Fulminant Clostridium difficile Enteritis after Proctocolectomy and Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastamosis
2008
Severe Clostridium difficile Infection After Surgery
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Elena Boland, Jon S. Thompson
Primary Institution: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Hypothesis
Isolated small bowel C. difficile enteritis is rare and can manifest in the absence of a colon.
Conclusion
C. difficile enteritis can have a fulminant course with a high risk of sepsis and mortality, especially in patients with altered intestinal anatomy.
Supporting Evidence
- C. difficile enteritis is more severe than C. difficile colitis.
- Mortality rates for small bowel involvement range from 60-83%.
- Most patients with C. difficile enteritis have recent hospitalization and antibiotic use.
Takeaway
This study talks about a very sick man who got a rare infection in his small intestine after surgery, but he got better with treatment.
Methodology
Case report and review of previous cases.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report and a review of literature, which may not represent all cases.
Participant Demographics
A 42-year-old man with a history of ulcerative colitis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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