GIT Flashcards
What are the most concerning complications of gastroenteritis?
Dehydration and malnutrition
Complication of gastroenteritis in pregnant women?
Spontaneous abortion. This is why they are cautioned against high risk foods
Most common viral cause of gastroenteritis?
Norovirus (no vaccine) or rotavirus (vaccine available)
Name 3 bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis
Salmonella, campylobacter, e. Coli
Which is the most severe variation of E. coli? ETEC or STEC
STEC
Can lead to HUS - haemolytic uraemia syndrome which can cause kidney failure
Which has the fastest onset - ETEC or STEC e.coli?
ETEC - within 1-3 days of exposure
Difference between e.coli infection of campylobacter infection?
Campylobacter only requires a very small number of organisms to cause an infection, whereas e.coli requires a lot
Name focus for gastroenteritis treatment?
Rehydration and supportive Tx
Why are antibiotics not used in STEC?
Because they increase the release of the toxins from STEC that cause HUS - the complication that can lead to kidney failure
Why are antibiotics not really used for gastroenteritis?
Most cases are self limiting
+ the ADRs of ABs are similar to the Sx of GE
Which vaccine is recommended to travelers
Typhoid fever vaccine - associated with salmonella
Examples of supportive treatment?
Anti-motility (rarely recommended), anti-emetics, anti-spasmodic (buscopan)
When might prophylaxis be considered for travellers?
Only if at high risk - e.g. immunocompromised
What is helminths
Infection with worms (e.g. tapeworm, roundworm)
Where is helminths most prevalent
In developing countries - transmitted through soil where sanitation is poor
How does infection with H. Pylori affect the GIT?
It increases production of gastric acid, leading to development of ulcers and gastritis and even stomach cancers
Triple therapy for H. Pylori infection?
PPI bd, clarithromycin bd and amoxicillin bd
Can replace either of the ABs with metronidazole if needed
Which infection is most likely to require a faecal microbiota transplant? C. Diff or H. Pylori
C. Diff
Risk factors for c diff infection?
Long hospital stays, broad spectrum AB treatment, PPI use
Why should you avoid antimotility drugs in c. Diff infections?
Can cause toxic megacolon
Compare Tx for c. Diff for mild vs severe
Mild / moderate - metronidazole
Severe - vancomycin
