As healthcare professionals, staying current on the latest research, news, and trends in functional GI diagnostics and treatment is crucial for providing the best possible care for our patients. That’s why the CDI team carefully curates a selection of industry articles and studies that directly impact how we approach functional GI disorders each month.
This month’s GI Community Industry Roundup explores age-related variations in IBS symptoms, the microbial signatures associated with IBS subtypes, and the transformative impact of virtual care partnerships in healthcare.
Age Differences in Core Symptoms and Symptom Relationships in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Analysis
In a recent study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers explored age differences in core symptoms and symptom correlations among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study examined a diverse patient population and found intriguing age-related variations in symptom patterns. This valuable research sheds light on how age might influence the presentation and co-occurrence of IBS symptoms, potentially guiding more tailored treatment strategies for different age groups.
Efficacy of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
The study published in Gastroenterology aimed to assess the efficacy of various probiotics in treating IBS. The meta-analysis of 82 randomized controlled trials involving over 10,000 patients revealed that specific strains of probiotics, such as Escherichia and Saccharomyces cerevisae I-3856, demonstrated moderate evidence for relieving global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain, respectively. However, the overall certainty in the evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in treating IBS was generally low to very low according to GRADE criteria, highlighting the need for further research in this field. The study also found that adverse events associated with probiotics were not significantly higher compared to placebo.
Embracing change: ‘Move health care forward’ with virtual care partnerships
This Healio Gastroenterology article explores the transformative impact of virtual care collaborations in the gastroenterology (GI) community. As technology continues to reshape patient-provider interactions, the authors emphasize the significance of strategic partnerships between healthcare organizations, multidisciplinary teams, and virtual care platforms. Through such partnerships, healthcare systems can enhance patient access, improve care delivery efficiency, and adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare services. The authors underscore the potential of virtual care partnerships in driving positive change and propelling the GI community forward.
2023 ACG Functional School & Midwest Regional Postgraduate Course
CDI was proud to be on hand for the 2023 ACG Functional School & Midwest Regional Postgraduate Course, held in August in Minneapolis. The dynamic regional conference featured a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and presentations on cutting-edge advancements, research findings, and clinical insights in gastroenterology. Attendees of the ACG’s Functional GI and Motility Disorders School engaged with industry leaders, gained updates on emerging trends and enhanced their knowledge and skills to improve communication, diagnosis, and management of patients with IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and other functional GI disorders. The event serves as a valuable platform for networking, learning, and staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving field of gastroenterology.
