Gut Microbiome Insights; Obesity and Digestive Health Risks; Delivery Options and Predictors of Failure for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; among Featured Topics Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 80th Annual Meeting

HONOLULU, Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New research in the area of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) further advances understanding of the safety and effectiveness of FMT for Clostridium difficile, suggests gut microbiota changes may play a role in predicting treatment failure, and explores whether donor stool can impact an FMT recipient's weight, are among the highlights of the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 80^th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held this week in Honolulu. More than 4,000 gastroenterologists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world will convene at the Hawaii Convention Center to review and present the latest scientific advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.

"This year is the best ever in terms of the quality of the science being presented, as well as depth and breadth of the educational sessions," said John R. Saltzman, MD, FACG, Chair, ACG Educational Affairs Committee, Director of Endoscopy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston and Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

"The abstract selection process was an extremely competitive process this year with 2524 abstracts submitted. There will be 67 presented as oral papers including the 10 top studies at the Presidential Plenary Session on Monday, October 19th. All of the posters of distinction are outstanding and worthy of oral presentations if there was enough time. There are also a great many outstanding clinical vignettes this year," noted Dr. Saltzman.

New for ACG 2015, the College offers a series of pre-recorded video press briefings which feature the insights of leading gastroenterology experts and the authors of several key abstracts that will be unveiled in Honolulu relating to FMT, constipation, obesity and metabolic syndrome.  In separate video briefings, Dr. Saltzman offers an overview of the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting, with highlights of must-see sessions and presentations, while Jordan Karlitz, MD, of Tulane University and ACG Public Relations Committee Chair, shares in abstracts, science and trends. 

All of the press briefings are available for instant access on the new ACG Blog  along with additional ACG 2015 abstract highlights that include author insights on notable clinical research.

Access Video Press Briefings that Include Expert Commentary, Author Insight and Abstracts

• ACG 2015 Highlights – Overview of Key Sessions, Science and Trends
  John R. Saltzman, MD, FACG, Chair, ACG Educational Affairs Committee Watch the briefing 
  Jordan J. Karlitz, MD, Chair, ACG Public Relations – Overview of Key Abstracts Watch the briefing
• Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): Beyond the "Ick" Factor – Predictors and Outcomes of Failure, Delivery Options, Stool Banks and Can FMT Really Make You Fat?  Watch the briefing
• Let's Talk Constipation: GI Complications in the 'Young and the Poopless'; Importance of Screening Constipated Patients for Depression; Patient Dissatisfaction with Treatment Options; and Necessity of Evidence-Based Dietary Interventions for Symptom Relief Watch the briefing 
• Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A GI Reality Check  – Increasing Healthcare Burdens; Impact of Obesity in GI Bleeding Mortality;  Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease even after bariatric surgery and absence of metabolic syndrome; Older age and Hispanic Ethnicity linked to Significantly Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome; Severe Obesity as Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis. Watch the briefing

Helpful Links for Media on the ACG Blog

ACG 2015 Media Guide

Access Key Science and Author Insights by Category

Search for Abstracts, Find Sessions, Build Your Itinerary

About the American College of Gastroenterology
Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 13,000 individuals from 80 countries. The College's vision is to be the pre-eminent professional organization that champions the evolving needs of clinicians in the delivery of high quality, evidence-based, and compassionate health care to gastroenterology patients. The mission of the College is to advance world-class care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders through excellence, innovation and advocacy in the areas of scientific investigation, education, prevention and treatment. www.gi.org. Visit the ACG Blog for all news, featured research and expert insights related to the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting. Follow ACG on Twitter and share your live updates #ACG2015.

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SOURCE American College of Gastroenterology