The American journal of gastroenterology
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Dec 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialA pilot study of extended duration peginterferon alfa-2a for patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.
Forty-eight weeks of peginterferon alfa-2a is the approved regimen for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Standard interferon is more effective for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB when given for longer than 1 yr. This study evaluated peginterferon alfa-2a for 60 wk, alone or in combination with lamivudine. ⋯ Sixty weeks of peginterferon alfa-2a with or without lamivudine resulted in a higher rate of SVR compared to historical controls with HBeAg-negative CHB treated with 48 wk of pegylated interferon. Larger studies are necessary to assess if longer duration therapy is more effective than the standard regimen and results in a greater decline in HBsAg concentration.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Dec 2007
Poor diagnostic accuracy of a single fasting plasma citrulline concentration to assess intestinal energy absorption capacity.
Our aim was to explore the diagnostic value of fasting citrulline concentrations to detect decreased intestinal energy absorption in patients with recently diagnosed celiac disease (CeD), refractory celiac disease (RCeD), and short bowel syndrome (SBS). Decreased intestinal energy absorption is regarded a marker of intestinal failure. ⋯ Fasting plasma citrulline concentrations have poor test characteristics for detection of decreased intestinal energy absorption capacity in patients with enterocyte damage.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Dec 2007
Characterization of newer subgroups of fulminant and subfulminant pancreatitis associated with a high early mortality.
Risk stratification of acute pancreatitis (AP) is important. ⋯ We have characterized newer subgroups of patients with fulminant and subfulminant AP with important prognostic and management implications.