Frontline gastroenterology
Frontline gastroenterology
Audio Summaries
Every issue of Frontline gastroenterology moves the field forward, but reading every paper cover-to-cover isn't realistic. OSLR turns each article into a 3-minute audio summary so you can stay current while you commute, round, or work out.
Recent summaries
The latest articles summarized from Frontline gastroenterology.
Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of amoebiasis
Mar 11, 2026
The authors aim to address the challenges in diagnosing and managing amoebiasis, particularly in the context of increasing international travel and migration, which has led to its wider presentation outside specialist settings. They review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment options for both intestinal and extraintestinal amoebiasis, highlighting the risks of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This article serves as a resource for gastroenterologists, surgeons, and acute physicians to improve awareness and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.
Optimising triage of urgent referrals for suspected IBD: results from the Birmingham IBD inception study
Oct 24, 2025
The authors aimed to optimize the triage process for urgent referrals of suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by evaluating the effectiveness of combining clinical history and faecal calprotectin (FCP) measurements for early diagnosis. Their findings indicate that serial FCP testing can reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, with specific thresholds for FCP levels providing a reliable method for directing patients to appropriate care pathways. Ultimately, the study suggests that integrating home FCP testing with symptom assessment could enhance self-referral processes for IBD diagnosis.
Liver transplant assessment for hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-centre experience
Sep 11, 2025
The authors aimed to analyze the assessment and acceptance rates for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at a tertiary liver center, as well as to identify reasons for non-listing and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these outcomes. They found that 64% of patients were accepted for listing, with medical comorbidities and rapid tumor progression being the primary reasons for non-listing. Additionally, the study highlighted a significant increase in dropout rates during the pandemic, underscoring the adverse effects of reduced transplant activity on HCC patients.
Correction: Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of amoebiasis
Jun 19, 2025
This article serves as a correction to a previous publication on the recent advances in the diagnosis and management of amoebiasis. The authors aim to clarify and rectify any inaccuracies in the original findings presented in the earlier article.
Real-world effectiveness of upadacitinib in Crohn's disease: a UK multicentre retrospective cohort study
Jun 21, 2024
The authors aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of upadacitinib in patients with Crohn's disease through a multicentre retrospective cohort study. They found that upadacitinib demonstrated good treatment persistence and significant reductions in disease activity markers, with 64% of patients achieving clinical remission at 12 weeks, although adverse events were reported in 40% of the cohort. Overall, the study suggests that upadacitinib is effective in a highly refractory patient population.
What is the clinical significance of low serum amylase? Systematic review of the conditions associated with low serum amylase
May 23, 2024
The authors aimed to investigate the clinical significance of low serum amylase levels and the conditions associated with it, as previous research has primarily focused on elevated levels. Through a systematic review of 19 studies involving over 15,000 patients, they identified conditions such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and chronic pancreatitis linked to low serum amylase. The findings suggest that low serum amylase may serve as a valuable adjunct in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis and assessing pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Significance and structure of clinical research in the UK: an introduction for gastroenterology and hepatology nurses
May 23, 2024
The authors aim to highlight the significance and structure of the clinical research landscape in the UK, particularly for gastroenterology and hepatology nurses, and to promote greater nurse engagement in research activities. This introductory article seeks to clarify the clinical trials infrastructure in the UK and outlines the efforts of a working group to facilitate educational initiatives that encourage nurses to participate in clinical research relevant to their practice.
Erratum: Real-world evidence of long-term survival and healthcare resource use in patients with hepatic encephalopathy receiving rifaximin-α treatment: a retrospective observational extension study with long-term follow-up (IMPRESS II)
May 22, 2024
This erratum addresses corrections to the original study on the long-term survival and healthcare resource use in patients with hepatic encephalopathy treated with rifaximin-α. The authors aimed to provide real-world evidence regarding the effectiveness of this treatment over an extended follow-up period. The corrections ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings presented in the original publication.
Role of diet in prevention versus treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Apr 26, 2024
The authors investigate the role of diet in both the prevention and treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), aiming to clarify how dietary recommendations should differ across various disease states: pre-disease, active disease, and quiescent disease. They highlight the complexities and contradictions in existing literature, particularly noting that while healthy eating principles may benefit UC in all disease states, dietary factors for CD show paradoxical evidence, with exclusive enteral nutrition being the most supported treatment despite its association with processed foods. The authors call for high-quality dietary trials to better inform targeted dietary recommendations for these conditions.
UK endoscopy trainer survey: perspectives on current endoscopy training delivery, experience, barriers and opportunities
Apr 26, 2024
The authors aimed to assess the current state of endoscopy training delivery in the UK by surveying trainers about their experiences, perspectives, and the barriers they face. The findings revealed that while many trainers are motivated and utilize skills from Train The Trainer courses, there is a need for improved access to training resources, protected time for teaching, and enhanced peer feedback mechanisms to further support trainer development.