Top in GI: Famotidine and COVID-19, resuming motility procedures amid pandemic

Previous reports indicated that in-hospital famotidine use was associated with a reduced risk for morality among patients with COVID-19; however, a new study found no correlation. It was the top story in gastroenterology last week.

Another top story was about new recommendations from the American Neurogastronterology and Motility Task Force on resuming gastrointestinal motility procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read these and more top stories in gastroenterology below:

Famotidine does not decrease risk for mortality in COVID-19

Results from a recent study did not demonstrate a correlation between in-hospital famotidine use and a reduced risk for mortality among patients with COVID-19. Read more.

Task force recommends proper PPE for resuming motility procedures during COVID-19

The American Neurogastronterology and Motility Task Force developed recommendations for resuming gastrointestinal motility procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance was recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Read more.

Curiosity and Persistence: The Discovery of H. pylori with Dr. Barry Marshall

In this podcast episode, Barry Marshall, AC, FRACP, FRS, FAA, the legendary Nobel Laureate, discusses his discovery that peptic ulcer disease was caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, not excess acid. Read more.

Probiotics: Enthusiasm not supported by evidence

Probiotics are used by millions of people around the world. Sales in the United States alone are expected to grow to more than $6 billion in 2020. Despite their wide reach in the consumer market, scientific data on probiotics’ real benefit have been lacking. Read more.

Weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy significantly improves liver histopathology

Weight loss after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy correlated with significant improvements in metabolic parameters, liver enzyme levels and liver histopathology, according to study results. Read more.