In the News
Introducing ACP Gastroenterology Monthly
Welcome to the first issue of ACP Gastroenterology Monthly, a new free monthly e-newsletter from the American College of Physicians, designed to inform primary care physicians of the current literature in gastroenterology/hepatology.
GI safety profile varies among direct oral anticoagulants
Three propensity-matched cohorts of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who had incident exposure to dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban were compared.
Guideline released on treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Clarithromycin triple therapy should be used for first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection only in patients with no history of macrolide exposure who live in areas where H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin is known to be low, among other recommendations.
Scores to predict outcomes of upper GI bleeding compared
Researchers calculated three pre-endoscopy scores—admission Rockall, AIMS65, and Glasgow Blatchford—and two postendoscopy scores—full Rockall and PNED.
MKSAP quiz: 2-month history of diarrhea
A 30-year-old woman is evaluated for a 2-month history of diarrhea with three to five loose stools per day.
Spotlight on irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was the focus of two recent studies this month, which analyzed patients with symptoms of diarrhea-predominant IBS and IBS after infectious enteritis.
Drug for chronic idiopathic constipation approved
The oral medication is taken once per day and works in the upper GI tract to stimulate secretion of intestinal fluid, supporting regular bowel function.
Metformin use associated with improved outcomes in patients with historical contraindications
Metformin appears to improve certain outcomes in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or chronic liver disease with hepatic impairment, according to a recent systematic review.
In chronic severe functional constipation, electroacupuncture increased complete spontaneous bowel movements
Patients undergoing electroacupuncture experienced a change from baseline in mean complete spontaneous bowel movements per week during the treatment period, and treatment effects were even greater after patients stopped attending the sessions.