Ch_3 - Gastroenterology Flashcards
GI Bleed, Orthostatic Hypotension, Esophogeal Varices, Epigastric Pain, ZES, Diabetic Gastroparesis, GERD, Pancreatitis, Infectious Diarrhea, MALABSORPTIVE Diseases (Celiac dz, Whipple's dz, Chronic Pancreatitis, Lactose Intolerance, Carcinoid Syndrome, IBS, IBD, Constipation), DIVERTICULAR Dz (Diverticulitis), Cholecystitis, Ascending Cholangitis, LIVER dz (Viral Hep, Cirrhosis, Hemochromatosis, Wilson's dz, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Autoimmune Hepatitis, ESOPHO
The most important feature of GI bleed is _______, not __________.
Severity, not etiology. Cause is important but not as important as severity
If a GI bleed is severe, do what next?
First, resuscitate with FLUIDS and BLOOD
What is one easy way to determine the severity of a bleed (eg, GI bleed)
SBP <90 mmHg = Extremely severe bleeding
The following Hemodynamic findings are associated with how much volume loss?
- Blood donation
- Orthostasis
- Pulse > 100/min
- SBP < 100mmHg
- Blood donation –> ~10%
- Orthostasis –> ~15-20%
- Pulse >100 –> ~30%
- ~30%
If GI bleed is severe, how should you go about managing the situation?
Short answer: IV Fluids, CBC, Platelets, PT/INR, FFP, PPI, PRBCs
Long answer:
- Make sure IV FLUIDS have been started
- What is the BP?! If SBP is < 90 mmHg
- Make sure a TYPE and CROSS for PACKED RBCs (PRBCs) transfusion has been sent.
What does orthostatic mean?
BP and pulse is normal at rest when lying flat, but BP drops and pulse rises when standing up/sitting up.
SBP decrease >20 mmHg or Pulse increase > 10/min
T/F Orthostatic evaluation can identify who has a minor bleed and who has a severe one
True. If there’s no OS on evaluation, you can be confident that bleeding is not severe.
How long does it take to follow CBCs?
6-12 hours! An orthostatic hypotension eval is indispensable. Do it yourself!
T/F Check for orthostasis right after giving a lot of fluids
False, check BEFORE giving a lot of fluids
For severe bleeds, give ____(4)_____
- Fluids
- Blood
- Platelets
- Plasma (FFP) with PT/INR increase
Best management for Esophogeal varices (2)
- Octreotide NOW!
- Banding (call GI service! – only they can do endoscopy, which is needed for Banding)
- Sclerotherapy if Banding can’t be done
T/F 3. Beta-blockers (Propranolol or Nadolol) can be effectively used to treat an acute variceal bleed
False! They do nothing
Octreotide + Banding (or sclerotherapy)
T/F One CBC can determine the severity of a variceal bleed
False
Hematocrit drops ____ points with hydration
only 2-3 points
Patient presents with severe GI bleed, possibly secondary to esophogeal varices. You call the GI service. What will be asked of you?
Indicate why you think they have a severe bleed. Provide:
- CBC
- PT/INR
- BP
- Response to fluids
What kills a patient with a severe GI bleed?
GI bleed –> hypotension + severe ANEMIA –> Myocardial Ischemia (CHECK EKG!)
(Lightheadedness doesn’t kill you)
GI bleed –> severe, symptomatic anemia. What are the symptoms?
lightheadedness, SOB, fatigue, chest pain
GI bleed –> severe, symptomatic anemia. Best next step in management?
Blood transfusion now!
T/F Fluid replacement is more important than endoscopy for a severe GI bleed
True
GI bleed –> check Orthostasis and ask yourself the following questions: (8)
- When did the bleeding start?
- Is stool red or black?
- Vomit – bright red blood or dark “coffee grounds”?
- How many bowel movements or episodes of vomiting w/ blood or black stool?
- Sx: Lightheaded, SOB, Chest Pain?
- History of heart dz?
- Previous scope through mouth or rectum?
- Antacid use?
Lower GI bleed etiology? (4)
Diverticulosis Angiodysplasia or AVM Polyps Hemorrhoids Cancer
Lower GI bleed vs. Upper GI bleed
what color?
L-GIB - bright red blood on bowel movement
U-GIB - can be red if it’s extremely severe and fast, in about 10% of cases
T/F Hemorrhoid bleed may mimic a serious GI bleed
True, a small amount of red blood into the toilet makes the water look red and exaggerates the severity of the blood loss.
Features of a hemorrhoid bleed?
- No change in HCT w/ repeated testing
- Found on rectal exam
- Normal BP and Pulse
- Absence of orthostatic change in BP or Pulse
T/F Guaiac-positive, brown stool is severe
False, it’s not severe
Etiologies of Upper GI bleeds?
Ulcer dz - both duodenal or gastric Gastritis Esophagitis Duodenitis Varices Cancer
What question should you always ask yourself when thinking about what test to order?
Always ask, “What will I do differently based on THAT test?”
What is the most common cause of Upper GI bleed?
What is the most dangerous cause of UGIB?
MCC - Ulcer disease
MDC - Varices
What type of varices can occur in the upper GI tract?
How can you differentiate?
Why do/can they occur?
Esophogeal, Gastric; Diff via Endoscopy
d/t Portal Hypertension
The initial management of an upper GI bleed depends on what?
Severity!
Initial management of upper GI bleed ?
Depends on severity:
IV fluids
frequent checks of CBC (until it stops changing)
correction of coagulopathy (if there is one)
PPIs for ALL upper GI bleeds
Epi injection or electrocautery for ulcers w/ active bleeding
T/F Checking CBC frequently is important for a severe upper GI bleed
T/F Using a Nasogastric tube could be useful in the management of a pt w/ an upper GI bleed
True
False
With a variceal bleed, do you wait for endoscopy to confirm variceal bleed? Explain
No, start Octreotide b/c it decreases portal pressure and has no major adverse effects
Varices that bleed should be managed how? How can you prevent the next bleed?
Octreotide + Band varices that bleed; gastric varices are hard to “grab” to band
BBs (Propranolol or Nadolol) are used only to PREVENT the next bleed!
How to manage persistent bleeds?
Persistent bleed = persists despite banding and octreotide Need TIPS (Trans-jugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)
What is TIPS?
TIPS = Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Used for persistent bleeds
TIPS = catherer down the Jugular vein to create a “shunt” b/w the portal and hepatic veins. This replaces the need for surgical shunting.
A patient presents with an esophogeal variceal bleed that is persistent despite Octreotide and Banding therapy. What temporary method can be done to slow bleeding until TIPS can be done?
A Blakemore Tube – balloon placed in esophagus and stomach to “tamponade” or “compress” the vessels. This is a temporary method of SLOWING BLEEDING in those who need to be kept alive for a few hours until TIPS can be done.
What is “minor bleeding”?
Normal BP/pulse
No orthostasis
No recent change in HCT
Patient presents to office with minor GI bleed characterized by guaiac-positive stool. What finding may you see on CBC? If there are no localizing symptoms, what should you do next?
Guaiac = Heme
CBC –> Microcytic Anemia
Colonoscopy (even if they had one last year!)
Upper endoscopy
Rarely, pill endoscopy, in those whom endoscopy does not show the cause.
Although majority of epigastric pain is benign, your job as the interviewer is to…?
…find serious pathology by asking the right qs.
Synonym for epigastric pain
EP = pain below the xiphoid process = Dyspepsia
T/F In 50-90% of outpatients, pathology will never be found on a patient w/ epigastric pain
T
T/F Patients admitted for Epigastric pain are markedly skewed toward more serious pathology. Gastritis, Pancreatitis, and other causes form of pain do not have tenderness on exam
First sentence = True
Second sentence = False, Only pancreatitis is tender
What are some consequences of NG tubing?
An NG tube may be misplaced in a lung. That’s why X-Ray is so important before tube feeding is started, and why routine NG tube in GI bleed is a bad idea.
What is the MCC of epigastric pain in the general population?
Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia = NUD
What is nunulcer dyspepsia?
NUD = pain w/o pathology. It’s like a tension HA of your guts.
Although NUD is the MCC of epigastric pain in the general population, the inpatients on the Wards rotation will more likely have ???
Ulcer dz, Pancreatitis, GERD, Esophagitis/Duodenitis/Gastritis, and/or Cancer
What factors must you think about when trying to differentiate b/w benign from dangerous dz?
Duration, Intensity, Time of onset, and Aggravating/Relieving factors for all Pain syndromes (ie, OLDCARTS).
Specifically for epigastric pain, in addition to OLDCARTS, what other questions should you ask?
Weight changes 1. Have you experienced weight loss? 2. Have you actually weighed yourself? What is the exact amount you lost? 3. How much did you weigh ~6months ago? Swallowing 4. Is it difficult to swallow? 5. Does food get STUCK when you eat? 6. Pain w/ swallowing? Nausea/Vomiting 7. Are you nauseated? Do you actually vomit? How often? Bleeding 8. Do you have blood in your stool or when you vomit? Antacids 9. Does the pain go away w/ Antacids?
Patient comes in with epigastric pain and you remember that in addition to OLDCARTS, you have to look for “alarm symptoms”. What are these?
Weight loss
Dysphagia
Odynophagia
Bleeding (Vomit, Stool)
Any patient with epigastric pain
1) alarm Sx + Age >45-55 or
2) if alarm sx persist or worsen despite use of PPIs should get what?
Upper Endoscopy = EGD (EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy)
Why is an EGD is used for patients over 45 with alarm symptoms associated w/ epigastric pain?
- Most accurate test of the stomach
- Allows BANDING of varices and cautery of visible vessels in an ulcer
- Needed for stomach biopsy to exclude CANCER in gastric ulcer
- To dx b/w stomach and duodenal ulcer (only EGD can do this!)
What is the only way to exclude upper GI cancer?
EGD
Compare/Contrast
EGD vs Barium contrast
EGD»_space; Ba Study
Reason? –>
EGD is far more accurate study of stomach,
can do biopsy or therapeutic procedures, and exclude Gastric cancer assoc w/ ulcer.
H. pylori can be tested w/o Endoscopy, but why would you still do an endoscopy?
4% of gastric ulcer is assoc w/ cancer and EGD could exclude cancer
H. pylori testing is best done on ???
BIOPSY!
Discuss efficacy of various H. pylori testing
- Biopsy is the best test
- It’s important to drive treatment w/ PPI, Clarithromycin, and Amoxicillin
- Helicobacter stool antigen or breath testing is not as good as biopsy
- stool antigen and breath test CAN DIFFERENTIATE b/w old vs. current infection.
- SEROLOGY is clinically useless
When should you only treat for H. pylori? In patients who experience what? If it’s not treated, what may be the consequence?
Treat only in those w/ ulcers or gastritis. Ulcers will recur if H. pylori is not eradicated.
The ONLY clear indications for stress ulcer prophylaxis are (4)
- Mechanical ventilation/intubation
- Head trauma
- Burns
- Coagulopathy
T/F NSAIDs and steroids are indications for stress ulcer prophylaxis
False
Although PPIs are generally benign, there is a slight risk of (3)
- C. diff colitis
- Osteoporosis from interference w/ Ca++ absorption
- Pneumonia: gastric acid protects against gastric colonization w/ bacteria
What is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) caused by?
ZES is caused by ELEVATED GASTRIC ACID and ELEVATED SERUM GASTRIN.
Look for ZES and get a gastrin level only if you see the following (4)
- Large ulcers (>1cm)
- Recurrence after eradication of H. pylori
- Distal location near the far end of the duodenum near the ligament of Treitz.
- Multiple ulcers
Why is diarrhea common in ZES?
Acid inactivates Lipase
A patient who is suspected of having ZES should have a serum _____ level tested when they are off what medications?
serum GASTRIN level when off of PPIs and all forms of antacids
ZES suspected, but equivocal levels of gastrin. Next best step?
Secretin Test
- normal response (no ZES) –> decrease in gastrin
- ZES - gastrin stays high even after giving secretin.
What is the confirmatory test for ZES?
Endoscopic ultrasound and Nuclear somatostatin receptor scan
- Confirm that ZES is local and resectable by excluding Mets w/ these 2 modalities
Patient has ZES. If local, how to treat? If Mets, how to treat?
If local –> surgical resection
If mets or unresectable –> lifelong PPIs
What is one complication for the stomach due to long-standing diabetes?
Diabetic Gastroparesis - weakening of the stomach - inability to stretch
Long-standing diabetes damages what that leads to gastroparesis? Consequence?
nerves; pts cannot feel the “stretch” of the bowel that is the main stimulant for GI motility.
How can you recognize diabetic gastroparesis?
Bloating
Nausea
Constipation
Abdominal discomfort
Patient with long-standing diabetes presents with bloating, nausea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. You suspect diabetic gastroparesis. Next best step in mgmnt?
Look at the response to treatment with:
Metoclopramide and Erythromycin
If the diagnosis of DM Gastroparesis is equivocal, then what?
Do a nuclear gastric emptying study. Patients eat Barium-soaked bread and are monitored for the time it takes for it to leave the stomach.
GERD is d/t what?
abnormally RELAXED LES. Acid comes up out of the stomach and hits the back of the throat and vocal cords.
T/F GERD causes 25% of chronic cough.
T
What qs should you ask of someone you think has GERD?
- Does the pain/discomfort in your belly go anywhere? (like your chest)
- Do you have ‘heartburn’? Do you have pain in your chest?
- Do you have a bad taste in your mouth? Does it taste like metal, like you have pennies in your mouth?
- Is your throat sore?
- Do you feel your voice is hoarse?
- Do you cough, especially at night?
T/F The test for GERD is generally the response to PPIs.
True, 95% of those w/ GERD should respond w/in a day to tx w/ PPIs.
When should specific testing for GERD be done?
If the sx are persistent even with PPIs.
T/F Helicobacter can cause GERD
False, it cannot
How to treat GERD?
Start ANY PPI
Ask the pt later the same day if the sx have improved
If sx persist, ask your resident/attending about performing an EGD or 24-hr
T/F Surgical treatment can be given to GERD patients.
T
Surgical resection such as Nissen fundoplication is done for the small percentage (<5%) of patients NOT controlled w/ PPIs
What is a major consequence of GERD?
Barret’s Esophagus; develops from long-standing GERD (usually >5 yrs). But, it’s not always clear when to scope to screen for it. If patient presents w/ alarm sx (eg, weight loss, anemia, blood in stool, etc), SCOPE.
How is Barret’s diagnosed?
EGD and biopsy. Biopsy is the only way to confirm the metaplastic change that occurs.
How many people with Barret’s per year develop adenocarcinoma?
0.4-0.8% (less than 1%)
How to treat Barret’s?
PPIs and repeat EGD every 2-3 yrs for early detection of CA
T/F Barret’s esophagus is reversible
True! Metaplasia is reversible
Patient with GERD is scoped and biopsied. Low-grade dysplasia of the esophagus is the diagnosis. Now what?
PPI and re-scope/re-biopsy every 6 months. No resection b/c it’s reversible.
Patient with GERD is scoped and biopsied. High-grade dysplasia of the esophagus is the diagnosis. Now what?
PPI and either endomucosal resection with endoscope OR Distal esophagectomy
Why must surgery be done on high-grade dysplasia of lower esophagus?
Because of high probability of transformation into adenocarcinoma (invasive CA). Mucosal “shaves” with EGD are effective.
Pt comes in with worsening, severe epigastric pain and tenderness on palpation. Most likely Dx?
Pancreatitis
With increasing incidence of obesity, why would one expect pancreatitis to increase?
Increase incidence of gallstone dz.
Pacreatitis work-up includes elevations of what enzymes?
lipase and amylase. Lipase more specific.
What should you ask the patient if you suspect pancreatitis?
If there’s radiating pain to the BACK
N/V (if so, how many times; is there blood?)
Quantity of ALCOHOL patient drinks
History of GALLSTONES
What is the Ranson’s criteria?
Although obsolete, still asked on rounds
Ranson’s Criteria = elevated WBC, Low Ca++, Age>55, high AST, and high LDH
Ranson was a surgeon working before there were CT scans. He made these criteria to determine the need for surgical debridement.
T/F No test determines the severity of pancreatitis in first 48 hours
T
T/F CT is not necessary for confirming pancreatitis, although it is most sensitive
T
What can show the cause of pancreatitis?
CT or US can show cause – eg, stone or obstruction. Scan is used to determine if stone removal is needed
What is MRCP?
MCRP = Magnetic Resonance CholangioPancreatography = DIAGNOSTIC method that best visualizes the DUCTAL structure of the pancreas and biliary system
What is ERCP?
ERCP = Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography = THERAPEUTIC method to remove stones and dilate structures
Compare MRCP and ERCP
MRCP finds the obstruction, while ERCP fixes it
T/F There is no medication that increased the speed of resolution of pancreatitis
T - Physicians provide “rest” of the pancreas and give a lot of fluid. Pancreatic inflammation releases a lot of mediators, which cause “leak” of capillaries.
What is the main cause of death in acute pancreatitis?
Inadequate fluid replacement. Don’t be afraid to give 150-250 mL/hr for the first day.
Treatment and management of acute pancreatitis…GO
- NPO, IV fluids in large volumes, analgesics
- PPIs are often used (not clear if they help)
- CT w/ >30% necrosis needs IMIPENEM or MEROPENEM and CT-guided BIOPSY
- Infected necrotic pancreatitis is rare, but needs SURGICAL DEBRIDEMENT
With diarrhea, what is more important, severity or etiology?
Severity, not etiology. You gotta know who needs antibiotics and IV fluids
Severity of diarrhea = ??
Volume depleted and febrile
What qs should you ask of a patient who has severe diarrhea?
- Is SBP < 90-100? Is pulse > 100/min?
- Check for orthostasis: increase in pulse >10 or drop in SBP >20 on rising
- Fever? Oral temp >100.3F
- Blood in stool?
- Abdominal pan or tenderness on exam?
What may you be asked on rounds about a patient with diarrhea?
- Duration of sx
- Frequency of bowel movements
- Blood in stool
- Fever; has a Temp been taken, or does the pt just feel warm?
- Lightheadedness
- Others that live w/ pt who have the same problem/diarrhea. Did you eat at the same place? same food?
T/F A precise microbiologic diagnosis is rarely confirmed, and decisions about treatment must be made before you have any test results back.
T
Bloody Diarrhea may be present with which major pathogens?
Campylobacter, Salmnonella, Shigella, Yersinia, or some Vibrio species.
T/F Blood may be present only in microscopic or “occult” amounts in brown stool (diarrhea), thus it is caused by invasive pathogens
true
T/F Fecal leukocytes (WBCs) have the same significance as blood
True – they mean that the organism is invasive
What is the only way to distinguish bw invasive organisms that can cause diarrhea?
Stool culture