Pandey et al have made an effort to define a pharmacogenetic

Pandey et al. have made an effort to define a pharmacogenetic

algorithm by which the immune response can be predicted based on the number of putative T-cell epitopes in the infused protein and the HLA class II molecules [14]. The findings are interesting, but how useful this selleck compound algorithm will be in the clinical setting is not possible to predict at this early stage. The concept of other immune-regulatory molecules – such as cytokines, chemokines and cell-bound molecules – affecting the immune response was first suggested by findings from the Malmö International Brother Study (MIBS) [16-18]. This is, however, not a phenomenon exclusive to haemophilia. For example, the susceptibility to variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) is modified by the prion protein gene (PRNP) codon 129 and polymorphisms in regulatory genes [19]. Moreover, the responsiveness and vulnerability to the HIV virus Selleck Alvelestat seem to be regulated by multiple host genetic immune-regulatory factors [20]. Several of the initial MIBS findings have indeed been confirmed in later studies, including the association between IL-10 and TNFA polymorphisms and inhibitors [21-23]. In addition, other candidate genes have been reported [24-26]. The primary outcome findings of the

Hemophilia Inhibitor Genetics Study (HIGS) were recently published and these data further add to the complexity of potential significant immune pathways [27]. HIGS was an association study

using a candidate gene panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune response genes from 833 subjects to detect odds ratios of 1.5–3.0 with a power of 80–99% in three different multicentre cohorts, i.e. the HIGS, MIBS and HGDS (Hemophilia Growth and Development Study). Brother pairs, concordant or discordant for inhibitors, as well as singletons with or without inhibitors, were enrolled. Fifty-five per cent of the patients had a history of inhibitory antibodies with a Bethesda Bcl-w titre above 1 BU mL−1. In 80% of these cases, the inhibitor response was of the high-responding type with a peak titre above 5 BU mL−1. Eighty-eight per cent of the enrolled subjects had severe haemophilia A with a basal factor level <1%, and 79% were reported as Caucasian. All F8 mutations were characterized in MIBS and HIGS patients, but only inversions (present/absent) in the HGDS cohort. The total percentage of patients with inversions within the combined cohort was 48%. Fifty-three SNPs were significant predictors with a similar effect in all three cohorts after adjustment for confounding factors, as well as in subgroup analyses of patients suffering from severe haemophilia (n = 733) and/or carrying an inversion (n = 402). In addition, eight of the SNPs were significantly associated with inhibitor development in 104 inhibitor discordant brother pairs.

In addition, both Clone B21 and N12 exhibit the same morphogenesi

In addition, both Clone B21 and N12 exhibit the same morphogenesis in Matrigel as the parent (Fig. 5B). We then determined whether the expanded EpCAM+CD49f+ cells could survive and engraft invivo. An ideal location for engraftment would be the native gallbladder. However, because there currently are no protocols that allow for the injection and maintenance of cells in the gallbladder, we attempted engraftment at an ectopic location. http://www.selleckchem.com/products/birinapant-tl32711.html Okumura et al.26 have reported the long-term engraftment of invitro explants of human gallbladder in the subcutaneous space of athymic nude mice. We injected the expanded EpCAM+CD49f+ cells mixed with

Matrigel into the subcutaneous neck region of immunodeficient mice. We observed the formation of cyst-like www.selleckchem.com/products/Y-27632.html structures in the subcutaneous space 1 week postinjection (Fig. 6A). These cysts consisted of cells organized around a central lumen. Seven of seven (100%) mice injected formed cysts. However, engraftment was short term. Only 1 of 3 (33%) mice exhibited cyst formation at 2 weeks. Similar results were obtained with clonal cultures. We then isolated cells from cysts invivo 2 weeks postinjection and cultured them invitro to test their ability to reinitiate cultures with stem cell properties. Flow cytometry

analyses showed that cells isolated from cysts invivo were EpCAM+CD49f+. These cells reexpanded in vitro on feeder cells, forming colonies morphologically identical to parent and clonal cultures (data not shown), and remained EpCAM+CD49f+ (Fig. 6B). These data indicate that expanded EpCAM+CD49f+ cells survive and engraft invivo while retaining their proliferative ability in vitro. There is evidence indicating that intra- and extrahepatic bile duct cells develop separately.7 To date, there are no reports of the molecular differences—if any—between IHBD and gallbladder cells. We first screened primary IHBD cells with the same antibody panel used for primary gallbladder cells (Supporting Table 1). Most IHBD cells express EpCAM12 and we used EpCAM expression to separate IHBD cells from other

liver cells. Briefly, after liver perfusion of GFP+ mice, the high spin fraction was separated and used to isolate IHBD cells. Interestingly, we found differences in integrin expression, including CD49f Lumacaftor price (Fig. 7A). Other notable markers that showed differences between IHBD and gallbladder cells were CD49e, CD81, CD54, CD26, and CD166 (Fig. 7A). We then determined whether expanded gallbladder cells and IHBD cells were different. IHBD cells are capable of expansion on LA7 feeders, and feeder cells select for EpCAM+ cells (Fig. 7B). In addition, IHBD cells form flat colonies similar to gallbladder cells. The phenotypic profiles of IHBD cells and gallbladder cells converged in culture, and we did not detect any differences using the foregoing panel of antibodies.

He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg tid and had a part

He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg t.i.d. and had a partial response. After a week, he was given a dosage of

50 mg t.i.d. with complete remission of the pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, while an magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a non-homogeneous mass behind the odontoid process of C2, narrowing the subarachnoid Napabucasin space in C1, stretching the posterior longitudinal ligament, and touching the left vertebral artery. A computed tomography scan showed calcification of the soft tissue around the odontoid process and a thickening of the left C2 root. After 4 months, the indomethacin dosage was reduced step-by-step. Indomethacin was discontinued in March 2012.

Since then, the headache has not recurred. We here present the case of a patient with headache and radiological findings of crowned dens. However, the clinical presentation differed from previous CDS cases in the Ibrutinib price literature in that the pain was unilateral with frontal localization and throbbing quality, as well as an orthostatic component and lack of either fever or inflammatory signs. The differential diagnosis also includes a remitting form of hemicrania continua, presenting with an atypical presentation, with neuroimaging incidental finding of CDS. This case widens the spectrum of the clinical presentation of crowned dens, a condition that should be kept in mind in cases of unilateral headache in older patients. “
“To determine the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on headache characteristics and headache prognosis in U.S. soldiers

with post-traumatic headache. PTSD and post-concussive headache are common conditions among U.S. Army personnel returning from deployment. The impact of comorbid PTSD on the characteristics and outcomes of post-traumatic headache has not been determined in U.S. Army soldiers. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 270 consecutive U.S. Army soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic headache at a single Army neurology clinic. All subjects were screened for PTSD at baseline using the PTSD symptom checklist. Headache frequency MycoClean Mycoplasma Removal Kit and characteristics were determined for post-traumatic headache subjects with and without PTSD at baseline. Headache measures were reassessed 3 months after the baseline visit, and were compared between groups with and without PTSD. Of 270 soldiers with post-traumatic headache, 105 (39%) met screening criteria for PTSD. There was no significant difference between subjects with PTSD and those without PTSD with regard to headache frequency (17.2 vs 15.7 headache days per month; P = .15) or chronic daily headache (58.1% vs 52.1%; P = .34). Comorbid PTSD was associated with higher headache-related disability as measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment Score.

He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg tid and had a part

He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg t.i.d. and had a partial response. After a week, he was given a dosage of

50 mg t.i.d. with complete remission of the pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, while an magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a non-homogeneous mass behind the odontoid process of C2, narrowing the subarachnoid Hydroxychloroquine space in C1, stretching the posterior longitudinal ligament, and touching the left vertebral artery. A computed tomography scan showed calcification of the soft tissue around the odontoid process and a thickening of the left C2 root. After 4 months, the indomethacin dosage was reduced step-by-step. Indomethacin was discontinued in March 2012.

Since then, the headache has not recurred. We here present the case of a patient with headache and radiological findings of crowned dens. However, the clinical presentation differed from previous CDS cases in the click here literature in that the pain was unilateral with frontal localization and throbbing quality, as well as an orthostatic component and lack of either fever or inflammatory signs. The differential diagnosis also includes a remitting form of hemicrania continua, presenting with an atypical presentation, with neuroimaging incidental finding of CDS. This case widens the spectrum of the clinical presentation of crowned dens, a condition that should be kept in mind in cases of unilateral headache in older patients. “
“To determine the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on headache characteristics and headache prognosis in U.S. soldiers

with post-traumatic headache. PTSD and post-concussive headache are common conditions among U.S. Army personnel returning from deployment. The impact of comorbid PTSD on the characteristics and outcomes of post-traumatic headache has not been determined in U.S. Army soldiers. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 270 consecutive U.S. Army soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic headache at a single Army neurology clinic. All subjects were screened for PTSD at baseline using the PTSD symptom checklist. Headache frequency Digestive enzyme and characteristics were determined for post-traumatic headache subjects with and without PTSD at baseline. Headache measures were reassessed 3 months after the baseline visit, and were compared between groups with and without PTSD. Of 270 soldiers with post-traumatic headache, 105 (39%) met screening criteria for PTSD. There was no significant difference between subjects with PTSD and those without PTSD with regard to headache frequency (17.2 vs 15.7 headache days per month; P = .15) or chronic daily headache (58.1% vs 52.1%; P = .34). Comorbid PTSD was associated with higher headache-related disability as measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment Score.

8 Furthermore, ALD incidence is on the rise and correlates with i

8 Furthermore, ALD incidence is on the rise and correlates with increased alcohol consumption in Australia.9–11 In addition, alcohol accelerates the progression of other liver diseases, such as hepatitis C virus

(HCV),12 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),13 and hemochromatosis.14 Lack of effective treatment to date further increases the disease burden with an estimated total cost reaching $A3.8 billion per annum.15 Among the most strongly associated factor that correlates with the prevalence of ALD, is the cumulative lifetime alcohol consumption. A meta-analysis of multiple studies found moderate alcohol (25 g/day, equivalent to between two and three glasses of wine), significantly increased the risk of liver cirrhosis.16 Moreover, the relative risk continued to increase in a dose-dependent manner to twofold with 50 g/day and approximately fivefold with 100 g/day of alcohol intake.16 Independent of the absolute levels of alcohol MK 2206 consumption, type of beverage and pattern of drinking Alectinib nmr alter the risk for ALD. For example, red wine drinkers may have a lower risk of ALD than consumers of other beverages.17 Whether this is due to an effect of the red wine per se or

to confounding protective lifestyle factors remains unknown. Disease risk also appears to be increased by drinking alcohol at other than meal times, drinking several rather than a single type of alcoholic beverage, and drinking every day versus weekend drinking.1,18 Acute or binge drinking (too much, too fast) and chronic excessive drinking (too much, too often) are important determinants of risk for alcoholic liver injury1,19 as shown by mechanistic studies in several experimental models of acute (24 h) and chronic (4–6 weeks) alcohol. Additional environmental factors also negatively influence the

outcome of alcohol-related liver disease. Co-existing viral infection potentiates the deleterious effects of alcohol synergistically, enhances development of cirrhosis, HCV and risk of HCC with lesser amounts of alcohol intake, thus altering the natural history of ALD and these diseases. Positive correlation exists between increased iron deposition in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells and expression of 4-hydroxy G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2-nonenal (HNE) protein adducts, reflecting increased oxidative stress that may be involved in cellular injury and fibrogenesis in ALD.20 Alcohol promotes hepatic iron accumulation by downregulating hepcidin, a small peptide produced in the liver that modulates intestinal absorption and tissue distribution of iron.21 Direct evidence comes from an experimental intragastric infusion model of alcohol-induced liver injury in rodents, where a “second hit” with iron advanced perivenular fibrosis to bridging fibrosis.22 Genetic factors, such as, female gender and ethnicity also increase the risk of ALD development.

8 Furthermore, ALD incidence is on the rise and correlates with i

8 Furthermore, ALD incidence is on the rise and correlates with increased alcohol consumption in Australia.9–11 In addition, alcohol accelerates the progression of other liver diseases, such as hepatitis C virus

(HCV),12 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),13 and hemochromatosis.14 Lack of effective treatment to date further increases the disease burden with an estimated total cost reaching $A3.8 billion per annum.15 Among the most strongly associated factor that correlates with the prevalence of ALD, is the cumulative lifetime alcohol consumption. A meta-analysis of multiple studies found moderate alcohol (25 g/day, equivalent to between two and three glasses of wine), significantly increased the risk of liver cirrhosis.16 Moreover, the relative risk continued to increase in a dose-dependent manner to twofold with 50 g/day and approximately fivefold with 100 g/day of alcohol intake.16 Independent of the absolute levels of alcohol learn more consumption, type of beverage and pattern of drinking selleckchem alter the risk for ALD. For example, red wine drinkers may have a lower risk of ALD than consumers of other beverages.17 Whether this is due to an effect of the red wine per se or

to confounding protective lifestyle factors remains unknown. Disease risk also appears to be increased by drinking alcohol at other than meal times, drinking several rather than a single type of alcoholic beverage, and drinking every day versus weekend drinking.1,18 Acute or binge drinking (too much, too fast) and chronic excessive drinking (too much, too often) are important determinants of risk for alcoholic liver injury1,19 as shown by mechanistic studies in several experimental models of acute (24 h) and chronic (4–6 weeks) alcohol. Additional environmental factors also negatively influence the

outcome of alcohol-related liver disease. Co-existing viral infection potentiates the deleterious effects of alcohol synergistically, enhances development of cirrhosis, HCV and risk of HCC with lesser amounts of alcohol intake, thus altering the natural history of ALD and these diseases. Positive correlation exists between increased iron deposition in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells and expression of 4-hydroxy Aspartate 2-nonenal (HNE) protein adducts, reflecting increased oxidative stress that may be involved in cellular injury and fibrogenesis in ALD.20 Alcohol promotes hepatic iron accumulation by downregulating hepcidin, a small peptide produced in the liver that modulates intestinal absorption and tissue distribution of iron.21 Direct evidence comes from an experimental intragastric infusion model of alcohol-induced liver injury in rodents, where a “second hit” with iron advanced perivenular fibrosis to bridging fibrosis.22 Genetic factors, such as, female gender and ethnicity also increase the risk of ALD development.

Immunosuppressive treatment should not be instituted in patients

Immunosuppressive treatment should not be instituted in patients with serious pre-existent

comorbid conditions (vertebral compression, psychosis, brittle diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension), or previous known intolerances to prednisone unless the disease is severe and progressive and adequate control measures for the comorbid conditions can be instituted (Table5). (Class III, Level C) 13. Azathioprine treatment should not be started in patients with a severe pretreatment cytopenia (white blood cell counts below 2.5 × 109/L or platelet counts below 50 × 109/L) or known complete deficiency of thiopurine methyltransferase activity (Table5). (Class III, Level C) 14. Immunosuppressive treatment should be instituted in children at the time of diagnosis regardless of symptom status. (Class I, Level C) Two treatment regimens are equally effective in severe AIH (Table 6).273,282-287 Prednisone alone (60 mg daily) click here or a lower dose of prednisone (30 mg daily) in conjunction with azathioprine (50 mg is usually used in the United States or 1-2 mg/kg body weight, which is widely used daily in Europe)

(Table 6). Prednisone may be tapered down to an individual level sufficient to maintain a remission from 20 mg daily onward, reduction should be done by 5 mg every week until 10 mg/day are achieved and even further reduction by 2.5 mg/week have been considered up to 5 mg daily. The maintenance regimen is then continued until resolution of the disease, treatment failure, or drug-intolerance.282-285 ACP-196 clinical trial The combination regimen of prednisone and azathioprine is associated with a lower occurrence of corticosteroid-related side effects than the higher dose prednisone regimen (10% versus 44%), and it is the preferred treatment.273 Advanced cirrhosis can significantly impair the conversion of prednisone to prednisolone, but this impairment is insufficient to alter treatment response or mandate the administration of prednisolone.272 In Europe, prednisolone is preferred over prednisone,272 Prednisone Gefitinib molecular weight is appropriate as the sole medication in individuals with severe cytopenia,288-292 those undergoing a short treatment trial (duration of therapy, <6 months),273,278

individuals who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy,293-295 patients with some active malignancies,296,297 and individuals with known complete thiopurine methyltransferase deficiency (Table 6).291,292,298 The combination regimen is appropriate in patients who will be treated continuously for at least 6 months or who are at increased risk for drug-related complications, including postmenopausal women and individuals with emotional instability, osteoporosis, brittle diabetes, labile hypertension, or obesity (Table 6).43,44,277,282-287,299,300 Patients receiving prednisone should undergo eye examinations for cataracts and glaucoma periodically during treatment, and those receiving azathioprine in any dose should be monitored at 6 month intervals for leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

63–212)21 Wang et al’s group studied

63–2.12).21 Wang et al.’s group studied ABT-888 cell line 98 East Asian patients, and found clopidogrel and PPI co-prescription was associated with a higher risk of re-infarction, odds ratio 1.62 (95% CI 1.01–2.59).22 Ho et al. studied 8205 patients following a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and found that 29.8% of patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel versus

20.8% on clopidogrel alone died or were rehospitalized (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.11–1.41).23 Finally, Juurlink et al. carried out a nested cohort-control study involving 13.636 patients following myocardial infarction and concluded that the current use of a PPI was associated with an increased risk of re-infarction (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57), although this was not seen for pantoprazole (adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.70–1.47).24 These studies have a number of serious shortcomings which require comment. First, Gilard and Sibbing et al.’s studies demonstrated a reduction in clopidogrel activity as determined by VASP and/or platelet aggregometry; whether this translates into a meaningful reduction in clopidogrel’s antiplatelet effect in terms of clinical outcomes is unclear. With regard to the studies demonstrating an adverse clinical outcome for patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel,

first the increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular events for patients taking PPI is very modest with odds ratios ranging from 1.25 to 1.79.20–24 Second, there were important differences between the cohort and control groups: for example in the Juurlink study, the PPI group included a statistically significantly higher rate of acute renal failure, Bortezomib congestive heart disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) with complications. Similarly, in the study by Ho et al. the PPI group also included a statistically significantly higher rate of chronic obstructive Phosphoprotein phosphatase pulmonary disease (COPD), DM, previous myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, liver and renal disease. Despite the author’s statistical analyses, which attempted to control for these imbalances, such a study may

still result in unknown confounders, which makes attributing the adverse outcomes to PPI co-prescription problematic.20–24 Looked at from another perspective, these studies suggest that patients with multiple serious co-morbid illnesses are more likely to be at high risk of GI bleeding and therefore be prescribed a PPI.25 Third, in the Juurlink study the difference in the effect between pantoprazole and that of other PPIs is not statistically significant and the point estimate of the other PPIs lies within the 95% CI associated with the effect of pantoprazole. A formal test for heterogeneity of these odds ratios also shows no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 2.99, 1 degree of freedom, P = 0.08).26 Therefore, no conclusion should be drawn about the benefit of pantoprazole over other PPIs from this study.

63–212)21 Wang et al’s group studied

63–2.12).21 Wang et al.’s group studied Akt inhibitor 98 East Asian patients, and found clopidogrel and PPI co-prescription was associated with a higher risk of re-infarction, odds ratio 1.62 (95% CI 1.01–2.59).22 Ho et al. studied 8205 patients following a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and found that 29.8% of patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel versus

20.8% on clopidogrel alone died or were rehospitalized (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.11–1.41).23 Finally, Juurlink et al. carried out a nested cohort-control study involving 13.636 patients following myocardial infarction and concluded that the current use of a PPI was associated with an increased risk of re-infarction (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57), although this was not seen for pantoprazole (adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.70–1.47).24 These studies have a number of serious shortcomings which require comment. First, Gilard and Sibbing et al.’s studies demonstrated a reduction in clopidogrel activity as determined by VASP and/or platelet aggregometry; whether this translates into a meaningful reduction in clopidogrel’s antiplatelet effect in terms of clinical outcomes is unclear. With regard to the studies demonstrating an adverse clinical outcome for patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel,

first the increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular events for patients taking PPI is very modest with odds ratios ranging from 1.25 to 1.79.20–24 Second, there were important differences between the cohort and control groups: for example in the Juurlink study, the PPI group included a statistically significantly higher rate of acute renal failure, find more congestive heart disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) with complications. Similarly, in the study by Ho et al. the PPI group also included a statistically significantly higher rate of chronic obstructive Celecoxib pulmonary disease (COPD), DM, previous myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, liver and renal disease. Despite the author’s statistical analyses, which attempted to control for these imbalances, such a study may

still result in unknown confounders, which makes attributing the adverse outcomes to PPI co-prescription problematic.20–24 Looked at from another perspective, these studies suggest that patients with multiple serious co-morbid illnesses are more likely to be at high risk of GI bleeding and therefore be prescribed a PPI.25 Third, in the Juurlink study the difference in the effect between pantoprazole and that of other PPIs is not statistically significant and the point estimate of the other PPIs lies within the 95% CI associated with the effect of pantoprazole. A formal test for heterogeneity of these odds ratios also shows no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 2.99, 1 degree of freedom, P = 0.08).26 Therefore, no conclusion should be drawn about the benefit of pantoprazole over other PPIs from this study.

63–212)21 Wang et al’s group studied

63–2.12).21 Wang et al.’s group studied this website 98 East Asian patients, and found clopidogrel and PPI co-prescription was associated with a higher risk of re-infarction, odds ratio 1.62 (95% CI 1.01–2.59).22 Ho et al. studied 8205 patients following a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and found that 29.8% of patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel versus

20.8% on clopidogrel alone died or were rehospitalized (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.11–1.41).23 Finally, Juurlink et al. carried out a nested cohort-control study involving 13.636 patients following myocardial infarction and concluded that the current use of a PPI was associated with an increased risk of re-infarction (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57), although this was not seen for pantoprazole (adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.70–1.47).24 These studies have a number of serious shortcomings which require comment. First, Gilard and Sibbing et al.’s studies demonstrated a reduction in clopidogrel activity as determined by VASP and/or platelet aggregometry; whether this translates into a meaningful reduction in clopidogrel’s antiplatelet effect in terms of clinical outcomes is unclear. With regard to the studies demonstrating an adverse clinical outcome for patients co-prescribed a PPI and clopidogrel,

first the increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular events for patients taking PPI is very modest with odds ratios ranging from 1.25 to 1.79.20–24 Second, there were important differences between the cohort and control groups: for example in the Juurlink study, the PPI group included a statistically significantly higher rate of acute renal failure, find more congestive heart disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) with complications. Similarly, in the study by Ho et al. the PPI group also included a statistically significantly higher rate of chronic obstructive Ribonucleotide reductase pulmonary disease (COPD), DM, previous myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, liver and renal disease. Despite the author’s statistical analyses, which attempted to control for these imbalances, such a study may

still result in unknown confounders, which makes attributing the adverse outcomes to PPI co-prescription problematic.20–24 Looked at from another perspective, these studies suggest that patients with multiple serious co-morbid illnesses are more likely to be at high risk of GI bleeding and therefore be prescribed a PPI.25 Third, in the Juurlink study the difference in the effect between pantoprazole and that of other PPIs is not statistically significant and the point estimate of the other PPIs lies within the 95% CI associated with the effect of pantoprazole. A formal test for heterogeneity of these odds ratios also shows no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 2.99, 1 degree of freedom, P = 0.08).26 Therefore, no conclusion should be drawn about the benefit of pantoprazole over other PPIs from this study.