A prospective study of risk factors and historical trends in metronidazole failure for Clostridium difficile infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Recent studies of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have indicated a dramatic increase in metronidazole failure. The aims of this study were to compare current and historical rates of metronidazole failure and to identify risk factors for metronidazole failure.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with CDI in 2004 to 2006 were followed for 60 days and were compared with a historical cohort of 63 CDI patients studied prospectively in 1998. Metronidazole failure was defined as persistent diarrhea after 10 days of therapy or a change of therapy to vancomycin. Stool samples were analyzed for the presence of the North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type-1 (NAP-1) strain.

Results

Metronidazole failure rates were 35% in both cohorts. There was no dif

SUBMITTER: Hu MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2644212 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature