In the News

Liver function tests at admission could help predict mortality from COVID-19

Elevations in aspartate aminotransferase and direct bilirubin levels were significantly more common among patients in China who died of COVID-19 than those who survived to hospital discharge, a retrospective study found.

More frequent bowel movements may be associated with diverticulitis risk

An analysis of participants in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that more frequent bowel movements appear to be a risk factor for subsequent diverticulitis in both men and women.

Prevalence of liver fibrosis in diabetes suggests need for earlier intervention, study finds

The prevalence of any suspected liver fibrosis in patients with diabetes was 21% in a recent study, leading the authors to call for more aggressive screening in patients with obesity and diabetes.

MKSAP Quiz: Colorectal cancer screening in a high-risk patient

This month's quiz asks readers to determine the best time to screen for colorectal cancer in a 38-year-old man with a family history of colon cancer diagnosed in his father at age 52 years.

Spotlight on colorectal neoplasia in IBD

Recent research focused on colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), identifying both risk factors, including a novel association with cigarette smoke exposure, and protective factors.

Daily aspirin for primary CVD prevention increased risk for major GI bleeding in healthy older adults

While aspirin is not recommended for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in most adults ages 70 years and older, more research is needed to assess its role in select high-risk populations of older adults, an ACP Journal Club commentary said.

Marketing authorized for new device that removes dead pancreatic tissue

The system is the first device indicated to treat patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis resulting from complications of acute pancreatitis.