Clostridium Difficile

Q: Does the delayed diagnosis of C-Diff (Clostridium Difficile) aggravate, prolong, strengthen, or make more difficult to resolve C-Diff?.  In other words, does a mis-diagnosis or delay of proper diagnosis of C-Diff make for a more virulant, and hard to control form of this problem?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A delayed diagnosis of C Diff would lead to worsening complications.  The first would involve pseudomembranous colitis.  The longer the diagnosis - the more severe the colitis.  This can range from Type I (changes confined to the superficial epithelium) to Type III (necrosis of the full thickness of the mucosa).  

Another complication of delayed treatment would be toxic megacolon - a life-threatening complication that is associated with systemic toxicity.  

In terms of the natural history of the disease - most cases would resolve once the offending antibiotic cause is stopped.  Thus, a delayed diagnosis can lead to a more difficult treatment course if it is not recognized that the offending antibiotic has to stopped.

These questions can be discussed with your personal physician.


Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[MrHockey]

What if the diagnosis is delayed, in my case by 2 months?

[MyDiagnosis2010]

A related discussion, What do I do? was started.