Lung Transplant Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Lung Transplant, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery, organ donation.

Pseudomembranous colitis in four patients with cystic fibrosis following lung transplantation.

Yates B, Murphy DM, Fisher AJ, Gould FK, Lordan JL, Dark JH, Corris PA

Institute of Cellular Medicine, University of Newcastle and The Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.

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.

Published 30 May 2007 in Thorax, 62(6): 554-6.
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