Long-Term Xeljanz for UC; AGA Drops Obesity Drug Guidelines; PPIs & Cystic Fibrosis?

Health-related quality-of-life outcomes continued to be favorable with maintenance tofacitinib (Xeljanz) for ulcerative colitis (UC) during up to 6 years of follow-up, regardless of treatment history, responder status, or remission status, according to a post-hoc analysis of the phase III OCTAVE Open extension study. (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Recurrence of acute variceal bleeding was more likely for cirrhotic patients with liver cancer when treated with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) plus bevacizumab (Avastin) versus sorafenib (Nexavar), researchers reported in Liver International.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released guidelines recommending patients with obesity use recently approved medications long-term if they don't respond to lifestyle changes alone; therapy may benefit weight-related complications, such as fatty liver disease. (Gastroenterology)

Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis was tied to a twofold higher risk of respiratory infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Italian researchers found. (Digestive and Liver Disease)

Humoral response to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was less than optimal for cirrhosis patients, especially for decompensated patients without prior infection, though few breakthrough infections occurred within 4 months of the second dose. (Digestive and Liver Disease)

Does anxiety or depression reduce the therapeutic effect of PPIs on reflux patients with functional dyspepsia symptoms? (Esophagus)

Black patients had higher odds of morbidity after surgery for either Crohn's disease or UC. (Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery)

Higher education status -- but not household income -- was independently tied to better mucosal healing and complete mucosal healing among older patients with UC, according to a study from Japan. (BMJ Open Gastroenterology)

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