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Diagnostic Tests for Cyclic vomiting syndrome

Cyclic vomiting syndrome Tests: Book Excerpts

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Cyclic vomiting syndrome:

Cyclic vomiting syndrome Diagnosis: Book Excerpts

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Cyclic vomiting syndrome:

CVS is hard to diagnose because no clear tests--such as a blood test or x ray--exist to identify it. A doctor must diagnose CVS by looking at symptoms and medical history and by excluding more common diseases or disorders that can also cause nausea and vomiting. Also, diagnosis takes time because doctors need to identify a pattern or cycle to the vomiting. (Source: excerpt from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: NIDDK)

Diagnostic Tests for Cyclic vomiting syndrome: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the diagnostic tests for Cyclic vomiting syndrome.

HEMATEMESIS: DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

Hematemesis, no matter how small, is a clear indication for immediate consultation with a gastroenterologist and esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, and duodenoscopy. To delay this while ordering an upper GI series and other diagnostic tests may place the patient in serious jeopardy. The clinician would be prudent to order a CBC and coagulation profile, type, and cross-match of several units of blood while waiting for the gastroenterologist to see the patient. If endoscopy fails to locate the site of bleeding, arteriography may do so. A technetium-99m bleeding scan may be ordered to detect suspected bleeding but will not locate the exact site of bleeding. Liver function tests should be ordered to rule out cirrhosis in all cases.

 

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003

NAUSEA AND VOMITING: DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

The basic workup includes a CBC, sedimentation rate, urinalysis, urine drug screen, chemistry panel and electrolytes, serum amylase, arterial blood gases, stools for occult blood, chest x-ray, EKG, and flat plate of the abdomen. Acute onset of nausea and vomiting with ataxia requires an immediate CT scan of the brain to rule out a cerebellar hemorrhage. A pregnancy test should be routine in women of child-bearing age. If there is fever, febrile agglutinins and a heterophile antibody titer should be done. If there is an abdominal mass, a gallbladder ultrasound and intravenous pyelogram may need to be done. Isotope scanning with iminodiacetic acid derivatives is extremely useful to detect acute cholecystitis. If there is chronic vomiting and abdominal pain, the diagnosis can often be made with an upper GI series, small bowel series, or barium enema.

When there is persistent vomiting with abdominal pain, an exploratory laparotomy may need to be considered. The presence of an abdominal mass or suspected pancreatic or biliary disease merits consideration of a CT scan. However, before ordering expensive diagnostic tests, a general surgeon or gastroenterologist ought to be consulted. Laparoscopy, gastroscopy, esophagoscopy, duodenoscopy, and colonoscopy all need to be considered in the workup. Gastroparesis and intestinal pseudo-obstruction can be ruled out by radioisotope studies and manometry of the stomach and small intestine. Angiography is useful to diagnose mesenteric artery ischemia.

 

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003

Hematemesis: History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

If the patient’s hematemesis isn’t immediately life-threatening, begin with a thorough history. First, have the patient describe the amount, color, and consistency of the vomitus. When did he first notice this sign? Has he ever had hematemesis before? Find out if he also has bloody or black, tarry stools. Note whether hematemesis is usually preceded by nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or weakness. Has he recently had bouts of retching with or without vomiting?

Next, ask about a history of ulcers or of liver or coagulation disorders. Find out how much alcohol the patient drinks, if any. Does he regularly take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as phenylbutazone or indomethacin? These drugs may cause erosive gastritis or ulcers. Does he take warfarin or other drugs with anticoagulant properties? These drugs increase the patient’s risk of bleeding.

Begin the physical examination by checking for orthostatic hypotension, an early warning sign of hypovolemia. Take blood pressure and pulse with the patient in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. A decrease of 10 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure or an increase of 10 beats/minute or more in pulse rate indicates volume depletion. After obtaining other vital signs, inspect the mucous membranes, nasopharynx, and skin for signs of bleeding or other abnormalities. Finally, palpate the abdomen for tenderness, pain, or masses. Note lymphadenopathy.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Nausea: History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Begin by obtaining a complete medical history. Focus on GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer and its treatment. Ask about drug use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant. Have the patient describe the onset, duration, and intensity of the nausea as well as what causes or relieves it. Ask about related complaints, particularly vomiting (color, amount), abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel habits or stool character, excessive belching or flatus, and a sensation of bloating.

Inspect the skin for jaundice, bruises, and spider angiomas, and assess skin turgor. Next, inspect the abdomen for distention, auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits, palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Vomiting: History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Ask your patient to describe the onset, duration, and intensity of his vomiting. What started the vomiting? What makes it subside? If possible, collect, measure, and inspect the character of the vomitus. (See Vomitus: Characteristics and causes.) Explore any associated complaints, particularly nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel habits or stools, excessive belching or flatus, and bloating or fullness.

Obtain a medical history, noting GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Ask about current medication use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant. Ask which contraceptive method she’s using.

Inspect the abdomen for distention, and auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits. Palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Next, palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

During the examination, keep in mind that projectile vomiting unaccompanied by nausea may indicate increased intracranial pressure, a life-threatening emergency. If this occurs in a patient with CNS injury, you should quickly check his vital signs. Be alert for widened pulse pressure or bradycardia.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Hematemesis: History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If hematemesis isn’t immediately life-threatening, begin with a thorough history. First, have the patient describe the amount, color, and consistency of the vomitus. When did he first notice this sign? Has he ever had hematemesis before? Find out if he also has bloody or black tarry stools. Note whether hematemesis is usually preceded by nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or weakness. Has he recently had bouts of retching with or without vomiting?

Next, ask about a history of ulcers or of liver or coagulation disorders. Find out how much alcohol the patient drinks, if any. Does he regularly take aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as phenylbutazone or indomethacin? These drugs may cause erosive gastritis or ulcers.

Begin the physical examination by checking for orthostatic hypotension, an early warning sign of hypovolemia. Take blood pressure and pulse with the patient in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. A decrease of 10 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure or an increase of 10 beats/minute or more in pulse rate indicates volume depletion. After obtaining other vital signs, inspect the mucous membranes, nasopharynx, and skin for any signs of bleeding or other abnormalities. Finally, palpate the abdomen for tenderness, pain, or masses. Note lymphadenopathy.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Nausea: History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Begin by obtaining a complete medical history. Focus on GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer and its treatment. Ask about drug use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant. Have the patient describe the onset, duration, and intensity of the nausea, as well as what causes or relieves it. Ask about related complaints, particularly vomiting (color, amount), abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel habits or stool character, excessive belching or flatus, and a sensation of bloating.

Inspect the skin for jaundice, bruises, and spider angiomas, and assess skin turgor. Next, inspect the abdomen for distention, auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits, palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Vomiting: History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Ask your patient to describe the onset, duration, and intensity of his vomiting. What started it? What makes it subside? If possible, collect, measure, and inspect the character of the vomitus. (See Vomitus: Characteristics and causes.) Explore any associated complaints, particularly nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel elimination patterns or the appearance of stools, excessive belching or flatus, and bloating or fullness.

Obtain a medical history, noting GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Ask about current medication use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant and which contraceptive method she uses.

Inspect the abdomen for distention, and auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits. Palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Next, palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

During the examination, keep in mind that projectile vomiting unaccompanied by nausea may indicate increased intracranial pressure, a life-threatening emergency. If this occurs in a patient with a CNS injury, quickly check his vital signs. Be alert for widened pulse pressure or bradycardia.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Nausea and Vomiting: Physical examination.
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

 A directed physical examination is dictated by the findings on history, but the following are areas of key importance:

A. Vital signs. Focus on presence of fever, pulse, and blood pressure to assess hydration, and respiratory rate to look for acidosis-related hyperventilation.

 B. Skin, eyes, mucous membranes. Look for dehydration and signs of jaundice.

 C. Signs of systemic infection. Pay special attention to examining the lung and the costovertebral angle for tenderness.

 D. A detailed abdominal examination should include inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion, areas of tenderness, rebound, guarding, hepatomegaly, Murphy’s sign, stool for occult blood, and bimanual pelvic examination.

Testing.

 Most cases of nausea and vomiting seen in a generalist’s office will not require laboratory testing. If the diagnosis is still unclear after history and physical examination, the laboratory workup can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary on the basis of their utility and ability to detect disease with an urgent need for diagnosis.

A. Primary tests include electrolytes, glucose, renal and liver function tests, amylase, urinalysis, stool for white blood cells, pregnancy test, and plain films of the abdomen or abdominal ultrasound if pain is a prominent feature of the presentation.

B. Secondary tests include abdominal ultrasound if not already done, upper GI series or upper endoscopy, stool culture, thyroid-stimulating hormone, electrocardiogram, and chest x-ray study.

C. Tertiary tests include lower endoscopy, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies, urine toxicology, urine porphyrins, and, in many instances, specialty consultation.

Diagnostic assessment

The diagnostic assessment of nausea and vomiting will benefit from a structured approach that includes the following:

A. A differential diagnosis based on age and reproductive status.

B. Attention to GI versus systemic causes of nausea and vomiting.

C. Special attention to the potentially more urgent nature of cases of nausea and vomiting that are often accompanied by abdominal pain (Chapter 9.1).


References

1. Avner JR. Vomiting. In: Schwartz MW, ed. Pediatric primary care—a problem oriented approach, 3rd ed. Chicago: Yearbook Medical Publishers, 1997:397–406.

2. Sorgel KH, Greenberger NJ. Nausea and vomiting in the diabetic patient. Hosp Pract (Off Ed) 1998;33:14–16.

3. Bouchier IAD. Nausea, vomiting. In: Bouchier IAD, Ellis H, Flemming P, eds. Index of differential diagnosis, 13th ed. Oxford: Butterworth Heinman Publishers, 1996:
446,710–713.

4. Brzana RJ, Koch KL. Gastroesophageal reflux disease presenting with intractable nausea. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:704–707.

5. Withers GD, Silburn SR, Forbes DA. Precipitants and aetiology of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Acta Pediatr 1998;87:272–277.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000

Nausea/Vomiting: Diagnostic Approach
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

Neurological vomiting may be projectile (forceful emesis without prior nausea), positional, or associated with other neurological signs. Central vomiting (chemoreceptor trigger zone stimulation, usually caused by toxins) is alleviated by antidopaminergic medications, which do not work well when treating nausea due to mechanical causes such as obstruction.

Early morning nausea suggests pregnancy or metabolic causes (e.g., uremia). Vomiting of a large amount of undigested food 4 to 6 hours after eating is consistent with gastric retention resulting from pyloric obstruction
or gastroparesis or to esophageal disorders such as achalasia or Zencker diverticulum. Feculent vomiting suggests intestinal obstruction or gastrocolic fistula.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007

Hematemesis: Physical assessment
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Begin the physical examination by checking for orthostatic hypotension, an early warning sign of hypovolemia. Take blood pressure and pulse with the patient in supine, sitting, and standing positions. A decrease of 10 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure or an increase of 10 beats/minute or more in pulse rate indicates volume depletion. After obtaining other vital signs, inspect the mucous membranes, nasopharynx, and skin for any signs of bleeding or other abnormalities. Finally, palpate the abdomen for tenderness, pain, or masses. Note lymphadenopathy.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Nausea: Physical assessment
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Inspect the skin for jaundice, bruises, and spider angiomas, and assess skin turgor. Next, inspect the abdomen for distention, auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits, palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Vomiting: Physical assessment
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Inspect the abdomen for distention, and auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits. Palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Next, palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

During the assessment, keep in mind that projectile vomiting unaccompanied by nausea may indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP), a life-threatening emergency. If this occurs in a patient with CNS injury, you should quickly check his vital signs. Be alert for widened pulse pressure or bradycardia.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Regurgitation and Vomiting: Diagnostic Approach: Regurgitation
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

  • In infantwith regurgitation who is otherwise well and gaining weight, mostlikely diagnosis is normal variation or mild gastroesophageal reflux.
  • Persistent regurgitation with poorweight gain, respiratory symptoms, or symptoms suggesting esophagitisrequires investigation.
  • Upper GI radiographic series excludesother causes of esophageal obstruction. Most reliable test for gastroesophagealreflux is esophageal pH monitoring. Endoscopy with biopsy can confirmdiagnosis of esophagitis.
  • Other investigations depend on history,physical exam, and results of the above studies.
  • » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006

    Hematemesis: History and physical examination
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    If the patient's hematemesis isn't immediately life-threatening, begin with a thorough history. First, have the patient describe the amount, color, and consistency of the vomitus. When did he first notice this sign? Has he ever had hematemesis before? Find out if he also has bloody or black, tarry stools. Note whether hematemesis is usually preceded by nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or weakness. Has he recently had bouts of retching with or without vomiting?

    Next, ask about a history of ulcers or of liver or coagulation disorders. Find out how much alcohol the patient drinks, if any. Does he regularly take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as phenylbutazone or indomethacin? These drugs may cause erosive gastritis or ulcers. Does he take warfarin or other drugs with anticoagulant properties? These drugs increase the patient's risk of bleeding.

    Begin the physical examination by checking for orthostatic hypotension, an early warning sign of hypovolemia. Take blood pressure and pulse with the patient in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. A decrease of 10 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure or an increase of 10 beats/minute or more in pulse rate indicates volume depletion. After obtaining other vital signs, inspect the mucous membranes, nasopharynx, and skin for signs of bleeding or other abnormalities. Finally, palpate the abdomen for tenderness, pain, or masses. Note lymphadenopathy.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Nausea: History and physical examination
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    Begin by obtaining a complete medical history. Focus on GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer and its treatment. Ask about drug use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant. Have the patient describe the onset, duration, and intensity of the nausea as well as what causes or relieves it. Ask about related complaints, particularly vomiting (such as color and amount), abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel habits or stool character, excessive belching or flatus, and a sensation of bloating.

    Inspect the skin for jaundice, bruises, and spider angiomas, and assess skin turgor. Next, inspect the abdomen for distention, auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits, palpate for rigidity and tenderness, and test for rebound tenderness. Palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess other body systems as appropriate.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Vomiting: History and physical examination
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    Ask your patient to describe the onset, duration, and intensity of his vomiting. What started the vomiting? What makes it subside? If possible, collect, measure, and inspect the character of the vomitus. (See Vomitus: Characteristics and causes.) Explore associated complaints, particularly nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss, changes in bowel habits or stools, excessive belching or flatus, and bloating or fullness.

    Obtain a medical history, noting GI, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; recent infections; and cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Ask the patient about current medication use and alcohol consumption. If the patient is a female of childbearing age, ask if she is or could be pregnant or which contraceptive method she's using.

    Inspect the patient's abdomen for distention and localized bulging, and auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits. Palpate for rigidity and tenderness and test for rebound tenderness. Palpate and percuss the liver for enlargement. Assess the patient's other body systems as appropriate.

    During the examination, keep in mind that projectile vomiting unaccompanied by nausea may be an indication of increased intracranial pressure, a life-threatening emergency. If this occurs in a patient with CNS injury, you should quickly check his vital signs. Be alert for widened pulse pressure or bradycardia.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Vomiting - Case 3-1: 7-Week-Old Boy: III. Physical Examination
    (Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

    T, 38.1°C; RR, 50/min; HR, 170 bpm; BP, 86/38 mm Hg; SpO2, 88% in room air
    Weight, 4.0 kg (10th percentile); length, 25th percentile; head circumference, 10th percentile
    Examination revealed a well-nourished infant who was crying but consolable (Fig. 3-1).  The anterior fontanelle was open and slightly sunken. The mucous membranes were moist, and the sclerae were nonicteric. The lungs were clear to auscultation, and the cardiac examination was normal without any murmurs. The abdomen was soft and mildly distended, without hepatomegaly or splenomegaly. The extremities were cool. He had no rashes, good tone, and a symmetric neurologic examination.

    IV. Diagnostic Studies

    Laboratory evaluation revealed 24,500 white blood cells(WBCs)/mm3, with 9% band forms, 24% segmented neutrophils, 40% lymphocytes, 20% monocytes, and 5% atypical lymphocytes. The hemoglobin was 15.2 g/dL, and the platelet count was 577,000 cells/mm 3. On red blood cell morphologic analysis, mild anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and burr cells were noted. Serum chemistries and cerebral spinal fluid analysis were normal. His urine was dark yellow and turbid, with a specific gravity of 1.038, a pH of 5.5, 3+ protein, and 5 to 10 granular casts without bacteria, nitrites, or WBCs. On chest radiography, the cardiac silhouette and lung fields were normal.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003

    Vomiting - Case 3-2: 9-Month-Old Girl: III. Physical Examination
    (Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

    T, 37.3°C; RR, 22 to 25/min; HR, tachycardic; BP, 85/53 mm Hg
    Weight, 6.5 kg (less than 5th percentile; 50th percentile for a 5-month-old child); length, 66.5 cm (less than 5th percentile); head circumference, 43.5 cm (25th percentile)
    The patient was fussy but not toxic-appearing, with scant nasal discharge and dry oral mucosa. Her lungs were clear bilaterally, and she had a soft systolic murmur at the lower left sternal border with a prominent S3 gallop. The liver edge was palpated 1 cm below the right costal margin, and her spleen tip was also palpable. The extremities were warm and well perfused. There were no rashes, and her neurologic examination was normal for age.

    IV. Diagnostic Studies

    Laboratory analysis revealed 10,200 WBCs/mm3, with 41% segmented neutrophils, 53% lymphocytes, and 6% monocytes. The hemoglobin was 11 g/dL, and the platelet count was 232,000 cells/mm 3. Serum electrolytes were as follows: sodium, 128 mmol/L; potassium, 4.5 mmol/L; chloride, 100 mmol/L; and bicarbonate, 20 mEq/L. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 19 mg/dL, creatinine was 0.3 mg/dL, glucose was 84 mg/dL, and calcium was 9.2 mg/dl. Her ABG analysis showed pH, 7.43; PaCO 2, 31 mm Hg; and PaO2 , 270 mm Hg.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003

    Vomiting - Case 3-6: 10-Month-Old Girl: III. Physical Examination
    (Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)

    T, 38.7°C; RR, 56/min; HR, 150 bpm; BP, 92/50 mm Hg
    Weight, 6.2 kg; length, 66 cm; head circumference, 40.5 cm—all significantly less than the 5th percentile for age
    General examination revealed a pale, crying infant with a distended abdomen. Her heart and lungs were normal, but her abdomen was distended and tender, with hypoactive bowel sounds and a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. There was no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly. Her neurologic examination was notable for general hypotonia.

    IV. Diagnostic Studies

    Laboratory evaluation revealed 25,000 WBCs/mm3, with 81% segmented neutrophils, 10% lymphocytes, and 6% monocytes. The hemoglobin was 8.7 g/dL with hypochromia, occasional schistocytes, and burr cells. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 74.6 fL, the red blood cell distribution width index (RDW) was 23.2; and the reticulocyte count was 2.2%. The platelet count was 649,000 cells/mm 3. Serum chemistry results were as follows: sodium, 137 mEq/L; potassium, 4.9 mEq/L; chloride, 115 mEq/L; bicarbonate, 18 mEq/L; BUN, 3 mg/dL; creatinine, 0.2 mg/dL; glucose, 98 mg/dL; alkaline phosphatase, 77 U/L; total bilirubin, 0.8 mg/dL; ALT, 98 U/L; and AST, 156 U/L.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003


     » Next page: Diagnosis of Cyclic vomiting syndrome

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