Gastroenterology & Hepatology — Flashcards

Flashcard 531: C. diff bacteria produce an _____ which damages the intestines and can cause pseudomembranous colitis

Answer: exotoxin

Flashcard 532: People who have had a C. diff infection should stay away from work or school until they have been diarrhoea free for _____

Answer: 48 hrs

Flashcard 533: What is the diagnostic test for C. diff infection? _____

Answer: C. diff toxin stool test

Flashcard 534: Aside from antibiotics, what other medication increases risk of C. diff? _____

Answer: PPIs

Flashcard 535: C. diff is a gram-_____

Answer: positive rod

Flashcard 536: _____ may be considered in patients who have had at least two recurrences of C.diff infection (i.e. 3rd episode or more)

Answer: Faecal transplant

Flashcard 537: Blood tests will often show _____ in C. diff infection

Answer: raised WCC

Flashcard 538: C. diff will usually present with _____ and abdominal pain

Answer: diarrhoea

Flashcard 539: What is the management of recurrent C. diff after _____? Stop current ABX if possible & Oral vancomycin OR fidaxomicin

Answer: 12 weeks

Flashcard 540: What is the management of recurrent C. diff within _____? Stop current ABX if possible & Oral fidaxomicin

Answer: 12 weeks

Extra: According to IDSA/SHEA guidelines, the first recurrence of C. diff (within 8-12 weeks) is ideally managed with Fidaxomicin (200 mg BID for 10 days) if Vancomycin was used for the initial episode. If Fidaxomicin was used initially, Vancomycin in a tapered/pulsed regimen is an alternative.