Outcomes of Clostridium difficile Disease in Non-Surgical Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Dubberke Erik R., Butler Anne M., Reske Kimberly A., Agniel Denis, Olsen Margaret A., D’Angelo Gina, McDonald L. Clifford, Fraser Victoria J.
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Data are limited on the attributable outcomes of Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD), particularly in CDAD-endemic settings.
Conclusion
CDAD led to significantly worse outcomes in these patients.
Supporting Evidence
- CDAD patients had a higher adjusted hazard ratio for readmission and death within 180 days compared to noncase patients.
- CDAD patients were more likely to be discharged to a long-term-care facility.
- CDAD was associated with a statistically significant negative impact on patient illness and death.
Takeaway
Clostridium difficile can make people very sick and lead to more hospital visits and even death, even after they leave the hospital.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study of nonsurgical inpatients admitted for more than 48 hours in 2003.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to exclusion of unmatched CDAD patients who were more severely ill.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may have unmeasured confounders; surgical patients were excluded.
Participant Demographics
CDAD patients were significantly older, more likely to be men, and more likely to be Caucasian than noncase patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.87–2.55
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website