Rifaximin in diverticulosis and diverticular disease: a national survey among Italian gastroenterologists and general practitioners.

The management of patients with diverticular disease remains challenging. The aim of this national survey was to assess how gastroenterologists and general practitioners use rifaximin to manage diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Members of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO) and the Italian Federation of General Practitioners (FIMMG) were invited to complete a 39-item online survey concerning the use of rifaximin in five clinical settings: (1) diverticulosis; (2) reducing symptoms in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease; (3) reducing the occurrence of diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (primary prevention); (4) reducing the recurrence of diverticulitis in patients with previous attacks of diverticulitis (secondary prevention); (5) treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

A Regional Survey on Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Plea for Uniform Patient Journey Modeling and Diagnostic-Therapeutic Pathway.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer that usually affects the elderly and immunosuppressed in sun-exposed areas. Due to its rarity, it is frequently unrecognized, and its management is not standardized across medical centers, despite the more recent availability of immunotherapy, with avelumab as first-line treatment improving the prognosis even in advanced stages of disease. We conducted a purpose-designed survey of a selected sample of physicians working in the Lazio region, in Italy, to assess their awareness and knowledge of MCC as well as their perspective on assisted diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.

Hypertriglyceridemia, an Underestimated Cardiovascular Risk Factor: An Epidemiological Study of the Rome Area.

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL) is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Despite the high incidence of this condition in the Italian population, epidemiological information remains limited.

Aim: To analyze a large database of clinical charts from general practitioners in the Rome area of Italy.

Prevalence of chronic pancreatitis: Results of a primary care physician-based population study.

Background: Data on chronic pancreatitis prevalence are scanty and usually limited to hospital-based studies.

Aim: Investigating chronic pancreatitis prevalence in primary care.

Methods: Participating primary care physicians reported the prevalence of chronic pancreatitis among their registered patients, environmental factors and disease characteristics.

A Randomized Trial on Home Telemonitoring for the Management of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: This study evaluated whether a home telehealth (HT) system enabling the patient to monitor body weight, blood glucose values, and blood pressure values, associated with remote educational support and feedback to the general practitioner, can improve metabolic control and overall cardiovascular risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared with usual practice.

Materials And Methods: This was a randomized, parallel-group (1:1), open-label, multicenter study conducted in general practice. Follow-up was for 12 months.

A very high rate of inappropriate use of gastroprotection for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy in primary care: a cross-sectional study.

Aim: To assess the appropriateness of gastroprotection in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users by primary care physicians.

Background: A gastroprotective therapy is advised in NSAID users who are at a high risk for developing gastrointestinal side effects. However, an inappropriate (overuse/underuse) prescription of gastroprotection has been reported.

Helicobacter pylori management in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy patients in primary care.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause gastroduodenal ulcers and its complications. Helicobacter pylori infection is recognized as an additional risk factor for ulcer development, its eradication in NSAIDs users being recommended. In this cross-sectional study, during a 1-week period, consecutive patients who were routinely visiting in 58 primary care clinics were enrolled.