Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection Study
Author Information
Author(s): Kuntz Jennifer L, Chrischilles Elizabeth A, Pendergast Jane F, Herwaldt Loreen A, Polgreen Philip M
Primary Institution: University of Iowa
Hypothesis
What are the incidence rates and risk factors for community-associated Clostridium difficile infections?
Conclusion
The study found that community-associated Clostridium difficile infections are occurring in populations not traditionally considered high-risk.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence rates for CA-CDI and HA-CDI were 11.16 and 12.41 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively.
- CA-CDI cases were more likely to receive antimicrobials and gastric acid suppressants before diagnosis.
- 27% of CA-CDI cases did not receive antimicrobials in the 180 days before their diagnoses.
Takeaway
This study shows that even healthy people can get a type of infection called C. difficile, and it can happen even if they haven't been to the hospital or taken antibiotics recently.
Methodology
A retrospective, nested, case-control study using insurance claims data from the University of Iowa.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of cases due to reliance on ICD-9 codes for diagnosis.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the true burden of CA-CDI due to reliance on insurance claims data and lack of access to medical records.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were between the ages of 19 and 64 years, with a significant portion being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
6.09
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.59-8.08
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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