Exam 5 Flashcards
Pathophysiology of GERD
Reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure Direct esophageal irritation Hiatal Hernia Achalasia (lack of motility) Mucosal Resistance Delayed gastric emptying
Conditions that may worsen or cause GERD
Smoking- lowers LES pressure and has acid neutralizing effects of saliva, increases acid production
Obesity (BMI >30)
Physical activity (LES relaxation)
Alcohol- direct irritant
Zollinger- Ellison Syndrome
Very rare, most commonly seen in men aged 50-60
Gastrinomas in pancreas or duodenum secrete large amounts of gastrin , often resulting in peptic ulcers and symptoms of GERD.
Tx- surgery, chemotherapy, high-dose PPI therapy
Suspect if patient has recurrent or refractory PUD or GERD
Associated with frequent diarrhea and duodenal ulcers
GERD complications
Esophagitis (Erosive esophagitis with ulcers occurs when GERD goes untreated)
Barrett’s esophagitis- increases risk of esophageal cancer
Strictures
Anemia
Cancer
Can worsen asthma/precipitate an attack- need to check if patients with frequent asthma exacerbations have GERD (50% do)
Can cause laryngitis
Atypical chest pain
Barrett’s Esophagus
Columnar epithelium replaces squamous epithelial lining during reparative process
This increases the risk of stricture by 30-80%
Increases the risk of cancer by 30-60x
Need endoscopic surveillance
Evaluation of GERD
Take pt history and empiric treatment
- Typically aggravated by meals
- Typically aggravated by recumbent position
- If responds to PPI, the patient likely has GERD
Chest pain needs further evaluation
Typical presentation of GERD
Heartburn
Acid regurgitation
Belching
Bloating
Atypical presentation of GERD
Chest pain Laryngitis/hoarseness Asthma Insomnia Chronic cough Aspiration pneumonia Tooth decay
Alarm S/S of GERD
Needs to be evaluated: Severe dysphagia Odynophagia Weight loss Persistent vomiting Bleeding Hematemesis Anemia
Alternate diagnosis in GERD; Pt presents with chest pain, what could it be?
CAD Gallstones Gastric/esophageal cancer Peptic ulcer disease Esophageal motility disorders Pill induced esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis
Diagnostic testing in GERD
Not necessary if PPI resolves symptoms, but symptoms do not always predict the erosive nature of the disease
Consider testing if symptoms persist on PPI or “alarm” symptoms (Endoscopy (EGD))
Endoscopy (EDG)
Necessary to determine: Erosions Rings (Schatzki rings)- mucosal disorder causing esophageal narrowing, common symptom dysphagia Stricutres Barrett's Cancer- need additional biopsy
Treatment goals for GERD
Alleviate or eliminate symptoms
Heal esophagitis
Manage or prevent complications
Maintain remission
Nonpharm treatment of GERD
Elevate head of the bed
Weight loss
Avoid foods that may decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure (fats, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, spearmint)
Avoid foods that are direct irritants (spicy foods, OJ, tomato juice, coffee)
Eat small meals and avoid eating prior to sleep
Smoking cessation
Treatment of mild/intermittent heartburn
Lifestyle changes
Antacids
OTC H2RAs
OTC PPIs
Treatment of GERD
Lifestyle changes
Rx-strength H2RAs
Rx PPIs
Treatment of erosive or moderate/severe symptoms
Lifestyle changes
Rx PPIs
High Dose PPIs
Antacids
Only appropriate for intermittent or mild heartburn
Self treat for 2 weeks then see MD
Avoid aluminum and magnesium in CKD patients
Aluminum- constipation
Magnesium- Diarrhea
Tums (calcium carbonate)
DDIs- iron, antibiotics (quinolones, tcn), azoles, separate chelators by 2 hours
Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs)
Nizatidine, famotidine, ranitidine, cimetidine Famotidine most common Cimetidine many DDI Ranitidine pulled off market May reduce absorption of iron and azoles
Famotidine dosing
Mild- 10-20mg/day
Moderate/Severe- 40-80mg/day BID
Renal dosing if CrCl <50mL/min (give 50% of dose)
AE of H2RAs
HA, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue
Increased confusion in elderly (dont use it patients over 75)
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Superior to H2RAs and should be used for erosive diseases
- Reasonable to try first for typical symptoms
All PPIs are equally effective at equal doses and more effective in erosive and nonerosive diseases
OTC PPIs
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole
Esomeprazole
Omeprazole-sodium bicarb
Dont use for more than 14 days
Omeprazole
20mg QD for all indications
Lansoprazole
15mg QD for mild heart burn and GERD
30mg QD for 8 weeks then 15mg QD for erosive disease
Esomeprazole
20mg QD for mild heartburn and GERD
20-40mg QD x8 weeks then 20mg QD for erosive disease
Rabeprazole
20mg QD for GERD and erosive disease
Pantoprazole
40mg QD for GERD and erosive disease
Dexlansoprazole
30mg QD for GERD
60mg QD x8 weeks then 30g QD for erosive disease
Dual delayed-release- first release 1-2 hours after dose, next release 4-5 hours later . Take without regards to meals.
PPI dosing
Start QD, 30 minutes before a meal
In symptoms are uncontrolled may increase to BID dosing (preferred), switch PPIs, or increase dose
PRN dosing only considered after initial treatment course
Omeprazole-Sodium Bicarb (Zegerid)
IR
Doesnt need to be enteric coated because bicarb increases the stomach pH
PPI drug interactions
Iron, azoles (acidic environment needed)
Warfarin- omeprazole only
Clopidogrel- prevents metabolism of clopidogrel due to CYP2C19
PPI AE
HA Dizziness Possible vitamin/mineral deficiencies: B-12 Iron Magnesium Calcium
PPI Concerns
Osteoporosis- inhibition of osteoclast mediated bone resorption (“old bone” not replaced) and inhibition of calcium absorption
Reduced acidity encourages gut microflora growth (C. diff and pneumonia)
Dementia ( Unknown cause, but increased risk)
Reasons for PPI failure
failure- symptoms persist after at least 8 weeks of double dose PPI
Reasons- non-compliance #1 reason
Persistent esophageal acid exposure (hypersecretory state, large hiatal hernia)
Acid-sensitive esophagus
Wrong diagnosis- eosinophilic esophagitis
30-40% of patients will not have good symptoms control
Maintenance PPI therapy
Non-erosive disease- treat initially for a 4-8 week course. Can trial d/c but 2/3rds will relapse
Erosive disease- 8 weeks to heal but typically continue long term
Zollinger-Ellison and Barrett’s- lifelong
GERD therapy adjustments
For nonerosive disease: Transition to PPI to H2RA ("step down") Transition from H2RA to PPI ("step up") Adjust PPI dose, frequency, or switch Transition from scheduled to PRN Add bedtime H2RA therapy to daytime PPI therapy for nocturnal symptoms
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Prokinetic agent
-Increases LES pressure and augments gastric emptying
Only use in the presence of proven gastroparesis
5-10mg po TID and HS
CNS AE- Sedation, depression, irritability, EPS, not tolerated in elderly pts
Surgery for GERD
Done if pt:
Will not take medications
Noncompliance to meds or AE
Large hiatal hernia (Nissen fundoplication)
Refractory to meds or worried about long term medication AE
Special populations- Pediatrics and GERD
GERD is fairly common in infants in the first 5 years of life
This is due to developmental immaturity of LES
Non-pharm- changing formula, smaller, more frequent feedings, postural management, parent reassurance
Can safely use H2RAs and PPIs
Special populations- Pregnancy and Lactation and GERD
Pregnancy- have a defective LES and high estrogen and progesterone levels
Tx- lifestyle, TUMS preffered (due to calcium carbonate), H2RA and PPI after TUMS
Do not use omeprazole
Lactation- Antacids and H2RAs safe
Can use PPI but should wait after 6 months of lactation if possible
Counseling Questions for GERD
Duration/frequency of symptoms
Quality and timing of symptoms
Use of alcohol and tobacco
Dietary choices
Medications already tried to treat symptoms and duration of OTC tx
Other disease states present and medications being used
What is the pathophysiology of GERD?
Defective LES pressure or function
-Spontaneous relaxation of LES (more common in recumbent position)
-Increased intra-abdominal pressure-straining, bending over, coughing
Direct esophageal irritation (drugs)
Drugs that worsen GERD
CCB
caffeine
nicotine
Aspirin
Hiatal hernia
When part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm causing the esophageal sphincter to be permanently open. Food can get trapped in this part of the stomach.
Requires surgical repair
Consider if reflux is not responsive to medication
Pathophysiology of reduced esophageal clearance
Reduced peristalsis (achalasia) Prolongs time refluxed food material is in contact with esophagus
Pathophysiology of mucosal resistance
Esophageal mucosal layer doesnt produce mucus or respond to bicarbonate neutralization.
Happens frequently in the elderly due to decreased saliva
Pathophysiology of delayed gastric emptying
Increased gastric volume increases frequency of reflux as well as amount of refluxate
Common in diabetes
Mucosal defense mechanisms
Bicarbonate- chemical barrier on GI lining. Neutralizes stomach acid
Mucus production- physical barrier
Blood flow to mucosa for healing purposes
Prostaglandins-increases mucus and bicarb production, increases blood flow, decreases gastric acid secretion, limits back diffusion of acid into epithelium
H. pylori
Gram negative bacteria found in most people with peptic ulcer disease.
H. pylori produces ammonia/urease which is toxic to the mucosal barrier. H. pylori produces cytotoxins and mucolytic enzymes
How do NSAIDs cause peptic ulcer disease?
The inhibition of COX1 results in reduced mucus and bicarbonate secretion and impaired platelet aggregation
1st line N/V treatment in chemo
Serotonin receptor blockers
Types of diarrhea
Osmotic Inflammatory Secretory Infectious Altered motility
Osmotic diarrhea
Poorly absorbed intestinal substances (carbs) retain water within the intestine. Carbohydrate malabsorption (lactose intolerance), Mg-containing medications, lactulose, sorbitol Fasting reduces stool volume
Inflammatory diarrhea
Blood, protein, or mucus from an inflamed or ulcerated mucosa
-Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease
Lactose intolerance
Deficiency of the lactase enzyme
-unabsorbed lactose has an osmotic effect by pulling water into the intestinal lumen
-Can be inherited or acquired
- 3 week trial of diet free of milk and milk products
tx- Dietary changes, probiotics, lactase supplements
Secretory diarrhea
Stimulating substances either increase or decrease absorption of large amounts of water and electrolytes
- Amount exceeds the colons absorptive capacity
Could be due to fat malabsorption, bacterial toxins, pancreatic or intestinal tumors, laxatives, misoprostol, digoxin, colchicine
Fasting does not alter stool volume
Acute infectious diarrhea
Bacterial- C. diff, shigella, E.coli, campylobacter, salmonella
Viral- gastroenteritis
Parasitic- giardia, cryptosporidium
Altered motility
Caused by reduction in contact time with small intestine and premature emptying of the colon
- intestinal resection
- Metoclopramide, erythromycin
Caused by bacterial overgrowth where normal flora replaced (antibiotics, PPI, H2 blockers)
More pathogens will grow due to the inability to digest carbs
Causes of secondary constipation
Hypercalcemia- gut atony
Hypothyroidism- slows digestive contraction
Parkinsons disease- lack of dopamine to stimulate peristalsis
Diabetes- gastroparesis
Secondary medication causes of constipation
Opioids- agonize mu receptors in the GI tract reducing GI motility
Anticholinergics- Inhibit acetylcholine, reducing GI motility
CCBs- Gut smooth muscle relaxation, reduces GI motility
Iron- pulls water into stomach (out of colon); hardens stool; alters motility
IBD
Characterized by inflammation
Ulcerative colitis- confined to rectum and colon; mucosa and submucosa disease
Crohns disease- any part of the GI tract; terminal lumen; transmural disease
Share common etiologies but exact etiology unknown
Pathophysiology of IBD
Alteration of makeup of intestinal microbiota Disruption of mucus layer Dysregulated immune activity Genetic factors Environmental factors
Gut microbiome
1000-1500 different species of bacteria
IBD patients have decreased clostridium and increased campylobacter, shigella, E. coli
Normal intestinal microbiota regulates immune system function by producing substances that reduces TNF-alpha, NF, and LPS activity and promotes regulatory T cell activity
Intestinal immune system
Goblet cells- mucus, keeps bacteria away from intestinal epithelial cells
A-defensins and IgA protect against luminal microbiota
Dendritic cells present antigens to native CD4 T cells
CD4 T cells differentiate into subgroups (T helper cells)
Intestinal epithelium
Provides physical (intercellular junctions and tight junctions) and biochemical barriers to intestinal microorganisms
Produce mucus, maintain and repair barrier, control response to bacteria
Coordinates with innate and adapt immune systems
Intestinal epithelial cells are guided by pattern recognition receptors which detect commensal vs pathogenic microbes and activates immune system if needed
Immunopathophysiology in IBD
Infiltration of lamina by innate and adaptive immune cells (innate first because it regulates homeostasis)
These cells increase levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN and cytokines), increasing intestinal permeability
Leukocyte infiltration into inflamed intestinal mucosa which contributes to persistent inflammation
Biliary tree
In pancreatitis, anything that blocks a duct effects all organs in the biliary tree.
Gallbladder, pancreas, duodenum
Endocrine pancreas
Insulin and glucagon
Exocrine pancreas
Duct cells
Bicarb, amylase, lipase, protease
Alcohol-induced pancreatitis
> 50g/day alcohol for at least 5 years (4 beers/day)
5% of alcoholics develop pancreatitis
Alcohol increases enzyme production
Alcohol damages acinar cells which can cause premature enzyme activation
Common causes of PUD
NSAIDS
H.pylori
Stress
NSAID caused PUD
Chronic condition Gastric >Duodenal May be asymptomatic Deep ulcers More severe GI bleeding
H. Pylori caused PUD
Chronic condition Duodenal > gastric Epigastric symptoms Superficial ulcers Less severe bleeding
Stress caused PUD
Acute condition Gastric > Duodenal Asymptomatic Most superficial ulcer depth More severe GI bleeding
Uncommon causes of chronic peptic ulcer
Idiopathic Hypersecretion of gastric acid Viral infections Radiation therapy Chemo Infiltrating disease (Crohn's disease) Smoking Psychological stress Potentially alcohol
NSAIDs
Ibuprofen and Naproxen
Aspirin included
Ulcers develop in about 25% of chronic NSAID users (2-4% bleed)
Risk is highest in the first month and persists for the duration (GI mucosa less prepared)
Elderly at highest risk due to age-related changes in gastric mucosal defense
Equal COX1 and COX2 effect
Meloxicam
COX-2 inhibitors
Celecoxib
COX-1 inhibition causes on GI mucosa
Peptic ulcers, GI bleed
COX-1 and 2 inhibition causes on Kidney
Na and H20 retention
Hypertension
Hemodynamic acute kidney injury
COX 1 and 2 inhibition causes on heart
Stroke
MI
COX 2> COX 1
How do COX 1 inhibitors cause mucosal injury and bleeding?
Decreased mucosal blood flow
Reduced mucus and bicarb secretion
Impaired platelet aggregation
How do COX 2 inhibitors cause mucosal injury and bleeding?
Reduced angiogenesis
Impaired healing
Increased leukocyte adherence
Leukocyte activation
Risk factors associated with NSAID induced ulcers
Age >65 Previous peptic ulcer high-dose NSAIDs NSAID + aspirin, bisphosphonates, antiplatelet selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors H.Pylori Cigarette smoking Alcohol
GI prophylaxis for patients on chronic NSAIDs and aspirin
Add PPI or misoprostol
COX-2 inhibitors are less toxic to GI vs NSAIDs, but they inhibit prostacyclin which increases CV risk
Combining COX-2 with aspirin negates any GI benefits
H2RAs not used
Do not typically add PPI for prophylaxis but can in high risk pts
Misoprostol
PGe analog- reduces acid secretion Indicated for patients requiring NSAID therapy to prevent ulceration (secondary to PPIs) Only used in combo with NSAIDs Contraindicated in pregnancy Diarrhea 200mcg 3-4 times daily
What is the major method of toxicity for H. pylori?
Stimulates the inflammatory response (major)
Ammonia is toxic to epithelial cells
Increases pepsin which can degrade mucosa
Complications of PUD
GI Bleeding
GI perforation
Low risk of gastric cancer secondary to H. pylori
Assessment of PUD
Ask about NSAIDs Review meds Review medical history Ask about smoking and alcohol What relieves/worsens S/S of GI bleed
Symptoms of PUD
Pts may be asymptomatic
If no ulcer= nonulcer dyspepsia
Described as burning, fullness, cramping
Can have belching, bloating
N/V, anorexia more common with gastric vs. duodenal
Gastric- food precipitates pain
Duodenal- food relieves pain, but painful 1-3 hours after food
PUD Diagnostic testing
Labs not helpful unless bleeding (reduced hematocrit/hemoglobin and FOB)
H.Pylori testing should be performed in all patients with active PUD
Consider testing H.pylori in patients needing long term NSAID therapy even without PUD
Endoscopy if alarm symptoms
What are PUD alarm symptoms
Elderly, Family h/o GI malignancy, Weight loss, Dysphagia, Bleeding
H. Pylori endoscopic testing
Histology
Culture
Urease
Histology- >95% specificity and sensitivity
Biopsy not recommended for initial diagnosis
Culture is 100% specific
Urease test is >90% sensitive and specific. Biopsy is most common for urease test for rapid results. No H2Ra or PPI for 1-2 weeks or ABX for 4 weeks prior to biopsy.
H. Pylori endoscopic testing Blood antibodies (ELISA) Blood antibodies (IgG) Urea breath test Fecal antigen
ELISA- less accurate than endoscopic tests, but more accurate than office tests. Antibody titers can stay positive for 6 months- 1 year after infection is treated and they are not affected by medications.
IgG-Fingerstick, less accurate than ELISA. Antibody titers can stay positive for 6 months- 1 year after infection is treated and they are not affected by medications. Quick, 15 minutes
Urea breath test- >95% sensitivity and specificity. Tests for ACTIVE infection; results take 2 days. No H2Ra or PPI for 1-2 weeks, no abx for 4 weeks.
Fecal antigen- >95% sensitivity and specificity. Tests for ACTIVE infection; results take 2 days. No H2Ra or PPI for 1-2 weeks, no abx for 4 weeks (may cause false negative, but less important that breath test)
Which H. Pylori test is recommended for post treatment eradication confirmation?
Fecal or breath test
What is the first treatment option for H.pylori induced PUD?
PPI- BID
Tetracycline- 500mg QID
Metronidazole- 500mg TID-QID
Bismuth- 262mg-524mg QID
Duration: 14 days
What is the second treatment option for PUD?
PPI- BID
Clarithromycin- 500mg BID
Metronidazole- 500mg BID
Amoxicillin- 1000mg BID
Duration: 10-14 days (14 preferred)
What do you do with PPI after 14 days of tx for PUD?
May stop after 14 days or continue QD if bleeding ulcer.
Pylera
Combination of bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole, and tetracycline.
Take 3 capsules QID for 10 days with PPI BID
Very expensive, but FDA approved
What is the recommended PUD therapy if no PCN allergy or MCL exposure?
Either
What is the recommended PUD therapy is no PCN allergy but recent MCL exposure?
Bismuth quadruple
What is the recommended PUD therapy if a PCN allergy present?
Bismuth quadruple
What is the recommended PUD therapy if PCN allergy and recent MCL exposure?
Bismuth quadruple
Esomeprazole dosing for NSAID/ASA induced PUD
20mg QD for 4-8 weeks
Lansoprazole dosing for NSAID/ASA induced PUD
15mg QD for 4 weeks (duodenal)
30mg QD for 8 weeks (gastric)
Omeprazole dosing for NSAID/ASA induced PUD
20mg QD for 4-8 weeks (duodenal)
40mg QD for 8 weeks (gastric)
Pantoprazole dosing for NSAID/ASA induced PUD
40mg QD for 4 weeks (duodenal)
40mg QD for 8 weeks (gastric)
Rabeprazole dosing for NSAID/ASA induced PUD
20mg QD for 4 weeks (duodenal)
20mg QD for 6-8 weeks (gastric)
Treatment for NSAID induced PUD
Stop NSAID acutely while ulcer is being treated (8 weeks)
If pt has a bleed on NSAID + PPI do not restart NSAID
Long term tx:
NSAID + PPI/misoprostol
COX-2 inhibitor + PPI in high risk patients
Non-NSAID therapy if possible
Treatment of ASA induced PUD
Typically hold ASA acutely (risk vs benefit if stent patients on DAT)
Long term, if ASA has to be continued
- Add PPI
Do NOT switch to clopidogrel
Sucralfate
Can be added to PPI therapy
“Coats” the ulcer to prevent further acid damage and the GI mucosa to prevent HCl back diffusion.
1g po AC and HS (given QID)
Separate by 2 hours from all other medications
AE: constipation, hypophosphatemia
Stress ulcer prophylaxis
Appropriate for ICU patients, but not general hospital patients
Appropriate for some non-ICU with risk factors
H2RA or PPI IV in ICU (pantoprazole, esomeprazole)
Non-pharm- enteral nutrition
Why do ICU patients get stress ulcers?
Critical illness causes splanchnic hypoperfusion because the body shits down blood flow to organs other than heart and brain.
This causes reduced HCO2 secretion, mucosal blood flow, GI motility, and a disruption of mucosal barrier.
This leads to an acute stress ulcer.
Tx for upper GI bleed
Ensure hemodynamic stability
Volume resuscitation
Correct coagulopathy and/or thrombocytopenia
Endoscopic hemostasis
PPI- high dose bolus vs continuous infusion
Correct underlying cause
S/S GI bleeding
Symptoms related to hypovolemia (orthostasis)
Signs related to hypovolemia ( AKI, hypotension, tachycardia)
Greatly elevated BUN:SCr ration
Reduced hemoglobin and hematocrit
Hematemesis
Hematochezia (bright red blood in stool- lower GI bleed)
Melena (dark blood in stool– upper GI bleed)
Fecal occult blood- either type of bleeding
GI bleeding Tx
Resuscitation- Blood and 0.9% NS Reverse INR if needed and hold meds NOACs- andexanet alpha, Idarcizumab Correct thrombocytopenia if needed PPI infusion- Esomeprazole or pantoprazole 80-mg bolus followed by 8mg/hr IV for 72 hours
Etiologies of N/V
Gastrointestinal processes, infections, acute MI, migraine, vestibular disorders, metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, drug withdrawal, post-op, food poisoning
Types of N/V in cancer
Acute- w/in 24 hours
Delayed- begins after 24 hours and may last 120 hours
Anticipatory- learned behavior from poorly controlled N/V
Breakthrough- N/V that occurs despite prophylaxis; requires rescue
Refractory- prophylactic and rescue therapy fails
Which patients receive prophylaxis for N/V before, during, and after chemo?
Low
Moderate
High
What are fluid and electrolyte causes for N/V in cancer patients?
Hypercalcemia (Very common due to PTH secretion of tumors)
Dehydration
What are drug-induced causes of N/V in cancer patients?
Opioids
antibiotics
What are tumor/metastases-related causes of N/V in cancer patients?
GI obstruction Brain melts (tumor spreads to brain)