BMC Gastroenterology via MedWorm.com

Chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia enteritis: clinical characteristics, disability and long-term sickness absence.

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: After giardiasis enteritis at least 5% developed clinical characteristics and functional impairment comparable to previously described post-infectious fatigue syndrome. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

"Drop in" gastroscopy outpatient clinic - experience after 9 months

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions, "Drop in" gastroscopy was introduced without increase in staff. The observed increase in gastroscopies was paralleled by a similar increase in pathological findings without any apparent disadvantages for other groups of patients. This should legitimise "drop in" outpatients gastroscopies, but it requires meticulous observation of possible unwanted effects when implemented.Key Words: endoscopy, gastroscopy, outpatient clinic, waiting lists (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Serological Assessment of gastric mucosal Atrophy in gastric Cancer.

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Non-invasive tools for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis are lacking. Serological testing with the detection of pepsinogen 1(PG1), pepsinogen 2 (PG2) and gastrin 17 (G17) offers the possibility to detect preneoplastic gastric mucosal conditions. Aim of this study was to assess the performance of these serological tests in the presence of gastric neoplasia. Methods: Histological and serological samples of 118 patients with gastric cancer have been assessed for tumor specific characteristics (Lauren type, localisation), degree of mucosal abnormalities (intestinal metaplasia, atrophy) and serological parameters (PG1, PG2, PG1/2-ratio, G17, H. pylori IgG, CagA status). Association of the general factors to the different serological values have been statistically analyzed. Resu...

Long-term effects of treatment and response in patients with chronic hepatitis C on quality of life

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Main determinants of HRQL were severity of liver disease, age, gender, participating center and response to treatment. Our results do not exclude a more profound negative impact of individualized treatment compared to standard, possibly caused by higher doses and extended treatment duration in the individualized group. Antiviral therapy might have a more intense and more prolonged negative impact on females. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Luteolin decreases IGF-II production and downregulates insulin-like growth factor-I receptor signaling in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Luteolin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, reduces insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) signaling in colon cancer cells, suggesting that this mechanism may contribute to luteolin-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Applicability of a short/rapid 13C-urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori: a retrospective multicenter chart review study

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The BreathID(R) System used in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori can safely shorten test duration on average of 10-13 minutes without any loss of sensitivity or specificity and with no test lasting more than 21 minutes. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Factors linked to severe thrombocytopenia during antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis c and pretreatment low platelet counts

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Baseline low platelet count ( (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

GDNF protects enteric glia from apoptosis: evidence for an autocrine loop

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study proposes the existence of an autocrine anti-apoptotic loop in EGC cells which is operative in Crohn's disease and dependent of GDNF. Alterations in this novel EGC self-protecting mechanism could lead to a higher susceptibility towards apoptosis and thus contribute to disruption of the mucosal integrity and severity of inflammation in CD. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

High-dose clevudine impairs mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data suggest that high-dose treatment with clevudine induces mitochondrial defects associated with mtDNA depletion and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in insulin-releasing cells. These findings partly explain the development of diabetes in patients receiving clevudine who might have a high susceptibility to mitochondrial toxicity. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Value of fecal calprotectin in the evaluation of patients with abdominal discomfort: an observational study

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: The evaluation of patients with abdominal discomfort is challenging and patient selection for endoscopy based on symptoms is not reliable. We evaluated the diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin in patients with abdominal discomfort. Methods: In an observational study, 575 consecutive patients with abdominal discomfort referred for endoscopy to the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland, were enrolled in the study. Calprotectin was measured in stool samples collected within 24 hours before the investigation using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of a clinically significant finding in the gastrointestinal tract was the primary endpoint of the study. Final diagnoses were adjudicated blinded to calprotectin val...

Prevalence of non Helicobacter pylori species in patients presenting with dyspepsia

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The prevalence of H. heilmannii and H. felis was low in our patients with dyspepsia. Exposure to pets did not increase the risk of H. heilmannii or H. felis infection. The coinfection of H. pylori with H. heilmannii was seen associated with intestinal metaplasia, however this need further confirmation. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Validation of the FIB4 index in a Japanese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease population

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The FIB4 index was superior to other tested noninvasive markers of fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD, with a high negative predictive value for excluding advanced fibrosis. The small number of cases of advanced fibrosis in this cohort meant that this study had limited power for validating the high cut-off point. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Low incidence of positive smooth muscle antibody and high incidence of isolated IgM elevation in Chinese patients with autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome: a retrospective study

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis was not rare in Chinese patients with clinical manifests of autoimmune liver diseases. Overlap of the diseases should not be disregarded when isolated IgM elevation was exhibited, and smooth muscle antibody might have little diagnostic significance in the overlap syndrome. If it was difficult to make a definite diagnosis, liver biopsy was necessary. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Down-regulation of HSP70 sensitizes gastric epithelial cells to apoptosis and growth retardation triggered by H. pylori

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The inhibition of HSP70 aggravated gastric cellular damages induced by H.pylori. Induction of HSP70 could be a potential therapeutic target for protection gastric mucosa from H.pylori-associated injury. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Gastric transit and small intestinal transit time and motility assessed by a magnet tracking system

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: MTS-1 is reliable for determination of gastric transit and small intestinal transit time. It is possible to distinguish between the mean contraction frequency of small intestine in the fasting state and in the postprandial state. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

In vivo and ex vivo effects of propofol on myocardial performance in rats with obstructive jaundice

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In rats that underwent BDL, basal cardiac performance was better in vivo and worse ex vivo compared with controls. Low and intermediate concentrations of propofol did not appear to impair cardiac function in rats with obstructive jaundice. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Comparison of percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation and surgical resection for small hepatocellular carcinoma

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PRFA is as effective as SR in the treatment of single and small HCC, and is less invasive than SR. Therefore, PRFA could be a first choice for the treatment of single and small HCC. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Arsenic, vinyl chloride, viral hepatitis, and hepatic angiosarcoma: A hospital-based study and review of literature in Taiwan

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: HAS is rare in Taiwan, and we found no evidence supporting a major role of VCM, arsenic in drinking water, or viral hepatitis in its occurrence. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Association between Helicobacter pylori cagA-related genes and clinical outcomes in Colombia and Japan

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: jhp0045 and jhp0046 might be novel markers for predicting gastric cancer in cagA-positive cases in Colombia, but not in Japan. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Cerebral Air Embolism as a Complication of Peptic Ulcer in the Gastric Tube: Case report

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of penetrating gastric ulcer, but should be considered in patients with a history of esophagectomy with gastric conduit that present with acute neurologic findings. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Postprandial fullness correlates with rapid inflow of gastric content into duodenum but not with chronic gastritis.

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Bothersome postprandial fullness correlates with rapid inflow of gastric content into duodenum, but not with chronic gastritis. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

A Randomised Controlled Trial on hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: design and methodological challenges (the IMAGINE study)

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionIf hypnotherapy is effective and if there is no difference in efficacy between individual and group hypnotherapy, this group form of treatment could be offered to more IBS patients, at lower costs.Trial registration:Trial register: Current Controlled TrialsRegistration number: ISRCTN22888906 (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Transcript levels of Toll-like receptors 5, 8 and 9 correlate with inflammatory activity in Ulcerative Colitis

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Dysregulation of innate immune response by Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) is a key feature in Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Most studies have focused on TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 participation in UC. However, few studies have explored other TLRs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mRNA profiles of TLR1 to 9 in colonic mucosa of UC patients, according to disease activity. Methods: Colonic biopsies were taken from colon during colonoscopy in 51 patients with Ulcerative Colitis and 36 healthy controls. mRNA levels of TLR1 to 9, Tollip, inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNF were assessed by RT-qPCR with hydrolysis probes. Characterization of TLR9 protein expression was performed by Immunohistochemistry. Results: Toll-like receptors TLR8, TLR9, and IL6 mRNA levels were significant...

Clinical benefit of gluten-free diet in screen-detected older celiac disease patients

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Screen-detected patients benefited from a gluten-free diet. We encourage a high index of suspicion and active case-finding in celiac disease as an alternative to mass screening in older patients. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Application of magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy for diagnosis of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesion

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study included 122 patients who were diagnosed with early gastric cancer orprecancerous gastric lesions by endoscopy. The patients underwent an examinationwith conventional endoscopy, magnifying NBI, and magnifying chromoendoscopy.Images resolution was evaluated, and the morphology, pit patterns and blood capillaryforms of lesions were analyzed. The presence of gastric carcinoma and high gradeintraepithelial neoplasia in the biopsy samples was considered as a positivepathological result, which is used to assess accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis. Results: For image resolution, magnifying NBI and magnifying chromoendoscopy weresignificantly superior to magnifying conventional endoscopy in morphology, pitpattern and blood capillary form (P (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

A capillary blood ammonia bedside test following glutamine load to improve the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhosis. A single determination of ammonia in venous blood correlates poorly with neurological symptoms. Thus, a better biological marker is needed. Aim : To make a diagnosis of HE, we explored the value of ammonia in capillary blood, an equivalent to arterial blood, measured at bedside following an oral glutamine challenge. Methods: We included 57 patients (age 56 yrs ; M/F : 37/20) with cirrhosis (alcoholic = 42 ; MELD score 13.8 [7-29], esophageal varices = 38) and previous episodes of HE (n=19), but without neurological deficits at time of examination, and 13 healthy controls (age 54 yrs). After psychometric tests and capillary (ear lobe) blood ammonia measurements, 20 gr of glutamine was administered or...

The MLH1 2101C>A (Q701K) variant increases the risk of gastric cancer in Chinese males

BMC Gastroenterology — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: An ethnic-specific MLH1 mutation spectrum occurred in Chinese gastric cancer patients. The MLH1 2101C>A mutation could be a marker for susceptibility to gastric cancer, particularly in males. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Comparison of accuracy of fibrosis degree classifications by liver biopsy and non invasive tests in chronic hepatitis C

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Non-invasive tests have been constructed and evaluated mainly for binary diagnoses such as significant fibrosis. Recently, detailed fibrosis classifications for several non-invasive tests have been developed, but their accuracy has not been thoroughly evaluated in comparison to liver biopsy, especially in clinical practice and for Fibroscan. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of detailed fibrosis classifications available for non-invasive tests and liver biopsy. The secondary aim was to validate these accuracies in independent populations. Methods. Four HCV populations provided 2,068 patients with liver biopsy, four different pathologist skill-levels and non-invasive tests. Results were expressed as percentages of correctly classified pati...

Autoimmune enteropathy with a CD8+ CD7- T-cell small bowel intraepithelial lymphocytosis: case report and literature review

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: AIE is most often characterized (1) IgG subclass anti-epithelial cell antibodies, (2) preferential small bowel involvement, and (3) CD3+ alphabeta TCR+ infiltrates; there is insufficient evidence to conclude CD4+ T-cells are solely responsible in all cases of AIE. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Recipient and donor thrombophilia and the risk of portal venous thrombosis and hepatic artery thrombosis in liver recipients.

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Vascular complications, such as HAT, are an important cause of graft loss and recipient mortality. We aimed to characterize post-transplant thrombotic events in a cohort of liver transplant recipients, and identify independent risk factors for these complications. Methods: We conducted a thrombophilic study of 293 orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) performed in the Digestive Surgery Department of the 12 de Octubre Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between January 2001 and December 2006. Results: The most frequent post-transplant thrombotic events were HAT (9%) and PVT (1.7%). The one variable associated with post-transplant thrombotic event was a high fibrinogen level in the global cohort of liver transplantation. But toxicity as event post-OLT has been associated with post-transplant t...

Small-bowel mucosal changes and antibody responses after low- and moderate-dose gluten challenge in celiac disease

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Low amounts of gluten can also cause significant mucosal deterioration in the majority of the patients. As there are always some celiac disease patients who will not respond within these conditions, sample sizes must be sufficiently large to attain to statistical power in analysis. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Increased proportion of nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive neurons in rat ileal myenteric ganglia after severe acute pancreatitis

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remains a potentially life-threatening disease. Gastrointestinal motility disturbance such as intestinal ileus is seen in every case. By now, the mechanisms of pancreatitis-induced ileus are largely unknown. The main purpose of the present study was to observe changes of nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive (NOS-IR) neurons in ileal myenteric ganglia in SAP rats with gastrointestinal dysmotility, trying to explore underlying nervous mechanisms of pancreatitis-induced ileus. Methods: Twenty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operated group and SAP group. SAP was induced by retrograde cholangiopancreatic duct injection of 5% sodium taurocholate. Abdominal X-ray and intestinal transit were performed to detect the existence of paraly...

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the value of a single bolus intravenous alfentanil in CT colonography

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study will provide evidence whether a single bolus intravenous alfentanil gives a clinically relevant reduction in maximum pain during CT colonography.Trial registrationDutch trial register: NTR2902This trial will be conducted in accordance with the protocol and in compliance with the moral, ethical, and scientific principles governing clinical research as set out in the Declaration of Helsinki (1989) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The department of radiology of the Academic Medical Center of Amsterdam is responsible for the design and conduct of the trial. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Development of a validated patient reported symptom metric for pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: qualitative methods

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: To capture the full impact of pediatric EoE, both histologic findings and PROs need to be included as equally important outcome measures. We have developed the face and content validated Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score(PEESS version 2.0). The PEESS v2.0 metric is now undergoing multisite national field testing as the next iterative instrument development phase. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Ringer's lactate improves liver recovery in a murine model of acetaminophen toxicity

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: RLS improves liver recovery from APAP hepatotoxicity. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Lactase non-persistent genotype influences milk consumption and gastrointestinal symptoms in Northern Russians

BMC Gastroenterology — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Subjects with -13910C/C have more GI symptoms from milk. Subjects with lactase non-persistent genotype avoid using milk. In the case of increasing milk consumption symptoms may increase the need for medical consultation. It is thus important either for people themselves or for health care staff to be aware of lactase persistence/non-persistence. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Predictive Value of Metabolic 18FDG-PET Response on Outcomes in Patients with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma Treated with Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Significantly higher OS, PFS, and LRPFS in patients with greater SUVmax difference suggest that FDG-PET-CT-based metabolic response assessment is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in LAPC patients treated with definitive C-CRT. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Surgery for fistula-in-ano in a specialist colorectal unit: a critical appraisal

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This prospective audit demonstrates an high proportion of complex anal fistulae treated by seton placement that was the most common surgical technique adopted to treat our patients as a first line. Nevertheless, a good outcome was achieved in the majority of patients with a limited rate of faecal incontinence (6/247=2.4%). New technologies provide promising alternatives to traditional methods of management particularly in case of complex fistulas. There is, however, a real need for high-quality randomized control trials to evaluate the different surgical and non surgical treatment options. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Delay to celiac disease diagnosis and its implications for health-related quality of life

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The delay from first symptoms to CD diagnosis is unacceptably long for many persons. Untreated CD results in poor HRQoL, which improves to the level of the general population if diagnosed and treated. By shortening the diagnostic delay it is possible to reduce this unnecessary burden of disease. Increased awareness of CD as a common health problem is needed, and active case finding should be intensified. Mass screening for CD might be an option in the future. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Bio-physical characteristics of gastrointestinal mucosa of celiac patients: comparison with control subjects and effect of gluten free diet

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that the hydrophobicity of duodenal mucous layer is reduced in CD patients, and that the resulting decreased capacity to repel luminal contents may contribute to the increased intestinal permeability of CD. This alteration mirrors the severity of the mucosal lesions and is not completely reverted by gluten-free diet. Intestinal hydrophobicity exhibits regional differences in the human intestinal tract. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Gynecomastia during imatinib mesylate treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a rare adverse event

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Testosterone levels were not decreased in the six GIST patients with gynecomastia. Three patients had increased serum estradiol level which suggests that imbalance of sex hormones may be the cause of gynecomastia during treatment with imatinib mesylate. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

A Multidisciplinary Survey on Controversies in the Use of EUS-guided FNA: assessing perspectives of surgeons, oncologists and gastroenterologists

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: EUS-guided FNA can help diagnose and differentiate between various pancreatic and other lesions.The aim of this study was to compare approaches among involved/relevant physicians to the controversies surrounding the use of FNA in EUS. Methods: A five-case survey was developed, piloted, and validated. It was collected from a total of 101 physicians, who were all either gastroenterologists (GIs), surgeons or oncologists. The survey compared the management strategies chosen by members of these relevant disciplines regarding EUS-guided FNA. Results: For CT operable T2NOM0 pancreatic tumors the research demonstrated variance as to whether to undertake EUS-guided FNA, at p (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Early liver biopsy, intraparenchymal cholestasis, and prognosis in patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with histologically documented ASH early after admission and no sepsis, liver biopsy identified marked intraparenchymal cholestasis as an independent predictor of poor short term outcome together with age and the Maddrey's score. It may be hypothesized that incorporation of this particular variable into existing disease severity scores for ASH would improve their performance. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Mucosal atrophy in collagenous colitis: a case report

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: If no chance occurrence, our observation supports the idea that additional factors, probably luminal in nature, may be co-responsible for the mucosal atrophy in this case. Thus, mucosal atrophy in the proximal colon appears to be a new candidate among the growing list of rare complications associated with long standing CC. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

A pilot study of transrectal endoscopic ultrasound elastography in inflammatory bowel disease

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Transrectal ultrasound elastography seems to be a promising new diagnostic tool in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. Further study on a larger cohort of patients is needed to definitely assess the role of transrectal ultrasound elastography in inflammatory bowel disease. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Risk factors associated with symptomatic cholelithiasis in Taiwan: a population-based study

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The risk factors for cholelithiasis were obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, and cirrhosis in both genders, and menopause in females. Despite differences in the predominate type of gallstone in Asian versus Western populations, we identified no unique risk factors among the population of Taiwan. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

DPO multiplex PCR as an alternative to culture and susceptibility testing to detect Helicobacter pylori and its resistance to clarithromycin.

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The DPO-PCR is an interesting tool to detect H. pylori on gastric biopsies and to study its susceptibility to clarithromycin in laboratories that cannot perform real-time PCR assays. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of internet-based exposure treatment for irritable bowel syndrome in a clinical sample: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has shown promising effects in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, to date no study has used a design where participants have been sampled solely from a clinical population. We aimed to investigate the acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of ICBT for IBS using a consecutively recruited sample from a gastroenterological clinic. Methods: Sixty-one patients were randomized to 10 weeks of ICBT (n=30) or a waiting list control (n=31). The ICBT was guided by an online therapist and emphasized acceptance of symptoms through exposure and mindfulness training. Severity of IBS symptoms was measured with the Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale - IBS version (GSRS-IBS). Patients in both groups were ass...

The transhepatic endotoxin gradient is present despite liver cirrhosis and is attenuated after transjugular portotsystemic shunt (TIPS)

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides quantitative estimates of the role of the liver in the pathophysiology of bacterial translocation. The data indicate that the cirrhotic liver retains the capacity for clearance of bacterial endotoxin from the portal venous blood and that TIPS implantation attenuates this clearance. Thus, increased endotoxin concentrations in the systemic circulation provide a possible link to the increased encephalopathy in TIPS patients. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Expression, localization and polymorphisms of the nuclear receptor PXR in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PXR expresses in BE and adenocarcinoma tissue, and showed nuclear localization in adenocarcinoma tissue. Upon stimulation with lithocholic acid, PXR translocates to the nuclei of OE19 adenocarcinoma cells. Together with the observed association of a PXR polymorphism and BE, this data implies that PXR may have a function in prediction and treatment of esophageal disease. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Increased intestinal permeability and tight junction disruption by altered expression and localization of occludin in a murine graft versus host disease model

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This analysis in a murine model of GvHD of the small intestine demonstrates serious impairment of intestinal barrier function in the jejunum, with an increased permeability and morphological changes through downregulation and localization shift of the tight junction protein occludin. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Rare Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis Presenting as Atypical Cholecystitis: Case Report

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Gallbladder adenomyomatosis can present with fever as the only symptom. Although the association between gallbladder adenomyomatosis and malignancy has yet to be elucidated, previous reports have shown a strong association between gallbladder carcinoma and a subtype of gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Surgical intervention remains the first-choice treatment for patients with gallbladder adenomyomatosis. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Comparative cost-efficiency of the EVOTECH Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor versus manual cleaning plus automated endoscope reprocessing in a real-world Canadian hospital endoscopy setting.

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Reprocessing of endoscopes generally requires labour-intensive manual cleaning followed by high-level disinfection in an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER). EVOTECH Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR) is approved for fully automated cleaning and disinfection whereas AERs require manual cleaning prior to the high-level disinfection procedure. The purpose of this economic evaluation was to determine the cost-efficiency of the ECR versus AER methods of endoscopy reprocessing in an actual practice setting. Methods: A time and motion study was conducted at a Canadian hospital to collect data on the personnel resources and consumable supplies costs associated with the use of EVOTECH ECR versus manual cleaning followed by AER with Medivators DSD-201. Reprocessing of all endosco...

Family history of the cancer on the survival of the patients with gastrointestinal cancer in northern Iran, using frailty models

BMC Gastroenterology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results suggested that the early preventative care for patients with family history of the cancer may decrease the risk of the death in the patients with GI cancer. The gender appeared to be an important factor as well so that men experiencing lower risk of death than the women in the study. Since the proportionality assumption of the Cox model was not held (p = 0.0014), the Cox regression model was not an appropriate choice for analysing our data. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Two cases of monomicrobial intraabdominal abscesses due to KPC- 3 Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 clone

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Timely microbiological diagnosis, the combined use of new and old antibiotics and radiological intervention appeared to be valuable in managing these serious conditions.The emergence and dissemination of MDR organisms is posing an increasing challenge for physicians to develop new therapeutic strategies and control and prevention frameworks. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Social disparities in the use of colonoscopy by primary care physicians in Ontario

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is substantial variation in the use of colonoscopy by PCPs, and this variation has increased as the overall use of colonoscopy increased over time. PCPs whose patients were more marginalized were less likely to use colonoscopy, suggesting that there are inequities in access. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Determinants of Polyp Size in Patients Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy

BMC Gastroenterology — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background & Aims: Pre-existing polyps, especially large polyps, are known to be the major source for colorectal cancer, but there is limited available information about factors that are associated with polyp size and polyp growth. We aim to determine factors associated with polyp size in different age groups. Methods: Colonoscopy data were prospectively collected from 67 adult gastrointestinal practice sites in the United States between 2002 and 2007 using a computer-generated endoscopic report form. Data were transmitted to and stored in a central data repository, where all asymptomatic white (n=78352) and black (n=4289) patients who had a polyp finding on screening colonoscopy were identified. Univariate and multivariate analysis of age, gender, performance site, race, polyp location, n...

Narrow-band imaging does not improve detection of colorectal polyps when compared to conventional colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis of published studies.

BMC Gastroenterology — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: NBI does not improve detection of colorectal polyps when compared to conventional colonoscopy (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000456055). (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Giant pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma with hemangioma mimicking intestinal obstruction

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This rare presentation of a giant P-HCC combined with a hemangioma with features of intestinal obstruction confirmed the diagnostic difficulties of similar cases, and required prompt surgical treatment. Therefore, patients benefit from surgical resection because both the capsule and the pedicle prevent vascular invasion, therefore improving prognosis. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Dumping syndrome following Nissen fundoplication in an adult patient diagnosed by continuous online 13C/12C monitoring of 13C-Octanoic acid breath test "a case report"

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Early performance of a gastric emptying rate breath test in symptomatic patients, following upper GI tract surgery may help in the prediction or diagnosis of nissen Fundoplication complications such as dumping syndrome. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

The value of age and medical history for predicting colorectal cancer and adenomas in people referred for colonoscopy.

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our models provide guidance about which factors can assist in identifying people at higher risk of disease using easily elicited information. This would allow colonoscopy to be prioritised for those for whom it would be of most benefit. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

The Frequency Of Microscopic And Focal Active Colitis In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder. The frequency of microscopic colitis and focal active colitis in the colonic mucosa has been investigated in IBS patients. Methods: Between June 2007 and September 2010, 378 patients (between 16 and 84 years) were recruited prospectively. Of these 378 patients, 226 patients were diagnosed with IBS using the Rome III criteria. 152 control patients were also enrolled who were undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening or investigation of anemia. Histopathological abnormalities identified during colonoscopy were compared between the IBS and control groups. Results: The average age of the IBS group was 46.13+/-14.16 years and and the average age of the control group was 57.01+/-13.07 years. The preva...

Psychopathological features of irritable bowel syndrome patients with and without functional dyspepsia: a cross sectional study

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IBS-FD overlap is associated with an increased severity of psychopathological features. This finding suggests that a substantial subset of patients of a third level gastroenterological centre with both IBS and FD may benefit from psychological assessment and treatment. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

An increased risk of Urinary Tract Infection precedes development of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

BMC Gastroenterology — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found that the association between urosepsis and PBC is specific to this disease and precedes the diagnosis of PBC in a manner not previously observed in human data. This is consistent with a causal relationship. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Association between RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This meta-analysis identified a strong association between methylation of the RUNX3 promoter and gastric cancer, confirming the role of RUNX3 as a tumor suppressor gene. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Cost-Effectiveness of a Mailed Educational Reminder to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening

BMC Gastroenterology — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: : Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in many areas and cost-effective interventions to promote CRC screening are needed. Recently in a randomized controlled trial, a mailed educational reminder increased CRC screening rates by 16.2% among U.S. Veterans. The aim of our study was to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of a mailed educational reminder on fecal occult blood test (FOBT) adherence.MethodS: In a blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 769 patients were randomly assigned to the usual care group (FOBT alone, n=382) or the intervention group (FOBT plus a mailed reminder, n=387). Ten days after picking up the FOBT cards, a 1-page reminder with information related to CRC screening was mailed to the intervention group. Primary outcome was number of returned...

Non-Invasive Markers for Hepatic Fibrosis

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

With great advancements in the therapeutic modalities used for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, the accurate assessment of liver fibrosis is a vital need for successful individualized management of disease activity in patients. The lack of accurate, reproducible and easily applied methods for fibrosis assessment has been the major limitation in both the clinical management and for research in liver diseases. However, the problem of the development of biomarkers capable of non-invasive staging of fibrosis in the liver is difficult due to the fact that the process of fibrogenesis is a component of the normal healing response to injury, invasion by pathogens, and many other etiologic factors. Current non-invasive methods range from serum biomarker assays to advanced imaging techniques...

Role of inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway on methotrexate-induced intestinal mucositis in rodents

BMC Gastroenterology — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100