Gastroenterology: Archives

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Viramidine vs. Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Infection

• November 6, 2009
• Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

The ribavirin prodrug viramidine failed to demonstrate noninferiority to ribavirin in achieving sustained virologic response rates.

• Reviewing:
• Benhamou Y et al., Hepatology 2009 Sep; 50:717

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Trends in Uncomplicated Peptic Ulcer Disease

• November 6, 2009
• David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)

Incidence in the U.K. declined by 50% during the last decade.

• Reviewing:
• Cai S et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009 Nov; 30:1039

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Thiopurines and Risk for Lymphoproliferative Disorders

• November 6, 2009
• Douglas K. Rex, MD

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who received thiopurines had excess risk for LPDs.

• Reviewing:
• Beaugerie L et al., Lancet 2009 Oct 19

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Missed Opportunities to Detect Colorectal Cancer

• November 6, 2009
• Douglas K. Rex, MD

Prior opportunities for diagnostic evaluations were missed in nearly one third of patients with newly diagnosed CRC.

• Reviewing:
• Singh H et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Oct; 104:2543

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Appendectomy as Treatment for Ulcerative Proctitis?

• October 30, 2009
• Douglas K. Rex, MD

In an uncontrolled trial, appendectomy seemed to reduce ulcerative proctitis symptoms.

• Reviewing:
• Bolin TD et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Oct; 104:2476

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Does Infliximab Reduce Colectomies in Ulcerative Colitis?

• October 30, 2009
• Douglas K. Rex, MD

Patients who received infliximab achieved significantly lower rates of colectomies than those who received placebo.

• Reviewing:
• Sandborn WJ et al., Gastroenterology 2009 Oct; 137:1250

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Is Breast-Feeding Safe for Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

• October 30, 2009
• Douglas K. Rex, MD

Breast-feeding was not associated with excess risk for disease flare during the postpartum year.

• Reviewing:
• Moffatt DC et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Oct; 104:2517

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

H. pylori and Gastric Cancer

• October 30, 2009
• David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH (HSA), SM (Epid.)

Eradication of H. pylori infection did not significantly reduce the incidence of gastric cancer.

• Reviewing:
• Mabe K et al., World J Gastroenterol 2009 Sep 14; 15:4290

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Ursodeoxycholic Acid for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

• October 23, 2009
• Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

High-dose UDCA did not improve survival and was associated with high rates of adverse events.

• Reviewing:
• Lindor KD et al., Hepatology 2009 Sep; 50:808

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Risk Factors for Fibrosis Progression in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

• October 23, 2009
• Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Age and inflammation on initial biopsy were the only independent predictors for progression to advanced fibrosis.

• Reviewing:
• Argo CK et al., J Hepatol 2009 Aug; 51:371