New scientific advances in gastroenterology presented at college's 68th annual meeting

Scientific presentations at the meeting will focus on new challenges in patient care faced by gastroenterologists and advances in the prevention and treatment of digestive diseases. Highlights of topics to be addressed include:

• Functional Dyspepsia. Two studies characterize people with this disorder. The first finds that a significant portion of Americans suffering from functional dyspepsia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The second addresses the first detailed study of this disease among African Americans.

• Bone Density and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Two studies highlight the role bone density and osteoporosis play in IBD.

• Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT). This study, the largest single-center investigation of LDLT in the United States, suggests that LDLT offers less complications and higher survival rates.

• Diet and GI Disease. Two studies explore the affect of diet (particularly fat and fructose consumption) on dyspepsia and IBS.

• Colorectal Cancer. Several studies at the Meeting explore colon cancer:
  • The link between alcohol consumption and colorectal cancer;
  • GI doctors' compliance with screening guidelines;
  • The importance of screening in women regardless of symptoms;
  • The importance of screening in African Americans because of a high prevalence of premalignant polyps; and
  • Virtual colonoscopy vs. conventional colonoscopy

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Two studies examine the global impact of IBS on business, reviewing its affect on sick days and lower productivity.

• Reflux Disease. This study suggests a causal relationship between GERD and sleep apnea.

• Children and Constipation. This study explores generalized anxiety and defecation anxiety among children.

Two keynote addresses will highlight the program. The J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecture, "Demystifying Motility: Gut Motor Dysfunction in Clinical Practice," will be delivered by Eamonn M.M. Quigley, M.D., FACG on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at 10:10 AM (EDT). The Baker Presidential Lecture, "Reducing NSAID-Induced GI Injury: Keeping the GI Home at Night," will be presented by Loren A. Laine, M.D., FACG at 10:15 AM (EDT) on Wednesday, October 15, 2003.

Lunchtime media briefings are planned on the following topics:

Monday, October 13, 2002, 12:30 PM (EDT)
"Translating New Advances into Real Relief for IBS Sufferers"
Call-in number: 1-800-588-5167, access code 9944#

• Lawrence J. Brandt, M.D., MACG, Montefiore Hospital, Bronx, NY
• Kevin W. Olden, M.D., FACG, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ
• Yuri Saito, M.D., FACG, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Co-Moderator: Philip E. Jaffe, M.D., FACG, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
• Co-Moderator: Prateek Sharma, M.D., FACG, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO

Tuesday, October 14, 2003, 12:30 PM (EDT)
"Emerging Technologies in GI Diagnosis & Treatment: New But Improved?"
Call-in number: 1-800-588-5167, access code 9944#

• David R. Cave, M.D., FACG, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, MA
• Douglas K. Rex, M.D., FACG, Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
• Co-Moderator: Beth Schorr-Lesnick M.D., FACG
• Co-Moderator: Girish Mishra, M.D., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

A press availability on the following topic is planned. Interviews may be scheduled in advance.

Monday, October 13, 2003, 3:30 PM (EDT)
"Emerging Data on NSAIDs, GI Complications & Implications for Clinical Practice"

• David Y. Graham, M.D., MACG, Baylor College of Medicine and VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
• Jay L. Goldstein, M.D., FACG, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:

• 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcer, colon cancer, gallstones, and liver disease)
• 1-866-IBS-RELIEF and www.ibsrelief.org (free educational materials)
• 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
• www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site)