Leading Russian Gastroenterologists Discussed Pressing Problems of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases Due to the Support of Valenta Pharm

The 110th Autumn Session of the National School of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Russian Gastroenterological Association and the XXIV Russian Gastroenterological Week were held in October 2018 with the support of Valenta Pharm. Both events were directed by Vladimir Trofimovich Ivashkin, Consultant Gastroenterologist of the Ministry of the Russian Federation, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor. The events brought together clinicians, scientists, researchers and young academic specialist. In their speeches, the leading experts of gastroenterology paid special attention to the most pressing issues of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal diseases. A wide range of diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional constipation and bloating, were discussed as part of the events’ scientific programs.

The National School of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Russian Gastroenterological Association opened the regular autumn session with a full house: the conference rooms literally could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend the scientific sessions of the leading specialists.

In one of the reports of Konstantin Vladimirovich Ivashkin, Candidate of Medical Science, Associate Professor of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, named “Patient with Chronic Abdominal Pain, Practitioner’s Plan of Action”, the author noted the multidimensional nature of the abdominal pain concept, outlined a differential diagnostic algorithm and described possible levels of drug exposure, aimed both at reducing symptoms and affecting the etiological cause. Ivashkin emphasized: “Due to its pro-kinetic and antispasmodic effect, Trimebutine (Trimedat®) is a universal therapeutic agent when dealing with abdominal pain. The drug has a large clinical evidence base and is widely used by the medical community."

In the block dedicated to GERD drug therapy, Olga Alekseevna Gromova, dr. med. habíl, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Ivanovo State Medical Academy; Deputy Director, Russian Centre of UNESCO Microelement Institute, noted: "Antareit® is an optimal antacid that both relieves symptoms and has an additional medicinal effect, thus effectively increasing the therapeutic effectiveness."

Maria Dmitrievna Ardatskaya, dr. med. habíl, Professor of Gastroenterology, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Affairs of the President of the Russian Federation, during her report “Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Significance for Intestinal Function” drew the attention of the event participants that “microbiomes” should be regarded as separate bodies, carrying out many of the most important functions, constituting for microorganism’s life support. She mentioned: “More than 50% of the microbiomes fall under the category of butyrate-producing microorganisms, and it is difficult to overestimate the role of the short-chain fatty acids in ensuring the normal functioning of the human body as a whole and its digestive system in particular.” The professor added that the use of lactitol (Exportal®) prebiotic to influence the various pathogenesis links is most rational: "We should give preference to lactitol (Exportal®). The metabolization of lactitol increases the production of butyric acid by 10 times compared with lactulose."

Valeria Olegovna Kaibysheva, Candidate of Medical Science, carefully examined in her report the subtle mechanisms included in the etiopathogenesis of food intolerance, and reported on the high relevance of the problem: about 20% of the world's population suffers from food intolerance, with 75% of cases involving food containing carbohydrates (fruits, sweets, etc.). Often, patients with Functional Bowel Disorders are treated without taking into account their food intolerance, which may lead to suffering from excessive gas formation and other symptoms due to the type of food consumed. "Dietary restrictions are not always necessary and appropriate. Adding the alpha-galactosidase enzyme (Orlix®) to the treatment will allow to achieve significant relief of symptoms and to improve the quality of life, without changing the patient's usual diet, " announced Valeria Kaybysheva.

In addition to listening to lectures by leading gastroenterology experts, events’ participants, whose numbers reached more than 4 500 doctors, also had an opportunity to take part in discussions and exchange their practical experience.

Olga Mikhailova, Head of the Gastroenterology business unit, Valenta Pharm, said: “Gastroenterology is one of the most socially significant therapeutic areas in medicine, as it involves everybody. Innovations and modern solutions in this area are in high demand by both patients and the medical community. Developing new approaches to therapy and treatment, the exchange of experience, the actualization of new drugs and forms development, the results of observational programs, and many other aspects, discussed within the framework of the events, are extremely important for the overall development of the therapeutic direction. By supporting the events as large and significant for the scientific and medical community as the National School of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Russian Gastroenterological Association, as well as events within the Russian Gastroenterological Week, our company also contributes to the development of gastroenterology in our country.”