In the News


AGA issues guidance on drug treatment for patients with IBS

Two new clinical practice guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) provide recommendations on the use of medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation and IBS with diarrhea.

Bariatric surgery associated with lower risk of obesity-related cancer

An observational study found significant reductions in a composite outcome of 13 cancers and related mortality in patients with a body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or greater who had bariatric surgery in 2004 to 2017, compared to those who did not undergo surgery for their obesity.

PPI use in the ICU associated with mortality risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that critically ill patients who received proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) versus any comparator for stress ulcer prophylaxis had a higher risk for death, especially if they were more severely ill at baseline.

MKSAP Quiz: Follow-up for autoimmune hepatitis

This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate management for a 47-year-old patient with autoimmune hepatitis diagnosed one year ago.

Spotlight on long-term effects of FMT

Recent studies found evidence of long-term safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for irritable bowel syndrome and other GI diseases.

Two risk scores most accurately predict outcomes after lower GI bleeding

The Oakland score performed best for predicting safe discharge, major bleeding, and transfusion, while the Strate score performed best for hemostasis, according to a recent review and meta-analysis that assessed four scores.

A click to improve cirrhosis care

An electronic alert increased use of rifaximin in patients with cirrhosis who were taking lactulose and were admitted with hepatic encephalopathy.

Case reports published on gastroenterology topics

Reports on lacrimal gland enlargement associated with Crohn's disease and Lemierre's syndrome variant of the gut were published this month.

Laxatives and antacids recalled due to microbial contamination

The recall includes several lots of milk of magnesia and magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide/simethicone sold to clinics and hospitals nationwide.