Ischemic colitis and acquired resistance to activated protein C in a woman using oral contraceptives
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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
D E Mann1, E R Kessel, D L Mullins
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Abstract:
We present the case history of a 22-yr-old woman diagnosed with ischemic colitis associated with the use of oral contraceptives (OC). At the time of her presenting symptoms activated protein C (APC) resistance, a risk factor for thrombosis, was demonstrated. There was no laboratory evidence of inherited thrombophilia; that is, antithrombin III, protein C and protein S levels were normal and the factor V Leiden mutation was not present. The OC were discontinued and the patient's symptoms improved. Subsequent evaluation revealed that the activated protein C resistance had resolved. This case illustrates APC resistance as a potential link between OC use and its known association with ischemic colitis.
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