PALLIATIVE CARE IN NEOPLASTIC PATIENTS WITH CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE ASSOCIATED INFECTION - THE EXPERIENCE OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FROM NORTH-EAST ROMANIA

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has become an important public health problem over the last decade, especially in developed countries. Both the incidence of infection and the severe forms recorded significant increase. At the same time, Clostridioides difficile is the main cause of diarrhea associated with medical care and, in particular, antibiotic use. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of CDI on neoplasic patients. Material and methods: We have quantified in this prospective observational study symptoms, the effects of hospitalism and antibiotic use at 132 patients diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile infection in "Sf. Parascheva" Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital, between 2017-2019. Results: Most of the patients experienced delays in diagnosis and treatment; almost 35% waited 6-21 days and 15% over 21 days. The delayed diagnosis brought further complications; 65% did not experience symptom resolution within seven days after initiating the treatment. We have noticed that after CDI, patients' priorities have changed; they started to be more concerned about the healthcare system, particularly time to diagnosis and treatment, antibiotic usage, alimentation and needs from a healthcare provider. Conclusions: The main issues are the management of symptoms and the need to use strategies that will allow the patients to control their illness and treatment better.