Pseudomembranous colitis as a complication in Covid-19

Aim: To improve the results of treatment of patients with pseudomembranous colitis against the background of coronavirus infection.

Materials and Methods: The study presents the results of a retrospective analysis of 96 patients with pseudomembranous colitis, who were treated in the infectious Covid department at the base of the Uzhhorod City Clinical Hospital since 2020 to 2022. The average age of patients was 55.2 years, there were 38 (39.5%) men and 58 (60.5%) women. Diagnosis of complications - pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) - was based on clinical data, ultrasound and CT of the abdominal organs, fibrocolonoscopy, laparoscopy.

Results: The frequency of PMC from the total number of patients who were in hospital treatment (8205 patients) due to COVID-19 was 1.17%, and this indicator was 0.62% in 2020, and 2.28% in 2021. Indications for operative treatment were: colon perforation - 9.4% of patients; peritonitis (diffuse, widespread) without obvious perforation of the colon wall - 85.5% of patients; mesenteric thrombosis - 4.1% of patients. In the case of perforation of the colon, resection of the colon was performed with the formation of a proximal colostomy and ileostomy. In case of mesenteric thrombosis, resection of the affected part of the small intestine was performed. In case of peritonitis without clear intraoperative detection of perforation of the colon wall, intraoperative lavage was performed.

Conclusions: 1) The frequency of detection of PMC in patients with COVID-19 in 2020 was 0.62%, and in 2021 - 2.28%. 2) The sensitivity of CT in the diagnosis of surgical complications of PMC was 72%, and the specificity was 58%. 3) Conservative treatment was effective in patients with PMC in 88.8% of cases, 21.2% had complications that required emergency surgical interventions. 4) The total mortality in patients with PMC was 11.36%, although this indicator was significantly higher in the event of surgical complications and operative treatment (22.4%).