Cefazolin-induced pseudomembranous colitis resulting in perforation of the sigmoid colon

Abstract

The seventh case of probable cefazolin-induced pseudomembranous colitis is reported. Perforation of the colon necessitated sigmoid resection. The postoperative course was protracted, and illustrates the difficulty of managing advanced pseudomembranous colitis when the oral route of antibiotic administration is not available. Although rare, pseudomembranous colitis related to cefazolin administration is a potentially fatal complication. The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics must be weighed against this possibility.