In the News

PPI use associated with more severe illness from COVID-19

A Korean cohort study did not find any association between use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, but current use was associated with higher risk of a composite endpoint that included ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death from COVID-19.

CDC updates guidance on responding to health care exposures to HCV

The CDC called for hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing of both the patient and exposed personnel as soon as possible after an exposure incident, preferably within 48 hours.

For colonoscopy prep, low-volume, same-day dosing appears as effective as split dosing

A randomized trial of three polyethylene glycol regimens found that more patients tolerated and were willing to repeat low-volume same-day or split-dose prep compared to high-volume split-dose regimens.

MKSAP Quiz: Hospitalization for sudden-onset, cramping abdominal pain

This month's quiz asks readers to determine appropriate testing for a 60-year-old woman admitted to the hospital with sudden-onset, cramping abdominal pain of moderate severity in the right lower quadrant.

Spotlight on screening for Barrett's esophagus

Recent studies looked at a nonendoscopic test for Barrett's esophagus in primary care, as well as screening for the condition before and after gastric bypass procedures.

Case of ‘autobrewery syndrome’ effectively treated with fecal transplant

The 47-year-old man in Belgium had been experiencing intermittent episodes when he felt drunk despite not consuming any alcohol.

In high-risk patients with acute upper GI bleeding, urgent vs. early endoscopy did not differ for 30-day mortality

While a randomized trial found no better outcomes with endoscopy within six hours of gastroenterology consult, “middle-of-the-night” endoscopy should still be considered for certain higher-risk patients who were excluded from the trial, an ACP Journal Club commentary noted.