C. difficile infection in the setting of IBD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially with increased age. Symptoms can be indistinguishable from flare including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Providers should check for infection with TWO-STEP testing to confirm infection. Among IBD patients, immunosuppression may need to be held for the first 72-96 hours to assess response to C difficile treatment first. For patients with C.difficile infection, providers should start treatment with vancomycin or fidaxomicin first, fecal microbial transplantation may be a safe and cost-effective option for recurrent infection in IBD.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to utilize appropriate testing to diagnose true C.difficile infection among IBD patients
Upon completion, participant will be able to position treatment strategies for initial and recurrent C.difficile infection among IBD patients