The causes of growth failure is multifactorial and includes decreased intake, malabsorption, stool losses, increased nutritional needs and growth inhibition caused by inflammatory cytokines and hormonal imbalances. This paper will review the detection, pathogenesis and available interventions for growth failure in this pediatric population.

The authors present a rare case of proximal small bowel obstruction caused by a calcified enterolith-a unique case due to the absence of small bowel diverticula.

A 57-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a two week history of worsening anterior chest pain, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting.

GERD has been shown to have a substantial impact on quality of life and is a common condition managed by both primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Dr. Koya offers appropriate means for individualizing therapy and areas for further investigation as well as algorithms offering a practical approach for physicians treating GERD. Part II will be published in the February 2006 issue of Practical Gastroenterology.

Dr. Chait’s article explores the relationship between GERD and H. pylori, reports current data that H. pylori infection does not cause GERD, and that it remains controversial whether or not to treat for H. pylori infection with respect to the direct management of GERD.