A recent systematic review and meta-analysis presented at the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) 2023 Annual Meeting in San Diego indicates that immunosuppressive therapy can enhance native liver survival in children with autoimmune hepatitis who are experiencing acute liver failure. The study revealed that a combined treatment of corticosteroids and immunomodulators is linked to improved rates of native liver survival in pediatric patients suffering from acute liver failure due to autoimmune hepatitis. This could guide clinicians towards interventions that might eliminate the need for liver transplants in younger patients. Dr. Harry Sutton, from the Toronto…
Author: Abhay Panchal
An exciting era of safer, more effective, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal patient care is being made possible with advances in endoscopic ultrasound. With new EUS trainees in the endoscopy suite, it is a time to recognize the importance of introducing a new generation of gastroenterologists to the frontiers of EUS. Although an additional year of training in EUS and other advanced endoscopic procedures now is considered a standard approach for those pursuing a career providing cutting-edge endoscopic procedures after gastroenterology fellowship, it is increasingly recognized that perfecting every procedure and technique is not readily accomplished in 1 year. As such,…
Dr. Eric Esrailian, a gastroenterologist and health sciences clinical professor of medicine at UCLA, shared his perspective on the choice between private practice and employment for physicians. If he were to start his career again, Dr. Esrailian mentioned that he always saw himself being part of an academic institution due to the potential for community and global impact. Given the current medical landscape, he finds employment-based opportunities attractive for young graduates. Reasons include long-term income stability, benefits, and support. Institutions like UCLA Health offer clinician-educator career tracks, allowing for personal and professional growth while contributing to the community. Dr. Esrailian…
Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey (GANJ) and Oshi Health have announced a groundbreaking partnership to introduce innovative hybrid models for multidisciplinary digestive care. This collaboration will offer patients a blend of in-person GI appointments and procedures, along with 24×7 on-demand care between in-person visits. Additionally, patients will have access to GI-trained registered dietitians, licensed psychologists, social workers, health coaches, and advanced practice providers, all supervised by a team of gastroenterologists. Dr. George N. Pavlou, the President & CEO of GANJ, emphasized the goal to create a seamless integration between in-person and virtual GI care, enhancing continuous care for patients and…
Dive deep with Bara El Kurdi, MD, host of the GI StartUp podcast, as he shares the critical importance of innovation in GI. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and digital health. Highlights: Dr. Bara El Kurdi’s raises a red alert for GI. He says, “If something happens and your income has to be cut down by 40% or 50%, you only have yourself to blame…you should have a back-up plan ready and be able to move forward in any type of situation or scenario.” It’s one of those interviews you’d want…
In Q3 2023, U.S. digital health startups raised $2.5 billion across 119 deals, marking the second-lowest quarter by funding since Q4 2019, as reported by Rock Health. Despite the tighter funding cycle, investors are showing interest in startups that focus on new treatment pathways and nonclinical workflow solutions. The total funding for 2023 so far stands at $8.6 billion across 365 deals. The digital health sector saw a decline in funding after the surge in 2021, which was driven by the shift to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current trend suggests a more conservative approach by investors. The funding…
An exciting era of safer, more effective, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal patient care is being made possible with advances in endoscopic ultrasound. With new EUS trainees in the endoscopy suite, it is a time to recognize the importance of introducing a new generation of gastroenterologists to the frontiers of EUS. Although an additional year of training in EUS and other advanced endoscopic procedures now is considered a standard approach for those pursuing a career providing cutting-edge endoscopic procedures after gastroenterology fellowship, it is increasingly recognized that perfecting every procedure and technique is not readily accomplished in 1 year. As such,…
Satisfai Health Inc., a Canada-based medical solutions provider specializing in AI applications in Gastroenterology and GI Endoscopy, has entered into an exclusive development license with Oxford University Innovation Limited (OUI). This collaboration focuses on a novel digital solution developed by the Oxford Translational Gastroenterology Unit and Biomedical Engineering Department for assessing Barrett’s Oesophagus, a precancerous condition. Satisfai aims to further this work for clinical use. The technology was initially evaluated in a pilot study supported by Ludwig Cancer Research and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. Satisfai already has an AI-based solution, Veritai, for detecting dysplasia in Barrett’s Oesophagus. The…
Alimentiv Inc., Satisfai Health, Inc, and Virgo Surgical Video Solutions, Inc. have formed a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the clinical trial landscape for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and related gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The collaboration will focus on central reading, data capture, decision support, and patient recruitment. Satisfai Health, a global frontrunner in AI solutions for gastroenterology, and Virgo, a leader in endoscopy video capture technology, will combine their expertise with Alimentiv, a top Contract Research Organization (CRO) in gastroenterology. The goal is to harness the power of AI-driven precision imaging in GI clinical trials. Jeff Smith, CEO of Alimentiv,…
The FDA has revised the label for Ozempic, a medication used for diabetes and weight loss management, to include warnings about potential risks. The label now highlights the possibility of ileus (intestinal blockage) and an increased risk of hypoglycemia when Ozempic is used alongside insulin or insulin secretagogues. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which include semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), have been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The decision to update the label followed reports of patients developing ileus while on Ozempic. The FDA also emphasized the potential for hypoglycemia, especially…