No-biopsy strategy for coeliac disease is applicable in adult patients: a 'real-world' Scottish experience.

Objective: Emergency interim guidance from the British Society for Gastroenterology (BSG) states that a no-biopsy strategy is possible to diagnose coeliac disease (CD) in adults with elevated transglutaminase IgA antibody (TGA-IgA) levels. We aimed to determine if the suggested TGA-IgA ≥10× ULN is safe and robust in making the diagnosis in adult patients in Scotland. We also aimed to establish if any important co-diagnoses would be missed if no biopsy was performed.

Endoscopically placed venting gastrostomy can be a safe and effective palliative intervention in benign and malignant gastrointestinal obstruction.

Introduction: Chronic gastrointestinal obstruction can precipitate a constellation of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and pain that negatively impact on health-related quality of life. Decompression via venting gastrostomy can offer symptomatic relief but safety and efficacy data are sparse. This study characterises the diverse venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (vPEG) cohort at our tertiary referral centre and defines the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Gastropexy can be as safe as conventional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and biomarkers do not predict short-term or long-term outcomes: a 7-year follow-up audit.

Objective: Gastrostomy facilitates artificial enteral feeding but controversy exists around associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to report short and long-term outcomes, and identify parameters associated with overall survival.

Methods: A 7-year follow-up audit was undertaken at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK.

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in adults with cirrhosis and porto-systemic encephalopathy: systematic review.

Background & Aims: Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in porto-systemic encephalopathy remains controversial. Here, we examined the systematic review evidence for their effect on encephalopathy, hepatic decompensation, survival, infection, hospital stay and quality of life, and review data on adherence, side-effects and cost/economic evaluation.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from 1980 to June 2011, with an update search in two databases in July 2013.