A new study examining avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) among patients with celiac disease found that the condition is common but is not associated with any difference in disease control. The findings suggest that some with celiac disease may pursue dietary control too far, but experts warn that ARFID is only recently being recognized in patients with GI diseases, the definition is in flux, and it’s important to not overpathologize patient behavior.

The new study, published in Gastro Hep Advances, comes in the wake of a 2021 cross-sectional study, which found that 53.7% of celiac disease patients met the criteria for ARFID based on the Nine-Item ARFID Screen, and were more likely to have anxiety, depression, and reduced food-related quality of life.

chameleonseye/Thinkstock

“I think both studies are hypothesizing that there might be greater fear around eating in these patients with celiac, but that the possible outcomes related to their disease may not actually be different,” said Helen Burton Murray, PhD, director of the GI behavioral health program and staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, who was asked to comment on the study.

She also noted that ARFID may represent a subgroup of celiac patients with more severe disease or worse quality of life, though the two studies can’t definitively prove that. The surveys used are intended for screening rather than diagnosis and have not yet been validated in patients with a gastrointestinal disease like celiac.

Although the symptoms of ARFID have been recognized for many years, it only became an official diagnosis with its inclusion in DSM-5 in 2013. Physicians are becoming increasingly aware of this potential comorbidity, but it can be difficult to diagnose or understand the impact of an eating disorder in a condition like celiac disease, where intense dietary management is the key to controlling it. “There’s concern about overpathologizing patients where dietary management can be a normative strategy, and overpathologizing by diagnosing ARFID. Is diagnosing ARFID going to change the patient’s treatment course and improve outcomes for them?” asked Dr. Burton Murray.

In some cases, the answer may be yes. Patients may be so restrictive in their eating that it impacts physical health or lifestyle. “Hypervigilance or worry around eating could extend to even non–gluten based foods. That may be a marker of where a patient’s eating behaviors are crossing the line into ARFID, if their diet is so limited when it doesn’t need to be, and those limitations might be harming them nutritionally, leading to weight loss or making it difficult to live their life in the way that they would like to,” said Dr. Burton Murray.

Still, the results of these studies shouldn’t be overinterpreted, according to Anne R. Lee, EdD, RDN, LD, associate professor of nutritional medicine at the celiac disease center at Columbia University, New York. “In the world of eating disorders, ARFID is the newest kid on the block, and one that’s in transition,” she said. What differentiates ARFID from other eating disorders is that food behavior is related to things like appetite or picky eating, but not body shape and size. Therefore, it helps to combine the ARFID screen with other eating disorder screening tools, Dr. Lee said.

“We need to differentiate between diagnosing someone with a disordered eating pattern versus helping them navigate their life within a gluten-free diet. We need to help them with developing strategies to maneuver through work lunches and social outings and all of those things so that we don’t overdiagnose,” said Dr. Lee.

In the new study, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 137 patients with celiac disease at the Center for Human Nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; 107 were women, and the median age was 37 years. The researchers used questionnaires to evaluate diet, including the ARFID Symptom Checklist.

Seventy-eight participants (57%) had suspected ARFID; 30 had symptoms consistent with clinical ARFID and 48 consistent with subclinical ARFID. There were no differences between patients with and without ARFID with respect to anxiety and depression, length of illness, age, gender, body mass index, bone disease, or micronutrient or vitamin deficiency. Serology studies revealed only one difference: a higher frequency of tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody in the ARFID group (15% vs. 2%; P = .007).

There was a strong correlation between ARFID and the Impact of the Gluten Free Diet questionnaire (IGFDQ), with patients scoring higher on the social and food components more likely to also have ARFID. It was also the only predictor of ARFID in a multivariable analysis, with associations in the food (odds ratio, 1.64; P = .01), emotional (OR, 1.66; P = .05), and social (OR, 1.59; P = .01) sections.

The authors concluded that, although there were some study limitations, including possible patient misunderstanding of the survey questions and lack of knowledge of whether the patients had access to gluten-free foods, AFID is not only common, but it also has a significant impact on patients with celiac disease. The authors also noted that this assessment occurred over a 2-year period, with patients attending clinic only once a year. Follow-up surveys, duodenal biopsies, and bone density assessments could identify more differences over time.

Dr. Burton Murray and Dr. Lee have no relevant financial disclosures.

AGA offers guidance on celiac disease to help patients maintain a gluten free diet in the AGA GI Patient Center: www.gastro.org/celiac

A new study examining avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) among patients with celiac disease found that the condition is common but is not associated with any difference in disease control. The findings suggest that some with celiac disease may pursue dietary control too far, but experts warn that ARFID is only recently being recognized in patients with GI diseases, the definition is in flux, and it’s important to not overpathologize patient behavior.

The new study, published in Gastro Hep Advances, comes in the wake of a 2021 cross-sectional study, which found that 53.7% of celiac disease patients met the criteria for ARFID based on the Nine-Item ARFID Screen, and were more likely to have anxiety, depression, and reduced food-related quality of life.

chameleonseye/Thinkstock

“I think both studies are hypothesizing that there might be greater fear around eating in these patients with celiac, but that the possible outcomes related to their disease may not actually be different,” said Helen Burton Murray, PhD, director of the GI behavioral health program and staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, who was asked to comment on the study.

She also noted that ARFID may represent a subgroup of celiac patients with more severe disease or worse quality of life, though the two studies can’t definitively prove that. The surveys used are intended for screening rather than diagnosis and have not yet been validated in patients with a gastrointestinal disease like celiac.

Although the symptoms of ARFID have been recognized for many years, it only became an official diagnosis with its inclusion in DSM-5 in 2013. Physicians are becoming increasingly aware of this potential comorbidity, but it can be difficult to diagnose or understand the impact of an eating disorder in a condition like celiac disease, where intense dietary management is the key to controlling it. “There’s concern about overpathologizing patients where dietary management can be a normative strategy, and overpathologizing by diagnosing ARFID. Is diagnosing ARFID going to change the patient’s treatment course and improve outcomes for them?” asked Dr. Burton Murray.

In some cases, the answer may be yes. Patients may be so restrictive in their eating that it impacts physical health or lifestyle. “Hypervigilance or worry around eating could extend to even non–gluten based foods. That may be a marker of where a patient’s eating behaviors are crossing the line into ARFID, if their diet is so limited when it doesn’t need to be, and those limitations might be harming them nutritionally, leading to weight loss or making it difficult to live their life in the way that they would like to,” said Dr. Burton Murray.

Still, the results of these studies shouldn’t be overinterpreted, according to Anne R. Lee, EdD, RDN, LD, associate professor of nutritional medicine at the celiac disease center at Columbia University, New York. “In the world of eating disorders, ARFID is the newest kid on the block, and one that’s in transition,” she said. What differentiates ARFID from other eating disorders is that food behavior is related to things like appetite or picky eating, but not body shape and size. Therefore, it helps to combine the ARFID screen with other eating disorder screening tools, Dr. Lee said.

“We need to differentiate between diagnosing someone with a disordered eating pattern versus helping them navigate their life within a gluten-free diet. We need to help them with developing strategies to maneuver through work lunches and social outings and all of those things so that we don’t overdiagnose,” said Dr. Lee.

In the new study, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 137 patients with celiac disease at the Center for Human Nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; 107 were women, and the median age was 37 years. The researchers used questionnaires to evaluate diet, including the ARFID Symptom Checklist.

Seventy-eight participants (57%) had suspected ARFID; 30 had symptoms consistent with clinical ARFID and 48 consistent with subclinical ARFID. There were no differences between patients with and without ARFID with respect to anxiety and depression, length of illness, age, gender, body mass index, bone disease, or micronutrient or vitamin deficiency. Serology studies revealed only one difference: a higher frequency of tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody in the ARFID group (15% vs. 2%; P = .007).

There was a strong correlation between ARFID and the Impact of the Gluten Free Diet questionnaire (IGFDQ), with patients scoring higher on the social and food components more likely to also have ARFID. It was also the only predictor of ARFID in a multivariable analysis, with associations in the food (odds ratio, 1.64; P = .01), emotional (OR, 1.66; P = .05), and social (OR, 1.59; P = .01) sections.

The authors concluded that, although there were some study limitations, including possible patient misunderstanding of the survey questions and lack of knowledge of whether the patients had access to gluten-free foods, AFID is not only common, but it also has a significant impact on patients with celiac disease. The authors also noted that this assessment occurred over a 2-year period, with patients attending clinic only once a year. Follow-up surveys, duodenal biopsies, and bone density assessments could identify more differences over time.

Dr. Burton Murray and Dr. Lee have no relevant financial disclosures.

AGA offers guidance on celiac disease to help patients maintain a gluten free diet in the AGA GI Patient Center: www.gastro.org/celiac

A new study examining avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) among patients with celiac disease found that the condition is common but is not associated with any difference in disease control. The findings suggest that some with celiac disease may pursue dietary control too far, but experts warn that ARFID is only recently being recognized in patients with GI diseases, the definition is in flux, and it’s important to not overpathologize patient behavior.

The new study, published in Gastro Hep Advances, comes in the wake of a 2021 cross-sectional study, which found that 53.7% of celiac disease patients met the criteria for ARFID based on the Nine-Item ARFID Screen, and were more likely to have anxiety, depression, and reduced food-related quality of life.

chameleonseye/Thinkstock

“I think both studies are hypothesizing that there might be greater fear around eating in these patients with celiac, but that the possible outcomes related to their disease may not actually be different,” said Helen Burton Murray, PhD, director of the GI behavioral health program and staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, who was asked to comment on the study.

She also noted that ARFID may represent a subgroup of celiac patients with more severe disease or worse quality of life, though the two studies can’t definitively prove that. The surveys used are intended for screening rather than diagnosis and have not yet been validated in patients with a gastrointestinal disease like celiac.

Although the symptoms of ARFID have been recognized for many years, it only became an official diagnosis with its inclusion in DSM-5 in 2013. Physicians are becoming increasingly aware of this potential comorbidity, but it can be difficult to diagnose or understand the impact of an eating disorder in a condition like celiac disease, where intense dietary management is the key to controlling it. “There’s concern about overpathologizing patients where dietary management can be a normative strategy, and overpathologizing by diagnosing ARFID. Is diagnosing ARFID going to change the patient’s treatment course and improve outcomes for them?” asked Dr. Burton Murray.

In some cases, the answer may be yes. Patients may be so restrictive in their eating that it impacts physical health or lifestyle. “Hypervigilance or worry around eating could extend to even non–gluten based foods. That may be a marker of where a patient’s eating behaviors are crossing the line into ARFID, if their diet is so limited when it doesn’t need to be, and those limitations might be harming them nutritionally, leading to weight loss or making it difficult to live their life in the way that they would like to,” said Dr. Burton Murray.

Still, the results of these studies shouldn’t be overinterpreted, according to Anne R. Lee, EdD, RDN, LD, associate professor of nutritional medicine at the celiac disease center at Columbia University, New York. “In the world of eating disorders, ARFID is the newest kid on the block, and one that’s in transition,” she said. What differentiates ARFID from other eating disorders is that food behavior is related to things like appetite or picky eating, but not body shape and size. Therefore, it helps to combine the ARFID screen with other eating disorder screening tools, Dr. Lee said.

“We need to differentiate between diagnosing someone with a disordered eating pattern versus helping them navigate their life within a gluten-free diet. We need to help them with developing strategies to maneuver through work lunches and social outings and all of those things so that we don’t overdiagnose,” said Dr. Lee.

In the new study, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 137 patients with celiac disease at the Center for Human Nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; 107 were women, and the median age was 37 years. The researchers used questionnaires to evaluate diet, including the ARFID Symptom Checklist.

Seventy-eight participants (57%) had suspected ARFID; 30 had symptoms consistent with clinical ARFID and 48 consistent with subclinical ARFID. There were no differences between patients with and without ARFID with respect to anxiety and depression, length of illness, age, gender, body mass index, bone disease, or micronutrient or vitamin deficiency. Serology studies revealed only one difference: a higher frequency of tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody in the ARFID group (15% vs. 2%; P = .007).

There was a strong correlation between ARFID and the Impact of the Gluten Free Diet questionnaire (IGFDQ), with patients scoring higher on the social and food components more likely to also have ARFID. It was also the only predictor of ARFID in a multivariable analysis, with associations in the food (odds ratio, 1.64; P = .01), emotional (OR, 1.66; P = .05), and social (OR, 1.59; P = .01) sections.

The authors concluded that, although there were some study limitations, including possible patient misunderstanding of the survey questions and lack of knowledge of whether the patients had access to gluten-free foods, AFID is not only common, but it also has a significant impact on patients with celiac disease. The authors also noted that this assessment occurred over a 2-year period, with patients attending clinic only once a year. Follow-up surveys, duodenal biopsies, and bone density assessments could identify more differences over time.

Dr. Burton Murray and Dr. Lee have no relevant financial disclosures.

AGA offers guidance on celiac disease to help patients maintain a gluten free diet in the AGA GI Patient Center: www.gastro.org/celiac

The new year has already marked major progress for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with the implementation of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which will protect Medicare beneficiaries from an unexpected bill if a polyp is detected and removed during a screening colonoscopy, as well as new guidance from the federal government requiring private insurers to cover colonoscopy as a follow-up to a noninvasive CRC screening test without imposing cost sharing for patients.

Over the past decade, the AGA and other organizations have spent countless hours advocating for closing the gap. In September 2021, Dr. Inadomi and Dr. Lieberman, along with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Fight CRC, met with Assistant Secretary of Labor, Ali Khawar, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and U.S. Department of Treasury to request they direct private health plans to cover colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive CRC screening. In January 2022, guidance from the United States Department of Labor, HHS, and the USDT clarified that private insurance plans must cover follow-up colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test. In the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Affordable Care Act Implementation, Part 51, the departments affirmed that a plan or issuer must cover and may not impose cost sharing with respect to a colonoscopy conducted after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test for colorectal cancer for individuals described in a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation from May 18, 2021. As stated in that USPSTF recommendation, the follow-up colonoscopy is an integral part of the preventive screening without which the screening would not be complete . The follow-up colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test is therefore required to be covered without cost sharing in accordance with the requirements of Public Health Service Act section 2713 and its implementing regulations.

Dr. Brill is chief medical officer, Predictive Health, Phoenix. Dr. Lieberman is professor of medicine, division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, as well as a past president of the AGA. Dr. Brill discloses consulting for Accomplish Health, Alimetry, Allara Health, AnX Robotica, Arch Therapeutics, Biotax, Boomerang Medical, Brightline, Calyx, Capsovision, Check Cap, Clexio, Curology, Docbot, Echosens, Endogastric Solutions, evoEndo, Family First, FDNA, Food Marble, Freespira, Gala Therapeutics, Glaukos, gTech Medical, Gynesonics, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Innovative Health Solutions, IronRod Health, Johnson & Johnson, Lantheus, LeMinou, Lumen, Mainstay Medical, MaternaMed, Medtronic, Mightier, Motus GI, OncoSil Medical, Palette Life Sciences, Perry Health, Perspectum, Red Ventures, Reflexion, Respira Labs, Salaso, Smith+Nephew, SonarMD, Stage Zero Life Sciences, Steris, Sword Health, Tabula Rosa Health Care, Ultrasight, Vertos Medical, WL Gore, and holds options/warrants in Accomplish Health, AnX Robotica, Capsovision, Donsini Health, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Restech, Perry Health, StageZero Life Sciences, SonarMD. Dr. Lieberman is a consultant to Geneoscopy.

The new year has already marked major progress for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with the implementation of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which will protect Medicare beneficiaries from an unexpected bill if a polyp is detected and removed during a screening colonoscopy, as well as new guidance from the federal government requiring private insurers to cover colonoscopy as a follow-up to a noninvasive CRC screening test without imposing cost sharing for patients.

Over the past decade, the AGA and other organizations have spent countless hours advocating for closing the gap. In September 2021, Dr. Inadomi and Dr. Lieberman, along with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Fight CRC, met with Assistant Secretary of Labor, Ali Khawar, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and U.S. Department of Treasury to request they direct private health plans to cover colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive CRC screening. In January 2022, guidance from the United States Department of Labor, HHS, and the USDT clarified that private insurance plans must cover follow-up colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test. In the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Affordable Care Act Implementation, Part 51, the departments affirmed that a plan or issuer must cover and may not impose cost sharing with respect to a colonoscopy conducted after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test for colorectal cancer for individuals described in a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation from May 18, 2021. As stated in that USPSTF recommendation, the follow-up colonoscopy is an integral part of the preventive screening without which the screening would not be complete . The follow-up colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test is therefore required to be covered without cost sharing in accordance with the requirements of Public Health Service Act section 2713 and its implementing regulations.

Dr. Brill is chief medical officer, Predictive Health, Phoenix. Dr. Lieberman is professor of medicine, division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, as well as a past president of the AGA. Dr. Brill discloses consulting for Accomplish Health, Alimetry, Allara Health, AnX Robotica, Arch Therapeutics, Biotax, Boomerang Medical, Brightline, Calyx, Capsovision, Check Cap, Clexio, Curology, Docbot, Echosens, Endogastric Solutions, evoEndo, Family First, FDNA, Food Marble, Freespira, Gala Therapeutics, Glaukos, gTech Medical, Gynesonics, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Innovative Health Solutions, IronRod Health, Johnson & Johnson, Lantheus, LeMinou, Lumen, Mainstay Medical, MaternaMed, Medtronic, Mightier, Motus GI, OncoSil Medical, Palette Life Sciences, Perry Health, Perspectum, Red Ventures, Reflexion, Respira Labs, Salaso, Smith+Nephew, SonarMD, Stage Zero Life Sciences, Steris, Sword Health, Tabula Rosa Health Care, Ultrasight, Vertos Medical, WL Gore, and holds options/warrants in Accomplish Health, AnX Robotica, Capsovision, Donsini Health, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Restech, Perry Health, StageZero Life Sciences, SonarMD. Dr. Lieberman is a consultant to Geneoscopy.

The new year has already marked major progress for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with the implementation of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which will protect Medicare beneficiaries from an unexpected bill if a polyp is detected and removed during a screening colonoscopy, as well as new guidance from the federal government requiring private insurers to cover colonoscopy as a follow-up to a noninvasive CRC screening test without imposing cost sharing for patients.

Over the past decade, the AGA and other organizations have spent countless hours advocating for closing the gap. In September 2021, Dr. Inadomi and Dr. Lieberman, along with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Fight CRC, met with Assistant Secretary of Labor, Ali Khawar, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and U.S. Department of Treasury to request they direct private health plans to cover colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive CRC screening. In January 2022, guidance from the United States Department of Labor, HHS, and the USDT clarified that private insurance plans must cover follow-up colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test. In the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Affordable Care Act Implementation, Part 51, the departments affirmed that a plan or issuer must cover and may not impose cost sharing with respect to a colonoscopy conducted after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test for colorectal cancer for individuals described in a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation from May 18, 2021. As stated in that USPSTF recommendation, the follow-up colonoscopy is an integral part of the preventive screening without which the screening would not be complete . The follow-up colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive stool-based screening test or direct visualization screening test is therefore required to be covered without cost sharing in accordance with the requirements of Public Health Service Act section 2713 and its implementing regulations.

Dr. Brill is chief medical officer, Predictive Health, Phoenix. Dr. Lieberman is professor of medicine, division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, as well as a past president of the AGA. Dr. Brill discloses consulting for Accomplish Health, Alimetry, Allara Health, AnX Robotica, Arch Therapeutics, Biotax, Boomerang Medical, Brightline, Calyx, Capsovision, Check Cap, Clexio, Curology, Docbot, Echosens, Endogastric Solutions, evoEndo, Family First, FDNA, Food Marble, Freespira, Gala Therapeutics, Glaukos, gTech Medical, Gynesonics, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Innovative Health Solutions, IronRod Health, Johnson & Johnson, Lantheus, LeMinou, Lumen, Mainstay Medical, MaternaMed, Medtronic, Mightier, Motus GI, OncoSil Medical, Palette Life Sciences, Perry Health, Perspectum, Red Ventures, Reflexion, Respira Labs, Salaso, Smith+Nephew, SonarMD, Stage Zero Life Sciences, Steris, Sword Health, Tabula Rosa Health Care, Ultrasight, Vertos Medical, WL Gore, and holds options/warrants in Accomplish Health, AnX Robotica, Capsovision, Donsini Health, Hbox, Hello Heart, HyGIeaCare, Restech, Perry Health, StageZero Life Sciences, SonarMD. Dr. Lieberman is a consultant to Geneoscopy.

In January 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its 2018 statement on screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in older adults (≥ 50 years).^1,2 The supporting evidence review sought to include data on newer screening methods, such as automated blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and consumer-facing devices (eg, smartphone apps). However, ultimately, the recommendation did not change; it remains an “I” statement, meaning the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for AF in asymptomatic adults with no signs or symptoms.^1,2

Atrial fibrillation and stroke. AF is common, and the prevalence increases with age: from < 0.2% in those younger than 55 years to about 10% for those ages 85 and older.^1,2 AF is a strong risk factor for stroke, and when detected, stroke prevention measures—either restoration of normal rhythm or use of anticoagulants—can be implemented as appropriate.

The available evidence for the effectiveness of stroke prevention comes from patients with AF that was detected because of symptoms or pulse palpation during routine care. It is not known if screening asymptomatic adults using electrocardiography, or newer electronic devices that detect irregular heartbeats, achieves these same benefits—and there is the potential for harm from the use of anticoagulants.

How does this compare to other recommendations? The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend active screening for AF, by pulse assessment, in those ages 65 years and older.³ This does not differ as much as it appears to from the USPSTF statement. The difference is in terminology: The USPSTF considers pulse assessment part of routine care; the other organizations call it “screening.”

What you should—and shouldn’t—do. The USPSTF states that “Clinicians should use their clinical judgement regarding whether to screen and how to screen for AF.” Any patient with signs or symptoms of AF or who is discovered to have an irregular pulse should be assessed for AF. Those found to have AF should be assessed for their risk of stroke and treated accordingly. However, attempting to find “silent” AF in those who do not have an irregular pulse on exam, by way of any screening devices, has no proven benefit.

In January 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its 2018 statement on screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in older adults (≥ 50 years).^1,2 The supporting evidence review sought to include data on newer screening methods, such as automated blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and consumer-facing devices (eg, smartphone apps). However, ultimately, the recommendation did not change; it remains an “I” statement, meaning the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for AF in asymptomatic adults with no signs or symptoms.^1,2

Atrial fibrillation and stroke. AF is common, and the prevalence increases with age: from < 0.2% in those younger than 55 years to about 10% for those ages 85 and older.^1,2 AF is a strong risk factor for stroke, and when detected, stroke prevention measures—either restoration of normal rhythm or use of anticoagulants—can be implemented as appropriate.

The available evidence for the effectiveness of stroke prevention comes from patients with AF that was detected because of symptoms or pulse palpation during routine care. It is not known if screening asymptomatic adults using electrocardiography, or newer electronic devices that detect irregular heartbeats, achieves these same benefits—and there is the potential for harm from the use of anticoagulants.

How does this compare to other recommendations? The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend active screening for AF, by pulse assessment, in those ages 65 years and older.³ This does not differ as much as it appears to from the USPSTF statement. The difference is in terminology: The USPSTF considers pulse assessment part of routine care; the other organizations call it “screening.”

What you should—and shouldn’t—do. The USPSTF states that “Clinicians should use their clinical judgement regarding whether to screen and how to screen for AF.” Any patient with signs or symptoms of AF or who is discovered to have an irregular pulse should be assessed for AF. Those found to have AF should be assessed for their risk of stroke and treated accordingly. However, attempting to find “silent” AF in those who do not have an irregular pulse on exam, by way of any screening devices, has no proven benefit.

In January 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated its 2018 statement on screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in older adults (≥ 50 years).^1,2 The supporting evidence review sought to include data on newer screening methods, such as automated blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and consumer-facing devices (eg, smartphone apps). However, ultimately, the recommendation did not change; it remains an “I” statement, meaning the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for AF in asymptomatic adults with no signs or symptoms.^1,2

Atrial fibrillation and stroke. AF is common, and the prevalence increases with age: from < 0.2% in those younger than 55 years to about 10% for those ages 85 and older.^1,2 AF is a strong risk factor for stroke, and when detected, stroke prevention measures—either restoration of normal rhythm or use of anticoagulants—can be implemented as appropriate.

The available evidence for the effectiveness of stroke prevention comes from patients with AF that was detected because of symptoms or pulse palpation during routine care. It is not known if screening asymptomatic adults using electrocardiography, or newer electronic devices that detect irregular heartbeats, achieves these same benefits—and there is the potential for harm from the use of anticoagulants.

How does this compare to other recommendations? The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend active screening for AF, by pulse assessment, in those ages 65 years and older.³ This does not differ as much as it appears to from the USPSTF statement. The difference is in terminology: The USPSTF considers pulse assessment part of routine care; the other organizations call it “screening.”

What you should—and shouldn’t—do. The USPSTF states that “Clinicians should use their clinical judgement regarding whether to screen and how to screen for AF.” Any patient with signs or symptoms of AF or who is discovered to have an irregular pulse should be assessed for AF. Those found to have AF should be assessed for their risk of stroke and treated accordingly. However, attempting to find “silent” AF in those who do not have an irregular pulse on exam, by way of any screening devices, has no proven benefit.

On the first Friday in March, it has become an annual tradition to dress in blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Twitter feeds are filled with photos of members of our gastroenterology community (sometimes entire endoscopy units!) swathed in various shades of blue. This tradition was started in the mid-2000’s by a patient diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer who planned a fund raiser at her daughter’s elementary school where students were encouraged to wear a blue outfit and make a $1 donation to support awareness of this deadly but preventable cancer. What was once a local effort has now grown into a national phenomenon, and a powerful opportunity for the medical community to educate patients, friends, and family regarding risk factors for colorectal cancer and the importance of timely and effective screening. But while raising awareness is vital, it is only an initial step in the complex process of optimizing delivery of screening services and improving cancer outcomes through prevention and early detection.

In this month’s issue of GIHN, we report on a study from Cancer demonstrating the effectiveness of Spanish-speaking patient navigators in boosting colorectal cancer screening rates among Hispanic patients. We also highlight a quality improvement initiative at a large academic medical center demonstrating the impact of an electronic “primer” message delivered through the patient portal on screening completion rates in a mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach program. Finally, in this month’s Practice Management Toolbox column, Dr. Brill and Dr. Lieberman advise us on how to prepare for upcoming coverage changes impacting screening colonoscopy – a result of AGA’s tireless efforts to eliminate financial barriers impeding access to colorectal cancer screening.

As always, thank you for being a dedicated reader and please stay safe out there. Better days are ahead.

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief

On the first Friday in March, it has become an annual tradition to dress in blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Twitter feeds are filled with photos of members of our gastroenterology community (sometimes entire endoscopy units!) swathed in various shades of blue. This tradition was started in the mid-2000’s by a patient diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer who planned a fund raiser at her daughter’s elementary school where students were encouraged to wear a blue outfit and make a $1 donation to support awareness of this deadly but preventable cancer. What was once a local effort has now grown into a national phenomenon, and a powerful opportunity for the medical community to educate patients, friends, and family regarding risk factors for colorectal cancer and the importance of timely and effective screening. But while raising awareness is vital, it is only an initial step in the complex process of optimizing delivery of screening services and improving cancer outcomes through prevention and early detection.

In this month’s issue of GIHN, we report on a study from Cancer demonstrating the effectiveness of Spanish-speaking patient navigators in boosting colorectal cancer screening rates among Hispanic patients. We also highlight a quality improvement initiative at a large academic medical center demonstrating the impact of an electronic “primer” message delivered through the patient portal on screening completion rates in a mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach program. Finally, in this month’s Practice Management Toolbox column, Dr. Brill and Dr. Lieberman advise us on how to prepare for upcoming coverage changes impacting screening colonoscopy – a result of AGA’s tireless efforts to eliminate financial barriers impeding access to colorectal cancer screening.

As always, thank you for being a dedicated reader and please stay safe out there. Better days are ahead.

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief

On the first Friday in March, it has become an annual tradition to dress in blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Twitter feeds are filled with photos of members of our gastroenterology community (sometimes entire endoscopy units!) swathed in various shades of blue. This tradition was started in the mid-2000’s by a patient diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer who planned a fund raiser at her daughter’s elementary school where students were encouraged to wear a blue outfit and make a $1 donation to support awareness of this deadly but preventable cancer. What was once a local effort has now grown into a national phenomenon, and a powerful opportunity for the medical community to educate patients, friends, and family regarding risk factors for colorectal cancer and the importance of timely and effective screening. But while raising awareness is vital, it is only an initial step in the complex process of optimizing delivery of screening services and improving cancer outcomes through prevention and early detection.

In this month’s issue of GIHN, we report on a study from Cancer demonstrating the effectiveness of Spanish-speaking patient navigators in boosting colorectal cancer screening rates among Hispanic patients. We also highlight a quality improvement initiative at a large academic medical center demonstrating the impact of an electronic “primer” message delivered through the patient portal on screening completion rates in a mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach program. Finally, in this month’s Practice Management Toolbox column, Dr. Brill and Dr. Lieberman advise us on how to prepare for upcoming coverage changes impacting screening colonoscopy – a result of AGA’s tireless efforts to eliminate financial barriers impeding access to colorectal cancer screening.

As always, thank you for being a dedicated reader and please stay safe out there. Better days are ahead.

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc
Editor in Chief

A new treatment option for patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma who have already tried four or more therapies has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The product, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), will be marketed as Carvykti by Janssen and Legend Biotech. It is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy directed against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is a new target for therapies for multiple myeloma.

There are already two other therapies on the market that target BCMA – another CAR T cell, idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma), which was approved by the FDA in March 2021, and a drug conjugate, belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep), which was approved in August 2020.

The approval of cilta-cel was based on clinical data from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which were initially presented in December 2020 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, as reported at the time by this news organization.

The trial involved 97 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had already received a median of six previous treatments (range, three to 18), including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

“The treatment journey for the majority of patients living with multiple myeloma is a relentless cycle of remission and relapse, with fewer patients achieving a deep response as they progress through later lines of therapy,” commented Sundar Jagannath, MBBS, professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology at Mount Sinai, who was a principal investigator on the pivotal study.

“That is why I have been really excited about the results from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which has demonstrated that cilta-cel can provide deep and durable responses and long-term treatment-free intervals, even in this heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patient population,” he said.

“Today’s approval of Carvykti helps address a great unmet need for these patients,” he commented in a press release from the manufacturer.

Like other CAR T-cell therapies, ciltacabtagene autoleucel is a one-time treatment. It involves collecting blood from the patient, extracting T cells, genetically engineering them, then transfusing them back to the patient, who in the meantime has undergone conditioning.

The results from CARTITUDE-1 show that this one-time treatment resulted in deep and durable responses.

The overall response rate was 98%, and the majority of patients (78%) achieved a stringent complete response, in which physicians are unable to observe any signs or symptoms of disease via imaging or other tests after treatment.

At a median of 18 months’ follow-up, the median duration of response was 21.8 months.

“The responses in the CARTITUDE-1 study showed durability over time and resulted in the majority of heavily pretreated patients achieving deep responses after 18-month follow-up,” commented Mr. Jagannath.

“The approval of cilta-cel provides physicians an immunotherapy treatment option that offers patients an opportunity to be free from anti-myeloma therapies for a period of time,” he added.

As with other CAR T-cell therapies, there were serious side effects, and these products are available only through restricted programs under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.

The product information for Cartykti includes a boxed warning that mentions cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome, parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome, and prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias.

The most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than or equal to 20% of patients) are pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections–pathogens unspecified, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

A new treatment option for patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma who have already tried four or more therapies has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The product, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), will be marketed as Carvykti by Janssen and Legend Biotech. It is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy directed against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is a new target for therapies for multiple myeloma.

There are already two other therapies on the market that target BCMA – another CAR T cell, idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma), which was approved by the FDA in March 2021, and a drug conjugate, belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep), which was approved in August 2020.

The approval of cilta-cel was based on clinical data from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which were initially presented in December 2020 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, as reported at the time by this news organization.

The trial involved 97 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had already received a median of six previous treatments (range, three to 18), including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

“The treatment journey for the majority of patients living with multiple myeloma is a relentless cycle of remission and relapse, with fewer patients achieving a deep response as they progress through later lines of therapy,” commented Sundar Jagannath, MBBS, professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology at Mount Sinai, who was a principal investigator on the pivotal study.

“That is why I have been really excited about the results from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which has demonstrated that cilta-cel can provide deep and durable responses and long-term treatment-free intervals, even in this heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patient population,” he said.

“Today’s approval of Carvykti helps address a great unmet need for these patients,” he commented in a press release from the manufacturer.

Like other CAR T-cell therapies, ciltacabtagene autoleucel is a one-time treatment. It involves collecting blood from the patient, extracting T cells, genetically engineering them, then transfusing them back to the patient, who in the meantime has undergone conditioning.

The results from CARTITUDE-1 show that this one-time treatment resulted in deep and durable responses.

The overall response rate was 98%, and the majority of patients (78%) achieved a stringent complete response, in which physicians are unable to observe any signs or symptoms of disease via imaging or other tests after treatment.

At a median of 18 months’ follow-up, the median duration of response was 21.8 months.

“The responses in the CARTITUDE-1 study showed durability over time and resulted in the majority of heavily pretreated patients achieving deep responses after 18-month follow-up,” commented Mr. Jagannath.

“The approval of cilta-cel provides physicians an immunotherapy treatment option that offers patients an opportunity to be free from anti-myeloma therapies for a period of time,” he added.

As with other CAR T-cell therapies, there were serious side effects, and these products are available only through restricted programs under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.

The product information for Cartykti includes a boxed warning that mentions cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome, parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome, and prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias.

The most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than or equal to 20% of patients) are pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections–pathogens unspecified, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

A new treatment option for patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma who have already tried four or more therapies has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The product, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), will be marketed as Carvykti by Janssen and Legend Biotech. It is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy directed against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is a new target for therapies for multiple myeloma.

There are already two other therapies on the market that target BCMA – another CAR T cell, idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma), which was approved by the FDA in March 2021, and a drug conjugate, belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep), which was approved in August 2020.

The approval of cilta-cel was based on clinical data from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which were initially presented in December 2020 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, as reported at the time by this news organization.

The trial involved 97 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had already received a median of six previous treatments (range, three to 18), including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

“The treatment journey for the majority of patients living with multiple myeloma is a relentless cycle of remission and relapse, with fewer patients achieving a deep response as they progress through later lines of therapy,” commented Sundar Jagannath, MBBS, professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology at Mount Sinai, who was a principal investigator on the pivotal study.

“That is why I have been really excited about the results from the CARTITUDE-1 study, which has demonstrated that cilta-cel can provide deep and durable responses and long-term treatment-free intervals, even in this heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patient population,” he said.

“Today’s approval of Carvykti helps address a great unmet need for these patients,” he commented in a press release from the manufacturer.

Like other CAR T-cell therapies, ciltacabtagene autoleucel is a one-time treatment. It involves collecting blood from the patient, extracting T cells, genetically engineering them, then transfusing them back to the patient, who in the meantime has undergone conditioning.

The results from CARTITUDE-1 show that this one-time treatment resulted in deep and durable responses.

The overall response rate was 98%, and the majority of patients (78%) achieved a stringent complete response, in which physicians are unable to observe any signs or symptoms of disease via imaging or other tests after treatment.

At a median of 18 months’ follow-up, the median duration of response was 21.8 months.

“The responses in the CARTITUDE-1 study showed durability over time and resulted in the majority of heavily pretreated patients achieving deep responses after 18-month follow-up,” commented Mr. Jagannath.

“The approval of cilta-cel provides physicians an immunotherapy treatment option that offers patients an opportunity to be free from anti-myeloma therapies for a period of time,” he added.

As with other CAR T-cell therapies, there were serious side effects, and these products are available only through restricted programs under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.

The product information for Cartykti includes a boxed warning that mentions cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome, parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome, and prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias.

The most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than or equal to 20% of patients) are pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections–pathogens unspecified, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

When we refer to “regular table salt,” it is most commonly in the form of sodium chloride, which is also a major constituent of packaged and ultraprocessed foods.

The best approach to finding the “healthiest salt” – which really means the lowest in sodium – is to look for the amount on the label. “Sodium-free” usually indicates less than 5 mg of sodium per serving, and “low-sodium” usually means 140 mg or less per serving. In contrast, regular table salt can contain as much as 560 mg of sodium in one serving.

Other en vogue salts, such as pink Himalayan salt, sea salt, and kosher salt, are high in sodium content – like regular table salt – but because of their larger crystal size, less sodium is delivered per serving.

Georges Lievre / Fotolia.com

FDA issues guidance on reducing salt

Currently, the U.S. sodium dietary guidelines for persons older than 14 stipulate 2,300 mg/d, which is equivalent to 1 teaspoon a day. However it is estimated that the average person in the United States consumes more than this – around 3,400 mg of sodium daily.

In October 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published guidance on voluntary sodium limitations in commercially processed, packaged, and prepared food. The FDA’s short-term approach is to slowly reduce exposure to sodium in processed and restaurant food by 2025, on the basis that people will eventually get used to less salt, as has happened in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Such strategies to reduce salt intake are now being used in national programs in several countries. Many of these successful initiatives include active engagement with the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium added to processed food, as well as public awareness campaigns to alert consumers to the dangers of eating too much salt. This includes increasing potassium in manufactured foods, primarily to target hypertension and heart disease, as described by Clare Farrand, MSc, BSc, and colleagues, in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. The authors also make several recommendations regarding salt reduction policies:

• Food manufacturers should gradually reduce sodium in food to the lowest possible levels and explore the use of potassium-based sodium replacers to reduce sodium levels even further.
• Governments should continue to monitor sodium and potassium levels in processed foods.
• Further consideration may need to be given to how best to label salt substitutes (namely potassium) in processed foods to ensure that people who may be adversely affected are aware.
• Governments should systematically monitor potassium intake at the population level, including for specific susceptible groups.
• Governments should continue to systematically monitor sodium (salt) intake and iodine intake at the population level to adjust salt iodization over time as necessary, depending on observed salt intake in specific targeted groups, to ensure that they have sufficient but not excessive iodine intakes as salt intakes are reduced.
• Governments should consider opportunities for promoting and subsidizing salt substitutes, particularly in countries where salt added during cooking or at the table is the major source of salt in the diet.

The new FDA document includes 163 subcategories of foods in its voluntary salt reduction strategy.
 

Salt substitutes, high blood pressure, and mortality

Lowering sodium intake is almost certainly beneficial for persons with high blood pressure. In 2020, a review in Hypertension highlighted the benefit of salt substitutes in reducing hypertension, reporting that they lower systolic blood pressure by 5.58 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.88 mm Hg.

And changes to dietary sodium intake can potentially reduce or obviate the need for medications for essential hypertension in some individuals. Although there are only a few studies on this topic, a study by Bruce Neal, MB, ChB, PhD, and colleagues, revealed a reduction in stroke, cardiovascular events, and deaths with the use of potassium-based salt substitutes.
 

Salt substitutes and sodium and potassium handling in the kidneys

Many studies have shown that potassium-rich salt substitutes are safe in individuals with normal kidney function, but are they safe and beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

For anyone who is on a renal diet, potassium and sodium intake goals are limited according to their absolute level of kidney function.

There have been case reports of life-threatening blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) due to potassium-rich salt substitutes in people with CKD, but no larger published studies on this topic can be found.

A diet modeling study by Rebecca Morrison and colleagues evaluated varying degrees of potassium-enriched salt substituted bread products and their impact on dietary intake in persons with CKD. They used dietary data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 in Australia for 12,152 participants, 154 of whom had CKD. Replacing the sodium in bread with varying amounts of potassium chloride (20%, 30%, and 40%) would result in one-third of people with CKD exceeding the safe limits for dietary potassium consumption (31.8%, 32.6%, and 33%, respectively), they found.

“Potassium chloride substitution in staple foods such as bread and bread products have serious and potentially fatal consequences for people who need to restrict dietary potassium. Improved food labelling is required for consumers to avoid excessive consumption,” Ms. Morrison and colleagues concluded. They added that more studies are needed to further understand the risks of potassium dietary intake and hyperkalemia in CKD from potassium-based salt substitutes.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium intake daily for persons with CKD, diabetes, or high blood pressure; those older than 51; and African American persons of any age.

The recommended daily intake of potassium in persons with CKD can range from 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg, depending on the individual and their degree of CKD. The potassium content in some salt substitutes varies from 440 mg to 2,800 mg per teaspoon.

The best recommendation for individuals with CKD and a goal to reduce their sodium intake is to use herbs and lower-sodium seasonings as a substitute, but these should always be reviewed with their physician and renal nutritionist.

Dr. Brookins is a board-certified nephrologist and internist practicing in Georgia. She is the founder and owner of Remote Renal Care, a telehealth kidney practice. She reported no relevant conflicts of interest.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

When we refer to “regular table salt,” it is most commonly in the form of sodium chloride, which is also a major constituent of packaged and ultraprocessed foods.

The best approach to finding the “healthiest salt” – which really means the lowest in sodium – is to look for the amount on the label. “Sodium-free” usually indicates less than 5 mg of sodium per serving, and “low-sodium” usually means 140 mg or less per serving. In contrast, regular table salt can contain as much as 560 mg of sodium in one serving.

Other en vogue salts, such as pink Himalayan salt, sea salt, and kosher salt, are high in sodium content – like regular table salt – but because of their larger crystal size, less sodium is delivered per serving.

Georges Lievre / Fotolia.com

FDA issues guidance on reducing salt

Currently, the U.S. sodium dietary guidelines for persons older than 14 stipulate 2,300 mg/d, which is equivalent to 1 teaspoon a day. However it is estimated that the average person in the United States consumes more than this – around 3,400 mg of sodium daily.

In October 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published guidance on voluntary sodium limitations in commercially processed, packaged, and prepared food. The FDA’s short-term approach is to slowly reduce exposure to sodium in processed and restaurant food by 2025, on the basis that people will eventually get used to less salt, as has happened in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Such strategies to reduce salt intake are now being used in national programs in several countries. Many of these successful initiatives include active engagement with the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium added to processed food, as well as public awareness campaigns to alert consumers to the dangers of eating too much salt. This includes increasing potassium in manufactured foods, primarily to target hypertension and heart disease, as described by Clare Farrand, MSc, BSc, and colleagues, in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. The authors also make several recommendations regarding salt reduction policies:

• Food manufacturers should gradually reduce sodium in food to the lowest possible levels and explore the use of potassium-based sodium replacers to reduce sodium levels even further.
• Governments should continue to monitor sodium and potassium levels in processed foods.
• Further consideration may need to be given to how best to label salt substitutes (namely potassium) in processed foods to ensure that people who may be adversely affected are aware.
• Governments should systematically monitor potassium intake at the population level, including for specific susceptible groups.
• Governments should continue to systematically monitor sodium (salt) intake and iodine intake at the population level to adjust salt iodization over time as necessary, depending on observed salt intake in specific targeted groups, to ensure that they have sufficient but not excessive iodine intakes as salt intakes are reduced.
• Governments should consider opportunities for promoting and subsidizing salt substitutes, particularly in countries where salt added during cooking or at the table is the major source of salt in the diet.

The new FDA document includes 163 subcategories of foods in its voluntary salt reduction strategy.
 

Salt substitutes, high blood pressure, and mortality

Lowering sodium intake is almost certainly beneficial for persons with high blood pressure. In 2020, a review in Hypertension highlighted the benefit of salt substitutes in reducing hypertension, reporting that they lower systolic blood pressure by 5.58 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.88 mm Hg.

And changes to dietary sodium intake can potentially reduce or obviate the need for medications for essential hypertension in some individuals. Although there are only a few studies on this topic, a study by Bruce Neal, MB, ChB, PhD, and colleagues, revealed a reduction in stroke, cardiovascular events, and deaths with the use of potassium-based salt substitutes.
 

Salt substitutes and sodium and potassium handling in the kidneys

Many studies have shown that potassium-rich salt substitutes are safe in individuals with normal kidney function, but are they safe and beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

For anyone who is on a renal diet, potassium and sodium intake goals are limited according to their absolute level of kidney function.

There have been case reports of life-threatening blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) due to potassium-rich salt substitutes in people with CKD, but no larger published studies on this topic can be found.

A diet modeling study by Rebecca Morrison and colleagues evaluated varying degrees of potassium-enriched salt substituted bread products and their impact on dietary intake in persons with CKD. They used dietary data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 in Australia for 12,152 participants, 154 of whom had CKD. Replacing the sodium in bread with varying amounts of potassium chloride (20%, 30%, and 40%) would result in one-third of people with CKD exceeding the safe limits for dietary potassium consumption (31.8%, 32.6%, and 33%, respectively), they found.

“Potassium chloride substitution in staple foods such as bread and bread products have serious and potentially fatal consequences for people who need to restrict dietary potassium. Improved food labelling is required for consumers to avoid excessive consumption,” Ms. Morrison and colleagues concluded. They added that more studies are needed to further understand the risks of potassium dietary intake and hyperkalemia in CKD from potassium-based salt substitutes.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium intake daily for persons with CKD, diabetes, or high blood pressure; those older than 51; and African American persons of any age.

The recommended daily intake of potassium in persons with CKD can range from 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg, depending on the individual and their degree of CKD. The potassium content in some salt substitutes varies from 440 mg to 2,800 mg per teaspoon.

The best recommendation for individuals with CKD and a goal to reduce their sodium intake is to use herbs and lower-sodium seasonings as a substitute, but these should always be reviewed with their physician and renal nutritionist.

Dr. Brookins is a board-certified nephrologist and internist practicing in Georgia. She is the founder and owner of Remote Renal Care, a telehealth kidney practice. She reported no relevant conflicts of interest.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

When we refer to “regular table salt,” it is most commonly in the form of sodium chloride, which is also a major constituent of packaged and ultraprocessed foods.

The best approach to finding the “healthiest salt” – which really means the lowest in sodium – is to look for the amount on the label. “Sodium-free” usually indicates less than 5 mg of sodium per serving, and “low-sodium” usually means 140 mg or less per serving. In contrast, regular table salt can contain as much as 560 mg of sodium in one serving.

Other en vogue salts, such as pink Himalayan salt, sea salt, and kosher salt, are high in sodium content – like regular table salt – but because of their larger crystal size, less sodium is delivered per serving.

Georges Lievre / Fotolia.com

FDA issues guidance on reducing salt

Currently, the U.S. sodium dietary guidelines for persons older than 14 stipulate 2,300 mg/d, which is equivalent to 1 teaspoon a day. However it is estimated that the average person in the United States consumes more than this – around 3,400 mg of sodium daily.

In October 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published guidance on voluntary sodium limitations in commercially processed, packaged, and prepared food. The FDA’s short-term approach is to slowly reduce exposure to sodium in processed and restaurant food by 2025, on the basis that people will eventually get used to less salt, as has happened in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Such strategies to reduce salt intake are now being used in national programs in several countries. Many of these successful initiatives include active engagement with the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium added to processed food, as well as public awareness campaigns to alert consumers to the dangers of eating too much salt. This includes increasing potassium in manufactured foods, primarily to target hypertension and heart disease, as described by Clare Farrand, MSc, BSc, and colleagues, in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. The authors also make several recommendations regarding salt reduction policies:

• Food manufacturers should gradually reduce sodium in food to the lowest possible levels and explore the use of potassium-based sodium replacers to reduce sodium levels even further.
• Governments should continue to monitor sodium and potassium levels in processed foods.
• Further consideration may need to be given to how best to label salt substitutes (namely potassium) in processed foods to ensure that people who may be adversely affected are aware.
• Governments should systematically monitor potassium intake at the population level, including for specific susceptible groups.
• Governments should continue to systematically monitor sodium (salt) intake and iodine intake at the population level to adjust salt iodization over time as necessary, depending on observed salt intake in specific targeted groups, to ensure that they have sufficient but not excessive iodine intakes as salt intakes are reduced.
• Governments should consider opportunities for promoting and subsidizing salt substitutes, particularly in countries where salt added during cooking or at the table is the major source of salt in the diet.

The new FDA document includes 163 subcategories of foods in its voluntary salt reduction strategy.
 

Salt substitutes, high blood pressure, and mortality

Lowering sodium intake is almost certainly beneficial for persons with high blood pressure. In 2020, a review in Hypertension highlighted the benefit of salt substitutes in reducing hypertension, reporting that they lower systolic blood pressure by 5.58 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.88 mm Hg.

And changes to dietary sodium intake can potentially reduce or obviate the need for medications for essential hypertension in some individuals. Although there are only a few studies on this topic, a study by Bruce Neal, MB, ChB, PhD, and colleagues, revealed a reduction in stroke, cardiovascular events, and deaths with the use of potassium-based salt substitutes.
 

Salt substitutes and sodium and potassium handling in the kidneys

Many studies have shown that potassium-rich salt substitutes are safe in individuals with normal kidney function, but are they safe and beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

For anyone who is on a renal diet, potassium and sodium intake goals are limited according to their absolute level of kidney function.

There have been case reports of life-threatening blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) due to potassium-rich salt substitutes in people with CKD, but no larger published studies on this topic can be found.

A diet modeling study by Rebecca Morrison and colleagues evaluated varying degrees of potassium-enriched salt substituted bread products and their impact on dietary intake in persons with CKD. They used dietary data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 in Australia for 12,152 participants, 154 of whom had CKD. Replacing the sodium in bread with varying amounts of potassium chloride (20%, 30%, and 40%) would result in one-third of people with CKD exceeding the safe limits for dietary potassium consumption (31.8%, 32.6%, and 33%, respectively), they found.

“Potassium chloride substitution in staple foods such as bread and bread products have serious and potentially fatal consequences for people who need to restrict dietary potassium. Improved food labelling is required for consumers to avoid excessive consumption,” Ms. Morrison and colleagues concluded. They added that more studies are needed to further understand the risks of potassium dietary intake and hyperkalemia in CKD from potassium-based salt substitutes.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium intake daily for persons with CKD, diabetes, or high blood pressure; those older than 51; and African American persons of any age.

The recommended daily intake of potassium in persons with CKD can range from 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg, depending on the individual and their degree of CKD. The potassium content in some salt substitutes varies from 440 mg to 2,800 mg per teaspoon.

The best recommendation for individuals with CKD and a goal to reduce their sodium intake is to use herbs and lower-sodium seasonings as a substitute, but these should always be reviewed with their physician and renal nutritionist.

Dr. Brookins is a board-certified nephrologist and internist practicing in Georgia. She is the founder and owner of Remote Renal Care, a telehealth kidney practice. She reported no relevant conflicts of interest.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

This supplement reviews key aspects of Mycoplasma genitalium and further testing and treatment options for the STI. To read more about this click the link below. 

Click Here to Read More

This supplement reviews key aspects of Mycoplasma genitalium and further testing and treatment options for the STI. To read more about this click the link below. 

Click Here to Read More

This supplement reviews key aspects of Mycoplasma genitalium and further testing and treatment options for the STI. To read more about this click the link below. 

Click Here to Read More

Building on several previous reports that the newest models of mobile telephones and other electronics that use magnets pose a threat to the function of defibrillators and other implantable cardiovascular devices, a new study implicates any device that emits a 10-gauss (G) magnetic field more than a couple of inches.

“Beside the devices described in our manuscript, this can be any portable consumer product [with magnets] like electric cigarettes or smart watches,” explained study author Sven Knecht, DSc, a research electrophysiologist associated with the department of cardiology, University Hospital Basel (Switzerland).

In the newly published article, the investigators evaluated earphones, earphone charging cases, and two electronic pens used to draw on electronic tablets. These particular devices are of interest because, like mobile phones, they are of a size and shape to fit in a breast pocket adjacent to where many cardiovascular devices are implanted.

The study joins several previous studies that have shown the same risk, but this study used three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the magnetic field rather than a one-axis sensor, which is a standard adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the investigators.
 

3D mapping assessment used

Because of the 3D nature of magnetic fields, 3D mapping serves as a better tool to assess the risk of the magnetic force as the intensity gradient diminishes with distance from the source, the authors contended. The 3D maps used in this study have a resolution to 2 mm.

The ex vivo measurements of the magnetic field, which could be displayed in a configurable 3D volume in relation to the electronic products were performed on five different explanted cardioverter defibrillators from two manufacturers.

In the ex vivo setting, the ability of the earphones, earphone charging cases, and electronic pens to interfere with defibrillator function was compared to that of the Apple iPhone 12 Max, which was the subject of a small in vivo study published in 2021. When the iPhone 12 Max was placed on the skin over a cardiac implantable device in that study, clinically identifiable interference could be detected in all 3 patients evaluated.

Based on previous work, the International Organization for Standardization has established that a minimal field strength of 10 G is needed to interfere with an implantable device, but the actual risk from any specific device is determined by the distance at which this strength of magnetic field is projected.

In the 3D analysis, the 10-G intensity was found to project 20 mm from the surface of the ear phones, ear phone charging case, and one of the electronic pens and to project 29 mm from the other electronic pen. When tested against the five defibrillators, magnetic reversion mode was triggered by the portable electronics at distances ranging from 8 to 18 mm.

In an interview, Dr. Knecht explained that this study adds more devices to the list of those associated with potential for interfering with implantable cardiovascular devices, but added that the more important point is that any device that contains magnets emitting a force of 10 G or greater for more than a few inches can be expected to be associated with clinically meaningful interference. The devices tested in this study were produced by Apple and Microsoft, but a focus on specific devices obscures the main message.

“All portable electronics with an embedded permanent magnet creating a 10-G magnetic field have a theoretical capability of triggering implantable devices,” he said.

For pacemakers, the interference is likely to trigger constant pacing, which would not be expected to pose a significant health threat if detected with a reasonable period, according to Dr. Knecht. Interference is potentially more serious for defibrillators, which might fail during magnetic interference to provide the shock needed to terminate a serious arrhythmia.

The combination of events – interference at the time of an arrhythmia – make this risk “very low,” but Dr. Knecht said it is sufficient to mean that patients receiving an implantable cardiovascular device should be made aware of the risk and the need to avoid placing portable electronic products near the implanted device.

When in vivo evidence of a disturbance with the iPhone 12 was reported in 2021, it amplified existing concern. The American Heart Association maintains a list of electronic products with the potential to interfere with implantable devices on its website. But, again, understanding the potential for risk and the need to keep electronic products with magnets at a safe distance from cardiovascular implantable devices is more important than trying to memorize the ever-growing list of devices with this capability.

“Prudent education of patients receiving an implantable device is important,” said N.A. Mark Estes III, MD, professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh. However, in an interview, he warned that the growing list of implicated devices makes a complete survey impractical, and, even if achievable, likely to leave patients “feeling overwhelmed.”
 

In Dr. Estes’s practice, he does provide printed information about the risks of electronics to interfere with implantable devices as well as a list of dos and don’ts. He agreed that the absolute risk of interference from a device causing significant clinical complications is low, but the goal is to “bring it as close to zero as possible.”

“No clinical case of a meaningful interaction of an electronic product and dysfunction of an implantable device has ever been documented,” he said. Given the widespread use of the new generation of cellphones that contain magnets powerful enough to induce dysfunction in an implantable device, “this speaks to the fact that the risk continues to be very low.”

Dr. Knecht and coinvestigators, along with Dr. Estes, reported no potential conflicts of interest.

Building on several previous reports that the newest models of mobile telephones and other electronics that use magnets pose a threat to the function of defibrillators and other implantable cardiovascular devices, a new study implicates any device that emits a 10-gauss (G) magnetic field more than a couple of inches.

“Beside the devices described in our manuscript, this can be any portable consumer product [with magnets] like electric cigarettes or smart watches,” explained study author Sven Knecht, DSc, a research electrophysiologist associated with the department of cardiology, University Hospital Basel (Switzerland).

In the newly published article, the investigators evaluated earphones, earphone charging cases, and two electronic pens used to draw on electronic tablets. These particular devices are of interest because, like mobile phones, they are of a size and shape to fit in a breast pocket adjacent to where many cardiovascular devices are implanted.

The study joins several previous studies that have shown the same risk, but this study used three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the magnetic field rather than a one-axis sensor, which is a standard adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the investigators.
 

3D mapping assessment used

Because of the 3D nature of magnetic fields, 3D mapping serves as a better tool to assess the risk of the magnetic force as the intensity gradient diminishes with distance from the source, the authors contended. The 3D maps used in this study have a resolution to 2 mm.

The ex vivo measurements of the magnetic field, which could be displayed in a configurable 3D volume in relation to the electronic products were performed on five different explanted cardioverter defibrillators from two manufacturers.

In the ex vivo setting, the ability of the earphones, earphone charging cases, and electronic pens to interfere with defibrillator function was compared to that of the Apple iPhone 12 Max, which was the subject of a small in vivo study published in 2021. When the iPhone 12 Max was placed on the skin over a cardiac implantable device in that study, clinically identifiable interference could be detected in all 3 patients evaluated.

Based on previous work, the International Organization for Standardization has established that a minimal field strength of 10 G is needed to interfere with an implantable device, but the actual risk from any specific device is determined by the distance at which this strength of magnetic field is projected.

In the 3D analysis, the 10-G intensity was found to project 20 mm from the surface of the ear phones, ear phone charging case, and one of the electronic pens and to project 29 mm from the other electronic pen. When tested against the five defibrillators, magnetic reversion mode was triggered by the portable electronics at distances ranging from 8 to 18 mm.

In an interview, Dr. Knecht explained that this study adds more devices to the list of those associated with potential for interfering with implantable cardiovascular devices, but added that the more important point is that any device that contains magnets emitting a force of 10 G or greater for more than a few inches can be expected to be associated with clinically meaningful interference. The devices tested in this study were produced by Apple and Microsoft, but a focus on specific devices obscures the main message.

“All portable electronics with an embedded permanent magnet creating a 10-G magnetic field have a theoretical capability of triggering implantable devices,” he said.

For pacemakers, the interference is likely to trigger constant pacing, which would not be expected to pose a significant health threat if detected with a reasonable period, according to Dr. Knecht. Interference is potentially more serious for defibrillators, which might fail during magnetic interference to provide the shock needed to terminate a serious arrhythmia.

The combination of events – interference at the time of an arrhythmia – make this risk “very low,” but Dr. Knecht said it is sufficient to mean that patients receiving an implantable cardiovascular device should be made aware of the risk and the need to avoid placing portable electronic products near the implanted device.

When in vivo evidence of a disturbance with the iPhone 12 was reported in 2021, it amplified existing concern. The American Heart Association maintains a list of electronic products with the potential to interfere with implantable devices on its website. But, again, understanding the potential for risk and the need to keep electronic products with magnets at a safe distance from cardiovascular implantable devices is more important than trying to memorize the ever-growing list of devices with this capability.

“Prudent education of patients receiving an implantable device is important,” said N.A. Mark Estes III, MD, professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh. However, in an interview, he warned that the growing list of implicated devices makes a complete survey impractical, and, even if achievable, likely to leave patients “feeling overwhelmed.”
 

In Dr. Estes’s practice, he does provide printed information about the risks of electronics to interfere with implantable devices as well as a list of dos and don’ts. He agreed that the absolute risk of interference from a device causing significant clinical complications is low, but the goal is to “bring it as close to zero as possible.”

“No clinical case of a meaningful interaction of an electronic product and dysfunction of an implantable device has ever been documented,” he said. Given the widespread use of the new generation of cellphones that contain magnets powerful enough to induce dysfunction in an implantable device, “this speaks to the fact that the risk continues to be very low.”

Dr. Knecht and coinvestigators, along with Dr. Estes, reported no potential conflicts of interest.

Building on several previous reports that the newest models of mobile telephones and other electronics that use magnets pose a threat to the function of defibrillators and other implantable cardiovascular devices, a new study implicates any device that emits a 10-gauss (G) magnetic field more than a couple of inches.

“Beside the devices described in our manuscript, this can be any portable consumer product [with magnets] like electric cigarettes or smart watches,” explained study author Sven Knecht, DSc, a research electrophysiologist associated with the department of cardiology, University Hospital Basel (Switzerland).

In the newly published article, the investigators evaluated earphones, earphone charging cases, and two electronic pens used to draw on electronic tablets. These particular devices are of interest because, like mobile phones, they are of a size and shape to fit in a breast pocket adjacent to where many cardiovascular devices are implanted.

The study joins several previous studies that have shown the same risk, but this study used three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the magnetic field rather than a one-axis sensor, which is a standard adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the investigators.
 

3D mapping assessment used

Because of the 3D nature of magnetic fields, 3D mapping serves as a better tool to assess the risk of the magnetic force as the intensity gradient diminishes with distance from the source, the authors contended. The 3D maps used in this study have a resolution to 2 mm.

The ex vivo measurements of the magnetic field, which could be displayed in a configurable 3D volume in relation to the electronic products were performed on five different explanted cardioverter defibrillators from two manufacturers.

In the ex vivo setting, the ability of the earphones, earphone charging cases, and electronic pens to interfere with defibrillator function was compared to that of the Apple iPhone 12 Max, which was the subject of a small in vivo study published in 2021. When the iPhone 12 Max was placed on the skin over a cardiac implantable device in that study, clinically identifiable interference could be detected in all 3 patients evaluated.

Based on previous work, the International Organization for Standardization has established that a minimal field strength of 10 G is needed to interfere with an implantable device, but the actual risk from any specific device is determined by the distance at which this strength of magnetic field is projected.

In the 3D analysis, the 10-G intensity was found to project 20 mm from the surface of the ear phones, ear phone charging case, and one of the electronic pens and to project 29 mm from the other electronic pen. When tested against the five defibrillators, magnetic reversion mode was triggered by the portable electronics at distances ranging from 8 to 18 mm.

In an interview, Dr. Knecht explained that this study adds more devices to the list of those associated with potential for interfering with implantable cardiovascular devices, but added that the more important point is that any device that contains magnets emitting a force of 10 G or greater for more than a few inches can be expected to be associated with clinically meaningful interference. The devices tested in this study were produced by Apple and Microsoft, but a focus on specific devices obscures the main message.

“All portable electronics with an embedded permanent magnet creating a 10-G magnetic field have a theoretical capability of triggering implantable devices,” he said.

For pacemakers, the interference is likely to trigger constant pacing, which would not be expected to pose a significant health threat if detected with a reasonable period, according to Dr. Knecht. Interference is potentially more serious for defibrillators, which might fail during magnetic interference to provide the shock needed to terminate a serious arrhythmia.

The combination of events – interference at the time of an arrhythmia – make this risk “very low,” but Dr. Knecht said it is sufficient to mean that patients receiving an implantable cardiovascular device should be made aware of the risk and the need to avoid placing portable electronic products near the implanted device.

When in vivo evidence of a disturbance with the iPhone 12 was reported in 2021, it amplified existing concern. The American Heart Association maintains a list of electronic products with the potential to interfere with implantable devices on its website. But, again, understanding the potential for risk and the need to keep electronic products with magnets at a safe distance from cardiovascular implantable devices is more important than trying to memorize the ever-growing list of devices with this capability.

“Prudent education of patients receiving an implantable device is important,” said N.A. Mark Estes III, MD, professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh. However, in an interview, he warned that the growing list of implicated devices makes a complete survey impractical, and, even if achievable, likely to leave patients “feeling overwhelmed.”
 

In Dr. Estes’s practice, he does provide printed information about the risks of electronics to interfere with implantable devices as well as a list of dos and don’ts. He agreed that the absolute risk of interference from a device causing significant clinical complications is low, but the goal is to “bring it as close to zero as possible.”

“No clinical case of a meaningful interaction of an electronic product and dysfunction of an implantable device has ever been documented,” he said. Given the widespread use of the new generation of cellphones that contain magnets powerful enough to induce dysfunction in an implantable device, “this speaks to the fact that the risk continues to be very low.”

Dr. Knecht and coinvestigators, along with Dr. Estes, reported no potential conflicts of interest.

Two preprint studies released on Feb. 26 offer additional evidence that the coronavirus pandemic started at a market in Wuhan, China.

By analyzing data from several sources, scientists concluded that the virus came from animals and spread to humans in late 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. They added that no evidence supported a theory that the virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan.

“When you look at all the evidence together, it’s an extraordinarily clear picture that the pandemic started at the Huanan market,” Michael Worobey, D.Phil., a co-author on both studies and an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, told the New York Times.

The two reports haven’t yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. They were posted on Zenodo, an open-access research repository operated by CERN.

In one study, researchers used spatial analysis to show that the earliest COVID-19 cases, which were diagnosed in December 2019, were linked to the market. Researchers also found that environmental samples that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus were associated with animal vendors.

In another study, researchers found that two major viral lineages of the coronavirus resulted from at least two events when the virus spread from animals into humans. The first transmission most likely happened in late November or early December 2019, they wrote, and the other likely happened a few weeks later.

Several of the researchers behind the new studies also published a review last summer that said the pandemic originated in an animal, likely at a wildlife market. At that time, they said the first known case was a vendor at the Huanan market.

The new findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the pandemic had animal-related origins, Dr. Worobey told CNN. He called the results a “game, set and match” for the theory that the pandemic began in a lab.

“It’s no longer something that makes sense to imagine that this started any other way,” he said.

In a separate line of research, scientists at the Chinese CDC conducted a new analysis of samples collected at the market in January. They found that the samples included the two main lineages of the coronavirus. They posted the results in a report on the Research Square preprint server Feb. 26.

“The beauty of it is how simply it all adds up now,” Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences, who wasn’t involved with the new studies, told the New York Times.

The initial spread of the coronavirus was like a firework, Dr. Worobey told CNN, starting at the market and exploding outward. The “overwhelming majority” of cases were specifically linked to the western section of the market, where most of the live-mammal vendors were located, the study authors wrote. Then COVID-19 cases spread into the community from there, and the pattern of transmission changed by January or February 2020.

When researchers tested surfaces at the market for coronavirus genetic material, one stall had the most positives, including a cage where raccoon dogs had been kept.

The study authors said the findings highlight the urgent need to pay attention to situations where wild animals and humans interact closely on a daily basis.

“We need to do a better job of farming and regulating these wild animals,” Robert Garry, one of the co-authors and a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CNN.

That could include better infrastructure in places like markets where viruses spill over from animals to humans, he said. Surveillance is also key in preventing future pandemics by detecting new respiratory diseases in humans, isolating patients, and sequencing new virus strains.

“This is not the last time this happens,” he said.

A version of this article first appeared on WebMD.com.

Two preprint studies released on Feb. 26 offer additional evidence that the coronavirus pandemic started at a market in Wuhan, China.

By analyzing data from several sources, scientists concluded that the virus came from animals and spread to humans in late 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. They added that no evidence supported a theory that the virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan.

“When you look at all the evidence together, it’s an extraordinarily clear picture that the pandemic started at the Huanan market,” Michael Worobey, D.Phil., a co-author on both studies and an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, told the New York Times.

The two reports haven’t yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. They were posted on Zenodo, an open-access research repository operated by CERN.

In one study, researchers used spatial analysis to show that the earliest COVID-19 cases, which were diagnosed in December 2019, were linked to the market. Researchers also found that environmental samples that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus were associated with animal vendors.

In another study, researchers found that two major viral lineages of the coronavirus resulted from at least two events when the virus spread from animals into humans. The first transmission most likely happened in late November or early December 2019, they wrote, and the other likely happened a few weeks later.

Several of the researchers behind the new studies also published a review last summer that said the pandemic originated in an animal, likely at a wildlife market. At that time, they said the first known case was a vendor at the Huanan market.

The new findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the pandemic had animal-related origins, Dr. Worobey told CNN. He called the results a “game, set and match” for the theory that the pandemic began in a lab.

“It’s no longer something that makes sense to imagine that this started any other way,” he said.

In a separate line of research, scientists at the Chinese CDC conducted a new analysis of samples collected at the market in January. They found that the samples included the two main lineages of the coronavirus. They posted the results in a report on the Research Square preprint server Feb. 26.

“The beauty of it is how simply it all adds up now,” Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences, who wasn’t involved with the new studies, told the New York Times.

The initial spread of the coronavirus was like a firework, Dr. Worobey told CNN, starting at the market and exploding outward. The “overwhelming majority” of cases were specifically linked to the western section of the market, where most of the live-mammal vendors were located, the study authors wrote. Then COVID-19 cases spread into the community from there, and the pattern of transmission changed by January or February 2020.

When researchers tested surfaces at the market for coronavirus genetic material, one stall had the most positives, including a cage where raccoon dogs had been kept.

The study authors said the findings highlight the urgent need to pay attention to situations where wild animals and humans interact closely on a daily basis.

“We need to do a better job of farming and regulating these wild animals,” Robert Garry, one of the co-authors and a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CNN.

That could include better infrastructure in places like markets where viruses spill over from animals to humans, he said. Surveillance is also key in preventing future pandemics by detecting new respiratory diseases in humans, isolating patients, and sequencing new virus strains.

“This is not the last time this happens,” he said.

A version of this article first appeared on WebMD.com.

Two preprint studies released on Feb. 26 offer additional evidence that the coronavirus pandemic started at a market in Wuhan, China.

By analyzing data from several sources, scientists concluded that the virus came from animals and spread to humans in late 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. They added that no evidence supported a theory that the virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan.

“When you look at all the evidence together, it’s an extraordinarily clear picture that the pandemic started at the Huanan market,” Michael Worobey, D.Phil., a co-author on both studies and an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, told the New York Times.

The two reports haven’t yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. They were posted on Zenodo, an open-access research repository operated by CERN.

In one study, researchers used spatial analysis to show that the earliest COVID-19 cases, which were diagnosed in December 2019, were linked to the market. Researchers also found that environmental samples that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus were associated with animal vendors.

In another study, researchers found that two major viral lineages of the coronavirus resulted from at least two events when the virus spread from animals into humans. The first transmission most likely happened in late November or early December 2019, they wrote, and the other likely happened a few weeks later.

Several of the researchers behind the new studies also published a review last summer that said the pandemic originated in an animal, likely at a wildlife market. At that time, they said the first known case was a vendor at the Huanan market.

The new findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the pandemic had animal-related origins, Dr. Worobey told CNN. He called the results a “game, set and match” for the theory that the pandemic began in a lab.

“It’s no longer something that makes sense to imagine that this started any other way,” he said.

In a separate line of research, scientists at the Chinese CDC conducted a new analysis of samples collected at the market in January. They found that the samples included the two main lineages of the coronavirus. They posted the results in a report on the Research Square preprint server Feb. 26.

“The beauty of it is how simply it all adds up now,” Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences, who wasn’t involved with the new studies, told the New York Times.

The initial spread of the coronavirus was like a firework, Dr. Worobey told CNN, starting at the market and exploding outward. The “overwhelming majority” of cases were specifically linked to the western section of the market, where most of the live-mammal vendors were located, the study authors wrote. Then COVID-19 cases spread into the community from there, and the pattern of transmission changed by January or February 2020.

When researchers tested surfaces at the market for coronavirus genetic material, one stall had the most positives, including a cage where raccoon dogs had been kept.

The study authors said the findings highlight the urgent need to pay attention to situations where wild animals and humans interact closely on a daily basis.

“We need to do a better job of farming and regulating these wild animals,” Robert Garry, one of the co-authors and a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CNN.

That could include better infrastructure in places like markets where viruses spill over from animals to humans, he said. Surveillance is also key in preventing future pandemics by detecting new respiratory diseases in humans, isolating patients, and sequencing new virus strains.

“This is not the last time this happens,” he said.

A version of this article first appeared on WebMD.com.

An investigational, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501, BioXcel Therapeutics) can rapidly relieve mild to moderate acute agitation in patients with bipolar disorder, new research suggests.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial included almost 400 adults with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation.

Results showed relief from acute agitation kicked in beginning at 20 minutes after administration of the treatment and continued to 120 minutes, principal investigator Sheldon H. Preskorn, MD, professor, department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, University of Kansas, Wichita, and colleagues reported.

“Patients who are mild to moderately agitated in whom there is the potential for escalation to more severe agitation,” are good candidates for sublingual dexmedetomidine, Dr. Preskorn told this news organization.

He noted that, while “comparative claims require comparative studies,” a key advantage is that it “can be self-administered by patients reliably because of the adherence of the film to the mucosa.”

The findings were published online Feb. 22, 2022 in JAMA.  
 

Tough-to-manage symptom

Preliminary results were presented at the 2021 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association and reported by this news organization at that time. 

Agitation is a common and tough-to-manage symptom associated with multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial enrolled 380 adults (mean age, 45 years; 55% women) with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation in the emergency department.

All participants had a total score of 14 or greater on the five items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale–Excited Component (PEC) scale at baseline and a score of 4 or greater on at least one PEC item.

Patients were randomly allocated to a single dose of sublingual dexmedetomidine (120 mcg or 180 mcg) or placebo. All but two patients completed the study.

Baseline agitation was mild to moderate, with an overall mean PEC total score of 18.
 

Rapid relief

Mean change from baseline in the PEC total score at 2 hours (primary endpoint) was –9 and –10.4 with the 120-mcg and 180-mcg doses of sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, versus –4.9 for placebo.

Least-square mean differences from placebo in the sublingual dexmedetomidine groups at 2 hours were statistically significant for both doses (both, P < .001 vs. placebo).

Statistically significant treatment effects were first evident 20 minutes after dosing for both of the dexmedetomidine doses versus placebo.

Patients in both active-treatment groups showed greater improvement in PEC total score than patients in the placebo group at all subsequent time points through 2 hours post dosing.

Sublingual dexmedetomidine was also associated with significant improvement on the secondary outcomes of Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement and Agitation-Calmness Evaluation Scale.

Adverse events occurred in 35.7% and 34.9% of patients taking 180 mcg and 120 mcg sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, compared with 17.5% of patients taking placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events were somnolence, dry mouth, hypotension, and dizziness. No treatment-related serious or severe adverse events were reported.
 

FDA action date: April 5

In an accompanying editorial, John K. Hsiao, MD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., noted that an “out-of-control, agitated, possibly aggressive patient in a medical setting is a crisis demanding swift and safe resolution.

“Today, emergency departments now rival and perhaps surpass psychiatric units as settings where out-of-control, agitated patients must be managed,” Dr. Hsiao said.

The current study “provides evidence to support a novel, potentially important addition to the armamentarium for managing behavioral agitation,” he wrote.

BioXcel Therapeutics has submitted a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date is April 5.

In a statement, Frank D. Yocca, PhD, chief scientific officer of BioXcel Therapeutics, said the company is looking forward to potential FDA approval of the treatment for agitation associated with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

“Building on the strength of these compelling data, we are also confidently progressing BXCL501 as a potential acute treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Yocca added.

The study was funded by BioXcel Therapeutics. Dr. Preskorn reported receiving consulting fees from BioXcel and receiving research grants from, serving as a consultant for, on advisory boards of, and on the speakers bureau of Alkermes, BioXcel Therapeutics, Eisai, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka, Sunovion, and Usona Institute. Dr. Hsiao has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

An investigational, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501, BioXcel Therapeutics) can rapidly relieve mild to moderate acute agitation in patients with bipolar disorder, new research suggests.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial included almost 400 adults with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation.

Results showed relief from acute agitation kicked in beginning at 20 minutes after administration of the treatment and continued to 120 minutes, principal investigator Sheldon H. Preskorn, MD, professor, department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, University of Kansas, Wichita, and colleagues reported.

“Patients who are mild to moderately agitated in whom there is the potential for escalation to more severe agitation,” are good candidates for sublingual dexmedetomidine, Dr. Preskorn told this news organization.

He noted that, while “comparative claims require comparative studies,” a key advantage is that it “can be self-administered by patients reliably because of the adherence of the film to the mucosa.”

The findings were published online Feb. 22, 2022 in JAMA.  
 

Tough-to-manage symptom

Preliminary results were presented at the 2021 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association and reported by this news organization at that time. 

Agitation is a common and tough-to-manage symptom associated with multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial enrolled 380 adults (mean age, 45 years; 55% women) with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation in the emergency department.

All participants had a total score of 14 or greater on the five items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale–Excited Component (PEC) scale at baseline and a score of 4 or greater on at least one PEC item.

Patients were randomly allocated to a single dose of sublingual dexmedetomidine (120 mcg or 180 mcg) or placebo. All but two patients completed the study.

Baseline agitation was mild to moderate, with an overall mean PEC total score of 18.
 

Rapid relief

Mean change from baseline in the PEC total score at 2 hours (primary endpoint) was –9 and –10.4 with the 120-mcg and 180-mcg doses of sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, versus –4.9 for placebo.

Least-square mean differences from placebo in the sublingual dexmedetomidine groups at 2 hours were statistically significant for both doses (both, P < .001 vs. placebo).

Statistically significant treatment effects were first evident 20 minutes after dosing for both of the dexmedetomidine doses versus placebo.

Patients in both active-treatment groups showed greater improvement in PEC total score than patients in the placebo group at all subsequent time points through 2 hours post dosing.

Sublingual dexmedetomidine was also associated with significant improvement on the secondary outcomes of Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement and Agitation-Calmness Evaluation Scale.

Adverse events occurred in 35.7% and 34.9% of patients taking 180 mcg and 120 mcg sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, compared with 17.5% of patients taking placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events were somnolence, dry mouth, hypotension, and dizziness. No treatment-related serious or severe adverse events were reported.
 

FDA action date: April 5

In an accompanying editorial, John K. Hsiao, MD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., noted that an “out-of-control, agitated, possibly aggressive patient in a medical setting is a crisis demanding swift and safe resolution.

“Today, emergency departments now rival and perhaps surpass psychiatric units as settings where out-of-control, agitated patients must be managed,” Dr. Hsiao said.

The current study “provides evidence to support a novel, potentially important addition to the armamentarium for managing behavioral agitation,” he wrote.

BioXcel Therapeutics has submitted a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date is April 5.

In a statement, Frank D. Yocca, PhD, chief scientific officer of BioXcel Therapeutics, said the company is looking forward to potential FDA approval of the treatment for agitation associated with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

“Building on the strength of these compelling data, we are also confidently progressing BXCL501 as a potential acute treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Yocca added.

The study was funded by BioXcel Therapeutics. Dr. Preskorn reported receiving consulting fees from BioXcel and receiving research grants from, serving as a consultant for, on advisory boards of, and on the speakers bureau of Alkermes, BioXcel Therapeutics, Eisai, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka, Sunovion, and Usona Institute. Dr. Hsiao has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

An investigational, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501, BioXcel Therapeutics) can rapidly relieve mild to moderate acute agitation in patients with bipolar disorder, new research suggests.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial included almost 400 adults with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation.

Results showed relief from acute agitation kicked in beginning at 20 minutes after administration of the treatment and continued to 120 minutes, principal investigator Sheldon H. Preskorn, MD, professor, department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, University of Kansas, Wichita, and colleagues reported.

“Patients who are mild to moderately agitated in whom there is the potential for escalation to more severe agitation,” are good candidates for sublingual dexmedetomidine, Dr. Preskorn told this news organization.

He noted that, while “comparative claims require comparative studies,” a key advantage is that it “can be self-administered by patients reliably because of the adherence of the film to the mucosa.”

The findings were published online Feb. 22, 2022 in JAMA.  
 

Tough-to-manage symptom

Preliminary results were presented at the 2021 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association and reported by this news organization at that time. 

Agitation is a common and tough-to-manage symptom associated with multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder.

The phase 3 SERENITY II trial enrolled 380 adults (mean age, 45 years; 55% women) with bipolar I or II disorder and acute agitation in the emergency department.

All participants had a total score of 14 or greater on the five items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale–Excited Component (PEC) scale at baseline and a score of 4 or greater on at least one PEC item.

Patients were randomly allocated to a single dose of sublingual dexmedetomidine (120 mcg or 180 mcg) or placebo. All but two patients completed the study.

Baseline agitation was mild to moderate, with an overall mean PEC total score of 18.
 

Rapid relief

Mean change from baseline in the PEC total score at 2 hours (primary endpoint) was –9 and –10.4 with the 120-mcg and 180-mcg doses of sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, versus –4.9 for placebo.

Least-square mean differences from placebo in the sublingual dexmedetomidine groups at 2 hours were statistically significant for both doses (both, P < .001 vs. placebo).

Statistically significant treatment effects were first evident 20 minutes after dosing for both of the dexmedetomidine doses versus placebo.

Patients in both active-treatment groups showed greater improvement in PEC total score than patients in the placebo group at all subsequent time points through 2 hours post dosing.

Sublingual dexmedetomidine was also associated with significant improvement on the secondary outcomes of Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement and Agitation-Calmness Evaluation Scale.

Adverse events occurred in 35.7% and 34.9% of patients taking 180 mcg and 120 mcg sublingual dexmedetomidine, respectively, compared with 17.5% of patients taking placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events were somnolence, dry mouth, hypotension, and dizziness. No treatment-related serious or severe adverse events were reported.
 

FDA action date: April 5

In an accompanying editorial, John K. Hsiao, MD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., noted that an “out-of-control, agitated, possibly aggressive patient in a medical setting is a crisis demanding swift and safe resolution.

“Today, emergency departments now rival and perhaps surpass psychiatric units as settings where out-of-control, agitated patients must be managed,” Dr. Hsiao said.

The current study “provides evidence to support a novel, potentially important addition to the armamentarium for managing behavioral agitation,” he wrote.

BioXcel Therapeutics has submitted a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date is April 5.

In a statement, Frank D. Yocca, PhD, chief scientific officer of BioXcel Therapeutics, said the company is looking forward to potential FDA approval of the treatment for agitation associated with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

“Building on the strength of these compelling data, we are also confidently progressing BXCL501 as a potential acute treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Yocca added.

The study was funded by BioXcel Therapeutics. Dr. Preskorn reported receiving consulting fees from BioXcel and receiving research grants from, serving as a consultant for, on advisory boards of, and on the speakers bureau of Alkermes, BioXcel Therapeutics, Eisai, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka, Sunovion, and Usona Institute. Dr. Hsiao has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.