Histological and laboratory features of patients undergoing liver biopsy at a university hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To identify the most common liver pathologies seen in our center, to find the prevalence of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, and to correlate the histological and laboratory features of the most common diseases and compare between them.

Methods: Liver biopsy procedures performed in our Gastroenterology Unit at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were traced from records between the years 1997-2003. Clinical, histopathological, and laboratory features were recorded.

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.

The pattern of esophageal manometry in progressive systemic sclerosis.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to study the esophageal motility pattern and the frequency of acid reflux in patients diagnosed to have progressive systemic sclerosis and compare the results to that of normal controls.

Methods: All consecutive patients diagnosed to have progressive systemic sclerosis between 1417-1419 (Hijra year) at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were included (Group I). History of heartburn, dysphagia and regurgitation was reviewed.

Twenty-four hour pH monitoring during pregnancy and at postpartum: a preliminary study.

Objective: To quantify the amount of acid refluxed in symptomatic pregnant women and compare this to the postpartum period.

Methods: Eight non complicated symptomatic pregnant women were enrolled. The mean age was 28+/-6.

Influence of concomitant medical diseases on the course of bleeding duodenal ulcers.

Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and methonidazole resistance: different results in different countries.

Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version.