Program Description
Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI), formerly known as clostridium difficile, is the most common cause of diarrhea in hospitalized patients and results in considerable morbidity, mortality, and direct and indirect costs for the affected patient and the health care system. Recurrent C difficile infection (rCDI) is defined as a relapse of CDI symptoms within 2 to 8 weeks of successful treatment of the initial episode. Often correlated with intestinal microbiome disruption, or “dysbiosis,” rCDI treatment standard of care is currently antibiotics, which is also a predominant risk factor for recurrence. The incidence of rCDI is escalating disproportionately to the frequency of primary CDI, with considerably worse outcomes in patients who develop rCDI. It is imperative that pharmacists are well informed about CDI, risk factors for expanded incidence of recurrent CDI, the negative impact on patient quality of life, and economic burdens on the patient and the health care system. Pharmacists need to be familiar with the limitations and challenges associated with current treatment and the need for novel therapies to address these challenges, such as efficacy and safety data associated with microbiome-based therapies. This podcast will review the current state of CDI and discuss emerging microbiome-based therapies.
Target audience: Retail pharmacists and health-system pharmacists
Type of activity: Knowledge
Release date: January 31, 2022
Expiration date: January 31, 2023
Time to complete activity: 0.75 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the role of disruptions in the gut microbiome in the development of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and recurrent CDIs
- Review the efficacy, safety, and role of fecal microbiota transplantation and emerging microbiome-based drugs for treatment of CDIs and rCDIs
Kevin W. Garey, PharmD, MS
Professor and Chair
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Houston, Texas
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 0.75 contact hour (0.075 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-048-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through January 31, 2023.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, listen to the podcast in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Faculty
Kevin W. Garey, PharmD, MS, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Grant/Research Support: Summit, Acurx, and Parakek Pharmaceuticals, and Seres Therapeutics
Consultant: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
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[email protected]
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