Serious gastrointestinal pathology found in patients with serum ferritin values < or = 50 ng/ml.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract in patients with serum ferritin values < or = 50 ng/ml for the presence of serious gastrointestinal pathology, including neoplasia and acid peptic disease.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, patients with serum ferritin values < or = 50 ng/ml who did not have an obvious cause of iron deficiency underwent colonoscopy and/or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Results: Between October 1, 1994, and February 29, 1996, 725 of 3015 patients who had serum ferritin determinations were found to have values < or = 50 ng/ml.

Timing and severity of initial hepatitis C recurrence as predictors of long-term liver allograft injury.

Background: The majority of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) undergoing liver transplantation develop evidence of histologic recurrence, and multiple mechanisms are likely poised to affect long-term allograft injury. The purpose of this analysis was to study the hypothesis that histologic and biochemical features at the onset of HCV recurrence predict the long-term evolution of allograft hepatitis.

Methods: We studied 34 consecutive liver transplant recipients with evidence of histologic HCV recurrence and with a minimal histologic follow-up of 1 year (up to 6.

Management of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: does endoscopy influence medical management?

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the theories that underlie the clinical decision to perform endoscopy in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Physicians reported that they use endoscopic findings to modify medical treatment of GERD. This study was undertaken to test this hypothesis in clinical practice.

Risk factors for Barrett's esophagus in community-based practice. GORGE consortium. Gastroenterology Outcomes Research Group in Endoscopy.

Objectives: Endoscopy is often performed in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease because of concern about the presence of Barrett's esophagus (BE). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the duration of GER symptoms and/or a history of esophagitis was associated with an increased risk of BE.

Methods: This was an observational, prospective, community-based study.

Community-based research--a framework for problem formulation: the case of upper endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objective: To identify clinical hypotheses and information gaps underlying disagreement about the use of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD) for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to design a registry study to test these hypotheses.

Design And Setting: Structured group discussions with community-based practicing gastroenterologists.

Results: Thirty-three gastroenterologists from 17 sites discussed a set of clinical scenarios concerning the use of EGD in GERD patients with different clinical histories.

Psychological distress in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background: Psychological factors play a role in a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses, including esophageal diseases. The role of psychological factors in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine if psychological distress is present in patients with reflux disease.