What Is C. Diff?
9. Complications
Some complications that may occur in C. diff infections include fulminant colitis, toxic megacolon, and colon perforation. Fulminant colitis is rare and occurs in 3% of patients. Patients who develop fulminant colitis will require surgery. A study reported a 34.7% death rate among those with fulminant colitis. These patients often require admission into the intensive care unit or require a colectomy (removal of the colon via surgery).
Risk factors for death from fulminant colitis are 70 years of age or more, cardiorespiratory failure, and severe leukopenia or leukocytosis. Toxic megacolon is a complication that occurs when there is acute inflammation and dilation of the colon. The dilation can usually be seen on a plain abdominal X-ray. Patients with colon perforation usually experience tenderness and pain in the abdomen, rigid abdomen, and more. Suspicion of perforation should lead to a prompt surgical consult.
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