Fidaxomicin is prioritized over vancomycin for initial CDI episodes due to lower recurrence rates, but affordability may be an issue for some patients.
Surgery is recommended for severe CDI cases with shock, ileus, or megacolon, with vancomycin and metronidazole as treatment options.
Deep dives
Management of Non-Severe and Severe C-Difficile Infection
The 2021 guidelines prioritize fidaxomicin over vancomycin for the initial episodes of CDI due to its superior reduction in recurrence rates. Fidaxomicin, though effective, may pose challenges in affordability for some patients compared to vancomycin, which remains a viable alternative especially in resource-constrained settings.
Treatment of Fulminant C-Difficile Infection
For fulminant disease, vancomycin at a high dose of 500mg four times daily is recommended, with rectal administration in cases of ileus. Additional IV metronidazole can be considered in conjunction with oral or rectal vancomycin. Surgery is advised for patients with shock, ileus, or megacolon, indicating the need for source control in severe cases.
Management of C-Difficile Recurrence and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Fidaxomicin is the preferred choice for first CDI recurrence, with a modified regimen focusing on pulse or tapering doses. For second and subsequent recurrences, options include fidaxomicin, vancomycin with or without a tapering regimen, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) after at least two recurrences. FMT is recommended to reduce recurrence risk, especially after multiple episodes of CDI.
Implications for Prophylaxis and Infection Control
Primary and secondary prophylaxis strategies vary, with primary prophylaxis showing some benefit in high-risk patients. Infection control focuses on early recognition of CDI, contact precautions, and proper isolation to prevent transmission in healthcare settings. Counseling patients on infection prevention at home involves emphasizing hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and understanding the course of transmission post-recovery from CDI.
In this episode, Dr. Sheliza Halani interviews special guest Dr. Alon Vaisman (Infectious Diseases) on the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: 2017 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
They discuss the definitions of severity of C. difficile, recommendations for current treatment and testing, prophylaxis and surgical management options.
Producer and Host: Dr. Sheliza Halani Guest: Dr. Alon Vaisman (Infectious Diseases) Sound Editing: Dr. Alison Lai