Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Gastroenterology for May 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
ASHP: SVP, Injectable Opioid Shortages Threaten Patient Care
THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The widespread shortages of injectable opioids and small-volume parenteral (SVP) solutions are jeopardizing patient care and placing a strain on hospital operations, according to a report published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
FDA Approves New Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) has been expanded to include adults with active moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, the agency said Wednesday.
ACS Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening to Start at Age 45
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening should begin at age 45 for people at average risk, according to updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society published online May 30 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Worse Survival for BRCA Germline Mutation Carriers in Pancreatic CA
WEDNESDAY, May 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — BRCA1/BRCA2 germline mutation carriers with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have worse survival after resection, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
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CDC IDs Outbreak Trends Tied to Treated Recreational Water
FRIDAY, May 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Outbreaks associated with treated recreational water with confirmed infectious etiology are usually caused by Cryptosporidium, Legionella, or Pseudomonas, according to research published in the May 18 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Congress Approves Bill Expanding Private Care for VA Patients
THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients served by the beleaguered Veterans Affairs health system may have wider access to private care, thanks to a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate. President Donald Trump is known to support the bill, which now awaits his signature.
Ingestible Bio-Electronic Device Could Monitor GI Health
THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An ingestible micro-bio-electronic device (IMBED) could be used for in situ biomolecular detection based on environmentally resilient biosensor bacteria and luminescence readout electronics, according to a study published in the May 25 issue of Science.
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Global Variation in Personal Health Care Access and Quality
Freshwater Swimming Tied to Stomach Bugs, Skin Conditions 
Proportion of Early-Onset Diverticulitis-Related Hospitalizations Increasing 
Children With Autism More Likely to Experience Gastrointestinal Problems 
Lower Rates of Symptom Rebound Seen After H. Pylori Eradication in GERD 
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Linked to Higher Odds of Eosinophilic Esophagitis 
Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Not Linked to Gastric Adenocarcinoma 
GERD Linked to Increased Odds of New Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosis 
GERD Linked to Increased Risk for Incident Acute Myocardial Infarction 
