Andrew Talal, MD, is a Professor of Medicine and Founder/Director of the Center for Research and Clinical Care in Liver Disease at the State University of New York at Buffalo - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Experts Discuss Advances in Pathophysiology of Hepatitis B Virus for 2024

Advances in Pathophysiology of Hepatitis B Virus for 2024

In recognition of May 19 as World Hepatitis Testing Day and the month of May as Hepatitis Awareness Month, we are launching our latest 

, which spotlights a conversation between subject matter experts on updates and unmet needs in the management of 

Although not discussed with the same frequency and urgency as 

 within public health circles, HBV represents a significant impact to public health globally and within the US, where an estimated 2.4 million are chronically infected, because unlike with HCV, there is no cure for these chronically infected patients. However, like HCV, the ongoing opioid crisis in the US has contributed to ballooning rates of acute hepatitis B infection in recent years and only 25% of infected individuals receive a diagnosis, according to the Hepatitis B Foundation.

The first in our 6-part series, this segment opens with introductions from our 3 subject matter experts, which is followed by a discussion on updates in pathophysiology and how they have influenced current care strategies for HBV. In the conversation, Nancy Reau, MD, explains how recent advancements have clarified the virus's lifecycle, which has contributed to the development of new diagnostics that, while not yet fully available in clinical practice, are poised to significantly enhance treatment by identifying better therapeutic targets and monitoring treatment success. Andrew Talal, MD, adds to the discussion by highlighting the importance of the updated World Health Organization and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Talal stresses the significance of expanded treatment eligibility, particularly for adolescents and adults, broader antiviral treatment options, and the role of enhanced diagnostics in improving patient outcomes.

This conversation sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the latest therapeutic strategies and the most pressing unmet needs in the fight against hepatitis B, providing valuable insights for clinicians and researchers committed to advancing care in this field.

In this 6-part discussion, our group of experts tackles the following topics:

Advances in Pathophysiology of Hepatitis B Virus

Implications of HBV DNA Integration on Care

Improving Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination

Therapeutic Pipeline Updates in Hepatitis B Virus

Role of Advocacy, Patient Voice in Hepatitis B Virus

Nancy Reau, MD: Richard B. Capps Chair of Hepatology, Associate Director of Solid Organ Transplantation, and Section Chief of Hepatology at Rush University Medical Center.

Andrew Talal, MD: Professor of Medicine and Founder/Director of the Center for Research and Clinical Care in Liver Disease at the State University of New York at Buffalo - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

In this segment of our 6-part discussion on updates and unmet needs within the management of hepatitis B virus focuses on advances in the pathophysiology of hepatitis b virus for 2024.

Andrew Talal, MD

Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatments and Communication Regarding Treatment Changes 

How do you evaluate patients’ satisfaction and expectations when providing care for UC and CD?

How do you discuss with patients the idea of escalating/switching therapy, perhaps in the absence of symptoms, and target something they may not feel?

Silvio Danese, MD, PhD; Bruce Sands, MD, and Jean-Frederic Colombel, MD, conclude by sharing their approaches to evaluating patient satisfaction and expectations when providing care for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, while also touching upon the importance of discussing the potential need for escalating or switching therapies to better manage the underlying disease processes. 

Bruce Sands, MD 

Anti-VEGF for RVO: The Gold Standard

I'm sorry, it seems there is no article provided for me to summarize and extract key takeaways from. Could you please provide the text of the article

John W Kitchens, MD, bookends the discussion by highlighting the landscape of branch vein occlusion (BRVO) treatment options. 

Anti-VEGF for RVO: The Gold Standard 

Carl D. Regillo, MD, FACS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to an increase in embolic strokes and thus most patients with AF will be prescribed anticoagulants to decrease this incidence.

AF is frequent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with estimates ranging from 16-21% in non-dialysis patient and up to 40% in dialysis patients.1 AF is associated with both worse cardiac and kidney outcomes with an increased risk of CKD progression.

 The incidence of stroke in End Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) is 7-9 times greater than in the general population and 3-fold more deadly.

For many years, warfarin was the drug of choice to decrease strokes in all populations but serum monitoring requirements, diet restrictions and narrow therapeutic window led to multiple complications. With the introduction of the direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) medications, the complication rate in AF was significantly decreased.

As is true for most drug trials, patients with severe CKD (defined as an eGFR 

25 ml/min) were excluded from the DOAC trials.

 This is not unexpected; kidney patients have multiple comorbidities and are treated with multiple medications.

These comorbidities and medications add a level of complexity to the evaluation of adverse events during a drug trial. Yet, for a population where close to half of the population has AF, we do not have answers about the use of DOACs.

As there is no guidance from the pivotal DOAC trials for the CKD and ESRD patients, the kidney community has undertaken the collection of data from real world use of DOACs. We know that acute kidney injury (AKI) is significantly lower with the use of DOACs vs warfarin.

This is true for all stages of CKD, even in the elderly.

Using a meta-analysis approach, we have seen that DOACs have a better safety and effectiveness profile than warfarin.

 For this reason, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) expert workgroup has developed recommendations for use of DOACs in CKD.

Yet, there is still a population that KDIGO recommendations did not address: the ESRD patient.

In the kidney failure patient, the incidence of AF is 40% and the stroke and sudden cardiac death are common.

 While cardiology defers to nephrology when treating ESRD, nephrology is divided on optimal treatment for this population. Most trials are retrospective and observational. However, recently randomized, controlled trials have been conducted.

With the most recent trial data available, the consensus is that warfarin is the most dangerous for this population whether it is used for AF prophylaxis or treatment for recurrent thromboembolism.

 Warfarin increases the incidence of bleeding without decreasing mortality. Two other large trials looking at DOAC vs warfarin both showed a better safety profile for apixaban but there were significant episodes of bleeding in the dialysis population.

 For this reason, the recently closed preliminary trial of three separate trial arms, which examine apixaban, warfarin, and no treatment, respectively, is being closely watched.

This Canadian/Australian trial included 151 participants and is a pilot to evaluate if we should 

 be treating the dialysis population with anticoagulants. The trial was completed in late December 2022. Results are pending.

If, as expected, the no treatment arm has a similar outcome profile with less bleeding complications, we will have to reassess our mantra of 

 while we stop treating the AF patient on dialysis with anticoagulants. A definite relearn for all of us.

Wanner C, Herzog CA, Turakhia MP; Conference Steering Committee. Chronic kidney disease and arrhythmias: highlights from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference. 

Bobot M, Suissa L, Hak JF, et al. Kidney disease and stroke: epidemiology and potential mechanisms of susceptibility. 

Garlo KG, Steele DJR, Nigwekar SU, et al. Demystifying the Benefits and Harms of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Chronic Kidney Disease. 

Harel Z, McArthur E, Jeyakumar N, et al. The Risk of Acute Kidney Injury with Oral Anticoagulants in Elderly Adults with Atrial Fibrillation. 

Malhotra K, Ishfaq MF, Goyal N, et al. Oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 

Wetmore JB, Herzog CA, Yan H, et al. Apixaban versus Warfarin for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Receiving Long-Term Dialysis. 

Mavrakanas TA. Should Oral Anticoagulation Be Used in ESKD Patients on Hemodialysis with Atrial Fibrillation?: COMMENTARY. 

Pokorney SD, Chertow GM, Al-Khalidi HR, et al for the RENAL-AF Investigators. Apixaban for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. 

Reinecke H, Engelbertz C, Bauersachs R, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Apixaban With the Vitamin K Antagonist Phenprocoumon in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: The AXADIA-AFNET 8 Study. 

Strategies for the management of atrial fibrillation in patients receiving dialysis (Safe-D) ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03987711

Kim Zuber, PA-C, and Jane Davis, DNP, offer insight into the use of DOACs in people with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. 

Using DOACs in People with Chronic Kidney Disease, with Kim Zuber, PA-C, and Jane Davis, DNP

Debra Davis, CRNP

Hersh Shroff, MD, MPA, is a transplant hepatologist and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Discussion between 3 subject matter experts on the impact of stigmatization on delays in diagnosis of alcohol-related liver disease.

HCPLive Alcohol Stigma Discussion Part 1

Recent years have seen a drastic increase in alcohol use in the United States. Alongside this growing prevalence has come an influx of severe morbidity and mortality linked to 

, with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism citing alcohol’s involvement in nearly half of all liver disease deaths among people 12 years of age and older in 2022 and labeling alcohol as one of the leading causes of preventable death.

Many cases of ALD are rooted in underlying 

, a medical condition involving frequent or heavy alcohol consumption that often requires an individualized treatment approach with a combination of medication, behavioral interventions, and mutual support groups. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had AUD in the past year. Of this group, 2.2 million received alcohol use treatment.

Although it is a mental health disorder, AUD’s role in the development and progression of ALD underscores the importance of its treatment alongside medical intervention for the liver and other potential negative physical impacts of alcohol use. However, it tends to fall by the wayside due to a number of patient, clinician, and system barriers, many of which are linked to the stigma surrounding AUD and its negative impact on patients’ willingness to seek care as well as clinicians’ ability to provide adequate care.

In this HCPLive special report, our moderator, Hersh Shroff, MD, MPA, is joined by Jay Luther, MD, and Chris Kahler, PhD, to discuss the stigmatization of AUD. The first segment of their conversation focuses on defining stigma, both at the public and structural level, and outlining its role in delaying and hindering care for these patients.

Shroff introduces the topic and poses a question to Kahler about the different forms and definitions of stigma and how public perception of AUD may contribute to delays in seeking care. Kahler responds by describing stigma as a “complex construct,” explaining its manifestation at both social structural levels and individual levels as well as how the stigma surrounding AUD may lead patients to underreport their alcohol consumption, avoid discussing concerns with their clinician, and hesitate to seek care from a specialist.

Shroff expresses agreement with Kahler’s response and poses a similar question to Luther, this time inquiring about how structural stigma in the health care system perpetuates disparities for patients with ALD. Similar to Shroff, Luther notes he agrees with Kahler’s response and mentions how certain aspects of this individualized stigma are also present at a greater structural level.

He goes on to describe how the disease has been labeled, pointing to inherent problems with the terms alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis and how the term “alcoholic” contributes to the ongoing stigma in ways clinicians may not even realize. Structurally, Luther notes that there has been little to no overlap between the treatment of liver disease and the treatment of alcohol addiction, forcing patients to see different specialists and potentially making them feel as though they are being judged or blamed for their alcohol use.

However, Luther goes on to explain how some institutions, including his own, are taking strides to combat this structural stigma by incorporating what he calls a “team approach” with combined efforts from a hepatologist, an addiction specialist, and a social worker whose shared goal is to “get you feeling better to get you healthier.”

Check out the second half of the discussion:

Addressing Stigma to Improve Outcomes in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

 a transplant hepatologist and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine

 an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Alcohol Liver Center

 a professor of behavioral and social sciences, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior, and the director of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University

Shroff, Luther, and Kahler have no relevant disclosures.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics. Alcohol’s Effects on Health. 2023. Accessed April 30, 2024. 

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol and the Human Body. Alcohol’s Effects on Health. 2024. Accessed April 30, 2024. 

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-and-human-body

Cleveland Clinic. Alcohol Use Disorder. Diseases & Conditions. June 2, 2021. Accessed April 30, 2024. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3909-alcoholism

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics. Alcohol’s Effects on Health. 2023. Accessed April 30, 2024. 

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics

In the first segment of this HCPLive special report, experts discuss the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease.

Recognizing Stigma's Impact on Care for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Hersh Shroff, MD, MPA

A team of researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) is helping determine risks and benefits for higher-than-previously recommended doses of a medication to treat opioid use disorder.

The upper daily limit of the medication, buprenorphine, was once thought to be 24 milligrams. This dosage was based on research in patients using heroin. But as fentanyl has replaced heroin in opioid use, physicians have found that dose is less effective in some patients, especially those who have used fentanyl. In response, physicians have prescribed higher buprenorphine doses for these patients. And as more physicians have seen that higher doses are effective, more have been prescribed.

But little research has been done on these high doses, according to 

, YSM associate professor (general medicine) and a research health scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many veterans are prescribed long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain, which can lead to opioid use disorder and the need for buprenorphine treatment, she noted.

“Veterans are increasingly being exposed to these higher doses, but we’re not really clear on the risk benefit ratio. Determining that is the purpose of the study,” she said.

 professor of medicine (general medicine), and 

, professor of medicine (general medicine), is working with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System as part of a larger study funded by the FDA. The Buprenorphine Dosing for OUD Outcomes and Studying Treatment Episodes (BOOST) study also includes VA research teams from Salt Lake City, Little Rock, and Portland, Oregon. The teams are using data from VA electronic health records, for 10 projects on how and why veterans are prescribed higher doses and their health outcomes on those higher doses.

The YSM team, using a national observational cohort created for the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), is studying the characteristics of patients prescribed high doses and how long patients remain on these doses to understand whether high doses decrease treatment dropout.

“This is such an important outcome because people face risk for overdose and death if they drop out of treatment and relapse to opioid use,” Black said.

The team is also studying how long patients stay at a lower dose before they are moved to a higher one and how higher doses versus lower doses affect additional patient outcomes. And they hope to determine what treatments are used along with buprenorphine, including for patients who need chronic pain management.

“Through our partnership with the FDA, results of this study have the potential to inform guidelines around the practice of high-dose buprenorphine prescribing for any patient in treatment for opioid use disorder,” Black said.

This project is partially funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via an Inter-Agency agreement with the Veteran Affairs (VA) [PO# 75F40124S30054] and conducted in collaboration with the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Services (VA PBM). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, VA, or the U.S. Government.

General Internal Medicine, one of 10 sections in the Yale Department of Internal Medicine, is committed to the core missions of patient care, research, education, and community health from the “generalist” perspective. To learn more, visit

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine are investigating the risks and benefits of prescribing higher doses of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, particularly in patients exposed to fentanyl. The study, part of a larger FDA-funded project, involves collaboration with the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System and other VA research teams. The research aims to understand patient characteristics, treatment duration, and outcomes associated with high-dose buprenorphine, potentially informing future prescribing guidelines. The study also examines the impact of concurrent treatments for chronic pain management in these patients.

Yale researchers explore the risks and benefits of higher buprenorphine doses for opioid use disorder, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for veterans.

Research Project Studies High Doses of an Opioid Use Disorder Medication Among Veterans

Jessica M. Scully

LB-102 Significantly Improves Disease Severity in Acute Schizophrenia, with John Kane, MD

LB Pharmaceuticals announced additional positive data from NOVA, a phase 2 study evaluating LB-102 in acute 

, at the 2025 Annual Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society held in Chicago from March 29 to April 2.

 LB-102 provided significant improvement in disease severity, as demonstrated by the mean change from baseline in Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) scores.

At week 4, participants on 50 mg of LB-102 (n = 107) achieved a mean change in baseline CGI-S score of -0.72 compared with placebo (

= .0008). For LB-102 doses 75 mg (n = 108) and 100 mg (n = 36), participants achieved a mean change in CGI-S from baseline of -0.67 (

This announcement followed the company’s

on January 8, 2025, stating that NOVA met its primary endpoint, with LB-102 significantly reducing the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores over 4 weeks in adults with acute schizophrenia compared to placebo.

Already, LB-102, a once-daily oral benzamide antipsychotic targeting both positive and negative symptoms, was evaluated in NOVA, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial with 359 adults aged 18 – 55 years who had a DSM-5 diagnosis of acutely exacerbated schizophrenia. NOVA’s primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the PANSS total score at day 28, and secondary endpoints included improvements in CGI, PANSS subscales, Marder Factor scores, safety and tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Participants were randomized 3:3:3:1 to receive placebo or LB-102 at daily doses of 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg for 4 weeks.

 recently spoke with lead investigator John M. Kane, MD, professor of psychiatry and molecular medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, about the new data on improved CGI-S scores.

“This is another perspective that helps clinicians evaluate the efficacy of a medication, and the PANSS total score reflects results on specific items, and the CGI is really a measure of overall severity,” Kane explained. “And so, we see patients moving from one level of severity to a lower level…That's a very good clinical indicator.”

During the interview, Kane provided insight into the tolerability of LB-102 compared to 6 existing psychotics in terms of prolactin levels, weight gain, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Some patients on LB-102 experienced increased prolactin levels, but despite this, very few led to breast enlargement or erectile dysfunction. Very few patients experienced extrapyramidal symptoms, and while some experienced weight gain, it was not a lot.

When asked in what scenarios Kane might recommend LB-102 over current first—or second-line agents, he said it depends on trial results. LB-102 had already been successful as a first-line agent in trial participants.

People can also try LB-102 if they do not respond to other drugs. There are no current medications to treat negative symptoms of schizophrenia, so research may find LB-102 could manage these symptoms.

“We're also thinking about the maintenance effects, what are the characteristics of this medication over time, in terms of patient improvement, acceptability, and continuation,” Kane said. “…to me, that's really important. Most patients will be candidates to continue an antipsychotic medication for long periods of time, and how the drug performs over time is going to be very important. From what we've seen with amisulpride…the possibilities for LB-102 are very encouraging.”

Relevant disclosures for Kane include Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, H. Lundbeck, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Alkermes, and Boehringer Ingelheim, among others.

LB Pharmaceuticals Presents New Data from Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LB-102 at the 2025 Annual Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society. GlobeNewswire. March 31, 2025. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/31/3052289/0/en/LB-Pharmaceuticals-Presents-New-Data-from-Phase-2-Clinical-Trial-of-LB-102-at-the-2025-Annual-Congress-of-the-Schizophrenia-International-Research-Society.html

Derman, C. Phase 2 LB-102 Data, Advancing Treatment Landscape in Schizophrenia, with John Kane, MD. HCPLive. January 10, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/phase-2-lb-102-data-advancing-treatment-landscape-in-schizophrenia-with-john-kane-md

HCPLive spoke with Kane about new phase 2 data showing that an oral benzamide provides a significant change from baseline in CGI-S scores for participants with acute schizophrenia.


John Kane, MD

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Gastroenterology: Managing Underlying Causes and Tackling Treatment Challenges 

This presentation on managing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in gastroenterology discusses common causes, treatment options, and evolving therapies. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes and selecting appropriate treatments for patients with IDA, particularly those with gastrointestinal conditions.

 In clinical practice, iron deficiency often results from malabsorption, chronic blood loss, and dietary issues. Identifying the root cause of the deficiency is crucial for effective management.

 Intravenous (IV) iron is beneficial for a wide range of patients, especially when oral iron is poorly tolerated, as in inflammatory bowel disease. Recent advancements have improved tolerance to IV iron, making it a viable option for many patients. Oral iron regimens, such as administering iron every other day, may be better tolerated for some individuals.

 It is important to differentiate between iron deficiency and anemia through proper screening, including ferritin and iron saturation tests. Gastrointestinal issues can complicate the use of oral iron.

Iron deficiency in gastric bypass patients:

 Patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at higher risk for iron deficiency. These patients may require more tailored approaches, including IV iron therapy, depending on their specific needs.

 The safety profiles of different IV iron formulations vary. Misconceptions about IV iron, such as concerns about safety, need to be addressed. Clinicians should be familiar with the various formulations and their associated risks.

 Choosing the appropriate treatment for each patient depends on their individual condition and tolerance. Clinicians should understand what to expect from different therapies and when to make treatment adjustments.

 Adverse reactions to IV iron infusions, though rare, can occur. Physicians should be prepared to manage these reactions promptly if they arise.

 Ferric carboxymaltose is an emerging IV iron formulation that has shown lower adverse reactions in some cases. However, it carries a risk of hypophosphatemia, and phosphate levels should be monitored. This formulation may not be suitable for all patients.

 Experts from both hematology and gastroenterology provide final thoughts, offering pearls of wisdom for nonhematologists on managing IDA, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment strategies.

In summary, successful management of IDA requires a comprehensive understanding of the causes, treatment options, and individual patient needs. Regular monitoring and the careful selection of iron therapies, including IV options, are essential for optimal patient care.

Panelists discuss how understanding the causes of iron deficiency anemia, selecting appropriate treatments such as intravenous iron, and tailoring therapies to individual patient needs are critical for effective management, particularly in patients with gastrointestinal conditions.

Video: Iron Deficiency Anemia in Gastroenterology: Managing Underlying Causes and Tackling Treatment Challenges 

Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPH

American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference

 featured a session titled ‘Pediatric Year in Review,’ during which several talks were given by panelists such as Lisa G. Wood, PhD, who pointed to recent data on diet’s association with respiratory health outcomes.

Wood, who is known for her research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and for her position as a University of Newcastle professor, recently gave an interview to 

’s editorial team regarding her ATS talk. In this segment of her interview, Wood was asked whether, in the research shared during the meeting, socioeconomic and geographic disparities in nutrition appeared to influence the risk of developing conditions like 

Socioeconomic Disparities’ Impact on Nutrition and Lung Health, with Lisa G. Wood, PhD

“It's just an unfortunate fact that people who are living in certain geographical areas, typically those that are of low socioeconomic status, the access to fresh and healthy foods is less,” Wood explained. “That really is a very unfortunate fact that we need to understand and look for strategies to try and overcome that limitation. So ultra-processed foods are one aspect. Another aspect that I talked about yesterday was a paper that was looking at the triglyceride glucose index, and that is a measure of metabolic dysfunction. This was another example of where a poor quality diet can be linked to worse respiratory health.”

Wood noted that this paper’s results suggested an association was present between a high triglyceride glucose index, suggesting metabolic impairment, and increased asthma risk. She further pointed to the commonly observed link between a high triglyceride glucose index and obesity.

“Getting back to your previous question about people at risk of these types of diseases, things like aspirin allergies, people in lower socioeconomic areas are more likely to be obese,” Wood said. “They're more likely to have problems with glucose metabolism, to have metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, making them predisposed to asthma and allergies. So there are multiple ways where a poor quality diet can contribute to the development of asthma and allergy.”

Wood noted that she believes in prioritizing an examination of ways to ensure access to healthy, whole foods. Wood was later asked about any actionable recommendations for health care providers viewing her talk.

“I think that I would really like to see that pulmonologists actually prioritize nutrition for their patients,” Wood said. “Nutrition, as I mentioned, isn't automatically something that everybody links to respiratory health…I hope that the talk was able to reinforce the fact that it is very important for children to be eating healthily, to be maintaining a healthy weight, to focus their diet on whole foods, not processed, packaged foods, because all of these things will have an impact on their respiratory health.”

To find out more information on this topic, view Wood’s full interview segment above. For more on data presented at ATS, view our 

The quotes used in this interview summary were edited for clarity.

During her ATS interview, Lisa Wood, PhD, spoke about economic and geographic disparities and their connection to diet and related respiratory health outcomes.

Lisa G. Wood, PhD

The panelists stress the significance of a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Cardiometabolic Medicine: Seeing the Patient as a Whole

The panelists stress the significance of a comprehensive approach to patient care, acknowledging the interconnected nature of cardiovascular, kidney, endocrine, and obesity-related benefits, and highlighting that addressing secondary diseases can minimize overall disease risk in patients.

Authors