Efficacy of a Food Supplement Containing LA14, Peptides, and a Multivitamin Complex in Improving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Related Outcomes and Quality of Life of Subjects Showing Mild-to-Moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Dietary interventions represent an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments for improving the quality of life (QoL) of subjects suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement (FS) containing a probiotic strain, bioactive peptides, and vitamins in relieving heartburn/dyspeptic symptoms in subjects with mild-to-moderate GERD. Fifty-six adult participants were randomly assigned to receive the placebo or the active FS for 28 days.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial: Efficacy of - Prebiotic Supplementation in Subjects with Gut Dysbiosis.

Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in gut microbiota composition and function. extract has been shown to modulate gut microbiota by improving SCFA production in vivo and gastrointestinal discomfort (GD) in humans. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of Odilia on gastrointestinal health by changing the microbial diversity of species involved in inflammation, immunity, oxidation, and the brain-gut-muscle axis.

Assessment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and methane production in patients on chronic proton-pump inhibitor treatment: prevalence and role of rifaximin in its management in primary care.

Background: Although proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs have considered able to induce small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), no data are so far available from primary care (PC). We assessed the prevalence of SIBO and methane (CH4) production consequent to chronic PPI therapy using Lactulose Breath Test (LBT). Secondary aim was to explore the possible role of rifaximin in treating PPI-induced SIBO patients.

Translational Gap between Guidelines and Clinical Medicine: The Viewpoint of Italian General Practitioners in the Management of IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) guidelines are generally developed by experts, with the possibility of a translational gap in clinical medicine. The aim of our study was to assess an Italian group of general practitioners (GPs) for their awareness and use of criteria for the diagnosis and management of IBS. For this purpose, a survey was carried out involving 235 GPs, divided into two groups according to their years of activity: 65 “junior general practitioners” (JGPs) (≤10 years) and 170 “senior general practitioners” (SGPs) (>10 years).

Elimination of Dietary Triggers Is Successful in Treating Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background: The relationship between aliments and pathophysiological abnormalities leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms elicitation is unclear. Nevertheless, patients often report symptoms after ingestion of specific foods.

Aims: To identify in primary care setting the presence of foods able to trigger GERD symptoms, and evaluate whether a consequent specific food elimination diet may result in clinical improvement.

Appropriateness in prescribing PPIs: A position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) - Study section "Digestive Diseases in Primary Care".

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice about thirty years ago has greatly improved our therapeutic approach to acid-related diseases for their well-recognized efficacy and safety. Despite the well-defined indications, however, the use of PPIs continues to grow every year in both western and eastern countries and this phenomenon poses serious queries that include the onset of potential adverse effects and the increase in health care costs. The major reason explaining this worrying market expansion is the inappropriate use of PPIs.

The Management of Patients With Diverticulosis and Diverticular Disease in Primary Care: An Online Survey Among Italian General Pratictioners.

Goals: To investigate the current opinion of Italian general practitioners (GPs) on the management of patients with diverticular disease (DD) of the colon.

Background: The management of DD remains a point of debate, and guidelines are not uniform in their advice.

Study: A web-based survey was conducted among Italian GPs.

Nickel sensitization in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) leads to frequent medical visits, and available therapies fail in up to 40% of patients. Food allergies may be involved in GERD pathogenesis; however, allergens other than food have received little attention. Nickel allergy is common in the general population and some high-nickel foods are associated with GERD.

Association between coeliac disease and psoriasis: Italian primary care multicentre study.

Background: Studies assessing the association between coeliac disease (CD) and psoriasis show conflicting results.

Objective: To assess in the primary care setting the prevalence of CD in patients with psoriasis and the response to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in subjects with psoriasis and CD.

Methods: We enrolled 218 patients with psoriasis and 264 controls.

The management of patients with new onset of upper gastro-intestinal symptoms in primary care.

Background: Data dealing with dyspepsia management in general practice are lacking, and most of the studies investigated a subset of patients with suspected peptic ulcer disease either with or without previous complaints.

Aims: To evaluate the one-year management of patients presenting new onset upper abdominal symptoms without alarming features.

Methods: 275 patients were enrolled by 63 Italian general practitioners.

High prevalence of Cag-A positive H. pylori strains in ischemic stroke: a primary care multicenter study.

Background: Previous studies suggested an association between CagA-positive H. pylori strains and ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and CagA status in patients with atherosclerotic stroke in the primary care setting.