Gastroenterology Flashcards
Which blood test is the best to screen for hepatitis B infection?
HBsAg - surface antigen - implies active infection or chronic disease. In acute - present for 1-6 months. If present >6months - chronic
What is the first marker to appear in acute hepatitis B infection?
HBsAg
Will there be anti-HBs in chronic Hepatitis B?
No - negative in chronic disease
What does anti-HBs imply?
Immunity - either previous exposure or immunisation
What does the presence of anti-HBc signify?
Either acute or previous infection - IgM anti-HBc in acute or recent infection, present for 6 months. IgG persists long term
What does HBeAg indicate?
Breakdown of core antigen from liver cells - marker of infectivity and viral replication
What will hep B blood tests show in someone who is immunised?
Anti-HBs positive, all else negative
What will blood tests show in someone with previous hepatitis B infection who is not a carrier?
Anti-HBc positive, anti-HBs negative
What is a recognised complication of TIPSS procedure?
exacerbation of hepatic encephalopathy
What are 3 forms of prophylaxis for oesophageal varices?
- propranolol
- endoscopy variceal band ligation- should be done 2 weeks apart until all varices banded
- TIPSS if above unsuccessful
What should be done along side prophylactic EVL for varices?
PPI cover to prevent EVL-related ulceration
What is melanosis coli?
caused by laxative abuse - anthraquinone compounds e.g. senna, cascara result in pigment-laden macrophages in the bowel
When is the carbon isotope 13 (13C) urea breath test not recommended to diagnosis H pylori?
- within 4 weeks of treatment with antibiotics
- within 2 weeks of antisecretory drug e.g. PPI
How is the urea breath test performed?
- patients consume drink containing carbon isotope 13 (13C) enriched urea
- broken down by H pylori urease
- after 30 min patient exhales into glass tube - mass spectrometry analysis calculates amount of 13C CO2
What is the CLO test?
rapid urease test for H pylori; bippsy sample mixed with urea and pH indicator, colour change if H pylori urease activity
What is a drawback of using serum antibody to diagnose H pylori?
remains positive after eradication
What is the difference between culture of gastric biopsy and gastric biopsy for diagnosing H pylori?
culture will provide info on abx sensitivity; gatsric biopsy provides histological evaluation alone, no culture
What are 3 risk factors for giardiasis?
- foreign travel
- swimming / drinking water from a river or lake
- male-male sexual contact
What are 3 investigations for giardiasis?
- stool microscopy for trophozoite and cysts - sensitivity 65%
- stool antigen detection assay - greater sensivitiy and quicker
- PCR assays being developed
How serioues is hepatitis A?
typically a benign, self-limiting disease - serious outcome very rare
What is the incubation period for hepatitis A?
2-4 weeks
What are 5 factors associated with NAFLD?
- obesity
- T2DM
- hyperlipidaemia
- jejunoileal bypass
- sudden weight loss/ starvation
What type of virus causes hepatitis A?
RNA picornavirus
How is hepatitis A spread?
faeco-oral route, often in institutions