Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0000737 (abdominal pain)
 31,184 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

For proper use of systemic GCS, a basic knowledge of the normal HPA axis, as well as knowledge of the pharmacology, clinical usage guidelines, and adverse reactions of these agents is imperative. Both short-term (acute) and long-term side effects should be well known by the physician. The pros and cons of oral and parenteral therapy for various disorders and in various situations should be recognized. For long-term therapy, an intermediate-acting agent such as prednisone in single, early morning doses is most commonly used to minimize suppression of the HPA axis. Alternate-morning doses produce even less suppression if the disease process will respond. A through patient history, including general medical history and medications the patient is taking, is important to anticipate any potential problems. Weight and blood pressure should be checked initially and every 1 to 3 months thereafter. Blood glucose, electrolytes, and lipid studies, including triglycerides, should be done approximately every 6 months. An ophthalmology examination should be performed every year, and stool examination for occult blood and chest radiography can be obtained as indicated. Bone density studies might be necessary in patients who are at high risk for osteoporosis. Specific acute situations may dictate other studies. The patient on long-term GCS should be kept as active as possible, as mild-to-moderate exercise helps prevent certain side effects, such as osteoporosis. The dose of oral GCS is best given with food to prevent gastrointestinal irritation, and agents to decrease gastric acidity might be needed in certain situations. Exposure to infections should be prevented, where possible, and treatment initiated at the first sign of systemic or cutaneous infection. Pain should be evaluated early, especially abdominal pain or bone pain; MRI is indicated if aseptic necrosis of bone is suspected. Both trauma and severe sun exposure should be avoided. Consultation with other specialists is strongly recommended when the situation dictates. Diet is one of the most important strategies to minimize side effects from long-term GCS therapy. Vegetable protein should be increased in the diet, and fats and carbohydrates limited. Adequate calcium is imperative, and calcium supplementation is recommended for high-risk osteoporosis patients. Small amounts of vitamin D may be necessary to increase absorption of calcium. Restriction of sodium is also important, as is maintainance of dietary potassium. Supplemental potassium may be necessary in some patients, and a thiazide diuretic might be useful in patients with hypertension, edema, or osteoporosis. Vitamin C can be given to promote wound healing. A good doctor-patient relationship is important in managing the patient on long-term GCS. The patient must return for regular visits and be encouraged to promptly report any adverse reactions to the physician. If these criteria are maintained and the strategies noted previously are followed, problems from long-term therapy with GCS will be minimized.
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PMID:Minimizing complications from systemic glucocorticosteroid use. 878 96

A 91-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with a 10-day history of constipation and abdominal pain. Abdominal examination was normal and rectal examination showed faecal loading. A phosphate enema was given and the patient was admitted. Overnight, the patient's GCS dropped from 15/15 to 3/15 and an arterial blood gas showed a lactate of 8 mmol/L (1.5 on admission). Abdomen remained soft throughout. A CT scan showed a large amount of free air and free fluid within the abdomen and pelvis, highly suspicious for perforation. Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) was visible, with portal venous air fluid levels noted. The patient was treated palliatively and died shortly thereafter. HPVG is a recognized but rarely identified radiological sign, which is a poor prognostic indicator, with most cases subsequently proving terminal, often due to subsequent bowel necrosis.
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PMID:Hepatic portal venous gas: acute deterioration in an elderly patient. 2925 Mar 15

Metformin is a biguanide group drug commonly used in the treatment of Type 2 DM. Even though Metformin- Associated Lactic Acidosis (MALA) is not seen very frequently, MALA has a high mortality rate. This case is presented to draw attention to efficiency of hemodialysis and CVVHDF tin the treatment of MALA. A 25-year-old female patient was brought to the emergency service with abdominal pain and confusion. In her detailed history, it was learned that she took 100 tablets of metformin (1000 mg per tablet). Hemodialysis initiated because of severe metabolic acidosis, elevation of blood urea and hyperkalemia were seen in laboratory results. After that, patient was intubated because of low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS:3) and vasopressor agent were started due to hypotension. In the intensive care unit, blood glucose was seen 44 mg dl-1 and treated with 10% dextrose solution. CVVHDF treatment was started because of anuria and metabolic acidosis. Patient who underwent CVVHDF treatment for 12-days transferred to nephrology service on the 23rd day of the ICU admission with full consciousness and stabilized vitals. In conclusion, hemodialysis and CVVHDF should be the first treatment methods to be considered in patients with metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Renal replacement therapies, initiated rapidly and maintained for an adequate time period are promising in this high mortality rate cases.
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PMID:Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis Developed as a Result of a Suicidal Attempt. 3261 68