Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Jul 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffects of somatostatin, terlipressin and somatostatin plus terlipressin on portal and systemic hemodynamics and renal sodium excretion in patients with cirrhosis.
Terlipressin and somatostatin are the most preferable agents for the control of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. The present study evaluated the hemodynamic effects of somatostatin, terlipressin and somatostatin plus terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, as well as the effect of each regimen on renal sodium excretion. ⋯ Combined treatment with somatostatin and terlipressin does not exert an additive portal hypotensive effect in cirrhotic patients as compared to terlipressin alone, whereas somatostatin alone may impair systemic hemodynamics. Compared with somatostatin, terlipressin exerts a more beneficial effect on renal sodium excretion in patients with or without ascites.
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Jul 2005
Comparative StudyTranscatheter arterial embolization for hemorrhage caused by injury of the hepatic artery.
The aims of the study were to compare (i) the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization on initial hemostasis and the control of rebleeding in the treatment of hemorrhage due to hepatic artery injury; and (ii) the outcomes of embolization by different locations. ⋯ Transcatheter arterial embolization is an effective method for hemostasis in hepatic artery hemorrhage for both patients with liver trauma and patients with iatrogenic injuries to the hepatic artery. Based on this experience, embolization of the vascular lesion and/or the arterial lumen distal to the vascular lesion combined with inlet control is recommended for preventing recurrent hemorrhage, but studies with larger sample sizes will be required to validate this conclusion.
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Jul 2005
Comparative StudyPilot study using transcutaneous electrical stimulation (interferential current) to treat chronic treatment-resistant constipation and soiling in children.
Chronic constipation in children may have organic or behavioral causes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of treatment with transcutaneous electrical stimulation (using interferential current) in children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation with proven organic disorders. ⋯ These results suggest that transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current has a beneficial effect for children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation. Further trials using larger series of patients are needed to confirm this benefit, to determine the ideal stimulation parameters and to investigate why electrical stimulation might be effective.
-
J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · May 2005
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialCombination therapy with interferon-alpha and ribavirin in patients with dual hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection.
Patients with dual hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have responded poorly to interferon (IFN) monotherapy. The purpose of the present paper was to assess the effect of combined IFN-alpha and ribavirin therapy in patients infected with both hepatitis B and C. ⋯ Combination therapy with IFN-alpha and ribavirin was effective in achieving sustained HCV clearance in patients with dual HBV and HCV infection, comparable to those with hepatitis C infection alone. Combination therapy using 3 MU IFN-alpha seemed as effective as 5 MU, and was well tolerated in the study population. However, large-scale control trials are necessary to clarify these findings.