News

After noticing the ample adverse effects of second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication treatments that utilize tetracycline, furazolidone and proton-pump inhibitors, one group of gastroenterologists set to work adding a probiotic compound to the regimen in an attempt to increase the stomach bacteria's eradication rate while curbing those unwanted effects.

Recent study results show no benefit from percutaneous transluminal venous angioplasty in improving symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis.

The stigma attached to chronic diseases such as IBS has been shown to negatively affect patients' self-image and sense of worth, leading to worse outcomes. Being aware of this and working to counteract the psychological effects of stigma can improve the patient-physician relationship and lead to better outcomes.

Researchers will use MRI to identify structural brain changes that correlate with symptom relief in patients with IBS.

Researchers say that new insight into the microbiome will lead to new opportunities for treating a variety of medical conditions, both within and outside the gut.

Declaring that the benefits of the original formulation of OxyContin no longer outweigh the risks of misuse and abuse, the FDA announced it would not approve any applications for non-tamper resistant formulations of the drug, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for all makers of opioid medications.

Pharmacist and runner Jay Sochoka, BSPharm, RPh, reflects on his experiences competing in the Boston Marathon and shares his thoughts on the tragedy that occurred at this year's race.

Over 10 years, lifestyle intervention and metformin were cost-effective or cost saving compared with placebo.

Studies showing improvements in GI symptoms in patients with IBS treated with antibiotics such as rifaximin and neomycin also provide evidence for the role of altered gut flora in this condition.

As an adjunct to diet and exercise, Amarin's lipid-regulating agent Vascepa (icosapent ethyl capsules) is indicated to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, or very high triglyceride (TG) levels greater than or equal to 500 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Approved by the FDA nearly four years ago, Otsuka Group's once-daily Samsca (tolvaptan tablets) is indicated to raise serum sodium levels in nonurgent patients with hyponatremia.

Approved by the FDA in July 2011, AstraZeneca's Brilinta (ticagrelor tablets) is a twice-daily treatment to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death in adult patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Approved by the FDA in September 2012, Genzyme's Aubagio (teriflunomide tablets) is a once-daily oral treatment shown to reduce relapses, slow physical disability progression and reduce the number of brain lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) has created several useful resources for patients and physicians for IBS Awareness Month.

Data show that prevalence of concurrent IBS is actually higher in younger patients with OAB.

From full-motion video demonstrations of orthopedic clinical tests to suites of disease activity score calculators, these apps for Google and Apple mobile devices provide rheumatologists with useful and easy-to-access information at crucial moments in diagnosis and treatment.

Promising advances in research hint at the day when truly tailored pain management will be possible, allowing us to move past our current model of treatment.

One orthopedic surgeon estimates University of Louisville sophomore guard Kevin Ware will return to the basketball court after six months of healing and rehabilitation following emergency surgery on the athlete's compound fracture in his right tibia.

Results from a mouse model study suggest that altering host gut microbiota via antibiotic treatment may reduce inflammation and other pathologies caused by H. pylori.

Researchers investigating the development of peptic ulcers in patients with liver cirrhosis reported that H. pylori is not the predominant etiology in this population.

Researchers in Taiwan report that type 2 diabetes is independently associated with increased risk of peptic ulcer bleeding.

Recent studies on the effectiveness of current IBS medications and various non-drug interventions, including hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, suggest that a combined approach may work best for this pathophysiologically complicated condition.

As more than 60 percent of women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) also exhibit abdominal pain consistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, two researchers in the neural and pain sciences department of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, in Baltimore, have developed a model to better illustrate the two conditions' comorbidity.

Though the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) is commonly applied in large Crohn's disease clinical trials to distinguish symptoms resulting from inflammation, a study published online Feb. 21 in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics demonstrated the index does not differentiate between active Crohn's disease patients and patients with the non-inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Study looks at the association between diuretic treatment, hyponatremia, and osteoporotic fracture risk.

Results from a new pilot study show early lifestyle intervention in obese pregnant women cuts their risk of developing gestational diabetes, as well as maternal and fetal complications that can emerge with high blood sugar.

Though two new blood clot removal devices only recently received FDA approval for clinical use, specialists at the Stony Brook University Cerebrovascular and Stroke Center have already seen improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients after performing endovascular treatments with both advanced technologies.

Several studies recently have looked at the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and increased pain sensitivity.

Clinical trials have shown that probiotics are somewhat effective as therapy for irritable bowel syndrome, but many of the studies have been short-term and of poor quality.

Because the two conditions share similar symptoms, patients with IBS often misinterpret gastrointestinal symptoms and self-diagnose as lactose intolerant.