Extended-pulsed fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection in patients 60 years and older (EXTEND): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3b/4 trial -

Extended-pulsed fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection in patients 60 years and older (EXTEND): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3b/4 trial
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Specialities: Gastrointestinal disorders | Infection and infectious diseases
Summary
Open label RCT (n=364) found that extended-pulsed fidaxomicin was superior to standard-dose vancomycin for sustained cure of C difficile infection (clinical cure at 30 days after the end of treatment was 70% vs 59% respectively [OR 1.62, 1.04 to 2.54])
UKMi comment
A related commentary discusses this study and other recent research in Clostridium difficile treatment. Adjunctive measures such as monoclonal antibodies and faecal microbiota transplants are also available to reduce the incidence of recurrent C difficile infection. Ultimately, the goal of C difficile infection management is to achieve recurrence prevention and primary prevention of C difficile infection, but further research into vaccines and biotherapeutics is needed. In the meantime, further exploration of pulsed dosing of antibiotic treatment for C difficile infection is certainly warranted.
Related links: Commentary