Predicting Recurrence of C. difficile Infection

Advanced age, severe underlying disease, and continued antibiotic use were risk factors for recurrence.

During the past decade, rates of Clostridium difficile–related pseudomembranous colitis have climbed rapidly, and emergence of a hypervirulent strain of the organism has brought increased morbidity and mortality. Infection recurs in about 20% of cases overall.

In a previous study involving a derivation cohort of 44 hospitalized patients with C. difficile infection (CDI), researchers identified three clinical factors predictive of recurrent infection: age >65, severe underlying disease (as measured by the Horn index), and additional antibiotic use after discontinuation of CDI therapy. Now, the same researchers have evaluated these predictors in a cohort of 64 hospitalized patients with CDI (validation cohort). They added an additional factor …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter