Efficacy of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin as therapy for Clostridium difficile infection in individuals taking concomitant antibiotics for other concurrent infections

Real-world effectiveness of fidaxomicin in patients at high risk of Clostridioides difficile recurrence

Objective

Compare the real-world impact of fidaxomicin (FDX) and vancomycin (VAN) on Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) recurrence in a high-risk patient population.

Design

A retrospective, matched-cohort study evaluating hospitalized patients with CDI from January 1, 2016, to November 1, 2022, within a tertiary academic medical center.

Patients

Adult patients with at least 1 prior CDI case who received either FDX or VAN for non-fulminant CDI while admitted, and had at least 1 additional risk factor for recurrence. Risk factors included age >70, solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, broad-spectrum antibiotic use within 30 days, or receipt of chemotherapy/immune-modulating agents within 30 days of admission. FDX and VAN patients were matched according to risk factors.

Results

A total of 415 patient admissions were identified. After the exclusion of 92 patients for fulminant CDI, diarrhea from another cause, or use of VAN taper therapy, and 15 unmatched patients, 308 patient admissions were included (68 FDX and 240 VAN patients). There were no significant differences in 4-week recurrence (26% vs 23%; OR 1.1; P = .51), 90-day CDI readmission (29% vs 23%; P = .65), or 90-day all-cause readmission (54% vs 53%; P = .91). There was a significant 17% decrease in 90-day mortality associated with the use of FDX (OR .3; P = .04).

Conclusions

In a real-world high-risk patient population, the use of FDX compared to oral VAN did not result in decreased CDI recurrence within 4 weeks or fewer hospital readmissions within 90 days. Further research is needed to better assess the value of FDX in this patient population.

Guidelines for Antibiotics Prescription in Critically Ill Patients

How to cite this article: Khilnani GC, Tiwari P, Mittal S, Kulkarni AP, Chaudhry D, Zirpe KG, et al. Guidelines for Antibiotics Prescription in Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S104-S216.

Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options

SUMMARYClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major issues in nosocomial infections. This bacterium is constantly evolving and poses complex challenges for clinicians, often encountered in real-life scenarios. In the face of CDI, we are increasingly equipped with new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies and live biotherapeutic products, which need to be thoroughly understood to fully harness their benefits. Moreover, interesting options are currently under study for the future, including bacteriophages, vaccines, and antibiotic inhibitors. Surveillance and prevention strategies continue to play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of the infection. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of epidemiological aspects, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and current and future prophylactic and therapeutic options for C. difficile infection.

Impact of oral vancomycin treatment duration on rate of Clostridioides difficile recurrence in patients requiring concurrent systemic antibiotics

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data guiding treatment duration of oral vancomycin for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) in patients requiring concomitant systemic antibiotics.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate prescribing practices of vancomycin for CDI in patients that required concurrent systemic antibiotics and to determine whether a prolonged duration of vancomycin (>14 days), compared to a standard duration (10-14 days), decreased CDI recurrence.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated adult hospitalized patients with an initial episode of CDI who were treated with vancomycin and who received overlapping systemic antibiotics for >72 hours. Outcomes of interest included CDI recurrence and isolation of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

RESULTS

Among the 218 patients included, 36% received a standard duration and 64% received a prolonged duration of treatment for a median of 13 days (11-14) and 20 days (16-26), respectively. Patients who received a prolonged duration had a longer median duration of systemic antibiotic overlap with vancomycin (11 vs 8 days; P < .001) and significantly more carbapenem use and infectious disease consultation. Recurrence at 8 weeks (12% standard duration vs 8% prolonged duration; P = .367), recurrence at 6 months (15% standard duration vs 10% prolonged duration; P = .240), and VRE isolation (3% standard duration vs 9% prolonged duration; P = .083) were not significantly different between groups. Discontinuation of vancomycin prior to completion of antibiotics was an independent predictor of 8-week recurrence on multivariable logistic regression (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-18.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral vancomycin prescribing relative to the systemic antibiotic end date may affect CDI recurrence to a greater extent than total vancomycin duration alone. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

An Open-Label, Randomized Trial Comparing Fidaxomicin With Oral Vancomycin for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients Receiving Concomitant Antibiotics for Concurrent Infections

BACKGROUND

Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) occurs frequently, and concomitant antibiotic (CA) during the initial episode for treatment of non-CDI is a major risk factor. We sought to address the comparative efficacy of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin in the setting of CA during the initial CDI episode.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label trial at 2 hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We consecutively consented and enrolled hospitalized patients ≥18 years old with diarrhea, a positive test for C. difficile, and ≥1 qualifying CA. Complicated CDI, CDI treatment for >24 hours prior to enrollment, and planned long-term (>12 weeks) CA use were notable exclusions. Clinical cure was defined as resolution of diarrhea for 2 consecutive days maintained until 2 days after therapy, and rCDI as recurrent diarrhea with positive testing ≤30 days after initial treatment. Patients were randomized to fidaxomicin or vancomycin.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups of 144 patients. Rates of clinical cure (73% vs 62.9%, P = .195) and rCDI (3.3% vs 4.0%; P > .99) were similar for fidaxomicin and vancomycin in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol cohorts, respectively. Only 4 patients developed rCDI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients with CDI receiving CA, a numerically higher proportion were cured with fidaxomicin versus vancomycin, but this result did not reach statistical significance. Overall recurrence was lower than anticipated in both arms compared with previous studies that did not extend duration of CDI treatment during CA.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02692651).

Improving Clostridioides difficile Infectious Disease Treatment Response via Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a predominant nosocomial infection, and guidelines for improving diagnosis and treatment were published in 2017. We conducted a single-center, retrospective 10-year cohort study of patients with primary C. difficile infectious disease (CDID) at the largest referral Lithuanian university hospital, aiming to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of CDID and their association with the outcomes, as well as implication of concordance with current Clinical Practice Guidelines. The study enrolled a total of 370 patients. Cases with non-concordant CDID treatment resulted in more CDID-related Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions (7.5 vs. 1.8%) and higher CDID-related mortality (13.0 vs. 1.8%) as well as 30-day all-cause mortality (61.0 vs. 36.1%) and a lower 30-day survival compared with CDID cases with concordant treatment (p < 0.05). Among cases defined by two criteria for severe CDID, only patients with non-concordant metronidazole treatment had refractory CDID (68.8 vs. 0.0%) compared with concordant vancomycin treatment. In the presence of non-concordant metronidazole treatment for severe CDID, only cases defined by two severity criteria had more CDID-related ICU admissions (18.8 vs. 0.0%) and higher CDID-related mortality (25.0 vs. 2.0%, p < 0.05) compared with cases defined by one criterion. Severe comorbidities and the continuation of concomitant antibiotics administered at CDID onset reduced (p < 0.05) the 30-day survival and increased (p = 0.053) 30-day all-cause mortality, with 57.6 vs. 10.7% and 52.0 vs. 25.0%, respectively. Conclusions: CDID treatment non-concordant with the guidelines was associated with various adverse outcomes. In CDID with leukocytes ≥ 15 × 109/L and serum creatinine level > 133 µmol/L (>1.5 mg/dL), enteral vancomycin should be used to avoid refractory response, as metronidazole use was associated with CDID-related ICU admission and CDID-related mortality. Severe comorbidities worsened the outcomes as they were associated with reduced 30-day survival. The continuation of concomitant antibiotic therapy increased 30-day all-cause mortality; thus, it needs to be reasonably justified, deescalated or stopped.

Biofilm Formation of Clostridioides difficile, Toxin Production and Alternatives to Conventional Antibiotics in the Treatment of CDI

Clostridioides difficile is considered a nosocomial pathogen that flares up in patients exposed to antibiotic treatment. However, four out of ten patients diagnosed with C. difficile infection (CDI) acquired the infection from non-hospitalized individuals, many of whom have not been treated with antibiotics. Treatment of recurrent CDI (rCDI) with antibiotics, especially vancomycin (VAN) and metronidazole (MNZ), increases the risk of experiencing a relapse by as much as 70%. Fidaxomicin, on the other hand, proved more effective than VAN and MNZ by preventing the initial transcription of RNA toxin genes. Alternative forms of treatment include quorum quenching (QQ) that blocks toxin synthesis, binding of small anion molecules such as tolevamer to toxins, monoclonal antibodies, such as bezlotoxumab and actoxumab, bacteriophage therapy, probiotics, and fecal microbial transplants (FMTs). This review summarizes factors that affect the colonization of C. difficile and the pathogenicity of toxins TcdA and TcdB. The different approaches experimented with in the destruction of C. difficile and treatment of CDI are evaluated.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in an Italian Tertiary Care University Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, mostly in frail patients. Notification is not mandatory in Italy, and data on incidence, risk of death, and recurrence are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine CDI incidence and risk factors for mortality and recurrence. The "ICD-9 00845" code in hospital-standardized discharged forms (H-SDF) and microbiology datasets were used to retrieve CDI cases at Policlinico Hospital, Palermo between 2013 and 2022. Incidence, ward distribution, recurrence rate, mortality, and coding rate were considered. The risk of death and recurrence was predicted through multivariable analysis. There were 275 CDIs, 75% hospital-acquired, the median time between admission and diagnosis was 13 days, and the median stay was 21 days. Incidence increased from 0.3 to 5.6% (an 18.7-fold increase) throughout the decade. Only 48.1% of cases were coded in H-SDF. The rate of severe/severe-complicated cases increased 1.9 times. Fidaxomicin was used in 17.1% and 24.7% of cases overall and since 2019. Overall and attributable mortalities were 11.3% and 4.7%, respectively. Median time between diagnosis and death was 11 days, and recurrence rate was 4%. Bezlotoxumab was administered in 64% of recurrences. Multivariable analysis revealed that only hemodialysis was associated with mortality. No statistically significant association in predicting recurrence risk emerged. We advocate for CDI notification to become mandatory and recommend coding CDI diagnosis in H-SDF to aid in infection rate monitoring. Maximum attention should be paid to preventing people on hemodialysis from getting CDI.

Role of previous systemic antibiotic therapy on the probability of recurrence after an initial episode of Clostridioides difficile infection treated with vancomycin

Objectives

To investigate the role of previous antibiotic therapy in the risk of recurrence after a Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) treated with vancomycin.

Methods

Multicentre observational study. Patients with a CDI episode achieving clinical cure with oral vancomycin and followed up 8 weeks were included. Previous antibiotic exposure up to 90 days was collected. Multivariate analysis of predictors of recurrence adjusted by the propensity score (PS) of being previously treated with each non-CDI antibiotic was performed.

Results

Two hundred and forty-one patients were included; 216 (90%) had received systemic antibiotics. Fifty-three patients (22%) had a CDI recurrence. Rates of recurrence were lower in those treated with piperacillin/tazobactam in the last month when compared with those not receiving piperacillin/tazobactam [3 (7%) versus 50 (25%); P = 0.01], whereas higher rates were seen in those treated with cephalosporins in the last month [26/87 (30%) versus 27/154 (17%); P = 0.03]. In multivariate analysis controlled by the inverse probability of treatment weighting by PS, receiving ≥5 days of piperacillin/tazobactam in the last month as the last antibiotic regimen prior to CDI was independently associated with a lower risk of recurrence [adjusted OR (AOR) 0.13; 95% CI: 0.06-0.29; P < 0.0001] whereas exposure for ≥5 days to cephalosporins (versus piperacillin/tazobactam) was associated with an increased risk (AOR 10.9; 95% CI: 4.4-27.1; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Recent use of piperacillin/tazobactam might be associated with a lower risk of CDI recurrence, while recent use of cephalosporins might promote an increased risk. These findings should be considered when treating hospitalized patients.

Clostridium difficile in Oncology Patients—Review of Diagnosis and Management in the Indian Setting

Clostridoides (formerly Clostridium) difficile (C. difficile) is a toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacillus, commonly implicated in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The true burden of C. difficile infection is unclear in India, as it is likely underdiagnosed and underreported. Its incidence is much higher in oncology patients where it can contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. There are several challenges in the Indian setting, including lack of uniform availability of testing infrastructure, as well as therapy. Oncology patients further present with a unique set of challenges. This article will review the approach to diagnosis and management of C. difficile-associated diarrhea in India, with a focus on oncology patients.

How can patients with Clostridioides difficile infection on concomitant antibiotic treatment be best managed?

Antibiotics are modifiable risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), driving pathogenesis via gut microbiome disruption. The management of patients with CDI prescribed concomitant non-CDI antibiotics is problematic and influences CDI outcome and recurrence risk. Though an assessment of the ongoing requirement for concomitant antibiotics is essential, discontinuation is often not possible. Antibiotics for other reasons might also need to be commenced during CDI therapy. Attempts to minimise the number and duration of antibiotics with a change to a low-risk class are recommended. Fidaxomicin might be preferable to vancomycin due to it having less effect on the gut microbiome; however, vancomycin is also acceptable. Metronidazole should be avoided and proton pump inhibitors discontinued. Access to fidaxomicin might be limited; hence, it should be prioritised for patients at high risk of recurrence. There is insufficient evidence to support extending anti-CDI therapy duration and concerns regarding microbiome effect remain. The addition of bezlotoxumab might be considered if multiple additional risk factors for recurrent CDI exist, though the amount of evidence is low. Investigational approaches to reduce the effect of concomitant antibiotics on the gut microbiome could further optimise CDI treatment in the presence of concomitant antibiotic use in the future.

Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two pathologies that share a bidirectional causal nexus, as CDI is known to have an aggravating effect on IBD and IBD is a known risk factor for CDI. The colonic involvement in IBD not only renders the host more prone to an initial CDI development but also to further recurrences. Furthermore, IBD flares, which are predominantly set off by a CDI, not only create a need for therapy escalation but also prolong hospital stay. For these reasons, adequate and comprehensive management of CDI is of paramount importance in patients with IBD. Microbiological diagnosis, correct evaluation of clinical status, and consideration of different treatment options (from antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation to monoclonal antibodies) carry pivotal importance. Thus, the aim of this article is to review the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of CDI in patients with IBD.

Concurrent and Subsequent Co-Infections of Clostridioides difficile Colitis in the Era of Gut Microbiota and Expanding Treatment Options

We narratively reviewed the physiopathology, epidemiology, and management of co-infections in Clostridioides difficile colitis (CDI) by searching the following keywords in Embase, MedLine, and PubMed: “Clostridium/Clostridioides difficile”, “co-infection”, “blood-stream infection” (BSI), “fungemia”, “Candida”, “Cytomegalovirus”, “probiotics”, “microbial translocation” (MT). Bacterial BSIs (mainly by Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus) and fungemia (mainly by Candida albicans) may occur in up to 20% and 9% of CDI, increasing mortality and length of hospitalization. Up to 68% of the isolates are multi-drug-resistant bacteria. A pivotal role is played by gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier leakage, and MT. Specific risk factors are represented by CDI-inducing broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral vancomycin use, and CDI severity. Probiotics administration (mainly Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus) during moderate/severe CDI may favor probiotics superinfection. Other co-infections (such as Cytomegalovirus or protozoa) can complicate limited and specific cases. There is mounting evidence that fidaxomicin, bezlotoxumab, and fecal microbiota transplantation can significantly reduce the rate of co-infections compared to historical therapies by interrupting the vicious circle between CDI, treatments, and MT. Bacterial BSIs and candidemia represent the most common co-infections in CDI. Physicians should be aware of this complication to promptly diagnose and treat it and enforce preventive strategies that include a more comprehensive consideration of newer treatment options.

Validation of Clinical Risk Models for Clostridioides difficile-Attributable Outcomes

Clostridioides difficile is the leading health care-associated pathogen, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality; however, there is no widely accepted model to predict C. difficile infection severity. Most currently available models perform poorly or were calibrated to predict outcomes that are not clinically relevant. We sought to validate six of the leading risk models (Age Treatment Leukocyte Albumin Serum Creatinine (ATLAS), C. difficile Disease (CDD), Zar, Hensgens, Shivashankar, and C. difficile Severity Score (CDSS)), guideline severity criteria, and PCR cycle threshold for predicting C. difficile-attributable severe outcomes (inpatient mortality, colectomy/ileostomy, or intensive care due to sepsis). Models were calculated using electronic data available within ±48 h of diagnosis (unavailable laboratory measurements assigned zero points), calibrated using a large retrospective cohort of 3,327 inpatient infections spanning 10 years, and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and precision-recall curves. ATLAS achieved the highest area under the ROC curve (AuROC) of 0.781, significantly better than the next best performing model (Zar 0.745; 95% confidence interval of AuROC difference 0.0094–0.6222; P = 0.008), and highest area under the precision-recall curve of 0.232. Current IDSA/SHEA severity criteria demonstrated moderate performance (AuROC 0.738) and PCR cycle threshold performed the worst (0.531). The overall predictive value for all models was low, with a maximum positive predictive value of 37.9% (ATLAS cutoff ≥9). No clinical model performed well on external validation, but ATLAS did outperform other models for predicting clinically relevant C. difficile-attributable outcomes at diagnosis. Novel markers should be pursued to augment or replace underperforming clinical-only models.

American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Series: #5-Management of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients

The Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy partnered with its Transplant Infectious Disease Special Interest Group to update its 2009 compendium-style infectious disease guidelines for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). A completely new approach was taken with the goal of better serving clinical providers by publishing each standalone topic in the infectious disease series as a concise format of frequently asked questions (FAQ), tables, and figures. Adult and pediatric infectious disease and HCT content experts developed and then answered FAQs and finalized topics with harmonized recommendations that were made by assigning an A through E strength of recommendation paired with a level of supporting evidence graded I through III. This fifth guideline in the series focuses on Clostridioides difficile infection with FAQs that address the prevalence, incidence, clinical features, colonization versus infection, clinical complications, diagnostic considerations, pharmacological therapies for episodic or recurrent infection, and the roles of prophylactic antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.

A study into the effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhoea including Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with spinal cord injuries: a multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea (AAD) and Clostridioides Difficile Infection (CDI) are of major concern in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation.

METHODS

A multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (the ECLISP) trial, was conducted in three tertiary spinal cord injury centre in the UK to assess the efficacy of consuming a probiotic beverage containing at least 6.5 × 10⁹ live Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) in preventing AAD and CDI and in patients with SCI and to determine whether proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and under nutrition-risk are risk factors for AAD/CDI. LcS or placebo was given once daily for the duration of an antibiotic course and continued for 7 days thereafter. Follow up was set at 7 and 30 days after the antibiotic course finished. The primary outcome was occurrence of AAD up to 30 days after finishing LcS/placebo. This trial is completed and registered (ISRCTN:13119162).

FINDINGS

Between November 2014, and November 2019, 359 consenting adult SCI patients (median age: 53.3; range: 18-88 years), from 3 SCI centres responsible for providing approximate 45-50% of UK SCI service, with a requirement for antibiotics due to infection were randomly allocated to receive LcS (n = 181) or placebo (n = 178). Overall, no statistical difference was seen in occurrence of the primary outcomes of AAD at 30 days follow up (45% v 42.1%, RR: 1.071, 0.8-1.4, p = 0.639). In the secondary analyses LcS was associated with a lower risk of AAD at 7 (19% v 35.7%, RR: 0.53, 0.29-0.99, p = 0.040) and 30 days follow up (28% v 52.2%, RR: 0.54, 0.32-0.91, p = 0.015) in the participants who took PPI regularly. Under nutrition-risk was associated with an increased risk of AAD at 7 (RR: 1.76, 1.28-2.44) and 30 days follow up (RR: 1.69, 1.30-2.0). No intervention-related adverse events were reported during the study.

INTERPRETATION

The present study indicates that LcS could not prevent AAD/CDI in unselected SCI patients. LcS might have the potential to prevent AAD in the higher risk group of patients on regular PPI. Confirmatory studies are needed to allow translation of this apparent therapeutic success into improved clinical outcomes.

FUNDING

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

Danish national guideline for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection and use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)

Aim: This Danish national guideline describes the treatment of adult patients with Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile (CD) infection and the use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). It suggests minimum standard for implementing an FMT service.Method: Four scientific societies appointed members for a working group which conducted a systematic literature review and agreed on the text and recommendations. All clinical recommendations were evalluated for evidence level and grade of recommendation.Results: In CD infection, the use of marketed and experimental antibiotics as well as microbiota-based therapies including FMT are described. An algorithm for evaluating treatment effect is suggested. The organisation of FMT, donor recruitment and screening, laboratory preparation, clinical application and follow-up are described.Conclusion: Updated evidence for the treatment of CD infection and the use of FMT is provided.

Diagnosis and management of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) may complicate the course of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The clinical presentation of CDI in this population is often atypical, and patients may experience exacerbations of their underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) secondary to C. difficile. In this review, we aim to review the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of CDI in the context of IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with colonic involvement of their IBD are at higher risk for CDI and colonization may be more common than in the general population. Therefore, CDI is confirmed using a two-step approach to stool testing. Oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin are the preferred agents for nonfulminant disease, and oral metronidazole is no longer recommended as first-line therapy. For all patients with CDI recurrence, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) should be considered, as this has been shown to be safe and effective. Among those who have worsening of their underlying IBD, retrospective research suggest that outcomes are improved for those who undergo escalation of immunosuppression with appropriate antimicrobial treatment of C. difficile, however prospective data are needed.

SUMMARY

CDI may complicate the course of IBD, however the presentation may not be typical. Therefore, all patients with worsening gastrointestinal symptoms should be evaluated for both CDI and IBD exacerbation. Providers should consider FMT for all patients with recurrent CDI as well as escalation of immunosuppression for patients who fail to improve with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Fidaxomicin as a Salvage Therapy for Fulminant Clostridioides difficile Infection

Few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of fidaxomicin in the treatment of fulminant C lostridi oides difficile infection (CDI). Fidaxomicin has been used as part of the standard treatment for nonsevere and severe CDI according to the guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, but not in severe fulminant CDI due to lack of randomized clinical trials supporting its use. We present the case of a patient who developed severe fulminant colitis initially refractory to treatment with oral vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole that had an impressive improvement within 24-hour of starting fidaxomicin. The patient had a complete resolution of the symptoms at the end of the therapy without requiring a surgical approach. There are few case reports of fulminant CDI treated with fidaxomicin as a salvage therapy for fulminant CDI. In this challenging scenario, information about the use of fidaxomicin is still limited and more clinical trials are needed to support its widespread use.

ACG Clinical Guidelines: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infections

Clostridioides difficile infection occurs when the bacterium produces toxin that causes diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. These guidelines indicate the preferred approach to the management of adults with C. difficile infection and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process. In instances where the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation but there was consensus of significant clinical merit, key concept statements were developed using expert consensus. These guidelines are meant to be broadly applicable and should be viewed as the preferred, but not the only, approach to clinical scenarios.

Assessing risk factors, mortality, and healthcare utilization associated with Clostridioides difficile infection in four Latin American countries

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in Western countries. Risk factors, mortality, and healthcare utilization for CDI in Latin America are poorly understood. This study assessed risk factors and burden associated with nosocomial CDI in four Latin American countries.

Methods

This retrospective, case-control study used databases and medical records from 8 hospitals in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico to identify nosocomial CDI cases from 2014 − 2017. Cases were patients aged ≥18 years with diarrhea and a positive CDI test ≥72 h after hospital admission. Two controls (without diarrhea; length of hospital stay [LOS] ≥3 days; admitted ±14 days from case patient; shared same ward) were matched to each case. CDI-associated risk factors were assessed by univariate and multivariable analyses. CDI burden (LOS, in-hospital mortality) was compared between cases and controls.

Results

The study included 481 cases and 962 controls. Mean age and sex were similar between cases and controls, but mean Charlson comorbidity index (4.3 vs 3.6; p < 0.001) and recent hospital admission (35.3% vs 18.8%; p < 0.001) were higher among cases. By multivariable analyses, CDI risk was associated with prior hospital admission within 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.97), recent antibiotic use (ie, carbapenem; OR, 2.85; 95% CI: 1.75, 4.64), acid suppressive therapy use (OR, 1.71; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.58), and medical conditions (ie, renal disease; OR, 1.48; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.85). In-hospital mortality rate (18.7% vs 6.9%; p < 0.001) and mean overall LOS (33.5 vs 18.8 days; p < 0.001) were higher and longer, respectively, in cases versus controls.

Conclusion

Antibiotic exposure, preexisting medical conditions, and recent hospital admission were major risk factors for CDI in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. CDI was associated with increased in-hospital risk of death and longer LOS. These findings are consistent with published literature in Western countries.

Prevention and treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant burden on the health system, especially due to high recurrence rates. Since the beginning of the CDI epidemic in early 2000s, many strategies for combatting recurrence have been explored, with moderate success so far. This review will focus on the most recent developments in recurrent CDI prevention and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are two main mechanisms of CDI recurrence: alteration in microbiome and poor antibody response. Development of new antibiotics aims to minimize damage to the microbiome. Fecal transplant or other microbiome replacement therapies seek to replenish the missing elements in the microbiome. Fecal microbiota transplant is the most effective treatment for prevention of CDI recurrenceso far, but is difficult to standardize and regulate, leading to efforts to develop microbiome-derived therapeutics. A deficiency in developing antibodies to C. difficile toxins is another mechanism of recurrence. Active immunization using toxoid vaccines or passive immunization using mAbs address this aspect.

SUMMARY

There are promising new treatments for recurrent CDI in development. Fecal microbiota transplant remains the most effective therapy for multiply recurrent CDI. New antibiotics, microbiome-derived therapeutics, and immunologic therapies are in development.

Fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile in children

Fidaxomicin is an oral narrow-spectrum novel 18-membered macrocyclic antibiotic that was initially approved in 2011 by the US FDA for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) in adults. In February 2020, the FDA approved fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI in children age >6 months. In adults, fidaxomicin is as efficacious as vancomycin in treating CDI and reduces the risk of recurrent CDI. An investigator-blinded, randomized, multicenter, multinational clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of fidaxomicin with vancomycin in children was recently published confirming similar findings as previously reported in adults. Fidaxomicin is the first FDA-approved treatment for CDI in children and offers a promising option for reducing recurrent CDI in this population.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: An official clinical practice guideline of the Spanish Society of Chemotherapy (SEQ), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and the working group of Postoperative Infection of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia and Reanimation (SEDAR)

This document gathers the opinion of a multidisciplinary forum of experts on different aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Spain. It has been structured around a series of questions that the attendees considered relevant and in which a consensus opinion was reached. The main messages were as follows: CDI should be suspected in patients older than 2 years of age in the presence of diarrhea, paralytic ileus and unexplained leukocytosis, even in the absence of classical risk factors. With a few exceptions, a single stool sample is sufficient for diagnosis, which can be sent to the laboratory with or without transportation media for enteropathogenic bacteria. In the absence of diarrhoea, rectal swabs may be valid. The microbiology laboratory should include C. difficile among the pathogens routinely searched in patients with diarrhoea. Laboratory tests in different order and sequence schemes include GDH detection, presence of toxins, molecular tests and toxigenic culture. Immediate determination of sensitivity to drugs such as vancomycin, metronidazole or fidaxomycin is not required. The evolution of toxin persistence is not a suitable test for follow up. Laboratory diagnosis of CDI should be rapid and results reported and interpreted to clinicians immediately. In addition to the basic support of all diarrheic episodes, CDI treatment requires the suppression of antiperistaltic agents, proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics, where possible. Oral vancomycin and fidaxomycin are the antibacterials of choice in treatment, intravenous metronidazole being restricted for patients in whom the presence of the above drugs in the intestinal lumen cannot be assured. Fecal material transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with multiple recurrences but uncertainties persist regarding its standardization and safety. Bezlotoxumab is a monoclonal antibody to C. difficile toxin B that should be administered to patients at high risk of recurrence. Surgery is becoming less and less necessary and prevention with vaccines is under research. Probiotics have so far not been shown to be therapeutically or preventively effective. The therapeutic strategy should be based, rather than on the number of episodes, on the severity of the episodes and on their potential to recur. Some data point to the efficacy of oral vancomycin prophylaxis in patients who reccur CDI when systemic antibiotics are required again.

Update on Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of health care-associated infections in the United States. The increasing incidence and recurrence rates of CDI together with its associated morbidity and mortality are great concerns. Newer treatment methods, such as narrow-spectrum antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, and microbial replacement therapies, are being developed and implemented. We searched PubMed to identify published literature from 2010 to 2018 using the following keywords: Clostridium difficile, treatment, and therapy. Cited references were also used to identify relevant literature. This review focuses on the current standard of therapy and emerging therapies for CDI and summarizes the updated guidelines on treatment of CDI.

Treatment of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection

Clostridioides (formerly: Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of diarrhoea for inpatients as well as outpatients. Usually, CDI is healthcare-associated but the number of community-acquired infections is increasing. CDI is generally associated with changes in the normal intestinal microbiota caused by administration of antibiotics. Elderly and immunocompromised patients are at greater risk for CDI and CDI recurrence. Recently, the treatment options of CDI have undergone major changes: current recommendations speak against using metronidazole for primary CDI, fidaxomicin and bezlotoxumab have been added to the treatment armamentarium and microbial replacement therapies have emerged. Several other therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this article, we review current treatment guidelines, present the most recent data on the options to treat CDI and glance towards future developments.KEY MESSAGESThe cornerstones for the treatment of CDI are vancomycin and fidaxomicin. Metronidazole should be used only in mild-to-moderate disease in younger patients who have no or only few risk factors for recurrence.In recurrent CDI, bezlotoxumab infusion (a monoclonal antibody against C. difficile toxin B) may be considered as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy in addition to the standard care provided to patients with several risk factors for recurrence.Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) should be offered to patients with frequently recurring CDI.

Strategies to prevent adverse outcomes following Clostridioides difficile infection in the elderly

Introduction: Clostridioides difficile remains the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in the US, and it disproportionately affects the elderly. Older patients are more susceptible and have a greater risk of adverse outcomes from C. difficile infection (CDI), despite advances in treatment and prevention.Areas covered: The epidemiology and pathogenesis of CDI, as well as risk factors in the aging host, will be reviewed. The importance of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention in order to avoid acquisition and transmission will be discussed, as well as strategies to prevent adverse outcomes and recurrent CDI, through optimization of CDI treatment s,election.Expert opinion: Appropriate CDI-prevention strategies to avoid adverse outcomes in this susceptible population involve antimicrobial stewardship and methods to prevent C. difficile transmission in healthcare settings. Management strategies to prevent adverse outcomes include initiation of supportive therapy and proper selection of CDI specific treatments. Many patients may also benefit from adjunctive therapies or additional procedures.

South African Society of Clinical Microbiology Clostridioides difficile infection diagnosis, management and infection prevention and control guideline

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a problem in both developed and developing countries and is a common hospital-acquired infection. This guideline provides evidence-based practical recommendations for South Africa and other developing countries. The scope of the guideline includes CDI diagnostic approaches; adult, paediatric and special populations treatment options; and surveillance and infection prevention and control recommendations.

Massive Hydrothorax and Ascites as the Primary Manifestation of Infection With Clostridium difficile: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Clostridium difficile infection (cdi) often occurs with long-term and irregular use of antibiotics. Patients with tumors receiving both antibiotics and chemotherapy are at a high risk of cdi. The symptoms of cdi vary but can include diarrhea, hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalance, hypoproteinemia, toxic megacolon, gastrointestinal tract perforation, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, and other lethal complications. Here, we report a rare clinical manifestation associated with cdi in a child with lymphoma presenting with massive hydrothorax and ascites. Case Presentation: A 6-year-old girl who was on chemotherapy for lymphoma presented with fever and was treated with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics 3 days before admission to our hospital. On the day before admission, she developed abdominal distension and diarrhea. After admission, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated, and her hydrothorax and ascites were drained. An initial extensive microbiological evaluation revealed no pathogens, and laboratory tests and imaging studies of the pleural and peritoneal effusions revealed no evidence of cancer. The initial culture results for C. difficile were negative. The patient was diagnosed with CDI only after a positive test result for C. difficile toxin B gene and a repeated stool culture test revealed CDI. Intravenous antibiotics were suspended and replaced with oral vancomycin and Saccharomyces boulardii, which resulted in successful treatment and a good post-discharge outcome. Conclusions: Massive hydrothorax and ascites are rare manifestations associated with CDI. CDI can occur in individuals with risk factors such as those undergoing broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Metronidazole therapy as initial treatment of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with chronic kidney disease in Korea

The risk of metronidazole treatment failure in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease in Korea has not been established. We evaluated 481 patients who had been admitted to two secondary hospitals with a diagnosis of, and treatment for, CDI during 2010–2016. CDI patients were divided into three groups according to CKD status: non-CKD (n = 363), CKD (n = 55) and those requiring dialysis (n = 63). Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of CKD status with treatment failure. CDI patients receiving dialysis tended to have increased odds of metronidazole and overall treatment failure compared to non-CKD patients; adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2.09 (1.03–4.21) and 2.18 (1.11–4.32) for metronidazole and overall treatment failure, respectively. However, CKD patients did not have increased odds of metronidazole or overall treatment failure compared to non-CKD patients, even where severe CDI was more prevalent in CKD patients. The incidence of symptomatic ileus or toxic megacolon did not differ among groups. Our results suggest that initial metronidazole therapy may be considered in CDI patients with non-dialysis CKD, but should not be considered in CDI patients undergoing dialysis.

Management of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in solid organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice address the prevention and management of Clostridium difficile infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is among the most common hospital acquired infections. In SOT recipients, the incidence of CDI varies by type and number or organs transplanted. While a meta-analysis of published literature found the prevalence of postoperative CDI in the general surgical population to be approximately 0.51%, the prevalence of CDI that is seen in the solid organ transplant population ranges from a low of 3.2% in the pancreatic transplant population to 12.7% in those receiving multiple organ transplants. There are no randomized, controlled trials evaluating the management of CDI in the SOT population. Herein is a review and summary of the currently available literature that has been synthesized into updated treatment guidelines for the management of CDI in the SOT population.

Real-world efficacy of bezlotoxumab for prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: a retrospective study of 46 patients in five university hospitals in Finland

Reports on real-world experience on efficacy of bezlotoxumab (BEZ) has been lacking thus far. We retrospectively studied the efficacy and safety of BEZ in preventing the recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in five university hospitals in Finland. Seventy-three percent of our 46 patients remained free of recurrence in the following 3 months and the performance remained as 71% effective also among immunocompromised patients. In severe CDI, BEZ prevented recurrence in 63% of cases. From our study patients, 78% had three or more known risk factors for recurrence of CDI. Eight of our patients were waiting for fecal microbiota transplantation but after stopping the antibiotics that were continued to prevent recurrence of CDI and after receiving BEZ, all remained free of recurrence and did not need the procedure. Success with BEZ as an adjunctive treatment in preventing recurrence of CDI in high-risk patients may be rated as high. Among a subgroup of our patients, those already evaluated to be in need of fecal microbiota transplantation, BEZ seems to be an alternative option.

Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention

The most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) often occurs after successful treatment of CDI. Due to the increased incidence and the difficulty in treating rCDI, it is becoming an important clinical issue. Identifying risk factors is helpful for early detection, treatment, and prevention of rCDI. Advanced age, use of antibiotics, gastric acid suppression, and infection with a hypervirulent strain are currently regarded as the major risk factors for rCDI. Several treatment modalities, including vancomycin, fidaxomicin, and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), are suggested for rCDI treatment. However, there is currently no definitive treatment method with sufficient evidence for rCDI. Recent studies have focused on FMT and have shown positive results for rCDI. Prevention of rCDI by measures such as hand washing and isolation of patients is very important. However, these preventive measures are often overlooked in clinical practice. Here, we review the risk factors, treatment, and prevention of rCDI.

Clostridium difficile infection: review

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacillus, which is widely distributed in the intestinal tract of humans and animals and in the environment. In the last decade, the frequency and severity of C. difficile infection has been increasing worldwide to become one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Transmission of this pathogen occurs by the fecal-oral route and the most important risk factors include antibiotic therapy, old age, and hospital or nursing home stay. The clinical picture is diverse and ranges from asymptomatic carrier status, through various degrees of diarrhea, to the most severe, life threatening colitis resulting with death. Diagnosis is based on direct detection of C. difficile toxins in feces, most commonly with the use of EIA assay, but no single test is suitable as a stand-alone test confirming CDI. Antibiotics of choice are vancomycin, fidaxomicin, and metronidazole, though metronidazole is considered as inferior. The goal of this review is to update physicians on current scientific knowledge of C. difficile infection, focusing also on fecal microbiota transplantation which is a promising therapy.

[Recommendations from a panel of experts on the usefulness of fidaxomicin for the treatment of infections caused by Clostridium difficile]

OBJECTIVE

Clostridium difficile infections have a high recurrence rate, which can complicate the prognosis of affected patients. It is therefore important to establish an early detection and an appropriate therapeutic strategy. The objective of this manuscript was to gather the opinion of an expert group about the predictive factors of poor progression, as well as when to use fidaxomicin in different groups of high-risk patients.

METHODS

A scientific committee of three experts in infectious diseases reviewed the most recent literature on the management of C. difficile infections, and the use of fidaxomicin. They developed a questionnaire of 23 items for consensus by 15 specialists in this type of infection using a modified Delphi method.

RESULTS

The consensus reached by the panelists was 91.3% in terms of agreement. The most important agreements were: recurrence is a risk criterion per se; fidaxomicin is effective and safe for the treatment of infections caused by C. difficile in critical patients, immunosuppressed patients, or patients with chronic renal failure; fidaxomicin is recommended from the first episode of infection to ensure maximum efficacy in patients with well-contrasted recurrence risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The experts consulted showed a high degree of agreement on topics related to the selection of patients with poorer prognosis, as well as on the use of fidaxomicin in groups of high-risk patients, either in the first line or in situations of recurrence.

A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Fidaxomicin for Prophylaxis of Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea in Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is common during hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated fidaxomicin for prevention of CDAD in HSCT patients.

Methods

In this double-blind study, subjects undergoing HSCT with fluoroquinolone prophylaxis stratified by transplant type (autologous/allogeneic) were randomized to once-daily oral fidaxomicin (200 mg) or a matching placebo. Dosing began within 2 days of starting conditioning or fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and continued until 7 days after neutrophil engraftment or completion of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis/clinically-indicated antimicrobials for up to 40 days. The primary endpoint was CDAD incidence through 30 days after study medication. The primary endpoint analysis counted confirmed CDAD, receipt of CDAD-effective medications (for any indication), and missing CDAD assessment (for any reason, including death) as failures; this composite analysis is referred to as "prophylaxis failure" to distinguish from the pre-specified sensitivity analysis, which counted only confirmed CDAD (by toxin immunoassay or nucleic acid amplification test) as failure.

Results

Of 611 subjects enrolled, 600 were treated and analyzed. Prophylaxis failure was similar in fidaxomicin and placebo recipients (28.6% vs 30.8%; difference 2.2% [-5.1, 9.5], P = .278). However, most failures were due to non-CDAD events. Confirmed CDAD was lower in fidaxomicin vs placebo recipients (4.3% vs 10.7%; difference 6.4% [2.2, 10.6], P = .0014). Drug-related adverse events occurred in 15.0% of fidaxomicin recipients and 20.0% of placebo recipients.

Conclusions

While no difference was demonstrated between arms in the primary analysis, results of the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that fidaxomicin significantly reduced the incidence of CDAD in HSCT recipients.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01691248.

Clostridioides difficile therapeutics: guidelines and beyond

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has become an increasingly common infection both within and outside of the hospital setting. The management of this infection has been evolving as we learn more about the role of the human microbiota in protecting us from this gastrointestinal opportunist. For many years the focus of treatment had been on eradication of the vegetative, toxin-producing form of the organism, with little regard for its collateral impact on the host's microbiota or risk of recurrence. With the marked increase in C. difficile disease, and, particularly, recurrent disease in the last decade, new guidelines are more focused on targeting and reducing collateral damage to the colonic microbiota. Immune-based strategies that manipulate the microbiota and provide a humoral response to toxins have now become mainstream. Newer strategies are needed to look beyond simply resolving the primary episode but are focused on delayed outcomes such as cure at 90 days, reduced morbidity and mortality, and patient quality of life. The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with the most recent evidence-based guidelines for C. difficile management, and to describe the role of newer antimicrobials, immunological-, and microbiota-based therapeutics to prevent recurrence and improve the outcomes of people with CDI.

Management of Clostridioides difficile colitis: insights for the gastroenterologist

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common cause of diarrhea in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The last few years have seen major changes in the treatment spectrum of CDI, most notably, recommendations against using metronidazole for initial CDI, the addition of fidaxomicin and bezlotoxumab, and emergence of microbial replacement therapies. Several other therapies are undergoing clinical trials. This narrative review focuses on the treatment of CDI with a summary of literature on the newer modalities and the treatment guidelines issued by Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Guidelines for Antibiotic Prescription in Intensive Care Unit

How to cite this article: Khilnani GC, Zirpe K, Hadda V, Mehta Y, Madan K, Kulkarni A, Mohan A, Dixit S, Guleria R, Bhattacharya P. Guidelines for Antibiotic Prescription in Intensive Care Unit. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine 2019;23 (Suppl 1):1-63.

Bezlotoxumab for the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection: a review of current evidence and safety profile

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading nosocomial disease estimated to cause nearly half a million cases in the United States annually. Recurrent CDI (rCDI) affects ~25% of patients after completion of standard of care therapy and is associated with substantial health care costs and a negative impact on patient's overall markers of quality of life. Bezlotoxumab is the first of its kind monoclonal antibody directed against C. difficile toxin B and indicated for prevention of rCDI in at-risk patients. For the present review, we assessed English-language studies evaluating the clinical efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of bezlotoxumab in humans. Relevant studies were obtained through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database library, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov. Overall, bezlotoxumab demonstrated a 40% relative reduction rate (absolute rate reduction of ~10%) and a number needed to treat of 10 patients with a favorable safety profile. Special populations, including the elderly, immunocompromised, and patients with end-stage renal disease were evaluated in post hoc analyses with a similarly favorable reduction in rCDI. This review presents and interprets the most recent safety data and the clinical application of bezlotoxumab, highlighting specific high-risk patient populations.

Comparing fecal microbiota transplantation to standard-of-care treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment option for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) is well established. Various studies have used different forms and administration routes for FMT. We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to update the clinical knowledge about different FMT modalities for curing rCDI compared with medical treatment (MT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed and Medline from inception through 10 May 2018 for randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing FMT (fresh or frozen) versus MT. We used Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool to assess bias in the RCTs. We estimated odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome using a random effects model. P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

We included seven RCTs comprising a total of 543 patients with recurrent CDI. There was a nonsignificant trend toward resolution of diarrhea following a single fresh FMT infusion compared with frozen FMT and MT (OR=2.45, 95% CI=0.78-7.71, P=0.12, I=69%). Subgroup analysis of fresh FMT vs. frozen FMT showed no difference between the two groups (OR=2.13, 95% CI=0.22-20.41, P=0.51, I=61%). Frozen FMT infusion through upper route versus lower route showed no difference (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.15-2.54, P=0.51, I=0%). There was a nonsignificant trend favoring multiple treatments with FMT versus multiple courses of MT (OR=3.68, 95% CI=0.74-18.22, P=0.11, I=0%).

CONCLUSION

FMT is a promising treatment modality for rCDI compared with MT alone. Different forms and routes of FMT administration seem to be equally efficacious. In future, more well-designed RCTs directed at homogenous FMT preparation and delivery methods are required to validate these findings.

Clinical review of Clostridium difficile infection: an update on treatment and prevention

INTRODUCTION

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become a significant healthcare-associated infection and is strongly associated with antibiotic use. Practice guidelines have recently been revised incorporating updated recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses updated aspects of CDI management. New and emerging pharmacologic options for treatment and prevention are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Metronidazole is associated with lower rates of treatment success compared to vancomycin and should no longer be used as primary therapy for the first episode of CDI or recurrent disease. Vancomycin or fidaxomicin are now recommended for first-line therapy for most cases of CDI. Fecal microbiota transplant is effective and safe for the treatment of recurrent CDI. Evidence supports the use of fidaxomicin and bezlotoxumab for prevention of recurrent CDI; however, the costs associated with these therapies may limit their use. Validated risk prediction tools are needed to identify patients most likely to benefit from these treatments. Future advancements in microbiota targeting treatments will emerge as promising alternatives to standard CDI treatments. Antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures will remain essential components for CDI management.

Prevention and treatment of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea by reconstitution of the microbiota

This review summarizes the latest advances in treating and preventing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the most common infectious disease cause of nosocomial diarrhea in adults in developed countries. As customary antibiotic therapies against C. difficile, metronidazole and vancomycin, are broad spectrum, they affect greatly the gut microbiota, which result in very high recurrence rates. Therefore, new strategies are researched intensively. New therapies focus on limiting further destruction of the gut microbiota or restoring the microbiota to its pre-destructed state. These include new antibiotics, such as fidaxomicin, which demonstrates reduced CDI recurrences, among other new drugs, biotherapeutic strategies, mainly fecal microbiota transplantation but also competitive inhibition with non-toxigenic strains of C. difficile, and finally, monoclonal antibodies against C. difficile toxins which offer protection against recurrences.