In the News

Alcohol abstinence not required for direct-acting antivirals to cure HCV, study finds

Restricting access to direct-acting antiviral therapy because of alcohol use creates an unnecessary barrier for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to the authors of a recent study.

Low-dose amitriptyline appears effective as second-line treatment for IBS

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who were randomized to titrated doses of a tricyclic antidepressant had significant improvements in their IBS symptom scores at six months compared to those receiving a placebo, a trial in primary care found.

GLP-1 receptor agonists may affect colonoscopy bowel prep

A retrospective cohort study found that patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for diabetes or obesity had lower-quality bowel prep for colonoscopy and were more likely to be called back for a repeat test.

MKSAP quiz: 4-month history of loose bowel movements

A 60-year-old man is evaluated for a 4-month history of four to five loose bowel movements daily with antecedent abdominal cramps. He also has a 1-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, treated with lifestyle interventions until 4 months ago, and hypothyroidism. What is the most likely cause of the patient's diarrhea?

Spotlight on acute kidney injury in cirrhosis

One recent study quantified the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with cirrhosis undergoing CT with contrast, while a review offered advice on diagnosis, nonpharmacological management, and prevention of AKI in cirrhosis.

Case reports describe unusual GI conditions

Recent case reports focused on antibiotic-induced autoimmune hepatitis, cholecystitis related to Epstein-Barr virus, and linagliptin-induced pancreatitis.