A Case of Clostridium difficile Pseudomembranous Colitis

Clostridium difficile 감염에 의한 위막성 대장염 1례

  • Seo, Jung-Ho (Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Jong-Won (Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Chang-Han (Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chung, Ki-Sup (Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • 서정호 (연세대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실) ;
  • 이종원 (연세대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실) ;
  • 이창한 (연세대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실) ;
  • 정기섭 (연세대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실)
  • Received : 2000.03.04
  • Accepted : 2000.03.14
  • Published : 2000.03.30

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.

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