Neeman and Freifeld studies Clostridium difficile diarrhea in oncology patients. A number of factors may be associated with recurrent episodes. The authors are from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.
Patient selection: oncology patient
Risk factors for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in an oncology patient:
(1) presence of ongoing cancer
(2) episodes of antibiotic therapy
(3) episodes of chemotherapy
(4) immunosuppression, including hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)
(5) history of recurrent Clostridium difficile disease
Differential diagnosis:
(1) chemotherapy-associated diarrhea
(2) infectious diarrhea
An oncology patient should be tested for Clostridium difficile when there is the onset of loose stools, with care to avoid testing in patients who are asymptomtic or who have formed stools. It is important not to confused the common carrier state from the toxigenic enterocolitis.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
