The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jul 2004
Reproducibility of a multitarget stool-based DNA assay for colorectal cancer detection.
Recent studies have demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) utilizing a multitarget DNA assay panel (MTAP) on a single stool specimen. The aim of this study was to determine if analyzing three stool specimens obtained on three different days with the MTAP was superior to a single specimen for the detection of CRC. A secondary aim was to confirm the sensitivity of this MTAP reported in earlier studies. ⋯ There did not appear to be any additional benefit from performing the MTAP on more than one specimen per patient. This MTAP was reproducible with the same mutation detected in serial samples from each patient. The sensitivity detected in this study was comparable to earlier reports. Studies in an asymptomatic average-risk population are required to determine the role of the MTAP in CRC screening.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2004
Historical ArticleComplete elimination of reflux symptoms does not guarantee normalization of intraesophageal and intragastric pH in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid plays a significant role in the development of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation. It is generally assumed that acid suppressive therapy improves or eliminates symptoms by normalizing intraesophageal pH. ⋯ Fifty percent of patients with GERD without BE continue to exhibit pathologic GERD and low intragastric pH despite PPI therapy that achieves complete reflux symptom control.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2004
Review Comparative StudyInformed consent: not just for procedures anymore.
The ethical and legal requirement to obtain informed consent prior to performing a procedure or administering a treatment derives from the concept of personal (patient) autonomy. The competent patient, after receiving appropriate disclosure of the material risks of the procedure or treatment, understanding those risks, the benefits, and the alternative approaches, makes a voluntary and uncoerced informed decision to proceed. ⋯ The benefits of informed decision making as a communication and risk management tool are presented. This review is intended as general information, and not as legal advice, which should be sought from a health-care attorney.