The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Comparative StudyOpioid bowel dysfunction and narcotic bowel syndrome: a population-based study.
Opioid prescription use is increasing. Narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS) refers to chronic abdominal pain aggravated by narcotic use. Despite increasing narcotic use, NBS may be under-recognized. The aim of this study was to assess whether gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the community are associated with chronic narcotic use and estimate the likely prevalence of NBS. ⋯ NBS may be relatively uncommon. Those on narcotics report additional GI symptoms (abdominal pain and stool frequency) and use more laxatives.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComparison of two adalimumab treatment schedule strategies for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease: results from the CHARM trial.
To compare outcomes of induction dosing followed by continuous adalimumab treatment with those of induction dosing with reinitiation of adalimumab (in the event of clinical deterioration) for patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) who participated in the Crohn's Trial of the Fully Human Antibody Adalimumab for Remission Maintenance (CHARM). ⋯ For patients with active CD, continuous treatment with adalimumab was more effective than a strategy of induction dosing followed by reinitiation of adalimumab with clinical deterioration for maintenance of clinical remission, improved quality-of life outcomes, reduced flares, and a decrease in number of surgeries and risk of hospitalization.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Review Comparative StudySystematic reviews: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Systematic reviews systematically evaluate and summarize current knowledge and have many advantages over narrative reviews. Meta-analyses provide a more reliable and enhanced precision of effect estimate than do individual studies. Systematic reviews are invaluable for defining the methods used in subsequent studies, but, as retrospective research projects, they are subject to bias. ⋯ They should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. As clinicians, we need proper methodological training to perform good systematic reviews and must ask the appropriate questions before we can properly interpret such a review and apply its conclusions to our patients. This paper aims to assist in the reading of a systematic review.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRemifentanil vs. meperidine for patient-controlled analgesia during colonoscopy: a randomized double-blind trial.
The aim was to compare patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction in terms of efficacy and safety of remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) during colonoscopy with that of a combination of midazolam and meperidine. ⋯ Remifentanil PCA is safe and effective to induce sedoanalgesia during colonoscopy. Further studies should address the optimization of dosing and lock out setting.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
A 25-year analysis of the American College of Gastroenterology research grant program: factors associated with publication and advancement in academics.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has awarded research grants for 25 years. We assessed the characteristics of grant recipients, their current academic status, and the likelihood of publication resulting from the grant. ⋯ The majority of ACG grant recipients published the results of their research and remained in academics. Higher amount of award, holding an advanced degree, and publication were associated with careers in academics. The ACG research grant award program is an important engine of investigation, publication, and academic career development in the field of gastroenterology.