January 2006 Author in the Room® Teleconference
Author: Sandra Dial, MD, MSc
Article: "Use of Gastric Acid-Suppressive Agents and the Risk of Community-Acquired Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease"
Summary Points:
- Acid suppressive therapy use was associated with an increased risk of community-acquired Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD), with PPIs appearing to be associated with a higher risk than H2 blockers. These agents, particularly PPIs, are being prescribed with increasing frequency to patients, including situations where the benefits may be small.
- Although the rate is lower than in the hospital, CDAD is occurring in the community and is being diagnosed more frequently.
- Prior antibiotic exposure appears to be less frequent in patients diagnosed in the community as compared to patients diagnosed in hospital.
