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Biomedical subjects

Nicholas J Talley

Publications and source records attributed to Nicholas J Talley.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation training, and routine clinical care for the irritable bowel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Psychological treatments are considered to be useful in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although the evidence is based on small, often flawed trials. Although cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and relaxation therapy have both been promising, we hypothesized that CBT would be superior to relaxation and standard care alone in IBS patients. The objective of this study was to test this assumption by comparing the effects of cognitive behavior therapy with relaxation therapy and routine clinical care alone in individuals with IBS. METHODS: Patients (n = 105) with Rome I criteria for IBS were recruited from advertisement (n = 51) and outpatient clinics (n = 54); those patients with resistant IBS were not included. A randomized controlled trial with three arms (standard care for all groups plus either CBT or relaxation) for 8 wk was conducted, which applied blinded outcome assessments using validated measures with 1 yr of follow-up. The primary outcome for this study was bowel symptom severity. RESULTS: Of 105 patients at the commencement of treatment, the mean bowel symptom frequency score for the whole sample was 21.1 and at the end of treatment had fallen to 18.1; this persisted at the 52-wk follow-up, with a significant linear trend for scores to change over time (F = 39.57 p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the three treatment conditions. Significant changes over time were found for physical functioning (F = 4.37, p < 0.001), pain (F = 3.12, p < 0.05), general health (F = 2.71, p < 0.05), vitality (F = 2.94, p < 0.05), and the social functioning scales on the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (F = 4.08, p < 0.05); however, all three arms showed similar improvement. There were significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and locus of control scales, but no significant differences among the treatment groups were detected. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavior and relaxation therapy seem not to be superior to standard care alone in IBS.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

An update of the Cochrane systematic review of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in nonulcer dyspepsia: resolving the discrepancy between systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVES: A Cochrane systematic review on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy in nonulcer dyspepsia concluded that this intervention had a small but statistically significant effect in curing symptoms. A systematic review in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggested that there was no statistically significant effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on nonulcer dyspepsia symptoms. We updated the Cochrane review and explored reasons for these discrepant results. METHODS: In our update of the Cochrane review we included randomized controlled trials evaluating H. pylori eradication in nonulcer dyspepsia published up to September, 2002. A statistician and the lead author of two negative randomized controlled trials explored reasons for the differences between the Cochrane and Annals systematic reviews according to the review methodology, data analyzed, and statistical methods. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to evaluate which differences had an impact on the review conclusions. RESULTS: The updated review identified 12 trials evaluating H. pylori eradication versus placebo antibiotics in 2903 patients. H. pylori eradication reduced nonulcer dyspepsia (nonulcer dyspepsia relative risk = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.86-0.95). We identified five differences in methodology between the Cochrane and Annals reviews. The Annals review included all dual, triple, and quadruple H. pylori eradication therapies searched until December, 1999; did not contact authors for further information; included abstracts; and assumed that dropouts were treatment failures. The Cochrane review included only those therapies proved to be successful in eradicating H. pylori; searched until May, 2000; contacted authors for further information; included abstracts only if further information was available; and excluded dropouts from the analysis. Not including trials published in 2000 reduced the number of trials in the review and the number of patients evaluated, changing the conclusions from evidence of benefit to benefit not being proved. The method of statistical analysis did not alter conclusions when all studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: The results of systematic reviews in a rapidly developing field depend on inclusion of all relevant studies. There is evidence for a small benefit of eradicating H. pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia, and this is confirmed by updating the Cochrane systematic review.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

Helicobacter pylori management: how to improve the therapeutic confusion in practice.

There appears to be a disconnect between current guidelines for Helicobacter pylori testing and treatment, and clinical practice, including physician beliefs and actual prescribing patterns. In particular, there are markedly different approaches in primary and secondary care, and country-specific differences in eradication therapy for H pylori infection. Although most physicians do not believe that H pylori causes non-ulcer dyspepsia, the majority appear to prescribe eradication. Less information is available on the management of H pylori infection and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and more marked differences in attitudes and practice occur in this condition. Even in peptic ulcer disease, where most clinicians both in primary and in secondary care believe H pylori should be eradicated, there is often a breakdown in the translation of this belief into practice. There is also confusion in terms of treatment regimens applied for H pylori eradication. Eradication regimens are less successful in practice than in clinical trials. Furthermore, a sizable proportion of patients with peptic ulcer remain symptomatic despite cure of the ulcer diathesis, which may undermine confidence. Therapeutic confusion about what to prescribe, side effects limiting compliance, bacterial resistance, and socioeconomic factors may all impair therapeutic success with eradication therapy in practice. Unfortunately, it has been well documented that guidelines alone are likely to have little or no impact in practice. Publication in a journal is unlikely to lead to effective implementation in primary care. On the basis of available evidence, clinical behaviour is most likely changed when guidelines are developed by the peer group of clinicians for whom they were intended, are disseminated through a specific educational program, and are implemented by applying, preferably during the consultation, specific reminders.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Update on the role of drug therapy in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Non-ulcer dyspepsia is common and is often confused with other diagnoses. It remains a condition identified by exclusion, and continues to be a challenge to manage. Currently, only a limited number of pharmacological options are available. Antacids are no more effective than placebo in treating nonulcer dyspepsia. H2-receptor antagonists appear to be superior to placebo in efficacy, but many of the studies suggesting this finding have had a suboptimal study design. Proton pump inhibitors have been shown to be superior to placebo, although questions remain as to whether the only subgroup that responds is comprised of patients with unrecognized gastroesophageal reflux disease. Studies have found that prokinetic agents are superior to placebo, but currently only a very limited number of agents within this class can be prescribed in the United States. Sparse data support the role of metoclopramide and its side effects limit its use even further. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori has a small but positive therapeutic benefit in non-ulcer dyspepsia, and can be considered in those confirmed to be infected. Sucralfate is unlikely to be effective, and misoprostol is ineffective. Bismuth alone is probably not efficacious. Tricyclic antidepressants may have a therapeutic role, but this is not firmly established and this class of medication should be reserved for resistant cases. Emerging therapies include drugs that relax the gastric fundus, such as buspirone or sumatriptan, and the new prokinetic tegaserod. Psychological therapies may play a role but studies of these therapies are limited. Therapy for non-ulcer dyspepsia remains challenging and is usually empiric; it will remain so until the mechanisms that induce symptoms of dyspepsia are better understood.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗
PubMed2003

When to conduct testing in patients with suspected irritable bowel syndrome.

Patients who have abdominal discomfort or pain plus disturbed defecation warrant a careful history taking and physical examination. The presence of positive symptom criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually correctly identifies the underlying IBS diagnosis. The clinical evaluation may uncover findings that cause concern about underlying organic disease ("alarm features" or "red flags"). Traditional alarm features include bleeding, obvious anemia, weight loss, and older age at onset. Although the diagnostic utility of most of these red flags has not been tested, patients with these symptoms should be investigated promptly. In the primary care setting, most patients who have alarm symptoms will have a negative further evaluation, and the original IBS diagnosis will be confirmed. In the past, numerous tests (eg, complete blood cell count, flexible sigmoidoscopy) were considered routine for patients with suspected IBS in the primary care setting. However, available data do not support this approach; these patients do not have an increased likelihood of most organic diseases compared with control populations without IBS. Although celiac disease may occur more frequently in persons with IBS, the yield of serologic testing is likely to be low. Testing is generally not required in patients with positive symptom criteria for IBS and an absence of alarm features.

Diagnostic Tests, Routine↗
PubMed2002

Randomised controlled trial of pantoprazole versus ranitidine for the treatment of uninvestigated heartburn in primary care.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether pantoprazole (20 mg/d) produces significantly greater symptom control than ranitidine (300 mg/d) in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). DESIGN: Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparison. SETTING: 76 general practices in north-west Sydney and Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia), from 19 January 1999 to 22 September 2000. PATIENTS: 307 patients aged 18 years or over presenting with symptomatic GORD. INTERVENTIONS: Pantoprazole (20 mg once daily) or ranitidine (150 mg twice daily). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-assessed frequency and severity of heartburn using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and a patient heartburn diary. RESULTS: Pantoprazole was associated with significantly higher rates of complete control of GORD symptoms than ranitidine at four weeks (40% v 19%; P < 0.001), eight weeks (55% v 33%; P < 0.001), six months (71% v 56%; P = 0.007) and 12 months (77% v 59%; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose pantoprazole is an effective alternative to standard-dose ranitidine for initial and maintenance treatment of patients with symptomatic GORD.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2002

Irritable bowel syndrome: a little understood organic bowel disease?

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10% of adults with an unexplained female predominance. Although only a few people see their family doctor, the disease causes reduced quality of life and represents a multi-billion pound health-care problem. The disorder clusters in families, which is possibly because of intra-familial learning and a genetic predisposition. Visceral hypersensitivity is a key feature in most patients. Results of imaging studies of regional cerebral blood flow during rectal distension suggest underlying disturbances of central processing of afferent signals, though this is not unique to the disorder, since it is seen in other chronic pain syndromes. Environmental factors that are strongly implicated in at least some patients include gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and chronic stress. Diagnosis is based on positive symptoms and absence of any alarm indicators. Treatment remains unsatisfactory and hinges on an excellent doctor-patient relationship, with drugs for symptom exacerbations. Cognitive behavioural treatment, psychotherapy, and hypnosis could provide long-lasting benefit in some patients. Tricyclic antidepressants in low doses seem to be the most effective class of drugs for the disorder on the basis of limited data.

Brain↗
PubMed2002

Prevalence of faecal incontinence and associated risk factors; an underdiagnosed problem in the Australian community?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of faecal incontinence in the community and evaluate identifiable risk factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional survey using a validated questionnaire. A short version of the questionnaire was sent to 220 subjects and a long version to 770 subjects, randomly selected from western Sydney, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported faecal incontinence, defined as involuntary loss of anal sphincteric control leading to unwanted release of liquid or solid faeces (not flatus) at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate place, within the past 12 months. The long questionnaire also sought information on bowel habit and potential risk factors for faecal incontinence. RESULTS: The response rate was 66%. The prevalence of solid or liquid faecal incontinence was 2% and 9%, respectively. The mean age of subjects with faecal incontinence was 53 years; 55% were women. After adjusting for age and sex, there was a significant association between faecal incontinence and perianal injury (P = 0.03), perianal surgery (P < 0.001), feelings of incomplete defecation (P < 0.0001), loose or watery motions (P < 0.0001) and urgency (P < 0.0001). Seven of 48 subjects with faecal incontinence reported being asked by their physician about faecal incontinence and nine of 33 reported seeking medical advice for their incontinence. Subjects with faecal incontinence perceived their health to be significantly poorer than did other subjects (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There is a high burden of faecal incontinence in the community, and the prevalence in men may be greater than is usually appreciated. Despite significant associated morbidity, most cases of faecal incontinence were unrecognised by doctors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare gastrointestinal (GI) disorder of undetermined cause characterized by infiltration of eosinophils in the GI tract. Eosinophils accumulate in tissues and may release highly cytotoxic granular proteins, which cause severe tissue damage characteristic of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Eotaxin may play a role in the recruitment of eosinophils into tissue in combination with chemoattractants and cytokines, including interleukin 3 and 5 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Food allergy, especially in children, can be a triggering factor, and an amino acid-based diet may be helpful. Accumulation of eosinophils in the gut is a common feature in food-induced GI disorders that can be regulated through a complex molecular network involving Th2 cells, various cytokines, and chemokines. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation depending on the site of involvement. It may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or dyspepsia and, rarely, mimics pancreatitis or appendicitis. Diagnosis is important and is usually made by a pathologist. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a treatable disease; patients generally respond to steroid therapy, although relapse is common. Non-enteric-coated budesonide, a locally acting corticosteroid with little risk of adrenal suppression, may be substituted, although more experience is needed. Promising new drugs for eosinophilic gastroenteritis include montelukast, a selective leukotriene receptor antagonist, and suplaplast tosilate, a selective Th2 cytokine inhibitor with inhibitory effects on allergy-induced eosinophilic infiltration and IgE production. Although it is likely a separate disease, more experience has accumulated, and an elimination or specific amino acid-based diet appears to be helpful in treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Management of dyspepsia.

Proper management of uninvestigated dyspepsia is a challenging task for any clinician. Efficient and cost-effective management of such patients requires careful history taking and awareness of the available options.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗
PubMed2002

Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with delayed gastric emptying or upper gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetes mellitus.

This study evaluated the relationship between gastric emptying and upper gastrointestinal symptoms with H. pylori status in patients with diabetes mellitus. Sixty-three outpatients (44 type 1, 19 type 2, age 45 +/- 1.5 years) underwent measurements of gastric emptying of a mixed solid and liquid meal, gastrointestinal symptoms (gastric and esophageal), glycemic control (HbA1c), and autonomic nerve function. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were quantified using a validated kit. Gastric emptying of solid and/or liquid was delayed in 47 (75%) patients, and 31 (49%) had autonomic neuropathy. Fifteen (24%) of the patients were H. pylori positive. There were no differences in gastric emptying (solid retention at 100 min: 67.5 +/- 5.7% vs 63.2 +/- 3.6%; P = 0.63, liquid T50: 35.5 +/- 2.9 min vs 42.5 +/- 3.4 min; P = 0.42), upper gastrointestinal symptoms (gastric 3.9 +/- 0.7 vs 4.0 +/- 0.4; P = 0.94 or esophageal 1.7 +/- 0.5 vs 1.3 +/- 0.2; P = 0.42) or HbA1c (8.8 +/- 0.4% vs 8.6 +/- 0.2%; P = 0.89) between H. pylori-positive and -negative patients. We conclude that H. pylori infection is not associated with delayed gastric emptying or upper gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Gender differences in the symptoms and physical and mental well-being of dyspeptics: a population based study.

PURPOSE: To compare women and men with dyspepsia in terms of symptoms, physical and mental well-being and the relationships between individual symptoms and well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional random telephone survey of 2300 Australians identified 748 people with dyspepsia who were interviewed regarding the number, types and severity of symptoms and physical (PCS) and mental well-being (MCS) measured by the SF-12. RESULTS: There were no significant gender differences in number or average severity of symptoms. Bloating, nausea, and early satiety were significantly more frequent among women; food regurgitation and heartburn in men. Dyspeptics (PCS = 47.1, MCS = 46.0) had poorer physical (p < 0.001) and mental well-being (p < 0.001) than did non-dyspeptics (PCS = 53.5, MCS = 55.3). Among dyspeptics, women (PCS = 46.4, MCS = 44.7) had poorer physical (p < 0.05) and mental well-being (p < 0.001) than males (PCS = 47.9, MCS = 47.5). Some symptoms were associated with low well-being for both sexes e.g. nausea. For women retching was related to poor physical well-being, and food regurgitation, dysphagia. bloating and epigastric pain to poor mental well-being. Among men epigastric pain and heartburn were associated with poor physical well-being, acid regurgitation with poor mental well-being, and vomiting with both. CONCLUSIONS: Dyspeptics report poorer physical and mental well-being than do non-dyspeptics. The difference between groups is greater for mental well-being, especially among women. Both physical and social factors may contribute to gender differences.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2002

Lack of objective evidence of efficacy of laxatives in chronic constipation.

Laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation and can be bought over-the-counter in many countries, although some preparations need to be prescribed by physicians. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the published evidence on the efficacy of laxatives in constipation. We found that large, well-controlled, published studies whose data were comparable were lacking. Of 250 articles, 35 met the inclusion criteria but only 11 yielded usable data (N = 375 patients on laxatives, 174 on placebo). There was an effect of laxatives on stool frequency (mean increase 1.9 stools per week) and stool weight (mean increase 476 g) but this was not clearly distinguishable from that of placebo therapies (1 stool and 434 g, respectively) in studies up to 4 weeks in duration. Similarly, studies of 5-12 weeks yielded no differences overall. These results cannot definitively rule out laxatives as an effective treatment, due to the poor published evidence. Better evidence is required to justify the continued expenditure of funds on laxatives by both patients and formularies.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and frequently lifelong gastrointestinal disorder, but whether advancing age impacts on IBS is largely unknown and how the disorder manifests in the elderly remains unclear. Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of IBS declines with age (possibly related to pain perception changes), but IBS remains a common gastrointestinal illness in the aged. Unfortunately, there has been very little research examining risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of IBS in the elderly. Since gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, diagnostic algorithms differ in the elderly. There is reason to believe that this very prevalent disorder may also behave differently in the elderly and that the approach to management needs to take age-related issues into account. These issues will be the focus of the present review.

Aged↗