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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Recurrent Clostridium difficile disease: epidemiology and clinical characteristics
L V McFarland1, C M Surawicz, M Rubin
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|February 2, 1999
Summary
Recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) can persist for years despite antibiotic treatment, leading to significant patient impact and costs. Increasing age and lower quality of life are key risk factors for this persistent infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) can be a recurrent and persistent infection.
- Understanding the epidemiology, risk factors, and patient impact of recurrent CDAD is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively describe the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors, patient impact, and treatment strategies for recurrent CDAD.
- To identify predictors of recurrent CDAD and assess its long-term consequences.
Main Methods:
- A blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate a new treatment for recurrent CDAD.
- Retrospective data on prior CDAD episodes and prospective data on current episodes, risk factors, and recurrence were collected.
- Participants included patients with recurrent CDAD, with follow-up over 2 months.
Main Results:
- Recurrent CDAD is characterized by a lengthy course with multiple symptomatic episodes, often requiring hospitalization and incurring substantial medical costs.
- Antibiotic choice or dose did not significantly alter recurrence rates.
- Increasing age and a lower quality-of-life score at enrollment were identified as significant risk factors for recurrent CDAD.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent CDAD is a persistent and impactful disease with prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and potential for serious complications.
- Effective management strategies are needed to address the challenges posed by this persistent infection.
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