Factors Predictive for Severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the Elderly - A Case-Control Study (original) (raw)

Abstract

Background: Advanced age is a risk factor for severe CDI. However the factors that predict severe CDI in the elderly are undefined. We performed a matched case-control study of severe CDI in older adults, to determine clinical and laboratory features that predict progression to severe disease. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed of older adults (age≥60 years) with severe CDI, hospitalized at 2 acute-care hospitals at the Detroit Medical Center, between January 2006 to December 2008. All patients with diarrhea and a positive Clostridium difficile toxin assay result on stool specimen were identified from the laboratory database. Case patients were ≥60 years of age and had severe CDI defined as: CDI resulting in admission to an intensive care unit, or colectomy, or death <30 days after onset of CDI. Control group were patients age ≥60 years with non-severe CDI. Patient demographics, co-morbidities and clinical and laboratory features were analyzed. Logistic reg...

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