In the News
Patient-facing web platform helped identify those with higher colorectal cancer risk
A program that asked patients to enter their family health history identified more high-risk patients but didn't change rates of colorectal cancer screening or genetic counseling, a trial of U.S. veterans found.
Poor oral health associated with hospitalizations in outpatients with cirrhosis
Over three months, patients with cirrhosis who were hospitalized for nonelective reasons were more likely than those who were not to be decompensated, with higher rates of minimal hepatic encephalopathy plus frailty and history of periodontitis.
Societies issue joint statement on metabolic, bariatric surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders support surgery for patients with a body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or higher regardless of comorbid conditions, among other guidance.
MKSAP Quiz: Follow-up after a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis
This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate management of a 34-year-old patient who presents to follow-up after receiving a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Spotlight on alcohol use and health outcomes
One recent study estimated that 1 in 8 deaths among U.S. adults ages 20 to 64 years is due to excessive alcohol consumption, while others examined all-cause and liver-related mortality in excessive drinkers and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with alcohol-related liver disease.
Apixaban associated with lower risk of GI bleeding compared to other DOACs
Apixaban users experienced similar rates of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, intracranial hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality as patients taking other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a retrospective analysis found.
Selective digestive tract decontamination assessed in ventilated ICU patients
A systematic review found that mechanically ventilated ICU patients had lower in-hospital mortality rates with selective digestive tract decontamination versus standard care or placebo, while a trial found improvement in rates of positive blood cultures and antibiotic-resistant organisms, but not mortality, with the intervention.
Recommendations for pharmacologic management of IBS with diarrhea, constipation
New guidelines suggest that there are several effective drugs available for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but a more detailed analysis indicates that the best treatments increase the rate of response by only 15% versus placebo, an ACP Journal Club commentary said.
In adults using oral anticoagulants, PPI use may be associated with lower risk for upper GI bleeding
An ACP Journal Club commentary on the meta-analysis stressed the importance of assessing patients' underlying risk for GI bleeding and using overall clinical risk to guide shared decision making in those at higher risk or with lower baseline bleeding tolerance.
Urgent medical device correction for incontinence management system
There is a potential for radio frequency interference between the WatchCare Incontinence Management System and other medical devices in the vicinity, such as insulin pumps, telemetry devices, and infusion injection pumps.
Case report published on bowel perforation
An image/video case described a 63-year-old woman with bowel perforation, presumably caused by ingesting calcium powder in extreme excess.