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Gastroenterology
Journal Watch condenses summaries of key research across specialties from more than 250 medical journals into concise yet comprehensive articles, incorporating clinical commentary from prominent physician-editors in the field.
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Featured Article
GUIDELINE WATCH
Guideline on Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic EsophagitisFree
- June 7, 2013
- David A. Johnson, MD
The American College of Gastroenterology provides new, evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical care.
Recent Gastroenterology Articles
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Long-Term Benefits and Risks of Methotrexate in Crohn DiseaseFree
- June 14, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
In patients previously treated with thiopurine, risk for adverse reaction was low with methotrexate monotherapy, but so was the rate of sustained response.
- Reviewing:
- Seinen ML et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 Jun; 11:667
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Finding the Best FIT for Colorectal Cancer Screening
- June 14, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
In a large population-based screening study, the OC Sensor (Polymedco) test was superior to the Magstream test.
- Reviewing:
- Raginel T et al. Gastroenterology 2013 May; 144:918
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Patients Do Not Know Their Polyp Details
- June 14, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
For the sake of optimal future care, both providers and patients should consider obtaining previous colonoscopy records.
- Reviewing:
- Kumaravel V et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 May; 11:543
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Comorbid Illness and Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal BleedingFree
- June 14, 2013
- David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)
In a large case-control study, nongastrointestinal comorbidity was an independent risk factor for UGIB, with a greater contribution than other known risk factors.
- Reviewing:
- Crooks CJ et al. Gastroenterology 2013 Jun; 144:1384
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Tumors
- June 14, 2013
- David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)
Although responsible for only a small proportion of UGIB episodes, tumor-associated bleeding can cause substantial blood loss — often necessitating transfusion — and presents particular treatment challenges.
- Reviewing:
- Sheibani S et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013 May 28
FEATURE
Suspected Lower GI Bleeding: When Do You Do an Upper Scope?Free
- June 14, 2013
When bright red blood appears in the lower GI tract, is it coming from a colonic source or from a massive upper GI bleed? What are gastroenterologists choosing to do in this situation? Dr. M. Brian Fennerty discusses this challenge and poses a case study to readers in his recent Gut Check blog post.
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Diarrhea-Predominant IBS May Respond to a Gluten-Free DietFree
- June 7, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
Patients randomized to a gluten-free diet had decreased bowel movement frequency.
- Reviewing:
- Vazquez-Roque MI et al. Gastroenterology 2013 May; 144:903
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Could Blood Tests Replace Biopsy in HCV Fibrosis Assessment?
- June 7, 2013
- Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
Several blood tests performed moderately well in diagnosing degree of fibrosis in HCV infection.
- Reviewing:
- Chou R and Wasson N. Ann Intern Med 2013 Jun 4; 158:807
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Capsule Colonoscopy for Prior Incomplete Conventional Colonoscopy
- June 7, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
A small case series showed completion of capsule examination in most patients with good bowel preparation.
- Reviewing:
- Alarcón-Fernández O et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 May; 11:534
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Use Blood Tests to Manage Loss of Response to Infliximab
- June 7, 2013
- Douglas K. Rex, MD
A modeling study suggests that more reliance on serum tests of infliximab levels and anti-infliximab antibodies is needed.
- Reviewing:
- Velayos FS et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 Jun; 11:654
Editor's Picks from across Journal Watch
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Focused PSA Screening Strategy, Based on Empirical Data
- May 2, 2013
- By Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP
- General Medicine
Three lifetime prostate-specific antigen tests (age: mid 40s, early 50s, and 60) are sufficient for at least half of men. CME
- Reviewing:
- BMJ 2013 Apr 15; 346:f2023
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Uptake and Effectiveness of Zoster Vaccine in the General Population
- May 1, 2013
- By Thomas Glück, MD
- Infectious Diseases
Only 3.9% of the general U.S. population aged 
65 received the zoster vaccine, but vaccinees had significantly reduced rates of zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.
- Reviewing:
- PLoS Med 2013 Apr 9; 10:e1001420
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
CPAP vs. Mandibular Advancement Device for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- April 25, 2013
- By Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
Adherence and some quality-of-life measures were better with the device than with continuous positive airway pressure.
- Reviewing:
- Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013 Apr 15; 187:879
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE WATCH
Prostate Cancer Screening: One More Take
- April 11, 2013
- By Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
The American College of Physicians has issued guidance for clinicians.
- Reviewing:
- Ann Intern Med 2013 Apr 9
Journal Watch Gastroenterology summarizes important medical journal articles about a wide variety of GI subjects including cirrhosis, dyspepsia, gastric cancer, GERD, H. pylori, and hepatitis.
