The Epidemiology of Alimentary Diseases

This book, written by two experienced clinicians who have both extensively researched and published on aspects of the causation of gastroenterological disease themselves, aims to present a critical, yet up-to-date account of the causation of the common and not so common diseases of the digestive system, both acute and chronic. In addition, they have both trained in clinical epidemiology. They have been impressed by the often inadequate, and at times erroneous discussion of causation in the major texts in contrast with the rigorous standard generally employed in discussion of disease treatment. To this end they have employed extensive literature and critical searches based upon Medline and the National Library of the US. They utilised the principles enunciated by Professor Bradford Hill for determining causation of disease. - Strength of association - Consistency of association - Specificity of association - Temporality of association - Gradient of dose effect - Biological plausibility - Experimental evidence - Analogy. Introductory chapters on clinical epidemiology and some epidemiological principles have been provided for those of the readers less conversant with the epidemiological and statistical principles involved. Whilst the text is principally aimed at clinicians, both trained and in training, the authors envisage a role for public health workers and, in an era of growing interplay between medicine and litigation lawyers, a role for those approaching the subject from a forensic viewpoint.