Researchers from the National Infection Service, Public Health England in Cambridge, U.K., examined the outcomes of 6,874 patients who had acquired the C. difficile infection in a hospital between 2002 and 2013. Of these, 1,141 (16.6 percent) experienced C. diff recurrence.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
The researchers found that 49 percent of the recurrent C. diff patients died within a year, compared to 38 percent of patients who only suffered an initial infection. Also, 21 percent of recurrent C. diff patients suffered other complications as well, including dehydration and malnourishment. Only 18 percent of initial C. diff patients suffered other complications.
“The main risk factor for developing C. difficile infection is prior antibiotic use. These patients are often already ill from some other underlying illness, which explains why they needed antibiotics in the first place. Older people are at greater risk of C. difficile infection as they are often sicker, have other illnesses or conditions, and so need more antibiotics,” notes Dr. David Enoch, a consultant microbiologist and infection control doctor at the National Infection Service and a researcher.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Building your contingency resources: designing an enterprise resource pool
Bon Secours St. Mary’s undergoes deep clean after 6 bacterial infections
Dr. Peter Pronovost: This unnecessary regulation doesn’t benefit patients and costs $500M each year
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
