Peds GI Flashcards

1
Q

Bloody vomitus is suggestive of…

A

Maternal ingestion, esophageal varicose, foreign body

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2
Q

Bilious vomitus is suggestive of…

A

Obstruction - Urgent Eval!

Meal rotation w or w/o volvulus

Congenital intestinal atresia

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3
Q

Patients with GER can be considered to be …

A

“Happy spitters”

No complications/consequences

Normal physiologic process

Declines with age (common in infants < 6 months)

Growing well, comfortable, healthy clinically

Requires no treatment other than pt ed and reassurance

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4
Q

Patients with GERD can be considered to be …

A

“Unhappy spitters”

Complications arise
• FTT, esophagitis, respiratory complications

Fussy or irritable, dystonic neck posturing, feeding refusal

Occult blood in stool - consider food intolerance

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5
Q

Diagnosis of GERD is usually…

A

Clinical

Hemoocult (checking for hidden blood in stool)

Endoscopy, upper GI if severe Sx

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6
Q

GERD symptoms usually resolve by…

A

9-12 months (mostly because patient is now sitting up to eat)

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7
Q

First line treatment for GERD

A
Lifestyle modification
• Upright positioning 30 min after feeds (not semi-supine)
• Trial of hypoallergenic diet
• Do not overfeed
• Avoid tobacco smoke exposure
• Thickened feeds (1-2 tsp cereal/oz)

Medications hold a limited role due to risk vs benefit
• Consider in patient with refractory Sx
• Complicated disease (underlying condition)
• Short term PPI (omeprazole) vs H2 blocker (ranitidine)

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8
Q

Hypertrophy of the pylorus, which can progress to near-complete obstruction of gastric outlet

A

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Genetic predisposition and environmental factors (ie maternal smoking)

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9
Q

Predisposing factors for pyloric stenosis

A

Environmental factors (maternal smoking)

Associated with use of macrolide abx during first few weeks of life

M>F (4:1), classic first born male, family history (genetic factors)

2-4/1,000

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10
Q

Classic presentation of pyloric stenosis

A

3-6 week old infant with forceful vomiting

Nonbilious “projectile” emesis (b/c obstruction is before the biliary tree)
• Immediately after feeding (postprandial)
• “Hungry vomited” (vs. GER - “Happy vomiter”)
• FTT and dehydration may occur as the disease progresses

Phys exam: “Olive-like” mass in RUQ (indicates hypertrophy)

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11
Q

Test of choice for diagnosing pyloric stenosis

A

Ultrasound —> elongation and thickening of the pylorus

If ultrasound is non-diagnostic, do an Upper GI Barium contrast study —> string sign (narrowed lumen)

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12
Q

Definitive management of pyloric stenosis is via…

A

Surgery (pyloromyotomy)

IV fluid and electrolyte resuscitation important too

Prognosis is excellent

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13
Q

Absence or obstruction of one or more segments of bowel at birth

A

Congenital intestinal atresia

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14
Q

Congenital intestinal atresia can occur at any point in the GI tract but ________ is the most commonly affected site

A

Duodenum

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15
Q

Intestinal atresia is more common in patients with …

A

Cystic Fibrosis and Down Syndrome

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16
Q

When is congenital intestinal atresia usually diagnosed?

A

At birth at Sx onset

May also be Dx via prenatal U/S

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17
Q

Clinical presentation of congenital intestinal atresia depends upon…

A

Degree of obstruction (partial vs complete)

Vomiting (may be bile-stained) within first 48 hours of life

Abdominal distinction

Failure to pass meconium (+/-)

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18
Q

Double bubble sign on plain film xray is indicative of …

A

Congenital intestinal atresia

Due to gas and dilation in both stomach and duodenum

If jejunoileal/colonic atresia —> dilated loops of bowel with air fluid levels

Upper GI and contrast enema may be used for confirmation or to further identify obstruction

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19
Q

Management of congenital intestinal atresia consists of …

A

Feedings withheld (IV fluids, correct electrolytes)

Broad spectrum abx to prevent post op infection

Surgical intervention - approach depends on site

Prognosis very good

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20
Q

Abnormal positioning of the intestines is referred to as

A

Midgut malformation

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21
Q

Midgut malrotation increases the risk of …

A

Volvulus - small bowel twisting around SMA —> risk of small bowel ischemia

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22
Q

Classic clinical presentation of midgut malrotation

A

VOMITING - typically bilious (green or fluorescent yellow)

Abdominal pain

Hemodynamic instability

+/- hematochezia (sign of bowel ischemia)

PE: abdominal distention and tenderness

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23
Q

How do you work up a suspected midgut malrotation

A

1st do abdominal xray to r/o bowel perforation

Gold standard: Upper GI
• Displacement of the duodenum
• Duodenal obstruction
• “Corkscrew appearance” of the duodenum

Ultrasound with barium enema = useful adjunct to UGI but not best for confirming malrotation

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24
Q

What is the Ladd procedure?

A

Main purpose: to prevent ischemia and recurrent Sx in patients with midgut malrotation

Bowel is untwisted and repositioned in abdomen which creates adhesions to “hold” bowel in place

Prognosis: Resolution of Sx in approx. 90% post op with <1% recurrence

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25
Q

Most common cause of abdominal emergency in kids <2 years

A

Intussusception (telescoping of the intestine)

Typically in kids aged 6 months to 36 months, and it is the most common cause of obstruction in this age group

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26
Q

Clinical presentation of intussusception

A

Sudden, intermittent, severe, cramps abdominal pain
Inconsolable crying, draws legs to chest
Vomiting common

Classic triad (only 15% will have ALL three)
• Abdominal pain, abdominal mass, and “Currant jelly” stools
• Current jelly: combo of blood and mucous
• Palpable sausage-shaped mass (swollen bowel)

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27
Q

75% of cases of intussusception are…

A

Idiopathic

Remaining cases may be caused by “lead point” - a lesion/variation in the intestine dragged by peristalsis into a distal segment

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28
Q

Conditions that increase risk of intussusception

A

Meckel’s diverticula (most common cause)
Polyp
Tumor
Cyst
Underlying conditions: Crohns, Celiac, CF, viral infections (ie Gastroenteritis)
Rotashield vaccine (22x increased risk of intussusception)

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29
Q

Initial test of choice for the diagnosis of intussusception

A

Abdominal ultrasound —> “target sign” or “coiled spring”

Hydrostatic/pneumatic enema is both diagnostic and therapeutic
• Treatment of choice if no perforation, ~90% success rate
• U/S or fluoroscopic guided

If reduction unsuccessful, must intervene surgically

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30
Q

The most common pediatric surgical emergency

A

Appendicitis - obstruction of the appendices lumen leading to inflammation

Peaks in the 2nd decade of life, rare before 5 years

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31
Q

Clinical presentation of appendicitis

A

Anorexia

Migrating abdominal pain (periumbilical —> RLQ, with increasing pain with movement)

Vomiting after onset of pain

Fever

Signs of peritoneal irritation (guarding, rebound tenderness, positive rousing, obturator, or ileopsoas signs)

32
Q

Do we do imaging on patients with suspected appendicitis?

A

If classic presentation, may proceed with surgical consult prior to imaging

If you DO proceed with imaging:
• Ultrasound (no radiation)
• CT scan (low dose CT if available)

33
Q

Treatment of appendicitis

A

Surgical consult —> appendectomy is treatment of choice

Pre-op management should include fluids, electrolytes, abx

Some indication for Nonoperative Treatment (Abx) for early appendicitis

Prognosis is excellent, especially if detected and treated early

34
Q

What is the actual definition of diarrhea?

A

> 3 loose watery stools/day (WHO)

35
Q

What questions are important to include in the history when dealing with diarrhea?

A
Acute vs chronic
Stool characteristics and frequency
Associated SSx (nausea, vomiting)
Dehydration
Sick contacts/exposures (daycare)
Pets/animals
Med history
Travel
Diet
36
Q

DDx for acute diarrhea (>3 loose, watery stools/day x 5 days or less)

A

Abx associated: Clostridium difficile

Bacterial: Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, campylobacter, yersinia

Viral: ROTAVIRUS, Adenovirus, Calicivirus (Norovirus)

Parasitic: Giardiasis lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidium

37
Q

Most common cause of gastroenteritis

A

VIRAL!!!!

38
Q

Clinical manifestations of gastroenteritis

A
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Anorexia
Headache
Abdominal cramps
39
Q

What are the red flags when it comes to diarrhea?

A
Fever
Severe abdominal pain
Blood in stool
Recent abx
Persistent Sx
Dehydration
Leukocytosis
Growth/development affected
40
Q

Main causes of chronic diarrhea (>1 month)

A

Celiac Disease
Allergy (ie milk, soy)
Malabsorption (ie CF)
Toddler’s diarrhea

41
Q

Immune mediated inflammatory disease of the small intestine caused by gluten sensitivity

A

Celiac disease

Dx: IgA antibodies to tissue trans glutamine seems (TTG), small bowel bx

SSx: FTT, anemia, possible foul smelling stools

Tx: gluten free diet

42
Q

Most common food allergies in children

A

Milk and soy

Microscopic blood and mucous in stools, gassy, fussy

Tx: dietary elimination - hydrolyzed or free amino acid based formula (ie Nutramigen)

43
Q

Are stool cultures recommended for most cases of diarrhea?

A

No

Pursue further w/u if red flags —> CBC, CMP, celiac testing, urine Cx, stool testing, imaging

44
Q

Treatment for acute diarrhea

A

HYDRATION always, abx sometimes, anti-motility agents rarely

Keep an eye for signs of dehydration (consider PO vs IV hydration)

45
Q

Should antibiotics be used routinely for well-appearing children with acute bloody diarrhea?

A

NO

No recommended for routine use unless a specific pathogen has been isolated (Risk of HUS)

46
Q

Peak incidence for IBD

A

15-30 years

Increasing in kids

47
Q

Smoking is associated with a 2x increased risk for _____________ but with a 50% decreased risk for ___________

A

2x increased for Crohns Disease

50% decreased for Ulcerative Colitis

48
Q

Clinical presentation of IBD

A

Diarrhea, abdominal pain +/- hematochezia

Growth failure, delayed puberty

Nutrient deficiencies

Anemia

Can also have extraintestinal manifestations (mouth, skin, joints, liver, eye) sometimes developing before GI Sx

49
Q

Differences in the pattern of inflammation between Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

A

Crohn: “Skip lesions” - Terminal ileus, distal descending colon, and rectum

UC: Continuous colonic involvement beginning in rectum

50
Q

What is the clinical presentation of Crohn Disease?

A

Presentation variable

Transmural inflammation - mouth to anus (can involve entire GI tract)

Skip lesions

Cobblestone appearance

Perianal fissures, fistulas

Dx: colonoscopy

51
Q

What is the clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis?

A

Involvement of rectum and large colon
• Mucosal layer only
• Inflammation starts at rectum and extends proximally into colon
• Bloody diarrhea common
• Diffuse/continuous edema, erythema, friability, ulceration of colon

52
Q

Which IBD condition holds an increased risk of colon cancer?

A

Ulcerative colitis

53
Q

Crohn Disease vs Ulcerative Colitis

A

Location: Mouth to Anus for CD, Rectum and Colon for UC

Ulceration Pattern: Skip lesions/cobblestoning for CD, Continuous for UC

Depth of inflammation: Transmural inflammation for CD, mucosal layer only for UC

Etiology: Genetic, autoimmune, environmental factors for BOTH

54
Q

Goal of treatment for IBD

A

Clinical and laboratory remission with mucosal healing, not just symptomatic improvement

Accelerated “step-up” therapy for most vs “Top-down” therapy for high risk patients - choice of treatment varies based on severity of disease

55
Q

5 principle components of treating IBD

A

Medications

Surgery

Nutritional rehabilitation

Behavioral health support

Colorectal cancer screening for older patients

Treatment involves a multidisciplinary effort

56
Q

Medications for the treatment of IBD

A

Aminosalicylates: 5-ASA (Sulfasalazine, Mesalamine, etc)

Immunomodulating agents (Mercaptopurine, Azathioprine, Methotrexate) or Biologics (Infliximad, Remicade etc)

Steroids - primary therapy for acute flare but concern for bone density, growth and development

+/- antibiotics

Surgical intervention for refractory cases

Monitor growth, nutrition, infection risk, psychological issues and cancer surveillance

57
Q

Most common congenital anomaly of the GI tract

A

Meckel’s Diverticulum

Vitelli next duct (embryonic remnant) leads to formation of diverticulum (congenital outpouching of small intestine)

Pouch is usually made of intestinal and gastric epithelium - gastric acid produced and causes damage —> bleeding occurs from mucosal ulceration

58
Q

What is the “Rule of 2’s” with regards to Meckel’s Diverticulum

A

2% of the population
2:1 M:F ratio
2% develop complication (usually before age 2)
2 feet from the ileocecal valve

59
Q

Clinical presentation of Meckel’s Diverticulum

A

Painless rectal bleeding
Obstruction (volvulus or intussusception)
Diverticulitis (can mimic appendicitis)

60
Q

Dx study for Meckel’s Diverticulum

A

Technetium-99 scan (aka Meckel’s Scan) - Nuclear medicine scan identifies ectopic gastric mucosa in diverticulum

Management - surgical resection (excellent prognosis)

61
Q

________ affects 30% of children and accounts for 3-5% of all visits to the pediatrician

A

Constipation - regular passage of firm or hard stools or infrequent passage of stool

If impacted, encopresis can occur

Etiology: frequently multifactorial (r/o anatomic or biochemical cause)

62
Q

95% of cases of constipation are considered __________ while only 5% are considered ________.

A

95% Functional (Psychological or Psychosomatic, Dietary)

5% Organic - the “Do Not Miss” causes
• Anal stenosis
• Hypothyroidism
• Celiac Disease
• Hirschprungs
• Hypercalcemia
• CF
63
Q

Periods during which kids are most likely to develop constipation

A

Intro to solid foods or cow’s milk

Toilet training

Start of school (high prevalence age 5-6)

64
Q

Leakage of retained stool

A

Encopresis

65
Q

Dietary suggestions for avoiding constipation

A

Under 2 is 5g per day and if they are older than 2 it’s their age +5-10 grams so like a 4 year old would have a range of 9-14 g/day

66
Q

Findings that suggest an organic cause of constipation

A

Failure to pass meconium
FTT
Abdominal distension or obstructive symptoms
Lumbosacral problems, neurological abnormalities
Anterior placed anus/other alterations
Occult blood in stool

67
Q

Clinical presentation of constipation

A

+/- fecal leakage
Abdominal discomfort - generalized or LLQ
If impacted, bowel sounds may be hypoactive
Anal fissures

68
Q

Red flags for constipation

A

Weight loss, poor weight gain/growth
Anorexia, fever, hematochezia, vomiting
History of delayed passing of meconium (CF)
Acute onset
Failure to respond to conservative measures

69
Q

Management of constipation

A

Fluids
Gradual increase in daily fiber intake (puréed veggies, fruits)
Decrease dairy intake (cow’s milk < 16 oz/day)
Juice - apple, prune, or pear (infants)
If encopresis, relieve impact ion if present (Polyethylene glycol aka Miralax)

70
Q

First line treatment for encopresis/constipation

A

Miralax (polyethylene glycol)

71
Q

Condition characterized by absence of ganglion cells in mucosal and muscular layers of colon

A

Congenital Aganglionic Megacolon or Hirschprung Disease

Spasm and abnormal motility —> colon fails to relax and may lead to obstruction

M>F 3:1
80% present < 6 weeks of age
Patients with Down syndrome at high risk

72
Q

Classic presentation of Hirschprung Disease

A

Failure to pass meconium in first 48 hours of life
Bilious vomiting
Abdominal distention

Late presentation less common - Newborn passes meconium but develops Sx later
Older children may present with chronic constipation and FTT
Later the Dx, less severe disease (usually a small segment of the colon affected)

73
Q

Physical exam findings in Hirschprung disease

A

Abdominal distention
Tight anal sphincter —> “Squirt Sign” (explosive release of gas/stool when finger removed - relieves obstruction temporarily)

74
Q

Gold standard for diagnosis of Hirschprung disease

A

Rectal biopsy to confirm absence of ganglion cells

Other Dx studies:
• Contrast enema unprepared to localize “transition zone”
• Change from narrowed aganglionic segment to the dilated proximal colon

75
Q

Treatment for Hirschprung disease

A

Surgical resection of the aganglionic segment of the colon

Overall good prognosis

May have some abnormal bowel function (fecal incontinence, constipation) but most have excellent quality of life