Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
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Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Feb 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLubiprostone increases spontaneous bowel movement frequency and quality of life in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.
Lubiprostone is an activator of the type 2 chloride channel that facilitates spontaneous bowel movement (SBM). We performed phase 3 studies to determine whether lubiprostone increases the frequency of SBM in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in Japan, and whether long-term administration of lubiprostone increases the quality of life of patients with CIC. ⋯ In phase 3 studies in Japan, lubiprostone increased the weekly average number of SBMs and increased the quality of life of patients with CIC. Clinical Trial Notification of the Japanese Regulatory Authorities: 20-3296 and 20-3300.
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Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Feb 2015
Training directors have positive perceptions of a competency-based gastroenterology and transplant hepatology fellowship program.
In 2012, the American Board of Internal Medicine approved a pilot competency-based transplant hepatology (TH) training program. This program allows gastroenterology (GI) and TH fellowships to be completed in 3 years. We investigated the perceptions and beliefs of GI and TH division and fellowship program directors on the competency-based TH training program. ⋯ Most of the academic GI and TH division and fellowship program directors embrace competency-based fellowship education and TH subspecialty training during the designated 3-year GI fellowship. Future studies will be needed to reevaluate these beliefs after several years.
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Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Feb 2015
Risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury in patients with acute liver failure.
Patients with acute liver failure (ALF) frequently develop renal dysfunction, yet its overall incidence and outcomes have not been fully assessed. We investigated the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with ALF, using defined criteria to identify risk factors and to evaluate its effect on overall outcomes. ⋯ Based on a retrospective analysis of data from more than 1600 patients, AKI is common in patients with ALF and affects short- and long-term outcomes, but rarely results in chronic kidney disease. Acetaminophen-induced kidney injury is frequent, but patients have better outcomes than those with other forms of ALF.