{"title":"Capsules for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders- A Game Changer.","authors":"Irene Sonu, Sun Jung Oh, Satish S C Rao","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00926-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-024-00926-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"181 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140693501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"GERD after Bariatric Surgery: A Review of the Underlying Causes and Recommendations for Management.","authors":"Alison Pletch, Anne Lidor","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00919-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00919-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>GERD after bariatric surgery is an ongoing concern for bariatric surgeons and their patients. This paper reviews the association of persistent or de novo GERD after multiple types of bariatric surgery, and focuses on the work up and management of GERD after SG.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Two recent large, multicenter randomized clinical trials have shown stronger associations between SG and GERD compared to RYGB. A large group of internationally recognized bariatric surgeons collaborated on 72 consensus statements to help guide the bariatric community on the subject of redo surgeries after SG, including as it pertains to GERD. We present an algorithm that consolidates the best-practices recommendations of the work-up and management of GERD after sleeve gastrectomy, and mention areas of persistent controversy where future research is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"99-106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139729223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Endoscopic Non-ablative Radiofrequency Treatment (Stretta) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).","authors":"George Triadafilopoulos","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00917-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00917-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very common in the general population and poses a large societal socio-economic burden. In this article, we review the evidence supporting non-ablative radiofrequency treatment (Stretta) for the endoscopic management of GERD and we compare it to pharmacologic and other minimally invasive and surgical interventions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are a key therapy for GERD. For patients without associated significant sliding hiatal hernia, who have inadequate relief of their reflux symptoms, Stretta and other endoscopic therapies, such as transoral fundoplication (TIF), may improve symptoms and GERD-related quality of life. Unfortunately, there are no recent large randomized controlled trials, and most of the evidence is based on meta-analyses and small scale, prospective and retrospective single center efforts. Comparisons of Stretta efficacy to other anti-reflux endoscopic modalities and anti-reflux surgery (ARS) are also presented. There are several endoscopic and minimally invasive modalities to manage PPI-refractory GERD acting through various mechanisms that have been found effective in managing GERD symptoms and quality of life. Among them, Stretta has the longest track record of efficacy and safety. Larger-scale and longer-term comparative efficacy trials in selected populations of patients with acid reflux with and without hiatal hernia will be needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"93-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139930435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Gut Dysfunction: Diagnosis and Management.","authors":"Matthew J Hamilton","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00924-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00924-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a clinical disorder that may explain irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) type symptoms as well as other allergic symptoms experienced by an individual. The diagnosis and treatment of MCAS with specific focus on gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations is reviewed.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although biomarkers for MCAS remain elusive, testing for baseline serum tryptase will distinguish the type of mast cell disorder and urine tests for mast cell mediator metabolites may support the diagnosis. Endoscopy and Colonoscopy with biopsies is not used to diagnose MCAS but is important to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms. There is increased awareness of the association between MCAS and autonomic dysfunction, small fiber neuropathy, and connective tissue disorders which all impact GI symptoms. MCAS is a disorder often of unknown etiology (idiopathic) and characterized by intermittent allergy type symptoms that affect multiple organ systems after exposure to a trigger. GI symptoms including abdominal cramping and loose stool are prominent and mimic those of IBS. Diagnostic testing is performed to assess for elevations in mast cell mediators during symptoms and to rule out other conditions. A comprehensive treatment plan includes medications that target mast cells, treatments for associated conditions including autonomic dysfunction, and management of comorbid psychiatric illness and nutritional deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"107-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139729225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence Tools for Improving Manometric Diagnosis of Esophageal Dysmotility.","authors":"Ofer Fass, Benjamin D Rogers, C Prakash Gyawali","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00921-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00921-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that pertains to a computer's ability to mimic and sometimes surpass human intelligence in interpretation of large datasets. The adoption of AI in gastrointestinal motility has been slower compared to other areas such as polyp detection and interpretation of histopathology.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Within esophageal physiologic testing, AI can automate interpretation of image-based tests, especially high resolution manometry (HRM) and functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) studies. Basic tasks such as identification of landmarks, determining adequacy of the HRM study and identification from achalasia from non-achalasia patterns are achieved with good accuracy. However, existing AI systems compare AI interpretation to expert analysis rather than to clinical outcome from management based on AI diagnosis. The use of AI methods is much less advanced within the field of ambulatory reflux monitoring, where challenges exist in assimilation of data from multiple impedance and pH channels. There remains potential for replication of the AI successes within esophageal physiologic testing to HRM of the anorectum, and to innovative and novel methods of evaluating gastric electrical activity and motor function. The use of AI has tremendous potential to improve detection of dysmotility within the esophagus using esophageal physiologic testing, as well as in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract. Eventually, integration of patient presentation, demographics and alternate test results to individual motility test interpretation will improve diagnostic precision and prognostication using AI tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"115-123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10960670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139697052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"H. Pylori Treatment in the COVID-19 Era. What Have We Learned So Far?","authors":"Konstantinos Ekmektzoglou, Theodore Rokkas","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00922-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00922-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>CoronaVirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively influenced the management of multiple conditions in regards to the gastroenterology patient. An equivalent change in the management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related diseases was reported, as practically no eradication treatment was offered during most of the pandemic. Given the scarcity of published data, we performed a literature review trying to elucidate the effect of COVID-19 on H. pylori treatment.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>COVID-19 has produced more questions than answers as to the outcome of COVID-19 in H. Pylori infected patients, post-COVID-19 patients treated for H. pylori, acid suppression and COVID-19 incidence and outcomes, and H. pylori eradication treatment in patients having recovered from COVID-19. We strongly believe that this scientific uncertainty produced by the COVID-19 pandemic has set up the stage for an incremental change in H. pylori treatment as COVID-19 has offered us the chance to speed up how we will, in the near future, approach patients with a possible Η. pylori infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"86-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10937748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139671457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biosimilars in IBD: What Every Clinician Needs to Know.","authors":"Anthony Angyal, Shubha Bhat","doi":"10.1007/s11894-023-00913-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-023-00913-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Biosimilars were introduced to decrease biologic-related expenditures, but their uptake in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains suboptimal. Herein, we review biosimilar concepts, current products available for IBD treatment, and resources to support biosimilar utilization.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although a cornerstone of IBD treatment, biologics are costly due to their development. Biosimilars, which are biologic products highly similar to a reference product, aim to decrease these expenditures. Infliximab, adalimumab, and ustekinumab biosimilars are approved for IBD, but uptake remains low due to biosimilar efficacy and safety concerns and delayed market entry. Clinicians can effectively address some of these barriers and help patients and healthcare systems reap the benefits of decreased costs and increased treatment access. Data shows comparable efficacy and safety outcomes with biosimilars in IBD. Several biosimilar products are available and in the pipeline, but efforts are needed from various stakeholders to bolster utilization and generate benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"77-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139502267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alireza Tojjari, Robin Park, James Yu, Anwaar Saeed
{"title":"Targeting Angiogenesis Alone and in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Gastroesophageal Malignancies.","authors":"Alireza Tojjari, Robin Park, James Yu, Anwaar Saeed","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00920-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00920-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review critically examines the latest approaches in treating advanced gastroesophageal malignancies. It emphasizes the significance of angiogenesis as a therapeutic target and discusses the potential synergy of combining angiogenesis inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to enhance treatment efficacy.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Emerging evidence from clinical trials, such as the INTEGRATE IIa trial with regorafenib and studies involving apatinib and sunitinib, underscores the efficacy of targeting the VEGFR pathway. These studies indicate substantial benefits in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced stages of the disease who have limited treatment options. Additionally, the recent introduction of combination therapies involving ICIs has shown an increased response rate, suggesting a promising direction for future treatment protocols. The landscape of treatment for gastroesophageal malignancies is rapidly evolving. Research is now pivoting from conventional chemotherapy to a more nuanced approach that includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"57-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139641775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Navigating Payor and Financial Challenges.","authors":"Natalie Whitmire, Michelle Schlueter, Melissa Kirkpatrick","doi":"10.1007/s11894-024-00916-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-024-00916-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In the United Sates the cost of managing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases, is a major factor that can alter the course of treatment. The increasing use of advanced therapies such as biologics and oral small molecules is a driver of these costs. Many IBD providers find navigating the payor and non-insurance cost assistance processes to be a significant challenge in care management. We aim to clarify these processes and provide an outline for success.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Insurance companies use various processes to manage medication costs and while they may not ultimately be cost-effective, the processes have continued and are increasingly complex. This complexity has led to measurable delays in care and negative outcomes. With a deeper understanding of payor and non-insurance cost-assistance processes we have developed a workflow for navigating the use of advanced therapies in the treatment of IBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"68-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10937800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139502266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical Update on the Prevention and Management of Postoperative Crohn's Disease Recurrence.","authors":"Salam P Bachour, Benjamin H Click","doi":"10.1007/s11894-023-00911-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-023-00911-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Despite advances in therapeutics, a significant portion of patients with Crohn's disease still require surgical management. In this article, we present updates to the natural history, prognostication and postoperative monitoring, and novel therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Clinical risk factors have been associated with higher rates of postoperative recurrence (POR), and in recent studies demonstrate an increased cumulative risk with presence of additional risk factors. Additional novel clinical, histologic, and \"-omic\" risk factors for recurrence have recently been elucidated, including the role of the mesentery on recurrence and perioperative intraabdominal septic complications. High-risk patients benefit most from medical prophylaxis, including anti-TNF with or without immunomodulator therapy to prevent recurrence. New biologics such as vedolizumab and ustekinumab have emerging evidence in the use of prophylaxis, especially with recent REPREVIO trial data. Non-invasive disease monitoring, such as cross-sectional enterography, intestinal ultrasound, and fecal calprotectin, have been validated against ileocolonoscopy. Recent advances in the prediction, prevention, and monitoring algorithms of postoperative Crohn's disease may be leading to a reduction in postoperative recurrence. Ongoing trials will help determine optimal monitoring and management strategies for this at-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"41-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139472243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}