Gastroenterology
News, opinions and meeting coverage in gastroenterology.
DDW: Constipation Drug Seen Safe and Effective for Long Term Use in Elderly
Los Angeles  The new medication Amitiza (lubiprostone) is safe and effective as long-term therapy for chronic constipation in older patients, researchers reported here. Results were at least as good in seniors as in the more general populations studied earlier.
May 23, 2006
ACP: Causes of Constipation and Tips for Office Evaluation
PHILADELPHIA - Patients frequently complain of constipation to their physicians, but they and the doctors may be speaking at cross purposes. In a survey of patients and specialist and resident physicians, 50% of the time patient responses disagreed with physicians' answers about what is constipation.
Apr 10, 2006
Some NSAIDS Safe in Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's -- Sometimes
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can use some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safely, particularly selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors, at least some of the time, according to two studies.
Feb 03, 2006
IBD Patients Prone to Other Autoimmune or Inflammatory Disorders
PHILADELPHIA-Patients with the inflammatory bowel disorders ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are significantly more likely to suffer from other conditions with an inflammatory or autoimmune basis, said researchers in two separate studies.
Sep 01, 2005
For How Long is the Hepatitis B Vaccine Effective?
A study of native Alaskans published in the Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vaccine-conferred immunity to hepatitis B virus persists on average about fifteen years after vaccination. The study has implications for determining effectiveness and duration of vaccine protection and possible need for booster shots.
Mar 01, 2005