An updated meta-analysis of 82 randomized controlled trials, involving 10,332 adult patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), suggests that certain probiotics may improve IBS symptoms. The study found moderate certainty evidence for the benefit of Escherichia strains, low certainty evidence for some Lactobacillus strains, and very low certainty for combination probiotics, LacClean Gold S, Duolac 7s, and Bacillus strains in addressing global IBS symptoms. However, the researchers emphasized the need for a stronger evidence base before gastroenterologists can confidently recommend probiotics for IBS patients.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Dr. Sara Horst of Vanderbilt University Medical Center discussed the significant benefits of recent digital health developments for both patients and providers. She expressed enthusiasm for the growth of telehealth and the rise of behavioral health digital therapeutics, including applications for gut hypnotherapy and symptom monitoring. However, Dr. Horst emphasized the need for careful implementation, ensuring that these tools are used strategically and don’t overwhelm clinicians with excessive data.
During the first week of August, the American College of Physicians updated its guidance for colorectal screenings in asymptomatic, average-risk individuals, raising the recommended screening age from 45 to 50, a decision met with disagreement by some experts. Research from the American Cancer Society indicates that adults between 40 to 54 years old are experiencing the steepest increase in colorectal cancer rates, while rates have decreased in adults over 50 in the past two decades, largely due to increased screenings.
In response to concerns about the safety of sedation for patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, major GI societies, including AGA, AASLD, ACG, ASGE, and NASPGHAN, have urged gastroenterologists to adhere to “best practices” during endoscopy procedures. While these medications have been associated with adverse GI events, the societies emphasized that there is “little or no data” regarding the risk of complications from aspiration during sedation, and the effects of discontinuing these drugs before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy remain uncertain.
Dallas ranks as the top-paying city for mid-career gastroenterologists with 8-14 years of experience, offering an average salary of $425,017, which is 5% higher than the national average. Other leading cities in terms of high salaries for such professionals include Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Detroit.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Rectal-Anal Task Force has released consensus recommendations for the design of future clinical trials involving rectal cancer patients. These guidelines emphasize the importance of including patient-centric endpoints, determining the best use of radiation and neoadjuvant therapy, and focusing on specific rectal cancer subpopulations and unique trial design features.
Austin Chiang, MD, MPH, highlighted the dangers of the “No Poop July” trend on TikTok, emphasizing that participating in such a fake health challenge can have real harmful effects. The trend, initiated by TikTok influencer Evan Cronin (@okcron), involves pretending not to have a bowel movement for the entire month of July, and while many see it as a joke, Chiang stresses the importance of understanding the potential health risks of withholding bowel movements.
The GI Alliance, a leading gastroenterology management organization, is offering two scholarships through the Connecticut GI Foundation for Charitable Giving. These scholarships, amounting to $2000 each for the 2023-2024 academic year, are aimed at Connecticut residents and students with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic liver disease, or other significant GI issues who are pursuing higher education.
Digestive Disease Week highlighted significant advancements in gastroenterology and hepatology, with a focus on impactful papers across various subspecialties. The presented research covered a range of topics, including the effectiveness of surgical and medical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease, advancements in diagnosing and treating eosinophilic esophagitis, insights into Helicobacter pylori treatment regimens, and the development of non-invasive tests for liver diseases, among others.
As major retailers like Amazon, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens expand into primary care clinics, demand and compensation for nurse practitioners and primary care physicians are rising. Nurse practitioners have become the top recruitment priority for staffing firms for three years, according to AMN Healthcare. This year, their average salary offer increased by 9% to $158,000. While primary care physician starting salaries remained stable, specialist doctors saw pay hikes of 10% to 20%. The entry of large retailers into healthcare is intensifying competition for medical professionals, leading to these salary trends.