IDSA And SHEA Release New Guidelines for Managing Clostridium Difficile Infection
New evidence-based clinical guidelines on the management of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults have been developed by a multidisciplinary panel representing the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
The guidelines provide recommendations for healthcare professionals who care for adults with CDI, including specialists in infectious diseases, gastroenterologists, hospitalists, pharmacists, and any clinicians and healthcare providers caring for these patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are nearly half a million CDI infections in the United States each year. CDI, which is the most common health care-associated infection in the United States, is linked to antibiotic use and known to be resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The guidelines include three recommendations on suggested treatments for patients with initial and recurring CDI episodes, based on new data for fidaxomicin and for bezlotoxumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting toxin B produced by C. difficile.
The recommendations are grounded in a rigorous, systematic review of available evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. The panel adhered to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and strength of recommendations. The guidelines are intended to aid clinicians in determining which treatments are best for individual patient scenarios.
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About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is a community of over 12,000 physicians, scientists, and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Its purpose is to improve the health of individuals, communities, and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health, and prevention relating to infectious diseases. Learn more at https://www.idsociety.org/
About SHEA
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing more than 2,000 physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world who possess expertise and passion for healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. The society's work improves public health by establishing infection-prevention measures and supporting antibiotic stewardship among healthcare providers, hospitals, and health systems. This is accomplished by leading research studies, translating research into clinical practice, developing evidence-based policies, optimizing antibiotic stewardship, and advancing the field of healthcare epidemiology. SHEA and its members strive to improve patient outcomes and create a safer, healthier future for all. Visit SHEA online at http://www.shea-online.org.