Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Oct 2014
Colonic diverticular hemorrhage associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, low-dose aspirin, antiplatelet drugs, and dual therapy.
The effects of various medications on lower gastrointestinal tract remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), low-dose aspirin, and antiplatelet drugs associated with diverticular bleeding. ⋯ Besides alcohol and smoking, NSAIDs, low-dose aspirin, and antiplatelet drugs are risk factors for diverticular bleeding. The magnitude of risk may differ between different kinds of NSAIDs and antiplatelet drugs, and dual therapy with NSAIDs or antiplatelet drugs increases the risk of bleeding.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Oct 2014
Murine genetic deficiency of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS(-/-) ) and interstitial cells of Cajal (W/W(v) ): Implications for achalasia?
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important inhibitory mediator of esophageal function, and its lack leads to typical features of achalasia. In contrast, the role of intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function is still controversial. Therefore, we examined the function and morphology of the LES in vivo in NO-deficient (nNOS(-/-) ), ICC-IM-deficient (W/W(v) )-, and wild-type (WT) mice. ⋯ The reduction of ICC-IM and nNOS can cause dysfunction of the LES and esophageal peristalsis, whereas VIP reduction seems to have no effect. ICC-IM and nNOS deficiency might be independent relevant causes of esophageal dysfunction similar to that seen in human achalasia.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Aug 2014
Effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia patients with failure of prior pneumatic dilation: a prospective case-control study.
To investigate the effectiveness of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) surgery in achalasia patients with failure of prior pneumatic dilation (PD). ⋯ POEM is a promising therapeutic modality for achalasia patients who have failed to respond to PD therapy. Previous dilation procedures might have no obvious influence on the efficacy of POEM surgery.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Aug 2014
Enhanced antiviral treatment efficacy and uptake in preventing the rising burden of hepatitis C-related liver disease and costs in Australia.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of advanced liver disease and liver-related deaths in Australia. Our aim was to describe the burden of HCV infection and consider treatment strategies to reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Considerable increases in the burden of HCV-related advanced liver disease and its complications will be seen in Australia under current treatment levels and outcomes. Introduction of improved direct-acting antiviral regimens with enhanced efficacy at current treatment levels will lead to limited impacts on this disease burden. A combination of increased treatment efficacy and greater uptake is required to achieve major reductions in advanced liver disease and related costs.