Pneumatosis Intestinalis a not so rare complication of COPD

Background

Pneumatosis Intestinalis, though cannot be considered a diagnosis, but is a rare yet concerning finding encountered among patients who have been on oxygen support. Current article is a review that has taken into account a few case studies that have studied individuals with COPD for the incidence of the condition.

Methods

Existing literature was probed for information required with the help of databases available online depending upon the access, which were PubMed, Google scholar, Ovid and Pedro. Upon looking into all the data and information case studies were selected for the article owing to the information precision regarding the condition under study.

Results

A total of four case studies were shortlisted for the article. These were the studies conducted on individuals diagnosed with COPD and had been found to develop PI. The case studies reported the occurrence and the management of PI among COPD diagnosed individuals.

Conclusion

The review gives an insight about incidence of PI in patients with COPD in justification of mechanical theory proposed for PI. The first line of management being the nutritional modifications and medications and increased mobility in case of conservative treatment, while surgery might be looked up to in severe cases.

Clinical implications

knowing the chances of incidence of this condition can help prevent occurrence of PI. Nevertheless, early diagnosis in case of PI prevailing along with COPD, particularly amongst those on support with oxygen via high flow oxygen devices, can be of benefit for the patients as it helps avoid future complication on being dealt with at a relatively lower severity and reduce the risk of mortality among such patients.