Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) in children diagnosis and management

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Abstract

In adults Clostridium difficile is a common cause of hospital acquired diarrhoea.  In children the role of C difficile is less well understood and in the majority likely represents gut colonisation. Recent studies however have shown that C difficileis an emerging pathogen in the paediatric setting particularly in patient with underlying haemato-oncology and gastrointestinal disorders. Other risk factors include recent antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and prolonged hospitalisation. 

Health Protection Scotland now recommends that diagnostic labs test diarrhoeal stools in all children aged 3 years or older for CDI.  Testing of diarrhoeal stools from children under the age of 3 years should be at the clinicians request only.

NOTE: this guideline is hosted on the NHSGGC Paediatrics Guidelines website. Clicking on the link below will open the guideline in a new window.