A Clue in the Genetic Trail Leading to GERD?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
A polymorphism of the <$EMPH_O>GNB3<$EMPH_C> gene was more common among patients with GERD than in a control group.
By David A. Johnson, MD
April 3, 2009
Covering:
de Vries DR et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2009 Feb; 104:281
GERD and the Effect of Metabolic Risk Factors
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
The presence of metabolic risk factors increases the likelihood of disease progression.
Nighttime GERD Has Daytime Consequences
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Free
Nighttime GERD, even without reported symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, can significantly impair sleep.
By David A. Johnson, MD
March 20, 2009
Covering:
Orr WC et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008 Oct; 6:1099
An FDA Warning About Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide requires a boxed warning about risk for tardive dyskinesia.
Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Clopidogrel: Bad Company?
In a large observational cohort of ACS patients, this drug combination was associated with poorer outcomes than clopidogrel alone.
Intravenous PPI Use on the Rise
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
But, are the drugs being used appropriately?
Natural History of GER in Infants
Most diagnoses in infants occur before age 5 months, and most symptoms resolve within 12 months.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
March 11, 2009
Covering:
Campanozzi A et al., Pediatrics 2009 Mar; 123:779
Pantoprazole vs. Ranitidine for Prevention of Peptic Ulcer Rebleeding
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Rebleeding outcomes were similar with either medication.
Optimal pH Monitor Placement for Diagnosing GERD
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Placement of electrodes closer to the lower esophageal sphincter enhanced the diagnostic sensitivity of pH monitoring for GERD.
By David A. Johnson, MD
March 6, 2009
Covering:
Wenner J et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Dec; 103:2977
Four Approaches to Dyspepsia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
All yielded similar 1-year outcomes.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 3, 2009
Covering:
Duggan AE et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009 Jan; 29:55
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Clopidogrel: Bad Company?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In a large observational cohort of ACS patients, this drug combination was associated with poorer outcomes than was clopidogrel alone.
Low-Dose or High-Dose PPI for Bleeding Peptic Ulcers?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Free
Recent study findings indicate that low-dose proton-pump inhibitor therapy might be as effective as high-dose therapy in preventing rebleeding from peptic ulcers after endoscopic therapy.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication for Chronic GERD
General Medicine Summary and Comment
At 1 year, fundoplication resulted in less need for reflux medications and better quality of life than did medical management, but its cost-effectiveness is still to be determined.
Identifying Low-Risk Upper GI Bleeds for Safe Outpatient Management
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A simple scale can identify patients who do not require hospitalization or early endoscopy.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
January 20, 2009
Covering:
Stanley AJ et al., Lancet 2009 Jan 3; 373:42
Enhancing Posaconazole Absorption
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
In healthy adults, splitting doses; avoiding PPIs; and administering the drug in conjunction with a meal, a nutritional supplement, or an acidic beverage enhanced absorption.
By Lynn L. Estes, PharmD
December 24, 2008
Covering:
Krishna G et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008 Dec 15
Thickened Formula Reduces Reflux in Infants
A meta-analysis confirms the observation of some clinicians that use of thickened infant formula reduces GER symptoms.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
December 24, 2008
Covering:
Horvath A et al., Pediatrics 2008 Dec; 122:e1268
Optimal Sequence of Dyspepsia Treatments Proposed
Starting patients with dyspepsia on antacids and then progressing stepwise to more expensive therapies seems more cost effective than reversing the sequence, according to a...
Should PPI Therapy Be Interrupted for pH/Impedance Monitoring?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Some researchers say yes, but our expert says no.
By David A. Johnson, MD
December 19, 2008
Covering:
Hemmink GJM et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Oct; 103:2446
Lowering GI Risks of Low-Dose Antiplatelet Therapy
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Three professional organizations collaborate to create an "expert consensus" document.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
December 9, 2008
Covering:
Bhatt DL et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Nov; 103:2890
Bhatt DL et al., Circulation 2008 Oct 28; 118:1894
AGA Addresses GERD Management Issues
Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The new guidelines answer 12 key questions about diagnosing and managing GERD.
By David A. Johnson, MD
November 21, 2008
Covering:
Kahrilas PJ et al., Gastroenterology 2008 Oct; 135:1383
Esomeprazole Reduces Rate of Aspirin-Related Ulcers
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Recent data show that 26 weeks of esomeprazole therapy significantly reduces the risk for gastric ulcer formation in patients taking low-dose aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular events.
Is Endoscopic Surveillance of Gastric Ulcers Overused?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Approximately one in four patients with gastric ulcers receives surveillance endoscopy, including many patients who are at low risk for malignancy.
Antireflux Surgery vs. Esomeprazole for Treatment of GERD
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
GERD patients treated with laparoscopic antireflux surgery had results comparable to those treated with esomeprazole, but that is not the end of the story.
PPIs to Prevent Aspirin-Induced Ulcers
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Esomeprazole affords short-term gastrointestinal protection, regardless of aspirin dose.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 16, 2008
Covering:
Yeomans N et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Oct; 103:2465
Long-Term Results of Endoscopic Therapy for BE
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Endoscopic therapy is appropriate for patients with BE and HGD or EAC and might replace esophagectomy for appropriately selected patients.
