Crohn`s disease. Increasing trend in Saudi Arabia.

We attempted, through systematic review to explore the epidemiology and risk factors of Crohn's disease (CD) with special attention to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We selected articles that contained population-based, epidemiological, and clinical character studies of CD. We collected data concerned with the prevalence, demographic features, and the possible etiology of CD that might explain its emergence in KSA.

Emerging inflammatory bowel disease in saudi outpatients: a report of 693 cases.

Background/aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology and considered traditionally as a disease of the western world. Recently, rising trends have been observed in countries previously known to have a low prevalence and incidence. The aim of this study is to collect epidemiological data on IBD outpatients and to add data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to the available IBD literature.

Spices, herbal xenobiotics and the stomach: friends or foes?

Spices and herbal remedies have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of disorders. It has been experimentally demonstrated that spices, herbs, and their extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antimutagenic and anticancer activities, besides their gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities. Despite a number of reports on the toxicity of herbs and spices, they are generally accepted as safer alternatives to conventional therapy against gastric ulcers.

Crohn's disease in a Saudi outpatient population: is it still rare?

Background/aim: To determine the epidemiology of Crohn's disease (CD) in an outpatient clinic and compare it with data previously reported from different centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and outside.

Materials And Methods: The medical records of all patients with CD seen in the clinic in the period from January 1993 through December 2007 were reviewed. The demographic, clinical data and methods of diagnosis were retrieved.

Gastroprotective effect of an aqueous suspension of black cumin Nigella sativa on necrotizing agents-induced gastric injury in experimental animals.

Background/aim: Previous studies on "Black seed" or "Black Cumin" Nigella sativa (NS) have reported a large number of pharmacological activities including its anti-ulcer potential. These studies employed either fixed oil, volatile oil components or different solvent extracts. In folkloric practices, NS seeds are taken as such, in the form of coarse dry powder or the powdered seeds are mixed with water.

Severe acute pancreatitis: pathogenetic aspects and prognostic factors.

Approximately 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop a severe disease associated with complications and high risk of mortality. The purpose of this study is to review pathogenesis and prognostic factors of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). An extensive medline search was undertaken with focusing on pathogenesis, complications and prognostic evaluation of SAP.

Lipid peroxides in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background/aims: In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to investigate its contribution to tissue injury in IBD.

Materials And Methods: Forty-two patients with IBD (24 cases of Crohn's disease and 18 cases of ulcerative colitis) and 38 matched healthy subjects (control group) were considered for study. MDA levels were quantified by the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal injuries and related adverse reactions: epidemiology, pathogenesis and management.

A large proportion of the population all over the world consumes acetylsalicylic acid (ASA: aspirin) or other nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality. Elderly patients, patients with prior history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or its complications, those who require high doses of NSAIDs and those undergoing concomitant therapy with corticosteroids or anticoagulants, are at particularly high risk of developing gastroduodenal injuries and related adverse reactions.

Does Helicobacter pylori affect portal hypertensive gastropathy?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major etiological factor of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). It is supposed to be a risk factor for the more frequently encountered PUD in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Aqueous suspension of anise "Pimpinella anisum" protects rats against chemically induced gastric ulcers.

Aim: To substantiate the claims of Unani and Arabian traditional medicine practitioners on the gastroprotective potential effect of a popular spice anise, "Pimpinella anisum L." on experimentally-induced gastric ulceration and secretion in rats.

Methods: Acute gastric ulceration in rats was produced by various noxious chemicals including 80% ethanol, 0.

The pattern of dysphagia in children.

Background: Difficulty in swallowing is not uncommon among children and yet little information is available in the literature. We report our experience on the pattern of this condition.

Methods: We extracted data from the medical records of 42 children with dysphagia on age at presentation, nationality, gender, and final diagnosis.

Gastritis in Saudi Arab children.

Objective: Information on childhood gastritis in developing countries is rare; hence, the objective of this study is to report the pattern of this condition in Saudi Arab children.

Methods: Data analysis were carried out in all children <18 years of age who were referred for endoscopy at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1993 to 2002. Only children with histology-proven gastritis were included.

Colonoscopy in children.

Background: Pediatric colonoscopy is routinely performed in most hospitals in Saudi Arabia and yet published data are scarce. The objective of this report is to describe our experience in the practice of pediatric colonoscopy in Saudi Arabia.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of all patients below 18 years of age who underwent colonoscopy over a 10-year period.

Indications and yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children.

Objective: Knowledge of the pattern of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders detected by endoscopy is important for clinicians. The objective of this paper is to report on the indications and yield of endoscopy.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of all patients below 18 years of age who underwent upper GIT endoscopy from 1414 H (1993 G) through to 1424 H (2002 G) over a 10-year period at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Yield of endoscopy in children with hematemesis.

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is an important tool in the evaluation of patients presenting with haematemesis. The objective of this study was to report the yield of this procedure in a Saudi Arabian population. We analysed the result UGI endoscopy in children and adolescents of 0-18 years of age who presented with haematemesis over a period of 10 years.

Biochemical and radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures.

Aim: Differentiation of benign biliary strictures (BBS) from malignant biliary strictures (MBS) remains difficult despite improvement in imaging and endoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, biochemical and or radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients who had biliary strictures (BS) on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) in case of unsuccessful ERCP from March 1998 to August 2002.

Concepts in leptin and liver disease.

Leptin is a cytokine l6kd peptide hormone. Its crucial role is regulation of appetite and the body fat mass mainly through action on the hypothalamus. It is produced mainly in adipocytes of white fat, as well as from other tissues e.

Epidemiology and outcome of Crohn's disease in a teaching hospital in Riyadh.

Aim: To know the epidemiology and outcome of Crohn's disease at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to compare the results from other world institutions.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients seen for 20 years (between 1983 and 2002). Individual case records were reviewed with regard to history, clinical, findings from colonoscopy, biopsies, small bowel enema, computerized tomography scan, treatment and outcome.

Lack of association of coronary artery disease with H.pylori infection.

Objective: It has been suggested from previous studies that there is an associated increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). However, others dispute this.

Malignant biliary strictures. Diagnosis and management.

Objective: To identify the cause, methods of diagnosis and management of malignant biliary strictures in our institution and compare with studies from other communities.

Methods: From March 1998 through to August 2002, we reviewed 1000 files of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at the Gastroenterology unit, King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for malignant biliary strictures (MBS). Clinical, laboratory data, method of diagnosis and management were recorded.

Management of postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy major bile duct injury: comparison of MRCP with conventional methods.

Background: Postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy bile duct injury remains one of the devastating complications seen in current surgical practice.

Aim Of Study: This study describes the diagnostic role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in such injuries compared with conventional methods.

Patients And Methods: Eighteen patients referred to the Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital from July 1998 to September 2000 were retrospectively studied.

Primary gastric lymphoma.

Aim: The purpose of this review is to describe the various aspects of primary gastric lymphoma and the treatment options currently available.

Methods: After a systematic search of Pubmed, Medscape and MDconsult, we reviewed and retrieved literature regarding gastric lymphoma.

Results: Primary gastric lymphoma is rare however, the incidence of this malignancy is increasing.

Esophageal ulceration complicating doxycycline therapy.

Aim: To report present state of iatrogenic drug-induced esophageal injury (DIEI) induced by medications in a private clinic.

Methods: Iatrogenic drug-induced esophageal injury (DIEI) induced by medications has been more frequently reported. In a private clinic we encountered 36 cases of esophageal ulcerations complicating doxycycline therapy in a mainly younger Saudi population (median age 29 years).

Gammaglutamyl transpeptidase activity in patients with schistosomiasis.

Background: Schistosoma mansoni infestation may induce liver fibrosis and portal hypertension, with possible elevation of liver enzymes.

Aim Of The Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity in a group of non-alcoholic and non-obese patients with hepatointestinal schistosomiasis.

Patients And Methods: Medical records of 174 patients diagnosed to have hepatointestinal schistosomiasis on the basis of clinical and laboratory data were reviewed.