Insights on the 2017 IDSA/SHEA Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults: Focus on Recurrence

In this text-based interview, Dr. Paul Feuerstadt reviews the updated 2017 IDSA/SHEA clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of C. difficile, with a focus on recurrent infection.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
• Outline risk factors for recurrent C. difficile infection to consider when selecting treatment
• Discuss available data on the treatment of recurrent C. difficile and how that data was applied to the updated IDSA/SHEA Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Compare and contrast recommendations from the 2017 IDSA/SHEA guidelines with previous versions and recommendations from other organizations

This activity is intended for gastroenterologists, infectious disease specialists, and other healthcare professionals that treat C. difficile infections.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Further, recurrence of CDI is common after an initial episode. Although a number of therapies with varying mechanisms of action are available to treat CDI and prevent recurrence, the management of recurrent and refractory CDI is complex and challenging. Clinicians require up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based treatment of recurrent CDI to reduce its burden and improve clinical outcomes.