A. P. S. Hungin

Current concepts in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection--the Maastricht 2-2000 Consensus Report.

Significant progress and new insights have been gained in the 4 years since the first Maastricht Consensus Report, necessitating an update of the original guidelines. To achieve this, the European Helicobacter Pylori Study Group organized a meeting of specialists and experts from around the world, representatives from National Gastroenterology Societies and general practitioners from Europe to establish updated guidelines on the current management of Helicobacter pylori infection. The meeting took place on 21–22 September 2000.

The prevalence, patterns and impact of irritable bowel syndrome: an international survey of 40,000 subjects.

Aim : To determine the prevalence, symptom pattern and impact of the irritable bowel syndrome, across eight European countries, using a standardized methodology.

Irritable bowel syndrome in the United States: prevalence, symptom patterns and impact

Background : The impact of irritable bowel syndrome, a gastrointestinal motility disorder, is underestimated and poorly quantified, as clinicians may see only a minority of sufferers.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Epidemiology and management in an English general practice population

Inflammatory bowel diseases have significant long‐term morbidity and healthcare resource consequences. Studies based on secondary care records may have underestimated the contribution of general practitioners (GPs) to its management.

Quality of life in patients with established inflammatory bowel disease: a UK general practice survey

Background : The current understanding of quality of life impairment in inflammatory bowel disease has largely been derived from selected populations and may not reflect the experience of patients in the community, where fewer than half are likely to be under specialist care.

Systematic review : the effect of helicobacter pylori and its eradication on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with duodenal ulcers or reflux oesophagitis.

Background : The effect of Helicobacter pylori in provoking or protecting against gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is unclear and studies have given conflicting results. Recent guidelines recommend H. pylori eradication in patients on long‐term proton pump inhibitors.

New algorithm for the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Background  Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a variety of typical and atypical symptoms. Patients often present in the first instance to a pharmacist or primary care physician and are subsequently referred to secondary care if initial management fails. Guidelines usually do not provide a clear guidance for all healthcare professionals with whom the patient may consult.

Systematic review: frequency and reasons for consultation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia

Background  Upper gastrointestinal symptoms impose a substantial illness burden and management costs. Understanding perceptions and reasons for seeking healthcare is a prerequisite for meeting patients’ needs effectively.

Review article: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease – the health economic implications

For the vast majority of patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease appropriate care involves the management of symptoms with lifestyle advice and drugs. However, there is dissension about the appropriate use of endoscopy, whether drugs should be stepped up or down according to potency, how long drugs should be used for, the role of lifestyle advice, and, related to this, the role of patients’ lifestyle choices.

Long‐term aminosalicylate therapy is under‐used in patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross‐sectional survey

Background : There is evidence from case–control studies that aminosalicylate drugs can reduce colorectal cancer risk by 75–81% in patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients may fail to comply with long‐term therapies, however, or may have been advised to discontinue treatment once in remission.