gastroendonews.com
The Independent Monthly Newspaper for Gastroenterologists
Volume 63, Number 9 • September 2012 40th ANNIVERSARY 1972–201 2
Adenoma Detection Rate an ‘Imperfect’ Measure of Quality
New Drugs, Policy Changes Offer Gastros Ways To Help Patients Manage Obesity
BY CAROLINE HELWICK BY CHRISTINA FRANGOU SAN DIEGO—Are adenoma detection rates (ADRs) the best way to measure the quality of colonoscopy? “The ADR is imperfect but better than some proposed replacements,” said Douglas K. Rex, MD, in a lecture at the 2012 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) see ADR, page 12
Novel Test Identifies IBD Subtypes BY DAVID WILD SAN DIEGO—A new diagnostic test incorporating 17 serologic, genetic and inflammatory markers is 87% accurate in identifying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 93% accurate in differentiating ulcerative colitis (UC) from Crohn’s disease (CD), according to research presented at the 2012 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting. see IBD Test, page 14
After a series of national policy changes and drugg approvals this summer, gastroenterologists have new w tools to help their patients who struggle with obesity. In late June, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that all adults be screened for obesity during their checkups—a directive geared to primary care physicians, but all physicians are asked to heed the recommendations. The USPSTF also called on clinicians to refer patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/ m2 or greater to intensive multicomponent behavioral interventions, or to offer these patients interventions. Several days later, the FDA approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride; Eisai Pharmaceuticals) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management. Belviq was the first anti-obesity drug to be approved in the past 13 years,
The Future of Gastroenterology Practices: Is Bigger Better?
and marked a significant shift in FDA policy. For the past decade, the agency has been reluctant to approve new diet drugs, largely because of a history of product withdrawals and serious side effects. Weeks after endorsing Belviq, the FDA also approved Qsymia (Vivus Pharmaceuticals), which combines the anti-seizure/migraine drug topiramate and the appetite-suppressant phentermine. “Obesity threatens the overall well-being of patients and is a major public health concern,” said Janet Woodcock, MD, director of the FDA’s see Obesity, page 18
I N S I D E EXPERTS’ PICKS Best of Digestive Disease Week (DDW): Part 3 Experts share their favorite abstracts from the 2012 DDW meeting ....................page 8
BY MONICA J. SMITH KNOXVILLE, TENN.—A common refrain at the 2012 GI Roundtable, a meeting that explored strategies to help medical practices remain successful in a rapidly changing health care environment, was “bigger is better.” But more than half of gastroenterology practices today are small, with no more than five physicians and most with less than 10. Staying small and independent may take some innovative thinking as demand grows for lower-cost, high-quality health care services, said experts who spoke at the meeting.
Frank G. Gress, MD
Edward Loftus Jr., MD
see Gastro Practice, page 20
Corporate Spotlight Covidien Acquires BÂRRX Medical, Launches GI Solutions Initiative see pages 6 & 7
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT see page 47 for product information
Prometheus Launches Anser™ IFX To Help Guide Management of IBD Patients Using Infliximab