In the News

Diagnostic delays in pancreatic cancer relatively common, likely avoidable, study suggests

Thirty-eight percent of patients with pancreatic cancer experienced a diagnostic delay of at least 60 days, with lack of recognition of objective weight loss as the most common cause, a Veterans Affairs study showed.

FIB-4 may identify patients at risk for MASLD despite normal aminotransferase levels

More than two-thirds of primary care patients who had high or indeterminate risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) based on the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score had aminotransferase levels within normal limits.

GLP-1 receptor agonists associated with retention of gastric contents during endoscopy

Patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists did not have any increase in upper endoscopy adverse events, a review found, leading the authors to suggest that longer fasting time before procedures would be sufficient to avoid the risks.

MKSAP Quiz: 3-month history of diarrhea

A 56-year-old woman is evaluated for a 3-month history of watery, nonbloody diarrhea that occurs four times daily, usually after meals. Abdominal cramping precedes each bowel movement. She occasionally experiences rectal urgency. She has not lost weight. Following a physical exam and colonoscopy, what is the most appropriate management?

In the Clinic: Gastroesophageal reflux disease

A recent article provided an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as information on improving practice.

Aspirin associated with colorectal cancer risk reduction in those with less healthy lifestyles

The least healthy patients had a 1.28% 10-year absolute risk reduction in colorectal cancer with aspirin use compared to only 0.11% among the healthiest patients who took aspirin, according to retrospective data from nurses and health professionals.

Risk for GI events in hospitalized patients similar with newer, older potassium binders

A retrospective study comparing outcomes in U.S. veterans found that risk for intestinal ischemia/thrombosis and a composite outcome of serious GI events was low and did not differ in those who received sodium zirconium cyclosilicate or patiromer and those who received sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Blood test for colorectal cancer screening approved

The test can be used to screen for colorectal cancer in average-risk individuals who are 45 years of age or older.