Dr. David Johnson shared key highlights from the 2024 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting, including promising research and updates in gastroenterology. He discussed potential challenges with video capsule endoscopy in patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, citing a Mayo Clinic study showing slower gastric transit in these patients. The increasing incidence of young-onset Barrett esophagus also calls for possible re-evaluation of screening guidelines, as young patients with certain risk factors may be at higher risk. Dr. Johnson highlighted new biologic options for eosinophilic esophagitis, like cendakimab, and shared data from a study that found no added benefit to…
Author: Abhay Panchal
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently reviewed endoscopic scoring systems used to evaluate the severity of inflammation and mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These systems provide standardized, objective reporting and are vital for assessing the effectiveness of medical treatment and predicting disease prognosis. For UC, the Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) are commonly used, while for CD, the Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) and Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) are standard. Despite their utility, these scoring systems face challenges…
In managing Crohn’s disease (CD), diet plays a significant role in symptom management and potentially impacts disease progression. Dr. Berkeley Limketkai and dietitian Kelly Issokson highlight that exclusive enteral nutrition and diets like the Mediterranean and Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet may help induce remission in CD. They emphasize the benefits of a healthy dietary pattern over specific “designer” diets, noting fiber’s positive impact on symptoms. For some, low-FODMAP diets can alleviate symptoms, though caution is advised due to potential nutrient deficiencies. Vitamins like vitamin D are essential due to CD’s nutrient absorption challenges, especially with inflammation. While evidence for probiotics…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming gastroenterology (GI) endoscopy, particularly in colonoscopy, polyp detection, and lesion classification. Recent studies demonstrate that AI enhances novice endoscopists’ accuracy, with randomized trials in China and Japan showing reduced adenoma miss rates when AI-assisted colonoscopy is used. Systematic reviews confirm AI’s effectiveness in detecting sessile serrated lesions, though AI’s impact on advanced adenomas is less clear. AI also supports training by improving learning curves and allowing less experienced endoscopists to match expert performance. Advances in AI-driven systems for polyp classification, quality control documentation, and Barrett’s esophagus detection are further broadening AI’s clinical utility. Additionally, AI…
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with several screening recommendations to enhance early detection. Despite differing guidelines, most recommend beginning screening at age 45 or 50 based on risk factors. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening, but stool-based tests like FIT and gFOBT are valuable, especially for lower-risk individuals. Recent advancements include blood-based assays like the SEPT9 DNA test and ctDNA-based Shield™ blood test, alongside stool-based options like Cologuard Plus. These alternatives aim to increase screening accessibility and compliance. The ACP’s updated guidelines also stress quality measures in colonoscopy, highlighting critical techniques to improve…
Primary care disruptor Forward has announced an abrupt shutdown, closing its locations, canceling scheduled visits, and disabling its mobile app. Founded in 2016 as a direct primary care provider that operated on a cash-pay model, Forward reached a $1 billion valuation and raised over $657 million in funding. The company previously expanded into AI-driven CarePods, self-serve kiosks aimed at automating medical check-ups, but now its nearly 200 employees will lose their jobs. Forward promises to guide patients in accessing their medical records and transitioning care as operations cease.
The acquisition of Steward Health Care’s physician network by Rural Healthcare Group has been finalized, with the newly consolidated organization rebranded as Revere Medical. Backed by private equity firm Kinderhook Industries, the $245 million deal aims to enhance care delivery in underserved areas. Revere Medical’s CEO, Benson Sloan, emphasized that combining resources will enable Revere Medical to expand its operating model and invest in both personnel and technology to improve care access while keeping services local. Steward Health Care’s former network included over 3,250 affiliated providers and served 800,000 patients, making it one of the largest Medicare accountable care organizations…
The FDA has updated the labels for all glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), adding a warning about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during surgeries requiring anesthesia or deep sedation. The label update cites postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients on GLP-1 RAs who adhered to preoperative fasting guidelines but retained gastric contents. Patients are advised to inform their healthcare providers of GLP-1 RA usage prior to any planned surgeries to mitigate risks. This change is reflected across the drugs’ Warnings, Adverse Reactions, and Patient Counseling sections, underscoring…
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management, are effective and safe for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exhibiting a similar safety profile to that in the general population. Patients treated with GLP-1s like semaglutide and liraglutide showed an average weight reduction of over 5% in 12 weeks, with significant declines in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, hinting at potential anti-inflammatory effects. With obesity linked to severe IBD phenotypes and complications, researchers believe GLP-1s could offer a valuable addition to IBD treatment plans, although further longitudinal studies…
Private equity (PE) investment in gastroenterology has been on the rise, with several key developments: