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[5 cases of clostridium difficile enteritis in infants]
1Department of Pediatrics, Kashiwa Hospital, Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine.
Insights
Clostridium difficile enteritis is rare in infants, presenting with diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Early diagnosis using the Clostridium difficile (CD) latex agglutination test and Vancomycin treatment are crucial for good outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Context:
- Clostridium difficile enteritis is an uncommon but serious condition in infants.
- Clinical presentation includes diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal enlargement.
- Hematological findings may indicate infection and inflammation.
Purpose:
- To report on 5 cases of Clostridium difficile enteritis in infants.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Clostridium difficile latex agglutination test in this population.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Summary:
- Five infant cases of Clostridium difficile enteritis were analyzed.
- Clinical symptoms included diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
- The Clostridium difficile latex agglutination test was positive in all cases, aiding diagnosis despite challenges in bacterial detection.
- Prompt Vancomycin administration was associated with favorable prognoses, barring one recurrence.
Impact:
- The study underscores the utility of the Clostridium difficile latex agglutination test in pediatric Clostridium difficile enteritis diagnosis.
- Early detection and treatment with Vancomycin are vital for preventing severe complications in infants.
- This research contributes to understanding and managing a rare pediatric infectious disease.
Abstract:
We encountered 5 cases of Clostridium difficile enteritis that is rate in infancy. Its clinical symptoms consisted mainly of diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Also progressive abdominal enlargement was characteristically noted. Hematological examination revealed an increase in the number of leukocytes predominant with granulocytes in addition to accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase in alpha 2 globulin value and high LDH. On the bacteriological examination, detecting bacteria was difficult because of diarrhea being frequent and small in quantity, so bacteria were detected in only 2 out 5 cases. However, reaction to a CD latex agglutination test turned positive in all the cases during the clinical course, which was consistent with changes in the symptoms. Prognosis was good except one cases which in the symptoms. Prognosis was good except one case which had recurrence. Early diagnosis and early administration of Vancomycin are important in preventing severe complications. To that end, the CD latex agglutination test is considered useful even at present in the domain of pediatrics.