Investigations
The investigations in a patient with toxic megacolon should include:
- electolytes:
- dehydration and hypokalaemia are common
- dehydration and hypokalaemia are common
- full blood count:
- anaemia is common due to bleeding
- a raised white cell count is usual, except in AIDS
- inflammatory markers:
- the ESR and CRP are usually raised
- the ESR and CRP are usually raised
- hypoalbuminaemia is common
Abdominal radiography reveals the size of dilated bowel and should be performed daily in sick patients.
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