Evaluation and Management of Suspected Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) Infection

Pathway Background and Objectives

Clostridium difficile is a significant infection that is becoming more common in children. Although most episodes can be treated with initial empiric first line therapies, some patients should receive a pre-emptive escalation of therapy. Further, when recurrence becomes an issue there is increased likelihood of side effects and possible antimicrobial resistance. Alternative therapies are recommended in these situations. The objectives of this pathway are to:

•    Standardize testing for suspected C. difficile infection 
•    Standardize treatment for first-time infections and recurrent infections based on severity of disease 
 

Algorithm  Educational Module 

  • Percentage of patients with order set usage
  • Percentage of patients with appropriate testing for diagnosis of C. difficile infection
  • Percentage of patients receiving recommended antibiotics based on severity
  • Average duration of treatment
  • Average length of stay
  • Percentage of patients with relapses within 30 days
  • Percentage of patients who required medication escalation 
  • Percentage of patients who required escalation to fecal microbiota transplantation

The clinical pathways in the above links have been developed specifically for use at Connecticut Children’s and are made available publicly for informational and/or educational purposes only. The clinical pathways are not intended to be, nor are they, a substitute for individualized professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Connecticut Children’s makes all efforts to ensure the accuracy of the posted content, Connecticut Children’s makes no warranty of any kind as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or its fitness for use at any particular facility or in any individual case.