Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome , Female , Humans , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/complications , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/diagnosis , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/therapy , Aged , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/therapy , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Aspirin/administration & dosage , Aspirin/adverse effects , Aspirin/therapeutic use , Anticoagulants/administration & dosage , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Vomiting/complications , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Fluoroquinolones/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Abdominal pain remains one of the most common referral reasons to pediatric gastroenterology. Dietary intolerances are often considered but due to various factors are hardly pursued. We observed that diet review in large number of children with abdominal pain was high in sugary foods which led to food intolerance investigation and dietary intervention. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting and negative GI evaluation, who underwent fructose breath testing. Patients younger than 20 years old who were seen between June 1, 2018 and March 1, 2021 were included. Statistical analysis was performed in R. RESULTS: There were 110 pediatric patients during the study period who underwent fructose breath testing, with 31% male and 69% female. The average age was 12.14 ± 4.01 years, and the average BMI was 21.21 ± 6.12. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (74.5%) followed by diarrhea and vomiting. Seventy-seven patients (70%) had a positive fructose breath test and were diagnosed with dietary intolerance to fructose. The 56 (67.5%) of those patients experienced symptoms during the breath test. Forty-three patients improved with dietary intervention. Twenty-seven on low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet and 16 on other diets. CONCLUSIONS: Based on analysis of our cohort of children with abdominal pain and high incidence of fructose intolerance as well as improvement in symptoms, following dietary changes, this condition should be considered and treated. Further investigation is needed to improve diagnostic testing but also into understanding mechanisms behind symptom presentation in this population.
Subject(s)
Fructose Intolerance , Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Polymers , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Disaccharides , Fructose Intolerance/diagnosis , Fructose Intolerance/therapy , Fructose Intolerance/complications , Monosaccharides , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/complications , Diet , Oligosaccharides , Abdominal Pain/complications , Diarrhea/etiology , Fructose , Vomiting/complications , FermentationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intestinal malrotation is an infrequent congenital anomaly primarily observed in neonates, and adult-onset cases are exceedingly rare. Studies on adult congenital intestinal malrotation are limited. METHODS: A case with congenital intestinal malrotation is reported in our study. The clinical data were collected and the treatment process and effect were evaluated. RESULTS: A 45-year-old female who had been experiencing vomiting for over 40 years was admitted to our hospital. According to the result of CT scan, intestinal volvulus accompanied by bowel obstruction was suspected. Then laparoscopic examination was applied to the patient and was ultimately diagnosed with adult congenital intestinal malrotation. We performed Ladd's procedure combined with gastrojejunostomy and Braun anastomosis. The patient recovered well and was successfully discharged from the hospital on the 13th day after surgery. After a 6-month follow-up, the symptom of vomiting was significantly alleviated and body weight was gained for 10 kg. She was very satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Adult congenital intestinal malrotation is a rare disease that is often misdiagnosed owing to nonspecific clinical manifestations. Therefore, awareness about this condition should be enhanced. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for this disease. Combining gastrojejunostomy and Braun anastomosis with the traditional Ladd procedure can optimize surgical outcomes.
Subject(s)
Digestive System Abnormalities , Gastric Bypass , Intestinal Obstruction , Intestinal Volvulus , Infant, Newborn , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Intestinal Volvulus/diagnosis , Intestinal Volvulus/surgery , Intestinal Volvulus/complications , Intestines/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/complications , Gastric Bypass/adverse effects , Vomiting/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abdominal radiographs (ARs) are commonly used in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Their low diagnostic accuracy leads to overuse, excess radiation exposure, and increased resource usage. This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of ARs in the evaluation of intraabdominal pathology in the PED. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients aged 0 to 18 years with an AR who visited the PED between 2017 and 2019. Diagnostic yield was analyzed with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratio. RESULTS: A total of 4288 ARs were identified, with a rate of 6%. The overall abnormal AR rate was 31%. The incidences of an abnormal AR in abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation were 26%, 37%, and 50%, respectively. There was a 13% rate of clinically significant diagnoses. The AR diagnostic yield showed 44% sensitivity, 70% specificity, 17% positive predictive value, and 90% NPV ( P < 0.05). Unadjusted odds ratio analysis of positive AR and abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation revealed an odds ratio of 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.75), 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06-1.39), and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.54-1.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low rate of intraabdominal pathologic processes that an AR can identify. A normal AR does not change patient management, nor does it reduce the need for further radiologic imaging. Despite a good NPV, the AR is not a useful diagnostic tool in the PED because of its limited ability to rule in or rule out clinically significant diagnoses.
Subject(s)
Constipation , Radiography, Abdominal , Child , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Constipation/diagnosis , Emergency Service, Hospital , Abdominal Pain/diagnostic imaging , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Vomiting/complications , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is limited data on gastric emptying in dyspeptic children. We aimed to determine solid and liquid emptying rates in dyspeptic children and correlate with clinical characteristics. METHODS: Charts of dyspeptic children undergoing 4-hour dual-phase gastric scintigraphy were reviewed for demographics, symptoms, and comorbidities. KEY RESULTS: In 1078 dyspeptic patients (65% females, median age 13 years) vomiting (55%), nausea (53%), and abdominal pain (52%) were the most common symptoms. The most common comorbidities were mental health (32%), neurologic (27%), and hypermobility spectrum disorders (20%). Solid and liquid emptying rates were aligned in 61.23%. Delayed solid with normal liquid emptying were noted in 2.5%, compared to delayed liquid with normal solid emptying in 26.16%. Abdominal pain had a trend for association with delayed or normal solid emptying (p = 0.06). Nausea was mostly reported with normal solid emptying (p < 0.0001) and underreported in patients <12 years with vomiting (29%). Abnormal solid emptying (rapid and delayed) was noted more frequently in children with mental health disorders (p = 0.027). Rapid liquid emptying was more common in children with genetic disorders (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: Over half of children with dyspepsia had delayed liquid gastric emptying, and one quarter had delayed liquid with normal solid emptying. Dual-phase gastric emptying studies may help target therapy in dyspeptic children. Nausea is not a reliable symptom for dyspepsia in younger children. Given the significant association of abnormal gastric emptying in children with mental health disorders, we recommend screening and treating children with dyspepsia.
Subject(s)
Dyspepsia , Female , Humans , Child , Adolescent , Male , Dyspepsia/diagnosis , Dyspepsia/complications , Gastric Emptying , Vomiting/complications , Abdominal Pain/complications , Nausea/complicationsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of new hearing losses in patients with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) and to start to evaluate its diagnostic value for the differentiation between peripheral and central causes. DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional prospective study in AVS patients presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) from February 2015 to November 2020. All patients received an MRI, Head-impulse test, Nystagmus test and Test of skew ('HINTS'), caloric testing and a pure-tone audiometry. RESULTS: We assessed 71 AVS patients, 17 of whom had a central and 54 a peripheral cause of dizziness. 12.7% had an objective hearing loss. 'HINTS' had an accuracy of 78.9% to diagnose stroke, whereas 'HINTS' plus audiometry 73.2%. 'HINTS' sensitivity was 82.4% and specificity 77.8% compared to 'HINTS' plus audiometry showing a sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 70.4%. The four patients with stroke and minor stroke had all central 'HINTS'. 55% of the patients did not perceive their new unilateral hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: We found that almost one-eighth of the AVS patients had a new onset of hearing loss and only half had self-reported it. 'HINTS' plus audiometry proved to be less accurate to diagnose a central cause than 'HINTS' alone. Audiometry offered little diagnostic accuracy to detect strokes in the ED but might be useful to objectify a new hearing loss that was underestimated in the acute phase. Complete hearing loss should be considered a red flag, as three in four patients suffered from a central cause.
Subject(s)
Deafness , Hearing Loss , Nystagmus, Pathologic , Stroke , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Vertigo/etiology , Nausea/complications , Vomiting/complications , Hearing Loss/diagnosis , Hearing Loss/epidemiology , Acute Disease , Stroke/complications , Nystagmus, Pathologic/diagnosisABSTRACT
Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterised by a severe, pulsating headache, sometimes accompanied with photophobia or phonophobia and nausea and/or vomiting. The symptoms of migraine can have a significant adverse effect on a person's ability to undertake normal activities. Nurses have an important role in assisting patients in identifying migraine triggers and in supporting them to manage the symptoms of migraines through lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments. This article describes different types of migraines and some differential diagnoses and 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. The author also discusses non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies and treatments.
Subject(s)
Migraine Disorders , Humans , Migraine Disorders/diagnosis , Migraine Disorders/therapy , Migraine Disorders/complications , Nausea/complications , Vomiting/complications , Photophobia/complications , Hyperacusis/complicationsABSTRACT
Cases of association between celiac disease and wheat allergy have been described in the literature. However, to date, no reported cases have linked celiac disease with wheat food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). We report a case of this association. A child diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of 2 years, following a gluten-free diet, experienced uncontrollable vomiting, and subsequent hypotension within 2 h of accidental ingestion of wheat flour. As a result, the child required hospitalization for fluid therapy. A similar episode occurred when the child turned 5 y, again resulting from accidental gluten ingestion. This time, the symptoms included vomiting, hypotension, and a loss of consciousness, leading to hospitalization for rehydration treatment. After this second episode, on suspicion of FPIES, the patient was referred to the pediatric allergists, who confirmed the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an association between celiac disease and FPIES. It has been hypothesized that exclusion diets in food-allergic children may lead to an increase in specific immunoglobulin E levels for those foods and, consequently, the risk of anaphylaxis. However, FPIES is not an immunoglobulin E-mediated condition. Hence, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these 2 disorders.
Subject(s)
Celiac Disease , Enterocolitis , Food Hypersensitivity , Hypotension , Humans , Child , Infant , Child, Preschool , Food Hypersensitivity/complications , Celiac Disease/complications , Flour/adverse effects , Triticum/adverse effects , Enterocolitis/therapy , Enterocolitis/complications , Allergens , Vomiting/complications , Immunoglobulin E , Hypotension/complications , Dietary Proteins/adverse effectsSubject(s)
Pancreas , Pancreatic Ducts , Humans , Pancreatic Ducts/surgery , Pancreas/surgery , Anastomosis, Surgical/adverse effects , Stents/adverse effects , Vomiting/complications , Vomiting/surgery , Pancreaticoduodenectomy/adverse effects , Pancreatic Fistula/etiology , Postoperative Complications/surgery , PancreaticojejunostomyABSTRACT
GDF15, a hormone acting on the brainstem, has been implicated in the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, including its most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), but a full mechanistic understanding is lacking1-4. Here we report that fetal production of GDF15 and maternal sensitivity to it both contribute substantially to the risk of HG. We confirmed that higher GDF15 levels in maternal blood are associated with vomiting in pregnancy and HG. Using mass spectrometry to detect a naturally labelled GDF15 variant, we demonstrate that the vast majority of GDF15 in the maternal plasma is derived from the feto-placental unit. By studying carriers of rare and common genetic variants, we found that low levels of GDF15 in the non-pregnant state increase the risk of developing HG. Conversely, women with ß-thalassaemia, a condition in which GDF15 levels are chronically high5, report very low levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. In mice, the acute food intake response to a bolus of GDF15 is influenced bi-directionally by prior levels of circulating GDF15 in a manner suggesting that this system is susceptible to desensitization. Our findings support a putative causal role for fetally derived GDF15 in the nausea and vomiting of human pregnancy, with maternal sensitivity, at least partly determined by prepregnancy exposure to the hormone, being a major influence on its severity. They also suggest mechanism-based approaches to the treatment and prevention of HG.
Subject(s)
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 , Hyperemesis Gravidarum , Nausea , Vomiting , Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Pregnancy , beta-Thalassemia/blood , beta-Thalassemia/metabolism , Fetus/metabolism , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/blood , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/metabolism , Hormones/blood , Hormones/metabolism , Hyperemesis Gravidarum/complications , Hyperemesis Gravidarum/metabolism , Hyperemesis Gravidarum/prevention & control , Hyperemesis Gravidarum/therapy , Nausea/blood , Nausea/complications , Nausea/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Vomiting/blood , Vomiting/complications , Vomiting/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Intestinal volvulus in the neonate is a surgical emergency caused by either midgut volvulus (MV) with intestinal malrotation or less commonly, by segmental volvulus (SV) without intestinal malrotation. The aim of our study was to investigate if MV and SV can be differentiated by clinical course, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Using a defined search strategy, two investigators independently identified all studies comparing MV and SV in neonates. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Of 1,026 abstracts screened, 104 full-text articles were analyzed, and 3 comparative studies were selected (112 patients). There were no differences in gestational age (37 vs. 36 weeks), birth weight (2,989 vs. 2,712 g), and age at presentation (6.9 vs. 3.8 days). SV was more commonly associated with abnormal findings on fetal ultrasound (US; 65 vs. 11.6%; p < 0.00001). Preoperatively, SV was more commonly associated with abdominal distension (32 vs. 77%; p < 0.05), whereas MV with a whirlpool sign on ultrasound (57 vs. 3%; p < 0.01). Bilious vomiting had similar incidence in both (88 ± 4% vs. 50 ± 5%). Intraoperatively, SV had a higher incidence of intestinal atresia (2 vs. 19%; p < 0.05) and need for bowel resection (13 vs. 91%; p < 0.00001). There were no differences in postoperative complications (13% MV vs. 14% SV), short bowel syndrome (15% MV vs. 0% SV; data available only from one study), and mortality (12% MV vs. 2% SV). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the paucity of studies on SV in neonates. Nonetheless, our meta-analysis clearly indicates that SV is an entity on its own with distinct clinical features and intraoperative findings that are different from MV. SV should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in all term and preterm babies with bilious vomiting after MV was ruled out-especially if abnormal fetal US and abdominal distension is present.
Subject(s)
Digestive System Abnormalities , Intestinal Volvulus , Short Bowel Syndrome , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Digestive System Abnormalities/complications , Digestive System Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Digestive System Abnormalities/surgery , Intestinal Volvulus/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Volvulus/surgery , Short Bowel Syndrome/complications , Vomiting/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common type of acute abdomen that requires surgical intervention in children. According to general pediatric textbooks, the presence of vomiting before abdominal pain is considered a classic patient history item for excluding acute appendicitis. However, its diagnostic performance in the pediatric population has yet to be investigated. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective observational study involving 134 children who were admitted to the hospital with both abdominal pain and vomiting. The reference standard for appendicitis was defined by computed tomography scanning. The diagnostic performance of "abdominal pain before vomiting" was calculated and compared to those of the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score. RESULTS: The diagnostic performance of "abdominal pain before vomiting" was as follows: sensitivity of 75.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.7-83.6), specificity of 25.0% (95% CI, 15.5-36.7), positive likelihood ratio of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.82-1.22), negative likelihood ratio of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.54-1.79), and diagnostic odds ratio of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.46-2.25). In contrast, the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score (with a threshold of 4 points) demonstrated favorable sensitivity (98.3% [95% CI, 92.4-99.6]), negative predictive value (94.6% [95% CI, 78.4-98.8]), negative likelihood ratio (0.04 [95% CI, 0.01-0.23]), and diagnostic odds ratio (49.9 [95% CI, 6.88-243.2]). CONCLUSION: In this study, "abdominal pain before vomiting" was associated with poor diagnostic performance for ruling out acute pediatric appendicitis. Thus, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the pediatric population should be made based on existing validated scoring systems such as the Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score.
Subject(s)
Appendicitis , Child , Humans , Sensitivity and Specificity , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Appendicitis/diagnostic imaging , Predictive Value of Tests , Abdominal Pain/complications , Abdominal Pain/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Vomiting/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain is the most common complaint within the emergency department (ED) and has many varied etiologies. Some of these conditions can be medical emergencies, including ovarian torsion. While representing just 3% of gynecologic emergencies, ovarian torsion should be considered in all females presenting to the ED with abdominal or pelvic complaints. CASE: A 38-year-old G5P5 female with a past medical history significant for ureterolithiasis presented to a freestanding ED with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She developed sudden onset of right sided abdominal pain radiating to her right flank upon awakening. The initial differential diagnosis was for ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. Her complete blood count (CBC) was normal, and testing for pregnancy, infection, and hematuria was negative. Computed topography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 9 cm adnexal mass, consistent with a possible dermoid cyst. A pelvic ultrasound was ordered which showed a possible ovarian torsion. She was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where she had a laparoscopy with right-sided oophorectomy and salpingectomy performed. DISCUSSION: This patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was first suspected to have ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. She was found to have an ovarian torsion with a dermoid cyst, which resulted in the loss of her ovary and fallopian tube. This case demonstrates the importance of including gynecologic emergencies in the differential on all female patients presenting with abdominal pain.
Subject(s)
Appendicitis , Dermoid Cyst , Ureteral Calculi , Humans , Pregnancy , Female , Adult , Ovarian Torsion/complications , Dermoid Cyst/complications , Appendicitis/complications , Emergencies , Torsion Abnormality/diagnosis , Torsion Abnormality/surgery , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Ureteral Calculi/complications , Nausea , Vomiting/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that, compared with general anesthesia (GA), the procedure of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) facilitates faster recovery of elderly patients from total knee replacement (TKR). Here, we investigated whether the faster recovery is associated with decreased perioperative stress and inflammation and decreased incidences of postoperative complications. METHODS: After randomization, 165 patients aged ≥65 years underwent TKR under GA or PNB. The primary outcomes were the perioperative inflammation and stress levels, based on the serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white-blood cell and neutrophil counts, and blood-sugar level. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative complications, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and hepatic or renal complications, insomnia, delirium, electrolyte disturbances, and nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly demographically different (p > .05). Of the cytokines related to stress and inflammation, the differences of time points were statistically significant between the two groups (p < .01), but two-way ANOVA revealed no interaction between the time points and groups. Incidences of postoperative complications were far lower in PNB group than in GA group (p = .006). Incidences of postoperative respiratory complications (p = .005) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (p = .040) were significantly lower in PNB group than in GA group. There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: PNB does not alleviate the stress and inflammation in elderly patients post TKR but significantly reduces the incidences of postoperative complications, especially respiratory complications, and nausea and vomiting. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01871012).
Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Nerve Block , Aged , Humans , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods , Nerve Block/methods , Peripheral Nerves , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Anesthesia, General , Inflammation/etiology , Inflammation/prevention & control , Vomiting/complications , Nausea/complications , Pain, Postoperative/etiologyABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Patients with hypopituitarism often have no specific symptoms; that frequently results in missed diagnosis. An acute hypopituitarism crisis can be induced under stressful conditions. Here, we report a rare case of an acute pituitary crisis after lumbar surgery. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a 62-year-old female who presented with refractory electrolyte disorders after lumbar surgery. In addition, she developed anorexia, nausea, vomiting, chest cavity effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, anemia, low blood pressure, bradycardia, and unconsciousness after surgery. MRI showed an empty sella turcica. DIAGNOSES: She was diagnosed with postoperative acute hypopituitary crisis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received hormone replacement therapy. OUTCOMES: Her symptoms improved significantly following the initiation of hormone replacement therapy and was well 6 months after surgery. LESSONS: Refractory postoperative complications, including electrolyte disorders, infection, nausea, vomiting, circulatory collapse, anemia, and coma, indicate an acute postoperative hypopituitary crisis.
Subject(s)
Anemia , Hypopituitarism , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Hypopituitarism/etiology , Hypopituitarism/complications , Nausea , Vomiting/complications , Anemia/complications , ElectrolytesABSTRACT
Introduction: Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative that possesses antihistamine, anti-dopaminergic and anticholinergic properties. It is commonly used to treat motion sickness, allergic conditions, nausea and vomiting, in addition to its use as a sedative. Promethazine has vesicant properties and is highly caustic to the intima of blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Intravenous administration may result in thrombophlebitis, unintentional intra-arterial administration, perivascular extravasation and tissue necrosis. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous published report of promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis from sub- Saharan Africa. Case Report: A 29-year-old Nigerian male was admitted at our hospital on account of malaria with acute gastroenteritis. Due to persistent vomiting, he was administered 25 mg of promethazine injection via a size 22G intravenous cannula which was inserted the previous day on the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm and maintained with continuous intravenous crystalloid infusion. Upon administration of promethazine, he experienced intense burning and erythema. The cannula was removed immediately, another cannula was inserted on the contralateral arm, and promethazine was replaced with ondansetron. Subsequently, he developed a tender, subcutaneous cord-like swelling extending from the middle-third of the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm, corresponding with the site of previous venous cannulation. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic, non-compressible basilic vein, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation, in keeping with superficial thrombophlebitis. He was treated with a topical anti-inflammatory agent, and the pain and redness subsided after four weeks. Conclusion: The preferred parenteral route of administration of promethazine is deep intramuscular injection. Recommendations to prevent promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis include: use of large and patent veins, use of lower doses, drug dilution and slow administration, use of alternative therapies, and patient education. Promethazine-induced tissue injury is under-reported in this part of the world. Creating awareness through this case report would help reduce the morbidity following promethazine administration.
Subject(s)
Promethazine , Thrombophlebitis , Humans , Male , Adult , Promethazine/adverse effects , Ondansetron/therapeutic use , Vomiting/complications , Vomiting/drug therapy , Nausea , Thrombophlebitis/chemically induced , Thrombophlebitis/drug therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics and management of infants with suspected acute food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) who presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED) before and after the guidelines were published. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. We classified the infants as "acute FPIES-like symptoms" who were younger than 12 months of age and visited the pediatric ED of the National Center for Child Health and Development due to vomiting 1-4 h after food ingestion without any causative disease, such as infection. The medical records of those infants in 2015 and 2021 were reviewed. We used the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test to compare two groups for continuous variables, whereas chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for nominal variables. RESULTS: The number of infants with acute FPIES-like symptoms was 15 (13%) in 2015 and 14 (15%) in 2021. The trigger foods were cow's milk or dairy products in half of the infants, and five as a result of ingestion of hen's eggs in 2021, compared to zero cases in 2015. Five in 2015 and 12 in 2021 required examination at the ED. Three in 2015 and six in 2021 met the diagnostic criteria for acute FPIES in the international consensus guidelines. The emergency physicians did not record at least four minor criteria for acute FPIES in seven in 2015 and five in 2021. No infants (0%) in 2015 and two (14%) in 2021 were referred to the allergy department by an emergency physician. CONCLUSIONS: Acute FPIES should be considered one of the differential diagnoses of vomiting, and pediatric medical staff should be aware of FPIES diagnostic criteria and appropriately refer suspected cases to a specialist.
Subject(s)
Enterocolitis , Food Hypersensitivity , Infant , Cattle , Humans , Child , Female , Animals , Diagnosis, Differential , Food Hypersensitivity/complications , Food Hypersensitivity/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Chickens , Enterocolitis/etiology , Enterocolitis/complications , Vomiting/etiology , Vomiting/complications , Milk , Allergens , Dietary Proteins/adverse effectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an underdiagnosed complication in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, which results from weight loss-induced atrophy of the mesenteric fat pad, causing compression of the third part of the duodenum. SMA syndrome can be life-threatening as its nonspecific symptomatology often results in a delayed diagnosis. It is a rare condition, but its true prevalence may be higher than the reported numbers. A history of persistent nausea and vomiting after oral intake and weight loss in AN should raise suspicion about this diagnosis, as weight loss is the most significant factor in this diagnosis. Other high-risk factors include rapid, extreme weight loss, anatomical abnormalities, or a history of prior abdominal or spinal surgeries. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented in this report was a 26-year-old Caucasian female with a history of severe enduring anorexia nervosa. This patient suffered from an insidious case of SMA syndrome secondary to AN. This patient presented with vague symptoms of nausea and vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, and rapid weight loss. The patient was successfully treated but could have had a much different outcome if the diagnosis had been further delayed. CONCLUSIONS: An awareness of SMA syndrome and its clinical presentation within similar populations can prevent complications and even fatalities that come with it.
Subject(s)
Anorexia Nervosa , Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome , Humans , Female , Adult , Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome/etiology , Anorexia Nervosa/complications , Anorexia Nervosa/diagnosis , Nausea/etiology , Vomiting/complications , Weight LossABSTRACT
Recently, the most bothersome symptom has been recommended as a co-primary endpoint in clinical trials on the acute treatment of migraine. Probable migraine is a subtype of migraine that fulfills all but one criterion for migraine diagnosis. We aimed to compare the most bothersome symptom between probable migraine and migraine. This study analyzed data from a nationwide study conducted in Korea, and the most bothersome symptom was assessed by requesting the participants to select one of the four typical accompanying symptoms of migraine. Responses to acute treatment were evaluated using the migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire-6. Nausea was the most bothersome symptom, followed by phonophobia and vomiting in the migraine group (nausea, 61.8%; phonophobia, 25.3%; vomiting, 10.0%; and photophobia, 2.9%) and the probable migraine group (nausea, 82.2%; phonophobia, 9.5%; vomiting, 5.6%; and photophobia, 2.7%). In participants with migraine, vomiting (adjusted odds ratio = 6.513; 95% confidence interval, 1.763-24.057) and phonophobia (adjusted odds ratio = 0.437; 95% confidence interval, 0.206-0.929) were significantly associated with severe headache intensity and nausea was significantly associated with >3 headache days per 30 days (adjusted odds ratio = 0.441; 95% confidence, 0.210-0.927). Different patterns of associations were observed in probable migraine.
Subject(s)
Migraine Disorders , Photophobia , Humans , Photophobia/epidemiology , Photophobia/complications , Hyperacusis/epidemiology , Migraine Disorders/complications , Migraine Disorders/diagnosis , Migraine Disorders/epidemiology , Nausea/epidemiology , Nausea/drug therapy , Vomiting/complications , Headache/complications , Surveys and Questionnaires , Double-Blind MethodABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Brain abscesses can occur when suppurative, bacterial or protozoan infections spread to the brain. Here, we report a rare case of Actinomyces meyeri-induced brain abscess in a pregnant woman. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 38-years-old primipara admitted to the emergency department at our hospital with a 4-day history of fever and vomiting. The symptoms worsened rapidly during the 8 h prior to admission, and the patient experienced a sudden loss of consciousness 4 h before arrival to the unit. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal signals in the right parietal-temporal lobe, suggesting the possibility of abscess rupture into the ventricle and sulcus. Right lateral ventricle compression and midline structure deviation to the left were noted. A right temporal-occipital mass with midline shift was detected. Emergency procedures were promptly performed, including craniotomy, removal of the right temporal-occipital mass, decompressive craniectomy, implantation of an intracranial pressure monitoring device, and external ventricular drainage. Cerebrospinal fluid culture indicated infection with Actinomyces meyeri. After administration of antibiotics, including linezolid and meropenem injections, along with treatments to decrease intracranial pressure, the patient's vital signs stabilized. However, the patient developed hydrocephalus, requiring placement of a hydrocephalus shunt several months later. Throughout this period, the patient remained in a coma vigil state, and labor was induced for the fetus. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patient did not present with any apparent predisposing causes for brain abscess, a scout view of CT revealed dental caries. In addition, the occurrence of the brain abscess may have been influenced by the hormonal changes during pregnancy, including increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone, as well as decreased immune function. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in such cases. Therefore, it is recommended to seek early medical attention if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and changes in mental state occur during pregnancy, as the prognosis for both the mother and infant is poor once the abscess ruptures.