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Severe Clostridium difficile colitis as potential late complication associated with COVID-19
J Páramo-Zunzunegui1, I Ortega-Fernández1, P Calvo-Espino1
1Department of General and Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|August 18, 2020
Summary
A COVID-19 survivor developed severe Clostridium difficile colitis after antibiotic treatment. This case highlights the risk of hospital-acquired infections following SARS-CoV-2 recovery and emphasizes prompt diagnosis of digestive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a wide spectrum of late complications.
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common hospital-acquired infection with significant risk factors including antibiotic use, advanced age, and hospitalization.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old female patient, recently discharged after a month-long hospitalization for severe COVID-19 pneumonia, presented with diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Clinical features and CT findings confirmed severe Clostridium difficile-associated colitis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent urgent pancolectomy due to poor response to conservative management.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic use for COVID-19 pneumonia was identified as a key risk factor for developing CDI.
- The patient eventually recovered after surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Late-onset digestive symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients warrant consideration for CDI.
- Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of CDI in patients treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for SARS-CoV-2.
- Adherence to updated criteria for severe colitis and CDI is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
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