The timing of recurrence after endoscopic papillectomy.

Background: Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) offers a safe and effective method for resection of ampullary adenomas. Data regarding the long-term resolution of adenoma following EP are limited. The aim of this study therefore was to examine the timing of recurrence after EP of ampullary adenomas.

Terlipressin in the management of liver disease.

Introduction: Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog which has been recently approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome. Terlipressin stimulates vasopressin receptors located on the smooth muscle vasculature of the splanchnic circulation and renal tubules which results in splanchnic vasoconstriction with improved renal perfusion and antidiuretic activity, respectively.

Areas Covered: In this review, we discuss available data regarding the FDA approved use of terlipressin, safety, and tolerability, as well as highlight alternative uses in chronic liver disease currently still under investigation.

Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies: Intragastric Balloons, Tissue Apposition, and Aspiration Therapy.

Purpose Of Review: Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) have been identified as a group of procedures that can bridge the treatment gap between bariatric surgical procedures and non-procedural treatments such as pharmacotherapy and lifestyle therapy. We will review the recent progress that has been made in this important area in the past several years.

Recent Findings: Traditional intragastric balloons (IGB) that are both placed and removed endoscopically have been the fixture of IGB therapy.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Size and Avoidance of Surgery in Stricturing Crohn's Disease.

Background: Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an effective method for treating stricture-related obstruction in Crohn's disease. We aimed to identify factors predictive of successful avoidance of surgery, including endoscopic features, in patients undergoing balloon dilation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with symptomatic Crohn's disease-related intestinal strictures undergoing EBD.

Assessment of disease specific knowledge and health-related quality of life among United States military veterans with inflammatory bowel disease.

Aim: To evaluate the association between patient disease knowledge of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) and identify patient and disease related predictors of patient knowledge of IBD.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of IBD patients with an established diagnosis of IBD longer than 3 mo prior to enrollment. The Crohn's and colitis knowledge score (CCKNOW) and short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) were self-administered to assess patient knowledge of IBD and HRQoL, respectively.

The intestinal protozoa: emerging impact on global health and development.

Purpose Of Review: To highlight new findings on the relevance of gastrointestinal protozoan infections to global public health in low-income and middle-income countries and suggest new large-scale interventions.

Recent Findings: New disease burden assessments and epidemiological studies highlight the role of the major intestinal protozoa as important etiologic disease agents in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite their prevalence and adverse health impact, such information has not yet translated to the implementation of large-scale interventions as exist for helminth infections and other neglected tropical diseases.

Global progress towards eliminating gastrointestinal helminth infections.

Purpose Of Review: To highlight the gastrointestinal helminths in the context of renewed global commitment to control or eliminate neglected tropical diseases in the coming decade.

Recent Findings: Two key documents, namely the 2012 London Declaration for Neglected Tropical Diseases and the 2013 World Health Assembly resolution, emphasize the importance of mass drug administration (MDA) for controlling several key neglected tropical diseases. These documents, together with the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010, establish the major gastrointestinal helminth infections, including the soil-transmitted helminthiases - ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm, and strongyloidiasis - in addition to the intestinal and liver fluke infections, as some of the most important gastrointestinal infections of humankind.