Table of contents
February 2009 Volume 6 No 2
Editorial
Research Highlights
Significantly decreased BMD in noncirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection
64Mutations in KRAS render cetuximab therapy for advanced CRC ineffective
64Bile-duct injury malpractice litigation: poor agreement among experts
64Economics of Helicobacter pylori eradication in clinical practice
65Benefits of fast-track, perioperative care for patients undergoing colonic surgery
66New antiobesity drug, tesofensine, shows good phase II results
66Are boosters needed by children vaccinated at birth against HBV?
66Practice Points
What is the optimal regimen for preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation?
68doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1339 | Full Text | PDF (122K)
How effective is endoscopic therapy in the treatment of patients with early esophageal cancer?
70doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1330 | Full Text | PDF (122K)
Predictors of early rebleeding and mortality after acute variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis
72doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1336 | Full Text | PDF (122K)
Is the antidepressant venlafaxine effective for the treatment of functional dyspepsia?
74doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1334 | Full Text | PDF (121K)
Nurse-administered propofol sedation for upper endoscopic ultrasonography: not yet ready for prime time
76doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1332 | Full Text | PDF (118K)
What is the safe duration of therapy for patients infected with HCV genotype 6?
78doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1335 | Full Text | PDF (117K)
Viewpoint
Can nutritional therapy replace pharmacologic therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease?
80The use of nutritional therapy for Crohn's disease is controversial. The author of this Viewpoint article discusses the available evidence for this type of therapy, including data on therapeutic efficacy, possible mechanisms of action and groups of patients for whom this approach might be particularly beneficial. He also highlights directions for future research.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1338 | Full Text | PDF (122K)
Reviews
How to critically appraise an article
82To practice evidence-based medicine, clinicians need to apply the findings of scientific research to the circumstances of individual patients as part of the process of clinical decision-making. This Review article presents a 10-step guide to the critical appraisal of research literature to assist clinicians with the task of identifying the most relevant, high-quality studies available to guide their practice.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1331 | Full Text | PDF (338K)
Diagnosis and management of fistulizing Crohn's disease
92A considerable proportion of patients with Crohn's disease are affected by the formation of fistulas, and appropriate fistula treatment requires knowledge of the available medical therapies. This Review discusses the pharmacological and surgical approaches available for the treatment of fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease, including novel therapeutic approaches. Discussion of the epidemiology and pathology of fistulizing Crohn's disease is also provided.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1340 | Full Text | PDF (642K)
Evolution of nonsurgical therapy for colorectal cancer
108This Review article outlines the evolution of non-surgical treatment for colorectal cancer, in particular chemotherapy, its integration with radiotherapy, and the evolving use of biologic therapies. The authors also discuss new advances in patient selection for specific anti-cancer agents and regimens.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1337 | Full Text | PDF (503K)
Case Study
Liver transplantation for sclerosing cholangitis in a polytraumatized patient
121In this Case Study, Schnitzbauer et al. describe the case of a 30-year-old male who suffered multiple fractures and extensive internal injuries, including liver rupture with formation of a hematoma, because of a motorcycle accident. While in intensive care, the hepatic hematoma became infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and serum levels of cholestatic parameters started to increase, until retrograde cholangiography supported a diagnosis of cholangitis in a critically ill patient. Acute liver failure ensued, and liver transplantation carried out. In spite of a number of intervening complications, 50 months after transplantation the patient was in good health; therefore, the authors conclude that post-traumatic sclerosing cholangitis should probably become an indication for liver transplantation.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1333 | Full Text | PDF (527K)
