Symptom to Diagnosis - GI Bleeding Flashcards
How can we clinically assess the volume status?
Signs of shock –> 30-40% volume depletion.
Orthostasis –> 20-25% volume depletion.
Tachycardia –> 15% volume depletion.
How do we calculate necessary replacement?
Weight in kg x 0.6 x % volume depletion.
What do we do to be ready for further bleeding?
- All patients should have their blood typed and cross-matched for at least 2 units.
- Patients may INITIALLY have normal Hcts that drop after fluid replacement.
Can we diagnose anemia through the physical exam?
No, it is insensitive.
In large bleeds, what can help monitor the fluid status?
A Foley catheter.
What initial diagnostic tests should be ordered?
- CBC + Platelet count.
- Basic metabolic panel (chem-7)
- LFTs
- PT, PTT
- Upright CXR
- Possibly NG tube placement –> may help localize source and acuity of blood loss.
Mention the common causes of upper GI bleeding.
- PUD
- Varices
- Mallory-Weiss tear
Mention less common causes of upper GI bleeding.
- Angiodysplasia
- Gastritis
- Malignancy
- Esophagitis
- Dieulafoy lesions
Mention common causes of lower GI bleeding.
- Diverticulosis
- Malignancy or polyp
- Colitis (inflammatory/ infectious/ ischemic)
- Angiodysplasia
Mention less common causes of SMALL BOWEL bleeding.
- Angiodysplasia
- Ulcers
- Malignancy
- Crohn disease
- Meckel diverticulum
Mention the 2 MCC of anorectal bleeding.
- Hemorrhoids
2. Anal fissures
What are the clinical clues for diverticular bleed?
- Brisk self-limited bleeds
2. History of diverticuli
What are the clinical clues of angiodysplasia?
- Brisk lower GI bleedings
2. More common with END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE!
What are the clinical clues of PUD?
- Often asymptomatic.
2. May present with epigastric pain or weight loss.
What are the clinical clues of colon cancer?
- History of anemia.
2. Changing bowel habits.
What is important to keep in mind about blood?
IT IS CATHARTIC!
A brisk bleed from the upper source can present with bright red blood per rectum.
What is the risk of diverticular hemorrhage in a patient with diverticuli?
Not known - Estimated 3-15%.
Left- or right-sided diverticuli seem to cause the heaviest bleedings?
RIGHT-SIDED, even though left-sided diverticuli are more common.
What is the rule about diverticular hemorrhage?
Spontaneous cessation - moderate blood loss (75%).
Recurrence is common (40%)
Diverticular hemorrhage carries a good or a poor prognosis?
A POOR prognosis.
Although diverticular hemorrhage seldom causes death, it is a marker for a relatively poor, short-term prognosis.
What historical feature suggests PUD?
NSAID use.
What historical feature suggests ischemic colitis?
Severe vascular disease.
What historical feature suggests radiation colitis?
Pelvic radiation.