Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  1998 Sep;1(1):138-143.

Pseudomembranous Colitis in a Child of Chronic Diarrhea

• Lee J
• Kim JW
• Kim SI

Abstract

Chronic diarrhea in children is a common problem with numerous causes. Although most of these causes are benign, critical illness may present as chronic diarrhea. In a patient of chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections are the most common causes in children of all ages and antibiotics may cause chronic diarrhea by altering intestinal microflora, which can result in the emergence of bacterial overgrowth. Overgrowth of Clostridium difficile may cause pseudomembranous colitis. We experienced 25-month-old boy who suffered from chronic diarrhea and partially treated with antibiotics irregularly. Colonoscopic findings of this child showed multiple plaques with white to yellowish exudate which adhere to the mucosal surface of a variable length of rectum. Histollogically, each plaque comprised a pseudomembrane of mucous debris, inflammatory cells, and exudate overlying groups of partially disrupted glands. A latex agglutination test on patient's stool was positive to toxin A of Clostridium difficile. He was recovered after stopping the antibiotics he has been prescribed, and being given vancomycin for 2 weeks. We report this case with brief review of literature.

Keyword

Chronic diarrhea; Pseudomembranous colitis; Child

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child*
Child, Preschool
Clostridium difficile
Critical Illness
Diarrhea*
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous*
Exudates and Transudates
Humans
Latex Fixation Tests
Male
Rectum
Vancomycin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Vancomycin