Top in GI: Mystery hepatitis outbreak; unexpected medical events after endoscopy
WHO has launched an investigation into an outbreak of severe hepatitis in children from multiple countries. Adenovirus was detected in many of the cases and has been cited as a potential cause, but more questions than answers remain.
A story on the outbreak and an exclusive Q&A with John W. Ward, MD, director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, about the search for answers were two of the top stories in gastroenterology last week.
Another top story was about a study that identified an increase in unexpected cardiovascular and respiratory events among patients who recently underwent a diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Read these and more top stories in gastroenterology below:
Mystery outbreak of severe hepatitis in children prompts worldwide surveillance
The WHO has reported at least 169 cases of severe, acute hepatitis in children aged 1 month to 16 years from a dozen countries worldwide, according to a statement from the organization. Read more.
Diagnostic GI endoscopy linked to subsequent cardiovascular, respiratory events
Diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy was associated with an excess of unexpected events requiring primary care consultation or emergency hospitalization, according to research in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Read more.
Q&A: ‘The search for answers continues,’ expert says about hepatitis outbreak in children
As the WHO continues its investigation into an outbreak of severe, acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children aged 1 month to 16 years, more questions than answers remain. Read more.
Q&A: Survey reveals unmet needs in IBS symptom management, treatment
Nearly half of the respondents in Salix Pharmaceutical’s annual patient perspective survey reported it was more challenging to manage their irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation symptoms during the last 12 months. Read more.
U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on CRC updates diagnosis, management of rare GI syndromes
The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer published updated guidance for the diagnosis, assessment and management of patients with gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis syndromes, with a focus on cancer risk. Read more.