The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2005
Comparative StudyGenetic influences in irritable bowel syndrome: a twin study.
Aggregation of symptoms of abdominal pain or bowel disturbance has been described in the families of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This may be due to environmental factors, including learned responses to abdominal symptoms or a genetic contribution to the etiology of IBS. ⋯ Genetic factors are of little or no influence on IBS where the predominant influences appear to be environmental.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2005
Comparative StudySecondary sclerosing cholangitis: a comparison to primary sclerosing cholangitis.
The natural history of secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is ill-defined. In order to better determine the natural history of this condition, we retrospectively reviewed data from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. We also compared the natural history of patients diagnosed with SSC to a cohort with a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). ⋯ When the long-term outcome of SSC patients was compared to matched PSC controls, the SSC patients had a poorer outcome. The natural history of SSC is characterized by a shortened life expectancy.