Endoscopy after acute myocardial infarction: an evaluation of safety.

Objectives: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) has substantial morbidity and mortality. Several studies have been performed on the safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) after MI; however, these studies vary in definitions and results. We evaluated the safety and effect of EGD in patients with acute MI in a tertiary center.

Administration of erythromycin before endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background/aim: Erythromycin infusion before endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has been hypothesized to aid in visualization and reduce the need for second-look endoscopy; however, the results have been controversial. To evaluate further, we performed a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of erythromycin infusion before endoscopy in acute UGIB.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched (March 2013).

Low-volume polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy: a meta-analysis.

Background: Quality of bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy is essential. Studies have shown a reduced volume of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with bisacodyl may improve visualization and tolerability, but results have varied. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to analyze the efficacy of a low-volume PEG bowel preparation with bisacodyl for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy.

Digital rectal examination versus spontaneous passage of stool for fecal occult blood testing.

Background: The diagnostic value of a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) at the time of digital rectal examination (DRE) is disputed despite being used commonly by a significant number of physicians. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate FOBT by DRE for detecting neoplasia versus FOBT on stool passed spontaneously (SPS) in asymptomatic patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

Methods: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, CINAHL, PubMed, and recent abstracts from major conferences were searched in August 2011.

Ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis for prevention of colon cancer: a meta-analysis.

Purpose/aim: Colon cancer risk is high in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Ursodeoxycholic acid has been shown to have some promise as a chemopreventive agent. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid in the prevention of colonic neoplasia in patients with UC and PSC.

Warfarin Use During Fecal Occult Blood Testing: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is a widely used screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC). Given the limited data about the effects of warfarin on FOBT are inconclusive, current screening guidelines for CRC do not address whether warfarin should be discontinued before FOBT. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of warfarin on the yield of FOBT.

Motivational Interviewing in Dialysis Adherence Study (MIDAS).

Objective: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a staff-delivered motivational interviewing technique on treatment, diet, medication, and fluid adherence in adult patients receiving outpatient hemodialysis.

Design: A pre-post design was used for this pilot study.

Sample/setting: Twenty-nine participants were recruited from a non-profit, free-standing hemodialysis clinic in the central United States.

Bowel preparation with split-dose polyethylene glycol before colonoscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a commonly used bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the standard large-volume solution may reduce patient compliance. Split-dosing of PEG has been studied in various randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

Erythromycin prior to endoscopy in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency requiring urgent endoscopy and diagnosis. However, adequate visualization is a necessity. Studies have been performed evaluating the efficacy of erythromycin infusion prior to endoscopy to improve visibility and therapeutic potential of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with varied results.

Interventions to improve hemodialysis adherence: a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials.

Over 485,000 people in the United States have chronic kidney disease, a progressive kidney disease that may lead to hemodialysis. Hemodialysis involves a complex regimen of treatment, medication, fluid, and diet management. In 2005, over 312,000 patients were undergoing hemodialysis in the United States.

Enteral feeding within three hours after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement: a meta-analysis.

Background: Traditionally, tube feedings have been delayed after gastrostomy placement to the next day and up to 24 hours postprocedure. However, results from various randomized clinical trials (RCTs) indicate earlier feeding may be an option. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to analyze the effect of earlier feedings (≤3 h) after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement.

Early versus delayed feeding after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a meta-analysis.

Background: Traditionally, tube feedings have been delayed after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement to the next day and up to 24 h postprocedure. However, results from various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate earlier feeding may be an option. We conducted a meta-analysis to analyze the effect of early feedings (< or = 4 h) after PEG placement.