Skylar is an associate editor for The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) and The Center for Biosimilars®, and joined AJMC® in 2020. She is responsible for covering all aspects of the ever-changing global biosimilar industry and produces content that is accessible and informative for all health care stakeholders.
She has a BA in journalism and media studies from Rutgers University. You can connect with Skylar on LinkedIn.
Why Is Smoking Cessation So Hard for People With IBS?
Adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who smoke may face heightened challenges in quitting due to severe IBS symptoms and anxiety sensitivity, which increase perceived barriers and reinforce the belief that smoking helps relieve negative emotions.
Addressing Disparities in IBD Care to Reduce Costs and Improve Access
Achieving cost sustainability in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care requires expanding access to cost-effective treatments, increasing biosimilar adoption, and implementing policies that reduce financial disparities and improve long-term patient outcomes.
Advancing Care for Dry Eye and Corneal Conditions
Advancements in dry eye care focus on improvements seen in patients treated with cyclosporine 0.09% following inadequate responses at a lower dose, and customizable scleral lenses offer a nonsurgical option for Salzmann nodular degeneration, enhancing vision and comfort.
Exploring Alternatives to LPI for Angle Closure Glaucoma
The effectiveness of laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in managing angle closure glaucoma is uncertain, with studies suggesting that phacoemulsification may provide better intraocular pressure control and long-term outcomes, as discussed at the Southeastern Congress of Optometry 2025.
Cutting-Edge Eye Care Technologies Highlighted at SECO 2025
Artificial intelligence, surgical innovations, and wearable technology are transforming eye care, enhancing patient outcomes and clinical efficiency, as discussed during the keynote presentation at the Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025.
Understanding SMA Subtypes and the Impact of Treatment Advances
The classification of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) subtypes, the influence of SMN2 gene copies on disease severity, treatment effects on disease progression, age-related differences, long-term management strategies, and adequate muscle function monitoring are all important aspects of SMA care.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Eye Care at SECO 2025
Attendees can expect insights on advancements in glaucoma care, myopia management, dry eye treatments, emerging technologies, ocular disease myths, oral medications, the impact of obesity on ocular health, and more at the Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025.
Crohn Disease Subtype, Ocular Manifestation Among Risk Factors for EIMs in IBD
Up to 40% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), with the highest risks among those with Crohn disease, ocular manifestations, or right-sided colonic involvement.
Redefining Functional Measures in SMA: Insights From Clinical Research
The evolution of functional assessments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) highlights the challenges of adapting pediatric scales for adults and the need for modified evaluations to accurately measure patient function across different age groups.
Abstracts Highlight Access Barriers, CV Risks Associated With IBD Care
Persistent care barriers may lead patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to ration medication or skip doses. The Crohn’s & Colitis Congress 2025 explored these access issues as well as the potential cardiovascular complications related to IBD therapies.
PROSPERO Identifies Key Risk Factors for Gallstones in Crohn Disease
The findings from the PROSPERO study reveal that multiple hospitalizations, long-term disease duration, prior surgeries, and factors like corticosteroid use and total parenteral nutrition significantly increase the risk of gallstone disease in patients with Crohn disease.
New AGA Guidelines Recommend Risk-Based Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B Reactivation Monitoring
The American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) updated its clinical practice guidelines for managing hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) in at-risk individuals, recommending antiviral prophylaxis for high- and moderate-risk patients.
Balancing Cost and Quality in Oncology: A Value-Based Care Perspective
Travis Brewer, vice president of payer and public health strategy/relations at Texas Oncology, shared that value-based oncology care can achieve both cost efficiency and high-quality outcomes through integrated multidisciplinary teams, flexible payment models, and targeted treatment approaches.
Gene Variant, Season of Birth Identified as Celiac Disease Risk Factors
Children born in spring or summer with a specific gene variant may have a higher risk of celiac disease and lower levels of a key protein, according to a study, potentially helping future research on autoimmune diseases.
Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Lung Cancer Care
Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, FASCO, a hematologist and medical oncologist, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing lung cancer care by analyzing imaging data to detect malignancies and interstitial lung disease, while stressing the importance of regulation to ensure its safe and ethical use.
Study Finds Link Between COVID-19 and Elevated Risk of GI Disorders
A study found that patients with COVID-19 may have a higher risk of developing new gastrointestinal (GI) disorders compared with matched controls, highlighting the need for further research on long-term GI effects post COVID-19 infection.
What Adjunct Therapies Are Most Effective for IBS, IBD?
A study suggests that adjunct therapies, including the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral therapy, may help alleviate persistent digestive symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside standard drug treatments.
Personalized Medicine in GI Cancer: Transforming Treatment With Technology, Lifestyle Insights
Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD, highlighted the transformative role of personalized medicine in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment through advances in next-generation sequencing and circulating tumor DNA, while emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors in prevention and recurrence.