The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2000
Increased urinary N-telopeptide cross-linked type 1 collagen predicts bone loss in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the factors associated with its longitudinal rate of change have not been established. We prospectively assessed the rate of change in BMD, and its association with biochemical markers of bone turnover. ⋯ Spine and femoral neck bone loss continues over time in more than one-third of IBD patients. Increased NTx level predicts spinal bone loss in IBD patients.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2000
Why are internal medicine residents at university medical centers not pursuing fellowship training in gastroenterology? A survey analysis.
The decrease in available GI fellowship positions appears to be associated with a disproportionate decrease in the quality of applicants. Thus, the aims of this study were: 1) to determine the current interest in advanced training of nonprimary care internal medicine residents at university medical centers, and 2) to identify the reasons why fellowship-bound residents are not pursuing GI. ⋯ The majority of residents at university training programs plan advanced training and want to pursue careers in academia, but not in GI/hepatology. Efforts to attract highly qualified residents to GI must emphasize the improved job market, especially as it exists in academia; must advertise research opportunities; and must de-emphasize the procedural nature of this subspecialty.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Feb 2000
Case ReportsDuodenal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: treatment with oral cyclophosphamide.
Small cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas rarely affect the duodenum, and optimal treatment has not been defined. The aim of this case series was to determine the clinical features and outcome of duodenal MALT lymphoma in four patients (three men, one woman; median age 52 yr) treated with cyclophosphamide p.o. Initial manifestations were abdominal pain (n = 4), vomiting (n = 2), and an obstructive syndrome (n = 1). ⋯ Relapse was diagnosed on histological grounds. Cyclophosphamide monotherapy p.o. thus seems well adapted to this slowly progressive disease, but it is unclear whether it should be resumed in the case of histological relapse or only in the case of symptomatic relapse. (Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:536-539. (O 2000 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology)
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Feb 2000
Comparative StudyA cost-effectiveness analysis of prescribing strategies in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Patients who have uncomplicated gastroesophageal-reflux disease (GERD) typically present with heartburn and acid regurgitation. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first-line empiric therapy for patients with typical symptoms of GERD. ⋯ For patients with moderate to severe symptoms of GERD, initial treatment with PPIs followed by on-demand therapy is a cost-effective approach.