Researchers performed retrospective chart review on 212 healthcare facility-onset C. diff, or HO-CDI, cases reported at a large urban medical center in 2015. The cases were categorized into clinical surveillance groups: community-acquired infection; recurrence/relapse; asymptomatic colonization; colonization with self-limited symptoms; possible HO-CDI; and probable HO-CDI.
Researchers found of the 212 infections:
• 13.6 percent were community acquired
• 2.8 percent were recurrent/relapse
• 1.9 percent were asymptomatic colonization
• 18.4 percent were symptomatic colonization
• 38.7 percent were possible HO-CDI
• 24.5 percent were probable HO-CDI
Within 24 hours of testing, 34.1 percent of patients had received a stool softener and/or laxative.
“Laxative use and failure to identify community-onset infection may contribute to misclassification of HO-CDI,” researchers concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Human error source of Denver hospital’s sterilization breach
Unintended weight loss 2nd highest risk factor for 4 cancer types
Race-based disparities in MRSA incidence persists
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
