Gastroenterology Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of omeprazole?
It inhibits the action of H+/K+-ATPase, which is found in parietal cells.
What are the roles of vitamin B12 in the body?
- Red blood cell development
- Maintenance of the nervous system
What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia
What are the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?
- Pernicious anaemia
- Post gastrectomy
- Vegan diet/poor diet
- Disorders or surgery at the terminal ileum e.g. Crohn’s
- Metformin (rare)
What are the features of vitamin B12 deficiency?
- Macrocytic anaemia
- Sore tongue and mouth
- Neurological symptoms (ataxic gait, paraesthesia i.e. pins and needles)
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. mood disturbances)
What is the management of vitamin B12 deficiency with no neurological involvement?
1 mg of IM hydroxocobalamin 3 times each week for 2 weeks, then once every 3 months
What are good sources of vitamin B12?
Meat, fish and milk
What is Barrett’s oesophagus?
Metaplasia of the lower oesophageal mucosa - squamous epithelium being replaced by columnar epithelium.
What is the increased risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in a patient with Barrett’s oesophagus?
50-100 fold
What is dyspepsia?
Indigestion
What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Burping and farting
- Bringing up food or fluids into your mouth
All occurs after eating
What is the difference between long and short Barrett’s oesophagus?
Short = <3cm
Long = >3cm
What cells need to be present along with metaplasia in order to diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus?
Goblet cells
What is Gilbert’s syndrome?
An autosomal recessive syndrome (mutation in UGt1A1 gene) caused by defective bilirubin conjugation as a result of a deficiency of UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1 enzyme).
What are the features of Gilbert’s syndrome?
- Unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (too much bilirubin in the blood)
- Jaundice after illness, exercise or fasting (physiological stress)
What is Grey Turner’s sign?
Blue discolouration of the flanks indicating retroperitoneal haemorrhage