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SUMMARYBackground: Alginate-based preparations act as mechanical antireflux barrier, which can reduce both acid and non-acid reflux events and limit the proximal migration of oesophageal refluxate. Aim: To evaluate all the above features with a novel technique, multichannel electrical impedance and pH-metry. Methods: Ten reflux patients underwent stationary impedancemetry and pH-metry after eating a refluxogenic meal. They were studied 1 h in basal conditions and 1 h after taking 10 mL of Gaviscon Advance. In both sessions, measurements were obtained in right lateral and supine decubitus.

In patients with difficult biliary cannulation, early precut is an effective technique and can significantly reduce the incidence of PEP. Repeated biliary cannulation attempts are a real risk factor for this complication.

SUMMARYBackground: A triggering infectious agent has long been postulated in rheumatoid arthritis. Data on the possible role of Helicobacter pylori infection are lacking. Aim: To assess the effect of H. pylori eradication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Fifty-eight adult patients with established rheumatoid arthritis and dyspeptic symptoms were recruited -28 were H. pylori-positive and 30 were H. pylori-negative on the basis of invasive tests. All infected patients were treated successfully. We evaluated the disease activity using clinical and laboratory parameters at baseline and every 4 months during 2 years, and compared the variations in the two subgroups.Results: H. pylori-eradicated rheumatoid arthritis patients showed progressive improvement over time (P < 0.0001) of all clinical indices compared with