The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Oct 1999
Comparative StudySimultaneous measurement of gastric emptying of a solid meal by ultrasound and by scintigraphy.
Although ultrasonic imaging may represent a valid alternative to scintigraphy for measurement of gastric emptying, most studies comparing the two methods have been carried out with liquid meals. The aim of this study was to compare scintigraphic and ultrasonographic measurements of gastric emptying of a solid meal in healthy subjects and in patients with possible delay in emptying. ⋯ Ultrasonographic measurement of antral cross-sectional area provides a valid alternative to scintigraphy for the measurement of total gastric emptying of a solid meal. It is less reliable if other parameters of gastric emptying such as T(1/2) are required.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Oct 1999
Predictive value of the Rome criteria for diagnosing the irritable bowel syndrome.
Our aim was to examine the predictive value of the Rome criteria and absence of so-called "red flags" of clinical practice for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome. Red flags were relevant abnormalities on physical examination, documented weight loss, nocturnal symptoms, blood in stools, history of antibiotic use, and family history of colon cancer. ⋯ These findings suggest that the Rome criteria combined with a lack of red flags have a very high predictive value for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome. Application of these diagnostic criteria has the potential to alter utilization of health care resources.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Oct 1999
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from vomitus in children and its implication in gastro-oral transmission.
The route of transmission of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is unclear. Gastro-oral transmission via contaminated vomitus has been proposed as an important mode of transmitting H. pylori, especially in children. This pilot study attempted to isolate H. pylori from the vomitus of children. ⋯ This is the first study reporting successful isolation of H. pylori from naturally produced vomitus. The result implies that transmission of H. pylori infection by vomitus, especially in children, is possible.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Oct 1999
Transnasal endoscopy for enteral feeding tube placement in critically ill patients.
Early enteral feedings may improve outcomes in critically ill patients. Recently, transnasal endoscopy with an ultrathin transnasal endoscope has been shown to be of value for diagnostic endoscopy without conscious sedation. We developed a technique for the placement of postpyloric feeding tubes in critically ill patients using transnasal endoscopy. We describe our initial experience in a consecutive series of patients. ⋯ Transnasal endoscopy allows simple and successful postpyloric feeding tube placement at the bedside of critically ill patients. This method can facilitate early enteral feeding in intensive care units.