June 2010 Briefing - Gastroenterology

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June 2010 Briefing - Gastroenterology

June 2010 Briefing - GastroenterologyHere are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Gastroenterology for June 2010. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

lCyclosporine After Transplant Tied to De Novo Cancer RiskWEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA), rather than tacrolimus (TAC), with dose level monitoring two hours post-dosing (C2 monitoring) or in patients age 50 or younger appears to have a significant association with the development of de novo cancer after liver transplantation, according to research published in the July issue of Liver Transplantation.Abstract

Doctors Agree Malpractice Fears Drive Overuse of TestsMONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- A large majority of physicians agree that the practice of defensive medicine -- stemming from malpractice concerns -- is responsible for an overuse of medical tests and procedures, according to a research letter in the June 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.AbstractPhone Reminders Up Colorectal Cancer Screening RateTHURSDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- An automated telephone intervention appears to increase the completion of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening, according to a study published in the July issue of Medical Care.AbstractEarly Shunting Controls Bleeding in Cirrhotic PatientsWEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Typically reserved as a rescue therapy, the insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) soon after hospital admittance for acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis patients may reduce the likelihood of treatment failure and death, according to research published in the June 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.AbstractSurveillance Colonoscopy Can Be Cost-EffectiveTUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Surveillance colonoscopy is cost-effective for patients at high risk of colorectal cancer, but aggressive surveillance may be expensive or harmful, according to research published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.Abstract

Severe Colitis Reported in Child After Rituximab TreatmentMONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Children treated with rituximab for nephrotic syndrome (NS) may be at risk for severe T-cell mediated ulcerative colitis, as demonstrated by a case study published online June 21 in Pediatrics.Abstract

Colon Capsule Endoscopy Detects Polyps EffectivelyMONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) appears to be an effective noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening technique, as its sensitivity for polyps and significant findings compares favorably with other noninvasive CRC screening approaches, according to research published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.Abstract

Hepatic Encephalopathy Linked to Chronic Cognitive EffectsFRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Among patients with cirrhosis, episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) may be associated with lingering and cumulative problems with learning, working memory, and response inhibition, according to research published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.Abstract

Low Proportion of Cirrhosis Patients Screened for HCCFRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Fewer than 20 percent of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have previously had cirrhosis receive regular screening in the three years before being diagnosed with HCC, and those seeing only primary care doctors are least likely to be screened, according to research published in the July issue of Hepatology.Abstract

Laparoscopy May Be Safest Option for Diverticular DiseaseFRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Laparoscopic colon resection for diverticular disease results in fewer complications, lower postoperative mortality, and shorter hospital stays than open surgery for the condition, according to research published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.Abstract

Smoking Linked to Higher Risk of Flat Colorectal AdenomasFRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Smoking appears to be an important risk factor for flat colorectal adenomas, which may explain the earlier onset and advanced stage at presentation of colorectal cancer in smokers, according to research published in the June issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Abstract

Colonoscopies Every 1-2 Years Urged for Those at Genetic RiskTHURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Getting surveillance colonoscopies every one to two years instead of every two to three years is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) for members of families with Lynch syndrome, according to a study in the June issue of Gastroenterology.AbstractCelecoxib Linked to Lower Rate of Gastrointestinal EventsTHURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- The cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse events than the NSAID diclofenac plus the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published online June 17 in The

Lancet.AbstractAdding Ligation to Nadolol Not Beneficial in Variceal BleedingTHURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Combining band ligation with the beta blocker nadolol may increase the odds of adverse events and may not be the most effective prophylaxis for first variceal bleeding from cirrhosis, according to research published in the July issue of Hepatology.Abstract

Functional Dyspepsia Tied to Higher Costs for EmployeesTHURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Individuals with functional dyspepsia are absent from work more often and incur higher direct and indirect medical costs than employees without the condition, according to research published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.Abstract

Pyloric Stenosis Has Strong Familial AggregationTUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Pyloric stenosis, which is the most common condition requiring surgery in an infant's first months of life, has strong familial aggregation and high heritability, according to a study in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.AbstractTreatments Found Effective for Chronic Hepatitis E InfectionTUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Ribavirin and pegylated interferon-α may be effective in treating chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, according to two reports published online June 14 in the ls of Internal Medicine.Abstract - Modifiable Factors

Tied to Mortality Hike in Rectal CancerMONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Disparities in cancer stage and treatment account for most of the excess mortality in rectal cancer patients who are uninsured or on Medicaid, compared with privately insured patients, according to research published online June 14 in Cancer.AbstractDelaying Gallbladder Removal Ups Complications, CostsWEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Delaying cholecystectomy in elderly adults hospitalized due to acute cholecystitis often results in hospital readmissions within two years and increased patient morbidity, mortality and costs, according to research published in the May issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.AbstractFatal Medication Errors Rise in July at Teaching HospitalsTUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- In July there is a significant increase in fatal medication errors at medical institutions, and this spike is at least partly due to the arrival of new medical residents, according to a study published online May 29 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.AbstractConstipation in Children Often Continues in AdulthoodMONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Many children with functional constipation continue to experience symptoms into adulthood; those who don't respond to first-line treatment should be considered for referral to a specialized clinic, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.AbstractAntivirals in Compensated Cirrhosis Found Cost-EffectiveFRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- The antiviral treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis may be the most cost-effective treatment option for patients with advanced liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to research published in the June issue of Liver Transplantation.AbstractRisk of GI Bleeding Varies by NSAID Type, DosageWEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use varies by the specific drug used and by dosage, and those with a slow-release formulation or long half-life are associated with a greater

risk, according to research published in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.AbstractFDA: Claris IV Medications Recalled Due to ContaminationTUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has notified health care professionals not to use intravenous medications including metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and ondansetron manufactured by Claris Lifesciences, as the products may be contaminated.More InformationLast Updated: July 01, 2010

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