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[Pseudomembranous colitis]

C T Ferreira1, A A Pires, J V Cruz

  • 1Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic use in children can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, characterized by chronic diarrhea. Early recognition of Clostridium difficile infection is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common concern in pediatric care.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe form of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  • Clostridium difficile is a primary pathogen implicated in this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the occurrence of pseudomembranous colitis in a pediatric patient following antibiotic treatment.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering Clostridium difficile infection in children with diarrhea after antibiotic exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case follow-up of a pediatric patient with chronic diarrhea.
  • Literature review using the Medline database.
  • Diagnostic confirmation through colonoscopy and Clostridium difficile toxin A detection in stool samples.

Main Results:

  • A case report of a previously healthy 2-year, 7-month-old girl presenting with chronic, dysenteric diarrhea post-antibiotic use.
  • The patient experienced significant weight loss and hypoproteinemia.
  • Diagnosis was clinically suspected and confirmed by colonoscopy and stool assay for C. difficile toxin A.

Conclusions:

  • Clostridium difficile infection must be considered in all pediatric cases of diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
  • Antibiotic prescription in pediatric patients requires careful consideration of indications and judicious use.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent complications.

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