COLITE PSEUDOMEMBRANOSA EM PACIENTE JOVEM: RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

2. ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe inflammation of the large intestine caused by the use of antibiotics, leading to the colonization of Clostridioides difficile, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Although more common in elderly individuals with a history of antibiotic use or hospitalizations, the infection can occur in patients without risk factors. Diagnosis is made through tests that detect the toxins A and B of C. difficile, and treatment involves discontinuing the antibiotic and using medications such as vancomycin and metronidazole. Objective: To report the case of a young and healthy patient who developed pseudomembranous colitis due to early antibiotic use after an episode of acute diarrhea and to understand the impact of antibiotics on the intestinal flora and the development of this condition. Methods: A case report of pseudomembranous colitis in a young patient was conducted. The study followed the criteria of Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council, with approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás. In addition, a bibliographic search was conducted in the Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Results: A 22-year-old male patient sought medical attention with symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea. Initially, he was diagnosed with acute gastroenterocolitis due to food poisoning and treated with antibiotics. After 10 days, the symptoms returned, leading to hospitalization, with a weight loss of 10 kg in one month and worsening abdominal symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridioides difficile, confirmed by rectosigmoidoscopy and tomography. Treatment with vancomycin and metronidazole resulted in significant improvement. There was a recurrence after five months, treated with antibiotic therapy, and subsequent tests showed normalcy. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need for awareness of the risks of indiscriminate antibiotic use, even in young and healthy patients, the importance of a careful approach in their prescription, and the need for healthcare professionals to be vigilant about symptoms and risk factors in order to diagnose and intervene early. Keywords: pseudomembranous colitis, Clostridioides difficile, antibiotics