Combination of a Probiotic and an Antispasmodic Increases Quality of Life and Reduces Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Background: Probiotics and antispasmodics have been tested extensively in the management of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they have rarely been evaluated in combination. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of treatment with the probiotic formulation i3.1 (Lactobacillus plantarum CECT7484 and CECT7485 and Pediococcus acidilactici CECT7483), with or without the addition of the antispasmodic alverine/simethicone, in improving IBS-related quality of life (QoL) and reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with IBS.

Current trends of liver cirrhosis in Mexico: Similitudes and differences with other world regions.

Aim: To investigate the main current etiologies of cirrhosis in Mexico.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study that included eight hospitals in different areas of Mexico. These hospitals provide health care to people of diverse social classes.

Validation of prognostic scores for clinical outcomes in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding.

Unlabelled: Background. The Rockall, Glasgow-Blatchford, and AIMS65 are useful and validated scoring systems for predicting the outcomes of patients with nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there are no validated evidence for using them to predict outcomes on variceal bleeding.

Model for end-stage liver disease-Na score or Maddrey discrimination function index, which score is best?

Aim: To compare the ability of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-Na and Maddrey discrimination function index (DFI) to predict mortality at 30 and 90 d in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH).

Methods: We prospectively assessed 52 patients with AH. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained.

[Capsule endoscopy: The evolution in the diagnosis of small bowel diseases].

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to study the pathology of the small intestine physiologically and painlessly. The capsule dimensions are 11 x 26 mm, and takes 2 picture per second whilst 8 hours. Unexplained occult gastrointestinal tract bleeding is the main indication, but everyday new indications for its use come to the literature.