A 60 yr old female was admitted to the hospital for an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question

A 60 yr old female was admitted to the hospital for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The patient did well intraoperatively and was recovering nicely for the first five days post-operation. On the sixth day,she developed five bouts of diarrhea and blood is noted on the most recent bout. Her hospital medications include clindamycin. What is the most likely diagnosis? What is the next step in management? What is the most likely causative agent? What is the most likely pathogenesis causing this condition? What is the mechanism of action leading to this condition?

Explanation / Answer

The drug Clindamycin , has its side effects. A watery or bloody diarrhoea, indicates side-effect of Clindamycin. The patient should immediately stop the use of this drug instead of taking an anti-diarrhoea medicine. If any other drug is given, it may interact with clindamycin producing more side effects.

This drug increases the risk of colitis, inflammation of intestine. Actually the drug Clindamycin, reduces gut flora and increases Clostridium dificile colitis bacteria in gut, which actually is responsible for diarrhoea.

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