I am pleased to present two exciting topics in gastroenterology and hepatology in the current issue of HAUSARZT PRAXIS. Especially non-specific complaints and symptoms are a daily challenge in primary care practice.
In the first article, PD Dr. med. Miriam Thumshirn from Clara-Spital Basel presents the topic “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. In general practice, about 10-20% of patients complain of unspecific gastrointestinal complaints, which should be taken seriously and referred to individual, problem-oriented further diagnostics. The focus of the article is on the different therapeutic approaches. Do you know and use the newer substances such as Resolor® and Amitiza® for the treatment of constipation-type irritable bowel syndrome?
The second article in this issue deals with a clinical picture that often presents itself very unspecifically in family practice. It is important to consider autoimmune hepatitis as a differential diagnosis in patients with nonspecific arthralgias, malaise, polymyalgias, and elevated liver enzymes. Do you care for patients with autoimmune hepatitis in your practice? What criteria are needed for the diagnosis? When does autoimmune hepatitis need to be treated? What monitoring does such a patient need? Are you curious to learn more about this disease? Myself together with PD Dr. med. Tilman Gerlach, Munich (formerly St. Gallen) give an overview of this often forgotten disease.
With this issue, we hope to provide you with interesting articles and useful knowledge for your daily work in dealing with patients with IBS and autoimmune hepatitis. I hope you enjoy reading it.
With kind, collegial regards
Michael Sulz, MD
