Review article: the pharmacological causes of colon ischaemia

Cocaine Gut: A Rare Case of Cocaine-Induced Esophageal, Gastric, and Small Bowel Necrosis

Cocaine is an indirect-acting sympathomimetic drug that inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake in the adrenergic presynaptic cleft. Cocaine use has been associated with strokes, angina, arrhythmias, and agitation. Data on gastrointestinal complications such as mesenteric ischemia, bowel necrosis, ulceration, and perforation are scarce. Here, we present a rare case of cocaine-induced esophageal, gastric, and small bowel necrosis that contributes to the limited literature on this subject. Diagnosis of cocaine-induced gastrointestinal complications involves a combination of imaging studies, laboratory assessments, and histopathological examinations. Timely surgical resection, supported by intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain management, is the mainstay of treatment. The prognosis varies but is significantly influenced by the promptness and effectiveness of the intervention, underscoring the importance of vigilant clinical care in such cases.

First Line of Defense: The Vital Role of Family Medicine Physicians in Preventing Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in High-Risk Patients

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate despite surgical interventions. Morbidity and mortality are especially high in those with risk factors, which include diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease, recent myocardial infarction, and rheumatic autoimmune diseases, among others. We present the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with AMI. The patient presented acutely to the emergency department after nine episodes of vomiting and was admitted to the surgical floor the same day for an emergent exploratory laparotomy. She presented acutely with an atypical presentation and without any progressive symptoms, despite various comorbidities. This patient was classified as "very high risk", but she had not been on any medications or monitored for any of her comorbidities. We highlight the essential and multifaceted role of family medicine physicians, also known as primary care physicians (PCPs), in the prevention of bowel ischemia and recommend the use of routine outpatient monitoring with clinical examination, blood testing, and imaging. These, along with a high index of suspicion, have clinical utility in preventing hospitalization, surgical intervention (bowel resection), and other serious sequelae of AMI. Timely detection, management, and specialist referrals from a family medicine physician can lower the overall burden on healthcare resources and personnel.

An Israeli national survey on ischemic colitis induced by pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation (R1)

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Ischemic colitis (IC) may occur as a complication of colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with IC that occurred after exposure to bowel preparation laxatives, prior to an elective colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A survey among Israeli gastroenterologists. Information was collected regarding individual cases.

RESULTS

Eight patients, who developed IC after bisacodyl ingestion that was taken as part of pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation protocol, were reported. In all patients, severe abdominal pain and/or hematochezia started shortly after the ingestion of the first dose of bisacodyl. IC was found in 7 patients during the planned colonoscopy and in 1 patient using computerized tomography. All patients received supportive treatment and recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

IC induced by bisacodyl is a rare phenomenon. Regardless of being rare, we would advise withholding bisacodyl bowel preparation in elderly subjects with risk factors for IC that are scheduled for a colonoscopy.

Bad blood: ischemic conditions of the large bowel

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Colon ischemia is the most common form of intestinal ischemic injury and is seen frequently in an elderly population. This disease is usually self-limited, and many causes have been identified. The recent literature has focused on estimates of prognosis, triaging appropriate level of care, and identification of optimal treatments. In this review, we will address our current understanding of colon ischemia including epidemiology, pathophysiology, segmental distribution, presentation, diagnosis, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research has recently been focused on factors associated with poor outcome. The medical comorbidities identified include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hepatic cirrhosis, and chronic aspirin use. Serological markers are noninvasive tools that can triage severity. Recent studies have shown procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and neutrophil counts can help predict those at greatest risk for poor outcome. The timing of colonoscopy relative to symptomatic onset also can help predict severity. Early colonoscopy allows for quicker identification of ischemic stigmata, reducing the chance of misdiagnosis and potentially unnecessary and harmful treatment. The treatment of colon ischemia has classically been conservative with antimicrobials reserved for those with moderate or severe disease. Recent retrospective analysis calls into question the utility of antibiotics in the treatment of colon ischemia, although the data is not convincing enough to advise against antimicrobial treatment in patients with severe and fulminant disease.

SUMMARY

It is an exciting time for research focused on colon ischemia. With an improved knowledge, awareness of associated risk factors and predictors of severity, clinicians now have enhanced clinical tools to diagnose and triage patients earlier in the disease. This should help institute prompt and appropriate therapies ultimately improving outcomes.

Ischemic bowel disease in 2021

Ischemic bowel disease (ISBODI) includes colon ischemia, acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Epidemiologically, colon ischemia is the most common type followed by AMI and CMI. There are various risk factors for the development of ISBODI. Abdominal pain is the common presenting symptom of each type. High clinical suspicion is essential in ordering appropriate tests. Imaging studies and colonoscopy with biopsy are the main diagnostic tests. Treatment varies from conservative measures to surgical resection and revascularization. Involvement of multidisciplinary team is essential in managing ISBODI. Although open surgery with revascularization plays an important role, recently there is an increasing interest in percutaneous endovascular treatment.

A Novel Multiparameter Scoring Model for Noninvasive Early Prediction of Ischemic Colitis: A Multicenter, Retrospective, and Real-World Study

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic colitis (IC) is a common gastrointestinal ischemic disease caused by hypoperfusion or reperfusion injury. However, there are few studies on risk factors associated with poor prognoses of the disease. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor prognoses in patients with IC and establish a prognostic scoring method with good internal and external validity for identifying severe cases in an early stage.

METHODS

We established a prognosis model by conducting a multicenter, retrospective study of patients hospitalized with IC between November 2008 and May 2020. Predictive power was tested using 5-fold internal cross-validation and external validation.

RESULTS

The following 6 factors were included in the prognostic model: neutrophil count, D-dimer level, ischemia of the distal ileum, ischemia of the hepatic flexure, ulceration, and luminal stenosis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for internal cross-validation of the prediction model was 86%, and that for external validation was 95%. During internal validation, our model correctly identified 88.08% of the patients. It was further found that patients younger than 65 years with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and higher heart rate had poor prognoses. Patients aged 65 years and older with ischemia of terminal ileum, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, and intestinal stenosis had poor prognoses.

DISCUSSION

Patients with ischemia in the hepatic flexure and the distal ileum, endoscopic evidence of ulcer or stenosis, higher neutrophil counts, and higher D-dimer levels have worse prognoses. This information could aid in the selection of timely and appropriate treatment.

A Synergy Between Endotoxin and (1→3)-Beta-D-Glucan Enhanced Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Candida Administered Dextran Sulfate Solution Induced Colitis in FcGRIIB-/- Lupus Mice, an Impact of Intestinal Fungi in Lupus

Introduction

The translocation of organismal molecules from gut into blood circulation might worsen the disease severity of lupus through the induction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

Methods

An impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BG), components of gut bacteria and fungi, respectively, on NETs formation, was explored in lupus models, Fc gamma receptor IIB deficiency (FcGRIIB-/-) and Pristane injection, using Candida-administered dextran sulfate solution induced colitis (Candida-DSS) model.

Results

Severity of Candida-DSS in FcGRIIB-/- mice was more prominent than wild-type (WT) and Pristane mice as indicated by (i) colonic NETs using immunofluorescence of Ly6G, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) together with expression of PAD4 and IL-1β, (ii) colonic immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition (immunofluorescence), (iii) gut-leakage by FITC-dextran assay, endotoxemia and serum BG, (iv) systemic inflammation (neutrophilia, serum cytokines, serum dsDNA and anti-dsDNA) and (v) renal injury (proteinuria, glomerular NETs and Ig deposition).

Discussion

The formation of NETs in Candida-DSS mice was more severe than non-Candida-DSS mice and NETs in Candida-DSS were more profound in FcGRIIB-/- mice than Pristane mice. Prominent NETs in Candida-DSS FcGRIIB-/- mice might be due to the profound responses against LPS+BG in FcGRIIB-/- neutrophils compared with WT cells. These data implied an impact of the inhibitory FcGRIIB in NETs formation and an influence of gut fungi in lupus exacerbation. Hence, gut fungi in a DSS-induced gut-leakage lupus model enhanced colonic NETs that facilitated gut translocation of organismal molecules and synergistically exacerbated lupus activity.

Ischemic colitis in an infant with constipation treated with stimulant laxative

Ischemic colitis (IC), the most common form of intestinal ischemia, ranges from superficial mucosal and submucosal injury to full‐thickness mural necrosis. As risk factors include cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior abdominal surgery, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation, IC typically occurs in elderly persons with multiple comorbidities rather than young children. A 1‐year‐old Japanese girl receiving a stimulant laxative for constipation since age 7 months was hospitalized for fever, vomiting, and hypovolemic shock. Her abdomen was swollen, and abdominal computed tomography showed colonic distension with abundant stool. Colonic decompression and intensive care brought about rapid improvement until persistent bloody diarrhea that commenced on day 17 of illness required transfer to another hospital, where colonoscopy on day 42 showed mucosal sloughing forming pseudomembranes, as well as focal stenosis. Contrast enema on day 45 confirmed stenosis with a “thumbprint” contour at the splenic flexure. Diagnosed with IC, she received parenteral nutrition and an elemental diet. Bloody diarrhea resolved by day 75. Colonoscopy and contrast enema on day 110 showed normal mucosa and resolution of stenosis. We believe that IC arose from constipation and stimulant laxative treatment and consider this to be the first report of infantile IC complicating constipation.

Educational Case: Ischemic Disorders of the Gut in Adult Patients

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, see http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2374289517715040. ¹.

Older patients are significantly more likely to have colon ischaemia-associated conditions that are chronic and complex

BACKGROUND

Colon ischaemia is a common disease which has been associated with various medications and comorbidities.

AIM

To test the hypothesis that there are differences in the frequencies of these associations in older compared with younger patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients hospitalized with colon ischaemia at two major medical centres from 2005-2017. Clinical, colonoscopic and pathologic criteria were used to identify patients admitted with colon ischaemia; patients with other types of colitis were excluded. Demographic and medical data were extracted. Two cohorts were created: patients aged 18-64 years and patients > 65 years. These were compared using SAS 14.3.

RESULTS

A total of 788 patients were included, of which 271 (34.4%) were of ages 18-64 years, and 517 (66.6%) were 65 years old or older. In the older cohort, constipation-inducing medications (83.8% vs 64.1%; P = <0.0001), diuretics (38.1% vs 25.1%; P = <0.001) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (58% vs 41.5%; P = <0.0001) were more common than in the younger cohort. Antipsychotic medication use was more common in the younger cohort (10.4% vs 5.4%; P = 0.01). There was a higher percentage of younger patients with a history of hypercoaguable state (1.9% vs 0.2%; P = 0.03) and dialysis dependence (22.9% vs 8.7%; P = <0.01), while a higher percentage of patients in the older cohort had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12% vs 6.3%; P = 0.01) or atrial fibrillation (18.9% vs 10.3%; P = <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that older patients are more likely to have colon ischaemia-associated conditions that are chronic and complex, while younger patients are more likely to have acute colon ischaemia-associated conditions.

Effects of Drugs and Excipients on Hydration Status

Despite being the most essential nutrient, water is commonly forgotten in the fields of pharmacy and nutrition. Hydration status is determined by water balance (the difference between water input and output). Hypohydration or negative water balance is affected by numerous factors, either internal (i.e., a lack of thirst sensation) or external (e.g., polypharmacy or chronic consumption of certain drugs). However, to date, research on the interaction between hydration status and drugs/excipients has been scarce. Drugs may trigger the appearance of hypohydration by means of the increase of water elimination through either diarrhea, urine or sweat; a decrease in thirst sensation or appetite; or the alteration of central thermoregulation. On the other hand, pharmaceutical excipients induce alterations in hydration status by decreasing the gastrointestinal transit time or increasing the gastrointestinal tract rate or intestinal permeability. In the present review, we evaluate studies that focus on the effects of drugs/excipients on hydration status. These studies support the aim of monitoring the hydration status in patients, mainly in those population segments with a higher risk, to avoid complications and associated pathologies, which are key axes in both pharmaceutical care and the field of nutrition.