OBJECTIVE: To estimate if Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing in peripartum women. STUDY DESIGN: Peripartum CDAD was assessed through 1) passive surveillance collecting clinical and pathology data on severe cases and 2) survey among infectious disease consultants (ICDs) in the Emerging Infections Network. RESULTS: Ten severe cases were collected; most had associated antibiotic use. Seven women were either admitted to the ICU or underwent colectomy. Three infants were stillborn, and 3 women died. The epidemic Clostridium difficile strain was found in 2 cases. Among 798 ICDs, 419 (52%) participated in the survey. Thirty-seven respondents (9%) recalled 55 cases, mostly in the postpartum period with 21 complications, mainly due to relapse. CONCLUSION: Severe CDAD may be increasing in peripartum women. Clinicians should have a low threshold for testing, be aware of the potential for severe outcomes, and take steps to reduce both the risk of disease and resultant complications.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate if Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing in peripartum women. STUDY DESIGN: Peripartum CDAD was assessed through 1) passive surveillance collecting clinical and pathology data on severe cases and 2) survey among infectious disease consultants (ICDs) in the Emerging Infections Network. RESULTS: Ten severe cases were collected; most had associated antibiotic use. Seven women were either admitted to the ICU or underwent colectomy. Three infants were stillborn, and 3 women died. The epidemic Clostridium difficile strain was found in 2 cases. Among 798 ICDs, 419 (52%) participated in the survey. Thirty-seven respondents (9%) recalled 55 cases, mostly in the postpartum period with 21 complications, mainly due to relapse. CONCLUSION: Severe CDAD may be increasing in peripartum women. Clinicians should have a low threshold for testing, be aware of the potential for severe outcomes, and take steps to reduce both the risk of disease and resultant complications.
Authors: Lisa M Rogers; Tennille Thelen; Krystle Fordyce; Emilie Bourdonnay; Casey Lewis; Han Yu; Junyong Zhang; Jingli Xie; Carlos H Serezani; Marc Peters-Golden; David M Aronoff Journal: Am J Reprod Immunol Date: 2013-08-01 Impact factor: 3.886