ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ANTIBIOTIC-INDUCED COLITIS

Abstract

Since pseudomembranous colitis induced by Lincomycin or Clindamycin was reported, iatrogenic colitis induced by antibiotics not infrequently has been observed endoscopically. Three cases of antibiotic-induced colitis were observed in our hospital for these 3 years. Two cases were given Ampicillin and one was given Penicillin-G to primary diseases. Bloody diarrhea, lower abdominal pain and slight fever were common symptomes. In 3 cases, these symptomes developed on 5-15 days after administration of antibiotics. In two cases, eosinophilia was observed. Barium enema examination revealed no abnormal findings in all cases. Typical acute hemorrhagic colitis was observed in 3 cases by colonofiberscope. Scattered mucosal bleeding and irregurality of blood vessels were distinctively observed colonoscopically from the sigmoid colon to the transverse colon. Vasculature was vaguely observed in some involved area. Symptomes of three cased improved shortly after treatment with the Salazosulfapyridin medication and stopping of antibiotics. Endoscopic findings of colonic mucosa were also turned to normal within 15 days. Generally, antibiotic-induced colitis is easily treated if it is found in early stage, therefore early diagnosis by colonofiberscope in such cases is mandatory.