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Severe pseudomembranous and ulcerative colitis during gold therapy
Endoscopy
|March 1, 1983
Abstract:
A case of severe pseudomembranous and ulcerative colitis is described in a 58-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving sodium aurothiomalate. Watery diarrhea occurred after the fourth injection (total amount 130 mg). Several months elapsed prior to full recovery after discontinuation of gold administration.
Insights
Gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe colitis. A patient experienced pseudomembranous colitis after sodium aurothiomalate injections, requiring several months for recovery after stopping the medication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Sodium aurothiomalate is a gold salt used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
- Gastrointestinal side effects can occur with gold therapy.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed severe pseudomembranous and ulcerative colitis.
- Symptoms of watery diarrhea began after the fourth injection of sodium aurothiomalate (130 mg total dose).
Findings:
- Discontinuation of gold administration led to eventual recovery.
- The patient experienced a prolonged recovery period of several months.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious gastrointestinal adverse effect of sodium aurothiomalate.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for colitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with gold salts.
- Early recognition and discontinuation of gold therapy are crucial for patient outcomes.