This large population study establishes a prevalence of IBD, UC, and CD (348, 202, and 146 per 100,000, respectively) in the military health care population. The prevalence of IBD, UC, and CD was higher in females and with increasing age, whereas IBD was most common in whites compared with other ethnicities in our patient population.

SUMMARY BackgroundBaclofen, a GABA B agonist, has been shown to reduce transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), a major cause of gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The incidence and virulence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has increased dramatically from the mid 1990s to the mid 2000s. This research assessed recent CDAD patterns at a major military medical center from 2005 to 2009, by retrospectively reviewing clinical data of each CDAD case identified using the center's electronic medical record system. Two hundred and thirty-two cases were identified. There was a stable incidence rate for both inpatient (2.6-4.3/1000) and outpatient (0.02-0.04/1000) infections. Overall mortality rate was 9%. Among inpatient cases, 49% were considered to be severe, with an associated mortality of 19%. Only 12% (9/77) of severe cases were treated initially with oral vancomycin, with the majority (8/9) treated in 2009. Hospitalization was a risk factor in 71% of cases, with 29% community-acquired. Other risk factors included recent antibiotic usage (83%) and proton-pump inhibitor use (60%), with 8% having no risk factors. Most cases were initially treated with metronidazole, which was associated with a 14% (27/188) recurrence rate versus 9% (2/22) treated with vancomycin (p > 0.05). In contrast to earlier reports, our center has experienced a low and stable rate of CDAD since 2005. Severe CDAD is common and associated with significant mortality.

This paper presents commentaries on how endoluminal antireflux procedures compare to laparoscopic fundoplication; new endoscopic procedures being studied to treat refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the new Stretta; the relationship between obesity and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) resistance; data concerning acid hypersensitivity and sensory receptors (vallinoid, TRPV1) causing refractory GERD; whether microscopic esophagitis is relevant in determining symptoms of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD); how concomitant functional gastrointestinal disorders affect the PPI response in NERD; the evidence that a functional esophagus is associated with inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS); the role of GABA agonists in the treatment of refractory GERD; the role of biofeedback and antidepressants in refractory GERD; and endoluminal fundoplication using the EsophyX device.

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