senile pseudomembranous enterocolitis

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (PMC) is an acute mucosal necrotizing, fibrinous exudative inflammation that mainly involves the colon but can also affect the small intestine. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is caused by the use of antibiotics leading to intestinal flora imbalance, with massive proliferation of Clostridium difficile in the intestinal tract causing enteritis. In severe cases, sheet-like mucosa is passed in the stool; it was formerly called pseudomembranous enteritis. It mostly occurs in patients with low immune function and is more common in the elderly. Clinical manifestations include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, water and electrolyte disturbances, and acid-base imbalance; in severe cases, shock and various complications may occur. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, this disease is increasingly common and is also known as antibiotic-associated enteritis, a common nosocomial infectious disease.