Clinical meaning
Sucralfate involves pathological processes affecting GI mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, absorption, or hepatobiliary function. Sucralfate pathophysiology includes epithelial barrier disruption, inflammatory cascades (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), microbiome dysbiosis, and enteric nervous system dysfunction.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - Lipase (preferred over amylase for pancreatic evaluation) - Abdominal X-ray: obstruction, free air, calcifications - ERCP for therapeutic biliary/pancreatic duct intervention - MRCP for biliary and pancreatic duct evaluation - H. pylori testing: urea breath test, stool antigen, or biopsy - Stool studies: calprotectin, C. diff toxin, O&P, culture - CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast for acute abdominal pathology
Risk factors: - Chronic liver disease with portal hypertension - Pancreatic insufficiency with malabsorption - Chronic constipation with diverticular disease risk - Celiac disease genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) - Age >65 with declining mucosal defenses - Radiation therapy to abdomen causing enteritis - H. pylori infection (most common cause of PUD worldwide)