Gastroenterology and hepatology

An international research group has just released the results of a trial about the worldwide prevalence and impact of 22 functional gastrointestinal disorders. The trial was performed in 33 countries over 6 continents and offers more perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Approximately 3 in a 1000 people suffer from Crohn's disease, a disorder characterised by intestinal inflammation. Although treatment is available for this disease, not all patients benefit from it. Moreover, even when the treatment is successful, quite a few patients still suffer from abdominal pain.

Two recent Belgian real-world studies demonstrate that ustekinumab, a biological drug, is also efficient and safe in patients whom no longer benefited from the standard medication.