Related Experiment Videos
Pseudomembranous colitis in a preterm neonate
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|March 1, 1986
Insights
A preterm infant developed severe diarrhea and died from pseudomembranous colitis caused by toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile. This occurred 12 days after ampicillin treatment, highlighting antibiotic risks in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Antibiotic use in neonates can disrupt gut microbiota.
- Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea.
- Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe form of CDI.
Observation:
- A preterm infant presented with sudden onset diarrhea and abdominal distention.
- The infant rapidly deteriorated and died within 60 hours.
- Autopsy revealed fulminating pseudomembranous colitis and proctitis.
Findings:
- Toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile was isolated from stool samples.
- Pseudomembranous colitis developed 12 days after the infant's last ampicillin dose.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis, a distinct pathological condition, was also observed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, fatal Clostridioides difficile infections in preterm infants following antibiotic exposure.
- Early recognition and management of CDI are critical in neonatal intensive care units.
- Further research into preventative strategies and safer antibiotic protocols for neonates is warranted.
Abstract:
This preterm female infant abruptly developed diarrhea and bowel distention at 25 days of age and died within 60 h with fulminating pseudomembranous colitis and proctitis. Toxin-producing C. difficile was recovered from the stool. The pseudomembranous colitis developed 12 days after the last dose of ampicillin was given to the baby. Necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition pathologically distinct from pseudomembranous colitis, was also present.