Diarrhea Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Diarrhea, including details on infant and child diarrhea, causes, treatment, pregnany.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: an emerging threat to pregnant women.

Rouphael NG, O'Donnell JA, Bhatnagar J, Lewis F, Polgreen PM, Beekmann S, Guarner J, Killgore GE, Coffman B, Campbell J, Zaki SR, McDonald LC

Division of Bacterial Diseases, Epidemic Intelligence Service Field Assignments Branch,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

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.

Published 9 June 2008 in Am J Obstet Gynecol, 198(6): 635.e1-6.
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