Researchers link risk of gestational diabetes and glucose intolerances to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
A Canadian study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology showed that women with ultrasound evidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) during their early pregnancy were more likely to develop gestational diabetes and dysglycemia in the second trimester of their pregnancy than those without NAFLD. The findings were based on 476 healthy women who underwent
“A lot of people are afraid of colonoscopies but very few studies have documented the reasons why,” according to James M. Church, MD, of the department of colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. “Colonoscopy screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer but people often do not make use of the test because they are afraid of it.
An analysis of eight studies found continuous endurance exercise, such as running or cycling, for more than two hours may lead to exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome, which includes gut injury and impaired gut function, researchers wrote in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Prolonged vigorous exercise can cause a stress response that shuts down gut function,
A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found a modified colorectal cancer screening tool that included body mass index led to improved risk prediction for advanced neoplasia. Researchers based the tool on the Asia Pacific Colorectal Screening score. See the abstract here. See the review article in Physician’s Briefing here.
Considerable interest has arisen in recent years regarding the role of the human microbiome in health and disease, including in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — a category of disease that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease and is thought to result from the interplay between immune system alterations, environmental triggers, genetic factors, and the interaction
“Data on risk of dementia from PPIs conflicts with earlier publications”
An NIH-supported study of 10,486 patients found no link between proton pump inhibitor use and patient risks for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, based on patient-reported data of PPI use. The data, reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, contradict findings of two other recent studies. “The current findings do not
A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that older black patients had a 31% higher risk of colorectal cancer than older white patients. Researchers noted greater racial and ethnic disparities for distal colon and rectal cancer than for proximal colon cancer. “Black persons have the highest incidence of and mortality rates from CRC
In an unprecedented move, the FDA today granted accelerated approval to the cancer drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda – Merck & Co) for treatment of any unresectable or metastatic solid tumors associated with the genetic abnormality known as microsatellite instability. It’s the first time the agency approved a cancer treatment or indication that is not for a tumor
A study published in Cancer examined if patient navigation impacted colonoscopy outcomes. Here’s what they found: 1. Patients in the navigated group were 11.2 times more likely to complete colonoscopy than control patients. 2. Navigated patients were 5.9 times more likely to have adequate bowel preparation. 3. Navigated patients also missed no appointments compared to
Researchers find doctors spent an average of 3.08 hours on direct patient care and 3.17 hours on the computer during any given workday. The time spent on the electronic record varied greatly between physicians. Despite this, the time doctors spent online has increased steadily over the years. Progress notes accounted for the largest chunk of
