Researchers may not yet understand the mechanism behind recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, but they may have isolated five risk factors, according to a study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Roughly 20 to 30 percent of patients who develop C. diff infections experience a recurrent infection within two weeks of therapy completion. Additionally, the rate of recurrence doubles after two or more recurrences. Knowing the risk factors can help physicians prevent recurrence.
By analyzing 33 studies on recurrent C. diff infections, covering a total of 18,530 patients, researchers were able to isolate five factors associated with recurrence. Recurrence was highest among:
- Patients 65 years or age or older.
- Patients who received additional non-C. diff infection antibiotics during their follow-up
- Patients on proton-pump inhibitors during follow-up
- Patients with chronic renal insufficiency
- Patients who had previously been treated with fluoroquinolones
According to the study authors, "Identification of modifiable risk factors and judicious use of antibiotics and proton-pump inhibitors can play an important role in the prevention of [recurrent C. diff. infections]."
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