Use of acid-suppressive drugs and risk of fracture: a meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between the use of acid-suppressive drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H(2)RAs) and fracture risk. We investigated this association using meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception through December 2010 using common key… Read more »

Use of acid-suppressive drugs and risk of pneumonia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Observational studies and randomized controlled trials have yielded inconsistent findings about the association between the use of acid-suppressive drugs and the risk of pneumonia. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize this association. METHODS: We searched three electronic databases (MEDLINE [PubMed], Embase and the Cochrane Library) from inception to Aug. 28, 2009.… Read more »

Transoral incisionless fundoplication 2.0 procedure using EsophyX for gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) using the EsophyX™ system has been introduced as a possible alternative for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The efficacy of this procedure in our centers was evaluated. METHODS: Patients were selected for treatment if they had typical GERD symptoms, failed management with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a positive… Read more »

Safety of proton pump inhibitor exposure

Abstract: Proton pump (H(+)/K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase) inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to treat patients with acid-related disorders because they are generally perceived to be safe and effective. However, as with any pharmacologic agent, they have the potential for side effects. Many studies have examined the side effects of long-term or short-term PPI exposure. We review the… Read more »

Increased Incidence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth During Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can cause diarrhea, enteric infections, and alter the gastrointestinal bacterial population by suppressing the gastric acid barrier. Among patients that received long term PPI treatment, we evaluated the incidence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO; assessed by glucose hydrogen breath test [GHBT]), the risk factors for development of… Read more »

Effect of transoral incisionless fundoplication on symptoms, PPI use, and pH-impedance refluxes of GERD patients.

BACKGROUND: Three previous studies from the same institution have reported that transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) with the EsophyX device is effective for creating a continent gastroesophageal valve and for good functional results as measured only by pH-metry in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect… Read more »

Endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) for GERD using EsophyX: a 12-month follow-up in a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Several endoscopic antireflux therapies have been proposed to reduce the need for chronic medical therapy or laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and mid-term clinical results of endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) with EsophyX. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2006 to April 2008, 20 patients were… Read more »

Antireflux ‘barriers’: problems with patient recruitment for a new endoscopic antireflux procedure

BACKGROUND: Most first-generation endoscopic antireflux procedures (EARPs) have been withdrawn because of variable success rates, economic considerations, and/or complications. As a result, subsequent methods may meet ‘skepticism’ by physicians and patients. AIMS: To identify potential barriers to patient recruitment for a new EARP METHODS: We prospectively analyzed our recruitment for a phase 2 study of… Read more »