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Pseudomembranous colitis

Definition:

Pseudomembranous colitis is a complication of antibiotic therapy that causes severe inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of excess immune cells) in areas of the colon.



Alternative Names:
Antibiotic associated colitis; Colitis - pseudomembranous; Necrotizing colitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Almost any antibiotic can cause this condition. Clostridium difficile, which occurs normally in the intestine, overgrows when antibiotics are taken. This bacteria releases a powerful toxin which then causes the symptoms. The lining (mucosa) of the colon becomes raw and bleeds (hemorrhagic). Risk factors are antibiotic usage, chemotherapy for cancer, advanced age, recent surgery, and history of previous pseudomembranous colitis.

Ampicillin is the most common antibiotic associated with this disease in children. Pseudomembranous colitis is rare in infants less than 12 months old because of the presence of protective maternal antibodies.

Review Date: 5/5/2002
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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