GI Flashcards
Causes of bloody diarrhoea
ischaemic colitis campylobacter, shigella, salmonella, E. coli, amoeba, pseudomembranous colitis UC, Crohn’s CRC, polyps
Causes of pus in stools
IBD, diverticulitis, abscess
Management for diarrhoea
Treat cause
Oral or IV rehydration
Codeine phosphate or loperamide after each loose stool
Anti-emetic if assoc. n/v: e.g. prochlorperazine
Abx (e.g. cipro) in infective diarrhoea → systemic illness
What is C.diff
Gm+ve spore-forming anaerobe
Release enterotoxins A and B
Spores are v. robust and can survive for >40d
Risk factors for c.diff infection
Abx: clindamycin, cefs, co-amox, ciprofloxacin
- up to 2m after
↑age
In hospital: ↑ ̄c length of stay, ↑ ̄c C. diff +ve contact
PPIs
Clinical presentation of infection with c.diff
Asymptomatic Mild diarrhoea Colitis Pseudomembranous colitis - fever, dehydration, abdo pain, bloody diarrhoea, mucus PR Fulminant colitis
Investigations for c.diff
Bloods: ↑↑CRP, ↑↑WCC, ↓albumin, dehydration
CDT ELISA -toxin A&B
Stool culture
Complications of c.diff infection
Paralytic ileus
Toxic dilatation → perforation
Multi-organ failure
Management of c.diff
Barrier nursing - put in side room
Stop causative Abx
Avoid antidiarrhoeals and opiates
Enteric precautions
1st line: Metronidazole 2wk 2nd line: Vanc 125mg
Severe: Vanc 1st
Urgent colectomy may be needed if
Toxic megacolon
↑ LDH
Deteriorating condition
Causes of constipation
OPENED IT Obstruction - mechanical (adhesion/hernia/ca) or post op ileus Pain - fissure Endocrine/ electrolytes - ↓T4, ↓Ca, ↓K, uraemia Neuro - MS, Myelopathy, Cauda Equina Elderly Diet/ Dehydration IBS Toxins - opiods
Management of constipation
Drink more
↑ dietary fibre
Bulking: ↑ faecal mass → ↑ peristalsis - fybogel (Ispaghula husk)
CI: obstruction and faecal impaction
Osmotic: retain fluid in the bowel - Lactulose
Stimulant: ↑ intestinal motility and secretion - Senna
CI: obstruction, acute colitis
SE: abdo cramps
Softeners
For painful anal condition - Liquid paraffin
Phosphate enema (osmotic)
Suppositories
Glycerol (stimulant)
Diagnosis of IBS
Abdo discomfort / pain for ≥ 12wks which has 2 of:
Relieved by defecation
Change in stool frequency (D or C)
Change in stool form: pellets, mucus
\+2of: Urgency Incomplete evacuation Abdo bloating / distension Mucous PR Worsening symptoms after food
Exclusion criteria >40yrs Bloody stool Anorexia Wt. loss Diarrhoea at night
Management of IBS
Bloods - incl Coeliac and TSH
+/- colonoscopy
- Exclusion diets can be tried
- Fybogel for constipation and diarrhoea
- Antispasmodics for colic/bloating (e.g. mebeverine)
- Amitriptyline may be helpful
- CBT
Causes of dysphagia
Inflammatory Tonsillitis, pharyngitis Oesophagitis: GORD, candida Oral candidiasis Aphthous ulcers
Mechanical Block - Luminal FB Large food bolus - Mural > Benign stricture Web (e.g. Plummer-Vinson) Oesophagitis Trauma (e.g. OGD) > Malignant stricture- Pharynx, oesophagus, gastric Pharyngeal pouch - Extra-mural Lung Ca Rolling hiatus hernia Mediastinal LNs (e.g. lymphoma) Retrosternal goitre Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Motility Disorders - Local Achalasia Diffuse oesophageal spasm Nutcracker oesophagus Bulbar / pseudobulbar palsy (CVA, MND) - Systemic Systemic sclerosis / CREST MG
Presentation of dysphagia
Dysphagia for liquids and solids at start
- Yes: motility disorder
- No, solids > liquids: stricture
Difficulty making swallowing movement: bulbar palsy
Odonophagia: Ca, oesophageal ulcer, spasm
Intermittent: oesophageal spasm
Constant and worsening: malignant stricture
Neck bulges or gurgles on drinking: pharyngeal pouch
Signs that dysphagia could present with
Cachexia Anaemia Virchow’s node (+ve = Troisier’s sign) Neurology Signs of systemic disease (e.g. scleroderma)
Investigations for dysphagia
URGENT upper GI endoscopy +- biopsy (if >55, with weight loss, abdo pain, dyspepsia)
Bloods: FBC, U+E
Barium swallow ± video fluoroscopy
Oesophageal manometrry
+- USS/EUS/CT thorax
Pathophysiology of achalasia
Degeneration of myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s)
↓ peristalsis
LOS fails to relax
- most commonly idiopathic
Presentation of achalasia
Dysphagia: liquids and solids at same time
Regurgitation
Substernal cramps
Wt. loss
Investigations for achalasia
Ba swallow: dilated tapering oesophagus (Bird’s beak)
Manometry: failure of relaxation + ↓ peristalsis
CXR: may show widended mediastinum
OGD: exclude malignancy
Rx of achalasia
Med: CCBs, nitrates
Int: endoscopic balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection
Surg: Heller’s cardiomyotomy (open or endo)
Pharyngeal pouch pathophysiology
Outpouching of oesophagus between upper boarder of cricopharyngeus muscle and lower boarder of inferior constrictor of pharynx
Weak area called Killian’s dehiscence.
Defect usually occurs posteriorly but swelling usually bulges to left side of neck.
Food debris → pouch expansion → oesophageal
compression → dysphagia.
Presentation and rx of a pharyngeal pouch
Pres: regurgitation, halitosis, gurgling sounds
Rx: excision, endoscopic stapling
Diffuse oesophageal spasm presentation
Intermittent chest pain ± dysphagia
Ba swallow shows corkscrew oesophagus
Nutcracker oesophagus presentation
Intermittent dysphagia ± chest pain
↑ contraction pressure ̄c normal peristalsis
Causes of an oesophageal rupture
- Iatrogenic - endoscopy, biopsy, dilatation
- violent emesis (boerhaave’s syndreom)
- carcinoma
- Trauma (surgical emphysema ±pneumothorax)
Features of oesophageal rupture
- Odonophagia
- Mediastinitis (tachypnoea, dyspnoea, fever, shock)
- surgical emphysema
management of oesophageal rupture
PPI, Abx, NGT
Symptoms of dyspepsia
Epigastric pain Bloating Heartburn ALARM Anaemia Loss of wt. Anorexia Recent onset progressive symptoms Melaena or haematemesis Swallowing difficulty
Causes of dyspepsia
Inflammation: GORD, gastritis, PUD
Ca: oesophageal, gastric
Functional: non-ulcer dyspepsia
Management of new onset dyspepsia
OGD if >55 or ALARMS - Try conservative for 4 weeks > stop NSAIDS, CCBS > Lose wt., stop smoking, ↓ EtOH > Avoid hot drinks and spicy food > OTC - Antacids/gaviscon
- Test for H. pylori if no improvement: breath or serology
+ve → eradication therapy
-ve → PPI trial for 4wks
OGD if no improvement
Eradication therapy for H.Pylori
Triple therapy for 1 week
- PPI
- Amoxicillin
- Clarithromycin
Presentation of Duodenal Ulcers v gastric ulcers
DU Epigastric pain: Before meals and at night Relieved by eating or milk GU Epigastric pain: Worse on eating Relieved by antacids Wt. loss
Risk factors for PUD
H. pylori (90%) Drugs: NSAIDs, steroids Smoking EtOH gastric emptying (↑ DU, ↓GU) Blood group O (PU) Stress --> Cushings, burns, sepsis, trauma
Complications of PUD
Haemorrhage
Haematemeis or melaena
Fe deficiency anaemia
Perforation
Peritonitis and distension, vomiting
Gastric Outflow Obstruction
Vomiting, colic, distension, succission splash
Malignancy
↑ risk ̄c H. pylori
Investigations for PUD
Bloods: FBC, urea (↑ in haemorrhage)
C13 breath test
OGD (stop PPIs >2wks before)
Campylobacter-like organism test (CLO) / urease test for H. pylori (urea –> CO2 + ammonia - neutralises stomach acid)
Biopsy ulcer to check for Ca
Gastrin levels if Zollinger-Ellison suspected
Conservative Management of PUD
Lose wt. Stop smoking and ↓ EtOH Avoid hot drinks and spicy food Stop drugs: NSAIDs, steroids OTC antacids
Medical management of PUD
OTC antacids: Gaviscon, Mg trisilicate H. pylori eradication Full-dose acid suppression for 1-2mo PPIs: lansoprazole 30mg OD H2RAs: ranitidine 300mg nocte Low-dose acid suppression PRN
Surgical management of PUD
No acid → no ulcer
Acid secretion
stimulated by gastrin and vagus N.
Vagotomy +/- antrectomy ( distal half of stomach removed)
Subtotal gastrectomy
Complications of gastric surgery
Physical Stump leakage Abdominal fullness Reflux or bilious vomiting (improves ̄c time) Stricture
Metabolic
- Dumping syndrome
Abdo distension, flushing, n/v
Early: osmotic hypovolaemia
Late: reactive hypoglycaemia
- Blind loop syndrome → malabsorption, diarrhoea
Overgrowth of bacteria in duodenal stump
Anaemia: Fe + B12
Osteoporosis
- Wt. loss: malabsorption of ↓ calories intake
Pathophysiology of GORD
LOS dysfunction → reflux of gastric contents → oesophagitis.
Risk factors for GORD
Hiatus hernia Smoking EtOH Obesity Pregnancy Drugs: anti-AChM, nitrates, CCB, TCAs Iatrogenic: Heller’s myotomy
Symptoms of GORD
Oesophageal Heartburn Related to meals Worse lying down / stooping Relieved by antacids Belching Acid brash, water brash Odonophagia Hoarseness
Extra-oesophageal
Nocturnal asthma
Chronic cough
Laryngitis, sinusitis
Anti- reflux mechanisms
- LOS
- Angle of His
- Pressure in abdominal cavity higher than thoracic
- R crus of diaphragm acts as a sling around oesophagus
Complications of GORD
Oesophagitis: heartburn
Ulceration: rarely → haematemesis, melaena, ↓Fe
Benign stricture: dysphagia
Barrett’s oesophagus
- metaplasia of squamous to gastric columnar epithelium and goblet cell
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
- Metaplasia → dysplasia → adenocarcinoma
Differential diagnosis of GO reflux
Oesophagitis Infection: CMV, candida IBD Caustic substances / burns PUD Oesophageal Ca
Investigations for GORD
Isolated - no Ix Bloods: FBC CXR: hiatus hernia may be seen OGD if: >55yrs Symptoms >4wks Dysphagia Persistent symptoms despite Rx Wt. loss OGD allows grading by Los Angeles (A-D) Classification Ba swallow: hiatus hernia, dysmotility 24h pH testing ± manometry pH <4 for >4hrs (demeester score)
Conservative management of GORD
Lose wt. Raise head of bed Small regular meals ≥ 3h before bed Stop smoking and ↓ EtOH Avoid hot drinks and spicy food Stop drugs: NSAIDs, steroids, CCBs, nitrates
Medical management of GORD
OTC antacids: Gaviscon, Mg trisilicate 1: Full-dose PPI for 1-2mo Lansoprazole 30mg OD 2: No response → double dose PPI BD 3: No response: add an H2RA Ranitidine 300mg nocte Control: low-dose acid suppression PRN
Surgical management, indications and complications of GORD
Nissen Fundoplication - Mobilise gastric fundus and wrap around lower oesophagus - Indications: all 3 of: Severe symptoms Refractory to medical therapy Confirmed reflux (pH monitoring)
Complications - Gas-bloat syn.: inability to belch / vomit - Dysphagia if wrap too tight OTHER Radiofrequency ablation. magnetic beads
Classifications of hiatus hernias
Sliding (80%)
GOJ slides up into chest
assoc.GORD
Rolling (15%)
GOJ remains in abdomen but a bulge of stomach rolls into chest alongside the oesophagus
LOS remains intact so GORD uncommon
Can → strangulation
Mixed (5%)
Gastric volvulus symptoms
Borchardt’s triad
- severe epigastric pain
- retching without vom
- inability to pass NG tube
Ix for hiatus hernia
OGD: assess for oesophagitis and upwards displacement GOJ
CXR: gas bubble and fluid level in chest
24h pH + manometry: exclude dysmotility or achalsia
Ba Swallow
Rx of hiatus hernias
Lose wt.
Rx reflux
Surgery if intractable symptoms despite medical Rx OR rolling
- funoplication/ curoplasty
Risk factors for hiatus hernia
Age (reduced diaphragm tone) raised intra-abdo pressure 0 pregnancy 0 obesity 0 ascites
Differentials of Haematemesis
VINTAGE
Varices Inflammation (PUD/ oesopha/gastr- itis) Neoplasia (oesoph/gastric) Trauma (Mallory-weiss/ Boerhavve) Angiodysplasia/ HHT/ Dieulafoy lesion Generalised bleeding diathesis - warfarin, thrombolytics, CRF Epistaxis
Difference between mallory-weiss and boerhaave’s
Mallory-Weiss - mucosal Tear
Boerhaave’s Syndrome - Full-thickness tear
2cm proximal to LOS
Signs on examination after an Upper GI bleed
Signs of CLD - telangectasia, purpura, jaundice PR:melaena Shock? - Cool, clammy, CRT>2s - ↓BP (<100) or postural hypotension (>20 drop) - ↓ urine output (<30ml/h) - Tachycardia - ↓GCS - ↓ JVP
What is the Rockall score
Prediction of re-bleeding and mortality after Upper GI bleed - Initial score pre-endoscopy Age Shock: BP, pulse Comorbidities - Final score post-endoscopy > Final Dx + evidence of recent haemorrhage Active bleeding Visible vessel Adherent clot
Initial score ≥3 or final >6 are indications for surgery
Pathology of oesophageal varices
Portal HTN → dilated veins @ sites of porto-systemic anastomosis: L. gastric and inferior oesophageal veins
Causes of portal hypertension
Pre-hepatic: portal vein thrombosis
Hepatic: cirrhosis (80% in UK), schisto (commonest
worldwide), sarcoidosis.
Post-hepatic: Budd-Chiari, RHF, constrict pericarditis
Management of oesophageal varices
- bleed prevention
1: β-B, repeat endoscopic banding
2: β-B, repeat banding, TIPSS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Porto-Systemic Shunt) - IR creates artificial channel between hepatic vein and portal vein → ↓ portal pressure.
Management of an Upper GI bleed
- Head-down
- High flow oxygen + protect airway
- 2 x 14G cannulae + IV bolus
- Bloods: FBC, U+E (↑ urea), LFTs, clotting, x-match 6u, ABG, glucose
- if remains shocked - o- blood
- notify surgeons if severe
IF VARICEAL BLEED - Terlipressin IV (splanchnic vasopressor)
Prophylactic Abx: e.g. ciprofloxacin 1g/24h
Urgent endoscopy
- Haemostasis of vessel or ulcer:
Adr injection; Thermal coagulation; Fibrin glue; Endoclips
Variceal bleeding: 2 of: banding, sclerotherapy, adrenaline, coagulation Balloon tamponade ̄c TIPSS
Indications for surgery after Upper GI bleed
Re-bleeding
Bleeding despite transfusing 6u
Uncontrollable bleeding at endoscopy
Initial Rockall score ≥3, or final >6.
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer
- alcohol
- smoking
- achalasia
- GORD
- Fatty diet
- Low vit A/C
Pathophysiology of oesophageal cancer
- 65% adenocarcinoma - lower 3rd
- 35% SCC - upper and middle 3rd
Presentation of oesophageal cancer
- Progressive dysphagia
- weight loss
- retrostrenal chest pain and dyspepsia
- lymphadenopathy
- hoarseness (recurrent laryngeal n invasion)
- cough +/- aspiratino pneumonia
- odonophagia
- mets - jaunice, hepatomegaly, ascites
Ix for oesophageal cancer
OGD + biopsy
- Bloods
- Staging CT
EUS - t stage
Staging used for oesophageal cancer
TMN T1 - submucosa T2 - muscularis propria T3 - adventitia T4 - adjacent structures
Causes of perforation
Inflammatory
- chemical - PUD, Foreign body
- infection - appendicitis, diverticulitis, meckels, cholecystitis,
- ischaemia - mesenteric,, obstructive Ca, Bezoar, faeces
- colitis - fistula, toxic megacolon
Traumatic
- iatrogenic - surgery. endoscopy
- penetrating force
- direct rupture - booerhavve/ mallory weiss
Ix for perforated GIT
- Blood - FBC, Amylase, CRP, clotting, ABG
- urine dipstick
- Erect CXR (erect 15min)
- AXR - (riglers and psoas sign)
- CT scan
Mx of Perforated PU
- A-E
- NBM
- fluid resuscitation
- catheter +/- CVP line
- analgesia
- Abx
- NGT
+/- surgery is systemically unwell - abdominal washout and repair (patch - DU); may require gastrectomy
Ix for gastric outflow obstruction
- ABG - hypercholraemic hypokalaemic met alkalosis
- AXR (dilated gastric air bubble air fluid level, collapsed distal bowel)
- OGD
Rx for gastric outflow obstruction
- correct metabolic abnormalities
- benign –> endscopic ballow dilation/ gastroenterostomy
- malignant - stent/ resection
Risk factors for gastric cancer
- atrophic gastritis - pernicious anaemia, h.pylori)
- diet high nitrates
- smoking and alcohol
- blood group A
- low social class
- familial - E cadherin abnormality
- partial gastrectomy
Pathology of gastric cancer
Mainly adenocarcinomas, located on gastric antrum
Symptoms of gastric cancer
- weight loss + anorexia
- dyspepsia
- dysphagia
- n + v
Signs of gastric cancer
- anaemia
- epigastric mass
- jaundice
- ascites
- hepatomegaly
- virchow’s node
- acanthosis nigricans
Complications of gastric cancer
- perforation
- upper Gi bleed - haematemesis, melaena
- gastric outlet obstruction
Ix for gastric cancer
URGENT OGD + biopsy
- CXR/USS/ CT - mets
Staging - CT CAP
Complications of gastrectomy
- death
- anastomotic leak
- poor QoL
- Vit B12 def
- re-operation
describe the excretion of bilirubin
Hb → unconjugated to BR by splenic macrophages
uBR → cBR by BR-UDP-glucuronyl transferase in liver
Secreted in bile then cBR → urobilinogen (colourless)
Some urobilinogen is reabsorbed, returned to liver and re-excreted into bile.
Some reabsorbed urobilinogen is excreted into the urine
The urobilinogen that remains in the GIT is converted to stercobilin (brown) and excreted.
Causes of pre-hepatic jaundice
Excess BR production
Haemolytic anaemia
Ineffective erythropoiesis
e.g. thalassaemia
Causes of Hepatic jaundice
Unconjugated ↓ BR Uptake Drugs: contrast, RMP CCF ↓ BR Conjugation Hypothyroidism Gilbert’s (AD) Crigler-Najjar (AR) Neonatal jaundice is both ↑ production + ↓ conjug.
Hepatocellular Dysfunction Congen: HH, Wilson’s, α1ATD Infection: Hep A/B/C, CMV, EBV Toxin: EtOH, drugs AIH Neoplasia: HCC, mets Vasc: Budd-Chiari1
Causes of post-hepatic jaundice
Obstruction Stones Ca pancreas Drugs - OCP, sulfonylureas PBC PSC Biliary atresia Choledochal cyst Cholangio Ca Inflammatory LN at porta hepatis - TB/ Ca Mirizzi's syndrome
Ix for Jaundice
- Urine
pre - No BR (acholuric); ↑ urobilinogen; ↑Hb if intravascular haemolysis
hepatic - ↑BR; ↑ urobilinogen
post- ↑↑BR; No urobilinogen - LFTs
pre - ↑uBR; ↑AST; ↑LDH
hepatic - ↑ cBR (usually); ↑AST:↑ALT; >2=EtOH/ <1=Viral; ↑ GGT (EtOH, obstruction); ↑ALP; Function: ↓ albumin, ↑ PT
post- ↑↑cBR; ↑AST,↑ALT; ↑↑ALP; ↑GGT - Other
pre - FBC and film, Coombs, Hb electrophoresis
hepatic - FBC, Ab, a1AT, Liver biopsy
post - Abdo US (dilated ducts >6mm), ERCP/MRCP; Ab
Causes of liver failure
- cirrhosis
- acute
Infection: Hep A/B, CMV, EBV, leptospirosis
Toxin: EtOH, paracetamol, isoniazid, halothane
Vasc: Budd-Chiari
Other: Wilson’s, AIH
Obs: eclampsia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy
Signs of liver failure
Jaundice Oedema + ascites Bruising Encephalopathy Aterixis Constructional apraxia (5-pointed star) Fetor hepaticus Signs of cirrhosis / chronic liver disease
Ix for liver failure
Blood FBC: infection, GI bleed, ↓ MCV (EtOH) U+E - ↓U, ↑Cr: hepatorenal syndrome. Urea synth in liver -->poor test of renal function LFT - AST:ALT > 2 = EtOH - AST:ALT < 1 = Viral - Albumin: ↓ in chronic liver failure - PT: ↑ in acute liver failure Clotting: ↑INR Glucose ABG: metabolic acidosis Cause: Ferritin, α1AT, caeruloplasmin, Abs, paracetamol levels
Microbiology
Hep, CMV, EBV serology
Blood and urine culture
Ascites MCS + SAAG
Radiology
CXR
Abdo US + portal vein duplex
Pathophysiology and classification of hepatorenal syndrome
Cirrhosis → splanchnic arterial vasodilatation → effective circulatory volume → RAS activation → renal arterial vasoconstriction.
Persistent underfilling of renal circulation → failure
Type 1: rapidly progressive deterioration (survival
<2wks)
Type 2: steady deterioration (survival ~6mo)
Rx of hepatorenal syndrome
IV albumin + splanchnic vasoconstrictors (terlipressin)
Haemodialysis as supportive Rx
Liver Tx is Rx of choice
Mx of liver failure
Manage in ITU
Rx underlying cause: e.g. NAC in paracetamol OD
Good nutrition: e.g. via NGT ̄c high carbs
Thiamine supplements
Prophylactic PPIs vs. stress ulcers
Monitor - fluids, bloods, glucose
Complications of liver failure
Bleeding: Vit K, platelets, FFP, blood
Sepsis: tazocin (avoid gent: nephrotoxicity)
Ascites: fluid and salt restrict, spiro, fruse, tap, daily wt
Hypoglycaemia: regular BMs, IV glucose if <2mM
Encephalopathy: avoid sedatives, lactulose ± enemas,
rifaximin
Seizures: lorazepam
Cerebral oedema: mannitol
Drugs to avoid prescribing in liver failure
opiates, oral hypoglycaemics, Na-containing IVI
- Warfarin effects ↑
- Hepatotoxic drugs: paracetamol, methotrexate,
isoniazid, salicylates, tetracycline
Poor prognostic factors in liver failure
Grade 3/4 hepatic encephalopathy Age >40yrs Albumin <30g/L ↑INR Drug-induced liver failure
Criteria for liver transplant
Kings college
Paracetamol-induced pH< 7.3 24h after ingestion Or all of: PT > 100s Cr > 300uM Grade 3/4 encephalopathy
Non-paracetamol PT > 100s Or 3 out of 5 of: Drug-induced Age <10 or >40 >1wk from jaundice to encephalopathy PT > 50s BR ≥ 300uM
Pathophysiology of cirrhosis
Irreversible loss of hepatic architecture with bridging fibrosis and nodular regeneration
Signs of cirrhosis
Hands Clubbing (± periostitis) Leuconychia (↓ albumin) Terry’s nails (white proximally, red distally) Palmer erythema Dupuytron’s contracture
Face
Pallor: ACD
Xanthelasma: PBC
Parotid enlargement (esp. ̄c EtOH due to dehydration increasing salvia production)
Trunk
Spider naevi (>5, fill from centre)
Gynaecomastia
Loss of 2O sexual hair
Abdo
Striae
Hepatomegaly (may be small in late disease)
Splenomegaly
Dilated superficial veins (Caput medusa)
Testicular atrophy
Hyperdynamic circualtion
Complications of cirrhosis
- Decompensation –> heptatic failure (jaundice, encephalopathy, ↓Albumin, bruising (↑INR), hypoglycaemia)
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- Portal hypertension Splenomegaly Ascites Varices - oeosphgeal, caput medusa, piles Encephalopathy
- ↑ risk of HCC
Ix to find cause of cirrhosis
EtOH: ↑MCV, ↑GGT NASH: hyperlipidaemia, ↑ glucose Infection: Hep, CMV, EBV serology Genetic: Ferritin, α1AT, caeruloplasmin (↓ in Wilson’s) Abs Ca: α-fetoprotein
Abdo US + PV Duplex Small / large liver Focal lesions Reversed portal vein flow Ascites - Ascitic Tap + MCS - PMN >250mm3 indicates SBP
Liver biopsy
Different Ab in cirrhosis
AIH: SMA, SLA, LKM, ANA
PBC: AMA
PSC: ANCA, ANA
Ig: ↑IgG – AIH, ↑IgM – PBC
Mx of cirrhosis
Good nutrition EtOH abstinence Colestyramine for pruritus Screening HCC: US & AFP every 3-6 m Oesophageal varices: endoscopy +/- banding
Specific
HCV: Interferon-α
PBC: Ursodeoxycholic acid
Wilson’s: Penicillamine
Decompensation
Ascites: fluid and salt restrict, spiro, fruse, tap, daily wt
Coagulopathy: Vit K, platelets, FFP, blood
Encephalopathy: avoid sedatives, lactulose ± enemas,
rifaximin
Sepsis / SBP: tazocin (avoid gent: nephrotoxicity)
Hepatorenal syndrome: IV albumin + terlipressin
What is the Child-Pugh Grading score
Grades Cirrhosis
Predicts risk of bleeding, mortality and need for Tx
Graded A-C using severity of 5 factors Albumin Bilirubin Clotting Distension: Ascites Encephalopathy
Score >8 = significant risk of variceal bleeding
Where are the portosystemic anastomoses
Oesophageal varices
- Left and short gastric veins
and Inf. oesophageal veins
Caput medusae
Peri-umbilical veins and Superficial abdo wall veins
Haemorrhoids
Sup. rectal veins and Inf. and mid. Rectal veins
Pathophysiology of Encephalopathy
↓Hepatic metabolic function
Diversion of toxins from liver directly into systemic
system.
Ammonia accumulates and pass to brain where
astrocytes clear it causing glutamate → glutamine
↑ glutamine → osmotic imbalance → cerebral oedema
Classification of Encephalopathy
1: Confused – irritable, mild confusion, sleep inversion
2: Drowsy – ↑ disorientated, slurred speech, asterixis
3: Stupor – rousable, incoherence
4: Coma – unrousable, ± extensor plantars
Presentation of encephalopathy
Asterixis, ataxia Confusion Dysarthria Constructional apraxia Seizures
Precipitants of encephalopathy
HEPATICS Haemorrhage: e.g. varices Electrolytes: ↓K, ↓Na Poisons: diuretics, sedatives, anaesthetics Alcohol Tumour: HCC Infection: SBP , pneumonia, UTI, HDV Constipation (commonest cause) Sugar (glucose) ↓: e.g. low calorie diet
Management of encephalopathy
20 degrees head up
- Correct any precipitants
Avoid sedatives
Lactulose ± PO4 enemas to ↓ nitrogen-forming bowel
bacteria → 2-4 soft stools/d
Consider rifaximin PO to kill intestinal microflora
Pathophysiology of ascites
Back-pressure → fluid exudation
↓ effective circulating volume → RAS activation
(In cirrhosis: ↓ albumin → ↓ plasma oncotic pressure
and aldosterone metabolism impaired)
Symptoms of ascites
Distension → abdominal discomfort and anorexia
Dyspnoea
↓ venous return
Ix for ascites
Bloods: FBC, U+E, LFTs, INR, chronic hepatitis screen
US: confirm ascites, liver echogenicity, PV duplex
Ascitic tap MCS and AFB Cytology Chemistry: albumin, LDH, glucose, protein SAAG = serum albumin – ascites albumin
Liver biopsy
Management of ascites
Daily wt. aiming for ≤0.5kg/d reduction
Fluid restrict <1.5L/d and low Na diet
Spironolactone + frusemide (if response poor)
Therapeutic paracentesis ̄c albumin infusion (100ml
20% albumin /L drained)
- Respiratory compromise
- Pain / discomfort
- Renal impairment
Refractory: TIPSS
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- causative organisms
- Ix
- management
- ascites and peritonitic abdomen
E. coli, Klebsiella, Streps
Complicated by hepatorenal syn. in 30%
Ix: ascitic PMN > 250mm3 + MC+S
Rx: Tazocin or cefotaxime until sensitivities known
Prophylaxis: high recurrence - cipro long-term
Presentation of an alcoholic
Fatty liver → hepatitits → cirrhosis
AST:ALT >2, ↑ GGT
GIT Gastritis, erosions PUD Varices Pancreatitis Carcinoma
CNS
Poor memory / cognition
Peripheral polyneuropathy (mainly sensory)
Wernicke’s encephalopathy
- Confusion; Ophthalmoplegia (nystagmus, LR palsy); Ataxia
Korsakoff’s: amnesia → confabulation
Fits, falls
Heart
Arrhythmias: e.g. AF
Dilated cardiomyopathy
↑BP
Blood
↑MCV
Folate deficiency →anaemia
Screening tool for alcoholics
CAGE Cut down? Annoyed by people’s criticisms Guilty about drinking Eye opener?
Features of alcohol withdrawal
0-72h after last drink
Consider in new ward pt (≤3d) ̄c acute confusion
signs
- Confusion, fits, hallucinations: esp formication (DTs)
- ↑HR, ↓BP, tremor
Management of alcohol withdrawal
Tapering regimen of chlordiazepoxide PO / lorazepam IM
Thiamine