In the News
Updated guidelines for C. diff infection address fecal transplant, laboratory testing
The guidelines recommend laboratory testing for C. diff only in patients with new-onset, unexplained diarrhea, defined as at least three unformed stools in 24 hours, among other guidance.
Mu-opioid receptor antagonists appear safe, effective for opioid-induced constipation, review finds
Researchers looked at randomized controlled trials of peripheral mu-opioid receptor antagonists (methylnaltrexone, naloxone, naloxegol, alvimopan, axelopran, or naldemedine) and the prescription-strength laxatives lubiprostone or prucalopride.
Olmesartan may be associated with higher rate of enteropathy versus other ARBs
The association appeared to be stronger among patients ages 65 years and older, those who were treated for more than a year, and those with higher cumulative olmesartan doses.
MKSAP quiz: New symptoms of dysphagia in an elderly man
This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate diagnostic test in a 78-year-old man whose dysphagia symptoms began 2 weeks ago.
Spotlight on autoimmune hepatitis
One study compared the hospitalization rate for autoimmune hepatitis among black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients versus a reference rate among white patients, while another study retrospectively analyzed budesonide as a second-line agent in patients with autoimmune hepatitis initially treated with prednisolone.
‘Burning-hot’ tea, smoking, alcohol associated with esophageal cancer risk in China
The prospective cohort study involved 10 areas across China from 2004 to 2008 and included 456,155 persons ages 30 to 79 years.
Boxed warning added to liver disease drug
The drug has been incorrectly dosed daily instead of weekly in patients with moderate to severe primary biliary cholangitis, which increases the risk of serious liver injury, the FDA said.
Updated design, labeling cleared for duodenoscope
The changes aim to reduce the potential for patient fluids to leak into the closed elevator channel and underneath the distal cap.
FDA places limits on OTC loperamide
The agency is working with manufacturers to use blister packs or other single-dose packaging and curb the number of doses contained in each package.
New drug approved to treat digestive tract cancers
The orphan drug is indicated to treat adults with somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Batch of senna laxatives recalled
The recall follows a customer report that a bottle labeled as senna laxative actually contained naproxen sodium.