Other conditions that might have Enterocolitis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Enterocolitis. Our database lists the following as having Enterocolitis as a complication of that condition:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Enterocolitis as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
See full list of 11 medications causing Enterocolitis
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Enterocolitis:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Enterocolitis may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Enterocolitis.
The exact cause of pseudomembranous enterocolitis is unknown; however, Clostridium difficile is thought to produce a toxin that may play a role in its development. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis has occurred postoperatively in debilitated patients who undergo abdominal surgery and in patients treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Whatever the cause, necrotic mucosa is replaced by a pseudomembrane filled with staphylococci, leukocytes, mucus, fibrin, and inflammatory cells.
Incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea varies from 5% to 39%, depending on the antibiotic. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis complicates 10% of these cases.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is thought to be caused by a change in the flora of the colon and an overgrowth of a toxin-producing strain of Clostridium difficile. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis has occurred postoperatively in debilitated patients who have undergone reabdominal surgery and in patients who have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Ampicillin, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are suspected as causative factors. Immunocompromised patients (such as individuals with cystic fibrosis, neurologic disease, liver and renal disease, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, and hematologic disorders) are at increased risk for this disease. Whatever the cause, necrosed mucosa is replaced by a pseudomembrane filled with staphylococci, leukocytes, mucus, fibrin, and inflamma-tory cells.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
NEC usually occurs in premature neonates (less than 34 weeks’ gestation) and those of low birth weight (less than 5 lb [2.3 kg]). NEC is occurring in more neonates, possibly because of the higher incidence and survival of premature and low-birth-weight neonates.
CLINICAL TIP: More than 90% of NEC cases occur after initiation of feedings.
The exact cause of NEC is unknown. Suggested predisposing factors include premature birth and small size for gestational age; blood exchange transfusions; feeding of concentrated formulas; infectious causes; respiratory failure; hypothermia; sepsis; acidosis; and structural cardiac defects as well as pharmacologic associations, such as cocaine exposure and indomethacin treatment.
NEC may also be a response to significant prenatal stress.
NEC can develop when the infant suffers perinatal hypoxemia due to shunting of blood from the gut to more vital organs. Subsequent mucosal ischemia provides an ideal medium for bacterial growth. Hypertonic formula may increase bacterial activity because — unlike maternal breast milk — it doesn’t provide protective immunity and because it contributes to the production of hydrogen gas. As the bowel swells and its integrity breaks down, gas-forming bacteria invade damaged areas, producing free air in the intestinal wall. This may result in fatal perforation and peritonitis.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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Pseudomembranous enterocolitis:
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