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Clostridium difficile-associated reactive arthritis in two children.
Helga A Löffler1, Benedicte Pron, Richard Mouy
1Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris V, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris, France.
Joint Bone Spine
|February 11, 2004
Summary
Reactive arthritis following Clostridium difficile infection is rare in children. This study reports two pediatric cases, suggesting similar characteristics and self-limiting courses to adult cases, with NSAID therapy being effective.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Reactive arthritis (ReA) following Clostridium difficile-enterocolitis is documented in adults.
- Only one previous case of C. difficile-associated ReA in children has been reported.
Observation:
- This report details two additional pediatric cases of ReA linked to C. difficile infection.
- Both children presented with polyarthritis subsequent to diarrheal illness confirmed by positive C. difficile stool cultures.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation of C. difficile-associated ReA in children mirrors that observed in adults.
- Arthritis was asymmetrical and followed a self-limiting clinical course.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment proved sufficient for symptom management.
Implications:
- These cases expand the understanding of C. difficile-associated ReA in pediatric populations.
- The findings support NSAID therapy as a primary treatment modality for this condition in children.
- One case highlights a prolonged disease course and association with the HLA-B27 antigen, warranting further investigation.