Scientific Poster Session I - Students Research-in-Progress

Students Research in Progress
  Saturday, October 12, 2024
  11:30 AM–01:00 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a gram-positive bacillus that can cause an infection of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms ranging from diarrhea to intestinal damage. Antibiotic exposure has been proven to be a risk factor for developing C. diff infection (CDI), with the highest risk associated with clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, third or fourth generation cephalosporins, combination penicillin agents, and carbapenems. Other risk factors for developing CDI include advanced age, recent hospital admission or healthcare exposures such as nursing home stays, immune system suppression, previous CDI, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. While PPI use is common in both the outpatient and acute care settings, a known association between PPI use and CDI exists. The risk is compounded when other risk factors are present. The goal of this study is to evaluate CDI risk factors, including concomitant PPI use, in hospitalized patients receiving high C. diff risk antibiotics.

Research Question or Hypothesis: For patients receiving high-risk antibiotics, are there modifiable risk factors that can be eliminated to decrease the risk of C. diff infection?

Study Design: Retrospective, single-center, observational chart review.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a large academic medical center evaluating patients who received high-risk antibiotics during hospitalization during calendar year 2023. Data was obtained from the electronic health record for hospitalized adult patients (age = 19 years old) who received = 2 doses of a high-risk antibiotic (clindamycin, levofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam). If the patient had multiple hospitalizations, only the first encounter was included. Every 20th patient was reviewed for a target sample of 100 patients. Data analysis will be completed using descriptive statistics, with the primary outcome being the percentage of patients on high-risk antibiotics and PPI. Secondary outcomes will include other patient specific risk factors associated with CDI.

Results: In-progress.

Conclusion: In-progress.

Presenting Author

Emma Alexander Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Authors

Sara Kjerengtroen PharmD, BCPS
Nebraska Medicine

Kristin Meyer PharmD, MBA
Nebraska Medicine

Corey Paz PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Nebraska Medicine