E218 - Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome

Laura Beaton speaks with gastroenterologist Nicholas Talley about his paper on the diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nick outlines the clinical features associated with IBS and potential investigations. The conversation also covers a holistic approach to care, including diet, medications and psychological therapies. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Jo Cheah talks to Jo Gross, consultant pharmacist, about her paper on emergency contraception. They discuss the types of emergency contraception available in Australia, factors that influence drug choice, and key considerations for history taking and counselling. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Justin Coleman chats with nephrologist Karen Dwyer about her paper on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Karen outlines the underlying conditions, pathophysiology, and stages of progression associated with CKM syndrome. The conversation also covers the importance of managing CKM syndrome with both behavioural and lifestyle modifications as well as medications. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

David Liew speaks to haematologist Cecily Forsyth about her paper on vitamin B12 testing and treating deficiency. They discuss the causes, notable risk factors, and clinical signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency. Cecily also outlines testing as well as management strategies for patients diagnosed with B12 deficiency, and the importance of long-term adherence with B12 replacement. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Therapeutic Guidelines expert group member Lee Fong returns to the podcast to talk to Justin Coleman about the brand-new Kidney and Urinary guidelines. Focusing on GP management, the conversation covers some of the new content, including screening and medication regimens for chronic kidney disease, lower urinary tract symptoms, wetting in children and much more.

Laura Beaton talks to hepatology research fellow Richard O'Halloran about his paper on metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Richard outlines risk factors and comorbidities to consider, and diagnostic tests for MAFLD. The conversation also covers management of MAFLD through risk stratification, addressing health risk behaviours, and surveillance. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera chats with maternal–fetal medicine specialist Lisa Hui about her paper on cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy. Lisa explains how the virus is acquired and outlines strategies for reducing risk of infection. The conversation also covers testing for CMV and the role of valaciclovir in reducing the risk of fetal transmission. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera speaks to infectious diseases physicians Aadith Ashok and Bradley Gardiner about their paper on preventing infections in immunosuppressed patients. They explain how to individualise risk assessments and screening investigations, and discuss antimicrobial prophylaxis and helpful safe living advice for patients. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

David Liew talks to rheumatologist Jessica Pisaniello about her paper on Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for osteoarthritis. They discuss the limited benefits and the risks of using of hyaluronic acid in joints, what current guidelines recommend, and what the evidence says. Jessica also advises on how to approach conversations with patients who ask prescribers about using hyaluronic acid. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Laura Beaton chats with David Brieger, head of cardiology at Concord Hospital, Sydney, about the 2025 Australian acute coronary syndromes [ACS] clinical guideline. David explains the importance of secondary prevention for ACS, including new approaches to tailoring the duration of dual antiplatelet therapies, new lipid targets, and the limited role of beta blockers and colchicine. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.