Gastroenterology Flashcards
How might a small bowel obstruction present in a neonate?
Persistant vomiting (will be bile stained unless site is above ampulla of vater) Abdominal Distension becoming increasingly prominent Meconium passage may be delayed or absent
Why might the timing of presentation differ in a small bowel obstruction?
Higher lesions present soon after birth, but a lower lesion may not present for several days.
List some of the causes of small intestine obstruction in neonates
Atresia or Stenosis of duodenum, jejenum or ileum
Malrotation with volvulus
Meconium Ileus
Meconium Plug
What investigation would you do in a neonate with suspected small bowel obstruction?
Abdominal XR
What is the management of small bowel obstruction in neonates?
Atresia and Malrotation are treated surgically
Meconium ileus treated with gastrograffin enema first
Meconium plugs often pass spontaneously
List some of the causes of large bowel obstruction in neonates
Hirschsprung Disease
Rectal Atresia
What is Hirschsprungs Disease and how does it present?
Absence of the myenteric nerve plexus in the rectum, which may extend along the colon
Baby initially will not pass meconium in the first 48hrs of life and the abdomen begins to distend.
What is rectal atresia?
Absence of the anus at the normal site, lesions are high or low depending on whether the bowel ends above or below the levator ani muscle.
Management is surgical
Describe soiling.
In long standing constipation the rectum becomes over distended, leads to a loss of feeling the need to defecate
Involuntary soiling may occur as contractions of the full rectum inhibit the internal anal sphincter, leading to overflow
List some of the functional disorders associated with chronic abdominal pain in children
Functional Dyspepsia
IBS
Abdominal Migraine
List some of the red flags that might make you think of an organic cause in a child presenting with recurrent abdominal pain?
diarrhoea, weight loss/weight faltering, blood in stools
vomiting, jaundice, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, unexplained fever, Family Hx of IBD
List some of the common viruses causing gastroenteritis.
Rotavirus
Adenovirus
Norovirus
What questions are important to ask in a diarrhoea history?
Any contacts with people who have D&V
Recent travel abroad
Recent course of antibiotics
Food out of the ordinary
BLOOD? Indicates it might be a bacterial cause
List some of the clinical signs of dehydration in children.
Dry Mucous Membranes Reduced Skin Turgor Prolonged Capillary Refill Time Reduced Urine output Sunken Eyes Sunken Anterior Fontanelle Rapid Pulse Body weight loss If severe - Drowsy
What is different about UC in adults and children?
In adults the colitis is usually confined to the distal colon, in children 90% have pan-colitis
How might Crohns disease present in children compared to adults?
In children - often lethargy and failure to thrive/weight loss is the main presenting feature. Only 25% get abdo pain and diarrhoea.
How does Ulcerative Colitis tend to present in children?
Typically with rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and colicky pain