[ effect of pentoxifylline on liver function tests in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease non-diabetic patients]

Pentoxifylline might have a role in the suppression of inflammatory cytokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of Pentoxifylline on liver function tests in non-diabetic subjects with NAFLD.This clinical trial was performed in 120 NAFLD patients. They were divided to two groups by Balance Block Randomization method. A dietitian in both arms performed regulation of daily calorie intake. Pentoxifylline was prescribed to intervention arm at the dose of 1200 m/g per day. Liver function tests were checked at 2 months interval up to 6 months. Fifty-four patients in control group and fifty-six ones in Pentoxifylline group were evaluated. The participants mean of age was 36.65 +/- 8.82 years. The mean aminotransferase levels were not statistically different in two arms at the study period. However, the speed of aminotransferase reduction was faster in Pentoxifylline arm. The mean aminotransferase levels were decreased during the study period in each arm.Pentoxifylline was not effective in reducing aminotransferase in NAFLD patients

[Health-related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome]

Due to the increasing outbreak of irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] and its relation to hospital costs and disruptions to quality of life, this study is an attempt to investigate patient quality of life and its relationship with IBS according to the results of the WHQOL-BREF Questionnaire. This descriptive-analytic, cross-sectional study enrolled 250 patients and 250 healthy participants who referred to the Gastroenterology Clinic of Sina Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2012. The diagnosis of IBS was determined by a gastrointestinal expert based on ROME-III Criteria. Then, the study was explained to participants prior to administration of this questionnaire. The level of life quality in patients with IBS was less than the control group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gender, education level, marital status, and place of residency. There was no significant difference in the above factors among patients in the subgroups of IBS. Regression analysis between quality of life and independent variables showed a correlation between quality of life to severity of IBS symptoms and disease duration. The results of the study indicated that quality of life correlated with severity of symptoms and disease duration. The quality of life in IBS patients can be enhanced by efficiently controlling symptoms.

Secondary prevention of uppergastrointestinal bleeding in low doseaspirin users infected with helicobacter pylori

Aspirin even at low dose [100 mg] can increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is usual to use low dose aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis. We hypothesized that Helicobacter pylori eradication is as effective as omeprazole maintenance therapy for secondary prevention of bleeding in those who take low dose aspirin and are positive for Helicobacter pylori.To compare the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication and omeprazole maintenance therapy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding sixty-two patients taking low dose aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis were prospectively followed for 6 months. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was confirmed by endoscopy. Ulcers healed with 2 months treatment of 20 mg omeprazole daily. Aspirin was withheld during this 2 months. Low dose aspirin was given again after that. Thirty-one patients underwent Helicobacter pylori eradication with amoxicillin 1 g bid, metronidazole 500 mg bid, and bismuth subcitrate 240 mg bid for 2 weeks and did not receive omeprazole any more, and in thirty-one patients only omeprazole was given for 6 months.Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 3 patients. Two [6%] were in the eradication and one [3%] was in the omeprazole group. The difference was not statistically significant.Helicobacter pylori eradication is equivalent to omeprazole treatment in secondary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who take low dose aspirin and are infected with Helicobacter pylori