Term
|
Definition
| potentially lethal complication of inflammatory bowel dz or infectious colitis, characterized by non-obstructive dilatation w systemic toxicity |
|
|
Term
| Congenital aganglionic megacolon: AKA |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| 3 points of epidemiology for Hirschsprung's: |
|
Definition
1. mostly affects rectosigmoid colon
2. Boys 4:1
3. 10-15% of hirschsprungs are Down's kids |
|
|
Term
| etiology of toc=xic megacolon: |
|
Definition
1. Ulcerative colitis (most common)
2. Crohn's
3. abx
4. pseudomembraneous colitis (C-Diff) |
|
|
Term
| the term toxic in "toxic megacolon" means: |
|
Definition
| this complication occurs with infection or inflammation |
|
|
Term
| S/Sx of toxic megacolon:5 |
|
Definition
1. Fvr (>38C)
2. Abd pain
3. Abd distension
4. diarrhea (often bloody)
5. rapid progression of sx over 1-2wks
6. Tachycardia >120 |
|
|
Term
| what is seen on x-rays of toxic megacolon? |
|
Definition
1. transverese colon dilatation of >6cm
2. multiple air/fluid levels
3. haustral pattern disturbed or absent
4. ascending or transverse usually most dilated |
|
|
Term
| Tx/management of toxic megacolon:8 |
|
Definition
1. admit
2. NPO
3. NG
4. IV
5. abx
6. correct hypokalemia
7. rectal tube; (decompress distented colon)
8. serial plain films to monitor |
|
|
Term
| why is hypokalemia a risk factor for toxic megacolon? |
|
Definition
| lack of K+ slows down peristalsis, stasis of feces causes infection/inflammation |
|
|
Term
| 5 indications for surgical correction of toxic megacolon: |
|
Definition
1. perforation
2. massive hemorrhage
3. increasing signs of toxicity
4. increasing dilatation
5. failure to improve within 48-72hrs |
|
|
Term
| prognosis for toxic megacolon: |
|
Definition
| good 95% success rate, highest mortalities with C-Diff infections |
|
|
