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Clostridium difficile Infection Guidance on Optimal Diagnosis and Treatment
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| This program has been already added to your curriculum.
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Provider: |
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AKH Inc.
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Credits: |
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1.00 |
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Price: |
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Complimentary |
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| Release Date: |
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08/01/2009 |
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| Expiration Date: |
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08/01/2010 |
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| Commercial Supporter: |
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ViroPharma
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| Content Supplier: |
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McMahon
McMahon
McMahon
McMahon
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| Activity Info: |
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Description:
Hospital-acquired infections are a major public health burden. The recently documented escalation of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hospitals and long-term care facilities is particularly disconcerting to health care professionals. An anaerobic bacterial infection of the colon that is responsible for a wide range of symptoms from mild diarrhea to severe and even life-threatening complications, CDI typically is associated with antibiotic use and hospital stays. However, evidence now suggests that this bacterium is affecting previously low-risk patients and healthy individuals in the community. Indeed, the estimated economic burden of CDI in the United States is now $3.2 billion–triple the estimated cost in 2002.
Epidemiologic studies continue to document the growing prevalence of the disease, as well as increasing rates of case fatality, total mortality, and colectomy. A recent population-based analysis of hospitalizations for CDI reported a 23% annual increase between 2000 and 2005. Annual mortality rates for C. difficile-associated diseases have spiked 35% per year; currently, the number of deaths from C. difficile exceeds that from all other intestinal infectious diseases combined. Improved antibiotic prescribing practices and better infection control are necessary to contain this epidemic. In addition, clinical education on the diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous infection is critical. |
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