Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology

How safe and effective is methylnaltrexone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness?

Joseph Foss — 2008-11-18

How safe and effective is methylnaltrexone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1315

Author: Joseph Foss

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East meets the West—portal pressure predicts outcome of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Alejandro Forner — 2008-11-04

East meets the West—portal pressure predicts outcome of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1300

Authors: Alejandro Forner & Jordi Bruix

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Granulocyte–monocyte apheresis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis— is this the end of the road?

Subrata Ghosh — 2008-11-04

Granulocyte–monocyte apheresis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis— is this the end of the road?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1299

Authors: Subrata Ghosh, Gilaad Kaplan & Remo Panaccione

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Is nil per os still appropriate for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery?

Murray F Brennan — 2008-10-21

Is nil per os still appropriate for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1279

Author: Murray F Brennan

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Is capsule endoscopy effective for screening and surveillance of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension?

Kevin C Ruff — 2008-10-21

Is capsule endoscopy effective for screening and surveillance of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1280

Authors: Kevin C Ruff & Virender K Sharma

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Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy—a visual aid or a distraction?

William R Brugge — 2008-10-14

Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy—a visual aid or a distraction?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1285

Author: William R Brugge

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How effective is tegaserod for the treatment of female patients with mixed subtype IBS?

Brian E Lacy — 2008-10-14

How effective is tegaserod for the treatment of female patients with mixed subtype IBS?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1278

Author: Brian E Lacy

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Endoscopic-guided or cotton-tipped applicator nasal anesthesia for transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

Eric YT Lee — 2008-10-14

Endoscopic-guided or cotton-tipped applicator nasal anesthesia for transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1284

Authors: Eric YT Lee & Norman E Marcon

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How effective is adefovir dipivoxil plus lamivudine for the treatment of lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B?

Jurriën GP Reijnders — 2008-10-14

How effective is adefovir dipivoxil plus lamivudine for the treatment of lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1282

Authors: Jurriën GP Reijnders & Harry LA Janssen

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Is sequential therapy superior to standard triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Colm A O'Morain — 2008-10-07

Is sequential therapy superior to standard triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1276

Authors: Colm A O'Morain & JP Anthony O'Connor

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What advice should be given to patients with NAFLD about the consumption of alcohol?

Margaret S Sozio — 2008-11-18

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common diseases of the Western world, and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular function are well known. This Viewpoint article discusses potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption in patients with NAFLD.

What role do antibiotics have in the treatment of IBD?

Cosimo Prantera — 2008-09-30

The use of antibiotics in patients with active, uncomplicated IBD is controversial. Clinical studies in patients with Crohn's disease have been small and yielded uncertain results, which have discouraged clinicians from including antibiotics in the therapeutic armamentarium for this disease. The author of this Viewpoint article discusses the available evidence for the use of antibiotics in IBD, and outlines possible mechanisms of action.

Emerging technologies in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and celiac disease

Giovanni Cammarota — 2008-11-11

In the past few years, newly developed technologies have improved endoscopic recognition of the duodenum, making possible the real-time recognition of the duodenal villous pattern during upper endoscopy. This Review highlights the progress made that could be helpful for the diagnosis of celiac disease, including the development of the water-immersion technique, high-resolution magnification endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, optical band imaging, optical coherence tomography and confocal endomicroscopy.

Gastrointestinal complications of oncologic therapy

Marta Davila — 2008-10-21

Gastrointestinal complications are a common occurrence in patients receiving oncologic therapy. These complications can be severe or even life-threatening and, therefore, require prompt diagnosis and treatment. This Review discusses some of the most common gastrointestinal complications associated with oncologic therapy, including esophagitis, diarrhea, radiation proctitis and drug hepatotoxicity. The diagnosis and symptoms of the complications are discussed, together with current concepts relating to their treatment.

Celiac disease in the elderly

Matthew W Johnson — 2008-10-21

Celiac disease is a common condition and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The incidence of celiac disease is increasing, and a substantial proportion of new diagnoses are in elderly individuals. This Review highlights age-related differences in the clinical presentation, investigation and management of elderly patients suspected of having celiac disease, and emphasizes the need for a greater awareness of this condition in the elderly population.

Dietary treatment for obesity

Peter M Clifton — 2008-10-14

Dietary treatment for obesity can lead to reasonable weight loss, resulting in associated health benefits. The author of this Review discusses the various types of diet available for the treatment of obesity, their relative efficacies, and associated adverse effects. The author also considers alternative treatment options when dietary strategies fail and discusses the challenges associated with long-term weight maintenance.

A case of IgG4-associated cholangitis and autoimmune pancreatitis responsive to corticosteroids

Aaron J Small — 2008-10-28

This article considers the case of a 72-year-old male who presented with epigastric pain, anorexia and progressive jaundice. Liver function tests revealed enzyme abnormalities consistent with cholestasis, while radiographic and endoscopic findings were suggestive of autoimmune pancreatitis with biliary involvement. Examinations for the presence of malignant cells were negative. A diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis with IgG4-associated cholangitis was made and the patient was treated with corticosteroids.