A European view of diagnostic yield and appropriateness of colonoscopy.

Background/aims: This study's purpose was to examine the relationship between appropriateness criteria and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy.

Methodology: This observational study prospectively included consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy from 21 centers in 11 countries. Patient, center, and colonoscopy characteristics were collected.

Variations in colonoscopy practice in Europe: a multicentre descriptive study (EPAGE).

Objective: The volume of colonoscopies performed is increasing and differences in colonoscopy practice over time and between centres have been reported. Examination of current practice is important for bench-marking quality. The objective of this study was to examine variations in colonoscopy practice in endoscopy centres internationally.

Use, appropriateness, and diagnostic yield of screening colonoscopy: an international observational study (EPAGE).

Background: Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) has been shown to decrease mortality.

Objective: To examine determinants associated with having (1) a screening colonoscopy, (2) an appropriate indication for screening, and (3) a significant diagnosis at screening.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Case verification of children with asthma in Ontario.

Asthma is an important chronic childhood illness. A population-based surveillance program could measure the burden of illness, but first, the validity of an administrative diagnosis of asthma must be confirmed. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of population-based outpatient administrative data in identifying children with asthma for the purpose of on-going asthma surveillance and research.

The EPAGE internet guideline as a decision support tool for determining the appropriateness of colonoscopy.

Background: Few studies have examined how physicians perceive guidelines, much less their perceptions of an Internet presentation of such guidelines. This study assessed physicians' acceptance ofan Internet-based guideline on the appropriateness of colonoscopy.

Methods: Gastroenterologists participating in an international observational study consulted an Internet-based guideline for consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy.

What factors are associated with poor developmental attainment in young Canadian children?

Background: This study was undertaken to determine the association between poor developmental attainment (PDA) and biological, home environment and socio-demographic factors in a population-based sample of Canadian children.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from two cycles (1994/95 and 1996/97) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were used. Children aged 1-5 years were included.

Risk markers for poor developmental attainment in young children: results from a longitudinal national survey.

Objective: To evaluate social and environmental determinants of poor developmental attainment among preschool children by means of longitudinal data from a population-based sample of Canadian children.

Design: Secondary analysis of data from cycles 1 (1994-1995) and 2 (1996-1997) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth using a cohort design with 2-year follow-up.

Participants: A total of 4987 children aged 1 to 5 years at baseline, whose biological mother completed risk factor information and who were included in both cycles.

Is obesity associated with asthma in young children?

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and asthma in a population-based sample of Canadian children.

Study Design: Baseline data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were used in this cross-sectional study. We included 11199 children age 4 to 11 years whose biological mother reported data on asthma, height, and weight.