4 Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastric Cancer Flashcards
Defect in the gastric or duodenal mucosa that extends through the MUSCULARIS MUCOSA into the deeper layers of the wall
Peptic Ulcer
What are the main causes of PUD?
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- NSAIDs
(3. Non-NSAID, Non-H. pylori - very rare)
PUD is NOT caused by…
Emotional stress Alcohol Spicy foods Caffeine Tobacco
Certain foods may cause dyspepsia, but do not cause ulcer disease
Alone, these factors do not cause ulcers, but they can make them worse and more difficult to heal
Most common cause of PUD worldwide
H. pylori
80% infected with H. pylori by age 50 in developing countries
PUD incidence 6-10x higher than non-infected
H. pylori infection can predispose you to…
Gastric CA
Why is H. pylori declining in developed countries?
Improved hygiene/decreased transmission
Correlates with decline in PUD
Increased rates of eradication
What does H. pylori look like?
Gram-negative rod with motile flagella
What does H. pylori use to attach to gastric mucosa?
Motile flagella
What is the route of transmission for H. pylori?
Oral-oral or fecal-oral to stomach
How does H. pylori disrupt protective properties of the stomach?
Decreases gastric mucus and mucosal bicarbonate secretion
Where do H. pylori attack?
Surface and foveolar epithelium
Even IV, SQ, IM NSAIDs can cause PUD because…
They cause decreased PGE2 synthesis
Prostaglandins:
• Block gastrin secretion
• Promotes epithelial cell production in stomach
• Stimulate mucus production
Factors than increase risk of PUD w/ use of NSAIDs
Prior hx of PUD/ulcer complications
Presence of H. pylori infection
Advanced age (>75)
Increased dose, time, and duration of use (10 days for a sprained ankle vs daily for arthritis)
Concomitant use of steroids, other NSAIDs, anticoagulants, low dose aspirin, SSRI, alendronate
70% of PUD patients present…
Asymptomatic
80% of symptomatic PUD patients present with….
Abdominal pain/discomfort
What is dyspepsia
“Burning abd pain”
Belching
Bloating
Distention
PUD Complications
Hematemesis
Melena
Fatigue
Dyspnea
Classic Sx of Gastric Ulcers
Mid-epigastric pain +/- RUQ
Pain worse AFTER meals (30 min-1 hr after meal)
Vomiting common
More likely to hemorrhage, and manifests as hematemesis
Weight loss/anorexia
Classic Sx of duodenal ulcers
Mid-epigastric pain +/- RUQ
Pain RELIEVED by meals (worse 2-3 hours after meal)
Vomiting uncommon
Less likely to hemorrhage, but if it occurs, manifests as melena
Weight gain (due to timing of the pain)
Alarm Sx for PUD
Bleeding Unexplained iron deficiency anemia Early satiety Unintentional weight loss Progressive dysphagia/odynophagia Acute onset of intense upper abdominal pain Persistent vomiting Family hx of upper GI cancer
Most common complication of PUD
BLEEDING**
Also:
Perforation
Penetration
Gastric Outlet Obstruction (rare)
Hemorrhage in PUD can present as…
Hematemesis, melena, or hematochezia (severe)
What to do if a PUD patient presents with bleeding
Stabilize with IV fluids or packed RBCs, start IV PPI, and perform EGD
EGD is diagnostic and allows for therapeutic interventions
Standard tx includes thermal coagulation, hemoclip placement, and injection therapy