Management of Gastrointestinal Diseases in the Elderly : Special Topic Issue: Digestive Diseases 2007, Vol. 25, No. 2

The study and care of gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly have become priority topics for both clinicians and researchers as the aged constitute an ever-increasing part of the overall population. This publication presents the results of recent studies in geriatric gastroenterology, reviewing both basic research and clinical aspects. A significant part is devoted to the physician's clinical approach to the elderly suffering from specific gastroenterological problems. Another focal point is diagnostic testing, which becomes very important in old age because clinical features such as history and physical signs are often very difficult to interpret: clinical manifestations and the response to therapy may seem to differ because the older patient has several concomitant disorders that may distort the classic features of the primary gastrointestinal disease. Also discussed are the effects of aging on the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and liver functions, as well as the management of disorders of the small intestine, colon, and liver. This publication will be useful for general physicians, specialists in geriatrics and gastroenterology, and all healthcare providers who are involved in planning care management of elderly people with gastrointestinal disorders. Contents......Page 4 Editorial......Page 5 Esophageal Motility......Page 6 Colonic Transit......Page 7 Gastric Changes with Aging......Page 8 Small Bowel Changes with Aging......Page 9 References......Page 10 Abstract......Page 12 Liver Regeneration......Page 13 Inflammatory Response......Page 15 References......Page 16 Abstract......Page 18 Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment......Page 19 Results......Page 20 Discussion......Page 21 References......Page 22 Introduction......Page 23 Central Hypothalamic Hunger-Satiety Control......Page 25 Taste and Smell Alterations......Page 26 Gastrointestinal Motility......Page 27 Role of Hormones......Page 28 References......Page 30 Introduction......Page 32 Treatment Strategies for Hepatitis C......Page 33 Liver Transplantation......Page 35 References......Page 36 Introduction......Page 38 Intestinal Micronutrient Absorption......Page 39 Pancreatic Disease......Page 40 Investigation of Structural Changes......Page 41 Celiac Disease......Page 42 References......Page 43 Definitions and Epidemiology......Page 45 Causes and Pathogenesis......Page 46 Diverticulitis......Page 47 Hemorrhage......Page 51 References......Page 52 Constipation......Page 54 Diagnostic Evaluation......Page 55 Pharmacological Treatment......Page 56 Fecal Impaction......Page 57 Amitriptyline......Page 58 References......Page 59