Decode Medicine from Ward Rounds to ICU rounds
STRESS-RELATED MUCOSAL DISEASE (SRMD) / STRESS ULCERS I. DEFINITIONS 1. Stress-Related Mucosal Disease (SRMD) Acute erosive and ulcerative gastritis occurring in critically ill patients. Includes: Stress erosions (superficial) Stress ulcers (deep, bleeding lesions) 2. Stress Ulcers Multiple shallow mucosal lesions in the gastric fundus and body, caused by hypoperfusion and acid-mediated injury. II. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 1. […]
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Ileus in the ICU Ileus is a functional, non-mechanical inhibition of intestinal propulsion resulting in impaired transit of gas, fluids, and enteral contents through the gastrointestinal tract without an anatomical obstruction. . Pathophysiology ICU ileus is multifactorial. Cause Mechanism Neurogenic mechanisms Critical illness causes ↑ sympathetic activity and ↓ parasympathetic (vagal) activity, resulting in reduced
GASTROPARESIS Delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical gastric outlet obstruction. Epidemiology 40–70% mechanically ventilated patients Up to 60% septic shock patients Common after major surgery More common in: Head injury Stroke Burns Trauma Pancreatitis Multiple organ dysfunction Delayed gastric emptying contributes significantly to Underfeeding Aspiration pneumonia Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) Increased ICU stay Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis Acute Pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas caused by premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes leading to autodigestion, inflammation, edema, necrosis, and systemic inflammatory response. It ranges from: Mild self-limiting interstitial edema to Severe necrotizing pancreatitis with multiorgan failure. Diagnostic Criteria (Revised Atlanta Classification) Diagnosis requires 2 of 3 criteria:
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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) Definition Upper GI bleeding refers to hemorrhage originating proximal to the ligament of Treitz (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). Anatomical Classification Site Examples Esophagus Varices, Mallory–Weiss tear, esophagitis Stomach Peptic ulcer, erosive gastritis, malignancy Duodenum Peptic ulcer, Dieulafoy lesion Etiology 1. Non-Variceal UGIB (≈ 80–85%) Peptic Ulcer Disease (most common) Duodenal ulcer >
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Refeeding Syndrome Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal metabolic complication that occurs after rapid reintroduction of nutrition (especially carbohydrates) in malnourished or starved patients, characterized by acute shifts of phosphate, potassium, magnesium, fluids, and vitamins (notably thiamine) due to insulin surge. Core hallmark: Hypophosphatemia after refeeding. diagnosis of exclusion Pathophysiology 1️⃣ Starvation State ↓ Insulin,
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Ascites Normal peritoneal cavity contains <50 mL fluid which is usually not visible on routine abdominal ultrasound. Clinically detectable ascites usually requires >1.5 L fluid. Most common cause worldwide: Liver cirrhosis (~80–85% cases). Epidemiology Among patients with cirrhosis: Ascites is the most common complication. Approximately 50% develop ascites within 10 years of diagnosis. Development of
Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) Definition Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a functional, potentially reversible acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension(Ascites), in the absence of intrinsic renal disease or structural kidney damage. Epidemiology Occurs in advanced decompensated cirrhosis (often Child-Pugh C) Triggers: Refractory ascites Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) Large-volume paracentesis without
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Portopulmonary Hypertension (PoPH) Definition Portopulmonary Hypertension (PoPH) is a form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, Group 1 PH) that develops in patients with: Portal hypertension (with or without cirrhosis) Increased pulmonary vascular resistance due to pulmonary arteriopathy Normal left-sided filling pressures Diagnosis requires: 1. Portal Hypertension Evidence of: Cirrhosis Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension Portosystemic shunts AND
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Acute Cholangitis 1. Definition Acute cholangitis is a life-threatening ascending infection of the biliary tree occurring due to biliary obstruction + bacterial infection. Classic triad = Charcot’s triad Fever Jaundice Right upper quadrant pain Severe disease = Reynolds pentad Charcot triad Hypotension Altered mental status Charcot triad present in ~50–70% only → absence does NOT