Top stories in gastroenterology: Fecal immunochemical tests miss cancer, inflammatory bowel disease increases risk for myocardial infarction

Among the top stories in gastroenterology last week were a report that suggested fecal immunochemical tests reduced colonoscopies but missed almost one-third of cancers, a study which concluded patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk for myocardial infarction and data that showed pseudopolyps are not associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Rounding out the top stories were results of a phase 3 study involving a novel drug for H. pylori and a report that provided details of a breath test that was beneficial in diagnosing functional dyspepsia. – by Janel Miller

Fecal immunochemical tests could reduce colonoscopies by 70% but may miss 30% of cancers

Using annual fecal immunochemical tests for surveillance in patients with intermediate risk for colorectal cancer could reduce colonoscopies and cut costs, according to research published in Gut, but researchers warned that may come at a cost of missed cancers and adenomas. Read more.

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to increased risk for myocardial infarction

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk for myocardial infarction, according to research published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Read more.

Pseudopolyps do not predict neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

An analysis of 20 years of data — published in Gastroenterology — found that pseudopolyps are not associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Read more.

H. pylori drug achieves positive results in phase 3 study

Talicia, a novel drug for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, achieved positive top-line results in a phase 3 study, according to a press release from RedHill Biopharma, the manufacturer. Read more.

Breath tests help identify treatable conditions in patients with suspected functional dyspepsia

Hydrogen breath tests could help diagnose treatable conditions in patients with suspected functional dyspepsia, according to research published in Digestion. Read more.