Systematic review: the burden of post-operative complications following colectomy for ulcerative colitis

Background: Ulcerative colitis [UC] patients failing medical management require colectomy

Methods: Literature search in MEDLINE , CINAHL and Embase, targeting studies reporting the outcomes of colorectal procedures [from 2002 to 2016 with total and subtotal colectomy postoperative complications in adults with ulcerative colitis as an endpoint. Texts and authoritative Web sites were also reviewed then identification of papers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers

Results: Following data extraction and synthesis, we identified 24 articles for review. Reporting outcomes from procedures conducted from 2002-2016. Most frequent short-term complications: infectious complications and ileus [mean incidence 21% and 19%], while most frequent long-term complications: pouchitis, fecal incontinence and small bowel obstruction [mean incidence 31%, 22% and 18%]. Post-operative early complications [

Conclusion: Although Colectomy remains an appropriate therapeutic strategy for specific groups of patients- it is not the optimal cure for UC. Clinicians need to fully understand the various postoperative complications and comorbidities that are highly prevalent with over a third of patients expected to experience long-term or late arising post-operative complications. Thus, while surgical procedures are recommended as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for a specific group of patients, the post-operative complications associated with these surgical procedures should not be underestimated

First line management of adult diabetic ketoacidosis patients

BackgroundiDiabetic Ketoacidosis [DKA] is a hyperglycemic crisis that can occur in patients with both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a medical emergency with a significant morbidity and mortality. It is however a potentially reversible condition in case an emergency and immediate medical attention, prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment were provided

Aim of the Study: was to leverage the current research data in order to construct a treatment guideline for diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department

Methods:A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE [including MEDLINE in-process], CINAHL,Embase and the Cochrane Library. Databases using [diabetic ketoacidosis] as a MeSH heading and as textword. High yield journals were also hand searched

Findings: The initial treatment phase aims to restore circulating volume, reduce blood glucose levels, to correct any electrolyte imbalances and to reduce ketone levels which in turn corrects the acidosis. Evidence also showed that there is no need for insulin bolus prior to starting an insulin drip in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Also, using beta-hydroxybutyrate at presentation can expedite diagnosis and therefore treatment. Implementing treatment guidelines into the emergency department may help expedite diagnosis and treatment

Conclusion: Prompt first line management of DKA is the most critical stage to profoundly reduce morbidity and mortality rates of this potentially fatal crisis. It's therefore crucial to follow the evidence-based guidelines and DKA protocol in the emergency department to expedite diagnosis, guide treatment, and improve continuity of care between the emergency department and the ICU as well as improving the clinical outcomes of patients with DKA. Initially, this will improve outcomes by decreasing the delay until treatment is initiated andprovide a continuum of treatment between the emergency department and the intensive care unit

Furthermore, the healthcare providersmust ensure that they have the ability to provide support and education to people at risk of developing DKA and those that have had an episode of DKA by spreading awareness and education to help reduce both the initial occurrence and recurrence of this often preventable life-threatening condition