In the News

Patients with stable Barrett's esophagus may need less surveillance, study finds

The results could influence the number of endoscopies performed or extend the time between them, the authors noted.

Antidepressants and psychological therapies reduce IBS symptoms, meta-analysis finds

Psychological therapies were effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when delivered in person, whereas therapy that was self-administered, internet-based, or provided with minimal contact did not yield significant benefit.

Rates of HDV co-infection may be higher than previously estimated

Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infection have the most severe form of viral hepatitis and are at much higher risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer than patients with HBV infection alone.

MKSAP quiz: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate follow-up testing in a 60-year-old woman.

Spotlight on obesity treatments

Recent studies assessed the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery and a medication to treat obesity, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its 2012 recommendations on behavioral interventions for adults with obesity.

Tailored thresholds for FIT may increase colorectal cancer detection

Rates of cancer detection and the number of positive test results per cancer case detected varied significantly by age and sex, which suggests that modifying positivity thresholds by subgroups might optimize screening program performance.

Beta-blocker choice may affect outcomes in cirrhosis and acute MI

Patients who took beta1-selective blockers had fewer major cardiac and cerebrovascular events within two years of an index myocardial infarction (MI) than those taking nonselective beta-blockers, a Taiwanese study found.

New Annals Virtual Patients series features case on irritable bowel syndrome

Annals Virtual Patients is an interactive medical education program that uses virtual patient simulation to test physicians' decision-making skills.