GIT/Liver (non surgical) Flashcards
Which is the most specific LFT test?
ALT
ALT> AST is most commonly related to liver disease NOT caused by alcohol
Also raised with biliary disease
If cirrhosis develops then AST > ALT
AST is present in liver, muscle, RBC, kidney, and heart.
-AST: ALT of > 2 suggests alcohol related liver causes
-AST: ALT > 5 suggests extrahepatic causes: rhabdo, MI
ALP is also present in the bone, (also WBC, small bone)
Causes for raised ALP and raised GGT?
ALP
-Mainly biliary pathology
-Also hepatocellular pathology
-High bone turnover: pagets disease, disease of bone, bony metastasis, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
-Normal pregnancy
GGT
- biliary disease
-any hepatocellular disease
-alcohol abuse
basically if GGT is not raised a single high ALP would indicate a bone issue
If GGT is raised alone, then alcohol abuse.
What investigations might you order for chronic diarrhoea?
Stool Cultures are expensive and unnecessary for every case of diarrhoea.
When should you consider ordering it?
Systemically unwell
* Fever over 38.5
* Duration > 3-4 days
* Severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration
* Blood or pus in stool
* Immunocompromised
Positive Exposure History e.g. recent overseas travel
High Transmission Risk e.g. child care attendance
What is the ROME 3 criterea?
It is to diagnose IBS
Abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days of the month for at least 3 months and it is associated with at least 2 of the following
- Pain relieved with defecation
- Symptom onset occurs with change in bowel habits
- Onset with a change in stool appearance (loose, pellets, watery)
Initial investigations for IBS?
Since it is a diagnosis of exclusion you’ll need to exclude other pathology.
- EUC
- FBC
- Coeliac serology
- LFTs
- Faecal calprotectin
- CRP/ESR
- Stool MCS
- Consider Hydrogen breath testing for lactose intolerance , though might try elimination from the diet alone first. If doing this test it needs specific instruction.
After initial investigations for IBS, including possible hydrogen breathe testing, what can you suggest to a patient with IBS in terms of trialing elimination from the diet.
What can be eliminated?
- Fatty foods
- Caffiene
- Alcohol
- Fibres
- lactose
- Carbonated drinks
- Wheat/gluten
Fibre is an important dietary step in managing IBS as well as constipation, what is the recommended amount and what type of fibre is best?
Males 30grams/day
Females 25grams/day
Ideally you want SOLUBLE slowly fermented fibre such as psyllium husk and oats.
Also Insoluble - not fermented things like vegetable and fruit skins, nuts.
Plan
Start by gradually increasing fibre from fruit and vegetables, SLOWLY.
AVOID insoluble fibre that is SLOWLY fermented like wheat bran
Trial soluble fibre that is slowly fermented like psyllium (in metamucil)
Ensure adequate hydration
What medical options can be used for abdominal pain related to IBS?
(4)
peppermint oil 0.2ml/capsule. taking 1-2 capsules 30 minutes before food
Hyoscine Butylbromide (buscopan) 20mg, orally, When needed.Max 80mg / day
Mevebeverine 135mg PO PRN up to TDS (similar to buscopan, but not an antimuscuranic)
Herbal Iberogast can be used for mild abdominal pain
Options for treating the psychological component to IBS?
- CBT
- TCAs
Amitriptyline 5-10mg, PO, nocte - SSRIs
Citalopram 20mg, oral, daily
What drugs/oral supplements can cause constipation?
(6)
Opioids
Anticholinergic effects (oxybutynin, clozapine, olanzapine, TCAs, risperidone, quetiapine)
5-HT3 R antagonists (ondansetron)
Oral calcium supplements
Oral Iron supplements
Verapamil
In order of preference what tests are done for H.pylori?
- c13/14 breath test
- Faecal test
- Serology (too many false positives and false negatives)
Should people be screened for H.Pylori?
It is worthwhile in selected individuals
Eg.
Lower SES
Family members of someone with Gastric cancer
Older persons
Institutionalised persons
What does the patient need to know before a breath or fecal h.pylori test?
Before a breath or faecal antigen test, antibiotic therapy should not be taken for at least 4 weeks, and PPI therapy should be withheld for at least 1 week (and preferably 2 weeks), to minimise the chance of false-negative results
What are the two most common causes of peptic ulcers?
H.pylori
NSAIDs