In the News

Guidance issued on pharmacologic treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation

The joint clinical practice guideline from the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology reviewed evidence on fiber, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, secretagogues, and a serotonin type 4 agonist.

NASH management conflicts with guidelines in real-world setting, study finds

Researchers sought to learn how patient characteristics vary by stages of liver scarring and how U.S. physicians manage nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Rise in liver disease deaths not fully explained by metabolic syndrome or alcohol use

An analysis of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and alcohol use in the U.S. between 1999 and 2018 found that while the proportion of patients with metabolic syndrome and nonheavy alcohol use grew the most, liver disease increased the most among those who drank heavily.

MKSAP Quiz: Dyspnea in a patient with cirrhosis

This month's quiz asks readers to determine the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform in a 60-year-old patient with cirrhosis and a six-month history of dyspnea on exertion.

Spotlight on statins and chronic liver disease

Recent studies found associations between statin use and decreased risks of severe liver disease and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease.

Mandatory approval process for C. diff testing linked to lower hospital-onset infection rates

An intervention that required mandatory approval from an infectious diseases physician before testing for Clostridioides difficile was associated with a greater than 50% decrease in hospital-onset C. difficile infection rates at one hospital.

In persons with constipation or IBS-C, kiwifruit vs. psyllium increased spontaneous bowel movements

Findings of the randomized trial bolster recommendations of diet manipulation and lifestyle modifications for chronic constipation syndromes, an ACP Journal Club commentary said.

In H pylori infection, vonoprazan plus high-dose amoxicillin was noninferior to B-quadruple therapy for eradication

While the dual therapy provides another promising option for Helicobacter pylori eradication, replicating the findings in more diverse patient populations would provide additional reassurance about widespread use, an ACP Journal Club commentary noted.

First oral treatment approved for moderate to severe Crohn's disease

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) is now approved to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.