Gastroenterology

The side effects that may occur as a result of stopping clopidogrel are much more serious than the slightly increased bleeding risk that patients on clopidogrel are faced with.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine have discovered that common intestinal bacteria may promote tumor growth, but that introduction an inhibiting protein enzyme can prevent this promotion.

In a preliminary study, Attiva, increased the post-meal feeling of satiety and reduced hunger between meals.

Using an evidence-based practice approach, researchers have developed new diagnostic algorithms that will provide diagnostic pathways for common symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.

The prevalence of abused children experiencing unexplained early development of gastrointestinal symptoms was the focus of a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine (March/April 2010).

There's a concept in healthcare insurance where all risks in a community of interest, a market, are pooled - community rating; and then there's experience rating where the healthy are advantaged in more ways then one and the sick are marginalized, paying disproportionately more into the pool just to have a seat at the table.

Splenic artery aneurysm is the most common form of visceral artery aneurysm. Most present asymptomatically with incidental findings on CT or ultrasound which are diagnostic, although about 20% present with vague left upper quadrant abdominal pain. Treatment should be aimed at preserving splenic function whenever possible and endovascular treatments offer a less invasive option to patients than open surgical ligation or resection.

With gluten-free diets very challenging to stick to, Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) gastroenterologists are studying the use of mind/body techniques to help patients stick to the strict diet.

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that St. John's wort is not effective at treating irritable bowel syndrome.

This opinion forum serves as a venue in which noted names in gastroenterology can publicly discuss and debate topical issues of importance in the specialty.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued a new set of guidelines for using aspirin and other NSAID medications during endoscopic procedures.

Pain scores were significantly reduced in the blinded phase of a Henry Ford Health System study, with many patients experiencing complete resolution of pain on the drug.

Rates of clostridium difficile are increasing in the outpatient setting, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic.

Latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can alter mucosal immunity, thus potentially increasing the tendency of CMV-infected hosts to develop colitis.

Patients with celiac disease and related disorders are at a slightly increased risk of death when compared to patients without any problems due to celiac disease or related conditions.

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.

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.

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 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.�

Scientists in Japan have developed a new yogurt that includes an antibody that significantly reduced levels of ulcer-producing bacteria in study participants.

Stem cell transplants may be a new, revolutionary way to treat Crohn's disease.

Aloe was mentioned by Pliny the Elder and also in the New Testament. "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes," (John 19:3940). It is long been in use as an herbal medicine in the Orient and Asia.

Reforming healthcare often took center stage during the presidential campaign. Having won the election, President Obama continues to tout healthcare reform as one of the top issues he wants addressed his first year in office.

Two recent experiences inspired me to bring up the topic of gastroprophylaxis.