Clostridium difficile Diarrhoea During Intensive Chemotherapy
Author Information
Author(s): H. Nielsen, G. Daugaard, M. Tvede, B. Bruun
Primary Institution: Rigshopitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Is Clostridium difficile a significant cause of diarrhoea in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for germ cell cancer?
Conclusion
Clostridium difficile is a major bacterial pathogen causing diarrhoea in patients with disseminated germ cell cancer undergoing intensive chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Clostridium difficile was isolated in 45% of diarrhoea episodes in the study.
- Diarrhoea occurred in 34% of chemotherapy cycles among the patients.
- All isolates of Clostridium difficile were toxin producing.
Takeaway
When cancer patients get strong chemotherapy, they can get sick with a germ called Clostridium difficile that makes them have diarrhea.
Methodology
A prospective study was conducted on 25 patients with disseminated germ cell cancer receiving intensive chemotherapy, analyzing faecal specimens for Clostridium difficile.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential sources of Clostridium difficile infection due to lack of efficient typing systems.
Participant Demographics
Patients with disseminated germ cell cancer undergoing intensive chemotherapy.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p>0.05
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