Gastroenterology

As you may know, in about 10% of people, the natural history of GERD is progression to Barrett's esophagus, where the normal squamous epithelial lining of the esophagus is displaced by columnar epithelium from the intestine (intestinal metaplasia).

The Institute of Food Research have used a genetically engineered bacterium to effectively deliver a therapy for the treatment of irritable bowel disease.

The FDA is now requiring that stronger product warnings be included in the prescribing information of tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers because of an increased risk of cancer in the children and adolescents who take them.

Physicians at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, have used the pacemaker, typically used to help adult patients with heart problems, to alleviate symptoms in children with severe stomach problems.

A third Class II HLA gene has been identified as another risk factor for celiac disease by a researcher at the University of the Basque Country in Spain.

Researchers have found that the microbiome of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease is altered in comparison to healthy patient.

New research has found that patients with GERD who use proton pump inhibitors may be able to prevent the progression of Barrett's esophagus by eliminating a bacterium from the body.

New research from Ohio State University has found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome are more sensitive to pain than controls without IBS.

A new study has found that treating patients with proton pump inhibitors for eight weeks “induces acid-related symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation and dyspepsia” after healthy patients were no longer receiving the treatment.

Researchers have been studying the effect that antibiotics have on the bacteria that are found in the intestinal tract, and have found that "antibiotics can cause moderate to wide-ranging changes in the ranks of these helpful guardians in the gut."

The American Gastroenterological Association has released its 2009 legislative forecast, which was written to help physicians "better navigate recent issues that have been addressed and prepare for coming changes and debates."

The technology used to cool central processing units in computers may have found a new role—in the diagnosis of acid-related stomach disorders.

Ever since the Surgeon General warned of the dangers associated with smoking nearly 50 years ago, special interest groups have pressed Congress to grant the FDA authority to regulate or ban tobacco products.

The identification of tissue afflicted with Barrett's Esophagus by researchers from Canadian Light Source and the University of Saskatchewan may lead to improved methods for diagnosing the condition.

A new study has found that monoclonal antibodies may be an effective new drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Hopefully, as healthcare providers, we can recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the inpatient setting, and work together to open communication to ensure smooth transitions of care.

According to the result from a recent Beth Israel Deaconess study, glutamine may be effective in "offsetting gastric damage caused by [Helicobacter pylori] H. pylori infection."

A recently completed Phase II proof-of-concept trial demonstrated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis given methotrexate were more likely to report an improvement in signs and symptoms than those given a placebo.

Pundits, analysts, and other industry observers have been weighing in with their thoughts on what the President's proposals will call for, what effect they may have on the nation's healthcare system, their chances of being enacted, and how we're going to pay for it all.

Scientists in Germany have discovered which bacteria colonize and form biofilms in the stents that are put in to clear bile ducts blocked as a result of cancer.

You may remember the story of Harvard Medical School grad and CIO of CareGroup John Halamka who was an huge advocate of using implantable radio-frequency identification chips to give patients the option of being a walking EMR. Halamka actually had one of these chips implanted in his arm in late 2004, and the PR frenzy began.

A new study has found that patients who suffer from IBS report, on average, a 50% quality of life score.

A study has found that �women with a history of hypothyroidism face a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer.�

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health have published guidelines for treating diarrhea and vomiting due to gastroenteritis in children younger than age five years.

Check out photos taken at last week's Health 2.0 Conference held in Boston.

Constipation is a very prevalent problem, affecting up to 20% of the US population.

This debate featured Don Kemper, CEO of Healthwise, and Matthew Holt, co-founder of Health 2.0, LLC, discussing information therapy and Health 2.0, and why they thought one was better than the other.

It's the patient's job to manage his or her care, while the doctor's job is to provide the necessary tools and treatment.