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The Patient with Abdominal Discomfort and Diarrhea
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The Case: A 29-year-old male was in good health until 2 weeks ago when he began noticing bloody bowel movements with cramps and urgency following a trip to Italy. This had now progressed to 8 bloody bowel movements daily, with urgency, tenesmus, and an 8-lb weight loss. He presents to you for further evaluation. On physical exam, he is an anxious but otherwise normal appearing young man with mild tenderness to palpation in his left lower quadrant. Laboratory values are notable for a mildly decreased hemoglobin, decreased albumin, and an elevated C-reactive protein 4 times normal. His stool studies for infection are negative but his fecal calprotectin is elevated at 375 µg/g. Stool specimens for ova, parasites, and infection are negative.
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Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this educational activity, participants should be better able to evaluate patients with ulcerative colitis.
Overview
Author(s)/Faculty: Ronald A. Codario, MD, FACP, FNLA, CCMEP
Source: Healio Gastroenterology Education Lab
Type: Monograph
Articles/Items: 4
Release Date: 4/15/2015
Expiration Date: 4/15/2016
Credit Type: CME
Number of Credits: 0.25
Cost: Free
Provider: Vindico Medical Education
CME Information
Provider Statement: This continuing medical education activity is provided by Vindico Medical Education.
Support Statement: No commercial support for this activity.
Target Audience: The target audience for this activity is gastroenterologists and other health care professionals with an interest in the treatment of patients with gastroenterological disorders.