Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis complicating ampicillin therapy.

A case of fatal pseudomembranous enterocolitis associated with ampicillin therapy is described and possible mechanisms for its production discussed.

The role of surgery in pseudomembranous enterocolitis.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder caused by Clostridium difficile toxins. Classical presentation includes abdominal pain, pyrexia, diarrhoea and leucocytes. The management is mainly conservative but in extreme cases surgery is necessary. Resectional procedures (colectomy) carry a better prognosis than diversion procedures (colostomy). A careful history, a high ind...

Management options The role of surgery in pseudomembranous enterocolitis

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder caused by Clostridium difficile toxins. Classical presentation ineludes abdominal pain, pyrexia, diarrhoea and leucocytosis. The management is mainly conservative but in extreme cases surgery is necessary. Resectional procedures (colectomy) carry a better prognosis than diversion procedures (colostomy). A careful history, a high i...

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis with jujunal perforation associated with CL. Welchii infection.

The spectrum of pseudomembranous enterocolitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Pseudomembranous (entero)colitis is primarily caused by Clostridium difficile infection. The most common predisposing factor is prior use of antibiotics, including vancomycin and metronidazole, which themselves are therapy for C difficile colitis. Other risk factors have also been described. The presence of C difficile in the gastrointestinal tract leads to a spectrum of manifestations from the...