Top gastroenterology stories: Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard, combination immunotherapy may increase liver injury risk

The top story in gastroenterology this week was a Healio exclusive on the benefits and risks of colonoscopy and Cologuard for colorectal cancer screening.

This week also included coverage from the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting, including presentations on how combination immunotherapy may increase liver injury risk, on the difficulty for patients with celiac disease in determining gluten exposure based on symptoms, on the predictive value for Crohn’s recurrence from anastomotic ulcers after ileocolic resection, and on the increase in microscopic colitis risk from NSAID and aspirin use.

Commentary: Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard – ‘gold standard’ still shines

In this guest commentary, Naresh T. Gunaratnam, MD, a gastroenterologist and research director at Huron Gastroenterology in Ypsilanti, Michigan, explains that while the colorectal cancer screening tool is an appropriate choice when a patient refuses a colonoscopy, the way in which Cologuard is being marketed presents concerns for gastroenterologists. Read more.

Combination immunotherapy may increase liver injury risk

PHILADELPHIA – Patients who received treatment with multiple immunotherapy drugs had increased risks for drug-induced liver injury compared with single therapy courses, according to a presenter. Read more.

Patients with celiac disease have trouble determining gluten exposure based on symptoms

PHILADELPHIA — Patients with celiac disease who rely on symptoms to know when they have been exposed to gluten have trouble determining if they have truly ingested gluten, according to a presenter. Read more.

Anastomotic ulcers after ileocolic resection predict Crohn’s recurrence

PHILADELPHIA — Anastomotic ulcers that develop after ileocolic resections are linked to the recurrence of Crohn’s disease and the need for future resection, according to researchers. Read more.

NSAID, aspirin use increases microscopic colitis risk

PHILADELPHIA – Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin — but not acetaminophen — was correlated with an increased risk for microscopic colitis, according to researchers. Read more.