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Lau VI, Rochwerg B, Xie F, Johnstone J, Basmaji J, Balakumaran J, Iansavichene A, Cook DJ. Probiotics in hospitalized adult patients: a systematic review of economic evaluations. Can J Anaesth 2020; 67:247-261. [PMID: 31721100 PMCID: PMC7222908 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-019-01525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Probiotics may prevent healthcare-associated infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, and other adverse outcomes. Despite their potential benefits, there are no summative data examining the cost-effectiveness of probiotics in hospitalized patients. This systematic review summarized studies evaluating the economic impact of using probiotics in hospitalized adult patients. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ACP Journal Club, and other EBM reviews (inception to January 31, 2019) for health economics evaluations examining the use of probiotics in hospitalized adults. Independently and in duplicate, we extracted data study characteristics, risk of bias, effectiveness and total costs (medications, diagnostics/procedures, devices, personnel, hospital) associated with healthcare-associated infections (ventilator-associated pneumonia, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea). We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methods to assess certainty in the overall cost-effectiveness evidence. RESULTS Of 721 citations identified, we included seven studies. For the clinical outcomes of interest, there was one randomized-controlled trial (RCT)-based health economic evaluation, and six model-based health economic evaluations. Probiotics showed favourable cost-effectiveness in six of seven (86%) economic evaluations. Three of the seven studies were manufacturer-supported, all which suggested cost-effectiveness. Certainty of cost-effectiveness evidence was very low because of risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency. CONCLUSION Probiotics may be an economically attractive intervention for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitalized adult patients. Nevertheless, certainty about their cost-effectiveness evidence is very low. Future RCTs examining probiotics should incorporate cost data to inform bedside practice, clinical guidelines, and healthcare policy. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019129929; Registered 25 April, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent I Lau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennie Johnstone
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Basmaji
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jana Balakumaran
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Deborah J Cook
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Tariq R, Weatherly RM, Kammer PP, Pardi DS, Khanna S. Experience and Outcomes at a Specialized Clostridium difficile Clinical Practice. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2017; 1:49-56. [PMID: 30225401 PMCID: PMC6134908 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report our experience with and outcomes among patients referred to a specialized Clostridium difficile clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively identified consecutive patients referred for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) management from January 1, 2013, through May 30, 2015. Data were collected for demographic characteristics, CDI history, final diagnoses, and management. RESULTS Overall, 211 patients (median age, 65 years; 66.4% women) were included. The most common indications for referral were recurrent CDI in 199 patients (94.3%), first CDI episode in 5 patients (2.4%), and chronic diarrhea in 7 patients (3.3%). After evaluation, the diagnoses were recurrent CDI in 127 patients (60.2%), resolved CDI in 36 patients (17.1%), first-episode CDI in 5 patients (2.4%), and non-CDI in 43 patients (20.4%). The most common non-CDI diagnoses were postinfection irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) in 32 patients (15.2% overall), inflammatory bowel disease (n=3), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (n=2), microscopic colitis (n=1), and asymptomatic C difficile colonization (n=2). Two patients had diabetic gastroparesis and food intolerances, and 1 had chronic constipation with overflow diarrhea. Of 127 patients with recurrent CDI, 30 (23.6%) received antibiotics; of these 30, 12 had antibiotic treatment failure and received fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent CDI. Among 97 patients (76.4%) who underwent FMT, 85 (87.6%) were cured after the first FMT, 5 were cured after the second FMT, and 7 were treated with antibiotics for FMT failure, with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of patients referred for CDI subsequently received alternative diagnoses; PI-IBS was the most common. Patients being referred for recurrent CDI should be evaluated carefully for alternative diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raseen Tariq
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - Darrell S. Pardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Sahil Khanna
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Willis RN, Guidry CA, Horn CB, Gilsdorf D, Davies SW, Dietch ZC, Sawyer RG. Predictors of Monomicrobial Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2015; 16:533-7. [PMID: 26110633 PMCID: PMC4593992 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2014.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is critical in the management of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) in the emergency setting. Clindamycin often is included empirically to cover monomicrobial gram-positive pathogens but probably is of little value for polymicrobial infections and is associated with significant side effects, including the induction of Clostridium difficile colitis. However, there have been no studies predicting monomicrobial infections prior to obtaining cultures. The purpose of this study was to identify independent predictors of monomicrobial NSTI where the use of clindamycin would be most beneficial. We hypothesized that monomicrobial infections are characterized by involvement of the upper extremities and fewer co-morbid diseases. METHODS We reviewed all cases of potential NSTI occurring between 1996 and 2013 in a single tertiary-care center. The infection was diagnosed by the finding of rapidly progressing necrotic fascia during debridement with positive cultures of tissue. Univariable analysis was performed using the Student t-, Wilcoxon rank sum, χ2, and Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent variables associated with outcomes. RESULTS A group of 151 patients with confirmed NSTI with complete data was used. Of the monomicrobial infections, 61.8% were caused by Group A streptococci, 20.1% by Staphylococcus aureus, and 12.7% by Escherichia coli. Of the polymicrobial infections, E. coli was involved 13.7% of the time, followed by Candida spp. at 12.9%, and Bacteroides fragilis at 11.3%. On univariable analysis, immunosuppression, upper extremity infection, and elevated serum sodium concentration were associated with monomicrobial infection, whereas morbid obesity and a perineal infection site were associated with polymicrobial infection. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of monomicrobial infection was immunosuppression (odds ratio [OR] 7.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-22.3) followed by initial serum sodium concentration (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2). Morbid obesity (OR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0-0.5) and perineal infection (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.8) were independently associated with polymicrobial infection. CONCLUSION We identified independent risk factors that may be helpful in differentiating monomicrobial from polymicrobial NSTI. We suggest empiric clindamycin coverage be limited to patients who are immunosuppressed, have an elevated serum sodium concentration, or have upper extremity involvement and be avoided in obese patients or those with perineal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhett N. Willis
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Christopher A. Guidry
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Christopher B. Horn
- Division of Acute Care and Trauma Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Daniel Gilsdorf
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Stephen W. Davies
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zachary C. Dietch
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Robert G. Sawyer
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Nanwa N, Kendzerska T, Krahn M, Kwong JC, Daneman N, Witteman W, Mittmann N, Cadarette SM, Rosella L, Sander B. The economic impact of Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:511-9. [PMID: 25848925 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2015.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) on the rise, knowledge of the current economic burden of CDI can inform decisions on interventions related to CDI. We systematically reviewed CDI cost-of-illness (COI) studies. METHODS We performed literature searches in six databases: MEDLINE, Embase, the Health Technology Assessment Database, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry, and EconLit. We also searched gray literature and conducted reference list searches. Two reviewers screened articles independently. One reviewer abstracted data and assessed quality using a modified guideline for economic evaluations. The second reviewer validated the abstraction and assessment. RESULTS We identified 45 COI studies between 1988 and June 2014. Most (84%) of the studies were from the United States, calculating costs of hospital stays (87%), and focusing on direct costs (100%). Attributable mean CDI costs ranged from $8,911 to $30,049 for hospitalized patients. Few studies stated resource quantification methods (0%), an epidemiological approach (0%), or a justified study perspective (16%) in their cost analyses. In addition, few studies conducted sensitivity analyses (7%). CONCLUSIONS Forty-five COI studies quantified and confirmed the economic impact of CDI. Costing methods across studies were heterogeneous. Future studies should follow standard COI methodology, expand study perspectives (e.g., patient), and explore populations least studied (e.g., community-acquired CDI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Nanwa
- 1] Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tetyana Kendzerska
- 1] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Krahn
- 1] Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [5] Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [6] University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- 1] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [5] Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Daneman
- 1] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nicole Mittmann
- 1] Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzanne M Cadarette
- 1] Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Rosella
- 1] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- 1] Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Economic evaluation of laboratory testing strategies for hospital-associated Clostridium difficile infection. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 52:489-96. [PMID: 24478478 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02777-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in health care settings, and for patients presumed to have CDI, their isolation while awaiting laboratory results is costly. Newer rapid tests for CDI may reduce this burden, but the economic consequences of different testing algorithms remain unexplored. We used decision analysis from the hospital perspective to compare multiple CDI testing algorithms for adult inpatients with suspected CDI, assuming patient management according to laboratory results. CDI testing strategies included combinations of on-demand PCR (odPCR), batch PCR, lateral-flow diagnostics, plate-reader enzyme immunoassay, and direct tissue culture cytotoxicity. In the reference scenario, algorithms incorporating rapid testing were cost-effective relative to nonrapid algorithms. For every 10,000 symptomatic adults, relative to a strategy of treating nobody, lateral-flow glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)/odPCR generated 831 true-positive results and cost $1,600 per additional true-positive case treated. Stand-alone odPCR was more effective and more expensive, identifying 174 additional true-positive cases at $6,900 per additional case treated. All other testing strategies were dominated by (i.e., more costly and less effective than) stand-alone odPCR or odPCR preceded by lateral-flow screening. A cost-benefit analysis (including estimated costs of missed cases) favored stand-alone odPCR in most settings but favored odPCR preceded by lateral-flow testing if a missed CDI case resulted in less than $5,000 of extended hospital stay costs and <2 transmissions, if lateral-flow GDH diagnostic sensitivity was >93%, or if the symptomatic carrier proportion among the toxigenic culture-positive cases was >80%. These results can aid guideline developers and laboratory directors who are considering rapid testing algorithms for diagnosing CDI.
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N-CDAD in Canada: results of the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program 1997 N-CDAD Prevalence Surveillance Project. Can J Infect Dis 2011; 12:81-8. [PMID: 18159321 DOI: 10.1155/2001/304098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/1999] [Accepted: 06/01/2000] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 1996 preproject survey among Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee (CHEC) sites revealed variations in the prevention, detection, management and surveillance of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Facilities wanted to establish national rates of nosocomially acquired CDAD (N-CDAD) to understand the impact of control or prevention measures, and the burden of N-CDAD on health care resources. The CHEC, in collaboration with the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control (Health Canada) and under the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, undertook a prevalence surveillance project among selected hospitals throughout Canada. OBJECTIVE To establish national prevalence rates of N-CDAD. METHODS For six weeks in 1997, selected CHEC sites tested all diarrheal stools from inpatients for either C difficile toxin or C difficile bacteria with evidence of toxin production. Questionnaires were completed for patients with positive stool assays who met the case definitions. RESULTS Nineteen health care facilities in eight provinces participated in the project. The overall prevalence of N-CDAD was 13.0% (95% CI 9.5% to 16.5%). The mean number of N-CDAD cases were 66.3 cases/100,000 patient days (95% CI 37.5 to 95.1) and 5.9 cases/1000 patient admissions (95% CI 3.4 to 8.4). N-CDAD was found most frequently in older patients and those who had been hospitalized for longer than two weeks in medical or surgical wards. CONCLUSIONS This national prevalence surveillance project, which established N-CDAD rates, is useful as 'benchmark' data for Canadian health care facilities, and in understanding the patterns and impact of N-CDAD.
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Ghantoji SS, Sail K, Lairson DR, DuPont HL, Garey KW. Economic healthcare costs of Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect 2010; 74:309-18. [PMID: 20153547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2009.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of infectious diarrhoea in hospitalised patients. CDI increases patient healthcare costs due to extended hospitalisation, re-hospitalisation, laboratory tests and medications. However, the economic costs of CDI on healthcare systems remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to summarise available studies aimed at defining the economic healthcare costs of CDI. We conducted a literature search for peer-reviewed studies that investigated costs associated with CDI (1980 to present). Thirteen studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. CDI costs in 2008 US dollars were calculated using the consumer price index. The total and incremental costs for primary and recurrent CDI were estimated. Of the 13, 10 were from the USA and one each from Canada, UK, and Ireland. In US-based studies incremental cost estimates ranged from $2,871 to $4,846 per case for primary CDI and from $13,655 to $18,067 per case for recurrent CDI. US-based studies in special populations (subjects with irritable bowel disease, surgical inpatients, and patients treated in the intensive care unit) showed an incremental cost range from $6,242 to $90,664. Non-US-based studies showed an estimated incremental cost of $5,243 to $8,570 per case for primary CDI and $13,655 per case for recurrent CDI. Economic healthcare costs of CDI were high for primary and recurrent cases. The high cost associated with CDI justifies the use of additional resources for CDI prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Ghantoji
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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Dubberke ER, Wertheimer AI. Review of current literature on the economic burden of Clostridium difficile infection. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2009; 30:57-66. [PMID: 19049438 DOI: 10.1086/592981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is well recognized as the most common infectious cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. Since 2000, this pathogen has demonstrated an increased propensity to cause more frequent and virulent illness that is often refractory to treatment. An analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that, in the United States, the number of patients discharged from hospitals who received the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision discharge diagnosis code for C. difficile infection (CDI) more than doubled from 2000 to 2003. Unpublished data indicate that this trend has continued and that more than 250,000 US hospitalizations were associated with CDI in 2005. A previously uncommon hypervirulent strain of C. difficile is thought to contribute, in part, to the dramatic increase in the incidence and severity of the infection. Although the economic impact of the disease is believed to be profound and is expected to increase, data on the costs associated with CDI are scarce. To more completely assess its economic burden, we performed a review of available literature that reported costs associated with the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Dubberke
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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Vonberg RP, Kuijper EJ, Wilcox MH, Barbut F, Tüll P, Gastmeier P, van den Broek PJ, Colville A, Coignard B, Daha T, Debast S, Duerden BI, van den Hof S, van der Kooi T, Maarleveld HJH, Nagy E, Notermans DW, O'Driscoll J, Patel B, Stone S, Wiuff C. Infection control measures to limit the spread of Clostridium difficile. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14 Suppl 5:2-20. [PMID: 18412710 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.01992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) presents mainly as a nosocomial infection, usually after antimicrobial therapy. Many outbreaks have been attributed to C. difficile, some due to a new hyper-virulent strain that may cause more severe disease and a worse patient outcome. As a result of CDAD, large numbers of C. difficile spores may be excreted by affected patients. Spores then survive for months in the environment; they cannot be destroyed by standard alcohol-based hand disinfection, and persist despite usual environmental cleaning agents. All these factors increase the risk of C. difficile transmission. Once CDAD is diagnosed in a patient, immediate implementation of appropriate infection control measures is mandatory in order to prevent further spread within the hospital. The quality and quantity of antibiotic prescribing should be reviewed to minimise the selective pressure for CDAD. This article provides a review of the literature that can be used for evidence-based guidelines to limit the spread of C. difficile. These include early diagnosis of CDAD, surveillance of CDAD cases, education of staff, appropriate use of isolation precautions, hand hygiene, protective clothing, environmental cleaning and cleaning of medical equipment, good antibiotic stewardship, and specific measures during outbreaks. Existing local protocols and practices for the control of C. difficile should be carefully reviewed and modified if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- R-P Vonberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Vonberg RP, Reichardt C, Behnke M, Schwab F, Zindler S, Gastmeier P. Costs of nosocomial Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. J Hosp Infect 2008; 70:15-20. [PMID: 18602185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nosocomial Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is a common infection in hospitals. A matched case-control study was carried out to determine hospital-wide excess costs due to CDAD. Cases were assessed by prospective hospital-wide surveillance in a tertiary care university hospital in 2006. Nosocomial cases of CDAD (>72h after admission) were matched to control patients without CDAD in a ratio 1:3 using the same diagnosis-related group in the same year, for a hospital stay at least as long as the time of risk of the CDAD cases before infection and a Charlson comorbidity index +/-1. Data on overall costs per case were provided by the finance department. Matching was possible for 45 nosocomial CDAD cases. The difference in the length of stay showed that CDAD cases stayed significantly longer (median 7 days; P=0.006) than their matched controls. The average cost per CDAD patient was euro 33,840. The difference in the cost per patient showed that the cost for CDAD patients was significantly more than for their matched controls (median euro 7,147; 95% confidence interval: 4,067-9,276). Nosocomial CDAD is associated with high costs for healthcare systems. Clinicians should be aware of the financial impact of this disease and the application of appropriate infection control measures is recommended to reduce spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- R-P Vonberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Dubberke ER, Reske KA, Olsen MA, McDonald LC, Fraser VJ. Short- and long-term attributable costs of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in nonsurgical inpatients. Clin Infect Dis 2008; 46:497-504. [PMID: 18197759 DOI: 10.1086/526530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing. There are few data on the short-term and long-term attributable costs of CDAD. The objective of this study was to determine the acute and 180-day attributable inpatient costs of CDAD. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients without operating room costs who were admitted for > or =48 h to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, 1 January 2003-31 December 2003 (n = 24,691). Attributable costs of CDAD were determined by multivariable linear regression and propensity-score matched-pairs analyses (n = 684) for the hospitalization in which CDAD occurred and per patient over a 180-day period, including the initial hospitalization. RESULTS CDAD was associated with $2454 (95% confidence interval, $2380-$2950; increase in cost, 41%) attributable costs per CDAD episode by linear regression and with $3240 attributable costs (P < .001; increase in cost, 33%) by propensity-score matched-pairs analysis. CDAD was associated with $5042 (95% confidence interval, $3797-$6481; increase in cost, 53%) attributable inpatient costs over 180 days by linear regression and with $7179 attributable costs for inpatient care (P < .001; 48% increase in costs) by propensity-score matched-pairs analysis. CONCLUSIONS CDAD was associated with a significant increase in costs for inpatient care and increased costs at 180 days after the initial hospitalization when the CDAD episode occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Dubberke
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
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Bouza E, Burillo A, Muñoz P. Antimicrobial therapy of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Med Clin North Am 2006; 90:1141-63. [PMID: 17116441 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2006.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is the most common etiologically-defined cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. Caused by the toxins of certain strains of C difficile, CDAD represents a growing concern, with epidemic outbreaks in some hospitals where very aggressive and difficult-to-treat strains have recently been found. Incidence of CDAD varies ordinarily between 1 to 10 in every 1,000 admissions. Evidence shows that CDAD increases morbidity, length of stay, and costs. This article described the clinical manifestations of CDAD, related risk factors, considerations for confirming CDAD, antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial treatment of CDAD, and issues related to relapses. The article concludes with a discussion of recent epidemic outbreaks involving CDAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Bouza
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
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Modena S, Gollamudi S, Friedenberg F. Continuation of antibiotics is associated with failure of metronidazole for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. J Clin Gastroenterol 2006; 40:49-54. [PMID: 16340634 DOI: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000190761.80615.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metronidazole is first-line therapy for C. difficile-associated diarrhea primarily because of its low cost relative to vancomycin. Currently, it is unknown which patients will fail metronidazole therapy. Our goal was to prospectively evaluate risk factors for metronidazole failure. STUDY Included patients had symptomatic C. difficile-associated diarrhea, either mild or severe. Once enrolled, detailed baseline data were gathered. All interviews were performed daily while the patient was in the hospital for up to 14 days. If discharged prior to 14 days, the patient received a follow-up phone call on day 5 and day 14. Enrolled patients were given a daily stool survey to complete. RESULTS We enrolled 27 patients with C. difficile-associated diarrhea. All patients (10 of 10) who had their offending antibiotic(s) discontinued had symptomatic resolution of diarrhea by day 14 of metronidazole treatment. Conversely, 59% (10 of 17) of patients who remained on antibiotics during treatment had symptomatic resolution by day 14 (P=0.02). The risk ratio for treatment failure was 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.10) in patients who remained on antibiotics. In our treatment group, there would be one additional metronidazole treatment success for every 2.4 patients who discontinued antibiotics. CONCLUSION Patients who remain on antibiotics while undergoing treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea have a high likelihood of treatment failure with metronidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Modena
- Section of Gastroenterology, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Apisarnthanarak A, Razavi B, Mundy LM. Adjunctive intracolonic vancomycin for severe Clostridium difficile colitis: case series and review of the literature. Clin Infect Dis 2002; 35:690-6. [PMID: 12203166 DOI: 10.1086/342334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2002] [Revised: 04/24/2002] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful treatment of severe Clostridium difficile colitis has been reported with the use of adjunctive intracolonic vancomycin (ICV) therapy. We report a descriptive case series and review the literature on patients with C. difficile colitis who received adjunctive ICV therapy. Nine patients received antibiotics within 6 weeks prior to presentation. Complete resolution of the clinical presentation occurred in 8 patients (88.9%), and eradication of C. difficile cytotoxin production was documented in 3 (75%) of 4 patients who were tested after the completion of adjunctive ICV therapy. One patient (11.1%) died as a result of progressive multisystem organ failure. In the 6 weeks after the completion of treatment for C. difficile colitis, no patient had recurrent disease, required surgical intervention, or experienced complications from adjunctive ICV therapy. In this case series, administration of adjunctive ICV therapy appeared to be a safe, practical, and effective adjunctive therapy for severe C. difficile colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anucha Apisarnthanarak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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McFarland LV, Elmer GW, Surawicz CM. Breaking the cycle: treatment strategies for 163 cases of recurrent Clostridium difficile disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97:1769-75. [PMID: 12135033 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 531] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is currently uncertainty as to the best treatment for patients with recurrent episodes of Clostridium difficile disease (RCDD). Our objective was to evaluate the success of treatment strategies in a cohort of 163 RCDD patients. METHODS Data were used from patients who had participated in the placebo arm in two national referral clinical trials evaluating a new combination treatment. Patients with active RCCD were enrolled, prescribed either vancomycin or metronidazole, and randomized to either the investigational biological or a placebo. All patients were observed for at least 2 months for a subsequent episode of RCCD. RESULTS Of the 163 cases, 44.8% recurred. A tapering course of vancomycin resulted in significantly fewer recurrences (31%, p = 0.01), as did pulsed dosing of vancomycin (14.3%, p = 0.02). A trend (p = 0.09) for a lower recurrence frequency was observed for high-dose (> or =2 g/day) vancomycin and low-dose (< or =1 g/day) metronidazole. Vancomycin was significantly more effective in clearing C. difficile culture and/or toxin by the end of therapy than metronidazole (89% vs 59%, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data show that tapered or pulsed dosing regimens of vancomycin may result in a significantly better cure of RCDD. The persistence of C. difficile spores suggests that additional strategies to restore the normal colonic microflora may also be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne V McFarland
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Pettit PDM, Sevin BU. Intraoperative injury to the gastrointestinal tract and postoperative gastrointestinal emergencies. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2002; 45:492-506. [PMID: 12048407 DOI: 10.1097/00003081-200206000-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Miller MA, Hyland M, Ofner-Agostini M, Gourdeau M, Ishak M. Morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden of nosocomial Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in Canadian hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002; 23:137-40. [PMID: 11918118 DOI: 10.1086/502023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the healthcare burden, morbidity, and mortality of nosocomial Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (N-CDAD) in Canadian hospitals. DESIGN Laboratory-based prevalence study. SETTING Nineteen acute-care Canadian hospitals belonging to the Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee surveillance program. PATIENTS Hospitalized patients in the participating centers. METHODS Laboratory-based surveillance was conducted for C. difficile toxin in stool among 19 Canadian hospitals from January to April 1997, for 6 continuous weeks or until 200 consecutive diarrhea stool samples had been tested at each site. Patients with N-CDAD had to fulfill the case definition. Data collected for each case included patient demographics, length of stay, extent of diarrhea, complications of CDAD, CDAD-related medical interventions, patient outcome, and details of death. RESULTS We found that 371 (18%) of 2,062 tested patients had stools with positive results for C difficile toxin, of whom 269 (13%) met the case definition for nosocomial CDAD. Of these, 250 patients (93%) had CDAD during their hospitalization, and 19 (7%) were readmitted because of CDAD (average readmission stay, 13.6 days). Forty-one patients (15.2%) died, of whom 4 (1.5% of the total) were considered to have died directly or indirectly of N-CDAD. The following N-CDAD-related morbidity was noted: dehydration, 3%; hypokalemia, 2%; gastrointestinal hemorrhage requiring transfusion, 1%; bowel perforation, 0.4%; and secondary sepsis, 0.4%. The cost of N-CDAD readmissions alone was estimated to be a minimum of $128,200 (Canadian dollars) per year per facility. CONCLUSION N-CDAD is a common and serious nosocomial infectious complication in Canada, is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and imposes an important financial burden on healthcare institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Miller
- SMBD-Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Kyne L, Hamel MB, Polavaram R, Kelly CP. Health care costs and mortality associated with nosocomial diarrhea due to Clostridium difficile. Clin Infect Dis 2002; 34:346-53. [PMID: 11774082 DOI: 10.1086/338260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 547] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2001] [Revised: 08/27/2001] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 271 patients were prospectively followed up to determine whether patients whose hospital stay is complicated by diarrhea due to Clostridium difficile experience differences in cost and length of stay and survival rates when compared with patients whose stay is not complicated by C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Forty patients (15%) developed nosocomial C. difficile-associated diarrhea. These patients incurred adjusted hospital costs of $3669--that is, 54% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17%-103%)--higher than patients whose course was not complicated by C. difficile-associated diarrhea. The extra length of stay attributable to C. difficile-associated diarrhea was 3.6 days (95% CI, 1.5-6.2). C. difficile-associated diarrhea was not associated with excess 3-month or 1-year mortality after adjustment for age, comorbidity, and disease severity. On the basis of the findings of this study, a conservative estimate of the cost of this disease in the United States exceeds $1.1 billion per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Kyne
- Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
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Szczesny A, Kański A, Martirosian G. Incidence of pseudomembranous colitis after vancomycin-treated MRSA infection. Clin Microbiol Infect 2002; 8:58-9. [PMID: 11913373 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2002.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Al-Eidan FA, McElnay JC, Scott MG, Kearney MP. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in hospitalised patients. J Clin Pharm Ther 2000; 25:101-9. [PMID: 10849187 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2000.00266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and cost implications of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in hospitalized adult patients. METHODS Eighty-seven hospitalized adult patients, positively identified as having CDAD, were reviewed retrospectively to determine the risk factors and cost implications of CDAD. RESULTS The clinical manifestations, in addition to diarrhoea, included elevated temperature (= 37.8 degrees C; 42.5%), abdominal pain (63. 2%) and leucocytosis (=12 x 109 cells/l; 52.9%). Eight patients underwent endoscopy, and pseudomembranous colitis was confirmed in all of these patients. Nine patients died during their hospital stay. Cefotaxime and cefuroxime were the agents most commonly associated with CDAD. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the sex distribution of CDAD patients and adult hospital patients (69% of CDAD patients were female vs. 52% of general adult hospital population). Significantly (P < 0.001) more patients with CDAD were admitted from the nursing home (NH) setting. The mean age of patients with CDAD admitted from NHs (n = 19) was older than those cases admitted from the community (n = 68) by 14 years (P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly (P < 0.001) longer for patients with CDAD (16.9 vs. 3.89 days). No differences (P = 0.306) were found in the response times for CDAD patients treated with either oral metronidazole (n = 39) or oral vancomycin (n = 48). The mean response time was, however, significantly longer in the CDAD patients admitted from NHs (4.2 days) compared with those admitted from the community (2.5 days), although the former patients were older and had significantly more comorbidity (P < 0.001). The mean cost per one treated-case of CDAD (bed, laboratory requests and treatment therapy) was calculated as pound2860. CONCLUSION Patients admitted from NHs are at increased risk of development of CDAD; receiving cefotaxime or cefuroxime axetil (oral form), being elderly and being female are risk factors for the development of CDAD. Treatment of CDAD with oral metronidazole or oral vancomycin gives rise to similar response times and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Al-Eidan
- Pharmacy Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Levy DG, Stergachis A, McFarland LV, Van Vorst K, Graham DJ, Johnson ES, Park BJ, Shatin D, Clouse JC, Elmer GW. Antibiotics and Clostridium difficile diarrhea in the ambulatory care setting. Clin Ther 2000; 22:91-102. [PMID: 10688393 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-2918(00)87980-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of Clostridium difficile diarrhea (CDD) and the risk for CDD associated with different oral antibiotics commonly used in the ambulatory care setting. METHODS The prevalence of CDD was determined for enrollees in 4 UnitedHealth Group-affiliated health plans between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1994. Cases were identified based on the presence of an inpatient or outpatient claim with a primary diagnosis of diarrhea, a pharmacy claim for a prescription drug used to treat CDD, or a physician or facility claim for the C. difficile toxin test, and were confirmed using full-text medical records. Within a retrospective cohort design, periods of risk for CDD were defined on the basis of duration of antibiotic therapy. To control for potential selection bias created by heterogeneous rates of C. difficile testing and to limit confounding due to multiple antibiotic exposures, we used a nested case-control design, restricting eligibility to subjects who underwent screening for C. difficile and who had been exposed to only 1 antibiotic risk period with a single antibiotic. RESULTS The global prevalence of CDD in 358,389 ambulatory care enrollees was 12 per 100,000 person-years. In the nested case-control study, after controlling for other risk factors, 2 antibiotics demonstrated an increased association with CDD: cephalexin (odds ratio [OR] = 7.5, 95% CI = 1.8 to 34.7) and cefixime (OR = 6.4, 95% CI = 1.2 to 39.0). CONCLUSIONS Although CDD is thought to occur primarily in hospitalized patients, it was found to be present in an ambulatory care population, but at a low frequency. In this population, it appeared to be associated with 2 cephalosporins but not with other types of antibiotics usually linked with nosocomial CDD. Because the frequency of C. difficile testing was shown to be more common with high-risk antibiotics, CDD may be underdiagnosed in the ambulatory care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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McFarland LV, Surawicz CM, Rubin M, Fekety R, Elmer GW, Greenberg RN. Recurrent Clostridium difficile disease: epidemiology and clinical characteristics. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1999; 20:43-50. [PMID: 9927265 DOI: 10.1086/501553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors, patient impact, and treatment strategies for recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). DESIGN Data were collected as part of a blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial testing a new combination treatment for recurrent CDAD. Retrospective data regarding prior CDAD episodes were collected from interviews and medical-chart review. Prospective data on the current CDAD episode, risk factors, and recurrence rates were collected during a 2-month follow-up. SETTINGS National referral study. PARTICIPANTS Patients with recurrent CDAD. INTERVENTIONS Treatment with a 10-day course of low-dose (500 mg/d) or high-dose (2 g/d) vancomycin or metronidazole (1 g/d). RESULTS Recurrent CDAD was found to have a lengthy course involving multiple episodes of diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and fever. CDAD may recur over several years despite frequent treatment with antibiotics. Recurrence rates were similar regardless of the choice or dose of antibiotic. Recurrent CDAD is not a trivial disease: patients may have multiple episodes (as many as 14), may require hospitalization, and the mean lifetime cost of direct medical care was $10,970 per patient. Fortunately, the disease does not become progressively more severe as the number of episodes increase. Two risk factors predictive for recurrent CDAD were found: increasing age and a decreased quality-of-life score at enrollment. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent CDAD is a persistent disease that may result in prolonged hospital stays, additional medical costs, and rare serious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V McFarland
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Boone N, Eagan JA, Gillern P, Armstrong D, Sepkowitz KA. Evaluation of an interdisciplinary re-isolation policy for patients with previous Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Am J Infect Control 1998; 26:584-7. [PMID: 9836843 DOI: 10.1053/ic.1998.v26.a84725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile is increasingly recognized as a nosocomial problem. The effectiveness and cost of a new program to decrease nosocomial spread by identifying patients scheduled for readmission who were previously positive for toxin was evaluated. METHODS The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is a 410-bed comprehensive cancer center in New York City. Many patients are readmitted during their course of cancer therapy. In 1995 as a result of concern about the nosocomial spread of C difficile, we implemented a policy that all patients who were positive for C difficile toxin in the previous 6 months with no subsequent toxin-negative stool as an outpatient would be placed into contact isolation on readmission pending evaluation of stool specimens. Patients who were previously positive for C difficile toxin were identified to infection control and admitting office databases via computer. Admitting personnel contacted infection control with all readmissions to determine whether a private room was required. RESULTS Between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 1996, 47 patients who were previously positive for C difficile toxin were readmitted. Before their first scheduled readmission, the specimens for 15 (32%) of these patients were negative for C difficile toxin. They were subsequently cleared as outpatients and were readmitted without isolation. Workup of the remaining 32 patients revealed that the specimens for 7 patients were positive for C difficile toxin and 86 isolation days were used. An additional 25 patients used 107 isolation days and were either cleared after a negative specimen was obtained in-house or discharged without having an appropriate specimen sent. Four patients (9%) had reoccurring C difficile after having toxin-negative stools. We estimate (because outpatient specimens were not collected) the cost incurred at $48,500 annually, including the incremental cost of hospital isolation and equipment. CONCLUSION Our policy to control the spread of nosocomial C difficile required interdisciplinary cooperation between infection control and the admitting department. By identifying patients who were positive for toxin through admitting, we were able to place all potentially infected patients into isolation. Our positivity rate of 15% on readmission demonstrates the importance of this policy. The cost of controlling C difficile can be significantly lowered by clearing patients who were previously positive for toxin before hospital readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Boone
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Jernigan JA, Siegman-Igra Y, Guerrant RC, Farr BM. A Randomized Crossover Study of Disposable Thermometers for Prevention of Clostridium difficile and Other Nosocomial Infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1998. [DOI: 10.2307/30141397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a marked increase in the number of surgical patients developing Clostridium difficile colitis. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of C. difficile infection were reviewed from a surgical perspective. METHODS A literature review was carried out based primarily on a Medline search of all English language publications containing the term C. difficile. RESULTS The recent dramatic increase in diagnosis of C. difficile infection amongst surgical patients results from heightened awareness of the condition, better methods of diagnosis, more widespread use of antibiotics for treatment and prophylaxis, and the increasing numbers of elderly and immunocompromised patients with malignancy, sepsis, and (multiple) organ failure being cared for within intensive therapy and high-dependency units. In addition to morbidity and mortality, the economic burden of C. difficile infection in terms of delayed discharge and other hospital costs is considerable. CONCLUSION Appropriate use of antibiotics, isolation of affected patients and meticulous hygiene measures on the part of staff are vital if the morbidity, mortality and economic consequences of this nosocomial infection are to be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Bradbury
- University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
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Ward PB, Young GP. Dynamics of Clostridium difficile infection. Control using diet. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1997; 412:63-75. [PMID: 9191992 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-1828-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of the establishment of C. difficile within the gut is vital to effective prevention, control and therapy of disease due to this nosocomial pathogen. Factors affecting the establishment of C. difficile in the gut were investigated including the role of bacterial metabolic products (BMPs), the composition of colonic flora, diet, and properties of the infecting strain. Concentrations of 9/12 bacterial metabolic products (BMPs), both volatile and non-volatile were significantly higher in mice which eliminated oral challenge with 10(8) spores of C. difficile (E mice) than in mice harbouring the organism (H mice). Growth of C. difficile in vitro was inhibited 10(4) fold at combinations of BMPs at concentrations found in stools of E mice but not in stools of H mice. The in situ production and concentrations of BMPs were increased by augmenting the amount of fermentable fibre in the diet. This resulted in elimination of C. difficile from 6/7 C. difficile colonized mice within 6 days of beginning a diet containing 20% fermentable fibre. Whereas mice fed diets containing 2% fermentable fibre or 20% non-fermentable fibre continued excreting the organism. Elimination of C. difficile was associated with increased concentrations of BMPs and changes in the numbers of organisms already present within the colonic flora. Properties of two microbial phenotypes (smooth (S), and rough (R)) of one strain of C. difficile were examined in vitro and the ID50s determined. The S phenotype survived, germinated and grew in media containing higher concentrations of BMPs, acquired iron when grown under iron restriction, utilized haem and bound Congo red more readily than the R phenotype. In mice fed the 2% fermentable fibre diet the ID50 for the S phenotype was 10(3) spores and 10(8) spores for the R phenotype, whereas for mice fed the 20% fermentable fibre diet it was > 10(6) spores for the S phenotype. The ability of this opportunistic pathogen to adapt to changing environmental conditions is an important factor in determining whether the organism will colonize and cause disease. Diets supplemented with fermentable fibre may be a valuable method of preventing and treating C. difficile related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville Victoria, Australia
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WOLF BW, MEULBROEK JA, JARVIS KP, WHEELER KB, GARLEB KA. Dietary Supplementation with Fructooligosaccharides Increase Survival Time in a Hamster Model of Clostridium difficile-Colitis. Biosci Microflora 1997. [DOI: 10.12938/bifidus1996.16.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Wilcox MH, Cunniffe JG, Trundle C, Redpath C. Financial burden of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection. J Hosp Infect 1996; 34:23-30. [PMID: 8880547 DOI: 10.1016/s0195-6701(96)90122-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection has become endemic in many hospitals and yet few data on the associated costs of such cases are available. We prospectively followed 50 consecutive cases of C. difficile infection and 92 control patients, who were admitted to the same geriatric wards within 72 h of the cases. Cases and controls had similar age, sex and major diagnosis distributions. Cases stayed significantly longer (mean 21.3 days, median 20.5 days; P < 0.001) in hospital than controls, including an average 14 days in a side room. Diarrhoea developed in cases on average 10.8 days after admission, which, when compared with a mean duration of stay for controls of 25.2 days, implies that C. difficile infection caused an increased duration of stay, as opposed to infection occurring because of longer residence. There was a significantly higher death rate in cases compared with controls (P < 0.01). Antibiotic treatment of C. difficile infection cost an average of Pounds 47 per case. The average number of laboratory investigations per day was similar for cases and controls, but the increased length of stay meant an extra cost for tests of approximately Pounds 210 per case. Assuming hotel costs of Pounds 150 (Pounds 200) per day stay (in a side room), 94% of the additional costs associated with C. difficile infection were due to increased duration of stay (Pounds 3850). The total identifiable increased cost of C. difficile infection was, therefore, in excess of Pounds 4000 per case. Such high costs can be used to justify expenditure on personnel and/or other control measures to reduce the incidence of this hospital-acquired infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Wilcox
- Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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Frankel WL, Choi DM, Zhang W, Roth JA, Don SH, Afonso JJ, Lee FH, Klurfeld DM, Rombeau JL. Soy fiber delays disease onset and prolongs survival in experimental Clostridium difficile ileocecitis. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1994; 18:55-61. [PMID: 8164305 DOI: 10.1177/014860719401800155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile colitis is a disabling complication in critically ill patients who commonly receive broad-spectrum antibiotics and liquid diets. To date, there is no experimental model specifically designed to investigate the effects of liquid diets on this type of colitis. The addition of fiber to liquid diets normalizes gut structure and improves absorptive function in selected conditions of intestinal dysfunction. The purposes of this study were the following: (1) to develop a reproducible model to examine the interaction of acute C difficile-induced colitis and liquid diets, (2) to determine whether the addition of soy fiber to a liquid diet improves disease, and (3) to investigate possible mechanisms of fiber-mediated disease improvement. Syrian hamsters were pair-fed with either a polymeric liquid diet or the same diet with 1.4% soy fiber for 10 days. Animals were given either clindamycin and C difficile (to produce ileocecitis), or equivalent volumes of saline. Mean survival time and systematic stool examinations for C difficile toxin positivity, liquidity, and percent water were performed to determine the effect of soy fiber on disease. Survival time was prolonged by 34% (p < .05), and C difficile toxin positivity and stool liquidity were significantly reduced (p < .05) with fiber. Additional animals were studied to determine possible mechanisms for improved survival in fiber-supplemented animals. Cecal histology, colonic water absorption, cecal microflora, and gastric to anus transit time were measured in these animals. Colonic water absorption and gastric to anus transit time were significantly increased (p < .05) and decreased (p < .05) with fiber, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Frankel
- Harrison Department of Surgical Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104
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Brooks SE, Veal RO, Kramer M, Dore L, Schupf N, Adachi M. Reduction in the Incidence of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea in an Acute Care Hospital and a Skilled Nursing Facility following Replacement of Electronic Thermometers with Single-Use Disposables. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1992. [DOI: 10.2307/30147068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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