A New Method to Evaluate Lower Esophageal Distension Capacity in Eosinophilic Esophagitis by Using Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP™).

Endoluminal functional lumen impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) has become the gold standard to evaluate esophageal distensibility, although the study itself and its analysis present challenges. We propose here a new method to assess lower esophageal distension capacity that overcomes several limitations of prior approaches, including incomplete and corrupted EndoFLIP recordings. Esophageal distension capacity was evaluated with a 16-channel EndoFLIP in 10 controls and 14 patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Implementation of a peroral endoscopic myotomy program.

Introduction: the aim of our study was to develop a peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) program in our Unit following a two-step sequence: training on animal models and supervision by an experienced endoscopist during the first human cases.

Methods: a single endoscopist experienced in advanced endoscopy was trained in POEM. After observing POEM in referral centers, training was implemented on swine models (preclinical phase).

Normal values for water-perfused esophageal high-resolution manometry.

Background: Normal values for water-perfused esophageal high-resolution manometry have still not been established in our environment, despite its generalized use and the recommendation to determine reference values for each Motility Unit based on their equipment. Normal values established with solid-state highresolution manometry are currently being used as reference values for water-perfused high-resolution manometry.

Objectives: To obtain normal values for water-perfused esophageal high-resolution manometry, based on the esophageal motility analysis of healthy subjects.

Effect of aspirin and antiplatelet drugs on the outcome of the fecal immunochemical test.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of aspirin and nonaspirin antiplatelet agents (NAAAs) on the performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Participants And Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of results from a clinical trial that involved 28,696 asymptomatic average-risk men and women aged 50 to 69 years invited to participate in a colorectal cancer screening program with FIT between November 1, 2008, and June 31, 2011.

Results: The test was returned by 6390 individuals (22.

Factors influencing the rate of fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis C.

Alcohol consumption, age at infection, and male gender have been identified as risk factors for faster fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Yet the influence of liver steatosis, light to moderate alcohol consumption, or iron overload on this progression remains controversial. To analyze the effect of individual risk factors and their interaction on fibrosis progression in a group of patients with CHC and a definite date of infection, we studied 133 consecutive untreated patients.

Circulating endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and portal, systemic and renal hemodynamics in cirrhosis.

Background: Endocannabinoids may participate in the homeostasis of arterial pressure. Recently, anandamide, the most extensively studied endocannabinoid, has been proposed as a key mediator in the peripheral arterial vasodilation of cirrhosis.

Objectives: To determine if circulating levels of anandamide are related to the extent of the peripheral arterial vasodilation, the severity of portal hypertension and the degree of liver and renal dysfunction of patients with cirrhosis.