European Registry on Helicobacter pylori management (Hp-EuReg): First-line Therapy in Israel.

Background: The antibiotic resistance profile of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is constantly changing. Up-to-date and reliable data for the effectiveness of first-line H.

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 clinical characteristics of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who failed proton pump inhibitor therapy versus those who fully responded.

Background/aims: Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very common, affecting up to 40% of the patients receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. However, there is not much information about the clinical characteristics of these patients. The aim of the study is to compare the clinical characteristics of PPI responders vs non-responders.

Characteristics of common solid liver lesions and recommendations for diagnostic workup.

Due to the widespread clinical use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), previously unsuspected liver masses are increasingly being found in asymptomatic patients. This review discusses the various characteristics of the most common solid liver lesions and recommends a practical approach for diagnostic workup. Likely diagnoses include hepatocellular carcinoma (the most likely; a solid liver lesion in a cirrhotic liver) and hemangioma (generally presenting as a mass in a non-cirrhotic liver).

Lower baseline ALT cut-off values and HBV DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg- chronic hepatitis B patients from inactive chronic carriers.

Aim: To determine whether new cut-off values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from inactive chronic carriers.

Methods: Ninety-one patients [32 HBeAg(+) CHB, 19 inactive carriers and 40 HBeAg(-) CHB] were followed up for 2 years and were tested for HBV DNA levels by a PCR-based assay. ALT was tested twice during the last 6 mo using new cut-off values: ULN (upper limit of normal) 30 IU/L for males, 19 IU/L for females.

Soft drink consumption linked with fatty liver in the absence of traditional risk factors.

Background: Little is known about dietary habits and their relationships with liver disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, particularly in the absence of obesity, diabetes or hyperlipidemia.

Objective: To assess the association between soft drink consumption and the presence of fatty liver in NAFLD patients who do not have classic risk factors.

Methods: Three hundred ten patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound were assessed for 36 months in a cross-sectional manner.