Reducing the Risk of Severe Complications among Patients withClostridium difficileInfection Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • BACKGROUND: The incidence and severity ofClostridium difficileinfections are increasing, and there is a need to optimize the prevention of complicated disease.OBJECTIVE: To identify modifiable processes of care associated with an altered risk ofC difficilecomplications.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study (with prospective case ascertainment) of allC difficileinfections during 2007/2008 at a tertiary care hospital was conducted.RESULTS: Severe complications were frequent (occurring in 97 of 365 [27%]C difficileepisodes), with rapid onset (median three days postdiagnosis). On multivariable analysis, nonmodifiable predictors of complications included repeat infection (OR 2.67), confusion (OR 2.01), hypotension (OR 0.97 per increased mmHg) and elevated white blood cell count (OR 1.04 per 109cells/L). Protection from complications was associated with initial use of vancomycin (OR 0.24); harm was associated with ongoing use of exacerbating antibiotics (OR 3.02).CONCLUSION:C difficileinfections often occur early in the disease course and are associated with high complication rates. Clinical factors that predicted a higher risk of complications included confusion, hypotension and leukocytosis. The most effective ways to improve outcomes for patients withC difficilecolitis are consideration of vancomycin as first-line treatment for moderate to severe cases, and the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics.

publication date

  • 2011