Pseudomembranous and neutropenic enterocolitis in pediatric oncology patients

Support Care Cancer. 2003 Sep;11(9):581-6. doi: 10.1007/s00520-003-0483-3. Epub 2003 May 24.

Abstract

Neutropenic enterocolitis in oncological patients represents a wide spectrum of clinicopathological pictures each with its own entity. Early diagnosis of enterocolitis can lead to improved supportive care and therefore better outcome. We present two cases--patient A, a child with pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile, and patient B, a child with neutropenic enterocolitis, where no organism was found. By allowing an insight into the pathology, immunology and culture results, we demonstrated that early diagnosis leads to improved management and therefore improved outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Neutropenic* / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Neutropenic* / epidemiology
  • Enterocolitis, Neutropenic* / therapy
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / diagnosis
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / epidemiology
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatrics
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome