The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jul 2000
Importance of gluten in the induction of endocrine autoantibodies and organ dysfunction in adolescent celiac patients.
It is well known that a high number of celiac patients may develop autoantibodies against endocrine glands, but it has not yet been clarified if this increased autoimmune response and the impaired organ function that can develop may be related to the presence or absence of gluten in the diet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gluten on the autoimmunity and function of the endocrine glands in adolescent celiac patients. ⋯ The main results of this study are the high incidence of thyroid and pancreatic antibodies, and the possible role of gluten in the induction of the antibodies as well as, in few cases, the consequent organ dysfunction.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2000
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyAssessment of gastric emptying using a low fat meal: establishment of international control values.
The diagnosis of gastroparesis implies delayed gastric emptying. The diagnostic gold standard is scintigraphy, but techniques and measured endpoints vary widely among institutions. In this study, a simplified scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying was compared to conventional gastric scintigraphic techniques and normal gastric emptying values defined in healthy subjects. ⋯ This multicenter study provides gastric emptying values in healthy subjects based on data obtained using a large sample size and consistent meal and methodology. Gastric retention of >10% at 4 h is indicative of delayed emptying, a value comparable to those provided by more intensive scanning approaches. Gastric emptying of a low fat meal is initially faster in men but is comparable in women at 4 h; it is also faster in older individuals but is independent of body mass.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2000
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialPropofol versus midazolam and meperidine for conscious sedation in GI endoscopy.
Propofol (2,6-diisopropyl phenol) is a relatively new intravenous sedative hypnotic with an ideal pharmacokinetic profile for conscious sedation. In this study, we compared the safety and efficacy of propofol versus the conventional regimen of midazolam and meperidine for conscious sedation in GI endoscopy. ⋯ Propofol was associated with a statistically significant improvement in comfort and sedation score when compared to midazolam and meperidine.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2000
Multicenter StudyA prospective multicenter evaluation of new fecal occult blood tests in patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood (FOB) tests, in particular, Hemoccult II (HO), are commonly used to detect colorectal neoplasia. Because the sensitivity and specificity of these tests are critical to cost-effective screening programs, we aimed to investigate the improved performance characteristics of new FOB tests for known colonic lesions. ⋯ Compared to single tests, the combination test with the highly sensitive SENSA and an immunochemical test had slightly reduced sensitivity but significantly fewer false-positive tests than any single test. These data raise the possibility that a combination test (i.e., highly sensitive guaiac plus immunochemical) could reduce the costs of screening for colon cancer, and suggest that further study of combination test strategies is warranted.