Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a worldwide health threat. Every year, it contributes to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. It also burdens health care systems.
The average cost per case of hospital onset C. diff is approximately $40,000.
Recently, the IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) and SHEA (Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America) updated guidelines for health care professionals who care for adults with C. diff infections, initial and recurring episodes. They were based on a systematic review of evidence and include new guidance pertaining to fidaxomicin (Dificid) and bezlotoxumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting a certain toxin produced by C. diff called toxin B.
We have developed treatment guidelines based on their recommendations, while also considering local medication availability to help you treat patients suffering from this infectious disease. Find guidelines on the Salem Health intranet, once you’ve logged in: Clostridioides Difficile Management Guideline.
We also developed a “Clostridioides difficile Adult Management Panel,” where treatment regimens like oral vancomycin, fidaxomicin, IV metronidazole, and bezlotoxumab can be ordered for initial and recurring episodes. Once the order panel goes live, you will only be able to order the above-mentioned agents via the order panel (excluding IV metronidazole). The go-live date for this new order panel is Nov. 1, 2022.
We hope this information makes it easier to care for patients with C. diff. Please reach out to Danielle Britt, PharmD, or Jasmin Chaudhary, MD, for more information.