doctors to identify and treat hazardous drinkers.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that feeding at-risk infants gluten until two years of age increases the risk of developing celiac disease. The research suggests that early gluten intake plays a role in disease course, particularly in children with genetic risk factors for celiac disease.
Experts at UEG Week 2015 reveal compelling evidence of the link between excess body weight and colorectal cancer risk. Men who gained at least 10 cm in waist circumference over 10 years experienced a nearly 60% increased CRC risk, with obesity doubling this risk for those with Lynch Syndrome.
Italian scientists discover higher blood levels of zonulin in patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), suggesting a role for the protein in developing these conditions. The findings may lead to new treatment strategies for NCGS and IBS.
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.
A new capsule form of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in resolving diarrhoea in patients with difficult-to-treat C difficile infection. The study found a 90% rate of symptom resolution, suggesting that FMT could potentially supersede antibiotics as a treatment option.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that all relatives of individuals with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for this cancer, regardless of their age. The risk is highest among young first-degree relatives under 50 years old.
A new study has found that detecting small fragments of tumor DNA in a patient's pre-surgery serum samples can predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and guide treatment. This non-invasive method may lead to improved survival rates for liver cancer patients.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends testing all newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer to identify Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that increases the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Regular surveillance colonoscopy is also recommended for individuals with Lynch syndrome.
Dr. Theresa Alenghat receives $100,000 grant to study epigenetics role in IBD development and progression. Her research aims to test the hypothesis that dysregulation of epigenomic modifications and microbiota alterations drive IBD.
A Veterans Affairs team found that longer-lasting colonoscopies are associated with lower cancer rates. Doctors with average withdrawal times of under six minutes had patients more than twice as likely to have cancer. Experts recommend focusing quality-improvement efforts on withdrawal times of under six minutes.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has proposed an alternate pathway to recertification that focuses on active, adaptive, self-directed learning modules. This approach aims to enhance patient care by making the recertification process more individualized and competency-based.
A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that intra-abdominal fat cells may promote inflammation in IBD patients. The research isolated and cultured pre-intra-abdominal fat cells from healthy subjects and those with IBD, revealing significant differences in signaling mediators produced by...
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.
A genetic mutation in the PLVAP gene has been identified as a cause of severe protein losing enteropathy in infants, leading to abdominal swelling, malnutrition and early death. The study's findings offer hope for targeted correction through gene therapy.
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 clinical trial confirms that pinaverium is an effective and safe option for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting improved symptoms compared to the placebo group. The medication was also associated with common side effects, but no severe adverse effects were reported.
A nationwide observational cohort study found that spouses and first-degree relatives of celiac disease patients are at a higher risk of developing nonceliac autoimmune diseases. The most common conditions were systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, and sarcoidosis. Genetic, environmental, and ascertainment bias mechan...
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.
A prospective study found that telbivudine prevented perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in pregnant women with high viral loads. The study showed a significant reduction in HBV transmission in infants whose mothers received telbivudine, with almost no positive tests after six months.
A risk prediction model has been developed to identify patients with hepatitis C who have the most urgent need for new anti-viral drugs. The model uses routine lab values and machine-learning methods to predict health outcomes, allowing doctors to target treatment to those with high risk of complications.
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 simple blood test can predict which chronic hepatitis C patients will respond to interferon-based therapy, according to a recent study. The researchers found that levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood predicted treatment response.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) highlights notable clinical practice data and basic science research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015. Notable abstracts include fecal microbiota transplantation donors, maximizing endoscopy utilization, and bile acid roles in obesity.
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.
The study found that the Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination achieved an 81.6% SVR4 rate after 12 weeks of treatment and a 93.9% SVR4 rate after 24 weeks, with a 100% SVR4 rate when combined with ribavirin. The treatment was effective in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
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...
Natural language processing can help track quality of care at individual provider, service line, and health-care systems levels. The Regenstrief Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics is utilizing natural language processing to improve care and provide information to those who need it.
Research links non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with increased intestinal permeability, suggesting a 'gut-liver axis' role in its development. The study found that liver injury may precede changes in gut permeability, potentially worsening liver disease.
Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher risk of cervical neoplasia, especially those diagnosed at a young age or treated with certain medications.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends longer surveillance periods and new criteria for surgery to limit unnecessary interventions. The risk of malignancy for pancreatic cysts is low, with most patients having benign cysts.
Researchers have found that IL-33 is a critical messenger triggering changes in the stomach's inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, potentially leading to new therapies targeting gastric damage. Elevated IL-33 levels may be associated with chronic infection and metaplasia.