Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2000 Mar;3(1):98-104.

A Case of Clostridium difficile Pseudomembranous Colitis

• Seo JH
• Lee JW
• Lee CH
• Chung KS

Abstract

Pseudomembranous colitis, thought to be uncommon in children, is a bacterial, toxin-mediated inflammatory process resulting in acute or chronic diarrhea and is characterized by colonic pseudomembranes. It is mediated by toxins produced by Clostridium difficile and is increasingly recognized in pediatric population. Diagnosis is based on positive culture of C. difficile in selective media and positive test of C. difficile toxin. Oral metronidazole or vancomycin are the main treatment options but avoidance of further antibiotics should also be encouraged where possible. We have experienced a case of pseudomembranous colitis in a 4-year-old female presented with septic shock and colitis. This case was diagnosed with positive test of C. difficile toxin B and confirmed by isolation of the organism on cultire in selective media. Symptoms have been ameliorated by discontinuation of antibiotics and administration of metronidazole and oral vancomycin, and ICU care.

Keyword

Pseudomembranous colitis; Clostidium difficile, Toxin A; Toxin B Vancomycin; Metronidazole

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child
Child, Preschool
Clostridium difficile*
Clostridium*
Colitis
Colon
Diagnosis
Diarrhea
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous*
Female
Humans
Metronidazole
Shock, Septic
Vancomycin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Metronidazole
Vancomycin