WSES guidelines for management of Clostridium difficile infection in surgical patients

Total abdominal colectomy versus diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage for fulminant clostridium difficile colitis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes

PURPOSE

Diverting Loop Ileostomy (DLI) with intraoperative colonic lavage has emerged as a potential alternative to Total Abdominal Colectomy (TAC) for treating Fulminant Clostridium Difficile Colitis (FCDC). This study aims to provide an updated review comparing DLI with TAC in managing FCDC.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify retrospective and prospective studies comparing DLI with TAC for fulminant CDC treatment. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate postoperative mortality rates and complications using R Studio version 4.4.1, calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals via the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 228 relevant citations, of which 7 studies with a total of 7,048 patients were included. Of these, 1,728 underwent DLI. The mean age was 63.33 years in the DLI group and 65.74 years in the TAC group. Compared to TAC, DLI had significantly lower postoperative mortality (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.90; P = 0.002; I2 = 34%). Trial sequential analysis for postoperative mortality rates showed the benefit of DLI with a sufficiently powered sample. The DLI group also had a significantly higher rate of ostomy reversal (OR 5.68; 95% CI 2.35-13.72; P < 0.001; I2 = 36%). Postoperative complications, such as thromboembolic events, surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, renal failure, and pneumonia, were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

DLI shows a lower postoperative mortality rate and higher ostomy reversal rate than TAC, suggesting it as a potential organ-preserving, minimally invasive alternative. Further high-quality studies and trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Clostridium difficile infection after stoma reversal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been described in the early post-operative phase after stoma reversal. This systematic review aimed to describe the incidence of CDI after stoma reversal and to identify pre-operative variables correlated with an increased risk of infection.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines in March 2024. Manuscripts were included if reported at least one patient with CDI-associated diarrhoea following stoma reversal (colostomy/ileostomy). The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of CDI; the secondary outcome was the comparison of clinical variables (age, sex, time to stoma reversal, neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapies after index colorectal procedure) in CDI-positive versus CDI-negative patients. A meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies reported on those variables.

RESULTS

Out of 43 eligible manuscripts, 1 randomized controlled trial and 10 retrospective studies were selected, including 17,857 patients (2.1% CDI). Overall, the mean age was 64.3 ± 11.6 years in the CDI group and 61.5 ± 12.6 years in the CDI-negative group (p = 0.51), with no significant difference in sex (p = 0.34). Univariable analyses documented that the mean time to stoma reversal was 53.9 ± 19.1 weeks in CDI patients and 39.8 ± 15.0 weeks in CDI-negative patients (p = 0.40) and a correlation between neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments with CDI (p < 0.001). A meta-analysis was performed for time to stoma reversal, age, sex, and neo-adjuvant therapies disclosing no significant differences for CDI (stoma delay, MD 11.59; 95%CI  24.32-1.13; age, MD 0.97; 95%CI 2.08-4.03; sex, OR1.11; 95%CI 0.88-1.41; neo-adjuvant, OR0.81; 95%CI 0.49-1.35). Meta-analysis including patients who underwent adjuvant therapy evidenced a higher risk of CDI (OR 2.88; 95%CI 1.01-8.17, p = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

CDI occurs in approximately 2.1% of patients after stoma reversal. Although a trend of increased delay in stoma reversal and a correlation with chemotherapy were documented in CDI patients, the use of adjuvant therapy was the only possible risk factor documented on meta-analysis.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023484704.

Metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals: Measuring guideline compliance and appropriateness to support antimicrobial stewardship

BACKGROUND

Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial in Australian hospitals. Inappropriate use may increase risks to patient care, such as toxicities and antimicrobial resistance. To date, there is limited information on the quality of metronidazole prescriptions to inform antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement initiatives. This study aims to describe the quality of metronidazole prescribing practices in Australian hospitals.

METHODS

Retrospective data analysis of the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Hospital NAPS). Data were collected by auditors at each participating hospital using a standardised auditing tool. All data from 2013 to 2021 were de-identified and analysed descriptively. Variables included were antimicrobial prescribed, indication, guideline compliance and appropriateness.

RESULTS

Metronidazole was the fifth most prescribed antimicrobial in the Hospital NAPS dataset (2013-2021), accounting for 5.7 % (n = 14,197) of all antimicrobial prescriptions (n = 250,863). The proportion of metronidazole prescriptions declined by 2 % from 2013 to 2021 (p < 0.001). The most common indications were surgical prophylaxis (15.3 %), diverticulitis (9.4 %), aspiration pneumonia (7.3 %). Over half (53.5 %) of metronidazole prescriptions were deemed compliant with prescribing guidelines and 67.8 % were deemed appropriate. These rates were comparatively lower than the overall results of all antimicrobials. The primary documented reason for inappropriateness was that the spectrum was too broad (34.2 %). Surgical prophylaxis had the lowest rates of guideline compliance (53.8 %) and appropriateness (54.3 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Metronidazole remains widely used in Australian hospitals with suboptimal rates of guideline compliance and appropriateness. A noted area for improvement that we identified was using metronidazole when its spectrum was too broad, possibly when anaerobic therapy is unnecessary. With increasing international adoption of the Hospital NAPS programme, future comparative studies will be critical to identify global trends of antimicrobial prescribing quality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes have proven to be effective in improving prescribing quality and should be considered to specifically target improvements in metronidazole prescribing.

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or "golden rules," for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice.

Examining the Extent of Contamination, Antibiotic Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Strains in Meat and Feces of Some Native Birds of Iran

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile (C. difficile) is one of the essential enteropathogens in humans and livestock and is a severe health threat, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, antimicrobials are one of the most critical risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI). The present study examined the infection, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity of the C. difficile strains in the meat and feces of some native birds (chicken, duck, quail, and partridge) in the Shahrekord region, Iran, from July 2018 to July 2019. Samples were grown on CDMN agar after an enrichment step. To determine the toxin profile, the tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, cdtA, and cdtB genes were detected via multiplex PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates was examined using the disk diffusion method and followed based on MIC and epsilometric test. 300 meat samples of chicken, duck, partridge, and quail and 1100 samples of bird feces were collected from six traditional farms in Shahrekord, Iran. Thirty-five meat samples (11.6%) and 191 fecal samples (17.36%) contained C. difficile. Moreover, five toxigenic samples isolated had 5, 1, and 3 tcdA/B, tcdC, and cdtA/B genes. Out of the studied strains isolated from the 226 samples, two isolates belonging to ribotype RT027 and one isolated RT078 profile related to native chicken feces were observed from chicken sample. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that all the strains are resistant to ampicillin, 28.57% are resistant to metronidazole, and 100% were susceptible to vancomycin. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the raw meat of birds might be a source of resistant C. difficile that poses a hygienic threat to the consumption of native bird meat. Nevertheless, further studies are essential to understand additional epidemiological features of C. difficile in bird meat.

A Case of Clostridioides difficile Infection of a Pregnant Woman Treated with Colectomy

Clostridioides difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a life-threatening inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we aimed to present a 40-year-old woman at 25 weeks of gestation whose pregnancy was terminated earlier than expected. Unfortunately, despite fidaxomicin and oral vancomycin, the patient's diarrhea did not improve, and she had to undergo a subtotal colectomy. C. difficile infections developing in pregnant women can be catastrophic for both baby and maternal health. Also, antibiotic stewardship is crucial in the prevention of PMC. Therefore, unnecessary and prolonged use of antibiotics should be avoided.

The prevalence, risk factors, and complications of Clostridium difficile infection in a tertiary care center, western region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming bacillus that is most commonly associated with nosocomial diarrhea. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) at a tertiary health care center, Western region, Saudi Arabia. We also aimed to examine the duration of exposure to each risk factor prior CDI development, and to categorize CDI as severe and non-severe depending on the white blood cell (WBC) count. Various complications of the infection were also analyzed.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who had a positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for Clostridium difficile toxin genes between October 2018 and October 2020.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CDI among the included patients was 9.1% (237 of 2611 patients). The mean age (standard deviation) was 56.86 (21) years, and the infection was more prevalent among men (52.74%) than among women (47.26%). The most common risk factor associated with CDI was recent antibiotic use (74.68%), followed by recent acid suppressant use (67.50%), malignancy (46%), and previous gastrointestinal surgery (6.30%). The CDI recurrence rate was 13.90%. Piperacillin-tazobactam was the most frequently used broad-spectrum antibiotic, and was used in 38.8% of the patients, followed by meropenem. The most common malignancy type was lymphoma (22.94%, n = 25), followed by leukemia (n = 23). The most common type of surgery was subtotal colectomy (n = 6). Three patients underwent transverse colon resection, and two underwent ileocecal resection. Hypotension was the most frequently recorded complication (28.40%) in the study population.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rate of CDI among the study patients during the two-year study from October 2018 to October 2020 was 9.1%. Appropriate use of antibiotic and acid suppressants, and contact isolation measures can help in decreasing the number of CDI cases.

Robotic pyelolithotomy in a solitary pelvic kidney complicated with fulminant Clostridium difficile: a case report

Background

Robotic-assisted surgeries have gradually become the standard of care for many procedures, especially in the field of urology. Despite the widespread use of robotic assistance in surgeries, data on its postoperative complications are extremely limited. We detail a rare presentation of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis requiring surgical intervention in a patient with a solitary ectopic pelvic kidney who underwent a robotic-assisted pyelolithotomy. Highlights of the most recent management recommendations for C. difficile infection are also presented.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent a robot-assisted pyelolithotomy of a pelvic kidney developed tachycardia, leukocytosis, and severe diarrhea 2 days following surgery. Because of her long history of antibiotic use, her severe symptoms were concerning for C. difficile colitis. This was confirmed by a C. difficile toxin test and a computed tomography scan. She was given recommended antibiotics, but her condition progressively deteriorated. The patient developed fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon, for which she underwent an exploratory laparotomy with subtotal abdominal colectomy and ileostomy creation on the twelfth day of her hospitalization. She fully recovered and was discharged 3 weeks after her subtotal colectomy.

Conclusion

Although robotic surgeries have been shown to have several advantages, risk of postsurgical complications remains. We present a rare case of fulminant C. difficile colitis that complicated a robotic-assisted pyelolithotomy. Active prevention, early detection, and optimization of management are essential to preventing unfavorable outcomes.

Surgical Infection Society Guidelines for Total Abdominal Colectomy versus Diverting Loop Ileostomy with Antegrade Intra-Colonic Lavage for the Surgical Management of Severe or Fulminant, Non-Perforated Clostridioides difficile Colitis

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can result in life-threatening illness requiring surgery. Surgical options for managing severe or fulminant, non-perforated C. difficile colitis include total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy or creation of a diverting loop ileostomy with antegrade vancomycin lavage. Methods: The Surgical Infection Society's Therapeutics and Guidelines Committee convened to develop guidelines for summarizing the current SIS recommendations for total abdominal colectomy versus diverting loop ileostomy with antegrade lavage for severe or fulminant, non-perforated C. difficile colitis. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for pertinent studies. Severe infection was defined as laboratory diagnosis of C. difficile infection with leukocytosis (white blood cell count of ≥15,000 cells/mL) or elevated creatinine (serum creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL). Fulminant infection was defined as laboratory diagnosis of C. difficile infection with hypotension or shock, ileus, or megacolon. Perforation was defined as complete disruption of the colon wall. Total abdominal colectomy was defined as resection of the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon with end ileostomy. For the purpose of the guideline, the terms subtotal colectomy, total abdominal colectomy, and rectal-sparing total colectomy were used interchangeably. Diverting loop ileostomy with antegrade enema was defined as creation of both a diverting loop ileostomy with intra-operative colonic lavage and post-operative antegrade vancomycin unless otherwise specified. Evaluation of the published evidence was performed using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Using a process of iterative consensus, all committee members voted to accept or reject each recommendation. Results: We recommend that total abdominal colectomy be the procedure of choice for definitive therapy of severe or fulminant, non-perforated C. difficile colitis. In select patients, colon preservation using diverting loop ileostomy with intra-colonic vancomycin may be associated with higher rates of ostomy reversal and restoration of gastrointestinal continuity but may lead to development of recurrent C. difficile colitis. Conclusions: This guideline summarizes the current Surgical Infection Society recommendations regarding use of total abdominal colectomy versus diverting loop ileostomy with antegrade lavage for adults with severe or fulminant, non-perforated C. difficile infection.

Fulminant Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Review of Treatment Options for a Life-Threatening Infection

Fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (FCDI) encompasses 3 to 5% of all CDI cases with associated mortality rates between 30 and 40%. Major treatment modalities include surgery and medical management with antibiotic and nonantibiotic therapies. However, identification of patients with CDI that will progress to FCDI is difficult and makes it challenging to direct medical management and identify those who may benefit from surgery. Furthermore, since it is difficult to study such a critically ill population, data investigating treatment options are limited. Surgical management with diverting loop ileostomy (LI) instead of a total abdominal colectomy (TAC) with end ileostomy has several appealing advantages, and studies have not consistently demonstrated a clinical benefit with this less-invasive strategy, so both LI and TAC remain acceptable surgical options. Successful medical management of FCDI is complicated by pharmacokinetic changes that occur in critically ill patients, and there is an absence of high-quality studies that included patients with FCDI. Recommendations accordingly include a combination of antibiotics administered via multiple routes to ensure adequate drug concentrations in the colon: intravenous metronidazole, high-dose oral vancomycin, and rectal vancomycin. Although fidaxomicin is now recommended as first-line therapy for non-FCDI, there are limited clinical data to support its use in FCDI. Several nonantibiotic therapies, including fecal microbiota transplantation and intravenous immunoglobulin, have shown success as adjunctive therapies, but they are unlikely to be effective alone. In this review, we aim to summarize diagnosis and treatment options for FCDI.

Outcomes of total versus partial colectomy in fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis: a propensity matched analysis

Background

The Total Abdominal Colectomy (TAC) is the recommended procedure for Fulminant Clostridium Difficile Colitis (FCDC), however, occasionally, FCDC is also treated with partial colectomies. The purpose of the study was to identify the outcomes of partial colectomy in FCDC cases.

Method

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was accessed and eligible patients from 2012 through 2016 were reviewed. Patients 18 years and older who were diagnosed with FCDC and who underwent colectomies were included in the study. Patients’ demography, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, mortality, morbidities, length of hospital stay and discharge disposition were compared between the group who underwent partial colectomy and the group who underwent TAC. Univariate analysis followed by propensity matching was performed. A P value of < 0.05 is considered as statistically significant.

Results

Out of 491 patients who qualified for the study, 93 (18.9%) patients underwent partial colectomy. The pair matched analysis showed no significant difference in patients’ characteristics and comorbidities in the two groups. There was no significant difference found in mortality between the two groups (30.1% vs. 30.1%, P > 0.99). There were no differences found in the median [95% CI] hospital length of stay (LOS) (23 days [19–31] vs. 21 [17–25], P = 0.30), post-operative complications (all P > 0.05), and discharged disposition to home ( 33.8% vs. 43.1%) or transfer to rehab (21.55 vs. 12.3%, P = 0.357) between the TAC and partial colectomy groups.

Conclusion

The overall 30 days mortality remains very high in FCDC. Partial colectomy did not increase risk of mortality or morbidities and LOS.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

Study type

Observational cohort.

Clostridium difficile infection characteristics in a general surgery clinic

Clostridium difficile (CD) is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium that can produce a spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases ranging from pseudomembranous colitis to diarrhea to toxic megacolon. The infection is even more difficult to manage as CD produces high-end spores, suggesting that this may be the cause of the dangerous recurrent disease as well as dissemination among healthy members in the community. Spores can be hosted in the digestive tract of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The most relevant risk factor in the development of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) seems to be the overuse of antimicrobials. Comorbidities are another risk factor that may predispose towards more serious CDI. Treatment options vary from oral antibiotics to extensive surgical interventions. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence, severity, and management of CDIs in a general surgery department in an effort to determine the correlative elements between the infection and surgical pathology.

World Society of Emergency Surgery-American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Guidelines for management of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection in surgical patients: An executive summary

ABSTRACT

In the last three decades, the dramatic worldwide increase in incidence and severity of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) (formerly Clostridium difficile infection) has made CDI a global public health challenge. Surgery is a known risk factor for development of CDI yet surgery is also a treatment option in severe cases of CDI. The World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines for management of CDI in surgical patients were published in 2015. In 2019, the guidelines were revised and updated according to the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation methodology. This executive summary is intended to consolidate knowledge on the management of CDI focusing on aspects that a general and emergency surgeon should know about the prevention and the management of CDI, by providing a practical and concise version of the original guidelines.

Alteration of Intestinal Microbiome of Clostridioides difficile-Infected Hamsters during the Treatment with Specific Cow Antibodies

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) often develops after pretreatment with antibiotics, which can lead to damage of the intestinal microbiome. The approach of this study was to use specific polyclonal antibodies isolated from the milk of immunized cows to treat CDI, in contrast to the standard application of nonspecific antibiotics. To gain a deeper understanding of the role of the microbiome in the treatment of CDI with bovine antibodies, stool and intestinal fluid samples of hamsters were collected in large quantities from various treatments (>400 samples). The results show that the regeneration of the microbiome instantly begins with the start of the antibody treatment, in contrast to the Vancomycin-treated group where the diversity decreased significantly during the treatment duration. All antibody-treated hamsters that survived the initial phase also survived the entire study period. The results also show that the regeneration of the microbiome was not an antibody-induced regeneration, but a natural regeneration that occurred because no microbiota-inactivating substances were administered. In conclusion, the treatment with bovine antibodies is a functional therapy for both the acute treatment and the prevention of recurrence in hamsters and could meet the urgent need for CDI treatment alternatives in humans.

Burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) - a systematic review of the epidemiology of primary and recurrent CDI

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, which causes Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). It has been recognised as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections and a considerable threat to public health globally. This systematic literature review (SLR) summarises the current evidence on the epidemiology and clinical burden of CDI.

METHODS

A SLR was conducted to identify CDI and recurrent CDI (rCDI) epidemiology studies, to evaluate patient and disease characteristics, incidence rates, epidemiological findings and risk factors. Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for English articles from 2009 to 2019. Included territories were the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, US, Canada, Australia, Japan and China.

RESULTS

Of 11,243 studies identified, 165 fulfilled the selection criteria. An additional 20 studies were identified through targeted review of grey literature. The most widely reported findings were incidence and risk factors for CDI and rCDI. Among key studies reporting both healthcare-associated (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) incidence rates for each country of interest, incidence rates per 10,000 patient days in the US were 8.00 and 2.00 for HA-CDI and CA-CDI, respectively. The highest incidence in Europe was reported in Poland (HA-CDI: 6.18 per 10,000 patient days, CA-CDI: 1.4 per 10,000 patient days), the lowest from the UK, at 1.99 per 10,000 patient days and 0.56 per 10,000 patient days for HA-CDI and CA-CDI, respectively. No clear trend for incidence over time emerged, with most countries reporting stable rates but some either a decrease or increase. Rates of recurrent CDI varied based on geographical setting. The rate of recurrence was lower in community-associated disease compared to healthcare-associated disease. Independent CDI risk factors identified common to both initial CDI and recurrent CDI included increasing age, antibiotic use, recent hospitalisation, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. In addition, leukocyte count, length of hospital stays, and Charlson comorbidity index score featured as statistically significant risk factors for recurrent CDI, but these are not reported among the most common statistically significant risk factors for initial CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite considerable heterogeneity, evidence suggests substantial incidence of recurrent and primary CDI, even after considerable efforts in the last decade.

Blunt and Penetrating Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Severe traumatic brain injury is a common problem. Current practices focus on the importance of early resuscitation, transfer to high-volume centers, and provider expertise across multiple specialties. In the emergency department, patients should receive urgent intracranial imaging and consideration for tranexamic acid. Close observation in the intensive care unit environment helps identify problems, such as seizure, intracranial pressure crisis, and injury progression. In addition to traditional neurologic examination, patients benefit from use of intracranial monitors. Monitors gather physiologic data on intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures to help guide therapy. Brain tissue oxygenation monitoring and cerebromicrodialysis show promise in studies.

Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Narrative Overview

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality and are the second most prevalent cause of death. Furthermore, it has been reported that for every one-hundred patients admitted to hospital, seven patients in high-income economies and ten in emerging and low-income economies acquire at least one type of HCAI. Currently, almost all pathogenic microorganisms have developed antimicrobial resistance, and few new antimicrobials are being developed and brought to market. The literature search for this narrative review was performed by searching bibliographic databases (including Google Scholar and PubMed) using the search terms: "Strategies," "Prevention," and "Healthcare-Associated Infections," followed by snowballing references cited by critical articles. We found that although hand hygiene is a centuries-old concept, it is still the primary strategy used around the world to prevent HCAIs. It forms one of a bundle of approaches used to clean and maintain a safe hospital environment and to stop the transmission of contagious and infectious microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant microbes. Finally, antibiotic stewardship also has a crucial role in reducing the impact of HCAIs through conserving currently available antimicrobials.

Diverting loop ileostomy versus total abdominal colectomy for clostridioides difficile colitis: outcomes beyond the index admission

INTRODUCTION

Diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) and colonic lavage has emerged as a valid alternative to total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for the surgical management of Clostridioides difficile colitis (CDC). However, little data are available on outcomes beyond the index admission. The objective of this study was to compare post-discharge outcomes between patients who underwent DLI and TAC for CDC.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent DLI or TAC for CDC between 2011 and 2016 were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database, and only discharges between January and September in each calendar year were included to allow for a 90-day follow-up period for all cases. Ninety-day overall in-hospital mortality (index admission mortality plus 90-day post-discharge mortality) and 90-day unplanned readmissions were compared. To assess 6-month ileostomy reversal rates, the cohort was then truncated to exclude discharges after June in each calendar year. Multivariate regression was used to adjust for patient demographics and disease severity.

RESULTS

In total, 2070 patients were discharged between January and September of each included year: 1486 (71.8%) TAC compared to 584 (28.2%) DLI. Overall in-hospital mortality was higher among patients who underwent TAC (34.5% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.004); however, this association did not remain on multivariate regression (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.91-1.43). Among the 1434 patients who were discharged alive, the 90-day unplanned readmission rate was similar in both groups (TAC: 26.1% vs. DLI: 23.1%, p = 0.26). After truncating the cohort to those patients discharged alive between January and June of each included year (n = 1016), patients who underwent DLI had a significantly greater 6-month ileostomy reversal rate (26.4% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001). DLI was independently associated with higher odds of 6-month ileostomy reversal (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.80-4.00).

CONCLUSIONS

In the surgical management of CDC, DLI is associated with equivalent mortality and unplanned readmission, but greater likelihood of 6-month ileostomy reversal, compared to TAC.

Risk Factors of Clostridium Difficile Infection After Spinal Surgery: National Health Insurance Database

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of Clostridium Difficile infection (CDI) after spinal surgery using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) data. The incidence of postoperative CDI was investigated using HIRA data from 2012 to 2016. Cases involving CDI that occurred within a 30-day postoperative period were identified. Risk factors, including age, sex, comorbidities, postoperative infection, spinal surgery procedure, type of antibiotic, and duration of antibiotic use, were evaluated. Duration of hospital stay, medical cost, and mortality were also evaluated. In total, 71,322 patients were included. Presumed cases of CDI were identified in 57 patients, with CDI rate of 0.54 per 10,000 patient days. Advanced age, staged operation, postoperative infection, and the use of multiple antibiotics were significant risk factors. First-generation cephalosporins were shown to be associated with a lower incidence of CDI. CDI was also associated with longer hospital stays and increased medical cost, and it was an independent risk factor for increased mortality. Extra attention should be paid to patients at high risk for the development of postoperative CDI, and unnecessary use of multiple antibiotics should be avoided. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Global and Historical Distribution of Clostridioides difficile in the Human Diet (1981-2019): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 21886 Samples Reveal Sources of Heterogeneity, High-Risk Foods, and Unexpected Higher Prevalence Toward the Tropic

Clostridioides difficile (CD) is a spore-forming bacterium that causes life-threatening intestinal infections in humans. Although formerly regarded as exclusively nosocomial, there is increasing genomic evidence that person-to-person transmission accounts for only <25% of cases, supporting the culture-based hypothesis that foods may be routine sources of CD-spore ingestion in humans. To synthesize the evidence on the risk of CD exposure via foods, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the culture prevalence of CD in foods between January 1981 and November 2019. Meta-analyses, risk-ratio estimates, and meta-regression were used to estimate weighed-prevalence across studies and food types to identify laboratory and geographical sources of heterogeneity. In total, 21886 food samples were tested for CD between 1981 and 2019 (96.4%, n = 21084, 2007–2019; 232 food-sample-sets; 79 studies; 25 countries). Culture methodology, sample size and type, region, and latitude were sources of heterogeneity (p < 0.05). Although non-strictly-anaerobic methods were reported in some studies, and we confirmed experimentally that improper anaerobiosis of media/sample-handling affects CD recovery in agar (Fisher, p < 0.01), most studies (>72%) employed the same (one-of-six) culture strategy. Because the prevalence was also meta-analytically similar across six culture strategies reported, all studies were integrated using three meta-analytical methods. At the study level (n = 79), the four-decade global cumulative-prevalence of CD in the human diet was 4.1% (95%CI = −3.71, 11.91). At the food-set level (n = 232, mean 12.9 g/sample, similar across regions p > 0.2; 95%CI = 9.7–16.2), the weighted prevalence ranged between 4.5% (95%CI = 3–6%; all studies) and 8% (95%CI = 7–8%; only CD-positive-studies). Risk-ratio ranking and meta-regression showed that milk was the least likely source of CD, while seafood, leafy green vegetables, pork, and poultry carried higher risks (p < 0.05). Across regions, the risk of CD in foods for foodborne exposure reproducibly decreased with Earth latitude (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CD in the human diet is a global non-random-source of foodborne exposure that occurs independently of laboratory culture methods, across regions, and at a variable level depending on food type and latitude. The latitudinal trend (high CD-food-prevalence toward tropic) is unexpectedly inverse to the epidemiological observations of CD-infections in humans (frequent in temperate regions). Findings suggest the plausible hypothesis that ecologically-richer microbiomes in the tropic might protect against intestinal CD colonization/infections despite CD ingestion.

Evolving Strategies to Manage Clostridium difficile Colitis

Clostridium difficile infection remains a common nosocomial illness with a significant impact on health care delivery. As molecular phenotyping of this organism has changed our understanding of its transmission and virulence, so too have diagnostic methods and treatment strategies evolved in recent years. The burden of this infection falls predominantly on elderly patients with comorbidities who have recently received antibiotics. Oral or enteral vancomycin is now preferred for first-line antimicrobial treatment across the disease spectrum, including mild-moderate initial cases. Fidaxomicin (a novel macrolide antibiotic), bezlotoxumab (a monoclonal antibody against toxin TcdB), and fecal microbiota transplantation expand the therapeutic armamentarium, particularly for recurrent infection. Operative treatment should be reserved for patients with fulminant infection, and early identification of patients who would benefit from an operation remains a challenge. Less invasive surgical options-such as laparoscopic diverting ileostomy with colonic irrigation-may improve survival and other outcomes relative to total abdominal colectomy and represent an attractive alternative particularly for frail patients.

Clostridium difficile Infection and Colorectal Surgery: Is There Any Risk?

Background and objectives: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an important healthcare-associated infection, with important consequences both from a medical and financial point of view, but its correlation with anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgeries is scarcely reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study looking for patients who underwent open or laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancers between January 2012 and December 2017, excluding emergency surgeries for complicated colorectal tumors. We also examined patient history for risk factors for CDI such as age, sex, comorbidities, and clinical findings at admission or during hospital stay as well as tumor characteristics. Results: A total of 360 patients were included in the study, out of which 320 underwent surgeries that included anastomoses. There were 19 cases of anastomotic leaks, out of which 13 patients were diagnosed with CDI, with a statistic significance for association between CDI and anastomotic leakage (p < 0.0001). Most patients who developed both CDI and anastomotic leaks had left-sided resections or a type of rectal resection, while none of the patients with right-sided resections had this association, but with no statistical significance possibly due to the limited number of cases. Conclusions: CDI is a relevant risk factor and should be taken into consideration when trying to prevent anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for colon or rectal cancer. Thorough assessment of risk factors at admission should be mandatory in order to adequately prepare the patient and plan an optimal course of treatment. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and a multidisciplinary approach, with a team which should always include the surgeon, is mandatory when it comes to CDI prevention.

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.

The emergence of metronidazole and vancomycin reduced susceptibility in Clostridium difficile isolates in Iran

OBJECTIVES

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is the main causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and pseudomembranous colitis. The accumulation of antimicrobial resistance in C. difficile strains can drive C. difficile infection (CDI) epidemiology. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of toxigenic C. difficile isolates cultured from diarrhoeal stool samples of hospitalised patients with suspected CDI in three tertiary care hospitals in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty diarrhoeal stool samples were investigated by toxigenic culture using cycloserine-cefoxitin-fructose agar and the VERO cell line. Antimicrobial susceptibility to metronidazole, vancomycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and moxifloxacin was performed by disk diffusion and Etest methods on Brucella Blood Agar supplemented with hemin and vitamin K.

RESULTS

Thirty-five stool samples (14.0%) proved positive using C. difficile toxigenic culture. According to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints, the following resistance was identified in C. difficile isolates: metronidazole (2 of 35); moxifloxacin (7 of 35); clindamycin (18 of 35); and tetracycline (5 of 35). Using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints, three of 35 isolates showed reduced-susceptibility for vancomycin and 14 of 35 for metronidazole. In addition, the results showed a good correlation between the inhibition zone diameter (disk diffusion) and MIC values (Etest); Pearson correlation coefficient 0.7400.95 (P< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Multidrug resistance was observed in Iranian clinical toxigenic C. difficile isolates, including reduced susceptibility to first-line CDI treatment drugs. In addition, disk diffusion can be used as a cost-effective option for the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of C. difficile isolates.

American Association for the Surgery of Trauma emergency general surgery guidelines gap analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergency general surgery (EGS) has been rapidly adopted as one of the major components of acute care surgery. Although heterogenous, the most common disease states that comprise EGS often have published guidelines containing recommendations for their diagnosis and management. Not all diseases included within EGS however have published guidelines and existing guidelines may have important gaps in their recommendations. We present a thorough assessment of the existing guidelines for the most common EGS diseases and highlight gaps that will require additional literature review or new research to fill.

METHODS

Literature searches for existing comprehensive guidelines were performed. These guidelines were summarized based on level of supporting evidence and further subcategorized based on American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade of disease. Using these summaries, gaps in the exiting recommendations were then generated and refined through review by at least two authors.

RESULTS

The initial gap analysis focused on diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction and acute cholecystitis. Despite extensive research into each of these disease processes, critical questions regarding diagnosis and management remain to be answered. Gaps were the result of either low quality research or a complete lack of research. The use of the AAST grade of disease established a framework for evaluating these guidelines and grouping the recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extensive prior research, EGS diseases have multiple areas where additional research would likely result in improved patient care. Consensus on the most important areas for additional research can be obtained through analysis of gaps in existing guidelines. This gap analysis has the potential to inform efforts around developing a research agenda for EGS.

Consensus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

In recent decades, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become a worldwide health problem. Mexico is no exception, and therefore the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología brought together a multidisciplinary group (gastroenterologists, endoscopists, internists, infectious disease specialists, and microbiologists) to carry out the "Consensus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection", establishing useful recommendations (in relation to the adult population) for the medical community. Said recommendations are presented herein. Among them, it was recognized that CDI should be suspected in subjects with diarrhea that have a history of antibiotic and/or immunosuppressant use, but that it can also be a community-acquired infection. A 2-step diagnostic algorithm was proposed, in which a highly sensitive test, such as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), is first utilized, and if positive, confirmed by the detection of toxins through immunoassay or nucleic acid detection tests. Another recommendation was that CDI based on clinical evaluation be categorized as mild-moderate, severe, and complicated severe, given that such a classification enables better therapeutic decisions to be made. In mild-moderate CDI, oral vancomycin is the medication of choice, and metronidazole is recommended as an alternative treatment. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation was recognized as an efficacious option in patients with recurrence or in the more severe cases of infection, and surgery should be reserved for patients with severe colitis (toxic megacolon), in whom all medical treatment has failed.

Molecular typing of Clostridioides difficile isolates from clinical and non-clinical samples in Iran

Clostridioides difficile is a major cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients throughout the world. We aimed to characterize C. difficile isolates among hospitalized patients, hospital staffs, and hospital environment samples obtained in three tertiary care hospitals of Iran with regard to their molecular types between June 2016 and November 2017. The toxigenicity of C. difficile isolates was determined by toxigenic culture and multiplex-PCR. Toxigenic C. difficile isolates collected were ribotyped using capillary gel electrophoresis-based PCR and the database of WEBRIBO (http://webribo.ages.at). Of 500 clinical and non-clinical samples, toxigenic C. difficile were identified in 35 of 250 stool samples (14%) and in 3 of 250 swabs (1.2%). The most frequently found ribotypes (RTs) were 039, AI-12, and AI-21 (15.8, 10.52, and 10.52% of all isolates, respectively). Further RTs were: 017, 001, AI-3, AI-15, AI-18, AI-10, AI-4, and PR21195 (as new ribotype). The epidemic RTs (027 and 078) seen in the Europe, North America, and Asia were completely absent in this study.

2019 update of the WSES guidelines for management of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection in surgical patients

In the last three decades, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in incidence and severity in many countries worldwide. The increase in CDI incidence has been particularly apparent among surgical patients. Therefore, prevention of CDI and optimization of management in the surgical patient are paramount. An international multidisciplinary panel of experts from the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) updated its guidelines for management of CDI in surgical patients according to the most recent available literature. The update includes recent changes introduced in the management of this infection.

2019 update of the WSES guidelines for management of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection in surgical patients

In the last three decades, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in incidence and severity in many countries worldwide. The increase in CDI incidence has been particularly apparent among surgical patients. Therefore, prevention of CDI and optimization of management in the surgical patient are paramount. An international multidisciplinary panel of experts from the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) updated its guidelines for management of CDI in surgical patients according to the most recent available literature. The update includes recent changes introduced in the management of this infection.

Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection with Functionalized Bovine Antibody-Enriched Whey in a Hamster Primary Infection Model

Toxin-induced Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major disease characterized by severe diarrhea and high morbidity rates. The aim with this study was to develop an alternative drug for the treatment of CDI. Cows were repeatedly immunized to establish specific immunoglobulin G and A titers against toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) and against C. difficile cells in mature milk or colostrum. The effect of three different concentrations of anti-C. difficile whey protein isolates (anti-CD-WPI) and the standard of care antibiotic vancomycin were investigated in an animal model of CD infected hamsters (6 groups, with 10 hamsters each). WPI obtained from the milk of exactly the same cows pre-immunization and a vehicle group served as negative controls. The survival of hamsters receiving anti-CD-WPI was 50, 80 and 100% compared to 10 and 0% for the control groups, respectively. Vancomycin suppressed the growth of C. difficile and thus protected the hamsters at the time of administration, but 90% of these hamsters nevertheless died shortly after discontinuation of treatment. In contrast, the surviving hamsters of the anti-CD-WPI groups survived the entire study period, although they were treated for only 75 h. The specific antibodies not only inactivated the toxins for initial suppression of CDI, but also provoked the inhibition of C. difficile growth after discontinuation, thus preventing recurrence. Oral administration of anti-CD-WPI is a functional therapy of CDI in infected hamsters for both primary treatment and prevention of recurrence. Thus, anti-CD-WPI could address the urgent unmet medical need for treating and preventing recurrent CDI in humans.

Vancomycin Enema in the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection

Background: Current guidelines for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) recommend vancomycin enemas for patients with adynamic ileus. There is significant variability in guideline recommendations for vancomycin dose and enema volume and whether a retention enema should be used. The most recent (2017) guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America/Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommend rectal instillation of 500 mg of vancomycin in 100 mL of physiologic saline every 6 hours as a retention enema. Methods: Published studies regarding vancomycin enema use in CDI (1990-present) were reviewed to compare drug dose, volume, and whether a retention enema was used in order to determine the efficacy and make recommendations for optimal dosing. Results: Case series with higher vancomycin dose, higher enema volume, and use of retention enema demonstrated greater efficacy. Use of smaller volumes and lower doses (100 mL; 125-250 mg q 6 hours) demonstrated no efficacy of intracolonic vancomycin. Conclusion: We recommend revision of the current CDI guideline recommendations for patients with adynamic ileus to the following: Vancomycin per rectum (500 mg in a volume of 500 mL q 6 hours) by retention enema (18F Foley catheter with 30-cc balloon inserted into the rectum, balloon inflated, solution instilled, and catheter clamped for 60 minutes) for optimal efficacy.

Oral vancomycin versus metronidazole for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

At present, vancomycin (VCM) and metronidazole (MNZ) are used for the first-line standard treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). However, their differential use has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, a meta-analysis on differences in the efficacy for CDI between VCM and MNZ was performed. Reports of randomized controlled studies using VCM or MNZ to treat CDI were surveyed. Meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random-effects model, and the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Excluding overlapping reports, 1043 reports were extracted and 5 randomized controlled studies were extracted. There was no difference in therapeutic effects for CDI between VCM and MNZ (RR = 1.08, 95% CI (0.99-1.17), p = 0.09, I² = 37%). On subgroup analysis by the severity, there was no difference in the clinical effects for CDI between VCM and MNZ in non-severe cases (risk ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.19, p = 0.06), but the clinical effects of VCM were significantly higher than those of MNZ in severe cases (risk ratio: 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.39, p = 0.03). No significant difference was noted in the recurrence rate, incidence of adverse event, time to exhibit therapeutic effects, or judgment of the bacteriological effects. As the therapeutic effects of VCM were superior in severe CDI cases, VCM should be considered first in severe cases.

Clostridium difficile colitis and zoonotic origins-a narrative review

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of hospital-associated diarrhoea, and in severe cases leads to pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. The frequency of C. difficile infection (CDI) has increased in recent decades, with 453 000 cases identified in 2011 in the USA. This is related to antibiotic-selection pressure, disruption of normal host intestinal microbiota and emergence of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile strains. The burden of community-acquired CDI has been increasingly appreciated, with disease identified in patients previously considered low-risk, such as young women or patients with no prior antibiotic exposure. C. difficile has been identified in livestock animals, meat products, seafood and salads. It has been postulated that the pool of C. difficile in the agricultural industry may contribute to human CDI. There is widespread environmental dispersal of C. difficile spores. Domestic households, turf lawns and public spaces are extensively contaminated, providing a potential reservoir for community-acquired CDI. In Australia, this is particularly associated with porcine-derived C. difficile UK PCR ribotype 014/020. In this article, the epidemiological differences between hospital- and community-acquired CDI are discussed, including some emerging evidence for community-acquired CDI being a possible zoonosis.

Do preoperative oral antibiotics increase Clostridium difficile infection rates? An analysis of 13 959 colectomy patients

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not preoperative oral antibiotic preparation (POAP) increases the rate of Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) in patients undergoing colectomy.

METHOD

In 2015, data for colectomies had been collected prospectively and recorded in the targeted colectomy option of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). This was available for retrospective analysis. Data available for analysis included elective and emergency status, POAP, surgical approach, primary anastomosis and CDC status. The effect of POAP on CDC was analysed and risk adjusted for 14 separate preoperative variables.

RESULTS

In all, 13 959 adult patients underwent a colectomy in 2015 (POAP group 5311 and non- POAP group 8648). The overall rate of CDC in colectomy patients was 1.6% (227/13 959). On univariate analysis, CDC was significantly less common in the POAP group than in the non-POAP group (1.2% vs 1.9%, P = 0.003). Univariate analysis of a further 41 preoperative variables revealed 14 to be associated with CDC. However, after risk adjustment with these 14 variables, POAP lost its statistical significance (adjusted OR 0.902, 95% CI 0.584-1.486, P = 0.685). Only patients with pre-existing systemic inflammatory response syndrome appeared to be at increased risk of CDC (adjusted OR 2.154, 95% CI 1.139-4.074, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

At the very least this study suggests it is safe to use POAP in colectomy patients without increasing the rate of CDC unless they have pre-existing systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

European Practice for CDI Treatment

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Historically, two antibiotics (metronidazole and vancomycin) and a recent third (fidaxomicin) have been used routinely for CDI treatment; convincing data are now available showing that metronidazole is the least efficacious agent. The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases CDI treatment guidelines outline the treatment options for a variety of CDI clinical scenarios, including use of the more traditional anti-CDI therapies (e.g., metronidazole, vancomycin), the role of newer anti-CDI agents (e.g., fidaxomicin), indications for surgical intervention and for non-antimicrobial management (e.g., faecal microbiota transplantation, FMT). A 2017 survey of 20 European countries found that while the majority (n = 14) have national CDI guidelines that provide a variety of recommendations for CDI treatment, only five have audited guideline implementation. A variety of restrictions are in place in 13 (65%) countries prior to use of new anti-CDI treatments, including committee/infection specialist approval or economic review/restrictions. Novel anti-CDI agents are being evaluated in Phase III trials; it is not yet clear what will be the roles of these agents. Prophylaxis is an optimum approach to reduce the impact of CDI especially in high-risk populations; monoclonal antibodies, antibiotic blocking approaches and multiple vaccines are currently in advanced clinical trials. The treatment of recurrent CDI is particularly troublesome, and several different live bio therapeutics are being developed, in addition to FMT.

Procalcitonin: Usefulness in Acute Care Surgery and Trauma

BACKGROUND

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a serum biomarker currently suggested by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign to aid in determination of the appropriate duration of therapy in sepsis patients. We review the use of procalcitonin in patients after trauma or acute care surgery.

METHOD

A MEDLINE search via PubMed was performed using the combination of "procalcitonin" and "humans" and "injuries, trauma," "wounds and injuries," or "wounds." Studies of burn patients, children, other biomarkers, and non-acute care surgery were excluded.

RESULTS

Procalcitonin may be useful in identifying infection in trauma and post-operative acute care surgery. However, heterogenity exists among patients, and surgery and trauma alone elevate PCT even in the absence of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although trends in PCT concentrations may offer insight, no standard approach can be recommended currently.

Early Results of Fecal Microbial Transplantation Protocol Implementation at a Community-based University Hospital

Introduction:

Clostridium difficile (CD) is a serious and increasingly prevalent healthcare-associated infection. The pathogenesis of CD infection (CDI) involves the acquisition of CD with a concurrent disruption of the native gut flora. Antibiotics are a major risk although other contributing factors have also been identified. Clinical management combines discontinuation of the offending antibiotic, initiation of CD-specific antibiotic therapy, probiotic agent use, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and surgery as the “last resort” option. The aim of this study is to review short-term clinical results following the implementation of FMT protocol (FMTP) at our community-based university hospital.

Methods:

After obtaining Institutional Review Board and Infection Control Committee approvals, we implemented an institution-wide FMTP for patients diagnosed with CDI. Prospective tracking of all patients receiving FMT between July 1, 2015, and February 1, 2017, was conducted using REDCap™ electronic data capture system. According to the FMTP, indications for FMT included (a) three or more CDI recurrences, (b) two or more hospital admissions with severe CDI, or (c) first episode of complicated CDI (CCDI). Risk factors for initial infection and for treatment failure were assessed. Patients were followed for at least 3 months to monitor for cure/failure, relapse, and side effects. Frozen 250 mL FMT samples were acquired from OpenBiome (Somerville, MA, USA). After 4 h of thawing, the liquid suspension was applied using colonoscopy, beginning with terminal ileum and proceeding distally toward mid-transverse colon. Monitored clinical parameters included disease severity (Hines VA CDI Severity Score or HVCSS), concomitant medications, number of FMT treatments, non-FMT therapies, cure rates, and mortality. Descriptive statistics were utilized to outline the study results.

Results:

A total of 35 patients (mean age 58.5 years, 69% female) were analyzed, with FMT-attributable primary cure achieved in 30/35 (86%) cases. Within this subgroup, 2/30 (6.7%) patients recurred and were subsequently cured with long-term oral vancomycin. Among five primary FMT failures (14% total sample), 3 (60%) achieved medical cure with long-term oral vancomycin therapy and 2 (40%) required colectomy. For the seven patients who either failed FMT or recurred, long-term vancomycin therapy was curative in all but two cases. For patients with severe CDI (HVCSS ≥3), primary and overall cure rates were 6/10 (60%) and 8/10 (80%), respectively. Patients with CCDI (n = 4) had higher HVCSS (4 vs. 3) and a mortality of 25%. Characteristics of patients who failed initial FMT included older age (70 vs. 57 years), female sex (80% vs. 67%), severe CDI (80% vs. 13%), and active opioid use during the initial infection (60% vs. 37%) and at the time of FMT (60% vs. 27%). The most commonly reported side effect of FMT was loose stools.

Conclusions:

This pilot study supports the efficacy and safety of FMT administration for CDI in the setting of a community-based university hospital. Following FMTP implementation, primary (86%) and overall (94%) nonsurgical cure rates were similar to those reported in other studies. The potential role of opioids as a modulator of CDI warrants further clinical investigation.

Antibiotic and Modulation of Microbiota: A New Paradigm?

Recently new insights on gut microbiota have revolutionized many concepts of the modern medicine. The alteration of microbiota, which is called dysbiosis, has been associated with an expanding list of diseases and conditions. The development of next-generation sequencing techniques allowed comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota composition without the limitations of classic culture methods. Furthermore, introduction of functional techniques such as metabolomics and proteomics allowed for integrated analysis thus obtaining more robust insights on microbiota functions in health and disease. These tools allow to address the role of factors able to modify the gut microbiota, the so called "microbiota influencers." These data are useful to explain the physiopathology of several disease and thus to identify new potential therapeutic targets. Among microbiota influencers, many studies focused on the impact of antibiotic administration on the gut microbiota, because of their widespread use. Notably, beside the known beneficial effect of antibiotic in treating infectious diseases, these drugs have shown detrimental effects on gut microbiota which, in turn, might have long-term consequences on the host. Finally, therapeutic modulation of gut microbiota, by means of selected antibiotics with eubiotic effects, probiotics and with fecal microbiota transplantation seems of great interest as it might be able to prevent or even revert antibiotic-induced dysbiosis.

Marginal ulcer perforation: a single center experience

PURPOSE

Marginal ulcer (MU) is defined as ulcer on the jejunal side of the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) anastomosis. Most MUs are managed medically but those with complications like bleeding or perforation require intervention. It is recommended that GJ anastomosis be revised in patients with MU perforation (MUP). The aim of this case series is to study the clinical presentation and management of MUP.

METHODS

Three hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer at a single center were studied over a period of 5 years.

RESULTS

Nine patients (2.7 %) presented with MUP. GJ was previously done for either complicated peptic ulcer (n = 4) or for suspected gastric malignancy (n = 5). Two patients had previously completed H. pylori therapy. None of the patients presented with septic shock. MU was on the jejunal side of GJ in all patients. The median MUP size was 10 mm. Four patients (44.4 %) had omental patch repair, three (33.3 %) had primary closure, and one each had revision of GJ and jejunal serosal patch repair. There were no leaks, intra-abdominal abscess or reoperation and no malignancies.

CONCLUSION

MUP patients do not present with septic shock. Omental patch repair or primary closure is sufficient enough. Revision of Billroth-II-GJ into Roux-en-Y-GJ is not mandatory.

Prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection and colonization in a tertiary hospital and elderly community of North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

Little is known about Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Asia. The aims of our study were to explore (i) the prevalence, risk factors and molecular epidemiology of CDI and colonization in a tertiary academic hospital in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia; (ii) the rate of carriage of C. difficile among the elderly in the region; (iii) the awareness level of this infection among the hospital staffs and students. For stool samples collected from hospital inpatients with diarrhea (n = 76) and healthy community members (n = 138), C. difficile antigen and toxins were tested by enzyme immunoassay. Stool samples were subsequently analyzed by culture and molecular detection of toxin genes, and PCR ribotyping of isolates. To examine awareness among hospital staff and students, participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. For the hospital and community studies, the prevalence of non-toxigenic C. difficile colonization was 16% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of CDI among hospital inpatients with diarrhea was 13%. Out of 22 C. difficile strains from hospital inpatients, the toxigenic ribotypes 043 and 017 were most common (both 14%). In univariate analysis, C. difficile colonization in hospital inpatients was significantly associated with greater duration of hospitalization and use of penicillin (both P < 0·05). Absence of these factors was a possible reason for low colonization in the community. Only 3% of 154 respondents answered all questions correctly in the awareness survey. C. difficile colonization is prevalent in a Malaysian hospital setting but not in the elderly community with little or no contact with hospitals. Awareness of CDI is alarmingly poor.

Clostridium difficile Infection

Clostridium difficile infection is a major health care challenge in terms of patient and economic consequences. For the patient, it is a morbid and sometimes a life-threatening iatrogenic complication of antibiotic treatment. In the United States, the provider's institution may face financial penalties, because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention views this as an iatrogenic health care-associated complication that may not be reimbursable by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; this has resulted in substantial incentives for new approaches to prevention and treatment.