RESUMO
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition that affects a significant portion of the Western population. Despite its benign pathophysiology, it has the potential to cause serious complications over time, ranging from conditions that are benign, premalignant, and/or malignant. Traditional treatment options include lifestyle measures, anti-secretory medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitor (PPI)), and surgical options (e.g., Nissen and Toupet fundoplication). However, recent studies have revealed long-term side effects of anti-secretory medications. Moreover, surgical options, though effective, are considered invasive and associated with potential complications. In the current age of ongoing research in minimally invasive options, endoscopic treatment of GERD has become popular. As a result, procedures such as radiofrequency treatment and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have gained FDA approval and are currently being covered by most insurance. In this review article, we will discuss pre-procedural workup, appropriate patient selection, advantages, disadvantages, procedure techniques, and follow-up of patients who undergo various endoscopic treatments for GERD. In addition, we will review the short and long-term success of these techniques in improving quality of life, use of PPI, and improvement in symptoms considering published data in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Acetyl hexapeptide-8, also known as Argireline, is a topical, short-acting, synthetic peptide that has recently gained popularity for its antiwrinkle effects. This agent has emerged as a more accessible alternative to botulinum neurotoxin. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the public interest in acetyl hexapeptide-8 in the United States from 2013 to 2023, as described by search volume on Google, the most-used search engine. METHODS: We analyzed the longitudinal relative monthly search volume from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023, for acetyl hexapeptide-related terms. We compared the internet search trends for "Botox" during this period to "Argireline." RESULTS: The terms "Argireline" and "Botox in a Bottle" both had substantial increases in search volume in 2022. Although its search volume is drastically increasing, "Argireline" was less searched than "Botox," which had a stable, up-trending search volume over the past decade. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing interest in acetyl hexapeptide-8 may be due to its cost-effectiveness and use as a botulinum neurotoxin alternative. Affordability, over-the-counter availability, and ease of self-application of the agent suggest its potential to enhance accessibility to cosmetic dermatologic care.
