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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291

Published on: December 10, 2016

Severe Clostridium difficile colitis and reactive arthritis in a ten-year-old child

Charlotte L Durand1, Patrick F Miller

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Wirral, United Kingdom. charlottedurand1978@yahoo.co.uk

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium difficile infection can lead to reactive arthritis in children, even causing hip effusions. Prompt antibiotic treatment, like metronidazole, can lead to full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
  • Reactive arthritis is a rare but serious complication of CDI, particularly in pediatric cases.
  • This case highlights the potential for CDI to manifest with musculoskeletal symptoms, such as hip effusion.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old girl developed severe diarrhea and hip effusion after two courses of oral antibiotics.
  • This presentation is consistent with Clostridium difficile associated colitis.

Findings:

  • Clostridium difficile toxins A and B were identified in the patient's stool.
  • The case represents the fourth documented instance of pediatric Clostridium difficile associated reactive arthritis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering Clostridium difficile infection in pediatric patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and joint effusions post-antibiotic use.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy, such as metronidazole, are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric Clostridium difficile associated reactive arthritis.

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