Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
27.9K
[Colitis associated with C. difficile]
Summary
Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a severe condition often linked to antibiotic use. This case highlights the critical need for awareness among healthcare professionals regarding this potentially fatal complication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Antibiotic therapy is a common treatment for various infections.
- Massive antibiotic administration can disrupt the gut microbiome.
- This disruption can lead to opportunistic infections, such as C. difficile.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old patient developed pseudomembranous colitis (PMC).
- The condition arose following extensive antibiotic treatment.
- Diagnosis was only established post-mortem.
Findings:
- Pseudomembranous colitis presents with severe diarrhea and can lead to shock and colon perforation.
- Delayed diagnosis significantly increases mortality risk.
- Autopsy confirmed PMC as the cause of death.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant for PMC as a complication of antibiotic therapy.
- Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of considering PMC in patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms after antibiotic use.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
1.5K
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
1.5K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
1.6K
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
1.6K
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
950
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
950
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
889
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
889
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
1.3K
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.3K
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
667
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide...
667

