A case series of 3 patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after vincristine administration.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) or Ogilvie's syndrome is characterized by acute colonic dilatation in the absence of mechanical obstruction. It usually occurs in hospitalized patients with acute illness or following surgical procedures, but several medications such as cytotoxic chemotherapy can also induce ACPO. We report three cases of patients with Ogilvie's syndrome after induction therapy with vincristine-containing chemotherapy. Conservative management failed in all three cases. Awareness for this syndrome is necessary when administrating vincristine, because delay in diagnosis may lead to colonic ischaemia and perforation.

Clozapine related Ogilvie syndrome with fatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Clozapine, an antipsychotic medication, can ordinarily cause gastrointestinal hypomotility, but clozapine-related Ogilvie Syndrome (colonic pseudo-obstruction) has been reported rarely. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of vomiting, abdominal pain, and distension lasting for a day. He was on clozapine therapy due to schizophrenia. An abdominal-CT scan revealed dilation from the cecum to the ileum and he was diagnosed with Ogilvie syndrome. During the observation period in the ED, respiratory distress, hypotension, and alteration in consciousness were observed, and the patient was intubated electively. Arterial blood gas showed primary metabolic acidosis, with a normal anion gap with full respiratory compensation. In the control CT scan there was no visible perforation but distension persisted; the cecum diameter was 93 mm and the colonic wall was thickened. After the CT scan, the patient went into cardiac arrest and died 13 hours after his admission. In this case, excessive colonic dilatation, high WBC, and lactate levels and increased thickness of the colon wall suggest sepsis due to intestinal ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine-related gastrointestinal hypomotility (CRGH) is not a trivial symptom. It can cause Ogilvie syndrome, which can be fatal due to complications. In the current clozapine prescription content, information on CRGH is insufficient. Higher levels of suspicion, lower diagnostic thresholds in the case of mental and psychiatric patients may prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment and result in lower mortality.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction Caused by Dexmedetomidine: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is an infrequent entity characterized by non-toxic, non-mechanical, abrupt, functional dilation of the colon. Clinically patients present with abdominal distention, anxiety, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This rare entity can lead to a fatal outcome if not recognized early. A high level of suspicions is paramount for early diagnosis and prompt intervention. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old male was admitted to the intensive unit care due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure, pneumonia, and septic shock requiring mechanical ventilation and intravenous vasopressors. Two weeks after admission, his clinical course deteriorated and was complicated with acute abdominal distension, pain, and ileus. Imaging confirmed acute onset of ileus and after ruling out metabolic and infectious causes, the diagnosis of ACPO was made. Aggressive medical and surgical management resulted in a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS Critically ill patients on ventilator are commonly sedated; therefore, usual symptoms of ACPO can be missed or misinterpreted leading to late diagnosis with increased morbidity and mortality. Clinicians must be aware of potential harm and side effects from common sedatives used in the intensive care unit and should be current on medical literature. Alpha-2 agonists, i.e., dexmedetomidine, is increasingly been used in critical care setting and there are few reports of a possible association with ACPO. We present here a case of a patient with dexmedetomidine-induced ACPO, and we provide a review of the existing literature and pathophysiology of the condition.

Pharmacogenomics and tailored polypharmacy: an 80-year-old lady with rosuvastatin-associated rhabdomyolysis and maprotiline-related Ogilvie's syndrome
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What is known and objectives: Multiple adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are expected, and thus should be prevented in the elderly comorbid patient on polypharmacy. Rosuvastatin is commonly prescribed for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic diseases, and in rare cases, is associated with rhabdomyolysis. Maprotiline is a tetracyclic antidepressant, infrequently used in the United States, but seemingly more broadly in European countries. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) caused by maprotiline has thus far, to our knowledge, not yet been described in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: We present a unique case of synchronous rhabdomyolysis and Ogilvie's syndrome in an 80-year-old lung cancer survivor following a recent ischemic stroke for which she was prescribed clopidogrel and rosuvastatin for secondary prevention, and maprotiline for post-stroke, new-onset insomnia and anxiety. The ADRs resolved on removal of the offending agents and initiation of conservative treatment. Retrospective pharmacogenetic testing of the patient's drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters was performed to guide further management and prevent future potential drug interactions and ADRs. What is novel and conclusions: This is an interesting, albeit unfortunate, complex case that depicts the risk of rare adverse effects to medications and their potential relationship to pharmacogenetics. The impact of anticholinergic side effects of antidepressants on gastrointestinal motility, risk of myopathies with statins, increased susceptibility to ADRs caused by drug-drug interactions, and the utility of pharmacogenomic testing are discussed. The question whether commercially available pharmacogenomic tools are relevant for everyday use to direct patient care and reduce harmful drug-drug interactions is addressed and warrants further research.
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[Drug related colonic perforation: Case report]. / Perforación colónica secundaria a polifarmacia: reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon is a disorder characterised by an increase in intra-luminal pressure that leads to ischaemia and necrosis of the intestinal wall. The mechanism that produces the lesion is unknown, although it has been associated with: trauma, anaesthesia, or drugs that alter the autonomic nervous system. The pathophysiology of medication induced colon toxicity can progress to a perforated colon and potentially death. OBJECTIVE: Present a case of a colonic pseudo-obstruction in a patient with polypharmacy as the only risk factor and to review the medical literature related to the treatment of this pathology. CLINICAL CASE: The case is presented of a 67 year old woman with colonic pseudo-obstruction who presented with diffuse abdominal pain and distension. The pain progressed and reached an intensity of 8/10, and was accompanied by fever and tachycardia. There was evidence of free intraperitoneal air in the radiological studies. The only risk factor was the use of multiple drugs. The colonic pseudo-obstruction progressed to intestinal perforation, requiring surgical treatment, which resolved the problem successfully. CONCLUSION: It is important to consider drug interaction in patients with multiple diseases, as it may develop complications that can be avoided if detected on time.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in a child taking trihexyphenidyl for drooling: Prescribers beware.

Colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's Syndrome) in children is relatively uncommon. We report an unusual case of colonic pseudo-obstruction in an 8-year-old child with cerebral palsy and long-term hypomotility issues being treated for drooling with the anticholinergic medication trihexyphenidyl. He presented as an emergency with severe abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness and vomiting. An emergency laparotomy revealed colonic dilatation and a defunctioning ileostomy was created. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting colonic pseudo-obstruction as a possible complication of treatment with trihexyphenidyl. We suggest prescribers should exercise caution when prescribing trihexyphenidyl in patients with long-term intestinal hypomotility issues.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction caused by mycophenolate mofetil in a kidney transplant recipient.

Mycophenolate mofetil is a component of immunosuppressive regimens in solid-organ transplant recipients. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea without fever are common in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil. We treated a patient who had acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after kidney transplant that resolved after discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil. The disorder recurred soon after resuming mycophenolate mofetil, which is evidence for an association between mycophenolate mofetil and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in this patient.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction complicating chemotherapy in paediatric oncohaematological patients: clinical and imaging features.

OBJECTIVE: Although acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) complicating chemotherapy is still a controversial entity, it is one with which radiologists should be familiar. We describe the imaging features of ACPO in children following chemotherapy for treatment of a haematological malignancy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging features of eight children (age 3-14 years) with chemotherapy-related ACPO, all of whom had undergone plain radiography and CT examinations. The diagnosis of ACPO was based on both clinical features and imaging findings. RESULTS: Abnormalities noted on plain radiography included faecal gaseous distension of the transverse colon (4/8), faecal gaseous distension of the ascending colon (3/8), gaseous distended transverse colon (3/8) and gaseous small bowel loops (6/8). As seen on CT scans, findings of faecal fluid distended the ascending and transverse colon (5/8), faecal gas distended the transverse and ascending colon (3/8), and small bowel dilatation (5/8) and pneumatosis intestinalis (2/8) were noted. Seven of the eight patients had colonic dilatation from the caecum to the transverse colon with the transition zone near the splenic flexure. CONCLUSION: In children presenting with abdominal pain and constipation following chemotherapy, imaging features of progressive colonic dilatation seen on radiography and dilatation from the caecum to the transverse colon with the transition zone near the splenic flexure, as noted on CT, are suggestive of ACPO. CT is more successful than plain radiography for evaluating this finding, particularly in colonic segments filled primarily with fluid, but CT should not be necessary for making the diagnosis as plain radiographs and clinical evaluation should be adequate.

Severe intestinal pseudo-obstruction following withdrawal from over-the-counter steroid abuse.

Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is commonly diagnosed in critically ill patients failing to maintain a pressor response and/or with electrolyte abnormalities. We report a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with diverticular bleeding and developed prolonged ileus postoperatively. After observing arthritic joints on examination, further questioning revealed long-term, high-dose steroid use for analgesic effect. Failure to produce an effective cortisol response was due to adrenal suppression from continuous steroid use. Immediate improvement of his ileus was seen after steroid replacement. Unreported self-medication is a frequent problem encountered in developing countries. RAI can be easily missed and requires a high index of suspicion in any patient who fails to respond to conventional treatment or with long-term steroid use.

[Ogilvie Syndrome induced by clozapine]. / Syndroom van Ogilvie als bijwerking van clozapine.

Clozapine is an antipsychotic drug which is used in the treatment of therapy-resistant schizophrenia. The most frequently reported side effects (occurring in more than 10% of patients) are gastro-intestinal complaints, including constipation. Here we describe the case of a 28-year-old man with schizophrenia who developed constipation and abdominal distension for several weeks while taking clozapine. He was admitted as an emergency suffering from clozapine-induced Ogilvie syndrome (acute pseudo-obstruction caused by a disturbed balance in the autonomic regulation of intestinal motility). Treatment on the intensive care unit was required because of septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Colonoscopy showed severe ischaemic colitis without signs of perforation or obstruction. Because conservative treatment with enemas, prokinetic drugs and antibiotics did not have sufficient effect, the cholinergic drug neostigmine was added to the treatment regimen. This led to a good clinical response, thereby averting the need for surgery. This case illustrates that decreased intestinal motility can be a severe problem for patients taking clozapine, which may lead to life-threatening complications.

Laxation of critically ill patients with lactulose or polyethylene glycol: a two-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether lactulose or polyethylene glycol is effective to promote defecation in critically ill patients, whether either of the two is superior, and whether the use of enteral laxatives is related to clinical outcome. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. SETTING: Two tertiary intensive care units. PATIENTS: Three hundred and eight consecutive patients with multiple organ failure were included when receiving mechanical ventilation and intravenous circulatory support and when defecation did not occur on day 3 after admission. INTERVENTIONS: Thrice daily administration of lactulose, polyethylene glycol, or placebo until defecation occurred, to a maximum of 4 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The number of patients with defecation during the study period was 32 of 103 (31%) for placebo, 76 of 110 (69%) for lactulose, and 70 of 95 (74%) for polyethylene glycol (p = .001 for lactulose and polyethylene glycol vs. placebo). Lactulose and polyethylene glycol-treated patients produced stools after a median of 36 and 44 hrs, respectively, compared with 75 hrs for the placebo group (p = .001 for lactulose and polyethylene glycol vs. placebo). Length of stay in the intensive care unit was a median of 156 hrs for the lactulose group, 190 hrs for the polyethylene glycol group, and 196 hrs for the placebo group (p = .001). Intestinal pseudoobstruction or Ogilvie's syndrome occurred in 4.1% of patients in the placebo group, 5.5% of patients in the lactulose group, and 1.0% of patients in the polyethylene glycol group. There was no difference in hospital mortality. Administration of morphine was associated with a longer time before first defecation, except in the polyethylene glycol group. For all groups, defecation within 6 days after admission was associated with a shorter length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Both lactulose and polyethylene glycol are more effective in promoting defecation than placebo. Patients receiving polyethylene glycol had a slightly lower incidence of acute intestinal pseudoobstruction, whereas length of stay was shorter in lactulose-treated patients. Morphine administration was associated with delayed defecation except in the polyethylene glycol-treated group. Irrespective of study medication, early defecation was associated with a shorter length of stay.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in postchemotherapy complication of brain tumor treated with neostigmine.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by dilatation of the large bowel without mechanical obstruction. Although the first step of the treatment is conservative management, mechanical decompression should be performed when symptoms persist. Recently, the efficacy of pharmacologic treatment has been reported in adults, but no such data have yet been reported in children for treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction resulting from chemotherapy. We report a 9-year-old boy with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction caused by chemotherapy for brain tumor who did not respond to initial supportive therapy, but who was successfully treated with neostigmine.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's-syndrome) and pneumatosis intestinalis in a kidney recipient patient.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) is a clinical entity characterized by massive nontoxic dilatation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed patient. We present a case of a kidney transplant recipient developing a life-threatening condition with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction associated with radiologic findings of a linear pneumatosis intestinalis (PI). Urgent laparotomy and resection of the dilated cecum, colon ascendens and transversum was performed because of bowel necrosis with multiple serosal defects. Stool cultures and special stains for microorganisms were all negative, and there was no evidence for viral or fungal infection. The patient was discharged 31 days after transplantation with normal renal function. In conclusion, this steroid-induced ileus (pseudo-obstruction) is a potentially malignant early form of colonic dysmotility rarely reported in transplant recipients. Awareness and early recognition of the condition are critical for a successful outcome. Colonoscopic decompression can achieve reversal of colonic dilatation in most cases, but in some patients prophylactic laparotomy is indicated for prevention of the catastrophic consequences of perforation.

[Chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction secondary to neuroleptics]. / Pseudoobstrucción colónica crónica secundaria a neurolépticos.

Colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by non-mechanical chronic colonic dilatation. It is an infrequent entity that can be provoked by multiple causes, among them pharmacological. We present the case of a 74-year-old female psychiatric patient who presented abdominal bloating, diarrhea, intense electrolytic alterations and marked radiographic colonic dilatation after treatment with a neuroleptic (zuclopenthixol decanoate). Organic obstruction and other causes were ruled out and the final diagnosis was chronic colonic pseudo-obstruction secondary to the use of neuroleptics. Cisapride (20 mg/8 h) produced a slight improvement in symptoms but colonic dilatation was permanent.