Clostridium difficile infection and proton pump inhibitors.
OBJECTIVE
Clostridium difficile is an intestinal infection associated with antibiotic use, commonly seen in patients with chronic medical issues. The purpose of this review is to discuss the association of C. difficile-associated diarrhea with use of proton pump inhibitors.


RESULTS
Multiple medical factors predispose patients to C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Proton pump inhibitors, commonly used for gastric acid suppression, have been shown to have an association with C. difficile-associated diarrhea in both the outpatient and hospital setting. C. difficile-associated diarrhea also has been reported in the pediatric age range linked with proton pump inhibitor use.


CONCLUSIONS
An association exists between C. difficile infection and proton pump inhibitor use. Treatment options exist for C. difficile-associated diarrhea, although judicious use of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics, emphasis on hand washing, and appropriate use of patient isolation should be implemented as well.
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Primary Children's Medical Center, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113-1103, USA. john.pohl@imail.org
John F
JF
Pohl
D000293:Adolescent; D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D000077732:Fidaxomicin; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D000077732:Fidaxomicin