Cold-induced anaphylaxis triggered by drinking cold water

Cold urticaria is an inducible urticaria in which hives and angioedema appear after exposure to cold. The symptoms of cold urticaria often are limited to hives/angioedema. However, in up to 20% of cases, cold exposure may trigger anaphylaxis. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy previously diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria who developed facial swelling, itchy hives, difficulty in breathing, vomiting and abdominal pain within 5 minutes of drinking cold water. He received a standard dose of non-sedating second-generation antihistamines at home. He was observed in the emergency room for 2 hours and discharged with an epinephrin autoinjector. During the subsequent outpatient clinic visit, an ice cube test was performed which confirmed the new diagnosis of comorbid cold-induced chronic urticaria. On further questioning, the parents reported occurrence of hives following swimming in the swimming pool. Cold-induced urticaria should be suspected in cases of anaphylaxis associated with cold exposure. Patients with chronic forms of urticaria who present with new anaphylaxis should be assessed for a potential concomitant cold-induced form. (AU)

Iatrogenic Small Intestinal Obstruction / Obstrucción iatrogénica del intestino delgado

An 83-year-old female, suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, was admitted to our hospital. Gas-liquid level and tumor was not seen on the abdominal computed tomography scan. Instead, two high density balloon which were 2.7cm(distal) and 3.3cm(proximal) in diameter separately were shown (Figure A) in small intestine. The balloons proved to be part of ileus tube and iohexol which was incorrectly injected into the balloons caused a blockage in the tube. During colonoscopy, we were surprised to find that the distal balloon had passed through the ileocecal valve and we punctured it easily (Figure B). However, affected by the broken distal balloon, we could not reach another one. Finally, we cut off the connector fixed to the face and instructed the patient to take some oral paraffin oil and exercise appropriately. The next day, the balloons were discharged with the symptoms alleviated. It is rare for iatrogenic foreign body to cause ileal obstruction).(AU)

Cuando la obstrucción intestinalno es quirúrgica / When intestinal obstruction is not a surgical condition

We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department with cramping pain, abdominal distention and vomiting, with radiological images simulating a small bowel obstruction. After multiple hospitalisations and an extensive set of tests, including a genetic study, he was diagnosed with chronic pseudo-obstruction, an uncommon, unrecognides syndrome with high morbidity. Being aware of this pathology can make it easier to diagnose, and thereby, we can avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, because its management and treatment are mainly based on pharmacological therapy. After a proper diagnosis our patient's progression was satisfactory due to the treatment introduced, with no further hospitalisations.(AU)

El amplio diagnóstico diferencial de los vómitos: un caso de acalasia / The broad differential diagnosis of vomiting: a case of achalasia

Los vómitos constituyen un motivo de consulta muy frecuente en Pediatría. Su abordaje requiere un amplio diagnóstico diferencial, ya que pueden ser síntoma tanto de un trastorno funcional como de patología orgánica importante. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 13 años que debuta con vómitos como síntoma guía de una acalasia. La acalasia es un trastorno motor esofágico que provoca una retención de los alimentos en el segmento distal del esófago debido a un fallo de la peristalsis y una ausencia de relajación del esfínter esofágico inferior (EEI) tras la deglución. Aunque se trata de una patología infrecuente, es necesario incluirla en el diagnóstico diferencial de síntomas gastrointestinales como los vómitos, precisando un alto grado de sospecha para su diagnóstico (AU)

Vomiting is a very frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics. Their approach requires a wide differential diagnosis since they can be a symptom of both a functional disorder and important organic pathology. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who debuted with vomiting as a guiding symptom of achalasia. Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder that causes retention of food in the distal segment of the esophagus due to a failure of peristalsis and a lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter after swallowing. Although it is an infrequent pathology, it is necessary to include it in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, requiring a high degree of suspicion for its diagnosis. (AU)

Endoscopic radial incision to treat a congenital esophageal stenosis in a 10-year-old child

A 10-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital because of frequent vomiting and impaired growth. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed there was a benign annular stenosis (diameter 0.6 cm) of the middle esophagus. Then, using an ultrafine painless gastroscope, we observed that the narrowed segment was approximately 2.0 cm in length. The stenosis of the esophagus was diagnosed as congenital esophageal stenosis (CES). Then，the patient was referred for endoscopic radial incision (ERI) under general anesthesia. We used an insulated-tip knife to perform ERI. A radial incision was made to cut the muscle layer along the line that connects the esophageal lumen on the oral side and the lumen on the anal side in the 3 and 6 o’clock directions . The diameter of the esophagus was approximately 1.0 cm post-operation. The gastroscopy was able to pass through smoothly. The operation time was approximately 30 minutes. The child’s oral liquid diet started on postoperative day 1 and was discontinued on postoperative day 4. Vomiting was significantly relieved for the patient. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were detected. An endoscopy performed 3 months post-operation showed smooth esophageal mucosa, and the diameter of the esophageal lumen increased to approximately 1.0 cm without recurrent stenosis. (AU)

Ondansetrón para el control de vómitos asociados a gastritis y gastroenteritis aguda en urgencias de Pediatría: uso, abuso y buen uso / Ondansetron for the control of vomiting associated with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis in Pediatric Emergencies: use, abuse and appropriate use

Introducción: el ondansetrón es un antiemético ampliamente utilizado en la práctica clínica para el control de vómitos asociados a gastritis y/o gastroenteritis aguda en niños. Sin embargo, la evidencia disponible es controvertida, sus indicaciones no están claramente definidas y no existe una unanimidad de uso en las guías de práctica clínica. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en el que se incluyó un total de 825 niños entre 0 y 14 años con vómitos asociados a gastritis y/o gastroenteritis aguda que acudieron a Urgencias de Pediatría de un hospital terciario durante el año 2019. Se analizó la asociación entre el uso de ondansetrón y la necesidad de rehidratación intravenosa, las hospitalizaciones, el tiempo de permanencia en Urgencias y las nuevas consultas a Urgencias dentro de las 72 horas posteriores. Resultados: de la muestra estudiada, el 38,8% de los pacientes recibieron ondansetrón. La administración de ondansetrón redujo el riesgo de ingreso (OR 0,19; IC 95%: 0,04-0,84) y disminuyó el tiempo de permanencia en Urgencias (p = 0,000). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la reducción de la necesidad de rehidratación intravenosa (OR 0,65; IC 95%: 0,40-1,05) ni en las nuevas visitas a Urgencias dentro de las 72 horas siguientes (OR 1,38; IC 95%: 0,82-2,31). Conclusiones: nuestros resultados sugieren que el uso de ondansetrón podría ser beneficioso en niños mayores de 6 meses con vómitos asociados a gastritis y/o gastroenteritis aguda y que presenten deshidratación de leve a moderada (AU)

Background: ondansetron is an antiemetic widely used in clinical practice for the control of vomiting associated with gastritis and/or acute gastroenteritis in children. However, the available evidence about its use is controversial, its directions for use are not clearly defined and there is no unanimity on its use in clinical practice guidelines.Methodology: we performed a retrospective cohort study which included a total of 825 children between 0 and 14 years, who presented symptoms of vomiting associated with gastritis and/or acute gastroenteritis and attended the Pediatric Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in 2019. The association between the use of ondansetron and the need for intravenous rehydration, hospitalization, length of stay in the Pediatric Emergency Department and return visits to the emergency department within 72 hours was analysed.Results: of the sample studied, 38.7% of the patients received ondansetron. The administration of ondansetron reduced the risk of hospital admission (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.84) and decreased the length of stay in the emergency department (p = 0.000). No significant differences were found in reducing the need for intravenous rehydration (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.05) or in return visits to emergency department within 3 days (OR 1.38; 95% CI 0.82-2.31).Conclusions: our results suggest that the use of ondansetron could be beneficial in children older than 6 months with vomiting associated with gastritis and/or acute gastroenteritis and with mild-to-moderate dehydration. (AU)

Cannabis medicinal y cáncer: beneficios en dolor oncológico y otros síntomas relacionados / Medical cannabis and cancer: benefits for cancer pain and other related symptoms

El cannabis tiene el potencial de modular algunos de los síntomas más prevalentes en el cáncer, ya sean derivados del propio tumor o de los tratamientos antitumorales. Sin embargo, la escasez de evidencia científica sobre su eficacia y el estigma histórico ocasiona un problema para que los profesionales médicos puedan elegirlo como una opción terapéutica para sus pacientes. Esta revisión refleja la influencia del cannabis medicinal en los síntomas más prevalentes y debilitantes en cáncer, incluyendo el dolor, las náuseas y los vómitos inducidos por quimioterapia, la neuropatía periférica inducida por quimioterapia, y la anorexia y la pérdida de apetito. Asimismo, se repasa la evidencia actual del cannabis como agente anticanceroso.(AU)

Cannabis has the potential to modulate some of the most common symptoms of cancer, either from the tumour itself or from its treatments. However, the paucity of scientific evidence for its effectiveness and the historical stigma causes a problem to clinicians for choosing it as a therapeutic option for their patients. This review reflects the influence of medical cannabis on the most common and debilitating symptoms in cancer, including pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and anorexia and loss of appetite. Additionaly we do a review of the medical cannabis as an anticancer agent.(AU)

Manifestaciones clínicas y eventos adversos graves tras consumo de cannabis: efecto de la edad y análisis diferenciado en función del sexo y la coingesta de etanol / Clinical manifestations and serious adverse effects after cannabis use: role of age according to sex and coingestion of alcohol

Objetivo. Investigar si existen diferencias en las manifestaciones clínicas por consumo de cannabis según la edad, y si estas se modifican en función del sexo o el consumo de etanol. Método. Estudio observacional descriptivo de pacientes atendidos en 11 servicios de urgencias con consumo de can- nabis como motivo de consulta. Se recogieron 11 manifestaciones clínicas y se analizó su frecuencia relativa en fun- ción de la edad mediante curvas spline cúbicas restringidas. Se analizó si existía interacción en el comportamiento etario de cada uno de los síntomas en función del sexo y del consumo de etanol. Resultados. Se analizaron 949 pacientes, edad media 29 años, 74% varones y 39% con coingesta de etanol. Se iden- tificaron tres patrones de síntomas según la edad: estable (vómitos, cefalea, convulsiones, hipotensión), incrementada en edades medias (agresividad-agitación, ansiedad, psicosis, palpitaciones, alucinaciones) y con aumento progresivo con la edad (dolor torácico e hipertensión). En la relación síntoma-edad, la frecuencia de palpitaciones, vómitos y ce- falea tuvo un comportamiento significativamente diferente según el sexo, más constante en hombres y con un incre- mento marcado en edades medias en mujeres. La coingesta de etanol se asoció con más agitación-agresividad (34,0%/23,4%, p < 0,001) y menos palpitaciones (9,8%/15,6%, p = 0,01), ansiedad (20,7%/27,8%, p = 0,01), psico- sis (10,3%/16,6%, p = 0,007) y dolor torácico (3,8%/9,5%, p = 0,001). En cuanto a la relación síntoma-edad, el eta- nol solo modificó significativamente la frecuencia de vómitos y de psicosis. Conclusión. La edad condiciona efectos clínicos diferenciales en algunas manifestaciones agudas de la intoxicación por cannabis que precisa asistencia hospitalaria, y el sexo y el consumo simultáneo de alcohol modifican esta relación entre edad y frecuencia de algunos síntomas. (AU)

Objectives. To study whether there are age-related differences in the clinical effects of cannabis poisoning and whether any age differences found are also related to sex or coingestion of alcohol. Methods. Descriptive observational study of patients treated in 11 emergency departments for symptoms related to cannabis use. We collected data on 11 clinical manifestations and used a restricted cubic spline model to analyze their relative frequency according to age. We also looked for any interactions between the findings and patient sex or alcohol coingestion. Results. A total of 949 patients were studied. The mean age was 29 years, 74% were males, and 39% had also consumed alcohol. We identified 3 symptom patterns related to age. One set of symptoms (vomiting, headache, convulsions, and hypotension) remained stable across all ages. Manifestations that increased in the middle of the age range studied were agitation and aggressivity, psychosis, palpitations and hallucinations. Chest pain and hypertension increased in older-aged patients. The frequencies of palpitations, vomiting, and headache differed according to sex. These manifestations held constant in males but were markedly higher in young-adult females. Coingestion of alcohol was associated with agitation and aggressivity (in 34.0% vs 23.4%, P < .001), fewer reports of palpitations (in 9.8% vs 15.6%, P = .01), less anxiety (in 20.7% vs 27.8%, P = .01), less psychosis (in 10.3% vs 16.6%, P = .007), and less chest pain (in 3.8% vs 9.5%, P = .001). The only significant interaction between age and alcohol coingestion occurred with respect to vomiting and psychosis. Conclusions. There are age-related differences in the acute clinical manifestations of cannabis poisoning requiring emergency hospital care. Sex and coingestion of alcohol modify the relationship between age and frequency of some manifestations. (AU)

Síndrome de hiperémesis por cannabis: incidencia y tratamiento con capsaicina tópica / Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Incidence and treatment with topical capsaicin

Introducción: Existen pocos estudios en España acerca del síndrome de hiperémesis cannabinoide (SHC), así como sobre el uso de capsaicina tópica para su tratamiento.Métodos:Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 14 años atendidos en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario durante 2018 y 2019 con diagnóstico de SHC con base en los siguientes criterios: cuadro clínico compatible, consumo de cannabis menor de 48h y test de cannabis en orina positivo. Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, tiempos asistenciales y tratamiento (incluyendo el uso de capsaicina tópica al 0,075%).Resultados:Se estudiaron 59 asistencias de 29 pacientes (4,4 casos/10.000 visitas, IC 95% 2,8-4,7). Un 50% volvieron a urgencias por SHC, diferenciándose estos solo en más consumo de tabaco (p=0,01) y cocaína (p=0,031). En un 74,6% de las visitas se utilizó capsaicina. El tiempo medio de resolución de los vómitos tras su aplicación fue de 17,87min.Conclusiones:Aunque probablemente esté infradiagnosticado, el SHC presenta una incidencia baja en las urgencias en España, y con alta reincidencia de los pacientes. El uso de pomada de capsaicina es eficiente y seguro. (AU)

There are few studies in Spain on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), as well as on the use of topical capsaicin as a treatment.Methods:Retrospective study of patients over 14 years of age seen in a hospital emergency department during 2018 and 2019 with a diagnosis of CHS based on the following criteria: compatible clinical picture, cannabis use less than 48h and positive urine cannabis test. Epidemiological and clinical variables, attendance times and treatment (including use of topical capsaicin 0.075%) were collected.Results:Fifty-nine attendances were studied, from 29 patients (4.4 cases/10,000 visits, 95% CI 2.8-4.7). Fifty per cent returned for CHS, differing only in more tobacco (P=.01) and cocaine (P=.031) use. Capsaicin was used in 74.6% of visits. The mean time to resolution of vomiting after application was 17.87min.Conclusions:Although probably underdiagnosed, CHS has a low incidence in the emergency department in Spain, with high patient recurrence. The use of capsaicin ointment is efficient and safe. (AU)

Correction to: SEOM Clinical Guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (2021)

In this article the title was incorrectly given as “SEOM clinical guideline emesis (2021)” but should have been “SEOM Clinical Guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (2021).”The original article has been corrected.

Indicación farmacéutica con metodología SIFAC a pacientes tratados con medicamentos de estrecho margen terapéutico / Pharmaceutical indication with SIFAC methodology for patients treated with medicines with narrow therapeutic margins

PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: dos pacientes con sintomatología digestiva inespecífica fueron incluidos en el servicio de indicación farmacéutica SIFAC. Ambos estaban tratados con distintos fármacos de estrecho margen terapéutico. Paciente 1, 56 años: demanda remedio para hinchazón abdominal y dispepsia desde la semana pasada. Estado de salud: 65/100. Sintomatología recurrente de varios años que cesa con tratamiento. Paciente 2, 71 años: refiere náuseas y vómitos, solicitando Sueroral®. Estado de salud: 30/100. Estaba incluido previamente en el servicio porque hace unos días demandó Almax por acidez.EVALUACIÓN: paciente 1. No RAM. Tratamiento farmacológico: Plenur® (1-0-0), Orfidal® (0-0-1). Valores analíticos: litemia en rango terapéutico. Consulta ficha técnica: posibilidad de RAM por Plenur®, ya que tratamientos prolongados provocan distensión abdominal (frecuencia 1- 10 %). Paciente 2. Muy asténico. No RAM, obesidad, exfumador. Tratamiento farmacológico: digoxina 0.25mg (1-0-0, días alternos), Sintrom®, doxazosina neo 8mg (0-0-1), Artedil® 10 mg (1-0-0), valsartan/hidroclorotiazida 165mg/25mg (0-0-1), Zomarist®1000mg (1-0-1), pantoprazol 40mg (1-0-0) y Vigamox®. Valores analíticos: Glu135, Creat1.25, HbA1c6.1 %, INR 0,98, PA:145/90, FC:42. Aporta mediciones en domicilio, FC nunca superior a 45lpm (bradicardia). Valoramos dosis administrada de digoxina mediante recuento de comprimidos e historial de dispensaciones: consideramos que excede la dosis prescrita. Administración concomitante de diuréticos y pantoprazol podrían aumentar la exposición a digoxina. Sintomatología digestiva, bradicardia y exceso de dosis administrada apuntan a intoxicación digitálica.INTERVENCIÓN: paciente 1. Aconsejamos consultar con su médico especialista para notificar la posible RAM y completamos el servicio de indicación. Indicamos medidas higiénico- dietéticas y carbón activado para tratamiento sintomático, recomendando espaciar del resto de la medicación. (AU)

Sepsis por Capnocytophaga canimorsus en unpaciente inmunocompetente / Sepsis caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus in an immunocompetent patient

No disponible

SEOM Clinical Guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (2021)

Among the side effects of anticancer treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most feared given its high prevalence, affecting up to 40% of patients. It can impair patient’s quality of life and provoke low adherence to cancer treatment or chemotherapy dose reductions that can comprise treatment efficacy. Suffering CINV depends on factors related to the intrinsic emetogenicity of antineoplastic drugs and on patient characteristics. CINV can appear at different times regarding the administration of antitumor treatment and the variability of risk according to the different antitumor regimens has, as a consequence, the need for a different and adapted antiemetic treatment prophylaxis to achieve the desired objective of complete protection of the patient in the acute phase, in the late phase and in the global phase of emesis. As a basis for the recommendations, the level of emetogenicity of anticancer treatment is considered and they are classified as high, moderate, low and minimal emetogenicity and these recommendations are based on the use of antiemetic drugs with a high therapeutic index: anti 5-HT, anti-NK and steroids. Despite having highly effective treatments, clinical reality shows that they are not applied enough, so evidence-based recommendations are needed to show the best options and help in decision-making. To cover all the antiemetic prophylaxis options, we have also included recommendations for oral treatments, multiday regimens and radiation-induced emesis prevention.