Latitude gradient influences the age of onset in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The mean age of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset is around 50 years as reported in several clinical trials involving Caucasian patients. However, clinical observations suggest that Mexican RA patients' disease is initiated at a younger age. The objective of the study was to assess whether the age of onset of RA is different in Mexican and in Canadian RA patients.

[Diagnostic value of limited research in patients with irritable bowel syndrome].

Background: It is a common practice in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, to perform multiple diagnostic tests to rule out organic diseases. However, its usefulness has not yet been evaluated in Mexico.

Objectives: a) To know frequency of an abnormal test; b) to know prevalence of organic diseases, and c) to identify subgroups with high risk of organic disease among IBS patients.

Association of mortality with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis, independent of comorbidity.

Objective: To measure the extent to which mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with disease severity, independent of the presence of coexistent diseases (comorbidity).

Methods: We measured disease severity and comorbidity among RA patients attending scheduled appointments at a rheumatology clinic. We used the Duke Severity of Illness Checklist (DUSOI), a clinical judgment-based measure of the severity of disease.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with reflux esophagitis. A case-control study].

Background: The association between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been extensively studied with controversial results. There is not sufficient information on this relationship in populations with high prevalence of Hp infection.

Objectives: a) To know prevalence of Hp infection in patients with reflux esophagitis, b) to compare this prevalence in subjects with reflux esophagitis and without GERD, and c) to study the relationship between infection and the severity of esophagitis.

[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Is it safe to start eating immediately?].

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a simple procedure with few associated complications. Traditionally, diet can be initiated 24 after the placement of the probe, but there is no information concerning safety with immediate feeding.

Objective: To compare safety of immediate feeding against late feeding after placement of PEG.