INFECTIONS OF THE SMALL BOWEL Flashcards Preview

GASTRO-INTESTINAL MEDICINE AND HEPATOLOGY > INFECTIONS OF THE SMALL BOWEL > Flashcards

Flashcards in INFECTIONS OF THE SMALL BOWEL Deck (8)
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1
Q

What can lead to bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine?

A

Bacterial overgrowth usually occurs as a result of structural abnormalities which leads to stasis (eg strictures or diverticulae) or where the caecal valve has become insufficient.

2
Q

What are the bacteria normally found in the terminal ileum?

A

Certain faecal bacteria eg E. coli, enterococcus and Bacteroides

3
Q

What are the clinical features of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine?

A

Deconjugation of bile salts by bacteria leads to fat malabsorption and deficiency of fat soluble vitmamins A, D, A and K. Can also metabolise B12.

Causes steatorrhoea and deficiencies of vitamin, especially B12 (anaemia)
Diarrhoea is often presenting complaint.

4
Q

What investigations should be ordered for someone with suspected bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine?

A

Hydrogen breath test - using oral lactulose or glucose which are metabolised by bacteria to hydrogen. Not very specific test due to oral bacteria.

14C glycocholic acid breath test - C14 bile salt ingested. Bacteria will deconjugate releasing 14CO2

Small intestine aspiration - cultures

5
Q

How would you managed someone with bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine?

A

Prolonged cyclical courses of metronidazole, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin.
Replace vitamin deficiencies
Treat underlying cause

6
Q

What is Whipple’s disease?

A

An infection of the small intestine caused by Tropheryma whippelii (a bacteria) - may involve at type of immunodeficiency.

7
Q

What are the features of Whipple’s disease?

A
Steatorrhoea
Abdominal pain
Fever
Weight loss
Peripheral lymphadenopathy
Migratory arthritis
Pigmentation
Chronic encephalitis if brain is involved
8
Q

How do you treat Whipple’s disease?

A

Prolonged antibiotics such as penicillin, tertacyclin or chloramphenicol.
Supplement vitamins and minerals