Overview / Abstract: |
Target Audience Activity Purpose The epidemiology and incidence of C. difficile infections have changed over the past decade, and recurrence continues to pose significant burdens on patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system. Recurrent C. difficile infections can occur in up to 35% of patients who previously had C. difficile infection, usually as a result of the disruption of the intestinal microbiota. Recurrent C. difficile infections are associated with longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs compared with an initial episode. Therefore, clinicians must be familiar with the risk factors for recurrence, as well as treatment options to prevent multiple recurrences to break the cycle. Microbiota restoration therapies including fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has shown efficacy in treatment of recurrent C. difficile infections by correcting intestinal dysbiosis. However, FMT itself poses some difficulties associated with safety, and novel live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) are under investigation in phase 2 and 3 trials to overcome these limitations. As such, clinicians must be familiar with the assessment of risk factors, updated clinical guidelines, and available treatment options to reduce recurrences and improve patient outcomes. Learning Objectives Describe the integral role of the intestinal microbiota in C. difficile infection and the importance of microbiota restoration for prevention of recurrence |
Expiration |
Nov 30, 2023 |
Discipline(s) |
Physician CME |
Format |
Online |
Credits / Hours |
1.25 |
Accreditation |
ACCME, ACPE |
Presenters / Authors / Faculty |
Teena Chopra, MD, MPH |
Sponsors / Supporters / Grant Providers |
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc |
Keywords / Search Terms |
Relias LLC Relias, Free CME, C. diff Free CE CME |