Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea in Gynecologic Oncology Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Steven E. Waggoner, James Barter, Gregorio Delgado, Willard Barnes
Primary Institution: Georgetown University Medical Center
Hypothesis
What are the incidence, morbidity, and risk factors associated with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in gynecologic oncology patients?
Conclusion
C. difficile is a significant cause of hospital-related illness in gynecologic oncology patients, particularly following antibiotic use.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty episodes of CDAD developed in 23 patients.
- The incidence of CDAD increased from 1.5 to 9.9 episodes per 100 admissions.
- Patients with CDAD had longer hospital stays before symptoms developed compared to those with nonspecific diarrhea.
- Symptoms like fever and abdominal pain were more common in patients with CDAD.
Takeaway
This study found that women with gynecologic cancers can get very sick from a type of diarrhea caused by a germ called C. difficile, especially after taking antibiotics.
Methodology
A case-control analysis was conducted on gynecologic oncology patients with CDAD from August 1986 to January 1989, using stool samples tested for C. difficile.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on hospital records.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific patient population and time frame, which may not be generalizable to all patients.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 61 years, with a high percentage having cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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