Use of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of severe clostridium difficile colitis

Severe C difficile colitis has been reported more frequently in the literature recently, especially in elderly patients. Tissue culture assay is the best diagnostic test to detect the cytotoxin; enzyme immunoassay is the test used in most hospitals, but it has a sensitivity of only −75%. Treatment options remain limited to eradicate this serious infection. Antibiotic therapy, infection control measures, and early diagnosis are essential components of successful outcome for this disease. This patient's infection resolved with the addition of IVIG with no recurrence, suggesting the possible benefit of this treatment in certain patients with severe colitis who do not respond to standard therapy.