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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
[Clinical case of the month: clostridium difficile colitis]
1CHRH Huy, Belgique.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|December 29, 2006
Summary
A patient undergoing chemotherapy developed severe Clostridium difficile colitis, a serious complication that recurred despite normal blood counts. This case highlights the risks associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and potential iatrogenic infections.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 55-year-old patient with Mantle Cell Lymphoma received D.H.A.P. plus Rituximab chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy-induced medullary aplasia can increase susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- During the third chemotherapy cycle, the patient developed Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- The colitis recurred 15 days later, despite normalized blood counts, and presented as severe with pluribacterial peritonitis.
Findings:
- Clostridium difficile colitis is a significant risk during cytotoxic chemotherapy, even with recovery of blood counts.
- Intensive medical management led to the resolution of this severe case of C. difficile colitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the iatrogenic and nosocomial risks of C. difficile colitis in immunocompromised patients.
- Understanding patient risk factors is crucial for preventing and managing chemotherapy-associated infections.
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