UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: CDAD in the Elderly Patient

Category: Critical Care

Posted: 8/14/2013 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD
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Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea and The Elderly Patient

Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in the elderly.
An infection that is increasing in prevlance among elderly patients is Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).
Mortality rates are up to 3.5 times higher in elderly patients with CDAD compared to younger patients.
Antimicrobial therapy within the previous 6 weeks is the strongest risk factor for CDAD.
Though any antibiotic may cause CDAD, clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins have the highest risk.
Importantly, the diarrhea may not always bloody.
Metronidazole remains the treatment of choice for uncomplicated infections.

Heppner HJ, et al. Infections in the Elderly. Crit Care Clin 2013; 29:757-774.