Primary clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori: the Multicentric Italian Clarithromycin Resistance Observational (MICRO) study.

Background: Primary clarithromycin resistance markedly reduces Helicobacter pylori eradication rate following standard therapies. Prevalence of primary clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori is increasing, and three point mutations are mainly involved.

Endoscopic management of GI perforations with a new over-the-scope clip device (with videos).

Background: Through-the-scope endoclips have been used to manage small perforations in the GI tract, but they have limitations. A new over-the-scope clip system, OTSC (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tuebingen, Germany), may be suitable for the closure of larger GI leaks.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with GI perforations of up to 20 mm, treated with OTSC.

Diet, lifestyle and gender in gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Background: Studies indicate that gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with obesity, smoking, esophagitis, diet, and lifestyle.

Aim: To identify risk factors associated with GERD among patients presenting to a tertiary GI clinic in Italy.

Methods: Patients with a first diagnosis of GERD based on heartburn and/or regurgitation and/or esophagitis at the endoscopic examination were enrolled.

Effect of antisecretory therapy on atypical symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on extraesophageal or atypical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of atypical manifestations in patients with acid reflux disease and the effect of PPI treatment. Patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of reflux were enrolled.