[Segmental hemorrhagic colitis following amoxicillin therapy].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Pathology

Context:

• Reports three young females experiencing acute onset bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Symptoms developed 4-6 days after initiating oral amoxicillin therapy.
• Excludes Clostridium difficile infection as a cause.

Purpose:

• To describe a series of cases of hemorrhagic colitis linked to amoxicillin.
• To review the literature for similar amoxicillin-induced colitis cases.
• To characterize the clinical presentation, pathology, and outcome of this adverse drug reaction.

Summary:

• Hemorrhagic colitis associated with oral amoxicillin therapy in young females.
• Histopathological findings include mucosal hemorrhage, erosions, and thrombosed vessels.
• Symptoms resolved rapidly upon cessation of amoxicillin, with no identified hypersensitivity reaction in one patient.
• Literature review identified 31 additional cases linked to amoxicillin or ampicillin.

Impact:

• Highlights a potential adverse effect of amoxicillin therapy.
• Informs clinicians about a specific drug-induced colitis presentation.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering medication history in cases of acute colitis.
• Contributes to understanding antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal complications.