Update in Surveillance Recommendations in Individuals With Conventional Adenomas
AbstractPurpose of reviewConventional adenomas, which are precursors to almost 70% of colorectal carcinomas, are found in more than one-third of screening colonoscopies. Surveillance recommendations, based on adenoma size, histology, and number, have evolved over the years and are currently reflective of index adenoma categorization as either low-risk (LRA) or high-risk (HRA). In this review, recent guideline recommendations as well as primary data that have helped to shape these recommendations are presented.Recent findingsRecent data have demonstrated that individuals with HRA on index exams may be at increased risk for ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - May 13, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Updates on Chronic HBV: Current Challenges and Future Goals
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic HBV (CHB) remains a global public health problem with over 257 million people chronically infected worldwide. Without appropriate management, 20% of individuals infected with CHB will die from complications of cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite an effective vaccination to prevent infection, HBV has yet to be successfully eradicated globally. Current treatments can only control and suppress the virus but cannot cure. Updates in the management of chronic HBV will be reviewed, including latest treatments and treatment strategies as well as potential curative t...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - May 9, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Durability of Endoscopic Treatment for Dysplastic Barrett ’s Esophagus
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis review discusses the durability of the neo-squamous esophageal epithelium following endoscopic eradication therapy of dysplastic Barrett ’s esophagus. Our review will focus primarily on patients treated with radiofrequency ablation; however, we describe the known durability of cryotherapy. Additionally, we discuss the utility of novel imaging technologies and the efficacy of chemopreventive medications following endoscopic ablation .Recent findingsMounting data describe the durability of the post-ablation esophagus. Dysplastic Barrett ’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma following ablation are ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - May 9, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

2007 –2019: a “Third”-Space Odyssey in the Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe main scope of this review article is to introduce readers to the innovative field of third-space endoscopy and offer a closer look at its history, milestones, and procedure spectrum while discussing ongoing and future challenges arising from its increasing adoption worldwide.Recent findingsOver the past few years, third-space endoscopy has been utilized in various diagnostic and interventional procedures performed throughout the gastrointestinal tract: obliteration of Zenker ’s diverticulum, myotomy for achalasia, gastroparesis or Hirschsprung’s disease, biopsy or removal of subepithelial t...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 28, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Infections in Cirrhosis
AbstractPurpose of reviewPatients with cirrhosis are at high risk of developing serious infections. Bacterial infections remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review is focused on the prevalence of infections in those with cirrhosis, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, pathogenesis of infection-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), current treatment recommendations, and prophylactic strategies in patients with cirrhosis.Recent findingsRecent epidemiological studies have noted an emerging prevalence of MDR bacterial infections and associated with poor prognosis, ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 11, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy in Older Adults
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe purpose of this chapter is to highlight current recommendations regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy in older adults and to review the available literature in order to help inform decision-making in this age group.Recent findingsAge is a risk factor for CRC; however, older adults with a history of prior screening are at lower risk for CRC compared to those who have never been screened. Decision-making for CRC screening and post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy in older adults is complex and several factors including age, screening history...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 8, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Albumin in Cirrhosis: More Than a Colloid
AbstractPurpose of reviewAlbumin has repeatedly been shown to be beneficial in treating patients with decompensated cirrhosis. We reviewed the medical literature regarding indications for the use of intravenous albumin in cirrhosis, with particular focus on the ways in which albumin can help mitigate hepatorenal physiology.Recent findingsAlbumin has long been used as the preferred agent for volume expansion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. It is used in conjunction with vasoconstrictors for the treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome, and in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 8, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Diet as Adjunctive Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Review and Update of the Latest Literature
AbstractPurpose of reviewDiet plays an integral role in development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and continues to act as a mediator of intestinal inflammation once disease sets in. Most clinicians provide little dietary guidance to IBD patients, in part due to lack of knowledge in nutrition and lack of available nutritional resources. The purpose of this review is to provide clinicians with a brief summary of the latest evidence behind diets popular among IBD patients, to highlight diets with known efficacy, and to provide guidance that may help busy practitioners.Recent findingsThe latest studies show that exclusiv...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 8, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies: Intragastric Balloons, Tissue Apposition, and Aspiration Therapy
AbstractPurpose of reviewEndoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) have been identified as a group of procedures that can bridge the treatment gap between bariatric surgical procedures and non-procedural treatments such as pharmacotherapy and lifestyle therapy. We will review the recent progress that has been made in this important area in the past several years.Recent findingsTraditional intragastric balloons (IGB) that are both placed and removed endoscopically have been the fixture of IGB therapy. They have been shown to be safe and effective, when kept in place for 6  months. Newer IGBs, both currently FDA approved and th...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 7, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Contemporary Epidemiology of Cirrhosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe sought to review the contemporary epidemiology of cirrhosis, focusing on the relative burden of the most common chronic liver diseases.Recent FindingsThe key findings in the review highlight the increasing prevalence and impact of alcohol-related liver disease, particularly among young people, and the epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver commensurate with rising rates of obesity. We also contrast recent advances in the care of persons with hepatitis C with the lamentable rise in new infections associated with intravenous drug use. Finally, we highlight the impact of both conventional complicatio...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 3, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Treatment of Bile Duct Stones
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo review the current literature focusing on the indications, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of bile duct stones.Summary/recent findings• EPBD without EST is associated with a higher risk of post-procedural pancreatitis and lower rate of stone clearance than EST alone.• EPBD without EST should be at least 2 min in duration, and placement of a pancreatic stent and other measures to reduce pancreatitis risk should be considered.• EPBD wi...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - April 2, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Predictors of Progression in Barrett ’s Esophagus
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo review recently published data on factors that predict the risk of progression of Barrett ’s esophagus (BE) to high grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).Recent findingsComputer models have been developed that could help predict the risk of progression with greater accuracy. The progression of BE score (PIB) is one such model based on clinical and endoscopic features, while a second uses automated image analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues looking for morphologic features and immunostaining patterns for molecular markers. Panels of genes such as those reg...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - February 22, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Populations
(Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology)
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - February 12, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Optical Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps: Recent Developments
AbstractPurpose of reviewOptical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps has been recently proposed as an alternative to histopathologic diagnosis. Recent developments in imaging techniques, new classification systems, and the use of artificial intelligence have allowed for increased viability of optical diagnosis. This review provides an up-to-date overview of optical diagnosis recommendations, classifications, outcomes, and recent developments.Recent findingsThere are currently seven major classification systems and three major society recommendations for quality benchmarks for optical diagnosis of diminutive polyps. T...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - February 12, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

Overlap Between GERD and Functional Esophageal Disorders —a Pivotal Mechanism for Treatment Failure
AbstractᅟRefractory GERD is very common, and while many different underlying mechanisms have been identified, the main focus has remained on residual reflux (acidic or non-acidic). Recently, Rome IV introduced two new concepts with important impact on patients with refractory GERD. They include the introd uction of the reflux hypersensitivity group and the proposal that GERD can overlap with a functional esophageal disorder. Recent studies have demonstrated that the latter affects approximately three quarters of the GERD patients who failed PPI once daily. (Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology)
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - February 8, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research