[ADVANCES ON ESOPHAGEAL MEASUREMENTS: HIGH RESOLUTION MANOMETRY, TIMED BARIUM SWALLOW, ENDOFLIP AND PH MONITORING].

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are very common in the general adult population. Dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and non-cardiac chest pain are the most common signs. The clinical approach in managing these symptoms starts with upper GI endoscopy in order to exclude inflammatory, neoplastic and fibrotic disorders that involve the esophagus.

The effect of a multispecies probiotic on microbiota composition in a clinical trial of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: Although probiotics are increasingly used in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), their mechanism of action has not been elucidated sufficiently. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multispecies probiotic on enteric microbiota composition in women with diarrhea-predominant-IBS (IBS-D) and to determine whether these effects are associated with changes in IBS symptoms or inflammatory markers.

Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Rome III IBS-D women completed a two-week run-in period and eligible women were assigned at random to a probiotic capsule (BIO-25) or an indistinguishable placebo, twice daily for 8 weeks.

[THE ISRAELI NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION].

This article summarizes the recommendations of the Israeli Neurogastroenterology and Motility Branch of the Israeli Gastroenterology Association for diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation. It encompasses an overview of the definitions, the diagnostic approach and the possible treatment options in chronic constipation. This document is suitable for primary care physicians who are interested in understanding the major physiologic mechanisms for chronic constipation and the possible treatment options, as well as for the gastroenterology consultant who faces patients with tenacious chronic constipation.

Prevalence of symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis in a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis and their association to clinical and demographic data in a large population of patients with diabetes mellitus and in the general population in Israel.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of type 2 diabetic patients treated in community settings was performed. All patients and controls completed a demographic questionnaire as well as the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI).

Comparison of continuous breath test and gastric scintigraphy for the measurement of gastric emptying rate in healthy and dyspeptic individuals.

Objective: To determine normative gastric emptying rates for the continuous breath test and to compare its findings with gastric scintigraphy in healthy volunteers and dyspeptic patients.

Methods: A standard 250 kcal meal double-labeled with 1 mCi 99mTc colloid and 100 μg nonradioactive 13C-octanoic acid was administered to 20 healthy individuals and 22 dyspeptic patients attending a tertiary medical center in 2009-2010. Gastric emptying rate was measured simultaneously with sequential gastric scintigraphy and the continuous breath test.

High eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori infection following sequential therapy: the Israeli experience treating naïve patients.

Background: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates following triple therapy are decreasing. Cure rates as low as 57%, mainly to claritromycin resistance, have been reported in Israel. Studies performed in Italy have shown eradication rates of 93%, following sequential therapy.

Early satiety is the only patient-reported symptom associated with delayed gastric emptying, as assessed by breath-test.

Background/aims: To evaluate associations between delayed gastric emptying (GE) assessed by the octanoic acid breath test and upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Methods: A historical, prospective study included 111 consecutive symptomatic adults referred for a GE breath test because of upper abdominal symptoms suggestive of delayed GE. Exclusion criteria included underlying organic disease associated with delayed GE.

Gastroesophageal regurgitation during anesthesia and controlled ventilation with six airway devices.

Study Objective: To investigate the frequency of gastroesophageal regurgitation and respiratory mechanics during positive pressure ventilation using 5 supraglottic devices or an endotracheal tube (ETT).

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Setting: Operating rooms in a university-affiliated hospital.

[New horizons in the treatment of fecal incontinence].

Fecal incontinence affects the quality of life, and causes significant embarrassment. Incontinence mostly affects elderly females. The majority of affected individuals do not seek medical attention because of embarrassment and unawareness of treatment options.

Post-infectious gastroparesis: clinical and electerogastrographic aspects.

Aims: Post-infectious gastroparesis (PIGP) is a subgroup of idiopathic gastroparesis. The aim of this study was to identify post-viral gastroparesis and to characterize clinical and electrogastrographic aspects of the disease and their usefulness as a diagnostic tool.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with gastroparesis were defined as PIGP if they had a clear history of an acute viral illness prior to the development of their symptoms.

Colonic transit time in diabetic and nondiabetic long-term care patients.

Background: Constipation is a frequent health concern for elderly people. The increased incidence of constipation with age is mainly based on self-reported data. Only a few studies have examined this problem objectively and even fewer have carried this out in the special subpopulation of frail elderly patients.