Pseudomembranous colitis associated with antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.
We report 16 orthopaedic patients who had antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (pseudomembranous colitis) after operation. There was an association with the use of cephradine and with the prolongation of prophylaxis for more than three peri-operative doses. Five cases occurred as a cluster, suggesting that the causative agent, Clostridium difficile, may be infectious in some situations.
Cannon
S R
SR
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, England.
Dyson
P H
PH
Sanderson
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002515:Cephradine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011292:Premedication / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002515:Cephradine; D002444:Cefuroxime