Síndrome de hiperviscosidade em paciente com mieloma múltiplo / Hyperviscosity syndrome in multiple myeloma patients

O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia progressiva e incurável de células B, caracterizado pela proliferação desregulada e clonal de plasmócitos na medula óssea. A síndrome de hiperviscosidade é uma das complicações relacionadas às gamopatias monoclonais, sendo considerada emergência oncológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o quadro clínico de um paciente diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo que apresentou síndrome de hiperviscosidade, avaliando a prevalência de sinais e sintomas, bem como características fisiopatológicas dessa entidade clínica. Foi revisado o prontuário de um paciente internado na enfermaria da Clínica Médica do Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) no período de junho a julho de 2018. Além disso, foi realizada revisão de literatura em base de dados (PubMed®) direcionada ao tema proposto. O diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo foi comprovado por mielograma, sendo prontamente iniciada a corticoterapia e avaliada a resposta clínica após essa terapêutica. Apesar de incomum e menos frequentemente relacionada ao mieloma múltiplo, a síndrome de hiperviscosidade está relacionada a uma grande taxa de mortalidade quando apresenta diagnóstico tardio. A terapia de primeira linha indicada para a síndrome de hiperviscosidade foi a plasmaferese, no entanto, as condições clínicas (instabilidade hemodinâmica) impossibilitaram sua realização. O desfecho deste caso foi o óbito do paciente. Concluiu-se que o diagnóstico precoce e a intervenção terapêutica estão diretamente relacionados à ocorrência de menor incidência de complicações relacionadas ao mieloma múltiplo e à síndrome de hiperviscosidade.

Multiple myeloma is a progressive and incurable B-cell neoplasm characterized by unregulated and clonal proliferation of plasmocytes in the bone marrow. Hyperviscosity syndrome is one of the complications related to monoclonal gammopathies and is considered an oncological emergency. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical condition of a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma who presented hyperviscosity syndrome, evaluating the prevalence of symptoms and signs, as well as the pathophysiological characteristics of this clinical entity. The medical records of a patient admitted to the Internal Medicine ward of the Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) from June to July of 2018 were reviewed. In addition, we conducted a literature review in a database (PubMed®) directed to the theme proposed. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was confirmed by myelogram, and corticosteroid therapy was promptly initiated and the clinical response was evaluated after this therapy. Although uncommon and less frequently related to multiple myeoloma, hyperviscosity syndrome is related to a high mortality rate when diagnosed late. The first line therapy indicated to hyperviscosity syndrome was plasmapheresis; however, the clinical conditions (hemodynamic instability) precluded its performance. The outcome of this case was the patient's death. Thus, it was concluded that early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are directly related to the occurrence of lower incidence of complications related to multiple myeloma and hyperviscosity syndrome.

Esófago negro como causa de hemorragia digestiva alta: reporte de un caso / Black esophagus as a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report

Resumen La esofagitis necrotizante aguda es una entidad poco común que afecta sobre todo a ancianos. La presentación clínica más común es hemorragia digestiva alta. El pronóstico depende de las enfermedades de base con una mortalidad de hasta el 50 %. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 77 años con historia de una semana de melena, 3 episodios de hematemesis y epigastralgia. La endoscopia digestiva alta reveló una mucosa con necrosis en parches y fibrina en el esófago medio y distal. La biopsia de esófago fue compatible con necrosis de mucosa.

Abstract Acute necrotizing esophagitis is a rare entity that affects mainly elderly patients. The most common clinical presentation is upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The prognosis depends on the underlying diseases, with a mortality of up to 50%. This is the case of a 77-year-old male patient who presented with melena, three episodes of hematemesis, and epigastric pain for a week. Upper endoscopy revealed mucosa with spotty necrosis and fibrin in the middle and distal esophagus. Esophageal biopsy was compatible with mucosal necrosis.

Cuidados de Enfermería en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva que ingresan a la Unidad Técnica de Gastroenterología

La Hemorragia Digestiva (HD) es la pérdida o extravasación de sangre que se origina en cualquier segmento del tubo digestivo, alcanzando la luz esófago-gástrica, intestinal o colónica, constituye un problema frecuente de salud en el mundo y es considerada como causa mayor de morbimortalidad. En la mayoría de los casos la hemorragia digestiva se presenta de manera aguda y con importantes repercusiones sistémicas como hematemesis, melenas, hematoquecia, rectorragia, es importante tomar en cuenta la edad del paciente, comorbilidades, volumen, evolución y origen de la hemorragia digestiva, para determinar medidas urgentes en la estabilización de los pacientes, así como los cuidados de enfermería que se van a proporcionar con el propósito de minimizar la hemorragia y mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica. La Hemorragia Digestiva Alta (HDA) representa la emergencia médica gastroenterológica más frecuente en el mundo, con una prevalencia de 150 por 100 000 adultos por año con una mortalidad entre 10,0% al 20,0%, la Hemorragia Digestiva Baja (HDB) es potencialmente mortal, y puede manifestarse como anemia ferropénica, sangre en heces o hematoquecia; en el Ecuador en el año 2017 según el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC), se reporta un ingreso hospitalario con CIE10 K922 (hemorragia digestiva no especificada) de 2 462 pacientes, con un total de egresos vivos de 2 375, y un total de 87 pacientes fallecidos; en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín del año 2017 al 2019 los pacientes con sangrado digestivo alto representan una mortalidad del 3,5 al 10,0% 1. La ruta planteada orienta al personal de Enfermería sobre la evolución, evaluación y manejo de los pacientes adultos con hemorragia digestiva.

Digestive Hemorrhage (HD) is the loss or extravasation of blood that originates in any segment of the digestive tract, reaching the esophagus-gastric, intestinal or colonic lumen, it is a frequent health problem in the world and is considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In most cases, digestive bleeding occurs acutely and with significant systemic repercussions such as hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, rectal bleeding, it is important to take into account the age of the patient, comorbidities, volume, evolution and origin of digestive bleeding, to determine urgent measures in the stabilization of patients, as well as the nursing care that will be provided in order to minimize bleeding and maintain hemodynamic stability. Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (HDA) represents the most frequent gastroenterological medical emergency in the world, with a prevalence of 150 per 100 000 adults per year with a mortality between 10,0% to 20,0%, Low Gastrointestinal Bleeding (HDB) is life-threatening, and may ma- nifest as iron deficiency anemia, blood in stool, or hematochezia; in Ecuador in 2017 according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), a hospital admission with ICD10 K922 (unspecified gastrointestinal bleeding) of 2 462 patients was reported, with a total of 2 375 living discharges, and a total of 87 deceased patients; In the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital from 2017 to 2019, patients with upper digestive bleeding represent a mortality of 3,5 to 10,0% 1. The proposed route guides nursing staff on the evolution, evaluation and management of adult patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Píloro doble. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Double pylorus. Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El doble píloro es una comunicación anormal entre el antro gástrico y el bulbo duodenal y representa un raro hallazgo endoscópico. Se presentó un paciente de 80 años de edad, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, fumador inveterado, tomador de aspirina, que presentó melena aproximadamente 15 días antes del ingreso. La videoendoscopia reveló la existencia de dos orificios similares en el antro, que se comunicaban con el bulbo duodenal de manera independiente que fueron catalogados como píloros. La comunicación se constató con el paso del endoscopio a su través. Se impuso tratamiento médico con inhibidores de la bomba de protones y la evolución fue favorable. Es el cuarto caso reportado en la literatura en nuestro país y el primero en la provincia de Matanzas.

ABSTRACT Double pylorus is an abnormal communication between the gastric antrum and the duodenal bulb and represents a rare endoscopic finding. It is presented the case of a patient aged 80 years, with a background of arterial hypertension, inveterate smoker, taking aspirin, who presented melena about 15 days before the admission. The video-endoscopy revealed the existence of two similar orifices in the antrum that were independently communicating with the duodenal bulb and they went catalogued like pylori. The communication was proved by passing the endoscope through it. He was treated with IBP (the Spanish acronym for proton bomb inhibitors) and the evolution was favorable. It is the fourth case reported in the literature in Cuba and the first one in Matanzas.

Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma Coexisting with Adenocarcinoma / 대한소화기학회지

Choriocarcinoma is an aggressively growing and widely metastasizing tumor that originates from trophoblastic cells. A primary gastric choriocarcinoma (PGC), however, is very rare. A 76-year-old female patient visited the emergency department of Wonkwang University Hospital with abdominal discomfort and melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a huge ulceroinfiltrative mass lesion with blood clots on the boundary between the greater curvature side and the posterior wall side of the stomach lower body. CT showed a 3-cm exophytic mass lesion with heterogeneous enhancement, an ulcer lesion at the posterior wall side of the stomach lower body, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes at the splenic artery and left gastric artery nodal stations. She underwent a radical subtotal gastrectomy with a D2 lymph node dissection. The final diagnosis was PGC coexisting with adenocarcinoma based on the pathology results. This paper reports a rare case of primary gastric choriocarcinoma coexisting with adenocarcinoma and discusses the characteristics of this neoplasm with reference to the literature.

Ischemic Necrosis Caused by Retroanastomotic Hernia after Subtotal Gastrectomy / 대한소화기학회지

After gastrojejunostomy, a small space can occur between the jejunum at the anastomosis site, the transverse mesocolon, and retroperitoneum, which may cause an intestinal hernia. This report presents a rare case of intestinal ischemic necrosis caused by retroanastomotic hernia after subtotal gastrectomy. A 56-year-old male was admitted to Kangwon National University Hospital with melena, abdominal pain, and nausea. His only relevant medical history was gastrectomy due to stomach cancer. Endoscopic findings revealed subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction and a bluish edematous mucosal change with necrotic tissue in afferent and efferent loops including the anastomosis site. Abdominopelvic CT showed strangulation of proximal small bowel loops due to mesenteric torsion and thickening of the wall of the gastric remnant. Emergency laparotomy was performed. Surgical findings revealed the internal hernia through the defect behind the anastomosis site with strangulation of the jejunum between 20 cm below the Treitz ligament and the proximal ileum. Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed, and he was discharged without complication. Retroanastomotic hernia, also called Petersen's space hernia, is a rare complication after gastric surgery, cannot be easily recognized, and leads to strangulation.

Primary Lymphoma of Pancreatic Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) / 대한내과학회지

Primary lymphoma of pancreatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is extremely rare. Initial suspicion of primary pancreatic lymphoma is hampered by its low incidence. However, it should always be included in a differential diagnosis of pancreatic mass with unusual features, because an accurate diagnosis can avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. A 70-year-old woman presented with melena associated with a mass on the pancreatic head. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy of the pancreatic mass revealed MALT lymphoma. The patient is currently undergoing radiation therapy. We present a case of primary lymphoma of the pancreatic MALT with a review of the literature.

Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma Coexisting with Adenocarcinoma / 대한소화기병학회잡지

Choriocarcinoma is an aggressively growing and widely metastasizing tumor that originates from trophoblastic cells. A primary gastric choriocarcinoma (PGC), however, is very rare. A 76-year-old female patient visited the emergency department of Wonkwang University Hospital with abdominal discomfort and melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a huge ulceroinfiltrative mass lesion with blood clots on the boundary between the greater curvature side and the posterior wall side of the stomach lower body. CT showed a 3-cm exophytic mass lesion with heterogeneous enhancement, an ulcer lesion at the posterior wall side of the stomach lower body, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes at the splenic artery and left gastric artery nodal stations. She underwent a radical subtotal gastrectomy with a D2 lymph node dissection. The final diagnosis was PGC coexisting with adenocarcinoma based on the pathology results. This paper reports a rare case of primary gastric choriocarcinoma coexisting with adenocarcinoma and discusses the characteristics of this neoplasm with reference to the literature.

Portal Hypertension of a Delayed Onset Following Liver Abscesses in a 12-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

We report a 12-month-old female infant who had a history of neonatal sepsis with liver micro-abscesses that resolved with intravenous antibiotics during neonatal period. During her neonatal admission period, no umbilical vein catheter was inserted. Also, she did not undergo any abdominal surgeries or had a postnatal history of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the child developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding in form of hematemesis and melena secondary to esophageal varices at the age of 12 months with an extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction with cavernous transformation and portal hypertension subsequently. The child underwent a successful endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. She is now 20-month-old and has portal hypertension but otherwise asymptomatic. We are proposing the possibility of a delayed-onset portal hypertension as a complication of liver abscess and neonatal sepsis.

Carcinoma neuroendocrino de esófago: reporte de caso / Neoendocrine carcinoma of the esophagus: report of a case

El carcinoma neuroendocrino de esófago representa menos del 2% de casos de cáncer de esófago. Esta forma de presentación es extremadamente inusual, ya que este tipo de carcinoma se suele presentar con mayor frecuencia en zonas broncopulmonares. Los síntomas suelen asociarse a la obstrucción esofágica e incluyen odinofagia, disfagia y pérdida de peso, siendo infrecuente la clínica de síndrome carcinoide. Para el diagnóstico se requiere de uno o más de los siguientes marcadores de inmunohistoquímica positivos: cromogranina A, sinaptofisina o CD56 positivos, así como la presencia de los anticuerpos EMA y PANCK positivos. Se reporta el caso de un paciente varón con diagnóstico de tumor neuroendocrino de esófago.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of esophagus represents less than 2% of cases of cancer of the esophagus. This presentation is extremely unusual, as this type of carcinoma typically presents with greater frequency in bronchopulmonary regions. The symptoms are usually associated with esophageal obstruction and include odynophagia, dysphagia and weight loss and are not usually associated with Carcinoid syndrome. The diagnosis requires one or more of the following positive immunohistochemical markers: Chromogranin A, synaptophysin or CD56 positive, as well as the presence of EMA and PANCK positive. We report the case of a male patient with diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor of esophagus.

Coriocarcinoma gástrico primario: reporte de caso / Primary gastric choriocarcinoma: case report

El coriocarcinoma gástrico primario (CGP) es un tumor extremadamente raro, altamente invasivo y de rápida diseminación hematógena. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 57 años que inicia con cuadro de hematemesis y, progresivamente, se le suman episodios de melena, baja de peso y epigastralgia. Es derivada al Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas en donde se le realizan gastroscopía y biopsia. Así, el análisis histológico reportó patrón sugestivo para CGP; el cual se confirmó al realizarle a la paciente los estudios por imágenes necesarios y llevar a cabo el análisis inmunohistoquímico para gonadotrofina coriónica humana y alfa feto proteína. Posteriormente, a la paciente se le realiza una gastrectomía radical D2 con preservación esplénica y de cola de páncreas. Lamentablemente, su evolución no fue favorable y fallece por la progresión de la enfermedad.

Primary gastric choriocarcinoma (PGC) is an extremely rare and highly invasive tumor with rapid hematogenous spread. We present the case of a 57-year-old female patient who started with hematemesis and progressive episodes of melena, weight loss and epigastralgia. It is derived from the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases where gastroscopy and biopsy are performed. Histological analysis reported pattern suggestive of PGC; that was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis for human chorionic gonadotrophin and fetal alpha protein. Subsequently, the patient underwent a radical D2 gastrectomy with splenic preservation and tail of the pancreas preservation. Unfortunately, her evolution was not favorable and died due to the progression of the disease.

Case of Bleeding Ileal Varices after a Colectomy Diagnosed by Capsule Endoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

We report a case of bleeding ileal varices associated with intra-abdominal adhesions after colectomy which was successfully diagnosed using capsule endoscopy. A 77-year-old woman visited the emergency department for several episodes of melena. She had a medical history of neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy and subsequent surgery for rectal cancer 6 years previously. Conventional diagnostic examinations including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal computed tomography could not detect any bleeding focus, however, following capsule endoscopy revealed venous dilatations with some fresh blood in the distal ileum, indicating bleeding ileal varices. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and the affected ileum was successfully resected. No further gastrointestinal bleeding occurred during the 6 months follow-up. Small intestinal varices are important differential for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding especially in patients with a history of abdominal surgery in the absence of liver cirrhosis, and capsule endoscopy can be a good option for diagnosing small intestinal varices.

Surgery of multiple lymphangioma in small bowel: a rare case report of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding

Small bowel lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor of the lymphatic system, characterized by the presence of dilated lymphatic spaces and significant gastrointestinal bleeding. Small bowel lymphangiomas are rare in adults and case reports are few. Lymphangiomas in the jejunum or ileum are extremely rare and account for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. The case reported herein is of an older patient (70-year-old male) with melena and chronic anemia (hemoglobin count < 5 g/dL) who had small-sized multiple lymphangiomas in his small bowel (jejunum). Surgical resection was performed after failure of treatment by gastroenteroscopy. Final pathological analysis revealed lymphangioma with thrombus and hemorrhage. After surgery, he no longer had decreased hemoglobin count, nor symptoms of anemia and melena. Also, at the last follow-up visit, the patient's hemoglobin count patient was normal and he returned to normal daily functions.

Gastric Ulceration and Bleeding with Hemodynamic Instability Caused by an Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss

Obesity in the United States is a medical crisis with many people attempting to lose weight with caloric restriction. Some patients choose minimally invasive weight loss solutions, such as intragastric balloon systems. These balloon systems were approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015–2016 and have been considered safe, with minimal side effects. We report a patient with a two-day history of melena, abdominal pain, hypotension, and syncope which developed five months after placement of an intragastric balloon. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with balloon removal revealed a small 8-mm gastric ulcer in the incisura. This gastric ulcer probably developed secondary to mechanical compression of the stomach mucosa by the gastric balloon which contained 900 mL of saline. The FDA is now investigating five deaths since 2016 associated with these second-generation balloons. Clinicians should be aware of these complications when evaluating patients with gastrointestinal complications, such as bleeding.

A Newborn with Gastric Hemangioma Treated Using Propranolol / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Gastric hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors that can cause severe gastrointestinal system bleeding. We presented the case of a neonate with fresh bleeding and melena from the orogastric tube and detected gastric hemangioma in esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination. Propranolol is widely used in treatment of cutaneous hemangiomas and non-gastric gastrointestinal system hemangiomas. However, the surgical approach is preferred for treating gastric hemangiomas, and there are few reports of gastric hemangiomas associated with non-surgical treatment. Gastric hemorrhage decreased with antacid and somatostatin treatment. Propranolol treatment was initiated before the surgery decision. After three weeks of treatment, we observed regression in the hemangioma with endoscopic evaluation. During the course of treatment, the patient's gastrointestinal system bleeding did not recur, and there were no side effects associated with propranolol.

A Prospective Multicenter Study Evaluating Bleeding Risk after Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Patients Prescribed Antithrombotic Agents

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the risk of bleeding after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is low, the safety of EUS-FNA in patients prescribed antithrom-botic agents is unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the incidence of bleeding after EUS-FNA in those patients. METHODS: Between September 2012 and September 2015, patients who were prescribed antithrombotic agents underwent EUS-FNA at 13 institutions in Japan were prospectively enrolled in the study. The antithrombotic agents were managed according to the guidelines of the Japanese Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Society. The rate of bleeding events, thromboembolic events and other complications within 2 weeks after EUS-FNA were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 2,629 patients who underwent EUS-FNA during the study period, 85 (62 males; median age, 74 years) patients were included in this stduy. Two patients (2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6% to 8.3%) experienced bleeding events. One patient required surgical intervention for hemothorax 5 hours after EUS-FNA, and the other experienced melena 8 days after EUS-FNA and required red blood cell transfusions. No thromboembolic events occurred (0%; 95% CI, 0.0% to 4.4%). Three patients (3.5%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 10.0%) experienced peri-puncture abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bleeding after EUS-FNA in patients prescribed antithrombotic agents might be considerable.

Gastric Tuberculosis Presenting as a Subepithelial Mass: A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

Gastric tuberculosis accounts for approximately 2% of all cases of gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Diagnosis of gastric tuberculosis is challenging because it can present with various clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic features. Tuberculosis manifesting as a gastric subepithelial tumor is exceedingly rare; only several dozen cases have been reported. A 30-year-old male visited emergency room of our hospital with hematemesis and melena. Abdominal CT revealed a 2.5 cm mass in the gastric antrum, and endoscopy revealed a subepithelial mass with a visible vessel at its center on gastric antrum. Primary gastric tuberculosis was diagnosed by surgical wedge resection. We report a rare case of gastric tuberculosis mimicking a subepithelial tumor with acute gastric ulcer bleeding.

Lesão de Dieulafoy do fundo gástrico / Dieulafoys lesion of the gastric fundus

Hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) é uma emergência clínica exteriorizada através de melena, hematêmese, além de alterações hemodinâmicas decorrentes de perda volêmica. Existem vários diagnósticos etiológicos causadores de hemorragias digestivas altas; dentre eles, uma causa rara é lesão de Dieulafoy, sendo relacionada acerca de 2% dos casos de HDA. Neste relato, descreveremos um caso de lesão de Dieulafoy, evidenciando a relevância desta lesão como um importante diagnóstico diferencial nas causas de hemorragia digestiva alta. O procedimento diagnóstico e o manejo atual são fundamentados pela endoscopia digestiva alta. A hemostasia endoscópica é realizada, utilizando técnicas como eletrocoagulação, injeções com adrenalina e hemoclips.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGBI) is a clinical emergency externalized through melena, hematemesis and hemodynamic changes due to volume loss. There are a lot of etiological diagnosis of gastroduodenal hemorrhages, including Dieulafoy which is a rare cause related about 2% of the UGBI cases. In this report we describe a case of Dieulafoy lesion highlighting the importance of this lesion as a rare and important differential diagnosis in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The current diagnostic and management is justified by endoscopy. Endoscopic hemostasis is performed using techniques such as electrocoagulation, injections of adrenaline and hemo-clips.

Clinical pathways for the management of dyspepsia in family and community practice

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Dyspepsia is any chronic or recurrent discomfort in the epigastric area described as bloatedness, fullness, gnawing or burning continuously or intermittently for at least 2 weeks. About 40% of the adult population may suffer from dyspeptic symptoms but most of them are un-investigated because only about 2% consult their physician.<br /><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The general objective of this clinical pathway is to improve outcomes of patients with dyspepsia in family and community practice<br /><strong>METHOD:</strong> The PAFP Clinical Pathways Group reviewed the previous Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Dyspepsia in Family Practice, a local guideline developed by the Family Medicine Research Group and adopted as policy statement by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. The reviewers then developed a time-related representation of recommendations on patient care processes, in terms of history and physical examination, laboratory tests, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions as well as social and community strategies to treat hypertension and prevent complications.<br /><strong>RECOMMENDATION:</strong> All patients with gastrointestinal pain or discomfort should have a detailed history focusing on weight loss, hematemesis, hemetochezia, melena, dysphagia, odynophagia, vomiting, NSAID intake, alcohol intake, smoking, frequent medical complaints, depression, anxiety, personal or family history of gastrointestinal disease using family genogram. Physical examination findings provide minimal information but should be done to rule out an organic pathology and to look for alarm clinical features like anemia, abdominal tenderness or mass, jaundice, melena etc. If the patient is with history of previous dyspepsia treatment, more than 45 years old or long-term use of NSAID, the physician may request for non-invasive H. pylori test. Upper abdominal ultrasound, liver function test, pancreatic amylase may be done if organic problem is considered. Start therapeutic trial of prokinetic treatment for 1-2 weeks or proton-pump inhibitor depending on the symptoms. Fixed drug combination may be used if symptoms are undifferentiated. The patient should be educated about upper gastrointestinal disorders and dyspepsia, risk factors and complications. If medications were prescribed, explain the dose, frequency, intended effect, possible side effects and importance of medication adherence. Lifestyle modifications focusing on low fat meals, weight reduction, avoidance of alcohol intake and smoking cessation, eating way before bedtime, elevated head while sleeping, etc. may also be done. Recommendations were also made on subsequent visits.<br /><strong>IMPLEMENTATION:</strong> Quality improvement strategy is recommended for implementation of this pathway. This will involve pre- and post-intervention data collection using records review. Intervention strategies may be feedback, group consensus or incentive mechanisms.</p>