Gastro Flashcards
What are the diagnostic indications for upper GI endoscopy? (6)
Haematemesis Persistent vomiting New dyspepsia (if ≥55 years) Gastric biopsy (? cancer) Duodenal biopsy Iron deficiency (cancer; hiatus hernia)
What are the therapeutic indications for upper GI endoscopy? (4)
Treatment of a bleeding lesion
Variceal banding and sclerotherapy
Stricture dilatation
Stent insertion (e.g. for palliation of oesophagel malignancy)
What instuctions should be give pre-procedure in upper GI endoscopy? (4)
- Stop PPIs 2 wks pre-op if possible
- Stop warfarn 5 days pre-op (restart 5 days post-op- can give LMWH 2 days post-op)
- Nil by mouth 4 hours before
- Don’t drive for 24 hours after if sedation is used
Why should PPIs be stopped 2 weeks before an upper GI endoscopy?
They mask pathology
What sedation/anaesthesia is used for an upper GI endoscopy? (3)
- Midazolam IV (for minimal sedation)
- Propofol for deeper sedation (should be administered by an anesthetist)
- Pharynx is sprayed with a local anaesthetic before the endoscope is passed
What conditions can be confirmed or ruled out on an upper GI endoscopy? (4)
- Oesophagitis
- Duodenal/stomach ulcer
- Duodenitis and gastritis
- Cancer of the stomach or duodenum
How thick is an upper GI endoscope?
Width of the little finger
What are the complications of upper GI endoscopy? (6)
- Sore throat
- Amnesia from the sedation
- Perforation (
What is the gold standard for diagnosisng coeliac disease?
Duodenal biopsy
How should a patient be prep’d for sigmoidoscopy? (3)
- On the day before the procedure take 2 Picolax sachets (one at 8am and one at 6pm)
- Fluids only for 12 hours before the procedure
- Sometimes an enema is given upon the patient arriving into hospital
What parts of the bowel are seen on colonoscopy?
The whole colon and the terminal ileum
What parts of the bowel are seen on gastroscopy?
Oesophagus, stomach, duodenum
What are the diagnostic indications for colonoscopy? (6)
- Rectal bleeding
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Persistant diarrhoea/otherwise altered bowel habit
- Biopsy of lesion seen on barium enema
- Assessment or suspicion of IBD
- Colon cancer- surveillance (screening usually done by flexible sigmoidoscopy)
What are the therapeutic indications for colonoscopy? (5)
- Stent insertion
- Haemostasis (e.g. by clipping vessel)
- Volvulus untwisting
- Pseudo-obstruction
- Removal of polyps (polypectomy)
How is a patient prep’d for colonoscopy?
- Low residue diet 1-2 days pre-op
- Clear fluid but no solid food after lunch on the day befor
- Bowel clensing solution- sodium picosulfate (Picolax)- is given for the morning and afternoon on the day before
What are the complications of a colonoscopy?
Abdominal discomfort
Incomplete examination
Haemorrhage after biopsy or polypectomy
Perforation (0.1%)
What are the absolute contraindications for colonscopy?
- Failure to obtain consent
- Toxic megalcolon
- Fulminant colitis
- Known colonic perforation
What advice should be given post-operatively following any form of endoscopy when a sedative is used?
No driving, operating heavy machinery or drinking alcohol for 24 hours
What are the relative contra-indications for colonoscopy?
- Acute diverticulitis
- Large AAA
- Immediately post-op
- Recent MI/PE
What medications should be stopped 1 wk prior to colonoscopy?
- Iron supplements (hardens stool therefore harder to evacuate the bowel)
- Aspirin and NSAIDS
- Anticoagulants- warfarn
- No insulin during fasting period
What are the indications for liver biopsy? (5)
- Raised LFTs
- Chronic viral, alcohol or autoimmune hepatitis
- Suspected cirrhosis
- Suspected liver cancer
- Biopsy of hepatic lesion
What are the contra-indications for liver biopsy? (4)
Uncooperative patient
Prolonged PTT
Low platelet count
Extra-hepatic cholestasis
What pre-op guidelines should be followed prior to a liver biopsy? (3)
- Nil by mouth for 8 hours
- Ensure INR 100x10^9
- Give analgesia
How is local anaesthetic administered for a liver biopsy?
Liver borders and percused out and where there is dullness in the mid-axillary line in expiration, lidocaine 2% is infiltrated down to the liver capsule
Describe how a liver biopsy is taken
Under sedation with US/CT guidance. Breathing is rehearsed and biopsy taken with the breath held in expiration. Afterwards lie on right side for 2 hours then in bed for 4 hours
What are the complications of liver biopsy? (4)
- Local pain
- Pneumothorax
- Bleeding (
What are the causes of apthous ulcers?
- CD
- Coeliac
- Bechet’s
- Infections: HSV/syphyllis/Vincent’s angina
- Reiter’s
- SLE
What is Vincent’s angina?
Also known as necrotising ulcerative gingivitis or trench mouth. A common non-contagious infection of the gums with grate like ulcers and bleeding, painful gums and ulceration of inter-dental papillae
What are the common causes of infective ulcers?
Herpes simplex 1
Coxsackie A
Herpes Zoster
(mouth infections are most commonly viral)
What is the cause of an oral, hairy leukoplakia?
EBV- almost pathognomonic of HIV infection
How does oral squamous cell carcinoma present?
An indolent (causing little or no pain) ulcer on the lateral borders of the tongue or floor of the mouth
What are the risk factors for candidiasis?
Extremes of age
DM
Antibiotics
Immunosuppression (long term steroids, HIV)
How is oral candidiasis treated?
Nystatin suspension or amphotericin lozenges
Fluconazole for oropharyngeal thrush
What is the main cause of angular chelitis?
Iron/riboflavin (B2) deficiency
How is Vincent’s angina treated?
Oral metronidazole and good oral hygiene
In what condition is microstomia seen?
Scleroderma
What condition is characterized by peri-oral brown spots?
Peutz-Jegher’s syndrome
Describe the genetics of Peutz-Jegher’s syndrome
It is an autosomal dominant condition with germline mutations of tumour supressor gene STK11
What are the symptoms of Peutz-Jegher’s syndrome?
Muco-cutaneous dark freckles on the lips, oral mucosa, palms and soles + multiple GI polyps causing obstruction or bleeds. 15x increased risk of GI cancer
In what conditions might telangiectasia be seen around the mouth?
Systemic sclerosis
Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome
What is Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome?
An autosomal dominant condition of hereditary telangiectasia on the skin and mucous membranes causing epitaxis and GI bleeds
What might be suggested by a blue line at the gum margin?
Led poisoning
What might cause a yellow brown discolouration of the teeth?
Prenatal or childhood tetracycline exposure
What drugs can cause xerostermia? (7)
ACEi Antidepressants Antihistamines Antipsychotics Diuretics Anti-cholinergics Opiates
What are the causes of white intra-oral lesions? (6)
Leukoplakia Candidiasis Carcinoma Hairy oral leucoplakia Smoking Lupus
What is leukoplakia?
An oral mucosal white patch that will not rub off and is not attributable to any other known disease
It is premalignant with a transformation rate of 0.6-18%
What is glossitis?
A smooth, atrophic tongue
What causes glossitis?
Iron, folate or B12 deficiency
What are the main oesophageal symptoms?
- Dysphagia
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
What dysphagia history would be typical of a mechanical stricture?
Short history of progressive dysphagia initially for solids then for liquids
What investigation should be done if a mechanical stricture is the suspected cause of dysphagia? What is being looked for?
Emergency OGD to look for a malignant oesophageal stricutre
What dysphagia history would be typical of a motility disorder?
Slow onset dysphagia for both solids and liquids
What investigation should be done if a motility disorder is the suspected cause of dysphagia?
Barium swallow
What may aggravate the pain of heart burn?
Bending or lying down
What may relieve the pain of heart burn?
antacids
What are the causes of mechanical dysphagia?
- Malignant stricutre
- Benign stricture
- Extrinsic pressure e.g. lung cancer; retrosternal goitre; aortic aneurysm
- Pharyngeal pouch
What motility disroders can cause dysphagia?
Achalasia
Diffuse oesophageal spasm
Systemic sclerosis
Neurological bulbar palsy (Parkinson’s disease; Wilson’s disease; Myasthenia gravis)
What is suggested if the patient has difficulty making the swallowing movement and coughs on attempting to do so?
Bulbar palsy
What is acalasia?
Achalasia is primarily a disorder of motility of the lower oesophageal or cardiac sphincter. The smooth muscle layer of the oesophagus has impaired peristalsis and failure of the sphincter to relax causes a functional stenosis or functional oesophageal stricture.
What is conditions might you suspect if there is painful swallowing and dysphagia?
Cancer
Oesophageal ulcer
Candida
Spasm
What might predispose a non-immunosuppressed patient to candida infection?
Asthmatic/COPD patient with poor steroid inhaler technique
What might make you suspect a pharyngeal pounch in a patienth with dysphagia?
There is gurgling and the neck bulges on drinking
Where in the oesophagus are squamous cell tumours usually found?
Middle third
Where in the oesophagus are adenocarcinomas usually found?
Lower third
What is the most common aeitiological cause of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus?
Barrett’s metaplasia
What is the management of a malignant oesophageal tumour?
Surgical resection combined with peri-operative chemotherapy
N.B. over half of patients have unresectable locally advanced disease. Overally prognosis is poor- 10% 5 year survival
What is the first line Ix for suspected oesophageal malignancy?
OGD with biopsy of tumour
What is indicated by coffee ground vomiting?
GI bleeding
What may be indicated by vomiting occurring in the morning?
Pregnancy
Raised ICP
What may be indicated by vomiting preceded by loud gurgling?
GI obstruction
What may be indicated by vomiting that relieves pain?
Peptic ulcer
What ABG result indicates severe vomiting?
Metabolic, hypochloraemic alkalosis
What are the causes of GORD?
LOS hypotension Hiatus hernia Loss of oesophageal peristaltic function Abdominal obesity Gastric acid hypersecretion Slow gastric emptying Systemic sclerosis Pregnancy Alcohol
What is more common, a sliding or a rolling hiatus hernia?
Sliding (80%)
What is the typical patient with a hiatus hernia?
Obese woman >55 years
What is the best diagnostic test for a hiatus hernia?
Barium swallow
What are the indications for surgery in a hiatus hernia?
- Intractable symptoms despite aggressive medical treatment
- Complications- oesophagitis; benign stricture; ulcer
- Rolling hernia- should be repared prophylactically even in asymptomatic patients due to risk of strangulation
What are the symptoms of GORD?
Heart burn is the main symptom
Also:
- Belching
- Acid brash (acid regurgitation)
- Water brash (greatly increased salivation”my mouth fills with saliva”)
- Odynophagia
- Cough and nocturnal asthma due to aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs
In which patients with clinical features of GORD is an OGD performed?
- New onset heart burn >55
- Patients with symptoms suspicious of upper GI malignancy
- To document any complications of reflux
What is step 1 of the WHO pain ladder?
Non-opioid e.g. aspirin, paracetamol or NSAID
What is step 2 of the WHO pain ladder?
Weak opioid for mild to moderate pain e.g. codeine+/- non-opioid
What is step 3 of the WHO pain ladder?
Strong opioid for moderate to severe pain e.g. morphine or fentanyl +/-
What is the MOA of paracetamol?
Peripheral: COX2/COX3 inhibitor (thereby inhibiting prostaglandin production)
Central: activates descending serotonergic pathways
What is the maximum daily dose of paracetamol?
4g (1g per 4-6 hours)
What is the mechanism of action of NSAIDS?
Inhibitors of COX1/2
COX catalyses the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandins act as messenger molecules in the process of inflammation
What is the role of COX-1
It is an enzyme expressed in almost all mammalian cells which has a “housekeeping” regulating many physiological processes. e.g. in the stomach it up-regulates prostaglandin production.
What is the role of prostaglandins in the gut?
Prostaglandins serve a protective role in the gut, preventing the gut mucosa from being eroded by its own acid (so COX inhibition hear can cause GI problems e.g. ulceration) (PGI2)
What is the role of COX-2
It is an isoenzyme which is specific to inflamed tissue- causes release of prostaglandins at sites of inflammation only
What are the risk factors for NSAID use?
- Age >65
- Previous ulcer disease
- Major organ impairment
- Concomitant antiplatelet, anticoagulant, corticosteroid or SSRI
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- H. pylori infeciton
What is the mechanism of action of NSAIDS?
REVERSIBLE inhibitors of COX1/2
COX catalyses the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid. Prostaglandins act as messenger molecules in the process of inflammation
What are the risk factors for NSAID use? (6)
- Age >65
- Previous ulcer disease
- Major organ impairment
- Concomitant antiplatelet, anticoagulant, corticosteroid or SSRI
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- H. pylori infection
What is the MOA of aspirin?
Irreversible inactivation (by acetylation) of COX–> reduced production of thromboxane and prostaglandins.
Thromboxane is a prothrombotic agent (hence use of aspirin as an anti-platelet agent)
Prostaglandin is a pro-inflammatory agent (hence use of aspirin as an anti-inflammatory)
Why is aspirin not prescribed in children (
It is linked to Reyes syndrome, a potentially fatal syndrome which has detrimental effects on the brain and liver, as well as causing hypoglycaemia. Reye’s syndrome is associated with aspirin consumption by children with viral illness
What are the non-anti-inflammatory uses of aspirin?
-Anti-platelet action in cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatic fever
Possible reduction in risk and onset of Alzheimer’s disease
What are the non-anti-inflammatory uses of aspirin?
-Anti-platelet action in cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatic fever
Possible reduction in risk and onset of Alzheimer’s disease
What is the mechanism of action of opioids?
Act as agonists at three different receptors: µ, ∂ and k. (µ is principally involved in the analgesic effect.) Have there mode of action in the peri-aqueductal greay matter and in the dorsal horn (substantia gelatinosa)
Why does codeine exhibit different potency in different individuals?
Requires conversion to morphine by P450 enzymes in the liver- different conversion ability of different individuals affects potency
What is the mechanism of action of tramadol?
- Opioid agonist
2. Weak noradrenaline/5HT re-uptake inhibitor
In what types of pain are strong opioids not particularly effective?
Neuropathic pain
Chronic, non-cancer pain
What are the side effects of pethidine?
tends to cause restlessness (rather than sedation like morphine)
Has anti-muscarinic effect –> dry mouth and blurred vision
In what situation is pethidine used?
Labour
What drug is used to reverse opiate overdose? What is it’s mechanism?
Naloxone
µ receptor competitive antagonist
What drugs may be used to treat neuropathic pain?
Gabapentin
Tricylclic antidepressent
Anti-convulsants e.g. carbamazapine
What drugs are used for pain relief in MI?
GTN
Morphine
What non-opioid drug class may be used for pain relief in migraine sufferers?
5-HT1D agonists- triptans
What non-opioid drug may be used for pain relief in malignancy?
Dexamethasone
What non-opioid drug may be used for pain relief in intestinal colic?
Hyoscine butylbromide
What non-opioid drug may be used for pain relief in muscle spasm?
Benzodiazepines
What non-opioid drug may be used for pain relief in muscle spasm?
Benzodiazepines
How many moles of sodium are in 1L of normal saline (0.9% NaCl)?
155mmols
What changes in ion balance may be caused by malnutrition?
Retention of sodium and water and repletion of potassium, phosphate, calcium and magnesium
What might occur if you give a malnourished patient IV glucose?
Pulmonary oedema and cardiac arrhythmia (re-feeding syndrome)
What electrolyte disturbances are caused by loop diuretics?
Hypovolaemia
Hypokalaemia
Describe the rule of thirds in a 70kg man
70kg man:
- 2/3 of body weight is water (42L)
- 2/3 of water is intra-cellular, (25L); 1/3 is extracellular (14L)
- Of extra-cellular water, 1/3 is intra-vascular
What are the two groups of colloids?
Semi-synthetics (hydroxyethyl starches, gelatins)
Plasma derivatives (albumin)
What is the major advantage of colloids in resuscitation?
They do not cross the capillary membrane (in theory) so remain in the intra-vascular compartment (i.e. for ever 1L of fluid given, 1L remains in the plasma)
What are the disadvantages of colloids? (5)
- Cost
- Potential allergen
- Often some leakage out of the capillaries anyway
- Effect coagulation and can increase bleeding risk
- Can precipitate renal failure
What are the disadvantages of crystalloids?
- Remain in the intravascular space for less time, thus larger volume is needed to achieve effect (3-4 L of crystalloid per 1L of blood)
What are the advantages of crystalloids?
- Safe
- Cheap
- Constituents determine distribution (dextrose gets everywhere, Na is confined to the ECF so NaCl remains extra-cellular)
What is the standard formula to work out how many L of fluid to give someone in a day?
4ml/kg/hr for the 1st 10 kg
2ml/kg/hr for the 2nd 10 kg
1ml/kg/hr for every kg after that
What is the standard fluid regimen?
1L 0.9% saline
2L 5% dextrose
+20-40mmol KCl
“two sweet one salty”
What are the 5 r’s of fluid prescribing?
Resuscitate Routine maintenance Redistribution Replacement Reassessment
What is the standard fluid regimen for routine maintenance?
1L 0.9% saline
2L 5% dextrose
+20-40mmol KCl
“two sweet one salty”
What are the 5 r’s of fluid prescribing?
Resuscitate Routine maintenance Redistribution Replacement Reassessment
What is a fluid challenge?
Used in resuscitation: 2 wide bore cannulas, one in each ante-cubital fossa
500mL of NaCl 0.9% or Hartmann’s over 5-15 minutes
Then re-evaluate using ABCDE approach
Further fluid boluses up to 2000mL can be givem
How might the fluid challenge be altered in a patient with severe sepsis?
Albumin 4-5%
How should obese people be managed in terms of routine fluid maintenance?
Adjust maintenance volume to fit their ideal body weight
What do NICE guidelines recommend as the initial fluid prescription for routine maintenance?
- 25-30ml/kg/day of water
- approx 1mmol/kg/day of sodium, potassium and chloride
- 50-100g/day of glucose to limit starvation ketoacidosis
In which patients do NICE suggest you might prescribe less fluid?
- Older/frail
- Renal impairment or cardiac failure
- Malnourished and at risk of refeeding syndrome
When prescribing for routine maintenance alone, what regimen might you use other then 2 sweet 1 salty?
NaCl 0.18% in 4% glucose with 27 mmol/L potassium
What are the clinical features of hypovolaemia?
In order of increasing severity:
- Thirst
- Cool extremities
- Increased CRT
- Increased RR
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Reduced UO
- Reduced GCS
Also: loss of skin turgour dry mucous membranes sunken eyes absence of JVP postural BP drop
What are the biochemical signs of hypovolaemia?
Raised Hb/haematocrit Raised urea/creatinine Hyperkalaemia/hypernatraemia Raised BM Raised Calcium Hyperlactaemia/metabolic acidosis (if very hypovolaemic)
What are the clinical features of hypovolaemia? (8)
In order of increasing severity:
- Thirst
- Cool extremities
- Increased CRT
- Increased RR
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Reduced UO
- Reduced GCS
Also: loss of skin turgour dry mucous membranes sunken eyes absence of JVP postural BP drop
What are the biochemical signs of hypovolaemia?
Raised Hb/haematocrit Raised urea/creatinine Hyperkalaemia/hypernatraemia Raised BM Raised Calcium Hyperlactaemia/metabolic acidosis (if very hypovolaemic)
What signs of hypovolaemia might be seen on an echocardiogram?
Collapse of the LV
What are the clinical features of hypervolaemia? (3)
- Raised JVP
- Generalised oedema (weight gain, ascites)
- Pulmonary oedema (increased RR; crackles; orthopnoea)
What are the biochemical signs of hypervolaemia?
- Raised urea/creatinine
- Raised LFTs
- Hyponatraemia
What signs of hypervolaemia might be seen on an echocardiogram?
Reduced LVEF
Distended RV
What are the five key principles of the mental capacity act?
- Presumption of capacity unless proven otherwise
- Individuals should be supported as much as possible to make their own decisions
- Unwise decisions do not necessarily indicate lack of capacity
- Acts/decisions made on behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done in their best interests
- Anything done for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity should be the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms
What are the 7 key changes/provisions of the mental capacity act?
- Definition and assessment of capacity
- Best interests checklist
- Advanced decisions/statments
- Lasting power of attorney
- Court of protection and Deputies of Court
- Independent mental capacity advocate
- Willful neglect as a new criminal offence
What are the requirements for demonstrating capacity under the MCA?
- Understand information
- Retain information
- Weigh up information and reach a decision
- Communicate the decision
How is capacity assessed?
- Does the patient have an impairment/disturbance of the mind/brain?
- If yes, does this impairment hinder the patient’s ability to understand/retain/weigh-up/communicate
What is meant by enhancing capacity?
The process of taking all practical steps to help a patient reach capacity. A patient should not be treated as lacking capacity unless all practical steps have been taken without success
What measures might be taken to help a patient reach capacity?
- Avoidance of jargon
- Use of pictures
- Use of translators
- Treatment of concurrent pain
- Allowing time for the patient to process the information
- Ensuring a quiet, comfortable setting
- Having a friend or relative present
- Asking questions at the best time of day for that patient
Who is responsible for making best interest decisions in the absence of an LPA or Deputy of Court?
The doctor with responsibility for the patient’s care
What should doctors take into account when making a best interests checklist?
- Patient’s present wishes and feelings
- Patient’s past wishes and feelings
- Any beliefs and values that would be likely to influence the deicison
- Other factors the patient would be likely to consider if able to do so
Who should be consulted by the decision maker when coming up with a best interests checklist, according to the mental capacity act?
When practical and appropriate, the following must be consulted about the best interests of a patient who lacks capacity:
- Anyone named by the person
- Anyone engaged in caring for the person or interested in his welfare
- Any donee of lasting power of attorney
- Any deputy appointed by the court
Are advanced decisions legally binding?
Yes- all valid and applicable advanced decisions must be followed