In the News
Noninvasive score for fibrotic NASH designed for, validated in primary care settings
Levels of aspartate aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and HbA1c can be used to predict which patients might need referral to a subspecialist for fibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
AGA issues best practice advice on IBS and diet
Dietary advice is ideally prescribed to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have insight into their meal-related GI symptoms and are motivated to make changes, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) said.
Pickle juice reduced cramp severity in patients with cirrhosis
A small trial randomized 82 patients with cirrhosis and frequent muscle cramps to drink either a sip of pickle brine or tap water when they developed cramps and found a significant reduction in cramp severity scores in the former group.
MKSAP Quiz: Watery, nonbloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform in a 25-year-old patient with watery, nonbloody diarrhea of 9 months' duration, usually accompanied by abdominal pain in the periumbilical area or left lower quadrant.
Spotlight on Helicobacter pylori treatment
A review found that susceptibility-guided therapy may be the superior first-line treatment for H. pylori infection in areas with high antibiotic resistance, while a study of trial participants with 26.5 years of follow-up showed that H. pylori eradication may provide long-term protection against gastric cancer.
Hepatitis B vaccine now recommended for adults ages 19 through 59 years
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has changed its guidance to encourage clinicians to offer the vaccine to adult patients, rather than target those with risk factors or wait for it to be requested.
GLP-1 receptor agonists linked to increased risk of gallbladder, biliary diseases
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 76 randomized trials found that use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists was associated with increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases, especially when used at higher doses, for longer durations, and for weight loss.
A new approach to diverticulitis
Evidence is fueling new guidelines suggesting internists treat most cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis in an outpatient setting, without antibiotics.
Get comfortable talking about obesity
In this month's Pearls from I.M. Peers, a new video feature from ACP Internist, Kimberly N. Sims, MD, FACP, explained ways to make obesity counseling easier for patients and for their doctors.
Case reports published on gastroenterology topics
Reports on a giant posterior mediastinal metastatic mass of primary gastric origin and a rare case of idiopathic black esophagus, duodenum, and jejunum were published this month.
Use duodenoscopes that are fully disposable or have disposable components, FDA recommends
Interim results from one duodenoscope model with a removable component showed a contamination rate of 0.5%, compared with as high as 6% among older duodenoscope models, an FDA safety communication noted.