The American journal of gastroenterology
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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.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Endoscopic position control of nasoenteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy: a prospective study in intensive care patients.
In critically ill patients, correct placement of enteral feeding tubes is usually controlled by X-ray. A bedside method without radiation exposure would be preferable. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and value of endoscopic position control for enteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy. ⋯ Endoscopic position control of enteral feeding tubes by re-endoscopy is feasible, very accurate, leads to a high rate of successful feeding tube placements, and has the potential of substantial cost-savings.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Intrathecal narcotic infusion pumps for intractable pain of chronic pancreatitis: a pilot series.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal narcotics pump (ITNP) as an alternative treatment for patients with pain from chronic pancreatitis (CP). ITNP offers the advantages of reversibility, lower total narcotic dose, and the pancreas remaining intact. ⋯ This study shows the many risks and benefits of ITNP. A longer follow-up is awaited; such pumps appear to be one alternative to aggressive surgical intervention. Failed ITNP trials leave other options open. Therapeutic trials directly comparing pancreatectomy, ITNP, and implanted nerve stimulators are of interest.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Apr 2009
Comparative StudyLong-term clinical outcome after botulinum toxin injection in children with nonrelaxing internal anal sphincter.
Children with surgically repaired Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and those with internal anal sphincter (IAS) achalasia may develop obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms and/or enterocolitis due to a functional obstruction caused by an inability of the IAS to relax. Anal sphincter Clostridium botulinum toxin (BoTox) injections may provide a reversible therapy. However, there is limited information regarding the long-term outcomes of children receiving this therapy. The primary aim of this study was to determine the long-term clinical outcomes of BoTox therapy in children with a nonrelaxing IAS. The secondary aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors predicting a favorable outcome following BoTox IAS injection. ⋯ Anal sphincter BoTox may be an effective and safe long-term therapy for children with nonrelaxing IAS.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Apr 2009
Review Meta AnalysisOral antibiotic prophylaxis reduces spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurrence and improves short-term survival in cirrhosis: a meta-analysis.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of advanced liver disease resulting in high mortality rates. Although studies that assessed the use of oral antibiotics in advanced liver disease demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent peritonitis, it is unclear whether mortality rates are similarly affected by this practice. The goal of this study was to determine whether oral antibiotic therapy provides a survival benefit for patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. Through subgroup analysis, we also evaluated the effect of prophylactic oral antibiotic therapy on the prevention of SBP and the incidence of all infections (including SBP) when compared with non-treated or placebo controls. ⋯ Antibiotic prophylaxis improved short-term survival in treated patients when compared with untreated control groups and reduced the overall risk of infections, including SBP, during follow-up. In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for high-risk cirrhotic patients with ascites.