GI Flashcards
6 year old with periumbilical pain yesterday, now presents with RUQ tenderness and guarding, but no rebound tenderness…best diagnostic test to determine if surgery is necessary?
CT with contrast, because best way to rule out appendicitis is via CT with contrast
-Don’t be tricked into steering way from thinking appy just because there is no rebound tenderness and going after ruling out something like Yersinia, mesenteric adenitis, or Crohn’s
Name 10 causes of acute abdominal pain.
- Appendicitis
- Pain from pneumonia
- Post-Op Intestinal Obstruction
- Constipation (Cyst-ovarian)
- Mesenteric adenitis
- Mono
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatitis
- Infection (UTI)
- Trauma
What needs to be considered in any child presenting with an acute abdomen?
Appendicitis
What is the usual age in which appendicitis presents?
More common in kids over 2, but can present in infants too
What is the diagnostic spot for pain in appendicitis?
McBurney’s point
Where is McBurney’s point?
1/3 the way between the ASIS and umbilicus
Name some symptoms associated with appendicitis.
Pain in the RLQ, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, low-grade fever
What is the psoas sign associated with?
Appendicitis
What is the psoas sign?
Pain when straightening out the leg
Name 2 XR findings in appendicitis.
- Sentinel loop
2. Absence of air in the RLQ
What is a hardened mass (usually of stool) seen on XR in appendicitis?
Fecalith
What is the most common finding on XR for appendicitis?
NEGATIVE…don’t be fooled into thinking it isn’t an appy just because the XR is negative
True or False: A child who wishes to eat is unlikely to have an appendicitis?
True
Is severe vomiting associated with appendicitis?
Not always
Does a normal WBC count rule out appendicitis?
No
Acute abdominal pain with a history of cough and other respiratory signs…what test do you use to diagnose the problem?
Pneumonia…CXR
Post-op patient with acute abdominal pain?
Obstruction
What is seen on XR with post op intestinal obstruction?
Obstructive gas pattern
What is the first thing you do with post-op intestinal obstruction?
Bowel decompression
Causes of acute abdominal pain?
"CAMP HIT" Constipation (Cyst-Ovarian) Adenitis (Mesenteric) Mono Pancreatitis Hepatitis Infection (UTI) Trauma
What includes all children who have abdominal pain for which a specific cause cannot be identified?
Recurrent or chronic abdominal pain
Some kids will have an etiology (like celiac) while some kids will continue with pain for which no cause can be found.
- Recurrent pain in the upper abdomen or periumbilical pain.
- Pain isn’t relieved with defecation or changes in stool pattern.
- No organic cause of explanation for symptoms
Functional dyspepsia
How long do the symptoms of functional dyspepsia have to be present before a diagnosis can be made?
At least once per week for at least 2 months
What do you think if they describe a kid with recurrent pain in the upper abdomen or periumbilical pain, pain isn’t relieved with defecation or changes in stool pattern, and no organic cause of explanation for symptoms who has a recent history of acute viral gastroenteritis?
Gastroparesis (this will be described after the viral illness has resolved)
Not functional dyspepsia
True or False: If the test for H. Pylori is poitive in the context of recurrent abdominal pain, does that mean there is a causal relationship?
False (so routine testing for H. Pylori in a question involving a patients with functional dyspepsia will likely be wrong)
What is H. Pylori associated with?
- Low socioeconomic status (especially those living in crowed housing)
- Immigrants from developing countries
If routine testing for H. Pylori indicated in someone with functional dyspepsia?
No… can consider if patient is an immigrant from a developing country or is of low socioeconomic status
Name some red flags and systemic findings that point away from functional dyspepsia.
Pain radiating to back, bilious vomiting, bloody emesis, difficulty swallowing, melena, weight loss, fever, night sweats, anemia
What is treatment for functional dyspepsia (non-pharmacological)?
- Eliminating items that can exacerbate symptoms: NSAIDs, spicy foods, soda (caffeine)
- Small more frequent meals
What are some pharmacological treatment options for functional dyspepsia?
H2 antagonists or gastric PPIs
*Can also consider a low dose antidepressant (works in adults, not proven in kids)
How long/frequent must there be symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome?
Once a week for at least 2 months
Name symptoms and findings consistent with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Abdominal discomfort improved with defecation
- Change in stool frequency
- Change in stool consistency
- No organic explanation for symptoms
- Straining or bowel urgency
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Passage of mucus
- Bloating
- Abdominal distention
What are some red flags in the clinical description that point away from IBS?
- Pain limited to night time
- Unexplained weight loss
- Oral ulcers
- Rash
- Pallor
- Bloody stools
What is the more likely diagnosis if they are describing GI issues in a kid with additional systemic signs like anemia, fever, arthritis, delayed puberty, short stature, or family history?
IBD
What are 2 non-pharmacological ways to manage IBD?
- Dietary changes
2. Addressing psychological issues
What are some dietary changes that can help with IBD?
Reducing sorbitol (stuff in sugar free candy), fructose, and gas-forming foods (like brussel sprouts, broccoli, beans, kim chee)
What is a controversial pharmacologic to help with IBD?
Tricyclic antidepressants
How long must symptoms be present to diagnose childhood functional abdominal pain?
At least once a week for past 2 months
What is described by episodic or continuous abdominal pain that doesn’t meet the diagnostic criteria for other GI disorders? In addition, there must be evidence of loss of daily activity and additional symptoms like headache, limb pain, or sleep disruption?
Childhood functional abdominal pain
What is the typical clinical presentation of an abdominal migraine?
Acute, incapacitating, periumbilical abdominal pain that lasts for more than 1 hour
What are some additional findings seen in abdominal migraine?
Pallor, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, or photophobia
What is required to diagnose abdominal migraines (deals with when symptoms occur)?
There must be symptom free period lasting weeks to months between episodes.
In addition, family history of migraine headaches could be included
What are two non-pharmacological ways to treat abdominal migraine?
- Remove triggers like caffeine or nitrate-containing foods (smoked meats)
- Reduce psychological stress
True or False: Pharmacological treatment for abdominal migraines and regular migraines is the same?
True
What should you consider in a patient who presents with recurrent abdominal pain and urinary retention, tachycardia, blurred vision, and dry mouth?
Anti-cholinergic medication… this kid may have been inappropriately prescribed anticholinergics to treat recurrent abdominal pain…anticholinergics should NOT be given to kids with acute or chronic diarrhea
When would you order labs or imaging for a kid with suspected functional abdominal pain?
You wouldn’t…watch for signs or indications of psychological stressors
When do you use antidirrheal medications in children?
NEVER
If you are presented with a kid in GI distress who got anti-diarrheals, these medication are cause of symptoms
Where is watery diarrhea derived from?
Small intestine
How is watery diarrhea described (2)?
- High volume
2. Not bloody
True or False: No specific tests are needed when presented with a patient with water diarrhea?
TRUE
What are the 2 exceptions to testing for watery diarrhea?
Concern for C. Diff or diarrhea due to cholera
*Picture watery diarrhea with a “C” (sea) to remind you of C. Diff and Cholera needing specific studies
How is inflammatory diarrhea described?
Small and frequently contains blood, mucous, and WBCs. More toxic picture will be described.
True or False: Children who have diarrhea should continue to be fed age-appropriate diets?
True
What is the optimal mixture of oral rehydration solution in a child who is moderately to severely dehydrated?
2% glucose and 90mEq NaCl
True or False: Pedialyte is considered a rehydration solution
FALSE
True or False: The AAP recommends fatty foods and foods high in simple sugars (sweetened tea, juice, soft drinks) to help the diarrhea resolve faster
FALSE
What is the AAP view on the BRAT diet?
Contains well-tolerated foods, but too limited and doesn’t supply optimal nutrition. “Bowel rest” is considered to be unnecessary starvation.
Why is anything that reduces intestinal motility dangerous?
Results in pooling of fluids with dehydration going unnoticed
True or False: Oral rehydration fluids reduce ongoing stool losses?
False
Is tea part of the BRAT diet?
NO
What is more indicative of diarrhea secondary to bacteria than occult blood?
Neutrophils in the stool
What can be used to find WBCs in stool?
Methylene blue
How does viral diarrhea present (like rotavirus)?
Low grade fever, vomiting, and large loose watery stools
What is the leading and 2nd lead cause of diarrhea in infants worldwide?
Rotavirus, then adenovirus
How does bacterial diarrhea often present?
High fever, small frequent stools, mucous or blood
How does enteropathogenic E. Coli (EPEC) diarrhea present?
Acute and chronic diarrhea in neonates and children under 2. Stool non-bloody, but fever and vomiting commonly seen.
Where is EPEC more common?
Areas with poor sanitation
How does enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC) diarrhea present?
Severe diarrhea and cramping that is self-limited
What is another name for ETEC?
Traveler’s diarrhea (Mexico)
“Entero-TACO-genetic” (enterotoxigenic) E. Coli causes traveler’s diarrhea
Is prophylaxis against ETEC (traveler’s diarrhea) indicated in otherwise healthy children?
Not typically
What can you use for prophylaxis against ETEC?
Bismuth subsalicylate or antibiotic (Bactrim)
When would you consider antimicrobial therapy for ETEC?
If diarrhea doesn’t improve after several days of supportive care and assays for Shiga toxin are negative
What are some treatment options for ETEC?
Bactrim, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin (depending on age of patient)
What are some other names for Shiga toxin producing E. Coli (STEC)?
O157:H7 serotype, enterohemorrhagic E. Coli (EHEC), verotoxin-producing E. Coli
*Important to remember that this is a Shiga-toxin producing bacterial… problems happen with this
How does Shiga toxin producing E. Coli present?
Stools usually start as watery diarrhea and become bloody after 3 or 4 days. Several abdominal pain and cramping are typical, but fever is rare.
What 2 complications can Shiga toxin producing E. Coli cause?
- Hemorrhagic Colitis
2. HUS
Why are antibiotics contraindicated in enterohemorrhagic E. Coli diarrhea?
- Can result in release of shiga toxins
2. Increase risk of HUS in kids
What organisms cause prolonged watery diarrhea and are common in people of all ages in industrialized as well as developing countries?
Enteroaggregative E. Coli (EAEC)
How does enteroaggregative E. Coli act (how did it get its name)?
Bacteria stack up on each other… bacteria aggregate and colonize intestinal mucosa, releasing enterotoxinc and cytotoxins that destroy cells lining the intestines
How does enteroinvasive E. Coli diarrhea present?
Clinical picture similar to dysentery (Shigella)… stools may be blood- and mucous-tinged, and tenesmus may be present
True or False: Patients with enteroinvasive E. Coli are usually afebrile
TRUE
What is protracted diarrhea defined as?
Diarrhea beyond 2 weeks that can’t be attributed to an acute gastroenteritis
What would you think for a newborn with protracted diarrhea?
Anatomical causes (short gut)
What would you think for an infant with protracted diarrhea?
Viral infection or protein intolerance
What would you think for a toddler or older kid with protracted diarrhea?
Lactose intolerance
What is a test for sugar malabsorption?
Clinitest (Quick Screen)… tests for reducing substances (dietary sugars except sucrose). Presence of these reducing substances in stool would correlate with sugar malabsorption.
What is a test for sugar malabsorption?
Hydrogen breath test. Normal gut flora ferments sugar, resulting in hydrogen production, which is absorbed in blood and excreted in lungs.
What is a test for fat malabsorption?
Fecal fat measurement. A single stool specimen for fat isn’t valid verification…need 3-day fecal fat determination.
What is a test for fat malabsorption?
Serum carotene and prothrombin time… indirect tests (correlate with vitamin A and vitamin K absorption.
What is a test for protein malabsorption?
Albumin level and total protein. This typically occurs along with fat malabsorption. When it occurs as an isolated clinical finding, edema and other clinical findings will be noted.
Does the description of loose stools suggest/confirm chronic diarrhea?
No.. a kid with steatorrhea might have a couple large, firm, stool daily, but still be suffering from chronic malabsorption
How can a neuroblastoma cause diarrhea?
Can produce vasoactive intestinal peptides
When does transient lactase deficiency occur and how long to return to normal?
After an acute gastoenteritis, can take up to 3-6 months to return to normal
What is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea in children up to age 3?
Toddler’s diarrhea (chronic non-specific diarrhea)
What is toddler’s diarrhea often due to?
Excessive fruit juice intake
How does toddler’s diarrhea present?
Typically in a toddler with formed stool in the AM, which becomes progressively loose as the day progresses
True or False: By definition, growth an development are normal in Toddler’s diarrhea?
True… Poor growth, fever, and melena are not seen
What is treatment for Toddler’s diarrhea?
Limiting carbohydrates in diet and increasing intake of high fiber foods (fruits and veggies)
What are 3 predisposing factors diarrhea can be seen with?
- Malnutrition
- Chronic infection
- Systemic disease
- Immunodeficiency
What is a common cause of vomiting in early infancy… description similar to that of a septic infant?
Inborn errors of metabolism
What should you look for if you are given an infant with a septic picture and labs as clues to point to inborn errors of metabolism?
- Metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperammonemia
- No fever
How does duodenal atresia present?
Bilious vomiting during the first day of life
What is seen on XR for duodenal atresia?
Double Bubble sign
Why are infants with duodenal atresia frequently icteric?
Diminished enterohepatic circulation
When will you see no air distal to the site of atresia in duodenal atresia?
If there is complete atresia
What do you do for any newborn who presents with bilious vomiting?
Abdominal film
True or False: Malrotation is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention
TRUE
What causes malrotation?
Cecum’s failure to descend while being handcuffed to the posterior right abdominal wall… this compresses the duodenum, causing duodenal obstruction
How does malrotation typically present?
Bilious vomiting, abdominal tenderness, abdominal distention, crampy abdominal pain, blood via rectum
What presents similarly to malrotation?
NEC
Typically seen in preemie, but can occur in full-term infant
What presents in infancy as bilious vomiting and right-sided abdominal distention?
Volvulus
Which condition is associated with Ladd Bands, and what is the result of this?
Volvulus
Constrict the large and small bowel
What are the XR findings for volvulus?
Gastric and duodenal dilation, decreased intestinal air and corkscrew appearance of duodenum.
How can GE reflux present?
Severe emesis (sometimes out of the nose), abdominal pain, arching with feeds. Effortless regurgitation (spitting up) in infant who is well otherwise.
Which condition (in a severe case) can result in apnea and failure to gain weight?
GE reflux
True or False: Infant with daily episodes of spitting up at 4 months of age can be normal?
True
Which 3 things seen with suspected GERD require further workup or treatment?
- Esophagitis (posturing)
- Failure to thrive
- Apnea
Which test for GERD assesses for malrotation and hiatal herna?
UGI series
Which test for GERD assesses extend and duration of reflux over a 24 hour pediod?
pH probe study (esophageal impedence)
Which test for GERD looks for gastroparesis?
Gastric emptying scan
Which test for GERD measures peristalsis and esophageal sphincter pressure?
Esophageal motility evaluation
If they mention amount baby is being fed along with signs of reflux, what should you consider?
Reducing amount of feedings (overfeeding can cause GERD)
True or False: Regurgitation is often a normal finding in infants
True… reassurance is often correct answer
At what age do infants who have physiologic reflux outgrow it?
1
What are signs indicating higher risks for complications of GERD?
- Prematurity
- Underlying neurological impairment
- Family history severe GERD
What are 3 non-pharmacologic treatments for GERD?
- Upright when feeding
- Smaller more frequent feeding
- Thickened feeds (rarely)
Which 2 groups of patients is pharmacologic treatment of reflux indicated for?
- Symptomatic disease
2. Neurological impairment
What are 2 classes of medications for GERD?
- Antacids (ranitidine)
2. PPI (Omeprazole and lansoprazole)
True or False: Medications treat reflux
FALSE: Decrease pain from heartburn, not actual reflux
Boards want you to choose reflux precautions and reassurance
What should you think of with GE reflux and dystonic movements of the head and neck?
Sandifer Syndrome (Sandpiper blowing sand out of pipe…reflux plus twisted pipes/twisted movements)
What is the MOA for Zofran?
Serotonin receptor antagonist
When is surgery indicated for GERD?
Severe consequences (failure to grow or respiratory compromise) and medication failure
Does pyloric stenosis occur more frequently in males or females?
Males
Does a paternal or maternal history of pyloric stenosis increase the risk of developing pyloric stenosis more?
Maternal… (since it is rarer in females)
How is pyloric stenosis diagnosed?
US
How is pyloric stenosis treated?
Surgically (AFTER electrolyte imbalance is corrected)
What will be the description for pyloric stenosis?
Progressive non-bilious vomiting
They will not likely give projectile vomiting with a palpable olive
When does pyloric stenosis typically occur?
Second month of life (could be anywhere from 2-5 months however)
What is the metabolic problem with pyloric stenosis?
Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis with severe hypokalemia
Vomiting HCl…acid and chloride
When would a pre-term infant present with pyloric stenosis?
Later than the 2-5 month age range… but the equivalent postnatal age
What other lab abnormality can be seen in pyloric stenosis in up to 2.5% of cases?
Elevated indirect bilirubin
What are the diagnostic criteria for pyloric stenosis?
Ultrasound:
- Pyloric length greater than 14mm
- Pyloric muscle thickness greater than 4mm
What must be done before surgery with pyloric stenosis?
Correction of electrolyte imbalances
2 month old, Down Syndrome, projectile non-bilious vomiting with hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis….imaging study results?
Pyloric muscle measures over 6mm in thickness or pyloric channel 18mm in length or thickening and elongation of pyloric muscle.
-Don’t get thrown by Down Syndrome and pick double bubble…duodenal atresia presents in first day of life, not at 2 months.
What endocrinology problem can present as vomiting?
DKA
What cause of vomiting can have emotional overtones with a precipitating event?
Cyclic vomiting
What 2 things are children with cyclic vomiting at risk for?
- Migraines
2. Irritable bowel syndrome
What age is typical for cyclic vomiting?
Early school age
True or False: Cyclic vomiting episodes are separated by asymptomatic periods
TRUE
What type of diagnosis is cyclic vomiting?
Diagnosis of exclusion
Patient with intense periods of vomiting that lasts up to 48 hours. Feels well between episodes.
Cyclic vomiting
What conditions can present with severe episodic vomiting?
- Pancreatitis
- Metabolic defects
- Migraine variant cyclic vomiting
5 year old, vomiting episodes lasting 48 hours, end suddenly after nap, Mom with history of severe headaches, uncle going to bathroom multiple times during visit?
Cyclic vomiting (family history of migraine and IBS, symptoms last around 48 hours)
What are long-term pharmacological treatment options for cyclic vomiting?
- Cyproheptadine
- Propranolol
- TCAs
(Similar to migraine)
What would be best initial treatment for kid presenting with cyclic vomiting?
IV hydration
What is rumination?
Frequent regurgitation of ingested food into the mouth that is re-chewed and swallowed or spit out. Appear calm during episodes.
What 2 groups will you typically see rumination in?
- Infants of severely disturbed caregivers
2. Older kids who are themselves disturbed or developmentally delayed
What disorder might be seen with kids who induce vomiting to seek attention in environments where there is a failure in reciprocal interaction between the infant and caregiver?
Rumination
What is the treatment for rumination?
Resolve the emotional trigger
What are some disorders with a presentation similar to rumination?
- Achalasia
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- GERD
True or False: Rumination is associated with forceful emesis
FALSE
What is associated with forceful vomiting, weight loss, dysphagia, and failure to thrive?
Achalasia
What is associated with similar symptoms to achalasia, but also abdominal pain and distention?
Gastric outlet obstruction
What kids present with nothing other than emesis, but often results in irritability (not calming)?
GERD (as opposed to rumination)
Cyst on floor of mouth described as mucocele?
Ranula
Midline mass on floor of mouth?
Ectopic thyroid
What is done for an ectopic thyroid?
Nothing… do not remove it
What is the treatment of a ranula?
Excision
What can present with underdeveloped or absent teeth?
Ectodermal hypoplasia (think empty dental)
How is ectodermal hypoplasia diagnosed?
Skin biopsy
What does skin biopsy show in ectodermal hypoplasia?
Lack of sweat pores
How is ectodermal hypoplasia inherited?
X-linked (picture small X’s sitting on gums)
What syndrome presents with underdeveloped small teeth?
Hallermann Streiff Syndrome
Picture large man hollering under stress…large teeth come out of mouth and only small ones left
How do you differentiate between ectodermal hypoplasia and Hallermann Streiff Syndrome?
Both have absent/underdeveloped teeth, but ectodermal hypoplasia has other signs of endocrine underfunction such as absence of sweat glands
Don’t mistake ectodermal hypoplasia or Hallermann Streiff Syndrome with what?
Physical abuse
What leads to portal hypertension?
Liver disease
Liver disease + bright red bloody stools, hematemesis, or tarry stools, what is the answer?
Esophageal varices
True or False: Esophageal varices can cause tarry stools
TRUE
What is the most common type of TE fistula?
TE fistula with a blind upper esophageal pouch
How does a TE fistula often present?
Coughing and vomiting with feeding in the newborn period
What film finding can you see with TE fistula?
Feeding tube coiled up in blind-ending esophagus
How is TE fistula initially managed prior to surgical correction?
NPO and draining the blind-ending esophagus
Name 4 descriptions associated with TE fistula
- Copious oral secretions
- Polyhydramnios
- Coughing and cyanosis with initial feeding
- Inability to pass feeding tube
The non-common types of TE fistulas present how?
Older children as respiratory symptoms (cough) associated with eating and/or drinking
If you have a kid with a TE fistula and are asked for further studies, what should you think?
Ruling out other associated findings common with VACTERL
What is a chronic autoimmune condition that presents as GERD unresponsive to PPI?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)
How is eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosed?
History along with biopsy
What does biopsy in EE show?
Eosinophil-predominant inflammation in esophageal wall
True or False: EE can have an allergic component
TRUE
How is EE treated?
- PPI
- Diet changes
- Corticosteroid therapy
What is described by vomiting after eating (postprandial emesis) and epigastric pain severe enough to wake the child up at night?
Peptic ulcer disease