Pediatric Gastroenterology Studies Presented at Digestive Disease Week

By Office of the President | Jun 5, 2024

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 Conference, held this May in Washington, D.C., featured 400 sessions and 4,300 oral abstract and ePoster presentations. Two noteworthy abstracts from Thomas Wallach, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and his Pediatric Gastroenterology research team were included.

Dr. Wallach is renowned for his expertise in diseases of the intestinal epithelial barrier, with a particular focus on gut-brain interactions such as irritable bowel syndrome and other non-inflammatory causes of abdominal pain.

The first abstract presented a pilot study on pediatric and young adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), revealing a promising correlation between fecal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) concentrations and disease severity. Dr. Wallach has a particular focus on gut-brain interactions, including irritable bowel syndrome and other non-inflammatory causes of abdominal pain.

The second abstract involved a comprehensive retrospective analysis across 10 New York City public hospitals, including Kings County Hospital, examining the impact of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) on metabolic outcomes in urban pediatric populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite pandemic-related lifestyle restrictions increasing obesity rates, the study suggested that financial relief from the CTC likely improved dietary quality, mitigating the adverse metabolic effects of obesity in this group. These findings highlight the crucial role of supportive public policies in managing health outcomes during crises.

Both studies underscore the importance of innovative research and public policy in understanding and managing complex health issues. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Wallach, residents Po-Ting Lu, M.D., and Renee Bargman, M.D., fellows Shagun Sharma, M.D., and Vivian Vega, M.D., and all who contributed to this research or attended DDW.