c.diff

Question 1

what

Answer 1

gram + rod

produces exotoxin which causes intestinal damage –> pseudomembranous coloitis

Question 2

risk factors

Answer 2

clindamycin
cephalosporins
PPIs

Question 3

features

Answer 3

diarrhoea
abdo pain
raised WCC

Question 4

Mild

Answer 4

normal WCC

Question 5

moderate

Answer 5

inc WCC <15

3-5 loose stools per fay

Question 6

severe

Answer 6

Inc WCC>15
or raised creatinine
or fever >38.5.
or evidence of severe colitis

Question 7

life threatening

Answer 7

hypotension
partial or complete ileus
toxic megacolon
CT evidence severe disease

Question 8

diagnosis

Answer 8

C difficile toxin in stool

Question 9

Mx - 1st episode

Answer 9

oral vancomycin 10days

2. oral fidaxomicin
3. oral vancomyin +/- IV metronidazole

Question 10

Mx - recurrent infection

Answer 10

within 12wks - oral fidaxomicin

after 12wks: oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin

Question 11

Mx - life-threatening infection

Answer 11

oral vancomycin + IV metronidazole