Imported cholera in a 31-year-old peruvian female

We present the case of a 31-year-old Peruvian female with severe dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. The patient was one of a number of travelers arriving in Los Angeles on an international flight from Argentina and Peru. Because of the travel history and clinical presentation, cholera was suspected and ultimately confirmed by stool culture. The patient's clinical course is outlined, and discussion of the relevant epidemiology and clinical management of cholera is provided. Physicians should suspect cholera when treating patients with severe gastroenteritis. The short incubation period, rapid onset of dehydration and shock, and high case fatality rate of untreated cholera require a consideration of cholera in patients with diarrhea and recent travel to areas where cholera is prevalent.     

Central diabetes insipidus misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis in a pediatric patient

This case report describes an unusual presentation of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which was misdiagnosed as acute gastroenteritis in a 6-year-old girl. The patient later returned to the emergency department (ED) with severe dehydration from idiopathic central diabetes insipidus (DI). At her first visit, this previously healthy patient presented with mild dehydration, signs of acute gastroenteritis and normal urine output. Her brother had experienced similar symptoms a few days earlier. She tolerated an oral fluid challenge and was discharged from the ED with stable vital signs. Two days later, the patient returned with severe dehydration, resolving diarrhea and persistent vomiting. She was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. Magnetic resonance imaging illustrated an absent posterior pituitary enhancing signal, which demonstrated a loss of function in that region. There were no other abnormalities. The patient subsequently received desmopressin with improving clinical status and was discharged on the eighth hospital day. DI is a rare disease, but can be fatal if left undiagnosed. It should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis of a dehydrated patient with an unexpectedly low urine specific gravity.     

Double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial of norfloxacin for cholera.

In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 78 adults with acute watery diarrhea and severe dehydration, 37 subjects were positive for Vibrio cholerae. In conjunction with rehydration therapy, 13 patients received norfloxacin, 12 received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and 12 received a placebo. Norfloxacin was superior to TMP-SMX and to the placebo in reducing stool output, duration of diarrhea, fluid requirements, and vibrio excretion. TMP-SMX was no better than the placebo.     

The diagnosis and treatment of cholera.

Cholera is a diarrheal disease that results from colonization of the small intestine by the Vibrio cholerae organism. The disease is spread primarily by means of fecal contamination of drinking water and may begin with the sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhea. Vomiting, rapid dehydration, acidosis, muscular cramps and circulatory collapse are other prominent features of severe cholera. Diagnosis is confirmed by identification of the organism in a stool specimen. Treatment requires immediate replacement of the massive fluid loss before diagnostic studies are ordered. Clinicians should suspect cholera in any case of massive, shock-producing diarrhea, especially if the patient has traveled to a cholera-affected country. This article presents epidemiology and public-health measures, pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment modalities for adults and children infected with the V. cholerae organism.     

Results of a 6-month survey of stool cultures for Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a recently recognized enteric pathogen that causes acute hemorrhagic colitis. Although the infection is usually self-limited, it may be complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. At our institution, stool specimens are now routinely cultured for this organism. To determine the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7-associated diarrhea in our patient population, we surveyed all submitted stool cultures for 6 months for this organism. Specimens were screened for non-sorbitol fermenting E. coli and confirmed by slide-agglutination and immobilization testing. Of 2,164 specimens, 10 yielded E. coli O157:H7. It was the fourth most common bacterial stool pathogen found. Bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms of the infected patients. E. coli O157:H7 causes sporadic infections in our patient population and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic colitis.     

Dehydration syndromes. Oral rehydration and fluid replacement

Dehydration caused by diarrhea remains a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dehydration is a common clinical presentation seen by most physicians. Clinical diagnosis depends on the recognition of signs and symptoms as well as change in weight. Laboratory studies are helpful in categorizing the dehydration as isotonic, hyponatremic, or hypernatremic, which is necessary to plan appropriate therapy. In many situations, oral rehydration therapy is possible and desirable. Intravenous rehydration remains the standard of care for children with severe dehydration and shock.     

Diarrhea associated with severe hypoalbuminemia: a comparison of a peptide-based chemically defined diet and standard enteral alimentation

To demonstrate a relationship between diarrheal incidence and the onset of hypoalbuminemia developing as a result of acute protein-calorie malnutrition and severe catabolism, we initially studied two patients who had developed severe hypoalbuminemia (less than 2.5 g/dl) and diarrhea on a variety of enteral diets. Each patient was placed on a peptide enteral formula at a rate of infusion equivalent to that used during the previous 24 h. Diarrheal volumes decreased significantly from greater than 1500 to less than 100 ml/day and from greater than 4000 to 800 ml/day. We subsequently studied 12 patients in a randomized, prospective fashion to confirm our previous observations. Seven patients received a peptide enteral formula, and five received a standard isotonic enteral formula as a control. The patients were monitored for a minimum of 2 wk or until serum albumin levels reached 3 g/dl. Nutritional variables were measured initially and every 4 days for the duration of the study. Of the patients receiving the isotonic feeding, only one of five completed the study period without diarrhea. Two patients died unrelated to the feeding, and three patients developed severe diarrhea within 48 h of institution of the study. Of the seven patients receiving the peptide feeding, six completed the study period without diarrhea. One patient had a large stool volume initially which decreased by day 2 of the study. We conclude that a peptide enteral formula is well tolerated in patients with severe hypoalbuminemia when compared to a standard isotonic enteral formula. The ability to provide enteral nutrition in a form that is well tolerated in hypoalbuminemia patients may obviate the need for parenteral nutrition routinely in these patients.     

An overview of diarrhea in the patient receiving enteral nutrition.

Many healthcare providers associate enteral tube feedings with diarrhea. Research suggests an incidence of diarrhea in patients receiving enteral tube feedings of 2% to 63%. This wide variation in incidence is due, in part, to the lack of a universal definition of diarrhea and other suspected factors that influence stool output such as malabsorption, infection, bacterial contamination of the feeding, medical diagnosis of the patient, medication therapy, or formula-related causes. An understanding of digestion, the role of fiber and fat in the diet, and the control for other influences will aid nurses in identifying interventions that promote a normal stool consistency in patients receiving enteral tube feedings. The need for further research regarding the causes and management of diarrhea is also supported.     

Acute diarrhea in HIV infected patient receiving antiretroviral therapy: is there any role of microscopic stool examination at present?

ObjectiveTo reassess the usefulness of microscopic stool examination for the HIV infected patients with acute diarrhea.MethodsOverall 100 HIV–infected patients receiving standard antiretroviral therapy who visited to a primary care center (for privacy reason, the name is hereby blinded) with compliant of acute diarrhea were reviewed. In all patients, the standard microscopic stool examination was performed.ResultsOf interest, from overall 100 indexed cases, there is no case with determined parasite in stool samples.ConclusionsBased on our setting, it seems that there is diagnostic role of using microscopic stool examination for determining possible parasitic infestation in HIV infected patients receiving standard antiretroviral therapy who present with acute diarrhea.     

An unusual case of diarrhea.

The clue to this patient's correct diagnosis was his recent return from India. He usually visits there on an annual basis and the occurrence of posttravel infection has been noted in his medical records. This case study shows the importance of assessing patients for fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea after recent travel outside of the United States. Shigella gastroenteritis should be in the differential diagnosis for patients with the above clinical presentation. The keys for diagnosis and prompt treatment of this disorder are to obtain the history, recognize symptoms, and order stool cultures.     

Hypoalbuminemia as an indicator of diarrheal incidence in critically ill patients

Recently, we noted that substantial numbers of critically ill patients admitted to a medical ICU developed diarrhea. We checked them for infectious, metabolic, and untoward medication effects, which were negative. We next considered a possible causal relation between reduced serum albumin and diarrhea. To document the frequency of diarrhea in this population, explore the relation between hypoalbuminemia and diarrhea, and make a preliminary assessment of a peptide-based, chemically defined diet in these catabolic patients, a study of consecutive medical ICU patients was begun. For each patient, we recorded the principal diagnosis, type of diet received, the frequency and volume of stool, and the serum albumin concentration at admission. When diarrhea developed, attention was paid to the serum albumin levels as well as the effects of various diets. Overall, 12 (34%) of 35 study patients developed diarrhea. No patient had a previous history of diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, or GI symptoms that may precede the onset of diarrhea. The stools from each patient with diarrhea were examined for enteric pathogens, ova and parasites, Clostridium difficile culture and cytotoxin assay, and qualitative stool fat, which were all negative. Every patient with a serum albumin level less than 2.6 g/dl developed diarrhea. No patient with a serum albumin level of 2.6 g/dl or greater developed diarrhea, regardless of the type of nutritional support received. Four of the 12 patients with hypoalbuminemia and diarrhea were placed on a peptide-based, chemically defined diet, after which their diarrhea resolved and their serum albumin concentrations increased.     

2009年北京市昌平区细菌性痢疾监测结果分析

目的了解北京市昌平区腹泻病例流行病学特征,评价细菌性痢疾的诊断符合情况,降低临床诊断误诊率。方法按照卫生行业标准(WS287-2008)对昌平区312例腹泻病例进行个案调查,对患者粪便样本进行痢疾志贺菌培养。结果检出痢疾志贺菌38份,检出率为12.18%(38/312),其中细菌性痢疾临床诊断病例中志贺菌检出率为17.19%(22/128),感染性腹泻病例中志贺菌检出率为12.80%(16/125)。农民工、农民的检出率较高;有发热、粘液便、脓血便等典型症状的腹泻病例样本检出率高;散居儿童临床诊断病例诊断符合率低。结论细菌性痢疾的临床误诊率较高,应逐步提高实验室诊断比例。     

46例以精神障碍为首发症状的病毒性脑炎临床特点分析

目的探讨以精神障碍为首发症状的病毒性脑炎患者的临床特点及早期诊断。方法回顾性分析我院1999～2003年收治的46例以精神障碍为首发症状的病毒性脑炎患者的临床资料。结果46例患者经抗病毒治疗后，除1例起病2周后突然出现高热、昏迷的患者呈植物状态外，大多数患者预后良好。结论对以急性精神障碍为首发症状的患者，如果病前有感染、腹泻、过度疲劳、口唇疱疹等病史，在疾病的过程中出现智能减退、大小便失禁、发热、癫痫等症状，应尽快完善相关检查，动态观察病情，以明确诊断，指导治疗。     

Molecular diagnosis of cystoisosporiasis using extended-range PCR screening

The differential diagnosis of diarrhea in immunocompromised patients encompasses many intestinal parasites including the coccidian Cystoisospora belli. Gastrointestinal infection with C. belli leads to cystoisosporiasis with diarrhea and, depending on host immune status, can cause extraintestinal disease. C. belli is usually diagnosed by examination of stool or intestinal biopsy specimens; however, the organism may be undetected using these test methods. Thus, more sensitive molecular tools for detection of pathogenic parasites are desirable. Herein is described a patient with AIDS who had persistent diarrhea of unknown cause. Microscopic examinations of stool and ileal biopsy specimens were initially unremarkable for any specific pathogen. Screening of DNA extracted from biopsy material using extended-range PCR primers recognizing conserved DNA sequences found in many fungi and parasites revealed infection with C. belli, which was confirmed at repeat histologic analysis. Extended-range PCR screening was used because the differential diagnosis was broad and other tools were not applied, yet this molecular approach led to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Thus, this approach offers a promising test for diagnosis of parasitic diseases that elude diagnosis using conventional methods.     

Hypertransaminasemia in the course of infection with SARS-CoV-2: Incidence and pathogenetic hypothesis

In patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough and dyspnea, are the most frequent clinical manifestations. These patients may also present with less well-defined symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal discomfort both at the time of diagnosis and during the clinical course. In a few cases, these symptoms may also present before the appearance of respiratory symptoms. To penetrate the body, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 uses ACE2 receptors, which are present not only in respiratory epithelium but also in gastrointestinal mucosa and liver cholangiocytes. In several cases, viral RNA is detectable in the stool of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The liver damage seems to show a multifactorial origin. About 2%-11% of patients with COVID-19 have known underlying hepatic pathologies. In 14%-53% of COVID-19 cases, there is an alteration of the indices of liver cytolysis and is more frequently observed in severe forms of COVID-19, especially during hospitalization.     

A scoring system for assessing the severity of acute diarrhea of adult patients

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is frequently seen in developed and developing countries, and severe diarrhea is characterized by the high risk of death. Thus, it is very important to assess the severity of diarrhea early. We conducted a multi-center study to identify risk factors for the severity of diarrhea in adult patients and formulate an adult diarrhea state score (ADSS) for out-patient clinicians.METHODS: A total of 219 adult patients with acute diarrhea were divided into two groups: 132 patients with mild diarrhea and 87 with severe diarrhea. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for the severity of diarrhea. The risk factors were assessed and an ADSS was formulated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was made to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ADSS, and the Kappa test was used to confirm the diagnostic reliability.RESULTS: Five risk factors for evaluating the severity of diarrhea in adults included age (P<0.05), axillary temperature (P<0.01), mean arterial pressure (P<0.01), white blood cell count (WBC; P<0.01), and WBC in stool (P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve for ADSS was 0.958 when the cut off value was 4 (a sensitivity of 0.909; a specificity of 0.874), and the Kappa value was 0.781 (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The risk factors associated with the pathogenic condition of diarrhea were identified, quantified and formulated into an ADSS, which has high diagnostic accuracy and reliability for the early identification of patients with severe acute diarrhea.     

Evaluation and management of treatment-related diarrhea in patients with advanced cancer: a review

Diarrhea is a common and significant problem among patients with advanced cancer. Treatment-induced diarrhea can be severe and be associated with life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. The causes of diarrhea among patients with advanced cancer are diverse and some causes of diarrhea require specific therapies. Thus, careful evaluation of the underlying cause is necessary. Palliative care clinicians, particularly those dealing with patients receiving ongoing disease-modifying therapies, must be familiar with the common causes of diarrhea among cancer patients and the strategies to evaluate and manage these common and distressing symptoms. This article addresses four major issues: 1) a review of the causes of treatment-related diarrhea, focusing on diarrhea caused by chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy; 2) differential diagnosis and an approach to evaluation; 3) general management considerations; and 4) cause-specific issues in management.     

Predictors of positive stool culture in adult patients with acute infectious diarrhea

Stool cultures for bacterial pathogens are often requested for investigation of patients with infectious diarrhea, but the literature reports low yield for this diagnostic test. The identification of clinical predictors of positive stool culture will help the physician in determining the necessity for stool requests. A retrospective study was performed in the setting of an Emergency Department (ED) in Hong Kong, to compare presenting features of adult patients with positive stool culture against those with negative culture. We compared 130 consecutive cases with positive stool culture, over a 12-month period, against 119 control cases obtained from a random sampling of 524 consecutive negative cases over the same period. In multivariate analysis, the independent variables found to be associated with positive stool culture were: the month of presentation (summer season), fever, duration of abdominal pain, and requirement of IV fluid therapy. Neither bloody diarrhea nor persistent diarrhea was associated with positive stool culture.     

Chronic diarrhea. A practical approach.

Many patients who present with chronic diarrhea are not found to have an important organic disease. Most will have "functional" diarrhea. The history, the physical examination and the initial laboratory tests should lead to a provisional diagnosis, with respect to the organic or functional origin, and the location of disease in the small or the large bowel. Specific tests are then done to define particular organic causes of which malabsorption, inflammatory bowel diseases, carcinoma of the large bowel, parasitic infections, and metabolic disorders are most common. Patients with suspected functional diarrhea should be investigated at least by stool analysis, proctosigmoidoscopy, and barium enema. Functional diarrhea is common and these patients are no less susceptible to severe disease than is the rest of the population.     

Coeliac crisis in adults: report of two cases.

Adult coeliac disease, in contrast to its childhood counterpart, almost always has an indolent course with a wider spectrum of clinical manifestations. Approximately half of the patients have no overt gastrointestinal symptoms and many are asymptomatic. A rare and life-threatening complication, affecting mainly children younger than 2 years of age, is the so-called coeliac crisis, a term that applies to profuse diarrhoea leading to dehydration, hypokalemia, and acidosis. We report here two cases of adult coeliac disease that presented as coeliac crisis. Coeliac disease should be a differential diagnosis in adult patients with severe acute diarrhoea and acidosis, although a rare presentation.