Toxic Megacolon: Background, Pathophysiology, Management Challenges and Solutions

Therapeutics involved in managing initial and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: An updated literature review

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been increasing due to the effect of recurrent hospitalizations. The use of antibiotics has been shown to alter the gut microbiome and lead to CDIs. The treatment is limited to three major antibiotics; however, the incidence of recurrent CDIs has been increasing and drug resistance is a major concern. This aspect is a growing concern in modern medicine especially in the elderly population, critical care patients, and immunocompromised individuals who are at high risk of developing CDIs. Clostridium difficile can lead to various complications including septic shock and fulminant colitis that could prove to be lethal in these patients. Newer modalities of treatment have been developed including bezlotoxumab, a monoclonal antibody and fecal microbiota transplant. There have been studies showing asymptomatic carriers and drug resistance posing a major threat to the healthcare system. Newer treatment options are being studied to treat and prevent CDIs. This review will provide an insight into the current treatment modalities, prevention and newer modalities of treatment and challenges faced in the treatment of CDIs.

Case Report: Toxic megacolon secondary to chronic constipation and cocaine consumption

Toxic megacolon (TM) is a severe condition characterized by acute colonic dilation, with specific radiological and clinical signs. The multifactorial etiology of TM is primarily associated with inflammatory bowel disease and infections. However, TM remains a challenging complication due to its potential for rapid progression to life-threatening conditions. This report describes a rare case of TM in a 25-year-old male with a history of recurrent constipation and chronic cocaine consumption. Examination and imaging indicated acute intestinal obstruction with dilated colon segments and fecal impaction, necessitating an urgent laparotomy. Surgery revealed pan-colonic dilatation and sigmoid perforations, leading to a total colectomy and ileostomy. Chronic constipation, often perceived as benign, can escalate into a critical situation, possibly exacerbated by cocaine-induced muscle weakness and hypoxia. Evidence suggests that cocaine negatively affects the intestinal mucosa, potentially leading to ischemia. Chronic factors, including the use of enemas, may have contributed to megacolon development and perforation. Overall, this report underscores the critical elements of diagnosis and the importance of patients' medical history, particularly those with unusual risk profiles. In addition, it highlights the need for further research to fully understand the implications of these cases.

Surgical Management for Patients with Toxic Megacolon due to Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives

The present study reviewed cases of Toxic megacolon (TM) treated in our department, summarized the timing and technique of surgery, and considered key points for surgical management.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included the medical records of patients clinically diagnosed with TM who underwent surgery between 1985 and 2020. The diagnostic criteria and screening scores for sepsis, such as the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), were validated. The preoperative clinical features and perioperative findings were also investigated.

Results

There were eight male and six female patients. Nine patients (64.3%) satisfied the criteria for toxemia proposed by Narabayashi, and 10 patients (71.4%) fulfilled the SIRS criteria. A positive qSOFA score was confirmed in 1 patient (7.1%). The MEWS was high in 2 patients (14.3%). Intestinal perforation occurred in 2 patients (14.3%), and 1 of them died from disseminated intravascular coagulation. The mortality rate of TM with perforation was 50%. Eleven patients (78.6%) underwent total colectomy with end ileostomy.

Conclusions

TM does not have well-defined diagnostic criteria, in addition to developing sometimes as borderline or fulminant cases, and must be recognized at an early stage, taking various findings into consideration. The criteria proposed by Narabayashi and the SIRS criteria, which met in a high percentage of our cases, are recommended as indicators for determining the toxicity of TM. It is also important to consider surgery in the early stages of TM, even if clinical findings do not meet all the criteria.

Revolutionizing Gastrointestinal Disorder Management: Cutting-Edge Advances and Future Prospects

In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, transforming the landscape of patient care and outcomes. This article explores the latest breakthroughs in the field, encompassing innovative diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment approaches, and novel therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this article emphasizes the use of precision medicine tailored to individual genetic and microbiome profiles, and the application of artificial intelligence in disease prediction and monitoring. This review highlights the dynamic progress in managing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancers. By delving into these advancements, we offer a glimpse into the promising future of gastroenterology, where multidisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge technologies converge to provide more effective, patient-centric solutions for individuals grappling with gastrointestinal disorders.

From Hemorrhage to Diarrhea: The Comprehensive Clinical Journey of a Patient With Pseudomembranous Colitis

Pseudomembranous colitis (PC) is an inflammation of the colon primarily caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), often following antibiotic use. This case report describes the intricate clinical course of a 48-year-old male farmer with a history of chronic alcoholism, tobacco use, and seizure disorder, who presented with acute onset of left-sided weakness. CT brain revealed an intra-axial hemorrhage in the right gangliocapsular region with significant edema and midline shift. The patient's condition necessitated mechanical ventilation due to a low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Complications ensued with the onset of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) on day six, attributed to multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, which was managed with meropenem and polymyxin. Following successful weaning from the ventilator, he experienced severe watery diarrhea, high-grade fever, and diffuse abdominal pain on day 13. Subsequent stool tests confirmed PC caused by C. difficile, characterized by diffuse colonic wall-thickening with a water target sign on contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) abdomen. Initial treatment with oral vancomycin and metronidazole was followed by symptomatic treatment. Two weeks later, the patient had a relapse of PC, presenting with multiple episodes of loose stools, which was managed with oral metronidazole alone. Colonoscopy and biopsy confirmed the relapse, showing inflamed colonic mucosa with pseudomembranes. This case highlights the importance of strict infection control, prudent antibiotic use, and close monitoring for these patients. It also suggests the potential role of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent cases. The patient's recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of meticulous medical management and adherence to infection control protocols in achieving optimal outcomes.

Cross-sectional imaging of mimics of inflammatory bowel disease: not everything is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Acute and chronic bowel pathologies can often be mistaken for manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and there are many entities with imaging and clinical features that overlap with IBD, making diagnosis difficult. We describe multiple inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and vascular entities with imaging and clinical features that may mimic IBD, and highlight differentiating features to assist in diagnosis.

Surgical Emergencies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at risk for undergoing emergency surgery for fulminant disease, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, intestinal obstruction, or uncontrolled gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Unfortunately, medical advancements have failed to significantly decrease rates of emergency surgery for IBD. It is therefore important for all acute care and colorectal surgeons to understand the unique considerations owed to this often-challenging patient population.

Toxic megacolon: a potentially lethal condition. Case report

Toxic megacolon denotes an abrupt non-obstructive distension of the colon, accompanied by systemic signs of toxicity. Mortality rates can soar as high as 7.9%. While primarily linked with chronic bowel conditions, the incidence attributed to Clostridioides difficile has surged due to the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical intervention becomes necessary in the majority of cases. Herein, we illustrate the case of a 50-year-old female presenting with episodic epigastric pain lasting 9 h, vomiting, and watery bowel movements, devoid of peritoneal irritation findings and lacking a history of chronic intestinal inflammation. Under certain circumstances, toxic megacolon may manifest atypically, underscoring the importance of conducting a comprehensive medical history and clinical assessment. Moreover, it is imperative to solicit pertinent paraclinical investigations to address the patient holistically and foster a favorable clinical outcome.

Thyroid disorders and gastrointestinal dysmotility: an old association

Gastrointestinal motility symptoms may be closely related to thyroid diseases. Sometimes, such symptoms are the only thyroid disease-related clue although the degree of the symptoms may vary. The exact mechanism of action of thyroid hormones on gastrointestinal motility is not completely understood, however, a clue lies in the fact that muscle cell receptors can be directly acted upon by thyroxines. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can cause impairment of gastrointestinal motility, modifying structure and function of pharynx and esophagus, and regulating esophageal peristalsis through neuro-humoral interaction. In hyperthyroid patients, alterations of postprandial and basic electric rhythms have been observed at gastro-duodenal level, often resulting in slower gastric emptying. Gastric emptying may also be delayed in hypothyroidism, but an unrelated gastric mucosa-affecting chronic modification may also cause such pattern. Hyperthyroidism commonly show malabsorption and diarrhoea, while hypothyroidism frequently show constipation. In summary, it can be stated that symptoms of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction can be related to thyroid diseases, affecting any of the gastrointestinal segment. Clinically, the typical thyroid disease manifestations may be missing, borderline, or concealed because of intercurrent sicknesses. Motility-linked gastrointestinal problems may easily conceal a misdetected, underlying dysthyroidism that should be carefully analyzed. Here, we aim to elaborate on the associations between thyroid disorders and GI dysmotility and the common clinical manifestations associated with GI dysmotility.

[Emergency diagnoses in the gastrointestinal tract]

Gastrointestinal emergencies are a frequent reason for presentation in the emergency department and involve patients of all ages. The patients must undergo an immediate cross-sectional imaging as in many cases the underlying pathology is a life-threatening condition, which often needs surgical or in some cases also interventional radiological treatment. In this overview, the most important differential diagnoses and their characteristics on cross-sectional imaging are presented.

Toxic Megacolon: A Sequelae of Clostridioides difficile Infection in a Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is an illness that ascends quickly and affects the fascia, subcutaneous tissues, and deeper skin layers. To combat this infection, strong antibiotics are used along with prompt debridement. Frequent usage of such drugs is connected to antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colonic illnesses like colitis. High-spectrum antibiotic usage over an extended period of time can alter the gut microbiota, which promotes the growth of commensal bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridioides difficile (previously known as Clostridium difficile) resulting in complications such as toxic megacolon. C. difficile infection can result in extreme inflammation and colon dilatation leading to toxic megacolon. In order to effectively treat necrotizing fasciitis, a timely diagnosis and vigorous management are essential; failing of which may have fatal consequences such as sepsis and even mortality. We present a case of a 56-year-old male, suffering from necrotizing fasciitis of the left lower limb which further complicated to toxic megacolon and caused mortality of the patient. Timely presentation and early diagnosis can be helpful in better prognosis, which in the context of this case was delayed; had the patient presented to the hospital earlier, there were chances of preventing mortality.

Severe Sepsis Secondary to Toxic Megacolon Revealing an Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease can present with numerous infectious complications, including intra-abdominal abscess, perforations of the intestine, fistula formation, and the occurrence of septicemia. Toxic megacolon (TM) is a potentially fatal complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we report a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit for the management of severe sepsis that was secondary to an inaugural toxic megacolon complicating a silent inflammatory bowel disease, with a Lichtiger score of 11. Nonresponse to anti-bacterial therapy, noradrenaline, and intravenous corticosteroid therapy required an emergency total colectomy. After surgery, the patient died because of his unresolved septic shock. Correct management of this condition requires an accurate assessment of the patient's history, a correct physical examination, abdominal radiographs, and sigmoid coloscopy, and frequently requires surgery. The indications for surgery in cases of toxic megacolon, massive hemorrhage, perforation, peritonitis, or non-response to medical therapy are the most important ones. Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease are particularly prone to infectious complications since therapy for these inflammatory diseases is based on the use of immunosuppressive drugs and frequent abdominal surgeries.

MR Enterography in Ulcerative Colitis: Beyond Endoscopy

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that progressively affects mucosa and submuccosa of the colon and rectum in a continual pattern. In comparison, Crohn disease (CD), the other type of IBD, is a chronic transmural inflammatory disorder that can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. MR enterography (MRE) has emerged as an important imaging modality for the diagnosis and detection of disease activity and complications in CD, with comparable results to those of endoscopy. But MRE has been underused for assessment of UC in recent years, and clinicians heavily rely on endoscopic findings for management of UC. Despite UC being considered an endoscopically assessable disease, MRE can provide useful information beyond that obtained with endoscopy about mural or extramural abnormalities, inaccessible parts of the colonic lumen, associated extraintestinal diseases, and superimposed pathologic conditions. Moreover, endoscopy might be contraindicated in some clinical settings due to the risk of colonic perforation. In addition to depicting the features of UC activity in different phases, MRE demonstrates findings of disease chronicity that cannot be achieved with endoscopy, particularly in a patient with colitis of unknown cause. The valuable diagnostic role of MRE to exclude undiagnosed CD in patients with UC who have refractory disease or those with postproctocolectomy complications is also emphasized. Radiologists can play a crucial role in the management of UC with MRE by addressing what is beyond endoscopy. ©RSNA, 2023 Test Your Knowledge questions are available in the supplemental material.

Clostridioides difficile infection leading to fulminant colitis with toxic megacolon

Clostridioidesdifficile infection (CDI) is the culprit of millions of nosocomial infections in the United States. Programs that successfully decrease its incidence, therefore, render cost savings for the healthcare system. Toxic megacolon and perforation are two of the most significant complications with increased mortality rates. We report a 23-year-old nursing home resident hospitalized for fever, cough, and green sputum. After 3 days of antibiotic therapy, he developed abdominal distension, diarrhea, and vomiting and underwent a total colectomy. The colon was dilated to a maximum of 11 cm with markedly edematous mucosa and yellow pseudomembranes. Qualitative PCR of the stool detected Clostridioides difficile toxin B gene. While there is no consensus for the required interval between antibiotic treatment and CDI, this presentation 3 days after starting the antibiotic therapy is earlier than most proposed ranges.

Clostridium difficile Infections in an Emergency Surgical Unit from North-East Romania

Background and Objectives: Colitis with Clostridium difficile is an important health problem that occurs with an intensity that varies between mild and severe. Surgical interventions are required only in fulminant forms. There is little evidence regarding the best surgical intervention in these cases. Materials and Methods: Patients with C. difficile infection were identified from the two surgery clinics from the 'Saint Spiridon' Emergency Hospital Iași, Romania. Data regarding the presentation, indication for surgery, antibiotic therapy, type of toxins, and post-operative outcomes were collected over a 3-year period. Results: From a total of 12,432 patients admitted for emergency or elective surgery, 140 (1.12%) were diagnosed with C. difficile infection. The mortality rate was 14% (20 cases). Non-survivors had higher rates of lower-limb amputations, bowel resections, hepatectomy, and splenectomy. Additional surgery was necessary in 2.8% of cases because of the complications of C. difficile colitis. In three cases, terminal colostomy was performed and as well as one case with subtotal colectomy with ileostomy. All patients who required the second surgery died within the 30-day mortality period. Conclusions: In our prospective study, the incidence was increased both in cases of patients with interventions on the colon and in those requiring limb amputations. Surgical interventions are rarely required in patients with C. difficile colitis.

Toxic Megacolon Burdened with COVID-19 Coinfection-Worsening of an Unfavorable Diagnosis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

This study primarily sought to evaluate the risk factors for toxic megacolon development and treatment outcomes in Clostridium difficile-positive COVID-19 patients, secondarily to determining predictors of survival.

METHODS

During the second COVID-19 wave (May 2020 to May 2021), we identified 645 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, including 160 patients with a severe course in the intensive care unit. We selected patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) (31 patients) and patients with toxic megacolon (9 patients) and analyzed possible risk factors.

RESULTS

Patients who developed toxic megacolon had a higher incidence (without statistical significance, due to small sample size) of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a higher proportion of them required antibiotic treatment using cephalosporins or penicillins, and there was a higher rate of extracorporeal circulation usage. C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 values showed significant differences between the groups (CRP [median 126 mg/L in the non-toxic megacolon cohort and 237 mg/L in the toxic megacolon cohort; p = 0.037] and interleukin-6 [median 252 ng/L in the group without toxic megacolon and 1127 ng/L in those with toxic megacolon; p = 0.016]). As possible predictors of survival, age, presence of chronic venous insufficiency, cardiac disease, mechanical ventilation, and infection with Candida species were significant for increasing the risk of death, while corticosteroid and cephalosporin treatment and current Klebsiella infection decreased this risk.

CONCLUSIONS

More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic required strong up-to-date treatment recommendations to decrease the rate of serious in-hospital complications. Further studies are required to evaluate the interplay between COVID-19 and CDI/toxic megacolon.

Evidence-based pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis: A causal role for colonic epithelial hydrogen peroxide

In this comprehensive evidence-based analysis of ulcerative colitis (UC), a causal role is identified for colonic epithelial hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in both the pathogenesis and relapse of this debilitating inflammatory bowel disease. Studies have shown that H₂O₂ production is significantly increased in the non-inflamed colonic epithelium of individuals with UC. H₂O₂ is a powerful neutrophilic chemotactic agent that can diffuse through colonic epithelial cell membranes creating an interstitial chemotactic molecular “trail” that attracts adjacent intravascular neutrophils into the colonic epithelium leading to mucosal inflammation and UC. A novel therapy aimed at removing the inappropriate H₂O₂ mediated chemotactic signal has been highly effective in achieving complete histologic resolution of colitis in patients experiencing refractory disease with at least one (biopsy-proven) histologic remission lasting 14 years to date. The evidence implies that therapeutic intervention to prevent the re-establishment of a pathologic H₂O₂ mediated chemotactic signaling gradient will indefinitely preclude neutrophilic migration into the colonic epithelium constituting a functional cure for this disease. Cumulative data indicate that individuals with UC have normal immune systems and current treatment guidelines calling for the suppression of the immune response based on the belief that UC is caused by an underlying immune dysfunction are not supported by the evidence and may cause serious adverse effects. It is the aim of this paper to present experimental and clinical evidence that identifies H₂O₂ produced by the colonic epithelium as the causal agent in the pathogenesis of UC. A detailed explanation of a novel therapeutic intervention to normalize colonic H₂O₂, its rationale, components, and formulation is also provided.

Campylobacter jejuni pancolitis complicated by toxic megacolon in an immunocompetent host

This is an unusual case of a middle-aged, immunocompetent man who developed toxic megacolon (TM) secondary to infection with a normally harmless bug, Campylobacter jejuni. He presented with diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain. Faecal cultures were positive for C. jejuni. However, the patient did not show significant improvement after a trial of intravenous antibiotics. Bowel segment dilation on a CT scan combined with systemic signs (fever) led to the diagnosis of TM. A subtotal colectomy was planned but an unexpected positive response to conservative therapy deferred the surgery. Our case emphasises the crucial role that bowel rest and good nutritional support play in treating TM of infectious aetiology and how it can help avoid the need for a life-altering subtotal colectomy and ileostomy. For such presentations we also highlight how empirical steroid therapy or diagnostic sigmoidoscopy for suspected underlying ulcerative colitis can be detrimental to patient outcomes.

[Position paper on reporting of intestinal ultrasound findings in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ultrasound is increasingly used for primary diagnosis, detection of complications and monitoring of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Standardization of reporting is relevant to ensure quality of the methodology and to improve communication between different specialties. The current manuscript describes the features required for optimized reporting of intestinal ultrasound findings in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

An expert consensus panel of gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, paediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons conducted a systematic literature search. In a Delphi- process members of the Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen in collaboration with members of the German Society for Radiology (DRG) voted on relevant criteria for reporting of findings in intestinal ultrasound. Based on the voting results statements were agreed by expert consensus.

RESULTS

Clinically relevant aspects of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) findings have been defined to optimize reporting and to standardize terminology. Minimal requirements for standardized reporting are suggested. The statements focus on description of disease activity as well as on complications of IBD. Attributes of intestinal inflammation are described and illustrated by exemplary images.

CONCLUSION

The current manuscript provides practical recommendations on how to standardize documentation and reporting from intestinal ultrasound findings in patients with IBD.

ECCO-ESGAR Topical Review on Optimizing Reporting for Cross-Sectional Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The diagnosis and follow up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] requires cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as intestinal ultrasound [IUS], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT]. The quality and homogeneity of medical reporting are crucial to ensure effective communication between specialists and to improve patient care. The current topical review addresses optimized reporting requirements for cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

METHODS

An expert consensus panel consisting of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons convened by the ECCO in collaboration with ESGAR performed a systematic literature review covering the reporting aspects of MRI, CT, IUS, endoanal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography in IBD. Practice position statements were developed utilizing a Delphi methodology incorporating two consecutive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥80% of the participants agreed on a recommendation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five practice positions were developed, establishing standard terminology for optimal reporting in cross-sectional imaging. Assessment of inflammation, complications and imaging of perianal CD are outlined. The minimum requirements of a standardized report, including a list of essential reporting items, have been defined.

CONCLUSIONS

This topical review offers practice recommendations to optimize and homogenize reporting in cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

Acute Responses to Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System

Infectious and inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal system are life-threatening and occur frequently in hospitalized adults. Inflammatory and inflammation-related diseases of the gastrointestinal tract seen in the acutely and critically ill have numerous causes. In acute pancreatitis and toxic infections caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile, where severe infections can develop, inflammation plays a causative and crucial role. Severe acute pancreatitis puts a patient at risk for infected necrosis, which can result in septicemia and shock. Similarly, patients treated with antibiotics are at risk for C difficile colitis, which can progress to toxic megacolon. These conditions require volume resuscitation and interventions supported by current evidence. Percutaneous or surgical interventions are often undertaken at a critical point in these illnesses. Patients who require surgery for these diagnoses present challenges for the interprofessional team. Inflammatory and infectious disorders often can lead to complications of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. New strategies are on the horizon to prevent the onset of and improve care for patients with severe acute pancreatitis, fulminant C difficile infection, and megacolon.

Advances in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Focus on polysaccharide nanoparticulate drug delivery systems

The complex pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) explains the several hurdles for finding an efficient approach to cure it. Nowadays, therapeutic protocols aim to reduce inflammation during the hot phase or maintain remission during the cold phase. Nonetheless, these drugs suffer from severe side effects or poor efficacy due to low bioavailability in the inflamed region of the intestinal tract. New protocols based on antibodies that target proinflammatory cytokines are clinically relevant. However, besides being expensive, their use is associated with a primary nonresponse or a loss of response following a long administration period. Accordingly, many researchers exploited the physiological changes of the mucosal barrier for designing nanoparticulate drug delivery systems to target inflamed tissues. Others exploited biocompatibility and relative affordability of polysaccharides to test their intrinsic anti-inflammatory and healing properties in IBD models. This critical review updates state of the art on advances in IBD treatment. Data on using polysaccharide nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for IBD treatment are reviewed and discussed.

Sigmoidoscopic extent of ulcerative colitis and associated factors in Pakistani population

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent of ulcerative colitis and associated factors in patients who underwent sigmoidoscopy at Liver Center, Jail Road, Lahore, Pakistan.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent sigmoidoscopy from July 2013 to July 2020 at Liver Clinic, Jail Road, Lahore, were categorized into two cohorts: who had ulcerative colitis confirmed on histology and who had no ulcerative colitis. Extent and severity of the disease as well as coexisting pathologies were also noted. SPSS version 25 was used. Independent sample T-test was applied to compare quantitative variables like age and weight, and chi-square test to compare qualitative variables with two cohorts. The p-value less than 0.05 was opted as significant. Odd ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) were also computed for each association.

RESULTS

About 11.55% patients (165 out of 1428) had ulcerative colitis, whose mean age and mean weight were 38.27 ± 14.15 years and 74.08 ± 13.20 Kg respectively. Among ulcerative colitis patients, 18.2% had proctitis, 22.4% had proctosigmoiditis, 27.7% had left-sided colitis, and 31.5% had extensive colitis. May endoscopic severity score was found 0,1,2, and 3 in 12.1%, 23.6%, 31.5%, and 32.7% patients respectively. Ulcerative colitis cohort had significant association with younger age (p<0.01), female gender (p<0.01), non or former smoking (p=0.02) and presentation with bloody diarrhea (p<0.01), and no association with body weight (p=0.311), presence of diabetes mellitus (p=0.311) and family history of IBD (P=0.368).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic extent and severity of ulcerative colitis is high in our studied population. Ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in younger age and female gender patients who presented with bloody diarrhea, while the presence of active smoking has negative association with finding the ulcerative colitis. However, presence of family history of IBD, diabetes mellitus and body weight of the patient has no statistical correlation with finding ulcerative colitis during sigmoidoscopic examination in our patients.

Evaluation and management of the surgical abdomen

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to describe important features of clinical examination for the surgical abdomen, relevant investigations, and acute management of common surgical problems in the critically ill.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lactate remains a relatively nonspecific marker of gut ischemia. Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) scan can improve diagnosis of bowel ischemia. Further evidence supports intravenous contrast during CT scan in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Outcomes for acute mesenteric ischemia have failed to improve over time; however, increasing use of endovascular approaches, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, may decrease need for laparotomy in the appropriate patient. Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia remains a challenging diagnostic and management dilemma. Acalculous cholecystitis is managed with a percutaneous cholecystostomy and is unlikely to require interval cholecystectomy. Surgeon comfort with intervention based on point-of-care ultrasound for biliary disease is variable. Mortality for toxic megacolon is decreasing.

SUMMARY

Physical examination remains an integral part of the evaluation of the surgical abdomen. Interpreting laboratory investigations in context and appropriate imaging improves diagnostic ability; intravenous contrast should not be withheld for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Surgical intervention should not be delayed for the patient in extremis. The intensivist and surgeon should remain in close communication to optimize care.