Table of contents
October 2008 Volume 5 No 10
Editorial
The ethics of phase I trials of biologic agents
533doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1259 | Full Text | PDF (129K)
Research Highlights
Feasibility of string capsule endoscopy for screening of Barrett's esophagus
534Satavaptan improves ascites control in patients with cirrhosis
534Eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth improves cutaneous lesions in rosacea
534GERD: PPIs decrease immune response, but not DNA damage
535Good outcomes for pancreatectomy with IAT in children with chronic pancreatitis
535Histologic abnormalities of NASH are improved by insulin-sensitizing agents
536Recombinant growth hormone improves survival of patients with chronic liver failure
536Probiotic yogurt can reverse MHE in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis
537Greater risk of gallbladder disease in postmenopausal women using oral vs transdermal HRT
537Transcutaneous vaccine delivery shows continued promise for travelers' diarrhea
537Childhood hygiene is associated with risk of IBD
538A collaborative study identifies 21 new susceptibility loci for Crohn's disease
538Practice Points
What is the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication?
540doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1227 | Full Text | PDF (158K)
What is the optimal management approach for pediatric patients with severe ulcerative colitis?
542doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1234 | Full Text | PDF (162K)
Should routine coagulation of visible vessels be performed after endoscopic submucosal dissection
544doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1224 | Full Text | PDF (165K)
Dietary counseling or dietary supplementation for malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis?
546doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1232 | Full Text | PDF (154K)
Empiric PPI therapy or endoscopy for the initial management of patients with GERD in the absence of alarm features?
548doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1228 | Full Text | PDF (158K)
Viewpoint
Quality improvement in gastroenterology: a US perspective
550Gastroenterologists in the US have been working to answer the call to demonstrate quality in medical practice. Much has been accomplished to lay the groundwork for measuring the quality of clinical performance; however, more remains to be done to improve the quality of health care and to respond to the requirements for reporting quality.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1231 | Full Text | PDF (166K)
Reviews
Postoperative ileus—an update on preventive techniques
552Postoperative ileus is an undesirable stress response to major abdominal surgery that can cause abdominal pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, distention, delayed passage of stool and the inability to take in sufficient fluids and solids. In this Review, the author considers the techniques currently available to prevent or reduce the duration of postoperative ileus, including the concept of multimodal postoperative rehabilitation (fast-track surgery).
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1230 | Full Text | PDF (280K)
Endoscopic clipping for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding
559Endoscopic clipping is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of various bleeding gastrointestinal lesions. This Review provides an overview of endoscopic clipping, discussing available clipping devices, basic clipping techniques, applications and efficacy, safety and future prospects. The authors stress that endoscopic identification of lesions that are amenable to clipping and proficiency in clip application are key determinants of a successful outcome.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1233 | Full Text | PDF (522K)
Managing hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes: the partnership between genetic counselors and gastroenterologists
569Numerous hereditary cancers involve the gastrointestinal tract, and identification of these familial cancer syndromes should improve the detection, diagnosis and management of affected patients. This Review addresses the role of gastroenterologists and genetic counselors in the recognition of hereditary cancer syndromes, and suggests how a partnership between these two professions can influence the management of the patient and their family.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1235 | Full Text | PDF (492K)
Case Study
A case of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction secondary to primary visceral myopathy
584This article discusses the 11-year case history of a 13-year-old girl who presented with vomiting, abdominal pain and distension with evidence of small-bowel obstruction. Over the years, numerous laparotomies were performed for recurrent abdominal symptoms, which were managed with intravenous fluids, bowel rest and nasogastric decompression of the upper gut. After a diagnosis of primary visceral myopathy was made, prokinetic agents were prescribed and a venting gastrostomy inserted for decompression. Total parenteral feeding was initially used to maintain nutrition but was ceased when her symptoms improved.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1254 | Full Text | PDF (375K)
