The October issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology brings cutting-edge research on several crucial topics, including insurance-related challenges in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, the impact of bowel prep on colonoscopy outcomes and CRC deaths, and cost-effective follow-up strategies for small hepatocellular carcinoma.
Highlighted articles include:
- IBD Insurance Barriers and Outcomes: A survey found that insurance hurdles like medication denials and prior authorizations significantly decreased patient satisfaction and increased surgical and steroid treatment risks.
- Bowel Prep and CRC Mortality: In a large Austrian CRC screening study, fair-quality bowel prep correlated with lower adenoma detection and higher risk of post-colonoscopy CRC deaths.
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Follow-Up: Researchers recommend a 10-year follow-up strategy involving frequent CT scans initially, transitioning to ultrasound and α-fetoprotein testing after five years.
This issue also delves into topics like opioid effects on the GI tract, pediatric gastroenterology, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic pancreatitis. Stay informed on the latest developments—articles and expert commentary are available upon request from the American College of Gastroenterology.