Jia Qing Huang

Prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care utilization of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in a Chinese population: a population-based study

Background : Population‐based data on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Chinese are lacking. The prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care‐seeking behaviour of subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease were studied.

A validated symptoms questionnaire (Chinese GERDQ) for the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in the Chinese population

Background and aims: To develop a validated gastro‐oesophageal disease (GERD) symptom questionnaire for the Chinese population.

Onset and disappearance of reflux symptoms in a Chinese population: a 1‐year follow‐up study

Background : The natural history of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Asian population has not been studied before.

Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases in Chinese—Role of Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and Esophageal Motor Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the major mechanism for gastroesophageal reflux in the Western population. The major reflux mechanism in Chinese patients with GERD has not been studied before.METHODS:Fifty-four patients with GERD and 28 controls underwent stationary baseline manometry and the 24-h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. TLESRs were measured before and after an 850 kcal meal in the supine position. Primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis, and esophageal acid clearance were measured by esophageal manometry.RESULTS:Total time esophageal pH ≤ 4 (7.3 vs 1.5, p = 0.001) was significantly higher in patients with GERD when compared to controls. Majority of acid reflux episodes was due to TLESR in both patients with GERD and controls. The frequency of TLESRs after meal was similar between patients with GERD and controls (1.0 vs 1.3/h, p = 0.34). There was no difference in the distribution of reflux mechanism between patients with GERD and controls. However, patients with GERD had a significantly lower successful primary peristalsis (59% vs 70%, p = 0.043) when compared to controls.CONCLUSION:The frequency of TLESRs was similar between patients with GERD and controls during stationary manometry. Primary peristalsis was impaired in Chinese patients with GERD. Esophageal motor dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of GERD in the Chinese population.

Standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection is suboptimal in non‐ulcer dyspepsia compared with duodenal ulcer in Chinese

Background : Recent studies suggest that the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia is lower when compared to patients with peptic ulcer diseases.

Double‐blind, randomized controlled study to assess the effects of lansoprazole 30 mg and lansoprazole 15 mg on 24‐h oesophageal and intragastric pH in Chinese subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Background : Previous studies have suggested that the acid secretory capacity of the Chinese population is lower than that of the Western population.

Traveler's thrombosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Anecdotal evidence suggests a possible link between travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE). We systematically evaluated the evidence from observational studies. METHODS We searched studies evaluating the risk of venous thrombosis in relation to traveling from MEDLINE and EMBASE up tp March 2004, together with a hand search of reference lists from retrieved literature, and we contacted some of the experts. Observational studies estimating the risks of VTE and isolated calf vein thrombosis were eligible. Methodologic quality was assessed based on prior criteria, and meta-analysis was considered where applicable. RESULTS A total of 194 English-language publications were initially identified. Sixteen studies were included: 9 case-control, 2 prospective controlled, and 5 other observational studies. They differed drastically in study designs, selection of controls where applicable, mode and duration of travel, and subtypes of VTE under consideration. Ten studies concluded that travel, mostly through air and of prolonged duration, is a risk factor for venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, and the risk increases for passengers with preexisting venous thrombosis risk factors. Outcomes examined ranged from asymptomatic isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis to severe fatal pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS Current literature is controversial over any association between travel and VTE, and although the quality and power of these studies have been variable, studies of higher quality have shown a strong and significant association between prolonged air travel and VTE. No conclusions could be drawn about other modes of transportation. Since VTE is a disease of multifactorial causation, those with preexisting VTE risk factors are most vulnerable.

Efficacy of Current Antiemetic Treatments for Preventing Delayed Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Treatments consisting of dexamethasone with a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist (5‐HT3RA) or metoclopramide are commonly used for controlling delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). We evaluated systematically the efficacy of these treatments for preventing delayed CINV. We undertook a meta‐analysis of studies that met the following entry criteria: randomized clinical trials comparing dexamethasone and a 5‐HT3RA versus dexamethasone alone or dexamethasone with metoclopramide for preventing delayed CINV; same prophylactic treatment must be used for acute CINV. A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Of 54 potentially useful studies, eight reports met the criteria and were analyzed. The overall total protection from delayed CINV was similar between patients receiving a 5‐HT3RA combined with dexamethasone (53.2%, 454/853) and dexamethasone alone (53.3%, 450/844), yielding a relative risk (RR) of 1.03 (95% CI 0.97–1.09). Similar efficacy between the two treatment groups was also observed for preventing delayed nausea [RR 1.03 (95% CI 0.98–1.09)] and vomiting [RR 1.03 (95% CI 0.99–1.07)]. No significant difference in the efficacy of preventing delayed CINV was observed between patients receiving dexamethasone combined with either a 5‐HT3RA or metoclopramide. We conclude that treatments consisting of dexamethasone and a 5‐HT3RA or metoclopramide have similar efficacy to dexamethasone alone for preventing delayed CINV.