Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Gastroenterology for May 2015. 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.
AMA: Physicians Driving the Slowing of Health Care Costs
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Low physician spending is contributing to an overall slowing of health care costs, according to a viewpoint piece published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
RYGB Cuts Markers of Oxidative Stress in Subcutaneous Tissue
FRIDAY, May 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery attenuates markers of oxidative stress in subcutaneous adipose tissue, according to a study published online May 22 in Diabetes.
U.S. Organ Donation Rates Highest in Midwest
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the United States, organ donor rates are highest in the Midwest and lowest in New York state, according to a report published online May 28 in the American Journal of Transplantation.
FDA: Two Drugs Approved for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two new therapies to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accompanied by diarrhea in adults have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
14.9 Million New Cancer Cases Worldwide in 2013
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Between 1990 and 2013, the proportion of deaths worldwide caused by cancer rose from 12 to 15 percent. During that time, years of healthy life lost to cancer increased 29 percent, according to data on 28 types of cancer in 188 countries published online May 28 in JAMA Oncology.
Population-Based FIT Screening Can Reduce CRC Mortality
THURSDAY, May 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Population-based fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screening in adults aged 50 to 69 years can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, according to a study published online May 20 in Cancer.
Link Identified for Gallbladder Cancer, Aflatoxin
WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Gallbladder cancer seems to be associated with aflatoxin, according to a study published in the May 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Caution Urged When Using EHR Shortcut Features
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Caution should be exercised with use of electronic health record (EHR) documentation short cuts, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Factors Linked to Development of Celiac Disease Identified
TUESDAY, May 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Certain perinatal factors, including sex of the child, maternal celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes, are associated with development of celiac disease in children, according to a study published in the May issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
CDC: Raw Tuna Suspected As Salmonella Source in Outbreak
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Raw tuna is suspected as the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has infected 53 people in nine states, according to U.S. health officials.
Large Practices Focused on Small Selection of EHR Products
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sixty percent of clinicians in practices with 26 or more clinicians report use of one of 10 electronic health record (EHR) products, according to a report published by AmericanEHR Partners.
Front Desk Staff Has Key Role in Managing Practice Cash Flow
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Three steps that can be implemented by front desk staff can help increase practices’ cash flow, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
AMA: Avoiding Distress in Medical School
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Understanding the key drivers underlying medical students’ distress can help address the issues and enhance student well-being, according to an article published by the American Medical Association.
Probiotic Mixture VSL#3 Shows Promise for Crohn’s Recurrence
FRIDAY, May 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The probiotic VSL#3, which includes eight different bacterial probiotic species, may be beneficial for preventing Crohn’s disease recurrence, according to a study published in the May issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Not Enough Younger, High-Risk Americans Getting Colonoscopies
THURSDAY, May 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A majority of people with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) are not getting screened for the disease early enough, according to a new study. The research was published online May 21 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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Fixed-Course Antibiotics Good for Intraabdominal Infection
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with complicated intraabdominal infection, outcomes are similar for fixed-duration antibiotic therapy and antibiotic therapy that is extended until symptom resolution, according to a study published in the May 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Enoxaparin Prevents VTEs in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC), enoxaparin is effective for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), according to a study published online May 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
High-Value Care Advice Provided for Cancer Screening
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High-value care advice has been provided for screening for five common types of cancer. The guidelines were published in the May 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Clinical Guideline
Value Framework
Hospital Stays Longer Without Prophylactic Laxatives
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Failure to use prophylactic laxatives in elderly congestive heart failure (CHF) patients who use laxatives at home is associated with a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS), according to a study published online May 13 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Tips Provided for Doctors Who Want to Move to Private Practice
MONDAY, May 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For physicians who want to transition to private practice, several factors need consideration, including finances, legal matters, and insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
CDC: Untreated Swimming Water Can Foster Norovirus
FRIDAY, May 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that was traced back to an Oregon lake has led U.S. health officials to issue guidelines on swimming hygiene.
CDC: Some Progress Seen in Foodborne Illness
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of reported infections with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 and a common strain of Salmonella bacteria have decreased, while infections with other types of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Vibrio have increased, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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TAS-102 Ups Overall Survival in Refractory Metastatic CRC
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer, the oral agent TAS-102, that combines trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride, is associated with improved overall survival, according to a phase 3 study published in the May 14 issue the New England Journal of Medicine.
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ASCO Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis B Screening in Cancer
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines for hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening among patients with cancer have been updated, according to a special article published online May 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Small Bowel Volvulus Should Be Considered in Surgical Evaluation
WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among U.S. adults, small bowel volvulus cases account for 1 percent of hospitalizations for bowel obstruction, according to research published online April 29 in the American Journal of Surgery.
New Health Care Index Reports Increases in Consumer Costs
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new Health Care Index shows increases in consumer costs, according to a report published by U.S. News & World Report.
Guidance Offered to Help Doctors Deal With ‘Dr. Google’
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Good communication is the key to resolving conflicts between the tests and treatment a patient may want based on online searches and those a physician believes are necessary, according to an article published online in Medical Economics.
Nondisclosure Clauses Often Used in Malpractice Settlements
TUESDAY, May 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nondisclosure clauses are frequently used in malpractice settlement agreements, according to research published online May 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
AMA: Six Traits of Financially Prepared Female Physicians
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The traits of a financially prepared female physician include having a retirement portfolio that is on track or ahead of schedule for age and career stage, having a liquid emergency fund, and feeling adequately protected in the event of a disability, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Increased Risk of Neuropathy Seen With Celiac Disease
MONDAY, May 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with celiac disease are at increased risk for neuropathy, according to a new study published online May 11 in JAMA Neurology.
Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Cost-Effective for CRC
FRIDAY, May 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel including genes associated with highly penetrant colorectal cancer and polyposis (CRCP) syndromes is cost-effective for CRCP diagnosis, according to a study published online May 4 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Medical Students Want to Focus Learning on Preparing for Future
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medical students report wanting to learn more about topics that are not currently being taught, including leadership training, health policy, health economics, and experiential learning, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
CDC: C. Difficile Infections Clustered in Northeast
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Infections with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) have been the most prevalent in the Northeast during the past decade, new U.S. research shows. The findings were published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
ACA Tied to Nearly 17 Million Gaining Health Coverage
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly 17 million previously uninsured Americans now have health coverage, according to a 2013 to 2015 report from the Rand Corporation.
CDC: Mortality Rate Declining Among Aging Boomers
THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study finds mixed results for the health of America’s aging “Baby Boom” generation, with nearly half of people ages 55 to 64 taking a prescription cardiovascular drug and about one in five dealing with diabetes. However, the report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also finds that the overall mortality rate in this age group has gone down over the past decade.
Strategies Provided for Maximizing Payment
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should use standard billing practices, including regular statements, to maximize accounts, and know that collection agencies and lawyers can help collect payment when necessary, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Non-Toxic Version of C. Difficile May Help Fight Infection
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers may have found a new way to combat Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection: a friendly version of the culprit bacteria itself. Their findings were published in the May 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
High-Value Research of 2014 Presented for Gastroenterology
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Articles relating to esophageal diseases, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and other topics are included in a special gastroenterology and hepatology update summary published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Experimental Drug Combo Shows Success in HCV Treatment
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers have released yet another study finding impressive results for an experimental drug combo that aims to rid the body of hepatitis C. The study is published in the May 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Review: Fecal Transplants Effective Weapon Against C. Dif
TUESDAY, May 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fecal transplantation appears to be a safe and effective way to combat Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, according to a new review published in the May 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Five ‘Top Issues’ to Be Discussed at AMA Medical Student Forum
MONDAY, May 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Issues that will be at the forefront of the National Medical Student Meeting include vaccinations, health care economics, Medicaid expansion, medical education loans, and the nationwide opioid epidemic, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
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