Top stories in gastroenterology: FDA clears testing device for Barrett’s esophagus, sodium consumption increases gastrointestinal bleeding

Among the top stories in gastroenterology last week were the FDA’s approval of the EsoCheck device for use in screening for Barrett’s esophagus and research that found lowering sodium intake decreased gastrointestinal bloating.

Other highlights included an announcement by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals that a drug being tested to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome showed positive results, a study that found patients who live in rural and urban areas have experienced an unequal change in the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers and research that indicated male sex and advanced age are both risk factors for the development of early-onset colorectal cancer and weight loss may also have an impact.

FDA clears EsoCheck device

The FDA has given 510(k) clearance to the EsoCheck Cell Collection Device, a non-invasive device that assists in the collection of cells to test for Barrett's esophagus, according to a press release from the manufacturer, Lucid Diagnostics. Read more.

Sodium consumption increases gastrointestinal bloating

Although patients on a high-fiber diet experience increased bloating, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that if they lowered their sodium intake, their bloating decreased. Read more.

Ironwood reports positive results for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome drug

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals announce positive data from a phase 3b study to determine the efficacy of Linzess for the treatment of multiple abdominal symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, according to a press release. Read more.

Incidence of gastrointestinal cancers differs among rural, urban patients

Patients who live in rural and urban areas have experienced an unequal change in the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers, likely driven by differences in socioeconomic factors. Read more.

Weight loss could be a risk factor for early-onset colorectal cancer

Male sex and advanced age are both risk factors for the development of early-onset colorectal cancer, according to study results. Read more.