Author Archives: gutsandgrowth

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About gutsandgrowth

I am a pediatric gastroenterologist at GI Care for Kids (previously called CCDHC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The goal of my blog is to share some of my reading in my field more broadly. In addition, I wanted to provide my voice to a wide range of topics that often have inaccurate or incomplete information. Before starting this blog in 2011, I would tear out articles from journals and/or keep notes in a palm pilot. This blog helps provide an updated source of information that is easy to access and search, along with links to useful multimedia sources. I was born and raised in Chattanooga. After graduating from the University of Virginia, I attended Baylor College of Medicine. I completed residency and fellowship training at the University of Cincinnati at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center. I received funding from the National Institutes of Health for molecular biology research of the gastrointestinal tract. During my fellowship, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing pediatric gastroenterologists and mentors. Some of these individuals included Mitchell Cohen, William Balistreri, James Heubi, Jorge Bezerra, Colin Rudolph, John Bucuvalas, and Michael Farrell. I am grateful for their teaching and their friendship. During my training with their help, I received a nationwide award for the best research by a GI fellow. I have authored numerous publications/presentations including original research, case reports, review articles, and textbook chapters on various pediatric gastrointestinal problems. In addition, I have been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a "Top Doctor" in my field multiple times. Currently, I am the vice chair of the section of nutrition for the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, I am an adjunct Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. Other society memberships have included the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), American Academy of Pediatrics, the Food Allergy Network, the American Gastroenterology Association, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. As part of a national pediatric GI organization called NASPGHAN (and its affiliated website GIKids), I have helped develop educational materials on a wide-range of gastrointestinal and liver diseases which are used across the country. Also, I have been an invited speaker for national campaigns to improve the evaluation and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, hepatitis C, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some information on these topics has been posted at my work website, www.gicareforkids.com, which has links to multiple other useful resources. I am fortunate to work at GI Care For Kids. Our group has 17 terrific physicians with a wide range of subspecialization, including liver diseases, feeding disorders, eosinophilic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, DiGeorge/22q, celiac disease, and motility disorders. Many of our physicians are recognized nationally for their achievements. Our group of physicians have worked closely together for many years. None of the physicians in our group have ever left to join other groups. I have also worked with the same nurse (Bernadette) since I moved to Atlanta in 1997. For many families, more practical matters about our office include the following: – 14 office/satellite locations – physicians who speak Spanish – cutting edge research – on-site nutritionists – on-site psychology support for abdominal pain and feeding disorders – participation in ImproveCareNow to better the outcomes for children with inflammatory bowel disease – office endoscopy suite (lower costs and easier scheduling) – office infusion center (lower costs and easier for families) – easy access to nursing advice (each physician has at least one nurse) I am married and have two sons (both adults). I like to read, walk/hike, bike, swim, and play tennis with my free time. I do not have any financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies or other financial relationships to disclose. I have helped enroll patients in industry-sponsored research studies.

Statin Use for Patients with Cirrhosis

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There have been a number of studies suggesting a beneficial effect of statins for individuals chronic liver disease due to HBV infection, HCV infection, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The potential reasons include lower portal hypertension due to increased nitric oxide availability, anti-inflammatory effects through reduction in some cytokines, and antifibrotic effects. In addition, statins may inhibit tumor initiation/hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The background on these prior studies is detailed in a new population-based study (F-M Chang et al Hepatology 2017; 66: 896-907, editorial 697-9) of statins in patients with cirrhosis. In this nested case-control study from Taiwan, the authors examined patients (n=1350) with cirrhosis from 2000 to 2013.  The index cases of cirrhosis were identified among a representative, well-validated general population database of 1,000,000 people.

Key findings:

  • “Statin use decreased the risk of decompensation, mortality, and HCC in a dose-dependent manner.”
  • Risk of decompensation among chronic HBV statin users, HR 0.39
  • Risk of decompensation among chronic HCV statin users, HR 0.51
  • Risk of decompensation among alcohol-related cirrhosis patients taking statins, HR 0.69

My take: In adults with cirrhosis, particularly HBV-related and HCV-related, taking a statin was associated with a 50-60% lower likelihood of decompensation. A prospective study could confirm these findings.

Prague -Charles Bridge

WIC Formula Selection in Infants and Children

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Over the past year, I have been working with the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics alongside Stan Cohen, MD and Kylia Crane RDN, LD to develop an algorithm to improve formula selection for young children who use the WIC program.  This project was modeled after a similar project for infants.  Here are two of the slides and then the entire slideset is included below:

Link to slideset: AAPformulaAlgorithmsWIC

Intestinal Failure -Concise Review

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A recent review (CP Duggan, T Jaksic. NEJM 2017; 377: 666-75) concisely reviews recent advances in pediatric intestinal failure.  Most of the review has been covered elsewhere in this blog.  A couple of key points:

Outcomes of intestinal failure:

  • The authors note that a 2012 study identified a 25% mortality rate of infants enrolled between 2000-2004.  “More recent advances have resulted in substantially improved survival rates (>90%).”

Epidemiology of intestinal failure:

  • Using a definition of needing parenteral nutrition for more than 42 days after bowel resection or a residual small-bowel length of less than 25% of normal (for gestational age), intestinal failure was identified in 24.5 cases per 100,000 live births
  • Among infants with birth weight <1500 g, the incidence is 7 per 1000 live births.
  • Frequent causes: necrotizing enterocolitis, gastroschisis

Adaptation of Intestine:

  • Improved chances of attaining enteral autonomy if longer residual small bowel, younger age at time of intestinal resection, preservation of ileocecal valve, absence of severe liver disease, diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, and normal motility.

Parenteral nutrition:

  • Lower rates of liver disease noted with routine restriction of soy-based fat emulsions to 1 g per kilogram
  • Fish oil preparations (with n-3 fatty acids): switching to fish oil preparation “reduces biochemical measures of cholestasis.”
  • Newer preparations of fat emulsions: Smoflipid, Clinolipid are FDA-approved for adults.  Smoflipid, in small studies, is associated with lower conjugated bilirubin compared with soy-based lipids.

Enteral nutrition:

  • “Prompt initiation of enteral feeding after bowel resection has been reported to improve the rate of enteral autonomy….little justification for prolonged ‘gut rest'”
  • The authors note that human milk is often chosen for enteral nutrition and when unavailable, amino acid based formulas are typically chosen due to “more favorable outcomes than protein hydrolysates.”
  • Chronic diarrhea is improved with drip feedings, though bolus feeds may have trophic effects.  “In our experience, a combined approach (e.g. continuous feeding at night and bolus feeding during the day) is feasible.”
  • Oral motor stimulation is important.  Thus, try to give oral human milk feeds when feasible.

Medical Therapies:

  • Acid blockers: used for hyperacidity after massive resection
  • Loperamide
  • Bile acid sequestrants (eg. cholestyramine)
  • NOT evaluated in intestinal failure: octreotide, racecadotril, crofelemer
  • Motility agents
  • Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth.  “Cyclical use (1 week per month) of broad-spectrum antibiotics…is the mainstay of therapy…at many centers.”
  • Probiotics: “No evidence of benefit in small studies; risk of sepsis”
  • Pancreatic enzymes: rarely used. Indicated if pancreatic atrophy or exocrine insufficiency
  • Growth factors: Teduglutide -licensed for adults, studies in children are ongoing

Surgical Therapies:

  • Central lines
  • Gastrostomy Tubes
  • STEP procedure or possibly lengthening procedure (Bianchi).  STEP procedure is less technically difficult.

Previous related blog entries:

Firearm Mortality -Tragic Inertia

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When it comes to gun violence, the U.S. is the leader among developed nations.  It is sad how that despite the magnitude of this problem there are not significant efforts to mitigate this tragedy.

We know from Australia’s experience that changes in gun laws can make a big difference: Link: Gun Law Reforms and Firearm Mortality, Australia 1979-2013

Politico report: The gun lobby: See how much your representative gets

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The Non-Biopsy Diagnosis of Pediatric Celiac Disease

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In some corners, experts have suggested the need for a followup intestinal biopsy to assure that celiac disease is responding to a gluten-free diet (Related blog post: Are followup biopsies necessary in celiac disease? Look beyond the headlines).  Meanwhile, many are looking at performing zero biopsies –at diagnosis or later. A recent study (J Wolf et al. Gastroenterol 2017; 153: 410-9) involved a prospective enrollment of 898 children undergoing duodenal biopsy to confirm or rule out celiac disease (CD).  Patients had tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG IgA), total IgA and deamidated gliadin IgG (DGL-IgG) measured.

Key findings:

  • 592 had CD and 345 did not have CD.  24 did not have a final diagnosis.
  • In examining non-IgA deficient patients that had either TTG IgA >10 times ULN or normal (<1 times ULN), the positive predictive value for CD was 0.988 and the negative predictive value was 0.934.
  • In examining patients with both TTG IgA elevation (>10 times ULN) and DGP-IgG (>10 times ULN) or normal labs, the positive predictive value (PPV) for CD was also 0.988 and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.958.  The authors estimated that the PPV and NPV would remain >0.95 even at disease prevalence rates as low as 4%.
  • In this high prevalence population, the authors note that only 23% would have required an endoscopy to confirm or exclude CD; however, they note that in another study using consecutive serologic data, a much higher proportion (57%) needed biopsies due to serology that was <10 times ULN.
  • The authors note that HLA status genotyping, which has been recommended as needed in non-biopsy diagnosis, is not helpful.  Compatible HLA status was noted in all 277 cases of TTG-IgA >10 times ULN and was deemed “unnecessary” by the study authors in those with high titers.

The ESPGHAN guidelines for non-biopsy diagnosis indicate that a repeat serologic study should be performed to exclude a sample mix-up and to only forego biopsies in symptomatic patients.

My take: This study show\ed that individuals with high celiac serology titers have celiac disease >98% of the time.  This information should be discussed with families in determining whether endoscopic biopsy is needed.  Among those who pursue a non-biopsy approach, some individuals could have competing etiologies for their symptoms; thus, a low threshold for evaluation is needed in those who do not respond to a gluten free diet

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Disclaimer: These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician.  This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition.

Rotunda View at UVa

 

Followup Biopsies in Pediatric Celiac Disease?

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Last December, this blog site discussed a widely-reported, provocative study suggesting that “1 in 5 pediatric celiac disease patients on gluten-free diet sustain persistent intestinal damage” (Are followup biopsies necessary for Celiac disease? Look beyond the headlines).

Apparently a great number of celiac disease (CD) experts took exception to the authors’ conclusion that “neither the presence of symptoms nor positive serology were predictive of a patient’s histology at the time of repeat biopsy. These findings suggest a revisitation of monitoring and management criteria of celiac disease in childhood.” 

A recent commentary (S Koletzko et al. JPGN 2017; 65: 267-9) from the CD working group of ESPGHAN critiques the limitations of the study. Limitations included the following:

  • Selection bias -70% of patients in this retrospective study had repeat endoscopy were symptomatic
  • Retrospective study
  • Including children with admitted non-adherence to gluten-free diet (GFD)
  • Including ~25% of children who were rebiopsied within 17 months of starting GFD
  • Lack of standardized tTG testing
  • Lack of blinding of pathologist

Their conclusions:

  • “We do not think that the data..give sufficient support…that routine biopsies should be performed in all children at diagnosis and after the initiation of GFD.”
  • “The CD working group of ESPGHAN strongly advises against regular rebiopsy in children on a GFD…Re-endoscopy should be reserved for symptomatic patients–in particular when seronegative.”

The authors of the initial study (MM Leonard, A Fasano. JPGN 2017; 65: 270-1) were given an opportunity to defend their conclusions. Their commentary was much less provocative in my view, and titled: “Zero, One, or Two Endoscopies to Diagnosis and Monitor Pediatric Celiac Disease? The Jury is Still Out”

They note that there is a lack of data to know whether there are “no real clinical consequences” of persistent enteropathy, as stated by S Koletzko et al.  They state that until further research is completed a “personalized approach to follow-up care is needed.”  It is encouraging that they have started a prospective study to address the limitations of their retrospective study.

My commentary:

  • For patients with CD who are strictly-adherent, asymptomatic and with normal serology, repeat endoscopy is of questionable benefit.  If there are abnormalities in the histology, what is the appropriate intervention?
  • There has been a study (Gastroenterology 2010; 139: 763) which showed that mortality was NOT worsened in undiagnosed CD (identified by review of serology) in Olmstead County. In this population, the main long-term detrimental effect was reduced bone density. My inference is that for CD patients who are asymptomatic, particularly those with normalized serology, they are unlikely to have easily-identifiable adverse effects noted, even if their histology is abnormal.

My take (unchanged from last year): I think it is premature to recommend routine followup biopsies in asymptomatic patients with normal serology.

Prague Castle -clever door knocker

Obesity Epidemic: Graphic Depiction

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From NY Times: How Big Business Got Brazil Hooked on Junk Food

Excerpt from article:

Across the world, more people are now obese than underweight. At the same time, scientists say, the growing availability of high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods is generating a new type of malnutrition, one in which a growing number of people are both overweight and undernourished…

For a growing number of nutritionists, the obesity epidemic is inextricably linked to the sales of packaged foods, which grew 25 percent worldwide from 2011 to 2016, compared with 10 percent in the United States, according to Euromonitor, a market research firm. An even starker shift took place with carbonated soft drinks; sales in Latin America have doubled since 2000, overtaking sales in North America in 2013, the World Health Organization reported…

In many ways, Brazil is a microcosm of how growing incomes and government policies have led to longer, better lives and largely eradicated hunger. But now the country faces a stark new nutrition challenge: over the last decade, the country’s obesity rate has nearly doubled to 20 percent, and the portion of people who are overweight has nearly tripled to 58 percent. Each year, 300,000 people are diagnosed with Type II diabetes, a condition with strong links to obesity.

AGA Guidelines on Therapeutic Monitoring

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From Healio Gastro: AGA releases guidelines on therapeutic drug monitoring in IBD

Key points from Healio Gastro for Adult Patients with IBD:

  • Reactive monitoring: for patients with a flare or active symptoms: “For patients on maintenance therapy with infliximab, adalimumab or certolizumab pegol who flare after initially responding, if trough levels are below 5 µg/mL, 7.5 µg/mL or 20 µg/mL, respectively without anti-drug antibodies or with low-titer antibodies, then it may be reasonable to try optimizing the index therapy (escalating anti-TNF agent by increasing dose, shortening interval and/or adding immunomodulator)”
  • Proactive monitoring: the guideline states that “no recommendation can be made regarding routine proactive TDM in patients with quiescent IBD being treated with anti-TNFs, as this is a critical knowledge gap in need of further study…careful and selective use of proactive TDM could be beneficial, but current evidence for its routine use is limited and its overall benefits remain uncertain”
  • Thiopurines: the guideline suggests TPMT testing of enzymatic activity or genotype before adults with IBD start treatment with thiopurines.
  • New biologics:  the guideline does not address therapeutic drug monitoring in patients treated with Entyvio (vedolizumab, Takeda) or Stelara (ustekinumab, Janssen) due to a lack of available data.

Reference: JD Feuerstein et al. Gastroenterol 2017; 153: 827-34. Technical review: NV Casteele et al. Gastroenterol 2017; 153: 835-57.

My take: Therapeutic monitoring has become widespread and is quite helpful.  My impression is that most pediatric gastroenterologists have adopted both proactive and reactive monitoring.

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Looking towards the  top of John Rock Hike, near Brevard, NC

What a 5-Star Online Evaluation Means

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Bloomberg news: Don’t Yelp Your Doctor. Study Finds Ratings Are All Wrong.

Here’s an excerpt:

If you’re looking for the best doctor, online ratings are unlikely to be much help.

That’s the determination of researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, who compared reviews of 78 of the medical center’s specialists on five popular ratings sites with a set of internal quality measures and found there was essentially no correlation…

Brennan Spiegel, a gastroenterologist and co-author of the study, said that may be the right way to think about reviews — as gauges of things the patient can observe.

“It may be that these ratings are a good measure of the front-office service or the interpersonal style of the physician,” said Spiegel, a professor and director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai. “We’re not saying that there’s no value to these online ratings — we’re saying don’t confuse those ratings in any way, shape or form with the actual technical skill.”

The study, published online on Friday in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, compared measures developed by Cedars-Sinai with users’ ratings on five sites: Healthgrades, Yelp, Vitals, RateMDs and UCompareHealthCare. The internal performance metrics include reviews from doctors’ colleagues and administrators, how often patients are readmitted and how long they remain in the hospital, and adherence to practice guidelines.

My take: I’ve been told that the key to patient care are the 3 A’s: availability, affability, and ability.  Online evaluations likely can help assess the first two A’s; in addition, these sites allow for constructive criticisms but they need to evolve to include other measures of physician performance.  Nevertheless, ignoring online evaluations (eg. digital reputation)  would be a mistake for physicians –they are here to stay.

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