Top in GI: Highlights from Digestive Disease Week

Last week, Healio provided live coverage of Digestive Disease Week, which was held in person for the first time in 2 years.

One presentation at the conference focused on an association between dog ownership and Crohn’s disease. Researchers reported that ownership and close interactions with dogs in early childhood appeared to protect against the development of Crohn’s disease later in life. It was the top story in gastroenterology last week.

The second top story was about a presentation on cannabinoid use among patients undergoing endoscopies. Data showed that patients who used cannabinoids required more sedation during the procedure than those who did not.

Read these and more top stories in gastroenterology below:

Early-life dog ownership may protect against development of Crohn’s disease

Dog ownership and close interactions with these pets in early childhood could help prevent later development of Crohn’s disease, according to data presented at Digestive Disease Week 2022. Read more.

Cannabinoid use increases need for higher sedation during endoscopy

Baseline cannabinoid use associated with the need for increased sedation among patients who underwent endoscopy with endoscopist-directed conscious sedation, according to research. Read more.

FDA grants fast track status to ervogastat plus clesacostat for NASH

The FDA has granted fast track designation to Pfizer for ervogastat in combination with clesacostat for treatment of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with liver fibrosis, according to a company press release. Read more.

Increase in drug overdose donors led to steady transplant volume during COVID-19

An increase in drug overdose donor utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a steady transplant volume among all organ types, including liver transplants, according to a presenter. Read more.

Herpes zoster incidence higher among patients with IBD vs. general population

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease had a higher incidence of herpes zoster than the general population, demonstrating a need for preventive measures, according to research. Read more.