Pseudomembranous colitis in four patients with cystic fibrosis following lung transplantation.
Pseudomembranous colitis is an uncommon complication in patients with cystic fibrosis, despite the use of multiple high-dose antibiotic regimens and the frequency of hospital admissions. Four patients from a total of 137 patients with cystic fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation are described who developed fulminant pseudomembranous colitis. Initial presentation was variable and the mortality rate was 50% despite urgent colectomy. In one case the presenting abdominal distension was thought to be due to meconium ileus equivalent. It is concluded that Clostridium difficile colitis may be a difficult diagnosis in patients with cystic fibrosis and follows a fulminant course after lung transplantation.
Yates
B
B
Institute of Cellular Medicine, University of Newcastle and The Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
Murphy
D M
DM
Fisher
A J
AJ
Gould
F K
FK
Lordan
J L
JL
Dark
J H
JH
Corris
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed