Pseudomembranous colitis in a patient treated with paclitaxel for carcinoma of the breast: a case report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The concomitant antimicrobial properties of antineoplastic agents may play a role in causing pseudomembranous colitis, which has been documented for cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil.

CLINICAL PICTURE:

We describe the first case reported in the English literature of severe pseudomembranous colitis occurring in a patient given paclitaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. There was no prior antibiotic therapy. Stool culture confirmed Clostridium difficile.

TREATMENT:

Oral vancomycin, metronidazole and cholestyramine led to prompt improvement of intestinal symptoms, which resolved in two weeks.

OUTCOME:

Repeat colonoscopy performed 3 months later showed total resolution of the colitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Awareness of pseudomembranous colitis after paclitaxel chemotherapy can avert life-threatening complications.

• Authors: P Ang, W K Cheong, K S Khoo
• Journal: Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Ann Acad Med Singap) Vol. 29 Issue 1 Pg. 132-4 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0304-4602 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 10748982 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Paclitaxel

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (therapeutic use)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast (drug therapy)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Paclitaxel (adverse effects, therapeutic use)