Endoscopic detection of proximal serrated lesions and pathologic identification of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps vary on the basis of center.

Background & Aims: We investigated rates of detection of proximal serrated lesions in a cohort of average-risk patients undergoing screening colonoscopies.

Methods: We reviewed results from screening colonoscopies performed by attending gastroenterologists at 32 endoscopy centers from 2008-2010. Pathology slides were interpreted at the individual centers.

A novel biomarker panel to rule out acute appendicitis in pediatric patients with abdominal pain.

Objectives: To identify a biomarker panel with sufficient sensitivity and negative predictive value to identify children with abdominal pain at low risk for acute appendicitis in order to avoid unnecessary imaging.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 503 subjects aged two to 20 years with <72 hours of abdominal pain consistent with appendicitis. Blood samples from each patient were analyzed for CBC, differential, and 5 candidate proteins.

Colorectal cancer screening with blood-based biomarkers: cost-effectiveness of methylated septin 9 DNA versus current strategies.

Background: Screening reduces colorectal cancer mortality, but many persons remain unscreened. Screening with a blood test could improve screening rates. We estimated the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening with emerging biomarkers, illustrated by a methylated Septin 9 DNA plasma assay ((m)SEPT9), versus established strategies.

Prospective evaluation of methylated SEPT9 in plasma for detection of asymptomatic colorectal cancer.

Background: As screening methods for colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited by uptake and adherence, further options are sought. A blood test might increase both, but none has yet been tested in a screening setting.

Objective: We prospectively assessed the accuracy of circulating methylated SEPT9 DNA (mSEPT9) for detecting CRC in a screening population.