lecture 10 - peptic ulcer case

Question 1

What is a peptic ulcer?

Answer 1

A breach of the mucosa of the GI tract that extends into the submucosa or deeper

Question 2

Where do peptic ulcers most commonly occur?

Answer 2

The duodenum & stomach

Question 3

Which infection typically causes peptic ulcers?

Answer 3

Helicobactor pylori

Question 4

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer?

Answer 4

‘gnawing’ abdominal pain, hematemesis (fresh/coffee ground), loss of apetite

Question 5

What are the risk factors for the development of a peptic ulcer?

Answer 5

Helicobactor pylori infection, NSAID use, gastric hyperactivity (excess H+ production), duodenal-gastric reflux

Question 6

What are the key virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori that cause peptic ulcers?

Answer 6

urease production increases acidity, flagella to enter mucosa,

Question 7

What is the key diagnostic tool used for H. pylori induced peptic ulcers?

Answer 7

Urea breath test - H. pylori produce ureases when present

Question 8

What is a Urea Breath Test?

Answer 8

A test where Carbon 13 is given orally and, if present, H. pylori will use to convert urea to ammonia and 13CO2, which can be detected on the breath

Question 9

What are some of the treatments for peptic ulcers?

Answer 9

Antacids (e.g. calcium carbonate, milk of magnesia), Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole), H2 Histamine Receptor antagonists (e.g. Cimetidine)