American Gastroenterological Association - Advancing the Science and Practice of Gastroenterology

News from the Literature | Announcements | Practice | Research | Education & Meetings

LEADING THE NEWS

NEWS FROM THE LITERATURE

Hepatic Fibrosis Progression Correlates with Clinical Outcomes

The gradual accumulation of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease results in clinical complications. In this study, published in Gastroenterology, doctors assessed the rate of hepatic fibrosis score progression (RFSP) in predicting clinical outcomes by extending the four-year Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial to include pre-enrollment liver biopsies. They found that rapid RFSP, which occurred in 26.7 percent of HALT-C Trial patients, correlated strongly with clinical outcomes.

Gastroenterology 2011; 141(3): 900-908.e2

Gender Differences in Duodenal Ulcer Prevalence

The reason that women have a lower prevalence of duodenal ulcer is not clear. In a study appearing in Gastroenterology, doctors found that estrogen regulates human duodenal bicarbonate secretion, which could reduce the risk for duodenal ulcer in women and contribute to gender differences in the prevalence of duodenal ulcer.

Gastroenterology 2011; 141(3): 854-863

Can Plasma Exchange Therapy Treat Diarrhea-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

Diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults is a life-threatening, but rare multisystem disorder that is characterized by acute hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal insufficiency. In a study published in The Lancet, doctors stated that early plasma exchange might ameliorate the course of diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults. However, this finding should be verified in randomized controlled trials.
 
The Lancet 2011: 378(9796): 1089-1093

Ferric Carboxymaltose Shows Better Efficacy, Compliance

Iron deficiency anemia is common in chronic diseases, and intravenous iron is an effective and recommended treatment. However, dose calculations and inconvenient administration may affect compliance and efficacy. Data published in Gastroenterology suggest that a simpler ferric carboxymaltose regimen-based dosing regimen showed better efficacy and compliance, as well as a good safety profile, compared with a Ganzoni-calculated iron sucrose dose regimen.

Gastroenterology 2011; 141(3): 846-853.e2

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Last Call: Submit Your Leadership Nominations

The AGA Nominating Committee, chaired by Gail A. Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, is in the midst of identifying candidates for the offices of vice president, clinical research councillor, community private practice councillor and eight nominees for the 2012–2013 nominating committee ballot.

AGA members are encouraged to submit nominations to ensure that the most qualified and committed candidates are selected to serve next year. Nominations must be submitted by Oct. 7.

Each member may nominate only one person per available position. (Each member may submit one nomination each for vice president, clinical research councillor and community private practice councillor, and up to eight nominations for members of the nominating committee.)

Officers and councillors on the AGA Institute Governing Board and members of the current nominating committee are prohibited from proposing, supporting or endorsing candidates for nomination.

Only full members may be considered for vice president and councillor.

Only full members or senior members may be considered for the nominating committee.

Current and prior nominating committee members are not eligible to serve on the committee again for five years.

Letters of support from members are limited to two per nominee. The letters should not summarize the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV), but should address the nominee’s personal qualities, strengths and weaknesses.

Nominate yourself or one of your colleagues. Nominations will only be accepted electronically. Nominations must be made via the AGA National Office’s website by Oct. 7, 2011. Access the leadership nomination form here. Please note, a login is required.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Oct. 7, 2011. The committee chair will contact nominees to request CVs and determine interest and willingness to serve.

Learn more.

AGA's Top Retweets from Last Week

Some of our most retweeted news items last week include:

• Tips for taking the plunge into social media: http://ow.ly/6BLBM. @gastromom, @palmelb, @RyanMadanickMD, @Doctor_V, have any others?
• New study supports a link between regular PPI use and hip fractures. Pg 4. GI & Hep News: http://ow.ly/6znZq.
• Should GIs be concerned about the president’s budget deficit plan? http://ow.ly/6zvS6.
• This month's review article examines the role of gastrin in gastrointestinal diseases. Gastro: http://ow.ly/6ykXT.
• AGA in the news via @USATODAY: AGA registry to track quality of #colonoscopy providers. http://ow.ly/6BOSM @jvbrill.

Have any news that you would like us to share with our AGA members? Please send them to communications@gastro.org or share them on our social media channels:

• Become an AGA fan on Facebook.
• Join our LinkedIn group.
• Follow us on Twitter @AmerGastroAssn.
• Check out our videos on YouTube.

PRACTICE

FDA Approves Infliximab for Use in Children

Earlier this week, the FDA approved infliximab (Remicade^®) to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in children older than six years who have had inadequate response to conventional therapy. Infliximab reduces signs and symptoms of UC and induces and maintains clinical remission in these patients. For more information on UC for your patients, please direct them to the AGA brochure, “Understanding IBD.”

The safety and efficacy of infliximab was supported by a multi-center, randomized, open-label study in 60 children ages six years to 17 years with moderately to severely active UC. All had failed to respond to or tolerate conventional treatment.

Children should have all of their vaccines brought up to date before starting treatment with infliximab and should not receive live vaccines while taking infliximab. The most common side effects of infliximab are worsening of UC, upper respiratory infections, infusion-related reactions and headache.

In addition to being approved for UC, infliximab is approved for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease in adults and children older than six years, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults.

Read the FDA’s complete announcement.
 
Want to hear about announcements sooner? Follow the AGA on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news in the field.

Window of Opportunity to Earn Meaningful Use Bonus Closes Monday

Monday, Oct. 3, is the last day to begin the process of qualifying for the 2011 Medicare electronic health record (EHR) incentive program. If you do not begin your 90-day reporting period by Monday, you will not be eligible to receive an incentive payment in 2011.

The decisions you make now will affect your Medicare payments in the future.

To qualify for the maximum Medicare EHR incentive payments in future years, eligible providers need to begin attesting to meaningful use of certified EHR technology no later than 2012. By beginning reporting in 2011 or 2012, a provider may earn up to $44,000 over the course of the incentive program.

Beginning in 2015, if providers do not demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology, their Medicare payments will be decreased as follows:

• 2015 — 99 percent of Medicare physician fee schedule covered amount.
• 2016 — 98 percent of Medicare physician fee schedule covered amount.
• 2017 and each subsequent year — 97 percent of Medicare physician fee schedule covered amount.

Take a look at all of the other important dates that are coming up by visiting the CMS Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs milestone timeline, or reviewing the “Important Dates” section of the EHR incentive programs’ overview page.

Make sure to visit the CMS EHR incentive programs website for the latest news and updates.

RESEARCH

Deadlines Extended for Research Scholar Awards

Application deadlines have been extended for two AGA Research Foundation awards:

• Due Oct. 14: AGA-Takeda Research Scholar Award in GERD. This new award is designated for research relevant to GERD. It provides $60,000 per year for two years (total $120,000) to young investigators working toward independent careers in gastroenterology, hepatology or related areas.
• Due Nov. 1: AGA Research Scholar Awards provide $60,000 per year for two years (total $120,000) to young investigators working toward independent careers in gastroenterology, hepatology or related areas.

Candidates for both awards must hold an MD, PhD or equivalent degree and a full-time faculty position at a North American institution by July 1, 2012. Candidates should be in the beginning years of their careers, defined as the first five years after completion of clinical training or PhD work, and must devote at least 70 percent of their efforts to research related to the gastrointestinal tract or liver. AGA membership is required at the time of application submission. Women, minorities and physician/scientist investigators are strongly encouraged to apply.

Complete award criteria and application materials for both awards can be found on the AGA website.

Your AGA Research Foundation Gifts Support ...

Tanaka Yukari, MD, of Tohoku University, who received a 2011 AGA Moti L. and Kamla Rustgi International Travel Award.

“I am on the research team of Professor Shin Fukudo. I gave an oral presentation at DDW^® and concluded that exogenous corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) accelerates regional brain activity measured with positron emission tomography during visceral stimulation in humans. I obtained the results suggesting that exogenous CRH with colorectal distention may synergistically amplify adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol secretion.”

“Also, please let me touch on our horrible experience of the earthquake and tsunami in Sendai, Japan on March 11, 2011. During our hard time, we were encouraged by many friends and colleagues of the AGA. A friend in need is a friend indeed. I would once again like to express my deepest thanks to the AGA for a great opportunity and for their friendship.”

To make a donation, visit http://www.gastro.org/contribute.

EDUCATION & MEETINGS

What Clues Lead to Hereditary CRC?

Gastroenterologists play a unique and primary role in screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). Effective screening depends upon accurate risk stratification, and one of the most important risk factors for the development of CRC is a strong family history. As a consequence, genetic testing, genetic counseling and timely cancer surveillance are now critical first steps in formulating a proper management plan for patients.

A previously recorded webinar on CRC screening and treatment is now accessible on GI LEARN^®. Physician experts, John M. Carethers, MD, AGAF, and Thomas J. Savides, MD, AGAF, provided a comprehensive overview of the clues to recognizing familial colon cancer and the racial and ethnic variations that also must be considered. They also addressed the use of endoscopic mucosal resection to remove large or flat colon polyps.

You can also hear answers to your colleagues' questions that were addressed during the webinar’s Q-and-A session and earn up to 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

This webinar is supported in part by an educational grant from Bristol Myers-Squibb.

Trainee Abstract Deadline Approaching for Clinical Congress

The deadline for GI fellows to submit an abstract for this year's AGA Clinical Congress is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The congress will be held Jan. 20 and 21, 2012, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, FL. This is a great opportunity for GI fellows to present their research in a small, intimate forum and obtain valuable feedback from the expert faculty and attendees.

Authors may submit abstracts in one of several categories, including:

• Clinical Trials.
• Endoscopy & Screening/Surveillance.
• Epidemiology.
• Outcomes Research.
• Pharmacotherapy.
• Clinical Practice: Other.

All abstracts must be submitted online. Authors may submit more than one abstract. Only fellows may submit and present abstracts. There is a $30 fee due upon submission. Authors of selected abstracts will be notified by Oct. 31.

Selected abstracts will be presented during a wine and cheese reception on Jan. 20, and published in the February issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

View more information, including abstract submission guidelines, rules and instructions.

Workshop Gives Insight into a Career in Gastroenterology

If you know an MD/PhD student who is already committed to thesis research in GI or is interested in learning more about opportunities available to those who pursue a career in GI, tell them about the Attracting MD/PhD Students into Gastroenterology Workshop.

Now in its fifth year, the workshop continues to present future physician-scientists with an opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of research opportunities related to GI. Through a series of lectures and interactive discussions, participants will learn how gastroenterologists embark on diverse career paths by cultivating their particular areas of research and interests. The program will also include ample time for students to network with junior and senior GI faculty attending the concurrent AGA/AASLD Academic Skills Workshop.

A few of the research areas to be discussed during the duration of the workshop include endoscopic, epidemiology, basic science and outcomes research.

The 2012 workshop will be held March 9 and 10, at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago, IL. The workshop is open to students who have already committed to thesis research in gastroenterology and those who would like to learn more about many career options within the field.

Full travel grants are provided to selected students as well as some meals on site. Accepted students will receive a free one-year student membership to the AGA as well as one-year subscriptions to AGA Institute's popular journals Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Visit www.gilearn.org/mdphd for more information, including how to apply. Contact Maura Davis, AGA’s education manager, at mdavis@gastro.org with questions or concerns.

Earn CME and MOC with New GI SAM^®

Cancers of the GI Tract and Functional Bowel Disorders is the newest release from the AGA Institute’s GI SAM^® series of online self-assessment modules. Featuring 25 questions each, these modules explore the physiology, diagnosis and treatment protocols for the topic area. The modules feature instant feedback, detailed images, an extensive list of references and a score report identifying areas for further study. Users who are registered with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) can earn 10 points towards ABIM maintenance of certification for completing each module, in addition to earning 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™.

Once complete, the GI SAM series will include eight modules covering 15 GI and hepatology topics. Other modules currently available include:

• Inflammatory/Metabolic Liver Disease and Disorders of the Esophagus.
• Digestive Health and Disease in Women.
• Disorders of the Stomach and Viral Hepatitis.
• IBD and GI Bleeding.
• Disorders of the Pancreas and GI Motility.

For a complete list of available modules, visit www.gilearn.org/gisam.

Use DDSEP® 6 to Prepare for Recertification Exam
The Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program® 6, the field’s most comprehensive review of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, includes more than 350 board-type questions with accompanying critiques and reference for further study.

Classifieds

Place GI Position Listings and Activity Announcements

For as little as $82.50, you can place a classified ad of 100 words or less in AGA's weekly e-mail newsletter, AGA eDigest, or AGA's bi-monthly magazine, AGA Perspectives. If you place ads in both AGA Perspectives and AGA eDigest, you will receive a 10 percent discount. Advertising in either includes a free online classified listing. Learn more.

Colorado
GASTROENTEROLOGIST: Denver Health Medical Center, nationally recognized as the premier safety net provider in the country, is actively recruiting faculty with clinical interests in luminal gastroenterology who will be using the strengths of our integrated delivery and information systems to provide, understand, evaluate and improve the delivery of digestive health care to all who live in the Denver metro area. Our program is fully integrated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine GI division, including appropriate academic rank and a combined fellowship. Please contact Joel Levine, MD, GI chief at Joel.Levine@dhha.org for further information.

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS/CLINICAL HEAD OF GI: The division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Colorado Denver is seeking talented and energetic clinical academicians. The university serves as a tertiary referral center for the Rocky Mountain region, and the division has outstanding programs in endoscopy, transplantation, early detection and chemoprevention of colon cancer, and other clinical research. Applications are sought from individuals with strong clinical academic and leadership skills. Salary is based on the academic level of entry and individual qualifications and responsibilities. The Denver area provides a beautiful outdoor-oriented environment to complement the opportunities provided through the university. CVs and applications will be processed via www.jobsatcu.com, position number 811902.

Maryland
Large multi-specialty practice serving Montgomery County, MD seeks a BE/BC gastroenterologist. Excellent opportunity to join a large private practice with an integrated referral system. Please forward your CV to elliotrgoldstein@yahoo.com.

North Dakota
Procedure-Oriented Practice

Sanford Health Fargo has immediate openings for BC/BE gastroenterologists in a procedure-oriented practice. Call 1:8. 100 percent hospitalist coverage; hospital consults only. Procedures performed include: ERCP, EUS and capsule endoscopy. ERCP and EUS skills are desirable, but not necessary. Opportunity to teach medical students and IM residents. Level II 583-bed trauma center with electronic medical records and PACS. Sanford Health Fargo consists of 585+ physicians located in Fargo and 32 regional primary care clinics.

Fargo, ND, with a metro population of 190,000, is a diverse, stimulating and family-oriented city with all the amenities that make for a satisfying and fulfilling life. We offer exceptional K-12 and higher education systems, world-class health care, affordable housing, low cost of living, and myriad cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Jean Keller, physician recruiter
Sanford Physician Placement
Phone: 701-280-4853
E-mail: jean.keller@sanfordhealth.org
www.sanfordhealth.org

Virginia
Hospital-employed group practice seeking gastroenterologist with ERCP skills. This is an established four-person group located at the campus of Augusta Health. This entity is part of a larger 50-physician multi-specialty group affiliated with Augusta Health, Inc. This is a dynamic physician-driven organization serving the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and a large surrounding area consisting of a population of approximately 200,000. August Health is a sole community provider and holds the majority market share position for many services. Very competitive salary and benefits. No J-1 available. Contact: Arlene Macellaro, director, physician recruitment/practice development, 540-332-4462.

Washington
Seattle area: hospital employed, joining two GI physicians seeking ERCP experience and interest in growing Puget Sound community of 54,000 population. 45 minutes to Seattle. Associated with a new 137-bed hospital. 1-4 call. Excellent salary, bonus and benefits. 800-831-5475 E/M: donohueandassoc@aol.com.