We demonstrate that the effect of oral omeprazole is as effective as intravenous therapy in terms of re-bleeding, surgery, transfusion requirements, hospitalization and mortality in patients with bleeding ulcers with low risk stigmata. These patients can be treated effectively with oral omeprazole.

Even though studies on the epidemiology of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are increasing day by day, epidemiological data are still unknown in many regions. Our objective was to determine the IBS prevalence, factors associated with this prevalence and probable risk groups in Southeastern Anatolia. The total population in the target region is approximately 6 million. A total of 3000 people (1521 females and 1479 males) randomly selected by stratified cluster sampling were interviewed face-to-face by using a questionnaire comprising demographic features and the Rome II criteria which also included probable risk factors and questions related with Bristol scale stool form. The statistical analysis was performed by using a package program called EPI INFO 2000. IBS prevalence was 10.2% according to the Rome II criteria in our region. Six hundred and twenty-five of 3000 subjects had gastrointestinal symptoms in the last 3 months. IBS rate was higher in women (12.4%) than in men (8.0%), and married subjects had higher IBS rates (11.6%) than singles (6.7%). Those differences were statistically significant (p = 0.000 for both). It was most common in the 35-54-year age group. No difference was observed in terms of settlement (rural/urban), age group, education and occupation. History of abortion in women increased the IBS risk by 1.8 times (p = 0.000 Crude odds ratios = 1.8 (1.3-2.6) 95% confidence intervals). Of the IBS patients, 48.1% had characteristics of diarrhoea-predominance, 38.9% constipation-predominance while 13.0% had none. There was a significant relation between dominant stool form and Bristol scale stool form. IBS prevalence is 10.2% in the first community-based study carried out in this specific subject in Southeastern Anatolia. The dominance of middle age and females remained significant.

Predominantly, the presence of genetic mutations that predispose to hypercoagulable states does not appear to be in correlation with IBD. There was a statistical difference between the proportions of the mutated allele frequencies of Beta-Fibrinogen-455G-A, MTHFR A1298C and ACE-I/D in IBD.

ABO blood group O had an important role in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The impact of blood group on rebleeding and mortality may be a focus for further studies.

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Because of limitations in biopsy procedure, several non-invasive tests have been developed for predicting the histological findings in chronic hepatitis. A fibrosis (F) score 1 or above and necroinflammation [histological activity index (HAI)] score 4 or above are required to initiate the treatment in chronic viral hepatitis. Literature includes many studies on hyaluronic acid (HA) as a non-invasive procedure in predicting histological findings but lacks on high-sensitive-C-reactive protein (hsCRP). We evaluated the diagnostic value of HA and hsCRP in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Ninety-eight subjects (42 chronic viral hepatitis, 28 cirrhosis and 28 healthy controls) were included in the study. Liver biopsies were performed on 42 chronic hepatitis patients and assessed by Ishak scoring system. All sera were stored at -70 degrees C until assay. Many laboratory parameters related to viral hepatitis, HA and hsCRP were studied following the instructions. We tried to determine a cut-off value for HA to represent > or =F1 score and that for hsCRP to represent > or =4 HAI score. Hepatitis B virus was the predominant aetiology of chronic hepatitis in our study. Mean HA levels were 113, 754 and 24 ng/ml in patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and controls, respectively (anova, p < 0.001). A HA level >64.7 ng/ml had a 100% specificity for diagnosing chronic hepatitis. A value > or =154 ng/ml had a 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 90% negative predictive value for diagnosing liver cirrhosis (Area 1.00; p < 0.0001). A cut-off value of 63 ng/ml for HA had a 100% specificity for diagnosing fibrosis score > or =1 in chronic hepatitis (Area 0.86; p < 0.001). An hsCRP level >0.56 mg/dl had a 100% specificity and 12% sensitivity for diagnosing chronic hepatitis (Area 0.71; p = 0.002), while cut-off of 0.53 mg/dl had 75% specificity for diagnosing HAI > or = 4 in chronic hepatitis (Area 0.32; p = 0.132). This study supported the HA level in predicting fibrosis score > or =1 with a cut-off value of 63 ng/ml. Cut-off of 154 ng/ml had a strong worth for cirrhosis. A cut-off of hsCRP for predicting HAI score > or =4 warrants further evaluation in wider study populations. We concluded that we are a bit closer to the strategy for guiding therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis, without a liver biopsy.

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