11/2/2015
Survival Flight “On the Road” Geriatric Abdominal Pain: Considerations for the Emergency Provider Eve D. Losman, MD, MHSA Department of Emergency Medicine University of Michigan Health System November 2nd, 2015
I have no disclosures. Please e‐mail me with questions or if you want a copy of the slides.
[email protected]
1
11/2/2015
Outline: • Epidemiology • Factors unique to older adults • Acute on Chronic Disease Model • Evaluation: Pitfalls / Pearls • Atypical presentation of abdominal pain • Specific Disease Processes
Epidemiology: Older Adults in the ED The challenge of growing numbers, illness severity, and diagnostic uncertainty.
2
11/2/2015
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/26000.html
average 39.4 visits per 100 persons
48.4 visits per 100 persons for those over 65yo
https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/6/005/058/3e1/18f49d6.jpg
3
11/2/2015
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db130.htm#how
Why the high visit rate? • • • •
Increased longevity Access (or lack of access) to primary care Willingness to use the ED Change in admission / discharge practices
• These are not frivolous visits!! • Admission rates have been very stable over time (40% as compared to 13% for all comers). Roberts DC. Increasing Rates of Emergency Department Visits for Elderly Patients in the United States, 1993 to 2003. Annals Emergency Medicine. 2008; 51: 769‐774.
4
11/2/2015
• • •
“Immediate” = level 1 (AMI, Stroke) All Visits: 4.5% >65yo: 8.8% “Emergent” = level 2 (A. Fib w/ RVR, GI bleed) All visits: 11.3% >65yo: 15.7% “Urgent” / “Semi‐Urgent” = level 3 (Abdominal Pain) All visits: 38.5% >65yo: 41.5%
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr026.pdf
Older adults are a challenge for the emergency provider: • Often very sick. • More complicated. • • • •
Co‐Morbid conditions Polypharmacy Cognitive impairment Functional Impairment
• Often present atypically. • Require greater resources.
5
11/2/2015
Compared with younger populations in the ED, older adults are more difficult to evaluate for . . .
From CR Carpenter: Electronic survey of 140 EPs from US and Canada in 2007‐2008 with mean of 12‐years post‐residency experience.
Acute on Chronic Illness
ACUTE PROBLEM
Medical conditions Functional impairment Cognitive problems Depression Medications
CHRONIC CONDITION (Function)
Assessment Management Referral
Relationships Social support Financial resources
6
11/2/2015
Older adults in the ED: ED VISIT = SENTINEL EVENT • medical complications • functional decline • worse health‐related quality of life 1/3 of those discharged home from the ED experience revisit, hospitalization, or death within 3 months after discharge.
Geriatric Abdominal Pain: Evaluation and Pitfalls
7
11/2/2015
Abdominal Pain in older adults is a serious ED presentation. • Approximately 50% of older adults who present to the ED with abdominal pain are admitted. • Approximately 30% require surgical intervention during their hospitalization. • Prior to the routine use of CT scans and Ultrasounds, misdiagnosis was ~40% and overall mortality was > 10%.
https://s‐media‐cache‐ ak0.pinimg.com/236x/13/1f/13/131f13f0405b7d964e05f861e29841f3.jpg
8
11/2/2015
Differential Diagnosis: Huge list
Lewis LM, et al. Etiology and clinical course of abdominal pain in senior patients: a prospective, multicenter study. Journals of Gerontology Series A‐Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. 2005; 60: 1071‐6.
Physiologic Changes with Aging: • Gastrointestinal: • The stomach has a decreased emptying time and fundal compliance; acid secretion can be increased. • The liver’s mass and blood flow decrease with aging (decreased albumin, decreased drug metabolism). • The colon has an increased number of diverticula with age; transit time is significantly lengthened by immobility.
• Renal: • decreased GFR; dysregulation of the renin‐angiotensin system.
• Immune: • higher risk for more frequent and severe infections due to immunosenescence • 30% of older adults with a surgical abdomen do not present with either a fever or leukocytosis
• Neurologic: • Dementia and delirium make history taking very challenging. • Pain perception can be altered; lack of peritoneal signs is common (>50%)
• Other: • anorexia of aging leads to decreased fluid intake which predisposes older adults to constipation.
9
11/2/2015
Pitfalls: Atypical Presentation Diagnostic accuracy is ~40% in elderly patients with acute abdominal pain: Lack of fever Lack of pain or localizing symptoms Delay in seeking care Altered Mental Status Decline in functional status Anorexia Fatigue Unexplained weight loss New Incontinence Co‐morbitities; Previous Surgeries
Flasar MH, et al. Acute Abdominal Pain. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2006; 33: 659‐684.
10
11/2/2015
Ask a relevant Review of Systems: • Pain – “PQRST” • Provocative / Palliative factors • Quality, Radiation, Associated Symptoms • Timing
• GI symptoms • Nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, anorexia, diarrhea, constipation, bloody stools, melena stools
• GU symptoms • Dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, incontinence
• General • Fever, lightheadedness • Chest pain / Difficulty in breathing / Palpitations
Initial Evaluation: think worst first • Lots of information from the end of the bed • Distressed vs. non distressed • Lying still ‐ ‐ ‐ consider Peritonitis • Writhing ‐ ‐ ‐ consider Renal Colic or Bowel Obstruction
• Vital Signs – NEVER ignore abnormal vital signs! • Remember: “normal” HR may be due to Medications “normal” BP may be hypotension a fast RR is a very bad sign (marker of sepsis and bad outcomes)
• EKG & cardiac monitor for all older adults
11
11/2/2015
Pain: “PQRST” • P = Provokes • What causes pain? • What makes it better? • Worse? • Q = Quality • What does it feel like? • Is it sharp? • Dull? • Stabbing? • Burning? • Crushing?
• R = Radiates • Where does the pain radiate? • Is it in one place? • Does it go anywhere else? • Did it start elsewhere and now localized to one spot? • S = Severity • How severe is the pain on a scale of 1 ‐ 10? • T = Time • Time pain started? • How long did it last?
Nonspecific signs and symptoms indicating pain in the older adult: • Frowning, moaning, grimacing, fearful facial expressions, grinding of teeth • Sighing, groaning, fearfulness, heavy breathing, withdrawal • Fidgeting / restlessness / agitation • Eating or sleeping poorly • Mental status change / change in behavior • Decreasing activity levels • Depressed affect • Resistance to certain movements during care • Paucity of interaction or speech • Loss of function
12
11/2/2015
Physical Exam: • General • Pallor, diaphoresis, level of distress, is the patient lying still or moving around in the bed • Vital Signs • Cardiac • Regular v. Irregular rhythm • Lungs • Basilar dullness / rhonchi • Abdomen • Look for distention, scars, masses • Auscultate – hyperactive or obstructive bowel sounds? • Palpate for tenderness, masses, aortic aneurysm, guarding, rigidity • Back • CVA tenderness
Initial Management: EMS / Triage • Resuscitate – Large bore IV access – Saline bolus 20ml/kg if tachycardia / hypotensive
• Analgesia: Use a pain scale and titrate • Morphine 0.1mg/Kg ‐ ‐ ‐ 4‐8 mg / dose • Fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg ‐ ‐ ‐ 25‐50 mcg / dose
• Obtain an EKG http://consultgerirn.org/topics/pain/want_to_know_more
13
11/2/2015
A few cases . . .
Case #1: • 73yo F with one week of episodic abdominal pain after eating; located in epigastrium and RUQ. • Severe, sharp and cramping pain; does not radiate; afraid to eat due to the pain • +N/V, no diarrhea, subjective fevers; no CP/DIB. • • • • •
PMHx: HTN, arthritis. PSHx: denies Meds: amlodipine; PRN Tylenol and Naproxen SHx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use All: none
14
11/2/2015
Case #1: • T: 100.4, HR: 96, BP: 135/76, R: 18, Pulse Ox: 100% room air • General: moderately obese, uncomfortable • CV: normal, no arrhythmia • Lungs: clear • Abd: tender in RUQ and epigastrium, non‐ distended, normal bowel sounds • What is your differential / initial management?
Case #1: Cholecystitis Diagnosis • CBC, Comp, Lipase – Elevated lipase suggests gallstone pancreatitis • EKG • RUQ US
H&P and laboratory findings have a poor predictive value – if you suspect it, get the RUQ US Treatment
• • • •
Surgical consult IV fluids Analgesia / Anti‐emetics Antibiotics
http://www.ultrasoundcases.info/files/Jpg/lbox_452.jpg http://healthfixit.com/wp‐content/uploads/2013/03/Cholecystitis‐pain‐ location.jpg
15
11/2/2015
Case #2: • 88yo F with 2 days of constant peri‐umbilical, colicky abdominal pain. • “bloated”; bilious vomiting x 10; no bm x 4 days; no flatus today; no PO intake today • PMHx: HTN • PSHx: Cholecystectomy; Appendectomy; TAH • Meds: labetolol, ASA, vitamin D, trazadone • SHx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use • All: none
Case #2: • T: 97.3, HR: 74, BP: 121/76, R: 22, Pulse Ox: 94% room air • General: dry mouth, very uncomfortable, does not want to lay flat • CV: normal, no arrhythmia • Lungs: clear • Abd: hyperactive bowel sounds, distended, tender diffusely • What is your differential / initial management?
16
11/2/2015
Case #2: Bowel Obstruction Diagnosis • CBC, Comp, Lipase, Lactate • EKG • Acute Abdominal Series If you suspect obstruction, get an Abdominal CT scan. Treatment • IV fluids • Analgesia • Anti‐emetics • NG decompression • Surgical consult • Correct electrolyte abnormalities http://www.cdemcurriculum.org/ssm/gi/sbo/images/sbo_xr_abd_1.png http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwoEg7Db_AE/TTnSe_t96_I/AAAAAAAABrI/7e MlLLRbctk/s1600/Bowel%2BObstruction.png
Case #3: • 76yo M with onset of LLQ abdominal pain at 10 AM – unable to describe it, “it hurts really bad.” • No alleviating factors; no previous such pain; does not radiate; afraid to eat due to the pain • + nausea, no vomiting / diarrhea; no CP/DIB. • PMHx: CAD, A.Fib, HTN, arthritis. • PSHx: hip replacement • Meds: diltiazem, metoprolol, warfarin, ASA; PRN Tylenol • SHx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use • All: none
17
11/2/2015
Case #3: • T: 96.5, HR: 85, BP: 101/66, R: 24, Pulse Ox: 95% room air • General: dry mouth, very uncomfortable • CV: A.Fib • Lungs: clear • Abd: normal bowel sounds, soft, tender diffusely with gentle touch • What is your differential / initial management?
Case #3:
http://cdn.lifeinthefastlane.com/wp‐content/uploads/2012/01/af3.jpg https://s‐media‐cache‐ ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/08/1d/b1081dcd25b6344f7f4a359c1de2fdef.jpg
18
11/2/2015
Case #3: Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Diagnosis • CBC, Comp, Lipase, Lactate • EKG If you suspect ischemia, get an Abdominal CT angiogram. Treatment • IV fluids • Analgesia • Heparin • Vascular Surgical consult http://www.vascularsurgeryassociates.net/wp‐ content/uploads/2014/04/mesenteric‐ishemia1‐1024x724.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/‐ lMlZieKHWa4/UMhkt0BWX9I/AAAAAAAABaw/W9dg7FxSxrA/s1600/2012‐ 12‐04+11.18.49.jpg
Case #4: • 73 yo M presents with sudden onset of central abdominal pain radiating to the back; the worst pain he has ever had. • Marked distress, diaphoretic, unable to provide more history; wife reports that they were playing cards and all of a sudden he complained of severe pain. • PMHx: HTN, Hypercholesterolemia, CAD • PSHx: none • Meds: ASA, lisinopril, atorvastatin • SHx: (+) tobacco 1ppd, no alcohol or drugs, sedentary lifestyle
19
11/2/2015
Case #4: • T: 96.5, HR: 130, BP: 85/56, R: 28, Pulse Ox: 95% room air • General: obvious distress, very uncomfortable • CV: tachy but regular • Lungs: clear • Abd: quiet abdomen, soft, tender diffusely with gentle touch • What is your differential / initial management?
Case #4: Ruptured AAA Diagnosis • FAST Ultrasound • CBC, Comp, Lipase, Lactate, UA • Type and Screen • EKG If you suspect an AAA, get a STAT CT Aortagram and call Surgery immediately. Treatment • 2 large bore IVs • BP control • Analgesia • Vascular Surgical consult https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/conditions/blood‐heart‐ circulation/images/abdominalaorticaneurysm‐diagram‐veinsaneurysms.gif http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3D5PPE8j0P8/hqdefault.jpg
20
11/2/2015
As many as 65% of patients with ruptured AAAs die of sudden cardiovascular collapse before arriving at a hospital.
Patients with ruptured AAA do not always present with the classic triad of abdominal pain, shock, and pulsatile abdominal mass. Nearly 30% of patients who present with ruptured AAA are initially misdiagnosed.
http://www.em.emory.edu/ultrasound/ImageWeek/images/IOW%20AAA.jpg
Case #5: • 77 yo M presents with sudden onset of left flank pain radiating to the groin; urinary frequency and urgency; nausea; the worst pain he has ever had. • Marked distress, crying out, unable to provide more history. • PMHx: HTN, Hypercholesterolemia, COPD, allergies, arthritis • PSHx: none • Meds: ASA, vitamin C, atorvastatin, lisinopril, spiriva, albuterol, singulair • SHx: past tobacco, no alcohol or drugs
21
11/2/2015
Case #5: • T: 96.5, HR: 103, BP: 133/59, R: 24, Pulse Ox: 95% room air • General: obvious distress, very uncomfortable, writhing on the stretcher • CV: tachy but regular • Lungs: clear • Abd: soft, tender diffusely with gentle touch, no hernia • What is your differential / initial management?
Case #5: Renal Colic Diagnosis • FAST Ultrasound – this could be a AAA! • CBC, Comp, Lipase, Lactate, UA • EKG • KUB & US or Renal CT Treatment • IV Hydration • Analgesia • Urology consult if hydronephrosis or elevated creatinine
http://www.uroinfo.ca/images/brochure_images/english/kidney_stones.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/apologia/drafts/stone_film.jpg
22
11/2/2015
Case #6: • 67 yo F presents with gradual onset of diffuse abdominal pain over several days; anorexia and mild nausea; last BM 4 days ago, “rabbit pellets.” • Appears very uncomfortable. • PMHx: CAD, DM, HTN, COPD, arthritis • PSHx: CABG 10 yrs ago • Meds: ASA, metoprolol, lisinopril, metformin, Advair, Tylenol • SHx: tobacco ½ ppd, 2 drinks with dinner, no drugs
Case #6: • T: 99.5, HR: 113, BP: 170/99, R: 20, Pulse Ox: 91% room air • General: very uncomfortable, laying still on the stretcher • CV: tachy but regular • Lungs: occasional expiratory wheezes • Abd: soft, tender diffusely with gentle touch, no hernia • What is your differential / initial management?
23
11/2/2015
Case #6: Constipation Diagnosis • CBC, Comp, Lipase, Lactate, UA • EKG • AXR • CT Abdomen Even with a classic presentation for constipation, a CT abdomen is appropriate to rule out other pathology.
Treatment • IV Hydration • Analgesia • Correct electrolytes • Bowel regimen http://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/meds/ckb/00/35800tn.jpg
Case #7: • 69 yo F presents with epigastric abdominal pain over the past 12 hours; nausea; diaphoresis. • Appears fatigued. • PMHx: DM, HTN, COPD, arthritis • PSHx: hip replacement; TAH • Meds: ASA, atorvastatin, lisinopril, metformin, Advair • SHx: tobacco ½ ppd, no alcohol, no drugs
24
11/2/2015
Case #7: • T: 98.5, HR: 89, BP: 117/79, R: 22, Pulse Ox: 93% room air • General: quiet, laying still on the stretcher • CV: regular, no murmur • Lungs: occasional expiratory wheezes • Abd: soft, tender in epigastrium • What is your differential / initial management?
Case #7: AMI Diagnosis • Troponin, CBC, Comp, Lipase, INR, Lactate, UA • EKG • CXR
Treatment • Activate the Cath Lab • Analgesia • ASA
http://ecg.utah.edu/lesson/9
25
11/2/2015
Take home points . . .
Abdominal Pain in older adults is a serious ED presentation. • Think worst first; don’t forget the EKG. • Morbidity / mortality is on par with major trauma / stroke / AMI. • History and Exam can be misleading. • Use imaging, lab tests, serial exams, and admission liberally to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
26
11/2/2015
Questions?
https://i.kinja‐img.com/gawker‐media/image/upload/s‐‐afygzOV‐‐‐ /c_fill,fl_progressive,g_north,h_358,q_80,w_636/ihsllhptnnm4vb7wuvgq.jpg
27