Gastro 7.5 Flashcards
Causes of upper GI bleed?
- peptic ulcer
- gastritis/duodenitis
- vatical bleed
- erosive oesophagitis
- Mallory-Weiss tear
- tumours
- aorto-enteric fistual, AV malformation, Dieulafoy lesion
Most sensitive early objective measure/observation of haemodynamic status with upper GI bleed?
Tachycardia
Pro kinetic before endoscopy for upper GI bleed
Stat dose IV erythromycin 250mg
- 30-120m pre-OGD
- to promote gastric emptying & improve endoscopic visualisation
IV high-dose PPI before OGD for upper GI bleed
- bolus then infusion can be given
- if ongoing bleed/visible vessel, can continue infusion for 72h
- reduces bleeding stigmata and need for endoscopic haemostatic intervention
- doesn’t reduce re-bleeding rates or mortality
Pre-OGD for suspected variceal bleed?
IV terlipressin/octreotide (splanchnic vasoconstrictor)
- usually with broad-spectrum Abx because of high risk severe bacterial infections in these high risk pts
In upper GI bleed, when to offer:
- platelet transfusion?
- FFP?
- PCC?
- recombinant factor VIIa?
plts: active bleed, plts <50
FFP: fibrinogen<1 or PT/INR/APTT > 1.5xULN
PCC: active bleed + warfarinised
- do not use recombinant factor VIIa except when all other methods failed
When OGD fails to achieve haemostasis in upper GI bleed, or re-bleed despite OGD, what is an alternative to re-look OGD/surgery?
transcatheter arterial embolisation
OGD failure in variceal bleed - next step?
transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt within 72h
Options for testing H. pylori?
Withhold PPI for 2/52
- urea breath test
- stool Ag test
If can’t withhold PPI for 2/52 as concern of bleed/re-bleed:
3. Serology test - but H. pylori Ab remain after Rx, lowering specificity
H. pylori Rx ass with peptic ulcers
PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin/metronidazole for 1/52
If ass gastric ulcer (vs duodenal), continue PPI until control OGD performed 6-8wks later
Long-term Rx for peptic ulcers NOT ass with H. pylori/NSAIDs?
- long-term PPI
- higher risk of re-bleed
What is Forrest classification of upper GI bleeding?
To help describe peptic ulcers at OGD - prognostic info on risk of re-bleed, & mortality
1a - active spurting 1b active oozing 1c - non-bleeding visible vessel 2a - adherent clot 2b - flat pigmented spot 2c - clean ulcer base
Restarting aspirin for 2ry prevention of CVD after OGD for upper GI bleed due to peptic ulcer?
- same day if adherent clot/flat haematin spot/clean base
- restart 3days after endoscopic haemostasis achieved if visible vessel/active bleed + lifelong pPI
Long-term adverse effects of PPI
inc risk hip fracture
inc risk C diff infection
inc risk pneumonia
low Na, low Mg
Prevalence of coeliac disease increases in those who are seropositive for which HLA subtypes?
HLA-DQ2
HLA-DQ8
Conditions ass with coeliac disease?
dermatitis herpetiformis T1DM autoimmune liver disease autoimmune thyroid disease Turner's, William's, Down's syndrome selective IgA deficiency
Sites of common genetic mutations causing pancreatitis?
- PRSS1 mutation (cationic trypsinogen) - unique to pancreatitis
- SPINK1 mutation (pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor PSTI) - also unique
- CFTR - ass with pancreatitis as a result of cystic fibrosis
Recommended Rx of infected pancreatic necrosis
endoscopic drainage
What is type 3c diabetes?
- 2ry to pancreatic (exocrine) disease, e.g. inflammation, neoplasia, resection, that disrupts pancreas & body’s ability to produce insulin
- total beta cell loss or dysfunction leads to reduced insulin production
- insufficient insulin secretion
- microvasc complications if not treated
- nearly 50% require insulin within 5yrs
Long-term follow-up of chronic pancreatitis
- HbA1c/6months if not yet diabetic
- bone mineral density assessment every 2yrs (inc fracture risk & reduced BMD)
- if 3c diabetes, assess/6months for benefit of insulin therapy
Causes of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones Ethanol Trauma Steroids Mumps, coxsackie B Autoimmune e.g. PAN, Ascaris infection Scorpion venom Hypertriglyceridaemia, Hyperchlymicronaemia, Hypercalcaemia, Hypothermia ERCP Drugs: Azathioprine, Mesalazine, Didanosine, Bendroflumethiazide, Furosemide, Pentamidine, Steroids, Sodium valproate
Dx & Features of C diff?
Dx by C diff toxin in stool
- abdo pain, diarrhoea
- raised WCC
- severe toxic megacolon may develop
- Gram +ve rod, produces exotoxin that causes intestinal damage leading to pseudomembranous colitis. Can develop when gut flora suppressed by broad-spectrum Abx
Rx of C diff?
1st line PO metronidazole 10-14days
PO Vancomycin if severe/not responding
PO Vanc + IV Metronidazole if life-threatening
What is the trimodal death distribution following trauma?
- Immediately - eg brain or high spinal injury, cardiac/great vessel damage; low salvage rate
- Early hours post-injury - splenic rupture, subdural haematoma, haemopneumothoraces
- Days post-injury - sepsis, multi-organ failure
Trauma management - what thoracic injuries to suspect?
simple pneumothorax mediastinal traversing wounds tracheobronchial tree injury haemothorax blunt cardiac injury diaphragmatic injury aortic disruption pulmonary contusion
Rx of simple pneumothorax in thoracic trauma?
Chest drain (aspiration risky as could be due to lung laceration & convert to tension)
Causes of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones Etoh Trauma Steroids Mumps, Coxsackie B Autoimmune e.g. PAN, Ascaris infection Scorpion venom Hypertriglyceridaemia, Hyperchylomicronaemia (e.g. hereditary lipoprotein lipase deificiency & apolipoprotein CII deficiency), Hypercalcaemia, Hypothermia ERCP Drugs: azathioprine, mesalazine, bendroflumethiazide, furosemide, pentamidine, sodium valproate, steroids, didanosine (antiretroviral)
Anti-retroviral drug most characteristically ass with pancreatitis?
Didanosine
Commonest cause of biliary disease in pts with HIV?
Sclerosing cholangitis due to e.g. CMV, cryptosporidium & microsporidia
- pancreatitis may be 2ry to antiretroviral e.g. Didanosine, or by opportunistic infection e.g. CMV
What is ischaemic hepatitis?
Diffuse hepatic injury resulting from acute hypo perfusion (‘shock liver’)
- Dx in presence of an inciting event & massive rise in aminotransferase levels
- often in conjunction with AKI tubular necrosis or other end organ dysfunction
NAFLD: what is the spectrum?
what does it represent?
Hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, hence insulin resistance thought to e the key mechanism
- steatosis - fat in the liver
- NASH - fat with inflammation
- progressive disease may cause fibrosis & cirrhosis
What is NASH?
non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver changes similar to alcoholic hepatitis but in absence of etch abuse
- progression of disease may be responsible for what was previously labelled as cryptogenic cirrhosis
Factors ass with NAFLD?
obesity hyperlipidaemia T2DM jejunoilieal bypass sudden weight loss/starvation
Features of NAFLD?
usually aSx
hepatomegaly
ALT ? AST
increased echogenecity on US
What does NICE recommend in aSx incidental fatty changes on liver ultrasound?
What is suggested if this isn’t available?
ELF: enhanced liver fibrosis blood test to check for advanced fibrosis
- combo of hyaluronic acid + pro collagen III + tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1
- algorithm of values results in a blood test score
If not available:
- non-invasive tests to assess severity
- FIB4 score of NAFLD fibrosis score
- can be used in combo with a FibroScan (liver stiffness measurement assessed with transient elastography)
Rx of NAFLD?
lifestyle changes esp weight loss & monitoring
- ongoing research into role of gastric banding & metformin etc
MoA of 5-ASA drugs?
5-ASA released in colon and not absorbed
- acts as local anti-inflammatory
- may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis
What is Sulfasalazine?
side-effects?
5-ASA + sulphapyridine (sulphonamide)
- rashes
- oligospermia
- headache
- heinz-body anaemia
- megaloblastic anaemia
- lung fibrosis
- other SEs common to 5-ASAs
5-ASA drug side-effects (common to mesalazine & sulfasalazine etc)
- GI upset
- headache
- agranulocytosis
- pancreatitis
- interstitial nephritis
What is mesalazine?
Delayed release form of 5-ASA, avoiding sulphapyridine side-effects seen with sulfasalazine
Some studies suggest an increased risk of Crohn’s relapse 2ry to what?
NSAIDs, cOCP
1st line to induce remission in Crohn’s disease?
Glucocorticoids (oral, topical, IV)
- Budesonide is an alternative in a subgroup
1st line to induce remission in Crohn’s disease?
What can be used in addition?
Glucocorticoids (oral, topical, IV)
- Budesonide is an alternative in a subgroup
- Enteral feeding with an elemental diet may be used in in addition or instead if a concern with steroid side-effects e.g. in young children
2nd line drugs to induce remission in Crohn’s disease?
5-ASA drugs, but not as effect as steroids
What can be used to induce remission in Crohn’s as add-on medication? (but not mono therapy)
+ Azathioprine/Mercaptopurine/Methotrexate
What is used to induce remission in refractory or fistulating Crohn’s disease?
Infliximab
- pts usually continue on azathioprine/methotrexate
How to induce remission in isolated peri-anal Crohn’s disease?
Metronidazole
1st line drugs to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease?
Azathioprine/Mercaptopurine
2nd line drug to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease?
Methotrexate
What drug should be considered to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease if a pt has had previous surgery?
5-ASA drugs e.g. mesalazine
What are people with Crohn’s disease at increased risk of?
small bowel cancer
colorectal cancer
osteoporosis
What is the commonest disease pattern in Crohn’s?
What does it usually lead to?
What are other surgical procedures involved?
Stricturing terminal ill disease -> Ileocaecal resection
- segmental small bowel resections
- stricturoplasty
- sub-total colectoy
- panproctocolectomy
- staged subtotal colectomy
- protectomy
Fistulae in Crohn’s disease?
- may form between rectum & skin (perianal) or small bowel & skin
- between loops of bowel can occur ->bacterial overgrowth & malabsorption
- Rx of enterocutaneous fistulae involves controlling sepsis, optimising nutrition, imaging the disease & planning definitive surgical Rx
When to consider IBS?
How to diagnose in terms of Sx?
- abdo pain &/or bloating &/or change in bowel habit
- abdo pain relieved by defecation/ass with altered bowel frequency stool form, with 2/4 of:
- altered stool passage
- abdo bloating, distension, tension, hardness
- Sx worse by eating
- passage of mucus
- may also have features such as lethargy, nausea, backache, bladder Sx
When considering IBS what are red flag Sx?
rectal bleeding
unexplained/unintentional weight loss
FX of bowel/ovarial cancer
onset after 60yrs age
3 Drug causes of dyspepsia?
What 3 drugs may cause reflux by reducing lower oesophageal sphincter pressure?
- NSAIDs
- bisphosphonates
- steroids
- calcium channel blockers
- nitrates
- theophyllines
- although calcium channel blockers & nitrates occasionally used in achalasia because of their effect on the LOS
What is PBC: 1ry biliary cholangitis?
- chronic liver disorder typically in middle-aged females 9:1
- thought to be autoimmune, where interlobular bile ducts become damaged by a chronic inflammatory process causing progressive cholestasis, which may eventually progress to cirrhosis
- classic presentation: itching in a middle-aged woman
Diseases ass with PBC?
- Sjogrens 80%
- RA
- systemic sclerosis
- thyroid disease
Dx of PBC - what Ab?
- AMA M2 present in 98%, v specific
- smooth muscle Ab in 30%
- raised serum IgM
Rx of PBC:
- what supplements?
- what drug Rx?
- what for pruritus?
- what if e.g. bilirubin >100?
- fat-soluble vitamins
- ursodeoxycholic acid
- cholestyramine for pruritus
- liver Tx - recurrence may occur in gift but not usually a problem
What are the 3 types of colon cancer?
sporadic 95%
hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma 5%
familial adenomatous polyposis <1%
What gene mutations are involved in sporadic colon cancer?
More than half show alleic loss of the APC gene
Further series of gene abnormalities lead to invasive carcinoma e.g.:
- activation of K-ras oncogene
- p53 deletion
- DCC tumour suppressor gene deletion
Commonest form of inherited colon cancer?
where does it usually develop?
7 mutations have been identified - which affect genes involved in DNA mismatch repair leading to micro satellite instability - what are the commonest genes involved?
- what is the commonest associated cancer?
HNPCC
- often proximal colon, usually poorly differentiated & highly aggressive
- MSH2 60%
- MLH1 30%
- endometrial (they are in general at higher risk of other cancers)
Amsterdam criteria used to aid Dx of HNPCC?
- at least 3 family members with colon cancer
- across at least 2 generations
- at least 1 Dx <50yrs
FAP: familial adenomatous polyposis = hundreds of polyps form by age 30-40, inevitably develop carcinoma
- genetics?
- how can genetic testing be done?
- usual Rx?
- what other tumours are they at risk from?
- autosomal dominant
- mutation in APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) tumour suppressor gene on chr 5
- analyse DNA from WBCs
- total colectomy with ileo-anal pouch formation in their twenties
- duodenal tumours
What is Gardner’s syndrome?
Variant of FAP
- esteems of skull & mandible
- retinal pigmentation
- thyroid carcinoma
- epidermoid cysts on skin
Why is there increased risk of colon cancer in UC?
lesions?
prognosis?
- chronic inflammation
- lesions may be multifocal
- prognosis worse than if without UC
Factors that increase risk of colon cancer in pts with UC?
- disease duration >10yrs
- pts with pancolitis
- onset before 15yrs old
- unremitting disease
- poor compliance to treatment
Risk stratification for colonoscopy surveillance in IBD (?colon cancer)
- Lower risk?
5 yr colonoscopy
- extensive colitis with no active endoscopic/histological inflammation
- or left-sided colitis
- or Crohn’s colitis <50% of colon
Risk stratification for colonoscopy surveillance in IBD (?colon cancer)
- Intermediate risk?
3 yr colonoscopy
- extensive colitis with midl active endoscopy/histological inflammation
- or post-inflammatory polyps
- or FHx of bowel ca in a 1st degree relative aged 50+
Risk stratification for colonoscopy surveillance in IBD (?colon cancer)
- Higher risk?
1 yr followup colonoscopy
- extensive colitis with mod/severe active endoscopic/histological inflammation
- or stricture in past 5yrs
- or dysplasia in past 5yrs declining surgery
- or PSC/Tx for 1ry sclerosing cholangitis
- or FHx bowel ca in 1st degree relative aged <50yrs
2 methods used to Dx coeliac disease?
- immunology
- jejunal biopsy
- both normally reverse on a gluten-free diet
Immunology in coeliac disease: - 1st choice most specific Ab?
others?
Anti-TTG Ab IgA most specific Also: - endomyseal Ab IgA - anti-gliadin Ab IgA/IgG NOT recommended by NICE - anti-casein Abs found in some
Jejunal biopsy in coeliac disease - what 4 things may be found?
- subtotal villous atrophy
- crypt hyperplasia
- increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes
- lamina propria infiltration with lymphocytes
Important causes of subtotal villous atrophy?
- Coeliac disease
- Tropical sprue
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Lymphoma
- HIV-related enteropathy
- Giardiasis
- Hypogammaglobulinaemia
- Radiation
- Whipple’s disease
- Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
Crohn’s disease pt has an ileocaecal resection. C/o diarrhoea at clinic, with normal CRP and no focal changes on small bowel enteroclysis
What is the cause?
What should benefit?
Bile salt malabsorption common cause of diarrhoea after ill resection
- oral Cholestyramine
What is Budd-Chiara syndrome?
Features?
Causes?
Hepatic vein thrombosis
- usually seen in a procoagulant condition
- abdo pain, sudden-onset, severe
- ascites
- tender hepatomegaly
- polycythaemia rubra vera
- thrombophilia: activated protein C resistance, antithrombin III deficiency, protein C&S deficiencies, antiphospholipid syndrome
- pregnancy, OCP
Dysphagia may be associated with weight loss, anorexia or vomiting during eating
Past history may include Barrett’s oesophagus, GORD, XS smoking or alcohol use
Dx?
oesophageal cancer
May be history of heartburn
Odynophagia but no weight loss and systemically well
Dx?
Oesophagitis
Dysphagia, odynophagia with e.g. Hx of HIV or other RFs such as steroid inhaler use
Dx?
oesophageal candidiasis
Dysphagia of both liquids and solids from the start
Heartburn
Regurgitation of food - may lead to cough, aspiration pneumonia etc
INCREASE in LOS pressure
Dx?
Achalasia
More common in older men
Represents a posteromedial herniation between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles
Usually not seen but if large then a midline lump in the neck that gurgles on palpation
Typical symptoms are dysphagia, regurgitation, aspiration and chronic cough. Halitosis may occasionally be seen
Dx?
Pharyngeal pouch
Dysphagia
As well as oesophageal dysmotility the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressure is DECREASED
other features e.g. calcinosis, Raynauds
Dx?
systemic sclerosis
Dysphagia with liquids as well as solids
Other Sx may include extraocular muscle weakness or ptosis
Dx?
Myasthenia gravis
Dysphagia, May be Hx of anxiety
Sx are often intermittent and relieved by swallowing
Usually painless - the presence of pain should warrant further Ix for organic causes
Dx?
Globus hystericus
Extrinsic causes of dysphagia?
Medistinal mass
Cervical spondylosis
Oesophageal wall causes of dysphagia?
Achalasia
Diffuse oesophageal spasm
Hypertensive lower oesophageal sphincter
Intrinsic causes of dysphagia?
Tumours
Strictures
Oesophageal web
Schatzki rings
Neurological causes of dysphagia?
CVA Parkinson's disease MS Brainstem pathology Myasthenia gravis
What studies are required to evaluate conditions e.g. achalasia & pts with GORD being considered for fundoplication surgery?
Ambulatory oesophageal pH & manometry studies
GORD: what are the indications for OGD?
What can be considered if OGD negative i.e. what is the gold standard test for Dx?
- age >55
- Sx >4wks or persistent Sx despite Rx
- dysphagia
- relapsing Sx
- weight loss
Generally there is poor correlation between Sx & endoscopy appearance
Consider 24h oesophageal pH monitoring
Colorectal cancer in the UK is 3rd commonest
- what does is usually develop from?
- what is lifetime risk?
- what is the screening programme?
- what happens at colonoscopy?
- adenomatous polyps
- lifetime risk 5%
- FOB test every 2 yrs to those aged 60-74 in Eng, 50-74 in Scot - if abnormal, offered colonoscopy
- reduces mortality by 16%
- 5/10 normal
- 4/10 polyps, amy be removed
- 1/10 cancer
What is PSC: 1ry sclerosing cholangitis?
Features?
Associations?
- biliary disease characterised by inflammation & fibrosis of intra & extra hepatic bile ducts, unknown aetiology
- RUQ pain, fatigue, cholestais: jaundice & pruritus
- UC 4% have PSC, 80% PSC have UC
- Crohn’s
- HIV
Dx of PSC? what is shown?
Complications?
- **ERCP: multiple biliary strictures giving a beaded appearance
- ANCA may be +ve
- liver Bx may show fibrous obliterative cholangitis ‘onion skin’
- cholangiocarcinoma 10%
- inc risk colorectal ca
When to consider bariatric surgery in severe obesity?
When to consider it as a 1st line option?
- BMI>40 or 35-40 with significant comorbidity that would improve with weight loss
- all non-surg measures failed to achieve/maintain clinical beneficial weight loss at least 6m
- if will/do receive intensive specialist management
- generally fit for anaesthesia & surgery
- commit to need for long-term followup
Consider 1st line if BMI>50 & surgery appropriate
- consider Orlistat before surgery if waiting time is long
3 main types of Bariatric surgery?
- 1rily restrictive: laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding LAGB, or sleeve gastrectomy
- 1rily malabsorptive: classic BPD biliopancreatic diversion has now been largely replaces by biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
- mixed: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Bariatric surgery: what produces less weight loss than malabsorptive or mixed procedures but as it has fewer complications it is normally the 1st-line intervention in patients with a BMI of 30-39?
LAGB: mainly restrictive, laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding
Bariatric surgery: what is generally considered if BMI >40?
Gastric bypass (mixed) or sleeve gastrectomy (restrictive) - sleeve may be done as a sole procedure or an initial procedure prior to bypass
Bariatric surgery: when are 1rily malabsorptive procedures done?
Reserve for the v obese e.g. BMI >60
Features of acute appendicitis?
Abdo pain:
- peri-umbilical (visceral stretching of appendix lumen which is a midgut structure)
- radiating to RIF pain (localised parietal peritoneal inflammation)
- migratory, worse on coughing/speed bumps. Children can’t hop on right LL.
- anorexia, nausea/vomit 1-2x, mild fever
- pelvic appendicitis may cause localised rectal irritation leading to some loos stools (pelvic abscess can also cause diarrhoea)
Examination in acute appendicitis
- tender, guarding, rebound, local/generalised peritonitis if perforation
- retrocaecal appendicitis may have relatively few signs
- DRE may reveal boggy sensation if pelvic abscess, or even tenderness with a pelvic appendix
Dx of acute appendicitis?
What score can be used to suggest the likelihood of it?
- Hx, Ex, raised inflame markers
- urine to exclude pregnancy, renal colic, UTI
- US useful in females. May show free fluid
- CT but not usually
Alvarado score: 8 criteria
Rx in appendicitis?
- lap appendicectomy
- metronidazole reduces wound infection rates
- copious abdominal lavage if perforated appendix
- broad-spectrum Abx if no peritonitis, can consider interval appendicectomy
- be aware of underlying caecal malignancy or perf’d sigmoid diverticular disease in older pts
- solely IV Abx ass with longer hospital stay and unto 20% go on to have an appendicectomy within 12m
RFs for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Main RFs:
- cirrhosis e.g. 2ry to HBV (worldwide), HCV (UK)
- etoh
- haemochromatosis
- PBC
Others: alpha-1 AT deficiency, hereditary tyrosinosis, glycogen storage disease, aflatoxin, porphyria cutanea tarda, male sex, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, OCP, anabolic steroids
Features of hepatocellular carcinoma?
How should screening be considered?
- tends to present late
- may have features of cirrhosis e.g. jaundice, ascites, RUQ pain, hepato/splenomegaly, pruritus
- may present as decompensation in a pt with chronic liver disease
- can be 2ry e.g. multiple blood transfusions
Screening: US +/- AFP for high-risk groups e.g.
- cirrhosis 2ry to HBV/HCV/haemochromatosis
- men with cirrhosis 2ry to etch
Rx options in hepatocellular carcinoma?
- early: surgical resection
- liver Tx
- radio frequency ablation (usually palliative)
- transarterial chemoembolisation (usually palliative)
- SORAFENIB: multikinase inhibitor
What is the H. pylori test where pt consumes drink containing 13C isotope enriched urea, then exhales with mass spectrometry analysis?
How long do you need to wait if pt has had Abx/antisecretory e.g. PPI?
Urea breath test - urea is broken down by H pylori urease
- mass spec calculated amount of 13C CO2
- shouldn’t be performed within 4 WEEKS
- sens 95-98%, spec 97-98%
What is the H pylori test where a biopsy sample is mixed with urea & pH indicator, and a colour change occurs if there’s H pylori urease activity?
Rapid urease test e.g. CLO test
- sens 90-95% spec 95-98%
What is the limitation of the serum Ab H pylori test?
Remains positive after eradication
- sens 85% spec 80%
What is the benefit of culture of gastric biopsy as an H pylori test?
- provides Abx sensitivities info
- sens 70% spec 100%
- Can also do gastric biopsy alone without culture, with sens 95-99% spec 95-99%
What is Wilson’s disease?
What is the genetic defects?
Autosomal recessive disorder characterised by XS copper deposition in the tissues
Metabolic abnormalities inc: increased copper absorption from small bowel, decreased hepatic copper excretion
Defect in the ATP7B gene on chr 13
Features of Wilson’s disease?
- onset usually 10-25yrs, children present with liver disease whereas adults it is often neuro
Liver: - hepatitis, cirrhosis
Brain: - basal ganglia degeneration, speech, behavioural & psych problems, asterixis, chorea, dementia
Cornea: - Kayser-Fleischer rings
Also: - renal tubule acidosis eso Fanconi syndrome, haemolysis, blue nails
Dx by serum & urine in Wilson’s disease?
- Reduced serum caeruloplasmin
(also reduced serum copper as 95% is carried by caeruloplasmin) - Increased 24h urinary copper excretion
1st line Rx for Wilson’s disease?
Alternative ?
Newer one under Ix?
PENICILLAMINE chelates copper
Trientine Hydrochloride also a copper chelator
Tetrathiomolybdate under Ix
What is Gilberts syndrome?
What are the features?
Ix?
Autosomal recessive condition of defective bilirubin conjugation due to deficiency of UDP glucuronyl transferase
- unconjugated hyperbilinaemia (so not in urine)
- jaundice may only be seen during intercurrent illness
- Bilirubin rise after prolonged fasting or IV nicotinic acid, no Rx required
Recognised associations of autoimmune hepatitis?
What is the ass raised Ig subtype?
- other autoimmune disorders
- hypergammaglobulinaemia
- HLA B8, DR3
- IgG
Type I autoimmune hepatitis
- what Ab?
- who does it affect?
ANA &/or anti-smooth muscle Ab SMA
- adults & children
Type II autoimmune hepatitis
- what Ab?
- who does it affect?
- anti-liver/kidney microsomal type 1 Ab LKM1
- children only
Type III autoimmune hepatitis
- what Ab?
- who does it affect?
- soluble liver-kidney Ag
- middle-aged adults
Features of autoimmune hepatitis?
What is on liver biopsy?
- usually insidious onset
- may present with signs of chronic liver disease
- acute hepatitis: fever, jaundice etc in 25%
- amenorrhoea is common
- ANA/SMA/LKM1 Abs, raised IgG levels
- extrahepatic clinical features common
Liver Bx: inflammation extending beyond limiting plate (‘piecemeal necrosis’), bridging necrosis
Rx of autoimmune hepatitis?
- steroids, other immunosuppressants e.g. Azathioprine
- liver Tx
Which laxative is shown to have carcinogenic potential?
Co-Danthramer & Co-Danthrusate= genotoxic, carcinogenic
- only be prescribed in palliative pts with refractory constipation
Examples of osmotic laxatives?
lactulose
macrogols
rectal phosphates
Examples of stimulant laxatives?
senna docusate bisacodyl glycerol (co-danthramer)
Examples of bulk-forming laxatives?
ispaghula husk
methylcellulose
Examples of faecal softener laxatives?
arachis oil enemas, not commonly prescribed
Bile-acid malabsorption
1ry cause?
2ry causes?
Chronic diarrhoea due to XS production of bile acid
- underlying GI disorder causing reduced bile acid absorption e.g. ileal disease in Crohn’s
- cholecystectomy
- coeliac disease
- small bowel bacterial overgrowth
Ix of choice for bile acid malabsorption?
Rx?
SeHCAT: uclear test using gamma-emitting selenium molecule in selenium homocholic acid taurine or tauroselcholic acid
- scans done 7 days apart to assess retention/loss of radio labelled SeHCAT
Rx Bile acid sequestrate e.g. cholestyramine
What is haemochromatosis?
Autosomal recessive disorder of iron absorption & metabolism resulting in iron accumulation
- inheritance of mutations in HFE gene on both copies of chr 6
- carrier rate of 1 in 10 (!)
Screening for haemochromatosis in family members?
HFE mutation genetic testing
Diagnostic test for haemochromatosis?
Molecular genetic testing for C282Y & H63D mutations
Liver Bx: Perl’s stain
Typical iron study profile in patient with haemochromatosis?
What is characteristically shown on joint X-rays?
Tranferrin sat >55% men >50% women
Raised ferritin >500 & Iron
LOW total iron binding capacity
Chondrocalcinosis
Monitoring adequacy of venesection in haemochromatosis?
Transferrin sat should be kept <50%
Serum ferritin conc <50
Screening for haemochromatosis in general population?
Transferrin saturation most useful; ferritin should also be measured but not usually abnormal in early stages of iron accumulation
What is angiodysplasia?
Association?
Dx?
Vascular deformity of GI tract which predisposes to bleeding & iron-deficiency anaemia
- seen in elderly
- ass with aortic stenosis = reduction in vWF as blood passes through narrow aortic valve; Rx is of aortic stenosis
Dx with colonoscopy
- mesenteric angiography if acutely bleeding
Rx of angiodysplasia?
Endoscopic cautery or Argon plasma coagulation
- antifibrinolytics e.g. Transexamic acid
- oestrogen may also be used?
Drug causes of mainly hepatocellular liver disease?
- paracetamol
- valproate, phenytoin
- MAO-Is
- statins
- etoh
- amiodarone
- methyldopa
- nitrofurantoin
- halothane
- anti-TB: RIP
Drug causes of mainly cholestatic (+/- hepatitis) liver disease?
- OCP
- ABx: co-amoxiclav, flucloxacillin, erythromycin
- sulphonylureas
- fibrates
- phenothiazines e.g. chlorpromaxine, prochlorperazine
- nifedipine rarely
Drug causes of mainly cirrhotic liver disease?
Methotrexate
Methyldopa
aMiodarone
Blatchford score at 1st assessment of acute upper GI bleed:
what are the components?
Urea
Hb
systolic BP
Others: tachycardia, melaena presentation, syncope presentation, hepatic disease, cardiac failure
Resuscitation in acute upper GI bleed?
After?
ABC, access
platelet transfusion if actively bleeding, plts<50
FFP if fibrinogen <1 or PT/INR/APTT >1.5X normal
PCC if on warfarin & actively bleeding
OGD immediately if severe, otherwise within 24h
Management of non-variceal acute upper GI bleeding?
PPI not recommended pre-OGD if suspected non-variceal
- should be given if non-variceal upper GI bleed & stigmata or recent haemorrhage shown at endoscopy
If further bleeding:
- repeat OGD, interventional radiology, surgery
Management of variceal acute upper GI bleeding: pre-OGD? if oesophageal? if gastric? if not controlled?
- Pre-OGD: Terlipressin & prophylactic Abx
- Band ligation for oesophageal varices
- Injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for gastric varies
- TIPS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts if otherwise not controlled
Vessel responsible with a posteriorly-sited duodenal ulcer which can present with major bleeding?
Gastroduodenal artery
What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
30% occur as part of what?
XS levels of GASTRIN, usually from a gastrin-secreting tumour of duodenum/pancreas
- MEN type I
Features of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
- severe multiple gastroduodenal ulcers
- gastric acid hyper secretion
- diarrhoea, malabsorption (gastrin activates pancreatic lipase, precipitating bile acids)
- non-beta cell islet tumour of pancreas may be present i.e. gastrinoma
Dx of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
Fasting gastrin levels = single best screen test
Secretin stimulation test: paradoxical dramatic increase in gastrin (normally little/no effect)
3 main conditions of ischaemia to the lower GI tract?
acute mesenteric ischaemia
chronic mesenteric ischaemia
ischaemic colitis