Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
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Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Nov 2015
ReviewSystemic review: the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of hiccups.
Hiccups are familiar to everyone, but remain poorly understood. Acute hiccups can often be terminated by physical manoeuvres. In contrast, persistent and intractable hiccups that continue for days or months are rare, but can be distressing and difficult to treat. ⋯ This systematic review revealed no high quality data on which to base treatment recommendations. Based on limited efficacy and safety data, baclofen and gabapentin may be considered as first line therapy for persistent and intractable hiccups, with metoclopramide and chlorpromazine in reserve.
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Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Nov 2015
ReviewReview article: pharmacological aspects of anti-TNF biosimilars in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibodies have shown efficacy in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). As these therapies lose patent protection, biosimilar versions of the originator products are being developed, such as the infliximab biosimilar CT-P13; however, some uncertainty exists regarding their pharmacology in IBD. ⋯ It is likely that biosimilars will be widely used for the treatment of IBD due to their cost savings and comparable efficacy. Nevertheless, robust post-marketing studies and pharmacovigilance are warranted in the coming years.
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Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Nov 2015
Review Meta AnalysisSystematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults.
The effects of probiotics are strain specific. The clinical effects of each strain need to be evaluated separately. ⋯ This meta-analysis shows that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults treated with antibiotics for any reason. However, the quality of evidence is moderate to low.
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Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Oct 2015
Review Meta AnalysisSystematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is a common complication of antibiotic use, but it can be prevented with administration of probiotics. ⋯ This meta-analysis confirms that S. boulardii is effective in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults.
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Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. · Oct 2015
ReviewReview article: biomarkers and personalised therapy in functional lower gastrointestinal disorders.
Treatment of IBS and functional lower gastrointestinal disorders is still based predominantly on symptoms; biomarkers that reflect the mechanism or pathophysiology have been identified. Given the diverse mechanisms that result in the same clinical phenotype of IBS, it is hypothesised that identification of biomarkers may lead to individualisation of medical therapy. ⋯ Therefore, although biomarkers are not ready for prime time as diagnostic tests in IBS, some biomarkers could identify subgroups of patients with IBS for inclusion in clinical trials that target specific dysfunctions. Such an approach may enhance treatment efficacy, and may ultimately help reduce costs in drug development and in the management of patients in clinical practice.