Extrait

Background and study aims Taking antibiotics kills off bacteria that cause disease. However, antibiotics also kill the bacteria that help keep the harmful bacteria in check, often causing diarrhoea. Older people, especially those who are frail and have multiple health problems, are particularly prone to getting diarrhoea after taking antibiotics, including diarrhoea caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile. Many frail elderly people live in care homes and they are often prescribed antibiotics for conditions such as urine or chest infections. Because no one knows exactly how often and what types of antibiotics are prescribed in care homes in the UK, and how often diarrhoea occurs as a consequence and how serious it is, the aim of this study is to provide this information. Who can participate? Residents in nine care homes What does the study involve? Information is collected each time a participating resident is prescribed antibiotics by their GP. If a resident who is prescribed antibiotics develops diarrhoea either during or within 8 weeks of stopping the antibiotic(s), a stool sample is collected and sent for analysis including C. difficile analysis. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The results of this study may be useful for guiding future antibiotic treatment decisions and service planning. Where is the study run from? Cardiff University (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? October 2010 to October 2011 Who is funding the study? Health Technology Assessment Programme (UK) Who is the main contact? Prof. Christopher Butler

Critère d'inclusion

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in the elderly, living in care homes

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp