Top stories in gastroenterology: How to discuss probiotics with patients, Humira tied to biologic Crohn’s remission

One of the most-read gastroenterology stories this week was an exclusive commentary providing a primer for health care professionals on discussing probiotics with patients.

Other top stories included research that concluded that some patients with Crohn’s disease who received Humira achieved biologic remission and a report detailing a link between some acid suppression medications and childhood obesity. More popular stories explored how navigators might improve follow-up rates after positive fecal occult blood tests and the safety of clopidogrel in patients undergoing polypectomy. – by Janel Miller

Guest commentary: Weeding out the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of probiotics for our patients

In this exclusive Guest Commentary in cooperation with the American Gastroenterological Association, Gail Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, offers advice on how health care professionals can best discuss probiotics with their patients. Read more.

Humira levels linked to biologic Crohn’s remission

Patients with optimized Humira drug levels were more likely to achieve biologic remission, according to research published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Read more.

Antibiotic, acid suppression medications linked to obesity in children

Taking a combination of medicines, including antibiotics and acid suppressants, during the first 2 years of life was associated with a diagnosis of obesity in children, according to research published in Gut. Read more.

Navigators could improve follow-up rates after positive fecal blood tests

Patients who received a positive fecal occult blood test as an initial screening for colorectal cancer may need more counseling to ensure they go on to a follow-up colonoscopy, according to research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Read more.

Continuing clopidogrel does not increase risk for bleeding after polypectomy

Patients who continued using clopidogrel for the leadup and during colonoscopy did not have higher risk for bleeding after undergoing polypectomy, according to research published in Gastroenterology. Read more.