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Cirillo L, Noris A, Odone L, Giordano F, Becherucci F. Clostridium septicum infection complicating Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. J Nephrol 2024; 37:181-186. [PMID: 37314614 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium septicum (C. septicum) is a zoonotic bacillus found in 2.8% of healthy human stools. In humans, it can cause serious infections such as bacteremia, myonecrosis, and encephalitis by spreading through the bloodstream. Reports of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome complicated by C. septicum superinfection are rare, likely because colonic microangiopathic lesions by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli facilitate bacterial dissemination. Only 13 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome with C. septicum superinfection have been reported to date, according to our litterature review, with a 50% mortality rate. The lack of clinico-laboratory clues suggesting this condition makes the diagnosis challenging. For these reasons C. septicum superinfection usually goes undiagnosed in patients with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and results in unfavorable outcomes. In this paper, we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl admitted for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome who developed C. septicum coinfection leading to a fatal outcome. We carried out a review of the available literature on C. septicum infection complicating Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome and we compared the clinical features of the observed cases with those of an historical cohort of uncomplicated Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The mechanisms of superinfection are still unclear and clinical features are indistinguishable from those of uncomplicated Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome. However, rapid deterioration of clinical conditions and evidence of neurological involvement, associated with abnormal radiological findings, require immediate management. Although therapeutic approaches have not been directly compared, neurosurgical treatment of amenable lesions may improve the clinical outcome of patients with C. septicum-hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cirillo
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alice Noris
- Neurosurgery Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovica Odone
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Flavio Giordano
- Neurosurgery Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Becherucci
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy.
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Extrarenal manifestations of the hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC HUS). Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:2495-2507. [PMID: 30382336 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is commonly caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Up to 15% of individuals with STEC-associated hemorrhagic diarrhea develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC HUS). Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disorder comprising of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney injury. The kidney is the most commonly affected organ and approximately half of the affected patients require dialysis. Other organ systems can also be affected including the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal, cardiac, and musculoskeletal systems. Neurological complications include altered mental status, seizures, stroke, and coma. Gastrointestinal manifestations may present as hemorrhagic colitis, bowel ischemia/necrosis, and perforation. Pancreatitis and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction resulting in both acute and chronic insulin dependant diabetes mellitus can occur. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in cardiac microvasculature and troponin elevation has been reported, and musculoskeletal involvement manifesting as rhabdomyolysis has also been described. Extrarenal complications occur not only in the acute setting but may also be seen well after recovery from the acute phase of HUS. This review will focus on the extrarenal complications of STEC HUS. To date, management remains mainly supportive, and while there is no specific therapy for STEC HUS, supportive therapy has significantly reduced the mortality rate.
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Engen RM, Killien EY, Davis JL, Symons JM, Hartmann SM. C septicum Complicating Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Survival Without Surgical Intervention. Pediatrics 2017; 139:peds.2016-1362. [PMID: 28183731 PMCID: PMC5330394 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium septicum is an anaerobic bacterium that causes rapidly progressive myonecrosis, bacteremia, and central nervous system infection. It has been reported as a complication of Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in 8 children worldwide; 5 children died, and the 3 reported survivors had surgically treated disease. We present 3 cases of C septicum complicating HUS in children, including the first 2 reported cases of survival without surgical intervention. All patients presented with classic cases of HUS with initial clinical improvement followed by deterioration. Patient 1 had rising fever, tachycardia, and severe abdominal pain 24 hours after admission. She developed large multifocal intraparenchymal cerebral hemorrhages and died 12 hours later. Autopsy revealed C septicum intestinal necrosis, myonecrosis, and encephalitis. Patient 2 had new fever, increasing leukocytosis, and severe abdominal pain on hospital day 4. She was diagnosed with C septicum bacteremia and treated with metronidazole, meropenem, and clindamycin. Patient 3 had new fever and increasing leukocytosis on hospital day 3; blood cultures grew C septicum, and she was treated with penicillin. Patients 2 and 3 improved rapidly and did not require surgery. C septicum is a potential co-infection with E coli It thrives in the anaerobic environment of E coli-damaged intestinal mucosa and translocates to cause systemic infection. Fever, tachycardia, a rising white blood cell count, and abdominal pain out of proportion to examination are key findings for which physicians should be vigilant. Timely evaluation by anaerobic blood culture and early initiation of antibiotics are necessary to prevent fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L. Davis
- Pathology, Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and,Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous pneumocephalus in the nontraumatic setting is distinctly unusual. Pneumocephalus from central nervous system infection with Clostridium septicum has been rarely reported, and more commonly reflects a later stage of abscess formation. We present an unusual case of invasive C. septicum infection without an associated diagnosed malignancy presenting with rapidly progressive CNS pathology and resultant early pneumocephalus. METHODS Medical records, radiologic imaging, and microbiological specimens of a case were reviewed. RESULTS A 66-year-old male presented with a history of two witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizures on awakening. He was found unresponsive at the scene by paramedics and subsequently intubated. There was no reported antecedent symptomatology, such as headache, fever, chills, focal weakness, and speech or gait disturbances. Medical history was remarkable only for diet-controlled hypertension. Computed tomography (CT) head imaging revealed an abnormal right parietal hypodensity. The patient was evaluated per the acute stroke protocol but was not deemed a candidate for intervention or thrombolytic therapy given the uncertainty of his clinical presentation; intravenous antibiotics were administered for possible sepsis. Follow-up CT imaging of the head performed 8 h later revealed right parieto-temporal pneumocephalus with extensive cerebral edema and effacement of basilar cisterns. Neurosurgical intervention was not deemed appropriate given the catastrophic nature of his injury and the patient subsequently expired 14 h after presentation. Blood cultures grew gram-positive rods in three of four bottles identified as C. septicum. CONCLUSIONS Clostridium septicum is an uncommon and often fatal cause of nontraumatic pneumocephalus. This underscores the need for a high index of clinical suspicion in cases with unexplained pneumocephalus, as early diagnosis remains the key to survival. In survivors of C. septicum infection, subsequent colonoscopy should be considered to exclude undiagnosed or occult gastrointestinal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Katyal
- Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mercy Clinic and Hospital, 621 S. New Ballas Rd, Tower B, Ste 4006, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
| | - Dayton Dmello
- Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mercy Clinic and Hospital, 621 S. New Ballas Rd, Tower A, Ste 228, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA.
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Macha K, Giede-Jeppe A, Lücking H, Coras R, Huttner HB, Held J. Ischaemic stroke and Clostridium septicum sepsis and meningitis in a patient with occult colon carcinoma - a case report and review of the literature. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:239. [PMID: 27881097 PMCID: PMC5121982 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium septicum is a rare cause of meningitis and brain abscess in children and adults. Gas production by the pathogen can lead to pneumocephalus and the overall mortality rate of Clostridium septicum CNS infection is as high as 74%. The most common entry site of the pathogen is the gastrointestinal tract. Case presentation We describe a 74-year-old man who presented with a left-sided cerebral infarction in the middle cerebral artery territory. In addition the patient showed signs of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. Examination of blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid led to the diagnosis of sepsis and meningitis caused by Clostridium septicum. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy the condition of the patient deteriorated rapidly and he died on day 2 after admission. Autopsy revealed a previously unknown adenocarcinoma of the colon ascendens as entry site of the pathogen. Conclusion Clostridium septicum should be considered as potential pathogen in patients with sepsis and meningitis. Gram stain morphology in conjunction with severe sepsis can rapidly point into the direction of this pathogen. CNS infections manifest either as meningoencephalitis/cerebritis or as brain abscess. Entry site of the pathogen is almost uniquely the gastrointestinal tract. In adults more than 50% suffer from colorectal carcinoma, therefore survivors of Clostridium septicum infections should be examined for underlying occult colorectal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Macha
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antje Giede-Jeppe
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannes Lücking
- Department of Neuroradiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hagen B Huttner
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Held
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Wasserturmstraße 3-5, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Abstract
Brain abscesses in neonates are typically caused by Gram-negative organisms. There are no previously described cases caused by Clostridium septicum. We present a case of a premature male infant who developed recurrent episodes of suspected necrotizing enterocolitis followed by brain abscesses, cerebritis and ventriculitis caused by C. septicum.
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Clostridium septicum Panophthalmitis Complicated by Meningitis. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0b013e31824f8a6d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Williams EJ, Mitchell P, Mitra D, Clark JE. A microbiological hazard of rural living: Clostridium septicum brain abscess in a child with E coli 0157 associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2012; 2012:bcr-2012-006424. [PMID: 22736786 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium septicum infection in humans is rare and this is the second case report of focal C septicum brain abscesses associated with Escherichia coli 0157 haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). The case presented in a child who lived on a rural farm. The abscesses initially progressed despite 7 months of appropriate antibiotic therapy and repeated image-guided aspiration. After definitive resection and prolonged antibiotic therapy, there was no recurrence. This case reminds us of this rare but important neurological complication of HUS and supports consideration of early definitive neurosurgical intervention in similar unusual cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleri J Williams
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great North Childrens Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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Clostridium septicum myonecrosis complicating diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2008; 23:1171-5. [PMID: 18301926 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-008-0774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 19-month-old male child with diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) who developed swelling of the right arm at the site of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), fever, and later, ecchymosis. Wound cultures at the time of surgical debridement grew Clostridium septicum. The child subsequently required amputation of the right arm and prolonged therapy with parenteral penicillin and clindamycin. Clostridium septicum infections in children with HUS have been associated with a high rate of mortality. Along with colon cancer, diarrhea-associated HUS comprises a clinical entity which appears to predispose to atraumatic C. septicum infection, where acidic and anaerobic conditions in the diseased colon favor C. septicum invasion. Though not well recognized among pediatric nephrologists, C. septicum infection constitutes a severe, albeit rare, complication of diarrhea-associated HUS, but one in which a high index of suspicion is warranted as aggressive surgical and antibiotic therapy may be life-saving.
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Colen CB, Rayes M, Rengachary S, Guthikonda M. Outcome of brain abscess by Clostridium perfringens. Neurosurgery 2008; 61:E1339; discussion E1339. [PMID: 18162868 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000306118.31410.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the aggressive infection of soft tissue caused by Clostridium perfringens (gas gangrene-necrotizing fasciitis), a brain abscess with this bacteria treated by early surgical excision, debridement of necrotic tissue, and antibiotic coverage may be expected to have a good recovery. Long-term follow-up has not been well established in this group of patients. We report this case to show the outcome at 3 years post surgical and antibiotic treatment for C. perfringens brain abscess and stress the need for urgent intervention to achieve good outcome. We also present a literature review of Clostridial brain abscesses since the 1960s. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 53-year-old man was brought to the emergency room after having a witnessed seizure status postassault 3 days before admission. On presentation, he was febrile, disoriented, lethargic, and demonstrated right upper extremity weakness. A computed tomographic scan of the head showed a left frontoparietal depressed cranial fracture complicated with gas and intraparenchymal air fluid level cavity. INTERVENTION Emergent surgery for debridement and excision of necrotic tissue was performed. Empiric intravenous antibiotic therapy was started and penicillin G was added for 6 weeks after C. perfringens was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Despite the severe infection and effect of C. perfringens in soft tissues in the brain, it appears that emergent surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage will yield an excellent outcome for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaim B Colen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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Kim JH, Lee JJ, Yun SW, Chae SA, Lim IS, Lee DK, Choi ES, Yoo BH. A case of herpes zoster in a 4-month-old infant. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2008. [DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.12.1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Ju Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sin Weon Yun
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Ahn Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Seok Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Keun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eung Sang Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byoung Hoon Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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Smith-Slatas CL, Bourque M, Salazar JC. Clostridium septicum infections in children: a case report and review of the literature. Pediatrics 2006; 117:e796-805. [PMID: 16567392 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2005-1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium myonecrosis is a rare and deadly infection that progresses very rapidly; thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital. In adults, clostridial myonecrosis used to be a well-known complication of war wounds. Today, it is usually seen in settings of trauma, surgery, malignancy, skin infections/burns, and septic abortions. More recently, cases of nontraumatic or spontaneous clostridial myonecrosis have been reported in both adults and children. Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum are responsible for the majority of the clinically relevant infections. Higher mortality rates are seen when C septicum is the causative agent. Here we present a child who survived a severe case of C septicum myonecrosis involving both abdominal and thoracic cavities. This rare infection has a high mortality rate and might be easily misdiagnosed in children, even by experienced clinicians, because of its nonspecific presentation. We also review all reported pediatric cases of C septicum infection and myonecrosis and discuss the surgical and medical interventions associated with improved survival. We identified a total of 47 cases of C septicum infection; of these, 22 (47%) were cases of C septicum associated with myonecrosis. Several factors, if available, were analyzed for each case: age, gender, infection location, previous diagnoses, presenting signs and symptoms, neutropenia, gross pathology of the colon, antibiotic use, surgical intervention, and final outcome. We found that conditions related with C septicum infection in children can be grouped into 3 major categories: patients with neutrophil dysfunction; patients with associated bowel ischemia; and patients with a history of trauma. Malignancies were found in 49% of the cases, cyclic or congenital neutropenia in 21%, hemolytic-uremic syndrome in 11%, structural bowel ischemia in 4%, and local extremity trauma in 6%. In addition, 6% of the cases had no known underlying disorder. Abdominal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, blood per rectum, abdominal pain, anorexia, and/or acute abdomen, were reported in 85% of the children. Fever was also a common finding. The mainstay of treatment for C septicum infection was parenteral antibiotics and/or surgical intervention. The mortality rate for children with C septicum infection and myonecrosis was 57% and 59%, respectively. Although 82% of all cases received antibiotics, only 43% underwent therapeutic surgical intervention. Several clinical factors were found to be associated with improved survival. Only 35% of the children with gastrointestinal tract involvement survived, compared with 86% of the children without gastrointestinal tract involvement. The survival rates for other conditions ranged from 0% to 50%. One hundred percent survival was reported in patients with no previously diagnosed conditions and those with infections resulting from trauma to the extremities. All survivors received antibiotic treatment, compared with only 68% of the nonsurvivors. Most survivors (84%) underwent therapeutic surgical intervention, compared with only 12% of nonsurvivors. Other treatments were used adjunctively, including hyperbaric oxygen, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte transfusions, and intravenous immunoglobulin. C septicum infections in children are often fatal; thus, one needs to have a high index of suspicion in at-risk patients. This review describes who these patients are, their clinical presentation, and the therapeutic strategies associated with improved survival.
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Abstract
In normal infants and children, zoster can occur at any time after varicella or varicella vaccination. It is usually diagnosed clinically: a unilateral vesicular eruption following a dermatome or dermatomes. The incidence of zoster increases with age, although children who have had varicella during the first year of life (or in utero) are at increased risk of developing zoster. The incidence of zoster is less after varicella vaccination than after natural infection. Zoster in children is frequently mild, postzoster neuralgia rarely if ever occurs, and antiviral therapy is usually not needed. In a previously normal child with zoster, if the history and physical examination are normal, a laboratory search for occult immunodeficiency or malignancy is not needed. We present five cases of zoster in healthy children and review zoster in the pediatric age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Feder
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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Abstract
Many advances have been made in the area of HIV diagnostics. Commercially available virologic assays are sensitive and specific for the early detection of HIV in perinatal infection. The timing of the transmission of HIV from mother to child (in utero, at the time of birth, or postnatally by breast-feeding) is a critical consideration in the appropriate diagnosis of infants. Several algorithms can be used to define early infection and the potential timing of acquisition of infection that combine different assays and timing of specimens. The use of virologic assays, including HIV DNA PCR and HIV RNA detection methods and culture, can define and rule out infection in infants less than 18 months of age. Serologic diagnostic methods, including HIV ELISA, immunofluorescence, and western blot assays, can be used to diagnose infants more than 18 months of age, when transplacental antibody has disappeared in uninfected HIV-exposed infants. The challenge of the early and accurate diagnosis of perinatally HIV-exposed infants is the use of new assays to detect different HIV subtype infections that are prevalent in developing countries. Rapid, simple, and inexpensive serologic and virologic assays are being developed for worldwide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nielsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, USA
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Abstract
Five cases of Clostridium septicum infection secondary to Escherichia coli O157-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome have been reported. We report on three cases (one of which is included in the above five) of dual Cl. septicum and E. coil infection; all three patients were exposed to farm animals. A common zoonotic source for Cl. septicum and E. coli O157 infections should be considered. Patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome should be treated aggressively and monitored closely for Cl. septicum superinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barnham
- Harrogate General Hospital, United Kingdom
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Cheng YT, Huang CT, Leu HS, Chen JS, Kiu MC. Central nervous system infection due to Clostridium septicum: a case report and review of the literature. Infection 1997; 25:171-4. [PMID: 9181386 DOI: 10.1007/bf02113607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A patient with end stage breast cancer was admitted to hospital due to fever, chills, multiply eroded discharging wounds, and sudden onset of left hemiparesis. Clostridium septicum bacteremia and brain abscess were diagnosed. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous penicillin and clindamycin and stereotactic aspiration of the abscess. Eleven cases of C. septicum central nervous system infection are reviewed. They showed an extremely fulminant course and high fatality. Nevertheless, some relationship seems to exist between outcome and type of brain lesion. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome associated with central nervous system infection is also discussed, because all these cases in the literature were due to this organism. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics, are the key to improving the prognosis. A long-term prophylactic oral antimicrobial agent is suggested for patients who survive this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T Cheng
- Div. of Infectious Diseases, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Pathogenesis of HIV infection in children. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s1058-9813(97)00198-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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