Antibiotic Induced Hemorrhagic Colitis

Abstract

During the last 4 years, 10 patients with antibiotic induced hemorrhagic colitis were admitted to our department complaining of bloody diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain. There were 5 males and 5 females. Their age ranged 19 to 58 year. Eight cases had had ampicillin and 2 cases amoxicillin before the onset. In 7 cases symptoms appeared 2 days after the antibiotics were stopped, while in other 3 cases during antibiotic-administration. Fecal culture disclosed Klebsiella oxytoca in 7 of 10 patients. Colonoscopy were done in 3 patients and revealed multiple linear ulcers in the transverse colon in one case and scattered red spots and erosions in the sigmoid colon in two cases. Barium enema studies were performed in 6 cases and showed loss of haustration with rigidity of sigmoid colon in only one case. Lymphocyte stimulating tests done in 2 cases were positive with ampicillin and amoxicillin, respertively. The course was self-limited and complete recovery was seen within 2 weeks.