Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
-
Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Dec 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of two 1-week low-dose omeprazole triple therapies--optimal treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection?
To determine and compare the efficacy and tolerability of two 1-week regimen comprising omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin or metronidazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, and to determine the influence of bacterial resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin on the outcome of treatment. ⋯ Both the OAC and the OMC regimens were convenient and well-tolerated treatments for H. pylori. However, eradication rates were lower than anticipated.
-
Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Aug 1997
ReviewReview article: the screening, diagnosis and optimal management of haemochromatosis.
Haemochromatosis was first recognized as a disease entity over a century ago and its hereditary nature recognized over 60 years ago. However it was only in late 1996 that the haemochromatosis gene was cloned and a single C282Y mutation confirmed as being the cause of all HLA-linked iron overload in Caucasian populations. Haemochromatosis is common, occurring in approximately 1 in 300 people in Caucasian populations, and untreated can cause serious morbidity and early death. ⋯ Assessment of body iron stores by measurement of serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, hepatic iron stores and hepatic architecture by liver biopsy will remain important in the future. The haemochromatosis mutation itself has as yet no known influence on morbidity other than via iron loading and organ failure, in particular, hepatic cirrhosis. Thus, diagnosing patients before the development of hepatic cirrhosis is crucial because iron depletion by venesection treatment before the development of cirrhosis results in a normal life expectancy.
-
Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Apr 1997
ReviewHelicobacter pylori and the risk and management of associated diseases: gastritis, ulcer disease, atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.
This review addresses the role of H. pylori and the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Specific emphasis is given to various factors that influence the clinical course of this infection. H. pylori induces chronic gastritis in virtually all infected subjects. ⋯ Gastritis and atrophy negatively influence acid secretion. H. pylori eradication is required in peptic ulcer disease and may be advocated in patients on profound acid suppressive therapy; it has been shown to cure gastritis and prevent ulcer recurrence. Further study is required to determine the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in the primary and secondary prevention of atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.
-
Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Feb 1997
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialEffects of octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, on gastric function evaluated by real-time ultrasonography.
Somatostatin exerts inhibitory effects on physiological functions in the gastrointestinal tract. The actions differ, however, depending on the test meal, dose, and other factors. ⋯ Octreotide given with a liquid or solid meal inhibited gastric emptying in healthy subjects. A significant suppression of antral contraction occurred only with a solid meal.
-
Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Feb 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialAntiemetic activity of ondansetron in acute gastroenteritis.
The mechanism of nausea and vomiting associated with gastroenteritis is unknown. The role of 5-HT3 receptors in emesis associated with gastroenteritis was investigated in paediatric patients. ⋯ Ondansetron, a 5HT3 receptor antagonist, was significantly superior to placebo in preventing emesis associated with acute gastroenteritis, in paediatric patients. Therefore, serotonin, acting through 5HT3 receptors, may play a role in this form of emesis.