SpHincterotomy for Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis Randomized Trial: Rationale, Methodology, and Potential Implications.

Objectives: In patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP), pancreas divisum, and no other etiologic factors, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papilla endoscopic sphincterotomy (miES) is often performed to enlarge the minor papillary orifice, based on limited data. The aims of this study are to describe the rationale and methodology of a sham-controlled clinical trial designed to test the hypothesis that miES reduces the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Methods: The SpHincterotomy for Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis (SHARP) trial is a multicenter, international, sham-controlled, randomized trial comparing endoscopic ultrasound + ERCP with miES versus endoscopic ultrasound + sham for the management of ARP.

Adolescent Medication Misuse: Results from the MUSC Inventory of Medication Experiences (MIME).

Objectives: To survey a diverse high school population on current prescription and over-the-counter medication misuse behaviors and attitudes.

Methods: We administered the MUSC Inventory of Medication Experiences (MIME), a newly developed self-report instrument, in demographically diverse high schools in Charleston, SC, to assess the feasibility of its administration and determine characteristics associated with medication misuse among high school students.

Results: A total of 3182 students completed the MIME (93% completion rate).

Does physician continuity within a clinical trial increase retention and compliance among adolescent smokers?

Background: Retention and compliance are hurdles in many clinical trials designed for adolescents. Factors that may improve these issues in a challenging population may lead to increased data and power in much needed adolescent substance abuse research.

Methods: Within a large-scale smoking cessation study for adolescents, physician continuity (PC) was examined to determine its effect on retention, compliance, and cessation.

Varenicline versus bupropion XL for smoking cessation in older adolescents: a randomized, double-blind pilot trial.

Introduction: Despite tremendous potential public health impact, little work has focused on development of evidence-based smoking cessation treatments for adolescents, including pharmacotherapies. No prior studies have explored the feasibility and safety of varenicline and bupropion XL, 2 potentially promising pharmacotherapies, as smoking cessation treatments in adolescents.

Methods: Treatment-seeking older adolescent smokers (ages 15-20) were randomized (double-blind) to varenicline (n = 15) or bupropion XL (n = 14), with 1-week titration and active treatment for 7 weeks.