Download MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) Final Year Medicine Notes Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal System
Version 1.0
Written, edited and compiled by
Prithwiraj Maiti
R.G.Kar Medical College
6.9.2014
Table of contents
Topic
Page no.
Hepatobiliary system
Portal hypertension
3
Hepatocellular failure
6
Portocaval collaterals
10
Ascites
13
Hepatic encephalopathy
17
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
20
Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS)
21
Portopulmonary hypertension
22
Hepatorenal syndrome
22
Coagulopathy
24
Congestive splenomegaly
24
Hypersplenism
24
Congestive gastropathy
25
Acute viral hepatitis
25
Alcoholic liver disease
29
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
32
Hemochromatosis
33
Wilson's disease
35
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
37
Autoimmune hepatitis
39
Cirrhosis: A comprehensive review for long case discussion
40
Amoebic liver abscess
43
Pyogenic liver abscess
44
Hepatocellular carcinoma
45
Budd Chiari syndrome
47
Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome
47
Renson's criteria/ score
49
Child-Pugh Score for chronic liver disease/ cirrhosis
49
Stomach
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
50
Barrett's esophagus
51
Peptic ulcer disease
52
Gastropathy/ gastritis
56
Intestine
Malabsorption syndrome
57
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease
59
Inflammatory bowel disease: Ulcerative colitis
62
Extras: Severity of ulcerative colitis
66
Extras: Difference between Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis
66
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
67
Extras
Acute pancreatitis
69
Hepatobiliary system
Portal hypertension
Characterized by an elevated portal venous pressure (normal: 9-10 mm Hg).
Causes
Pre-hepatic causes:
1. Portal vein thrombosis
2. Septic thrombus of portal vein
3. Splenic vein thrombosis
4. CA head of pancreas.
Intra-hepatic cause:
Cirrhosis
Post-hepatic cause:
1. Hepatic vein thrombosis (Budd Chiari syndrome)
2. IVC obstruction:
a. Cancer (Ex: RCC)
b. Clot (rare)
3. Long standing systemic venous congestion
Ex:
a. RHF
b. Constrictive pericarditis.
Pathophysiology and Clinical features of Portal Hypertension
Pathophysiological changes
Relevant clinical features
Elevated portal venous hydrostatic pressure
Ascites
Opening up of portocaval collaterals
1. GI bleeding/ bleeding varices (at gastro-
esophageal junction)
2. Venous prominence at superficial
abdominal wall
3. Caput medusae (visible collaterals
surrounding umbilicus).
Portal venous congestion--
Congestive splenomegaly
Splenic venous congestion
Toxic products excreted by the liver bypass the
1. Brain: Portocaval/ hepatic
liver and reaches systemic circulation through
encephalopathy
collateral circulation
2. Lung: Fetor hepaticus.
Splanchnic (GI) congestion
Congestive gastropathy
Pathophysiological changes and features of the underlying disease
Clinical features
A
Ascites
Abdominal swelling
B
Bleeding varices:
Hematemesis
Melena (Black semisolid stool)
It may progress into hemodynamic instability.
C
Caput medusae (collateral at periumbilical region) and superficial abdominal
venous prominence:
Direction of filling is away from umbilicus.
Congestive splenomegaly
D
Features of the underlying disease
E
Portosystemic encephalopathy
F
Fetor hepaticus (sweetish/ ammoniacal smell in the breath of the patient due
to presence of mercaptan)
G
Gastropathy (causing non-specific abdominal symptoms)
H
Hypersplenism (peripheral destruction of blood cells due to hyperactive
reticuloendothelial [RE] cells of spleen)
Investigation
1. Blood:
Hb: (due to GI bleed)
TC, DC (Pancytopenia due to hypersplenism)
ESR
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Coagulation profile:
Platelet count
BT, CT
PT, aPTT, INR.
4. LFT: Bilirubin, Albumin, Serum protein transaminase (AST, ALT), -globulin
5. USG upper abdomen:
a. Shows portal venous diameter which can roughly predict hypertension in
presence of dilated vein
b. Detect ascites
c. May show splenomegaly
d. Show any cirrhotic changes.
6. Upper GI endoscopy: To look for any varices
7. Other relevant investigations to assess the underlying cause.
Treatment
Supportive:
Treatment of:
1. Ascites
2. GI bleed
3. Underlying disease
4. Encephalopathy
5. Gastropathy.
Definitive:
Liver transplantation (if required).
Complications
1. Ascites
2. GI bleed
3. Congestive splenomegaly
4. Encephalopathy
5. Gastropathy
6. Hypersplenism.
Hepatocellular failure
Types and causes
1. Acute hepatocellular failure:
Fulminant (Hepatic encephalopathy occurs within 8 weeks of onset of
symptoms)/ Sub-fulminant (Hepatic encephalopathy occurs within 8-26 weeks of
onset of symptoms):
Causes are:
A. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) overdose
Acute viral hepatitis (HAV, HBV; HEV in pregnancy)
Autoimmune hepatitis
B. Budd Chiari syndrome
C. Cardiogenic shock (Shock liver)
D. Drug induced liver injury
E. Exogenous toxin (Amanita phalloides, Aflatoxin).
2. Gradual hepatocellular failure:
A. Alcohol
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
B. Budd Chiari Syndrome
Biliary cirrhosis (Primary/ Secondary)
C. Chronic hepatitis (HCV, HBV)
D. Deposition:
Cu: Wilson
Fe: Hemochromatosis
Amyloidosis
Glycogen storage diseases
Other uncommon causes of gradual hepatocellular failure:
Cardiac cirrhosis
Indian childhood cirrhosis
Cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Pathophysiology of hepatocellular failure
1.
Derangement of synthetic function of liver
Albumin synthesis
Coagulation protein synthsis
Hypoalbuminemia
Coagulopathy
Ascites
Spontaneous bleeding
2.
Derangement of
Unconjugated
Jaundice
metabolic function
hyperbilirubinemia
3.
Intrahepatic
Conjugated
cholestasis
hyperbilirubinemia
4.
Hepatic
Problem in
Accumuation of toxic
encephalopathy
detoxification
nitrogenous products
+
Fetor hepaticus
5.
Derangement of
Cutaneous
Hyper-estrogen-emia
hormone metabolism
manifestations
6.
Derangement of
carbohydrate
Hypoglycemia
metabolism
7.
Derangement of synthesis and metabolism of
certain vasoonstrictor and vasodilator substance
Vasoconstrictor
Vasodilator
substances
substances
Hepatorenal
Hepatopulmonary
syndrome
syndrome
Clinical features
Symptoms (from above downwards)
Hepatic encephalopathy (impaired consciousness)
Yellowish discoloration of sclera (jaundice)
Decreased frequency of shaving
Shortness of breath (Hepatopulmonary syndrome)
Abdominal swelling
Pedal swelling.
Signs (from above downwards)
Signs of hepatic encephalopathy (low GCS)
Icterus
Fetor hepaticus
Loss of facial and pubic hair
Spider nevi (at neckless area)
Gynecomastia
High volume collapsing pulse
Low SpO2 (Hepatopulmonary syndrome)
Ascites
Testicular atrophy
Edema
Leukonychia (white shiny nails)
Oliguria (Hepatorenal syndrome).
Investigations
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP/ESR
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. LFT:
a. Bilirubin: Direct, indirect
b. Liver enzymes: AST, ALT, GGT (signifies hepatocyte inflammation); ALP
(signifies intrahepatic cholestasis)
c. Serum albumin, globulin, total protein
d. Coagulation profile: PT, INR (Extrinsic), aPTT (intrinsic).
4. Other relevant blood tests that diagnose the underlying cause of hepatocellular
failure
5. USG abdomen:
It can predict the underlying cause of hepatocellular failure, ascites etc.
Treatment of Hepatocellular failure
1. Supportive:
Treatment of:
a. Ascites
b. Bleeding diathesis
c. Underlying disease
d. Encephalopathy
e. Hepato-pulmonary/ hepato-renal syndrome
f. Hypoglycemic episodes.
2. Definitive:
Liver transplantation.
Short note: Hyperestrogenemia in hepatocellular failure
It occurs in chronic hepatocellular failure due to derangement of testosterone
metabolism, leading to:
1. Testicular atrophy
2. Loss of secondary sexual characters (sparse pubic and axillary hair)
3. Gynecomastia
4. Spider navus/ angioma.
Portocaval collaterals
Anastomotic vessels which open up between portal and systemic circulation in a patient
of portal hypertension.
Effects:
Beneficial
Reduction of portal hypertension
Harmful
1. Rupture of collateral at gastro-esophageal region, leading to GI bleed
2. Toxic nitrogenous products bypass the liver and enter systemic circulation,
leading to:
a. Portosystemic encephalopathy
b. Fetor hepaticus.
Sites:
1. Gastro-esophageal region (Varices)
2. Superficial abdominal wall
3. Falciform ligament
4. Anal canal
5. Retro-peritoneum.
Clinical features:
1. GI bleed:
Hematemesis
Melena
Hemodynamic instability
Black tarry stool.
2. Visible collaterals:
Superficial abdominal venous prominence ? Caput
Direction of filling: Away from the umbilicus.
3. Portosystemic shunting through collaterals:
Portosystemic encephalopathy
Fetor hepaticus.
Investigations:
Same as portal hypertension
Treatment:
Treatment of G-E varices/ Bleeding
Immediate
Definitive
Long term
Immediate treatment
A. Airway:
Must be protected, particularly if there is risk of aspiration
If required: Oropharyngeal suction.
B. Breathing:
Oxygen
Ventilation.
C. Circulation:
1 wide bore cannula in each hand
IV fluid resuscitation (Preferred fluid of choice: Normal saline)
In case of severe bleeding: Blood transfusion (maintain a Hb level of 7-9 gm %)
Treat any co-existing coagulopathy (platelet, vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma).
D. Drugs:
Reduction of bleeding by splanchnic (and also systemic) vasoconstriction:
o Vasopressin
o Terlipressin
o Glypressin.
Safer and selective splanchnic vasoconstrictors (with fewer side effects):
o Somatostatin
o Octreotide.
IV antibiotic therapy in all patients (to reduce the risk of potentially life-
threatening infections).
Definitive treatment
E. Endoscopy:
Endoscopy confirms the presence of varices and subsequently they can be
treated endoscopically by the 2 following techniques, the mechanism of both of
which is stoppage of bleeding by variceal thrombosis:
Variceal ligation (banding)
Injection sclerotherapy:
Intra and para-variceal administration of sclerosing agents:
o Ethanolamine oleate
o Sodium tetradecyl sulfate.
F. Failure of endoscopy/ not feasible:
Balloon tamponade on varices by Sengstaken-Blackmore tube (SSBT): It is a last
resort and highly effective in controlling variceal bleeding; but it is associated
with significant complications (high incidence of re-bleeding and aspiration
pneumonia after removal of the tube).
Long term treatment
Prophylaxis of first episode of bleeding (primary prophylaxis)
Endoscopy
Eradication of varices
Surveillance.
Medical prophylaxis
Nonselective blocker:
Propranolol reduces portal pressure by causing splanchnic vasoconstriction and
reducing cardiac output.
Oral nitrates:
Nitrates reduces portal pressure by reducing hepatic vascular resistance.
Prophylaxis of subsequent bleeding episodes (secondary prophylaxis)
It is done in recurrent and severe bleeding:
Various options are:
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS)
Liver transplantation.
Ascites
Accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Causes of ascites:
1. Ascites with anasarca:
a. Right heart failure
b. Chronic kidney disease
c. Constrictive pericarditis
d. Cirrhosis
e. Nephrotic syndrome.
2. Ascites without anasarca:
a. Peritonitis (TB/ Malignancy)
b. Acute pancreatitis.
Clinical features:
Symptoms
1. Progressive abdominal swelling
2. Weight gain
3. Massive ascites-- Abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath may occur
due to mechanical effect (uplifting of diaphragm).
Signs
1. Shifting dullness
2. Fluid thrill may be present
3. Puddle sign (insignificant)
4. Often signs of underlying disease will help to determine causes of ascites.
Causes of ascites in cirrhosis/ CLD
1. Initiating factor:
Abnormal renal retention of Na+ and water.
What starts this abnormality is not clear, however, there are 3 possible
hypothesis:
A. Underfilling theory:
Portal
hypertension/
Effective blood
Stimulation of
Na+ and water
splancnic
volume
Renal ischemia
RAS axis
retention
sequestration
of blood
B. Vasodilator theory:
Splancnic
Splancnic
Rest is same as
Nitric oxide (NO)
sequestration of
vasodilation
above
blood
C. Overfilling theory:
Abnormal salt and water
Overfilling of splancnic
Initiation of ascites
retention
vascular bed
2. Aggravating factor:
A. Non-compliance to drugs/ diet prescribed
B. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
C. Development of hepatocellular CA
D. Tubercular peritonitis.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test
4. Urine analysis
5. CXR
6. ECG
7. USG
8. Diagnostic peritoneal paracentesis:
I.
Physical appearance:
Turbid: SBP
Hemorrhagic: TB/ Malignancy.
II.
Biochemical properties:
Serum ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG): >1.1 gm/dL: Suggestive of
portal hypertension.
III.
Cytological properties:
WBC count:
Neutrophilic leukocytosis: Suggestive of SBP
Lymphocytic leukocytosis: Suggestive of TB/ Malignancy
Atypical cells: Malignancy.
IV.
Microbiological properties:
Gram stain
AFB staining + Mycobacterial culture.
V.
Special tests:
X-PERT TB/ RIF assay:
Detects M.tuberculosis genome + Rifampicin resistance (which is a very
reliable indicator for MDR-TB).
Adenosine deaminase (ADA):
ADA levels may be high in tubercular ascites. However, it is a
nonspecific marker and results should be interpreted very cautiously.
9. Endoscopy:
If ascites is suspected to be due to cirrhosis/ portal hypertension, then look for GI
varices (endoscopy).
10. Series of other tests may be required to diagnose the underlying cause.
Treatment of ascites
1. Diet (fluid and salt restriction)
2. Diuretic:
a. Spironolactone: It is a K+ sparing diuretic; having side effects of dehydration,
hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and painful gynecomastia.
b. Furosemide: It is a loop diuretic; having side effects of dehydration,
hyponatremia and hypokalemia.
3. Daily (regular) monitoring of the following parameters:
a. Body weight
b. Abdominal guts
c. Intake and output
d. Renal function.
4. Drain (Therapeutic abdominal paracentesis):
Indication:
a. Significant ascites (symptomatic)
b. Ascites refractory to diuretics
c. If required, even 5-6 L fluid may be drained in a single sitting.
Note:
To prevent post-paracentesis circulatory disequilibrium, concomitant transfusion
of IV albumin preparation was practiced earlier. However, its role is doubtful.
5. Treat the underlying disease.
Hepatic encephalopathy
It is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome due to temporary cerebral dysfunction in a
patient of hepatocellular failure and/or portal hypertension.
Etiopathogenesis
Underlying defect:
1. Hepatocellular failure:
Toxic nitrogenous products and other toxins can't get detoxified in the liver, so
they reach systemic circulation and then go to brain causing encephalopathy.
2. Portal hypertension:
Due to portosystemic collaterals, toxins bypass liver and reach systemic
circulation and go to brain.
Ultimately these toxins; after reaching the brain cause cerebral dysfunction,
leading to encephalopathy.
Toxins responsible for hepatic encephalopathy:
A. Ammonia
M. Mercaptan
M. Manganese
O. Octopamine
N. Benzodiazepine
I. Inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA)
A. Fatty acids.
Aggravating/ precipitating factors:
1. Conditions which cause protein load:
High dietary protein intake (especially animal protein)
GI bleeding
Uremia/ azotemia (pre-renal renal failure).
2. Conditions which cause ammonia production in intestine:
Constipation
Metabolic alkalosis (which may occur in hypokalemia caused by loop
diuretics): Here conversion of NH3 to NH4+ is hampered.
3. Hepatotoxins:
Alcohol
Sedatives.
4. Infection: Commonly SBP is responsible for it.
Clinical features
Symptoms
A. Altered sensorium
B. Behavioral change (Indifference to others, childish behavior)
C. Confusion, coma
D. Delirium, disturbed sleep rhythm (reversal of sleep-wake cycle), disturbed mood
E. Features of cerebral edema (due to ICT)
F. Flapping tremor
G. GCS.
Signs
1. Apraxia:
Inability to perform a voluntary skillful activity in spite of normal motor, sensory
cerebellar and extrapyramidal structures.
Constructional apraxia:
Inability to draw a 5 pointed star
When asked to join 20 numbered points by a line, the patient either takes very
much time or unable to do it.
2. Jerks:
Usually normal, however in deep coma: hypo/a-reflexia may be seen.
3. Plantar:
Normal, however in deep coma: plantar may be bilateral extensor/ absent.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP/ESR
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test
4. Arterial NH3 level: (But it is a nonspecific marker)
5. Arterial blood gas: To assess acid base equilibrium
6. USG abdomen
7. Upper GI endoscopy (to look for any varices)
8. Diagnostic ascitic fluid tap and analysis
9. CT head: Particularly if raised ICT is suspected/ the cause of encephalopathy is
not clear.
Treatment
A. Airway:
To be protected, particularly if in deep coma.
B. Breathing:
Oxygen and if required, ventilation.
C. Circulation:
Regular capillary blood glucose monitoring
IV fluid (containing dextrose)
To be avoided in presence of significant cerebral edema.
Constipation:
Prevention of constipation by:
Lactulose (Per oral/ Per rectal)
Lactitol
High bowel wash enema
Rifaximine.
D. Diet:
Dietary protein restriction.
E. Cerebral edema:
Mannitol.
Electrolyte imbalance:
Any hypokalemia is promptly treated.
F. Fever (infection):
Any infection should be promptly treated by antibiotics.
G. GI bleed:
It should be promptly treated.
H. Hypovolemia: Promptly treated.
Hepatotoxic drugs: To be avoided.
Role of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy
1. Being a non-absorbable disaccharide, it gets metabolized in the gut, to form H+
which converts toxic NH3 to nontoxic NH4+.
2. It directly acts on ammonia forming colonic flora and reduces their load.
3. It also acts as a laxative.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
It is primarily a bacterial infection of ascitic fluid, in absence of any intra-abdominal
focus of infection.
Risk factors:
Any patient with ascites are at risk of SBP, however, chronic liver disease/ cirrhotic
patients, particularly those with ascitic fluid albumin level <1gm/dL are at greater risk
as the fluid is often deficient in opsonins.
Pathogens:
E.coli
Streptococcus
Organisms enter ascitic fluid either by translocation across the gut wall/
through intestinal lymphatics.
Clinical features:
1. Fever
2. Pain abdomen
3. Aggravation of ascites
4. Hepatic encephalopathy may get precipitated
5. Tenderness ? signs of peritonitis are usually absent.
Investigation:
1. Blood: CBC, ESR/ CRP, Blood culture sensitivity
2. Ascitic fluid tap
3. Ascitic fluid:
a. Cell count (WBC count > 500/cu.mm.)
b. Gram stain + culture sensitivity.
Treatment:
Treatment of SBP
1/2 prevention in high risk
Established case of SBP
patients
IV Ceftriaxone ? Metronidazole
Long term antibiotic prophylaxis
To be changed to proper oral form
with Ciprofloxacin/ Metronidazole
after few days
Prescribe when ascitic fluid
Total duration of antibiotic
albumin level <1 gm/dL
therapy: 7-10 days
Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS)
It is a pulmonary complication of chronic liver disease characterized by widespread
intrapulmonary vasodilation and arterio-venous communication.
Pathogenesis:
In CLD, there is abnormally high pulmonary nitric oxide (NO) level, leading to intra-
pulmonary vasodilation and opening up of intrapulmonary arterio-venous
communicating channels, which ultimately leads to admixture of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
CLD
NO
Intrapulmonary vasodilation
Opening of AV channels
Mixture of oxygenated and
VP mismatch
deoxygenated blood
Clinical features:
Symptom
Breathlessness/ shortness of breath
Signs
Shortness of breath becomes more prominent when the patient is in standing
position: Platypnea.
Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) falls when the patient is in standing
position: Orthodeoxia.
Investigation
1. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
2. Chest X Ray (CXR): To rule out focal lung lesion
3. ECG and Echocardiogram: To rule out any cardiac abnormality
4. Highly specialized test (expensive): Contrast echocardiogram with saline agitated
microbubble: Injected bubbles appear very quickly in the left atrium due to
intrapulmonary shunting.
Treatment
1. Oxygen
2. Liver transplantation.
Portopulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension occurring as a consequence of CLD.
It occurs due to abnormal circulating level of Endothelin: a potent pulmonary
vasoconstrictor.
Treatment:
1. Bosentan: Endothelin antagonist
2. Sildenafil: NO donor.
Hepatorenal syndrome
A state of renal dysfunction occurring as a consequence of CLD.
Diagnostic criteria:
1. Presence of azotemia: Creatinine
2. No pre-renal/ intrinsic renal causes of kidney dysfunction (Ex.: dehydration)
3. No improvement of renal function even after withholding diuretic therapy for 48
hours.
Pathogenesis:
Due to CLD, there is impaired synthesis/ malabsorption of renal vasodilators,
leading to intense renal vasoconstriction; leading to reduced renal blood flow.
There is altered hemodynamics but no structural damage to kidneys.
Clinical features:
1. Oliguria/ anuria
2. Symptoms and signs of volume overload
3. Features of uremic encephalopathy (due to accumulation of toxins in blood).
Investigations:
Renal function test: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
Urea creatinine:
Serum Na+: (Dilutional hyponatremia); Urinary Na+:
Serum K+: .
Treatment:
1. Any other cause of renal dysfunction needs to be treated
2. Combination of medical agents:
Vasopressin/
Midodrine
Terlipressin
Somatostatin/
Norepinephrine
Octreotide
3. Liver transplantation
4. A special dialysis method which selectively albumin bound compound
(experimental).
Coagulopathy
Cause:
Impaired synthesis of coagulation factors due to deranged hepatic function.
Clinical features:
1. Asymptomatic
2. Bleeding manifestation:
External: Gum bleeding, epistaxis, ecchymosis
Internal: Intracerebral hemorrhage, GI bleed, GU bleed.
If blood loss is significant, patient may become hemodynamically unstable.
Investigation:
Coagulation profile
1. BT/ CT/ Platelet count
2. PT, INR (Extrinsic pathway)
3. aPTT (Intrinsic pathway)
- Often only PT/INR is elevated in CLD as factor VII is the first factor to get
depleted.
Treatment:
1. Fresh frozen plasma transfusion, only when there is active bleeding/ before
invasive procedure
2. Although it is very commonly used, vitamin K has no role, unless coexistent
vitamin K deficiency is suspected
3. Recombinant factor VIII concentrate.
Congestive splenomegaly
It is a common complication of portal hypertension where portal and splanchnic venous
congestion leads to passive congestion in the spleen and finally, splenomegaly.
Hypersplenism
It can occur in a patient with long standing portal hypertension and defined as the
combined presence of the following:
1. Splenomegaly
2. Pancytopenia (which gets corrected after splenectomy)
3. Bone marrow hyperplasia.
Cause of pancytopenia:
Excessive splenic sequestration of peripheral blood cells due to overactivity of RE cells.
Congestive gastropathy
Pathogenesis:
Impaired
Portal
Splanchnic
Congestive
gastric venous
hypertension
congestion
gastropathy
drainage
Clinical features:
Patients are often asymptomatic; sometimes may present with nonspecific
symptoms like epigastric discomfort ? pain.
Diagnosis:
Endoscopy shows gastric mucosal congestion and hyperemia.
Acute viral hepatitis
Virus
Incubation
Mode of
Acute
Fulminant
Chronic
period (days)
transmission
hepatitis
hepatic failure
hepatitis
HAV
15-45
Faeco-oral
+
+
-
HBV
30-180
Sexual
++
Parenteral
+
+
Vertical
HCV
50-160
Sexual
-
-
++
Parenteral
HDV
30-180
Sexual
+
-
-
Parenteral
HEV
15-60
Faeco-oral
+
+ (in pregnancy)
-
Viral markers
1. HAV: Anti-HAV antibody: IgM (acute) and IgG (remote)
2. HBV:
a. HBsAg:
I.
In most cases, the first viral marker to appear
II.
Appears very early during acute hepatitis and usually disappear within few
months
III.
If persists 6 months after an episode of acute hepatitis, then the patient
may be: a carrier/ entered into chronic hepatitis phase.
b. Anti-HBs-antibody:
I.
Appears after disappearance of HbsAg
II.
Presence signifies immunity by vaccine/ a previous episode of acute
hepatitis
c. Anti-HBc-antibody:
It is of 2 types:
I.
IgM: Rises during acute infection
II.
IgG: Develops during acute period and persists indefinitely.
d. HBeAg:
I.
It is a secretory form of core antigen
II.
Appears during acute infection
III.
It is a marker of active viral replication
IV.
Therefore, its presence suggests high infectivity
V.
Usually disappears within few months of acute infection, if persists beyond
3 months, it suggests a high possibility of chronic hepatitis.
e. Anti-HBe-antibody:
Appears after disappearance of HbeAg
f. HBV-DNA:
I.
Highly sensitive marker of viral replication
II.
Quantification of HBV-DNA denotes viral load and therefore is monitored
to assess antiviral treatment response in chronic hepatitis.
A way to remember the sequence of appearance of viral markers in hepatitis B:
Antigens:
S: HBsAg
E: HBeAg
D: HBV-DNA
Antibodies:
C: Anti-HBc (IgM)
E: Anti-HBe
S: Anti-HBs
C: Anti-HBc (IgG)
HBsAg Anti-HBs Anti-HBc
HbeAg
Anti-HBe
Interpretation of test results
+
-
IgM
+
-
Active hepatitis high infectivity
+
-
IgG
+
-
Chronic hepatitis high infectivity
+
-
IgG
-
+
Chronic hepatitis low infectivity
-
-
IgM
+
+
Acute infection
-
+
-
-
-
Immune (vaccinated person)
-
+
IgG
-
+
Previous infection
3. HCV:
a. Anti-HCV:
Usually appears during acute period of infection
Although in substantial proportion of Hepatitis C patients will have detectable
Anti-HCV, a subpopulation of the patients will be Anti-HCV ?Ve.
b. HCV-RNA:
I.
Detectable during acute period of infection
II.
Signifies active viral replication
III.
Quantification denotes viral load and is monitored during antiviral
treatment.
4. HDV:
It causes co/super-infection with HBV. The marker is HDV-RNA.
5. HEV:
Anti-HEV-antibody:
It is of 2 types: IgM and IgG.
Clinical features of viral hepatitis
Acute viral hepatitis
It goes through 3 stages:
a. Pre-icteric stage (few days-1 week):
Nausea and vomiting
Apathy/ distress for food
Right upper quadrant pain
Fever
Arthralgia
Myalgia.
- In some patients with acute HepB, serum sickness like illness (fever + rash +
arthralgia) may occur.
b. Icteric stage (1-3 week):
Symptoms start to subside
Icterus
Soft/ form tender hepatomegaly
Mild splenomegaly.
c. Recovery/ convalescent stage:
Symptoms and signs gradually disappears and patient normalizes.
Examination may reveal RUQ pain and soft tender hepatomegaly.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP/ESR: Leukopenia may be seen
In smear, atypical lymphocytes may be seen.
2. Renal function test: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test:
a. Bilirubin (Unconjugated and conjugated):
b. Hepatic transaminases:
I.
ALT, AST: (often level rises to >1000 U/L)
The rise of ALT is typically > rise of AST.
II.
GGT/ ALP: (mild to moderate rise in level)
c. Albumin:
d. PT, INR, aPTT:
*Low albumin level and coagulation abnormalities are warning signals of an
impending hepatic failure.
4. Viral markers:
a. Anti-HAV
b. HbsAg
c. Anti-HCV
5. USG abdomen.
Treatment
A. Absolute bed rest:
Particularly when the patient is symptomatic, bed rest should be continued till
transaminase levels come down/ patient becomes asymptomatic.
B. Bowel clearance: Lactulose
C. Circulatory support by IV fluid of oral intake is inadequate. Usually dextrose
containing fluid is given.
Monitor capillary blood glucose regularly.
D. Diet: Normal palatable diet, restrict protein in case of encephalopathy.
Drugs: Avoid drugs which are hepatotoxic/ having hepatic metabolism.
E. Look for early signs of encephalopathy.
Complications
1. Early: Fulminant hepatic failure
2. Late:
I.
Cirrhosis
II.
Chronic hepatitis
III.
Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Alcoholic liver disease
Risk factors:
1. Alcohol related:
Amount (>50 gm/day for 10 years)
Type
Binge drinking.
2. Non-alcohol related:
Malnutrition
Obesity
Coexisting liver disease.
Stages and clinical features:
1. Alcoholic fatty liver (steatosis):
Often asymptomatic
Mild RUQ pain
RUQ tenderness ? Hepatomegaly.
2. Alcoholic hepatitis:
RUQ pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Fever ?
RUQ tenderness ? Hepatomegaly.
3. Alcoholic chronic liver disease/ cirrhosis:
Symptoms and signs of chronic hepatocellular failure
Symptoms and signs of portal hypertension.
Stigma of chronic alcohol excess:
1. Haptic facies: Wasted face with facial hollowing + muddy discoloration
2. Bilateral parotid swelling
3. Dupuytren's contracture: Fibrotic thickening of palmar fascia leading to fixed
flexion deformity and limited extension of ring and little fingers
4. Hyperestrogenemic manifestations: More prominent than other causes of CLD.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, ESR/ CRP
Hb: in case of GI bleed
TC, DC: Leukocytosis in case of alcoholic hepatitis
Cytopenia: Due to marrow toxic effect of alcohol
MCV: Due to coexisting folic acid deficiency.
2. Renal function test: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine:
Urea-creatinine level may be due to low catabolic state.
3. Liver function test:
a. Bilirubin: May be
b. ALT, AST: Mild to moderate , usual y don't exceed 300 U/L,
>1 (due to
alcohol induced inhibition of pyridoxal phosphate, a coenzyme of all
transaminases)
c. GGT, ALP: Mild to moderate (markers of cholestasis)
d. Albumin: Normal/
e. PT, aPTT, INR: Normal/ .
4. USG abdomen:
May show:
a. Fatty liver
b. Hepatomegaly
c. Evidence of portal hypertension
d. Ascites.
5. Upper GI endoscopy:
To look for varices.
Treatment of alcoholic liver disease
A. Abstinence:
If required, drugs can be given to control acute withdrawal symptoms:
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
Acamprosate.
B. Bowel clearance:
Lactulose + Vitamin B supplementation
C. Circulatory support by dextrose containing IV fluid
Capillary blood glucose monitoring
D. Drugs:
Hepatotoxic drugs/ drugs with significant hepatic metabolism should be avoided
in chronic liver disease.
I.
Corticosteroid:
Methyl-prednisolone/ its dose equivalent: for 4 weeks
If modified Maddrey's discriminant score >32
=[4.6 ( - )]+ . /
II.
Pentoxifylline (TNF inhibitor): For a duration of 4 weeks
E. Treatment of associated complication(s).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/ Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Definition:
Liver disease due to fatty infiltration with/ without accompanying inflammation in
absence of alcohol abuse.
Risk factors:
High BMI
Diabetes
Dyslipidemia
Hypertension
Metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X)
Drugs (Corticosteroid/ Amiodarone)
Endocrine (Cushing's syndrome/ Polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Pathogenesis:
The following factor play important role in NAFLD:
Insulin resistance:
It ultimately leads to lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to the liver
(In Alcoholic liver disease, 2 important factors are:
a. Toxic effect of acetaldehyde
b. Toxic effect of TNF).
Clinical features:
1. Often asymptomatic: Detected incidentally
2. RUQ discomfort ? Pain
3. RUQ tenderness ? Hepatomegaly
4. In advanced cases, chronic liver diseases or cirrhosis may occur.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function:
a. Variable deranged
b. Usually ALT> AST
c. In advanced cases progressing to fibrosis: AST > ALT.
4. Fasting lipid profile
5. Blood glucose: Fasting and post-prandial
6. USG abdomen:
Evidence of steatosis: fatty infiltration is seen (steatosis and steatohepatitis are
not amenable to differentiation).
7. Upper GI endoscopy: If CLD is suspected
8. Liver biopsy.
Treatment
1. Risk factor modification:
a. Lifestyle modification
b. Drug treatment
Lifestyle modification
I.
Weight loss
II.
Avoid alcohol
III.
Dietary modification
IV.
Drugs:
Anti-hypertensive
Anti-diabetic
Anti-lipidemic
Anti-obesity.
Drug treatment
I.
Reduction of insulin resistance:
Metformin
Pioglitazone.
II.
Antioxidants:
Vitamin E
III.
Treatment of chronic liver disease (if present).
Hemochromatosis
Definition:
It is a disorder of iron metabolism characterized by excessive hepatic and extrahepatic
iron deposition.
Pathogenesis:
1. HFE gene: This gene plays a vital role in sensing body iron stores. In mutations of
this gene, there is ultimately excess intestinal iron absorption.
2. Hepcidin: It is a key iron regulatory protein which is not synthetized properly. So,
there is excessive hepatic iron deposition which spills over into extrahepatic sites.
Clinical features:
Features of chronic
liver disease
Cardiac failure
Hepatic
Conduction
Cardiomyopathy
disturbances
H
Heart
Commonly affects MCP joints
(particularly 2nd and 3rd)
Arthralgia/ Arthritis
A
Diabetes
Pancreas
HAEM
Hypogonadism
E
Endocrinal glands
Pituitary
Slate grey
Melanin (brown) +
Bronzing of skin/
M
excess iron
Bronze diabetes
deposition in skin
Greyish brown
Investigations
To diagnose organ defect:
1. Blood & liver function: Nonspecific abnormality
2. Blood glucose: Fasting and post-prandial
3. ECG
4. Echocardiogram
5. To confirm hemochromatosis:
a. Serum iron:
b. Serum ferritin:
6. Liver biopsy: With estimation of hepatic iron index
7. Molecular testing: Detection of C282Y mutation.
Treatment
1. Supportive treatment:
For different complications
2. Treatment of iron deposition:
a. Regular phlebotomy
b. Iron chelators: Desferrioxamine: SC/IV infusion.
Wilson's disease
Definition:
It is a disorder of copper metabolism characterized by excessive hepatic and
extrahepatic copper deposition.
Risk factors:
2 important factors which lead to excessive hepatic copper deposition which spills over
different extra-hepatic sites are:
1. Excessive intestinal Cu++ absorption
2. Impaired hepatic Cu++ excretion.
There is underlying defect in the key transporter protein ATP7B which is responsible for
all of these.
Clinical features:
Hepato-Lenticular Degeneration
H
L
D
Lentiform nucleus Cu++ deposition
Descemet membrane
Acute hepatitis
Cu++ deposition
Parkinsonian
Choreoathetoform
Cerebellar
Fulminant hepatic
features
movement
degeneration
Brownish-yellow
failure
ring on limbus
Dysequilibrium
Chronic liver
Best seen by slit
disease
lamp
Dysarthria
Kayser-
fleischer ring
Dystonia
Investigation
To detect organ damage:
1. Liver function test
2. MRO brain.
To confirm the disease:
1. Serum Cu++:
2. Ceruloplasmin:
3. Urinary Cu++:
4. Liver biopsy: It estimates hepatic Cu++ store.
Treatment
1. Cu++ chelating agent:
If fails/ patient can't
D-Penicillamine
Triamtene
tolerate
2. Reduction of Cu++ absorption from intestine: By zinc
3. Treatment of chronic liver disease.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
Definition:
It is an antibody mediated disease characterized by inflammation and subsequent
fibrotic obliteration of intrahepatic biliary canaliculi.
Pathogenesis:
Antibodies against Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
of canalicular cell mitochondria: Anti-mitochondrial
antibody (AMA)
Canalicular inflammation and fibrosis
Intrahepatic cholestasis
Eventually leads to chronic liver disease
Clinical features:
Pigmentation (due to
P
melanin deposition)
B
Bile acid
Pruritus
Steatorrhea
Fat malabsorption
Flatulence
Primary bliary cirrhosis
Night blindness
Vitamin A, D, E, K
Musculoskeletal pain
Cholestasis
malabsorption
(Proximal myopathy)
Conjugated
C
Chronic liver disease
Coagulopathy
hyperbilirubinemia
Clubbing
Xantholesma
Hypercholesterolemia
Xanthomata
Investigations:
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test:
a. Bilirubin: Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia
b. AST, ALT: Mild to moderate
c. Albumin: May be
d. PT, aPTT, INR: May be in vitamin K deficiency and chronic liver disease.
4. Detection of serum anti-mitochondrial antibody
5. USG
6. Upper GI endoscopy: If portal hypertension/CLD is suspected; to look for varices
7. Liver biopsy.
Treatment:
1. Cholestasis:
Urso-deoxy-cholic acid (UDCO):
Improves cholestasis
Changes toxic bile salts to non-toxic ursodeoxycholate.
2. Pruritus:
Cholestyramine (Bile acid binding agent)
3. Vitamin supplementation (parenteral, if required)
4. Treatment of chronic liver disease.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Definition:
Autoantibody mediated inflammation of liver which may lead to acute hepatitis as well
as chronic liver disease.
Clinical features:
Common in young females, sometimes associated with other autoimmune
conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis etc.
Many patients are asymptomatic till they develop CLD.
May present with acute hepatitis ? fulminant hepatic failure:
For some unknown reasons, acute hepatitis like illness is triggered off by:
a. Recent viral illness
b. Drugs/ toxins
c. Post-partum period.
Many of the female patients develop amenorrhea.
Investigations
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test:
Variable abnormal:
a. ALT, AST: May be very
b. Hyperglobulinemia.
4. Autoantibodies:
a. Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis:
Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)
Anti-soluble liver antibody (ASLA).
b. Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis:
Anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody type 1 (ALKMA1).
5. USG abdomen.
Treatment
1. Acute hepatitis:
Long term corticosteroid + Azathioprine
OR
Mycophenolate mofetil
2. Treatment of chronic liver disease.
Cirrhosis: A comprehensive review for long case discussion
It is a condition characterized:
Clinically by: Hepatocellular failure + Portal hypertension
Histopathologically by: Hepatic fibrosis + Necrosis + Regenerative nodules
(pseudo-lobules) + Architectural destruction of liver.
Causes:
A. Alcoholic cirrhosis/ Laennec's cirrhosis (macronodular)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency
Autoimmune hepatitis
B. Biliary cirrhosis (primary and secondary)
C. Chronic hepatitis (B and C): Micronodular
Cryptogenic cirrhosis
D. Deposition of copper: Wilson's disease
G. Glycogen storage disease
H. Hemochromatosis
I. Indian childhood cirrhosis.
Clinical features:
Features of portal hypertension
Features of hepatocellular failure
Ascites
Hepatic encephalopathy
Variceal bleed
Icterus
Splenomegaly
Fetor hepaticus
Portosystemic encephalopathy
Ascites
Superficial venous prominence
Edema
(direction of filling is away from
Miscellaneous*
umbilicus)
*Miscellaneous points to be looked for (Hyperestrogenemic features):
Spider nevus
Gynecomastia
Palmar erythema
Sparse facial/ axillary/ pubic hair
Testicular atrophy
Flapping tremor.
Points to be looked for specific underlying etiology:
Bilateral parotid swelling
Hepatic facies: Muddy discoloration with hollowing of face due to wasting of
temporalis and masseter muscles
Dupuytren's contracture.
Points suspicious for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC):
Clubbing (although it may be present in any cirrhotic patient)
Pigmentation and scratch marks on skin.
Points suspicious for Wilson's disease:
Kayser?Fleischer ring
Involuntary movements.
Palpation of liver:
May be palpable (left lobe): Due to its firm consistency
Hepatic span often reduced.
Investigations
Preliminary investigations:
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
Hb: in GI bleed
Pancytopenia: In alcohol induced marrow toxicity/ hypersplenism
TC, DC, CRP: in SBP.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
Urea creatinine: in Hepatorenal syndrome/ long term diuretic use
Dyselectrolytemia: Diuretics---- Dilutional hyponatremia
Ex.:
K+: Aldosterone antagonist
K+: Loop diuretics.
3. Liver function test:
Bilirubin: , but significant hyperbilirubinemia occurs only in end stage
liver disease
AST, ALT: , but often <300 U/L
AST/ALT >1 is suggestive of alcoholic liver disease
GGT, ALP: is suggestive of intrahepatic cholestasis
PT, aPTT, INR: is suggestive of synthetic function failure.
4. Arterial NH3 level:
in encephalopathy.
5. Chest X Ray:
To look for any effusion.
6. USG abdomen:
Detects liver size, texture; ascites, portal vein diameter, splenomegaly.
7. Upper GI endoscopy:
To look for any varices.
8. Diagnostic ascitic fluid aspiration:
Serum ascitic fluid gradient >1.1. gm/dL
WBC count >500/L with PMN fraction >50% is suggestive of SBP.
Treatment of chronic liver disease
1. Treatment of complications:
A. Ascites:
Dietary Na+ and water restriction
Diuretics (Loop diuretics/ K+ sparing diuretics)
Daily body weight monitoring
Daily intake-output chart
Drainage: therapeutic ascitic fluid aspiration.
B. Bleeding varices:
Circulation maintenance (IV fluid + blood transfusion)
Drugs (Vasopressin)
Endoscopy (Endoscopic rubber band ligation/ sclerotherapy)
Prevention: -blocker/ nitrate.
C. Coagulopathy:
Treat by fresh frozen plasma in case of active bleeding.
E. Encephalopathy:
a. Avoid alcohol/ hepatotoxic drugs
b. Urgently treat any associated GI bleed
c. Prevent/ treat constipation
d. Dietary protein restriction
e. Treat any electrolyte imbalance
f. Fluid: Maintain proper hydration
g. Gut cleansing agent (Rifaximine)
h. Prevent hypovolemia
i. Treat any associated infection.
Miscellaneous Topics
Amoebic liver abscess
Pathogenesis:
Trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica
Organism enters by faeco-oral route
Cyst/ vegetative form in the intestine
Trophozoite in the liver
Abscess formation
Clinical features:
1. Constitutional symptoms:
a. Fever
b. Loss of appetite
c. Weight loss
d. Anorexia
e. Nausea
2. RUQ discomfort.
On examination:
1. RUQ tenderness: On percussion, tenderness over right lower intercostal spaces
noted
2. Hepatomegaly may be present.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, ESR
2. Liver function test: Nonspecifically mildly deranged
3. USG abdomen: Usually shows a single abscess.
Complications:
3P
P1: Pleural empyema
P2: Pericardial empyema
P3: Peritonitis.
Pyogenic liver abscess
Portal of entry:
1. Through portal vein: Pylephlebitis (infection of portal vein)
2. Through CBD: Ascending cholangitis
3. Through hepatic artery: Bacteremia.
Clinical features:
1. Constitutional symptoms:
a. High temperature
b. Weakness
c. Malaise
2. Anorexia + Nausea
3. RUQ discomfort
4. RUQ tenderness ? Hepatomegaly.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Blood culture and sensitivity
4. Liver function test: Variably abnormal
5. USG: It shows multiple small abscesses.
Treatment
Empirically IV Ceftriaxone + Metronidazole
To be changed to appropriate oral forms once patient starts to improve
Total duration: Approx. 3 weeks.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
It is a primary malignancy of liver.
Risk factors:
1. Chronic hepatitis (HBV and HCV)
2. Cirrhosis of any etiology.
Clinical features:
1. Constitutional symptoms:
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fever
2. Sudden deterioration of a previously stable cirrhotic patient
Ex.: Worsening of ascites
3. Patient may/ may not be aware of chronic hepatitis
4. Icterus, Hepatomegaly: +Ve, Evidences of CLD may be present.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, ESR
Hb% may rise in a tumor producing erythropoietin (EPO)
Leukocytosis is common due to underlying inflammatory condition.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Liver function test:
Non-specifically abnormal
But ALP and bilirubin may rise significantly.
4. Serum AFP (-fetoprotein): Significantly high
Value of >200 U/L is quite specific for HCC. But it is not sensitive.
Mild to moderate increase in value is not specific.
5. USG abdomen: Visualizes the lesion
6. CECT/ MRI
7. Biopsy of the lesion:
Carries risk of massive bleeding as it is a highly vascular tumor.
Treatment
Treatment options of
HCC
Interventional
Surgery
Chemotherapy
radiotherapy
Palliative treatment for
Transarterial
Tumor resection
the bridge therapy for
chemoembolisation
liver transpalanattion
Transarterial
Liver transplantation
chemoinfusion
Infusion of ethanol
Budd Chiari syndrome
Thrombosis of the hepatic vein.
Causes:
1. Hypercoagulable state/ disorders:
Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome
Protein C/ protein S/ antithrombin 3 deficiency
Factor 5 Leyden.
2. Idiopathic
3. Tumor occlusion/ invasion:
Common tumors responsible: RCC, HCC.
Clinical features:
1. Sudden RUQ pain
2. Tender soft hepatomegaly
3. Patient may develop fulminant hepatic failure
4. Ascites.
Investigation
1. USG abdomen with Doppler study
2. CECT abdomen
3. Coagulation studies.
Treatment
Anticoagulation.
Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome
It is a neurodegenerative complication of vitamin B1 deficiency, most commonly seen in
chronic alcohol abusers.
Pathogenesis:
Degeneration of different areas of brain: mammillary body/ thalamus/ median temporal
lobe/ cerebellum. Chronic alcohol abuse interferes with absorption and metabolism of
thiamine, often leading to severe thiamine deficiency.
Clinical features:
Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome has two components:
1. Wernicke's encephalopathy
2. Korsakoff psychosis.
Clinical features of Wernicke's encephalopathy:
1. Ataxia
2. External ophthalmoplegia: Commonly lateral rectus palsy + Nystagmus
3. Psychiatric disturbances:
Behavior/ personality disturbances/ dementia.
- Usually these symptoms are reversible with thiamine replacement therapy.
Clinical features of Korsakoff's psychosis:
1. Amnesia:
It may be of 2 types:
a. Anterograde amnesia: Inability to create new memories + impaired recent
memory + no remote memory loss.
b. Retrograde amnesia: Remote memory loss + new memory intact.
2. Confabulation:
Incorrect memory to which the patient holds onto/ on the basis of which patient
may act.
3. Patient may have features of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Investigation
1. CT/ MRI of brain
2. Vitamin B1 estimation.
Treatment
1. Prevention:
I.
In patients with H/O significant alcohol abuse, if requires high dose
dextrose containing fluid, must receive high dose thiamine before/ at
least along with the fluid (glucose oxidation is a thiamine consuming
process and therefore, may unmask any underlying deficiency and may
precipitate Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome).
II.
Any alcohol excess patient should be on a long term thiamine replacement
therapy.
2. Established cases:
High dose thiamine replacement.
Renson's criteria/ score
It is a predictive score which can reasonably predict prognosis, development of
complication(s) in a patient of acute pancreatitis.
Renson's criteria
On admission
Within first 48 hours
1. Age >55 years
1. Arterial PO2 < 60 mm Hg.
2. WBC count > 60000/cu.mm
2. in BUN value > 5 mg/dL (Normal:80)
3. Blood glucose >200 mg/dl
Note that, (BUN value/2) = Urea value.
4. AST >250 U/L
3. Base deficit >4 mEq/L
5. Serum LDH >350 U/L
4. Serum Ca++ <8 mg/dL
5. in hematocrit: >10%
6. Estimated fluid deficit >6L
Presence of 3 of the above predicts a
Presence of 1 of the above predicts worst
complicated course.
prognosis.
Child-Pugh Score for chronic liver disease/ cirrhosis
Points
1
2
3
Criteria
Ascites
None
Medically controlled
Poorly controlled
Encephalopathy
None
Medically controlled
Poorly controlled
Albumin (gm/dL)
>3.5
2.8-3.5
<2.8
Bilirubin (mg/dL)
<2
2-3
>3
PT (sec.)
1-3
4-6
>6
Total score
5-6
7-9
10-15
Prognosis
Good
Bad
Worse
Stomach
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
It is a condition characterized by reflux of gastric acid content into the esophagus.
Pathophysiology:
The following factors play important roles:
1. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction
2. Irritant effect of refluxed acid
3. Hiatus hernia
4. Delayed esophageal emptying.
Clinical features:
1. Heartburn:
Typically aggravates on:
a. Lying flat after meals
b. After alcohol ingestion.
2. A bitter/ sour test in the mouth due to regurgitation of gastric contents.
3. Atypical/ extra-esophageal manifestation:
a. Chronic cough
b. Chronic laryngitis
c. Hoarseness of voce
d. Non-cardiac chest pain.
Investigation
1. Upper GI endoscopy:
Typically shows: reflux esophagitis.
2. Esophageal manometry with pH estimation.
Treatment
1. Lifestyle modification:
I.
Stay upright for approx. half an hour after each meal
II.
To raise the head end of the bed during night
III.
Avoid alcohol after recovery.
2. Medications:
H2 blockers/ PPI.
Complication: Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus
It is condition where esophageal squamous epithelium is replaced by metaplastic
columnar epithelium.
Risk factor:
Long standing GERD
Clinical features:
1. Asymptomatic
2. Symptoms of GERD: Present.
Investigation
1. Upper GI endoscopy:
Shows orange, velvety gastric type epithelium in the esophagus
2. Confirmation of diagnosis by mucosal biopsy.
Treatment
1. Medications to treat GERD
2. Endoscopic surveillance:
Once Barrett's esophagus is
diagnosed, do another endoscopy
after 6 months
Low grade dysplasia
High grade dysplasia
Repeat endoscopy
Endoscopic
after 1 year
ablation*
*Resection of metaplastic mucosal nodule is done by snare dissection to prevent
submucosal invasion.
Complication:
Esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Peptic ulcer disease
Breech in the continuity of gastric +/ duodenal mucosa.
Risk factors:
1. Chronic H.pylori infection:
In duodenal ulcer, initial H.pylori infection typically occurs at the junction of body
and antrum.
Chronic H.pylori infection
Gastrin production
HCl secretion
Small islands of metaplastic changes in the
duodenum
Duodenitis
Ulcer
Initial infection typically in the body of stomach
Mucosal inflammation and damage
Destruction of HCl producing cells
Inflammation overwhelms gastric mucosal
protection
Ulcer
2. Drugs:
NSAIDs
Steroids
3. Stress ulcer: Can occur in any critically ill patients.
4. Malignant ulcer.
Clinical features
Pain abdomen:
Typically occurs in epigastrium
Variable duration
Often occurs periodically
Nature: Dull aching pain
Aggravating and relieving factors:
Type
Aggravating factor
Relieving factor
Gastric ulcer
After food intake
Empty stomach
Duodenal ulcer
Empty stomach
Food/ meal
Radiation to the back should raise the suspicion of:
a. Perforation
b. Pancreatitis.
Associated symptoms:
a. Heartburn/ indigestion
b. Loss of appetite: Often patient is afraid of eating
c. Hunger pain
d. Nocturnal pain (in duodenal ulcer)
e. Water brush: Regurgitation of bitter/ sour contents with sudden salivation
f. Features usually absent in benign ulcer:
I.
Significant vomiting
II.
Unintentional weight loss.
GI bleed:
Hematemesis ? Melena
Bleeding may be occult
There may be no obvious blood loss or blood loss may be massive enough to
make the patient's hemodynamics unstable
A systolic blood pressure (SBP) of <100 mm Hg indicates significant bleeding,
whereas a SBP of 100 mm Hg indicates that the bleeding is not such severe.
In hematemesis, the color of blood may be fresh/ altered depending upon the
time elapsed between bleeding and vomiting.
PR examination reveals melena in stool.
Investigations
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP: If there is obvious H/O bleeding, clinically suspect for iron
deficiency anemia and do the following tests:
a. MCV
b. Serum iron
c. Serum ferritin.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. Lipase ? Amylase: To rule out acute pancreatitis
4. Liver function test
5. Clotting profile: Platelet count, BT, CT, PT, aPTT, INR
6. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)
7. Upper GI endoscopy:
a. Confirms presence of ulcer
b. Biopsy confirms histopathological diagnosis.
8. Diagnosis of H.pylori infection:
a. Endoscopically:
I.
Rapid urease test
b. Non-endoscopically:
I.
Urea breath test
II.
H.pylori fecal antigen
III.
Blood serology.
Treatment
Peptic ulcer disease
(PUD)
GI bleeding +Ve
GI bleeding -Ve
Peptic ulcer disease with significant GI bleed
Short term treatment
A. Airway: To be protected particularly if there is risk of aspiration
B. Breathing: Oxygen
Bowel rest: Nil by mouth till bleeding is under control, nasogastric suction
C. Circulation:
I.
One wide bore cannula in each hand
II.
IV fluid resuscitation: Ringer lactate/ Normal saline
III.
Blood transfusion.
D. Drugs:
Infusion of PPI: Pantoprazole for at least 48 hours
E. Endoscopy:
I.
Urgent endoscopy with rapid urease test to confirm the diagnosis as well
as endoscopic interventions
II.
Administration of adrenaline.
Long term treatment
A.
H.pylori +Ve
Triple therapy
PPI BD+ Clarithromycin BD+ Amoxicillin BD
Duration: 10-14 days
Followed by PPI OD for at least 4-6 weeks
Routine endoscopy should be done to confirm
complete eradication
B.
Long term
H2 blocker/ PPI for at
H.pylori -Ve
maintenance therapy
least 4-8 weeks
for high risk patients
Gastropathy/ Gastritis
Damage to the mucosal epithelium of the stomach which may/ may not be
accompanied by inflammation if mucosa (gastritis).
Types:
Gastropathy/ Gastritis
Erosive
Non-erosive
Specific gastritis
Small superficial mucosal
Eosinophilic gastritis
petechial hemorrhage
Caused by:
Caused by:
1. H.pylori infection
1. Excess alcohol
2. Portal hypertensives
2. NSAIDs
3. Gastropathy associated
3. Stress ulcer in critically ill
with pernicious anemia
patients
Clinical features:
H/O intake of offending drugs/ alcohol may be present
Epigastric pain
Heartburn
GI bleeding: Hematemesis ? Melena (if present at all, usually insignificant in
amount).
Investigation:
Upper GI endoscopy with rapid urease test + Biopsy
Treatment:
1. Prevention:
I.
H2 blocker/ PPI
II.
Sucralfate.
2. Established cases:
I.
Acute period: IV PPI infusion
II.
Long term treatment: H2 blocker/ PPI
III.
H.pylori eradication.
Malabsorption syndrome
A group of disorders characterized by impaired absorption of different food particles
and nutrients.
Examples:
I.
Celiac disease
II.
Tropical sprue
III.
Short bowel syndrome (post-resection):
Terminal ileum
Extensive small intestinal resection
IV.
Bacterial overgrowth syndrome
V.
Protein losing enteropathy.
Mechanism of clinical manifestations and clinical features:
Substances malabsorbed
Clinical features
A
Albumin
Swelling (anasarca)
Fat
Steatorrhea/ flatulence
Vitamin A
Night blindness
B
Bile acids
Vitamin D
Osteomalacia
Vitamin E
CNS manifestations
Vitamin K
Coagulopathy
Vitamin B12
Anemia ? Neurological complications
C
Ca++
Muscle spasm, Tetany, Paresthesia (perioral)
Diet (Protein + Carbohydrate + Fat)
Weight loss and weakness
D
Proximal myopathy
Vitamin D
Musculoskeletal pain
Bony deformity
E
Vitamin E
Neuropathy
Ataxia
F
Fe++
Iron deficiency anemia
Fluid
Watery diarrhea
Investigations:
1. Blood:
Hb, TC, DC, CRP, MCV
Hb: (in Iron deficiency/ vitamin B12 deficiency)
MCV: /
Dimorphic film.
2. Iron studies:
Serum iron
Serum ferritin
Serum transferrin saturation.
* Note that: In any acute inflammation, serum ferritin may be high as it is an
acute phase reactant protein.
3. Ion studies:
Na+
K+
Ca++
Mg++
4. Urea creatinine
5. Clotting profile
6. Serum vitamin B12 level + Folate level
7. Serum albumin.
Special tests:
1. Fecal fat content:
2. Blood serology:
In celiac disease, 2 antibodies are often found +Ve:
I.
IgA: Anti-endomysial antibody
II.
IgA: Tissue transglutaminase antibody.
3. Intestinal mucosal biopsy: Often confirm the diagnosis in some of the cases.
Treatment:
General treatment
1. Nutritional support
2. Supplementation of vitamins and minerals
Specific treatment
1. Celiac disease:
As this disease is caused by immunologically mediated hypersensitivity to dietary
gluten which ultimately causes malabsorption, the specific treatment consists of
gluten free diet (foods containing gluten: wheat, rye, berly)
2. Bacterial overgrowth: Antibiotics.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
It is a condition characterized by widespread inflammatory damage to different parts of
small and large intestine.
The pattern of inflammation and subsequent clinical features lead to 2 distinct clinical
entities:
1. Crohn's disease
2. Ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's disease
Characterized by relapsing and remitting segmental/ patchy inflammation of intestine.
Sites (according to descending order of frequency):
1. Terminal ileum and proximal ascending colon: Ileocolitis
2. Terminal ileum: Ileitis
3. Large gut: Colitis
However, involvement of sigmoid colon and rectum is extremely rare and this
variety is usually associated with perianal manifestations.
Clinical features:
Mechanism of clinical manifestations:
Chronic
inflammation
Intestinal
Ileocolitis
obstruction
Crohn's
disease
Perianal
Fistulisation
disease
Clinical features of ileocolitis:
1. Due to chronic inflammation:
I.
Pain abdomen: Often in right iliac fossa
II.
Diarrhea: Usually watery, rarely bloody
III.
Fever, loss of appetite and weight loss
IV.
On palpation, tender mass may be present (matted intestine + lymph
nodes + mesentery)
V.
Malabsorption syndrome.
2. Due to intestinal obstruction (fibrostenotic occlusion of intestine):
I.
Constipation
II.
Distension
III.
Vomiting.
3. Due to fistulisation:
I.
Enterocolic fistula: Malabsorption
II.
Enterovesicle fistula: Feculent urine
III.
Enterovaginal fistula: Feculent per-vaginal discharge
IV.
Enteromesenteric fistula: Intra-abdominal abscess.
Clinical features of perianal disease:
1. Perianal fistula
2. Perianal abscess
3. Visible anal skin tag
4. Anal fissure.
- The disease classically relapses and remits.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP/ESR
Hb: due to:
a. Chronic inflammation
b. Iron deficiency
c. B12 deficiency.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
3. If malabsorption is suspected:
Serum Ca++, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron studies.
Stool:
Look for ova/ parasites/ cysts.
4. Colonoscopy:
It will show typical mucosal inflammation/ ulceration with skip areas
Colonoscopic biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.
5. Barium follow through:
Will delineate any filling defect/ any anatomical deformity.
It is done particularly when small bowel involvement is suspected and
colonoscopy is inconclusive.
6. Capsule endoscopy to visualize small gut
7. CECT abdomen: To visualize the internal structure for any obvious anatomical
deviation.
Treatment
General treatment:
1. IV fluid in severe diarrhea
2. Ensure adequate fluid intake
3. Analgesic-antispasmodic:
Drotaverine
Dicyclomine.
4. Antidiarrheal:
Loperamide (May cause paralytic ileus).
Specific treatment:
1. 5-Amino-salicylic acid (5-ASA):
Mesalamine:
Topically acting agent typically acting on ileum.
It is no longer the first drug of choice in Crohn's disease and can be used along
with corticosteroid.
2. Corticosteroid:
Systemic corticosteroids: Prednisolone/ Methyl-prednisolone
DOC in most CD patients to achieve remission
Often patients require long term therapy to maintain remission
Ileal release formulation of Budesonide can be used: it is less toxic and less
effective.
3. Immunomodulators:
Used in moderate to severe disease:
Azathioprine
Methotrexate
Cyclophosphamide.
4. Biological agents:
Infliximab
Natalizumab.
Ulcerative colitis
Characterized by relapsing and remitting inflammation of the colon which is continuous.
Common sites:
1. Sigmoid colon + rectum: Proctosigmoiditis
2. Left side of colon: Left sided colitis
3. Pancolitis.
Clinical features:
Mechanism of clinical manifestations:
1. Due to chronic inflammation
2. Due to toxic megacolon
3. Extra-intestinal manifestations.
1. Clinical features due to chronic inflammation:
I.
Bloody diarrhea
II.
Hemodynamic instability ? Pallor
III.
Abdominal pain: Left upper/ lower quadrant: Continuous/ spasmodic
IV.
Constitutional symptoms: Fever, weight loss, loss of appetite etc.
2. Clinical features due to toxic megacolon:
Toxic megacolon is defined as acute colonic dilatation leading to adynamic/
paralytic ileus with signs of systemic toxicity:
I.
Abdominal pain ? Distension
II.
Abdominal tenderness
III.
Sluggish bowel sound
IV.
Toxicity: Fever, tachycardia, flushing.
3. Clinical features due to extra-intestinal manifestations:
I.
Ocular: Uveitis + Episcleritis
II.
Lungs: Interstitial lung disease
III.
Heart: Non-infective endocarditis
IV.
Abdomen: Gall stone (more common in CD)
V.
Liver: Primary sclerosing cholangitis
VI.
Kidney: Nephrolithiasis (more common in CD)
VII.
Skin:
Erythema nodosum
Pyoderma gangrinosum.
VIII.
Joints:
Polyarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis.
Investigation
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP/ESR
Hb: due to blood loss
TC, DC, CRP, ESR: due to inflammation/ intra-abdominal infection.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
To look for dehydration.
3. Serum albumin level
4. Stool:
Look for ovum/ parasite/ cyst.
Gram stain, culture and sensitivity.
5. Straight X Ray abdomen:
To look for toxic megacolon (diagnosed when colonic diameter is >6 cm.)
6. Sigmoidoscopy:
Will visualize inflamed, ulcerated mucosa and biopsy confirms the diagnosis
7. Colonoscopy:
Required particularly if sigmoidoscopy is inconclusive. However, best avoided
during acute flare up as it may cause perforation.
8. CECT abdomen:
To look for any structural abnormality.
Treatment
Treatment of Ulcerative colitis can be divided in 3 groups for simplification:
1. Supportive treatment
2. Specific treatment
3. Surgical treatment.
Supportive treatment
A. Absolute bed rest (if needed)
B. Bowel rest (nil by mouth till acute phase is over)
C. Circulation (IV fluid, blood transfusion if required)
D. Drugs:
I.
Analgesic-antispasmodic:
Drotaverine
Hyoscine butyl bromide.
II.
Antibiotic (Particularly if toxic megacolon is suspected):
Ceftriaxone/ Ciprofloxacin + Metronidazole
E. Eliminate toxic megacolon:
I.
Nil per mouth
II.
IV antibiotic
III.
Colonic decompression by:
Flatus tube
Colonoscopic decompression.
Specific treatment
I.
5ASA compounds:
Usually 1st line therapy in mild disease
Act topically
Agents commonly used:
Mesalamine: More effective in CD
Osalazine: PO/PR enema
Balsalazine: PO/PR enema
Sulfasalazine: PO.
II.
Corticosteroids:
Indications: Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Agents commonly used:
Prednisolone: PO/IV
Methyl-prednisolone: PO/IV
Hydrocortisone: Enema/ foam.
Many patients require long term steroid. These patients should also be
prescribed the following drugs:
H2 blockers/ PPI: For gastric protection
Bisphosphonate: For bone protection.
III.
Immunomodulators:
Cyclosporine.
IV.
Biological agents:
Infliximab
Adalimumab.
Surgery
Surgery is done in medically refractory cases
Surgery of choice is hemicolectomy.
Extras of ulcerative colitis
Severity of ulcerative colitis
Criteria
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Clinical criteria:
Number of stools/day
<4
4-6
>6
Weight loss (% of body weight)
None
1-10%
>10%
Fever
None
99-100 F
>100 F
Laboratory criteria:
Hematocrit (PCV)
Normal
30-40%
<30%
ESR
Normal
20-30 mm/hr
>30 mm/hr
Albumin (gm/dL)
Normal
3-3.5
<3
Difference between Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis
Points
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Pattern of inflammation
Patchy
Continuous
Site
Ileocolitis, ileitis, colitis
Proctosigmoiditis, left sided
colitis, Pancolitis
Relation to smoking
Common in smokers
Rare in smokers
Diarrhea
Not bloody
Bloody
Malabsorption
+
-
Fistulisation
+
-
Perianal disease
+
-
Intestinal obstruction
+
-
Cholelithiasis
+
-
Nephrolithiasis
+
-
Toxic megacolon
-
+
Primary sclerosing
-
+
cholangitis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Characterized by widespread GI manifestations in absence of any biochemical/
structural abnormality.
Pathogenesis:
Usually the following 4 factors play important role:
1. Intestinal dysmotility
2. Intestinal hypersensitivity: Resulting in reduced pain threshold
3. Enteric infection/ altered gut flora
4. Psychological factors.
Clinical features:
1. Lower abdominal pain:
Often continuous/ may be spasmodic in nature.
Typically associated with >1 of the following:
I.
Relieved after defecation
II.
Change in the form/ appearance/ consistency of stool (hard/ semisolid/
liquid)
III.
Change in stool frequency
IV.
Constipation/ diarrhea.
2. Other abdominal symptoms:
I.
Mucoid stool
II.
Urgency/ frequency
III.
Tenesmus: Sense of incomplete evacuation.
3. Extra-intestinal manifestations:
I.
Chest pain, palpitation
II.
Pain at different sites of the body.
4. Symptoms usually absent:
I.
Nocturnal diarrhea
II.
Weight loss
III.
Per-rectal bleeding
IV.
Alternate constipation and diarrhea.
Investigation
Although IBS can be diagnosed with confidence from history only, if there is some
confusion, organic diseases must be ruled out using the following investigations:
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC, CRP
2. Serum albumin, serum Ca++, iron studies
3. Stool:
a. Examine for ovum parasite cyst (OPC)
b. Gram stain, culture and sensitivity
c. Faecal calprotectin: If : indicates inflammatory diarrhea.
4. Colonoscopy: To rule out any structural lesion.
Treatment
1. Appropriate dietary modification
2. Antispasmodic:
a. Drotaverine
b. Hyoscine butyl bromide.
3. Anti-diarrheal:
Loperamide
4. Anti-constipation agent (Laxatives):
a. Magnesium salts
b. Poly-ethylene-glycol.
5. Anti-depressants:
Mechanism of action:
a. Centrally acting pain inhibitors
b. Anti-cholinergic effect.
Commonly used agents are:
a. Amitriptyline
b. Imipramine
c. Fluoxetine
d. Paroxetine.
6. Probiotics:
Lactobacillus spore
7. Psychological counselling.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute inflammation of pancreas.
Causes:
1. Alcoholic pancreatitis
2. Biliary/ gallstone pancreatitis:
Usually due to a slipped/ passed stone causing acute inflammation of pancreas.
Many cases of so called idiopathic acute pancreatitis are thought to be caused by
microlithiasis.
3. Cystic fibrosis, connective tissue disorders and rarely, CA head of pancreas
4. Dyslipidemia:
Elevated levels of triglyceride is an important risk factor of acute pancreatitis.
Persistent
These large
Persistent
presence of
particles
TAG level in
Local ischemia
chylomicrons in
obstruct
blood
blood
capillaries
Release of
Acute
Further local
TG---> Free
pancreatic
pancreatitis
injury
fatty acid (FFA)
lipases
Drugs inducing dyslipidemia:
Corticosteroid
Azathioprine
Valproate.
5. Elevated serum Ca++ level
6. Iatrogenic causes:
ERCP induced pancreatitis is an important iatrogenic cause.
Pathogenesis:
Alcohol/ Drugs/ Gallstone
Triggering of pancreatitis
Intra-abdominal activation of pancreatic enzymes + Destruction of acinar cells
Auto-digestion of pancreas
Acute pancreatitis
Signs and symptoms:
1. Pain abdomen:
Onset: Sudden
Site: Epigastrium
Character: Continuous burning pain, which may be excruciating
Radiation: Towards the back (irritation of splanchnic nerves)
Aggravates on: Supine position
Partly relieved by: Stooping forwards with trunk flexed and knee drawn up
2. Severe nausea ? retching* ? vomiting
* Reverse peristaltic movement of stomach and esophagus without vomiting.
3. Circulatory disturbances:
Circulatory collapse*
Tachycardia
Weak pulse
Hypotension
*It is caused by intra/retro-peritoneal sequestration of large amount of fluid, also
termed as "3rd space fluid loss".
4. Respiratory signs and symptoms:
a. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS):
Shortness of breath
Tachypnea
SpO2
Bilateral crepitation (due to accumulation of edematous fluid).
b. Left sided pleural effusion:
It results from leakage of pancreatic fluid through small pores in the
diaphragm into the pleural cavity.
c. Basal atelectasis:
Due to prolonged bed rest.
5. Eye:
Icterus may be present.
Mechanism: Inflammation of the head of pancreas may lead to CBD obstruction.
6. Abdominal examination:
a. Abdominal distension
b. Reduced bowel sound
c. Signs of peritonitis
d. Ascites may be present
e. Gullen's test: Bluish discoloration around umbilicus due to extravasation
of blood.
f. Grey-Turner's sign: Greenish yellow discoloration over the flanks due to
tissue metabolism of bilirubin.
7. Skin:
Erythematous skin lesion due to subcutaneous fat necrosis.
Investigations
Investigations to confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis
1. Blood: Hb, TC, DC CRP
Hb: in hemorrhagic pancreatitis
TC, DC, CRP: due to inflammation/ intra-abdominal infection.
Ex.:
Necrotizing pancreatitis,
Peripancreatic abscess,
Peritonitis.
2. Renal function: Na+ K+ Urea Creatinine
To look for any dehydration.
3. Liver function:
Bilirubin:
AST, ALT, GGT, ALP: Mild .
4. Pancreatic enzymes:
Serum lipase: Elevation of at least 3 times more than normal is suggestive
of acute pancreatitis.
Serum amylase: Elevation of at least 3 times more than normal is
suggestive of acute pancreatitis. However, there are other intra-abdominal
causes of elevation of serum amylase.
Normalization of serum lipase usually lags behind that of serum amylase.
Investigations to detect risk factors and complications of acute pancreatitis
1. Arterial blood gas (ABG):
To look for:
Metabolic acidosis
pO2.
2. Serum Ca++:
Hypercalcemia is a risk factor of acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis leads to hypocalcemia (by saponification of fat).
3. Fasting lipid profile
4. Chest X Ray:
To look for:
ARDS
Pleural effusion.
5. USG abdomen:
To look for:
Inflammation of pancreas
Gallbladder stone
CBD dilatation
Ascites.
6. CECT abdomen:
To look particularly for:
Necrotizing pancreatitis
Peripancreatic abscess
Pancreatic pseudocyst.
7. Aspiration of ascitic and pleural fluid:
Show elevated levels of amylase and lipase.
Treatment
Treatment of acute pancreatitis consists of 3 parts:
1. Supportive treatment
2. Interventional treatment
3. Surgical treatment.
Supportive treatment
A. Absolute bed rest
B. Bowel rest:
Nil by mouth
Suction by Ryle's tube
Gradual introduction of enteral feeding
If required: total parenteral nutrition.
C. Maintain circulation:
IV fluid
Proper hydration must be maintained.
D. Drugs (Supportive):
Analgesic-antispasmodic: Drotaverine
Opioids: Tramadol/ Pethidine.
Avoid morphine as it constricts sphincter of OD.
Antibiotics (particularly if intra-abdominal infection is suspected):
Imipenem-Silastin.
Antifungal (as intra-abdominal fungal infection is not uncommon)
Anti-ulcer drugs: To avoid stress ulcer: H2 blocker/ PPI.
D. Diet:
Gradual introduction of normal diet.
D. DVT prophylaxis.
Interventional treatment
A. Percutaneous drainage (paracentesis) of peripancreatic abscess/ infected
pseudocyst/ ascites/ pleural effusion.
B. ERCP with stenting + sphincterotomy in patients with CBD obstruction.
Surgical treatment
A. Necrosectomy/ debridement in necrotizing pancreatitis
B. Early cholecystectomy in case of gallstone pancreatitis.
Complications of acute pancreatitis
Organ involved
Complications
Pancreas
1. Necrosis
2. Hemorrhage
3. Peripancreatic abscess
4. Pancreatic pseudocyst (sterile/ infected)
5. Chronic pancreatitis
Abdomen
1. Ascites
2. Paralytic ileus
3. Peritonitis
CNS
Encephalopathy
CVS
Circulatory shock/ collapse
Respiratory
1. ARDS
2. Pleural effusion
3. Atelectasis
Eye
Purtscher's retinopathy (Sudden blindness due to occlusion of
posterior retinal artery by aggregated WBCs)
Kidney
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
Skin
Subcutaneous fat necrosis
Differential diagnosis of acute pancreatitis/ causes of hyper-amylase-emia
1. Abdominal causes:
Acute/ chronic pancreatitis
Perforation: Bowel/ peptic
Bowel infarction
Acute cholecystitis
Ectopic pregnancy (ruptured).
2. Non-abdominal causes:
Salivary gland diseases: Mumps/ Sialolithiasis (stone)/ tumor
Bronchogenic carcinoma
Ovarian carcinoma.
This post was last modified on 01 September 2021