Gastrointestinal Health News and Research

Latest Gastrointestinal Health News and Research

Interferon combined with ribavirin treatment is effective for children with chronic Hepatitis C virus

Nearly half of 118 children with chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with a combination of interferon-alpha-2b and an optimized dose of ribavirin achieved sustained viral response, and side effects were generally mild.

3 Nov 2005

Neurological and neuromuscular diseases raise risk of complications from flu

As another flu season approaches, patients with neurological and neuromuscular disease are especially vulnerable to respiratory failure caused by influenza.

3 Nov 2005

New findings on bacterial vaginosis

Despite being one of the most common infections among women, scientists and doctors know little about the causes of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a usually benign disease that is also linked to serious health problems including pelvic inflammatory disease

3 Nov 2005

Withdrawn MS drug works for Crohn's sufferers

Researchers say that a multiple sclerosis drug that was withdrawn from the market for safety reasons, has shown some effectiveness against the painful bowel disorder Crohn's disease.

3 Nov 2005

Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation may have a significant impact on absenteeism

"IBS symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and constipation are associated with impaired quality of life and are the second most common cause of work-related absenteeism," according to Dr. Nigel Flook of the University of Alberta.

1 Nov 2005

Silent reflux may be the cause of sleep disturbances in patients with unexplained sleep disorders

Patients with sleep complaints but no heartburn symptoms suffered episodes of nighttime acid reflux according to research presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

1 Nov 2005

Strong association between physical and mental health problems and restless legs syndrome

Adults with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common debilitating condition, may be affected physically, mentally, and socially by their disease.

1 Nov 2005

Gatorade appears effective in correcting dehydration and improving bowel symptoms

A double-blind trial of oral rehydration solutions for children with diarrhea and vomiting related to acute viral gastroenteritis found that Gatorade is as effective as Pedialyte in correcting dehydration and improving bowel symptoms.

1 Nov 2005

Link between the act of lying and a significant increase in gastric arrhythmia

A new study suggests that changes in gastric physiology perform better than standard polygraph methods in distinguishing between lying and telling the truth.

1 Nov 2005

Women more at risk for colorectal cancer

A new study of gender and risk factors for colorectal cancer reveals that while both tobacco and alcohol increase risk for colorectal cancer, women who smoke are at higher risk.

1 Nov 2005

Ibuprofen and naproxen combined with aspirin increase risk of gastrointestinal complications

Patients who combine the common over-the counter pain medications ibuprofen and naproxen with aspirin have a risk of gastrointestinal complications including ulcers, perforations and bleeding that is two to three times greater than patients who take these medications but do not combine them with aspirin.

1 Nov 2005

Study shows impact of birth order on maternal feelings of excessive concern

New research presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology suggests that birth order impacts child perceptions of maternal solicitousness toward GI symptoms, particularly in families where the mother has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

1 Nov 2005

Diabetics are significantly more likely to have colon cancer

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina reported results from a large cross-sectional analysis assessing the risk of colon cancer among patients with diabetes at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

1 Nov 2005

Regular use of ibuprofen may increase gastrointestinal bleeding

People who take high doses of ibuprofen on a regular basis are three times more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding than those who do not take painkillers.

1 Nov 2005

Colon cancer hits blacks at a younger age

In a review of medical records researchers say that African-Americans are more susceptible to colon cancer at an earlier age than whites.

31 Oct 2005

When it comes to telling lies it's the stomach not the heart which is the giveaway

According to a new study it is suggested that it is the stomach rather than the heart that offers greater lie detection accuracy.

31 Oct 2005

State budget cuts lead to decline in care by private practice physicians

In a study of access to specialty healthcare by the uninsured and publicly insured in New Haven, Yale researchers found that recent state budget cuts, out-of-date provider rates and other policy changes had caused a decline in care by private practice physicians.

25 Oct 2005

How hurricanes impact public health long term

A Johns Hopkins emergency physician who spent the past five weeks working on public health issues in the Gulf Coast region following hurricane Katrina warns that the disaster's potential for wreaking havoc and damage to people's health may continue for months after the hurricane has passed.

19 Oct 2005

FDA warns against acid-reflux treatment Enteryx

Doctors in the United States have been instructed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to stop using Enteryx, a device used to treat acid-reflux disease.

19 Oct 2005

No credible evidence behind claims of harm from the MMR vaccination

There was no credible evidence behind claims of harm from the MMR vaccination. This is the conclusion drawn by the Cochrane Review Authors, an international team of researchers, after carefully drawing together all of the evidence found in 31 high quality studies from around the world.

18 Oct 2005