Motility News

Use of proton pump inhibitors for at least a year was associated with an increased risk for fundic gland polyps, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The 17th annual GERD Awareness Week is November 20-26, 2016. First designated in 1999 by The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), a nonprofit education and research organization that aims to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic digestive conditions, GERD Awareness Week intends to encourage people experiencing GERD symptoms to consult their physicians.

Nov. 20 through Nov. 26 marks National Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week. The disease, also known as GERD, affects one in every five people in the United States, according to data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. These data also show that GERD was responsible for 1,653 deaths, 8.9 million ambulatory care visits, 4.7 million hospitalizations and 64.6 million prescriptions being written.  

Proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor-2 blockers are associated with a slightly increased risk for kidney stones, according to research presented at ASN Kidney Week.

Constipation is associated with a 13% higher risk for chronic kidney disease and a 9% higher risk for kidney failure, and these risks share an incremental relationship with constipation severity, researchers found.

LAS VEGAS — The minimally invasive procedure called gastric per oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy, or G-POEM, demonstrated promising short-term outcomes for patients with gastroparesis, according to retrospective data presented at ACG 2016.

Allergan has exercised its option to acquire Motus Therapeutics, a gastrointestinal disease subsidiary of Rhythm Holding Company formerly known as Rhythm Health, following positive phase 2b trial results of Motus’ investigational treatment for diabetic gastroparesis, relamorelin, the company announced.

Alginate-based therapies appear slightly less effective than histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, but more effective than placebo and antacids for treating GERD symptoms, according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

LAS VEGAS — Two doses of plecanatide were more effective than placebo for treating chronic idiopathic constipation, and long-term use was associated with low rates of adverse events and drug discontinuation, according to research presented at ACG 2016.