Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0031154 (peritonitis)
 15,372 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The incidence of gastrointestinal trauma is low in comparison with solid organ injury to the abdomen. The most commonly injured organs are the small bowel and colon. Knowledge of the mechanism of injury alerts the nurse to areas of potential injury and guides the clinical examination. Because of the delayed presentation of these injuries, the nurse must have a high degree of suspicion for the patient who presents with the following clinical findings: bruising of the abdomen, abdominal tenderness or guarding, leukocytosis and elevated amylase and lipase, absent or decreased bowel sounds, and abdominal distention. Morbidity and mortality are directly related to the failure to treat the injuries early and the number of associated injuries. Monitoring of the hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic status, along with fluid and electrolyte balance, are key in the management of patients. Surveillance for signs of infection is mandatory for preventing sepsis in these types of injuries. Maintenance of skin integrity is a major concern and requires vigilant nursing care and, in some instances, innovative ways to manage the drainage from wounds and drains. Continuous monitoring and surveillance of the patient with trauma to the gastrointestinal tract will alert the nurse to the injury and prevent complications. These include hemorrhage, abscess, fistula, peritonitis, pancreatitis, esophageal stricture, and wound problems.
 ...
PMID:Gastrointestinal trauma. 844 90

A 21-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed acute lupus peritonitis is described. Acute lupus peritonitis appeared during generalized lupus flare, with nausea, vomiting, frequent diarrhea, and abdominal tenderness with rebound and guarding. The patient was afebrile and had decreased bowel sounds. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed marked thickening of the gastric, duodenal, and jejunal walls, massive intraluminal fluid collection, and increasing ascites. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed edematous mucosa with multiple erosions of the stomach and duodenum. The ascitic fluid was remarkable for low complement levels and elevated anti-DNA antibody. These manifestations of acute lupus peritonitis resolved after steroid pulse therapy with methylprednisolone. We should consider acute lupus peritonitis in a patient with SLE when abdominal symptoms are severe. Experience with our patient indicates that steroid pulse therapy is effective for this rare but severe manifestation of SLE.
 ...
PMID:Acute lupus peritonitis successfully treated with steroid pulse therapy. 934 92