GiHF Medcast

In this expert-led discussion from GI ReConnect, Dr. David Kunkel is joined by Dr. Lucinda Harris and Dr. Ali Rezaie to explore the evolving understanding of gastrointestinal involvement in amyloidosis. The panel unpacks how misfolded protein deposition can lead to a wide spectrum of GI symptoms—from diarrhea, weight loss, and gastroparesis to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), bleeding, and malnutrition. They walk through diagnostic strategies, including the importance of requesting Congo red staining during biopsy and maintaining a high index of suspicion in patients with unexplained GI symptoms, particularly those with systemic red flags. Real-world insights into multidisciplinary management—including collaboration with cardiology, hematology, nephrology, and neurology—highlight the systemic nature of amyloidosis and the need for early intervention. The panel also reviews emerging treatment options for AL, AA, and ATTR amyloidosis, emphasizing how timely diagnosis can prevent irreversible organ damage and dramatically improve outcomes. With personal reflections, practical pearls, and guidance for both clinicians and patients, this episode is a must-watch for gastroenterologists navigating complex, multisystem diseases.

In this dynamic and metaphor-rich discussion recorded at GI ReConnect, Dr. Braden Kuo, Dr. Kyle Staller, and Dr. David Kunkel—leaders in motility and upper GI care—explore the evolving landscape of gastroparesis management, acid suppression therapy, and H. pylori treatment. The conversation begins with a critical review of the draft AGA guidelines for gastroparesis, highlighting the controversy around conditional recommendations, the strict grading methodology, and the limited number of therapies (such as metoclopramide and erythromycin) that currently meet efficacy thresholds. The panel unpacks how these guidelines may affect clinical decision-making, insurance access, and shared decision-making conversations with patients. Transitioning to acid suppression, they introduce potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) as a new, faster-acting class of medications that overcome some of the practical limitations of PPIs. The group shares real-world scenarios for using PCABs, from on-demand therapy to cases of nighttime reflux or partial PPI responders, while emphasizing the importance of diagnostic clarity via pH monitoring. Finally, they discuss the potential for PCABs to improve H. pylori eradication rates by enhancing antibiotic efficacy in a higher pH environment and simplifying regimens in the face of rising clarithromycin resistance and patient nonadherence. Whether you treat upper GI disorders, motility dysfunction, or functional dyspepsia, this episode offers practical pearls, forward-looking perspectives, and a call to action for improving research and outcomes in underfunded GI disease states.

Join Dr. Amit Patel and Dr. Gary Falk as they recap key highlights from the Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Disease State Summit, held live at GI ReConnect in Colorado. This expert-led discussion explores best practices in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of EoE. The panel emphasizes updates from the ACG guidelines, including the importance of performing index endoscopy off therapy, standardized scoring tools like EREFS and the EoE Index of Severity (EoE-IS), and the nuanced role of histology in guiding treatment. They discuss differentiating EoE from GERD, appropriate biopsy practices, and integrating pathology features such as lamina propria fibrosis and microabscesses into reporting. The conversation dives into shared decision-making, a key principle in selecting between PPIs, topical steroids, elimination diets, and biologic therapy such as dupilumab. The faculty also review maintenance strategies, dilation techniques, response assessment timelines, and the potential for loss of therapeutic effect. Looking ahead, they highlight ongoing challenges in phenotyping, treatment personalization, and the expanding pipeline of novel agents. Whether you're a gastroenterologist, allergist, or APP managing EoE, this is a must-watch for optimizing care in this evolving space.

Join Dr. Satish Rao, Dr. Andrea Shin, and Dr. Ali Rezaie, for a comprehensive roundtable discussion on the evolving landscape of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recorded live at GI ReConnect. This engaging conversation explores evidence-based management strategies for both IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), covering dietary interventions, first-line therapies, FDA-approved medications such as linaclotide, lubiprostone, tenapanor, and rifaximin, and the growing role of neuromodulators in managing chronic pain. The faculty also discuss diagnostic tools including anorectal manometry and breath testing, the importance of identifying pelvic floor dysfunction and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and the impact of psychological comorbidities, pelvic pain, and hormonal disorders on IBS outcomes. Additional highlights include commentary on emerging therapies such as microbiome-targeted interventions, fructo-oligosaccharide-based prebiotics, and investigational drugs like OPS-2071 and crofelemer. Emphasizing the importance of personalized care and multidisciplinary collaboration—including GI psychology, gynecology, and nutrition—this session offers clinicians practical insight into tailoring treatment plans to patient goals and symptom patterns while previewing the future of precision medicine in IBS care.

At GI ReConnect in Denver, Dr. Carlo Di Lorenzo, pediatric gastroenterologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, moderates an in-depth conversation with Dr. Ankur Chugh of Children’s Wisconsin and Dr. Khalil El-Chammas of Cincinnati Children’s, exploring the evolving landscape of Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID). Together, these experts discuss how CSID is increasingly recognized as a potential mimicker of IBS and other GI disorders, and how their own clinical experiences have shaped their understanding of when to test, how to interpret pan-disaccharidase deficiencies, and what treatment strategies—such as enzyme therapy and dietary exclusion—may be most effective. The conversation highlights diagnostic challenges, the importance of biopsy technique and sample size, and the need for more consistent, longitudinal research to guide clinical decision-making. Whether you’re a pediatric or adult GI specialist, this discussion provides actionable insights and expert perspectives on a condition that’s more prevalent than previously thought. Presented by the GI Health Foundation, this episode underscores the need for collaboration and education to improve outcomes in patients with chronic abdominal pain and suspected carbohydrate malabsorption.

In this video, Jai Mirchandani, MD, of Allied Digestive Health sits down with Dr. Darren Brenner, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterologist at Northwestern University, to discuss the latest approaches to diagnosing and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Brenner shares insights on the importance of correctly diagnosing IBS using Rome IV criteria, avoiding unnecessary testing, and distinguishing IBS from other gastrointestinal disorders. They explore how symptoms, alarm signs, and patient history guide diagnostic and treatment strategies. The discussion also covers evidence-based approaches to IBS management, including diet modifications like low FODMAP, brain-gut behavioral therapies, pharmacologic treatments, and personalized care plans based on patient preferences. Dr. Brenner emphasizes that IBS is not a single disorder but a collection of mechanisms leading to similar symptoms, highlighting the future of precision medicine in IBS care. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a patient seeking expert insights into IBS diagnosis and treatment, this conversation provides valuable, real-world strategies for effective management.

In this video, registered dietitian nutritionist Robin Lynch from Allied Digestive Health addresses one of the most common questions about the low FODMAP diet: Is it really that restrictive? Robin explains that while many people assume the low FODMAP diet involves eliminating a vast number of foods, the reality is often much more manageable—especially with the right guidance. She highlights that the main restrictions typically involve wheat and dairy, leaving plenty of delicious, safe foods to enjoy. Robin discusses how individualized planning, including creating a personalized "yes list," can make the diet feel far less overwhelming and even easier for some patients, particularly picky eaters. By working closely with a dietitian experienced in low FODMAP education, patients can successfully navigate the elimination and reintroduction phases without unnecessary stress. If you're exploring the low FODMAP diet to manage IBS symptoms, this video offers realistic advice on how proper planning can make the journey much smoother—and far less restrictive than you might expect.

In this video, Dr. William Chey, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Michigan, discusses the latest American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) clinical practice guidelines for the management of H. pylori infection. Speaking at the Allied GI Conference, Dr. Chey highlights why H. pylori remains a significant health concern in the U.S., affecting about one in three individuals and contributing to conditions like peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. He outlines key indications for H. pylori testing and treatment, including dyspepsia, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and family exposure. Dr. Chey also addresses the growing issue of antibiotic resistance—particularly to clarithromycin and levofloxacin—and explains why certain empirical therapies are no longer recommended. He reviews first-line treatment regimens such as bismuth quadruple therapy, rifabutin triple therapy, and vonoprazan-based dual therapy, emphasizing the importance of confirming eradication after treatment. For clinicians seeking a practical, evidence-based approach to diagnosing, treating, and retesting for H. pylori infection, this presentation provides essential updates and expert guidance.