Summary
Background
Severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection is associated with high mortality rates. While faecal microbiota transplant has been shown to be effective for recurrent C difficile infection, there is little data on the utility of faecal microbiota transplant in severe or fulminant C difficile infection.
Aim
To compare the outcomes of antibiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation vs antibiotics alone (standard of care) in critically ill patients with severe or fulminant C difficile infection.
Methods
This was a retrospective, matched cohort study in one urban tertiary academic care centre including 48 patients hospitalised with severe or fulminant C difficile infection who required care in intensive care unit.
Results
Patients who received faecal microbiota transplantation (n = 16) had a 77% decrease in odds for mortality (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06‐0.97) with a number needed to treat of 3 to prevent one death.
Conclusions
Faecal microbiota transplantation provides mortality benefit over standard of care for severe and fulminant C difficile infection and should be considered in critically ill patients.
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) encompasses a spectrum of complex fibro-inflammatory disorders which are often under diagnosed due to unfamiliarity by clinicians. A challenging multitude of clinical manifestations makes the diagnosis cumbersome. The primary clinical feature in IgG4-RD entails a tumor-like presentation coupled with tissue-destructive lesions. Histopathological findings include lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. These findings, in combination with elevated serum immunoglobulin G4 levels, are diagnostic in the setting of single- or multi-organ involvement. A closer understanding of the role of T cells and B cells in the increased production of IgG4 has led to a notion that IgG4 can act as a pathogen, anti-inflammatory agent, or rheumatoid factor. Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment modality; however, relapse is common with prolonged therapy. Alternatively, immunomodulatory agents are being increasingly used as therapy. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of IgG4-RD and review the diagnostic algorithm, as IgG4-RD often mimics a wide array of clinical conditions. In addition, we summarize the pathogenesis and current treatment guidelines of IgG4-RD for clinicians. Awareness and accurate diagnosis are crucial in preventing progression to chronic diseases, thereby diminishing disease-related morbidity and mortality.
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