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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in a cohortcommunity-based study in Riyadh and Hail regions of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Saudi Arabia used to be hyperendemic for HBV infection. Most of infection occurs in early life. HBV vaccine was, therefore, introduced in 1989 as the seventh primary immunogen of the EPI Program.